Stay young and healthy at the senior center

The key to overcoming health issues associated with aging is remaining active and engaged while looking at preventative measures to limit any challenges. The senior center provides a variety of opportunities to remain engaged both physically and mentally, ranging from exercise classes and outdoor trips to games, artwork, languages and more.

The senior center also provides support for families and friends helping people through various stages of life. For example, the senior center hosts a monthly Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group to help people caring for someone with memory loss. This month there will also be a screening of the Alzheimer’s documentary, “Keys Bags Names Words”, about facing dementia with hope and grace.

And while preventative measures are important to limit health challenges, it is also critical to plan so that family is not left wondering what decisions should be made. To help, this month there will be a discussion on how to plan your funeral as a gift to loved ones.

Community services

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 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 to receive the Zoom meeting link, contact Susan Cartwright.

AARP free tax preparation
Wednesdays, March 6-27
Tax-aide volunteers will prepare tax returns, provide tax assistance 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. These tax clinics are open to all ages. One-hour appointments available at the senior center between 1-4 p.m. Registration required. Free.

‘Keys Bags Names Words’ documentary
Wednesday, Feb. 14, 1 p.m.
This documentary is about everyday people facing dementia with courage and grace as a patient, a caregiver or a professional helping patients and families cope and even thrive. The film is not a lament about loss, but an inspiring celebration of the human spirit. Free, but registration appreciated.

Planning your funeral
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1 p.m.
Join Michele Ready, a third-generation funeral director from Ready Funeral Home in Burlington. Ready will provide a comprehensive session on funeral prearrangements, prepayments and assisted planning. She will cover the benefits of preplanning, the various options available and how to make informed decisions that will help you and your loved ones during a difficult time. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration suggested. Free.

Age Well February Meal
Wednesday, Feb. 28, noon
On the fourth Wednesday of the month, Age Well will provide a sit-down meal at the senior center. This month the meal will be cheese tortellini with beef, marinara sauce, green beans, dinner roll and an orange for dessert. Registration and $5 lunch donation required by Thursday, Feb. 25. You will need to have a completed 2024 Age Well Registration form on file.

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, 10:30-11:30 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. Cost: Free. No registration required, but there is paperwork to complete before your first class, so please plan to arrive a bit early.

Upcoming programs

February artist exhibit
The exhibit for February features unique watercolors, acrylics, oils, photographs and assemblages created by the artists who participate in the senior center’s Friday arts group. This local group of artists will host a reception on Sunday, Feb. 11, from 1-3 p.m. All are welcome.

Winter spike hikes
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 11a.m.-1 p.m.
It’s time to get outside and enjoy some winter hikes. Weather permitting, the group will meet for an outing which will be approximately two hours with location 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. Free.

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. The league roster has 35 people signed up to play. The group welcomes players at all levels. If you have questions, please email. Cost: $3

Duplicate bridge
Mondays, 12:30-4 p.m.
The group plays an intermediate level of duplicate bridge using the basic American Contract Bridge League conventions. Names are drawn for partners, and friendly games ensue. Those unfamiliar with duplicate bridge are welcome and paired with an experienced player to help for a few weeks of open dialogue training. The group is always looking for new players who have basic bridge knowledge. Cost: $3

Samba
Tuesdays, noon, & Fridays, 12:30 p.m.
Samba is a variation of canasta. Players form five clean canastas, one dirty canasta (with a wild card), a canasta of wild cards, a canasta of sevens and at least one samba, which is a run of seven cards in a sequence of the same suit. If you are interested in joining this group, call Sandy Armell at 802-425-3248.

Shanghai mahjong
Tuesdays, 12:45-3:45 p.m.
Whether new to or experienced in the Shanghai style of Mahjong, you are welcome to join this informal get-together. For questions email Nan Mason.

Meals
Menus are posted on the website.

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.

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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