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Last week I told you that several people had seen brown bears in the area. Well, unfortunately, this week I have a first-person warning for you. A large brown bear managed to rip down our electric fence, break down the chicken wire fence, and rip off the door of our chicken coop. It killed and ate half our chickens. Since I try not to swear, I'll just say I am more than a little bit ticked off at this particular bear.

We set up our chicken coop in accordance with the advice given to us by Fish and Game with lots of electric fence wires, but someone forgot to tell this bear it was supposed to be deterred by electric fence. I guess the thought of chicken dinner was powerful enough that it didn't mind getting zapped.

One of our neighbors down Robinson Loop also had a bear eat their pet goat Monday night.

As sad as I am too loose my pet chickens, I am even more worried that we seem to have brown bears in the area that are way too comfortable coming near houses and people. Please be careful for the next few weeks if you are outdoors.

The main facilities at the Sterling Senior Center will be closed today through Friday for new carpet installation. The office staff and housing management will be available to assist you and the Pull Tab Store will remain open.

Happy birthday wishes go out today, May 5 to Elaine Anderson; May 6 to Pat Klouda; May 7 to Mari Burger; May 9 to Nick Bickish and Tamara Lundell; and May 10 to Wanda Kaser, Dorothy Westphal and my little sister, Bobbi Bowman.

The Peninsula Take a Break luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Solid Rock Conference Center. The theme will be "Get Fit for Life" and area ladies are invited to attend. Beemuns Variety Store's own Brad Carver will take everyone through biking fitness. Artist and songwriter Sherry Morris will tune up everyone's hearts with beautiful music. Julia Heasley will help stretch the participant's ideals about women and friendships. The cost is $11 per person and there will be complimentary childcare. Call Carolyn at 262-4214 or Susan at 335-6789 for reservations, or e-mail tab-reservations@hotmail.com.

Americorps member Ami McLelland will bring you the first ever Health Fair from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Sterling Elementary School. Public Health will be on hand to provide vaccinations for children, so if they need shots before next school year, this may be a convenient time to get that chore done.

If you want to take advantage of this free immunization clinic call Public Health at 335-3424 before the event with your child's shot record so they can accommodate everyone who wants to participate.

There will be lots of other health information available at the fair, so Ami hopes to see you all there. If you have in questions she can be reached at 262-4944 ext. 4239.