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 65¢ each way for the Sand Hill Plaza trip, 75¢ each way for out of town. Call 203-748-2511 TWO DAYS IN ADVANCE to book a ride and get the out-of-town Friday schedule.

 

This Week’s Programs

*Mohegan Sun Casino trip will be Monday, May 9. The trip includes transportation, $15 food coupon, three $5 bets, and the driver’s tip. Cost is $30; leave the center at 8 am.

 

Upcoming Programs

*On Thursday, May 19, at 1:30 pm, Kevin Trohalis from New York Life will give a 45-minute presentation on “Grandparent Gifting,” a gift of love to your grandchildren. This gift will help ensure the child’s future and will grow with them. Refreshments will be served; RSVP 203-270-4310.

*Sign up for AARP Driver Safety Program for June 30, from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. Receive an insurance discount taking this refresher course. The fee of $14 or $12 for members is payable the day of class.

 

Day Trips

*Wednesday, May 18, is the annual RSVP luncheon at the Ethan Allen Inn in Danbury. If you are a RSVP member, return your choice of menu and the survey. The center will be closed from 11 am to 3:30 pm.

*Visit the Christmas Tree Shop in Holyoke, Mass., before arriving at the Log Cabin on Tuesday, May 17. Lunch will include hors d’oeuvres, award-winning clam chowder, New England boiled lobster, barbecue ribs and chicken, served with all the trimmings, and will be followed by the entertainment of Eight to the Bar. Cost is $87; book your reservation.

*A musical tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, Conn., on Thursday, May 26. A family-style menu of chicken parmesan, pasta, broiled scrod, etc, is included. Seats are limited, call early to reserve. Leave the center at 10:30 am; cost is $76.

*“I Write the Songs — A Tribute to Barry Manilow” is at Chez Josef, Springfield, Mass., on Wednesday, June 1. Tasty treats will be served upon arrival, lunch of chicken and apple bread stuffing and all the fixings, and an afternoon of Barry Manilow music. Cost is $78, depart at 9 am.

*A “Polka Party” at Inn at Villa Bianca will be Wednesday, June 15, with a Polish all-you-can-eat family-style luncheon. Live music for your listening and dancing pleasure. Cost is $29.95; depart at 10:30 am. Van seats 12, but you can car pool. Call for reservations.

 

Overnight Trips

A few of the highlights of the Cape Cod excursion on June 8–10 include two nights at the Cape Codder Resort, a tour of the Cape Cod Potato Chip Company, Christmas Tree Shop, Highland Lighthouse, Whale Watch Cruise, Heritage Plantation and meals at Cape Cod Irish Village and The Whitman House. Cost is $359 double and $475 single.

“National Parks of the West” is a nine-day trip from July 23 to 31. Places of interest on the tour are Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful, Firehole Canyon Falls, Grand Canyon, Big Horn Mountains, Mount Rushmore, among others. Prices are $2,819 double, $3,369 single, $2,719 triple.

Upcoming trips include Nova Scotia Cruise on the Carnival Glory to St John and Halifax; “The Sights, Sounds & Tastes of Lancaster,” September 14–16; “Colorado Trains & Fall Foliage,” September 17–24; or cruise the islands of Hawaii on the Pride of America, November 3–13. Additional information will be published in later issues or details are available at the center.

 Recurring Activities

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

*Chair yoga classes are Tuesday at 3 to 4 pm and Friday, 11:45 am to 12:45 pm.

*Bridges. A group of students interacting with seniors on Wednesday 2:15 pm.

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

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

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

*BEGINNERS BRIDGE LESSONS on Wednesday, 10 am with Mary Matern.

Monday: AM hatha yoga, exercise, PM chorus group, art class.

Tuesday: AM line dancing, cards for troops; PM chair yoga, Tai Chi.

Wednesday: AM bridge, exercise; PM Bridges.

Thursday: AM hatha yoga; PM Scrabble, iris folding cards.

Friday: AM Mah Jongg, quilts of valor, exercise, chair yoga; PM knitting/crocheting, Zumba Gold.

 

Menu For Week Of  May 9–13

Monday: Cheese baked ziti, meatballs marinara, parmesan cheese, Roman blend vegetables, garlic bread, seasonal pie.

Tuesday: Baked pork roast with gravy, fresh sweet potato, cut green beans, seedless rye bread, peaches.

Wednesday: Dave’s meatloaf with gravy, smashed potato, Tuscany blend vegetables, oat bread, grape juice, diet fruited Jell-O with whipped topping.

Thursday: Herb baked chicken quarter with mushroom gravy, brown rice pilaf, Italian blend vegetables, whole wheat bread, seasonal fresh fruit.

 

For Planning Ahead

Monday, May 16: Sausage and pepper grinder, roasted potatoes, tossed salad with tomato and Italian dressing, pineapple tidbits.

Tuesday, May 17: Chicken stew served over noodles, country-style vegetables, oat bread, mandarin oranges.