Approximately 20 people gathered for the Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS) roundtable on July 23. The latest in the monthly series covered affordable housing at Nunnawauk Meadows and potential improvements to general senior safety. The meeting took place at Newtown Senior Center and included special guests Mary Salley, executive director of Nunnawauk Meadows; and Rich Simoneau, president of Newtown Housing for the Elderly Inc.

FONS Board of Directors member Ned Simpson moderated.

Salley, who has been working with Nunnawauk Meadows for three years, opened the meeting with a brief overview of the community’s history. Nunnawauk Meadows was constructed in 1976 and largely expanded in the 1990s. Today, all US citizens are eligible for housing, with no preference given to residents of Newtown or Connecticut.

Salley also provided an overview of the housing options available, which serve disabled individuals above the age of 18 and seniors. She also noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the community shifted to a “meals on wheels” service to support residents’ food independence.

Simoneau also emphasized the efforts made to keep rent prices stable through the pandemic.

Salley said Nunnawauk Meadows offers “independent living, allowing tenants to lead their own lives.” The emphasis on independence prompted questions about isolation. While it does not seem to be a large issue to current residents, according to Salley, there have been proposals to build a path that connects the community to the main campus of Fairfield Hills. According to Simoneau, residents of Nunnawauk Meadows expressed both support and worry for the idea, calling it a potential “safety concern,” especially regarding trespassing.

While rent is based on both income and assets, eligibility to apply is based on income. For specific details about financial eligibility, seniors are encouraged to visit nunnawaukmeadows.com. According to Salley, each renter’s situation is different and specific information would be found in their “800 page” procedures handbook.

Other safety concerns arose in regards to general knowledge of emergency services for Newtown residents.

According to Simpson, a recent incident sparked worries about what the seniors would do if an emergency occurred and they were unable to open the door to emergency services. The group participated in a questionnaire, largely dedicated to encouraging discussion about Newtown’s Smart911 system.

The system is described on its website as a “lifesaving service,” providing first responders with crucial details about medications, home access, and more. This information remains confidential and is only accessible to first responders during emergencies. Newtown residents have had access to the free service since 2012.

After the group filled out the questionnaire, most said that they were not enrolled in Smart911. Reasons included not knowing about the service as well as discomfort with giving out their information.

The next FONS Roundtable is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, 3:30 pm, at Newtown Senior Center. All are welcome to join the monthly discussions of senior life in Newtown. Moderator Ned Simpson can be reached at neds2024@gmail.com for additional information.

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Intern Claire Baranovic may be reached through editor@thebee.com.