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VOLUME IV
CONTENTS 03 Department Message 04
Senior Services Connecting Waters with Jessica Martinez
06 Employee Spotlight Debra Cachora
07 Team Spotlight Transportation
09
Community Spotlight Judge Achin
12 Better Living
Giving Thanks Year Around
14 RPHC
Diabetes
16
Cultrual Connections Ron Carlos Pottery History
18 Food & Nutrition Cooking with Jo
22 Kraft Korner
Let’s Get Krafty
20
SHRRP ADA Bathrooms
23 Mind Teasers
What’s Missing & Sudoku
26 Community
A Look Back
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Department Message Contact us Address 10510 E. Osborn Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85256 Phone 480.362.6350 Visit us online srpmic-nsn.gov/ government/seniors/ Follow us on social media
Like us! @SRSeniorServices Managing Editor Jon Newman Writer Laura Toussaint Graphic Designer Ravenna Curley Photographer/Graphic Designer Samantha Zivic Cover Photo Artwork by Debra Cachora
In September, the world calendar recognized World Gratitude Day. It’s an appropriate placement for Giving Thanks. Going into the fall season, we look forward to cooler weather, celebrating the holidays, and spending time with family and close friends. I’d like to invite you to extend World Gratitude Day and show gratitude – every day. Saying thank you to someone who wasn’t expecting it is a powerful gift. Surprise someone today and say, “Thank you”. And when they ask, “What for?” Let them know why you appreciate them in your life. It’s the little things that matter most and have the biggest impact. Enjoy this issue of Lifeways, it was created just for you. Be blessed, stay resilient, smile and tell someone, “Thank you.” THANK YOU, from us at Senior Services. Melvin Deer and Alice Manuel Senior Services Director and Assistant Director
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Connecting Waters with Jessica Martinez
Hello all from the cyber world, Welcome back to Connecting Waters, or welcome if you are new to this column. My name is Jessica Martinez. I am the Community Liaison for Senior Services. This column is used to answer some FAQs I receive from seniors around the community. These range from really common questions about our services to wacky questions like, “My dog needs a haircut. Can you guys do that for me?” (Yes, I’ve really been asked that question before). I am here to answer them all! This question is focused on technology and I hope it is helpful to you.
I am having issues connecting my Bluetooth printer. Can you guys send someone to my home to do it for me?
If you are a current client of ours, meaning you have done an intake assessment and receive services from us like meals, activities or homecare assistance, we can send someone to help you…if you reside within the community. We have a staff full of tech-savvy people who can help. We can also try to walk you through the set-up over the phone or refer you to another resource, such as Best Buy, if we are unable to resolve your issue.
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SENIOR BREAKFAST Join us in person the first Wednesday of every month 8:30-10 a.m. for breakfast, friendship and tidbits about things that affect our seniors and adults with adaptive needs. Questions? Please contact Jessica M. at 480.362.7386 or Jessica.Martinez2@SRPMIC-nsn.gov
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Employee Spotlight Debra Cachora
Meet Debra Cachora. You may have seen her at the front desk. She has been with Senior Services since May of 2020. You all are her favorite part of what she does. “It’s been a while, so I really like meeting all of the seniors and just talking to them face-to-face,” said Debra. “I enjoy answering their questions about things like activities, or directing them to the person who is best able to help them.” Debra grew up in Salt River with her four sisters and three brothers. Her mother is from the community and her father was of the Fort Yuma Quechan community. Debra did some interesting things for fun back in the day. “We would all go to the gravel pits and climb up to the top of the big piles, then slide down on cardboard,” she recalled. “We also liked to ride our bikes and hang out at Fiesta Mall.” If you’re a car buff, ask her about the 1968 Camaro she used to have. Today, Debra stays active by participating in a senior volleyball league and
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a senior steppers dance group. She also enjoys going out to the movies or dinner and taking classes in traditional crafts such as cape beading, gourd painting and pottery making. When she is home, she has four little pups to keep her company—Little Buddy aka LB, Maverick aka Mavie, Dory and Cammy—while she binges her favorite shows or works on jigsaw puzzles. When you are in the Salt River Senior Center, be sure to stop by the front desk and say “Hi.”
