Encore Volunteers Key To Accomplishing Mission Goals
Encore Volunteers Celebrated at February 15th's "Volunteers Lift Hearts"
The Encore Board hosted a thank you get together for their volunteers who support their programs and activities including TLC, Bingo, the Speakers Bureau, New Adventures, social media, marketing, grant writing, Fountain Community Foundation support and the Community Center staff as well.
Volunteers Officially Thanked
Encore President Gail Pape welcomed attendees and recognized the variety of ways that they contribute to Encore and support the recent growth and success of their programs.
The Fortune Cookie Challenge
A number of fortune cookies with Encore "fortunes" were placed in the center of each table. Gail urged the seated guests to help themselves because two "You're A Winner" cookies were in the mix. Winning fortunes received gift cards to the newly remodeled Bistro at Fountainview Village. The lucky winners pictured at the left include: front row l to rt Jennifer Lyons (Community Center), Kathleen Kurty (Community Center), Candy Preban (Community Center), Marta Ludwig (Bingo). Back row l to rt Jill Haislip (Board), Judy Glock (TLC), Suzi Denny (Bingo) and Anita Glenister (Hospitality).
Attendees ~ Community Center
The Community Staff provides significant support of Encore's mission to enhance the senior experience of Fountain Hills residents. Back row l to rt: Jennifer Lyons (CC Manager),Renee Stevenson (CC Assist), Kim Wickland (CC Vol Coordinator): front row l to rt: Candy Preban (CC Assist), Joann Sabath (CC Assisst), Nita Blose (Home Delivered Meals).
Attendees ~ Bingo
Bingo attendance has nearly doubled over the last 6 months in large part thanks to Board member/Coordinator Joanna Hernan and her loyal, smiling, can do volunteers that truly enhance the "enjoyability factor" of Tuesday Bingo at the Community Center. Three of those volunteers are pictured, left to right: Joan Prather, Jan McNally and Betty Koeller.
Attendees ~ Bingo
Pictured at left are Encore Board member/Bingo Coordinator Joanna Hernan and one of her "right hand people" Suzy Denny, seated to her left. Joanna is holding one of the "thank you" boxes placed at each seat that contained special heart chocolates from Chocofin and unique ceramic hearts created by former Encore Board member Dana Thornton.
Attendees ~ TLC and More
Representing the Time-4-U volunteers that offer technical assistance with personal devices each month are Laura Crane, left, and Judy Glock, right. Seated in the center is Judy Frenzen, one of Encore's important volunteers that responds to the President's "call for help" email. Last year she volunteered for the popular Flutter event.
And Nothing Says "Thank You" Like Food!
Attendees enjoyed a mid-afternoon break of various Charcuterie Boards and treats for the palate including a delicious cake prepared by the culinary talents of the Fountainview Village kitchen that said it all.
Volunteers not only play a vital role in the Encore organization but in our community as a whole.
Volunteers truly lift hearts in so many ways through their service, support and sometimes just their smiles.
A special thank you to Encore Board member and TLC Volunteer Cathay Fischer for catching the candid table photos as well as the cake before it was cut!
Our Mission
New Adventures
Our Mission
The mission of Encore is to support organizations and activities that enhance the lives of the senior population in Fountain Hills in the areas of health, recreation and and education by providing funding and other support services. These include Bingo, New Adventures, Speakers Series Program, Technology Learning Center, Home Delivered Meals, Give-A-Lift, and the Medical Equipment Loaning Program.
Bingo
New Adventures
Our Mission
Bingo has become one of Encore's most successful and consistently attended programs. Much of this can be attributed to the dedicated team of volunteers led by Encore Board member Joanna Herman. Bingo is held every Tuesday at the Fountain Hills Community Center. Bingo card sales begin at 11:30 am and close at 1:00 pm. Minimum admission is only $7.00 for two hours of fun. Daubers are available for $1.00 or you can bring your own.
New Adventures
New Adventures
Speakers Bureau
New Adventures is another Encore sponsored program that is growing and selling out on a consistent basis. Coordinated by Encore Board member Rose Gonsoulin in conjunction with the Community Center Staff, New Adventures currently offers three day trips throughout the winter season. For a minimal fee, participants are provided a fun outing to venues throughout the Valley including transportation, lunch and venue entry.
Speakers Bureau
Home Delivered Meals
Speakers Bureau
Yet another Encore program that is gaining interest in the community is the Speakers Bureau Program coordinated by Encore Board member Mary Burritt. Working with the AZ Humanities Organization, Mary schedules speakers from their roster that have local and historical interest in Arizona and the southwest.
Time-4-U
Home Delivered Meals
Home Delivered Meals
Formally known as the Technology Learning Center, Time-4-U is a "safe" place for those of us that can be challenged by our smart devices and computers! Time-4-U is a drop in session that is offered the third Wednesday of every month from 9:00 am to noon at the Fountain Hills Community Center. Volunteers assist with questions regarding Apple iphone/pad or Android smartphones. Simply bring your fully charged device and passwords. No registration required.
Home Delivered Meals
Home Delivered Meals
Home Delivered Meals
The program that was the foundation of Senior Services and Encore, continues 30 years of service to the community providing meals for incapacitated seniors, those needing temporary assistance following surgery or therapy, or those in need. This program consistently provides meals for 100 plus meals for a nominal fee every week.
Give-A-Lift
Encore Serves and Thrives Because of Our Volunteers!
Medical Equipment Loaning Program
Encore helps to fund and support the Give-A-Lift Program in a coordinated effort with the Town of Fountain Hills. Volunteer drivers provide transportation to medical appointments for qualifying individuals within the Town boundaries. Approximately 10 to 15 rides are being provided weekly. Volunteers for this program are always needed. Hesitant about committing?.....no worries, scheduling is totally flexible based on your availability!
Medical Equipment Loaning Program
Encore Serves and Thrives Because of Our Volunteers!
Medical Equipment Loaning Program
Encore has been supporting this program for almost 30 years originally under the name of Senior Services when the fledgling organization shared space in the Kiwanis Building and stored medical equipment in the garage. Fast forward to 2020 when Encore For More purchased the shed that currently stores crutches, wheelchairs, canes, walkers, knee scooters, etc. on Community Center property and lends the equipment at no cost to our residents.
Encore Serves and Thrives Because of Our Volunteers!
Encore Serves and Thrives Because of Our Volunteers!
Encore Serves and Thrives Because of Our Volunteers!
All of these programs work and thrive thanks to the efforts of our volunteers. Whether it's serving on the Encore Board, becoming part of the Bingo Team, delivering Home Delivered Meals or Giving Lifts to citizens needing to see their doctors, volunteers are essential.
If you are interested in either the Home Delivered Meals or Give-a-Lift programs, call the Community Center Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, at 480-816-5200.
For more information on becoming part of the Encore Team click on the link below.