Thanks to the Town’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), the Fairfield Hills Campus as well as the Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS) Senior Rides program have been selected as featured stops on the AgeWell Across Connecticut tour, “recognizing [them] as a top local effort[s] prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility for aging residents, people with disabilities, and those with dementia,” according to the award letter.

Economic and Community Development Director John Voket noted that the two make Newtown “one of just two or three communities in the state with more than one recognition.” The Fairfield Hills Campus and FONS Senior Rides are among 46 locations and organizations highlighted by the Connecticut Age Well Collaborative. The program is running through October 31 to coincide with Disability Awareness Month.

The Connecticut Age Well Collaborative is a statewide, cross-sector initiative that fosters inclusive communities for aging, dementia, and disability. As part of Connecticut’s livable community’s initiative, the Age Well Collaborative curated a list of community-nominated places and programs that demonstrate exceptional inclusivity.

Over the next few weeks, The Age Well Collaborative will be highlighting Newtown’s work. Meanwhile they are encouraging all Connecticut residents to visit as they tour the many ways to “AgeWell Across Connecticut” at ctagewellcollaborative.org/acrossct.

According to the site, “in the summer of 2024, the Connecticut Age Well Collaborative asked Connecticut residents to tell them about the hidden gems in their communities — from the best accessible attractions, to the most welcoming local businesses, to the most inspiring programs and initiatives.”

Criteria included places and programs that must be Connecticut based; be established with an existing physical location or a regularly-scheduled program (in-person or virtual); inclusive and designed with an aging, dementia, and/or disability lens, visitable by being open to the public or a subset of the public between September 12 and October 31; and affordable by being free or low cost.

Fairfield Hills is, according to the AgeWell site, “a beautiful, accessible, and thriving public space located just a few minutes from I-84’s Exit 11. Whether exercising, dog walking, picnicking, biking, exploring its diverse and growing network of trails, just taking in the relaxing, expansive views or relishing its peaceful shady glens seated on one of the many memorial benches or gathering spaces, Fairfield Hills welcomes visitors of all ages, abilities and situations. Most of the locations and facilities described are fully accessible via flat or zero-entry points, and offer opportunities for everyone, including those experiencing dementia, a picturesque and peaceful location to recreate or relax. ... Its thoughtful and measured installation and accommodation of projects and services has positioned the campus to become, as some describe it, Newtown’s own Central Park.”

Recently, as many readers already know, the campus was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Age Well had also noted that important achievement within its celebratory release. That in itself is a commendable step. Newtown took ownership of the 185-acre property 20 years ago this past August. The campus qualified to be listed as a historic district on the State Register of Historic Places in March.

The site has this to say about FONS: “Friends of Newtown Seniors volunteer drivers are available to pick you up and take you to any Newtown location you wish. To arrange a day out, please call 203-430-0633 three days in advance and a coordinator will return your call. Friends of Newtown Seniors provides advocacy and services to Newtown seniors. Other current initiatives include Age-Friendly Community work, a Chore Services program, notes and cards for happy and sad events, social gatherings, special events and advocacy for older adults. It’s often the first place individuals call for help.”

Friends of Newtown Seniors was formally founded less than a decade ago with a mission to help the Newtown community address issues that affect the lives and well-being of senior citizens. Among its 2024 goals were to further support physical and mental wellness, and a transportation initiative. The launch of Newtown Rides, and this recognition by a statewide collaborative, should make every member of the local all-volunteer nonprofit very proud.

The award letter from AgeWell Across Connecticut thanked the Town for its leadership in “making our state a fantastic place to grow up and grow older.”

We offer congratulations to Voket, the Newtown DECD, FONS, Fairfield Hills Authority, Newtown Community Center and Newtown Senior Center, and the Town of Newtown on the recognitions. They are well deserved and truly show that Newtown appreciates its senior population.