Kare Bears’ Korner

The awardees for 10 years are sitting (left to right): Linda Glazar, Jane Cook, Linda Nelson, and Jed Weisman; standing: Mark Pelletier, Cheryl Brodbeck, and Tom Meek.

The awardees for 10 years are sitting (left to right): Linda Glazar, Jane Cook, Linda Nelson, and Jed Weisman; standing: Mark Pelletier, Cheryl Brodbeck, and Tom Meek.

Kare Bears Appreciation Awards

Maureen Plate

Kare Bears is so thankful for our wonderfully dedicated volunteers who so generously give of their time and talent to help their neighbors. There are more than 400 registered volunteers that are the heart and soul of Kare Bears. They drive our residents to and from medical appointments; bake for special events such as Kare Bears Presents; and staff the Kare Bears house, answering questions and loaning out medical equipment. Our volunteers work as coordinators from their homes, connecting with residents in their units or surrounding units.

To show our appreciation for our long-time volunteers, we always recognize their service with a luncheon in the spring, awarding a 10-year pin or a rare 20-year service pin. Last year was an exception because of COVID restrictions, and we were not able to honor our volunteers for 2020. So, this year on April 7, a special presentation was made at the Kare Bears house. Rayma Scalzo, Kare Bears founder, presented a 20-year pin to Sandy Smith and 10-year pins to Jane Cook, Mark Pelletier, Cheryl Brodbeck, Linda Glazar, Tom Meek, Linda Nelson, and Jed Weisman. Those who could not attend will also receive pins at a later date. They are Bob Ewest, Kathy Carney, Donna Frole, Betty Garner, and Pat Horyna.

An additional awards presentation is planned for the fall for our long-time volunteers for 2021.

Please visit our website at KareBears.org to learn more about where your interests might be in volunteering and to sign up or donate to keep the Kare Bears helping neighbors. We can use your help.

Resource Library at Kare Bears House

Dee-Dee Patrick, MS, RN

Have you ever wanted to just get the facts and nothing but the facts? Sometimes you might not even know what options are available to you. Kare Bears has a resource library that is available to all PebbleCreek residents to browse during the hours the Kare Bears House is open. Those hours will be 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Saturday, beginning May 1.

Some of the printed information available includes outside facilities for temporary or permanent placement, ranging from assisted to full care; in-home services ranging from hospice care, medical support, and housekeeping duties; ancillary delivery services such as prepared meals delivered to your home; and medical topics/diagnoses that include detailed information that you may need to stay fully informed. Most of these providers are in the West Valley, with your convenience and availability in mind.

While you might want to begin your search with the directory of services available on the Kare Bears website, if you prefer hands-on printed information that you can take home and read at your convenience, the resource library is the place for you!

Brochures and pamphlets may be taken home. Kare Bears requests that books be signed out so we can keep track of their location for other interested individuals. Please drop in (face mask required) and see what is available to you and those you might be caring for at this time.

If you have suggestions for information you did not find available at the resource library, please feel free to leave your request on the sign-out sheet (located in the room) or contact Dee-Dee Patrick directly at [email protected] or 708-494-0008.