Connecting Waters with Jessica Martinez Department Message
Employee Spotlight
Olivia Flores
Senior Spotlight Seeking Seniors
Cooking with Celinda & Toby Kale & Beet Salad
Frozen Yogurt Burk
Kraft Korner Let’s Get Krafty
Mind Teasers Games
Community A Look Back
Mind Teasers Games
Contact us
Address
10510 E. Osborn Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Phone
480.362.6350
@SaltRiverSeniorServices srpmic-nsn.gov/seniors
Managing Editor Jon Newman
Writer Laura Toussaint
Graphic Designer Ravenna Curley
Photographer Isaac Torres
Cover Photo
Coyote
Department Message
Summer fun. It reminds us to move more, laugh louder, and live fuller. At Senior Services, we’re leaning into that spirit with programs that spark delight, nurture better health, and strengthen connections.
Whether it’s a wellness class, a fun craft, a shared meal, or just a good conversation under the morning sun, our team is here to ensure this season feels meaningful and from the heart.
Here’s to sunshine, community, and showing up for each other. Happy reading.
With gratitude,
Melvin Deer Senior Services Director
Hello friends and relatives!
Hello all,
with Jessica Martinez
Welcome to Connecting Waters . I’m Jessica Martinez, Community Liaison for Senior Services. In this column, I answer some FAQ’s from community seniors. Questions range from common ones about our services, to wacky ones like, My dog needs a trim. Can you do that for me? Yes, I’ve really been asked that before! Regardless of the question, I am here to answer them all!
My husband passed away a few years ago and I don’t really feel like doing much. Can I just have meals delivered at home instead of coming in?
First off, I am so sorry for your loss. Though I have not lost a spouse, I can imagine what it’s like. I know getting out of the house is probably hard and knowing you’ll be doing it alone is even harder. To receive delivered meals, you must complete a needs assessment, but don’t worry, Christina, our intake assessment coordinator, is super friendly. However, I do encourage you to come in for breakfast or lunch at least once. I personally will sit and have a meal with you. We have a friendly, supportive group of seniors who have all had their own loss and experiences, and one—or a few of them—could be your new friend.
Aside from joining us here, I wanted to let you know about HOPE, a support group in Salt River started by former President Delbert Ray, to assist those navigating grief after losing a spouse. HOPE meets monthly, usually at the Round House Café, offering a safe space for individuals in similar circumstances. If you feel ready to join us or want to know more about HOPE, please call me, 480.362.7386. Your well-being and comfort are our priorities and we are here to support you through this challenging time.
OLIVIA FLORES
Hi, I’m Olivia. My parents are Lynford Lopez (bot) O’odham and Ju:kam and Carmen Lopez Ju:kam. I grew up with my brothers and sisters at Oak and Dobson. We had Siamese cats, Fat Boy and Misty, and countless dogs.
My dad would take us all camping at the river, where we would swim, grill, and hang out around the campfire. My mom’s family in Parker had an alfalfa farm with chickens, goats, and horses. We’d go for the summer, help on the farm, and go to the river there too. My cousins called us City Kids, but it was so fun. I liked feeding the animals and being on the farm. It was different from what we did at home.
In high school, I was captain of the volleyball and softball teams, trainer for the football team, stacker for the basketball team, and student council president. I have a great campaign committee that made all my posters. I gave away Dum-Dums and said Don’t be a dumb-dumb. Vote for Olivia.
I wrote my acceptance speech in advance because I knew I was going to win. Our student council helped name and design the new high school (it’s not new or around anymore, sad to say).
High school was really fun for me.
I’ve worked several places within the community and joined the Senior Services Transportation team in 2015—gosh, it’s been a minute! I like interacting with the seniors on my route and here at the center. I love their stories—so many stories, including some about my great-grandparents, whom I didn’t get to know because they passed before I was born.
When I’m not working, I like to paddle board, fish, camp, ride my electric bike, and watch UFC with my husband and family every weekend. Don’t be shy to say “Hi” to me or to ask me for help because I’m always here to lend a hand.
