Lynda Anello Portfolio

Non-Profit Leadership

• I led the creation of a volunteer-based non-profit organization, Friends of CMAS, to raise money to support shelter pets and programs that are not funded by the municipal shelter’s operational budget. More than $32K was raised the first year of operation in 2020. It has since raised thousands for shelter programs and supplies.

• I served a two-year term on the Board of Directors of Mending Strides Ranch, an equine psychotherapy program for children and adults.

• I am a graduate of the Non-Profit Leadership Class, Roberts Center for Leadership, Education, Advancement and Development.

SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS

Included supporting email marketing and newsletter articles

I secured the Pets for the Elderly grant which has awarded Animal Care & Control more than $25K since 2020 to provide seniors free adoptions and preventatives. I branded the promotions to emphasize our partnership.

Giving Tuesday 2022, $2K raised

Giving Tuesday 2021

$6K raised to purchased 120 beds for all shelter dogs at Animal Care & Control

Heartworm Awareness Month campaign raised $12,700 to treat 50 heartworm+ dogs at Animal Care & Control.

This is an example of the personalized thank you card that donors received when they sponsored a heartworm+ dog for $250. Each card featured a dog and his story. We raised $10,000 in sponsorships.

THANK YOU!

Heartworm + Dog Sponsor

2 years old

Copper was found as a stray and spent time in the shelter awaiting the perfect new home. He was cute, young, energetic and friendly. However, heartworm disease was jeopardizing his health.

It wasn't long before Copper was adopted by a family that had recently lost their beloved dog of 14-years and whose remaining dog, Parker, was sad, lonely and missing his companion.

Today, Parker and Copper are best of friends. They sleep in the same bed, snack on ice cubes each day, go for car rides and are equally spoiled by their humans (can you say Mamma's Boys?).

Thanks to your generosity, Copper just finished his heartworm treatments and is living a healthier lifestyle. Thank you for giving Copper the second chance he deserves!

THANK YOU!

Parker and Copper are best friends

2020 Holiday Giving Campaign was the first official fundraising campaign executed for Animal Care & Control. More than $10k was raised for shelter animals.

Giving Tuesday “Second Chance Campaign” was a chance for Friends of CMAS to raise funds as the shelter was not permitted to participate. I routinely used animal names in promos and appeals to invoke personal connections for donors.

COMPANY NEWSLETTERS & PUBLICATIONS

Monthly eNewsletter to shelter supporters, donors and adopters to share partner news, fundraising opportunities, shelter statistics, adoptable pet information and foster/volunteer opportunities..

May

Storm Water Services Celebrates Infrastructure Week

Today marks the last day of Infrastructure Week (May 15-19), a national movement that highlights the importance of and call for continued investment in stormwater, drinking water, roads and other infrastructure that strengthen the quality of life in our neighborhoods, improve people’s health, and create good jobs. Infrastructure Week was started more than a decade ago by United for Infrastructure, which is a program of Accelerator for America Action.

At Storm Water Services, we're continuously working on hundreds of storm drainage improvement projects that involve repairing and replacing aging infrastructure across our community to keep our streets clear and our city moving. In fact, residents are walking, biking or driving over our best work every day! All week long we’ve highlighted storm drainage infrastructure and our work across our social media channels.

For more information about these openings, please visit the City’s Online Employment Center For assistance on how to apply, follow these step-by-step instructions

Reminder! APWA NC Call for Abstracts

The Stormwater Management Division Conference will be held this year in Charlotte September 17-19 at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel. Organizers are accepting abstracts for presentations. If you have an idea for a presentation topic or case study involving the stormwater industry, regulatory compliance, program management, innovative engineering or technology, or any other topic which is relevant to the stormwater community, please talk with your supervisor. Submissions should be sent to hopperrv@cdmsmith.com by close of business on Friday, May 26th.

Jesus Aleman Morales Intern, Engineering & Design

Valerie Hanes Project Manager, Engineering & Design

Max Kerik Intern, Regulatory Division

In the Spotlight: Mayara

Clemente Dias Coelho

Job Title: Project Coordinator, Strategic Planning & Operations

Division Asset Management & Planning

Service with Storm Water Services: 4 years

What are the main responsibilities of your job? I execute inspections in culverts and score each one according to its defects and direct them to maintenance projects or if the culverts are in bad shape we send them to the design team. Damaged culverts can be dangerous, so it is important that we perform the inspections safely and provide good customer service to the community,

What do you like best about working for Storm Water Services? I like representing women in engineering and I enjoy feeling included in the work environment. I learn something new every day about engineering - how pipe systems are currently constructed in Mecklenburg County, how it was done in the past, and how to address and solve the issues they present today.

What activities do you enjoy outside of work? I love music, exploring other countries, spending time with my family and playing my guitar. Since I've been living in North Carolina I discovered how much I like contemplating nature - especially in the mountains and among beautiful landscapes around our city.

What type of music do you enjoy most and how long have you played guitar? I started playing guitar when I was 10 years old. So, I have been playing for 23 years. The type of music I like the most is a very difficult question to answer, since I am eclectic and love exploring all music. But my top two favorites are Brazilian MPB and Rock and Roll.

What are some of your favorite locations to enjoy nature? I love Asheville. I love the colors of the mountains, especially in the fall.

Want to be in the Spotlight!? Email Lynda.Anello@charlottenc.gov

Mental

Health

Awareness

Month - Practicing SelfCare

As part of our continued coverage of Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to highlight the importance of taking time for self-care to reduce stress. What kind of selfcare do you practice for your mental health? Here is some information on self-care and ways you can incorporate it into your daily routine. According to Psychology Today:

 Engaging the body can help alleviate stress because it helps you bypass a lot of unhelpful mental chatter.

 Getting in touch with your values is a sure way to cope with stress and foster a calm mind.

 When under stress, it's important to not label emotions as “good” or “bad," and to practice self-compassion.

Consider these suggestions:

 Get moving with exercise, run, walk, dance, yoga, etc.

 Take in nature with a hike, gardening, photography, or watching a sunset

 Indulge your mind with puzzles, journaling, or reading

 Pause and practice mindfulness, prayer, breathing exercises

 Connect with others for a meal, activity or just to chat

Heat + Humidity = Danger

Outdoor temperatures are starting to heat up, including the humidity levels. That combination of heat and humidity can be dangerous. Whether you are working in the field, or in your back yard, numerous variables can influence the way your body handles the heat, such as your level of hydration, age, physical conditioning, weight, medications and the humidity/heat index.

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat related illness and know first aid for treating yourself, family member or co-worker. When you are outside, remember to take proactive, preventive steps to minimize the risk of heat-related stress. Do not underestimate the safety and health dangers associated with heat stress. While on the job, notify your supervisor or co-worker if symptoms develop because the seriousness of the situation can escalate quickly. Be aware that heat stroke is an immediate threat to life call 9-1-1. Respect the heat, be careful and be safe!

Charlotte History Events

First Annual Trail of History Festival. Trail of History Festival is a one-day, annual event celebrating the history, growth, & development of Mecklenburg County, featuring local history, art, music, and food. Learn about Mecklenburg County’s 260 years of history with activities for children, local historians and museum interpreters, historical art demonstrations, and tours of the bronze sculptures. The event is Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Midtown Park on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, 510 S Kings Drive. More information.

Voices from the Past. Interested in meeting some local Charlotte residents from the past? The Mecklenburg Historical Association Docents are presenting Voices from the Past, on Saturday, May 20, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Elmwood/Pinewood Cemeteries, 700 West 6th Street, where many of the “residents” will come to life for the afternoon and visit with you. Portrayers will portray familiar characters from our local history, and a few you may never have heard of. More information.

Celebrate Cynthia Thompson's Retirement. Join us for cake and well wishes on Tuesday, May 23 from 1 – 3 p.m. in the 12 Floor Large Conference Room. For other ways to honor Cynthia, contact Kay.Jarvis@charlottenc.gov If you would like to sign an ecard for Cynthia, click on this link. The card will be delivered May 23.

Smart Money Moves in Your 20s and 30s. Join MetLife’s Virtual Workshop on Wednesday, May 24, 4 – 5 p.m.for tips to help get you on the right track from creating and sticking to a budget to making the most of your savings and investments.

To provide feedback or share a story idea, contact Lynda.Anello@charlottenc.gov

The Open Channel | StormWater.CharMeck.org Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Komen Charlotte monthly e-newsletter to 8,000+ constituents to keep them informed of events, fundraising opportunities, research and treatment updates.

Laugh for the Cure tickets ON SALE NOW!

You're invited to join Susan G. Komen Charlotte for our 19th annual Laugh for the Cure!

Hosted by WBTV's Molly Grantham, you'll enjoy the hilarious antics of coheadlining comedians Collin Moulton and Shaun Jones.

Collin Moulton is one of the most fun, personable and sought-after headliners today. He has had his own stand-up special on Showtime, has been on Nickelodeon and was recently featured on Last Call with Carson Daly. Touring for over 15 years, his electric storytelling style makes you care about every topic he explores.

