Senior citizens are truly valued, Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra told a full room of seniors gathered at the Newtown Senior Center for the Second Annual Senior Appreciation Day, Friday, April 15. Along with a luncheon to honor Newtown's older citizens, Mrs Llodra, Newtown State Representative Mitch Bolinsky, Newtown Police Officer Maryhelen McCarthy, and Newtown Police Chief James Viadero were on hand to offer advice and celebrate this particular demographic of the town.

"They enrich our community in ways immeasurable," Mrs Llodra later elaborated, through the culture and wisdom they impart. "It's important for a community that wants to ground itself in the past and project ourselves into a better future," she said. Senior citizens, said Mrs Llodra, make major contributions to the community.

Senior Appreciation Day is thanks to Newtown resident and senior citizen champion Rudy Magnan, Mrs Llodra said, thanking him for being proactive in putting together the day honoring senior citizens. Mr Magnan also provided sandwiches and cake, as well as pizza from Big Y Supermarket, supplementing other lunch items provided by the Newtown Senior Center.

"Recognition is important," Mr Magnan noted. "We are an important part of the community," he told the luncheon group, and urged seniors to "Get involved. Become part of a voice that will be heard, again and again."

Rep Bolinsky spent time talking with seniors and even passing plates of watermelon. "I worked my way through college as a waiter," he quipped, skillfully handling several tipsy paper plates.

Mrs Llodra showed off her service skills, as well, quickly moving plates of chocolate cake from the serving table to senior diners.

As guests finished dessert, Officer McCarthy took a few minutes to talk to the group about scam awareness and driving tips.

"Here in Newtown, we have very educated seniors, and I'm proud of that," said Officer McCarthy. She is impressed with the number of people who come to the police department to report being scammed, despite feeling embarrassed.

"Please don't think you can't come in and talk to us. There are so many scams out there. We need to be in touch with you a lot more," she told the attentive seniors.

So far as driving goes, Officer McCarthy said she could not resist the opportunity to pass on her most valuable Newtown driving tip: "Do not go up Church Hill Road to the flagpole and turn left."

She also reminded the seniors that having a companion when driving in unfamiliar places is a good idea; to make right turns, not lefts; and to stay out of rush hour traffic whenever possible.

"Make it safer for yourself," she said, before turning the floor over to Rep Bolinsky, who lifted a whole watermelon over his head.

"What do you think it weighs?" he asked, finally bestowing the big melon to Senior Center member Joyce Goldin for her correct answer.

The final presenter at Senior Appreciation Day was Chief Viadero.

"Growing up, society was different than it is now," he cautioned the seniors, building on Officer McCarthy's tips about avoiding scams. He stressed, too, that anyone should feel comfortable contacting the police department when a situation puts them in doubt.

Chief Viadero also took questions and suggestions from the seniors, including one that questioned why shopping centers have special parking for handicapped and mothers with small children, but no spots reserved for senior citizens.

It is up to shopping complex owners to make those decisions, said Chief Viadero, as the centers are private property. Rep Bolinsky suggested that it was an idea that could be legislated.

"Seniors are discriminated against," he said.

The chief also fielded questions on training of officers assigned to road duty, and why the new police cruisers are black and white.

"Historically," Chief Viadero answered the cruiser question, "black and whites are what police cars are."

How long must one stop at a stop sign? There is no defined time, but drivers must come to a complete stop, the chief clarified.

He addressed senior safety, saying that when a homeowner is away on vacation, it is important to make the house look occupied. "Stop the mail and newspapers; let your neighbors know you will be away; and let the police department know," he suggested.

The message Chief Viadero left seniors with, as the special afternoon ended, was to feel free to contact the police department with concerns.

"The biggest thing, call us. That's what we're here for," he said.