SPRING 2022
VOLUME II
CONTENTS 03 Department Message 05 Senior Services Senior Buzz
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Senior Services Connecting Waters with Jessica Martinez
06 Employee Spotlight Christina Fulwilder
07 Division Spotlight
Case Management
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Community Spotlight Karen James
12 Better Living
Decluttering is Good for the Soul
14 River People Health Center Now Open!
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Lonley Cactus Expands to Include Six More Units
18 Food & Nutrition Cooking with Jo
22 Kraft Korner
Let’s Get Krafty
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SHRRP Get to know SHRRP
23 Mind Teaser
Word Search
25 Community
A Look Back
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WINTER 2021
Department Message Contact us Address 10510 E. Osborn Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85256 Phone 480.362.6350 Follow us on social media
Like us! @SRSeniorServices Managing Editor Jon Newman Copy Editor Laura Toussaint Graphic Designer Ravenna Curley Photographer Samantha Zivic Cover Photo Salt River Cattails
As we welcome warmer weather and brighter sunshine, we here at Senior Services are looking forward to welcoming back you and your warm bright smiles. Our teams are gearing up and getting ready to create new experiences and new memories with you. We look forward to welcoming you back. See you soon! Melvin Deer Senior Services Director
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SENIOR SERVICES
Connecting Waters with Jessica Martinez
Hello all, Welcome to Connecting Waters! My name is Jessica Martinez. I am the Community Liaison for Senior Services which is just a fancy way of saying “the information station”. I am here to provide information, education and resources to our community seniors and adults with adaptive needs regarding areas that are of specific interest to them. I am also here to listen and to address any concerns or issues you may
be facing, both within and outside of the community. So if you’ve seen me on our Facebook live feeds and thought to yourself, “What does that girl even do?” Well, now you know. So enough about me. LifeWays Magazine is about YOU! I will be using this column to address some frequently asked questions I get from you all. This is one of them.
Jessica M.
My family and I were recently on a trip and I took a nasty fall. I am now having trouble getting around. I was wondering if Senior Services has any equipment like a walker or wheelchair I could borrow?
That sounds great. I could definitely use a walker. How do I sign up for the Durable Medical Equipment Program?
Because we are not a medical provider, we could not provide that type of medical equipment immediately. However if you qualify, we can provide things such as wheelchairs, walkers, dentures and more through our Durable Medical Equipment Program.
There are some qualifications so please give us call to discuss details, or if you have an assigned social worker, they can assist you. Our number is 480.362.6350.
Thank you! If you need this type of equipment right away, you can also reach out to Salt River Clinic and they may be able to assist you the same day. 4
SPRING 2022
Are you attending our monthly
SENIOR BUZZ SESSION? You should be!
Make sure you are in the know and that your voice is heard regarding topics that preserve your independence and improve your life.
Join us the first Wednesday of every month via Zoom! Learn what’s going on in the community for our seniors and adults with physical and adaptive needs and share your thoughts on how to make things better.
Every session includes Q&A and the opportunity to win prizes!
To learn more,contact Jessica Martinez, 480.362.7386 or Jessica.martinez2@ srpmic-nsn.gov.
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SENIOR SERVICES
Employee Spotlight Christina Fulwilder
Meet Christina Fulwilder, Home Care Assistant III with Senior Services. Christina grew up in the Salt River Community. She fondly remembers the wide open fields and skies and the stars shining bright at night. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends and siblings at Lehi Boys & Girls Club playing video and board games and splashing in the pool. In high school, Christina took photography classes and enjoyed taking pictures of her friends and flowers, especially roses. Later, she attended Pima Medical Institute to earn a medical front office certificate. She became interested in healthcare and home care at a young age. Her grandmother was a Certified Nursing Assistant and Christina was inspired by her work. When she was 12 or 13, Christina started accompanying her father on weekly trips to Casa Blanca (Gila River, District 5) to help care for his mom. In 2010, Christina joined the Senior Services Home Care team as a temporary aide. Within a year, she was fulltime. Today, she enjoys encouraging her clients to stretch themselves. “I like to get to know them and to en-
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SPRING 2022
courage them to do what they can achieve for themselves. They are so proud when they realize they can do something they thought they could not do, but I also assist them as they need it,” said Christina. For Christina, it is gratifying to help the community seniors and adults with physical and adaptive needs. “You get attached to your clients and their families,” said Christina. “I am glad that I can be there for them and that what I do makes someone’s day.” She also loves her Home Care team. “Our team is motivated and awesome. We’re like a family,” she said. Christina recently earned an Arizona Assisted Living Caregiver Certificate. When she’s not caring for clients, Christina enjoys spending time with her 17-yearold son, 11-year-old daughter, her family and 2-year-old dog, Cotton. She also likes to walk, hike and bike, especially near Papago Buttes by the zoo.
