TINTON FALLS – A cast of noted local musicians and singers are offering their talents to help an organization stretched to its limits helping injured, abused animals and abandoned animals.
The Associated Humane Societies of New Jersey’s Tinton Falls facility, 2960 Shafto Road, has had its abilities stressed of late as it continues to meet the needs of its animal charges, in a facility that is in need of renovation.
To assist in the shelter’s efforts a benefit concert will be held at Monmouth University’s Pollak Theatre, West Long Branch, on Monday July 25, at 8 p.m. The show’s lineup consists of names well known to the area: headlining is longtime area performer “Stormin Norman” Seldin, who helped organize the event.
Along with Seldin, scheduled to perform are artists Pam McCoy and Phil Rizzo, Jillian Rhys McCoy, Dave McCarthy, Joe Petillo, Sam Sims, Kyle Ward, Dimitris Kulaga, Kevin Feehan and “3 Sheets to the Wind,” Ronnie Brandt, Mary McCrink, Gerry Gironda, Ray Johnson, Tom Pharo, Ed Dougherty and Bruce Gassman. Seldin also noted that musician Johnny Petillo, who had been performing with Tony Orlando in Las Vegas, Nevada, will join the others; and serving as master of ceremonies is actor Frank Dicopoulos, who has appeared on daytime dramas.
The Associated Humane Societies of New Jersey’s Tinton Falls facility, 2960 Shafto Road, has had its abilities stressed of late as it continues to meet the needs of its animal charges, in a facility that is in need of renovation.
To assist in the shelter’s efforts a benefit concert will be held at Monmouth University’s Pollak Theatre, West Long Branch, on Monday July 25, at 8 p.m. The show’s lineup consists of names well known to the area: headlining is longtime area performer “Stormin Norman” Seldin, who helped organize the event.
Along with Seldin, scheduled to perform are artists Pam McCoy and Phil Rizzo, Jillian Rhys McCoy, Dave McCarthy, Joe Petillo, Sam Sims, Kyle Ward, Dimitris Kulaga, Kevin Feehan and “3 Sheets to the Wind,” Ronnie Brandt, Mary McCrink, Gerry Gironda, Ray Johnson, Tom Pharo, Ed Dougherty and Bruce Gassman. Seldin also noted that musician Johnny Petillo, who had been performing with Tony Orlando in Las Vegas, Nevada, will join the others; and serving as master of ceremonies is actor Frank Dicopoulos, who has appeared on daytime dramas.
The artists are expected to showcase their styles, ranging from their original works, blues, country, rock, ‘60s pop hits and maybe a touch of the classical, Seldin said.
“Everybody who’s on this is a big supporter of the cause,” of helping animals, Seldin said. “There’s not a person on this show that doesn’t believe in this A to Z.”
Seldin pointed out that the artists and technicians are donating their time and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the facility.
The Tinton Falls shelter also operates Popcorn Park Zone, Lacy Township, a sanctuary for abandoned, abused or elderly wildlife, exotic and farm animals and birds.
The Associated Humane Societies facilities receive no direct governmental funding, according to Veronica Ehrenspeck, general manager for the Tinton Falls shelter. “We run on donations,” she said. “We’re a pretty unique shelter,” she explained, “in that we take care of a lot of different types of animals.” The full service animal control facility cared for approximately 2,500 animals last year. The shelter also provides an opportunity for the public to adopt some of its animals, finding worth while homes for some of its charges.
Its facility’s animal control professionals contract with area municipalities to handle their animal calls. And often the Humane Societies contact the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), to investigate when cruelty is suspected. “We’re usually the ones who see this stuff first,” Ehrenspeck said.
In June, nearly 300 dogs were discovered in a Howell home in what authorities subsequently charged was the largest case of animal hoarding in Monmouth County history. The Associated Humane Societies’ animal control members were first to respond, uncovering the abuse.
Caring for some of the animals found at that location taxed the ability of the Tinton Falls facility. Adding to the strain, were other recent cases where the shelter wound up taking in 40 cats found in a Neptune apartment when the cats’ owner died, and another recent case where 33 cats were rescued from a Union Beach home.
“Everybody who’s on this is a big supporter of the cause,” of helping animals, Seldin said. “There’s not a person on this show that doesn’t believe in this A to Z.”
Seldin pointed out that the artists and technicians are donating their time and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the facility.The Tinton Falls shelter also operates Popcorn Park Zone, Lacy Township, a sanctuary for abandoned, abused or elderly wildlife, exotic and farm animals and birds.
The Associated Humane Societies facilities receive no direct governmental funding, according to Veronica Ehrenspeck, general manager for the Tinton Falls shelter. “We run on donations,” she said. “We’re a pretty unique shelter,” she explained, “in that we take care of a lot of different types of animals.” The full service animal control facility cared for approximately 2,500 animals last year. The shelter also provides an opportunity for the public to adopt some of its animals, finding worth while homes for some of its charges.
Its facility’s animal control professionals contract with area municipalities to handle their animal calls. And often the Humane Societies contact the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), to investigate when cruelty is suspected. “We’re usually the ones who see this stuff first,” Ehrenspeck said.
In June, nearly 300 dogs were discovered in a Howell home in what authorities subsequently charged was the largest case of animal hoarding in Monmouth County history. The Associated Humane Societies’ animal control members were first to respond, uncovering the abuse.
Caring for some of the animals found at that location taxed the ability of the Tinton Falls facility. Adding to the strain, were other recent cases where the shelter wound up taking in 40 cats found in a Neptune apartment when the cats’ owner died, and another recent case where 33 cats were rescued from a Union Beach home.
Given the constraints of the aging facility, “We have to sometimes set up a makeshift place to accommodate them,” Ehrenspeck said of the rescued animals that make their way into the site’s care.
“You should go there and see what they do and how they do it,” and if you do, Seldin observed, “you’ll realize what they need is important to everybody.”
“At least humans can talk,” to explain their needs, he said. “Animals can’t talk,” and need our help, Seldin added.
Tickets costs are $60, $45 and $35 and can be purchased by calling the Monmouth University box office, at 732-263-6889, or online at ww.monmouth.edu.
“You should go there and see what they do and how they do it,” and if you do, Seldin observed, “you’ll realize what they need is important to everybody.”
“At least humans can talk,” to explain their needs, he said. “Animals can’t talk,” and need our help, Seldin added.
Tickets costs are $60, $45 and $35 and can be purchased by calling the Monmouth University box office, at 732-263-6889, or online at ww.monmouth.edu.
