THE CACTUS CHRONICLE
The Cactus Chronicle is a monthly publication distributed by the Dorothy Powell Senior Adult Center and the City of Casa Grande Community Services Department. The Cactus Chronicle provides details on all activities, classes, and community events offered through the center. The Cactus Chronicle is available at the Dorothy Powell Senior Adult Center or the Community Services Department at the beginning of each month. To have a copy of the Cactus Chronicle mailed, call (520) 421-8760 to be put on the mailing list for a small fee.
LUNCH PROGRAM
11:30 a.m. – NOON (MONDAY-FRIDAY)
Nutritious lunches available. For participants ages 60 and older, the suggested contribution is $3; a charge of $5 for those under 60. Menus are available at the beginning of each month. Reservations must be made in person one week in advance. Meals prepared by Isaac Davis.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation for individuals 50 years of age or older is available to and from the Dorothy Powell Senior Center. Transportation is also available for those 18 years of age or older with a disability (proof of disability required). Rides are available to and from doctor appointments, shopping trips, etc. Transportation is scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Advanced reservations are accepted and recommended. The transportation vehicle is ADA accessible. If you are in need of transportation or for more information, call (520) 421-8760.
Age Criteria Fee
Disabled Adults 18+ $2 (one way)
Adults 50-59 $2 (one way)
Adults 60+ Donation Based
The lunch and transportation programs are a collaborative effort funded by Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens – Area Agency on Aging, United Way of Pinal County, Older Americans Act, and the City of Casa Grande.
RIDER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (RAP)
MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT
Mileage Reimbursement is a program for Casa Grande residents who are 60 years of age or older or 18 years of age or older with a disability (proof of disability required) who rely on relatives, friends, or neighbors for transportation. Mileage is paid to the RAP participant at 50 cents per mile for the purpose of reimbursing their chosen driver for providing transportation services. RAP does not provide drivers. Approved RAP travel within Casa Grande will be reimbursed with a maximum of 300 miles for individuals and 400 miles for married couples per calendar month.
For more information on RAP or to apply, contact the Dorothy Powell Senior Adult Center at (520) 421-8760, ext. 4490.
The Rider Assistance Program is a collaborative effort funded by State of Arizona LTAF II and the City of Casa Grande. The Rider Assistance Program is a grant-funded program. Continuance of the program is dependent upon funding.
SENIOR COMMITTEE
The Senior Committee serves as a liaison between patrons of the Dorothy Powell Senior Adult Center and staff. The committee plans trips, activities and fundraisers throughout the year. The Senior Committee meets the first Monday of each month at 10:00 a.m. and the meeting is open to anyone who would like to attend.
GIFT SHOP
The Gift Shop is located in the lobby of the Dorothy Powell Senior Adult Center. There are a variety of items that have been made or donated for purchase. All proceeds go toward funding of future Senior Committee activities. Gift Shop hours are from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Donations are always appreciated.
FRIDAY BREAKFAST
The Dorothy Powell Senior Adult Center will be offering breakfast the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. The program will begin in September and will continue through April. The menu varies each month but may include pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, French Toast, fried potatoes, juice and coffee. Cost for the breakfast is $3.50 per person or $4 for to-go orders. All proceeds will benefit the Senior Meals and Transportation program. The Friday Breakfast is sponsored in part by Hickman’s Family Farms.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
A paralegal from Pinal Gila Council for Senior Citizens is available once a month (days vary). Appointments are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call or stop by for specific days and/or to make an appointment.
ADULT CENTER CLASSES, CLUBS AND MORE
ALZHEIMER SUPPORT GROUP
Open to caregivers of anyone suffering from dementia. The group meets to discuss immediate concerns and coping strategies; educate family members of newly diagnosed persons; provide emotional support for the caregiver; and provide a networking opportunity for local resources on Alzheimer's. The group meets the 4th Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m.
BOOK EXCHANGE
Our book exchange is held the first Tuesday of each month from 9:00 a.m. - Noon. Bring in books to share and take some from our collection/exchange.
CARD PARTY
Come on down to the center on Monday and Friday afternoons at Noon for a game of cards. Games will vary from day to day including: Hand & Foot, Mexican Train Dominoes and more. Join the Bridge players on Mondays. Euchre Card Club meets each Tuesday to play cards. Tables will be set up for both beginners and those who already know the game. Everyone is welcome.
CASA GRANDE VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY – EDUCATIONAL SERIES
The Casa Grande Valley Historical Society will be hosting an educational series the second Monday of each month from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. The program will be begin in September and will continue through May. Topics will vary each month. Check the Cactus Chronicle for monthly topics.
CERAMICS
We offer an ongoing open ceramics program in the Peart Center Activity Room. Our Ceramics program has a variety of molds to pour at a reasonable cost. The public, if experienced in pouring procedures, are invited to use the facilities during open ceramic hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. All ceramic hobbyists are welcome. Assistance will be available if you have questions. Prices for this program are based on the size of mold used and how many firings are needed. Please see the instructor for questions on costs.
INFORMAL ART GROUP
For beginner or intermediate levels, volunteers are on hand to assist as needed. This group meets every Monday from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. Bring your own supplies, no cost to attend.
