Formerly Chandler Christian Community Center
A quarterly newsletter for the Gilbert Senior Center nutrition and activities.
On How excited are you that the holidays are quickly approaching? It’s my favorite time of year. Let’s make the best of this cool weather and have some fun! In addition to this newsletter, we have a monthly calendar so don’t forget to look for new and exciting opportunities to participate. Let’s make the next three months AMAZING!! Amanda Shepard Activities Specialist Amanda Shepard Activities Specialist
There are many ways to get involved in Senior Center programs. Here are just a few:
Volunteer
Fun Clubs
Looking to do something fun and meaningful? We need volunteer help in all areas of the center. We have a terrific group of volunteers, but we could use more.
Mondays- Wii Bowling
We would not be able to accomplish all that we do if it were not for the volunteers who give their time and energy on a daily basis. Thank you to those who serve and welcome to those who are interested in serving.
Tuesdays- RummiKub, Mahjong Wednesdays- Shanghi Push Bunco, Knit/Crochet Thursdays- Br idge Club, RummiKub Fridays- Pinochle Contact Amanda, A ctivities Specialist, at 480-503-6059 for more information.
Contact Lisa, Outreach Specialist, at 480-503-6061 to get a list of current volunteer opportunities.
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The Senior Center offers resources to assist with the common needs of seniors.
You don’t have to spend time looking for resources. I can provide information on matters such as:
DMV Social Security questions AHCCCS SNAP (food stamps) Legal aid Medicare assistance Government phones Dial-A-Ride. I look forward to serving you! Lisa Price, Outreach Specialist 480-503-6061
Pictured above and to the right: Our Seniors at the FitPhx event! We took first and third at the event! Make sure you check out our upcoming trips and join in on the fun.
Formerly Chandler Christian Community Center
There are more ways to get information about Senior programs. Check us out online: AZCEND.org Gilbertaz.gov/seniors https://www.facebook.com/ azcendcommunity/
Food Bags The Gilbert Senior Center is happy to provide a monthly food bag for qualified individuals. Participants must sign up one week in advance and not be receiving a food bag from AZCEND or affiliates. For more information, call 480-5036061. Food Bag pick up is the 3rd Wed. and Thurs. of each month.
Home delivered meals are a perfect solution for those unable to leave home or recovering from a procedure or sickness. We deliver a hot, nutritious meal to your home. If you or someone you know could benefit, please contact our HDM Coordinator, Laura, at (480)503-6058. We offer home delivered meals Monday- Friday between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm depending on your location. Participants may qualify for financial assistance or pay $6.50 per meal, billed monthly.
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Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping The holiday season often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. The holidays present a dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few. But with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would. By Mayo Medical Staff
Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.
Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
Take control of the holidays Don't let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before they lead to a meltdown. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays.
Apply or Renew AHCCCS, SNAP (food stamps) Did you know that if you qualify for government assistance you may be eligible for a cell phone? Contact Lisa for more info.
Lisa Price lisa@azcend.org Phone: (480) 503-6061 Do You Qualify? Find Out NOW!
Additional Services include: Food Bank Distribution Food Boxes Family Resource Center Parenting & Early Literacy Classes Diapers & Formula Community Action Program Emergency Utility, Rental/Mortgage Assistance Homeless and Housing Programs Senior Center & Home Delivered Meals
Make your appointment today to start your application! gilbertaz.gov/seniors
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Join us for educational talks about various health subjects. Most presentations will be scheduled on different days, so make sure you are checking the monthly calendar.
All Health Presentations below will be scheduled at 12:15pm in the dining room (or otherwise stated):
Come join in for a fun card game that ANYONE can learn to play. It is held the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 10am in the Birch room. Come join in on the fun and learn a new card game.
Food for Thought Oct. 8th– Complete Hospice Pain Management Oct. 10th—Angels Care Nurses Fair Oct. 16th—Chandler Gilbert CC Nurses Brain Games Oct. 24th– Angels Care Saluting to our Veterans Nov. 12th-Hospice of the Valley Heart Health Nov.14th—Angels Care Grieving During the Holidays Dec. 12th-Angels Care Blood Pressures taken the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month Free hearing check Oct 22nd, Nov. 19th, and Dec. 17th
Friday Movies at the Gilbert Senior Center Oct. 18th, Nov. 8th, and Dec. 6th One Friday a month at 1pm there will be a movie playing at the center. Please make sure you sign up in the activities book by the day before so we can rent the movie. Min participants: 6
Fat Cats Movie Oct. 8th $7 pp Tuesdays at the movies. The movie title will be announced on the day of sign up. We will leave the center 45 mins prior to the start of the movie. Sign up from Oct. 2nd-7th
Fat Cats Movie Nov. 26th $7 pp Tuesdays at the movies. The movie title will be announced on the day of sign up. We will leave the center 45 mins prior to the start of the movie. Sign up from Nov. 20th-25th
Fat Cats Movie Jan. 21st $7pp Tuesdays at the movies. The movie title will be announced on the day of sign up. We will leave the center 45 mins prior to the start of the movie. Sign up from Jan 15th-20th
gilbertaz.gov/seniors
The Gilbert Senior Center offers exercise classes Monday-Friday. Mon: Tai Chi - 9am Beg. Line Dancing– 12:30pm ($3) Tues: Chair Exercise - 8:30am Geri-Fit - 9am Silver Sneakers - 1pm Wed: Yoga- 9am Line Dancing- 10:15am ($3) Thurs: Chair Exercise- 8:30am Silver Sneakers - 9am Geri-Fit - 1pm Fri: Zumba Gold - 8:45am * Please consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.*
We have Yahtzee, Words with Friends, Mahjong, UNO, Sequence, Apples to Apples, and of course more Rummikub sets. Anyone is welcome to use them. If there is a game you don’t see that you think your fellow Seniors will enjoy, please let us know!
