Balance holiday indulgence with senior center exercise classes
What better way to balance the indulgences of the holiday season than prioritizing health and well-being? 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.
Consider trying out an exercise class, join an art workshop, play board and card games, or stop by for one of the weekly lunches as a way to foster social connections. 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 at charlotteseniorcentervt.org. The “Week Ahead” email is sent out on Friday mornings with activities, lunch menus and special programming for the upcoming week.
Holiday hours for Thanksgiving week
Wednesday, Nov. 23, closing at noon.
Thursday, Nov. 24, closed for Thanksgiving.
Friday, Nov. 25, closed.
Presentations
Charlotte Grange
Thursday, Nov. 17, 1 p.m.
Charlotte Grange members will share the importance of having a vibrant Grange in the community and what the Charlotte Grange’s vision is moving forward.
Quinlan Schoolhouse
Thursday, Dec. 1, 1 p.m.
Join members of the Quinlan Schoolhouse committee to learn more about this historical gem. You will watch a 39-minute video of the story of the historic Quinlan Schoolhouse. After the video, there will be a guided tour of the schoolhouse that is located between the Charlotte Library and the town offices.
Programs
Sacred Harp Singers at the Charlotte Senior Center are, from left, Jean Rosenberg, Middlebury; Elizabeth O’Dowd, Fairfax; Larry Bingham, South Hero; Brigitte Humbert, Middlebury; Roger Humbert, Middlebury; Mark Williams, South Burlington and David Rosenberg, Middlebury.
Shape-note singing
Sunday, Dec. 4, 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, Dec. 1
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 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.
Collage fun
Sunday, Dec. 11, noon-4 p.m.
In this very creative and instructive workshop, Lynn Cummings will explore a variety of materials to create collages. All levels are welcome. The supply list will be emailed upon registration. Registration and payment is required by Dec.5. The cost is $55 (bringing all own materials) or $65 (bringing some materials and collage papers provided).
Exercise classes
Bone Builders
Tuesdays & Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
RSVP Bone Builders, a program of United Way of Northwest Vermont, is a new class. It 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.
Chair exercise
Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m.
Gentle exercises with Tiny Sikkes will focus on strength, balance and flexibility. This class uses chairs for balance and includes gentle yoga poses, making exercise accessible to those who are challenged by balance, the ability to get on the floor, or any physical limitations. The cost is $10/class. No registration required.
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/class. No registration required.
Pilates fitness
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Pilates class, for folks 55+ led by Phyllis Bartling, is designed to be challenging and safe. It includes upper-body strength work with hand weights and mat exercises while working on core muscles to improve balance, strength and posture. The cost is $8/class. No registration required for in-person. Zoom information provided when registering to attend class online.
T’ai Chi Ch’uan for beginners
Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.
The flowing movements and postures will increase flexibility, improve balance and strengthen core muscles. Join John Creech and learn to cultivate a deeper sense of relaxation, gain an increased energy level and experience a sense of confidence. The cost is $8 a class. No registration required for in-person. Zoom information provided when registering to attend class online.
Meals
Menus are posted on the 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 10–11a.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. Suggested meal donation $5. Note: There will not be a Grab & Go meal for Thanksgiving week.
Senior center contact info:
Lori York, director
Kerrie Pughe, coordinator
212 Ferry Road, Charlotte
802-425-6345
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