THE NEWTOWN SENIOR

News for and about Newtown Seniors May/June 2019 A publication of the Newtown Senior Center Edition

The Newtown Senior Center serves as a community focal point providing programs and services for our older citi- zens. It is a place for them to gather in a friendly environment where they participate in social, cultural and educa- tional activities to enhance independent living, and support mental and social well being.

A Special Day with the Grandkids at Quassy Park June 26 from 11am to 8pm—$19 per person Free Parking—Drive on your own

Sign up for at the front desk, with payment, for a super fun day at Quassy Amusement and Water Park. Drive on your own and Judy will meet you at the entrance with your tickets. The park is located at 2132 Middlebury Road, Middlebury, CT. In addition to a variety of fun-filled classic and newer theme park rides, Quassy has a a water park for the whole family to enjoy. The Newtown Senior May/June Edition 2

DAILY PROGRAMS SERVICES

MONDAY SweetHART BUS 9:00 Flex Fit & Tone 10:00 Cards 10:00 Crafts For Reservations: (203) 748-2511 10:00 Exercise Tape Cancellations/Confirmations: (203) 830-4399 11:00 Women's Discussion Comments/Questions: (203) 744-4070 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Yoga 2:00 Wii Bowling FISH MEDICAL DRIVERS 3:00 Canasta TUESDAY 9:00 Morning Meditation Transportation for medical appointments Mon- 10:00 Cards day –Friday from 9am to 2pm. Ambulatory, dis- 10:00 Art abled and/or seniors may call 800-794-0034. 10:30 Current Events/Hot Topics 10:15 Chair Pilates 12:00 Lunch BLOOD PRESSURE 12:45 Qi Gong 1:30 Poker 2:00 Tai Chi 2nd Thursday of every month @ 1:30pm. 3:00 Chair Yoga 4th Wednesday of the month @ 1:00pm 3:00 Technology Help Get your blood pressure checked regularly WEDNESDAY 9:30 Zumba Gold 10:00 Cards CHOICES 10:45 Fitness Fury . 11:30 Crafting Crew Area Agency on Aging: 800-994-9422 12:00 Lunch 1:30 French Lessons Get answers to your Medicare questions. 2:00 Chess 3:00 Technology Troubleshooting. LUNCH PROGRAMS THURSDAY 10: 00 Cards 10:00 Inter-Generational The Newtown Senior Center hosts a congregate 10:30 Spanish Lessons meal program Monday-Thursday. A $3 donation 12:00 Lunch is encouraged. Call to reserve your meal three 1:00 Yoga days in advance at (203) 270-4310. Great 1:30 Wii Bowling 2:30 Strength Training menus! Pick up menu at front desk. May menu 3:00 Mandala included in this newsletter; June’s will be sent via 3:00 Password Constant Contact. Menus will be posted on the FRIDAY Senior Center website. 9:30 Fitness Fury 10:30 Exercise Tape 10: 00 Cards MUNICIPAL AGENT FOR THE 10:30 Quilting/sewing 12:00 Knitters/Crochet ELDERLY: 1:30 Canasta (203) 270-4330 1:30 Line/ Country Dancing 3:00 Chair Yoga NEWTOWN MEALS ON WHEELS

OTHER ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE AT ANY TIME ARE: Nutritional meals (regular and special) delivered  Wii (bowling, tennis, baseball, golf) at reasonable cost. To inquire: call Marilyn at  Billiards (203) 426-6340 or Janet at (203) 270-1960.  Ping Pong  Password NOTE: Future newsletters will be emailed to mem-  Cards/Poker/Canasta/Pinnacle bers except those without computers/emails. Some  Board games (Sequence, Scrabble, Rummikub, etc.) printed copies will be available at the senior center. Come in and share a new game anytime. Mailing cost has become prohibitive.

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EXERCISE, HEALTH AND FITNESS

flowing sequences are based on traditional Chinese ex- Yoga w/Eileen Monday and Thursday @ ercise. Qi Gong improves balance by toning and 1:00pm strengthening the muscles of the lower body as well as Focus on stretching, strength, breathing and listening to the core, and building better bone–density by practicing your body in a peaceful state. rooted weight-bearing postures.

Tai Chi w/Susan Tuesday @ 2:00 pm Strength Training w/Claudia Thursday This class encourages balance, subtle flexibility, body @ 2:30pm awareness, improving stress reduction, balance and Come strengthen, shape and tone your whole body! agility is the focus. Receive the individual attention that will help improve your ability to perform daily activities. You will learn proper form and technique when using handheld Morning Meditation w/Claudia Tuesday weights, bands, and balls. See improvement in your @ 9:00-10:00am flexibility, balance, and posture as well. Weighted balls A great way to start the day. Meditation can reduce supplied by teacher. stress, helps cardiovascular & immune health, Improves concentration, slows aging, increases happiness, health Line/Country Dance w/ Jill Weiss Fri- and self awareness. days @1:30

Line dance is a choreographed dance with a repeated Chair Pilates w/Claudia Tuesday @ dance in one or more lines or rows executing the steps 10:15am at the same time . Chair based fitness program which improves balance, and posture. Works spinal flexion, extension and side banding through different stretching positions. In- Flex, Fit and Tone w/Claudia Mondays creases strength and improves mood and energy with @ 9:00am the fun and invigorating movements. This is a conditioning class using weights, bands and balls to strengthen and stretch your entire body.