Divison Spotlight Case Management
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Senior Services is proud to provide case management as well as a variety of enriching and engaging programs and to ensure the health, safety and independence of our community seniors 55+ and adult community members with physical and adaptive needs. It all starts with a simple call to our friendly and knowledgeable Intake and Assessment Coordinator, Christina Blackman. She will ask you some questions about your situation and about the type of help you might need. She will also answer any questions you may have. From there, Christina will determine your eligibility for a variety of services including home delivered meals, social worker and caregiver assignment, and home care assistance. Our social workers can also help you by coordinating additional services through referrals with our partnering resources within the community.
“The services provided by our department are second to none. I am very competitive and want my seniors, and the Community I work for, to be best in all that we do.” Alfhonso Havatone, Social Services Manager, encourages those who have questions to call—even if it is not about Senior Services, our intake and assessment coordinators have a vast knowledge of programs inside and outside the community. “I encourage anyone who needs help to
Intake and Assessment Coordinator Christina Blackman enjoys helping our community seniors and adults with physical and adaptive needs learn what programs they may qualify for both through Senior Services and the greater community. call and ask the questions because they would never know what help is available otherwise,” said Alfhonso. “Some people ask about Medicare, SSD benefits, Indian health insurance or other things and we are able to let them know if they qualify. They are only a phone call away from helping us understand what they need.” If you are someone you know is a community senior 55+ or adult with adaptive needs, please contact us for an intake assessment and to learn more about any of our programs, 480.362.6350 or seniorservices@srpmic-nsn.gov. SRPMIC SENIOR SERVICES
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SENIOR SERVICES
Community Spotlight
Karen James
Karen has seen a lot in her 65 years. She has held several jobs, lived in many places and cared for many children. Karen’s house was always full of step children and grandchildren. She loved being a part of their lives. Through a series of life events, including her son’s stroke eight years ago, Karen took on a more formal caregiver role. She began caring for her eight grandchildren in 2012. For a while, she even cared for her stepson’s children all of whom have come of age, graduated and now have jobs. At one point, there were 12 children in the house. Now there are nine ranging in age 4-19. But let’s go back to the beginning. Karen’s parents had been married 10 years before Karen was born. They had moved from Gila River to California as part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) relocation program. It was there that Karen and her sister were born. When Karen was older, she itched for adventure and wanted to begin working, so like many young people back then, she claimed to be older so she could work. Another program took her to Pennsylvania, where she worked in a hospital and saw snow for the first time. She was 16. She bounced around a bit after that, even trying to return to California. When her father died in 1973, Karen returned to Arizona, where 8
SPRING 2022
her family would vacation every summer during her childhood. There she met her husband, a silk screen artist and they opened a silk screening business. Karen continued to operate the business until Covid, even teaching her grandchildren the trade.
