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

*Note: The center is seeking donations of yarn.

*SweetHart Bus representatives will be at the center on Tuesday, August 9, at 1 pm, for a public hearing on the proposed fare increases.

*Luau at Inn at Villa Bianca on Wednesday, August 10, features Hawaiian music and hula dancers in a tropical decor and an all-you-can-eat family-style luncheon. Cost is $29.95; bus departs at 10:30 or car pool.

*“What’s new in Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery” talk on Thursday, August 11, noon, given by Dr Devine from Danbury Hospital.

*“Sundaes on Tuesdays.” The van will go to a different ice cream location each week on Tuesday at 2 pm. Only the driver knows where that location is. Sign up at the front desk.

*Summer Game Night is every Thursday from 5 to 7:30. Bring a dish to share and play some of your favorite games.

 

Upcoming Programs

*Come for bingo on Tuesday, August 16, at 1 pm.

*Acupuncture presentation on Wednesday, August 17, at 1 pm, will be given by Joe Downer from Chiropractic and Acupuncture Center in Stratford. Sign up is necessary. Refreshments after.

*Marilyn is at the grill on Friday, August 19, at noon, with hot dogs and hamburgers and all the fixings. Cost is $5 plus bring a dessert. Reservations are a must.

*On Wednesday, August 24, at noon, enjoy a Hawaiian Luau with a specialty luncheon. Bingo is at 1 pm. Listen to the Sounds of the Islands. Grass skirts, a must! If you plan to attend lunch, call 203-270-4310. Cost is $5.

*Wii Senior Bowling Championship will be on Thursday, August 25, at 1 pm. This one-day event will crown a championship team from the center to go to the finals. The teams consist of four members each. Call 203-270-4310 to sign up.

*Listen to Representative Chris Murphy on Tuesday, August 30, at 1 pm, speak about the health care system and access to affordable prescription drugs, and how we need to change the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit so that the federal government can negotiate for cheaper drugs for the seniors. Come meet your congressman.

 

Day Trips

*The Drifters, featuring Charlie Thomas and his four-piece band, is at the Aqua Turf Club on Thursday, August 18. Enjoy a family-style luncheon. Cost is $79; depart at 10:30 am.

*Annual Summer Picnic at Holiday Hill is Monday, August 22, 9 am to 4 pm. Unlimited buffet, entertainment by Vinnie Carr with dancing and singing, bingo all day, bocce, horseshoes, mini golf, heated pool, and more. Cost is $28 and must be paid by August 5. Depart at 8 am.

*“It’s All About the 50s” features Big John Hartman at the Dock and Dine Restaurant on the waterfront of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound in Old Saybrook on Wednesday, August 31. Enjoy lunch and the music of the 50s. Depart 10 am; cost is $58.

 

Overnight Trips

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; highlights of Ireland from October 4 to 12, or cruise the islands, Honolulu, Oahu; Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawaii; and Nawiliwili, Kauai 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 exercise, PM chorus/sing along, yoga, art class.

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

Wednesday: AM exercise; PM wii bowling or bingo, Bridges.

Thursday: AM hatha yoga; PM Scrabble, yoga.

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

 

Menu For Week Of

August 8–12

Monday: Roast pork with gravy, bowtie noodles, fresh zucchini, whole wheat bread, mandarin oranges.

Tuesday: Oven fried chicken quarter, macaroni and cheese, chopped spinach, multigrain dinner rolls, chocolate chip cookie.

Wednesday: Escarole and bean soup with crackers, turkey salad on a croissant, tomato and cucumber salad, pears.

Thursday: Cannelloni cheese pasta with white sauce, cauliflower and zucchini, baked tomato half, Italian bread, chocolate mousse with whipped topping.

And for planning ahead—

Monday, August 15: Baked chicken, rice and beans, diced carrots, seedless rye bread, diet fruited Jell-O with whipped topping.

Tuesday, August 16: Vegetarian vegetable soup with crackers, Mexican chicken bake over brown rice, fiesta blend vegetables, corn bread, fresh fruit.