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ARTS & CRAFTS
Empty Bowls Event at Chandler Gilbert Community College October 15 @ 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Card Making Class Nov. 12th 11:45am-1pm $3 Join us for a fun class on making your very own greeting cards. Sign up from Oct. 29th-Nov. 8th
Chandler Gilbert Community College 2626 E. Pecos Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225 SOUP PARTNERS include: Panera Bread, Liberty Market, Dilly’s Deli
Card Making Class Dec. 10th 11:45am-1pm $3 Join us for a fun class on making your very own greeting cards. Sign up from Nov 25th—Dec 6th
Card Making Class Jan 14th 11:45am-1pm $3 Join us for a fun class on making your very own greeting cards. Sign up from Jan 2nd– 10th
For a $10 donation take home a one-of-akind ceramic bowl and help feed the hungry. Empty Bowls is an event where art meets hunger, compassion and advocacy; where talented artists create ceramic bowls and offer them for a small contribution. All donations go to AZCEND to support people in the local community who might otherwise go without food. Join us and purchase your own handcrafted bowl and enjoy a warm cup of soup! Money donations can be made to azcend.org
AZCEND Corner This section is dedicated to the wonderful “branches” to our AMAZING tree we call AZCEND. In this section we will explain how each part of AZCEND helps the community.
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS Last year the FRC provided over 4,000 hours of instruction and services were provided to children and adults through our Family Resource Center Programming. The Family Resource Centers serve as a place where families gather for support, parent/child activities, events and education. Children zero to five years of age are the focus of our First Things First work with families and our community to support the health development and learning of our young children. Strong families build strong communities. Strong communities build strong societies from which we all benefit. “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” ― Frederick Douglass
AZCEND- Chandler 345 S. California St Chandler, AZ 85225 480-963-4321
Two locations:
gilbertaz.gov/seniors
AZCEND- Gilbert Heritage Center 132 W Bruce Ave. Gilbert, AZ 85233 480-428-5446
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Event Calendar Flu Shots
The Mystery Mansion Dinner Theater
Oct. 2nd 9am-11am Walgreens will be at the Center with Flu, Shingles, & Pneumonia Shots. Don’t forget your insurance card. Sign up until Oct 1st.
Nov. 22nd 7:00 pm-10:30pm $75pp (T) A fun and entertaining night of mystery and good food at Oregano's Gilbert on a Friday night. Sign up from Oct 30th-Nov. 13th
Top Golf
Peppermint Lane Boutique
Oct. 22nd $15 8:30am-1:00pm (T)* Have you ever wanted to hit a golf ball but didn’t know where to start? This is your chance. No clubs needed to join in on the fun. Beginners Welcome. Cost for lunch is on your own at Joe’s Farm Grill after. Sign up from Oct 7th-18th. Limit is 11 people.
Fall Carefree Art & Wine Festival
Nov. 1st $25 9:00 am-2:00pm (T)* This nationally acclaimed and award-winning fine art festival in Carefree is nestled in the foothills of the Sonoran desert. Wine Tasting and souvenir glass is included in the price. Lunch cost is on your own. Sign up from Oct.17th-30th
Menu Meeting Nov. 5th 1pm Chandler Senior Center Dining Room This is a great opportunity for participants to voice their opinions on what food is great on the menu and what they would like on it.
Dec. 5th 9:00am-1:00pm $3 (T) Haven’t started shopping for the holidays yet? This is a great opportunity to get it all done. Local vendors with their hand-crafted items for sale. Sign up from Nov. 18th-Dec 4th
Hale Theater–Christmas Carol
Dec. 7th $40 11:00am (Saturday) Meet us on a Saturday morning for a wonderful performance of The Christmas Carol. Sign up from Nov. 12th-22nd
Holiday Lights & Pie Dec. 16th 5:30 pm $8.00 (T)* Enjoy a drive through the East Valley as we check out the best displays. We will be eating pie and drinking coffee before we head out to see the lights. Sign up from Dec 2nd-13th
Noon Toast
Dec. 31st at NOON in the dining room Come bring in the New Year with a Noon toast.
