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 more information about programs offered at the Senior Center call 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 Wal-Mart Route 6). Cost is 65¢ each way for the Sand Hill Plaza trip, 75¢ each way for out of town. Call 748-2511 TWO DAYS IN ADVANCE to book a ride and get the out-of-town Friday schedule.

This Week’s Programs

*MOHEGAN SUN CASINO bus trip will be Monday, March 30, which includes food coupon and $20 free bet. Bus departs at 8 am; cost is $30.

*Apply for SENIOR TAX BENEFIT on your real estate taxes on March 31, 1 to 4 pm, and April 14, 9 am to noon. For information call 270-4320.

*Appointments can be made to review and/or sign up for PART D DRUG PLANS on Mondays between 10 am and noon. Call for an appointment, 270-4310.

Upcoming Programs

*AARP INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE, for lower and medium income, Mondays only from 9 am to noon, through April 6. Bring last year’s tax return and any other pertinent information. Call 270-4310 for an appointment.

*BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP, widowed up to three years, will meet on Thursdays from April 9 through June 11, from 1:30 to 3 pm.

*Once a month, the Newtown Senior Center will have a LUNCHEON on Fridays. On April 17 at noon the center will serve ham. The cost is $5 per person. Call to reserve a seat.

*INDEPENDENT LIVING DAY is Saturday, April 25, from 9:30 am to 3 pm. Services will be provided to help seniors. Many hands make light work.

*Seniors age 70+ are invited to participate in a JURIED ARTS SHOW at Pomperaug Woods, Southbury, Friday to Sunday, September 25–27. Categories include painting, drawing, sculpture and photography. Submit photographs of three pieces by, Friday, June 5. Pick up entry forms and more information at the Newtown Senior Center.

Day Trips

*Gil Chimes Productions presents “SPRING FLING,” the Return of Vaudeville and the Big Band era on Wednesday, April 8. Depart at 10 am for Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y., have lunch at the Riverview and enjoy the floor show, big band, dancing and line dancing. Cost is $76 per person.

*EXPLORE CHINATOWN in New York City, with special Chinese lunch, guided tour of Chinatown, a visit to a tea house, and an opportunity to buy incredible specialty foods, on Tuesday, April 21. Depart at 9 am; $71 per person.

*A FIREPLACE FEAST in Central Massachusetts at the historic 1705 Salem Cross Inn will be Thursday, April 23. Relax by the fire or a lend a hand as dinner is prepared old Colonial style. Prime rib will be roasted on a “roasting jack” over a crackling fire. After lunch musical entertainment is provided. Then tour the Quabbin Reservoir and learn about the history beneath its waters. Depart at 9:30; cost is $95.

*Westchester Broadway Theatre presents lunch and a matinee performance of the musical FUNNY GIRL on Wednesday, May 6. Remember when Barbra Streisand performed this musical? Should be a good one. Depart a 9:45 am; cost is $90.

Recurring Activities

*YOGA classes are Monday and Thursday at 10:30 am.

*Billiards room; poker/card room; ping pong; and Wii bowling, golf, tennis, and baseball.

*Wii BOWLING, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons.

*VALENTINE CARDS FOR OUR TROOPS every Tuesday morning from 10 am to noon and 1 to 3 pm.

*BEGINNERS BRIDGE LESSONS on Wednesday, 9:30 am, with Mary Matern.

*BOARD GAME DAY is every Thursday at 1 pm. Coffee or tea and snack will be supplied.

*MOVIE DAY on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2 pm. Enjoy a good “favorite” movie with a friend. April is Bette Davis month. April 7 features The Old Maid.

Monday: AM hatha yoga, weaving, exercise, PM chorus group.

Tuesday: AM country-western line dancing; PM Tai Chi, bowling, movie.

Wednesday: AM bridge, exercise; PM bingo, exercise.

Thursday: AM hatha yoga, cards; PM mah jongg, Scrabble.

Friday: AM mah jongg, Quilts of Valor, PM knitting, movie.

Menu For Week Of  March 30–April 3

Monday: BBQ chicken quarter, macaroni and cheese, bean blend, buttermilk biscuit, pears.

Tuesday: Egg drop soup with crackers, sausage and pepper grinder, tossed salad with cucumber and Italian dressing, fruit cocktail.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, diced carrots, whole wheat bread, oatmeal raisin cookie.

Thursday: Chicken parmesan, spaghetti with marinara sauce, broccoli florets, garlic bread, seasonal fresh fruit.

And for planning ahead—

Monday: April 6: Turkey burger on a bun with ketchup, rosemary roasted potatoes, fiesta corn, mandarin oranges.

Tuesday: April 7: Cream of broccoli soup with crackers, oven roasted chicken quarter, mashed potato, green peas, seedless rye bread, iced vanilla cake.

Remember, you must call at least one day in advance to book a ride, 270-4310; the Senior Bus, 748-2511.