Independent Living Day Slated For April 28

By Nancy K. Crevier

For the past seven years, Newtown Youth Services had sponsored the successful Independent Living Day in Newtown. On Saturday, April 28, NYS will once again offer help to community senior citizens with projects that require assistance.

Youth and adult teams made up of volunteers from the area go to the home of residents who have signed up for aid between 9:30 am and 3 pm that day. Chores such as planting flowers, changing screens, painting, spreading mulch, cleaning refrigerators, computer help, running errands, cleaning garages, replacing light bulbs, organizing closets and cabinets, moving lawn furniture, window washing, organizing attics and basements, yard work, and lawn mowing are popular requests that Independent Living Day volunteers have responded to in past years.

 “We have a lot of repeat seniors each year,” said Roseanne Loring, director of Newtown Youth Services. “There are people who mark it on their calendar to give us a call and make sure they are signed up for the day. What’s great about this day is that you don’t know who enjoys it more: the seniors or the volunteers. We love having families work together on this, too. The seniors love seeing the little kids. It’s a great way for families to spend a Saturday together,” Ms Loring said.

Volunteers are still needed for the April 28 Independent Living Day in Newtown. Applications are available at the C.H. Booth Library, Parks and Recreation Department, the Newtown High School career center, Bagel Delight, and at Newtown Youth Services at 10 Glen Road.

An 8:30 am breakfast is provided to volunteers at Newtown Middle School before they fan out to assist seniors, said Ms Loring, and lunch is provided, as well. Shifts are broken down into morning and afternoon sessions and volunteers will be notified by Friday, April 27, as to their assignments.

Senior citizens who are residents of Newtown and who wish to have Independent Living Day volunteers visit them on April 28 must apply no later than Friday, April 20. Request forms can be picked up at Nunnawauk Meadows, the Newtown Senior Center on Riverside Road, Newtown Social Services on South Main Street, or by calling 270-4335.