Shaun Jones is one of the hottest comics on the scene right now! He has traveled worldwide entertaining crowds, using many of his personal life experiences to get a good laugh. He has appeared on several national television shows, such as B.E.T's "Comic View" and "One Mic Stand," Bounce TV’s "Off The Chain" and Showtime's "1 Amendment." His comedy combines a cup of truth, a tablespoon of originality and a double twist of humor.

Thursday, March 19, 2020

McGlohon Theater in Spirit Square

Doors open at 5:30, show begins at 7:15 Plus, parking is only $5!

Collin Moulton Shaun Jones

VIP Tickets: $100

VIP tickets will get you the best seats in the house, located in the lower orchestra section of the theater. You will also have access to our pre-show reception, which includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, a complimentary beverage, and special programming.

General Admission Tickets: $50 and $35

Includes ticket to show, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar.

Laugh for the Cure generates hundreds of laughs and thousands of dollars for community grants and breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. Since inception in 2002, Laugh for the Cure has raised over $1.1 million for Komen Charlotte. Your support will help us continue making a difference in the 13 counties we serve!

If you're interested in sponsoring Laugh for the Cure, please contact Jennifer Wolf at j.wolf@komencharlotte.org.

Registration Now Open for Pink Sunday!

Join Komen Charlotte on Sunday, April 26 for a free breast health education event in faith-based organizations in our community. The purpose is to educate and promote breast health awareness, early detection and address health disparities.

Pink Sunday aims to address specific breast health disparities such as:

 African American women having a higher incidence rate of breast cancer before age 45 and being most likely to die from breast cancer compared to other ethnic groups.

 More African American women being diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer compared to other populations.



African American women being most likely to develop Triple Negative Breast Cancer; an aggressive type of breast cancer with limited treatment options.

 Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Hispanic/Latina women and the leading cause of cancer death among this group in the U.S.

All faith-based organizations are welcomed within Komen Charlotte’s 13-county service area: Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Richmond, Rowan, Stanly, Union, and York, SC.

Thank you to our presenting sponsors:

Komen Charlotte Treatment Assistance Program

Susan G. Komen Charlotte is proud to offer assistance to those struggling with the financial burden of breast cancer treatment through the Komen Charlotte Treatment Assistance Program. This program bridges the gap for underserved individuals who are actively undergoing breast cancer treatment.

With this program, we aim to help those who are facing financial challenges by providing limited financial assistance, education and support services to low-income, underinsured or uninsured breast cancer patients throughout our 13-county service area. Financial assistance is available for breast cancer treatment expenses such as oral pain medication, anti-nausea medication, oral chemotherapy/hormone therapy, child care/elder care, transportation to and from treatment, lymphedema care and supplies and durable medical equipment.

Funding through this program helps patients of any age who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, at any stage of the disease. Financial assistance is granted to patients who meet predetermined eligibility criteria. To learn more about this program and other helpful resources, click here or call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1- 877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636).

Build for the Cure begins soon!

Susan G. Komen Charlotte is excited to announce the seventh Build for the Cure home will officially be open beginning February 29!

Build for the Cure builds show homes to raise money and awareness for Komen Charlotte, and was established by Eric Johnson of E.S. Johnson Builders, a long time Lake Norman Custom Home Builder.

This year's home is in the Hollins Grove Community in Huntersville, NC. A grand opening Gala will be held at the property on February 27, and weekend tours will be open free to the public beginning February 29 through March 14.

More information and gala tickets will be available soon at www.esjohnson.com and will be posted on social media. Thank you to Eric Johnson and team for creating another beautiful show home-- we can't wait to see it!

Save the Dates!

Take a look at our upcoming events calendar and be sure to join us as we raise funds to save local lives and invest in research to prevent and cure breast cancer:

Build for the Cure

February 27, 2020

Laugh for the Cure

Thursday, March 19, 2020 McGlohon Theater

For a full list of events, click here.

Go

Email Marketing & Outreach

Email outreach to constituents #CLT90 Campaign

Subject: Has it Happened to You, Too?

Dear John,

I think it has happened at least once to most people I know. I bet it's happened to you, too.

A wandering or stray dog shows up in our path and we find ourselves gravitating toward the animal in a quest to help it find its way home. Sound familiar? Sometimes it's as easy as walking the dog two doors down where it slipped out a neighbor's fence. Other times it's more difficult and takes a little more investigative work.

At Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control, we work every day with our communities to help animals find their way home and take care of the ones who need our help. And we take it very seriously.