Chair Yoga w/Eileen Tuesday and Fri- day @ 3:00pm Fitness Fury w/Susan Wednesday @ 10:45-11:30am Fridays @ 9:30am This program’s purpose is to bring uniquely designed This is a great class and is geared for those who have energetic fitness programs to individuals while creating knee and/or hip limitations. Helps with flexibility, social interactions that will build healthy lifestyle strength and balance. Ends with meditation. You’ll feel changes. Limited to 30. fabulous! Class is limited to 18. Zumba Gold w/Fitness Fury w/Naida Qi Gong w/Susan Tuesday @ 12:45- Wednesday @ 9:30am 1:45pm The design of the class introduces easy-to-follow Zumba These easy-to-learn gentle postures and graceful choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion

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Students will show seniors how to operate their per- and coordination. Come ready to sweat, and prepare to sonal devices and answer questions about them. The leave empowered and feeling strong. No experience center has a computer available as well. Sign up at needed, just love of music to motivate and move. Easy front desk. and fun to follow fitness. French and Spanish Lessons Video Exercise Monday 10:00am French lessons with Virginia Berg, a certified French Friday 10:30am teacher, Wednesdays at 1:30pm on May 1,8, 15, 22, 29 There is a variety of fitness classes offered daily/weekly and June 5, 12, 19, 26. French skills are not required. to Senior Center members. All classes are Limited to a Class designed to be fun and easy. All practice materials certain number due to room size capacity. Main or back provided. room. Spanish Lessons with Louis Zierow Thursdays at 10:30am on May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and June 6, 13, 20. Poker Card Group For men and women on Tuesdays at 1:30 pm. Enjoy the Knitting Group game of poker with a wonderful group. Kitting group with Jane on Fridays at 12:00 noon. Over

10 wonderful women have joined together each Friday New! Chess for over 30 years. Starting Wednesdays on May 15th, 2-3pm. Sign up to learn how to play chess with JT Lewis. Men’s Breakfast Club Current Events and Hot Topics Meets every 1st Thursday at 9am. Start your day with Senior center is offering a discussion roundtable on coffee/sandwich and meet new/old friends. $2 dona- current events or your favorite topics every Tuesday at tion suggested. 10:30am.

Inter-Generational Fun with Children’s The Movies Adventure Center 10-11am. May 21st @ 1pm: Lincoln. President Lincoln brings A themed craft every 2nd Thursday; a themed activity the full measure of his humanity and political skills to every 3rd Thursday and volunteer to read every 4th his defining legacy: ending the war and abolishing slav- Thursday. Watch the little faces shine and hear their ery. June 13 @ 1pm: The Elephant Man. This is a laughter. Call to volunteer. 1980 American-British biographical film about Joseph Merrick, a severely deformed man in 19th century Lon- KENO don. Sign up at the center. Enjoy KENO every 1st Wednesday of the month at 2pm. Sign up at the front desk. Crafts Mondays

From 10am—12pm. Crafting crew brings their skills to Book Club the table. Check pin board for all information about fu- May 8th at 3pm: “Everything I Never Told You” by ture crafts. Celeste Ng and June 12 at 3pm: “Factory Man by Beth Macy.” Chicken Soup for the Soul Technology Troubleshooting Workshop Women’s discussion group Mondays @ 11am. Discuss recipes, family traditions, women issues and more. The Newtown Senior May/June Edition 5

Day Trips with Getaway & Friendships Tours

Warner Theatre Presents “Mamma Thursday, June 13. Price is $111 per person. Iincludes Mia” Sunday May 5. Price is $105 per person. It transportation, lunch, show & driver gratuity. includes transportation, lunch at San Marino. Matinee performance. Driver gratuity. The Inspiring Intrepid Wednesday, June 26. The price is $120 per person. It The Sicilian Tenors includes lunch at one of NYC’s fine restaurants, trans- Wednesday, May 15, Aqua Turf Club. Price is $75 per portation, admission to the intrepid & space shuttle person. Aron Caruso, Elio Scaccio, Sam Vitale take the pavilion and gratuities for driver and tour director. audience on a romantic journey from Hollywood to Broadway to Italy. Coins & Claws Thursday, July 11. Price is $77 per person. Dine next to Ace in the Hole Productions presents the scenic harbor on a dock and watch the boats on the “Everybody Loves Somebody-The Dean Mystic River. Enjoy a delicious lunch and an afternoon Martin Tribute Show” of fun at Mohegan Sun Casino. Monday, May 20. Price is $115 per person. It includes transportation, luncheon and a show at the Brownstone. Dolly Parton and Kenny Rodgers Driver gratuity. Monday, August 12th. Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville, CT. Price is $76 per person. Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers Mohegan Sun Casino are each legends in the entertainment world with sing- Tuesday, June 4 & July 25. Price is $35 per person and ing and acting careers that spanned over 5 decades! includes transportation (bus leaves at 8am), casino bo- They are together again and this act has it all. Enjoy a nus, $15 meal coupon, $15 free bet. Driver gratuity. wonderful meal selected from a Family style diverse menu.

Over Night Trips & Cruises with Newtown Senior Center in 2019

The Elegance of St. Clements Castle Panama Canal Cruise Wednesday, June 19. The price is $65 per person. This November 9-24. Cruise on Norwegian Cruise Lines out includes a scrumptious lunch. The castle is located of New York. 16 days/15 nights. Visit Curacao, Aruba, along the CT River in Portland. The architectural de- Colombia, Panama Canal, Costa Rica, Honduras, Belize sign began with the 16th century castles of Europe . and Mexico. More information is available at front New York architect, Sidney Algernon Bell, centuries desk. later, incorporated several interesting features in the manor house. Note: Refunds will not be given after the final count has been confirmed unless the senior center staff has a Its Showtime at the Log Cabin, Lobster wait list or you have been able to sell your ticket. You have 10 days to pay after making reservation. Pay- Feast and The Great American Swing ment is required at sign up. Call SC (203-270-4310) for de- Band. tails.

