October and pumpkins inspire the poet and chef in us
Write Ingredients
I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. ― Anne of Green Gables, L. M. Montgomery
If you’re a fan of Sandra Boynton’s calendars, you’ll know that October is filled with remarkable days, starting with National Homemade Cookies Day and ending with Magic Day (also known as Halloween).
Monday, Oct. 17, happens to be “Wear Something Gaudy Day,” but you are welcome to the Charlotte Senior Center wearing whatever you like.
On Monday, Oct. 31, children from the Charlotte Children’s Center will show off their Halloween finery, and we suspect some adults will, too.
October is, of course, pumpkin month, and from John Greenleaf Whittier to David McCord, poets love pumpkins.
Cooks love pumpkins, too. From Julia Child’s Aunt Helen’s fluffy pumpkin pie to Gordon Ramsay’s pumpkin risotto to Chef John’s pumpkin pancakes to the Charlotte Senior Center’s frosted pumpkin squares, pumpkin offers great variety.
Nutritionists are also fans of pumpkin. The orange color tells us that pumpkins are filled with the antioxidant beta-carotene, which converts in our bodies to Vitamin A. Pumpkins are also high in fiber, potassium and Vitamin C.
There isn’t room to list all the famous singers who have offered a memorable version of “Autumn Leaves,” but none can top Nat King Cole. Enjoy the song here and come enjoy a meal at the Charlotte Senior Center.
Monday Munch
Oct. 10, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., or until the food is gone
Fall harvest soup, green salad, oatmeal carmelitas.
Register for Thursday Grab-&-Go Meal: Call 802-425-6345 or email Kerrie Pugh.
Thursday, Oct. 13 7-9 a.m.
Men’s breakfast
Check the Charlotte Senior Center website for the program.
Grab & Go Meal, Pickup: 10-11 a.m.
Chicken cacciatore, wheat rotini, peas and carrots, wheat bread with butter, strawberry shortcake with cream and milk. Registration required by the prior Monday. Thursday meals are provided by Age Well at no cost but they appreciate donations.
Monday Munch
Oct, 17, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., or until the food is gone
Mexican feast with frosted pumpkin squares.
Thursday, Oct. 20
Grab & Go Meal, pick up: 10-11 a.m.
Pork cutlet, brown gravy, mashed potatoes, diced beets, mini wheat hamburger roll with butter, watermelon and milk.
Registration required by the prior Monday.
Please remember that from baking pies to washing dishes to handing out all those Grab & Go meals, a lot of volunteer work goes into providing food at the Charlotte Senior Center. Please share your time and talents with others in a place filled with laughter and good cheer.