Amanda Mentis Volunteers for Walk for the Cure
Bloomfield resident and Coordinator of HumaneBloomfield TNR helps raise money to fight cancer.
Photos
The fourth annual Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure, a 5k walk and run, took place on last month at South Mountain Recreational Complex in West Orange. The event garnered over 7,500 participants, including Bloomfield resident Amanda Mentis.
Mentis is the Coordinator of HumaneBloomfield TNR (short for Trap-Neuter-Return) and a Neighbor to Neighbor Network board member. HumaneBloomfield TNR’s mission is “to lower euthanasia rates, reduce costs for Animal Control, improve the quality of life for the cats and their human neighbors and to gradually and humanely reduce the feral cat population,” she said.
Mentis moved to Bloomfield six years ago and got involved with TNR after trying to find a place to bring the numerous stray cats that loitered around her building. TNR is “the process of trapping homeless cats (using humane cage traps), having them spayed/neutered, vaccinated against Rabies and Distemper, Revolution applied (ear mite/flea/worm treatment) and returning the cats to where they were trapped,” Mentis said. The cats are grouped and assigned a caregiver who’s responsible for monitoring and feeding the cats.
Mentis explains the TNR helps both the cats and the Bloomfield community. “TNR is the most effective approach to humanely reducing the feral cat population,” she said. “The cats are also healthier, due to proper nutrition and the vaccinations and Revolution treatment that they receive after their surgeries.”
Two years ago Mentis teamed up with HumaneBloomfield and other Bloomfield residents to start a public TNR program for the town. “With the full support of the Township of Bloomfield and under the Neighbor the Neighbor Network's non-profit umbrella, we have successfully TNR'd and/or placed over 400 cats and kittens,” Mentis said.
This was Mentis’s third year taking part in Walk for the Cure. “[For the past two years] I was a member of a team and had a great time while raising money for a cause that I think touches most people,” she said.
This year Mentis organized a group, which was composed of volunteers from the Neighbor to Neighbor Network, specifically members of the Bloomfield Animal Shelter and HumaneBloomfield TNR. “Our team was formed by word-of-mouth, as well as emails that were sent out by the shelter's fundraising committee to all volunteers,” she said. Mentis’s team raised a total of $945.
The people who made up Mentis’s team were one of her favorite aspects of the walk, particularly two youth participants. “We had two young boys that were a part of our team that had boundless energy and team spirit. It was great to have them participate with us,” Mentis said. “We had a wonderful and very motivated team.”
For those considering participating in the walk next year, Mentis advises preparing in advance. “I would say to start recruiting for your team early. Be proactive in your fundraising,” Mentis said. She also noted that many team members were able to easily garner donations through posting a direct link to the Susan G. Komen website on Facebook. “[It] really helped many of our team members reach out to friends and family without putting forth a tremendous amount of effort,” Mentis said.
Walk for the Cure is also open to everyone, not just those who are fitness-minded. “Whether you are an active person looking for a race to run or someone who wants to take a stroll with friends, participating will allow you to do what you enjoy while raising money for breast cancer research,” Mentis said.
Mentis and her team enjoyed their experience so much that they’ll return to the walk next year. “I absolutely plan on doing the race again next year and that sentiment has been echoed by my other team members. I think that our team will be bigger next year,” Mentis said. “This year was my first time organizing a team, so I've learned how to be more effective for the next time around.”
Walk for a Cure is a personal matter for Mentis, who knows a number of people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. “Two of my aunts battled breast cancer as well as a friend's mother and most recently a very dedicated shelter volunteer,” she said. “One of my aunts passed away from breast cancer and the other is a six year survivor, so it is a cause that is near and dear to my heart.”
Mentis notes that breast cancer awareness is crucial because it impacts nearly everyone in some way. “Supporting the cause of breast cancer research and treatment is important to me because cancer is something that doesn't discriminate,” she says. “We are all at risk and know people who have battled or are battling cancer right now.”
In the past, the walk was held in Branch Brook Park, which made this walk different for Mentis. “I preferred the previous location at Branch Brook Park because of the close proximity, as well as the overall set-up,” she said.
The rain also posed a somewhat unexpected challenge to the number of walkers. “I think that the rain, as it was pretty severe in the morning, did stop some people from coming out,” Mentis said. But it didn’t damper the mood among those who did turnout for the walk. “The people who did come, and many did, had a wonderful time. Our spirits were high, as were the spirits of many of people around us,” Mentis said.
Mentis was pleased with how Walk for the Cure went. “I feel as if the event was a success. There was great energy, a big turnout despite the weather and a wonderful sense of community,” she said. “We had a fun time while raising money for a very important cause.”
