Ask Cappie the Computer Cat

AUTOMATED CALLING PROGRAM

A recent SCG email described a City of Surprise automated calling program for seniors and homebound residents. How does that work exactly? Nancy

Yes, a “Community News eNotification” was sent in August 2021 informing residents about the We Care Program run by the City of Surprise. That informational email was sent by the Communications Department of SCG to all residents who subscribe to the service. Before describing We Care, Cappie would recommend that SCG residents subscribe to these informative email notifications by visiting the SCG website: (https:// grandinfo.com), > "Sign up for eNotifications" page, and check the topics you want to get news and information about. In answer to your query, We Care is an automated system designed to call a senior or homebound person to check on their well-being at a specific time each day or on just specific days during the week. You decide the time and days. There are no restrictions as to whether you have a land line or cell phone. The calls can start as early as 6 AM until 8 PM at night. The service is free and provided by the City of Surprise and administered by the Surprise Police Department. To be eligible, you need to be a resident of Surprise who is vulnerable due to health or age, fill out an application, and be available for a scheduled interview.

Residents can obtain an application: n At the City of Surprise website: https://www. surpriseaz.gov/2541/We-Care and fill the application out online or search “surprise az we care” on your browser to get to the website n Call the Citizens Patrol office at 623- 222-4277 (Mon thru Fri from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM) and request the application be mailed to you or have the application completed via phone n Obtain a “We Care Program” brochure (application is on the back cover) from the

Citizens Patrol teams that visit your neighborhood. They are happy to help you fill out the application as well. After completing the application, mail or bring the completed application to the Surprise

Police Department, 14250 W

Statler Plaza, Suite 103, Surprise

AZ 85374 After the application has been reviewed, an interview will be scheduled. Cappie won’t try to explain the entire program in print; a Citizen Patrol member will do that during the interview, as well as re-check the information provided and answer any questions you may have. Emergency contacts, medications, medical conditions, and key holders will be verified. This information is vital in the event of sickness or accident and will help fire and medical emergency personnel be aware of your medical history and needs. If there are pets in the home, you will be asked who can care for the animal in the event of a hospitalization or other situations that may take you away from your home. The Fire Department’s Lock Box Program will also be explained. People in the program must commit to being near the phone at the designated call time. If you know you are going to be out of the house or unable to answer the phone during the time of the daily call (medical appointment, travel, out of cell phone range, etc.), you need to let the department know 48 hours in advance.. Once approved, it is imperative that you answer the phone when

View the digital version of “Ask Cappie” monthly column by going to www.grandinfo.com. Click on the More News>Grand Lifestyles Magazine> to choose the month you want to view.

Special thanks to Marcia Scala for her lovely image of Lily. After Marcia took the photo, Lily decided to take a bite out of the roses! What a rascal and she loves to play hide and seek, too!

it rings at the designated time and respond exactly as the recording states. If you are okay, the recording will ask you to press “1” on the phone keypad and to stay on the line until directed to hang up. If you do not answer phone call you will be called again within fifteen minutes. If the phone again is not answered, an automatic alert will be generated and personnel from the Surprise Police Department or Citizens Patrol will be sent to your home to check on your welfare. For people living alone, or homebound, We Care adds an additional layer of safety and a daily reassurance that help will arrive if you are unable to answer that automated phone call.

OCTOBER FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Please visit the various websites for face mask and safety guidelines.

Each month, we are proud to provide GrandKids Corner, a varied list of activity options for you, our Residents, and your families.

DISNEY ON ICE LET'S CELEBRATE

Footprint Center 201 E Jefferson St., Phoenix

n September 30–October 3, 2021 n Recurring daily 8:00 PM n $42+ n https://www.footprintcenter.com/ events/disney-on-ice-presents-letscelebrate/

The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate. This monumental iceskating spectacular visits Phoenix this Fall playing the newly transformed Footprint Center from September 30 – October 3. After the pandemic pause, this tour will be the first Disney On Ice shows returning to Arizona in over a year and half!

Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters starring Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and featuring an ensemble of Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana. The wintry wonderland of Disney’s Frozen also comes to life with Anna, Elsa, and the hilarious Olaf, as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all. ARIZONA STATE FAIR

Arizona State Fair & Coliseum 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix

n Oct. 1-30

For more than a century, the Arizona State Fair has been a gathering place for residents from the far corners of the state. Filled with cute animals, blue ribbons, fried food, and all the fun carnival rides you can imagine. MIKIZTLI DIA DE LOS MUERTOS PHOENIX FESTIVAL

Steele Indian School Park 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix

n Oct. 24

The annual Mikiztli Dia de los Muertos Festival features music, dance, masked performances, art activities for kids, artist's mercado and candlelight closing procession with ceremony and celebration. This festival is a unique and exciting artistic event that keeps families connected to their cultural heritage and traditions. HOWL-O-WEEN AT GREAT WOLF LODGE ARIZONA

Great Wolf Lodge 7333 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale

n October 1–October 31, 2021 n Recurring daily n (480) 948-9653 n Price: Included with Every Guest

Room Overnight Stay in the Month of October! n https://www.greatwolf.com/arizona

If just one night of Halloween isn’t enough for you and your little goblins, grab your costumes and join us for Howlo-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge. During the month of October, we feature a variety of fa-BOO-lous events and treats to celebrate the spooky season.

Download the Great Wolf App for daily schedules of events! Costumes are welcome (and encouraged!) all month long. All Howl-O-Ween events are included with an overnight stay.