Visit Manitoba, share magic, buy plants and more in May

This month, Charlotte resident Bill Fraser-Harris will share highlights about his recent trip to Manitoba observing polar bears in their natural habitat.

The senior center will also host Magicians without Borders for a magic presentation and performance. And don’t forget the annual Senior Center Plant Sale fundraiser on May 24. Bring a friend, enjoy the community spirit and get inspired for spring gardening.

Senior center plant sale
Saturday, May 24, 9 a.m.-noon
The senior center’s annual plant sale will be rain or shine. Stop by for well-priced annuals, perennials and miscellaneous garden pots and tools. If you’re dividing perennials in your garden, consider potting and labeling a few to donate to the sale. Drop off plants at the center any time between Friday, May 16, and Wednesday, May 21. Extra veggies and annual seedlings are welcome, too. Need help digging? Please call 802-425-6345 and leave your name, address and phone number. We’ll call to arrange a time to dig your plants. We’ll be digging plants through May 21. Downsizing? Gardening tools and other gardening items are gladly accepted. Questions: Polly Price.

Programs

Manitoba talk
Thursday, May 1, 1 p.m.
Join Charlotte resident Bill Fraser- Harris for his Polar Bears, First Nations & Tourists — A Juxtaposition, a presentation about his experiences exploring the stunning landscapes, encountering polar bears and learning about the culture of the First Nations. This presentation highlights the contrasts and connections between wildlife, Indigenous communities and tourism, giving an insight into the diverse facets of Manitoba’s beauty and heritage. Free. Registration is appreciated but not required.

Mahjong
Tuesdays, 12:45-3:45 p.m.
Join an informal mahjong gathering, open to all levels of experience. Free. No registration required. If you’re interested in Shanghai mahjong, whether you’re new to it or a seasoned player, you’re welcome to join the group for casual play and fun conversation. Questions? Contact Nan Mason. If you are interested in American mahjong, a few players are looking to start up some games. Feel free to stop by during this time and get a table going.

Kirtan
Friday, May 9, 5-6:30 p.m.
Sing to celebrate the return of spring and mothers everywhere. Join Charlie Nardozzi and Heidi Kvasnak for a spring kirtan on May 9. Kirtans are heart-centered practices where participants sing ancient yogic chants or songs that are simple and repetitive with the intention of creating a meditative space and feeling of connection to yourself and others. Everyone is encouraged to join in to sing in unison or in call and response. If you prefer to listen, you’ll still experience the peaceful benefits of coming together in community and taking in this beautiful ancient practice. Chant sheets will be available, and there will be time between the chants for short, quiet meditation and a longer one at the end. Suggested donation $5-$15. Registration appreciated but not required. To register, call 802-425-6345.

Magic presentation & performance
Wednesday, May 14, 2:45-3:45 p.m.
Tom Verner and Janet Fredericks, founders of the international award-winning organization Magicians Without Borders, have travelled to 47 war-torn countries and entertained millions of refugees and orphan children. They have traveled five times to Ukraine since the war. They will speak about their work, and with a few of their young sorcerer apprentices, they will perform some marvelous magic. Come and be delighted. Free. Registration is appreciated but not required. To register, call 802-425-6345.

Alzheimer’s caregivers support group
Wednesday, May 14, 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.

Friendship gathering
Thursday, May 15, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
The friendship gathering meets every third Thursday of the month, providing a welcoming space for seniors to make new connections and build lasting friendships. Enjoy light refreshments, engaging conversation and plenty of opportunities to mingle. To help us plan accordingly, please RSVP by calling 802-425-6345. Free. Registration required.

Memory café
Saturday, May 17, 11-noon.
Join us for the 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.

Art

May art exhibit
This month’s art exhibit at the senior center is For the Love of Nature. It features art by Ann Sage, inspired by the beauty of the natural world. Her original works are primarily in oil and acrylic. From tranquil landscapes to delicate floral studies and glass still lifes, each piece celebrates the seasons and the wonder found in nature’s details. An artist reception will be held Thursday, May 8, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Photo discussion group
Sunday, May 4, 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.

Warm-weather watercolor
Tuesdays, May 13, 20 & 27, 9 a.m.-noon
Join artist Lynn Cummings to explore the vibrant beauty of Vermont during its most picturesque season. Dive into a creative and supportive environment where you’ll enhance your watercolor techniques and boost your artistic confidence. In addition to traditional watercolor, you’ll experiment with pen, pencil and ink sketches, along with other exciting watercolor methods. Be sure to provide your email address and register by Tuesday, May 6, to receive the supply list in plenty of time. To register, call 802-425-6345. Cost: $125.

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.

Qigong and stretching
Tuesdays, 3:00-3:45 p.m.
Join Levi Sanders for a qigong and stretching class for seniors, designed to improve flexibility, balance and relaxation. Through gentle movements, deep breathing and simple stretches, you’ll boost energy, reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. This class offers a safe, mindful practice to help you feel more connected to your body and promote a calm, refreshed mind. Free. 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 nonjudgmental acceptance. This class is appropriate for all levels of fitness and abilities. Cost: $10 a class. No 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 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.