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 information about programs offered, call 203-270-4310.

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 $1 each way for the Sand Hill Plaza trip. Call 203-748-2511 TWO DAYS IN ADVANCE to book a ride and get the out-of-town Friday schedule.

This Week’s Programs

*“Let’s Talk About Advance Directives” is the Lunch and Learn Series topic for Friday, April 20, at noon. If you are unable to communicate your wishes regarding your medical care, an advance directive is a legal document that communicates your wishes to physicians and others entrusted with your care. Linda Pickney, nurse liaison at Regional Hospice & Home Care, will present the workshop.

*There will not be zumba, exercise or yoga classes on April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20 and August 24 because of the Lunch and Learn Series.

*On Monday, April 23, depart for the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville for a tribute to Barry Manilow. Sing and dance along with Dave Collucci. A luncheon of pasta, salad, roast pork, chicken français, and dessert will be served family style, along with a complimentary drink. Depart at 10 am; cost is $68.

*Enjoy a fun day “Touring Italy.” Learn about Italy’s history and culture and Italy’s tasty treats at Maplewood assisted living and memory care residence in Newtown on Thursday, April 26, at 1 pm. There are 16 seats available; call the senior center to sign up.

*Depart en route to Cape Cod for a two-night stay, Friday to Sunday April 27–29, at the Cape Codder Resort. Enjoy dinner and entertainment at the Cape Cod Irish Village. Day two, board the ferry to Nantucket to see the daffodil festival, antique car parade, and enjoy a lobster dinner. View Currier & Ives prints, ride a 1912 carousel, see military exhibits and antique toys on the third day at Heritage Plantation, followed by Sunday brunch. Cost is $435 double, $535 single and $415 triple.

*Chair massages are being given on Thursdays at 11 am, conducted by Mary Ellen Olivieri, licensed massage therapist. The sessions last from five minutes minimum to 30 minutes at $1 per minute. There is no oil used and it is performed right over clothing. At time of reservations state how long you want your massage appointment to be.

Upcoming

Programs

*“Hospice Medicare Benefit” is the Lunch and Learn Series topic for Friday, May 18, at noon. Learn about specific care and services covered under Medicare and who is eligible for hospice and also the disease-specific indicators by diagnosis for the most appropriate and timely access for the services.

Day Trips

*Lobsterfest and cabaret show at the Newport Playhouse on Tuesday, May 15. Cost is $106 per person; departure time to be announced.

*A “Spring Fling” at Inn at Villa Bianca on Wednesday, May 16, will include an all-you-can-eat family-style luncheon of rigatoni ala vodka, salad, fresh ham, buttered potatoes, squash, and strawberry shortcake, along with a complimentary drink, and live entertainment, music and dancing. Cost is $29.95. The van seats 16 or car pool. Depart at 10:30 am.

*The Aqua Turf in Southington is hosting “4 Troops,” an inspirational concert to salute our armed forces on Thursday, May 24. Transportation is provided by the senior center (16 seats). Cost is $60; departure time to be announced.

*Day trips and overnight booklets are now completed. Stop by the Newtown Senior Center to get one.

Recurring

Activities

Monday: 10 am, pinochle; 10:30 am, exercise; noon, lunch; 1 pm, chorus/sing-along; 1:30 pm, art class. 2 pm yoga.

Tuesday: 10 am, Cards For Troops; 10 am, pinochle; 10:30, line dancing; noon, lunch; 2 pm, tai chi; 3 pm, chair yoga.

Wednesday: 10 am, bridge or pinochle; 10:30 am, exercise; noon, lunch; 2:30 pm, Bridges.

Thursday: 10 am, board games or pinochle; 10:30 am Iris fold cards; noon, lunch; 1 pm, Scrabble.

Friday: 9 am, mah jongg; 10 am, pinochle; 10:30 am, quilting; noon, knit or crochet.

Other items available at any time are: Wii (bowling, tennis, baseball, golf), pool table, ping pong table, card table, and various board games.

Menu For Week Of

April 23–27

Monday: Quiche Lorraine, Roman blend vegetables, beets, wheat bread, diet fruited Jell-O with whipped topping.

Tuesday: Stuffed salmon with rosemary cream sauce, smashed potato, Tuscan blend vegetables, buttermilk biscuit, apricots.

Wednesday: Yankee pot roast with gravy, egg noodles, fresh zucchini, whole wheat bread, orange juice, pineapple.

Thursday: Shrimp bisque with crackers, grilled chicken Caesar salad, romaine topped with chicken, croutons and Caesar dressing, multigrain dinner roll, fresh fruit.

And for planning ahead—

Monday, April 30: Baked ham with gravy, scalloped potato, peas, seedless rye bread, applesauce