Employee Spotlight
Community Spotlight SEEKING SENIOR STORIES
At a recent luncheon, we asked for your thoughts on LifeWays magazine— what you love and what we could do better. Hands down, the mostloved feature is the spotlight on our community elders. These stories really resonate. They bring out memories, share life lessons, and offer a glimpse into times that have shaped us. Many of the seniors we feature have lived through major events— wars, social movements, and the rise of technology—and their firsthand accounts bring back fond memories. It’s
“We’re honored that our elders trust us with their stories, and we’re proud to share them with you. They help keep our memories and traditions alive, and...leave us feeling inspired.”
a fast-paced world, but these LifeWays stories remind of us simplier times and inspire us to make the most of today. Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone has experiences and voices that deserve to be heard—not just for what they’ve seen and been through, but for what they can still teach us.
We’re honored that our elders trust us with their stories, and we’re proud to share them with you. They help keep our memories and traditions alive, and more often than not, they leave us feeling inspired.
Sharon Selestewa shared her story, including how the Lord drew her into the ministry.
“I wasn’t looking to change and become a Christian, but the Lord had other plans. He knows what’s in your heart and if you want something different. He will come to you if you are open. My hope in sharing my story is to inspire others to open themselves and to feel Lord’s warmth and peace.”
Wilfred Charlie was nominated by Councilman Michael Dallas for a spotlight and was honored to share his story.
“I was proud to be in your article and to be able to share part of my life story. I have seen so many changes. I believe our stories need to be shared so people have an understanding of how lives change. When we share our stories, we share lessons for our younger and future generations and remind them of our life ways.”
Wanda White Eyes shared her memories and how she persevered after losing part of her leg.
“When an old classmate saw me at the Christmas dinner, she called me over and told me that she had just had her leg amputated and that my story had moved her. She was inspired that I got over everything and was amazed at everything I am doing. She said that encouraged her to keep going too.”
Cooking with CELINDA
Kale & Beet Salad
Serves 6
This salad is perfect for summer and packed with nutrients. Beets, kale and walnuts are rich in vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. Apples add even more fiber and a satisfying crunch.
SALAD INGREDIENTS
• 6 cups kale
• 3 small beets
• 1 apple, cored & slided
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
DRESSING INGREDIENTS
• 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1/ 4 tsp kosher or sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400°
2. With cooking spray, lightly spray a piece of foil large enough to loosely wrap the beets.
3. Place beets on the oiled side of the foil, and loosely wrap to make a sealed package.
4. Place on a baking sheet in the oven center and roast 30-45 minutes until tender.
5. In the last 5 minutes of roasting time, spread walnuts on the baking sheet to toast as the beets continue roasting.
6. Remove beets and walnuts from the oven. Unwrap the beets and allow everything to cool.
7. When beets are cool, slice the quarters into thinner wedges.
8. Make the dressing by whisking lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, vinegar, parsley, and salt in a bowl.
9. Place kale in a large bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
10. Massage the oil into the kale for two minutes or until the leaves are slightly softened.
11. Add apple slices and beet slices, and walnuts to the bowl and toss with the dressing.
3-Ingredient Chia Pudding
12. Serve immediately, or refrigerate and serve chilled.
Frozen Yogurt Bark Serves 6
This frozen yogurt bark with berries and coconut is the perfect refreshing snack. It’s so easy to whip up, healthy and packed with protein. It’s so good, you’ll always want a batch in your freezer.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/ 2 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/ 2 cup strawberries
• 1/ 2 cup blueberries
• 2 Tbsp coconut flakes, unsweet
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
IN STRUCTIONS
1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix yogurt, honey, and vanilla until well combined.
3. Spread mixture on baking sheet evenly, about a 1/4 of an inch thick.
4. Scatter the strawberries and blueberries on top and sprinkle with coconut flakes.
5. Freeze for 3 hours or until firm. Cut into pieces and serve.
6. Let sit at room temperature 3-5 minutes before eating.
Tip: Stores for up to 3 months in sealed freezer bag.
