AWSOM Flamingo Fundraiser

Our Flamingo Wrangler Goes Nationwide!

2009-10-05T21:11:00.004-04:00

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!!!!

2009-10-04T01:21:00.000-04:00

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?!?!?!

2009-10-04T01:04:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-10-04T00:53:00.001-04:00

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!

2009-10-04T00:29:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-09-28T08:18:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-09-16T05:25:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-09-16T05:09:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-09-16T04:58:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-09-06T00:18:00.001-04:00

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!

2009-09-02T22:04:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-09-02T21:56:00.001-04:00

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!

2009-09-02T21:23:00.003-04:00

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!!!

2009-08-19T05:48:00.001-04:00

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?

2009-08-14T01:26:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-08-14T01:17:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-08-14T01:11:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-08-14T01:07:00.000-04:00

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?

2009-08-14T00:59:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-08-14T00:51:00.000-04:00

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

We've Been Flocking Busy!

2009-08-13T22:12:00.003-04:00

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!!

2009-08-06T00:39:00.000-04:00

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!?!?

2009-08-02T21:11:00.000-04:00

They Serve Eggs???

2009-08-02T21:05:00.000-04:00

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

2009-07-30T22:03:00.001-04:00

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?

2009-07-30T21:55:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-07-27T03:04:00.000-04:00

Flamingo Fan Club at American Candle

2009-07-27T03:02:00.000-04:00

Flock Lights Up American Candle!

2009-07-27T02:13:00.001-04:00

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!

2009-07-26T00:42:00.000-04:00

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

2009-07-26T00:21:00.000-04:00

Winged Migration; Wrong Turn!?!?

2009-07-25T23:45:00.003-04:00

It's been a few days since we've heard a word from a certain bird! Our wayward bird was last seen barreling south on I-95 getting a head start on the rest of the flock! While a certain flamingo fetcher laid chase, the rest of our fundraising(or is it funraising) flock took stock of the situation and decided to really hit the air and multiple sites throughout the Poconos to add to the bank account needed to open the doors of our local animal shelter. While MellowYellow and his pink companion took a siesta South of the Border, the flock paid visits to several area businesses and supporters to keep awareness sky-high and funds flying in! With all the airtime our flamingos are logging, they get very hungry as you might imagine. While there are lots of questions about the regular diet of wild flamingos, our gluttonous gang are all about carb-loading for the long haul ahead! The flock typically avoids cold weather but when they heard of a local Blizzard, they descended on Dairy Queen to learn more. They went nuts and ordered everything in flight(or is that sight)? Apparently some of our local car crazy animal lovers flock to the Dairy Queen on Route 209 on Friday nights and they offered to drive some of our weary flock around to give their wings a much needed rest. More to follow!

Route 611 Sighting!

2009-07-20T21:47:00.001-04:00

While southbound on Route 611 from Bartonsville to Stroudsburg, one of our fearless flamingo followers photographed the flock just outside of John J Riley's office. Apparently the group seeks to wisely utilize the generous donations they've received to fund investment accounts with their eye to the future.

Financial Flamingo Advice!

2009-07-20T21:34:00.000-04:00

Our fundraising flamingos continued ther winged migration through Monroe County raising funds and awareness to reopen the former SPCA shelter property. After an nighttime layover at Creature Comfort Veterinary Service in Saylorsburg, the birds heard that the money raised from participants exceeded $1000 and our financial picture was improving. The little flockers remembered meeting John J Riley,CPA at the recent Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce breakfast held at Brownie's in the Burg on Friday. Knowing that the economic picture in the Poconos is highly variable and that they needed to protect their investments, the flock landed on Route 611 at the office of John J Riley, Certified Public accountant. John had publicly pronounced his support for AWSOM, not actually knowing at the time what that entailed. John found out today when pulling into his parking lot what all the fuss is about. A couple photos of his very public flocking are available and proceeds continue to roll in

Wayward Bird Safe and Secure!

