Written by Carolyn Kulik, published in The Charlotte News.
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.” – Stephen Hawking
People become bored when they stop being curious. Once you think you know what you need to know, there is a certain aliveness that drains away. How easy it can be to put the spark back in! Consider learning something new or doing something that you have never done. (Be brave.) Or, observe children and practice seeing the world with the eyes of a child. It will keep you young.
If it doesn’t rain today, the last Out for a Stroll on the Town Link Trail will begin at 10 a.m. (Call 425-6345 if you have doubts about the weather. It is iffy as of this writing.) Meet at the Senior Center to carpool. Since this idea of Ajat Tariyal’s seems to be catching on, it will be incorporated into the Spring Schedule and will probably resume April or May, renamed as Strolling in Charlotte.
Today is Halloween – in case you forgot. If you read this in time, come on over for the Annual Fudge Fest at 1 p.m. Join the friendly crew making popcorn balls and assembling trick-or-treat mini-bags along with fudge for the little ones who will be visiting the Senior Center later this afternoon.
As of Thursday, Nov. 1, you are invited to call (or to stop in) to make your reservations for the Senior Center’s Annual Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. It will be held at noon on Wed., Nov. 14th. Mark your calendars for this memorable (and satisfying) community event! Please note that reservations are not taken by email, and the very best time to reach someone is from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at 425-6345.
On Wed., Nov. 7, is our recurring Foot Clinic, starting at 9:15 with the kind assistance of Martha McAuliffe, R.N.; Julia Jacques; and Samantha Wendell. This clinic does require pre-registration, but the Blood Pressure Clinic at 11:30 welcomes walk-ins.
New Courses in November
Beginning tomorrow, Nov. 1, is Origami for the Holidays—where you can have a good time, stimulate your brain, and also make holiday ornaments from decorative, folded papers. Gail Martin, the instructor, is an artist and educator who has made a goal of teaching origami at every one of the 180+ libraries in the state. (Be sure to ask her how many she has been to so far.) There are three relaxing, fun Thursday afternoons, Nov.1, 8 & 15, 12:30-2:00. Fee is $30 for the course, includes materials. Please call or stop in to register.
Starting on Monday, Nov. 5 at 1:00 p.m., is the November Book Group which will discuss America Is Not the Heart, by Elaine Castillo. This is a fictional look at an immigrant family and the history they bring with them as they try to build new lives in America. The group meets at the Senior Center with Library Director Margaret Woodruff. Books are available the library. Please register. No fee.
Also starting on Monday, Nov. 5, for three sessions, from 1:30-3:00, is Altered Books with artist and educator Linda Finkelstein. “What is that?” you ask. It is a mixed media art form which uses a discarded hardcover book as a sort of canvas on which to paint, stitch, collage, carve, and add writings to create a personal, visual story. Since this artform might be hard to imagine, google ‘altered books’- and then, click on the ‘images’ word at the top of the page. Viola! You will see many pictures of altered books. Some course materials are supplied, but pre-registration is necessary for the supply list. Fee is $45 for the three-part series.
If you are not a French speaker yet – or want to learn the basics for a trip, there will be a three-part series of Beginning French, on Tues., Nov. 6, 13 & 27, from 1:00-2:00. This is not in the Fall Schedule, and please call to register if you are interested. Cost will be $12 per class. French Conversation Circle continues on Tuesdays at 2:15 through Nov. for those who are reasonably fluent.
On Tues., Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon, Watercolors – Part 2 with Lynn Cummings is replacing Acrylics & Mixed Media. These four, three-hour sessions, will be held at the same time (9 a.m. to noon) and on same dates: Nov. 13, 20, 27 and Dec. 11. Lynn’s approach is relaxed, inspiring, and supportive. Pre-registration is required for the supply list. Fee is $135.
Event
After Wednesday lunch, on Nov. 7, is the Senior Center’s Annual Meeting at 1 p.m. Please come to learn about how the Center operates and meet the hard-working Board Members who volunteer many, many hours in a wide variety of areas to help keep the Center viable.
Art News
The November Art Exhibit is Native American Artifacts and Photography. Don Stevens, Chief of the Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe, will be displaying artifacts both from the tribe and his own collection that include ceremonial dance staffs, bone needles, breast plates, gourds, contemporary saw paintings, jewelry, fur bags, and more. Award-winning photographs by Don’s wife, Diane, will enhance the exhibit. In addition, on Sunday, Nov. 18, at 3 p.m., Don will give a talk on the teachings of the Native American Circle of Life. (Note: On that Sunday only, Shape-Note Singing will be held from 12:30-2:30.)
Viewing Art Shows: Since the Center’s Great Room is utilized for many classes and events, the best times to see art shows in November are: Tues. & Wed., after 3:00; Thurs. & Fri. after 12:30. Call the Center to check on Sunday availability.
Considering a class but want to know more? You are invited to come by to sit in on a class (at no charge) to see if you might like to join it. This is a good chance to meet the instructor, the other participants, and ask questions.
There is still more to come at the end of the month, along with the ongoing programs and courses. You can always visit the town website at CharlotteVT.org. and click on the Senior Center tab for descriptions of all the course listings in the Fall Schedule, as well as the 3-month daily calendar.
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“Enjoy every step you take. If you’re curious, there is always something new to be discovered in the backdrop of your daily life.” ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart