Wide variety of programming includes food and food for thought
Andy Hodgkin serving up Irish beef stew for an Irish-themed lunch.
Many people don’t consider themselves old enough to attend programming at a senior center. It doesn’t matter if they are 50 or 90 years old. But what is different about the Charlotte Senior Center is that this is a very active community with a wide variety of programming.
This month there is the opportunity to meet your local representative, attend a presentation about Antarctica’s natural resources, join a birding trip and participate in a workshop to prepare important documents in one file. There are exercise classes offered daily, art, music and language programs, along with a variety of board and card games gatherings.
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
Chat with Chea
Monday, March 27, 1 p.m.
Bring your questions and concerns for a legislature meet and greet with Chea Waters Evans. Evans is Charlotte’s newly elected Chittenden-5 representative and is interested in hearing from you so she can bring forward your issues in Montpelier.
My little red file workshop
Saturday, April 8, 10-11:30 a.m.
Presenter Peg Maffitt has been involved in hospice and end-of-life care education for 30 years. With her experience and awareness of the fragility of life, Peg has created “my little red file.” This file includes important documents that your family would need to know immediately, including a completed advance directive, last will and testament, birth certificate, social security card and passwords. During this workshop, Peg will help you create an index for your own little red file. There will be an optional second session. Cost: Donation to Vermont Ethics Network to cover book fees. Registration required.
Antarctica
Tuesday, April 11, 1 p.m.
Interested in learning more about the Earth’s southernmost and least-populated continent? Join Bill Fraser-Harris for this presentation about his recent trip to Antarctica, including his experience hiking and touring in Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park and Fitzroy in Chile and Argentina respectively. There will be photographs to pique your interest in travel, and discussion around the preservation of this natural resource. Q&A to follow the presentation. Cost: Free. Registration recommended.
Birding expedition
Wednesday, April 12, 9 a.m.
There are 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 class, create an account on the Charlotte Senior Center website under the Registration tab and follow the instructions to register for this birding trip. Cost: Free.
Shape note singing
Sunday, April 2, 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. Cost: Free.
Beginner Guitar
Wednesday, 7-8 p.m.
April 5, 12, 19, May 3, 10 & 17*
Interested in learning guitar? Join John Creech, a composer and guitarist for over 40 years, as he shares his love of this instrument. The six-week class will cover the basics to learning acoustic guitar in an easy-going and supportive environment. Cost: $75. Registration required. *There will be no class on April 26.
Creative arts group
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon.
Come create, experiment, share ideas, encourage others and have fun. Bring whatever creative endeavor you’re working on or thinking about and enjoy making new friends while being creative. As Einstein said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” Let’s have some fun together. Call Katie Franko at 802-425-6270 with questions. Cost: Free.
Knit & crochet for a cause
Thursdays, 2-3 p.m.
This group will meet weekly to work on projects that will be donated to local organizations in the community. 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. All skill levels are welcome. Registrations appreciated, but not required.
Bill Fraser-Harris talking at the Men’s Breakfast about his recent trip to Antarctica. He will be presenting again on Tuesday, April 11, at 1 p.m.
Watercolor spring fling
Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-noon
April 4, 11, 18 & 25
Students will be painting spring-themed subjects in this fun four-week class. Beginners and intermediates are welcome. Cost: $160. Registration required.
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. Registration required.
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. Suggested lunch donation $5. No registration required.
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. $5 suggested meal donation but not required. To register, email or call Carol Pepin at 802-425-6345.
Senior Center contact info
Lori York, director
Kerrie Pughe, coordinator
212 Ferry Road, Charlotte
802-425-6345
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