As we welcome a new year, I am reminded that our community grows stronger every time we gather. Every senior, every elder, every adult with adaptive needs, family member, caregiver, and every staff member plays a part in shaping the wellbeing of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
The new year isn’t about starting over; it’s about continuing the journey we’re already on with renewed energy and clarity.
Whether it’s meals, transportation, activities, case management, wellness programs, or home support, our goal is simple: Provide the best service possible, every time, for every person .
We’re currently planning, improving, and innovating with one priority— to ensure you have the highest quality of care and the best possible experience with one another .
We are working toward the Senior Center of the future with programs that meet that commitment.
A Community of Connection
No one is alone in this community. We are expanding opportunities for social connection, cultural engagement, learning, movement, and fun—because wellbeing is more than services. It is belonging, friendship, purpose, and joy.
You are the heart of our Community
Thank you for allowing us to serve you.
Thank you for showing us what resilience and community truly mean.
Here’s to a year of health, connection, and continued growth.
Together, we move forward.
Melvin Deer Director, Senior Services
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!
I live out of state but I am an enrolled community senior. Can I still receive services from Salt River Senior Services?
When you are in the Community, you are welcome to attend events like senior breakfast, crafts or tai chi, and we would love for you to be as included as much as possible. I recommend doing an intake assessment with our Intake Coordinator (this can be done over the phone). We will help determine your needs and perhaps be able to connect you with resources in your area. However, in the meantime, I invite you to follow us on Facebook ( facebook.com/saltriverseniorservices ), where you can see what’s going on in the Community and photos of your friends and relatives at our events. We can also add you to our mailing list to receive our monthly calendars and quarterly magazine so you can stay up to date on all the amazing things we’re doing. Hopefully you can join us at some our events!
with Jessica Martinez
Employee Spotlight
NATASHA ANTONE
Hi, my name is Natasha and I am Ho-Chunk and Ojibwe. My tribes are from Wisconsin, but I was born and raised mainly in Chicago with my main grandmother. I did move around a lot with various family members, including my uncle who was in the Army. I even spent a few years in Korea in first and second grade. It was interesting because it was like normal on the base, but very different outside the gates. I liked the culture—everyone was so friendly and because we were Native American, they were interested in our culture too.
After his tour in Korea, I returned to the US and lived with my grandmother’s sister on her reservation in northern Wisconsin. That was very different from Korea—much slower-paced. I would pick blueberries with my grandparents and bike everywhere. I liked school because we did things other schools didn’t like: gymnastics, sledding, and skiing as PE. I also remember whittling a decoy fish and ice fishing as part of our science class.
I moved back to Chicago to live with my main grandma in middle school. It was so fast paced after the rez, but I had new freedom. I rode my bike from uptown to downtown by myself and my grandma taught me to ride a train by myself. I’d often go to Lake Michigan swim all day with my siblings.
I lived lots of other places over the years with different family members and am grateful for what they taught me and the experiences I had. I think moving around so much helped me adapt and become a people-person because I was constantly meeting new people.
I came to Arizona after high school and started a family. I really liked being a stay-at-home mom because I didn’t have that growing up. Even though two of my kids have grown and move out, we still do family vacations and dinners often.
I came to Senior Services in 2016 when my kids were older. I enjoy getting to know all the seniors, just sitting with them and hearing what they have to say—their journey through life and things they’ve done, their stories. I like taking them to new experiences and seeing their eyes light up and their smiles. It makes me feel good, especially when I hear them talking about it later—Remember when we…— and they are so happy.
When I’m not working, I like hanging out with my family and my younger kids who are still at home. We enjoy going to movies, concerts, traveling to see my sister in California and going to Disneyland. I also like taking my pups, Pablo and Roki, to Starbucks, In & Out and Bahama Bucks to enjoy treats together.
We have fun.
When the Caller Sounds Like a Lawyer (But Is Not):
Don’t Fall for Legal Impersonation
There’s a troubling scam making its way through our community, and it’s catching good people off guard, especially elders. It’s called a legal impersonation scam, and it’s designed to sound official, urgent, frightening, and it’s targeting kind-hearted folks like you who just want to do the right thing. Here’s how it works: You get a phone call from someone who sounds very official. It starts with a stern voice on the other end who says, “This is an urgent message for [your name]. We have legal documents to serve you regarding the vehicle you own. I’m with Legal Support calling about a case filed out of the County. The law firm that filed the
Scams
by Taylor Herring
complaint notified us that you have not responded to the notice sent to [your address]. We will serve you at your home or your work without your consent. Call the Law Firm at our 800 number. The file is #ABC123. You have been served.”
