Newsletter - June 2022
Creating a caring community for older adults in need
Neighbor receives furry (faux) companion
Irene, a VVCC neighbor, received a very special companion--a robocat, which purrs when petted, meows, and even rolls on its back for a tummy rub. The robotic companion was donated to VVCC by board member Dawn Bazarko who purchased it for her grandmother who has since passed away. Dawn hoped a lonely neighbor would benefit.

Stevie Rabben, a VVCC care coordinator, said Irene was in awe of her new buddy when she delivered him. "Irene told me how lonely she gets and that she’s used to having many animals at home. Due to her health she's not able to, so this gift will help with that void."

VVCC thanks Dawn for making a neighbor's life better! And to Stevie for delivering Irene's new addition.
Neighbors enjoy social outing
VVCC Care Coordinators Stevie Rabben (3rd left) and Heather Kurowski (2nd right) took five neighbors to Flagstaff on May 27 for lunch and a guided tour of the Museum of Northern Arizona. "The tour was both educational and engaging," said Heather. "Our neighbors learned about Native American culture and Arizona history." She adds, the group also enjoyed lunch at Pita Jungle and with their huge portions everyone had leftovers to take home.

VVCC plans to have a social outing each month for neighbors. The next one will be held June 17 at the Sedona Community Center for lunch followed by a watercolor class. Supplies for the paint class will be provided. A $10 donation is welcomed. To sign up please call Heather at (928) 204-1238 ext. 8117. Find out about upcoming outings on our Social Activities webpage.

The social outings are part of VVCC's Social Connections program and funded in part by the May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust.
Meet a neighbor you are helping
Paddy and LeRoy were teenagers in the same Minnesota town. At 17, Paddy decided high school was not for her. Instead, she began work at a paper bindery. It was there that Paddy noticed a boy named LeRoy always sitting alone in the lunchroom. She said LeRoy was a "tad chunky at the time but a very nice boy." A few weeks passed, and Paddy finally asked LeRoy to join her and her friend for lunch. Soon after, they had their first date. Paddy and LeRoy were married six months later at the town courthouse.

Together they raised three children. Paddy ran her own drapery business, and Leroy was a thriving commercial painter. The couple enjoyed vacationing in their RVs. Paddy smiles, remembering the stares she got when people would see this tiny woman managing the big RV quite well. Paddy (above) laughs, “If they only knew I was driving a stick shift at 13.”
Christmas year round for neighbors
Each year we ask our neighbors to choose a gift they would like to receive for the holidays. The choices are basic: slippers, gloves, socks, throws, etc. People throughout the Verde Valley love to give these gifts and we thank you for participating.

When following up with our neighbors, we’ve discovered they have other needs throughout the year for household and personal items and items for enjoyment.

The Christmas All Year program is an Amazon.com wish list of currently needed neighbor items that you can purchase and send directly to VVCC for distribution to neighbors. You can access the list below, click on the item to purchase, and sign-in to your Amazon account to pay. Be sure to click the box to ship the item to Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition's Gift Registry Address.


Items will be continuously added and updated--so please keep checking.

It’s another way you can make a senior’s life happier!
Gala set for Nov. 18, 2022
This year's Winter Masquerade is scheduled for November 18, 2022. It will also be our 30th Anniversary Gala. Please mark you calendars now for the big event to be held at 5 p.m. at Enchantment Resort. Expect all the elegance and festivities. More info coming soon!
Visit our website for the latest stories, events, Gala photos,
volunteer information/forms, and ways to donate.
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