Rich Homar, Board of Directors President of AWSOM (Animal Welfare Society of Monroe), shared the history and future of the non-profit animal shelter. When the SPCA abandoned their facility in 2008, local rescue volunteers and animal advocates stepped in to quickly re-open the facility. Two years later AWSOM received the deed for the property from the PSPCA for $1. The organization operates a continuous adoption facility and, as of 2015, the AWSOM Wellness Center, providing the community with more affordable veterinary services including dental and spay/neuter programs. In 2025, 1,000 cats and 355 dogs were adopted; over 20,000 animals have been adopted in its 16 years of operation. A $1.1 million expansion will hopefully break ground by the end of the year.
If anyone has any clean, used blankets or towels, a collection will be made at the next lunch meeting, August 27, to donate to AWSOM. Reported & Pictures by Grace D’Amico
Upcoming Service Projects
Rotarian President Mike Raub shared that
Soles4Souls has gone live, with collection of new and used shoes at Chipperfield Elementary School. Mike will also be collecting shoes from Rotarians at next week’s lunch meeting on August 27.
Rotarian Rose London reminded us that the Salvation Army kettle season is coming in November/December, and asked that we reach out to her if we know of any businesses who would host a countertop kettle.
Evening meeting- With Carmine Corridore being away on vacation, the evening meetings have been rotating to different members homes. Last week Gene Prospero hosted the group with cheese and crackers. Then continued fellowship at Minisink. The prior week was hosted by Cheryl Cloke with hot dogs, the fixings & portobello mushrooms.
Broken Wand Ceremony -Monday Night at Marita’s 6-8pm
In lieu of flowers donations could be made to
NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness.
