Learn how to cook great meals for one with Harbor Village chef

This June, enjoy a variety of programs at the senior center. Join a chef from Harbor Village for Healthy Cooking for One and learn how to prepare simple, delicious meals designed for one person. Take a stroll through The Hidden Garden, a self-paced tour of the private gardens in Hinesburg, learn pickleball or join the women’s kayak trips and explore local lakes and rivers of Vermont.

Beginning this month, American-style mahjong will be offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Shanghai mahjong and the American-style mahjong groups welcome both beginner and experienced players.

June art exhibit
This senior center art exhibit this month is On the Trail, A Collection of Photographs by Jeffrey Trubisz. Over the last 40 years, Trubisz has trekked, scrambled and hiked hundreds of trails up mountains, through forests, into canyons and along beaches. As a photographer, his desire is to immerse in the natural world, not just see it, but connect with its deeper spirit or essence.

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.

Healthy Cooking For One
Friday, June 6, 12-2 p.m.
Join Chef Shaun from Harbor Village Senior Communities for a fun and informative healthy cooking class designed just for one. Learn simple, nutritious recipes perfect for solo dining with tips on portioning, freshness and flavor. Free. Registration required as space is limited.

The hidden garden
Tuesday, June 10, 12-4 p.m.
Discover the beauty and tranquility of The Hidden Garden, a self-guided tour through Peter McNaull’s stunning 26-acre property located at 693 Lewis Creek Road in Hinesburg. Wander at your own pace through thoughtfully designed landscapes, meadows, forest trails and artistic garden spaces that reflect a deep connection to nature and creativity. Come explore one of Vermont’s most inspiring private gardens. If you need assistance walking between the upper and lower gardens, Peter has a golf cart available to help assist with getting around. For a glimpse of these magnificent gardens, check out aerial drone footage of this privately owned garden on YouTube. Free. No registration required.

Games

American-style mahjong
Tuesdays, 12:45-3:45 p.m. & Wednesdays, starting June 11, 6 p.m.
Enjoy American mahjong in a welcoming social setting, with opportunities to play twice each week. Beginners and experienced players alike are encouraged to join. Free. A great time to join the fun and get to know other players. Register for your first visit to Tuesday sessions in order to be included in the group texts. Email Suzanne Slesar at [email protected]. Jane Krasnow, an experienced player, will be there to teach newcomers and guide play on Wednesdays. Open to all skill levels. Email Jane.

Shanghai mahjong
Tuesdays, 12:45-3:45 p.m.
Join an informal mahjong gathering, open to all levels of experience. Whether you’re new to Shanghai style or a seasoned player, you’re welcome to join the group for casual play and fun conversation. Questions? Email Nan Mason.

Backgammon
Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m.
Backgammon is a tactical table game with a 5,000-year history. We welcome players at all levels. Free. To register, email.

Bridge
Mondays, 12:30-4 p.m.
We play an intermediate level of duplicate bridge using the basic American Contract Bridge League conventions. Names are drawn for partners, and friendly games ensue. Those unfamiliar with duplicate bridge are welcome and paired with an experienced player to help for a few weeks of open dialogue training. We are always looking for new players who have basic bridge knowledge. Free. No registration required.

Outdoors

Pickleball for seniors
Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m.-noon
If you’re curious about pickleball, come to the Charlotte Town Beach pickleball courts on June 7. The rain date is June 14. Pickleball allows you to work on your balance, agility, reflexes and hand-eye coordination without putting excessive strain on your body. It’s a wonderful alternative for older players who used to play tennis, but have physical limitations like hip, shoulder, knee or other joint problems. Bring folding chairs to watch how pickleball is played. Afterward, there will be the opportunity to try out pickleball. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers. Paddles will be provided. Questions? Call or text 802-425-4567 or text 802-338-7909. Free. Heads-up: There is a parking fee at Charlotte Beach. No registration required.

Women’s kayak trips
Second & fourth Friday mornings
Join a community of active women who enjoy exploring local lakes, ponds and rivers by kayak. Trips are planned based on water and weather conditions and are subject to change. To express interest, email Susan Hyde to be added to the master list of paddlers. Details for each trip will be sent via email the week prior to the outing. Free. Registration required.

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, 3-3:45 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.

Meals
Menus are posted on the website.

Men’s breakfast
Friday, June 13, 7 a.m.
On the second Friday of every month, the men come together for a morning of breakfast and fellowship. This month, Heather Moore, director of the Shelburne Craft School, along with staff member Jonathan Silverman of Charlotte will talk about the school’s mission, programs and a new partnership with colleagues in a sister community in Japan. For those interested, there will be an opportunity to visit the Shelburne Craft School following the breakfast presentation. Registration required by emailing Lane Morrison no later than Tuesday, June 10. Suggested donation: $6.

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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