Build connections, get exercise, play, eat at senior center

With daylight savings time soon ending, the days already seem shorter as it becomes darker earlier. What better way to start preparing for the days of winter than to begin building new connections and friendships at the Charlotte Senior Center. Consider trying out an exercise class, join an art workshop, play board and card games, or stop by for one of the weekly lunches. Anyone 50 years or older is welcome to join in!

Interested in receiving a weekly reminder about what is happening at the senior center? Sign up for the email newsletters. The “Week Ahead” email is sent out on Friday mornings with activities, lunch menus and special programming for the upcoming week.

Photo by Dan York John Creech teaches beginner guitar on Wednesday evenings.
Photo by Dan York
John Creech teaches beginner guitar on Wednesday evenings.

Artist reception
Friday, Nov. 4, 1-2:30 p.m.
The Friday morning arts group’s exhibit includes multiple artists with a variety of mediums. Meet the artists, view the exhibit and enjoy some light refreshments. The Friday morning arts group will be exhibiting through the end of November. This group meets on Friday mornings for coffee, conversation — and inspiration.

Veterans Day lunch
Friday, Nov. 11
In honor of Veterans Day, volunteer cooks will prepare a hearty lunch of shepherd’s pie, salad and dessert. There will be the opportunity after lunch to connect with other veterans. Feel free to bring memorabilia to show and memories to share.

The meal will be served 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or when the food runs out. No reservation required. Open to all with a suggested donation of $5. Veterans eat for free. Thank you for your service.

Presentations

Discussion with Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
Thursday, Nov. 10, 1 p.m.
Please join advanced emergency medical technician and firefighter Ginger Parent for an open discussion. Topics include the Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service’s role in the community, home safety, winter driving, using 911 and possible future community classes. Register by Tuesday, Nov. 8 by calling 802-425-6345.

Charlotte Grange
Thursday, Nov. 17, 1 p.m.
Join Charlotte Grange members as they share the importance of having a vibrant Grange in the community and what the Charlotte Grange’s vision is moving forward.

Programs
Coffee & Canvas
Friday, Nov. 18, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Unlike traditional Paint & Sips, this Coffee & Canvas will allow for exploring your own vision and creating a unique painting. Do you have a painting that you would like to create for a gift? Or have you always wanted to paint a specific subject? There will be a book filled with inspirational pictures, but feel free to bring photos from home. No prior painting experience needed. All materials included. The cost is $25. Registration and payment required to hold your space by Wednesday, Nov. 16.

Shape-note singing
Sunday, Nov. 6, 1-3 p.m.
Traditional a capella, four-part harmony sung for the joy of singing … not as a practice for performance. Search “sacred harp” on YouTube for examples, then come and sing with us. Introduction to shape notes and scales is recommended and offered 30 minutes before each first Sunday singing. Contact Kerry Cullinan to schedule. There is no cost.

Tech help
Thursday, Nov. 10
Email enigma? Kindle conundrum? App apprehension? Computer questions? Or maybe you want to learn how to use your library card to read or listen to books on a device. Sign up for a 30-minute, one-on-one session at the senior center with the Charlotte Library’s technology librarian, for some tech support. She will troubleshoot with you and will provide suggestions for next steps. Registration required. There is no cost.

Photo by Lori York Frank Califano paints at a Coffee & Canvas sunflower workshop.
Photo by Lori York
Frank Califano paints at a Coffee & Canvas sunflower workshop.

Watercolor for fall
Tuesday, Nov. 8 & 15, 9 a.m.-noon
In this two-morning workshop Lynn Cummings will explore fall-themed subjects while trying out a new technique or two. Join this fun, supportive group and enjoy creating some paintings. All levels are welcome. The supply list will be emailed upon registration. Registration and payment is required by Nov.1. The cost is $83.

Exercise classes

Meditation
Fridays, 8-9 a.m.
Meditation is an easy-to-learn practice that reduces anxiety, stress, pain and depression. Charlie Nardozzi will lead the class in techniques to quiet the body and mind by doing simple breathing exercises and a seated, eyes-closed guided meditation. All are welcome, no experience necessary. The cost is $10 a class. No registration required.

Bone Builders
Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
RSVP Bone Builders, a program of United Way of Northwest Vermont, is a no-impact, weight-training program designed to prevent and even reverse the negative effects of osteoporosis in older adults. Bone Builders consists of a warmup, balance exercises, arm and leg exercises, and a cool down with stretching. No cost or pre-registration required, but there will be paperwork to complete for the RSVP Bone Builders program.

The senior center offers daily exercise programs for a wide range of fitness and activity levels. A complete list of exercise programs and class descriptions is on the website.

Meals
Menus are posted on the Senior Center website.

Monday Lunches
Served weekly. Lunch is served 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m, or until the food runs out. No registration required. Suggested lunch donation $5.

Weekly Age Well Grab & Go meals*
Pick up on Thursdays 10-11 a.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center. October menus are posted on the Charlotte Senior Center website at charlotteseniorcentervt.org. Registration is required by Monday for the Thursday meal. To register, contact Kerrie Pughe at 802-425-6345 or via email. $5 suggested meal donation.

* Please note, participants will need to complete an Age Well congregate meal registration form for Age Well’s 2023 fiscal year. There will be copies available at the senior center and on the Age Well website.

Senior center contact info:
Lori York, director
Kerrie Pughe, coordinator
212 Ferry Road, Charlotte
802-425-6345
Follow the senior center on Facebook or Instagram.