With return of school, senior center returns to fall sked

While students have returned to school, the senior center is returning to its fall programming.

Attend a presentation about investment fraud and financial scams or join the monthly death cafe where folks gather and strengthen ties while sharing conversations around difficult topics.

There are two opportunities to learn how to paint with watercolors, a beginner Italian class and Tai Chi for arthritis.

Community

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group
Wednesday, Sept. 11, 4-5 p.m.
Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer’s? Please join this group for the monthly Caregivers Support Group on the second Wednesday of each month from 4:00–5:00 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 please contact Susan Cartwright. Free. No registration required.

Death Café
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 4-5 p.m.
New to Charlotte. We are now offering a monthly Death Café. Join us on the fourth Wednesday of the month as we come together in human fellowship to celebrate life by voicing concerns, share questions, ideas and stories around death and dying. These are not always easy conversations. But when we share, heart to heart, we build community and experience a special joy that enhances our lives. Free, but registration required. More info.

September artist exhibit
Visit the senior center and view the September senior art show with a wide range of artwork produced by local artists of all skill levels, ages 50 and older. An artist reception will be held on Friday, Sept. 27, from 1-2 p.m.

Senior investment fraud seminar
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 1-2:30 p.m.
Staff from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission will present “The Three P’s of Senior Investment Fraud: Profile, Persuasion, Prevention,” a seminar on investment fraud and financial scams — and how you can protect yourself from them. Topics covered will include the three P’s of Investment Fraud — the profile of the typical investment-fraud victim, the persuasion tactics con artists use to trick seniors and other investors and what you can do to help prevent this from happening to you or your friends. Investors are welcome to share their questions, stories and concerns about these topics, about saving and investing, or about the Securities and Exchange Commission generally. Free handouts, including the commission’s official guide for senior investors, will be available to take home. Free. Registration appreciated.

Programs

Arts group
Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon
This weekly group includes a wide range of artists looking to socialize and make new friendships. You are invited to bring whatever you are working on and enjoy the ideas and encouragement that this friendly and relaxed group has to offer. Free. No registration required.

Backgammon league
Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m.
Backgammon is a tactical table game with a 5,000-year history. The group welcomes players at all levels. If you have questions, email. Cost: $3. No registration required.

Beginner watercolor workshop
Friday, Sept. 20, 1-2:30 p.m.
If you’ve always wanted to try watercolor but were too intimidated, this is the class for you. In this workshop you will learn how to paint a Lake Champlain Sunset in watercolor without everything turning green. For more information about Ginny Joyner, check out her website. $40 plus $6 supply fee required by Sept. 17.

Birding trip
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 9 a.m.
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. Free. The birders will leave the senior center promptly at 9 a.m., so arrive early. Registration required.

Duplicate bridge
Mondays, 12:30-4 p.m.
We play an intermediate level of duplicate bridge using the basic American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) 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. We are always looking for new players who have basic bridge knowledge. $3. No registration required.

Italian for beginners
Fridays, Sept. 13-27 & Oct. 11-25, 10-11 a.m.
Are you interested in beginning your study of Italian? Join this group to 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 and payment required by Monday, Sept. 9.

Pickleball for seniors
Saturday, Sept. 14, 10a.m.-noon
Are you curious about this sport called pickleball? Playing pickleball allows you to work on your balance, agility, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination without putting excessive strains on your body. Bring folding chairs to watch how pickleball is played. *Afterwards, there will be the opportunity to try out pickleball. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers. Paddles will be provided. Questions? Call or text David at 802-425-4567. Free. Registration required. Consider carpooling with friends. You will need a Charlotte Beach season or day pass to park. (Rain date Sept. 21)

Pilates fitness
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Join Phyllis Bartling in this pilates class for folks 55 and over. It includes upper-body strength work with hand weights and mat exercises. You will work core muscles to improve balance, strength and posture. Cost: $10 a class. No registration required.

Shanghai mahjong
Tuesdays, 12:45-3:45 p.m.
New to or experienced in the Shanghai style of Mahjong, you are welcome to join this informal get-together. For questions email Nan Mason. Free. No registration required.

Tai chi for arthritis
Thursdays, from Sept. 26, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
The benefits of a tai chi practice include 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. The instructor is certified and has studied with the founder of the Tai Chi for Arthritis Association. Email if you have questions. $10 a class. No registration required.

Watercolor class
Tuesdays, Sept. 17, 24 & Oct. 1, 9 a.m.-noon
Don’t you just love the colors of fall in the Green Mountain State? Join artist and instructor Lynn Cummings to paint some fall blooms, landscapes and more. Some experience in watercolor is helpful, but open to all. Cost: $125. Registration and payment by Tuesday, Sept. 10.

Yoga strength-building practice
Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-noon
Join Heidi Kvasnak for an integrative practice that builds strength and stability while maintaining a sense of ease and spaciousness in both body and mind. You will practice longer-held postures that strengthen muscles, bones and core, as well as breath-led flowing movement, including sun salutations. Prerequisite: Must be able to easily get down to and up from the floor with or without props. Cost: $10 a class. No registration required.

Meals
Menus are posted on the website.

Monday lunches
Served weekly at 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
Tracy Brown, coordinator
212 Ferry Road, Charlotte
802-425-6345
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