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S E R V I N G TAY L OR , OL D F OR G E , MOOSIC & SURROUNDING AREAS TRIBOROBANNER.COM |JUNE 14, 2018
Two teams of high school students took part in the University of Scranton’s Hayes Family Science Competition. |pAge 6
Riverside’s baseball and softball teams made a good effort |pAge 10
Helping our Furry Friends Fundraiser scheduled for next weekend By Josh McAuliffe
“We’re lucky to attain these items through donations and suppliers. We’re sPeciAl To The TRiBoRo BANNeR hoping people will bid on this stuff and it goes a little higher,” said PFTA vice Plenty of local organizations are dedipresident Kevin Young. “With this event, cated to finding forever homes for pets. we’re going to be introducing ourselves to The volunteers behind PAWsitively for the Animals (PFTA) serve a different niche, a bunch of new clients, we hope. Hopefully but one that is just as valuable to our four- this will be an event we can do every year.” The group’s other volunteer board legged friends. members include Janet Garvey (board Since its founding in January 2015, president), Beth Weary (secretary), LyPFTA has been devoted to raising and nette Labukas, Jeannie Sluck and Young’s distributing funds and donating food to numerous causes benefiting homeless, sick wife, Lisa (treasurer). “We all have animals, and we all have and hungry animals. deep compassion for them,” Young said. To help sustain that mission, the The group’s fundraising is directed tononprofit group will hold its first Silent ward pet adoption and rescue and low-cost Pet Auction fundraiser on Sunday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Acacia Lodge, spay/neuter programs. It also maintains a pet food bank, an emergency assistance 617 Union St., Taylor. fund and education regarding responsible The event will feature numerous dopet ownership. nated pet items up for bidding, including Among other organizations, PFTA has crates, carriers, strollers, stairs, ramps, raised funds and supplies for St Cats, Blue wheelchairs, gates, doors and houses. All items are brand-new, and bids will start at Chip Animal Rescue, Griffin Pond Animal 50 percent or more below their retail cost. Shelter, Tailways to Heaven Rescue, San Antonio Humane Society, Mountain Fiber In addition, the event will include be a Sanctuary, Pike County Humane Society flea market, bake sale and a basket raffle. and the Luzerne County SPCA. All proceeds from the event will benefit Through its food bank, the group has PFTA. helped the Scranton Intervention Center provide food for family pets. And, it conducts pet food drives on behalf of Meals on Wheels’ elderly clientele. The group has also worked with several TS_CNG/TRIBORO/PAGES [T01] | 06/13/18
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PFTA current Board Members, from left, seated: Lynette Labukas and RubyAnn. Standing: Jeannie Sluck, Beth Weary, Lisa Young and Kevin Young. Janet Garvey is also a board member.
local veterinary hospitals, including Bunker Hill in Factoryville. “Our organization seems to be an inspiration to a lot of the vets around here,” Young said. “When they see organizations like ours step up, they’re not accustomed to that. It inspires them to do what they can.” As word continues to spread about the group, Young hopes more animal lovers come forward to volunteer for the cause. “One thing we always find out in meeting people who have animals is that they are so dedicated to animals. It’s amazing, and it never surprises you, the generosity of people,” Young said. “And what people
give us by allowing us to help them is just incredible. That’s the biggest reward.” If you go What: Silent Pet Auction benefiting PAWsitively for the Animals When: Sunday, June 24, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Acacia Lodge, 617 Union St., Taylor Details: More information on the event and PFTA can be found at the group’s website, pawsitivelyfortheanimals. org, and its Facebook page, or by emailing contactus@pawsitivelyfortheanimals.org, or calling 570-947-1393.