In fact, we are so close (-1%!) to our 2020 goal of achieving a 90% Live Release Rate - what we refer to as our "Save Rate" through adoptions, rescue partner transfers and placing animals back in their homes. Many groups across the country consider 90% to be the benchmark for a "no-kill" community; we prefer to think of it as a sustainable community for pets and people, and that makes us proud of everyone in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

Here's how you can help meet this goal:

Planning on adopting a new pet? Now is the time! Adoption fees waived through Dec. 31

• Check out all our adoptable animals online at animals.cmpd.org

• Visit our Adoption Center at 8315 Byrum Drive in Charlotte

• Make a financial donation of your choice in lieu of adoption fee to support shelter programs

• Help spread the word by following us on social media (@animalscmpd) and share our posts with your network.

Found a wandering dog and it can be approached safely?

• Check for a collar and nametag to identify and call owners. If it only has a city license tag, call 311 for Animal Control and give us the license number to help identify the owner.

• Take the dog to a nearby veterinary office to have it scanned (for free) for a microchip.

• Call Animal Care & Control at 311 to make a report and an officer will be dispatched to help.

Thank you for helping us push Charlotte to be the sustainable community we all know it can be. Let's make sure all our furry friends get home for the new year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Josh Fisher Director, CMPD Animal Care & Control

Outreach Email to Constituents #CLT90 Campaign Final

Subject: Together, We Did It!

Dear Kathleen,

Congratulations! Together, we did it.

The Charlotte Community has reached what many consider the benchmark for calling a community "no-kill", we prefer to think of this as the first step in a continued journey to becoming a sustainable community for pets and people. This historic occasion has been a long time coming, and we are so proud of the effort everyone in our city has put forth to show our animals, and the people they love, just how important they are to us. Our campaign, "900 Countdown", drove almost 900 animal adoptions over the past two months, helping achieve the 90% "save rate" needed to earn this coveted designation.

I want to thank everyone who came together this year to take in animals from Animal Care & Control when COVID-19 challenged our shelter capacity; and those who helped others to keep their pets when times were tough. We are grateful for everyone who shared their "stay-at-home" lives with newly-adopted pets, and for those of you who provided financial support for our programs.

We refer to this movement as #CLT90 and we could not be more excited to share this news!

Achieving the #CLT90 goal propels us along our path of offering a true safe haven for our community's homeless pets and citizens who need assistance keeping their pets. Even through a global pandemic, our community stepped up for animals through Staycation fostering, adopting, volunteering, promoting animals in need and giving generous financial gifts. All of this sustains the Animal Care & Control programs that support animal health, safety and successful outcomes.

YOU helped make this happen, and we are grateful for your passion and conviction. Thank you for helping Charlotte become the sustainable community we all knew it could be.

Here's to achieving #CLT90,

Dr. Josh Fisher, MHA Director Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control

Email outreach to constituents_Betty White Campaign

Subject: Thank you for honoring Betty White with a donation to CMPD Animal Care & Control

Good evening!

I would like to express my personal gratitude for your recent gift toward the CMPD Animal Care & Control Shelter Support Funds in honor of Betty White. The #BettyWhiteChallenge was such a creative and unique way to honor the memory of an amazing woman and animal advocate. Throughout her life she gave so generously to many wonderful organizations. Through this challenge, thousands more around the country have benefitted from her love of pets. We were thrilled to receive more than $14,000 from her fans.

Your continued support of our shelter will ensure the animals that enter our care will receive the very best medical attention, compassionate care, and positive experiences while with us. In 2021, we were pleased to have helped thousands of animals through programs that resulted in adoptions and positive outcomes. Over 5,200 animals were adopted into new forever homes!

Through the help of donors like you, who advocate and care for the well-being of animals in our community, we continue work toward our mission to place homeless pets in permanent homes and keep people and their pets together.

We appreciate you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Josh Fisher, MHA Director CMPD Animal Care & Control

Subject: If You Could… What Would You Do? Thoughts from Dania

December 11, 2021

Dear Edward:

Thank YOU for helping us do what we do!

It is true what many people say to me, it is difficult working for a municipal animal shelter, especially one as busy as CMPD Animal Care & Control. We take in sick, injured, and lost animals every day. Stray animals show up on our doorstep, unidentified and with no ability to tell us where they came from or where they have been. But when we persevere, we're able to find hope and promise in our work.

As a Customer Service Representative working the front desk, I help people like Frank, who adopted his new friend, Moro, through our Senior Adoption Program. The program provides free adoptions and preventative medications to senior citizens looking for companion animals to help enrich their lives and relieve loneliness.

On good days, I help families adopt the perfect family dog or cat, individuals who are adopting their first pet as young adults living on their own, and the people who are frantic and then elated to reclaim their beloved lost pets.

