Rose Gonsoulin, right, poses with a saxophone player/singer at Barleens Dinner Holiday Show in Apache Junction (Submitted photo)

Susan Denny thanks Rotarians for their donation to support the New Adventures program. (Submitted photo)

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As one of its most revered programs, Encore for More has happily offered its New Adventure program to residents and visitors to Fountain Hills, venturing into the Valley to enjoy everything from museums, shows and more.

When the pandemic hit, Encore was forced to suspend its New Adventures day trips.

“Once we started up again, we saw how much pent-up demand there was for these types of outings,” said Rose Gonsoulin, the New Adventures program lead and Encore treasurer. “A recent study has come out showing that a trip to a museum or other stimulating activity really helps with mental acuity and a sense of well-being. And AARP has said their data shows that seniors suffered greatly from social isolation during COVID.”

As part of the Fountain Hills Cultural & Civic Association, Encore and its New Adventures program are provided in part by a generous grant from the Rotary Foundation, a sponsorship by Tim Taylor and a strong working partnership with Jennifer Lyons and the staff at the Community Center.

“We focus the December trip on a holiday show and try to find at least one museum each year,” Gonsoulin said, who typically leads three trips per year. “In January, we’re taking a group to the Museum of Illusions, and in April we’ve planned an outing to Snuggle Farms for an afternoon of Miniature Horse therapy.”

Gonsoulin says the New Adventure trips are truly a community effort.

“Encore’s programs are all about giving retirees a way to stay connected, active and mentally healthy,” she said.

For more information on Encore for More and its New Adventures Program, visit ilovefountainhills.org/encore-for-more/.