Our Flamingo Wrangler Goes Nationwide!

One of the original AWSOM Flamingo Fly-By Fundraising flock wranglers, Dr Clair Thompson, of East Stroudsburg Veterinary Hospital has taken some of the flock on a motorcycle migration. Dr Clair and a couple flamingos are hitting the highways of this great country in an attempt to further increase awareness and funding for this great cause in the Poconos! During his 48 States, 30 Days, 2 Wheels and 1 Flamingo trip, Dr Clair will be posting to a trip blog at http://48statesin30days.blogspot.com/ so check it out and become a birdwatcher! While you're at it, click http://www.awsomanimals.org/ and make a donation towards the shelter opening. Dr Clair has raised $615 for AWSOM in the last couple days and is planning to meet supporters all across this great nation of ours! If you're walking a dog at a highway rest area and see a big guy approaching you with a pink flamingo, that will be Dr Clair!

Liz-Tech Flamingo Fly-By Fundraising Pin!!!!

Another special thanks goes out to the great group at Liz-Tech Jewelry and Gallery for all their efforts at putting together a special commemorative fundraising pin for AWSOM and the Flamingo Fly-By! Dr Clairs' wife, Dr Sammie, has quite a collection of Liz-Techs unique wearable art and Dr Clair approached Evelyn of their design studio about putting something special together that we can use to again "increase awareness and funding for AWSOM, the Animal Welfare Society of Monroe"! The result is simply STUNNING and AVAILABLE! Dr Clair will have some of the special pins along during the ride and pins are available for $40 which is a bargain for a Liz-Tech collectible piece of art! Thanks to Evelyn, Lisa, Jill and the entire team for this gorgeous pin!

Am I Seeing Double?!?!?!

Although the ride is "48 States, 30 Days, 2 Wheels and 1 Flamingo", we decided to go with a pair so they wouldn't get lonely at the back of the bike! Also, being active in Animal Rescue efforts, we all know how hard it is to take 1 and not take the other!!!! So we're bringing them both!! Brian McCormick and Trevor mounted a pair of our fundraising flamingos onto a receiver hitch at the back of the Gold Wing. If people miss the yellow motorcycle, the flame paint job, the AWSOM, embroidery and the scrolling license plate frame surrounding the personalised 48N30 license plate, THEY WON'T MISS THE PINK FLAMINGOS!!!! The point of the flamingos is to instill curiosity, stimulate conversation and lead to donation, to AWSOM of course!

Brian McCormick Works His Mechanical Mojo!

Dr Clair and Brian McCormick have been friends for years and Brian does most of the wrenching on all the yellow vehicles, cars and bikes alike! Brian and his nephew Trevor tricked out the MellowYellow GoldWing with a custom scrolling message board surrounding the 48N30 personalised plate on the back of the motorcycle. This allows Dr Clair to post messages directly to the back of the bike via remote control, not while moving of course. Figuring out all the wiring was no problem for Brian and while he was at it he temporarily removed the 6 disc CD changer from the travel trunk to allow more room for gear and clothing. Dr Clair remains addicted to his XM/Sirius Satellite Radio tuned to Classic Vinyl! The rest of the electronics were tested and working, including the satellite radio, CB radio, radar detector, Garmin GPS and of course the essential this time of year, Gerbings heated clothing which is thermostatically controllable and includes gloves, jacket and pants. It'll be cold out in the Rockies!

Countdown to TakeOff Now!

The final countdown to the nationwide Flamingo Fly-By Fundraiser for AWSOM, Animal Welfare Society of Monroe, has begun. Dr Clair departs Sunday morning, October 4, on his attempt to further raise awareness and funding for the Monroe County Animal Shelter which opens October 31,2009 or Howl-o-ween! The promotional materials were designed by AWSOM Creative Copy Consultant Kristen Hamilton and printed by Kistler Printing on very short notice. Dr Clair will be passing out promotional postcards nationwide and not only inviting people to follow along at this blog, but encouraging them to donate to this very worthy cause! Keegan Tees did an AWSOM job with our big, bold banner as well as the AWSOM embroidery on Dr Clairs' riding gear, thanks Kymm and Patti! Dorothy and Al Schipps of DR's Custom Framing are behind the AWSOM yellow paw print magnets and LIDS topped it all off with the custom embroidered ballcap. The first couple days will be hectic getting gear sorted out and staying in touch via Blogger, FaceBook, Picasa, Twitter, Gmail and iPhone!!! Feel free to follow along but most of all, visit www.awsomanimals.org and donate to this life-affirming effort to open our animal shelter!

Flamingo Migrates 48 States in 30 Days by Motorcycle!

