Sergeant Kelly
Rosie VanderVeen
Kare Bears has enjoyed an exciting year! Credence Tribute Band was a phenomenal success. Monthly fairs have resulted in excellent profits. Memorial committee has conducted 10 memorials during the 2018-19 season, accommodating over 1,050 guests. These commemorations are offered as a free service to the community, supporting those experiencing loss and the emotional strain of bereavement. Emily Hughes, who has served for four years leading the committee, has passed the baton to Julia Roberts who will be directing events and recruiting volunteers and baked goods for memorials. During Emily’s tenure, she has transformed the organization of this program, configuring the set-up instructions, developing the systematic order of articles for memorials, purchasing items routinely utilized and designing objects that enhance the memorial experience for our community members.
At our final meeting in March, Juanita introduced speaker Sargent Kelly of the Chandler Police Department. Officer Kelley answered many questions from the audience pertaining to gangs. He informed our membership regarding AZLEOS organization which is a non-profit serving children 7-17. Police officers take 250 to 300 underprivileged children out to breakfast and accompany them as they Christmas shop. The following organizations: Chandler Mall, Target/Mesa and Walmart/Scottsdale are locations which ratify tax-free purchases for this particular shopping event. Every youngster is allowed $125 to purchase individual gift or gifts; however, they often choose family members as recipients. Volunteers are available at each location to wrap the gifts. LEOs, introduce recipients to other officers in the group. A big flag football fundraiser is planned for April 26 at 7:00 p.m. at MCC. Sgt. Kelly will relay details regarding this event to Juanita, who will ask Wendy for availability and price of a bus to the game.
The Appreciation Luncheon on March 29 was a collaborative effort of Emily Hughes, Niki Hanley, Barb Dunbar and Lynn McHale. Members enjoyed an afternoon of bountiful food, seasoned with lively camaraderie. Emily’s table decorations were nothing less than creative genius: composition of large colored sun hats filled with tiny lights. She also crafted individual ring holders of seashells and pearls. We indulged in a scrumptious lunch consisting of chicken salad on crescent roll, potato salad and generous slices of a yummy cheesecake.
Bon Voyage to all of our winter visitors. We look forward to their return in the fall.