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.

By SHANNON HICKS

Published: Feb 13, 2004 12:00 am

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. Buses also run all day from the senior center to Sand Hill Plaza. On Fridays, the bus alternates between rides to Danbury Fair Mall and Berkshire Plaza in Danbury (to the new Wal*Mart store on Route 6). Cost is 60Â¢ each way for the Sand Hill Plaza trip, 75Â¢ 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 ofÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â February 9-13

*Please note that previous editions of The Bee have listed the cost of the February 24 MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL incorrectly. Cost is $68 per person (not $67), departure is 9:30 am, and openings are still available.

*And Now For Something A Littleâ¦ Twain: On Thursday, March 18, at 1 pm, the senior center will host a one-man performance of And Nowâ¦ Mark Twain! which will offer a delightful look at the life and work of Americaâs foremost humorist. The one person play, performed by the actor Richard Clark, is full of wit and wisdom and the special brand of storytelling that made a one-time Hartford resident a legend during his time.

Mr Clark has spent recent years working professionally in New York theater and television. His credits include The Kennedys of Massachusetts, Guiding Light, As the World Turns and Saturday Night Life. He has also appeared in many regional theaters, with major roles in Inherit the Wind, One Flew Over the Cuckooâs Nest, The Crucible, The Foreigner, To Kill A Mockingbird and Whoâs Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

*The AARP DRIVING COURSE has been scheduled for Newtown seniors for Monday and Tuesday, April 19-20. Participants must attend both days in order to qualify for an insurance discount.

Pre-registration is required and there are only 25 openings available. Call the senior center to sign up.

This Weekâs Programs

*Please keep in mind that the senior center will be closed on Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidentsâ Day. Weâll be back in full swing for lunch and activities on Tuesday.

*Join us on Tuesday, February 17, for a program, âTHE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD NUTRITION AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.â Joyce Buselli, RN, a community liaison for Connecticut VNA, and Kathy Hablitz, RN, will be at the senior center at 1 pm for this program. Blood pressure will be checked for attendees following the presentation.

*LARRY AYCE will be visiting the senior center on Thursday, February 19, at 1 pm, for a SING-ALONG.

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REMINDERS: AARP INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE has returned. Each Monday until April 2, Newtown seniors can take advantage of free tax help between 9 am and noon. There is no charge, but appointments are necessary. Call the senior center to set up an appointment as soon as you decide youâd like some help.

*Has it been a while since youâve played Bridge? Would you like to learn how? Stop by the senior center any Monday at 10 am for MARY MATERNâS BRIDGE GROUP.

*CHAIR EXERCISE: Debbieâs chair exercise class is offered twice each week. Join us Monday afternoons at 1 pm and/or Wednesday mornings at 10.

This is a low-level chair exercise class. We target the seniors who havenât exercised in a while and those who would like additional upper body stretching.

*Our SEWING CLASS is working on chemo caps, totes for cancer patients, and trach bibs. If you are interested join us on Mondays at 1 pm.

*HATHA YOGA CLASSES are Monday and Thursday mornings at 10. Bring a mat or towel to lie on and wear loose clothing (no belts; sweats are perfect).

*ART CLASSES are Monday afternoons at 1.

*Join Debbie Kenyon on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10 am for EXERCISE CLASSES that are vigorous yet gentle, with lots of stretches. The class incorporates resistance band work with some low-impact cardio and lots of stretches. Participants are encouraged to go at their own rate and finish feeling refreshed, invigorated and with more energy.

* AFTERNOON CRAFTS are offered Tuesdays at 1:30.

*Join us at BROOKFIELD LANES each Tuesday and Thursday for a great time bowling. We meet at noon and the cost is only $1.25 per game.

* CHORUS GROUP is at the senior center each Thursday afternoon at 1 pm. Pianists are also invited.

*MAH JONGG players have two opportunities on Fridays. The advanced group plays at 9 am, and a beginnerâs group plays at 1.

*QUILTING CLASS meets on Fridays at 10 am.

