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 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. Reservations must be made in person one week in advance. Meals prepared by Isaac Davis.
TRANSPORTATION
8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (MONDAY-FRIDAY)
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 reservation are accepted and recommended. The transportation vehicle is ADA accessible. If you are in need of transportation or for more information, call 421-8760.
Age Criteria Fee
Disabled Adults 18+ $2 (one way)
Adults 50-60 $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.
COUPONS FOR CABS
Coupons for Cabs is a program which provides discounted cab coupons to Casa Grande residents who are 60 years of age older or 18 years of age or older with a disability (proof of disability required) which can be applied towards cab fares of participating taxi companies. Participants in this program, request coupon booklets at a nominal co-pay of $2.50 per booklet valued at $10.00. These coupons are then applied to cab fares of participating taxi companies. There is a monthly limit of five (5) coupon books per participant. Coupons will be available to the participant each month and will have an expiration date and are nonrefundable.
For more information on RAP or to apply, contact the Dorothy Powell Senior Adult Center at 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.
SITE COUNCIL
The Site Council serves as a liaison between patrons of the Dorothy Powell Senior Adult Center and staff. The council plans trips, activities and fundraisers throughout the year. The Site Council meets the third Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. and the meeting is open to anyone who would like to attend. The meetings will begin the third Tuesday in September and will continue through May.
SATURDAY MORNING BREAKFAST
Our Site Council will be cookin’ up some breakfast the first Saturday of each month from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. The program will begin the first Saturday in September and will continue through May. The menu varies each month but may include eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, juice and coffee. The cost is $3.50 per person and $1.50 for children 12 and under. Proceeds from this program go toward funding of future Site Council activities.
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 Site Council 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 May. 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 Meals on Wheels 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
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 and every other Wednesday. 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.
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 - 3:30 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 fall and winter. 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 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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
Beginning mid-October, all wood carvers are welcome to come by every Thursday 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 Thursday from 1:30 - 3:30 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.
55 ALIVE
The City of Casa Grande Community Services Department and AARP are co-sponsoring the "55 Alive" Program. This innovative classroom driver-retraining program is designed to help older persons improve their driving skills through a four-hour refresher course. This is the nation’s first curriculum specifically designed for drivers ages 50 and over. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call Mike Bergman at 494-1185.
EXERCISE & FITNESS
FITNESS EQUIPMENT
Free use of equipment, sign up is required. Open hours Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. - Noon. For additional times, please call or stop by to ensure equipment is available for use. Treadmills, 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.
PICKLEBALL OPEN GYM
Drop in play will be held every Friday from 9:00-11:00 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 for the winter. 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.
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 Site Council 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 Site Council. Entertainment is provided at each dance along with refreshments.
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 Site Council. Entertainment is provided at each dance along with refreshments.
LINE DANCING
Classes are held Thursday and Friday mornings: Thursday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. for Intermediate students, Friday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. for Advanced students. No fee to participate. Classes will be held at Len Colla Gymnasium on Thursday's and the Woman's Club on Friday.
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. 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.
