Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Coffee with a Cop
To address community concerns and increase awareness of the events hosted by the Bella Vista Police, the Bella Vista Police Department, in collaboration with S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together), will be hosting Coffee with a Cop at Concordia Retirement in Bella Vista, Arkansas on Tuesday, February 27th, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This event aims to facilitate direct engagement between law enforcement officers and seniors, as well as other community members, providing them with valuable safety information, crime prevention tips and access to available resources in times of need. By taking this proactive approach, we hope to equip seniors with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect both themselves and the community.
One of the concerns of the Concordia Retirement Community residents and the community at large is how to avoid being scammed. This is an issue that all communities and ages face but it seems to be specifically targeted at our seniors. Personally, I have received several scam text messages and emails. If I am busy and do not take the time to ask myself the right questions before clicking on a link, calling a provided number, or sharing private information over the phone, I am likely to be scammed. Just a few days ago, I received a text message scam that looked exactly like similar messages my credit card company had sent me in the past when they suspected fraud. As I read the text, my heart started racing as I imagined our bank account being drained and the difficulties that lay ahead in rectifying the situation. Thankfully, I remembered something I learned at the last Coffee with a Cop event I attended, and I was able to avoid being scammed.
This event will also encourage seniors to become more involved in the Bella Vista community, contributing to its reputation as a top destination for relocation and travel. Chief Graves will be sharing important information about events occurring in our local community. The Bella Vista police department is a very proactive in being a part of the Bella Vista community and determining what it needs to continue being a destination community for young and old.
The fact that Bella Vista is no longer just a retirement community has not gone unnoticed by its residents. With an increasing population of individuals of all ages, the community is experiencing growth like all of Northwest Arkansas. While some residents are pleased with the growth, the addition of bike trails and the diversity of the population, others have concerns. Some of these concerns may be realistic whereas some may be unfounded. Growth does not need to be a negative if it is well planned growth like that occurring in Bella Vista. Coffee with a Cop is the perfect opportunity to bring forward any questions or concerns you may have.
One of the greatest benefits of attending a community event like Coffee with a Cop is the opportunity to hear Chief Graves and other law enforcement officers answer questions that you may have never even considered asking. Then again you may hear information you already know but is still important to keep in mind. We encourage you to attend Coffee with a Cop on February 27th at Concordia Retirement Community at 1 Concordia Drive in Bella Vista at 9 am. If you have any questions about this event, please feel free to call us at 479-855-3714. If you have never visited Concordia Retirement Community, take a tour after the event to see why it is the preferred Independent Living Community in the area.