Senior Center News
by Mary Recchia, Activities Coordinator

Please note that the date of the Senior Center Annual Meeting has been changed from Tuesday, October 28, to Wednesday, October 29, at 7 p.m. After a brief business meeting, you are invited to stay for a discussion with our guest speaker, Barrie Dunsmore. Barrie’s subject, “Race in the Presidential Election – Transcendent or Still Toxic?” will be an exploration of the role race has played in American politics from the debates over the Constitution after the Revolution to the 2008 presidential primaries and election campaign.
The center is pleased to host the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, October 23, from 2-7:00 p.m. The comfortable atmosphere and great snacks make giving the “Gift of Life” at this site most pleasurable.
The last two Fall Hikes with Marty Morrissey are Trip #5: Tuesday October 21, depart center at 9 a.m. for Wright Park in Middlebury on the TAM and Trip # 6: Tuesday October 28, depart center at 9 a.m. for Ferrisburg State Forest. Hiking boots and water recommended. Call the center for details of each trip or to register.
Please join us for our Fall Garden Clean-Up on October 27 at 4:30. Light refreshments will be served at the day’s end.
The Senior Center’s best kept secret? The book shelves in the conference room. They are there to share and pass along – drop a book off or take a few – our shelves are overflowing.
The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts has generously offered available tickets to The Velveteen Rabbit Monday, November 3, at 12 p.m. Enchantment Theatre Company’s heartwarming production, adapted from the timeless story by Margery Williams, honors the miracle of friendship between a young boy and his favorite stuffed animal, whose ragged exterior challenges, but doesn’t diminish, the strength of his love. Enchantment Theatre works its theatrical magic on this meaningful tale of love and devotion with captivating puppets and masks, spectacular magic tricks and a Grammy-nominated musical score! 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.
Vermont Reads Book Discussion: 7 p.m., November 11 at the Charlotte Library.
Jim and Kathy Manchester will lead an informal discussion of A Restless Spirit: The Story of Robert Frost by Natalie Bober, the Vermont Reads selection for 2008. Bring your books, questions and favorite poems to share as we delve into Frost’s life and work. Please call the Library for more information, 425-3864.  Light refreshments will be provided.
Our glorious 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 $4.00 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.
10/22: The Savvy Seniors
Vermont SMP of (COVE) has partnered with Lyric Theatre to create “The Savvy Seniors,” a group of 13 senior volunteers who perform witty skits to educate people about the issues of healthcare error, fraud and abuse, drug diversion, identity theft and consumer misunderstandings. Sure to keep your attention while presenting valuable information with lots of humor.
10/29: 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. Come pick up the recipe and the ingredients for you to mix up a batch of fudge at home and bring in on October 29 when all are welcome to come and wrap up the treats for the children. Mrs. Williams “best ever popcorn balls” will need many hands to butter up, mold, and wrap as well.
11/5: When to call 911 with Nina Dahlstedt Buss, Department of Health, and Dr. Ruth Uphold.
Knowing the symptoms of heart attack and stroke will help you to respond appropriately to these emergencies and increase the chances of a good outcome for yourself, a friend or a loved one. Heart Attack and Stroke: What You Need to Know will cover a basic overview of terms, the importance of knowing your numbers, warning signs of heart attack and stroke and the importance of calling 911.