Center critical for community with half of residents over 50

According to the 2022 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median age in Charlotte is just over 50. This means that at least half of Charlotte’s residents are eligible to participate in programming at the Charlotte Senior Center.

Senior centers play a crucial role in promoting social engagement and providing valuable services that help older adults stay healthy and remain independent. Having a gathering space for seniors becomes even more critical as we age because, in many instances, one’s social networks tend to decrease.

The aging population in Charlotte highlights the importance of offering varied programming to support the diverse needs of older adults, ranging in age from 50 to 100.

Check out the programs available at the senior center; you may be surprised by who participates in activities at the senior center and the variety of opportunities offered.

Community services

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.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group
Thursday, March 14, 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.

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.

Presentations & events

‘Farm & Field’ by Margaret McSwain
The March artist exhibit is the series “Farm and Field,” based on capturing the essence and beauty of Charlotte landscapes, farming spaces and locally grown food. As an oil painter, Margaret has been drawn to the pastoral scenes that surround us and the subtle differences in light and seasonal changes on the land. She is also inspired by the local farms, farm stands and the beauty of the foods grown. As a collection, this series is a visual exploration of the land, growth and the abundance that surrounds us all.

‘It’s not just plain vanilla’
Wednesday, Feb. 28, 1 p.m.
Join Hank Kaestner for a look into the world’s most popular flavor: its history, cultivation and production. Kaestner was the director of spice procurement at McCormick & Company and was responsible for acquiring spice raw materials. In 2010, he was inducted into the International Culinary Arts Hall of Fame. He is also an avid bird watcher and leads the senior center’s popular birding trips. Registration appreciated. Free

Total Solar Eclipse presentation
Friday, March 1, 1 p.m.
Bridget Kimsey, a NASA solar system ambassador (solarsystem.nasa.gov/solar-system-ambassadors/events) from South Burlington, will teach us about space in preparation for the 2024 total solar eclipse. This presentation is for all ages and will have hands-on activities available for the young and young at heart. Eclipse glasses will be available. Registration appreciated. Free.

Programs

Book discussion group
Thursdays, March 7-28, 1-2 p.m.
In March, a new book discussion group will begin talking about the New York Times bestselling book “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus. Elizabeth Zott is a gifted research chemist whose career takes a detour when she becomes the star of a beloved TV cooking show. Copies available at the library. Free, but registration required. Co-sponsored with the Charlotte Library.

Spring into meditation
Wednesdays, March 6- April 10, 5-6 pm
Charlie Nardozzi recently returned from a month-long retreat at a meditation center in Northern India where he spent time meditating, walking, chanting, discussing and enjoying the mountains. To share his Himalayas meditation experience with you, Charlie is offering this six-week meditation series to help shake off the winter blues and do a little spring cleaning. Each class will have a short talk on a meditation topic and then, using simple breathing techniques or a gentle chant, he will guide the class into a closed-eyes meditation. All are welcome. Come join in person at the senior center or join on Zoom. Everyone who signs up for the class will get the Zoom recordings automatically. Contact Charlie with any questions. Cost: $60 for the six-week series. Registration required.

Birding expedition
Wednesday, March 13, 9 a.m.
Join avid bird watcher, Hank Kaestner and learn to identify the various bird species and habitats right here in Vermont. Group size is limited to 20. Free. Registration required.

Watercolor late winter fun
Tuesdays, March 5-26, 9 a.m.-noon.
Join Lynn Cummings for a new set of subjects, materials and watercolor processes, just when everyone is getting really anxious for spring. Some watercolor experience is helpful. Registration required. Cost: $165

Samba canasta
Tuesdays, 12 p.m., & Fridays, 12:30 p.m.
Samba is a new version of canasta that has quickly become very popular due to its variety of melds, which keeps the game interesting. If you are curious to learn how to play samba, call Sandy Armell at 802-425-3248.

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.

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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