Written by Carolyn Kulik, published in The Charlotte News.
“I find I think of myself not as a writer so much as someone who provides a gateway, a tangential route for readers to reach the circus. To visit the circus again, if only in their minds, when they are unable to attend it physically. I relay it through printed words on crumpled newsprint, words that they can read again and again, returning to the circus whenever they wish, regardless of time of day or physical location. Transporting them at will. When put that way, it sounds rather like magic, doesn’t it?”
~ Erin Morgenstern
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Stepping back further, think of the transformation that the spoken word goes through: from an intangible sound to a physical representation of some sort, which then must be decoded (usually) using the eyes into its original meaning. Common place now, yet still amazing. Can you even imagine what our lives would be like without the written word?
Today and tomorrow
If you are reading this on Thursday, 10/31, Happy Halloween! Between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., stop by for some of the Center’s own fudge and popcorn balls. Youngsters and oldsters are invited to come in costume—if you dare.
On Friday, 11/1, 1:30-3:30, is Mexican Fiesta of Arts & Crafts with Linda Finkelstein, a one-day craft workshop. Close to Halloween, in Mexico it’s the celebratory Day of the Dead with many fanciful images and very bright colors. Create your own “dead” characters using model magic, found objects, wood pieces, colorful shiny papers and paint. Stretch your imagination—this will be a fun process! Registration required. Fee: $20, includes materials. Class limit, 10.
Next week
On Monday, 11/4, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., tickets from the Age Well Universal Restaurant Ticket Program will be available at the Senior Center. Pat Long, Nutrition Coordinator, will dispense tickets for this popular program. You must be 60 years of age, and Pat will be able to register you on the spot. Suggested donation for each ticket is $5, good for one year at participating restaurants on certain days. Please bring cash or check. This opportunity is offered here the first Monday of every month.
On Wednesday, 11/6, at 10 a.m., join Janet Yantachka for Strolling In Charlotte. This is your chance to get out for an easy walk on the Charlotte Town Link Trail before the winter is upon us. Sign up and meet at the Senior Center to carpool. No fee. Registration is requested.
Thursday, 11/7, 11/14 & 11/21, 12:30-2 p.m., is Holiday Origami with Gail Martin. In these classes, you will be folding paper and fabric into trees, stars, birds and ornaments for the holidays. Directions for some models will be included so that you may teach them to friends and family. Registration required. Fee: $30 for the series, includes materials. Class limit, 14.
Friday, 11/8, 1–3 p.m., is the monthly Writers Group on Fridays. It meets the second week of the month, and it is looking for more writers (and aspiring writers) of stories, autobiographical pieces and poetry. Read and discuss your pieces, listen to those of others, and offer encouragement all around. Please register to indicate your interest. No fee.
Saturday, 11/9, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., is Bake For Good with Margaret Woodruff and Susann Kahn ~ Learn. Bake. Share. Join Charlotte librarians for a baking session sponsored by King Arthur Flour. Kids and seniors learn how to bake delicious, nutritious rolls and share the bounty with the Senior Center and Community Food Shelf. Lunch provided. For seniors of all ages and children ages 9 & up. Registration required. No fee.
Free Wednesday Afternoon Events at 1p.m. —after lunch
11/6: U.S.–China Rivalry: Paradox of South China Sea Disputes with David Rosenberg. Paradoxically, disputes over conflicting maritime boundary claims persist among countries that otherwise have a high degree of mutually beneficial cooperation on intra-regional trade and commerce. How will this situation be affected by China’s militarization of its possessions in the South China Sea and by the new nationalist, protectionist and unilateralist policies of the current U.S. administration? Dr. Rosenberg is an international expert in this field. No registration necessary.
11/13: Walking the Camino de Santiago in Portugal and Spain with Sandi Detwiler. The Portuguese Camino begins in Porto and is a 140-mile walk following an ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Learn the history, and follow along as we walk past tidy farms and small villages. You might just decide to lace up your hiking boots and fly to Portugal to begin your own camino. No registration necessary.
Art News
The “Gathering of Hooked Work” Show continues throughout November with 28 works by 13 artists.
Rug hooking is both a craft and an art form using the traditional technique of wool strips that are pulled through a burlap or linen foundation. The designs, which include primitive folk art to photographs, are engaging and colorful. The 28 pieces displayed are not for sale, but commission inquiries are welcome. Don’t miss this show—it’s been getting rave reviews from visitors.
~ The best times to see the ART EXHIBIT in November
Mon. at noon, Tues. after 2:30,
Wed. 9:30-12:00 (except 11/13),
Thurs. after 12:30, Fri. after 12:30.
Please call the Center during the week to check on Sunday availability.
There is so much more that takes place at the Center every week. If you have questions or would like to register, please call 425-6345, or stop by M-F from 9-4.
We are at 212 Ferry Road, Charlotte, right across from the post office. The Senior Center’s mission is to serve those 50 and up. Residents from other communities are always welcome. There are no membership fees. And, if there is a course or an event you would like to suggest, we are always open to exploring new possibilities.
Stop in and say hello. See you soon!
The Senior Center would like to express our appreciation for the delicious culinary contributions from The Residence at Shelburne Bay, Philo Ridge Farm and The Old Lantern. We are so lucky to have such generous neighbors.