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Mother’s Day Lunch & Bingo May 10th at 12:00 Lunch and tea will be served. Come and enjoy a nice afternoon at the center. Mother’s Day is a holiday honoring motherhood that is observed in different forms throughout the world. Mother’s Day 2019 is on Sunday, May 12 in the U.S. The American incarnation of Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. Jarvis would later denounce the holi- day’s commercialization and spent the latter part of her life trying to remove it from the calendar. While dates and celebrations vary, Mother’s Day traditionally involves presenting moms with flowers, card and other gifts. Please sign up at the Front Desk. Fridays Lunch & Learns for May AARP Driver Safety Program June 2 The Newtown Senior Center 12:30-4:30pm Lunch and Learn Series A refresher course geared to your safety needs. Learn Friday, May 17/12 noon. Presentation by Dr. Bing Shue, defensive driving techniques. AARP has completely a board-certified vascular surgeon. revamped this four hour class with new videos and Learn about vascular disease. What workbooks taught by certified instructors. The course is to look for, how your doctor diag- fully supported by the State of CT and offers the same noses it and some of the newest insurance benefits. The fee for the new course is payable treatments available. Free ultra- the day of by check made out to AARP. $15 for AARP sound screening for vascular dis- members and $20 for non-members. Call 203-270- ease will be offered following the 4310 to reserve a seat. Other classes scheduled , August presentation (Friday May 17 from 18 and October 12:30 pm—4:30 pm). Space is lim- ited, sign up early. Lunch will be provided by the Vas- New Medicare Cards cular Experts. Sponsored by Newtown Senior Center Cards will be mailed from June 2018 thru June 2019. and the Vascular Experts. Check card for accuracy and begin using immediately. Destroy the old card. Lunch & Learn for June Dr. Susann Varano , a Yale University trained Answers for your Medicare Questions physician and double board certified in geriat- The Western Connecticut Area on Aging provides rics and internal medicine FREE UNBIASED information on Medicare, and the Two Part Series: 12:30—2:00pm. Lunch at options that supplement Medicare. The WCAAA an- 12:30; presentation at 1pm. swers questions you may have on Medicare, Medicare May 31st—What is Normal Aging Part 1. June 7 - prescription drug benefit, Medicaid, preventative bene- What is normal Aging Part 2 fits, care giving issues and more. The WCAAA can assist Learn all about the normal and abnormal aging process in filling out applications for different programs you and gain helpful tips on how to better manage bodily may be eligible for. For more information please call challenges as we age from a brilliant, dynamic speaker Western CT Area on Aging at 1-800-994-9422 or 1- with a great sense of humor. Dr. Varano provides per- 203-757-5449. sonal and professional insight on aging. Contact senior center to RSVP: 203-270-4310

Maplewood’s Lauren Stowell to Host Cooking Demo with Maplewood Culinary Chef Friday, May 24th at Maplewood. The bus leaves at A Brush with Kindness is Housatonic Habitat's low-cost 11:30am. The menus include locally sourced products. home repair and painting services. Savory selections from nearby farms are delivered to the Eligibility Requirements: must be 60 years or older; chef daily. Maplewood senior living communities, in- except if Social Security Disabled (SSDI); must be the cluding Maplewood at Newtown, believe that the most homeowner. This program is not for renters. Income satisfying and healthy dishes begin with the freshest level should not exceed $2,600 per month. Excluding ingredients. The culinary staff at Maplewood at New- home equity, asset level cannot exceed $50,000. New- town take a “local first” approach to the foods they pre- town is one of the towns included. Contact Social Ser- pare to enhance your dining experience. vices (203) 270-4330. The Newtown Senior May/June Edition 7

Judy Thomas Senior Center Assistant Tours with Judy

Tours require a minimum of seven participants. Please arrive 15 minutes before bus departs the senior center.

New Britain Museum of American Art/ Shoreline Segway The Beyond Georgia O’Keeffe and Con- $80 Per person only 7 spots available. temporary Art Please bring money in asap to sched- Monday, May 6th, the bus leaves at 10:00 am. Price is ule our tour. Offers tours, rentals and $35.00 per person. An art museum located in New Brit- sales of the amazing battery operated ain, CT is the first museum in the country dedicated to segways. It is a fully insured com- American art. It was founded in 1903. pany that sells, rents, services and conducts guided segway tours. A family run business that has been supplying fun equip- Fly Casting with LLBEAN ment and activities to customers for over 20 years. May 13th, the bus leaves at 9am. Price is $35 per per- Shoreline Segway was formed in 2006 to promote the son. This comprehensive 90 minute course teaches you concept of clean, quiet riding. the basics of fly casting in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The skilled instructors will guide you, step-by-step, through the four-part cast, false cast and roll cast. We'll The Who’s Tommy explain how to strip and shoot line and how to tie basic Thursday, May 16. Leave at 1pm. Show starts at 2pm. fishing knots. You'll finish this course with an excellent Tickets are $45 per person. The Who’s TOMMY is an foundation of fly-casting knowledge. All necessary fly- exhilarating story of hope, healing and the human casting equipment is provided. Please note this course spirit. The story of the pinball-playing, deaf, dumb and does not include fishing time on the water. Then out to blind boy who triumphs over his adversities has in- lunch at the Waterfront Restaurant & Bar. Sign up at spired, amazed and puzzled audiences for more than 40 years. This five-time Tony Award-winning musical was the front desk. translated to the stage by theatrical wizard, Des McAnuff, into a high-energy, one-of-a-kind theatrical event, you don’t want to miss. Need Money in ASAP to Reserve our Seats. Seven Angels Theatre 1 Plank Road Waterbury CT. Sign up at the front desk

