Kare Bears contributes to a classic Christmas

Lots of laughs at the Kare Bear Faire!

Lots of laughs at the Kare Bear Faire!

Fun at the December Kare Bear Faire!

Fun at the December Kare Bear Faire!

Rosie VanderVeen

Shirley Jackson introduced Robin Atwood from the Chandler Police Department who educates the public regarding crime prevention. She previously served 10 years as a DARE officer. She discussed the senior lock box program, a vehicle which allows fire or police officers emergency admittance for those with a health condition, disability, or to those who experience frequent falls. The program is free to Chandler residents and also available to snowbirds. The program form can be downloaded from ChandlerPD.com under community then lock box for seniors. The box is installed free of charge, and Robin sets the code. It is serviced once/year for free. You can also buy a lock box at Home Depot, but you must call Robin with the code. She advocates the use of front porch lighting motion detector lights at night to impede criminal activity.

Deanna told the group that the medical flash drives that were promoted last year are now only available to Sun Lakes residents. A program “Vials for Life” through the Chandler Fire Department is now available. Layne is putting the enrollment form on the SunBird website. Fill out the form, place in a baggie, along with your medical information i.e., living will, health care directive, etc., and place on the outside of your refrigerator. Place a copy of this form on your front door as well, so the Fire Department is aware medical directives can be found on the refrigerator when they enter your home.

The Kare Bear Board delivered toys to fire house No. 10 to be distributed at Christmas to children living in the Chandler area. They relish the comradery with these younger, buffer, handsome fireman! Can’t blame them!

The December Kare Bear Faire was a flurry of residents, guests and varied vendors. In addition to the white elephant tables a boutique table was set up which featured valuable and collectible items. Sherry Fann organizes the white elephant tables, and announced we are experiencing good sales. All of Kare Bear fundraiser profits are contributed to varied creditable charities in Chandler.

Jackie Baker planned a festive, woodland themed Christmas luncheon. Besides an awesome gathering of food and friends, we were entertained by Suzanne Popelka, a new SunBird resident. Many door prizes were offered along with surprises throughout the afternoon. Kare Bear members donated canned goods which were taken to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank. We applaud the continuous generosity of our Kare Bear membership.

The January meeting will be on Wednesday, January 18 at 1:00 p.m. Our speaker will be Lynn Lanza who is a registered dietician at Paper Cranes Healthcare on Riggs Road. She will be educating our group regarding choices for a healthy lifestyle.

The second annual Kare Bear sponsored golf tournament will take place on Saturday, February 25. Tee off is at 9:00 a.m., four person Scramble. Start arranging your foursome! Flyers will be posted in conspicuous areas!

*Please see article in this month’s SunBird News for further details.