About Us
Erin Mabery- Executive Director
Born in Cottonwood, Erin is deeply rooted in the history of the Verde Valley, she and her family have lived and served in Yavapai County for decades. She feels honored to have served as a connector for resources throughout the county, in many capacities throughout her career. Over the past 20 plus years, Erin has advocated for children, families, individuals, and caregivers and led teams to learn ways to innovate and persevere.
With extensive experience working with families across Northern Arizona, Erin is ready to tackle current challenges and adapt to the changing world. She believes in expanding and adapting community programs to support independence of the aging population and emphasizes the importance of strong partnerships with civic leaders and businesses to provide effective, evidence-based services.
Erin currently lives in Cottonwood with her husband, Kirk, dogs Huck Finn and Moses, and The Cat. She loves spending time with her children, Amber and Keagan and family and friends.
“As a key staple resource in the Verde Valley, I believe our programs need to expand and modify to meet our community where it is at, to best provide quality support for our aging population and their families. It is paramount we strategically lean into healthy partnerships with our civic leaders, businesses and community resources to thrive. Innovation and perseverance are key in how we continue to serve in relevant, evidence-based, and deeply needed professional services.”
Board Members:
Nikkie Pruitt- Vice President
Bio to come
Trista MacVittie - Vice President
Bio to come
Debbie Hunseder - Treasurer
Bio to come
Jessica Bryson - Secretary
Bio to come
Randall Hauk - Member
I had a 51-year career cooking and local restaurants in the Cottonwood area 26 years of those 51 years I worked for restaurants like Whitehorse Inn, Ma’s Kitchen, and Rosalie’s Bluewater Inn. I also worked running the kitchen at Mingus Union High School and Daniel Bright Elementary School.
Then came the opportunity for me to strike out on my own. I owned and operated a very successful breakfast and lunch operation for 25 years. My restaurant was called Randall‘s restaurant. I cooked and served breakfast and lunch seven days a week. With that came opportunities to serve my community through the course of 25 years.
I contributed to fundraisers for Mingus Union High School basketball team, Mingus Union High School football, Mingus Union High School track; Clarkdale junior high basketball team; Cottonwood junior high basketball team. I used the restaurant many times in the evening for fundraisers for people in the community that were sick or had cancer or for firefighters in our community that had been hurt in the line of duty or having health issues, police officers in our community that had health related issues. Or it could have just been a customer that had gotten sick and had no way of meeting medical bills didn’t matter who you were. I tried to be there for those people in our community. I’ve always felt the importance of supporting our community. Food has always been a part of my life. I had a very successful business. I did everything from scratch hash-browns, biscuits, gravy, you name it.
Where the senior citizen center is concerned, I understand the importance of providing a much-needed meal to those in our community that are in need, especially nutritionally. It’s been interesting to work in a program that has requirements that need to be met nutritionally. With that said it’s very important the food tastes good and people are happy with the product they’re getting, and I believe that has been the case for the most part with meals on Meals on Wheels Program.
I know a lot about food and the importance of serving good food. In my business of 26 years, I cooked 63 hours a week on my line, managed 27 employees, and did all the ordering, paid the bills and payroll and oversaw all of the operations’ Human Resources. That said, I feel if given the opportunity I could be of assistance with this program Erin Mabery is putting together to ensure the continued success of the Verde Valley Senior Citizen center.
Gary Wagner - Member
Bio to come
Susan Turner - Member
Bio to come
History
The Station on 6th, formerly Verde Valley Senior Center has been a cornerstone of community care in Cottonwood, Arizona, for decades. Originally established as a nonprofit 501(c)3 (Verde Valley Senior Citizens Association) to serve the growing needs of local seniors, the Station began as a modest gathering place where older adults could share a meal and connect with others. As the population grew and the need for senior services expanded, so too did the Station’s mission—evolving from a simple social space into a comprehensive support system for aging adults across the region.
Throughout the years, the Station has responded to the changing needs of the community with innovation and compassion. One of its most impactful developments has been the creation and growth of the Meals on Wheels program, which now delivers over 40,000 meals each year to homebound seniors across the Verde Valley. In addition to nutrition support, the Center has expanded to offer entertainment, resources, educational activities, and opportunities for social connection—all designed to promote independence, dignity, and a high quality of life for older adults.
The iconic brick building that houses the Station was built as a transfer station/ and maintenance yard which was used to maintain steam engines during Cottonwood’s refining days. With an eye for growth and a heart of servitude, the Garrison family donated the building along with property that span from 5th Street past Willard to the County. The County then granted the building, to the Verde Valley Senior Citizens Association in October of 2007. Under the watchful eye and incredible vision of the organization’s first and longtime Executive Director, Elaine Bremner, the building was transformed, becoming the historical beauty you see now.
Today, The Station on 6th stands as a trusted and vital resource for hundreds of seniors and their families. With the support of local volunteers, donors, and community partners, the Station continues to honor its legacy while building a stronger future—one where every senior in the Verde Valley feels valued, supported, and cared for. As we look ahead, we remain committed to meeting the needs of our aging population with the same compassion and dedication that have defined our history from the very beginning.
The Station on 6th is administered by
The Verde Valley Senior Citizens Association
500 E. Cherry St., Cottonwood, AZ 86326