Needing a new home, Karen came to Salt River in 1992 with her children and husband. She worked overnight in the community’s youth services group homes. That experience would benefit her greatly. Today, Karen’s two-story, 4-bedroom house is bustling with activity. Karen never has a dull moment. She takes the little one to school every day, makes sure the older children have done
their homework and chores, she cooks and she does a lot of laundry. Everyone gathers for the evening meal and attends church every Sunday. “When I think about it, I wonder, How did I feed them? How did I have clothes for them?, but God provides,” said Karen. “I don’t have much but I make sure they feel valued, especially on their birthdays.” She recounted a time when one of the
SRPMIC SENIOR SERVICES
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SENIOR SERVICES
girls was turning 11. Karen purchased 11 balloons and tied little goodies on the ribbon of each. “I put them in her room at night while she was sleeping so she woke up to a nice surprise. It’s now a tradition and I always make their favorite meals for dinner,” said Karen. Though Karen considers herself somewhat of a home body, she did enjoy going to the senior center and getting to know other seniors and attending the special events activities before Covid. She very much looks forward to coming again when things open. Karen and her son also enjoy home delivered lunches and she participates in
the Senior Services Caregiver Support program, where she enjoys outings and activities that help her recharge. Living in the community is a blessing to Karen and her large family. “I know what it’s like being in town. Being on the reservation, it’s so much more peaceful and I know the prices out there,” said Karen. “Being able to be on my own land, in my own home and have programs like SHRRP, makes it easier to take care of myself and family. There are a lot of advantages. I have friends who are native but live outside the community and they are amazed what is available to us.”
May is Foster Care Month. We salute all the grandparents who care, formally and informally, for their grandchildren. To learn about the SRPMIC Foster Licensing Program, please contact 480.362.7342 or katie.avalos@srpmic-nsn.gov.
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We are looking for real-people “models” from our community to help us share what we do through photos.
You would pose as a client or staff member in a variety situations that represent our services and help community seniors feel more comfortable with requesting the help they need.
Interested? Contact us at SeniorServicesPR&Media@SRPMIC-nsn.gov
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BETTER LIVING
Decluttering is good for your SOUL Spring is a great time to take stock of your home and declutter what is not serving you. Studies show that decluttering provides more than a tidy space, it helps you feel calmer, happier, more energized and in control. In addition, decluttering builds self-esteem, increases focus, im-
Start small Pick and organize a junk drawer or a surface like a table or entry way that tends to clutter quickly. You’ll immediately feel better and inspired to continue into other spaces.
Set a timer Thinking of decluttering your entire house can be intimidating, but choosing a space and setting a timer for just 15 minutes seems doable. Often you will find yourself continuing after the timer rings.
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proves sleep and allows you to spend more time on the things that really matter to you. However, decluttering can seem a daunting task, so we’ve included a few tips to help you on your way. Once you do it, you’ll be glad you did.
View your spaces as a first-time visitor We often become blind to our clutter and piles. Sometimes taking photos on your phone can help you better see the areas that you want to tackle.
Have a friend help Having someone who is brutally honest can help you make decisions about what to keep and what to let go. Choose your person carefully. Afterwards, treat yourselves to lunch or an outing for a job well done.
Set up systems Setting up systems that can prevent clutter and save you time are easy. Have a bookshelf or table by the door where you can store keys, sunglasses, purses and shoes. Immediately sort mail by the recycle bin so you can quickly toss junk and keep only what requires your attention. Put a donate box in your closet so when you get dressed and come across items that you no longer like or just don’t fit, they have a place to go.
Question everything As you sort through items, ask yourself: Do I need this? Does it bring me joy? Would l buy this item if I didn’t have it? If they answer is no, it’s time to let the item go. As you are shopping or if someone asks you if you want their castoff, ask yourself: Do I need it? Do I love it? Can I borrow or rent it instead? Asking yourself these simple questions and answering honestly can help you let go of things that no longer serve you or prevent you from accumulating things that may become clutter.
Declutter your relationships Relationships change over time. If someone consistently makes you feel bad or drains you, let them go. If it is a family member you cannot totally cut out, try to limit your time with them. Spend more time with those who are positive and inspire you.
Decluttering is more than just about your physical space Decluttering other areas of your life can make a big difference as well.
Declutter your digital space Purging your digital space can save you money in cloud storage and make the photos, apps and files you enjoy and use often more accessible. Regularly go through your computer, desktop and devices to delete photos, videos and apps you no longer want. Rearrange your apps and files so what you use most is more accessible. Check your email and other digital subscriptions and unsubscribe from those you no longer read.
