Thanks to the generous grant awarded to Encore's New Adventure Program by Four Peaks Rotary, three new exciting trips have been procured and scheduled for the 2023/2024 season. It is sponsorships and partnerships like these that enhance the quality of life in our community and broaden the reach or our service organizations.
On December 14th New Adventures coordinator and Encore board member Rose Gonsoulin (pictured) accompanied an energetic bus load of adventurers to Apache Junction for Barleen's Holiday Matinee Show. Rose reports that "Marvin" (also pictured) and food were very good and the show was fabulous. She said the talented and entertaining musicians played a variety of music from James Brown and Elvis to Louie Armstrong and Jose Feliciano. Compliments were plentiful, some saying it was the best trip ever. As promised, more photos are posted below.
Pat DeSmet, Mary Cecillo and Barb Hansen with Deputy "Barney Fife" making sure they don't get out of line.
These smiles look like they just had dessert!
Enjoying after dinner coffee waiting for the show to start....
Waiting to dance to the music!
Bingo Volunteers Carol and Carol love New Adventures trips second only to Bingo!
Bingo Volunteer Suzi is a frequent New Adventures traveler as well.....
Joan Talamendez and Doris Leisher are regular Bingo players too that are always looking for New Adventures!
Marta Ludwig is yet another enthusiastic Bingo Volunteer......come to Bingo Tuesdays at the Community Center and you may just hear her serving as a Bingo Caller!
Susan Krook's smile is a pretty good indication that she's enjoying the afternoon.
Martha Mullins is a regular on New Adventure trips and brings fun wherever she goes!
The lobby of the Museum provides a number of hands on puzzles taunting visitors to solve that are also available for purchase. Bill Pape and Emily Hemphill ponder puzzles to purchase.
Although there appears to be a long line of New
Adventures coordinator and Encore Board member Rose Gonsoulins, she's really standing in a six to seven foot octagon room of mirrors. She probably wished there were that many of her when planning one of these trips!
Another example of the magic of mirrors, Rose appears to be having a poker game that one of her is sure to win
The best mirror illusion has Rose's head served on a platter....she actually had to crawl into a very small box on the other side of the blue wall to pull this illusion off!
In the Ames Room above, Encore President Gail Pape and Encore volunteer Emily Hemphill appear to grow and shrink as they walk from one side to the other in the cube shaped room. It's named after American scientist Adelbert Ames Jr. who made contributions to ophthalmology, psychology, philosophy, physics and physiology.
New Adventure explorer and all around good sport Bruce posed in the Infinity Well.
Encore Board members Rose and Cassie appear to be defying gravity when in reality they are really standing up straight.
Rose shrunk the museum guide!
Bingo Volunteer Suzi demonstrates her super human abilities and strength!
And again as she balances on a bench using only a few fingers....amazing!
Rose hangs onto a ledge for dear life
Just when they thought it was safe to get back on the elevator.....
After participating in all those gravity defying, mind boggling, strength sapping feats at the Museum of Illusion, the adventurers enjoyed lunch from the diverse and delicious menu at the Pangaea Dinosaur Grill also located in the Arizona Boardwalk.
After surviving the infinity well, Bruce is more than ready for nourishment.
Suzi and Rose boarded the "wrong" bus.....
.....while Emily, Gail and Bill patiently wait for the bus they rode in on after an afternoon of fun, shopping and good food.
And that's the story of another successful Adventure planned and coordinated by Board member Rose Gonsoulin.
Stay tuned for more adventures to come!
Snuggle Farms is a small family owned and operated operation in Scottsdale. Owner Stephenie Bjorkman-Lawson got her first miniature horse in 2019 at which time she knew she needed to have a barn full of these joyful little creatures!
Snuggle Farms quickly became a family affair that began finding a variety ways to "Rescue People One Animal at a Time".
Snuggle Farms was created by Mike, Stephenie, and Ryland Lawson. Even with their busy schedules, the farm is their #1 priority. While maintaining their regular work and school schedules, they manage to spend every extra moment with their minis, developing new and creative ways to share the happiness and love of Snuggle Farms with other people! This goal urged them to find a way to share the farm with Encore's New Adventure Program.
Many first got to know Stephenie in her Mom's local business, Sami's Fine Jewelry and Unique Gifts, wearing riding clothes and boots. Her love of horses began in the early 1980's and continues to grow stronger by the day. She competitively shows reining and cowhorses in the Southwest and holds three World Champion titles. This passion for horses is clearly reflected in the development and growth of Snuggle Farms.
She carries on Sami's excellence in design, creativity and business acumen to the benefit of community, family and of course Snuggle!
"Gram" Sami is always on hand to help acclimate new rescues or assist new babies born on the farm.
A visit to Snuggle Farms allows opportunities to meet the "residents" and share some snuggles, smiles and love that make Snuggle Farms such a special place. From Pony Parties, Team Building Events, and the "Pony Experience" to Pony Therapy Sessions and Special Needs Encounters a visit to Snuggle Farm is a place where memories are made.
Due to size constraints, seats for this event will be limited to 25.
The cost is $30.00 for this afternoon event including light lunch.
Registration closes March 27th or until full.
Please visit the Snuggle website at https://www.snugglefarms.com/
for more information and delightful photos.
Encore Board Member and New Adventures coordinator Rose Gonsoulin, right, with "adventurers" Rita Applegate and Kathleen Kruty standing in front of a display called "Indigenous Evolution".
"Indigenous Evolution" is an art fence that represents the land of the Southwest and the organic fences built by Native people from materials such as adobe, ocotillo or saguaro cactus. The fence harmonizes colors of the Southwest in clay and glass, beginning with darker colors representing land and sky. One of the artists, Tony Jojola says "The fence speaks to the endurance of our culture. It's about going through boundaries and symbolizes our persistent existence."
Rose commented that she "loved the display and it was like Chihuly on talking sticks!"
This Encore Adventurer was ready for an Arabian encounter as soon as he got off the bus.....the hat tells it all!
It was clear during the course of the trip that participants were enjoying the New Adventure experience.
It was so gratifying to have such a diverse group participating in this trip and so clearly enjoying themselves.
You never know where New Adventures may take you in the future.
Although this season is drawing to an end, stay tuned to this website for updates in the fall season....Rose already has thoughts for next December......check back soon!
Please remember.....we love your feedback.....if you have any ideas on these or other future trips, please send them to
53 Seniors boarded the bus for the sold out, waiting list trip. Encore Board Member and Bingo Coordinator Joanna Hernan brought supplies to play three rounds of Bingo complete with prizes for the winners.
Part of Encore's New Adventures itinerary last year included a very popular trip to the Chihuly exhibit at the Phoenix Botanical Gardens.
The sold out trip was a hit leaving participants clamoring for more!