Senior services for Newtown seniors are available at the Multi-Purpose Building on Riverside Road in Sandy Hook. The Senior Center is under the auspices of The Commission on Aging. The center is run by the Senior Services Director, Marilyn Place. For more information about programs offered at the Senior Center call 270-4310.

You may drop in at the Senior Center on Riverside Road in Sandy Hook weekdays between 9 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 Wal*Mart Route 6). Cost is 65¢ 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.

This Week’s Programs

News For Week of April 3-7

*MONTHLY POTLUCK DINNERS are held on the first Tuesday of each month. Enjoy some company, and bring a dish to share.

April 4 will be an Easter theme. Call us to let us know you’re coming, and to let us know what kind of dish you will be bringing.

*CRUISE NEW YORK HARBOR, Saturday, April 8, aboard the three-story yacht, Pleasure and Passion Spirit of New Jersey, while enjoying a lunch buffet. Then it’s on to the Park Theater for a special Easter production of this Passion Play. The oldest production in America chronicles the life and death of Jesus with music and dramas. Cost is $78. The departure time is 8:15 am.

*ITALIAN FEST at MT HAVEN RESORT on Wednesday, April 12. Start the day with a breakfast buffet, then enjoy Italian songs, music, bingo, and other entertainment. Then feast on traditional favorites such as eggplant parmigiano, lasagna and sausage and peppers.

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REMINDERS *CABARET LULU.  On Thursday, April 27, tour the US Military Academy at West Point, followed by a luncheon buffet of beef, chicken and all the trimmings at the Hotel Thayer. After lunch relax and enjoy a flashback to the days of radio — Tin Pan Alley, The Stage Door Canteen, and great Broadway shows direct form the heart of Broadway. The cost is $66. The departure time is 7:30 am.

*Saturday, April 29 is INDEPENDENT LIVING DAY. Basic chores will be done by volunteers. Request forms at center.

*AARP INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE: An AARP representative will be here each Monday from 9 am until noon, and you will need an appointment to sit down for help with them. You will also need to bring your 2005 tax return and all other pertinent information.

The income tax assistance is being offered until April 10, and appointments are being scheduled now. Call 270-4310 for details.

*ConnPace/MEDICARE PART D: If you do not understand the letters from Social Security pertaining to changes in Medicare Part D, call 270-4330 for help.

If you need help with your prescriptions and your income is less than $22,300 (single person) or $30,100 (couple), you should apply for ConnPace. You will still sign up for Medicare Part D and if you qualify for ConnPace, you will not pay the $37 monthly premium.

* BARNUM, The Greatest Show on Earth, at the WESTCHESTER DINNER THEATER, on Thursday, May 4. This show traces the career of showman Phineas T. Barnum. With innovative circus ring staging and buoyant songs, see why this play received ten Tony Award nominations. The cost is $69. Departure times is 9:30 am. There are only 54 seats so stop by the senior center or call for a reservation or additional information.

*CRAZY FOR COOPERSTOWN is on Wednesday and Thursday, June 7 & 8. Departure  at 7:30 am, on June 7, to Cooperstown, N.Y., to visit National Baseball Hall of Fame. Accommodations will be at Best Western Cooperstown and dinner at a local restaurant. The second day starts off with a tour of Fenimore Museum and Farmer’s Museum. Then a buffet lunch at the famous historical Otesaga Hotel. After lunch browse charming Main Street.

Cost per person is $249 single; $199 double; and $189 triple, which includes deluxe motorcoach transportation, hotel Stop in at the Senior Center or call for a reservation or additional information.

*A 5-DAY TRIP TO BRANSON, MO., is planned for September 18–22. Price per person is $1,179 single, $1,029 twin, $1,019 triple. Marilyn says it is a great trip. Come to the center for overnight trip booklets.  Reservations must be made no later than May 7.

Menu For Week of April 3-7

Reservations must be made one or two days in advance.

Meals are subject to change.

Monday, April 3: Salisbury steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, peas & diced carrots, wheat dinner roll, peaches;

Tuesday, April 4: Boneless chicken cacciatore, egg noodles, green beans, soft breadstick, chocolate chip cookie;

Wednesday: Turkey a la king, steamed rice, tossed salad, French dressing, fruit cocktail;

Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs in marinara sauce, fresh sliced zucchini, parmesan cheese, Italian bread, orange juice, Italian ice;

Friday: Home-style minestrone soup, unsalted crackers, buttercrumb fish, brown rice pilaf, broccoli florets, seedless rye bread, season fresh fruit.

Also, for planning ahead—

Monday, April 10: Hearty chicken stew, egg noodles, broccoli florets, biscuit, apple juice, butterscotch pudding with whipped topping;

Tuesday, April 11: Succulent roast pork loin with gravy, rosemary roasted potatoes, California blend vegetables, applesauce, whole wheat bread, seasonal fresh fruit;

Activities Schedule, April 3-7

Monday: AM Bridge, hatha yoga, exercise; PM chorus group, computer class;

Tuesday: AM country-western line dancing; PM Bingo, computer class, bowling (at Brookfield Lanes), computer class, potluck dinner;

Wednesday: AM exercise; PM;

Thursday: AM hatha yoga; PM bowling (at Brookfield Lanes), TRIAD/Yellow Dot photos taken, art lessons;

Friday: AM advanced mah jongg, quilting; PM.

Remember, you must call at least one day in advance to book a meal or a ride, 270-4310; the Senior Bus, 748-2511.