Newtown Commission on Aging (COA) held a hybrid meeting on March 20, when discussion covered the latest news and activities for the community’s senior residents.

During the public comments portion, Margaret Posteraro shared that she had moved to town from Long Island and wanted to learn more about the group.

COA President Anne Rothstein promised to send her their bylaws for detailed background information.

Newly elected COA Treasurer LeReine Frampton added that they cover “all senior issues” in town, not just those specific to Newtown Senior Center. COA often meets at the senior center.

Each member of the commission also took time to introduce themselves, share their role, and welcome Posteraro.

Director of Human Services Natalie Jackson reported that a “hot button” topic at the senior center is how classes have been reaching maximum capacity. Three programs in particular are consistently full and require a wait-list.

This scenario is occurring now that the center has reached roughly 700 members.

“People want to be active,” said Jackson, who added that a lasting solution needs to be found. Her department has begun using its budget to increase the size of some classes from 25 to 30 people, as well as to create more classes.

Additionally, the town is working on a grant that would allow them to have more funding for high demand programs.

Jackson also relayed that the senior center has been testing new offerings, including ballroom dancing, and designing more programs to be hybrid — with in-person and livestream options.

“We’ll keep trying to do things like that to create more opportunities,” she said.

Lastly, Jackson told the COA they are working to “keep diversity of programs growing” by adding Walking with Wendy at Fairfield Hills campus, and cornhole games in the fitness room.

Rothstein concluded the brief meeting by cheerfully wishing everyone, “Happy Spring!”

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Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.