2009-07-19T22:09:00.000-04:00

Despite multiple reports of a flamingo floating around separate from the flock, this flighty flamingo was finally located. There had been rumors one of the female flamingos took off on her own, but it appears that she is very much alive and well. Apparently this flirtacious bird had heard that today was the rain date for the Camp Papillon 2009 Build the Sanctuary Charity Ride and caught a ride with one of the participants. The group started to flock together at Neds on 9th in Stroudsburg Sunday at 10am and at least 75 bikers showed up to raise funding for Camp Papillons' Sanctuary Fund. The ride took off at noon and though most migrations this time of year head north, this group flew southbound for the Riverview Grille in Easton where the flock was fed and listened to live bands all day! Our "missing flamingo" was finally photographed riding passenger with "MellowYellow on his Gold Wing!" Everyone appeared to be having a great time and the ride organizers were "tickled pink" by the turnout for a Sunday Rain Date! This event shows there is room for multiple rescue efforts in the Poconos and also shows that animal advocates like to participate in animal events of all types. The president of Animal Welfare Society of Monroe,Bill Hoffman, and his wife Lori of No Kill Monroe County were spotted supporting this event along with Board of Director member, Clair Thompson. Camp Papillon had a fantastic event and participants had the chance to catch up with Geri, Heather, Barb and many of the Camp Papillon group. Great day for the animals of Monroe County.

Didn't Have a Leg to Stand On!

2009-07-19T21:39:00.000-04:00

Two of our fearless fundraisers were photographed leaning awkwardly against the waiting room wall during last nights veterinary visit, as they really didn't have a leg to stand on?

1 Found Kitty/Over 20 Found Flamingos!

2009-07-19T01:37:00.001-04:00

Feverish Flamingos Part Two!

2009-07-19T01:33:00.000-04:00

Some of the flock was found to be feverish after spending last night out in the rain. Our flamingo wranglers took the birds to the only 24/7/365 emergency veterinary hospital in Monroe County, Creature Comforts Veterinary Services in Saylorsburg. While the veterinary team worked to help our homeless flock, the remaining birds chose the parking lot planter to roost and rest for the night. 1st Sighting of Flamingos in the West End!

Feverish Flamingos!

2009-07-18T22:07:00.001-04:00

Last night spent standing in a cold rain did not help our flock of flamingos any. At 11pm tonight one of our flamingo wranglers stopped by to check on our homeless feathered friends and noticed more than one droopy beak on the birds! The birds not surprisingly seemed restless and the decision was made to seek professional advice. The flock was rounded up and rushed to the only 24 hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a year emergency veterinary hospital in the Poconos, Creature Comforts Veterinary Services in the West End. Enroute to Saylorsburg, our birdherder called ahead to let the staff know they were on the way with at least 20 possibly sick,some seriously, flamingos. The staff of Dr Karin-Susan Breitlauch lept into action and tended to numerous birds before the flock finally chose to roost overnight in the planter in front of Doctor Karins' office. Sleep tight all night as these flamingo friends stand sentry out-of-doors.

Birds' Eye View!

2009-07-18T19:22:00.000-04:00

The first few flamingos have flown away and posted this birds eye view as they flew the coop. Where will they turn up tomorrow?

Why's The Colonel Looking Our Way?

2009-07-18T19:16:00.000-04:00

Flamingos are flighty enough without drawing stares from the Colonel and Crew at Kentucky Fried Chicken in the background! They actually appear to all have their backs to the Colonel and their beaks into the wind, ready to fly away!

Shivering Stork Sighted!

2009-07-17T23:53:00.000-04:00

Who's the birdbrain that can't tell a stork from a flamingo? Even on a dark, dreary, rainy night any novice birder can pick out my pink plumage against a backdrop of petunias! OK, I don't know flowers either! Back to basics, which are 1) It's Dark! 2) It's Cold! 3) I'm Wet! 4) I'm Lonely! 5) I'm Hungry! and 6) You Can Help!!! See http://www.awsomanimals.org/ for ways you can stop the suffering now!

It's Raining Cats and Dogs!

