SHOUT OUT: Fort Lee merchants have banded together to help the residents of the Avalon apartment complex in the wake of last month’s devastating fire. Members of the Business District Alliance (BDA) of Fort Lee donated nearly $5,000 by purchasing gift cards for area restaurants and other businesses selected on the basis of a priority list provided by the Edgewater Strong charity. BDAFLlist1111The members then got area business owners and others in town to kick in $2,400 more worth of cards (see list, below). The cards were being distributed by Edgewater Strong. “I want to thank our valued business owners in Fort Lee who were quick and happy to help the numerous families impacted by this terrible fire, “said Romina Luppino-Starace, president of the non-profit BDA of Fort Lee. “Because of their generosity and that of our board members, we can do our part to ensure these families have the basic essentials they need to get back on their feet.” “It’s about neighbors helping neighbors, “said Stuart Z. Koperweis, Executive Director of the BDA of Fort Lee. “BDA Board members live, work, and own businesses in Bergen County. “Their commitment to helping their neighbors is evident in the selfless service they provide to the BDA by giving countless time, energy, and talent to Fort Lee,” Koperweis said. “So it came as no surprise when board members voted unanimously in favor of donating funds from the BDA to give to the fire victims, while supporting the local businesses,” he said Some notes on homeless animals in New Jersey:
• According to the State of New Jersey Office of Animal Welfare, "it is estimated that the number of free-roaming cats in the United States may be equal to that of owned cats, approximately 70 million. If left unchecked, free-roaming cats will breed and their populations increase at locations where they find suitable shelter and food." The office goes on to note that pet cats that are abandoned will not easily fend for themselves outdoors. Unfortunately, most of these cats and their offspring will suffer premature death from disease, starvation or trauma. • Among shelters and rescue groups around New Jersey, the top 10 reasons for owners relinquishing a dog are: (1) moving; (2) landlord issues (3) cost of pet maintenance; (4) "no time for pet;" (5) inadequate facilities; (6) "too many pets in home;" (7) pet illness; (8) "personal problems;" (9) biting; and (10) no homes for litter-mates. Other interesting facts from the Office of Animal Welfare: • As many as 25 percent of dogs entering shelters across the country each year are purebreds. • One unspayed female cat and her unaltered offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years. Here is a gallery of homeless animals from northern and central New Jersey. Consider visiting a local shelter or contacting a local rescue group when looking for a pet for your family. More pets in need of adoption can be viewed here and here |
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