Encore Board Member Recognized!
Encore Treasurer Rose Gonsoulin Inducted Into The Hall Of Fame!
Encore is very pleased and proud to share that fellow Board Member and Treasurer Rose Gonsoulin is being inducted into the 2025 class of the Lower Verde River Valley Hall of Fame on Wednesday, March 26th! Many of our readers are familiar with Rose as the Coordinator of our popular New Adventures program that plans and arranges day trips throughout destinations in the greater Phoenix area. She also applies for various grants that help to make these trips possible as well as dealing with many of the details that keep the Encore For More organization running so smoothly. But Encore is only one of her many contributions to our community as cited in her Hall of Fame Nomination.
"After moving to Scottsdale in the early 90's from Atlanta, Rose and her husband decided in 2002 that Fountain Hills was where they wanted to put down roots and take advantage of all the volunteer opportunities.
In 2004 she responded to Marti Lemeiux's call for Home Delivered Meals volunteers where Rose served 14 years, many of which as Sunday coordinator. In 2009 she responded to Walt Dunne's call for help to assist with writing grants for Home Delivered Meals.
In 2010 she joined the board of Senior Services of Fountain Hills, Inc, now known as Encore for More. Early on she assumed the position of Treasurer from Walt Dunne which she still holds today. She continues to serve as Encore's grant writer, successfully procuring funds to support their programs that provide senior activities in our community. She organizes and coordinates Encore's very successful New Adventures program providing our seniors opportunities to get out of Fountain Hills to "broaden their horizons" at such destinations as the Heard Museum, the Arabian Horse Show, the Chihuly Exhibit at the Botanical Garden, Barleens Family Show and lunch in Apache Junction, a holiday lunch at Organ Stop Pizza and many more. The transportation provided enables seniors to have worry free access to activities outside the town that they normally could not take advantage of. She has continually grown this program to four trips a season and closely worked with the Community Center staff to maximize the community's efforts to serve the seniors in town.
In 2017 she joined the Community Garden, participating in the Food Bank program that grows and harvests food for those in need. She secured the grant from the Fort McDowell Yavapai to build the first garden pavilion shade structure.
Rose is the author of 3 novels, the most recent titled "When the Grass if Rising: A Portrait of Young Sam Houston". She has been an active member of the Fountain Hills Critique Group since 2008.
Rose can always be counted on to play a supportive, behind the scenes volunteer to help other groups and programs where needed. Since moving to town in 2002, Rose has certainly embraced and continued the spirit of volunteerism that helped build the foundation of our community. We are lucky that her commitment to Fountain Hills approaches 24 years and shows no sign of slowing down!"
Rose is pictured at right signing copies of her book after introducing it at Encore's Speakers Bureau.
Encore is proud to share Rose's accomplishments and all her ongoing contributions to our community!
Successful Dementia Caregiver Summit Returns Saturday, February 8, 2025
Last year the Town of Fountain Hills and Dementia Friendly Fountain Hills hosted the first annual Dementia Caregiver Summit in our community. It was so beneficial by providing stress reducers and vital assistance to caregivers of those with cognitive impairment that organizers hope to make it an annual event.
Please refer to the flyer for additional information or click on https://www.fhtimes.com/
Part of the summit includes the opportunity to participate in one of the Virtual Dementia Tours that will be offered on Friday, February 7th. This is a unique experience that allows participants to actually experience the physical and mental challenges of those suffering from dementia. Tours last for 30 minutes and run from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Please refer to the flyer for additional information.
The link below provides a personal dementia caregiver story to help caregivers see that that they’re not alone in their journey and see the benefits of attending the Summit.
Local Resident Shares Experiences At The Pentagon
Retired Lt. Col. Darla Roberts Presents
Encore is pleased to share a program being presented by one of our former Speakers Bureau featured speakers, Darla Roberts, as she dons a different hat from one of her vast previous careers.
Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Darla Roberts, a 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran who spent more than six years working in the Pentagon in Arlington, VA, will present an hour-long program sharing her experiences, insights, observation and little-known facts about the Pentagon during the 9/11 era.
The presentation is open to the public and will be held on Thursday, December 5th at 1:00 p.m. Registration opens Nov. 21 and can be completed online.
For more information about the presentation, Darla, and registration click https://www.fhtimes.com/fountain-hills-independent/stories/us-air-force-veteran-to-present-at-fountain-hills-library,547365?utm_source=Fountain+Hills+430&utm_campaign=8e5dfd35d7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_11_19_11_30&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_cabbc406fd-8e5dfd35d7-360524152-US/fountain-hills/.
Meet New Bingo Sponsor 55 Resort Apartments!
About 55 Resort
Encore believes that choice is an important component of the senior experience and 55 Resort Apartments offer just one more alternative when choosing an adult lifestyle.
55 Resort Scottsdale Apartments is a brand-new luxury resort-style apartment community designed for those 45 and older. Whether you’re still working or enjoying your free time, this apartment community combines upscale one-bedroom living with resort-style amenities like a sparkling pool, rooftop lounges, fire pits, fitness classes, and lively community events. Located next to the Scottsdale Greenbelt on 90th street, it offers the perfect mix of urban convenience and natural beauty, with shopping and dining just steps away. Plus, all-inclusive living covers rent, utilities, concierge services, and a $500 dining credit at the on-site restaurant, Bar55. It’s where members can relax, connect, and enjoy an active, social lifestyle.
55 Resort Scottsdale Apartments is more than just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive, connect, and embrace the lifestyle you deserve, all on your terms.
55 Resort Apartments Attended November 12th Bingo
Jill Taylor, left, from 55 Resort provided information to an interested Bingo attendee.
Although located in Scottsdale, 55 Resort has joined the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce and hopes to serve any community members that may need to relocate closer to the metropolitan area or seeking other options.
More Prizes At Bingo Compliments of 55 Resort
Jill provided a lovely gift basket for an additional raffle drawing. Laurie Dunne was the lucky recipient and proof positive that you never know what fun opportunities may arise at Tuesday's Bingo!
Annual Poinsettia Tree Project
A long time favorite holiday tradition in Fountain Hills......purchasing a poinsettia to help create the beautiful tree that is displayed on the Avenue for the holidays and provides a heartfelt way to honor and remember our loved ones. Help to complete the tree that provides such a beautiful and meaningful addition to the Avenue for the whole community to enjoy!
Scams and Fraud Program A Success....Featured On Channel 15
On October 3rd, Tiffany Lam from the Maricopa County's Attorney Office attended the Brunch and Be Aware Event hosted by Fountain View Village and presented the Scams and Fraud program. The presentation was very well received and other groups are exploring opportunities to have Ms. Lam return to Fountain Hills in the future to share more information pertinent to our senior community.
Watch the Channel 15 coverage at https://www.abc15.com/news/let-abc15-know/stopping-scams-fraud-targeting-seniors-is-on-the-rise