Declutter your schedule Now is a good time to review commitments in all areas of your life such as work, family, church and charity. Choose those which you really enjoy or are a must-do and let go of the rest. At the same time, learn to say no to things that don’t bring you joy or value. Now don’t you feel better?
SRPMIC SENIOR SERVICES 13
Quality Care that is Comprehensive, Compassionate, and Culturally Respectful
Six Key Facts about RPHC • Full-service, 200,000-square-foot walk-in clinic. • Parking is accessible from the west entrance off McDowell Road. • Dedicated to health and wellness of all Native Americans. • • Designed for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. • Views and entries are aligned with Red Mountain, South Mountain,
(7742)
Papago Buttes, and Camelback Mountain.
14 SPRING 2022
McDowell Rd.
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River
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02
Country Club Dr.
2
RIVER PEOPLE HEALTH CENTER
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Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Health and Human Services 10901 E. McDowell Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85256 www.rphc.org
Alma School Rd.
Call for appointment: 480.278.RPHC
McKellips Rd.
The River People Health Center is a community of care dedicated to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and wellness of all Native people. The Health Center is located on the southwest quadrant of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Center.& The new facility is oriented so that Pharmacy Pharmacy drive-through
patients and their families see Red Mountain, South Mountain, Papago Buttes and Camelback Mountain. These four peaks provide a sense Registered dietician services of comfort and healing for the Community. Women’s’ health and prenatal The Health Center provides care quality health care that is comprehensive, compassionate, and culturally respectful.
Behavioral health counseling Hours of Operation: 88:30 a.m.am. to to 5 p.m. 4:30daily pm. daily
Laboratory Pediatrics Pharmacy & Pharmacy drive-through Physical Therapy
Primary Care | Women’s Health & Prenatal Care Registered Dietician Services WIC
Behavioral Health Counseling Dental Mammography Psychiatry Specialty - Eye Testing and Imaging
Specialty - Nephrology Specialty - Optometry Specialty - Podiatry Specialty - Rheumatology Ultrasound X-ray
Administration
SRPMIC SENIOR SERVICES 15
BETTER LIVING
expands to include six more units For decades, Lonely Cactus has provided affordable housing for the community’s seniors and adults with physical and adaptive needs. Today, more than 30 residents call the small community-within-the-community home. One of those residents is Rebecca O. She and her husband Bernard of 39 years have lived there for 13 years. Rebecca loves the quiet, neighborly atmosphere. “It’s so peaceful and quiet here, and the people—we all watch out for each other,” said Rebecca. “It’s close to the WOLF and we enjoy bingo, barbeques and other activities put on by our block watch.”
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She is excited about the prospect of adding some new neighbors to the community. “It’s great. The more the merrier,” said Rebecca. “We’re all very friendly around here and it would be great to add to our little community.” As the community’s need for affordable housing increased, community began searching for options. Fortunately, one of those options is a strip of land just north of Lonely Cactus. The lot would accommodate two triplexes for a total of six new homes. The expansion of Lonely Cactus re-
Rebecca and Bernard are looking forward to having new neighbors as Lonely Cactus prepares to add six more units to the affordable housing community. ceived approvals from the Land Management Board and Council for a new Designation of Land Use for the expanded area on March 2. MayDall Construction, a community member-owned company, has been selected as the contractor. Work is anticipated to start in late spring/early summer.
The new units will be grouped as triplexes. Each home will be approximately 1,500 square feet and feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a 2-car carport. All current rental housing at Lonely Cactus are funded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development.
If you are interested in community rental housing, contact the Community Development Department Residential Resources team at 480.362.7600. SRPMIC SENIOR SERVICES 17
FOOD & NUTRITION
Josephine is our Food & Nutrition Supervisor. She and her staff are passionate about creating nutritious and delicious menus that introduce foods that you may have never tried, including those with traditional ingredients.