Team Spotlight Transportation
Senior Services Transportation assists our community residents 55+ and adults with physical or adaptive needs who are unable to drive or who lack transportation. Our drivers’ main priority is safety. They also strive to make our riders comfortable by providing friendly, courteous service. “I am proud “It’s important that of the quality service and they see friends, have of care that our fun and feel they can drivers provide,” still do things for said Transportathemselves with a tion Supervisor little help from us.” Jamie Garcia. “Our clients love the socialization and the personality of our drivers—how they lend an ear, tell jokes and make [our client] laugh.”
Transportation provides rides to and from medical appointments, shopping and other errands, as well as congregate dining and Senior Services activities and events at locations both on and off the Community. SRPMIC SENIOR SERVICES
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“Transportation is essential because it preserves the independence of our clients who cannot drive or would otherwise not have transportation to run essential errands or attend social events,” said Jamie. We recently added two new shuttles to the Transportation fleet. They help us to provide safe and comfortable transportation for larger groups.
Need a Ride?
In addition to rides, our drivers also deliver more than 200 meals a day to homebound individuals, providing a bit of social contact and a smile. “I like knowing that our clients are satisfied with the service that we provide,” said Jamie. “They often share their appreciation with us and when they do, that makes our day.”
Transportation is provided Monday – Friday | 7am- 4pm Must be scheduled a minimum 24 hours in advance For information and scheduling, call 480.362.5672.
Car Tips
Drive Safe for Halloween On October 31, little ghosts and goblins will be out and about all dressed up and eager to collect treats. Costumes can make it hard
for them to see and the excitement of getting candy can make them less careful, so drive safe.
Here are a few tips from the Transportation team to protect yourself and others for a fun and safe Halloween Turn on headlights well before sunset to make sure your car is visible in the afternoon/evening light.
Pay close attention to crosswalks and cars stopped on the street that could be loading or unloading trick-or-treaters.
Slow down and watch for trickor-treaters. They may not be watching for you.
Do not rummage through your candy while driving, no matter how much you really want to.
Be extra careful pulling in and out of driveways.
Turn your radio down and your cell phone off to avoid distractions.
Keep your eyes on the road at all times.
Now that we think about it, these tips are great for safe driving year-round. Be safe out there! 8
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Community Spotlight
Darayne Achin
Darayne Achin and her brother were left by their mother at the Catholic Church in Salt River, but Darayne is not bitter, “She left us there because she and my dad broke up and she knew she could not care for us and that the church would make sure we were cared for.” Their paternal grandmother took them in. From her, Darayne learned to cook and to clean. “We had an adobe sandwich house with a dirt floor and every day we would sprinkle it with and sweep it,” recalled Darayne. “She also taught me to cook over an open fire. Cooking was an allday thing—you’d do one meal and clean up, and it was time to do another.” Unfortunately when she was six, Darayne’s grandmother passed away. Darayne and her brother were shuffled among other family members until their mother and father got back together when she eight. Their family grew to include six more siblings. By the time she was in high school,
Darayne’s uncle and father had built a farming business. Her father worked 4am to midnight and her mother worked as a housekeeper, so it fell to Darayne and her brother to care for the family. They were responsible for making meals, cleaning the house and helping their younger brothers and sisters with homework and getting ready for bed and school. Darayne was so tired, she literally slept through her senior year. To this day, she is grateful to her guidance counselor, Mr. Smith, who worked with all of her teachers so she could take oral tests and graduate. He also worked to get her into an all-Indian Upward Bound summer program. Darayne was one of only 80 from around the state to attend the program at ASU designed to give them a taste of college life and to encourage them to continue their education. “I didn’t really understand at the time, SRPMIC SENIOR SERVICES
