Placencia Archives - Placencia Humane Society

Annual General Meeting, Volunteer Recognition and Sweet 16 Anniversary

Posted on November 10, 2015November 10, 2015 by PHS in What's Happening

30 October 2015 marked 16 years of service to the Placencia Peninsula communities and pets by the Placencia Humane Society.

And what a wonderful celebration we had, including celebrating the life of Candy Power, a PHS founder and board member for many years who passed away on 27 October, just a few days before the meeting. We could have been sad, but we all knew how much Candy loved a party – especially one that benefitted animals – so we all knew she would have been happy that we decided to share her memory on this day with joy instead of sorrow. (PHS tribute to Miss Candy)

We also celebrated our past presidents who were able to come to our 16th Annual General Meeting – Doran Yount, Mary Smith, Deb Coston, Mary Toy, David Kafka, and Marcia Fox, all the way from Antigua, Guatemala.

And, of course, we recognized all the wonderful volunteers – because PHS simply would not be here without them, especially Penny Dial, PHS Volunteer of the Year Award winner for 2015! (Congrats, Miss Penny!)

Our other special volunteers recognized at the meeting are Melanie Wilcher, Nancy Flint, Judy Cox Roberts, Natalie Dixon, Morgan Dixon, Heather Coburn, Kitty Burgh, Diane Smith, Becky Boudreaux, Becky Keeling, Jon Keeling, Serena Cal, Isaiah Mayen, Pamela Jaipaul, Kayla Jaipaul, Jo Carpenter, Sue and Carlos Vasquez, Karen Travers, Dove Duff, Nick Carpenter, Kim Carpenter, Anna Mensie, Lynn Ann Snellman, Rafaine Caliz, Jessie Bermudez, Carol Key, Shawn Marshall, Saphira Ziegler, Sandorah Ziegler, Sanomah Ziegler, Saharah Ziegler, Martin Krediet, Jaden Dixon and Michele and Steve Sylvester.

We also learned about the new PHS Seine Bight Outreach Program and PHS’s ongoing work including feral cats, its monthly clinic, fundraising, the status of PHS’s budget and finances, plus a history of the early years of PHS by Marcia Fox.

Board members newly elected at the AGM are (in alphabetical order):

Kitty Burgh
Jo Carpenter
Patricia Celenza
Nancy Flint
David Kafka
Judy Roberts
Mary Smith
Mary Toy
Melanie Wilcher

(More information on the 2015-2016 PHS Board Members)

Thanks to one and all who have helped make this such a memorable year for PHS.

And a special thanks to Paradise Resort for hosting the PHS AGM.

In Remembrance of Candy Power

Posted on November 6, 2015November 7, 2015 by PHS in What's Happening

As most of you probably know, Candy Power died around 7:00 AM Mountain Time, in her home in Pueblo, Colorado, on 27 October 2015.

Candy left behind her loving daughter, Kelli, her wonderful grandson, Jonathon, many friends, a few enemies . . . and a legacy of uncompromising love and devotion to her friends, all animals – domestic or wild – and the environment.

You see, as Candy so wisely knew, they all go together. We can’t protect each other and our pets and wildlife without a healthy environment – and we can’t have a healthy environment without our pets and wildlife.

Candy was one of the founders of the Placencia Humane Society way back in 1998 – and she was one of the first members of the Peninsula Citizens for Sustainable Development – hanging in there to the bitter end.

Candy cared – so much – sometimes too much. And, maybe as importantly, she made us laugh – with her, not at her.

So, Candy, wherever you are, we know you crossed the Rainbow Bridge with the biggest smile – and that you ran the rest of the way home escorted by your legions of friends – two-legged, four-legged, furred, feathered and scaled. Watch over those of us still carrying the torch.

With much love.

We’ve Been McGuired!

Posted on July 28, 2015November 7, 2015 by PHS in What's Happening

Has someone ever been so kind to you, given you so much, that you felt saying “thank you” could never be enough?

Renowned musician/songwriter/singer Kelly McGuire spearheaded Kelly on the Lake . . . You Betta Belize It!, a benefit concert for the Placencia Humane Society on 27 June, 2015, in Centralia, Illinois, U.S.A.

Every penny raised was donated to the Placencia Humane Society.

Every penny added up to BZ$10,106 (US$5,053)!!!!!

Hosted by Ken and Suzie Reinhardt, and David and Kris Ruff at the Ruff’s beautiful home, The Lake House and Palapa Bar on the Sea of Centralia, 85 guests began showing up at 1 pm, some staying until midnight. A number of folks traveled many miles for this benefit concert.

It was a full day of fun and fundraising!

No, PHS did not ask these good folks to do this, they simply did, out of the kindness of their hearts and for the love of animals and for their love of Belize.

Kelly McGuire sports a long list of awards for his music. Don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself at his Website, Redfish Island.

Using his talent to benefit PHS speaks to Kelly’s profound sense of generosity.

When PHS thanked Kelly McGuire for sharing his musical gifts on its behalf, he responded simply and humbly:

You are welcome. I started traveling down to Belize ten years ago. I love the people, and I love the country. They inspire my music. And I have seen the wonderful things the Humane Society is doing for the animals.

Fundraisers don’t just happen. Kelly on the Lake required months of preparing, organizing, coordinating, and soliciting donations by many people.

Mike and Robin Adkins of St. Louis won the live auction prize, the Belize Travel Package. This was exciting, to say the least, as this will be their first trip to Belize! Look at what they won—you may never see Mike and Robin again!

Five nights at Villa Ranguana, donated by David Alvarez and Stan and Mary Smith
Two round trip tickets from Belize International Airport to Placencia, donated by Maya Island Air
Tour for two to the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve, donated by Doyle Gardiner, DTOURZ
Snorkel and Glass Bottom Boat Excursion for two, donated by Sea’ n’ Belize
One and one half hour hot stone massage, donated by Patricia Celenza, PHS Board member and Placencia’s very first massage therapist

PHS sincerely thanks all of the following businesses and individuals who donated to and supported this very special event with their contributions to the silent auction, dessert auction, and raffle.

First and foremost, our entertainers: Kelly McGuire, Lance “Flipper” Stein, Ken Baker, and Brenda Clark. Without them, there would have been no event! Thank you!
Bill and Pam Wohl: punched Gecko bamboo lamp & PHS T-shirts
ReMax First Choice (David Kafka and Shannon Romero): paw necklace, PHS bumper stickers & beer cozies
Turtle Inn: one bottle of Coppola Wine
The Flying Pig (Patrick Gonzalve): Flying Pig t-shirts
Above Ground Coffee (Keith Morrison): Free Trade coffee
Lake House Bakery and Sweet Shoppe: desserts and lottery ticket basket
One World Rentals (Claudia Hardegger): Walter Castillo print and corkscrew
Brewed Awakenings (Ryan and Natalie Dixon): coffee and Brewed Awakenings t-shirts
Kelly McGuire: entertainment, t-shirts, beach bag and CDs
Brenda Clark: hand painted wine glasses
Paula Shimel Photography: photography of the event

And then there are all our friends and neighbors, near and far, who gave of their time and participation, especially the 65+ members of the St. Louis, Route 66, Southern Illinois, and Clinton County Parrot Head Clubs. Their generosity goes beyond words!

Placencia Humane Society adds its grateful and humble voice to those of hosts David and Kris Ruff:

We are blessed with so many wonderful, generous friends who joined us “for the love of the animals.” We appreciate each and every one of them….and each and every one of you who works tirelessly in your efforts. Thank you for all you do!