Whether a senior is looking to work out their body, cultivate their creativity, or hang out and socialize, the Newtown Senior Center, at 8 Simpson Street, has it covered.

With 920 members and counting, the number of members has nearly doubled since the center left its former location on Riverside Road last summer.

The increase in membership is in-part thanks to the diverse programming and recreational options available each day at the center.

Newtown Senior Center Assistant Judy Thomas works closely with Newtown Community Center Program Coordinator Jennifer Cebry and Newtown Director of Human Services Natalie Jackson to create activities that appeal to a wide range of seniors’ interests.

“Our vision is to provide a variety of different options to generate [interest from] all different ages that range from 55 and up,” Ms Thomas said.

As a result, the Newtown Senior Center offers speaker events, Lunch & Learns, and tours, as well as monthly and weekly programs.

Here are just a few of the weekly programs that took place last month:

Fitness Fury

Do not let the name fool you — anger is nowhere in sight at the Fitness Fury weekly exercise classes.

Fitness Fury has become one of the most popular programs at the Newtown Senior Center with a packed class attending every Wednesday at 10:45 am, as well as every Friday at 9:30 am.

Oxford resident Chris Hovan instructs the class at a comfortable pace, making exercise activities effective but also enjoyable.

Knitting/Crochet

Since 1993, Jane Sturgis has been volunteering at the Newtown Senior Center and leads the Knitting/Crochet group that meets every Friday from noon to 2 pm.

Members are welcome to bring their own projects, and periodically there will be group projects so that everyone can pitch in. The knitters and crocheters have worked on making baby hats for newborns in the hospital, muffs for Alzheimer’s patients, and “knitted knockers” for women who have undergone mastectomies.

“We do have a lot of fun, too,” member Lynn Welsh said at the group’s meeting on December 27.

Ms Sturgis agreed enthusiastically, and said with a laugh, “Sometimes we do more chatting than knitting.”

While the group has grown very close to one another — even supporting each other through difficult times in their personal lives — they are quick to add that all are welcome to join, no matter what skill level.

Ping Pong

The sound of a ping pong ball bouncing back-and-forth can be heard coming from the Newtown Senior Center’s back recreation room most Mondays at 2 pm, in addition to whenever a few players have a whim to play.

Newtown Senior Center member Phil Gross said he and his wife have enjoyed introducing other members to what they call “Senior Ping Pong,” where there is no score-keeping or competitive calls — just a fun game to be played. That casual gaming, he said, has lured many people into trying out ping pong (also known as table tennis).

Whether someone wants to keep score or not, the brand new ping pong table and equipment is available for members to enjoy.

For those interested in joining the Newtown Senior Center, the yearly membership fee for residents is $20 and $25 for nonresidents. Nonmembers looking to attend a specific class, can pay a $5 drop-in fee prior to attending class.

Be sure to pick up a calendar of events at the Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street, or visit newtown-ct.gov/senior-center to view monthly newsletters with upcoming programs. For more information about the Newtown Senior Center, call 203-270-4310.