Find calm and support during hectic holiday season
This month, there will be a special Winter Solstice Meditation with Charlie Nardozzi and Heidi Kvasnak. There will also be an Alzheimer’s caregiver support group for those seeking support during the hectic holiday season. And please don’t forget the gift of life and consider donating blood at this month’s Red Cross Blood Drive at the senior center.
Please note that the senior center will be closed on Friday, Dec. 22, at noon and will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2. Age Well Grab and Go meals will be distributed on Thursday, Dec. 28, even though the senior center is closed.
December Artist Exhibit
Champlain Valley Quilt Guild of Vermont
The Champlain Valley Quilt Guild of Vermont is a non-profit organization that strives to promote an interest in the art of quilting while also providing comfort to those in the community by donating quilts to organizations, such as the Vermont Respite House, the Ronald McDonald House, Vermont Quilts of Valor and UVM Medical Center. Every year the guild has a different quilt theme challenge for its members. This year’s quilt challenge is the theme of animals.
Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group
Second Thursdays, Dec 14, Jan. 11, 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.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, Dec. 21, 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.
Winter Solstice Meditation
Friday, Dec. 22, 5-6 p.m.
Join Charlie Nardozzi and Heidi Kvasnak for a candlelight, winter-solstice meditation, which will include gentle seated movement and soft chanting, to prepare your body for a time of quiet, silent meditation, ending in chant. On this auspicious evening you will practice to anchor yourself in the inner stillness and light of your being, so that you may welcome the holidays with grounded awareness. Let’s celebrate the transition from the longest night of the year to the lengthening days of light. No experience necessary. Suggested donation of $5-$15. Registration suggested.
Shape-note singing
Sunday, Jan. 7, 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. Introduction to shape notes and scales is recommended and offered 30 minutes before each first Sunday singing. Contact Kerry Cullinan to schedule. No registration required. Free.
Watercolor in winter
Tuesdays, 9:15 a.m.-noon, Jan. 9-30
Give the gift of art. We’re entering those winter doldrums where a painting class is just the thing to keep you busy and improve your mood. Winter scenes, interesting still lifes and more. This 4-week class will get your creative juices flowing again if you haven’t been painting for a while and will help spark some new ideas to paint for everyone. Some watercolor experience is helpful. Cost: $160. Registration required.
Italian for total beginners
Fridays, 10-11 a.m., Jan. 12-Feb. 16
Looking for a different holiday gift idea? How about giving Italian classes to yourself or someone considering beginning the study of Italian. Join the group and explore the beauty of the Italian language and culture. For questions about whether this class is the correct level, contact Nicole Librandi. Cost: $60. Registration required.
Veterans assistance
Tuesday Jan. 23, 10-2 p.m.
Join Bob Stock, veterans outreach specialist with the South Burlington Vet Center, at the Charlotte Senior Center. Stock will be available to veterans and their families to ensure that they are aware of the VA benefits available to them and to provide assistance with any VA issues they may be experiencing.
Meals
Menus are posted on the website at charlotteseniorcentervt.org.
Monday lunches
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.
Note: For Christmas week, there will be an Age Well Grab & Go meal pick-up on Thursday, Dec. 28, 10-11 a.m. No late pick-ups as the senior center is closed this week.
Weather cancellation policy
When the local schools are in session, the Charlotte Senior Center follows the Champlain Valley School District for weather-related cancellations. When school is not in session and there is inclement weather, a cancellation determination will be made by 8 a.m. Cancellation notices will be posted on the senior center website and on the outgoing voice message. An email will be sent to those who have signed up to receive the email newsletter.
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.
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
212 Ferry Road, Charlotte
802-425-6345
charlotteseniorcentervt.org
Follow the senior center on Facebook or Instagram at charlotteseniorcentervt.