Friends and Volunteers

Erin Ward

ARF’s most outstanding volunteer is Erin Ward. Erin and her family Kim, Roger, Colleen, Kyle, Diesel, Munson, and Bella Ward are ARFs first family. Erin first came to us at the age of one year old. Her parents had decided to adopt a dog named Zowie and brought Erin along to see if Zowie was good with kids. Let’s be thankful the dog liked Erin!! Zowie showed Erin what love a rescue dog can bring to a family. Over 16 years later Erin Ward has earned our highest honor at ARF, Lifetime Membership. Thank you Zowie for being such a good dog to the Wards. ARF is reaping the benefits now. Through Erin’s amazing bake sales, ARF Paver Program and Charms for Canines, the Wards have raised over $40,000 to date in 2011! Not only is Erin a creative, dedicated, and hardworking volunteer she has an optimistic can’t lose attitude. I feel it made the difference between success and failure at ARF. Once on the ARF team Erin quickly became a great friend to us all and constant source of positive energy. She is the daughter we all wish was ours.

Erin picked ARF as her platform of community service in 2010 as Miss Wolcott’s Outstanding Teen and again as 2011’s Miss Greater Waterbury’s Outstanding Teen. Anyone that knows her knows she does not need a crown to shine. Working with and getting to know Erin and the Wards was one of my personal most rewarding experiences at ARF.

Two weeks before he died in the Middletown power plant explosion, Peter C. Chepulis, 48, told his family about an odd dream involving his dog, Zeke, who had died a few years before, and a $100 bill. The dream had such an impact that, the next day, he made a $100 pledge to the Animal Rescue Foundation.

He didn't live long enough to deliver on the promise, but his family is fulfiling the wish posthumously - and twentyfold. Instead of flowers, his family requested donations to ARF, which is raising money to rebuild its dog and cat shelter in Terryville that burned down in November 2008.

As of a week and a half ago, $1,975 had been donated to ARF in Chepulis' name, said his stepdaughter, Alicia Beveridge of Southington. The total amount raised is expected to far exceed that amount.

Two weeks before his death, he told his wife, Dyann "De" Chepulis, about a dream in which his late springer spaniel, Zeke, came to him with a $100 bill in its mouth.

"He told my mom when he woke up that Zeke came to him and said, 'We gotta take this down to ARF,'" Beveridge said.

Peter Chepulis had been donating money and supplies to ARF since as long as Beveridge, 28, can remember. Although he never adopted from the organization, his affinty for dogs inspired him to help the cause, especially after the fire.

"He was upset (about the fire) because these puppies had no home in first place, and then the home they had was destroyed," Beveridge said.

One of the Animal Rescue Foundation's best friends died unexpectedly on April 19, 2009. Larry Palmieri, a twenty-year volunteer veteran of ARF was a fixture of the shelter and rescue community.

Larry became involved with ARF after successfully surviving cancer. He wanted to stay busy and help others in need. Working with animals became his passion and it lasted until the day he died.

Larry was a leader at the Animal Rescue Foundation. He was popular with the animals and volunteers alike; it was common to see him rolling around on the ground playing with a dog that was just rescued. Volunteers often sought Larry's advice. If you asked him for help with anything, you could be assured that nothing was beyond his reach and he would help you find a solution to your problem. Larry always based his decisions on one thing: the welfare of the animals. He led by example and was never afraid to get his hands dirty. We all admired Larry and looked up to him as a rescue role model.

Larry took on the responsibility and maintenance of the aging shelter and grounds. Armed with duct tape, bungee cords, and plastic zip-ties, Larry made repairs so volunteers could continue their mission of saving cats and dogs. Looking forward, it's hard to imagine being at the shelter without Larry tackling his next project.

Recently, Larry was asked to join the ARF Building Committee to share his vision of the new shelter that will soon be rebuilt. It is indeed a loss for this organization to move on without him, as his input and criticism are now needed more than ever.

On behalf of all the animals and friends of ARF who knew and loved Larry, we want to say: Thank you, "Larry ARF", for spending what brief time you had on this planet loving us as much as we loved you.

ARFs Good Luck Charm

The first time I ever heard Brianna Smail sing she knocked me off my feet. What a voice!! The opening of a brand new Wocott dog pound was in a couple of weeks back in 2007 and I invited Brianna and Mary Lou Smail to attend. Bri sang the National Anthem at the ceremony. The only thing more amazing than Briannas voice is her charm. I quickly dubbed her my "Good Luck Charm" and made sure she sang at every event.

