Minutes
North Brunswick Humane Association
September Monthly Meeting (9/10/12)
7:30 pm ET
710 Hermann Road –NB Community Complex
Conference Room #1
The meeting was called to order at 7:30pm by Jay Soloway
In Attendance: Michele Andrea, Vincent Sheehan, Eileen Lorner, Jay Soloway, Sandi Erickson, Claire Butkus, Erica Bundy, Ann Marie Walters, Judy Kosier, Christa Von Peters, Dan Smith, Lisa Coletta, Carol Paszament, Donna Hildreth, Nancy Costello, Sharon Weinstein Canavan, Diana Sichta, Brenda Sauer.
Opening & Introductions were made by the Membership
The August Minutes were read and accepted by the Membership
Treasurer’s Report – Vincent Sheehan – Not Available
MONTHLY ASSOCIATION UPDATES:
Dog/Cat Food Bank – Sandi Erickson thanked Christa Von Peters and Dan Smith for all their help in the pickup and delivery of food. Stop & Shop on US Route 1 in Edison asked us to remove our donation can form the store. There was a miscommunication between the Manager and Assistant Manager on giving us authorization to place the can in their store. We fed 23 cats and 6 dogs last month.
Donation Cans Update – Sandi Erickson reported year to date we have collected $652.14
BUSINESS & EVENTS
L’Oreal “Because Your Dog is Worth It Too Day”– Sandi Erickson thanked her event team for their effort in the rain and early morning to make this a successful event. Advertising the Dog Walk-a-Thon was one their focuses of the day. We received $90 in donation. Etch farms is next on November 3rd.
Bowling Fundraiser- Update results- Jay Soloway reported we took in $196.00 for the event & $16.00 in donations.
9th Annual Dog Walk-a-Thon – Sunday, October 14th 11am-3pm, North Brunswick Community Park – Michele Andrea reported the event is on target to be bigger than in previous years. The team’s focus is now on Pre-Registration of Individuals. Military Veterans and their Service Dogs will be guests of NBHA at this event. We have over 40 giveaways for prizes that Kelly Schlossberg and Kari Deleon have obtained from the local business community. Donna Hildreth reported we have 9 Sponsors. Eileen Lorner reported we have 37 Vendors currently with some pending.
Fundraising Events-Jay Soloway (1) a New Membership Drive Open House (2) A Fundraising Dinner with a tricky tray, silent auction etc. This item was tabled for the moment.
Heritage Day- Saturday, September 29th – 12pm-5pm- Jay Soloway is soliciting for physical help in setting up & breaking down the tent.
NB Dog Park Maintenance– Michele Andrea updated the membership that the work continues on the small dog side and will be closed until end of this week. Parks & Recreation will then start on the large dog side.
Volunteer Guidelines & Member Participation at Public Events –Jay Soloway read the two paragraphs that were inserted in the revised version of the guidelines. We encourage all members to read the updated version that was sent out via email prior to the meeting.
Puppy Mills- Jay Soloway & Vincent Sheehan met with Mayor Womack on the subject of banning the sale of dogs & cats in Pet Stores in North Brunswick. The Mayor was 100% behind the proposal. Currently, North Brunswick does not have any Pet Stores with this type of activity; we want to make sure it stays that way. They will speak in front of the Township Council at the next meeting to make the proposal. There is a link to a CBS News item regarding this, Local N.J. Lawmakers Seek To Ban Sale Of Dogs A – Flash Player Installation
Membership Committee & Board Members- to adhere to the By-Laws of the organization in which the Board needs to consist of 7 members, 2 additional members were announced. The new members are Dan Smith and Eileen Lorner. Congratulations!
By-Laws Committee Changes– Jay Soloway proposed the revised By-Law changes to the membership and all changes were voted on and accepted with the exception of amended items of #’s- 5.8, 7.5 & 10.3.
Spay/Neuter Program (SNAP) Lisa Coletta reported all grants have all been distributed to 10 local Animal Rescues and Shelters at $1200 each for a total of $12,000.
Good & Welfare
Deer Population in Thompson Park, Monroe Township– Nancy Costello updated the members she is not getting the help she needs. She is going to take pictures of the deer population conditions and bring it to the attention of the Monroe Town Council and Middlesex County Park division. It was suggested she call the elected Free Holder for that area and bring it to their attention.
NBHA Web Site– Memorial Page- Jay Soloway reminded us that we have a memorial page on our web site. Generally, with a small donation we will feature your loving pets.
Dog Park Bulletin Board– Thank You Sharon Weinstein Canavan for redesigning the board
Prudential Grant– Left off the previous Month’s Minutes a Thank You to Erica Bundy for being awarded the Prudential Company’s Hands of Service Award and awarding a $250 donation to NBHA.
Thanks & Recognition– Michele Andrea thanked and recognized member, Eileen Lorner, for her assistance in helping facilitate the adoption of 2 Cats whose owner passed away recently.
Seer Farms, Jackson, N.J (A people centered animal sanctuary) – has an online Virtual Cat Walkathon for Felines and their Friends.
The next meeting is TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2012 (Please note Monday, 10/8/12 is a Holiday)
The Meeting Adjourned at 9:15pm