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but now I look back and I see all the hands of the people who saw something in me and got me to where I am today,” said Darayne. After high school, Darayne married and became a teacher aide with Mesa Public Schools. By age 27, the marriage became abusive, so Darayne and her children moved in with her family. “I was lost for a few years,” said Darayne. “I had a few jobs, but was mainly taking to time to heal.” It was then that she learned about the community’s Parent Advocate program and gained direction. She was trained in social work and to be paralegal to help with social work cases. For three months, she worked with the social workers. Eventually, Darayne was given her own cases. She enjoyed helping families in that program for more than seven years. It was also during this time 10 FALL 2022
that one of the social workers introduced her to his brother, Craig. They were married and have been together for more than 36 years. Craig was in the Air Force and they were stationed in Germany for four years. They took her 14-year-old daughter and had a son of their own while there. While in Germany, the family traveled to several European countries. But Darayne was missing the states. After a stint in the cold of Minot, North Dakota, Craig retired and the family returned to Salt River in 1993. With her social work background, Darayne quickly found work with the community’s new crisis liaison program. She worked with the police department going out on calls. “It was one of the most fulfilling jobs I’ve ever had,” said Darayne. A few years later, gaming was being talked about and Darayne’s husband
researched and took casino classes. He also encouraged Darayne to apply and she was hired immediately as a tribal gaming agent. “Our main goal was to protect the proceeds of the casino. The position included inves“I am a child of tigating crimithe desert. I am nal activity in and on casihome.” no grounds. I learned what probable cause was and what to look for so we help our police prosecute assaults and other crimes,” said Darayne. “That’s where I learned about the law—how to interview, and how to write it up.” Darayne enjoyed her job at the casino, but when a job announcement came up for a DV judge, she jumped at the chance. She knew it would be a good fit as a DV survivor, former crisis worker and with the knowledge of law she gained at the casino. Someone saw that Darayne applied for the position and encouraged her to apply for civil judge position as well. She applied for both. It was a bit nerve-wracking. She interviewed with attorneys and the police chief, as well as council. She was also given a scenario with an hour to write up what she would do in a case when someone broke window to help two children locked in a car in the casino parking lot. Of course, Darayne knew the answer. “My dad had passed, but one night he came to me in my sleep and his smile told me I got [the position],” recalled Darayne. “I got a call later that day and was informed that I needed to appear before council.” Council had appointed her a civil judge. She has been a judge for the last
18 years and is currently presiding in the juvenile dependency division and is the presiding judge of the community court. “[This position] affirms my knowledge of my community and my people. I’ve seen so many changes since I was put in in 2004,” said Darayne who uses culture, tradition and common sense in her rulings. Having lived several places, even globally, Darayne loves living in the community. “It is not fast paced, it’s quiet and I can get in my car and go anywhere. Everything’s right down the road,” said Darayne. “I am a child of the desert. I am home.”
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BETTER LIVING
The Benefits of Giving Thanks Year-Round
It’s the time of year when we stop and think about what we are thankful for, but studies show that giving thanks year-round has many benefits. Focusing on your blessings and practicing gratitude reduces stress and anxiety while making you happier. In short, giving thanks improves how you feel both mentally and physically.
Mentally give thanks As you go throughout your day, notice the little things—sunsets, green lights, perfect parking spots—and mentally take a moment to give thanks for them.
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Keep a gratitude journal Studies show those who regularly write down what they were grateful for sleep better and are happier than those who don’t.
Meditate Meditation helps you focus on what is good in your life.
Pay it forward Express your gratitude though acts of kindness to others.
Reach out to those who have made a difference to you Whether it’s a teacher who inspired you or a neighbor who showed kindness, write a thank you note. It will make their day. Emails and calls work too.
Prayer Count your blessings and give thanks through prayer.
