Charlotte Senior Center Happenings
by Mary Recchia, Activities Coordinator

There are new sessions of Yoga, Tai Chi and The Feldenkrais Method that begin in December. Not sure which class would be right for you? Come try one out before you decide or join in at any time. What a great holiday gift to yourself or for that special someone on your list!
Nick Monsarrat and Anne Galloway will present a workshop on New Media and Citizen Journalism Friday morning from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on December 4. Come hear two former, long-time Vermont newspaper editors discuss the changing nature of the news industry in Vermont and detail the role of citizen journalists in this new era of Internet-based news gathering and commentary. As newspapers everywhere lose staff to difficult financial times and more news inevitably goes uncovered, current and former journalists around the country are now exploring exciting ways to involve trained citizen journalists in community-based aspects of newsgathering via non-profit news organizations. Hear how citizens themselves are now starting to play important new roles in helping shape the content and focus of news content over Internet news sites. Registration required. No fee.
The center is pleased to host the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, December 17, from 2 to 7 p.m. The comfortable atmosphere and great snacks make giving the “Gift of Life” at this site most pleasurable.
The Gentleman’s Eatery continues on December 17 at 7:30 a.m. Whether you’re single, want to upgrade your skills or maybe never thought you’d need to learn to cook, here’s a chance to experience the joys and practicalities of cooking while having fun at the same time! From planning a meal to following a recipe, we are going to do our own thing, have fun, and yes, you CAN do this. Each class will culminate with a sit-down breakfast that you help create and plenty of time for sharing conversation. Registration required. Suggested donation: $5.
Enjoy a cup of hot cider and celebrate the season by making a fresh arrangement for the holiday table with Charlotte Albers on Friday morning, December 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Create A Winter Centerpiece using aromatic greens and cuttings, including wine-red dogwood stems, yellow dogwood, winterberry, evergreen holly, rhododendron and fragrant boxwood. Bring a container of your choice (one that holds water), a pair of pruners and an apron or smock. Feel free to bring something from your own garden to use or contribute. Charlotte will bring in cuttings from her gardens and demonstrate techniques as well as provide information about favorite plants to consider when designing beds and borders for winter interest. Registration required. Fee: $15.
Senior Luncheons are held every Wednesday at noon. Reservations are necessary in advance and can be made by calling the Senior Center at 425-6345. A $4 donation is requested.
Those who do not wish to share lunch with us are welcome to drop in around 1 p.m. to enjoy the After Lunch Offerings:
12/9: CVU Madrigal Singers
The Madrigals return to share the fruits of this fall’s work together. The 14 singers have been rehearsing since September and bring a repertoire filled with the joys of the season and welcome the opportunity to be among friends, sharing the gift of song.
12/16: Poems of the Season with Jim Lovejoy
“Celebrating the Season” will be the theme of this Poem in Your Pocket gathering. Bring along a favorite poem you have written, a book of poetry you enjoy or a literary journal that rekindles the spirit of the season and join Jim for another wonderful afternoon of poetry reading.