Senior center helps with aging in place

“Aging in place” is in the news these days. It means seniors maintaining their independence in a community that offers social connections and access to services. The benefit is that seniors can continue to live in their homes and participate in their community.

Charlotte is very fortunate to have such a community gathering place for seniors, where they can build social connections, maintain physical and mental stimulation and have access to social support through partnerships with social service agencies. The senior center partners with AgeWell, United Way, South Burlington Vet Center, AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association and other social service organizations. The resources available allow those who wish to remain in their homes in Charlotte to do so.

Community services

VT Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired
Wednesday, Jan. 31, 1 p.m.
If you or someone you love is experiencing vision loss, it is still possible to read with some simple adaptations. Dan Norris, director of adult services at the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, shares a variety of large-print, digital and audio resources that are available to help you access print. You can access these resources through smart devices like an iPad or smartphone. Less high-tech solutions include large-print books and audiobooks that can be obtained through the ABLE library (a branch of the state library system). The Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a nonprofit that can also help you get magnifiers or teach you how to use smart devices to access print. Registration suggested. Free.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group
Thursday, Feb. 8, 5-6 p.m.
Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer’s? Do you know someone who is? Please join us for the monthly Caregiver Support Group on the second Thursday of each month from 5:00-6:00 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.

AARP free tax preparation
Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20 & 27
Volunteers will prepare tax returns, provide tax assistance based on your provided information and maintain confidentiality while reviewing and preparing your tax return. Register in-person at the senior center or call 802-425-6345 to schedule an appointment to get your taxes done for free. One-hour appointments available at the senior center 1-4 p.m. Registration required. Free.

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.

Bone Builders
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. & Fridays, 11 a.m.-noon.
RSVP Bone Builders, a program of United Way of Northwest Vermont, is a no-impact, weight-training program designed to prevent and even reverse the negative effects of osteoporosis in older adults. Bone Builders consists of a warm-up, balance exercises, arm and leg exercises, and a cool down with stretching. Free. No registration required. There is paperwork to complete for the RSVP Bone Builders program.

Red Cross blood drive
Thursday, Feb. 15, 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 the website and enter: CHARLOTTE to schedule an appointment.

Upcoming Programs

Restorative yoga for deep winter renewal
Friday, Jan. 26, 5:30-6:45 p.m.
Join Heidi Kvasnak as she leads you through a restorative yoga practice to discover where you are holding tension and rediscover what it feels like to be softer, more open and relaxed with ourselves. Warm up your body with slow, mindful movements followed by longer held restorative postures where you will gently be guided to drop into the support of your props, while reconnecting with the flow of your breath. Yoga props required. Registration required. Cost: $15. Prop list will be sent upon registration.

Winter spike hikes
Wednesdays, Feb. 7 & 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
It’s time to get outside and enjoy some winter hikes. Weather permitting, this group will meet every other week through February. The outings will be approximately two hours with locations to be determined on trails around Charlotte and neighboring towns. Bring your own spikes or snowshoes, depending on the weather, snacks and water. The group is also looking for some trip leaders. To register or indicate your interest in leading a winter hiking trip, contact Susan Hyde. Registration required. Cost: Free.

Creative Arts & Crafts Group
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon
Come create, experiment, share ideas, encourage others and have fun with the Creative Arts & Crafts group on Wednesday mornings. Bring whatever creative endeavor you’re working on, enjoy doing, or thinking about trying out—painting, drawing, writing, scrapbooking, coloring, origami, cardmaking, knitting—the opportunities are limitless. Any questions, call Katie Franko at 802-425-6270. Cost: Free. No registration required.

Watercolor in winter
Tuesdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, 9:15 a.m.-noon
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. Lynn Cummings will lead this four-week class to 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. Registration required. Cost: $160.

Brain games
Fridays, 2-4 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 to play various games, share laughter and enjoy one another’s company. Some games are available, but also feel free to bring your own games. Questions? Please call Lin Kalson at 608-345-9321 or email.

Writing Our Way Through
Wednesdays, Feb. 7-March 6, noon-2 p.m.
Join Pamela Powell as she guides you through this five-week generative writing workshop. Please bring a notebook and pen or pencil to this workshop. Writing by hand is encouraged, but using your personal laptop is also an option. Questions? Please reach out to Powell or 781-646-6708. Registration required. Cost: $100 for the five-week session.

Meals
Menus are posted on the website.

Monday lunches
Lunch is served on Mondays 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or until the food runs out. Suggested lunch donation $5. No registration required.

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

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