Variety is the spice of August life at the senior center

August at the Charlotte Senior Center includes a vibrant mix of programming.

This month’s art exhibit highlights the diverse talents of the Friday Arts Group which is composed of local artists whose work includes watercolors, acrylics, oils, photography and assemblages.

The variety of opportunities includes live music with Peter and Helen Rosenblum, the popular duo from Hinesburg; a healthy cooking class; and different language groups.

There are also a wide range of board and card games, creative groups and exercise activities. Whether you’re interested in kayaking, mahjong or learning how to cook for one, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Programs

Music from the 50s, 60s & 70s
Friday, July 25, 2 p.m.
Join Peter and Helen Rosenblum, the 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, Aug. 10, 2-4 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.

Healthy cooking for one
Friday, Aug. 15, 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 by calling 802-425-6345. Space is limited.

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. Jane Krasnow, an experienced player, will be there to teach newcomers and guide play on Wednesdays. Open to all skill levels. Email.

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

Women’s kayak trips
Second & fourth Friday mornings
Join a community of active women who enjoy exploring our 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.

Gentle walk-hike
Thursdays, July 24, 9 a.m.
Enjoy the beauty of nature. Come walk at a gentle pace with other seniors. The group will meet the fourth Thursday of the 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. Questions? Contact Penny Burman at 916-753-7279. Free. Registration required.

Let Your Yoga Dance pop-up
Tuesday Aug. 19, 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, 9:45-10:45 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 Dr. Lam, 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 warmly welcome to observe a class or reach out to Eliza Hammer. $10 per class. No registration required.

Bone Builders
Mondays & Tuesdays, 9:45-10:45 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
charlotteseniorcentervt.org