Early counts say the event raised $1.3 million for cancer research and that amount is expected to go up.
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure, founded in 1982, is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists. Susan G. Komen for the Cure promotes breast cancer research, early detection, treatment, and prevention. The foundation’s mission is to “save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.”
For more information on Susan G. Komen for the Cure, call 1-877-GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or visit http://ww5.komen.org/
Karen Banda
1:17 pm on Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Amazing Amanda!
CatsIndoors
3:48 pm on Wednesday, June 22, 2011
TNR is not effective, not humane, risky for public health, bad for wildlife, and an infringement on the property rights of others.
http://wildlifeprofessional.org/Documents/cat_package.pdf
belletones
6:01 pm on Wednesday, June 22, 2011
TNR IS effective
IS Humane
And the volunteers are wonderful
Humans have caused this problem by discarding cats. TNR traps the cats and neuters them and solves part of the problem.
CatsIndoors
9:35 pm on Wednesday, June 22, 2011
And how about the other parts? Wildlife damage, property damage, disease transmission, cats that suffer and die tragically outside? TNR prevents a cat, if that cat is trapped, many are not, from reproducing and the cat avoids getting euthanized - that is it. In the mean time, there is plenty of collateral damage. And in the end, the numbers just don't go down bc this method takes place in an open system with a food source that simply attracts more cats, as well as raccoons and skunks, and the dumping of unwanted pets.
belletones
1:20 am on Thursday, June 23, 2011
TNR is the only game in town. The only ones working with strays. People keep throwing them out to fend for themselves and TNR keeps on trapping and neutering.
No one else cares enough to take care of the kitties and try to find those who will benefit homes. That's right when TNR cares for them they are not killed. TNR did not start the problem, humans did. TNR only trie to fix it.
Here's a local success story
"TNR is the only proven effective and humane method for reducing the feral cat population. TNR involves trapping the cats and having them spayed or neutered, vaccinated against rabies, and eartipped for identification. They are then returned to their territory where a designated caretaker provides food and shelter, monitors the colony, and mediates any conflicts between the cats and the surrounding community. Young kittens who can still be socialized, as well as friendly adults (usually strays), are taken to shelters or foster homes for adoption. The socialization of feral cats for the purpose of adoption is a very difficult task, so instead of leaving them for months in cages at shelters or euthanizing them, TNR allows these cats to live out their lives with the least possible danger or stress. These cats are living safer, healthier lives and will no longer reproduce."
http://www.humanemontclair.org/tnr.htm
CatsIndoors
2:40 am on Thursday, June 23, 2011
You have not addressed the other parts. And yes of course people will keep tossing the cats - cause they know someone will 'care' for them. Humans started the problem, but humans are not making anything better by doing TNR (or letting cats roam or dumping them).
That is not a local success story - that is the typical TNR mantra, spewed across the nation to dupe people into believing that this is a viable solution. There is no proof that TNR reduces the number of feral cats in any significant manner.
belletones
6:12 am on Thursday, June 23, 2011
What other parts do you want addressed? Yescats hunt birds and they also hunt rodents are you part of the SAVE THE RODENT movement as well?
People stated dumoping cats long before TNR started not the other way round.
Go spew your feline hatred elsewhere. TNR is here to stay. It's a success and works for us anfd the cats.
CatsIndoors
12:10 pm on Thursday, June 23, 2011
The parts I listed. What about the property rights of owners who do not want to live next to a 'managed' cat colony? What about the transmission of disease to wildlife? To humans? To other cats?
Why not save the native rodents? How about TNR for exotic rodents? Or iguanas? Or feral dogs? Using TNR for rat control is akin to using pesticides - too many non-target species are affected.
This is not hatred Ms. or Mr. Presumptuous. I have rescued many, many cats over the years. I am against the METHOD - not the animal.
Karen Banda
12:03 pm on Thursday, June 23, 2011
TNR may not be the perfect solution but it IS successful in keeping down the population of strays. TNR cats are not only neutered they are tested and vaccinated against rabies and other feline diseases. The neighborhood I live in has so many people who let their pet cats roam free. One of my outdoor cats was impregnated by an un-neutered male housecat who was allowed to roam free. I then took care of and brought in the little female and her kittens. If you want to point fingers and place blame don't do it at people who are trying to fix a problem caused by irresponsible, ignorant humans! The TNR volunteers are trying to clean up a mess others left behind and do it humanely. Yes, it will take time and it might never completely solve the problem, especially as long as their are irresponsible idiots who refuse to neuter their animals and yet allow them to roam at will.