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RPHC
Your Health: Diabetes Prevention & Signs According to the American Diabetes Association, 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year, including 29.2 percent of seniors 65+. Many people do not even realize it. Because the signs of type 2 diabetes
(the most common form) often go unnoticed; especially for those with prediabetes. The ADA estimates that 1 in 3 adults have prediabetes and are at risk for type 2 diabetes.
So what are the signs you should watch for? • • • •
Urinating frequently Often very thirsty Often hungry, even after eating Extreme fatigue
• • •
Blurry vision Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal Tingling, numbness or pain in the hands and feet
The good news is that you can prevent type 2 diabetes or even delay it in its early stages with a few simple lifestyle changes.
The most important thing people can do to prevent or delay diabetes is to learn about diabetes and your risk. The sooner you address prediabetes signs, the sooner you can start applying new healthy changes to your life, your household, and as a family. – Elissa Caston, Diabetes Prevention Services Manager 14 FALL 2022
Here are steps you can take to prevent / delay diabetes Get screened
Talk with your health care team and get screened if you are at risk. To find out if you are at risk, take a quick online test from the ADA at diabetes.org/risk-test.
Eat more fruits and veggies These foods are high in nutrients and in fiber, which is more filling and helps to regulate blood sugar.
Eliminate sugary drinks
Soda and other sugary drinks, including many fruit juices, are closely tied to the risk of developing diabetes. This is because they are high in sugar and have no fiber to prevent the spike of blood sugar.
Drink more water
Stay hydrated, especially with our warm temperatures, is important to help your body function its best and to flush away toxins.
Move more
Movement lowers your blood sugar, boosts insulin sensitivity and helps you lose or maintain a healthy weight. You don’t have to break a sweat. Brisk walking most days of the week can do the trick. Not sure if you have diabetes? Talk to your doctor or schedule an appointment with a River People Health Center provider, 480.278.4101.
Diabetes Prevention Services is here to help The HHS Diabetes Prevention Services team offers a variety of activities and classes to prevent and delay type 2 diabetes, including hands-on cooking classes. Activities and classes are held in a family friendly, supportive learning environment. The focus is on nutrition and physical activity. We also host hands on cooking classes during certain times of the year. All are welcome. For more information contact River
People Health Center, 480.278.4101
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CULTURAL LIVING
Most people think of O’odham pottery as plain and unfinished and Piippash as red polished. But according to Ron Carlos with Cultural Resources, this is not true. “The shiny red pottery we think of today didn’t emerge until 1920-30s when traders came to the area. They were the ones who wanted color and design,” said Ron. “Before then, pottery was more utilitarian, after all, it’s hard to hold on to a polished pot, especially when it’s wet.” Traditionally, pottery was used for holding water, storing grains, cooking and eating out of. Over time when the Spanish and the Americans came, metal pots began replacing pottery for cooking. Later, when the railroads came 16 FALL 2022
through and native handicrafts became popular, pottery became more of an art form. “We have an example of an elephant effigy pottery because [the artist] saw the circus train when it came through,” said Ron. “Pottery became a way for families to supplement their income.” Ron laments the loss of traditional ways. “No one touches the earth anymore. No one sits on the ground. Children don’t play in the dirt,” he said. “When making clay for pottery, you’re feeling how the earth really feels. It has a smell, it’s natural. When the mud gets wet, it smells like rain in the desert.” Traditionally, potters would gather dry clay and process it with mortar and pestle, pounding it into a fine powder. Impurities are sieved out. Water is added a little at a time. “It’s much like tortilla dough. You add a little water at a time and knead it and knead it until it sticks together,” said Ron. From there, the clay was shaped into forms or coiled and pinched. Anvils and wooden paddles were also used to shape the clay. Keeping a uniform thick-
ness is key. Artisans also gathered their own pigments from nature, washed and strained them then mixed them with water to make paint. The clay must be completely dry before painting—usually a couple of days. Once painted, the pots would dry a day and be wood-fired for 1-2 hours, depending on the thickness of the pots. “Back in the day, we didn’t care about fire clouds from the smoke or wood touching the clay,” said Ron. “Now we want it more uniform and uniform space must be reserved around the pots.” Ron and other community artisans offer classes in traditional pottery making. “People are unaware of all the work that goes into making pottery. You have to learn to let things be, to be patient and let it emerge,” said Ron. “According to our traditions, we are made from clay. Working with clay connects us with the Earth and our culture.” If you would like to learn more call Cultural Resources at 480.362.6320 or contact Ron Carlos at salt.river.pottery@gmail.com.
