Dennis DeFrain and Phyllis Minsuk of LifeLong Learning were the recipients of the Kare Bears Founders Award.
Susan Knox Wilson
Dennis DeFrain and Phyllis Minsuk, co-chairs of PebbleCreek’s LifeLong Learning organization, are the joint recipients of the 2016 Kare Bears Founder’s Community Service Award. The award was presented at the Kare Bears annual fall luncheon.
Dennis and Phyllis have been active members of LifeLong Learning – formerly called the Education Club – since 2006. They became co-chairs in 2013, “a job that requires a great commitment of time, energy, creativity and patience,” noted Jenny Schafer, one of several residents nominating the pair for recognition. “Dennis is in charge of the lecture program, technology and finances while Phyllis is the point person for publicity, ticket sales, trips, classes and special programs. Both are responsible for obtaining and creating the new LifeLong Learning Center located in the Eagle’s Nest Activities complex.”
Together Dennis and Phyllis coordinate membership activities and events, recruiting and training leaders of 15 teams with over 90 volunteers. Their time, talent and vision helped make LifeLong Learning an award-winning educational program as recognized by the National Association of Home Builders in 2015 with a Gold Achievement Award.
“Phyllis and Dennis have raised the profile of LifeLong Learning, winning recognition from Active Adult Community boards,” declared Carole Korzillus, another resident who nominated the team. “Robson Communities’ marketing and advertising now includes LifeLong Learning programs as further incentive to buyers joining the PebbleCreek Community.”
Kare Bears established the Founder’s Award in 2001 to honor Rayma Scalzo, founder of Kare Bears. Each year this prestigious award is presented to a PebbleCreek resident – or in 2016, residents — who demonstrate, as a volunteer, distinctive leadership and service qualities in any PebbleCreek organization(s) and in the surrounding community.