www.northboroughrotary.org
www.rotary7910.org
Just the basics:
BOARD MEETING, Tuesday, Dec. 11 at Adam Winter’s office. 8 am
Guests: Kevin Haley, Pres. of Clinton Club.
Paul McGrath, Worcester Club
David Antaya, Business acquaintance of George Pember
Cheryl Owoc introduced George Fregeau and “Freddie” from NEADS. For nearly
30 years NEADS/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans, has carefully partnered
children and adults with highly trained canine assistants. 3 years ago disabled veterans
were included in those being partnered with assistance dogs. NEADS works with the
MA Veterans Administration and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in making
possible the Canines for Combat Veterans.
Mr. Fregeau stressed that the dogs are not pets...but highly trained, walker/
assistance dogs that become an extension of a person’s life.
The training takes about 2 years for the dogs to be able to enhance/assist the life
and social interaction for their owners. The dogs don’t do tricks ! They are task oriented
and can open refrigeratod doors/ retrieve food and place on owners lap...can get a
portable phone/turn lights on and off/ open doors as only a few examples.
It costs a lot to train each dog. but the Vets are not charged anything. Even the air fare
and two week training on site. A dog is retired after 10 years but stays with their
person and helps train a new dog.
A NEADS dog is an assistance dog...not defensive, not for protection. If a dog in training
shows any tendency towards “anger” that dog flunks and may become part of a
search and rescue team with the Police.
For more information kforeman@neads.org.
Lined up as a speaker next week may be our Ambassadorial Scholar. Stay tuned.
COMING UP; Holiday Party, Sunday evening, 16th, Winter’s house.
GOING ON: Giving Tree at Northboro 5&10. Gifts for isolated
Elders sponsored by and distributed by Home Instead.
If you are into your 2008 calendar you can mark Feb 1st for a Blood Drive.
And mark February 29th to leap to a District PR Dinner in Boxboro.
Someone commented that December 25 is a Tuesday as is New Year’s Day.
Hmmmmm???? What now ? Does the Holiday Party count as a double make-up?
What a thought !
See
Nancy
