Kare Bears’ Korner

Presentation on dementia – March 28 at 11:00 a.m.

Linda Jo Orinski

Kare Bear’s presents an ambitious initiative by Heather Mulder regarding dementia to change people’s perceptions of transforming the way you think, talk and act about this disease. You will learn about the Tempe Project “The Dementia Friendly” and get connected to the Alzheimer’s disease and dementia related disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. It is a progressive mental deterioration condition with its most commonly known and experienced symptom being memory loss. It is seen in aging adults from ages 40+. Managing Alzheimer’s is a hard and humbling learning experience for everyone involved.

Heather Mulder is the Outreach Program Manager for the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute. In her work she strives to reach the unique communities of Maricopa County with relevant and pertinent information about Alzheimer’s disease and the support through the Institute. After graduating with a BS in Music from Illinois State University, the common thread throughout her career has been working with older adults, first in long term care where she earned LSN Shining Star award for activities in 2007, and next with an Area Agency on Aging and finally as an educator for the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter. After a long frigid winter, Heather had enough with the snow and relocated to Phoenix to share her talents with the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute. Professionally, Heather has seen the unimaginable impact dementia has on an individual and their family, but her empathy for the role of the caregiver was heightened when she cared for a loved one who lived with memory loss.

Join us March 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Eagle’s Nest Ballroom for this educational presentation on this widespread disease that is affecting so many older adults.

Kare Bears needs you!

Teri Sellers

Kare Bears is beginning an exciting era. Computerization for everything Kare Bears is in the works and within the next few months you will be able to see dramatic ways that Kare Bears can reach out and connect with all the residents in PebbleCreek.

Kare Bears is happy to announce the current 1st Vice President is stepping into the role of President-Elect for the upcoming term beginning this June. She will be replacing Teri Sellers who is stepping down due to personal and family issues.

We are currently looking for enthusiastic and talented residents for some openings on the Kare Bears Board. Volunteering for an organization like Kare Bears is a wonderful way to give back to the community.

Here is a brief overview of all Board positions:

1st VP: this board member works with the coordinators who are the direct contact with residents for information and special needs.

2nd VP: this board member manages the activities of Kare Bear House.

Secretary: this board member takes minutes at meeting and maintains all correspondence.

Treasurer: this board member maintains the financial records.

Programs: this board member coordinates the wonderful speakers for Kare Bear Presents and oversees other social programs.

Health and Wellness: this board member coordinates our healthcare related events including the Health and Wellness Fair.

Communications: this board member ensures that all Kare Bear events and activities are shared with the community through the Post, e-groups and our website.

Check out the Kare Bear website www.KareBears.org or contact the Nominating Committee Chair, Ronni Stalker at 515-321-0323 or [email protected].

Thank you, volunteers

Arlis Legler

The Kare Bears wish to thank our PebbleCreek community volunteers for their assistance in the delivery of the 2018 Source Books.

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon in January, veteran volunteers, Rose Ann Cleland and Pam and Ted Wallace, put their team to work. Seven men with hand trucks moved some 200 boxes of Source Books from the Kare Bears House to Robson Circle curb.

Sherry Atwater, Laura Measles and Maureen Plate, checked-in 80 volunteers, providing them with specific information to the PebbleCreek neighborhood they would be delivering Source Books. After check in, volunteers were directed down the street, where more volunteers were waiting to put Source Books into their cars. Many volunteers delivered their books immediately after picking them up. All books were delivered by the end of the week.

As our community grows, this project requires more volunteers, if you are interested in assisting Kare Bears in 2019, please contact Arlis Legler [email protected] with your name, telephone number and preferred email address.

Great job, volunteers!