P.T. Barnum Museum, Bridgeport, CT Thursday, May 23rd. Bus leaves at 9:30am. Price is $15 per person. It has an extensive collection related to P. T. Barnum and the history of Bridgeport, and is housed in a historic building on the National Register of Historic Places . Then off to lunch across the street to Ralph N Rich’s Restaurant, one of America's 1,000 Top Italian Restaurants 2008 $$. Sign up at the front desk. New England Motorcycle Museum Tour Rockville CT Bingo at Foxwood Casino Wednesday May 20th. The bus leaves at 9am. The price Wednesday, May 29th. Price is $20.00 per person for 9 is $20.00 per person. Lunch to follow. The museum cards. Bus leaves the center @ 8am. First game is at holds one of the largest collection of vintage and custom 10:30am, last game is at 2:10pm, 20 minute breaks in motorcycles in the Northeast. With over 25 different between. Foxwoods offers a vast array of gaming in brands of motorcycles, extensive motorcycling maga- seven casinos; AAA Four-Diamond hotels, restaurants zine archive, and memorabilia from the most iconic from gourmet to quick service, world-renowned spas, events and superstars in the industry's history, there is award-winning golf, state-of-the-art theaters, and ex- something for every motorcycle enthusiast. Lunch to clusive retailers. Foxwoods Resort Casino is owned and follow at Angellinos Italian Restaurant. Sign up at the operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. front desk. LIFE IS A HIGHWAY Visit Foxwoods.com for more details.

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The Bellamy Ferriday House & Garden person. The Colllinsville Antiques Co. was formed in Tour/Lilac House & Garden Tour 1989 when former owner, David Bronkie, opened the Thursday, May 30th. $20.00 per person. Bus leaves at business in the old Collins Company shipping building 10:00 am. Sign up now to keep the date. Enjoy a special located in Collinsville, CT. The business grew from its house tour focused on Caroline Ferriday’s charitable modest start of 4,000 sq. feet to over 8,000 sq. feet in work, take an extended garden walk. Visitors to The 1995 and was on the forefront of the proliferation of Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden will experience how small group shops which could be found throughout the 18th-century evangelical pastor Joseph Bellamy influ- state. In 1995 the business was purchased by Doug and enced everyday colonial life and preached with religious Cindy Szydlo who quickly established it as one of the fervor throughout New England as well as how Miss premier antiques shops in the state. By 2005 the shop Caroline Ferriday, a 20th-century philanthropist, cham- has grown to over 20,000 sq feet and was the constant pioned human rights and social justice causes around recipient of numerous “best antique shop” awards. the globe. A visit to the five-acre site includes the 18th- Lunch at Michel Angelos Pizzeria Restaurant & Lounge century residence, barns, and formal parterre garden $$. Sign up at the front desk and will engage the public in understanding how beliefs and values can guide one’s actions by interpreting the Thimble Island Tours lives, actions, and commitments of the Reverend Thursday, June 6. Leaves at 8:30am. The price is $23 Bellamy and Miss Caroline Ferriday. Lunch to follow at per person. Join Captains Mike, Justin, Bryan and the Nonna Lucia's Family Restaurant $$. crew of the Sea Mist as you tour the famous Thimble Islands off the coast of Branford, Connecticut. For Cinch Food (Cooking Classes) Fairfield, nearly sixty years, thousands of seafarers have enjoyed tours and charters of the Long Island Sound with Thim- CT ble Island Cruise. Stony Creek, CT. Then off to th Wednesday, May 22 at Thimbleberry’s for lunch $$. Sign up at the front desk. 12:00 noon. Price is $50.00 per person . This is an interactive cooking Kayaking class where you will pre- Monday, June 10. Leaves at 10am. Price is $27.50 per pare and make your lunch person. Exploring nature in a kayak is a healthy and fun and have enough to take way to enjoy the outdoors. Our course begins with a home for dinner. In this brief introduction and safety talk from our friendly pad- hands-on class, you will dling instructors, who will share their knowledge gained make arugula and kale from years of kayaking. They'll outfit you with a per- salad with fresh grilled sonal flotation device (PFD), kayak and paddling equip- corn, avocado and lemon ment, giving you insight on the best ways to set up your vinaigrette. For the main course, we will hand make ricotta gnocchi and sear them off and serve with the perfect light lemon sauce. The class will finish with ba- nana’s foster because we have to see some flames and it also happens to be delicious. Sign up at front desk.

The Glebe House Museum &The Gertrude Jekyll Garden Tour Monday, June 3rd. Leaves at 10am. Price is $25 per Person. The Glebe House is a historic house museum at 49 Hollow Road in Woodbury, Connecticut. Built about 1740, it is a prominent local example of Georgian colo- nial architecture. It is also important as the site of the first Episcopal Church election in the United States. Off to the Curtis House $$ for Lunch @12:30. Please get your money in ASAP so we can send in the de- posit to keep the date !! boat. Then, you'll receive instruction on a variety of The Collinsvill Antiques Co. of New paddling techniques. This is a great course for all levels Hartford of fitness. Then off to Lunch to Maggie McFly's Glas- Wednesday, June 5th. Leaves at 9am. Price is $10 per tonbury, $$ Sign up at the front desk.