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FOOD & NUTRITION
As the holidays approach, it’s easy to overindulge and get off track when it comes to eating healthy. Though you may not always have control of what foods are being prepared, here are some tips to make help you make better choices this holiday season: Don’t skip meals to save up for dinner. You are more likely to overeat when skipping meals.
Load half your plate with vegetables. Then add small portions of the not-so-healthy sides.
Offer to bring a healthier version of a favored dish, so that you can enjoy eating without the guilt.
Eat slowly so you don’t overeat.
Prepare your dishes from scratch so you can control the amount of fat, sugar and sodium.
Choose dishes that you love and can’t get any other time of the year. Stay active! Go for a walk before and after meals.
That said, here are some healthier versions of some holiday favorites.
Apple Cranberry Stuffing Serves 8-12
INGREDIENTS 12 cups toasted bread cubes 3 cups onion, diced 3 cups apple, peeled and diced 2 cups celery, diced 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth 1 cup dried cranberries 1 cup unsalted butter 2 large eggs 3 Tbs. fennel seed 3 Tbs. fresh sage, chopped 3 Tbs. fresh thyme, chopped 3 Tbs. fresh rosemary, chopped Salt & pepper to taste 18 FALL 2022
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush a 9x13” baking dish with softened butter or olive oil. 2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery and onion and cook for 3 minutes. 3. Add apples, cranberries, fennel seed and herbs. Sauté until vegetables are soft. Add salt and pepper to your liking. 4. Add one cup of broth. Once it begins to simmer, turn off the heat.
Pour over bread and toss until well coated. 5. In a bowl, whisk eggs and the remaining broth. Pour over the bread mixture and mix until all the bread is well coated. 6. Transfer to the baking dish and cover with foil. 7. Bake for 45 minutes.
Pumpkin Spice whipped Yogurt Serves 8 INGREDIENTS Crust 2 cups 2% plain Greek yogurt 2/3 cup pumpkin puree ½ cup heavy whipping cream 4 Tbs. 100% pure maple syrup 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. pumpkin spice ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Add all ingredients except the pumpkin puree to the mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, whisk on low for until everything is well blended, about 30 seconds. 2. Slowly increase speed and scrape the sides of the bowl. 3. Continue mixing until soft peaks form and stand up without falling for about 3 or 4 minutes.
