Senior Center Open House Showcases Bright New Addition

By John Voket

Traffic was brisk at Newtown’s Senior Center September 15. Although it was a Saturday, members, newcomers, guests, and town officials all made their way through the familiar front meeting room and meeting rooms into a new and brightly lit dayroom and three-season addition recently completed in the rear of the facility.

The open house also provided an opportunity for Director Marilyn Place and Newtown’s Commission on Aging (COA) members to welcome the community, whether visitors were coming individually or as entire families.

Attendees were able to chat with various local department representatives, including volunteers from the Newtown Ambulance Corps, Social Services, and the Newtown Police Department. A table full of refreshments and snacks was also a draw for many.

Commissioners circulated among the members and guests, answering questions and helping some become familiar with the many services offered to the community by the center. Connie and Tony Esposito attended the open house, but they are familiar among the regular attendees.

“We come here regularly for the exercise class. We take it together,” Mrs Esposito said.

According to flyers that were handed out to visitors, the commission has three primary goals:

*To study the needs of elderly and aging persons in Newtown and coordinate programs for them.

*To make applications for grants to state and federal governmental agencies and prepare written opinions on the merits of programs for which grants are proposed.

*And to act as agent for other federal, state or town boards, commissions, agencies, or local private groups to carry out programs for the elderly and aging of Newtown as authorized by entities.

The commission is made up of 12 volunteers — nine members and three alternates — who are appointed to serve in two-year terms.

Newtown’s COA meets on the third Monday of each month at the Senior Center. The public is invited to attend all meetings and public comment is heard at the end of each meeting.

For additional information, including COA meeting minutes and meeting dates, visit the Town of Newtown website at newtown-ct.gov, click on “Boards & Commissions,” then on “Aging, Commission.”