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The Mattatuck Museum her seafaring father, the museum opened the doors of Wednesday, June 12 at 9:30am. The price is $17 per its beautiful neo-classical building in 1932. Today it person. This is an art and regional history museum on houses a fascinating collection of over 17,000 objects the Green in downtown Waterbury. It started out as a from ancient times to the present; artworks from Africa, historical society in 1877. The Museum opened its first Asia, the Americas, and Europe, with particularly strong display hall in 1912 and has been exhibiting art ever collections of American paintings, decorative arts, and since. The museum collects and exhibits American art Victorian toys and doll houses. Then off to lunch at On and cultural history – with a focus on the history of the the Waterfront Restaurant $$. Sign up at the front Naugatuck Valley and the artists of Connecticut. The desk. art galleries display the work of American masters asso- ciated with our state and include , Alexan- Paddle Boarding with LLBEAN der Calder and Frederic Church. Off to Lunch at The Thursday, June 20th. Bus leaves at 10am. The price is Shamrock Pub & Grill $$. $34 per person. Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) offers a fun way to play on the water, with the added benefit of The Submarine Force Museum a full-body workout. And, since you stand at full height Monday, June 17th. Leaves at 10am; tour at 11am. Price on your board, it gives you a unique vantage point for is $20 per person. Located on the Thames River in viewing what’s down under the water and out on the Groton, Connecticut, the Museum maintains the world's horizon. Then out to Lunch to the Waterfront Restau- finest collection of submarine artifacts. It is the only rant & Bar $$. Sign up at the front desk submarine museum operated by the United States Navy, and as such is the primary repository for artifacts, documents and photographs relating to U.S. Submarine Force history. The museum traces the development of the "Silent Service" from David Bushnell's Turtle, used in the Revolutionary War, to the Ohio and Virginia class submarines. Sign up at the front Desk.

Goodspeed Opera House Musical/ “The American Clock & Watch Museum Music Man” Tuesday, June 18 at 2pm. The price is Monday June 24. Bus leaves at 9:30. Tour from 10:30 $64 for the side orchestra seats and $74 for center or- to noon. Lunch to follow at 99 $$. Join us for a fascinat- chestra seats. Theatre: The Goodspeed, 6 Main Street, ing trip back in time. Learn about American clock & East Haddam, CT. Run Time: approx. 2.5 hours includ- watch making with particular emphasis on Connecticut, ing a 15 minute intermission, Professor Harold Hill and once the clock capital of the United States. The mu- Marian the Librarian march into their first appearance seum holds one of the largest displays of American at Goodspeed in a rousing new production of this great clocks and watches in the world, over 5,500! As visitors American musical. Fall in love all over again with “76 travel through the museum’s eight galleries, these time- Trombones,” “Trouble” and “Till There Was You! keeping devices chime and strike upon the Money has to be in The second week of May to hour. Located in the historic Federal Hill district of book our seats! Bristol, a portion of the museum is housed in an 1801 Federal-style home with a sundial garden. Sign up at the front desk. Lyman Allyn Art Museum Tour Wednesday, June 19. Bus leaves at 8:30am, tour from Lighthouse Tours 10am to 11am. The price is $10 per person. The Lyman Twenty or more cost is $32.50 per person. Need money Allyn Art Museum welcomes visitors from New London, ASAP to make our reservations. Classic Lighthouse Southeastern Connecticut and from all over the world. Cruise. Departs from New London, CT. Enjoy views Established by a gift from Harriet Allyn in memory of of nine lighthouses from New London to Long Island

The Newtown Senior May/June Edition 10 including a stop at Long Beach Senior Tax Credit Program Alert Bar “Bug” Light– the pride of Long Island’s East End Sea- Application Deadline is May 15 port Museum, plus two revo- lutionary-era forts and much Due to the new federal tax law affecting tax year 2018, more. More information at many seniors are not itemizing their deductions due to the senior center desk. the increased standard deduction ($25,600 for mar- ried). Hence there is no medical deduction (no federal The Essex Stream Train schedule A) from which to reduce their modified ad- and Riverboat justed gross income on the senior tax credit program Thursday, June 27. Bus leaves at 8:30am. Price is $62,50 per person. Enjoy a 3-course lunch aboard restored 1920’s form. Pullman Diners as part of a 3.75 hour lunch, train and riv- In keeping with the spirit of the program, seniors erboat sightseeing excursion. Let our attentive staff trans- who may be eligible for the senior tax credit program port you back to when rail travel was king and eating in the and have taken the federal standard deduction on their “diner” was a delicious special occasion. The itinerary be- federal tax return may fill out the medical deduction gins with boarding your dining car to savor a hot lunch, at portion of the federal schedule A for purposes of calcu- historic Essex Station ,that is prepared and cooked on lating the modified adjusted gross income to ascertain if board. Next you will travel aboard the train along the they are eligible for a senior tax credit. Lower Connecticut River Valley while you finish your meal. At Deep River Landing you will transfer to the Becky Thatcher Riverboat for a cruise on the Connecticut River bursting with lush scenery and historic sites such as Gil- lette Castle. You will finish your journey riding in coach passenger cars aboard the train back to Essex Station. Sign up at the Front Desk. 11am–11:45am Arrival/boarding at Essex Station 11:30am —1:00pm –Scenic excursion while dining 1:10 pm—2:45pm - Becker Thatcher excursion 2:45 pm—3:05 pm—Return to Essex Station

(Inclusive of 3 course lunch, tax, gratuity, train, and riverboat excursion

Mystic Museum & S&P Oyster Co. for Lunch $$$ Friday, June 28th. Bus leaves at 9am. Price is $34.50 per person. Lunch is not included. The shops at Mystic Sea- port are a destination in and of themselves. At the Museum Store, just outside the Museum’s main entrance, you’ll find more than 8,300 square feet and two floors filled with re- productions. from our collections, select photography from the Rosenfeld Collection, unique seafaring gifts, toys, model ships, prints and posters. After the Museum we will Anyone who has already applied and may be eligible for head over to S&P Oyster Co. for lunch. Sign up at the front an increased senior tax credit because they did not ap- desk. ply a medical expense deduction may reapply. Anyone who has applied and was found not to be eligible but may be eligible if a medical expense deduction was ap- A National Historic Landmark/Florence Griswold House plied may reapply. Thursday, July 18. Bus leaves at 9am. Price is $20 per per- Per Federal Schedule A the medical expense de- son. Designed by Samuel Belcher, architect of the First duction is any medical expense over 7.5% of the federal Congregational Church of Old Lyme, and built for William adjusted gross income on your tax return. Noyes in 1817, the Late Georgian-style mansion reflects the affluent, formal style of living during Old Lyme’s maritime For example: era. Next, tour the Florence Griswold House. The Late Georgian mansion was transformed from a wealthy sea captain’s home into a boardinghouse for some of the most  Federal adjusted gross income = $35,000; 7.5% of noted names in . Over 200 artists $35,000 = $2,625 such as , , and Matilda  Total unreimbursed medical expenses = $5,000; Browne found the lush countryside of Connecticut the per-  Medical expense deduction to be applied to your fect location for an American art colony. Lunch at The modified adjusted gross income for senior tax credit Fresh Salt Restaurant to follow $$. Sign up at the desk. purposes = $5,000 less $2,625 = $2,375.

