Charlotte Senior Center | Charlotte, VT

July 2026

July Art Exhibit: Landscape Paintings by Alden Mauck
As a retired English teacher, Alden draws inspiration from the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, as well as the paintings of Thomas Cole and Fairfield Porter. Reflecting Thoreau’s observation that “We can never have enough of nature,” Alden finds both challenge and inspiration in landscape painting, striving to capture the beauty, scale, and power of the land, water, and sky.

Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – noon. *, Learn to Play Pickleball
at the Charlotte Beach pickleball courts
No registration required.
(Please note that there is a parking fee at Charlotte Beach)
Curious About Pickleball? Pickleball is a fun and fast-growing sport that helps improve balance, agility, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination—without placing too much strain on your body. It’s a great option for those who may have enjoyed tennis in the past but now face physical limitations such as hip, shoulder, knee, or other joint concerns.
Come watch a demonstration and see what the excitement is all about! Be sure to bring a folding chair. Afterward, you’ll have a chance to give it a try. Paddles will be provided. Just wear comfortable clothing and sneakers. Have questions? Call or text David at 802-425-4567 or text Greg at 802-338-7909. *To receive updates, please text your email address to Greg to be added to the Pickleball email list to be notified about cancellations due to weather.
Art & Music Programs

Monday, July 6, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Age Well
Visit the Charlotte Senior Center to speak with Pam Niarchos, Nutrition Coordinator with Age Well about the various programs available to seniors, including the restaurant ticket program, which can be used for meals at participating locations.

Tuesday, July 7, 4:00–6:00 p.m., Artist Reception: Alden Mauck
Join us to meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments while viewing the exhibit.
As a retired English teacher, Alden draws inspiration from the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, as well as the paintings of Thomas Cole and Fairfield Porter. Reflecting Thoreau’s observation that “We can never have enough of nature,” Alden finds both challenge and inspiration in landscape painting, striving to capture the beauty, scale, and power of the land, water, and sky.

Wednesday, July 8, 3:00–4:00 p.m., Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group
Are you caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or do you know someone who is? Please join us for our monthly Caregivers Support Group on the second Wednesday of each month. The meetings provide a safe place for caregivers, family, and friends of persons with dementia to meet and develop a mutual support system. For additional information please contact Louise Fairbank: louisefairbank67@gmail.com.

Friday, July 10, Men’s Breakfast- Coffee at the Charlotte Beach
Breakfast goodies at 7:30 a.m.
Registration required by Tuesday for the Friday gathering.
On the second Friday of every month, the men gather for a morning of breakfast, fellowship, and a guest speaker. This month there will be no speaker. Instead, we are meeting for coffee at Charlotte beach. Bring a folding chair, beverage of your choosing, we’ll supply some goodies, you supply the conversation. In case of rain we’ll meet the following Friday, July 17.
If you plan to attend the coffee gathering at the beach, please register by emailing Lane at lmorrison@gmavt.net by Tuesday, July 7th so we know how many are planning to join us.

Friday morning, July 10, Women’s Kayak Trip
Missisquoi River
Registration required.
Join a community of active women who enjoy exploring our local lakes, ponds, and rivers by kayak. Trips are planned based on water and weather conditions and are subject to change. To express interest, email Susan Hyde at susanfosterhyde@gmail.com to be added to the master list of paddlers. Details for each trip will be sent via email the week prior to the outing.

Sunday, July 12, 2:00–4:00 p.m., Photo Discussion group
Photographers of all levels are invited to share a photo and story in this monthly group. Connect, get feedback, and explore your work in a supportive, creative space. The topic for the July photo discussion will be “Shadow Play”, and they can be sent to Dave Pearson, or printed and brought in (prints are always encouraged). Questions? Contact Dave Pearson at pearsond3@comcast.net.

Tuesday, July 14, 11:00 a.m.–Noon, Free Pop-Up: Yoga Dance with Your Child or Grandchild
Join Heather Preis for a fun, family friendly Let Your Yoga Dance class featuring music, movement, and creative self-expression. This welcoming practice encourages participants of all ages and abilities to move freely and joyfully. Bring your child or grandchild and enjoy this free summer event together! No advance registration required.

Wednesday, July 15, 8:45 a.m. departure., Hiking Trip
Registration required.
To register, call 802-425-6345 or email register@charlotteseniorcentervt.org.
Join us for this month’s hiking adventure as we head to the Adirondacks for a hike up Round Mountain in Keene Valley. We will depart a little earlier than usual to catch the 9:00 a.m. ferry. The hike is approximately 4.5 miles round-trip and offers beautiful views from the summit. While there are a few steep sections, most of the trail is moderately graded, with approximately 1,800 feet of elevation gain. This is considered a moderately strenuous hike and is best suited for hikers comfortable with uneven terrain and elevation changes. As an added treat, we may stop at the Noon Mark Diner afterward for a creemee or a slice of pie! For questions about the hike, please contact Michael Rubin at mjrubin99@gmail.com.

Wednesday, July 15, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Bananas-for-Bingo
From postage stamps to six-pack to four corners, every round keeps things fun and lively. Join us for Bananas-for-Bingo, a relaxed and social afternoon filled with laughter, friendly conversation, and all your classic bingo favorites. Bingo cards are 50¢ a card- two card minimum. No experience is needed—everyone’s welcome. Feel free to bring your own snacks or purchase snacks on-site. Bring a friend—or come make a new one!

