Lots of engaging and supportive programs for seniors

The Charlotte Senior Center is committed to enhancing the lives of older adults by offering a wide range of engaging and supportive programs.

Whether participants are seeking guidance and community through the Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, exploring meaningful topics such as natural burials through documentary screenings or gaining valuable insights into essential services like Medicare through informative presentations, there is something for everyone.

The center also provides creative outlets through art programs, opportunities for physical activity with exercise classes and a chance to connect during the weekly Monday lunch.

Programs

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group
Wednesday, March 12, 3-4 p.m.
Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer’s? Do you know someone who is? Please join us for our monthly Caregivers Support Group on the second Wednesday of each month 3-4 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. Please note the earlier time during the winter months. For additional information please contact Louise Fairbank. Free. No registration required.

‘From Earth to Earth: A Documentary on Natural Burials’
Thursday, March 13, 1 p.m.
Join us for a presentation of an award-winning documentary on natural burials, “From Earth to Earth: The Lost Art of Dying in America.” This 20-minute documentary describes the reemergence of natural burial as an eco-friendly alternative to current funeral practices and cremation through personal stories of some of its major proponents that led to the (re)legalization of natural burial and the founding of the first cemetery devoted entirely to natural burial in Vermont and from people who have experienced the ways that natural burial can help with the grief of the death of loved ones and bring comfort to those facing their own deaths. The documentary will be followed by a question-and-answer session and time for personal discussions. Free. Registration suggested at 802-425-6345.

Understanding Medicare
Wednesday, March 19, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
This informative session will help you navigate the complexities of Medicare and empower you to make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage. Topics include: How Medicare works, how to avoid future Medicare penalties, what Medicare will cost in 2025, assistance available for low-income individuals and how to cover costs that Medicare doesn’t pay. Join for a clear, concise overview of Medicare and the support options available to help you make the best choices for your healthcare needs. Free. Registration suggested at 802-425-6345.

Art

February 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.

Ceramic mug workshop
Thursday, March 6, 1-2:30 p.m.
Learn the art of creating a slab ceramic mug in this hands-on workshop. In this hour-and-a-half class with potter Judy Devitt, you will construct a pottery mug using the slab method of hand building. You will cut your slab from a template, add texture by rolling fabric or lace into your clay. Then, adding the three pieces: handle, base and body of clay together, forming a mug. The mugs will be left to be fired and glazed, returned to the senior center in about three weeks. Cost: $20 plus a $10 supply fee. Registration and payment required by Monday, March 3. To register, call 802-425-6345.

Creative arts & crafts group
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon
Come create, experiment, share ideas, encourage others and have fun with the Creative Arts & Crafts group on Wednesday mornings! Bring whatever creative endeavor you’re working on, enjoy doing, or thinking about trying out—painting, drawing, writing, scrapbooking, coloring, origami, cardmaking, knitting—the opportunities are limitless. Free. No registration required. For questions, email Katie Franko.

Photo discussion group
Sunday, March 9, 2-4 p.m.
Join us for our monthly photo discussion group where photographers of all skill levels 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 environment. For questions or more information, contact Emily Cross. By donation. No registration required.

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.

Tai chi
Thursdays, 9:45 a.m.-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. $10 a class. No registration required.

Bone Builders
Mondays, 9:45-10:45 a.m., Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m., & Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30 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

Follow the senior center on Facebook or Instagram.