Senior Center Happenings
by Mary Recchia, Activities Coordinator

Please mark your calendars for The Charlotte Senior Center Annual Meeting on October 20 at 6:30 p.m. After a brief meeting and light refreshments we will hear about Senior Issues from Philip Fiermont, Outreach Director from Senator Bernard Sanders office.
Fall Hikes in the Champlain Valley with Marty Morrissey continues. A full description of each trip is available at the host desk. Please bring water and good hiking or walking shoes for an 8:30 a.m. departure. Registration required. No fee. Trip 3: Tuesday, Oct. 6 – Mt. Independence, Orwell. This hike follows walking trails down to the shoreline of the lake where the shore batteries and floating bridge were located. There are many historical plaques and monuments on the loop paths – a fitting hike for the 400th anniversary. Total distance is 2.5 miles with a 200-foot vertical rise. Trip 4: Tuesday, Oct. 13 – Barn Rock Bay, Essex, NY. Hike follows the New York Forest Preserve trails in a loop from county Route 22 to Lake Champlain, through hemlock forest and past the old (1891) Barn Rock Quarry, and back to the road. We will carpool on the ferry (bring $). Total distance is 6 miles, vertical rise of 200 feet.
Planning is underway for the 9th Annual East Charlotte Tractor Parade, and the Senior Center has been asked to bake 300 cookies for the participants. Join Barb McDonald for A Fun Afternoon of Baking on Friday, October 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. We will make tractor-shaped sugar cookies and have an assembly line approach with mixers, cutters and decorators. We need a lot of help to get these all done in one afternoon! Registration requested so we know if we have enough help.
The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts has generously offered tickets to its student matinee series for Andes Manta, Traditional Music from South America on Tuesday, October 13, at 9:30 a.m. Andean music is one of the few authentic, prehistoric culture forms to survive in South America for thousands of years, and none play it better than the four Lopez Brothers. Natives of the Ecuadorian Andes, they call the sounds of ancient life out of more than 35 traditional instruments, interweaving vibrant music, folklore, birdcalls and the cycles of planting and harvesting into a joyous celebration of cultural life. This is a wonderful opportunity to see a show at the Flynn during the day at a fraction of the regular cost. Registration is through the Senior Center and required one week prior to the show. Fee: $8.50.
The second of three Natural Arrangement Workshops with Charlotte Albers, Horticulturalist, will be held on Thursday morning, October 15, 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. Charlotte will bring in cuttings from her gardens and demonstrate techniques, as well as provide information about favorite plants that extend the color display in beds and borders. Bring your own pruners and something from your own garden to add or share during these fun, experimental workshops. Registration required. Fee: $15.
The center is pleased to host the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, October 22, from 2 to 7 p.m. The comfortable atmosphere and great snacks make giving the “Gift of Life” at this site most pleasurable.
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 to help cover costs. Those who do not wish to share lunch are welcome to drop in around 1 p.m. to enjoy the After Lunch Offerings:
10/7: Identity Theft and Credit Reports with Shirley Mason
What are some of the current scams out there? How important are credit reports? Shirley will talk about the importance of monitoring your credit report, how to get a free copy, and what to look for on your credit report that may be a red flag for ID Theft. Please come with your questions and experiences to share with others.
10/21: Flu Clinic with Pat Wright from the Wellness Office and the VNA. PLEASE NOTE: This clinic will begin at 1:30 p.m. The requirements for receiving a shot are: acquiring the age of +65, a Medicare/Medicaid card and/or a long-term health issue.