The cost is $5 and reservations are requested. The senior center is located at 7 South St.

Marianne De Silva will prepare the anniversary lunch. A summer picnic theme menu offers pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, potato salad, fresh fruit, cake coffee and tea.

Alice Griffin, the town's Social Services director and Municipal Agent for the Elderly, and Linda Wahlers, Roxbury Senior Center director, recently reflected on the center's mission started five years ago.

In the dining area, the mission of the center engraved on a special plaque was dedicated on July 25, 2004 and reads: "The Senior Citizens of Roxbury have proudly worked and sacrificed to contribute to our town. We offer a center where seniors may enjoy opportunities to enrich their lives with the support of the community. Seniors will be encouraged to initiate, plan, and attend health and nutrition programs, education offerings and a variety of social occasions."

"We thank everyone who has helped the center get to this five-year anniversary," Alice and Linda said. "This has been a town team effort from the beginning."

The July and August summer calendar is filled with activities and enrichment programs on a range of topics.

Weekly exercise, balance and fitness programs, under the direction of trained physical therapist Mary O'Hara, are popular on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the center. Flex Appeal classes will start this fall.

Computer workshops by John Irwin and Bill Chin of Software Matters, LLC, are available for those interested in developing or advancing their computer skills.

Dr. David Lincicome offers flexible individual piano and German classes at no charge.

The Friends of the Roxbury Senior Center run the popular Soup's on Lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays.

The center offers New Adventures in Cooking with Marianne De Silva today, Wednesday, July 15.

Also on Wednesdays, a nurse from the VNA offers free blood pressure screening from 11 a.m. to noon.

The SweetHART bus provides dial-a-ride service for those age 60 and older and to disabled people of any age. Seats should be reserved a week in advance by calling Ms. Griffin at 860-210-0201.

The Master's Table Farm Market, a pilot program of the BRIDGES Healthy Cooking School in Roxbury, created a Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program that holds classes at the center on Thursdays.

The pilot program is based on U.S. dietary guidelines and nutritional requirements for seniors. The program provides weekly free food demonstrations and healthy eating classes.

Class themes include the Wacky Weed, all about herbs; Awakening the Neanderthal, using herbs to boost the immune system and adding new flavor to favorite meals; Shake, Rattle and Roll, calcium tips; and Soy? Oh Boy, which introduces local companies' soy products.

The center offers Wii games, festivities and movie afternoons on Fridays.

Lunchtime book club discussions and health tip programs start up again in the fall.

The center recently sponsored a trip to the Glebe House Museum and Gertrude Jekyll Garden in Woodbury, followed by lunch at the historic Curtis House.

The Friends of the Senior Center and the Roxbury Historic District Commission invite everyone to a Walk Historic Roxbury guided tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 25; the rain date is Sunday, July 26.

Groups will leave the senior center and take a walking tour of Roxbury's Historic District and gardens.

The National Register of Historic Homes has described this area "as an exceptional example of an 18th and 19th century agrarian village."

Advanced tickets are $25 and can be purchased from Friends of the Senior Center, P.O. Box 114, Roxbury 06783. Those seeking additional information may call 860-354-1790. The event benefits the senior center.

Residents are invited to contact Alice for help with the SweetHart bus transportation, energy assistance, handicapped parking permits, social services, Medicare part D, information to assist residents in or in danger of foreclosure and volunteer opportunities.

Alice found her calling early in life and knew her vocation would involve helping others.

She went on to college and earned a B.A. in social work and M.A. in counseling and is grateful she found this career path.

"My definition of a municipal agent is to ensure that the elderly have food, shelter and peace of mind," Alice explained.

"I make sure I don't lose sight of listening to others, one size does not fit all, and to collaboratively work on as many options and choices for any situation. Your life is your life and that has to be respected," Alice said.

"I have learned so much from everyone here at the center in the past five years," she said.

Alice said that the hardest part of her job is the paper work that has to be done.

At the age of 29 years-old, Alice met and feel in love with Culver Griffin, who was 64 years young.

In 1980 they married, raised their two daughters and had more than 28 years together.

"Culver showed me everyday that age is just a number," Alice said. "I learned so much from him and from his experience as a municipal agent."

Prior to the opening of the center in 2004, residents were meeting for many years in various locations, creating activities and planting the seeds for the future senior center.

When the Roxbury Senior Center officially opened on July 25, 2004, Alice was presented with opportunity to be involved in the center's new journey and the opportunity to work closer to her home.

"The Board of Selectmen, our Board of Directors, the Friends of Roxbury Senior Center, the many volunteers and our residents' commitment have been wonderful," Alice said.

Linda was appointed senior center director on April 6. Previously, she had served as the center's coordinator.

Residents are invited to contact Linda for information on the center's programs and activities.

Linda found her calling in the field of social work. Early on, her caseload was filled with a predominately mature client base.

"I found joy in what I was doing, the training, creating programs that work and helping people develop new outcomes," Linda told Voices. "My career path took me into the field of home based senior supervision.

"I was able to reactivate my career when my children were old enough. I then became senior director for the town of Weston," Linda said.

"I've always been fortunate to be around wiser individuals who are role models," she said. "I make every effort to create diverse programs that are interesting. I make sure I listen to feedback. I'm so thankful to be here in Roxbury. I welcome everyone to stop by."

"We welcome everyone to the center," Alice said. "We had 3,000 guests sign in last year. Please stop by anytime."

Alice Griffin, the town's Social Services director and Municipal Agent for the Elderly, may be reached at 860-210-0201; Linda Wahlers, senior center director, may be reached at 860-210-0056.