SENIOR NEWS

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. Monday from 1 to 3 pm the mini-bus will go to Sand Hill Plaza. Fridays, the bus will alternate going to Danbury Fair Mall and to Berkshire Shopping Plaza. Cost is 60 cents each way for the Sand Hill Plaza trip, 75 cents 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 2-6

The senior center will be closed Wednesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. We’ll see you Thursday.

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

Please note THE BLOOD PRESSURE TESTING scheduled for Thursday, July 12, at the senior center will now begin at noon. That is a new time.

We have a new trip scheduled, this one called “THIMBLE ISLANDS AND SHORELINE.” On Wednesday, August 15, depart from Newtown at 9 am for the Connecticut shoreline, where we will board Sea Mist to view the wildlife and picturesque seascapes, accompanied by a live narrative of points of interest and history. Then it’s prime rib or stuffed shrimp at The Chowder Pot III, followed by a visit to the Shoreline Trolley Museum and a scenic trolley ride. Cost is $54 per person.

Another new trip has been announced, a HAWAIIAN LUAU AT MT HAVEN RESORT on Wednesday, September 5. Departure is 8:30 that morning from the senior center. Start with a breakfast buffet before games of Bingo, movies, gift shopping, outdoor activities and a live Hawaiian show. Then enjoy a fabulous Hawaiian-style buffet complete with fresh fruit, rice, vegetables and a suckling pig with beer, wine, liquor and soda. Cost is $56 per person.

*****************

REMINDERS: The American Legion Auxiliary of Newtown is looking for volunteers to knit or crochet slippers for the VA Hospital as well as for those in the armed forces. This worthwhile project is called “OPERATION TOASTY TOES,” and Marilyn Place has the directions for slippers whether knitted or crocheted. She also has plenty of donated yarn for anyone willing to undertake this project. Call if you are interested, 270-4310.

We can always use DONATIONS OF MATERIAL AND YARN at the senior center.

We are always updating the SENIOR CENTER’S BIRTHDAY LIST, too. Call 270-4310 so that we may wish you well on your next trip.

HERE’S TO THE 20TH CENTURY: Write down some of your memories of the changes you experienced during the 20th Century and submit them to Marilyn so that they can be included in the Senior Center Scrapbook.

NEED HELP WITH MEDICARE? A HICAP/CHOICES volunteer is here on Monday afternoons from 1 to 2 pm by appointment only. There is no charge for this service. Come in and talk to someone who can give you good answers, to help with problems and/or changes. Call the center to make an appointment. To talk to a CHOICES representative at any time, call 800/944-9422.

THE BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP meets the first Wednesday of the month from 2 to 3 pm. However, with the first Wednesday of July falling on Independence Day, the next meeting will be on July 11. That gives you an extra week to read the next book to be discussed, Jane Smiley’s A Thousand Acres.

YOGA CLASSES HAVE BEEN EXPANDED at Newtown Senior Center. Join Helen Herbold on Monday afternoons at 1 as well as Thursday mornings at 10:15. Helen specializes in hatha yoga, a gentle system of yoga where each student listens to his or her body, stretches within his or her capability without discomfort, and learns to use diaphramatic breathing, relaxation and meditation. This gentle type of yoga can be practiced by anyone at any age and state of health. Benefits include improvements in flexibility, circulation, concentration, balance, tension and even your internal organs. Bring a mat or towel to lie on and wear loose clothing (no belts; sweats are perfect).

Join teacher Toni Ivey for CRAFT CLASSES each Tuesday at 1 pm.

Debbie Kenyon is now leading the EXERCISE CLASS on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10 am. The classes are vigorous yet gentle, with lots of stretches. Participants will be encouraged to go at their own rate and will finish feeling refreshed, vigorated and with more energy. Come join the fun.

We have started our CHORUS GROUP again. Join us at the senior center each Thursday afternoon at 1 pm. Join us, too, if you play the piano.

The QUILTING CLASS meets every Friday at 10 am.

STROKE PREVENTION OF NEW ENGLAND, New England’s premier ultrasound screening company, will be here on Monday, July 9, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. They will be offering four tests — Stroke Test, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Ankle Brachial Index Test, and Osteoporosis Test. Tests are $45 each, or you can have any three done for $100; these fees are payable in cash or check only. Limited appointments are available, so pre-registration is a must. Call toll-free 866-847-5639 for an appointment or details.

“THE GOLDEN AGE OF RADIO” will be presented on Wednesday, July 11. Entertainer David Goldin will arrive dressed for the part of tourguide through the golden age of radio. Join us as we relive the shows you remember. Call 270-4310 to sign up if you haven’t done so already.

Details concerning TRIPS FOR NEWTOWN SENIORS are available at the senior center. The following is basic information for upcoming offerings. Visit the senior center for full itineraries and reservations. Also please remember that all trips must be paid for with ten working days of when you sign up for a trip.

It’s polka time again. Join us for the POLKAFEST AT HUNT’S LANDING on Tuesday, July 10. Cost is $37 and we will be leaving by 9 am.

“COASTAL CONNECTICUT” is a day trip we will be hosting on Wednesday, July 18, to lower Fairfield County. Departure is 9 am and cost is $64 per person. Visit the senior center for details.

Join us for a trip to Westchester Theater to see Jekyll and Hyde on Thursday, August 2. Departure is 9:30 am, and cost is $57 per person.

Trips are also being scheduled to the CANADIAN ROCKIES in July, trips to BERMUDA AND NASHVILLE in September, NEW MEXICO in October, and a trip to FRANCE in November.

Activities Schedule,

July 2-6

Monday: AM Pinochle, Bridge, art class; PM yoga, HMO help (by appointment);

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

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

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

Friday: AM mah jongg, sewing, quilting; PM knitting.

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