It sounds serious. It seems real. They have your name, address, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and details about your car and vehicle loan. They may direct you to a fake law firm website or have a second number call you pretending to be the law firm. It sounds scary, right? But here’s the thing: It’s all fake
Legal impersonation scams are a growing form of fraud where scammers pretend to be law firms, process servers, or legal support staff. Their goal is to scare people into giving up personal information or paying money toward a lawsuit that doesn’t exist. They’re counting on fear and confusion to get what they want.
The Legal Services Office first noticed these legal impersonation scams around a year ago. Since then, our Office has received many intakes from victims of this scam within the Community and we are working with SRPD to report these cases. This year, we have seen these targeted scams become more widespread.
And they’re not just calling anyone, these are targeted scams directed personally at local residents and tribal community members , especially elders who might not be familiar with how these scams work. These are not just robo-calls. These targeted scams specifically target individual members and use their leaked information against them. They are hoping you’ll stay quiet and not talk to anyone about it. But we’re not going to let that happen.
“...remember: Scams thrive on silence. The more we talk about them, the less power they have.”
Here’s what you should do if you get a call like this:
• Hang up immediately.
• Do not give them any personal or financial information.
• Do not send them money.
• Call someone you trust, including us at the Legal Services Office at 480.362.5670 or the Salt River
Police Department.
And remember: Scams thrive on silence. The more we talk about them, the less power they have.
Now, there’s a second kind of scam I want to warn you about—one that is using artificial intelligence (AI). These scammers can now use AI to analyze and mimic people’s voices and photos to create fake calls that sound exactly
like your grandkids or friends. They can create calls that sound exactly like a loved one and say they’ve been arrested, are in an accident, or need money urgently. With AI, they could even send you fake pictures of your family members. These AI-generated calls are incredibly realistic and emotionally manipulative. Seniors are especially at risk because they may
not be familiar with this technology and may act quickly out of love and concern.
If you ever get a call like that, hang up and call your family member directly at their known number. And call our Legal Services Office or the Salt River Police Department if you are unsure if it’s a real call or not, we can help. Remember, if you get a call or text from an unknown number, don’t trust the voice on the other end just because it sounds familiar.
Here are a few numbers that might surprise you about how widespread these scams are becoming. According to the FBI and Federal Trade Commission,
• In 2023, Americans lost over $12.5 billion to scams—the highest amount ever recorded.
• Seniors are especially vulnerable, with people over 60 losing more than $3.4 billion last year alone.
• The average loss for a senior scam victim is over $33,000
• The FTC received over 2.6 million fraud reports last year alone.
That’s why it’s so important we talk about this with our fellow community members and family. So please, stay alert, protect your information and finances, and never be afraid to ask for assistance if you are targeted by one of these scams. You’re not alone, we are here to help, and it is important to stay cautious. So spread awareness to your friends and family and if you suspect you or a loved one are a victim of a scam, call the Legal Services Office at 480.362.5670
Let’s keep each other safe.
Program 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.
“Our highest priority is ensuring that every member of our team and every elder we serve is safe. Safety isn’t just a requirement—it’s a commitment we honor every single day,” said Senior Services Operations Manager Kevin Smith.
Transportation provides rides to and from doctor appointments, shopping and other errands, as well as congregate dining, Senior Services activities and events at locations both on and off the Community.
Consistency in service is also important to our Transportation team.
“Our team knows what is expected to keep our service consistent and reliable, so our seniors know they can depend on us for their transportation needs and comfort,” said Kevin.
deliver nearly 200 meals a day to homebound seniors, providing a bit of social contact and a smile.
“...our seniors know they can depend on us for their transportation needs and comfort,”
In addition to rides, our drivers also
“All our HDM drivers provide a great service to our homebound clients. Home delivery gives our drivers an opportunity to provide outreach and interact with our seniors who may need a visit from time to time to keep their spirits high, said Lancisco Richards, Transportation Supervisor. “It is fulfilling knowing that our HDM clients are very thankful for this service.”
Improving Homes, Improving Lives
Eric Grijalva remembers his mother receiving help from SHRRP when she began using a wheelchair. SHRRP built an accessibility ramp so she could safely enter her home.
