Charlotte Senior center has the cure for cabin fever
Feeling a bit of cabin fever these days now that winter weather has arrived? Looking for some inspiration for travel?
Experience Italy from the senior center with a presentation about Tuscany, including images of Rome, Siena and Spoleto, Montecatini and Montalcino.
Susan Cartwright volunteers weekly as a host welcoming visitors to the senior center and helping with registrations. There are many volunteer roles at the senior center.
Or how about some outdoor activities to embrace March with a snowshoeing or birding trip? There are also plenty of opportunities for some inside activities whether it be listening to a cello performance or attending an exercise or art class.
The senior center offers programming for adults 50 and older from Charlotte and surrounding communities. Priority is given to seniors, but programming is 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 programming for the upcoming week.
Programs
An Italian Odyssey
Wednesday, March 15, 1 p.m.
Nicole Librandi will show images of her recent week-long odyssey in Tuscany, including some “must-see” names: Rome, Siena and Spoleto, as well as wine and olive oil destinations like Montecatini and Montalcino. Her travel was built around the fascinating history of La Foce, the centuries-old Origo family estate connected to the likes of Bernard Berensen and Frederick Law Olmstead, renowned in the worlds of art and architecture. On this Italian odyssey, Librandi delved into Etruscan history, hunted for truffles and discovered unexpected pleasures and treasures. No registration required. Cost: Free.
Snowshoe expedition
Wednesday, March 15, 10:30 a.m.
Let’s snowshoe. Weather permitting, the group will meet for a snowshoe adventure. The outing will be approximately two hours with a location to be determined on trails around Charlotte or a neighboring town. Bring your own equipment, snacks and water. Registration is required. To register, contact Susan Hyde. Cost: Free.
Birding expedition
Wednesday, March 15, 9 a.m.
There are a wide range of birding habitats in Chittenden County. Join avid bird watcher, Hank Kaestner and learn to identify the various bird species and habitats right here in Vermont. Registration required and group size is limited. To register for this trip, create an account on the Charlotte Senior Center website under the Registration tab and follow the instructions for registering. Cost: Free.
Solo Cello Performance
Wednesday, March 22, 1-1:45 p.m.
Jonah Hutchin is a premier young adult performing cellist of Charlotte, Vermont. Join us for this solo cello performance at the Senior Center. You can listen to his music here. Cost: Free. No registration required.
Exercise & health
Chair yoga with accessible poses
Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
The gentle chair exercises work on strength, balance and flexibility with accessible yoga poses. The class uses chairs for balance and includes gentle yoga poses, making exercise accessible to those who are challenged by balance, the ability to get on the floor or any physical limitations. The exercises are specifically for individuals who need additional support or who are recovering from a recent surgery. Cost: $10 a class. No registration required.
Meditation (new start date)
Tuesdays, March 21-April 11, 5-6 p.m.
Spring is in the air and it’s time to clean out old habits and start some new, healthy ones. Join Charlie Nardozzi and meditate. Meditation is an easy-to-learn practice that has been proven to reduce anxiety, stress, pain and depression. This five-part series will explore breathing techniques, chants and guided visualizations to lead into meditation. Learn ways to deal with an unruly mind, difficult relations and personal stress by applying meditation philosophy. No experience necessary. Cost: $40 for the four-week session. Pre-registration and payment due by March 14.
Pilates Fitness
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
This pilates class is designed to be challenging and safe. It includes upper-body strength work with hand weights and mat exercises. The students will work core muscles to improve balance, strength and posture. Cost: $8 a class. No registration required.
T’ai Chi Ch’uan for beginners
Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.
T’ai Chi is an excellent balance, memory and coordination practice. The flowing movements and postures will increase flexibility, improve balance and strengthen core muscles. Cultivate a deeper sense of relaxation, gain an increased energy level and experience a sense of confidence. Cost: $8 a class. No registration required.
Art and language
Wendy Bratt prepares her canvas.
“Still Life – Matisse inspired”
Friday, March 17, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Unlike traditional paint & sips, this Matisse-inspired “coffee & canvas” will allow you to explore and create your own unique painting. But don’t worry — there will be plenty of inspiration. No prior painting experience needed. Cost is $25 (all materials included). Register by March 14.
Knit & Crochet for a Cause
Thursdays, 2-3 p.m.
This new group will meet weekly to work on projects that will be donated to local organizations in the community, to include COTS, Lund and UVM Oncology. Bring a skein of yarn and needles or hook and let’s stitch Patterns will be available, but feel free to bring your own project to work on. All skill levels are welcome. Registrations appreciated, but not required.
Italian- Beginner II
Fridays, 10-11 a.m., April 7-May 23 (no class May 12)
Interested in learning Italian? This class is for those who have a beginner level of Italian and is a continuation of the Italian for Total Beginners class. Join us to explore the beauty of the Italian language and culture. If you have questions about whether this class would be appropriate for your specific skill level, please reach out to Nicole Librandi. Cost: $60 for the six-week session. Register by March 31.
Watercolor spring fling
Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-noon, April 4-25
Students will be painting spring-themed subjects in this fun four-week class. Beginners and intermediates are welcome. Cost: $160 for the four weeks. Register by March 28.
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.
Weekly Age Well Grab & Go meals
Pick up on Thursdays 10-11a.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center. Registration is required by Monday for the Thursday meal. $5 suggested meal donation but not required. To register, contact Carol Pepin at 802-425-6345 or by email.
Senior Center contact info
Lori York, director
Kerrie Pughe, coordinator
212 Ferry Road, Charlotte
802-425-6345
Website
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