Share the blessing of gratitude during November

The month of November is about gratitude. On Friday, Nov. 10, in gratitude for the veterans who serve this country and protect and defend our rights, the senior center will host events to honor veterans for their courage, strength and dedication.

Thanksgiving also focuses on gratitude and Age Well will share its gratutude with a sit-down Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 15 at the senior center.

And year-round, there is gratitude for the senior center volunteers, who make it possible to provide the center’s wide variety of programming.

Honoring veterans

Vietnam pinning ceremony
Friday, Nov. 10, 11a.m.
Please join Robert Stock, veterans outreach specialist in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who will be leading a pinning ceremony. The United States Congress established the 50th commemoration of the Vietnam War in 2012. As part of this commemoration there will be recognition of the service, valor and sacrifice of Veterans and their survivors. All veterans who served during the period 1955-75 and their survivors, are eligible for pinning. It is not necessary to have actually served in Vietnam; it is honoring all who served during that period. Registration suggested but not required to be included in the pinning ceremony.

Veterans Day lunch
Friday, Nov. 10, noon
A complimentary lunch will be provided by the Residence at Shelburne Bay at the senior center for all veterans and a guest. Registration is required as space is limited. To register, call the senior center at 802-425-6345.

Quilts of Valor dedication ceremony
Friday, Nov. 10, 1 p.m.
Join the Quilts of Valor dedication ceremony to honor service members and living veterans. This ceremony is open to all. More about Quilts of Valor at qovf.org. Their mission is to cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Are you a service member or veteran interested in receiving a Quilt of Valor in the future? Contact Ruth Whitaker: 802-985-2950.

Programs

November artist exhibit
This month’s exhibit is a collection of watercolor, ink and mixed media drawings celebrating birds, avians and raptors by artist Peter E. Hertz whose fascination with birds, particularly raptors, started early.Following the hawk migration with his dad in a motor glider and rehabbing birds of prey during years in Kenya in the mid-70s offered proximity and inspiration for his first serious set of paintings for a coffee table book with a world-renowned raptor specialist. Since moving back to his home in Charlotte in 2023, he’s been painting more local aerial subjects. For those interested in seeing a portfolio of Hertz’s work.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group
Thursday, Nov. 9, 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 contact Susan Cartwright.

Charlotte Senior Center Friends meeting
Friday, Nov. 3, 1 p.m.
Join us to hear the highlights of this past year and what is being planned moving forward. An update of the senior center’s financial position will be given, any questions will be answered and the election of board members will take place.

Chat with Chea
Monday, Nov. 13, 1 p.m.
Bring questions and concerns for a legislature meet and greet with Chea Waters Evans. Chea is the Chittenden-5 representative and is interested in hearing from you so she can bring forward your issues in Montpelier.

Detect & prevent Medicare fraud
Thursday, Nov. 16, 1-2 p.m.
The most effective way to stop Medicare fraud from occurring is to prevent it from happening in the first place. A presenter from Vermont Senior Medicare Patrol (vtsmp.org) will show Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers how to prevent, detect and report fraud, errors and abuse. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration recommended. Cost: Free

Tips and Tricks for iPhones & iPads
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 1-2 p.m.
Interested in getting the most out of your iPhone or iPad? Learn some tips and tricks, including security considerations, how to install and delete apps and settings to improve privacy and customize your device to meet visual, physical, motion or hearing needs. Supported by AT&T and The Public Library Association. Registration suggested. Cost: Free

Birding expedition
Wednesday, Nov. 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. Free.

Lindy six-count dance
Wednesdays, Nov. 15, 29 & Dec. 6, 1-2 p.m.
Interested in learning to dance? Join Carol Ann Spaid in this three-week session on the Lindy six-count dance. Lindy six-count lessons build on essential skills of leading, following and dance frame. No experience needed. Wear soft-soled shoes and bring your love of dance. For questions, email. Registration required. $15 per class or $40 for the series.

Holiday origami
Tuesdays, 12:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Nov. 7-21
Making origami activates the brain. In these classes, you will be folding paper and fabric into trees, stars, birds and ornaments for the holidays. Directions for some of the models will be included so that you may teach them to friends and family. Registration required. $10 for each session, includes materials.

Meals
Menus are posted on the website.

Age Well Thanksgiving meal
Wednesday Nov.15, Noon.
Join the festive Thanksgiving dinner provided by Age Well. This will be a sit-down meal complete with roast turkey, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sliced carrots, dinner roll and pumpkin pie with cream for dessert. Registration and $5 lunch donation by Thursday, Nov. 9. You will need to have a current completed Age Well registration form on file.

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.

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.

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

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