Cultural Events

‘Timeless Newtown’ Series ‘Ageism Unmasked’ Book Talks Underway; One Speaker Change Announced

Published: Jul 25, 2025 8:00 am

Organizers of “Timeless Newtown: Embracing All Generations” recently released a schedule of talks centered around chapters of Ageism Unmasked. One update to the planned program’s hosts was announced July 17, after last week’s paper had gone to press.

Released in March 2022, Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It by Dr Tracey Gendron discusses previously unconscious bias, challenges and opportunities of aging, treating others more equitably, and resetting expectations for getting old.

Free copies of the book are available at C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, during regular library hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am-8 pm; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 am-5 pm; and Sunday, noon-5 pm.

Book talks will cover one chapter at a time, with different people guiding each conversation.

All programs listed will be at the library. They will begin at 6:30 pm and while registration is requested, all will be welcome. Additional information and registration is available at 203-426-4533 or chboothlibrary.org.

The book talks series began July 17. All are welcome to join any subsequent sessions, with each focusing on a different chapter of the book and its related subject matter.

The discussions will continue Tuesday, July 31, with a look at Chapter 3, “Entitlements: Ageism and Ableism at Work.”

Mike Cairo, managing director of safety and security for Greystar Real Estate Industries, will lead this discussion. Cairo previously served as Deputy Chief Safety Officer for Massachusetts Department of Transportation, and prior to that was Chief Security Officer and General Manager of Corporate Air Transport for the GE Company.

Thursday, August 14: Chapter 4, “Retirement As A Life Stage and Successful Aging.”

To be led by Dr Michael Stern, a practicing psychologist.

(Note Dr Stern is replacing the previously announced Joan Alexander to moderate this discussion.)

Thursday, August 21: Chapter 5, “Era of Manipulation: Anti-Aging Culture.”

Dr Brianna Garrison, a researcher and professor of Gerontological Social Work at Southern CT State University, will lead this discussion.

Monday, August 25: Chapter 6, “The (Mis)Information Age.”

Retired educator and current Newtown Commission on Aging Chair Anne Rothstein will lead this discussion.

Wednesday, September 3: Chapter 7, “The Era of a Global Pandemic.”

Alexa Griffin, LMSW, Care Navigator for Newtown Social Services, will lead this discussion.

Monday, September 15: Chapter 8, “Elderhood.”

Natalie Griffith, LCSW, director of Human Services for the Town of Newtown, will lead this discussion of the book’s final chapter.

Nonfiction Book Club Talk

Additionally, the Booth Library Nonfiction Book Club has announced this title is its feature for September. The club meets the first Tuesday of each month; Ageism Unmasked will be discussed September 2.

All are welcome to join the discussion, which will begin at 1 pm in the library’s Gathering Room. Registration is not required.

Organizers of “Timeless Newtown: Embracing All Generations” have released a schedule of talks centered around chapters of Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It. —Steerforth Press/Penguin Random House illustration

“Timeless Newtown: Embracing Every Generation” is a series being presented by C.H. Booth Library, Commission on Aging, and Friends of Newtown Seniors, with a mission to counteract the negative attitudes and stereotypes associated with aging.

The Way We Were

Cindi Broughton

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Congratulations on your nomination. In your announcement, you mentioned that Newtown faces real pressures, including “traffic patterns that make everyday life more stressful.” One growing concern for many residents and business owners is the repeated traffic disruption on Main Street caused by large-scale protests and rallies at the flagpole — held without a unified permitting process. Given that Main Street is a state road with a history of serious traffic and pedestrian safety issues, how would you, as First Selectman, approach the impact of these gatherings on traffic flow, public safety, and local businesses? I ask this with sincere interest in understanding how your commitment to “thoughtful planning” and “unity of action” would apply to this very real and recurring issue.

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I appreciate Ryan’s thoughtful and grounded perspective on the need for a consistent, transparent, and lawful permitting process for large public events in Newtown. His approach reflects common sense within the framework of the law, balancing public safety, free expression, and fiscal responsibility—exactly what we should expect from our elected officials. In contrast, I was struck by Bruce Walczak’s comment suggesting that informal and "extensive discussion" are the preferred solutions to complex public issues. While there is certainly value in dialogue, the idea that decision-making should replace the thoughtful legislative process is troubling—especially coming from someone running for First Selectman.

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I am grateful to The Democratic Town committee. I can vouch for the careful consideration they took in selecting our candidates. I appreciate their confidence in my managing skills to address the many issue facing Newtown. Ill be conducting listening tours over the next few months to gain a deeper understanding of my Newtown neighbors concerns and will be ready to address then day one.

There has been a rash of dog attacks, at least three that I know about on the sidewalks in town. Owners of pets need to be more attentive and respectful of their neighbors. Aggressive dogs need to be watched carefully to protect all. This is a serious issue and should be addresses not swept under a rug.

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I attended the meeting, and the results were reached after extensive discussion. Thats why its important to attend these high profile meeting, you see the facts yourself, As Alex, in the following letter, said the solution is not always more rules and legislation. Speaking to each other often solves issue a lot quicker with more flexibility.

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‘Timeless Newtown’ Series ‘Ageism Unmasked’ Book Talks Underway; One Speaker Change Announced

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