Charlotte Senior Center
by Mary Rechia, Activities Coordinator
March 11, 2010, page 17

Happiness is Good for Your Heart with Susan Fitzgerald. Friday mornings from 9 – 10:30. Dates: 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2. 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 required. Fee: $60.

Cooking Under Pressure with Karen Koechlein, Community Service Representative for Home Instead Senior Care, 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 required. Fee: $10 for both classes includes food.

Bead Crazy with Ginger Morton Tuesday mornings from 10:30 a.m. – noon, March 23 and 30, and April 6 and 13. The first class, Two Drop Bracelet, 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. The second class, Loops and Links, 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. The third class, Right Angle Weave Bracelet will take beading to the next level in 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. The fourth class, will be a 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 required. Fee: $18 per class (includes materials).

Events following the Wednesday Luncheon at approximately 1 p.m.:

3/17: LAUGHTER YOGA with Megan Kiernan, CVAA AmeriCorps Member.
Laughter Yoga is a new type of exercise that is great for people of all ages and fitness levels. We laugh for exercises, combining laughter exercises with yoga breathing. Laughter increases oxygen to the body and brain, increases circulation, helps with digestion, and releases “feel good” chemicals in the brain that improve your overall mood. Plus, it’s just plain fun!

3/31: COOKING UNDER PRESSURE with Karen Koechlein, Home Instead
Are you cooking for one? Shopping for a parent? Trying to plan healthy meals for two households? 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. Take home a complimentary booklet of information with recipes.