February 25, 2010
by Mary Recchia, Activities Coordinator

Please look for the new Spring Program of activities at the Senior Center as an insert in this issue of The Charlotte News. A few highlights for March are listed below.

Join Katey Gordon on Tuesday morning, March 9, at 10 a.m. for a very special presentation entitled We Can do Better By One Another. Katey has taught Global Environmental Policy, Green Political Theory and Environmental Ethics, worked on Al Gore’s Climate Project as a presenter and will speak about the Climate Project and the implications of climate change for Vermont as well as bring us the latest science and information collected since September. Katey, who currently lives in Burlington, is a business owner, freelance writer, outdoor enthusiast and a passionately engaged citizen who believes we all have an inherent responsibility as Citizens of the Global Community to address climate change. She inspires action by igniting a sense of personal responsibility, hope and optimism in the hearts of the people she meets every day. This is an open meeting of the Shelburne/Charlotte Garden Club. Light refreshments will be served. No fee.

Happiness is Good for Your Heart with Susan Fitzgerald. Friday mornings from 9-10:30 a.m. Dates: 3/12, 3/19, 3/26 and 4/2. According to Susan, it is widely acknowledged and documented that feeling good boosts our immune system and creates powerful chemicals and hormones within our organs and glands, which promote health and well-being. This workshop will give simple and effective exercises to relax and calm our thoughts and emotions, allowing our whole system to deeply rest and rebalance on many levels. As our system rests physically, mentally and emotionally, it is much easier to access a state of happiness and well-being spontaneously, as a natural part of who we are. Learning simple yet powerful techniques like Creative Visualization and Deep Relaxation can help you to harness the power of your mind and heart to strengthen and heal your body. Registration is required. Fee: $60.

Cooking Under Pressure with Karen Koechlein, Thursday afternoons from 1-3 p.m. Dates: 3/18, 3/25. Grocery shopping for a parent? Trying to plan healthy meals for two households? Are you cooking for one? Whether your role is planning, shopping, cooking or all three, join Karen as she reveals the 12 staple foods that no senior should live without and why. Then, be prepared during this two-session class to concoct a breakfast and a dinner using the staple ingredients. We will share family recipes that include the staple ingredients during the second session to generate a “cook book.” Participants will use their knowledge to help prepare the Wednesday luncheon on March 31. Reservations are required. Fee: $10 for both classes (includes food).

Bead Crazy with Ginger Morton, Tuesday mornings from 10:30 a.m.- noon. 3/23, 3/30, 4/6 and 4/13. 1st class: Two-Drop Bracelet. This class will give an introduction to the basic tools required in beading and different stringing materials. You will also make a two-strand bracelet using teardrop beads. 2nd class: Loops and Links. This class will teach how to make loops with round-nose pliers to allow you to make earrings and links. You will make basic earrings and a linked bracelet to match. 3rd class: Right Angle Weave Bracelet. Take beading to the next level by learning a basic needle and thread project. We will discuss how this technique can be turned into a spiral and extended to make a necklace. 4th class: Field Trip! All participants are invited to come to Bead Crazy to expand your horizons. Beads will be available for purchase on this day. Registration is required. Fee: $18.00 per class (includes materials).

Events Following the Wednesday Luncheons at approximately 1 p.m.

3/3: Vietnam Today with Tom McAuliff
Tom recently returned to Charlotte from two years of teaching in Vietnam. His slide presentation will focus on what is happening in Vietnam currently – the country’s youthful population, the Vietnamese economy and the country’s view of its future as seen through the eyes of its university students. The everyday customs of the Vietnamese as well as the challenges that the future presents will also be described.

3/10: Calling All March Madness Fans!
The Vermont Humanities Council presents a “living history” performance by Robert Cheney entitled “AHA! Dr. James Naismith (creator of basketball).” Robert will portray this Canadian American with a very interesting life who made profound contributions to the world. This uncommon man gave the world valuable research and inventions, including basketball (a homework assignment at Springfield College in 1891) and set a wonderful model of unpretentious, wholesome living. Come witness a remarkable personification of a remarkable man!