After ARF burned down in 2008 Brianna began a series of appearances singing for ARF at our events. She soon became "ARFs Good Luck Charm" and I wouldn't dare organize an event without her singing. Being a Red Sox fan I'm very superstitious and felt lucky having Brianna at our events. She was the first title holder to help me at the animal fundraisers and we never had an event fail that she has sung at.

May Lou and Brianna have attended so many ARF events and volunteered so many hours they are a very big part of the ARF team. Brianna was honored by ARF with a "Golden Paw Award" that ARF gave during out groundbreaking to our special volunteers, or in Briana's case, our lucky volunteers. During the groundbreaking she belted out the National Anthem like never before and we at ARF surprised her with a "Golden Paw Award." She was truly thrilled.

We at ARF think of Brianna as one of our adopted daughters. We are thankful that she is on our team and look forward to all the wonderful achievements she will accomplish. She grew up right in front of our eyes over the years. Brianna is an example of the passion and drive shown by our younger generation. She is a future leader and we are proud to have her at ARF. We truly love and admire the beautiful person she is inside and out. Look for Brianna's paver when we re-open.

Nicole is a local Realtor that has pledged minimum 10% of every transaction to help local shelters. You can help ARF when you buy or sell your home at no cost to you!

During her free time she spends time with her Boyfriend Rich, as well as her Pit Bull and Doxie. Nicole specializes in Pit Bull rescue, rehab and training, Please contact her for all of your buying and selling needs and help ARF.

NICOLE R. CAMMACK

THE HOME STORE

WALLINGFORD, CT 06492

E-mail: Nicole.Cammack@gmail.com

CELL: 203.558.9069

LICENSED IN CT

Kevin at Chute Gates

What can we say that expresses our gratitude to the best neighbor one can have? When ARF burned down Kevin and Chute Gates let us call his place home. When we were open Kevin let us use Chute Gates for its restrooms and fundraisers. I don't know how ARF would have operated without Chute Gate's constant support.

On November 23, 2010 on the 2nd anniversary of the fire, ARF gave the Golden Relief Award to Kevin at Chute Gates for being such a devoted neighbor and great guy to the animals and us. This Relief Award was given to him because for 30 years ARF didn't have a bathroom and we used the facilities at Chute Gates. Our new shelter will now be much nicer and have that little bit of cutting edge technology called a bathroom.

On behalf of everyone at ARF we'd like the thank Kevin and let him know how much we appreciated all the help and relief he's given us over the years.

Mayor Vinnie Festa

ARF's #1 hometown supporter and Mayor of Plymouth loves ARF and is a proud to have us in Terryville. We are proud to be there. ARF has never heard the word "No" or the phrase "Sorry, I can't" from our Mayor. He always makes us feel loved and right at home.

After the fire November 23, 2008, nobody watched out for us like the Mayor and his Town Hall staff. There was more than likely a chance that ARF would never re-open or be forced to relocate to another town if we did. This wasn't going to happen under Mayor Festa's watch. At no time did we feel in jeopardy of leaving Terryville or of not having Plymouth's complete and total support.

We at ARF will never forget the efforts made by our hometown to keep us right where we belong at 366 Main Street, Terryville, CT. We will also never forget the unparalleled support by Mayor Festa. Fifty or sixty years from now ARF will still be at home in Terryville. We all owe Mayor Festa for helping pick ARF back off the ground and dusting us off. Our four legged friends will always be in debt to you. You did ARF proud.

Mayor Thomas G. Dunn

Wolcott's Mayor has to the best supporter of charities that anyone has ever seen. Event after event Mayor Dunn and his lovely wife Lisa support ARF time and time again. A true dog lover, Mayor Dunn brings his first dog of Wolcott "Toby" to most of the events. Everybody always comments to me what a great boss I have and how lucky Wolcott is to have him. That's common knowledge in our town.

Mayor Dunn has lead parades in scorching heat and pouring rain for ARF. He has organized a charity volleyball game and attends events outside of Wolcott. When you come down to it, Mayor Dunn is just a regular guy who loves animals and has a soft spot for ARF. I have had the opportunity to work for 5 mayors over my tenure as Animal Control in Wolcott and I am proud to call Mayor Dunn ARF's friend and my boss.

Scot Haney

Scot is ARF's best friend. He must have done at least a dozen fundraisers for us over the years. Animals and their supporters can all look up to Scot as leader in rescue work for his tireless efforts. ARF can honestly say that we couldn't ask for a better friend to us or the animals. He really cares.

