Groundbreaking ceremony for the shelter’s new building

Groundbreaking ceremony for the shelter’s new building: Many shelter friends, volunteers, and supporters, including a number of local, state, and federal elected officials, showed up to cheer on the new building project at the groundbreaking ceremony on July 16. Pictured, CGHS/SPCA President/CEO Ron Perez (left) and CGHS/SPCA Board Chairperson Charlene Marchand (right) accepted a special Congressional Coin from U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson in honor of the contribution the new shelter will mean to the community. Construction on the new facility is in full swing, and sponsorship opportunities are still available to anyone who wishes to be a permanent part of this legacy!

There are few times in life when either the spoken or written word seems to fail the expression of heartfelt emotions of our minds and souls. The groundbreaking on July 16 was one of those occasions. Adjacent to our now fifty-eight--year-old home for animals on Humane Society Road, a majestic forest of pines and softwoods frames what will soon be our new animal shelter. To say that the anointing of the God of all creation on our hard work and timeless efforts got us to this absolutely momentous day is an understatement for sure. We are elated and ecstatic with anticipation. Not only will our efficient, state-of-the-art facility provide an oh-so-safe and comfortable home for our four-legged homeless, it will allow our staff members to increase their hands-on time with all their charges. Nothing is more important than caring and knowledgeable hands-on time.

Our very special day was additionally blessed by a number of committed and generous financial supporters, our Board of Directors, staff members, and volunteers. Our architect Len Angerame of Angerame Architects, PC and our Construction Manager Dick Oliver of AOW Associates were on hand to proudly view the birth of their new project. We are so grateful that many elected officials took time out of their busy schedules to join us in celebration.

Thank you to U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson, NYS Senator Kathy Marchione, NYS Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin, Columbia County Sheriff David Harrison, Columbia County Jail Captain John Davi, Columbia County Judges Jonathan Nichols and Richard Koweek, Claverack Town Supervisor Robin Andrews, and Columbia County Clerk Holly Tanner. The site was beautifully and prayerfully blessed by Deacon Peter Trawinski of St. James Parish in Chatham. Have I said before that our cup runs over? It certainly does!                     Our Capital Campaign over the winter months has proven to bear much financial fruit. That being said, the fiscal burden associated with new construction, as well as the obligation of daily operating costs, demands that we continue to reach out to our animal loving community for continued support. For those individuals planning to participate in our project, we have many opportunities for new supporters to become a permanent part of the new shelter. We have two rooms still in need of sponsorship. Indoor and outdoor exercise pens can leave your legacy, and we have a number of pavers still available. These pavers are permanent bricks that will grace the entrance of the building. These bricks can feature your name, your pet’s name, or both. We have a number of sizes to choose from. If your heart is moving you in this donation direction, contact our CEO Ron Perez at 518-828-6044 ext. 108, or email ronperez@cghs.org. Thanks to all who hold CGHS/SPCA in their hearts.

Feel free to call us with any questions at 518-828-6044, or visit our website at www.cghs.org. Stop down and see us at 125 Humane Society Road, off Route 66 (about a mile south of the intersection with Route 9H) in Hudson. Our hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Wednesday and Sunday. The Food Bank is open to any from the public in need of pet food or for those wishing to donate food anytime during business hours. All of our cats and kittens are “Furrever Free” with all expenses paid. Spay/neuter clinics for cats are $65 male or female, including a rabies vaccination and a 5-in-1 feline distemper combination vaccination. Nail clipping services are available every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Shelter, no appointment necessary, for a donation of $5 for cats and $10 for dogs.

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Charlene Marchand is the Chairperson of the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA Board of Directors. She may be contacted by email at cghsaaron@gmail.com.