Senior center welcomes Lawson as new volunteer coordinator

The senior center is excited to welcome Jennifer Lawson as the new senior center volunteer coordinator. Lawson served as a middle school teacher for 22 years and most recently has been the Charlotte Town Beach manager.

Volunteers play a critical role in providing the variety of programs at the senior center. She will be focusing on volunteer recruitment, training and retention.

If you are interested in volunteering at the senior center, please stop by (She works part-time in the mornings.) or email her.

Programs

Artist reception: Playing with Sticks
Friday, Oct. 20, 4-6 p.m.
Check out this unique art show where botanical materials from Vermont gardens, fields and woods are given prominence by artist Alice Trageser, who is a Charlotte gardener and retired art teacher.

AARP Smart Driver Course
Thursday, Oct. 26, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
The AARP Smart Driver course is designed especially for drivers over 50. It will help you refresh driving skills and may even help save on auto insurance. AARP members can take the course at a discounted rate. Please plan to bring lunch. Checks should be made out to AARP. Cost: $25 or $20 for AARP members. Registration required.

Backgammon league
Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m. & Saturdays, 2-4 p.m.
Backgammon is a tactical table game with a 5,000-year history. Players of all levels are welcome. If you have questions, please contact Jonathan. Cost: $3

Brain games
Fridays, 3-5:30 p.m.
There are many ways adults can stimulate their brains to increase mental health, improve memory skills and contribute to overall well-being. Research finds that positive interaction with others and engagement in stimulating group activities sharpens cognition and increases memory ability. Join us, play various games, share laughter and enjoy one another’s company. There are some games available, but also feel free to bring your own games. Questions? Please call Lin Kalson at 608-345-9321 or email. Free.

Creativity workshop
Tuesdays, Oct. 24, 31 & Nov. 7, 9 a.m.-Noon
Join Lynn Cummings for this collage and intuitive painting workshop for all levels of artists and wannabe artists. No drawing skills required. This workshop will include using stencils and masks to add design and patterns. Fee: $160 with student providing all supplies or $185 with instructor providing materials and student providing a limited supply list. Registration and payment required by Friday, Oct. 20.

Italian 1 for beginners
Fridays, Nov. 3-Dec. 15, 10-11 a.m.
Interested in beginning your study of Italian? Join instructor Nicole Librandi and explore the beauty of the Italian language and culture. Cost: $60. Registration required by Monday, Oct. 30.

Introduction to tai chi movement
Mondays, through Oct. 30, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
Join Kristin Borquist for a tai chi movement series. Rather than learning the tai chi set, each class explores one of the movement principles of tai chi that you can integrate into your daily life and all your other activities. For questions, email. $40 for the four-week session or $10 per drop-in class. Registration recommended.

Meditation
Wednesdays, through Nov. 15, 5-6 p.m.
As the days shorten and the weather turns cooler, it’s a great time to start meditating again. Come join Charlie Nardozzi for this meditation series. No experience necessary. The meditation class will be broadcast live via Zoom (and recorded). Even if you miss a class, everyone who signs up will get the recording each week. $50 for the five-week session. Registration required.

Kirtan
Sunday, Oct. 29, 4-6 p.m.
Join Charlie Nardozzi, Heidi Kvasnak and Kirsten Rose for a Sunday afternoon kirtan. Kirtan is an ancient yoga gathering where musicians play traditional instruments and sing simple chants. Some chants are call and response, and others are singalongs. All are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Questions? Please email Charlie Nardozzi. Register by Friday, Oct. 27. Suggested donation of $5-$15.

Walking and gentle hiking group
Thursday, Oct. 26, Location TBD
Enjoy the beauty of nature. Come walk at a gentle pace with other seniors. The group will meet monthly for a congenial non-strenuous walk. Meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot at Charlotte Senior Center. Please bring sunscreen, bug spray and water. To register, call Penny Burman at 916-753-7279.

Presentations

‘The Long Grief Journey’
Tuesday, Oct. 24, 1 p.m.
Grief can be messy and does not follow a specific timeline. Join co-authors Pamela Blair and Bradie Hansen as they discuss their book, “The Long Grief Journey.” This book covers the challenges that long-term grievers encounter and discusses finding hope again after death. Registration recommended. Free.

Internet Safety Basics
Wednesday, Oct. 25, 1-2 p.m.
In this hands-on workshop learn strategies to stay safe when visiting websites and receiving email, what makes a strong password and how to avoid scams. Laptops and snacks provided. Limited space. Registration required. Free. Supported by AT&T and the Public Library Association.

Meals

Menus are posted on the website at charlotteseniorcentervt.org.

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, 10-11a.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.

Age Well restaurant tickets
Monday, Oct. 23, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Stop by the Charlotte Senior Center to talk with Age Well representative Kerry Batres about resources available through Age Well and the restaurant-ticket program that can be used for meals at participating restaurants.

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. Programs include 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.

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.

Charlotte Senior Center
Lori York, director
Jenn Lawson, volunteer coordinator
212 Ferry Road, Charlotte
802-425-6345

Follow the senior center on Facebook or Instagram.