One of our AWSOM fundraising flamingos is going nationwide to raise funding and awareness for the upcoming opening of the Monroe County Animal Shelter on Godfrey Ridge Road. Dr Clair Thompson of East Stroudsburg Veterinary Hospital is embarking on a major motorcycle ride to visit 48 states in 30 days. He's wanted to take this trip for years and has recently been given time off from work and decided to go for it! Our AWSOM flamingo will be riding shotgun the entire trip and is intended to stimulate discussion and conversation with other animal advocates throughout this great land of ours! Dr Clair has promotional material available to handout directing curious onlookers to our www.awsomanimals.org website so they can learn more and donate to our effort using a variety of payment options, including PayPal. You can also become a FaceBook fan of East Stroudsburg Veterinary Hospital to follow their route. Dr Clair and his travelling companion plan to be back in the Poconos by October 31 for the Howl-o-ween opening of the shelter!

Flamingos Are Adjusting Fine!

Despite the corny title, our flamingos are fine! The great folks at Marshalls Creek Chiropractic offered much needed "support" for our flock! The Drs. AnneMarie and Brett Coryell have always been great animal advocates and community supporters. Their new location offered a great roosting spot for our fundraising flock with tremendous visibility and exposure. Marshalls Creek Chiropractic was recently spotted at another separate fundraising event for local animal rescue organizations and were believed to be the first flamingo participants to actually go out of their way to request a "flocking" so they could continue to demonstrate their supprt for AWSOM's efforts to open the shelter on Howl-o-ween!

Wayward Birds Above Billboard!

Recently during our FNCB "Flocking" on Lower Main Street, a couple of birds went MIA/Missing in Air and were spotted across the street on a billboard for East Stroudsburg Saving Association! This unintentional flocking was purely anonymous and unintentional, however we did like the pictures that turned up from this. Our lead flamingo wrangler was questioned as to his possible involvement in this random act but Dr Clair assured everyone it wasn't him, saying "he's afraid of heights!", which recent pictures AND video don't seem to bear out! Thanks to both FNCB and ESSA for their being "good sports" and great community supporters!

Flamingos Are Financially Savvy!

You may not have known that our flamingos are a financially savvy bunch of birds! They were quick to see FNCB's free checking offer and decided to check it out! Our fundraising flamingos continue to generate buzz whenever and wherever they roost and rest! In fact, at the FNCB "flocking", an unidentified flamingo fan created a bit of unintentional awareness when he (or she, for that matter?) crossed the street and climbed the East Stroudsburg Savings Association billboard and flocked ESSA by default? Something about the Fairness in Lending Laws maybe, but our lead flamingo wrangler managed to get a photo or 2 before the billboard company made an emergency site visit to remove the wayward birds and repair/replace the unfortunately damaged billboard. Our flamingos would like to apologize to ESSA for any harm done and would really like to thank FNCB for their excellent exposure and show of community support! AWSOM's Opening of the shelter on Howl-o-ween is rapidly approaching and we're still in need of serious funding. Any of you flamingo followers have any flocking suggestions please forward them to board@awsomanimals.org and we'll do our best to add some color to their location if nothing else!

Flamingos Are Flockin' Crazy!

 
Today was an ASWSOM day! Between the crowds at StroudFest, the festival atmosphere at Putts for Mutts and all the generous donations made to help AWSOM open the shelter on Halloween, October 31, our flamingos were flying high! In fact one of the crazier birds was photographed flying high above Hazleton, nearly 2 miles high to be more precise! When the AWSOM Board of Directors recently announced the shelter opening date, they also announced that we needed to raise at least $45,000 in the next 6 weeks to ensure the shelter can open and stay open.
At that particular meeting, Dr Clair Thompson announced he would do or try ANYTHING to increase funding and awareness for the cause! No measures were too extreme to try and he would stop at nothing and won't take NO for an answer! While watching his nephews taking their first skydives in Hazleton on Saturday, Dr Clair realized he had one of our fun-draising flamingo flock along and decided to"jump at the chance" to promote AWSOM! One of the birds was tattooed with the AWSOM logo across it butt and our group took to the air. Dr Clair said that if he's willing to jump from a perfectly good airplane to promote AWSOM, what are you willing to do or raise? AWSOM raised over $1,000 today and we're psyched!!! However, people need to know that AWSOM must raise $1,000 per day every day of the year to run the shelter and stop the senseless killing of unwanted animals in Moroe County! Let's do it!!!

Monroe County Animal Shelter Announces Halloween Opening!

The excitement in the air was palpable as the members of Animal Welfare Society of Monroe Board of Directors decided on an opening date for the shelter. A vote was taken and it is now a matter of public record the shelter will be open within 8 weeks. There is a lot to be done and we need to raise at least $1,000 per day from here on out to keep the doors open. Don't be scared, We're opening Halloween Saturday!