Low-Carb Chicken Avocado Wrap Serves 2
Collard greens, as with most greens, are high in nutrients and low in calories. They contain many vitamins but the two most important are vitamins A and C. They keep your cells healthy and boost your immune system. Collard greens are also rich in fiber and low in carbohydrates, making them an excellent substitution for a tortilla in this recipe because fiber helps to reduce glucose levels. INGREDIENTS 4 large collard green leaves 2 4oz-chicken breasts, cooked and sliced ¼ English cucumber, sliced lengthwise ¼ red onion, sliced ½ tomato, sliced lengthwise ½ avocado, sliced lengthwise 1 tsp olive oil 1 tsp salt 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp paprika
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Collard greens can be used in many ways to add extra nutrients to your diet including in salads, sandwiches and wraps. It can be braised, sautéed or boiled so adding them to soups is perfect! DIPPING SAUCE 1 cup Greek yogurt 2 tsp chives, fresh or dried 1 tsp garlic powder ½ tsp onion powder ½ tsp dill, fresh or dried ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. Rinse your chicken breasts and pat
dry. In small bowl mix salt, pepper, garlic, onion and paprika. Rub chicken breast with olive oil and sprinkle seasoning over front and back of chicken. 3. Place chicken on baking sheet and cook for 20-25 minutes or until food thermometer reads 165°F. Once done, set aside to cool then slice. 4. Wash collard leaves. Cut off thick part of stem. 5. Bring a pot of water to boil, add 1 leaf into pot and blanch for 30 seconds. Then submerge leaf in a bowl with ice water. This will make the leaf softer and easier to fold.
Repeat with the other leaves. Dry and set aside. 6. Make dipping sauce by adding all ingredients to small bowl and mix well. 7. Assemble the wrap by placing two leaves overlapping each other on flat surface. Add chicken, cucumbers, red onion, tomato and avocado to the side of the leaves nearest you. 8. Fold leaf away from you to cover filling and fold the sides, tucking them under the filling, then roll closed. Just like a burrito! 9. Serve with dipping sauce and enjoy!
Diabetic Friendly Granola Serves 2
This recipe contains no artificial sugars and uses healthy ingredients that are low on the glycemic index which means it won’t spike your blood sugar like storebought granola. It also has a variety of healthy fats and whole-grain carbs for optimal for energy. Enjoy alone as a snack, over your favorite fruit for an extra crunch or over yogurt for a quick breakfast. INGREDIENTS 1 cup rolled oats ½ cup pecans ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes 1/3 cup organic coconut sugar ¼ cup unsweetened dried cranberries 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds 1 tbsp chia seeds 2 tbsp melted organic raw coconut oil 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla extract ½ tsp salt
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. 2. Combine oats, seeds, pecans, coconut sugar, cinnamon and coconut flakes in a small bowl. 3. Blend coconut oil and vanilla extract. Stir into oat mixture and blend well. 4. Spread mixture onto baking sheet in an even layer. 5. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until you see the oats beginning to brown lightly. 6. Add cranberries and enjoy! SRPMIC SENIOR SERVICES 19
SHRRP
SHRRP Weed Abatement
SHRRP and SRFD remind you to prevent fires with weed abatement
Fire Marshall Dustin Zamboni discusses the partnership between SHRRP and SRFD and the importance of weed abatement in preventing fires. Fire Marshall Dustin Zamboni recently attended a weed abatement at the home of Iris A. The job was part of the partner20 SPRING 2022
ship between the Senior Housing Repair and Replacement Program and Salt River Fire Department. Spring rains and warming temperatures are ideal for weeds—they pop up rapidly. As summer approaches, warmer temperatures and less rain means those weeds dry out and become fire hazards that can threaten homes and lives. “The Fire Department recommends clearing weeds and grasses 25 to 50 feet around a residence, as this greatly reduces the ability of fires to spread,” said Zamboni. Community members are responsible for maintaining their property and preventing fires by removing weeds, trash and other flammable materials. However, some community seniors and adults with adaptive needs are unable to perform the task. That’s when SHRRP
