Thyleen Tenney new assistant director of senior center

Lori York and the senior center board welcome Charlotte resident Thyleen Tenney as the new part-time assistant director at the Charlotte Senior Center. Tenney brings a strong background in database management and administrative support to the role and will officially begin on July 1.

This month’s programming includes a spiritual workshop on overcoming negative thought patterns, a lively musical performance by Peter and Helen Rosenblum of Hinesburg featuring hits from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, a new art exhibit, American-style mahjong and a free pop-up Let Your Yoga Dance class.

July art exhibit
The senior center art exhibit this month includes works by John Peckam and Nikolas Kotovich.

John Peckham’s striking bird photography captures avian life in its natural habitat, inspired by a lifelong passion for wildlife and a background in conservation biology.

Nikolas Kotovich’s watercolor and acrylic paintings blend natural history illustration with contemporary techniques, reflecting his dual love of art and science.

Programs

Alzheimer’s caregivers support group
Wednesday, July 9, 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. For more information email Louise Fairbank.

Awaken Into Reality workshop
Wednesdays, July 9-30, 10-11:30 a.m.
Join this transformative four-week workshop with Jim Koehneke, former life coach and now spiritual director, to overcome negative programming. Koehneke will guide you to free yourself from mental anguish to unleash greater joy. Free yourself from the conditioned programming that runs your life. Questions? Call 802-495-5960. Cost: $55 for the four-week workshop. Supply fee $10 paid directly to the instructor. Registration and payment required by Monday, July 7.

Memory Café
Saturday, July 19, 11-noon.
The Memory Cafe meets monthly on the third Saturday at the Charlotte Senior Center. This free event provides a welcoming and supportive space for individuals living with memory loss, along with their caregivers or loved ones. Enjoy a fun activity, connect with others and find meaningful support. This program is offered in partnership with Age Well and the Charlotte Library. Free. Registration is appreciated, but not required. Questions? Email Susan Cartwright. The Memory Café will take a break for August and will resume in September.
Music from the 50s, 60s & 70s

Friday, July 25, 2 p.m.
Join Peter and Helen Rosemblum, a popular duo from Hinesburg, as they sing and strum from their large playlist of music that includes folk songs, romantic ballads, blues and rock. To register, call 802-425-6345. Free. Registration appreciated.

Photo discussion group
Sunday, July 13, 2-3:30 p.m.
Join a 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. For questions or more information, email Emily Cross.

French conversation
Mondays, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Parlez-vous français? We are an intermediate group of French speakers who meet weekly for French conversation. As the group grows, there may be opportunities to split according to skill levels. Questions? Email Roberta Whitmore.

German conversation
Tuesdays, 3-4 p.m.
Möchtest du dein Deutsch üben? Come join this group to meet other German speakers and practice your German. No agenda, just a casual conversation. All experience levels are welcome. Questions? Contact Dan York.

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 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. Free.

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.

Exercise

Let Your Yoga Dance pop-up
Tuesday July 22, 11 a.m.-noon
Join us for this free pop-up of Let Your Yoga Dance with Heather Preis. This class 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.” Free. No registration required.

Tai Chi-Yang Style Short Form
Thursdays, 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
Join Eliza Hammer for a Tai Chi class featuring the Yang International Short Form, the most popular style of Tai Chi practice. This form involves slow, continuous, soft circular movements coordinated with breathing. Regular practice helps improve balance, mental clarity, flexibility, stability, coordination and overall health. Practicing in a group setting is both uplifting and energizing. Eliza, a certified instructor, has studied with the founder of the Tai Chi for Arthritis Association. Please note that this class is not for beginners. If you have questions about whether this class is appropriate for your skill level, you are welcome to observe a class or reach out. Cost: $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.

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
Thyleen Tenney, assistant director
212 Ferry Road, Charlotte
802-425-6345