By Jen Rinaldi

Photo By Jess Rollar

We met Karen Hook Director of The Turn of the Cards Community Center and Meal on Wheels when our new indoor community Market (Merry Mountain Market) was looking for an indoor space on the weekends. Our group had been looking into renting a space large enough for ten to sixteen vendors to share their wares weekly, regardless of the weather.

Kristal Scofield (from Ponderosa Creations) and I (Jen Rinaldi of Rinaldi Arts) toured The Turn of the Cards Community Center, expecting it might be our new home — a space that would allow us to have an indoor market all year long.

Karen took time out of her busy schedule to meet with us. We all hit it off immediately. Karen’s open nature and love of the community were so evident in her enthusiasm towards our cause. She took us on a tour of her wonderful dining room and kitchen to show us where the magic happens. Kristal and I measured and considered the space, while Karen told us a little about what they do each day.

The history of Meals on Wheels begins in 1983, by a woman named Gertrude Mae. This amazing woman, “TRUDY” Bartlett, started serving sack lunches out of her kitchen to seniors in need in the White Mountains.

She enlisted her friends and others who shared her compassion and respect for our elders to deliver these sack lunches. Today Meals on Wheels Arizona White Mountains operates out of the Turn of the Card Community Center. As was with Trudy, this would not be possible without the help of our community members who either devote their time or donations to continue her and her friend’s legacy that started four decades ago.

The dining room that we measured is referred to as “Gerty’s Kitchen” and serves nutritious meals at the low price of $10 dollars a meal, drinks included. Any age is welcome! The kitchen is open Monday — Friday from eleven to twelve-thirty.

“They are our parents, our neighbors, and our friends.” 

— Meals on Wheels, website

They currently serve approximately 180 meals out of their facility per day, five days a week. These meals include Meals on Wheels, Head Start breakfast and lunch, and a Congregate Meal program. Their goal is to double this amount. The only way they will reach their goal is by the help of our wonderful community. There are currently six routes for Meals on Wheels. They would love to increase that number so that they can ensure that there truly is no senior left to worry about where their next meal will come from. If you are interested in volunteering to help them meet this goal, please reach out to Mary or Karen at 

928-532-0656.

Karen and her staff are devoted to making sure that seniors in our community have a place to come for fellowship and nourishment. Along with meals, there are activities throughout the year at the center. There are games such as Mahjong, Bible study, Hula dancing, Cribbage, and Yoga. As their website says,

“We are devoted to providing quality senior meals, supportive services, and experiences. To Create a community culture that ensures every White Mountain Area senior is fed, valued, and respected.” — Meals on Wheels

Even though the Community Center space wasn’t large enough for us, the magic of what Meal on Wheels and the Community Center gives our community stayed with us, so when we were planning our Easter Celebration, our Market invited Karen to join us at the Arts Alliance for our Easter Basket Raffle.

Our new Merry Market is also about helping the community, and organizations like Meal on Wheels. The Turn of the Cards Community Center is an essential fixture for the seniors living on our mountain.

And since the heart of our markets’ charter is the commitment to fostering a vibrant community, helping organizations like Meals on Wheels is a slam dunk.

As our Market grows, we will continue to give back to the very people who come out and support us weekly. Buying local means that profits stay local and are there to lend a hand! Part of the proceeds from our basket raffle went to Meals on Wheels. Part of our table fees go to the Arts Alliance.

In April, the Community Center will have its first annual Senior Prom. Called “A Night to Remember” the event will be held on Friday, April 25th at the Community Center from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. There will be dancing, refreshments, prizes, and an old-time photo booth! The cost is $10 per person ages 50+ and proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels.

Your help is needed!

Most volunteers for Meals on Wheels help deliver meals to homebound seniors and people with disabilities. Volunteers are vital to ensure our most vulnerable homebound seniors receive the meals they need to stay healthy and engaged in our community. Putting a smile on the faces of seniors can be just as rewarding for volunteers as it is meaningful to the clients. You can choose to volunteer as often or as little as you like. A typical route takes about 90 minutes. Routes are available Monday through Thursday. If you want to volunteer to serve our senior community, please contact us today at 928-532-0656 and ask for Karen! Must get a fingerprint clearance to volunteer, but don’t worry, we can help!

https://www.mowazwm.org/