On bad days, and under legitimate circumstances, I am facing an individual - or a whole family - who reluctantly is forced to surrender their pet to our shelter. The entire experience is emotionally charged for the owners, the pet and me. It requires me to respond with patience, compassion, and honesty. I admit it - it's not my favorite part of the job.

Everything we do at the shelter is decided for the best interest of the animals we serve and the community we care for. Your support of Animal Care & Control animal welfare programs, foster and adoption services, and community outreach efforts allow us to offer the best of ourselves, in every situation.

Please help us do what we do, but even better. Donate today at: https://charlottenc.gov/AnimalsCMPD/Donate/Pages/Donations.htm

100% of your gift will go directly to the programs and services that help save the animals.

We appreciate you! Have a Happy New Year.

Dania Samperio Customer Service Representative CMPD Animal Care & Control

Subject: Your gifts make it possible to help more animals in our community.

Dear Kathleen,

Thank you for helping us do what we do!

As the shelter veterinarian for CMPD Animal Care & Control, my days are filled with constant evaluation of pets coming in off the streets, as well as ones in the shelter who require on-going treatment and care. Then there are the spay/neuter and special surgeries I perform every day on shelter and community pets. It can be draining, both emotionally and physically; the sheer volume is overwhelming at times because I consider each one as special, just like I consider my own pets as my "children".

I love what I do because I know I am making a difference -- saving animals that nobody else cared about and helping people who thought there was no chance to save their pets and bring them to us as a last resort.

We experience many situations where community members tearfully bring their pets to the shelter to surrender them because the pet is sick or injured and they do not have the financial means to take them to a private veterinarian for care. We thoughtfully exam each situation to determine if a solution may be easier than expected. Many times, we can treat the animal, give it medications, or perform a simple surgery that fixes the problem. We want these animals to get well and return to their homes and families.

The most rewarding moments for me are when I can tell an owner that we helped their pet, that they don't have to give them up, that they can go home. These reunions are filled with joy and gratitude for all.

Our purpose is to keep people and pets together whenever possible. Your continued support of Animal Care & Control animal welfare and health programs and community outreach efforts allow us to offer the best of ourselves, in every situation, even when it is difficult.

Please help us do what we do, but even better. Give a gift today at: https://cltgov.me/donate3

100% of your gift will go directly to the programs and services that help save the animals and keep people and pets together.

With my personal thanks, View My Video Message

Dr. Julie Hollifield, Shelter Veterinarian CMPD Animal Care & Control

Outreach

Dear Friends of CMAS,

Thank you for your support as we continue our mission of promoting the lifesaving efforts of CMPD Animal Care and Control (AC&C) by growing our network of volunteers and fundraisers. We have already seen the fruits of your labor through the shelter’s work caring for the homeless animals this year! Your devotion to pets means that the staff and volunteers of AC&C can fulfill their daily responsibilities while we advocate for them in the community.

Here are just a few of our successes from the last six months:

 Friends raised over $6,000 to purchase 120 new dog beds for the shelter through individual donations and fundraising events led by volunteers

 Friends was awarded grants to rebuild the shelter play yards and purchase new veterinary equipment for the medical clinic

 Friends have promoted heartworm treatment fundraisers and expanded the Senior (Citizen) Adoption Program to help support the adoptable dogs waiting for their forever homes

email to Friends of CMAS constituents to thank them for support and show impact of their giving.

We are always on the search for new Friends who can support efforts like these. We have just added new members to our Board and have activated new planning committees for strategic communication and fundraising. We encourage you to join us in these initiatives to grow our network and support the shelter throughout 2022.

To learn more about getting involved with Friends, visit our website at www.friendsofcmas.org or contact us at friendsofcharmeckas@gmail.com.

Thank you again for your support of Friends of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Services!

1728

Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205, USA 704-432-6370

Check out our site

Magazine Articles

Three examples of cover stories written for Greater Charlotte Biz magazine, Charlotte’s leading business magazine, as a freelance writer.

https://issuu.com/greatercharlottebiz/docs/greater_charlotte_biz_2002.09/24

https://issuu.com/greatercharlottebiz/docs/greater_charlotte_biz_2002.01/24

https://issuu.com/greatercharlottebiz/docs/greater_charlotte_biz_2002.08/24

My very first story published as a freelance writer. Blue Ridge Country Magazine, April 1997

Monthly magazine sent to Kindermusik instructors to assist them with sales, product knowledge and recruitment.

Design Examples

Website design: Friendsofcmas.org

Designed with the assistance of volunteer