Wednesday, July 15, 1:15-2:15 p.m., Memory Café
Saturday, July 18, 11:00-noon.
Registration is appreciated, but not required.
To register, call 802-425-6345 or email register@charlotteseniorcentervt.org.
New this month, we will meet on both Wednesday, July 15 and Saturday, July 18. The Connections Memory Café is a welcoming gathering for individuals experiencing memory loss, along with their loved ones, friends, and care partners. to enjoy an engaging activity, meaningful connection, and supportive conversation in a friendly, relaxed setting. Our time together will begin with gentle stretching, followed by a fun and creative hour with clay. Shape and design your own creation to take home, while enjoying good conversation, support, and refreshments! For questions, contact Susan Cartwright: cartwright.susan1@gmail.com. The memory café is a collaboration of the Charlotte Senior Center, the Charlotte Library, and Age Well

Thursday, July 16, 1:00–3:30 p.m., Play Reading
Registration required.
Join Sue Foley and Wally Gates for a fun, no-pressure play reading group—no tryouts, rehearsals, or reviews! Meets monthly to read a selected play aloud. Newcomers are welcome to attend as audience guests. For info or to join, contact Sue at ssnfoley@icloud.com

Thursday, July 16, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Living Your Best Life discussion
Registration is helpful.
This book group will help to nurture curiosity, wonder, inspiration, and delight in our lives. For this month’s conversation, please read The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully by Joan Chittister. Depending on availability, copies may be available to borrow at the Charlotte Library. Questions? Please contact Ginnie Bukowski at 802-453-5211 or vbukowsk@middlebury.edu. To register, call 802-425-6345.

Saturday, July 18, 11:00-noon., Memory Café
Registration is appreciated, but not required.
To register, call 802-425-6345 or email register@charlotteseniorcentervt.org.
New this month, we will meet on both Wednesday, July 15 and Saturday, July 18. The Connections Memory Café is a welcoming gathering for individuals experiencing memory loss, along with their loved ones, friends, and care partners. to enjoy an engaging activity, meaningful connection, and supportive conversation in a friendly, relaxed setting.
For questions, contact Susan Cartwright: cartwright.susan1@gmail.com. The memory café is a collaboration of the Charlotte Senior Center, the Charlotte Library, and Age Well

Monday, July 20, 9:00-10:00 a.m., Conversation Group
To register, call 802-425-6345.
Prompt: Do we make up our ethics as we go along?
Experience the Harkness conversation method, facilitated by Champlain Valley Union High School students. Originating at Phillips Exeter Academy in the 1930s, this discussion-based approach emphasizes active engagement over passive listening. Participants and CVU students will sit together at an open table, collaboratively exploring texts, problems, and ideas. Join us to share your perspectives on an open-ended prompt. To register, call 802-425-6345.

Wednesday, July 22, 9:00 a.m. departure., Birding Trip
Registration required.
To register, call 802-425-6345 or email register@charlotteseniorcentervt.org.
Explore the rich and varied birding habitats of Chittenden County with expert birder Hank Kaestner. This guided outing highlights Vermont’s natural beauty while helping participants identify local bird species and learn about the habitats they depend on.

Thursday, July 23, 9:00 a.m., Gentle Walk
To register, call 802-425-6345 or email register@charlotteseniorcentervt.org.
Enjoy the beauty of Nature! Come for a walk at a gentle pace with other older active adults. The group will meet the fourth Thursday of the month for a congenial non-strenuous walk. This month the group will walk along the trails at Meach Cove. Meach Cove is a tranquil, 1,000-acre certified organic farm and nature area located in Shelburne, right on the shores of Lake Champlain. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in the foyer of the Charlotte Senior Center. Questions? Contact Penny Burman at 916-753-7279.

Friday morning, July 24, Women’s Kayak Trip Upper Otter Creek
Registration required.
Join a community of active women who enjoy exploring our local lakes, ponds, and rivers by kayak. Trips are planned based on water and weather conditions and are subject to change. To express interest, email Susan Hyde at susanfosterhyde@gmail.com to be added to the master list of paddlers. Details for each trip will be sent via email the week prior to the outing.

Friday, July 24, 11:30-12:30 p.m., Silent Book Club
Join us on the fourth Friday of the month for the Silent Book Club, a no-assigned-reading gathering. This welcoming space offers a relaxed way to socialize and build community, without the pressure of structured discussion or the need to finish the book. Bring whatever you’re currently reading fiction or nonfiction, print, ebook, or audiobook. We’ll begin by book sharing where we casually share what book you are enjoying. You may even discover your next great read, so consider bringing a notebook to jot down recommendations. Afterwards, you can continue with casual conversations about the books you are reading, or you can find a cozy nook to continue silently reading your book. Light refreshments will be provided. To register, call 802-424-6345.

Sunday, July 26, 12:30–2:30 p.m., Shape-Note Singing
Join us for traditional, a cappella four-part harmony singing—purely for the joy of it! An intro to shape notes is offered 30 minutes before each session. First hour: Sacred Harp singing. Second hour: Alternate Shape-Note book (books provided). Questions? Contact Kerry Cullinan at kclynxvt@gmail.com