Veterans Day Celebration Brought to you by The Town of Gilbert Nov. 7th (T) Civic Center Campus 11:30am -Veterans Day Ceremony We will leave the center at 10:45 am. Sign up from Oct 31st - Nov 6th
Chandler Tea Room
*Transportation is provided for off-site events that have a (T). Check your monthly calendar and announcements board, as dates and times may change. End times on excursions may vary by each event.
Jan. 16th $25 12:30pm-3:00pm (T)* Get your pinky ready for some wonderful afternoon tea. We will have delightful sophisticated tea foods with our delicious teas. Come dressed up for a fun outing. Sign up Dec. 30th –Jan. 9th
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Gilbert Senior Center-130 North Oak St. Gilbert, AZ 85233 Open Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
Dining Out
We will leave the Senior Center at 4pm for each Dining Out event. Arrival back to the center is usually between 6pm-7pm Meal cost is on your own.
Not Your Typical Deli
Oct 17th , Sign up Oct 2nd-16th
Black Bear
Nov. 13th, Sign up Oct 30th-Nov. 12th
Cheddar’s
Dec. 11th Sign up Nov. 25th-Dec. 10th
Blue 32
Jan 8th Sign up Dec 30th-Jan 7th
Party Time!
Pictures above: A group at the Dbacks Game & a group for our National Selfie Day.
SENIOR CENTER CLOSED: October 14th (Monday) November 11th (Monday) November 28th & 29th (Thursday & Friday) December 25th (Wednesday)
There will be a sign up sheet for all party days 2 weeks prior to the event.
Halloween Oct. 31st 10:15am Dress in a costume and join us for a ghouling good time! Sign up from Oct 15th-25th
Give Thanks Day Nov. 21st Lunch will be served at 11:30am. Sign up from Nov. 4th-15th
Holiday Night Party Dec. 14th Doors open @ 4:15pm. Dinner Served at 5:30pm. $12 for Active Participants $15 for Non Active/Guests Tickets sold: Nov. 18th-Dec. 6th ONLY Holiday Day Party Dec. 19th 10:15am Lunch served at 11:30am. Sign up in Activity book Dec. 2nd-13th
Crazy Fun Holidays Senior Center Staff Oct. 4th National Smile Day Nov. 12th National Happy Hour Day (non-alcoholic) Dec. 20th National Ugly Sweater Day
Amanda Shepard, Activities Specialist amanda@azcend.org, 480-503-6059 Lisa Price, Outreach Specialist lisa@azcend.org, 480-503-6061 Laura Allin, Home Delivered Meals Coordinator laura@azcend.org, 480-503-6058 Jeremy Snipes, Kitchen Coordinator jeremy@azcend.org, 480-503-6057 Kelly Delgado, Senior Programs Manager kelly@azcend.org, 480-782-2721
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Your If you would like to donate items or a financial contribution to support the work of AZCEND’s Senior Center programs, several ways to donate are listed below. Thank you.
Your support is needed... The Senior Center programs are in need of the following donation items: Gently used clothing Knick knacks Costume jewelry Arts and crafts supplies Bingo prizes needed: Grocery items, Paper towels, toilet paper, toiletries, etc. Another way you can support the programs that you and others participate is through financial contributions. All donations are fully tax deductible as allowed by law.
Pictured above: Our Geri Fit Exercise Class is one of our popular classes at the center. Check us out online: www.azcend.org www.gilbertaz.gov/seniors www.facebook.com/azcendcommunity
Contact us at 480-503-6061 www.azcend.org
Formerly Chandler Christian Community Center
Gilbert Senior Center 130 N. Oak Street Gilbert, AZ 85233
YOUR TAX CONTRIBUTION CAN CHANGES LIVES! Your contribution is a dollar-for-dollar tax credit! Your contribution to AZCEND as a Qualifying Charitable Organization can be claimed on Form321 of your Arizona state return and does not need to be itemized. At AZCEND, we change lives by nourishing minds and bodies to create a connected, thriving community. We strengthen families and communities through food boxes; senior nutrition; rent and utility assistance; parenting, health and literacy classes; homeless services; and other comprehensive programs and resources. Of every dollar given, 94 cents goes directly to the people we serve by supporting our programs. All donations are fully tax deductible as allowed by law. Gifts to AZCEND qualify for the Arizona Tax Credit up to $400 per individual and $800 per couples filing a joint income tax return in the State of Arizona. Charitable Tax Credits differs from tax deductions because they are fully tax-refundable. They will either reduce the total Arizona state income tax you owe or increase the state income tax refund you receive, dollar-for-dollar when you file your taxes. Please always refer to your tax advisor when making any decisions concerning your taxes. Donate online at http://AZCEND.org/causes/donate or by check. Make your check payable to “AZCEND” and mail to PO Box 591, Chandler, AZ 85244
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