Senior Center News
by Mary Recchia, October 20, 2011.....

The November Art Exhibit will be works of Marni McKitrick, a local artist who is inspired by the beauty of the Vermont landscape. She paints in watercolor, pastel, acrylic, encaustic and mixed media. She is a Signature Member of the Vermont Watercolor Society and a member of the Vermont Pastel Society and the Northern Vermont Artists Association. She is thrilled to be showing some of her work at the Charlotte Senior Center.
New sessions of the following classes begin the last week of October. Not sure if a class is right for you? Come try one and see.
T’AI CHI with Mike Prehoda, Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for newer students, 11 a.m. to noon for students familiar with form. Dates: 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8. T’ai Chi is now recognized throughout the world as an unparalleled exercise program for mind/body training and endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation to help improve balance, flexibility, stability and overall health. Robust health, peace of mind and personal empowerment are just a few of the rewards that await the practitioner of this ancient art. In this class geared towards seniors, students will learn the beginning of the Yang style T’ai Chi form as well as awareness training and softening exercises. Registration necessary. Fee: $42.
PILATES with Phyllis Bartling on Thursday mornings from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Dates: 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8. This is not your granddaughter’s Pilates class! This Mat Pilates class has been designed for folks 55 years and older to be challenging yet with safety in mind. Pilates specifically targets the core muscle groups, including the lower abdominals, lower back and gluteals, to improve balance, strength and posture. Exercises will be done on the floor on mats (a rolled up towel to put under your head is a good idea). Phyllis has been a certified Pilates instructor for three years, specifically teaching senior programs for two of those years. Registration required. Fee: $42.
GENTLE YOGA with Jean White on Mondays from 11a.m. to noon. Dates: 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/5. 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. The tone of this class is one of encouragement, compassion and patience, using yoga philosophy as the basis for treating yourself kindly. You’ll improve your strength, balance, flexibility, breathing and most of all learn to relax, release negativity and feel a great sense of peace come into your day. Poses are adapted to meet individual needs and all fitness levels. Please bring a blanket and yoga mat.
Registration necessary. Fee: $60 per session.
CHAIR YOGA with Tiny Sikkes on Mondays from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Dates: 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/5. Using chairs for balance and for all seated postures, this class makes yoga accessible to those who are challenged by balance, the ability to come to the floor or any physical limitations. We’ll cover the full range of yoga postures and benefits 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 per session.
ZUMBA GOLD - The Fun Workout for Anyone, Any Age, Any Ability
with Jeanne Neu on Friday mornings from 9:15 – 10 a.m. Dates: 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16. Zumba Gold was designed for the older active adult and utilizes the same great Latin styles of music and dance used in the Zumba basic program. It’s just as much fun, just not as fast! This easy-to-follow program allows anyone any age to be able to perform the Zumba Gold dance moves. The routines are easy to learn and follow so that success can be achieved quickly. Some of the featured dances in this program are Salsa, Cha-Cha, Cumbia, Rock ‘n Roll and Merengue. In addition they also use such dances as the twist, the Charleston, belly dancing, flamenco and tango. The Zumba® Gold program strives to improve balance, strength, flexibility and most importantly, the heart. Be sure to wear comfortable workout clothing, bring water and a towel as well as a “ready to party” attitude! Registration required. Fee: $42.
Please join us for Events following the Wednesday Luncheon beginning at 1:00 p.m.
10/26: ETHEL ATKINS FUDGE FEST!
How she made 450 pieces of fudge for the children of Charlotte, we’ll never know, but the Senior Center would like to carry on the Ethel Atkins Halloween Fudge tradition. We will supply the ingredients for you to mix up a batch of fudge at home, then all are welcome to come and wrap up the treats for the children.
11/2: ANNUAL MEETING with the Friends of the Charlotte Senior Center
This is an opportunity for everyone to become better acquainted with the workings of our organization and to consider how they can become more active as volunteers. An update of our financial position will be given, questions will be answered, and the election of board members will take place. Hope to see you there.
11/9: WREATH DECORATING WITH A PURPOSE with Kathi Monteith
Get your creative juices flowing! Kathi will join us to describe the Annual Holiday Stroll and Silent Auction at The Arbors and then inspire us to create a centerpiece or wreath that represents the Charlotte Senior Center. How would YOU represent our center on a wreath? These creations will then be submitted for auction on December 1 with proceeds from the event going to the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging. We can submit up to four items, so grab a friend and come get inspired. You are welcome to work independently but we will set aside two Fridays, November 11 and November 18 from 9 a.m. to noon as “work time” if groups would like to gather, contain the mess and finish their creations for delivery.