Newtown Senior Center employees hosted a drive-thru event last Friday afternoon, inviting members to visit the Simpson Street location for some goodies ahead of Mother’s Day.

Director Natalie Jackson was joined by Jennifer Faircloth and Judy Thomas outside the center's entrance, where they had dozens of potted plants and oversize cookies ready for pick-up.

“We had a very good response from members,” said Jackson. “We had a great turnout for this,” she added.

Thomas agreed, saying a similar event last year was welcomed but not as well received.

“People were really scared last spring. No one knew what to think, and very few wanted to go outside their homes,” she said. “People are much happier this year.”

The Mother's Day event was less than a week after the senior center resumed indoor activities for the first time in over a year. The center had been offering programs only as livestream events since last spring, in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Limited offerings returned on Monday, May 3.

The senior center is offering a hybrid calendar — in person and online events, programs and activities — until further notice.

Associate Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.