Services for Newtown seniors are sponsored by the Commission on Aging and are available at the Multi-Purpose Building on Riverside Road in Sandy Hook. For more information about programs offered at the Senior Center call 270-4310.

For information on federal, state and community resources available to seniors, call 270-4330 or 270-4315.

You may drop in at the Senior Center on Riverside Road in Sandy Hook weekdays between 10 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 mini-bus service Monday through Friday. Monday from 1 to 3 pm the mini-bus will go to Sand Hill Plaza. Fridays, the bus will alternate going to Danbury Fair Mall and to Berkshire Shopping Plaza. Cost is 60 cents each way for the Sand Hill Plaza trip, 75 cents 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

AN OSTEOPOROSIS HEEL CHECK will be offered at the senior center on Friday, May 11. The $25 fee for these checks is no longer covered by Medicare. Call the center to sign up for an appointment.

Also, it’s last call for the trip to LAS VEGAS, October 29 to November 1. A $50 deposit is due. Details are at the senior center.

 

News For Week of May 7-11

OUR ANNUAL PICNIC will be Thursday, June 28, at Dickinson Park on Elm Drive. The party will run from 11 am to 3 pm. Cost is just $4 per person. Stop by the senior center or call 270-4310 to sign up.

It’s polka time again. Join us for the POLKAFEST AT HUNT’S LANDING on Tuesday, July 10. Cost is $37 and we will be leaving by 9 am. The day includes continental breakfast, a three-hour open beer, wine and soda bar, a great polka band to inspire dancing and singing, a Polish-American buffet, and a beer barrel raffle with cash prizes.

A reminder that the YOGA CLASSES at the senior center have been expanded. Join Helen Herbold on Monday afternoons at 1 and Thursday mornings at 10:15.

Yoga originated in India thousands of years ago and was introduced in this country in the 1960s. There are many kinds, or systems, of yoga, including Laya, Dhyana, Raja and Hatha Yoga, whish is the physical postures (asanas), which is what most Westerners are familiar with. In Hatha there are also many forms, or styles, some vigorous and others gentle, focusing on gentle stretches, postures (asanas), breathing (pranayama), relaxation and meditations.

The gentle type can be practiced at any age, and by anyone in any state of health, even a chronic illness. The benefits are multiple: improvement in flexibility (both body and mind), circulation, concentration, balance, tension relief, anxiety, and a massage of the internal organs.Many physicians and rehab facilities recommend yoga for their clients.

No special equipment is needed other than a mat or towel to lie on. Wear loose clothing, no belts; sweats are perfect. Come give this a try. One class and you will be hooked.

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REMINDERS: The AARP DRIVING COURSE for seniors returns the weekend of May 21-22. You must attend both days of the session, which runs from 9 am to 1 pm each day. The $10 fee is payable at the time of the class. Call the senior center to sign up.

The American Legion Auxiliary of Newtown is looking for volunteers to knit or crochet slippers for the VA Hospital as well as for those in the armed forces. This worthwhile project is called “OPERATION TOASTY TOES,” and Marilyn Place has the directions for slippers whether knitted or crocheted. She also has plenty of donated yarn for anyone willing to undertake this project. Call if you are interested, 270-4310.

We can always use DONATIONS OF MATERIAL AND YARN at the senior center.

HMO BAIL-OUT HELP is available at the senior center on Monday afternoons from 1 to 2 pm by appointment only. A HICAP/CHOICES volunteer will be here to help with problems and/or changes. Call the center to make an appointment. To talk to a CHOICES representative at any time, call 800/944-9422.

Join teacher Toni Ivey for CRAFT CLASSES each Tuesday at 1 pm.

Debbie Kenyon will now be leading the EXERCISE CLASS on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10 am. The classes are vigorous yet gentle, with lots of stretches. Participants will be encouraged to go at their own rate and will finish feeling refreshed, vigorated and with more energy. Come join the fun.

Join us at BROOKFIELD LANES each Tuesday and Thursday for a great time bowling. We meet at noon and the cost is only $1.25 per game.

NEW HORIZONS meets the first Tuesday of the month at 3 pm. The next meeting will be June 5.

THE BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP meets the first Wednesday of the month from 2 to 3 pm, sot he next program will be on June 6.

Glynnis Lanzetta, a representative from Social Services, is visiting the center each Wednesday from 10 am to noon to HELP WITH ENERGY ASSISTANCE. No appointment is necessary.

We have started our CHORUS GROUP again. Join us at the senior center each Thursday afternoon at 1 pm. Join us, too, if you play the piano.

The QUILTING CLASS meets every Friday at 10 am.

Details concerning TRIPS FOR NEWTOWN SENIORS are available at the senior center. The following is basic information for upcoming offerings. Visit the senior center for full itineraries and reservations.

CLUB GETAWAY, to Kent, will be Wednesday, May 16. Departure is 8:45 am and cost is $46.

A day trip to MOHONK MOUNTAIN will take place Wednesday, May 30. Departure is 9 am, and cost is $60. Details at the senior center.

A historically and culturally-rich trip, “THE BERKSHIRES & WILLIAMS INN” will take place Monday and Tuesday, June 25-26. Cost is $209 per person double, we leave the senior center at 7:30 am, and will be staying at Williams Inn in Williamstown, Mass.

A day trip to see High Society at WESTCHESTER DINNER THEATER will be on Wedneday, June 6. Cost is $57 and departure is 9:30 am. Hurry, seats are going fast.

There will be a tour of PROVIDENCE on Wednesday, June 13. Cost is $59 per person and departure will be 7 am.

We will spend Wednesday, June 20, in Westchester County, N.Y., focusing on Caramoor House Museum. The June 20 trip will leave from Newtown at 9:45 and cost is $56.

Trips are also being scheduled to the BAHAMAS in May, NOVA SCOTIA and NEW ENGLAND in June, the CANADIAN ROCKIES in July, trips to BERMUDA AND NASHVILLE in September, NEW MEXICO in October, and a trip to FRANCE as well as an outing to RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL for its traditional Christmas Spectacular in November.

Menu For Week Of May 7-11

Reservations must be made three days in advance.

Meals are subject to change.

Meals include low-fat milk and margarine.

Monday: Chicken, boiled parslied potato, blended vegetables, cranberry juice, whole wheat bread, peach crisp topping;

Tuesday: Kielbasa w/ sauerkraut, pierogies w/ onions, sour cream, peas & carrots, diet fruited Jell-O w/ topping;

Wednesday: Lentil soup, unsalted crakers, spinach quiche, glazed carrot coins, French bread, fruit cocktail;

Thursday: Spaghetti & meatballs w/ Parmesean cheese, tossed salad w/ Italian dressing, garlic bread, vanilla pudding w/ topping;

Friday: Herb baked fish w/ tartar sauce side, rice pilaf, spinach w/ vinegar, biscuit, Mother’s Day cake.

Activities Schedule, May 7-11

Monday: AM Pinochle, Bridge, art class, final opportunity for energy assistance; PM yoga, HMO help (by appointment);

Tuesday: AM Pinochle, exercise; PM bowling (at Brookfield Lanes), crafts;

Wednesday: AM line dancing, Pinochle, energy assistance (Social Services representative on-site); PM Bingo;

Thursday: AM exercise, Pinochle, yoga; PM crafts, bowling (at Brookfield Lanes), chorus group;

Friday: AM mah jongg, sewing, quilting; PM knitting, osteoporosis heel check (call for appointment).

 Remember, you must call three days in advance to book a meal or a ride, 270-4310; the Senior Bus, 748-2511.