Nuvance Health, formerly the Western Connecticut Health Network and Danbury Hospital, is now partnering with the Newtown Community Center to bring wellness initiatives to members and the community.

Programs are already in place thanks to the three-year, $30,000 partnership, according to center Director Matt Ariniello.

Grants have supported water aerobics, fitness programs, health education, and more. The funds cover instruction, supplies, and training.

“The partnership is designed to expand health education from Nuvance to the community center, said Mr Ariniello.

Nuvance Health CEO Dr John Murphy, who resides in Newtown, said each hospital in the Nuvance system was built by an engaged community for the community.

“And so we are very pleased to make that same commitment by supporting the Newtown Community Center,” he said. “In addition to promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, you have created this wonderful gathering place, providing a real opportunity to strengthen the sense of community for Greater Newtown and the region.”

Mr Ariniello said he is very appreciative of the partnership with Nuvance for its support of the center.

“I look forward to continuing to bring health and wellness initiatives to the center,” he said. Health and wellness “is one of our key focus areas, and partnering with the hospital was a natural fit for the center,” he added.

“I think the community will find the upcoming workshops both insightful and helpful as we look to explore a wide range of topics to serve many different demographics”.

He said he appreciates the additional programming, which “expands our core mission of health and wellness and how we can better serve our community members.”

The water aerobics programs started when the center first opened during the summer, Mr Ariniello said. The sessions “had to expand due to high enrollment.” The evening and morning classes are available to members.

The center also offers Hinges and Twinges, based around needs for those with arthritis and osteoporosis, Mr Ariniello said.

The program is open to center members. The classes run two to three times a week for the duration of the partnership. Contact the center at 203-270-4349 for more information.

Wellness Wednesday seminars — open to the public — are scheduled for October 16 and November 20. No pre-registration is necessary, and there is no fee.

This speaker series “will cover a variety of topics on health and wellness,” one flyer states. Through the partnership, it will be facilitated by medical professionals. Contact Jennifer Cebry at 203-270-4349, or e-mail jennifer.cebry@newtown-ct.gov.

A September 25 topic was Eat Well, Live Well. On Wednesday, October 16, from 6 to 7 pm, the community center is offering Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer. A program on men’s health is set for Wednesday, November 20, also from 6 to 7 pm at the center.

Part of Mr Ariniello’s work at the center includes identifying grant opportunities, he said. He is also “looking for avenues to create partnerships and continue to strengthen the community.”

Health Quest and Western Connecticut Health Network have formed Nuvance Health.

According to nuvancehealth.org, “We’ve come together to deliver more convenient and accessible care throughout New York’s mid-Hudson Valley and western Connecticut. And in joining forces, we’re pushing the expected, working together to make the impossible, possible.”

Learn more at nuvancehealth.org

The Community Center

The new 45,860-square-foot facility at Fairfield Hills includes a separate but adjoined community center and senior center.

The community center’s facilities, totaling approximately 35,210 square feet, offer an arts and crafts room; six multipurpose activity rooms to accommodate activities ranging from music to group gatherings; a commercial kitchen; an approximately 5,000-square-foot banquet room; a six-lane, 25-yard pool; a zero-entry activity pool; and outdoor connections to the surrounding area of the Fairfield Hills campus.

The 9,450-square-foot senior center caters to seniors, providing programs and activities and aiming to enhance and expand the current offerings.

Project funding comes in part from a 2013 gift from GE of $15 million for the development, construction, and operation of a community center. The company designated $10 million to design and build, and another $5 million to underwrite at least five years of operating expenses.

The town is bonding an additional $5 million to supplement the $10 million capital gift. Another $3 million in bonding has been issued to underwrite the completion of the senior center.