To the Editor:

(Written with the Senior Center philosophy in mind that any member of the center should feel free to express an opinion,)

*The Senior Center in Newtown is not an attractive building, but it has a good heart. It has so much to offer.

*The Senior Center in Newtown is not a restaurant, but it serves a hot lunch, four days a week.

*The Senior Center in Newtown is not a school, but they have Spanish classes and lunch and learn programs.

*The Senior Center in Newtown is not a doctor's office, but they can take your blood pressure

*The Senior Center in Newtown is not a library, but they have a monthly book group.

*The Senior Center in Newtown is not a boutique, but many lovely handmade things are made there.

The Senior Center in Newtown is not a gym, but up until mid-September, they offered a wonderful exercise class that was well attended. The majority of us senior citizens are not interested in exercise for the same reasons a younger person might be. Not at all, but we are very interested in keeping our bodies functioning well. We want to hoist our grandchildren up, be able to dig in our gardens, and do other things we never had time for when we were working. Most of those activities require physical strength. This class did the trick. The other wonderful part about this class was that it was a meeting place for the almost 40 people who were involved in it, three times a week. We would chat, catch up, and exchange recipes and where to meet for lunch next, etc. Since the class has been canceled, we find ourselves more isolated than we would like. There are other exercise classes at the center, but somehow this one brought the senior community together. It is my sincere hope that this very popular exercise class will resume soon.

Vicki Boccuzzi

57 Queen Street, Newtown         November 8, 2017