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

*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.

*There will not be Zumba, exercise or yoga classes on Mondays & Tuesdays, May 7–18, June 15, June 22, July 20 and August 24. Tai chi is canceled on May 22.

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 30–May 4

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

Tuesday: Hot open turkey sandwich on wheat with gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potato wedges, chuck wagon blend veggies, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Low sodium teriyaki chicken over brown rice, Oriental vegetables, oat bread, marble cake.

Thursday: Taco bake with tortilla chips, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, cheese and taco sauce, fiesta corn, fruited lime Jell-O with whipped topping.

And for planning ahead—

Monday, May 7: Swiss steak with tomato and onion, smashed potato, green beans, whole wheat bread, fresh fruit.

Tuesday, May 8: Chicken parmesan, penne pasta with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese, spinach, garlic bread, grape juice, pears.