The annual Black Forest AARP Chapter picnic was more than an enjoyable picnic. In addition to the fried chicken, side dishes, watermelon, ice cream, lemonade, games and good socializing; the chapter took this occasion to contribute to three local charities and to recognize businesses and organizations that support the chapter. Chapter President Ray Rozak presented a donation check to Rev. Marta Fioriti of the Black Forest Community Church to help restore the original Log Community Church in Black Forest. Lavonne Hidy accepted a donation check on behalf of the Black Forest Cares Pantry and another for the Black Forest Community Log School Park Foundation Inc. The donations were the chapter membersí way of contributing to make the community strong. The money for these donations came from various chapter fundraising activities over the past year.As a thank-you from the chapter, each of the merchants who assisted in the publishing and distribution of the chapter newsletter was invited and recognized. Several other organizations that recently partnered with the chapter in meaningful ways were also invited to attend the picnic. Paula Blair, case manager at Tri-Lakes Cares, discussed the many ways Tri-Lakes Cares supports the community through its pantry programs, seasonal programs for children and ongoing financial assistance, along with medical referral programs. The chapter will have a sales booth at the upcoming Black Forest Festival on Aug. 11. The proceeds from the booth will be donated to Hope Restored, a disaster relief organization, for the purchase of a new chainsaw needed for the free removal of burned and dead trees from the private property of fire victims of Black Forest. Update: On June 25, at the monthly Black Forest Senior Social, Leif Garrison, a board member for the Black Forest Community Club, officially received the Chapter 1100 donation check from Lavonne Hidy.
