Over 90 volunteers make varied programming possible
Valentine craft activity with Charlotte Senior Center volunteers and preschool children from Charlotte Children’s Center.
When you stop by the senior center or look at the newsletter, you may be surprised by the variety of classes being offered. What you may not realize is that the senior center is able to offer a large portion of the programming because of the very talented and dedicated volunteers.
Did you know that there are over 90 volunteers at the senior center? Some volunteer regularly on a weekly basis while others volunteer for a specific event or activity. From the popular Monday Munches, where over 50 lunches are served each week, to the program leaders and the worker bees behind the scenes. If you are interested in volunteering, reach out to Kerrie. If there is a specific program that you would like to offer at the center, please contact Lori York
And speaking of volunteers, Carol Pepin is now the coordinator for the Age Well meal registrations. Interested in learning more about the Thursday Age Well Grab & Go meals? Please email Carol.
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.
Programs
Birding Expedition
Wednesday, March 15, 9 a.m.
There is a wide range of birding habitats in Chittenden County. Join avid bird watcher Hank Kaestner and learn to identify the various bird species and habitats right here in Vermont. Registration required and group size is limited. To register for this trip, create an account on the Charlotte Senior Center website under the Registration tab and follow the instructions for registering. Cost: Free.
Jonah Hutchin will give a free cello performance at the library at 1 p.m. on March 22.
Solo cello performance
Wednesday, March 22, 1-1:45 p.m.
Jonah Hutchin is a premier young adult performing cellist from Charlotte. Join us for this solo cello performance at the senior center. You can listen to his music on his website. Cost: Free. No registration required.
Meditation
Tuesdays, March 14-April 11, 5-6 p.m.
Spring is in the air and it’s time to clean out old habits and start some new, healthy ones. Join Charlie Nardozzi and meditate. Meditation is an easy-to-learn practice that has been proven to reduce anxiety, stress, pain and depression. This five-part series will explore breathing techniques, chants and guided visualizations to lead into meditation. Learn ways to deal with an unruly mind, difficult relations and personal stress by applying meditation philosophy. No experience necessary. Cost: $50. Pre-registration and payment due by March 9.
T’ai Chi Ch’uan for beginners
Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.
T’ai Chi is an excellent balance, memory and coordination practice. The flowing movements and postures will increase flexibility, improve balance, and strengthen core muscles. Cultivate a deeper sense of relaxation, gain an increased energy level and experience a sense of confidence. Cost: $8 per class. No registration required.
Yoga strength building practice
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 per class. No registration required.
There was no snow for snowshoeing so, from left, Susan Hyde, Laura Cahners-Ford, Susan Cantor and Eliza Hammer decided to go to Red Rock for a walk.
Knit & Crochet for a Cause
Thursdays, 2-3 p.m.
This new group will meet weekly to work on projects that will be donated to local organizations in the community, to include COTS, Lund and UVM Oncology. Bring a skein of yarn and needles or hook and let’s stitch. Patterns will be available, but feel free to bring your own project to work on. As this is a new group, please register so the organizers know how many people plan to attend. Questions? Contact Suzanne at 802-324-8853. Cost: Free. All skill levels are welcome.
Still Life — Matisse inspired
Friday, March 17, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Unlike traditional paint & 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.
Watercolor spring fling
Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 & 25, 9 a.m.-noon.
Students will be painting spring-themed subjects in this fun four-week class. Beginners and intermediates are welcome. Register by March 28. Cost: $160.
Languages
French conversation
Mondays, 1-2 p.m. (Zoom) & 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Parlez-vous français? This is an intermediate group of French speakers who meet weekly for French conversation. As the group grows, there may be opportunities to split according to skill levels. Questions? Contact Roberta Whitmore. Cost: Free.
German conversation
Thursdays, 3-4 p.m., March 9,16, 23 & 30
Möchtest du dein Deutsch üben? Come join this new group to meet other German speakers and practice your German. No agenda, just a casual conversation. All experience levels are welcome. Questions? Contact Dan York. Cost: Free.
Italian Beginner II
Fridays, 10-11 a.m., April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5 & 19
Interested in learning Italian? This class is for those who have a beginner level of Italian and is a continuation of the Italian for Total Beginners class. Join us to explore the beauty of the Italian language and culture. If you have questions about whether this class would be appropriate for your specific skill level, please reach out to Nicole Librandi. Cost: $60 for the six-week session.
Spanish conversation
Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
¿Hablas español? The 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. Cost: Free.
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 10-11 a.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center. Registration is required by Monday for the Thursday meal. To register, contact Carol Pepin at 802-425-6345. $5 suggested meal donationrequested but not required.
Senior Center contact info
Lori York, director
Kerrie Pughe, coordinator
212 Ferry Road, Charlotte
802-425-6345
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