SERVICE
CHORE SERVICES PROGRAM
Over 100 calls were received from seniors requesting assistance. Calls included requests for referrals to trustworthy businesses and contractors. FONS Chore Services was able to provide new windows for a senior whose windows not only leaked but were rotted beyond repair. Our volunteers were able to install Wi-Fi for ring door bells, help with referrals of those tentatively homebound, install grab bars, move furniture to improve safety within homes, remove air conditioners, and replace a front door lock. Two homeowners experiencing financial hardship qualified for financial help and are currently living in a safer environment, due to this program. FONS Chore Services was also available to fulfill a request to walk
with an adult to see what the Fairfield Hills Campus looked like, since it had been years since he visited. A request to accompany a spouse when visiting Old Glory Days was accommodated and truly appreciated.
NEWTOWN RIDES PROGRAM
The Newtown Rides program was launched with the goal of providing Newtown homebound age 55+ seniors with free rides to Newtown locations and businesses during the hours of 10 am – 2 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The program was such a success that we were able to increase our travel days
to include Wednesdays, and also to expand our travel hours to 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Currently, Newtown Rides has 33 active drivers eager to take our senior population anywhere in Newtown that they would like to go – banking, shopping, pharmacy, post office, library, hair or nail salons, or a visit to the Community
Center, Senior Center, physical therapy, doctor, or dentist.
Since its launch in May, the program has provided over 77 free rides and looks forward to doubling that number in 2025. Our volunteer drivers are
amazing and are looking forward to a busy 2025! The Newtown Rides program was recognized by the CT Agewell Foundation for its service to seniors.
COLLABORATION
FONS maintained a strong working relationship with the NSC, NHS and the COA. FONS sponsored a table at the Lions Club Duck Race, the Newtown Arts Festival, and the Newtown Health Fair, marched in the Labor Day Parade, and participated in both the July and December Salvation Army Kettle Bell
Drives.
Partnering with these and other groups has bolstered its efforts to promote overall awareness and improvement of services for Newtown seniors. In addition to these organizations, FONS supports and promotes the activities of the Newtown Historical Society, Newtown Youth & Family Services, the C.H. Booth Library, and other service groups. This collaboration fosters a livable community for all of Newtown.
AARP ANDRUS AWARD
FONS Board Member Beverly Bennett Schaedler was named the recipient of the 2024 AARP Andrus Award for the state of Connecticut in recognition of her volunteer services to the Newtown community.
This prestigious award is granted to only one volunteer per state! Congratulations and thank you to Bev for all she has done for our Newtown seniors.
SOCIAL
COMMUNICATION
FONS continued its robust communications strategy through weekly emails to over 850 recipients (an increase of over 100 from 2023!) announcing activities of interest to seniors in Newtown, sponsored by FONS and other organizations. These include volunteer opportunities and town wide special events.
FONS implemented a monthly birthday mailing to those celebrating age 65 during the year. Along with a birthday card, recipients received an informational flyer on FONS. Over 360 birthday cards were mailed.
ACTIVITIES
The FONS Social Committee organized monthly dinner socials at local restaurants, on the last Wednesday of each month.
The FONS Events Committee organized excursions to local vineyards, breweries, theaters, and events at Edmond Town Hall, including performances at the Newtown Little Theater, the Summer Soirée at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards and the Oktoberfest at NewSylum Brewing Company.
The FONS Senior Salon Program distributed 120 coupons for free haircuts to seniors, performed by students at Ricci’s Academy in Newtown.
OUTREACH
The FONS Sunshine Committee sent 103 cards and messages of support to seniors experiencing medical issues, family losses, or celebrating a special anniversary or event. FONS also kept close contact with other organizations to partner with them on activities relevant to seniors.
FONS “adopted” 23 seniors for the holiday season and provided them with gifts and holiday cheer.
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
FONS hosted a Membership Meeting at the Newtown Community Center. The meeting included presentations by FONS Board members on the FONS mission and goals, a slideshow on the FONS organization, an interactive audience Q&A session, and a survey on issues important to our senior population. The 110 members who attended enjoyed a complimentary dinner, as well as an extensive
raffle drawing, based on the generous donations from area businesses. Feedback received during the meeting allowed FONS to identify and focus on new programs/initiatives to assist our senior population. Special thanks to Meghan Rice for all her time and effort in obtaining all the donations from area businesses.
ADVOCACY
FONS ROUNDTABLE MEETINGS
Based on feedback received from the Membership Meeting, FONS created a monthly gathering of seniors, the FONS Roundtable, to discuss various topics of interest to Newtown seniors. The Roundtable Meetings occur on the last Tuesday of each month at 3:30 pm at the Senior Center. All are welcome. Discussions in 2024 have included transportation, housing, and isolation. Answers to questions raised at a Roundtable always get follow-up from subject matter experts.
HANDICAPPED PARKING ACCESS
FONS was approached by a concerned citizen regarding the poor location of handicapped parking at the Newtown Municipal Center. She was concerned about the distance from the door and the incline of the area of the parking spots. FONS approached the COA requesting their support in asking the town to relocate the handicapped parking spaces to a more accessible area.
In December 2024, some of the existing parking spaces located in the front of the building were moved to allow the handicapped parking spots to be relocated to a flat area, with the distance from the door reduced by half.
OPERATIONS
FONS ADVISORY COUNCIL
The FONS Advisory Council was established to provide guidance and support to the President of FONS and the Board of Directors. The purpose of the Council is to act as a sounding board as new initiatives are contemplated and to provide advice and counsel. The Council reviews and makes suggestions on goals and objectives for the year and provides impartial reactions to ideas and projects suggested by the Board. The Council is also another way for the FONS Board of Directors to interface with the general public, civic leaders, and local business representatives.