Plants, dogs, artificial intelligence among May offerings

This May, the Charlotte Senior Center is buzzing with a wide range of programs. Save the date for the much-loved annual plant sale fundraiser for a gardening fix not to be missed.

Charlotte resident Brandon Tieso will be offering an introduction to artificial intelligence, and plan to explore dog behavior with trainer Deb Helfrich.

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 and perennials and miscellaneous garden pots and tools. If you’re dividing perennials in your garden, pot (and label) 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! Downsizing? Gardening tools and other gardening items are gladly accepted. Questions? Email Polly Price.

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.

Women’s kayak trips planning meeting
Friday, May 16, 11 a.m.-noon
It is time to plan the kayak trip season. If you are interested in leading, co-leading or finding out more about becoming a trip leader, please contact Susan Hyde.

Memory Café
Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m.-noon
Join the first Memory Café 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 Cafés will be held monthly at the senior center on the third Saturday. This program is provided in partnership with Age Well and the Charlotte Library. Free. To register, call 802-425-6345 or contact Susan Cartwright for more information.

Gentle walk & hiking group
Thursday, May 22, 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 walks. Meet at 9 a.m. in the foyer of the Charlotte Senior Center. Free. Registration required. Questions? Contact Penny Burman at 916-753-7279.

Getting to Know “AI”
Thursday, May 22, 1-2:30 p.m.
What is AI, really? Should we be using it — or avoiding it? Join Brandon Tieso for this 90-minute session that is a relaxed, live walkthrough of what AI can do for you in the real world. You’ll see examples, ask questions and learn how it can help with everyday tasks like planning, writing and staying safe online. Bring: laptop computer (optional) and ChatGPT free account (optional). Free. Registration is required as space is limited. To register, call 802-425-6345.

Death café
Wednesday, May 28, 2:30-4 p.m.
Gather on the fourth Wednesday of each month to come together in fellowship, celebrating life through open conversations about death and dying. While these discussions can be difficult, sharing thoughts, questions and stories heart-to-heart helps us build a strong sense of community and fosters a unique joy that enriches our lives. We look forward to walking this journey together and growing our community. Have questions? Reach out. Free. Registration required by calling 802-425-6345.

Woof! What’s the dog saying?
Friday, May 30, 12:30-2 p.m.
Join Deb Helfrich from Gold Star Dog Training for this presentation on understanding dog communication. Is a yawn always just a yawn? Why does a dog shake off when it’s not wet? Why is a growl a good thing? Is a tail wag always friendly? This popular dog communication and safety lecture is a multimedia extravaganza of fun where the audience gets to test their “dog-reading” skills. We’ll demystify dog communication, reveal common dog-human misunderstandings and explore how we can all live safely and happily together. This lecture is for humans only — our furry friends will need to sit this one out. 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.

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.

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 nonjudgemental 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.

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
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