The Central Pennsylvania Humane Society is undertaking a building project, which will become the first major addition to the animal shelter in forty years. A special groundbreaking ceremony was held at the shelter Sunday, November 2 to kick-off the project and dedicate the facility.
Workers will be constructing a 30ft by 23ft “wing” adjacent to the current boardroom area. The addition will serve as an observation area for incoming animals and be dedicated to the memory of Andrew Jubelirer, late son of State Senator Robert Jubelirer. CPHS officials say Andy spent many hours at the CPHS shelter and had a deep love for animals.
The “Andy Jubelirer Observation Center” will provide almost 700 square feet of space dedicated to caring for incoming animals where they can be observed and evaluated before being placed in the “general population” according to CPHS officials.
Much of the funding for the project was provided by a grant from the Burgess-McCormac Foundation based in Harrisburg. Other needed funding is being sought from area businesses and individuals with the remaining needs being supplied from a CPHS building reserve fund. Anyone wishing to help with funding for the project should contact CPHS.
“There are many people to thank for the success of this project,” said CPHS Executive Director Dave Hopkins. “Most notably Senator Jubelirer who helped initiate the grant and who designated CPHS as recipient of funding sent in memory of his son Andrew. We can’t thank him, and his family enough for helping us build this important addition. We know that it’s something Andy would appreciate and we’re proud to say he will always have a presence here.”
A plaque bearing the words “The Andy Jubelirer Observation Center, Created in memory of a truly compassionate and dedicated animal lover and friend of CPHS, Dedicated November 2, 2003” will be affixed to the building once it’s completed. A special artwork depicting the addition as created by Altoona artist Joe Servello was unveiled in a brief private ceremony at the shelter and presented to Senator Jubelirer and family members as a keepsake.
The new center will be configured to house incoming cats (up to about two dozen) in one room with a second divided room housing dogs (up to about a dozen). Also included will be office space for CPHS staff Veterinarian, Dr. Kenyon Brewer and an office for Humane Officer Paul Gottshall and Assistant Chris Danella.
Moving Dr. Brewer, Paul and Chris from their current space will allow the shelter to utilize their old office as a new laundry room.
The old laundry room will be evaluated as a potential “exercise/socialize” area for cats & kittens, giving them more room and opportunity to “stretch their legs” more often.
The construction of the building will, out of necessity, match the current architectural style of the board room/office area and extend south into the exercise yard in front of the main entrance. As a result, the fence entrance to the shelter will be relocated somewhat to accommodate public entry. The work may temporarily inconvenience some visitors to the shelter and CPHS officials say they hope the public will understand and exercise patience in parking and entering/departing the grounds.
CPHS also credits Architect Jim Kasun (Hollidaysburg) who, along with his associates, put in many hours to design and work with township, CPHS officials and contractors on the project.
“For us, Jim became the ‘backbone’ of the project with his expertise and design skill. We can’t thank him enough,” said CPHS Board President Rob Terdiman.
Altoona Contractor Donald Delozier was selected to build the new wing. Construction is expected to take approximately 6-8 weeks and should begin within several weeks once necessary permits are in place according to shelter officials.
A special ribbon cutting ceremony and public tour will be scheduled when the building is completed.
For more information and/or to donate toward the project, contact CPHS Executive Director, Dave Hopkins at: 942-2477.
