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. Monday from 1 to 3 pm the mini-bus will go to Sand Hill Plaza. Fridays, the bus will alternate going to Danbury Fair Mall and to Berkshire Shopping Plaza. Cost is 60 cents each way for the Sand Hill Plaza trip, 75 cents 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.

This Week’s Programs

The DANBURY SENIOR CENTER SINGERS are coming to entertain us on Wednesday, January 24.

 

News For Week of January 22-26

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS: Got the winter blahs? Then join us for the MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION AT HUNT’S LANDING on Tuesday, February 27. A bus will leave Newtown Senior Center at 9 am, but note: We are sharing the bus with another center, and there are only 23 seats available so it’s first come, first seated. The jazzy, jumpin’ festival will include continental breakfast, three-hour beer/wine/soda bar, a spectacular magician, a Cake Walkin’ Band playing jazz and Dixieland music, a great Fat Tuesday buffet feast, a Mardi Gras parade complete with float-decorating contest, and someone will be crowned King and Queen of Mardi Gras. Cost is $55 which covers everything, including bus transportation and the bus driver’s tip.

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REMINDERS: HERE’S TO THE 21ST CENTURY! Write down your memories of all the changes you experienced during the 20th Century. We’re sure there are many. Then submit them to Marilyn for the senior center’s scrapbook.

We are updating the SENIOR CENTER BIRTHDAY LIST. Please call 270-4310 so that our records are correct and we may wish you well on your next birthday.

A winter reminder: When we have a special program planned or even during regular days with lunch and classes scheduled, OUR INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY is to cancel any events at the senior center when Newtown’s public schools are closed. Watch for information on Connecticut television stations Channel 3 (WFSB), Channel 6 (WVIT) and Channel 8 (WTNH).

Our program date for “THE GOLDEN AGE OF RADIO” has been changed. Please watch this column for details; we will announce the new date as soon as we have it.

AN EXERCISE TEACHER IS NEEDED at the senior center. We need a teacher for a few hours on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, with the opportunity to begin teaching as soon as possible. If you are interested, call Marilyn at 270-4315. In the meantime, Marilyn and Bea are leading the class.

THE ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM will run to April 30 and is geared to low income senior citizens. Income limits are $23,566 for a single person and $30,817 for a couple. There are also liquid asset limits. Necessary documentation includes income from Social Security, pension, wages, interest, etc. This information must be current (within 30 days of application). Utility customers must bring a current bill as proof of address. If you have need of energy assistance this year, please call Social Services at 270-4330 for an appointment and assistance.

AARP INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE will be available January 29 to April 9. Someone will be at the center each Monday from 9 am to noon. There is no charge for this help, but you must make an appointment in advance. Bring last year’s tax return and any other pertinent information with you when you come in. Call 270-4310 to make an appointment.

HMO BAIL-OUT/MEDICARE HELP is available at the senior center on Monday afternoons from 1 to 2 pm by appointment only. A HICAP/CHOICES volunteer will be here to help with problems and/or changes. Call the center to make an appointment. To talk to a CHOICES representative at any time, call 800/944-9422.

Glynnis Lanzetta, a representative from Social Services, is now visiting the center each Wednesday from 10 am to noon to HELP WITH ENERGY ASSISTANCE. No appointment is necessary.

NEW HORIZONS meets the first Tuesday of the month at 3 pm. The next meeting will be on February 6.

ENERGY BINGO will be played on Thursday, February 7.

THE BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP meets the first Wednesday of the month from 2 to 3 pm. The February 7 meeting will concern Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier.

Join us, with teacher Toni Ivey, for CRAFT CLASSES each Tuesday at 1 pm. The classes are working on special holiday projects.

The senior center is LOOKING FOR A PASTA MACHINE. These machines, manual or electric, are perfect for rolling clay for our craft classes. If you have one you would like to donate, call the center at 270-4310.

The QUILTING CLASS meets every Friday at 10 am, and is in full swing. Quilts are individually made. The group is starting a new project, a “town quilt,” and is looking for dedicated quilted to join in this project.

DAY TRIP BOOKLETS FOR 2001 will not be available until February 1. Visit the senior center for a list of trips, their dates, and costs. Trips are being scheduled to the Bahamas in May, Trapp Family Lodge, also in May, Nova Scotia and New England in June, the Canadian Rockies in July, separate trips to Bermuda and Nashville in September, New Mexico in October, and France in November.

We have details concerning a new day trip to MOHEGAN SUN CASINO in Uncasville. Newtown seniors are invited to spend Wednesday, February 28, at the casino. Cost is $18 per person which includes bus transportation, bus driver tip, a $10 food coupon and $15 bonus — what a bargain! Contact the senior center as soon as possible for your reservation.

AN OCEAN PRINCESS CARIBBEAN CRUISE is available for Newtown seniors to join, March 18-25, with stops in St Lucia, St Kitts, St Maarten, Barbados and St Thomas. Costs range from $1,319 to $1,999 per person.

Menu For Week Of January 22-26

Reservations must be made three days in advance.

Meals are subject to change.

Meals include low-fat milk and margarine.

Monday: BBQ chicken, macaroni & cheese, California blend vegetables, corn bread, fruit;

Tuesday: Vegetable soup, unsalted crackers, bowties-lentils-tomato soup, tossed salad w/ French dressing, French bread, fruit cup;

Wednesday: Beef patty w/ sauteed mushrooms & burger roll, ketchup, butternut squash, pineapple juice, brownie;

Thursday: Baked ham w/ raisin sauce, scalloped potato, peas, rye bread, birthday cake;

Friday: Fish florentine, rice, Italian green beans, whole wheat bread, fruited diet Jell-O w/ topping.

 

Activities Schedule, January 22-26

Monday: AM Pinochle, Bridge, art class; PM yoga, HMO help (by appointment);

Tuesday: AM Pinochle, exercise; PM bowling (at Brookfield Lanes), crafts;

Wednesday: AM line dancing, Pinochle, energy assistance (Social Services representative on-site); PM Bingo, performance by Danbury Senior Center Singers;

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

Friday: AM mah jongg, sewing, quilting; PM knitting.

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