Over 30 organizations shared senior resources with 90 attendees

Photo by Lori YorkA steady stream of people filed through the presentations at the Senior Resource Fair held at the Charlotte Senior Center.
Photo by Lori York
A steady stream of people filed through the presentations at the Senior Resource Fair held at the Charlotte Senior Center.

The senior center’s first Senior Resource Fair was a great success. Over 30 organizations were present and close to 90 individuals attended during the two hours of the fair. It was a great opportunity to learn about the wide variety of services available to seniors.

With June here, summer programming is underway with plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors. Join the first paddling trip of the season, go on a birding expedition, or be part of the new group forming to do some walking and gentle hiking.

The next art exhibit at the senior center is At Water’s Edge by Fran MacDonald of South Burlington. It includes both expansive vistas and detailed views of landscapes with water, the edges of water or flowing water.

Outdoor activities

Birding expedition
Thursday, June 15, 9 a.m.
Join avid bird watcher, Hank Kaestner and learn to identify the various bird species and habitats right here in Chittenden County. 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. Free.

Recreational paddling trip
Saturday, June 17, 9:30 a.m.
There’s a new recreational paddling group starting up at the Charlotte Senior Center. Please join Karen and Dean Tuininga for the first paddling trip on Saturday morning, June 17, on Lewis Creek. The group will meet at 9:30 and plan to spend a couple of hours on the water. This trip is open to everyone 18 and older, but space is limited to 10 boats plus leaders, so be sure to sign up early. Questions? Contact Dean Tuininga. Registration required. Cost: Free.

New walking or gentle hiking group
There is interest in starting a new walking, gentle hiking group at the senior center. Interested in finding out more? Contact Penny Burman at 916-753-7279.

Events & presentations

Red Cross blood drive
Thursday, June 8, 2-7 p.m.
Please consider donating blood. The Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit the website and enter: CHARLOTTE to schedule an appointment.

Navigating Family Dynamics at End-of-Life
Wednesday, June 14, 1 p.m.
This session by Lisy McIntee, a hospice and palliative care social worker, is for you and your family together. Some common factors that complicate family dynamics at end-of-life include estrangements, conflict, death, kids living far away and substance abuse. You will learn how the hospice team, specifically social workers, approach and support this time in your life. The session will also include a brief overview on advance directives and appointing a health care agent. It’s free but registration is recommended.

MIND diet presentation
Wednesday, June 14, 3 p.m.
Join Hannaford registered dietitian Callie Flynn to learn about the MIND diet, an eating plan which aims to reduce dementia and maintain brain health. It’s free but registration is recommended.

World Music Day & Make Music
Wednesday, June 21, 1-4 p.m., Charlotte Senior Center, & 4-8 p.m., Charlotte Library
Vermont Make Music Day is part of World Music Day. Musicians of all ages from all over the world play music for their communities, celebrating how music crosses borders and brings people together. The Charlotte Senior Center and Charlotte Library will be hosting a full afternoon and evening of live music. If you are a musician, a singer or both, young or maybe just wiser, serious player or impassioned amateur, and would like to share your talent and love of music with the community, please email to participate. More info about the overall event.

Upcoming Programs

Drawing for those who think they can’t
Friday, June 9, 12:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fill a fun hour and half learning that you can draw by looking at things differently. Local artist Mickey Davis enjoys bringing out the innate hidden artist in others. She has offered drawing classes for (she thinks) over 20 years, but at 85 says she has trouble recalling what she ate for breakfast. No fee but donations accepted to benefit the Charlotte Senior Center. Registration required.

Peonies & tea party
Tuesday, June 13, 1-2:30 p.m.
Please join us for a lovely afternoon tea party, with antique place settings and simple little sandwiches and cookies, similar to a high tea in England. Everyone will leave with a bouquet of peonies to decorate your home. Registration is required as space is limited. Cost: $5.

Italian-Beginner I
Fridays, June 23, 30, July 7, 21, 28, Aug.4 10-11 a.m.
Interested in beginning your study of Italian? Join us to explore the beauty of the Italian language and culture. Cost: $60. Registration required. *There will be no class on July 14.

Looking for a job?
The Charlotte Senior Center is seeking a part-time senior center coordinator. Responsibilities include database management and volunteer coordination. The full job description can be viewed at charlotteseniorcentervt.org. Pay rate is $16.50-$17.75 an hour. Position is 15 hours a week with a set schedule of three hours per day each morning, Monday-Friday. Please send a letter of interest and resume to Lori York.

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.

Men’s breakfast
Thursday, June 8, 7-9:30 a.m.
On the second Thursday of the month, the men gather for breakfast and conversation. This month, the speaker will be Lewis Mudge. He is going to talk about his work with Human Rights Watch in Africa. Specifically, he’ll discuss the role of the Wagner Group as proxies for Russia in supporting authoritarian regimes across the continent. Register by Tuesday, June 6, by noon. The suggested donation is $6. Please register for the men’s breakfast through the database. You may also call the senior center at 802-425-6345 to register.

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. The suggested meal donation is $5, but not required. To register, contact Carol Pepin at 802-425-6345 or by email.

Senior center info
The senior center offers programs for adults 50 and older from Charlotte and surrounding communities. Priority is given to seniors, but programs are 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 programs for the upcoming week.

Lori York, director

212 Ferry Road, Charlotte

802-425-6345


If you enjoy The Charlotte News, please consider making a donation. Your gift will help us produce more stories like this. The majority of our budget comes from charitable contributions. Your gift helps sustain The Charlotte News, keeping it a free service for everyone in town. Thank you.

Scooter MacMillan, Editor