To learn more about additional recipes and upcoming cooking demos, contact Celinda at 480.876.7180
Better Living Fall Prevention: Take Control
Would you try yoga if it were offered in the Community? The Injury Prevention Program asked this question when it started in the community in 2016. The program conducted focus groups among our seniors about what programs they would be most interested in, and yoga topped the list. Their goal was to Feel Better .
Monte Yazzie, Public Health Injury Prevention Coordinator, explains, “Our motto was created by the Community members participating in class. During their first fall prevention assessments, the participants told us their primary goal for taking yoga or tai chi classes was to Feel Better.”
Feel Better remains the rallying cry for fall prevention nearly 10 years later.
Today, the Injury Prevention Program conducts Fall Prevention classes and assessments annually. All classes, like yoga and tai chi, include pre- and postfall-risk assessments using CDC testing
tools. Seniors and adults with adaptive needs are screened for fall risk, assessed to see how risk factors could be reduced, and intervened with to put Injury Prevention recommendations into action. Monte says that seniors do better when they understand their risk for falls and are part of the process to reduce their risk.
Our own Health & Wellness Manager Celinda Joe explains, “The fall risk assessments provide our seniors with clarity about the risk of falling, which then allows us to have a healthy handoff to services that help with the specific concerns found during the assessment. We are glad to partner with Injury Prevention in these efforts to keep our seniors healthy and active.”
Indeed, the program conducted more than 200 fall risk surveys among our seniors in 2024. The data is used to help our seniors understand fall risk and, more importantly, how to
take control of their health. Fall risk assessments clearly show seniors the risks associated with their physical/ functional abilities connected to balance, strength, and endurance. The assessment also assists healthcare providers, such as diabetes prevention services, physical therapy, and primary care physicians.
“Everyone has a fall story,” explains Monte. The goal of Injury Prevention is to ensure that these stories have better outcomes.”
Monte is proud of the program’s success. After the 12-week fall prevention course, 82% of participants tested out of fall risk categories. The program also offers a yoga teacher training course tailored for tribal communities certified by Yoga Alliance.
Monte believes our seniors are precious to our community.
“Our community elders are the guardians of our stories, traditions, and culture; it’s an honor to support their journey to feel better and stay free from falls.”
Four things YOU can control to prevent falls.
1. Talk with your healthcare provider about fall risks & prevention. Tell your provider right away if you fall, worry about falling, or feel unsteady.
2. Exercise to improve your balance and strength. Exercises that improve balance and make your legs stronger lower your chances of falling. It also helps you feel better and more confident.
3. Have your eyes and feet checked. Check with your eye doctor once a year to update your eyeglasses if needed. It’s also a good idea to see a foot doctor to ensure your feet are in good shape.
4. Make your home safer.
• Remove things you can trip over from places where you walk.
• Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
• Keep items you use often where you can reach them easily without using a step stool.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
• Improve the lighting in your home.
SH RRP: Keeping Seniors Healthy & Safe
Brian Antone first learned about the Senior Housing Repair and Replacement Program when his wife got cancer.
“It was hot, July or August, and our old swamp cooler wasn’t cooling the house enough to make her comfortable, so one of her daughters who knew about the program gave SHRRP a call to see if they could replace the cooler with an air conditioner,” said Brian. “Because of her condition, they came as soon as they could. That was back in 2003.”
Since then, SHRRP has completed many projects to make Brian’s home safer and more comfortable. His wife has since passed, and Brian now cares for his two-year-old great-grandson.
“I still do a lot on my own, but there are some things I cannot do, like electrical, and once when I fell and
damaged my knee badly, [SHRRP] took care of the yard until I recovered,” said Brian. “Other things like the roof, I didn’t have the money for, especially now that I’m caring for my great-grandson, so I am thankful for that.”
Recently, SHRRP changed out Brian’s old, inefficient propane water heater with an electric one.
“Caring for my great-grandson takes a lot of energy, and I am older and tired. I am grateful SHRRP was able to change the water heater. It was a hassle to always get propane bottles and change them out. Now Allean can take warm baths whenever he likes,” said Brian.