“I also remember that they replaced her air conditioning when it quit working,” recalled Eric. “They were such a help to her.”
Eric didn’t think that much more about it until years later when he turned 55 and attended the monthly senior breakfast.
“I saw SHRRP’s table and stopped by to find out what services they had,” said Eric. “I had bought a mobile home in 2015, and it was starting to need some repairs.”
Most recently, SHRRP replaced the front steps to Eric’s front door.
“Over the years, the rain had pooled at the bottom of the steps and seeped into the wood and joints and railings were lose. I worried whenever I had heavy things inside, but they were also rickety for day-to-day use. I could only walk on one side,” explained Eric.
After he submitted a repair request, SHRRP visited his home for an assessment and confirmed the steps needed a full replacement.
“They said the steps were in bad shape and needed to be replaced,” said Eric. “It took a bit of time to schedule because I was out of town a lot, but once they started, it only took a couple of days.”
Eric is happy with his new steps, “They used treated wood and built them solid. The rails are sturdier, and I like that this time, the steps are anchored off the ground so the rain will not seep in and damage the wood.”
SHRRP is also repairing damage to Eric’s roof caused by the recent storms.
“Right now, they have done temporary repairs to make sure the roof holds until they can redo the whole thing. There are other seniors in greater need, so they are doing those projects first and then they will get mine done,” said Eric who has already selected his shingles. He encourages seniors not to wait if they need help.
“I thought I could do it myself but the roofers I contacted were too busy or didn’t show up, so I called SHRRP. I was glad they came, because the roof was worse than I thought and they were able to make it a priority,” explained Eric. “Don’t wait too long because it might be worse than you think, and you could get hurt.”
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 needs such as, but not limited to:
• Kitchen Cabinets
• Flooring
• Handicap Bathrooms
• Ramps
• Exterior Door Covers
• Roofing
Qualified individuals must be members of the community, age 55+ or qualify with medical disability, and have a home condition that detrimentally affects the individual’s health, welfare or safety.
If you think you or someone you know may qualify, call the SHRRP helpline Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm at 480.362.7800.
Community Spotlight
Meldon “Mingie” Andrews
I grew up with my parents Michael ( bot ) and Ella Andrews ( bot ) and seven siblings in a frame house that my father built at Thomas and Country Club. My older siblings lived away at boarding school in Nevada, but they would come home in the summer.
My parents would take the rest of us on trips, especially at the river. We’d have picnics and barbeques and a lot of swimming. Sometimes we’d go to Tucson to see relatives on my mom’s side. We would sit and visit for a while and then go eat at the Mexican restaurants. Back then, there was a Sears, and we would shop there. We’d also go to Old Tucson, the Desert Sonoran Museum and all the sights. We had a station wagon and we’d all pile in. Sometimes we would go to Flagstaff, often around the 4th of July gathering, where all the Northern and Southern tribes would go. It lasted 4 or 5 days. In the evening, they’d have the dance performances, rodeos and the Yaquis with their pole dancing. It was so interesting—just seeing and talking to people and learning about their culture. I went to Mesa Elementary first through sixth grade and then Carson Junior High. I liked to run. After school, I would run the canal to the dam and back and all over the community. It made me feel good, got the stress out of my system, but I never ran track or anything. Until I was like 9 or 10, we were always riding horses—we all had them back then. We’d ride all over, especially down to the canal when there was no concrete— just dirt—and jump the horses in the canal and swim with them.
“I liked to run. After school, I would run the canal to the dam and back and all over the community. It made me feel good...”
few years. We’d travel all over to Flagstaff, White River, Sacaton, all over. I didn’t really care about winning; I just had a good time.
Camaraderie and eating. In 7th grade, I bought a horse. It was still kind of wild. It kicked me and broke my pelvis so I was down for a while, but I went back to rodeo.
In junior high school, my sister’s inlaws rode rodeo in San Carlos and they had a younger boy with them named Gilbert Jones, Jr. We became good friends and he got me into rodeo. I did bull riding. I enjoyed it. I did that for a
Around this time, I was asked if I wanted to be in this program that helped us get money for our books and tuition, and school clothes. I did and worked for different departments in the community, wherever they needed us. Sometimes they would take us to the
river to clean the picnic areas, other times to the police department and cemetery crew.
