Winter good time to try something new or volunteering

Winter is the perfect time to try something new, whether it’s joining an exercise class or exploring a creative pursuit. The senior center offers a variety of ways to connect, from attending Monday lunch to enjoying a friendly game of cards or board games.

Photo by Lori York.
Jeanne Foerster, from Ferrisburgh, volunteers regularly at the Charlotte Senior Center, greeting participants as the reception area host.
Photo by Lori York. Jeanne Foerster, from Ferrisburgh, volunteers regularly at the Charlotte Senior Center, greeting participants as the reception area host.

Another wonderful way to build community is by volunteering. With opportunities ranging from hosting and assisting the cooking teams to leading programs, there’s a place for everyone to get involved. Consider giving your time at the senior center; volunteering makes a difference.

Programs

CVSD budget discussion
Friday, Feb. 7, 12-1 p.m.
We invite all community members to listen, learn and share thoughts and concerns about the Champlain Valley School District and its budget. As a group of families dedicated to the success of the school district, we are here to listen, learn and take meaningful action. Your input is essential to shaping a strong future for our schools. Special guests include Champlain Valley School District Board Chair Meghan Metzler and Representative Chea Evans.

February art exhibit
The February art exhibit will feature a diverse collection of works from several artists from the Wake Robin community, showcasing a variety of artistic mediums.

Acrylic collage
Saturdays, Feb. 8 & 15, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
In this class, we’ll explore the art of creating unique, multi-layered papers using Gelli plates, acrylic paints, stencils and various texture-making tools. These one-of-a-kind papers will then serve as the foundation for crafting custom collages in the following session, which you can personalize with additional embellishments if desired. The papers can also be repurposed to create Valentines or other greeting cards. Cost: $105. Please register by February 4 to allow time for gathering the necessary materials. A supply list will be provided upon registration. Some materials will be supplied by the instructor, while others will need to be purchased by participants. To register, call 802-425-6345.

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. Come play various games, share laughter and enjoy one another’s company. Some games are available, but also feel free to bring your own games. Free. No registration required.

Flower arranging
Monday, Feb. 10, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Discover the art of flower arranging with Diane Boucher in this hands-on, one-hour class. You’ll learn essential techniques and tips for creating stunning arrangements using seasonal flowers provided by Trader Joe’s. Depending on availability, you may even have the chance to take home multiple beautiful arrangements. Please bring your own vases and let your creativity bloom. Cost: $25. Registration and payment required by Friday, Feb. 7, by calling 802-425-6345.

Italian for beginners
Fridays, Feb. 14-28, March 21 & 28 & April 4, 10-11 a.m.
Are you interested in beginning your study of Italian? This class is for those who want to start with the basics. We’ll explore the beauty of the Italian language and culture through conversation, reading, writing, singing and humor. For questions about whether this class is the correct level, contact Nicole Librandi. Cost: $60. Registration and payment required by Monday, Feb. 10.

Photo discussion group
Sunday, Feb. 9, 2-4 p.m.
Join us for our monthly photo discussion group, where photographers of all skill levels are welcome to share their work, ideas and experiences. Bring a photo and a story to share with the group. This is a great chance to engage in creative dialogue, get feedback and explore the impact of your images in a supportive and collaborative environment. For questions or more information, please contact Emily Cross. Cost: by donation. No registration required.

Craft night
Thursday, Feb. 6, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Join students from the Champlain Valley Union High service club for fun and creative crafts on Feb. 6 at the Charlotte Senior Center from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Whether you’re into making paper snowflakes, crafting valentines or joining Gail Martin as she teaches how to fold origami hearts and tea bag holders, there’s something for everyone. Service club students will guide you through each project. Come enjoy an evening of crafting, conversation and creativity — perfect for celebrating the season. All materials provided. Free. Registration is required.

Shanghai mahjong
Tuesdays, 12:45-3:45 p.m.
New 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.

Snowy winter landscape
Thursday, Jan. 30, 12:30-2 p.m.
Bring a friend and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sipping coffee and painting with acrylic paints on canvas. Unlike traditional paint & sips, this “coffee & canvas” will allow you to explore and create your own unique painting. But don’t worry — there will be plenty of inspiration from paintings of landscapes with lots of instruction. No prior painting experience needed. All materials included. Cost: $30. Registration at 802-425-6345 required by Jan. 23.

Watercolor
Tuesdays, Feb. 11, 18 & 25, 9 a.m.-noon
In this watercolor class, we’ll explore techniques such as painting whites, understanding the importance of negative space and shadows and how to use strong composition in both winter landscapes and still life. Engaging exercises will make learning these concepts fun and accessible, all in a supportive and upbeat atmosphere. Cost: $125. Please register by February 4 to allow time to gather the necessary supplies. To register, call 802-425-6345.

Exercise

Yoga dance
Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Let Your Yoga Dance incorporates basic dance-like movements to music, guided by the body’s energy system (chakras). It is a safe, compassionate, gentle movement practice, allowing for individual expression and nonjudgemental acceptance. This class is appropriate for all levels of fitness and abilities. Everyone can “let their yoga dance.” Cost: $10 a class. No registration required. A free introductory class will be held 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24, for those interested in finding out more.

The volunteer dishwashers enthusiastically pitch in to clean up after the popular Monday Munch.
The volunteer dishwashers enthusiastically pitch in to clean up after the popular Monday Munch.

Tai chi
Thursdays, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
The Yang international short form is the most popular form of tai chi practice. It consists of slow continuous soft circular movements which are coordinated with breathing. Regular practice helps to improve balance, mind-body connection, mental awareness, flexibility, stability, coordination and overall health. When practiced in the company of others, it is both uplifting and energizing. Taught by a certified instructor who has studied with the founder of the Tai Chi for Arthritis Association. Email questions. $10 a class. No registration required.

Bone Builders
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.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, but there is paperwork to complete for the RSVP Bone Builders program.

Pilates fitness
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Join Phyllis Bartling in this pilates class, geared to folks 55+. This class is challenging and includes upper-body strength work with hand weights and mat exercises while working on core muscles to improve balance, strength and posture. $10 a class. No registration required.

Yoga strength-building practice
Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-noon
Heidi Kvasnak leads an integrative practice that builds strength and stability while maintaining a sense of ease and spaciousness in both body and mind. The group 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. $10 a class. No 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.

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. 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
Website

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Bill Regan, Chair, Board of Directors