Charlotte Senior Center Happenings
by Mary Recchia, Activities Coordinator

Just a reminder that the Center will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, September 7.
Please look for the new Fall Program of Senior Center Activities as an insert in this issue of The Charlotte News. The early September highlights are listed below.
Begin a new session of T’ai Chi with Mike Prehoda any Thursday in September from 10 to 11 a.m. for newer students, 11 to noon for students familiar with the form. This class is geared toward seniors. Students will learn the beginning of the Yang style T’ai Chi form as well as awareness training and softening exercises. Registration necessary. Course fee: $42.
Charlotte Knits! with Carlie Krolick returns from its summer break (even though many folks couldn’t stay away) for their first meeting on September 9. Charity projects will be discussed, as well as lots of catching up after a full summer of fun.
Living Strong in Vermont with Margery Rutherford and Dorrice Hammer begins on Tuesday, September 8, from 11 a.m. to noon. This program helps maintain independence by increasing strength, muscle mass and bone density using hand and ankle weights. New participants can stop by the Center to pick up a doctor’s consent form. Registration required. Suggested donation: $48 for new participants, $24 for returning.
Mark your calendars for the return of Monday Munch on Monday, September 14! Also on the 14th, a new session of Gentle Yoga with Jean White begins from 11 to noon; 6 classes per session. Learn classic yoga postures in a gentle way – perfect for beginners, those with injuries or even experienced students just wanting a relaxed pace and easy style. Please bring a blanket and yoga mat. Registration required. Fee: $60.
Chair Yoga with Tiny Sikkes begins on Monday, September 14, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The full range of yoga postures and benefits will be covered while sitting comfortably in chairs, improving breath capacity, strength and flexibility. A great class if you are concerned about adapting in a standard class. Registration necessary. Fee: $60.
Fabulous Fall Foliage with Lynn Cummings, M.Ed., runs Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon on 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, fee: $120, and Wednesday mornings from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, fee: $80. Join the fun as we explore several methods of painting the beauty of Vermont’s fall foliage with watercolor. Both beginners and intermediate level students will enjoy painting “still lifes” of leaves by pouring, spraying and flinging paint, as well as using traditional painting methods of fall landscapes. Registration required.
The first in a monthly series titled Natural Arrangements with horticulturalist Charlotte Albers, will be held on Thursday, September 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Learn how to assemble and create unique arrangements using cut branches, ornamental grass and herbaceous plants with outstanding fall color. Bring in a container of your choice – a pitcher, sap bucket, teacups, ceramic pot, basket or even an old casserole dish – and take home a masterpiece that celebrates the season. Bring your own pruners and something from your garden to add or share during this fun, experimental workshop. Registration required. Fee: $15 per class.
Fall Hikes with Marty Morrissey begin on Tuesday September 22. Please call the Center for a full description of each hike.
Senior Luncheons are held every Wednesday at nooon. Reservations are necessary in advance and can be made by calling the Senior Center at 425-6345. A $4 donation is requested to help cover costs. 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: 9/9: ICE CREAM SOCIAL! Robert and Barbara McDonald’s small horse farm in Charlotte will be the backdrop for an end of summer ice cream social! Last year, many of you met Zacharia who was born on the farm 2 ˝ years ago. This year, one of the trainers will demonstrate how they have begun to train Zach to be a show horse. You’ll be surprised at how big he has grown. All the other horses will be glad to see you as well. Please bring your hat and sunscreen. 9/16: FELDENKRAIS METHOD DEMO with Uwe Mester The Feldendrais Method is a form of somatic education that uses gentle movement and directed attention to increase your range of motion, improve your flexibility and coordination, and rediscover your innate capacity for graceful, efficient movement. Join Uwe Mester and discover why many seniors enjoy using it to retain or regain their ability to move without strain of discomfort. There will also be another demonstration of this method on Tuesday, September 22 at 9:15 a.m.