Senior Community Day Preview

Since Senior Community Day is held only once every two years, this year's organizers are making sure to pack double the offerings into one afternoon.

The event will take place Sunday, Sept. 19, from noon to 3 p.m. at Cider Mill School and will feature a host of informational and entertainment offerings free to residents of all ages, though it is specifically geared towards serving the elder member of the Wilton community.  There will be live music from multiple performers, 38 booths from an array of different organizations and presenters and this year's newest distinguishing feature: a food court.

"Every two years we put together a panel of senior specialists," said Barbara Newland, the marketing and community relations coordinator for the Greens at Cannondale.  "This is a venue where seniors can come and get information on senior services, there will be a number of exhibitors... it's a day for seniors to come and get their questions answered and find out about how much the town has to offer."

The list of exhibitors includes local health organizations and hospitals, some of which will be providing free heart screenings, assisted living options, senior centers, the police department, home health agencies, AARP, realtors and financial specialisst, among others. All will be there to help Wilton's seniors enrich their lives and to provide assistance in managing their financial and health care matters.

But the event is far from as serious as all that sounds. In fact, Newland stressed that this is an afternoon of entertainment and fun for all residents to come and socialize, make new friends and reap the benefits of the organization committee's hard work.

Bill Campbell, the Greens at Cannondale's special entertainer, will perform from noon to 2 p.m., followed by the Moms and Pops, a local quartet that sings and tap-dances. Other notable attendees will be Congressman Jim Himes and Peter Curran from the Antique Road Show, who will provide antique appraisals.

"We did this two years ago and we had about 160 seniors," Newland said.  "We're expecting well over that this time."

At the door, residents will also receive a raffle ticket and can check at each of the 38 presenters' tables to see where their number appears. Once they've found it, they will be awarded a prize of the organization's choosing, ranging from postage stamp booklets all the way up to restaurant gift certificates.

Of course, they may not be inclined to use the gift certificates soon. Newland said there is a large contingent of local eateries, all of which will be providing free samples of their wares throughout the three-hour event.

The organization committee includes Christine Pfeffer, Barbara Jasinski, Officers Louis Reszoly and Diane Papa of the Wilton Police Department, Elizabeth Doty, Catherine Pierce, Betty Johnson, Helene Wolf, Judy Zucker, Ped Koellmer and Lois Alcosser.

Those with additional questions may call 203-761-1191.