Jamie James, SHRRP Customer Service Supervisor, is immensely proud of the program and the impact it makes in the lives of those it serves, “I like knowing that we make homes habitable based on our clients’ health and safety. They are
very thankful to the program for helping them to stay safe and live a comfortable life in their homes.”
Completion of projects is affected by the number and priority of projects already in progress, as well as technical needs.
“Some projects, such as kitchen and bathroom remodels, require architectural plans, permits, and plan approvals before work can begin, so these projects can take longer to complete,” said Jamie. “Projects that do not require permits or architectural plans, such as roofing and flooring, can be completed more quickly.”
Brian is grateful for all that SHRRP does to keep him and Allean safe and healthy in his home. He encourages other seniors to get the help they need.
“As we get older, we have to be more careful, especially if people are counting on us. We are not as strong as we used to be,” said Brian. “The folks at SHRRP are friendly and helpful and they will send someone out to see what you need and to set you up.”
SHRRP services range from simple to complex projects such as renovations and retrofitting of interiors to meet health or safety needs. These can include, but are not limited to:
• Kitchen Cabinets
• Flooring
• Handicap Bathrooms
• Ramps
• Exterior Door Covers
• Roofing
If you think you or someone you know may qualify, call the SHRRP helpline Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm at 480.362.7800.
“As we get older, we have to be more careful, especially if people are counting on us. We are not as strong as we used to be. The folks at SHRRP are friendly and helpful and they will send someone out to see what you need and to set you up.”
PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE Cultural Connections:
The Salt River Cultural Repository opened in April 2021. The repository is under the direction of the Huhugam Ki: Museum and houses five collections.
Seven staff members work for the collection, protection and preservation of our tribal collections.
Collections Manager Franak Hilloowala manages the threedimensional collections such as pottery, baskets and other cultural objects.
Items such as documents, maps, photographs, and recordings on physical media are managed by Archivist Steve Hoza .
Digital Archivist Lessie Dingler oversees the digital collections.
Four community members assist with collections management: Collections
Assistant Nicole Carlos , Archivist Assistant Elisa Pongyesvia , Data
Collections Assistant Kenton Kashoya and Museum Specialist Debbie James
As community members, they are also able to provide important cultural and historical knowledge to their work.
We spoke with a few of their staff to learn how our heritage is being preserved.
Part of our Repository team: Nicole Carlos, Steve Hoza and Elisa Pongyesvia.
Our community is fortunate to have a repository dedicated to collecting and preserving our physical and cultural heritage. The facility houses a large and continually expanding collection of artifacts, encompassing a wide range of objects, from ancient tools and artwork to more contemporary items that reflect our community’s evolution.
the collections. Community members or artists often contact the repository to offer items they wish to donate. Such contributions are highly valued. The pieces are added to the collection, which means they belong to the community and are safeguarded by the repository.
“I estimate
that 80 to 85 percent of our collection was actively gathered by our staff.
Other
departments are
concerned
In addition to housing older artifacts collected over the years, the repository team is also committed to preserving current community activities, recognizing that today’s items will become tomorrow’s artifacts. For example, during the Covid19 pandemic—a historic event that impacted the entire world—repository staff documented the closure of tribal buildings and the community’s immunization efforts. They also gathered Covid-related materials such as flyers, banners, and other memorabilia, ensuring these pieces will be preserved for future generations.
with
getting things out to the public. We
are concerned with preserving them and their significance for future generations.”
The team takes great care when storing and displaying items, especially considering the materials that come in contact with them. Special glues, cardboards, papers, foam, and other materials are carefully chosen for their purity and lack of chemicals that could damage the objects. Even the soap used to clean handling gloves is pure to avoid any potential contamination.
“I estimate that 80 to 85 percent of our collection was actively gathered by our staff. Other departments are concerned with getting things out to the public. We are concerned with preserving them and their significance for future generations.”
Alongside the items collected by staff, donations play a key role in expanding
“They are more costly, but quality materials are very important to preserving and protecting our collection,” said Steve. “We are fortunate that our community recognizes this and allows us to purchase them, though they are more expensive because only a few companies make them, but they assure the preservation of our pieces.”