By the way, housecats have the same prey drive as outdoor cats. Ever see one take apart a toy mouse? Watch one in action against a chipmunk, bird or baby mole and yes, mice. They are every bit the instinctive hunters as feral cats. How about attack their owners instead of Amanda and her group?
What about the high number of road kill on local streets? You know, those unidentifiable splotches of red and fur or feathers ground into the pavement by car and truck tires? How about a rant against humans who drive too fast and will mow down anything in their way, including house pets?
CatsIndoors
12:17 pm on Thursday, June 23, 2011
Karen, if you cannot cite any reliable source - then don't make the claim. Some are vaccinated for rabies, not all. Most are not vaccinated for FVCRP. Neither of these vaccines is typically updated. I am sure you are well aware of this if you practice TNR.
Any cat that roams freely results in the degradation of habitat - whether an owner lets a pet cat roam free, or dumps one, or re-abandons through TNR - none of these acts are responsible IMO.
Trying to fix the problem/good intentions do not necessarily result in good outcomes.
This is not ranting - these are facts, which were simply stated in my first post. You are correct - there are many things that kill wildlife - collision mortality (buildings, vehicles, towers, wind mills, etc.) is a big one. There are also pesticides, oil spills, and other human-related causes of mortality. All of these things are addressed by conservation orgs. We also need to address cats which near the top of that list - even more reason not to compromise further the wild animals already facing so many other obstacles.
Karen Banda
12:43 pm on Thursday, June 23, 2011
You know what? As imperfect as it might be those involved in TNR are at least trying to do some good. They give hundreds of hours of their precious little free time and thousands of dollars of their own money fighting an evil they didn't cause. If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.
CatsIndoors
1:00 pm on Thursday, June 23, 2011
Well, that is where we differ - I believe their efforts are misguided. I don't dispute the amount of time or money they put into this, many are very dedicated, but also many times they are just as much a part of the problem. The colonies can grow in size despite their efforts, the colonies can get out of control and become health hazards and huge nuisances for neighbors. That is what I mean when I say good intentions do not necessarily produce good outcomes. TNR enables pet abandonment - I don't consider that to be part of any solution.
belletones
2:01 pm on Thursday, June 23, 2011
I beleive that CatsInDoors is part of the problem!
Please explain how colonies grow in size when their members are spayed and neutered.
TNR does not enable pet abandonment. The cats that I see on my street used to be indorr cats that were abandoned when people moved away.
CatsIndoors
2:18 pm on Thursday, June 23, 2011
The colonies can grow in size because not every cat may be trapped, but those that remain are fed and continue to breed. The colonies can grow through the addition of other neighborhood cats that are attracted to the food source (called immigration). The colonies can grow through the abandonment of pet cats, some of which may not be fixed. The colonies can grow in size when caregivers add to existing colonies when a problem elsewhere occurs and the cats need to be moved/relocated. TNR is an endless cycle - colonies tend not to be eliminated.
Karen Banda
2:44 pm on Thursday, June 23, 2011
The TNR group does not leave a site until every cat has been trapped and neutered. Most of the colonies are small and cared for by someone living in the area who was already feeding the cats. People with hearts will not allow hungry animals to starve to death. They are going to feed strays anyway and at least the population won't increase as rapidly if they weren't trapped and neutered. If any new cats (rare) appear they contact Amanda and TNR is back there and won't leave until the newcomer(s) is trapped. As far as repeating vaccinations and the necessity for that - that's another arguement because there are differing schools of thought on that.
TNR is and will be an "endless" cycle as long as people continue to treat their animals as disposable. Do something about the source of those homeless cats and stop attacking people who are fighting a humane battle against the ignorant and selfish. As far as anything being misdirected, people willingly give their time AND money to the cause and they are also active in other areas of society and the community as witnessed by Amanda's participation in the walk which prompted this article. Most "animal lovers" care about their total community and do what they can in many different areas to make that community better.
The obvious question will remain unasked.
CatsIndoors
2:59 pm on Thursday, June 23, 2011
"They are going to feed strays anyway and at least the population won't increase as rapidly if they weren't trapped and neutered."
You do not know that bc when a cat is fixed, the cat is a little better off health-wise and longevity may increase. No one is suggesting that animals starve to death - they should be removed and impounded.
