The following are special events tied in to the “Timeless Newtown: Embracing Every Generation” series being presented by C.H. Booth Library, Commission on Aging, and Friends of Newtown Seniors. All ages are encouraged to attend and there is no fee unless noted. Registration is requested (or required where noted).

This list will be updated as events are added.

CHB = C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street (203-426-4533, chboothlibrary.org)

NSC = Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street (203-270-4310).

Every Tuesday, 6-7:30 pm (CHB Antiques Room): Free Write Weekly.

For those working on a writing project, a set schedule and dedicated time is the best way to get work done. Join the weekly writing session at the library to focus on a novel, screenplay, thesis, etc. Each session will have 15 minutes to chat about what’s being worked on and get settled, then a solid hour to get writing. *This program now includes memoir writing.

Every Wednesday, 10:30-11:30 am (via Zoom): 30 Minute Flex & Balance with Sean Fitzpatrick.

Hosted by C.H. Booth Library, this weekly program offers a gentle 30-minute exercise session for participants to practice flexibility and balance.

Every second Tuesday, 1 pm (NSC): Heart Speak.

A local team has been working for over a year to collect positive stories from people of all ages, to share with others of all ages. This program’s motto is “Brightening the world, two minutes at a time.” Join John Bobowski and Cindy Miller to listen to examples of these stories, and learn how to share your own stories. Next program June 10.

Registration required, free of charge (non-Senior Center members welcome; just mention that you’d like to sit in on this program and a seat will be saved for you); 203-270-4310.

(Read more here: Brightening The World, Two Minutes At A Time: The Heart Speak Project)

Wednesday, May 21, 3 pm (CHB meeting room): “The Latest Research on Aging.”

Presentation by Jenna Bartley, PhD, UConn Center on Aging).

Dr Bartley studies translational research into human aging with a focus on how immune responses and physical function decline as we get older. Her multidisciplinary research aims to uncover common pathways among the aging process and to develop potential interventions to prevent age-related declines in immune responses and help older adults maintain their independence into late life.

In her presentation she will debunk some common misinformation, share what research actually says, and explain why this is important for longterm health. Q&A to follow.

Registration requested; 203-430-0633 or info@friendsofnewtownseniors.org or through library’s website.

Wednesday, June 4, 12:30 pm (NSC): “Make an Herb Dish Garden to Snazzy-Up Meals.”

Garden Club of Newtown members Peggy Townsend and Andrea Zimmermann will talk about the care and cutting of herbs and using herbs in cooking, while attendees plant two small dish gardens and enjoy treats using herbs. All materials provided.

Registration required; 203-200-9745, apzwriter@yahoo.com.

Thursday, June 5, 6:30-8:30 pm (Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street): “Silver Linings: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities.”

ISG Research President and BD Provisions Co-Founder John Boccuzzi Jr will discuss how maintaining a positive outlook is essential in life’s second and third acts, and how some of life’s greatest challenges often become unexpected catalysts for growth and fulfillment. Registration requested through FONS, 203-430-0633 or info@friendsofnewtownseniors.org.

Saturday, June 21 (start time TBA; rain date June 28), Holcombe Hill Preserve, 55 Great Hill Road: Town Picnic and One Book/One Town Kick-Off.

BYO blanket/folding chairs and picnic; beverages and dessert provided. (No alcohol; no grills.)

This all ages event will double as the kick-off to Community Read featuring Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It by Dr Tracy Gendron and A Kid’s Book About Ageism, with special events in July and August, leading to an author appearance in September. Copies of the book will be available during the picnic. Additional information TBA.

July-August — One Book/One Town programs based on Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It by Tracey Gendron. Copies of the book will be available June 21 at the Town Picnic and then at C.H. Booth Library. Discussions will take place throughout town. Details to come.

Saturday, September 13, 10 am (location TBA; rain date September 20) – Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) for 18+.

To be led by Jennifer Salkin, Forest Therapy Guide certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs.

Forest bathing is a very relaxed, slow, and mindful way of experiencing the natural world that has many health benefits. Health benefits come not through physical exertion but through focus on our senses through a series of invitations or exercises to develop an immediate connection with the forest.

Participants should dress comfortably and wear walking shoes. Long pants are recommended as a precaution against ticks. There will be many stops during the 60-minute walk. This walk is for people of all fitness levels; we will cover a distance of about a mile.

Registration required and will open in August.

Thursday, September 18, 7 pm (Edmond Town Hall Theatre, 45 Main Street) — Author Talk and Q&A with Tracey Gendron (Ageism Unmasked).

The author of the book used for the summer’s One Town/One Read program, Dr Gendron is an internationally recognized gerontologist with almost 30 years of experience. She is also a university professor, author and activist.

Meet & Greet and book signing opportunities will follow the program.

Admission will be free, but tickets will be required and available at C.H. Booth Library following the June 21 Town Picnic.

“Timeless Newtown: Embracing Every Generation” is a 2025 initiative of Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS) where, in concert with community partners, it strives to counteract the negative attitudes and stereotypes associated with aging.

Built on the absolute understanding that we all age, the program will first attack the negative beliefs internalized by many older adults about what the aging process looks like. The program emphasizes the individual nature of aging and the concept of health span as different from lifespan. Put simply how we each can thrive rather than just survive.

Supporting this discussion of healthy aging will be part two of the program which provides information on the latest research in aging and what simple things people of all ages can do to age in a manner that maintains a high quality of life.

The third part of the program will bring together the information from the first two parts and help dispel ageist views and bring together Newtown residents of every generation in discussions which clarify the value of every age group in our society.

“Timeless Newtown” hopes to be a model for other communities who desire to foster intergenerational activities and conversation about nutrition, exercise, creative expression, and the mind/body connection for life.

Read more here: 'Timeless Newtown' Series To Launch With Community Discussion Lunch & Learn