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SOMERS, N.Y. Somers dog lovers gathered on Sunday at the Lake Purdys Clubhouse, in a continuing effort to raise funds for the proposed Somers Dog Park.
Scores of people milled about on a beautiful afternoon, browsing through the merchandise at the community tag sale and enjoying hotdogs, hamburgers, and unexpected treats.
Officer Pimpinelli of the MTA Police Department was on hand with his K-9 partner, Mullen. Mullen is trained in tracking, building searches, apprehension, evidence recovers and explosives detection. On Sunday, however, he simply sat around smiling.
Harry Bolton, one of the dog parks initiators, said, People seem to think the taxpayers will pay for the dog park, but thats absolutely untrue. The whole thing is based on donations. In fact, the town will make money from it. Theres going to be an annual pass fee and that money will go directly to the town.
So far, $19,000 has been raised through donations and fundraisers. While flipping burgers, committee member Ed Conte explained that $17,000 is reserved for fencing and $2,000 is dedicated to benches and memorial paving blocks. The original fundraising goal was $20,000.
Unfortunately, our estimates have been affected by the prevailing wage law that was just passed, said Bolton. Its going to cost an additional $10,000 at a minimum. Everyone should be incensed by this.
People in the community have been very generous, and were very grateful, said Conte. If only everyone with a dog license contributed a small amount, the goal would be reached quickly, he said.
A flier will mailed with dog license renewal applications, Conte said. About 1,000 dog licenses are currently issued in town, according to the office of the Somers town clerk.
Donations can be sent to the Somers Department of Parks and Recreation, PO Box 46, Somers, NY 10589. The check should be payable to the Town of Somers, with a notce saying dog park.
You can still sponsor a paver for the entrance to the park. Pavers could be engraved with your name, your business or in memory of a beloved pet. You are allowed three lines, with up to 15 characters on each line, including spaces. The cost is $100. For further information, call 914-232-8441.
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