Senior services for Newtown seniors are available at the Multipurpose Building on Riverside Road in Sandy Hook. The Senior Center is under the auspices of the Commission on Aging. The center is run by Senior Services Director Marilyn Place. For information about programs offered, call 203-270-4310.

You may drop in at the Senior Center weekdays between 9 am and 4 pm. A hot meal is served at noon, for which you must reserve three days in advance.

Newtown has daily door-to-door minibus service Monday through Friday. Buses also run all day from the Senior Center to Sand Hill Plaza. On Fridays, the bus alternates between rides to Danbury Fair Mall and Berkshire Plaza in Danbury (to Walmart Route 6). Cost is $1 each way for the Sand Hill Plaza trip. Call 203-748-2511 TWO DAYS IN ADVANCE to book a ride and get the out-of-town Friday schedule.

This Week’s Programs

*Enjoy singing to the oldies but goodies? Still looking for members to join the choir on Mondays at 1 pm. Piano player, Ethel, will not be at the center on March 19.

*Bingo is Wednesdays March 21 and March 28 at 1 pm.

*On March 22 at 10:30 am, Life Line will present “Falls Safety Education,” sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care. Life Line has given more than six million people peace of mind and confidence to help maintain independent living. A light breakfast will be included.

*Chair massages are being given on Thursdays at 11 am, conducted by Mary Ellen Olivieri, licensed massage therapist. The sessions last from five minutes minimum to 30 minutes at $1 per minute. There is no oil used and it is performed right over clothing. At time of reservations state how long you want your massage appointment to be.

*Sign up for AARP Income Tax Assistance through April 9 on Mondays from 9 am to noon. This is for low- and middle-income taxpayers. If married, both spouses should be present. A checklist is available at the Newtown Senior Center of what documents should be brought in.

Upcoming Programs

*Applications for Newtown Property Tax Benefit will be available Wednesday, March 28, from 9 am to noon. Bring in 2011 tax return and 1099s. Appointment is not necessary.

*On Thursday, April 5, at noon, our guest chef will prepare a ham luncheon, along with soup salad, vegetable, and dessert. Cost is $6 and is due by March 29. Limit is 30; call for a reservation.

*Let’s Talk About Advance Directives” is the Lunch and Learn Series topic for Friday, April 20, at noon. If you are unable to communicate your wishes regarding your medical care, an advance directive is a legal document that communicates your wishes to physicians and others entrusted with your care. Linda Pickney, nurse liaison at Regional Hospice & Home care will present the workshop.

Day Trips

*The next bus trip to Mohegan Sun will be March 29. The cost is $30, which includes $15 meal voucher and two $5 vouchers for betting.

*Italian Feast at Inn at Villa Bianca on Wednesday, April 11. A family-style luncheon will include antipasto, pasta fagioli, penne, chicken parmigiana, cannoli cake, a complimentary drink and live entertainment. Cost is $29.95. The van seats 16 or car pool. Depart at 10:30 am.

*On Wednesday, April 18, depart at 9 am for a “Spring Fling” at Platzl Bauhaus, Pomona, N.Y. A luncheon of London broil, broiled tilapia or chicken cordon bleu, along with all the fixings and strawberry shortcake, soda, beer and wine will be served. At 4 pm, a standing steamship roast will be carved. The sights and sounds of the 1950s and 1960s will be performed by Jim Henning & the Heartbeats, along with a dance show. Cost is $84.

Overnight Trips

*Depart en route to Cape Cod for a two-night stay, Friday to Sunday April 27–29, at the Cape Codder Resort. Enjoy dinner and entertainment at the Cape Cod Irish Village. Day two, board the ferry to Nantucket to see the daffodil festival, antique car parade, and enjoy a lobster dinner. View Currier & Ives prints, ride a 1912 carousel, see military exhibits and antique toys on the third day at Heritage Plantation, followed by Sunday brunch. Cost is $435 double, $535 single and $415 triple.

Recurring Activities

Monday: 10 am, pinochle; 10:30 am, exercise; noon, lunch; 1 pm, chorus/sing-along; 1:30 pm, art class. 2 pm yoga.

Tuesday: 10 am, Cards For Troops; 10 am, pinochle; 10:30, line dancing; noon, lunch; 2 pm, tai chi; 3 pm, chair yoga.

Wednesday: 10 am, bridge or pinochle; 10:30 am, exercise; noon, lunch; 2:30 pm, Bridges.

Thursday: 10 am, board games or pinochle; 10:30 am Iris fold cards; noon, lunch; 1 pm, Scrabble, 1 pm, yoga; 1:30, crafts.

Friday: 9 am, Zumba Gold and mah jongg; 10 am, pinochle; 10:30 am, quilting and exercise; noon, knit or crochet; 3 pm, chair yoga.

Other items available at any time are: Wii (bowling, tennis, baseball, golf), pool table, ping pong table, card table, and various board games.

Menu For Week Of

March 19–23

Monday: Fresh ham with gravy, scalloped potato, green peas, seedless rye bread, applesauce.

Tuesday: Hot open turkey sandwich on wheat with gravy and cranberry sauce, sweet potato wedges, chuck wagon blend vegetables, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Low salt teriyaki chicken over brown rice, Oriental blend vegetables, oat bread, marble cake.

Thursday: Roast beef with gravy, baked potato with sour cream, tossed salad with cucumber, French dressing birthday cake.

And for planning ahead—

Monday, March 26: Swiss steak with tomato and onion, smashed potato, green beans, whole wheat bread, iced chocolate cake.

Tuesday, March 27: Chicken parmesan, penne pasta with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, garlic bread, grape juice, pears.