LAPIDARY AND SILVERSMITHING
Persons interested in Lapidary and Silversmithing will enjoy our open hours this winter and spring. The public is welcome to come and use the facility. The facility is open Monday from 8:00 a.m. - Noon for Silversmithing and from 12:30 - 3:00 p.m. for Lapidary. Lapidary is also offered on Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. - Noon. The Lapidary/Silversmith Supervisor is on hand to answer your questions and help out with the equipment. A $4/$5 per session usage fee allows for economical recreation and a rewarding, useful hobby or you may purchase a punch card for $40. The punch card is good for 11 visits.
OPEN COMPUTER LAB
Free use of equipment, sign up is required. Internet is available. Open hours Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Computer use is limited to two hours per day.
SENIOR HANDS & CARING HEARTS
Senior Hands & Caring Hearts craft group has a variety of crafts; crafts made are used for various center decorations and community outreach projects. Join the group every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m.
WOOD CARVERS GROUP
Wood carvers are welcome to come by every Monday afternoon to meet with other carvers and exchange ideas while you work on your own personal projects or learn something new. This group meets every Monday from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. This is a great way to meet others that share your hobby as well as broaden your knowledge about carving. Bring your own supplies, no cost to attend.
EXERCISE & FITNESS
FITNESS EQUIPMENT
Free use of equipment, sign up is required. Open hours Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. - Noon. For additional times, please call or stop by to ensure equipment is available for use. Treadmills, free weights, exercise bicycles, cardio glides and elliptical machines are available. Proper shoes required. If you are a first time user and would like an orientation please see the front desk staff upon arrival.
FITNESS FOR FUN OPEN GYM
Come and enjoy a basketball pick up game (depending on interest), practice shooting or enjoy walking (laps) inside the new Len Colla Gymnasium. Limited fitness equipment will be available. Open Gym will be held every Wednesday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Cost is $2 per visit.
PICKLEBALL OPEN GYM
Drop in play will be held every Friday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Len Colla Gymnasium. Teams will be made based on the number of players. Cost is $2 per visit.
SENIOR CHAIR EXERCISE
This program is for seniors of all physical ability levels. It involves exercises that increase flexibility (stretching), muscle strength (light weights), and vascular conditioning (movement). The group meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. No fee to participate.
YES WII CAN!
Video games aren’t just for the young, but for those “young at heart.” Drop in every Wednesday from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. to play a variety of interactive video games. Wii games include bowling, baseball, golf and more. No fee to participate. Dress comfortably and wear walking shoes. Staff will be available upon request.
GAMES & ACTIVITIES
BILLIARDS
There is no cost to play. The table is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please sign up at the front desk.
BINGO
Held most Fridays, immediately after lunch. No cost to play. Donation of prizes always welcome!
BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS
Blood pressure checks will be available each month on various Tuesday mornings at approximately 9:30 a.m. Please call or stop by for specific days.
COFFEE HOUR
Join us each Tuesday morning beginning at 9:00 a.m. for coffee and doughnuts. Meet others who live in the area or are here visiting. Talk about where you’ve been, where you’re going and why you are here, as well as keep up on the latest current events both local and nationwide.
PASTRY BINGO
Join us for a whole new game of bingo. Win delicious pastries to take home with you! Have you ever tasted a pie made by our very own Chef Davis? He is our very own cake boss and knows how to bake some of the most delicious desserts you’ve ever tasted. Cost is $3 per person or participants can bring a dessert to play for free. Pastry Bingo will be held on the third Friday of the month. Please sign up at the front desk.
SHUFFLEBOARD
There is no cost to play. The table is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please sign up at the front desk.
SUNDAY SOCIAL POTLUCKS
All Casa Grande Valley Area Senior Adults are invited to join other participants on the third Sunday of each month for a social gathering. Participants gather at 1:00 p.m. and the activities vary each month. You must sign up in advance and bring a dish to share that will serve eight. Check the Cactus Chronicle for these Sunday happenings.
DAY TRIPS & TAG ALONGS
Our Senior Committee plans a variety of monthly trips. Trips vary in cost and leave from the Dorothy Powell Senior Adult Center. Pre-registration is required. Complete details will be listed in the Cactus Chronicle.
DANCE
AFTERNOON DANCES
Dances are held the third Tuesday of each month from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Cost is $2. Monthly dances are co-sponsored by our Senior Committee. Entertainment is provided at each dance along with refreshments.
DANCE LESSONS
Held every Tuesday, immediately after Coffee Hour. No cost to attend. A variety of music is played. A volunteer is on hand to help instruct.
EVENING DANCES
Dances are held the second Tuesday of each month from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. Cost is $5. Monthly dances are co-sponsored by our Senior Committee. Entertainment is provided at each dance along with refreshments.
LINE DANCING
Lessons are held every Thursday morning from 9:00-11:00 a.m. All levels are welcome to attend. No fee to participate. Lessons will be held at the Len Colla Gymnasium.
SATIN SLIPPERS – BALLROOM DANCE CLUB
Those 21 and over are welcome to join. If you are an experienced ballroom dancer, you’ll have the opportunity to support and promote our club. If you are a beginner, you’ll have the opportunity to learn. All skill levels will benefit. Dances are held the last Tuesday of each month from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. A modest annual membership fee of $25 will enable your participation. All fees collected will be used to provide music and other miscellaneous costs associated with monthly club dances and lessons. Dances are held monthly. Cost is $5 for members/$7 for non-members. Complete details will be listed in the Cactus Chronicle.
