By Staff Report, Charlotte senior center

Winter classes are in full swing at the Senior Center. Check the winter schedule on the center website. You can register in person at the center, by mail, or by phone at 802-425-6345.

Almost all Senior Center courses and events are in person. We will post masking and vaccination requirements at the front door and on our website. If you are in doubt, please call 802-425-6345 before coming in.

Upcoming January events

Open Café
During January, join us in the Senior Center café on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Drop in between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. for coffee or tea and a morning treat. It’s a pleasant, sunny spot to visit with friends or meet new ones. Beverages and treats are provided by the Friends of the Senior Center.

 Wednesday 1 p.m. Talks

Jan. 5, Africa’s Tower of Babel with Lewis Mudge
The Central African Republic is a land of both micro rebellions over small fiefdoms and geo-political fights between Russia and the West. Where is this country, who lives there, what is going on there and why should we care? Lewis Mudge is Central Africa Director at Human Rights Watch, focusing on Burundi, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. He lived in Africa for over 13 years.

 Jan. 12, How Geography Affects History with Brian Bock
Take a look at world history through the lens of geography. How have the peaks and oceans driven various cultures and historical events? What can maps tell us about upcoming conflicts? Is geographical determinism relevant in the cyber age? Can we apply some of the concepts affecting world history to Vermont’s past and future? Brian Bock has always had an interest in maps and enjoys dabbling in big-picture, geo-political concepts to see if they make sense on a planet connected by the internet.

 Classes starting in January
Note that some of these courses require early registration so materials can be shared.

 Short Story Selections
Thursdays, 1–2 p.m., on Jan. 13, 20 and 27. Join Library Director Margaret Woodruff to discuss a variety of short stories. Co-sponsored by the Charlotte Library. Please register by Jan. 6 so reading lists can be shared. No fee.

Oscar Nomination Screening
Thursdays, 2–4 p.m., Jan. 13 and 27. Sean Moran will screen a to-be-announced movie or documentary from the list of Academy Award nominations. Registration required. No fee.

 Italian for Total Beginners with Nicole Librandi
Friday mornings, 10–11, Jan. 7–Feb. 4. You’ve never studied Italian? Do you dream of traveling to Italy and ordering your morning cappuccino? Feeling tongue-tied? Then this class is for you! Please register by Dec. 31. Fee: $40.

 French for Travelers with Alysse Anton
Fridays, 1–2 p.m., Jan. 7–Feb. 11 on Zoom. Learn to navigate cities and not feel lost when you travel to Montréal or other French-speaking lands. Practice vocabulary and build your confidence. For true French beginners or those who haven’t studied French in a long time. Register by Dec. 29. Fee: $60.

 Book discussion: Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness with Katie Franko
Mondays, 10:30–noon, Jan. 10, 14, Feb. 7 and 21. Learn how the Buddhist practice of lovingkindness can help us discover the joyful heart within us. Pre-register by Jan 3; limit of 10. No fee.

Meals: Monday lunch on Jan. 3 and 10
Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The suggested donation is still only $5. Take-out may be requested.

Gents Breakfast, Jan. 13, 7–9 a.m.
Once a month the men gather for breakfast. Please register by Tuesday, Jan. 11. Suggested donation is $5.

 Ongoing groups
The Fiber Arts and the Arts groups continue to meet weekly. Come in to play Mahjong and duplicate bridge.

Ongoing exercise classes
Exercise classes are ongoing, and you can join at any time. Check out a class one time for free—and you may check out different classes. You are welcome to call with questions or stop in.

Continuing classes include Chair Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Pilates and Pilates Plus, Essentrics, Strength Maintenance, Mindfulness Meditation, T’ai Chi for Beginners and T’ai Chi Advanced, and Meditation with Charlie. Both Pilates classes are hybrid—in-person and on Zoom.

Check the winter schedule on the center’s website for days and times. Register in person or by phone at 802-425-6345.

Questions?  New to the area? Thinking about volunteering?

Stop in and say hello. We are located at 212 Ferry Road in Charlotte and are open Monday to Friday from 9–4. Or give us a call us at 802-425-6345. Residents from other communities are always welcome. Our mission is to serve those over 50. We look forward to seeing you soon.