When new items arrive at the repository, they are first kept separate from the main collection and assessed. Organic materials such as paper, books, baskets, gourds, and clothing are frozen to prevent the spread of any contaminants, including mold, bacteria, or insects, that could harm the objects and the rest of the collection. Other items are carefully bagged and monitored to ensure they do not pose any risk to other objects.
Some objects may require careful cleaning and preservation. For example, the repository is currently working on preserving the original blueprints of the day school, which arrived rolled up, torn, and covered in years of dust.
One of the custom boxes that protects items while allowing undisturbed display.
“The idea of a box is to take the stress of moving off an object. Each box is made specifically for the item it houses.”
These blueprints are being meticulously flattened, cleaned, and placed in special boxes made from chemical-free materials to ensure their long-term preservation. Steve brings over 38 years of experience in museums and archives, including 19 years with Salt River. His expertise is highly sought after, and he often shares his techniques with other museums and communities. He specializes in creating custom displays and storage boxes that protect artifacts during movement and storage.
“The idea of a box is to take the stress of moving off an object. Each box is made specifically for the item it houses.
In addition to enabling the moving of objects, the box also acts as a dust and light barrier,” said Steve. “For example, an olla has a round bottom, so a special foam ring is made for it, specific to its measurements. The ring is covered in unbleached muslin, and the box is built around the piece with stabilizing support for the neck. The box lid comes off, and the sides can be opened to reveal the object without having to move or handle it.”
The care and preservation of artifacts is the team’s top priority.
“I have worked on and off with Steve for about 20 years, and I have gained the conservation skills to care for the Community’s collections,” said Elisa. “I look forward to seeing what pieces
make their way to us. While we do not have every significant moment in history, we are prepared to care for any items that come to us for our future generations to enjoy and learn from.”
Elisa painstakingly cleans one of the orignal blue prints for the day school.
“We do our best to eliminate human error,” says Nicole Carlos, museum collection assistant. “Our motto is ‘Do nothing that cannot be undone,’ so we avoid gluing or moving objects unless absolutely necessary.”
The team is proud of its role in preserving our community’s cultural heritage. After ensuring everything is safe and secure, the ultimate goal is to make the collections accessible. One way to do this is through museum exhibits.
“We are a small staff. We do everything from building mounts, doing education, conducting tours, and creating exhibitions. For exhibitions, that includes everything from developing the idea, curating the objects, and creating the displays and mounts to lighting and writing the object descriptions and labels,” said Steve.
Nicole displays some of the beaded capes in the respository’s collections.
In addition, the team is developing a research room where the collections can be searched through a database. When completed, community members can request copies, which can be emailed or mailed to them. If they want to see the original items, they can set an appointment with the team.
The community is also key in preserving our history and precious objects. The team encourages elders and family members to contact the repository about donating items.
“Our elders are sometimes unsure what to do with many of their items, such as photos, family heirlooms, or just everyday objects from back in the day. They are not sure their children will want them or take care of them. They can donate them,” said Steve. “Often, they think what they have is nothing special, but we are so excited to have it. If they are unsure, they can call us.”
Donate to the Repository
Items for the collections
Gary Owens, Museum Manager
480.362.5679
With the restoration of the Salt River Day School, the repository is seeking memorabilia such as photographs, yearbooks, and anything else related to the school. If you wish, some items can be scanned and originals returned to you. And if you’ve got memories or a story to share about the Day School, the repository would love to talk to you!
Day School Items & Memories
David Buhl, Historian
480.362.5679
Some of the amazing items the repository is protecting and preserving for future generations.
Here is a fun and simple craft you can do at home. Make for yourself or as a gift!
Step one: Gather your supplies: Hot glue gun, cardboard ring, small mirror, twigs, and a bit of twine.
Step three: Turn the piece over and begin gluing your twigs in evenly spaced segments.
Step two: Glue the mirror to the center of the ring and form twine into a loop and glue it well.
Final step: Continue filling in spaces with twigs until your sunburst is complete. Voila , your creation is done!
Find the Missing Parts
Solve the table on the left. Then search and find on table on right.