Horny Henry Flocks Our Flamingo!

Many of you will recognize Henry, the greeter from East Stroudsburg Veterinary Hospital! Imagine the thought racing through his tiny bird-brain when he looked out the front of his cage and spotted 70 of his feathered friends perched on the lawn. He literally turned green with envy and couln't be consoled until he was allowed to go out and meet the members of this famous flock! Henry was especially smitten with one of the original flock members in the cockpit of Dr Clairs yard art airplane! Henry is always ready to do his part! Are you?

Liztech Flamingo Fundraising Pin a Reality!

Big news on the Flamingo Fly-By Fundraising Front! Our good friends at LizTech on Crystal Street in East Stroudsburg have really stepped up to the plate to help open the animal shelter in Monroe County. To help commemorate this momentous occassion their jewelry designers have brought out of retirement and reconfigured a pink flamingo pin to help raise awareness and funding. The AWSOM Board of Directors has set Saturday, October 31, 2009 as the Grand Opening of the Monroe County Animal Shelter! That's right, Halloween! Come to the grand opening gala with your furry friends and other friends as well. There will be trick or treating, best dressed pets contests, scariest costume contests, Flamingo FlyBy Photo opportunities and the chance to buy our LizTech AWSOM Flamingo Fly-By Limited Edition Pin!!! Tell your friends about this event and don't be afraid to show your support!

This Is Getting Flocking Crazy!!!

 
On Tuesday night, under cover of darkness, a flock of 7O pink flamingos descended on East Stroudsburg at 353 Prospect Street. You heard right, that was SEVENTY/7-Zero/70!! You may need reminding but when our flock of flamingos arrived in the Poconos about 6 weeks ago, they numbered 24/TWENTY-FOUR! What the flock is happening? Have the beautiful birds sent out word that the Poconos is a migratory hotspot! As our crew of wranglers struggled to deal with the increasing size of the flock, they took the opportunity to ask Dr Sammie of East Stroudsburg Veterinary Hospital for an explanation. While the good doctor was quick to point out that she is by no means an expert on flamingo trivia, the reason was quite simple. Overpopulation was due to the perfect breeding conditions this spring and summer with warm days and plenty of rain?? Stated another way, the rapid growth in the animal population in the Poconos could be traced back to the lack of any sort of Low Cost Spay Neuter Alternative within this portion of Monroe County. While there has been a lot of activity at the recently opened Spay-Neuter Clinic run by EPAA/Eastern Pennsylvania Animal Alliance in Brodheadsville Option,the rest of Monroe County will benefit from the opening of a Low Cost Spay-Neuter Clinic at the Monroe County Animal Shelter on Godfrey Ridge Road! Watch for details to follow!

An AWSOM Liztech Pin in the Works?

 
Jill Elizabeth and Scott McLaren of LizTech Gallery on Crystal Street in East Stroudsburg are fantastic community supporters and animal lovers, along with their entire staff! They have always come up with some fantastic jewelry designs for a variety of local causes and please let them know that you would love to support AWSOM by buying several pieces of a possibly custom designed pin to benefit Animal Welfare Society of Monroe! With enough interest and enthusiasm being shown by all the animal lovers in the Poconos, an AWSOM Pin is POSSIBLE!

Insuring The Homeless Pets Safety!

 
Rather than have the flock of flamingos move into the empty office space next door to their new location on Route 611 north of Stroudsburg, the great folks at Yutz-Merkle Insurance decided to donate to the shelter fund for AWSOM, Animal Welfare Society of Monroe! They want to see the shelter open soon and they're doing their part to ensure it happens!

Teleflora Some Flamingos to a Friend!

 
Tony and his crew had some fun with the flock and decided to FTD their friends at Yutz-Merkle Insurance! FTD would be Flamingo Touch Down in this case!

Flamingos Love Flowers Too!

 
The "bunch" at Floral Boutique always "go out on a limb' to help animals in Monroe County and they "arranged" for a generous donation to AWSOM's Shelter Fund AND they also paid extra to flock their friends at Yutz-Merkle Insurance. Didn't the flamingos look really beautiful in the planter outside Floral Boutique?

Is There a Doctor in the House?

 
Barton Heights Veterinary Hospital has been helping out with animal rescue groups for years, even more since the closure of the SPCA shelter. Their donation will help re-open the shelter doors!

Our Flamingos Need Better Housing!

 
Wilkins and Associates provided much needed funding so our flock could secure better housing and open the shelter!

We've Been Flocking Busy!