The reality is that you do not know if a cat is still protected after the three-year shot wears off - and this is important given that cats are the leading domestic animal carriers of rabies, and that raccoons, which often dine right alongside the cats, are the leading wild animal carriers. The CDC and the Compendium for Animal Rabies Prevention and Control (2008) and the National Assn of State Public Health Veterinarians are all clear in their positions that cats need to be removed and/or that TNR does not protect public health and/or how to prevent rabies transmission.
I have news for you - YOU are attacking me - unfortunately common among TNR advocates who do not seem to understand that one can be for/pro cats, but not the method of TNR. I simply stated in my first post my thoughts on the method - I did not attack anyone. I have stated my opinions, stand by them, and have provided a link to substantiate them.
Karen Banda
4:48 pm on Thursday, June 23, 2011
Please tell me how you can be "for/pro cats"and yet prefer they be "impounded". You realize after being "impounded" (and feral cats live miserable lives in cages, I know from firsthand experience when that was the only option) they are usually killed.
I'm not attacking you. I don't know you. I'm attacking your opinion. That's what happens when you post online. You run the risk of people no liking or agreeing with what you post. You started the TNR attack. All I posted was "Amazing Amanda".
Peace.
CatsIndoors
8:41 pm on Thursday, June 23, 2011
You said this:
"Do something about the source of those homeless cats and stop attacking people who are fighting a humane battle against the ignorant and selfish."
That makes this personal. I am talking about the method. Not agreeing and not liking what I wrote are just fine. I don't think your comment amounts to that.
My view is not unlike that of Peta - I do not believe releasing these cats is an act of compassion. I don't believe that cats should languish in cages either. I believe in trying to socialize the animals or fencing them in appropriate enclosures or euthanasia. Frankly I do not see how people could in good conscience release the cats knowing how they will probably live and how they will die (regardless of what they do to wildlife). What happens when a neutered male gets a urinary blockage and goes off somewhere not to be found? The answer - he will die a slow and painful death within 48 hours from renal failure. Humane? Not a chance.
belletones
5:22 pm on Thursday, June 23, 2011
And I have provided a link to substantiate my claims. You immediately discounted it since it came from TNR. You have been on the attack since you started posting here. Amanda is an amazing woman who volunteers tirelessly in OUR COMMUNITY. We love and respect her and the work she does.
CatsIndoors
8:34 pm on Thursday, June 23, 2011
No, but I don't see one scientific reference at that site. Amanda may be a wonderful person. Once again, this is about the method - not her. You are on the defense
Karen Banda
12:41 am on Friday, June 24, 2011
First of all, this article was about Amanda and the cause she walked for. No one else commented on TNR except you. It's clear you have an agenda. That's fine, the country is based on freedom of speech. But please, don't attack us because you decided to post negative comments about something that wasn't the focus of this story. Amanda's participation in TNR is her business and that of those who support it. The story is about 'walking for the cure' for cancer. You chose to make this about TNR for whatever agenda YOU have.
We would not be on any 'defense' if YOU didn't make this about TNR.
I still want to know how you can be 'pro' cats and for impounding of cats. Seriously. Tell me. In my 20 years of animal welfare/rescue I might have missed something.
CatsIndoors
1:50 am on Friday, June 24, 2011
1. Who made you in charge? Pardeon me - in the future I'll be certain to make sure my comments stay within the frame of what is 'the focus of the story'. Give me a break.
2. This is the tag line:
Bloomfield resident and Coordinator of HumaneBloomfield TNR helps raise money to fight cancer.
3. Four paragraphs were devoted to a method that enough people find destructive - who are you to say who can comment on what? This is a comment board. TNR is relevant.
4. Having a passion or focus on something does not mean 'an agenda'. We may disagree, but surely you understand having a passion for or focus on something. Is that not why nearly half the article was devoted to talking about TNR because that is something she does?
5. "Amanda's participation in TNR is her business and that of those who support it." I see. So someone could have come on here and commented how great TNR is and that would have been just fine - even if that was not 'the focus of the story'?
CatsIndoors
1:52 am on Friday, June 24, 2011
6. Your responsible for your own actions Karen. How you behave is how you behave.
7. And, seriously, I told you. I cannot help you if you cannot grasp that there are two sides to this debate - some find TNR humane, others do not. If you have 20 years in animal rescue - you know this. There are plenty of people, not just in the wildlife fields, but yes, domestic animal welfare advocates, cat owners, and cat rescuers who do not feel that TNR is in the best interest of the cats. Delta Rescue is another large org. that does not believe in TNR, but believes in providing sanctuary instead.
