As part of renovations completed a year ago, the walls at the Joyce C. Budrow Senior Center were repainted in beige and white. Judy Amarone, director of the senior center, said that the new colors make visitors feel that the space on Pool Road is larger than before, though the building's size did not change-which is fitting, considering the growing role the center plays in town.

"The renovations had a positive impact," said Amarone. "The senior center is brighter and cleaner. It has a brightness to it that everybody seems to like."

There's no question that local seniors like the center. Amarone said membership continues to increase and the various programs the center offers, from exercise classes to health clinics, are full. She added that a group of women wanted to play Canasta last week and it was challenging to find them space to play.

Amarone said that Mah Jongg has become a very popular offering lately and is taking up a lot of space. In addition to such activities, the center promotes other forms of socialization, including food-related events.

According to Amarone, the center is going to begin hosting a Taste of North Haven program. Area restaurants will be invited one Friday a month to either bring a catered meal to the center or host the seniors at their restaurant. Seniors who participate will pay a fee for their lunches. Amarone said the Taste will benefit all participants-it will provide exposure to potential new customers for the restaurants, it will give the seniors an opportunity to taste the food, and "it will bring the community inside the center," Amarone added.

Not all activities occur at the center, Amarone noted. The seniors will attend the first-ever Selectman's Ball on May 12 at Fantasia on Washington Avenue. It's a dinner dance; First Selectman Michael Freda, along with selectmen Tim Doheny and Steve Fontana, will attend.

"It's not a political party, it's a fun party," stressed Amarone. "It's really a community event."

Amarone said the ball will give seniors an opportunity to dress up for a night out. Transportation will be provided.

Buses regularly transport seniors to shopping venues in town, including the stores on Universal Drive. But when they are at the center, there are other programs-in addition to games and food-in which Amarone seeks participation. The center just began offering access to the AARP's Benefits QuickLINK. The computer program helps seniors determine if they qualify for public assistance, such as a reduction in their Medicare fee or help paying their fuel oil bills.

Amarone said that participation in QuickLINK will likely increase as some seniors learn they are eligible for assistance. That will motivate others to try the service, she said.

Overall, the goal of the senior center is to provide the services the town's senior community wants and needs.

"It's their center. We want to make it what they want it to be," said Amarone.