Services for Newtown seniors are sponsored by the Commission on Aging and are available at the Multi-Purpose Building on Riverside Road in Sandy Hook. For more information about programs offered at the Senior Center call 270-4310.

For information on federal, state and community resources available to seniors, call 270-4330 or 270-4315.

You may drop in at the Senior Center on Riverside Road in Sandy Hook weekdays between 10 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 mini-bus 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 the new Wal*Mart store on Route 6). Cost is 60¢ each way for the Sand Hill Plaza trip, 75¢ each way for out of town. Call 748-2511 TWO DAYS IN ADVANCE to book a ride and get the out-of-town Friday schedule.

News For Week of November 3-7

*Diane Sjoblom has put her PIANO LESSONS on hold for the time being. Watch this column for updates on the program.

*The senior center will be CLOSED on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of VETERANS’ DAY. We will re-open on Wednesday morning.

*THANKSGIVING BINGO will be played on Wednesday, November 19, beginning at 1 pm.

*A singalong and some foot stompin’ music will be on the program Wednesday, November 26, when LARRY AYCE presents some HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT. Larry’s program begins at 1 pm, so plan to enjoy lunch and then stick around for his show.

*Thinking about doing some TRAVELING IN 2004? Trips are being scheduled to Beijing in February and Santa Fe in May, and there will also be a special “America’s Rockies By Rail” package in August. Stop by the senior center for more details.

This Week’s Programs

*MASSAGE THERAPIST ANITA MOTT will begin visiting the senior center on the first Monday of the month, starting on November 3. She will be here from 10 am until noon, and appointments are necessary. Please call for additional information or details.

*Ann McGrath will be visiting the senior center on Tuesday, November 4, at 1 pm, for a special THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE CRAFT PROGRAM. Sign up early for this class, because space is limited. Stop in or call the senior center.

*NEW HORIZONS, a support group for widows and widowers, usually meets at the senior center on the first Tuesday of each month. The next meeting will be on November 4 at 3 pm.

*Newtown senior citizens are invited to participate in a day trip to MOHEGAN SUN CASINO on Wednesday, November 5. Departure will be at 8 am and cost is $21 per person, which includes coach bus transportation to Uncasville and the driver’s tip, $10 in food credits, and two $5 plays on the big wheel or one $10 play on the big wheel. Sign up early; this is usually a popular trip.

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REMINDERS: Has it been a while since you’ve played Bridge? Would you like to learn how? Stop by the senior center any Monday at 10 am for MARY MATERN’S BRIDGE GROUP.

*Marilyn’s at it again – Grab your walking shoes and catch up with her for WEEKLY WALKS AT FAIRFIELD HILLS each Monday at 10 am. She starts each week from Newtown House.

*CHAIR EXERCISE: Debbie’s chair exercise class is now being offered on two occasions each week. Join us at the senior center Monday afternoons at 1 pm and Wednesday mornings at 10.

This is a low-level chair exercise class. We target the seniors who haven’t exercised in a while and those who would like additional upper body stretching.

*HATHA YOGA CLASSES are Monday afternoons at 1 as well as Thursday mornings at 10. Bring a mat or towel to lie on and wear loose clothing (no belts; sweats are perfect).

*Our SEWING CLASS is currently working on chemo caps, totes for cancer patients, and trach bibs. If you are interested in helping with this project, please join us on Mondays at 1 pm.

*Join us at the senior center each Thursday afternoon for CHORUS GROUP at 1 pm. Join us, too, if you play the piano.

*Believe it or not we’re already looking forward to the holidays. Mark your calendar: The annual NEWTOWN SENIOR CENTER CHRISTMAS PARTY will be Thursday, December 11, from 11 am to 3 pm. There will be live music, a gourmet lunch buffet, raffle prizes, and it’s all just $20 per person. Call us to reserve a spot.

*Newtown seniors are also invited to a day trip to HUNT’S LANDING for a Big Band Festival on Thursday, November 13. Departure is 9:30 and the cost is $62 per person. Enjoy a fabulous Big Band show, dancing, a sit-down dinner, one hour open bar, two hours of a beer-wine-soda bar, and a Big Band Cash Raffle. Call the senior center for details or to sign up.

Menu For Week of November 3-7

Reservations must be made three days in advance.

Meals are subject to change.

Monday: Sliced steak with onions and peppers, potato salad, carrot-raisin salad, grinder roll, pistachio pudding with topping;

Tuesday: Lentil soup, unsalted crackers, stuffed salmon with rosemary sauce, broiled tomato, brown rice, whole wheat dinner roll, mandarin orange sections;

Wednesday: Baked potato boat (with broccoli, cheese and chicken), diced carrots, tossed salad with vinaigrette dressing, soft bread stick, fruit cocktail;

Thursday: Meatballs, spaghetti with sauce, Parmesan cheese, fresh zucchini, Italian bread, lemon cake’

Friday: Lemon-pepper chicken quarter, Spanish rice & beans, vegetable medley, corn bread, blended juice, fresh fruit.

Activities Schedule, November 3-7

Monday: AM Pinochle, Bridge, art class, massage therapy, walking group (at Newtown House, Fairfield Hills); PM yoga, sewing, chair exercise class;

Tuesday: AM Pinochle, exercise, financial advice; PM Thanksgiving craft program, New Horizons, bowling (at Brookfield Lanes);

Wednesday: AM chair exercise class, line dancing, Pinochle; PM Bingo;

Thursday: AM exercise, Pinochle, yoga; PM crafts, bowling (at Brookfield Lanes), chorus;

Friday: AM advanced mah jongg, sewing, quilting; PM knitting, beginner’s mah jongg, piano lessons.

 Remember, you must call three days in advance to book a meal or a ride, 270-4310; the Senior Bus, 748-2511.