Written by Carolyn Kulik, published in The Charlotte News.

Join us at the Senior Center for a meet and greet with Carolyn Kulik, our new Center director, on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. Take the opportunity to say hello and share some refreshments.

Travelog postponed: Unfortunately Mike Lynch has postponed his travelog, Alaska by Small Ship, originally scheduled for Jan. 10. Look for his presentation to be rescheduled in the Spring Program (March to May).

Seniors prepare great meals 

Senior Luncheons: Special luncheons are held on Wednesdays at noon. Make your reservations by calling the Senior Center at 425-6345. Suggested donation: $5.

Monday Munch: Mondays from 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. Local cooks vary menus that feature homemade soup (or chef’s choice), salad, bread and dessert. Reservations not required. Suggested donation: $5.

The next meeting of the Men’s Breakfast is Thursday, Jan. 11, from 7:30–9 a.m. This group shares planning and preparing breakfast, and all enjoy an early morning of camaraderie and conversation. Please call the Center to reserve your place. Suggested donation: $5.

Upcoming programs

A Taste Of Mindfulness: The word “mindfulness” seems to be popping up all over. Join Theresa Hudziak on Thursday, Jan. 11, at 2:45 p.m. to begin a three-session tour of mindfulness practices. The class will open with gentle movement and centering and transition to a stretch of silence to experience one of the practices. Wear comfortable clothing and your favorite socks/slippers and bring a yoga mat or a small blanket. Refreshments served. Call the Center to sign up for the class.

Don’t miss the Watercolor Video and Discussion session led by our dedicated art instructor Lynn Cummings on Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 10–11:30 a.m. Amazing Ways with Watercolour focuses on the work of Jean Haines, an internationally known British artist, and is made available through Lynn’s membership in the Vermont Watercolor Society. A Q&A will follow the video. This presentation is open to everyone, whether you’re an artist or just interested in joining the viewing and discussion. Please let us know you’re coming by calling the Center to register.

Fraud, Scams & Con Artists: Check your vulnerability to internet scams that seem to multiply daily. On Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 10:30 a.m. Elliott Greenblott, our Vermont AARP Fraud Watch Network presenter, will explain the ins and outs of defending ourselves from these cyber threats, including WiFi issues with our increasing use of tablets and smart phones. Please sign up for this free discussion.

Wednesday After-lunch Travelogs

Jan. 17: Hiking and Other Adventures in Southern Patagonia with Sheri and Rich Larsen. In January 2016, the Larsens traveled to southern Patagonia, a region that includes southern Chile and Argentina. Their trip included hiking the famous “W” trek in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, hiking in the Fitzroy Range in Glacier National Park in Argentina, walking on a glacier and searching for wildlife. Spend the afternoon enjoying their photos and their description of their adventures in the south of South America.

Jan. 24: Croatia, Jewel of the Adriatic with John Hammer. There’s a reason why Croatia is crowded every summer by northern Europeans and movie stars—the beautiful beaches are backed by a history of the Greeks, Romans and Venetians, the architecture is exquisite, and the people very friendly. This fall trip avoided the crowds. John’s presentation will focus on the coastline of Dalmatia, with two short trips inland to the world-famous Plitvice Falls and to Mostar, Bosnia.

Ongoing classes: Take your pick from Bridge, Mah Jong, Spanish Conversation, Strength Maintenance, T’ai Chi Practice and Friday morning Art Group—class information is available on the town website, charlottevt.org, or at the Senior Center.

Check at the Center for enrolling in Gentle YogaChair YogaYuan T’ai Chi ChuanFitness at Any AgePilates and Moving Better/ Living Better through Dance.