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The kitchen helpers.
Tom Chestnut entertains the crowd and …
By Nina Crowder
Copper Basin News
Feeling the Christmas season was certainly enjoyable for the seniors at the Hayden Senior Center on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013. Annie Hinojos, director of Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens (PGCSC), spoke with the seniors in attendance and thanked everyone for coming out and helping make this event successful. Entertainment was provided by Tom Chestnut, who’s singing, dancing and interaction with the crowd was truly an inspiration! Tom had members of the crowd dancing and singing. The Christmas spirit was in the air!
Annie Hinojos has been working for the Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens (PGCSC) since 1982 and thoroughly enjoys her job. Annie grew up in Hayden and remembers people she met when she was two years old, running around with her hair in pig-tails. Annie says many of the people she met back then are her clients now. Taking pride in the work she does, Annie is a very compassionate person who strives to provide the upmost, caring services for the Senior Citizens of the Copper Basin area. Annie along with her Administrative Assistant, Paula Romero, the area Case Manager, Lisa Martinez and a few others work diligently to assure that a good time is had by all. Annie is involved in many areas of the community and looks forward to her continued efforts for the Copper Basin areas.
Annie Hinojos has no problem complimenting her staff, Paula Romero and Lisa Martinez along with the kitchen staff. There are many steps needed to put on the Christmas Day Celebration. These steps include: the processing of paperwork, purchasing the meal items, meal preparation, decorations of the Senior Center, arranging transportation for people who need it, and arranging the entertainment just touches the start of the “to-do” list. Annie is in need of additional volunteers, but said people are soured because of having to pass a background check and fingerprint clearance, which would be paid for by PGCSC. If you would like more information or have questions here is some helpful contact information: www.aoa.gov email: info@pgcsc.org or www.pgcsc.org. PGCSC can also be contacted at 1-800-293-9393.
The PGCSC has six different holiday events every year, consisting of a Halloween Party, Thanksgiving Celebration, Christmas Party, Valentine’s Day, Easter Party and Mothers/Father’s Day Celebration. If you are interested or have any questions, you may contact the senior center at 520-356-7035. They provide well rounded meals along with desserts.
After learning about PGCSC and the Older American Act, the services that are available are wonderful, and all of the work that Annie Hinojos, Paula Romero and Lisa Martinez provide are simply amazing. Not only do they hold the six different holiday events during the year, but on a daily basis the senior center is open for lunch. The meal menu is put together by a state dietician, meals are prepped, cooked and presented. Food is delivered to homes on a weekly basis to approximately 115 homebound clients. The meals are delivered by Annie and her staff. The service area they are responsible for is Eagle Crest, SaddleBrooke, Oracle Junction, Oracle, San Manuel, Redington, Mammoth, Dudleyville, Winkelman, Hayden, Kearney-Silver Springs, Superior and Dripping Springs.
Lisa Martinez is the case manager for the Pinal-Gila Council. For five years now she has been the person who evaluates the home situations and works closely with Annie Hinojos to process the appropriate paperwork for help that will be provided to the client. Clients must be at least 60 years of age and functionally impaired or disabled individuals 18 to 59 years of age who have a diagnosed disability that substantially limits an individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living. Once a client makes a call asking about the services available, Lisa will go out and assess the needs and make her suggestions. Meals can be provided as quickly as seven days once the paperwork is processed. The initial assessment is approximately two hours in length, then, a yearly assessment will occur along with reviews every three months. The personal care, attendant care, home meals, minor home repair, caregiver support, routine housekeeping, transportation, legal and tax help are just a few of the services available.
The purpose of the Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens (PGCSC) is to assist people in achieving and maintaining self sufficiency with dignity and to offer choices of appropriate care by providing a wide range of community and home services. Remember the Hayden Senior Center is here to help. Happy Holidays!
challenged some the audience to “Twist!”
Even Annie Hinojos joined the Conga line! (Nina Crowder photos)
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