Fountain Hills was stunned to learn last week that the recent searing heat had claimed the lives of two local elderly women.

On June 25 Thelma Calhoun, 86, was found sitting in a chair with the television on after a neighbor stopped to check on her. The thermostat in her home read 99 degrees, as high as the device would record. Sheriff’s deputies reported they believe it may have been hotter than that in the house.

Calhoun’s family lives in Florida.

Lorraine Minneci, 90, was found deceased in her residence. The air conditioning was malfunctioning, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. The unit was set on “high” but turned off. Deputies found the unit blowing hot air when they turned it on.

Minneci has a daughter who lives in Maricopa, Ariz.

“I find this cluster to be unusual,” said MCSO Capt. Henry Brandimarte, commander for the Sheriff’s District 7 based in Fountain Hills. “We have the potential to see more suffering as we head through summer if we are not proactive in checking on our neighbors.”

Even those who make it their business to monitor shut-ins were caught off guard by these heat related deaths.

Most churches in town provide a ministry with volunteers regularly checking on members who are home-bound. In most cases such visits are done at least once a week.

In contacting several churches, The Times was told the news of the deaths highlighted the need to be more aware of the person’s surroundings and condition, and be prepared to provide help if needed.

The Catholic Church of the Ascension has its Pastoral Care Program, First Presbyterian has a Board of Deacons overseeing weekly visits, and the Stephen Ministry at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church provides outreach to shut-ins. The First Baptist Church has members organized to check on those who are homebound. The Fountains United Methodist has no formal outreach, but a group of women get together on a weekly basis to make visits.

The town’s Home Delivered Meals program has regular contact with about two dozen residents who are shut-ins, though this may be inconsistent as some do not request a meal every day.

Program Coordinator Nita Blouse said the HDM volunteers have been alerted to be more aware of signs of heat stress and ask questions about the welfare of the person.

Blouse also said the volunteers have been notified to take care of themselves during deliveries. They have been advised to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, wear a hat and use sunscreen.

Town Volunteer Coordinator Heather Ware said she has been contacted by regional agencies about welfare checks. She said Duet and the Area Agency on Aging both have clients in town but are not always available for regular visits, often responding only when asked.

Ware said she has her own Give-a-Lift volunteers watching out for their clients, and she is also getting calls from some of the people the town has helped during the annual Make a Difference Day.

Ware said in a couple of instances they have found people in need of immediate help. She said they were able to provide a portable air conditioning unit for one resident to use until theirs was fixed.

There are resources in town available to help the elderly homebound in need of assistance – even just a regular welfare check.

The Sheriff’s Office operates an RUOK program (are you OK?). Residents who participate receive a daily automated phone call from the Sheriff’s Office. If there is no answer after a few tries a deputy is dispatched to check on the person.

There is some paperwork to provide information and a waiver to sign to participate in RUOK. Forms may be obtained at Town Hall outside the Sheriff’s substation or at the Activity Center in the Community Center. An RUOK coordinator may be contacted at 602-876-4123.

People who need occasional utility or rent assistance may contact the Catholic Church of the Ascension at 480-837-7287. The church works with the St. Vincent de Paul organization to administer various assistance programs.

David Iverson, director of the Extended Hands Food Bank, administers a Good Samaritan program to help people meet overdue utility bills. This program is funded through the Fountain Hills Ministerial Association.

“I was deeply saddened to hear about the heat related deaths of two of our elderly residents,” said Mayor Linda Kavanagh. “As close a community as we are, when a tragedy occurs here we all feel its effect especially when it could have been prevented.

“Our town government, our fire and police departments, have worked diligently to look after our elderly residents and those who are disabled through [Home Delivered Meals], wellness checks, the senior center, and as partners with Extended Hands Food Bank. We know that neighbors look after neighbors. That’s the kind the town we are.”

Town Manager Grady Miller believes the residents of the community can help by being vigilant in looking out for friends and neighbors who are homebound. In the 2010 US Census, 28 percent of the Town of Fountain Hills population was 65 years of age or older. That has probably only increased.

Both the Sheriff’s Office and Fountain Hills Fire Department urge people not to hesitate to call if they believe someone needs help.