Senior Center News
by Mary Recchia, Activities Coordinator

The weather is turning colder just in time for the arrival of the new Winter Program of activities at the Senior Center. Look for the insert in the next issue of the Charlotte News. Just a reminder: the Center will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on November 22 and 23.

The Burlington Flynn Center has again offered available tickets to its student matinee series. 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. We can carpool from the Center. Fee: $9.

Doug Varone and Dancers: "Science Inspires Art": Friday, November 16 at noon; 1 hour. Award-winning choreographer Doug Varone, whose kinetic modern dances have stunned audiences worldwide, merges dance with science in this exciting show. Based on physician Lewis Thomas’ National Book Award-winning book, The Lives of a Cell: Notes of a Biology Watcher, ten dancers and three musicians explore how communities connect, communicate and work together. Varone’s examination of group behavior—whether the groups are composed of cells, animals or even humans—is translated into abstract form, encouraging critical and analytical thinking. An intriguing case of art inspired by science!

The Charlotte Artisan Sale will once again celebrate local creativity and fine artistry this Saturday, November 17, from 10 to 4 p.m. This November Gallery Sale provides a unique selection of fine art and craft by local artists of all ages. Plan a few extra minutes to dine in the Café with neighbors and friends. A fine array of delicious, homemade “edible art” will be prepared for your enjoyment. Support local artists while supporting the Charlotte Senior Center when doing this year’s holiday shopping.

The Chittenden County and Charlotte Historical Society will present a program on Sunday, November 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. Come learn about Caroline A. Yale, an extraordinary woman from Charlotte who became an internationally recognized pioneer in developing teaching techniques for deaf children, using the oral method. Alexander Graham Bell and his father worked with her, and she hired Grace Goodhue of Burlington to teach at the school. It was here that Grace met her future husband, Calvin Coolidge. An afghan made by Grace Goodhue will be on display. This program is free and open to the public.

Carol Schreiber, from Human Hand Gallery in Ferrisburgh, will be offering a free Glass Bead Making Demonstration on Tuesday, November 27, from 10 to noon. Carol has been working in glass for ten years and teaching glass and unusual crafts from the studio in Ferrisburgh for the last five years. Look for details of her full class offering in the new Winter Program.

Calling all Lullaby for Lund knitters! It would be wonderful if you could bring in any finished garments on November 28 during our annual tree decorating ceremony. We will be placing them under the tree to be enjoyed for a week before passing them along to the children served by the Lund Family Center on December 5. Please call Carlie at 425-4228 if you have any further questions.

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 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.

11/28: ANNUAL TREE DECORATING Lots of hands will be needed to help hang the multitude of hand made ornaments that have accumulated over the years. Please join us for a traditional tree decorating ceremony, music, seasonal deserts and the smell of balsam in the air.

12/5: A KNITTING CELEBRATION This is a celebration for all who participated in knitting those adorable hats, mittens, and sweaters for the Lund Family Center as well as those who would like to view the MOUNTAIN of gifts produced by over 50 busy hands. All are welcome to gather around the tree as we wrap up our Lullaby for Lund project by presenting the knitted garments to the children, clients, board members and Lund staff. Refreshments and cheer for all!