Ak-Chin O'odham Runner - Ak-Chin Indian Community

3 August 19 - September 1, 20113Ak-Chin Elder Center celebratesVirginia Thomas’ 88th BirthdayStory and Photo by KD MoragoFather Richard Purcell RememberedWhen Virginia Thomas was born,corn flakes were .09 cents, and a Hersheybar was .05 cents. In her lifetime, manhas walked on the moon, wagons havebeen replaced by cars, and what was asleepy little train stop town of Maricopais now a city population of almost44,000.On Tuesday, August 16th, the Ak-Chin Elder Center surprised Virginiawith an 88th birthday surprise celebrationfilled with music, laughs, and cake. Shethought she was attending a normalcongregate lunch at the Center, sittingamong friends. Even with the decoratedtables of confetti, it was still a surpriseup until a large strawberry cake withstrawberry frosting with lighted candleswas placed in front of her.Soon, the entire lunch crowd ofelders, staff, Ak-Chin Firefighters, herchildren, grandchildren and one greatgrandchild all joined in singing “HappyBirthday” to her. The room was full oflove, and happy tears were soon flowingfrom Virginia. She made her wish andblew out the candles.A member of the Tohono O’odhamNation, Virginia was bestowed roses,a birthday ribbon, which declared thiswas her special day, and a balloon.Elder Center Director Jeannie Jertsonshared that getting the perfect gift hadto be something that Virginia loved, soit was decided that Virginia had to pickit out. That was the cue for Cleo Narciato walk in and bring the “present” ofa money tree, which was full of paperbloom.It was a unique tree, but the momentVirginia looked closer and recognizedall the presidents, George Washington,Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Jackson, andAlexander Hamilton, neatly folded, shebecame giddy. A moment was given toher son Joe Lopez who presented hismom a beautiful necklace.In attendance were her children,Joe Lopez, Johnny Lopez, Erno Lopez,Linda Lopez, and Priscilla Lopez,grandchildren Jonella Lopez, KimberlySmith, and Candi Enos, and greatgrandson Brandon. Virginia receivedhugs and warm greetings from everyoneas the cake was served. The Planningand Zoning, and Library departmentsand others came by to add bloom to thetree. The Ak-Chin Elder Center extendstheir gratitude to those that made it aspecial day.Virginia Thomas (center) is joined by her children, clockwise; Johnny Lopez,Joe Lopez, Priscilla Lopez, Erno Lopez and Linda Lopez, during her Surprise88th birthday celebration at the Elder Center.Elder News BriefsElders will be leaving for their muchanticipated annual out-of-state trip toSanta Fe, New Mexico on Mondaymorning August 22nd at 5AM.During the week of August 22 – 26there will be no breakfast served at theElder Center since most Elders will beout of town. Lunch will be served asusual.The Elder Advisory Council meetingis Monday, August 29th at 1pm at theElder Center.At approximately 8:40 am, ThursdayAugust 4, 2011, Richard Patrick Purcell,OFM, was called home, while in thecare of Coming Home Hospice in SanFrancisco. He was surrounded by thelove of family, caregivers, fellow friarsand friends.Richard was born November 7,1938, in Helena, Montana, to GeorgeJoseph Purcell and Mary Louise Miles.In 1960, he left Helena to join the St.Barbara Province of the Order of FriarsMinor (Franciscans). He became aFranciscan on June 30, 1963 and wasordained a priest on June 5, 1968.Father Richard lived and worked onthe Tohono O’odham Nation and GilaRiver Indian Community, while servingNative parishes in southern Arizonafrom 1968 to 1989. During that time,he befriended many O’odham, alsolearning the language and him-dak (wayof life).He took a sabbatical in 1989, andwent to San Francisco to care for hisbrother, Marty, who was in the latestages of AIDS. Marty passed away eightweeks after Richard’s arrival. Richardcontinued to help homeless AIDSvictims, providing care and shelter fromhis brother’s tiny apartment, dubbed“Marty’s Place”. In 1991, Richard begana two and a half year search for a newplace to call home. In 1993, Richardformed the nonprofit AuroraDawn Foundation (ADF), andmoved “Marty’s Place” into abeautiful old Victorian housein the Mission District of SanFrancisco.Aurora Dawn/Marty’sPlace provided a light-filledcomfortable space, able toaccommodate 8 residents forIts mission was “To offer a real homeand community for persons with AIDSwho have nowhere else to live.” Itsphilosophy, “The homeless, the sickand the rejected among us deservemore than scraps, crumbs and leftovers.They deserve choice and preferentialRichard worked tirelessly to providecare and shelter for homeless AIDSpatients. In 2006, he was diagnosed withamyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”.In 2009, Richard had requested to beplace in home hospice. Even throughhis illness, Richard managed to supportthose who continuously walked throughMarty’s doors in need of care andMany of the men Richard had caredfor in the past, volunteered to care for“The Good Padre”, in his time of need.His “Circle of Care”, included the 12Disciples or Guardian Angels, whichhe lovingly called them, who set upa rotating 24 hour schedule. Amonghis angels, his favorites included pets;Aurora Dawn stopped taking in newresidents, after Richard became ill. Hehad hoped to remain in “Marty’s Place”,long-term, rent-subsidized housing.treatment.”spiritual guidance.Plumita and Pinto.until he expired. At that point, he wasContinued on page 4Monday, August 22Green chili stew w/veggies, Rolls, PeachcobblersTuesday, August 23Turkey Salad w/veggieson Lettuce, PearsWednesday, August 24Cheeseburgers, ChipsApple sauceThursday, August 25Tuna/Pasta SaladBroccoli SaladCupcakesFriday, August 26Hard Tacos, Lettuce,Tomatoes, Cheese,Fresh FruitMonday, August 29BBQ Chicken,Corn on the CobSalad, PuddingTuesday, August 30Pot Roast, MashedPotatoes, Green BeansPineapplesWednesday, August 31Lima BeansSlice Beef w/GravyPeas/Carrots, FruitCake