Hello! Welcome to the second installment of the Volunteer Newsletter of the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon! The majority of responses indicated that this information would be best delivered in an "e-letter" format. No photos, graphics, or attachments, just the text in the email. Given this format, we will be able to adjust the frequency of this newsletter as necessary so that you receive current information. However, we will not always be able to mail (postal mail) to people without email, so please make sure we have your email address! You can also find this posting on our website.

1. Technician of the Year Award
2. Tom Cat Clinic
3. New Technicians
4. New Web Site
5. Upcoming Events
6. The Exchange

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1. Technician of the Year Award

On March 4th, Leah Kennon, CVT, our Operations Director, received the "Technician of the Year" award from the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association. This is a prestigious honor presented by Oregon's leading veterinary organization, and it is the first year this award has been given.

For everyone who has had the pleasure of working with Leah, you know she is most deserving of this recognition. What you may not know is that she worked on a mobile vaccine clinic, managed a spay/neuter clinic, and practiced in veterinary hospitals before joining FCCO in 1998. FCCO is incredibly fortunate to have her working with our program. Please be sure to congratulate her when you see her next.

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2. Tom Cat Clinic

On February 26th FCCO held our first Tom Cat Clinic in celebration of Spay Day USA. We neutered an amazing 191 cats in about the same time frame as a regular spay/neuter clinic. This massive effort came together with the help of 78 volunteers, including ten veterinarians. FCCO was participating in the Tom & Mom Cat Special, created by several Portland-based animal welfare programs including Indigo Rescue, POPPA, Spay Today, Salem Friends of Felines, and Friends of Shelter Animals.

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3. New FCCO Technicians

Kerri Blaney, CVT, and Corrie McTigue (certification June 2006) recently joined the FCCO staff as part-time veterinary technicians. Please help us welcome them – one or the other will be at each FCCO clinic.

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4. New Web Site

FCCO has a new web site! Our address is the same, but the look is very different. Check it out at http://www.feralcats.com. Many thanks to volunteer Michael Sulis for his time and effort with this project.

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5. Upcoming Events

*VegFest, March 18th at the First Unitarian Church (SW 12th Ave. & Main St) in Portland. VegFest aims to educate and inspire people to make vegetarian choices for a healthy, sustainable, and compassionate world. The event combines prominent speakers, dazzling chef demonstrations, nonprofit informational tables, literature, and free samples of more than 40 natural food products. FCCO will have an education and outreach booth – stop by and say hello to our volunteers. See http://www.nwveg.org/VegFest.htm for details.

*Northwest Pet and Companion Fair, April 22-23rd at the Portland Expo Center. This two-day event is a must-see for animal lovers: an expo where you can bring friends, family and your four-legged companions. FCCO will have an education and outreach booth – Furball raffle tickets will be available, too! See http://www.petfairs.com for details.

*FCCO's Eighth Annual FURBALL, May 13th (6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.) at the World Forestry Center, Miller Hall in Portland. The Furball will be a jazz-age roaring 1920's event. The evening will feature wonderful light fare, silent and live auctions filled with many fabulous and one of a kind items, raffles, and entertainment. Honorary Chair is Portland's First Lady, Karin Hansen.

*FURBALL RAFFLE Can't attend these events but want to support FCCO? Buy a Furball raffle ticket! This year we are holding two raffle drawings. With two chances to win you could get a $1000 PRE-PAID VISA CARD or a VIDEO IPOD. Raffle tickets are $5 per ticket or five tickets for $20. The winner will be selected the night of the Furball but does not need to be present to win. To get tickets or for more information email Anna, our Raffle Coordinator, at amueller@teleport.com.

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6. The Exchange

People naturally like to support and do business with like-minded people. Many FCCO volunteers have their own business or service, animal-related and otherwise. This section is intended to be a regular feature of the Volunteer Newsletter to connect people. The guidelines: 1. There is no charge for this space but, 2. postings are limited to active FCCO volunteers; 3. one listing per volunteer per issue; 4. listings can be up to 400 characters plus spaces; 5. submissions will be accepted first-come, first-served; 6. advertisers are limited to two postings per year; and 7. all postings are at Editor's discretion.

* Baker and Rettler Senior Placement Services
Placing a loved one in an out-of-home care situation can be a difficult and confusing decision. We are experienced and knowledgeable in Geriatric care, the facilities available and how to access them. Service provided at no cost to you. Specializing in Emergency Placements. 24 hour coverage. Cris Rettler MS, PA-C (503)357-5407.

* Cat Care B&B
Compassionate Feline Boarding Care
Located next to Cat Care Professionals Veterinary Hospital.
503-968-6000
www.catcarebedandbreakfast.com

* Cat Care Professionals
Full Service Feline Hospital
Kris Ellingsen, DVM
Theresa Cornwell, DVM
503-968-6000
www.catcareprofessionals.com

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