2009-07-17T21:12:00.000-04:00

It's 930pm Friday night and pouring rain outside! At last news our fuschia flock was still standing stoically outdoors and they are certainly soggy! Like other homeless animals in Monroe County they really have no place to go to seek shelter. The sudden closure of the SPCA at the Godfrey Ridge Road property in Stroudsburg was unexpected. The building remains vacant! While local animal advocates work to secure a lease and funding to re-open the doors, animals endure the elements! While I sit indoors enjoying the comforts of home, dogs and cats that previously could be sheltered indoors wait for a decision? The decision can be simply stated,how can I help? Our feathered friends hunker down to endure a night in the rain to increase awareness and funding to "RE-OPEN THE SHELTER!" They hope that by their highly visible presence in the Poconos, money will pour in like the rain to ensure the growth of this groundswell movement. We will all sleep better at night! I know a flamingo or two nods their beak in agreement on Main Street in Stroudsburg tonight.

Can Ken and Company Help?

2009-07-17T07:18:00.000-04:00

Spa Day?

2009-07-17T07:14:00.000-04:00

Finding the Flock?

2009-07-17T06:49:00.000-04:00

Avid birdwatchers showing up this morning to catch a glimpse of the rarely recorded pink flamingo in East Stroudsburg came away empty-nesters! The flock had flown the coop! Thanks to the generosity of Pocono Dental Associates and Wellspring East, over $500 was raised for the Animal Welfare Society of Monroe in less than 8 hours! Fearing the flock might distract drivers and cause commotion on East Brown Street, AWSOM volunteers took the birds under their wings and found them safe haven overnight at an undisclosed location, due to the lack of a proper animal shelter in the county.However, the flamingos took flight by 5am this morning and reliable sources report flamingo sightings on Main Street in Stroudsburg! Apparently there were a few ruffled feathers due to the lack of a proper shelter, and the flock was spotted resting outside the Ken and Company Spa and Salon on Main Street in Stroudsburg waiting to be taken in and properly pampered! Apparently these birds require proper care as evidenced by their choice of roosts at a dental office, holistic healing center and now the spa? The flock can be spotted resting comfortably at the intersection of Main Street and Route 191 on the corner lot outside Ken and Company. Apparently the proximity to the nearby Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise doesn't ruffle feathers on this flock! The flamingos hope to rest a while at this location and do their duty by raising awareness and funding to help meet the needs of homeless pets in Monroe County. Drive-by and you'll hear them honking!

2009-07-16T23:32:00.000-04:00

2009-07-16T23:30:00.000-04:00

The First Flamingo Fly-By in Monroe County!

2009-07-16T22:18:00.000-04:00

A migratory flock of pink flamingos landed in Monroe County today! Did you get a chance to see this gregarious gang of fundraising flamingos before they took wing this afternoon. Early birds in East Stroudsburg may have witnessed our fuschia-feathered friends about 6am as they landed on the lawn at 243 East Brown Street. News crews flew to the location of Pocono Dental Associates and Wellspring East Holistic Center to document the first recorded sighting of flamingos in the county. Apparently the birds have been drawn to Monroe County searching for safe shelter to alight permanently. Assisted by animal lovers and volunteers from AWSOM, the Animal Welfare Society of Monroe, the flamingos sought temporary rest and refuge until permanent protection can be located. Resting peacefully while drawing stares from local residents, the real reason for their roosting was learned.
Apparently the county has been without an animal shelter since January of this year and our long-legged friends have stopped by to help raise awareness and much needed funding to re-open a shelter. The growing flock has threatened to land at local businesses and "poop on their premises" until business owners pony up at least $250 to help fund an animal shelter run by AWSOM! Imagine the mess this assemblage of pink poopers could cause if not herded away? Pocono Dental Associates and Wellspring East forked over $500 to quickly and quietly move the flock to a new location, but where? Watch the AWSOM website at www.awsomanimals.org to follow the flock and learn more about all our furry and feathered friends. We're considering GPS tracking or even microchipping a migrant or two to follow their whereabouts and learn where they'll show up next! For an additional $250 donation, business owners can even direct the migration to a friends(?) lawn or business. 100% of funds raised will be used to help house homeless pets in Monroe County and there will be future opportunities to add the pink flamingo to your birdwatching lifelist. Watch for their arrival in your neighborhood soon and be certain to donate to AWSOM now! Naming opportunities are even possible for private individuals to name one of these wonderful waders after a friend, loved one,boss, co-worker or even a favorite pet name.