Our pasta dinners at Nuchies every year are always a blast because of Scot. If you think he is funny on WFSB 3 you have see him in action at the ARF events. He gets out of control! He also sells out every seat in the house. ARF appreciates all the efforts Scot makes for us and all the time he sacrifices out of his busy schedule. He is a leader in animal charity and we are PROUD to call him "ARF's best friend."

Tom Chute of WATR

Tom Chute aka the "King of Culture" of WATR has been a supporter of homeless dogs and cats and especially ARF for nearly a decade. T.C. is the host of WATR's morning show and has done countless advertisements for us as well as invited us in the WATR studio anytime we needed the help to promote our charity causes.

Tom has done live interviews with Aubrey Heidorn and Misty, Erin Ward, Mayor Dunn, Judy Shuelke, Alyshia Talbot, and myself on separate occasions promoting our ARF events.

He has nick named me the "Dog Dude" and has been a good friend not only to me but all the animals in the Waterbury area. We always have a blast with Tom Chute on and off the air and ARF wouldn't be as close to accomplishing its goals without him. WATR 1320 AM in Waterbury rules the airways!! Thank you Tom,

Joe Ouimet, the Dog Dude

Al Ouimet

My cousin Allen may be better known as our webmaster, or our ARF DJ, or by his stage name, Al Pist. When growing up as kids, both Al and I were only children and thus we became like brothers. I truly couldn't have a cooler more supportive cousin and friend.

Al never has a bad word about anybody and has more friends than anyone I've ever met. He is a true asset to ARF and never takes a bow for all the work he does. I'd be really surprised if even prints this on arfct.org. That's the kind of guy he is. Thank you cuz for all you do for ARF and the animals.

- Cuz Joe

Alyscia Talbot

Alyscia Talbot is amazing. As a teenager she founded Alyscia’s Pet Project, a 501( C )3 non-profit that helps groups such as ARF and Bristol’s Bark Park raise funds and awareness. Alyscia has organized Pet Parades in Bristol and very successful luncheons at an incredible young age. Thousands of dollars have been donated to her charities due to her hard work and dedication, especially ARF. Alyscia is a true role model to our children. She is the real deal, a true leader and pioneer in rescue work for her generation. We are thrilled to have her on our ARF team.

Her parents Sue and Kevin are fabulous in supporting ARF and volunteering with their daughter. Alyscia’s parents always make sure that she does all the work for her events. We are so impressed with her volunteerism and service to our local homeless, abused, neglected animals that we made her a lifetime member of ARF which is highest award and honor. Alyscia now joined Erin Ward and Brianna Smail who are also lifetime members. ARF looks forward to all the wonderful things Alyscia will do to help animals in her bright future. She is an asset to the animals and the future of the Animal Rescue Foundation. She gives ARF and the animals hope for the future. She is a homeless animal’s best friend and ARF most driven volunteer. Thank you Alyscia.

Margot Palma, Jenn Vance, Karen Mowad

Behind every article and newsletter is a ton of work behind the scenes. This work is mostly done by these three ladies. Margot, Jenn, and Karen often burn the midnight oil typing, correcting, and making sense of my sloppy, misspelled articles. Jenn Vance has helped me write “News from Around the Pound” for years and she also writes “Vet Tech Tips” for ARF. Karen Mowad burns that midnight oil on her computer at home translating

my very sloppy hieroglyphic penmanship to its’ very legible, correct, and polished finish. I’d be totally lost without her.

Margot Palma is our editor of our newsletter and is an institution at the Animal Rescue Foundation. So much awareness and donations are a direct result of her hard work and dedication over the years. Margot works non-stop on our newsletters and does a fantastic job for ARF. Her thank you is long overdue but she does not do what she does for ARF for a thank you. She loves animals and loves ARF. Her reward is saving animals and seeing that ARF succeeds. Thank you Margot for teaching me not to kill bees, ants, or any of God’s creatures and thank you for your tireless efforts. You are a rescue role model us all. There will never be another Margot ARF.

Bristol Polish Club

ARF’s friends at the Bristol Polish Club of Bristol let their hall be our new membership meeting place and fundraising headquarters without ever asking for a dime. True animal lovers, the Polish Club, let ARF call their club our home away from home. Strategically located on Route 6 near the intersection of Route 69 they are located directly in the middle of ARF nation. Concerts by Soul Sound Revue and Tommy & the Riveras as well as our Murder Mystery Masquerade Party generated thousands for our rescue group. The members of their club are always so generous and eager to help. They are great friends of ARF and their efforts to help us rebuild will never be forgotten.