4. Once peaks form, gently fold in the pumpkin puree using a spoon or rubber spatula. 5. Refrigerate for one hour. 6. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
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SHRRP
SHRRP
Bathroom Accessibility Remodeling Thomas Jefferson has been living in that I don’t have to worry about triphis mobile home since 1987. Recently, ping and it’s brighter. I didn’t have a fan the ¾”-particle board floors of his home before but now I have a new light with had become spongy and unsafe. Mold a fan, and there is no mold. Everything was growing in his bathis new. I love it.” “There is so much SHRRP renovates bathroom and the old plumbing was beyond repair. more room now that rooms with accessibility and The Senior Housing I don’t have to worry functional issues that can Repair & Replacement affect the safety of seniors about tripping and Program stepped in to and adults with adaptive it’s brighter.” make Tom’s home safe needs. The program strives and more accessible, to make bathrooms as especially his bathroom. ADA-accessible as possible given the “They widened the door, put in these space limitations. grab bars and a new, higher toilet,” said “We’re sometimes limited in what Tom. “There is so much more room now we can do in some cases, such as in mobile homes, for instance, roll-ins require a slope which can be very difIf you think you or someone you ficult to accomplish in a mobile home,” know may qualify, call the SHRRP said Rito Lopez, program supervisor. helpline Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm “When we can, we highly recommend roll-in showers so later on down the at 480.362.7800. 20 FALL 2022
road the accessibility is there if and or when it’s needed.” SHRRP bathroom renovations include hand-held shower heads, wider doorways and wall-hung sinks to accommodate wheelchairs, grab bars, a fan-light combination to prevent moisture and mold, ADA commodes and slip-resistant flooring. All plumbing is brought up to code. Each project is assessed for repair or renovation due to accessibility or safety and a design is created specifically for the house. It is then submitted to compliance for a permit. “If someone is having surgery or is finding it more difficult to get around, they should call as early as possible,” said Rito. “Because each renovation is designed specifically for the property and has to be permitted, the process can take a bit to get started, but once we start, work is usually completed within one or two weeks.” Due to Covid and supply chain issues, there is a backlog of interior projects, but SHRRP is working to catch up. “Over the past 11 years, SHRRP has replaced my roof, outlets and water heater, serviced my AC and so much more. Sometimes it takes a while depending on what you need, but the work is always excellent,” said Tom. “They help do the things I just cannot do anymore and they have renewed my pride in my home.” In addition to ADA bathroom remodels, SHRRP provides a variety of other services to qualified community residents. These can include complex renovations and retrofitting of interiors to
meet health or safety need such as, but not limited to: • • • • • •
Handicap Bathrooms Roofing Kitchen Cabinets Flooring Ramps Exterior Door Covers
SHRRP also provides day-to-day services that seniors and those with adaptive and medical needs may find challenging such as changing air filters, repairing exterior doors that do not close correctly, or improperly sealed windows. Qualified individuals must be members of the community, age 55+ or qualify with a medical disability, and have a home condition that detrimentally affects the individual’s health, welfare or safety.
If you are an existing SHRRP client with an afterhours/weekend HVAC or plumbing emergency, you can call community dispatch to reach an on-call technician or plumber at 480.850.9230. SRPMIC SENIOR SERVICES 21
KRAFT KORNER
Here is a fun and simple craft you can do that makes a great holiday gift
Step one: Gather your supplies: air-
Step two: Roll, flatten and cut your
dry clay, pencil, paint and optional cookie cutter.
clay shape. Try for uniform thickness.
Step three: Shape your clay over
Final step: Sketch and paint your de-
a balloon, bowl or anything you like. Leave to dry for 24-36 hours. 22 FALL 2022
sign. Voila, your creation is done!
BRAIN TEASERS
What’s missing?
Find the 17 items that are missing in the bottom photo.
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SUDOKU
Game 1
8
6 7
1 5 2
1
2 4
6 6
7 3
9
5 5 7
Game 2
1
1 9 4
2 6 7 8
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2 6 3 9
3
2 3 8 5
4
9
1 5
5 8 4 9 2 3 1 1 9 3 3 7
1
ANSWERS
What’s Missing
Game 1
7 1 2 8 5 9 3 4 6
4 5 3 1 6 7 9 8 2
Game 2
8 9 6 4 2 3 5 7 1
2 4 9 6 7 8 1 5 3
6 7 5 2 3 1 8 9 4
3 8 1 9 4 5 6 2 7
5 2 4 3 8 6 7 1 9
1 3 7 5 9 2 4 6 8
9 6 8 7 1 4 2 3 5
9 2 5 1 7 8 3 6 4
6 3 8 5 4 9 7 2 1
1 4 7 2 3 6 8 9 5
3 9 6 7 2 4 1 5 8
7 5 1 6 8 3 2 4 9
2 8 4 9 1 5 6 7 3
4 1 9 3 6 2 5 8 7
8 7 2 4 5 1 9 3 6
5 6 3 8 9 7 4 1 2
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COMMUNITY
Take a look back
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Thank you to our community’s first responders.
We appreciate your service.
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.