steps in. They can help contain weeds ting of interiors to meet health or safety within 25-feet surrounding a home. needs such as, but not limited to: While SHRRP will help control the weeds, Zamboni reminds residents that they are • Handicap Bathrooms responsible for arranging the removal of • Roofing trash, old appliances and other obstacles • Kitchen Cabinets so that SHRRP can access the weeds. • Flooring Iris is grateful for the weed abatement • Ramps and the other services SHRRP provides. • Exterior Door Covers “I take full advantage of all SHRRP has to offer,” said Iris. “I’ve used many of their SHRRP also provides day-to-day services services over the past 10 years, but the that seniors and those with adaptive and AC and heat is what I apprecimedical needs may find chalate most and Alex and his staff lenging such as changing air “...Alex and his always go above and beyond filters, repairing exterior doors staff always go that do not close correctly or for us.” W h e n a s ke d w h a t a d v i c e above and beyond improperly sealed windows. she would give to other com- for us.” Qualified individuals must be munity seniors or those with members of the community, a qualified medical need who age 55+ or qualify with mediare hesitant to accept assistance, Iris en- cal disability, and have a home condition courages them to let SHRRP help. that detrimentally affects the individual’s “We‘ve worked all of our lives. We are health, welfare or safety. older now and things are not as easy for us,” said Iris. “They [SHRRP] are here for If you think you or someone you us. Let them help.” know may qualify, call the SHRRP In addition to weed abatement, SHRRP provides a variety of other services to helpline Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm qualified community residents. These can at 480.362.7800. include complex renovations and retrofit-
When asked what advice Iris would give to other community seniors who are hesitant to accept assistance, she encourages them let SHRRP help, “They [SHRRP] are here for us. Let them help.”
SRPMIC SENIOR SERVICES 21
KRAFT KORNER
Let’s get krafty in the Kraft Korner!
Here is a fun and simple craft you can do with your family and friends using supplies that you likely already have around the house.
Step one
Step two
Step four
Final step
Gather your supplies: clothespins, background paint, paper, ribbon or scrap material; embellishments of your choice, glue and magnetic tape.
Glue on your embellishments. 22 SPRING 2022
Adhere magnetic tape to the back of the clothespin.
Step three
Paint your clothespin or glue on your background.
Viola, you creations are done! Use them to clip chip and bread bags or display your photos and art. Clip a few on a card as a great gift.
BRAIN TEASERS
Word Search
Better Living Caregivers Community Cooking with Jo Coordinators Craft Kits Curbside Eyeglasses
Health Center Home Care Home Delivery Lifeways Lonely Cactus Nutrition River People Senior Buzz
Senior Services SHRRP Social Workers Stay Connected Transportation Virtual Bingo Weekly Eats
SRPMIC SENIOR SERVICES 23
BRAIN TEASERS
Word Search ANSWERS
Better Living Caregivers Community Cooking with Jo Coordinators Craft Kits Curbside Eyeglasses 24 SPRING 2022
Health Center Home Care Home Delivery Lifeways Lonely Cactus Nutrition River People Senior Buzz
Senior Services SHRRP Social Workers Stay Connected Transportation Virtual Bingo Weekly Eats
COMMUNITY
Take a look back
SRPMIC SENIOR SERVICES 25
Are you a senior Veteran? Learn about an exciting opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. for the unveiling of the National Native American Veterans Memorial on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2022! Salt River Senior Services is looking to invite senior community Veterans 55+ to attend a multi-day trip to Washington, D.C. to be present during the unveiling of the new Native American memorial. Ceremony takes place on the National Mall next to the National Museum of the American Indian. If you are a senior community Veteran or know of one, please contact Byron at 480.362.6350.
Our SRSeniorServices Facebook page is the place to go for the most up-to-date information about Senior Services events and programs. There, you will find out about upcoming craft projects and fun events like bingo, see our Weekly Eats dining menu and learn about vital services that help you live your best life. Visit and Follow us today at facebook.com/SRSeniorServices.