Memory, lifetime planning programs featured this month

Don’t forget the memory café this Saturday, April 19, the lifetime planning expo with information on financial and senior care planning Tuesday, April 29, or the variety of other programs the Charlotte Senior Center is offering this spring.

As always, the senior center is holding programs focusing on health, art and building community.

Programs

It’s Easter & it’s chilly
Thursday, April 17, 1 p.m.
Join Hank Kaestner for a captivating presentation on his journey to Easter Island and the stunning Lake District of Chile. He’s got great photos and naturally many of them are of birds he saw as he added to his birding life list. Don’t miss this exploration of two incredible destinations. Free. To register, call 802-425-6345.

Memory cafe
Saturday, April 19, 11 a.m.-noon
Join us for the first Memory Cafe at the Charlotte Senior Center. This free event offers a supportive and social environment for individuals living with memory loss, along with their caregivers or loved ones. Engage in a fun activity, connect with others and find support. Memory cafes will be held monthly at the senior center on the third Saturday. Free. To register, call 802-425-6345 or contact Susan Cartwright for more information.

Shape-note singing
Sunday, April 27, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Traditional a capella, four-part harmony sung for the joy of singing, not as a practice for performance. Search “sacred harp” on YouTube for examples, then come and sing. Introduction to shape notes and scales is recommended and offered 30 minutes before each fourth Sunday singing. The first hour will be sacred harp singing and the second hour will be singing from an alternate shape-note book. Books will be provided. Free. For questions or to schedule your introduction to shape-notes and scales, please contact Kerry Cullinan.

VT Lifetime Planning Expo
Tuesday, April 29, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Come to the VT Lifetime Planning Expo: From Financial Foundations to Senior Care Solutions for an informative event covering everything from navigating your financial future to estate planning, health care, real estate, philanthropy and senior care solutions. Learn from experts in the field and connect with others who are on a similar journey. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights and plan for a secure future. Free. 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. Join us as we play various games, share laughter and enjoy one another’s company. We have some games available but also feel free to bring your own games. Free.

Alzheimer’s caregivers support group
Wednesday, May 7, 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 from 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. Free. No registration required. For more information email.

Art

Creative expressions by local educators
The work of local art teachers is on display throughout April. This informal group was formed to encourage one another in pursuing creative passions and producing original artwork.

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.

Fiber arts group
Thursdays, 9:15 a.m.-noon
The fiber arts group is a warm and welcoming space to share your passion for handwork. Bring your rug hooking, knitting or any other fiber project and enjoy working alongside others in a friendly, creative environment. By donation. No registration required. Questions.

Photo discussion group
Sunday, April 6, 2-4 p.m.
Join the 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. By donation. No registration required. For questions or more information, contact Emily Cross.

Exercise

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.

Chair yoga
Tuesdays, April 8-22, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Join Lynn Alpeter, former co-owner of Yoga Roots and yoga teacher, for a gentle and accessible chair yoga class designed to help you connect with your breath, move your body and lift your mood. Whether you’re new to yoga or looking for a more supportive practice, this class is perfect for anyone seeking to increase flexibility, balance and relaxation. Using a chair for support, we’ll explore mindful movement and simple stretches that can be easily adapted for all levels. Leave feeling uplifted, energized and centered. All are welcome! $30 for the three-week series. Registration and payment required by April 4. To register, call 802-425-6345.

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.

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. Cost: $10 a class. No registration required.

Gentle walking/hiking group
Thursday, April 24, 9 a.m.
Enjoy the beauty of Nature. Come walk at a gentle pace with other seniors. The group will meet each month for a congenial non-strenuous walk. Location to be determined based on conditions of the local trails. Meet at 9 a.m. in the foyer of the Charlotte Senior Center. Questions? Contact Penny Burman at 916-753-7279. Free. Registration required.

Meals
Menus are posted on the website: charlotteseniorcentervt.org.

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. 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