AV Senior Citizens' Club has a lot to offer local community

By L.J. Gambone
Apple Valley Review

Facebook and other social media sites may be the new way to connect with others but there’s still nothing like getting together face to face, according to Nancy Works, chairperson of the publicity committee for the Apple Valley Senior Citizens’ Club.

For more than five decades, the club has been providing a safe place for older folks to meet and engage in all types of social activities, which include everything from dances and card games to bingo and quilt making.

Works said she believes there’s no better place in the High Desert for the over 50 crowd to hang out, socialize and enjoy the times of their lives.

“We’ve always been very interested in helping people to connect,” said Works. “And I think it’s really important for seniors to have somewhere to go and be with like-minded peers. These days, it’s hard to get out and meet people.”

According to Works, Apple Valley Senior Citizens’ Club has something going on every day of the week. She said bingo is one of the club’s most popular activities and games are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Another member-pleasing activity are the Saturday night dances, which feature live music by local bands such as Phoenix Rising, the Educators and Crossroads.

“There’s not a lot to do here in the High Desert at night, so people love our dances and we always have a great turnout,” said Works. “It’s a great time to get some exercise and visit with friends.”

Beyond its social nights on the town, Apple Valley Senior Citizens’ Club offers computer classes, billiards tournaments, art classes, exercise classes, bunco, movies and more. Additionally, members have the opportunity to go on a variety of trips and tours throughout the year.

“We really do have something for everyone,” said Works.

Apple Valley Senior Citizens’ Club opened in 1962 and was originally located on Highway 18 at Navajo Road, next to the Sunshine Village. In 1983, the club relocated to its current facility. It has 980 members, of which 375 are lifetime members, Works said.

“One of our goals is to improve our outreach to active senior citizens in the High Desert,” said Works. “We are a totally volunteer-run organization and welcome new ideas for additional groups and activities, as well as active participation on our board.”

Along with its clubhouse, Apple Valley Senior Citizens' Club also operates the Apple Valley Senior Citizens’ Thrift Shoppe, which first opened 1977. Works said the store is a major source of revenue for the club.

Membership to the club is open to people ages 50 and over. The cost to join is $25 plus a one-time $40 initiation fee. Works said member chair John Faber will waive the $40 fee to readers who mention this story when signing up.

Apple Valley Senior Citizens' Club is located at 13188 Central Road. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Thrift Shoppe is located at 12295 Highway 18 and is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For additional information, call 760-247-3155.