I went to West Wood for high school and many from our friend group separated. I eventually wound up at Phoenix Union High School, where I graduated in 1972. Gilbert had joined the Marine Corps and when he was home on leave, he encouraged me to signed up. I did and went to Southeast Asia. We were based at Camp Hanson in Okinawa. We were preparing for whatever might happen. At the time, our troops were bombing Hanoi. Planes were going over our camp 24/7 for weeks. We had alerts at all hours of the night to get us used to the
hecticness of battle. I was a combat engineer attached to Charlie Company, 3rd Division.
Eventually, off we went. After days on the ship, we arrived in South Korea where we practiced beach landings and set up equipment. Then we did more extreme maneuvers for like 30 days—stuff like repelling out of a helicopter, reading a compass, mountain climbing, pulling yourself across a river and running over terrain to get to whatever coordinates they gave us. They showed us about the deadly snakes and how to survive in the jungle—all the Rambo stuff.
I was in for two years, including stateside training. After Okinawa, I went to Camp Fuji—I climbed the mountain! After our tour, they gave us extended leave and took us to see the sights of Japan, including Tokyo. I remember seeing Pokemon, and that was in the 70s! It was so different and interesting over there—sushi, martial arts, and all that. There was also a Japanese military base next to us at
Camp Fuji and it was interesting to talk to them.
I didn’t really appreciate Arizona as much before I left, but after spending time on the East Coast, Asia and everything, when I came home, I thought, This is paradise—if you want to go the mountains, or the beach or the river, everything is close.
When we got back, Gilbert and I jumped back on the rodeo circuit for a while. I reconnected with Carol, my wife, whom I had met in school. We got married and had six kids. With the first kid, that’s when I really started working for the community at the landfill as a scale-house operator, then the gravel pit. I liked the big equipment. Eventually, I moved into management spent about 25+ years in the field.
When the kids were little, we’d pack them into a ‘77 station wagon and
go to the river for picnics and swimming. We also traveled to places like San Diego, Santa Monica, and Disneyland every summer and a lot of the southwest gatherings. We rode horses—a friend of mine had some and brought them to the kids so they could ride. I still enjoy riding. I exercise other people’s horses now.
I stay active, doing a lot of yard work, chopping wood and all that—I like to work outside. I enjoy having cookouts with the kids and grandkids. They bring all their friends from school. They like the place and all the open space. Sometimes we get fireworks. Carol and I travel a bit to see the grandkids’ games and things. I also volunteer for one of the enterprise boards. I enjoy it and it keeps my mind sharp and it is interesting.
“We are fortunate in this community, the services that the community provides for our people are a true blessing.”
There’s been many changes over the years, but we are going in the right direction. We need to keep pushing our children to know what is going on and to finish their education. It is the main thing. I want them to keep going. Knowledge, knowledge, knowledge.
We are fortunate in this community, the services that the community provides for our people are a true blessing. There is always room for improvement, but when you hear about other communities, I know that we are really lucky and I am glad to be here.
h o !ko
Serves 4
This dish is a warm and hardy addition to your winter meals. Acorn squash is high in fiber and an excellent source of vitamins A and C as well as magnesium and potassium.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 acorn squash
• 1 Tsp agave or pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp coarse salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Sweet Potatoes
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Halve squash horizontally
3. Remove seeds and pulp. Set seeds aside.
4. Drizzle halves with syrup and sprinkle with the cinnamon and salt
5. Bake cut-side up for 40 minutes or until tender
6. Enjoy immediately
Roast the seeds…they are yummy!
Add more fiber and nutrients by roasting the seeds as a savory snack or delicious salad topper.
Separate the seeds from the pulp. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt to the bottom of a baking dish. Add the seeds and stir to coat. While squash is baking, pop the seeds in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until they brown and begin to make a popping sound.
Here is a fun and simple craft you can do at home with recycled materials!
Step one: Gather your supplies: Hot glue gun, cardboard, paint, brushes and scissors.
Step three: Glue pieces together and paint scene.
Step two: Cut out your shapes and peel the top layer of cardboard from desired pieces.
Final step: Add rope border and loop. Voila, your creation is complete!
Number Search
Twin Sudoku
Find the Missing Numbers
What numbers replace the question marks?
Sudoku Answers
Spooky!
Happy Birthday
Artist!
The Lucky Couple :)
A LOOK BACK
A gentle journey through cherished moments, shared smiles, and meaningful memories. Each picture tells a small part of your story, times of laughter, friendship, and the many experiences that have shaped your life. As you look back, may these memories bring warmth to your heart and remind you how valued and appreciated you are.
