Variety is the spice of Charlotte Senior Center life

Interested in learning about the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s? Do you have questions or concerns about what is happening with legislation in Montpelier? Or would you rather be inspired by a new art show?

Photo by Lori YorkBone Builders is a free exercise class designed to prevent the effects of osteoporosis offered on Tuesdays and Friday mornings.
Photo by Lori York
Bone Builders is a free exercise class designed to prevent the effects of osteoporosis offered on Tuesdays and Friday mornings.

There is a variety of programming this month at the Charlotte Senior Center. Join a new class focusing on yoga strength building or celebrate Valentine’s Day by attending a “Heart Art” coffee and canvas workshop. Learn how to read library ebooks on your Kindle, sign up to take a beginner guitar class or join a Spanish conversation group.

The senior center offers programming for adults 50 and older from Charlotte and surrounding communities. Priority is given to seniors, but programming is open to adults of all ages.

Interested in receiving a weekly reminder about what is happening? 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.

Community events & presentations

Art show: Portraits
A collection of paintings and drawings of people from the community, created by a group of artists who gather to paint on Thursday afternoons at a local studio on Mt. Philo Road in Charlotte.

The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Thursday, Feb. 9, 1 p.m.
This presentation will help you recognize common signs of the disease in yourself and others. Learn about next steps to take, including talking to your doctor. The program will last about 30 minutes and will be followed with time for Q&A. Cost is free.

Library Books on your Kindle!
Wednesday, Feb. 15, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Learn how you can read library ebooks for free on your Kindle. Join us at the Senior Center as Tech Librarian, Susanna Kahn, will walk you through the process of finding, checking out and sending ebook titles to your Kindle. Detailed instructions provided. Cost is free. Registration required.

Photo by Lori York On Jan. 24, Julie Bier, an audiologist at Better Living Audiology, talks about the first signs of hearing loss, dealing with tinnitus and ways to help prevent falls because of balance issues.
Photo by Lori York
On Jan. 24, Julie Bier, an audiologist at Better Living Audiology, talks about the first signs of hearing loss, dealing with tinnitus and ways to help prevent falls because of balance issues.

Chat with Chea
Monday, Feb. 27, 1 p.m.
Bring your questions and concerns for a legislature meet and greet with Chea Waters Evans. Chea is your newly elected Chittenden-5 representative and is interested in hearing from you so she can bring forward your issues in Montpelier.

Upcoming programs

Beginner Guitar II
Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 15-March 29*
Interested in learning guitar? This class on Wednesday evenings is for those who have a basic understanding of beginner guitar. If you have questions about whether this class would be appropriate for your specific skill level, please reach out to John Creech. Cost: $75. Registration required by Friday, Feb. 10. (*There will be no class on March 1.)

Yoga strength building
Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-noon.
Join Heidi Kvasnak weekly in this integrative practice that builds strength and stability, while maintaining a sense of ease and spaciousness in both body and mind. The class will practice longer-held postures that strengthen muscles, bones and core, as well as breath-led flowing movement, including sun salutations. Prerequisite: Must be able to easily get down to and up from the floor with or without props. Cost: $10 a class. No registration required.

Heart Art
Friday, Feb. 10, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Unlike traditional paint and sips, this “coffee & canvas” will allow you to explore and create your own unique painting. But don’t worry — there will be plenty of inspiration. No prior painting experience needed. All materials included. Cost is $25.

Spanish conversation
Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
¿Hablas español? This free group will meet weekly. At each session one member of the group will announce the topic of conversation for the following week. Come join the group for conversation in Spanish. Questions? Contact Bernice Wesseling.

Photo by Lori York From left, Cyndie White, Kathy Ayers, Lin Kalson, Penny Burman and Diane Boucher play word games at the senior center. These Wednesday sessions feature a variety of games including Scrabble, Boggle and Bananagrams. 
Photo by Lori York
From left, Cyndie White, Kathy Ayers, Lin Kalson, Penny Burman and Diane Boucher play word games at the senior center. These Wednesday sessions feature a variety of games including Scrabble, Boggle and Bananagrams.

New backgammon league
Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m. & Saturdays, 2-4:30 p.m.
Backgammon is a tactical table game with a 5,000-year history. Open to all skill levels from Beginner to Advanced. If you are interested in joining the Tuesday evening or Saturday afternoon Backgammon league, please contact Jonathan Hart.

Snowshoe expedition
Wednesday, Feb. 1 & 15, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Let’s snowshoe. Weather permitting, the group will meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the winter months. The outings will be approximately two hours with locations to be determined on trails around Charlotte and neighboring towns. Bring your own equipment, snacks and water. The group is also looking for some trip leaders. The cost is free. Registration is required. To register or indicate your interest in leading a snowshoeing trip, contact Susan Hyde.

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. Registration is required by Monday for the Thursday meal. To register, contact Kerrie Pughe at 802-425-6345. $5 suggested meal donation but not required.

Senior center contact info:
Lori York, director
Kerrie Pughe, coordinator

212 Ferry Road, Charlotte
802-425-6345
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