*Massage therapist ANITA MOTT has begun visiting on the first Monday of each month to offer massage for a fee, by appointment only. Her next visit will be on March 1, and she will be here between 10 am and noon. Call for details on the cost of a massage and to make an appointment.

*NEW HORIZONS, a support group for widows and widowers, meets on the first Tuesday of each month. The next meeting will be on March 2 at 3 pm.

*Thinking about doing some TRAVELING this year? Visit the senior center for full details on any trip including the following:

Newtown seniors are invited to a MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL on Tuesday, February 24, in Patterson, N.J. Cost is $68 per person and departure is 9:30 am.

Celebrate ST PATRICKâS DAY AT GAVINâS RESORT on Tuesday, March 16. Cost is $66 and departure is 8:30 am.

There is also the opportunity to join a FEAST OF ST JOSEPH CELEBRATION on Wednesday, March 31. Cost is $68 and departure is 9:30 am.

Menu For Week ofÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â February 16-20

Reservations must be made one or two days in advance.

Meals are subject to change.

Monday â No lunch today, the senior center will be closed for Presidentâs Day.

Tuesday: Lemon-thyme chicken, yellow rice, whole wheat bread, citrus sections;

Wednesday: Eggplant parmesean, spaghetti with marinara sauce, fresh zucchini, garlic bread, vanilla pudding with topping;

Thursday: Thin-sliced steak with mushroom gravy, OâBrien potatoes, diced carrots, rye bread, peanut butter chop cookie;

Friday: Potato-leek soup, unsalted crackers, potato crunch fish, brown rice, broccoli florettes, whole wheat bread, fresh fruit.

Activities Schedule,Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â February 16-20

Monday: No activities â the senior center will be closed for Presidentsâ Day.

Tuesday: AM Pinochle, exercise; PM bowling (at Brookfield Lanes), âGood Nutrition & High Blood Pressureâ program;

Wednesday: AM Pinochle, chair exercise, line dancing; PM Bingo;

Thursday: AM Pinochle, exercise, hatha yoga class; PM bowling (at Brookfield Lanes), music & sing-along with Larry Ayce;

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

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

The Way We Were

Thomas J. Hardiman Jr

Borough Of Newtown To Host Elections Monday, May 5

Top Of The Mountain

Newtown Resident To Receive 2025 Heart Of Women Award

The voters certainly spoke — and I respect the outcome — but let’s not forget that a “majority” doesn’t mean everyone agreed. Many of us are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living here. Supporting schools and services is important, but so is ensuring that residents can afford to stay in the town they love. We all want Newtown to be a great place to live, but lately, it’s starting to feel less like “Nicer in Newtown” and more like “More Expensive in Newtown.” That’s not sustainable, and it’s not a criticism of the town itself — it’s a call for responsible budgeting and long-term planning that doesn’t rely on tax increases year after year. I hope future decisions will reflect not just the desire to maintain services, but also the need to ease the financial burden on residents.

Budget, Capital Projects Pass: Officials Respond

I appreciate the passion behind this message, and I absolutely understand the desire to invest in our town. That said, I voted no — not because I don't care about Newtown, but because I do. Fiscal responsibility is not about ignoring problems, it’s about making sure we address them in a sustainable and transparent way. It’s frustrating to feel like every year there’s a new “urgent” reason to raise taxes, with little serious effort to curb spending or prioritize needs. I worry this just sets the stage for another round of increases next year. That doesn't mean I’m against education, safety, or our town’s future — it means I believe in accountability and in asking tough questions about how our money is managed. Voting no wasn't a rejection of Newtown — it was a call for more thoughtful, balanced leadership. I hope future conversations can include all perspectives, not just those willing to write a bigger check.

The Voters Chose Newtown

The voters spoke, loud and clear that they support our schools and municipal services. The majority vote was a mandate to keep delivering well rated education services and keep it" Nicer in Newtown."

Great effort by the those who attended to shine a light on the attacks on Democracy. Thanks for the article so all can understand whats happening.

Hundreds Attend ‘Rock This Democracy’ Rally

Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

Discusses Role As Registrar

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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.

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