What’s new at Kare Bears?
Joyce Van Ornam
Kare Bears has a new volunteer Board of Directors!
The Kare Bears Board is updated every year in June. Some members stay on the board to complete a term and new people are added.
This year, Joyce Van Ornam moved up from first vice president to president. Her training and work experience are in education as a teacher, school counselor and school administrator. She also worked for the American Red Cross as a case work trainer and supervisor for military families and veterans. After moving to PebbleCreek in 2004, Joyce volunteered in the Kare Bears House, as a unit coordinator, and as a special volunteer.
Debbie Barbe came on the board as first vice president in charge of the coordinator program. With her degree in marketing, Debbie has worked as a bank Sr. Vice President, Marketing Director. She has been board president of the Hospitality House in Tulsa as well as holding positions on other non-profit boards. Debbie’s Kare Bears activities include working as a house volunteer and serving as a unit and roving coordinator.
Susan Fallon brings her degree in business administration along with certificates in leadership forum and public works to the Kare Bears board as second vice president. She has worked as business manager for a city government. Her Kare Bears job is to staff, manage and maintain the Kare Bears house at 15383 W. Cheery Lynn Rd. along with volunteering in the house.
Julie Schilling has been Kare Bears secretary on a previous board and returned this past year to fill a vacancy. Her background in business and attention to details are valuable board assets. Julie is also a Kare Bears house volunteer.
Treasurer Judy Ashley joins the board with a degree and work experience in finance. She previously served as the Singles Club treasurer for two years.
Linda Jo Orinski returns to the board as programs director. She is responsible for recruiting speakers for Kare Bears Presents on the fourth Wednesday of the month in September and October and January through June. Linda Jo also organizes the November luncheon and Spring Fling.
Betsy Porter joins the board as Publicity director. She previously worked as a technology trainer for a school district and as a special education teacher. She is presently a Kare Bears unit coordinator and has trained as a house volunteer.
Donna Blomquist is representing the Health and Wellness part of Kare Bears as a new board member. She and DeeDee Patrick, both RNs, are serving as co-directors of Health and Wellness. Both Donna and DeeDee have stated a firm belief in the benefit of the Kare Bears Health and Wellness program to PebbleCreek residents.
PebbleCreek residents are what Kare Bears is all about! Remember that if you live in PebbleCreek, you are automatically a member of Kare Bears. Stop by the Kare Bears house at 15383 W. Cheery Lynn Rd. in Eagle’s Nest and meet the volunteers. Summer hours are Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m.-noon. For answers to questions or information, call the house at 623-536-1200.
Kare Bears was established for you!