Senior services for Newtown seniors are available at the Multipurpose Building on Riverside Road in Sandy Hook. The Senior Center is under the auspices of the Commission on Aging. The center is run by Senior Services Director Marilyn Place. For more information about programs offered at the Senior Center call 270-4310.

You may drop in at the Senior Center weekdays between 9 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 minibus 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 Walmart Route 6). Cost is 65¢ each way for the Sand Hill Plaza trip, 75¢ 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.

 

This Week’s Programs

*Seeking extra help on Tuesdays to make CARDS FOR THE TROOPS for St Patrick’s Day.

*Donations of yarn and clear glass vases of at least 10 inches high are needed at the center. We cannot use bud vases at this time.

*RETIRED OR RETIRING SOON? Learn some ways to simplify your financial affairs and some safe and secure ways to protect your nest egg on Wednesday, February 24, at 1 pm.

*On Thursdays, from 10 am to noon through March 31, speak with a representative to see if you are eligible for energy assistance.

*AARP INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE, for lower and medium income, appointments are available Mondays only from 9 am to noon, through April 5. Bring last year’s tax return and any other pertinent information. Call 203-270-4310 to set up an appointment.

 

Upcoming Programs

*CHOLESTEROL SCREENING on Tuesday, March 2, from 9 to 11 am. Space is limited. Phone for appointments at 203-426-1035. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight. Sips of water in the morning will be okay. Sponsored by Newtown VNA in conjunction with Bethel VNA.

*Sign up for senior tax relief benefits will be on Thursdays, March 11 and 25 and April 8, from 8 am to noon, and Thursday, April 22, from 1 to 4 pm

*ST PATRICK’S DAY at Hunt’s Landing, on Wednesday, March 17, includes hot breakfast buffet, open bar, music, dancing, activities and entertainment, bingo, live cooking demonstration and a spectacular St Patrick’s Day buffet feast and fresh baked cookies for the ride home. Depart at 8:30 am, cost is $79.

*An upcoming entertainment event is Wednesday, March 24, at 1 pm, At the Hop 50s music.

*Health Net Senior Stars Showcase DANCE COMPETITION on Thursday, April 15, 1:30 to 2:30 pm, featuring The Stuck On You Band. Dancing will be judged on originality, interpretation of music/expression, demonstration of the character and rhythm of the dance, entertainment value, and partnership connection. Contest is open to couples, single individuals and line dancers. Judging provided by USA Dance. For information, call Marilyn at 203-270-4310.

*Book now for Glenn Miller Orchestra at the Warner Theatre for Sunday, May 23, at noon, lunch included. Cost is $86.

 

Overnight Trips

*SINATRA TRIBUTE at Mount Haven Resort in Milford, Penn., April 28 and 29 includes a welcome party with hors d’oeuvres, a five-course meal, and live entertainment featuring Joe Amato as Frank Sinatra. Spend the night in a Jacuzzi suite equipped with a fireplace. On the second day, enjoy a full breakfast buffet and then depart to Monticello Gaming & Raceway. A complete gala buffet lunch and complimentary glass of wine or beer is included. Cost is $189 for doubles, $245 for singles, and $185 for triples. Depart at 8:30 am.

 

Recurring Activities

*YOGA classes are Monday and Thursday at 10:30 am.

*Billiards room; poker/card room; ping pong; and Wii bowling, golf, tennis, and baseball.

*Wii BOWLING, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons.

*MAKE CARDS FOR OUR TROOPS every Tuesday from 10 am to noon and 1 to 3 pm.

*BEGINNERS BRIDGE LESSONS on Wednesday, 9:30 am with Mary Matern.

*Iris card folding CRAFT CLASS every Thursday at 1 pm.

*MOVIE DAY Mondays and Fridays at 2 pm.

Monday: AM hatha yoga, exercise, PM chorus group, weaving, art class, exercise, movie.

Tuesday: AM cards for troops, line dancing; PM Tai Chi, Wii bowling.

Wednesday: AM bridge, exercise; PM exercise.

Thursday: AM hatha yoga; PM iris card folding craft class, Scrabble, Wii bowling.

Friday: AM mah jongg, Quilts of Valor, exercise class, yoga; PM Ecumenical Bible study group, knitting/crocheting, movie.

 

Menu For Week Of February 22–26

Monday: Apricot glazed chicken quarter, rice pilaf, winter blend vegetables, seedless rye bread, vanilla pudding with whipped topping.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak with gravy, mashed potato, fresh acorn squash, whole wheat bread, bread pudding.

Wednesday: Cream of broccoli soup, fish with Creole sauce, roasted potato, bean blend, cornbread, seasonal fresh fruit.

Thursday: Turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce served over stuffing, Scandinavian blend vegetables, wheat dinner roll, birthday cake.

And for planning ahead —

Monday, March 1: Spaghetti and meatballs in marinara sauce, parmesan cheese, Italian blend vegetables, garlic bread, apple juice, seasonal fresh fruit.

Tuesday, March 2: Fish with Florentine sauce or ham and cheese sandwich on rye with mustard, brown rice pilaf, Riviera blend vegetables, seedless rye bread, pears.

Remember, you must call at least one day in advance to book a ride, 203-270-4310; the Senior Bus, 203-748-2511.