The Newtown Senior May/June Edition 11

Speakers in May Speakers in May/June

“Vision” Newtown Ambulance Corps with Monday, May 6th, 1pm. Dr. Joseph Young, a local Op- Shivam Soni tometrist, Village Eye Care,will speak on ocular condi- Thursday, May 30th & June 27th at 11am. Summer is tions for the aging eye. What to expect and what can be approaching us quickly. This month, Newtown Ambu- done now to correct problems as they arise. Steve Ben- lance will communicate the importance of strokes and nett from Newtown Lions and Anna Wiedemann from hyperthermia due to the weather. Sunscreen is impor- Newtown Visiting Nurse Association, along with Dr. tant, but what if you forget it. Don’t worry. By attending Young, will showcase the SPOT vision screener. These this class you will learn how to best protect yourself two organizations have visited almost every pre-school from the harmful rays of the sun. Sign up at front desk. in Newtown as well as the Newtown School system and St. Rose. We are able to screen in a matter of seconds TFCPJ Conway 740 CT State Police and print out results of the exam. Detailed descriptions Emergency Unit of the data and reports have been collected and made Tuesday, June 11th at 1pm, Radiation Program Manager available to the schools, saving nurses valuable time. If ESU Paramedic will speak about what our State bomb time permits, we can screen a few individuals. Refresh- dogs do. This is where MSA Security ments will be provided. Sign u up at trains explosive detection canines, or the front desk . EDCs. Most people call them bomb dogs. Strictly speaking, the dog doesn't smell “Colors of your Life” the bomb. It deconstructs an odor into its Tuesday, May 7th at 12 noon. Rev. components, picking out just the culprit Leo Mcllrath, Ecumenical and Inter- chemicals it has been trained to detect. faith Chaplain for the Lutheran Refreshments will be served. Sign up at Home of Southbury, will make a the front desk. presentation on “The Colors Of Our Lives” at the senior center. Douglas S. Fuchs with Fidelco He has been a resident of Sandy Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. Hook for 35 years. His talk will be Friday, June 14 at 12:30pm. Generous interactive, exploring how various donors support your life-changing work colors and their significance can pull with life-affirming passion. us together or force us apart. So wear Loyal volunteers pour thousands of hours your favorite colors and come and and boundless amounts of love and pa- make a magnificent splash. Sign up tience into raising puppies and supporting at the front desk. operations and events with heartfelt pas- sion. Training staff spend countless hours in the blister- “Outside Equipment 101” With Chris ing heat and bitter cold preparing eager young dogs for Will their important destinies with unwavering passion. Wednesday, May 8th at 1pm. Newtown Power Equip- ’s assertion that, “True happiness is not ment in Newtown Connecticut is a full sales, service and attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity parts professional outdoor equipment company for over to a worthy purpose,” resonates deeply when we witness 15 major brands. Our staff of outdoor equipment ex- the boundless freedom clients attain with their Fidelco perts has over 150 years of combined experience. We German Shepherd guide dogs leading the way. Refresh- know how to keep your equipment in top running con- ments will be served Sign up at the front desk. dition for many years to come. Sign up at the front desk . Cruising Cuisine Crew ($5 per person for driver) “Mechanics 101” “Bernards” May 9th . Ridgefield. French cuisine. Bus Tuesday, May 14 at 1pm. Our own town mechanic, Tim leaves at 11:30. “Sultan’s Turkish”, May 28th. Whelan, will come to teach us all the basic information Waterbury. Turkish cuisine. Bus leaves at 11:30am. Fixed on how to maintain your car plus tricks on how to get price, 3 course $10.95. “Verdi” June 4. Western Hill Golf Club . Waterbury. Bus leaves at 11:30am. “Crave” June rid of those pesky mice that eat your wires. Come with 25th. Bus leaves at 11:30 am. Ansonia. Caribbean fusion all the questions you have. cuisine & cocktails with a bistro vibe in the storefront of an Sign up at the front desk. 1800’s opera house.

The Newtown Senior May/June Edition 12

The Newtown Senior May/June Edition 13

Elder Law, Trust and Probate Newtown Legal Seminar Commission on Aging

Protect your assets, minimize taxes and avoid Members/ loss of control contact Information