Wow, have we been flocking busy since our last blog post! Our flamingo friends have travelled far and wide through Monroe County generating exposure for AWSOM and stirring up enthusiasm for the opening of the AWSOM Animal Shelter at the old SPCA site on Godfrey Ridge Road. After the rains cleared in Cresco at Weiler Brush, our birds bolted for town and decided to check out the current housing situation with the help of our animal-loving friends at Wilkins and Associates at 304 Park Avenue. Our flamingos were seeking housing advice in the Poconos, especially considering the closure of the SPCA shelter building. After getting valuable housing advice and a generous donation, the birds were next sighted in Bartonsville at Barton Heights Veterinary Hospital where the were thoroughly vetted and caught much needed rest. The staff of Barton Heights are all animal crazy and look forward to the day the shelter doors open. Dr Jeremy Wentz has been interested in helping AWSOM since its inception and has agreed to serve on AWSOM's Veterinary Advisory Committee.

News Flash! We Have A Lease!!

 
Newsflash!!! The lease is signed and the ink is dry! AWSOM and Pennsylvania SPCA finally worked out all the details and AWSOM signed a 3 year lease on the Godfrey Ridge Road property, former home to the PSPCA. The terms of the lease should be in the news tomorrow throughout the Poconos, watch for it! We have agreed to $1 per year with a guaranteed renewal for the 1st 3 years!!!! News crews will descend on the property tomorrow to interview AWSOM President William Hoffman.

They Serve Ham and What!?!?

 

They Serve Eggs???

Picasa Web Albums - AWSOM Flamingo Fundraiser - AWSOM Flamingo Fundraiser
Our flock took a rest day on Saturday after their visit to Weiler Brush in Cresco. Big thanks to the folks at Weiler for their warm welcome and generous support. Our flamingo wrangler showed up Friday morning to find the yard bare and the flamingos GONE! Not to worry! The great folks at Weiler were watching the weather and saw the approaching storms. Fearing another tornado like touched down in Cherry Valley, the crew at Weiler Brush shepherded the flock indoors ahead of the storm! Our birds passed the storm warm and dry at Weiler Friday. With the NASCAR race at Pocono this weekend, our flock sought high visibility locations but were actually turned away twice at area eating establishments before deciding to take a rest day! Our flock enjoyed the company of AWSOM President Bill Hoffman and No Kill Monroe County president Lori Hoffman and their menagerie on Saturday. While staying with the Hoffmans' our flock learned some great news for the animal loving community but they are sworn to secrecy until a promised press release appears in the Pocono Record early this week.Our beaks/bills or sealed, but not for long!
Expecting better weather Sunday, the Hoffmans' escorted our flock to the well known Snydersville Diner and a warm reception before daybreak! While the flock settled down for some serious fundraising, our chaperones went inside for breakfast and very quietly ordered EGGS!! so as not to ruffle our flocks feathers. Newsflash to follow tomorrow.

Flamingos Crash Cresco

 
Despite their travels throughout Monroe County, Wednesdays flocking of Weiler Brush in Cresco has thus far been the most northerly extent of their migration. Our flock found a well groomed spot to land and brush up on their fundraising skills. Weiler stepped up to the plate and we're one flocking closer to opening the shelter doors.

The Fiscal Flamingo Seeks Advice?

 
Once again our flock seeks financial advice as they raise money to open the doors to the shelter in Stroudsburg. Brian Stone and Christine Trembly were excited to receive a flocking and offered up not only financial advice, but a nice contribution to AWSOM! Thanks guys!

Fun Flamingo Fans!

 

Flamingo Fan Club at American Candle

 

Flock Lights Up American Candle!

At last count, our fundraising flock of pink flamingos have visited at least 10 area businesses in their quest to raise funding and awareness for an animal shelter in Monroe County run by AWSOM, Animal Welfare Society of Monroe! The participating businesses have made generous donations in support of our flock and we're closer to a true "OPEN HOUSE!" The open house will support AWSOM's efforts to help homeless companion animals in the county through an already existing network of rescue groups, foster homes, animal advocates and public support. The essential ingredient still missing is adequate funding. Area businesses and individuals have rallied in support of an open animal shelter. American Candle on Route 611 in Bartonsville requested a flocking, and prepared for their arrival. After a fueling stop at Friendly's of Tannersville, the pink posse flew down to light up American Candle and they were warmly received. Employees in pink outfits wore flamingo earrings, and one eager employee went so far as to DYE HER OWN HAIR PINK!!!!! Think Pink was the order of the day and Candle customers were able to use pink flamingo coin canisters to also donate! As MellowYellow drove by American Candle at 1am, the pink flamingos still burned brightly through the dark of night! What a bright reception for our fundraisers! Thanks to all.

Found! Friendly Flamingo in Tannersville!

 

Are You Nuts? It's a Blizzard in There!