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

*Grab bag bingo will be Wednesday, April 14, marathon bingo is April 21, and regular bingo is on April 28.

*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, singles, and line dancers. Judging provided by USA Dance. For information, call Marilyn at 203-270-4310.

*Signup for SENIOR TAX RELIEF benefits will be on Thursday, April 22, from 1 to 4 pm. No appointment is necessary.

*Join the Wii Spring Practice League to get ready for the 2010 Tournament. Quarter finals will begin in April and end in May. Regionals and finals will be held in June.

Upcoming Programs

*National Volunteer Week is April 18–24 and the Newtown Senior Center extends a grateful thank you to all who volunteer here and within the community. All RSVP members are invited for a recognition tea on Tuesday, April 20, at 1:30 pm.

*Retired or retiring soon? On Wednesday, April 21, at 1 pm, learn how to simplify your financial affairs and some safe and secure ways to protect your nest egg. Call 203-270-4310 to register.

*INDEPENDENT LIVING DAY will be Saturday, April 24, 9:30 to 11:30 am or 1 to 3 pm. Newtown Youth & Family Services will provide volunteers to help with various chores around the house. Pick up forms at Newtown Senior Center to fill out. If you have any questions, call 203-270-4335.

*ICE CREAM SOCIAL will be Wednesday, April 28, at 1 pm.

*Come learn how diet can affect memory on Thursday, May 6, at noon.

Day Trips

*On Thursday, April 22, enjoy a luncheon buffet and the show Happy Birthday at Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant. After the show the cast of characters will put on a cabaret in the dining room. Take time to browse Bowen’s Wharf area also. Depart 7:30 am; cost is $94.

*Gil Chimes Productions presents SPRING FLING on Wednesday, May 5. A complete luncheon and entertainment includes a floor show, big band music, dancing, line dancing and more. Depart at 8:30 am to the Empire City Casino and Yonkers Raceway in New York; cost is $80.

*On Tuesday, May 18, at noon, the senior nutrition traveling chef will be preparing Italian-style panini sandwiches along with Italian wedding soup, tomato and cucumber salad, and ice cream and strawberries. Prepaid reservations are required; limited to 40. Cost is $5.50. Entertainment with Bob Giannotti to follow at 1 pm.

*Deluxe motorcoach bus trip to Mohegan Sun Casino is on Thursday, May 20. Depart at 8 am; cost is $30. Receive $15 food coupon or free buffet and three $5 free bets.

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

*Depart 8 am on Wednesday, September 8, stop for coffee at The Great White Way and then off to the Bossa Nova for lunch. After lunch enjoy the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in Jersey Boys on Broadway, with orchestra seating. Early registration is required. Cost is $190.

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, 10 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

April 12–16

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

Tuesday: Fish with Florentine sauce, brown rice pilaf, Riviera blend vegetables, seedless rye bread, pear slices.

Wednesday: Oven fried chicken quarter, macaroni and cheese, green peas, wheat dinner rolls, spice cake.

Thursday: Yankee pot roast with gravy, fresh smashed potatoes, green beans, whole wheat bread, mandarin oranges.

And for planning ahead —

Monday, April 19: Chicken cacciatore served over egg noodles, diced squash, dinner roll, diet fruited Jell-O with whipped topping.

Tuesday, April 20: Minestrone soup with crackers, cold cut grinder with bologna, ham, turkey, lettuce, tomato and mustard or mayo, coleslaw vinaigrette, fruit cocktail.

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