Friends of Sleepy Hallow

Originally appeared on the FOSH site: members.aol.com/foshnj/animals2.htm

This past September 30th, Leland Avenue Park provided the picturesque background for the 2nd annual Celebration of Animals, a celebration inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, whose love for all creatures is legendary. This event, sponsored by the FOSH Animal Initiatives Committee, was more windswept and showery than last year’s, in direct contradiction to predictions of no rain for the day. Since it is never possible to argue successfully with Mother Nature, the event went on as scheduled. In spite of some soggy moments, the afternoon was a success.

The program began with words of welcome and opening remarks by FOSH’s president, Susan Holak. Sheriff Ralph Froehlich then spoke about Union County’s K-9 Unit and both its difficulties and effectiveness in police work. Following these remarks, several prayers were offered for the animals by the following: Father Minh Nguyen, St. Bernard of Clairvaux Roman Catholic Church; Rabbi Joel Abraham, Temple Sholom; the Reverend Dr. Leonard Bethel, Bethel Presbyterian Church; Dean and Maggie Sluyter, representing the Buddhist tradition; the Reverend Carolyn Eklund, Grace Episcopal Church; and Ellie Campolei, performing a Native American ritual. The Reverend Dr. Bethel then led all those present in Dr. Albert Schweitzer’s prayer asking for compassionate treatment for all animals, especially for those who are mistreated and in pain. Several participants at the event then braved the elements to ask for individual blessings for their animal companions. A ferret and two rabbits were among those receiving special blessings.

Freeholder Lewis Mingo, Jr., presented to President Holak a Union County Freeholders’ Proclamation, citing the very positive involvement of FOSH in the Plainfield community, stressing its essential involvement in animal causes. It was most appropriate to have Plainfield’s own freeholder as part of the ceremony.

Following the blessings, many volunteers were available to answer questions regarding pet care and rescue, and FOSH is very grateful to them for so generously donating their time for the afternoon. Three veterinarians—Doctors Gloria Binkowski, Pamela Duddy, and Scott Linick—were available to answer general medical questions regarding animals. Several rescue groups were on hand to address the issues of stray and unwanted animals. These included Marie Ansari for ALFA (A Lifeline For Animals); Rita Tripodi and Susan Pinto for NJGAP (Greyhound Rescue); Delia Collins for PFA (People For Animals); Jackie Gibbons, private rescuer; and Randy Moscaritolo, Assistant Health Officer for Plainfield, and Shirley Pelley, Animal Control Officer for Plainfield. Carole Dunscombe, representing Canine Companions, answered queries regarding therapy pets and the comforting work they do. Teri Hyatt, in addition to providing information regarding nutrition for pets, spoke about her successful work in reducing stress in animals. Tracy Cascio, a very active member of PSI (Pet Sitters International), provided information about her job as petsitter for busy people in the Plainfield area. Melodie Petrone of Ruff Around The Edges and Mary Harwelik of K-9 Counseling Services, two animal trainers, helped identify causes of behavior problems in pets and offered possible solutions. Maureen Kuhn, from the American Red Cross, demonstrated CPR for pets and had information about general first-aid for animals. Peggy Sur represented the Union County Animal Care and Education Center committee, a much hoped-for facility coming ever closer to realization.

There were so many people who gave of their time and talent that afternoon, in spite of the weather. Marianne Brady and Betsy Herman, two calligraphers, spent most of the afternoon under the roof of the beautiful new gazebo in the park, using their extraordinary talents for calligraphy to write pets’ names on ornamental glass balls for owners to take home. Carol Crincoli and Linden Cadette Troop 488 very ably managed the children’s craft table. Two of the things they helped the younger set work on were bird feeders of pinecones and peanut butter and painting on handcrafted wooden bones. Joe Karam of Plainfield lovingly crafted these bones for FOSH’s use. Sheriff Ralph Froehlich not only made a personal appearance in spite of a very busy schedule, but he also brought with him a four-footed member of the K-9 Unit, along with the dog’s handler.

A special silent auction was added to FOSH’s fundraising efforts for animal causes this year. We can’t say enough “thank you’s” to the following for their generous donations: Frank’s Automotive Service of South Plainfield, Maryellen and Bob Chanda, Sandy Lawrence, Marie Ansari, Mary Kolesnyk, Bill Borman, Try-Cob Groomers of Fanwood, Mary Harwelik, Melodie Petrone, Dr. Scott Linick of Plainfield Animal Hospital, People for Animals Low-cost Spay and Neuter, Natalie Brenner, and Tracy Cascio.

Some people not present for the afternoon were also essential to the event’s success. We are extremely grateful to Pharmacia & Upjohn Health for their very generous donation to our animal initiatives efforts, a real boost to our feral cat spay/neuter project. Special thanks are due to Father Frank Rose of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church for the use of the church’s tables and chairs. Barbara Havlena and Good Works of Rye, New York donated the custom-made coffee mugs for donors. A&P of Fanwood, Burger King, and PetsMart of Bridgewater all donated items essential to the smooth functioning of the afternoon. James M. Smith, Sr., Buildings and Grounds Director for the Plainfield Board of Education, and his staff provided us with a well-manicured, clean park for our use that afternoon.

And there are always the unsung heroes, those who work in the background, expecting no public recognition, just very generous helping when needed. In addition to the Animal Initiatives Committee members, several others lent their hands and backs to our efforts. We offer our gratitude to Bob Chanda, Omar Castillo, Tom Glynn, Joel Thompson, and Frank Sweeney for helping transport, set up and break down again the many heavy tables and chairs, and to Alan Feste for the use of his van. Susan Mellen traveled from Morris Township to be of help in setting up for the afternoon. A special cake with a replica of Leland Avenue Park and hot coffee provided by Burger King were FOSH’s much-appreciated “gift” to all in attendance.