Come learn how to use elder law strategies, trusts and D—Anna Wiedemann, Chair probate to protect assets from Medicaid and VA Aid & [email protected] Attendance pension, reduce taxes (estate and capital (203) 426-1035 gains taxes), preserve control over your affairs and avoid litigation, and provide for loved ones by protect- D-Anne Rothstein, Vice Chair ing resources after your death. [email protected] (203) 426-2334 Come hear a discussion on the urgent questions facing every senior today: R-Barbara Bloom, Treasurer  How can Irrevocable Trusts qualify me for VA Aid & [email protected] Attendance and Medicaid? (203) 648-6905  How do Revocable Living Trusts prevent loss of control?  How does Probate protect my loved ones?  Can a family member have me declared incompe- R-John Boccuzzi tent? [email protected] (203) 364-0360  How can a Trust in my Will preserve assets for my

family? D-Lereine Frampton [email protected] (203-426-3976

D-Ruby Ryles-Martin [email protected] (203) 304-9611

R-Curt Symes curtsymescoa.a0l Hon. Daniel W. O’Grady is Northern Fairfield County (203) 426-3288 District Probate Judge (including Newtown) and has practiced Estates and Probate law for close to 30 years. U-Chaire Theune [email protected] Danbury attorneys Thomas E. Murphy and Michele F. (203) 304-8166 Murphy, R.N., M.S.N., J.D. have practiced Elder Law, Estate Planning and Probate law for over 50 years combined. Alternates

Newtown Senior Center, 14 Riverside Road, Joanne Albanesi Sandy Hook, CT [email protected] RSVP (203) 270-4310 (203) 304-1401

Lunch provided by Village Crest, Bethel Health Care, U-Chris Fadas Cascades Assisted Living [email protected] (203) 364-0192

Larry Passero [email protected] (203) 304-1401

The Newtown Senior May/June Edition 14

Senior Spotlight

Marietta V. Garcia-Sonido, M.D.

I am a SURVIVOR! September for my husband which we started in July 1970. During 2014 I was diagnosed with an that time our daughter Bernadette was born in 1971 fol- acute leukemia complicated by a lowed by our fourth son Robert in 1972 ruptured liver abscess and fun- I met Dr. Reynaldo Alonte, who as Asst. Super- gicemia. My oncologist stated intendent of Fairfield Hills Hospital at the time, at a his only aim was to keep me wedding in 1973. He offered me a job which I accepted. alive. I underwent one round of Awesome is the only word to describe my initiation into chemotherapy and multiple the job. I was initially assigned to manage the alcohol- blood transfusions during my ics which provided me a lesson in profanity that I was hospitalization. Unable to eat not used to. My next assignment was the medical infir- and extremely incapacitated mary taking care of the physically ill patients. This was physically, I lost 40 pounds. I was mentally moribund intense and very challenging. as well but, my strong Catholic faith, devoted family, Our daughter Marie was born in 1974 and our support and prayers from friends, as well as the excel- youngest, Michael was born in 1976. I was then pro- lent inpatient/outpatient medical care I received pulled moted to Clinical Director of Medical Services in 1978 me through. which expanded my management skills and provided I was pronounced “in remission” May 2015 by me courtesy privileges at Danbury Hospital. I also my oncologist Dr. Robert Kloss. While he humbly re- served on the State of Connecticut Retirement Disability fuses to take credit for his medical capabilities, he refers Board as secretary for several years before retiring. to me as one of his miracle patients as he never encoun- Prior to the close of the hospital, the movie tered a patient so sick and close to death making such a Sleepers with Robert DeNiro, Kevin Bacon and Brad recovery. I was able to rejoin the Newtown Senior Cen- Pitt was filmed on campus. I was delighted to be invited ter and enjoy activities such as meditation, Pilates, and as a medical consultant on the movie! I got to apply and Zumba. I learn something new and meet new people remove the arm cast on one of the stars, Brad Renfro. every day! Unfortunately, I did not appear in the movie. I was born in Mogpog, Marinduque Philippines. I had my first retirement when Fairfield Hills I am the oldest child of Lt. Col. Felix Garcia (Signal closed in 1995. However, I worked part time as a medi- Corp) and Gloria Villaster (school teacher). My parents cal consultant at the Greater Bridgeport Hospital Com- moved from Manila in 1946 after the Americans liber- munity Center until 2010. During my medical career, I ated the Philippines from the Japanese and our family also covered for local doctors Dr. Alexander Isgut and grew with the addition of my siblings, Gloria, Cristina, Dr. Lorraine Braza, volunteered for the Danbury VNA Victorio, and Fe. and Kevin’s Community Center, and did school physi- My father stressed to us the importance of a cals for Newtown Public Schools. good education by the statement that an education is Since my hear death experience, nearly five the one thing that no one could take away from you. So years ago, every moment of each day is a gift spent we all attended private schools. My elementary and among friends and famil secondary schooling was under German Benedictine nuns at St. Scholastica College. Then I attended two . years of pre-med at Letran College before 5 years of medical school at The University of Santo Tomas, an- other Catholic based school. I met my husband, Romeo A. Sonido, also a 1964 UST medical school graduate, during a post grau- date externship. We married in July of 1965 and after the birth of our oldest son, Camilo, my husband left for Philadelphia in 1966 to start an internship. I followed him with our son and a live-in maid March 1967. Our second son, Joseph was born in Philadelphia in 1968. We then moved to Bethesda MD July 1968 for residency at Suburban Hospital. Our third son, James was born 1969. After Bethesda, St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury offered a package deal for us with a 3 year residency in internal medicine for me and a 5 year general surgery

The Newtown Senior May/June Edition 15

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Newtown Senior May/June Edition 16 

Newtown SweetHART Service FISCAL YEAR 2019

Monday-Friday Bus 1

6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 Bus 2

6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00

Bus 3

6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00

Saturday

6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00

Applications are on Town of Newtown Senior Center website

The Newtown Senior May/June Edition 17

SweetHART Senior Application

Transportation Service for Seniors To qualify for SweetHART service for seniors you must be 65 years or older. Proof of age is required. Include a copy of one of the following: Driver's License, Passport/Green Card, Birth Certificate or Government issued ID.

