Heartfelt thank you to all the plant sale volunteers

A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who helped prepare for the Charlotte Senior Center annual plant sale, the families who donated plants and those in the community who stopped by to shop. The plant sale is a big fundraiser that helps support the maintenance of the senior center.

In past years, the Friends of the Charlotte Senior Center have used the money raised from the plant sale and the annual fund appeal to purchase computer equipment, furniture, replace the carpeting and build the senior center entrance addition.

June artist exhibit
Following the advice of one of her teachers, Judy Tuttle has chosen to include water as a subject in almost all her paintings. In her exhibit at the senior center, My Water World, her waterscapes include oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds and puddles done in watercolor, pastel or oil.

Peter’s Playlist
Wednesday, June 5, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Join in as Peter and Helen Rosemblum, the popular duo from Hinesburg, return to the Senior Center for a performance featuring oldies from the 50s, 60s and 70s. They will sing and strum from their large playlist that includes folk songs, romantic ballads, blues and rock. Free. Registration recommended.

Lake Champlain Chocolates
Thursday, June 6, 1 p.m.
In Making a Difference Locally & Globally, Allyson Myers will be talk about Lake Champlain Chocolates’ impact in the local and global communities. Lake Champlain Chocolates became a certified B Corporation in 2018. The company is driven by a passion to change the world one chocolate at a time. Myers is a lifelong Vermonter who joined the company in 1993. Free. Registration is recommended.

Tai chi for arthritis
Thursdays, June 6-27, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
Try out this new class for the benefits of a tai chi practice that includes reduced pain and stiffness and improved muscle strength and joint flexibility. Through learning the tai chi movements and practicing regularly, many have found significant relief from arthritis symptoms. Eliza Hammer is a certified instructor and has studied with the founder of the Tai Chi for Arthritis Association. Email Hammer if you have questions. Cost: $40 for the four-week session. Register and pay by June 4.

Lost Mural project
Wednesday, June 12, 1 p.m.
The Lost Mural project began in 1986 when a Jewish mural painted in 1910 from the old Chai Adam Synagogue in a building on Hyde Street in Burlington was covered by a wall to preserve it for future relocation. The Lost Mural was uncovered in 2013 and moved to Ohavi Zedek Synagogue on North Prospect Street in 2015. Conservation and restoration was completed in 2023. This illustrated presentation will explain the Lost Mural’s preservation, relocation, conservation and restoration. A visit to view the Lost Mural and learn more about its history will be scheduled for interested parties at a later date. Free. Registration recommended.

Birding trips
Wednesday & Thursday, June 12 & 13, 9 a.m. departure
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. Trip departs promptly at 9 a.m. This month Kaestner will offer two birding trips. Group size is limited to 20 participants. Free. Registration required.

Wednesday, June 12, a birding hike at Charlotte Park & Wildlife Refuge, a 2 1/2 mile hike up and down that’s not for the weak-hearted.
Thursday, June 13, a birding walk for those not inclined to attend the park hike. This birding trip is a slower-paced trip.

Women’s kayak trips
Second & fourth Friday mornings
Kayak trips for active women who share a love for exploring local lakes, ponds and rivers. Trips listed are tentative, dependent on water and weather conditions. To register your interest, email Susan Hyde to be placed on a list of paddlers. Free, but registration required.
June 14, South Slang in Ferrisburg.
June 28, Upper Otter Creek past Middlebury.

Italian for Beginners II
Fridays, June 14-July 19, 10-11 a.m.
Have you taken Italian in the past? Are you interested in continuing your study of Italian? Join this Beginner Level II class to explore the beauty of the Italian language and culture. Questions about whether this class is the correct level, please contact Nicole Librandi. Cost: $60. Registration and payment required by Monday, June 10.

‘Happy Little Trees’
Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
If you’ve always wanted to try watercolor but were too intimidated, this is the class for you. This month Ginny Joyner will demonstrate different ways to paint trees in the landscape. There will be plenty of time to practice and create a chart to take home for reference. Class limited to 10 students. For more information about Ginny Joyner, please check out her website. Cost: $40 plus $6 supply fee. Registration and payment required by June 12.

Merrymac Farm Sanctuary
Wednesday, June 19, 1 p.m.
Merrymac Farm Sanctuary became a nonprofit organization in the spring of 2023. It has grown from a handful of folks to a village of volunteers, visitors and donors. It provides a permanent, happy home to over 130 homeless or otherwise abandoned farm animals. The rescues include horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, turkeys, chickens, ducks and bunnies. Representatives will talk about what they do as a sanctuary, tell a couple of animal stories and share information about how you can get involved. Free. Registration is recommended.

Learn pickleball for seniors
Saturday, June 22, 10-11 a.m.
Curious about pickleball? Playing pickleball allows you to work on your balance, agility, reflexes and hand-eye coordination without putting excessive strains on your body. Pickleball is a wonderful alternative for older players, who used to play tennis but have limitations such as hip, shoulder, knee or other joint problems. Bring folding chairs to watch how it is played. Afterward, there will be an opportunity to try it. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers. Paddles will be provided. If you enjoy the sport, the Charlotte Library has pickleball supplies that can be checked out. Questions? Call or text 802-425-4567. Free, but registration required. The rain date is June 29. Free, but registration required.

Meals
Menus are posted on the website.

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
New day for pickup starting in June. Pick up on Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center. Registration is required by Monday by 8 a.m. for the Wednesday meal. $5 suggested 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. Interested in receiving a weekly reminder about what is happening? Sign up for the email newsletters. The “Week Ahead” email is sent out on Friday mornings with activities, lunch menus and special programs for the upcoming week.

Lori York, director
Tracy Brown, coordinator
212 Ferry Road, Charlotte
802-425-6345

Follow the senior center on Facebook or Instagram.