Things are hopping at the senior center this month
This month’s schedule is full.
Local Vermont author Marilyn Webb Neagley will lead an evening discussion around her latest book “Attic of Dreams: A Memoir,” and there will be a presentation about green energy.
The senior center will also host a Red Cross blood drive and the monthly Alzheimer’s caregivers support group.
New this month will be a Lunch & Learn about reading and understanding the Medicare summary notice and a presentation about transitioning to senior housing.
The senior center also provides weekly lunches, daily exercise classes and many opportunities to connect through board and card games and art and language programming.
If you haven’t been to the senior center, please stop by and visit. 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 at charlotteseniorcentervt.org. The “Week Ahead” email is sent out on Friday mornings with activities, lunch menus and special programs for the upcoming week.
Presentations & discussions
Author discussion
Thursday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m.
Join local non-fiction author Marilyn Webb Neagley for a discussion about her newest book “Attic of Dreams: A Memoir.” Neagley has spent most of her life in Shelburne. Starting her career as an architectural interior designer, Neagley veered toward environmental stewardship and became president of Shelburne Farms. She has been a commentator for Vermont Public Radio and written essays for her local newspaper. She previously wrote “Walking through the Seasons,” which won an award for best Northeastern non-fiction. Registration recommended. Free.
Paul Wagenhofer spoke at the September men’s breakfast about the greening of energy electric cars. He will return to speak at the senior center on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.
Reading your Medicare summary notice
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 12:30-2 p.m.
Medicare Summary Notices, or MSNs, are monthly statements from Medicare that detail medical expenses and reimbursements. These are important documents, but they can be difficult to read and even a little bit intimidating to open and really take a look. Vermont Senior Medicare Patrol is trying to make it easier. Join this Lunch & Learn “How to Read Your MSN.” You will learn how to break down the information simply and explore how to be protected from Medicare fraud, errors and abuse. Cost: $5 for the lunch.
Transitioning to a senior living community
Thursday, Oct. 12, 1p.m.
Transitioning from a long-time home to a senior living community can be emotionally challenging, particularly when it comes to letting go of belongings. Join Alicia Fleming, founder and owner of Golden Guide Senior Living Advisor, as she discusses home-based, person-centered solutions, resources to help remove obstacles and how to manage emotional ties with greater ease. Aligning your unique home-care solutions or transitioning to senior living can open new possibilities for social connections, care and a vibrant community. With proper planning, support and a positive mindset, your journey can be a successful and fulfilling one. Registration recommended. Free. Light refreshments provided.
The Greening of Energy: Electric Cars and the Rise of the Lithium-ion Battery
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m.
Join this presentation as Paul Wagenhofer talks about his personal views on the issue of green energy. Paul has spent his 40-year career as a geophysicist in oil and gas exploration. With the current global warming crisis, it becomes necessary to re-think the use of energy and the need to develop mitigating and practical solutions to the warming situation. Registration recommended. Free.
Community programs
Alzheimer’s caregivers support group
Thursday, Oct. 12, 5-6 p.m.
Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer’s? Do you know someone who is? Please join the monthly Caregiver Support Group on the second Thursday of each month from 5-6 p.m. The meetings provide a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to meet and develop a mutual support system. For additional information or questions please contact Susan Cartwright.
Red Cross blood drive
Thursday, Oct. 5, 1-6 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 RedCrossBlood.org and enter: CHARLOTTE to schedule an appointment.
Free local produce and fruit
Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.
The senior center is participating in the Locally Yours community supported agriculture program, and produce from Full Moon Farm in Hinesburg is dropped at the senior center weekly free for participants 60 and over. It’s first-come, first-served with the intention that one or two people won’t take all the produce, instead taking only what they will use. 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, call 802-425-6345 or email.
Joan Mollica enjoyed the great weather for the August Women’s Kayak Trip to South Slang Little Otter Creek.
Art programs
Art show reception
Thursday, Sept. 28, 1 p.m.
Join the artist reception and enjoy light refreshments, view the 2023 Senior Art Show and meet the talented artists. For the month of September, a wide variety of artwork will be on display from seniors in the community.
Glorious fall watercolor class
Tuesdays, Sept. 26-Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-noon
This four-week session with Lynn Cummings will explore color mixing and color choices for fall paintings, creating texture, getting more light into paintings and painting fall-themed still lifes and landscapes. Some experience with watercolor is helpful. Supply list will be emailed a week before class begins. Questions? Please email. Cost: $165. Registration and payment required to reserve a space.
For those who think they can’t draw
Friday, Oct. 13, 1:30-3 p.m.
Fill a fun 90 minutes learning that you can draw if you simply look at things differently. Bring yourself and plan to have fun sharing in this supportive, nonjudgmental class experience. Local artist Mickey Davis enjoys bringing out the innate hidden artist in others. She has offered drawing classes for about 20 years, but at 85 says she has trouble recalling what she ate for breakfast. Cost: By donation. Registration required.
Outdoor activities
Walking and gentle hiking group
Thursday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m.
Enjoy the beauty of nature. Come walk at a gentle pace with other seniors. The group meets monthly for a congenial, non-strenuous walk. Meet in the Charlotte Senior Center parking lot. Please bring sunscreen, bug spray and water. Questions? Call Penny Burman at 916-753-7279. The location is to be determined. Registration required. Free
Meals
Menus are posted on the website.
Monday lunches
Served weekly 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or until the food runs out. Suggested lunch donation $5. No registration required.
Senior center contact info:
Lori York, director
212 Ferry Road, Charlotte
802-425-6345
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