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. 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 the new Wal*Mart store on Route 6). Cost is 60¢ each way for the Sand Hill Plaza trip, 75¢ 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.

News For Week of July August 18-22

*NEW HORIZONS, a support group for widows and widowers, usually meets at the senior center on the first Tuesday of each month. The next meeting will be on September 2 at 3 pm.

*Patricia Harkin from MASS MUTUAL will be visiting the senior center on the second Tuesday of each month to volunteer her services on all FINANCIAL ISSUES. She will be here beginning at 11 am. Her next visit will be on September 9. Stop by to meet her and receive some free financial counseling.

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REMINDERS: CHAIR EXERCISE WITH DEBBIE: Join Debbie for a new exercise class to take place Mondays at 10 am. This will be a low-level chair exercise class. We will target the seniors who haven’t exercised in a while and those who would lkike additional upper body stretching.

*Has it been a while since you’ve played Bridge? Would you like to learn how? Stop by the senior center any Monday at 10 am for MARY MATERN’S BRIDGE GROUP.

*Marilyn’s at it again – Grab your walking shoes and catch up with her for WEEKLY WALKS AT FAIRFIELD HILLS each Monday at 10 am. She starts each week from Newtown House.

*HATHA YOGA CLASSES are Monday afternoons at 1 as well as Thursday mornings at 10. Bring a mat or towel to lie on and wear loose clothing (no belts; sweats are perfect).

*If getting exercise indoors is more your thing, visit the senior center on Mondays at 10 am for CHAIR EXERCISE WITH DEBBIE. This new exercise class is a low impact class. We will target seniors who may not have exercised in a while as well as those who would like a new way to achieve upper body stretching.

*Our SEWING CLASS is currently working on chemo caps, totes for cancer patients, and trach bibs. If you are interested in helping with this project, please join us on Mondays at 1 pm.

*Join Debbie Kenyon for EXERCISE CLASSES on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10 am are vigorous yet gentle, with lots of stretches. The class incorporates resistance band work with some low-impact cardio and lots of stretches. Participants are encouraged to go at their own rate and finish feeling refreshed, invigorated and with more energy.

*Join Marilyn on Tuesdays at 1:30 for AFTERNOON CRAFTS.

*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.

*Ann Piccini from Social Services is at the senior center each Wednesday to HELP WITH APPLICATIONS including CONNPACE, MEDICAL, TITLE 19, REDETERMINATIONS, etc. No appointment is necessary. Ann will be here each week from 10 am to noon.

*Join us at the senior center each Thursday afternoon for CHORUS GROUP at 1 pm. Join us, too, if you play the piano.

*The revival of THE GOLDEN NOTES CHORUS: If you are interested in singing and/or if you play a musical instrument then join us on Thursdays from 3 to 4 pm for The Golden Notes Chorus. Call Marilyn with any questions.

*MAH JONGG players have two opportunities on Fridays. The advanced group plays at 9 am, and a beginner’s group plays at 1.

*QUILTING CLASS meets on Fridays at 10 am.

*Booklets outlining DAY TRIPS FOR 2003 sponsored by the senior center, from week-long overseas excursions to day trips within the region, are now available. Stop by and pick one up. Please remember that all trips must be paid for with ten working days of when you sign up for a trip.

*FALL FOLIAGE IN WILMINGTON, VT., will be a busy one-day trip on Wednesday, September 17. Cost is $70 per person. Departure is 7:15 am. Participants will travel to the Old Red Mill in beautiful southern Vermont where lunch will include a choice of baked salmon or chicken teriyaki. After lunch enjoy a fun musical show by Dusti. Call the senior center for details or to make a reservation.

*WESTCHESTER DINNER THEATER will present SWING on Wednesday, September 24. Cost for this trip is $63 per person and departure is 9:30 am. Seating is limited.

Menu For Week of August 18-22

Reservations must be made three days in advance.

Meals are subject to change.

Monday: Cheese baked ziti with tomato sauce and turkey sausage, Parmesan cheese, fresh zucchini, Italian bread, diet fruited Jell-O with topping;

Tuesday: Herb-baked chicken quarter, buttered noodles, broccoli florettes, whole wheat bread, V-8 juice, peach crisp with peanut butter topping;

Wednesday: Seafood salad plate (seafood salad, lettuce, tomato), marinated beef salad, Portuguese roll, cantaloupe;

Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs, Parmesan cheese, tossed salad with Italian dressing, garlic bread, birthday cake;

Friday: Shrimp-corn chowder, unsalted crackers, lemon-pepper fish, tartar sauce, green beans, tater tots, ketchup, dinner roll, fresh fruit.

AUGUST 25-29

Monday: BBQ chicken quarter, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, biscuit, apple juice, pistachio pudding with topping;

Tuesday: Fresh ham with gravy, baked sweet potato, green beans, rye bread, blueberry pie;

Wednesday: Beef burger, hamburger roll, ketchup, German potato salad, broccoli, melon slice;

Thursday: Cream of cauliflower soup, unsalted crackers, southern breaded fish, tarter sauce, roasted potatoes, whole green beans, oatmeal bread;

Friday: Hot dog, sauerkraut, hot dog roll, mustard, cucumber salad, baked beans, pickle, strawberry shortcake with topping.

Activities Schedule, August 18-22

Monday: AM Pinochle, Bridge, art class, walking group (at Newtown House, Fairfield Hills), chair exercise class; PM yoga, sewing (RSVP volunteers), HMO help (by appointment);

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

Wednesday: AM line dancing, Pinochle, Social Services help with applications;

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

Friday: AM advanced mah jongg, sewing, quilting; PM knitting, beginner’s mah jongg.

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