NAME: ______ADDRESS: ______APT#: ______CITY: ______ZIP CODE: ______MAILING ADDRESS (If different from above): ______APT#: ______CITY: ______ZIP CODE: ______DAYTIME PHONE: ______TDD/TTY: ______EVENING PHONE: ______CELL PHONE: ______BIRTH DATE: ______MALE FEMALE PRIMARY LANGUAGE SPOKEN:______EMERGENCY CONTACT PERSON: ______DAYTIME PHONE: ______RELATIONSHIP: ______EVENING PHONE: ______CELL PHONE: ______INDICATE IF YOU USE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: WHEELCHAIR WALKER CANE SCOOTER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT SERVICE:______This application may be faxed, mailed or emailed to [email protected]. Make sure the copy of your identification is legible and do not send originals to our office. Partially completed applications will not be accepted.

62 Federal Road, Danbury CT 06810 Tel: (203) 744 4070 Fax: (203) 744 0764 www.HARTransit.com

The Newtown Senior May/June Edition 18

Legislative Alert Renters Rebate

THE CT STATE LEGISLATURE WILL BE CONSIDER- Renters Rebate Program began April 1st, and will run ING MAKING CHANGES TO THE MEDICARE SAV- through September 30th 2019.To qualify you must be INGS PROGRAM. ONE PROPOSAL IS TO INSTITUTE 65 years old or 100% disabled through Social Security, AN “ASSET TEST”. SEE DESCRIPTION OF THE PRO- and your income must be less than $43,000 for a mar- POSED ASSET TEST AND CONTACT YOUR STATE ried couple and $35,300 for a single person. LEGISLATOR WITH YOUR OPINION. THE INFORMA- TION BELOW REPRESENTS THE THINKING OF THE The following is needed to complete the application for FIVE CT AREA AGENCIES ON AGING. the 2018 Calendar year:

IF YOU DO NOT KNOW YOUR STATE LEGISLATOR EXPENSES: Rent receipt, letter from landlord stating BUT WISH TO MAKE CONTACT, CALL THE WCAAA what you paid in rent for the year 2018. Utility AT 203-757-5449 FOR NAME AND TELEPHONE NUM- (Electricity) receipts or statement from utility company. BER. INCOME: Social Security statement, pensions, VA benefits or any other sources of income. If you file a fed- eral income tax return, a copy of your return is re- quired.

YOU MUST HAVE ALL INFORMATION TO FILE YOUR APPLICATION. PLEASE CALL JACKIE @ SOCIAL SERVICES 203-270-4330 TO MAKE AP- POINTMENT.

Catherine’s Butterfly Party June 8th at 12 noon—4pm at 3 Primose Street Pet Adoption and Free Family Festi- The facts about the Proposed Medicare Savings Program Asset val Test. The dark bullet in each grouping comes from the pro- posed budget narrative describing the Asset Test for Connecti- The Newtown Sen- cut’s Medicare Savings Program. The open bullets include the ior Center van will advocate’s response. Connecticut is proposing an asset test pick up seniors at that will limit eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program Nunnawauk Mead- (MSP) to individuals with assets of $7,560 or couples with ows at 11:30am and assets of $11,340. This proposal will limit access to healthcare Masonicare at and prescription drugs for over 10,000 Connecticut residents. 12:15pm. Twenty-seven tri-state rescues with adoptable pets demonstrations including: Ecumenical Food Pantry Open Tuesdays (9:30 - 11:30am) and Thursdays (6-  Horizon wings birds of prey 7:30pm) at 46 Church Hill Road (southeast of St. Rose of  Magic wings butterfly conservancy Lima Church sanctuary). Nonecumenical pantry avail-  Animal embassy able to help residents with food and toiletries (one per-  K-9 demonstration son per month). Residents are also welcome to deliver  Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy donations during this time.  Audubon Bent of the River  CT Audubon Society For more details call 203-426-5604  Backyard Bees “BEE Kind”  CVH’s own “Mr. T” The Newtown Senior May/June Edition 19

Newtown Ambulance to make Alzheimer Presentation at Senior Center in June

“The month of June is known for its Alzheimer (ALZ) awareness at medical facilities all across the country. This month Newtown Ambulance will be doing a fun informative educational pres- entation on the key signs and symptoms of ALZ and how to care for someone that has this. As always we appreciate the feedback that is pro- vided to us and would like to thank everyone re- sponsible for allowing us to help educate the member base at the senior center.”

Shivam Soni

NEWTOWN SENIOR CENTER WILL BE CLOSED ON MEMORIAL DAY

Become a Newtown Senior Center Member!

Enjoy the Fun

Newtown Resident $20 Non-Resident $25 Membership yearly dues from June 30, 2018—July 1, 2019 Newtown Senior Center Come in to receive your 14 Riverside Road personal member assign Sandy Hook, CT 06482 “fob” with renewal. (203) 270-4310

Newtown Senior Center PRESORTED STANDARD 14 Riverside Road U.S. Postage Paid Sandy Hook, CT 06482 Newtown, CT 06470 Permit No. 1002

Every May, the Administration for Community Living History of Older Americans Month leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, The 2019 theme, Connect, Create, Contribute, encour- only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th ages older adults and their communities to: birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest  Connect with friends, family, and services that sup- in older Americans and their concerns was growing. A port participation. meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led  Create by engaging in activities that promote learn- to designating May as “Senior Citizens Month,” the prelude ing, health, and personal enrichment. to “Older Americans Month.”Historically, Older Americans  Contribute time, talent, and life experience to benefit Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions others. of past and current older persons to our country, in par- ticular those who defended our country. Every President Communities that encourage the contributions of older since Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation during or adults are stronger! By engaging and supporting all com- before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay munity members, we recognize that older adults play a key tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. role in the vitality of our neighborhoods, networks, and Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country lives. through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other such activi- ties.

NOTE: Future newsletters will be emailed to members except those without com- puters and emails. Some printed copies will be available at the senior center. Un- fortunately, mailing cost has become prohibitive.