Kare Bears Accomplishing Another Winter Season

Karlene Garn and Maggie Seideman

Jayme Witman

Shirley Jackson

SunBird Kare Bears have accomplished another Kare Bear Fair, and the final one for this season. Now, throughout the summer months, we will be accumulating wonderful White Elephant items for future fairs. Donations may be made to Joan Bruening at 480-636-0270 (no furniture or clothing).

Our Creedence Clearwater concert was enjoyed by many SunBirders. We’ve hosted a few memorials (Celebrations of Life). These are available year round for our residents. Application forms are available in the HOA office.

The Second Hand Rose Fashion Show was a great success. We had 25 models displaying their recycled outfits for the enjoyment of our audience. This was our second presentation of the style show, and it is an enjoyment not only for those in attendance, but our models finding their bargain outfits and sharing them. Emily Hughes and her daughter Jayme Witman of Mercer Island, Wash., coordinated this event. Models included Karlene Garn, Maggie Seideman, and Vicki Baker.

Our February meeting brought Lisa Rivera from the House of Refuge, a representative who enlightened us on the faith-based, non-profit organization. House of Refuge began helping homeless families in 1996 by providing transitional housing and support services that assist residents toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing. Williams Air Force Base in Mesa was decommissioned in 1993, and in 1995 the House of Refuge acquired 88 houses, a chapel, and an office building from the Department of Human Services. Ms. Rivera answered many questions. Kare Bears donated $500 at the meeting to the non-profit House of Refuge.

The final general meeting for this season is scheduled for Wednesday, March 16, at 1 p.m. in the SunBird ballroom. Three new board members will be elected to serve, and officers will be selected for the upcoming season. Payouts to our various non-profit organizations will be submitted to the membership, voted upon, and distributed in March. A list of payouts will be in next month’s Kare Bears article.

An Appreciation Luncheon is scheduled for all Kare Bear members on Wednesday, March 23, commencing at 11:30 a.m. in the SunBird ballroom. All Kare Bears are encouraged to attend. In our many volunteer hours this season, no one person could do everything, but together, every one of us has lent a helping hand. This luncheon is a thank you to our members.