CatsIndoors
2:00 am on Friday, June 24, 2011
One other thing - since you say you are an animal rescuer and focus on animal welfare and what is supposedly so humane for animals, and do not like that I have discussed TNR, would you have preferred that we stay on the Komen topic/breast cancer topic and discussed this instead?
https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1061
http://origin.www.peta.org/b/thepetafiles/archive/tags/Susan+G-+Komen/default.aspx
http://www.change.org/petitions/tell-the-susan-g-komen-foundation-to-cut-out-animal-research
Again, two sides to every issue.
belletones
4:20 am on Friday, June 24, 2011
why don't we discuss this instead. These are people who obviously don't beleieve in TNR
In Bayonne NJ
We were notified today that there are now 5 dogs who has passed away from rat poison & another one fighting for its life. Countless cats & birds were also found dead. Please be careful as this is a deep tragedy and people need to say something if they know something to stop this!
CatsIndoors
11:47 am on Friday, June 24, 2011
Terrible. Whoever did that may not even know what TNR is. Abuses happen to animals on the streets every day. Do you have a news link?
belletones
4:23 am on Friday, June 24, 2011
CatsIndoors
The "scientific evidence" was that
"The Montclair TNR program began in October of 2004, and as of September 2010, 750 cats have been humanely trapped and spayed or neutered, thus directly preventing the birth of thousands of kittens and their subsequent offspring. The numbers are huge. The kittens or friendly cats that were trapped were adopted directly to homes or taken to PAWS for adoption. Many of them have already found homes. The cats who were returned to their colonies are fed on a daily basis and are provided with shelter. The program has met with enthusiastic approval."
CatsIndoors
11:56 am on Friday, June 24, 2011
Unfortunately, that is not scientific evidence - that is just raw data. And no, the numbers are not 'huge'. That seems like a lot at face value, but in comparison to the population of the municipality or county or geographic area within which Montclair is working - that is a drop in the bucket. Also in 6 years, Montclair has only sterilized a little over 100 cats per year? That is miniscule really.
Example - if there are 60 to 100 million feral cats in the US and we add up all the TNR that has taken place across the country over the past two decades, that number may amount to several hundred thousand animals - but that is less than 1% of the total population of feral cats - which is statistically insignificant.
belletones
12:15 pm on Friday, June 24, 2011
Raw data should be acceptable we are not the census bureau.
Now TNR has not done enough to please you. A drop in the bucket you say but we say small numbers of volunteers striving against all odds.
How much $$$ do you suggest that municipalities put aside for the KILL MONEY needed under your plan?
CatsIndoors
12:25 pm on Friday, June 24, 2011
Raw data does not prove or show anything. That is not scientific evidence.
Municipalities are always under tight constraints, but they need animal control departments as this is first and foremost a public health and safety issue - and they need effective and enforced animal control ordinances.
belletones
12:16 pm on Friday, June 24, 2011
and the rat poison was left for people walking their dogs as well.
belletones
4:00 pm on Friday, June 24, 2011
Bloomfield's mayor is threatening to shut down the animal shelter and I beleive has said that animal control is NOT mandated by the statr of NJ.
Sorry but all you are going to get from us is raw data. We are not scientists (at least some of us aren't) and we're not the census bureau.
CatsIndoors
4:35 pm on Friday, June 24, 2011
No need to apologize - I am just making the point that raw data is not going to prove anything about TNR.
My understanding is that every municipality is required to have an ACO as mandated in the state statutes.
This is from March 2011:
"Our intention is not to close the animal shelter," said McCarthy. "That was a presentation that was made by the health department that we do not agree with - that I do not agree with."
Karen Banda
4:46 pm on Friday, June 24, 2011
The mayor, as usual, was full of BS. That was a grandstand play in the face of a large group of shelter volunteers and supporters who showed up at a council meeting to voice their displeasure. He thought we bought it. We didn't. The shelter is STILL in jeopardy and always has been. The council has not approved the budget, and once again the Health Department's budget is on the line (along with just a few other departments, not all) and the only thing left for HD to cut is the animal shelter - and the mayor knows that. It's his goal. Always has been since Glendale Cemetary bought up all the surrounding property and desperately wants the last little piece the shelter is sitting on. This mayor is not now and never has been a supporter of the animal shelter OR the volunteers unless he can use them in any way to make himself look good.
belletones
3:22 am on Saturday, June 25, 2011
Mr Manale, the township administrator said that if the budget doesn't pass he will again have to think about "moving the animal shelter". I guess that means moving it underground since the town has no property to put it on.
How muh did Glendale offer for the land? I heard it was at least $1 million
Karen Banda
12:57 pm on Saturday, June 25, 2011
If the council doesn't pass this budget the shelter will be in serious jeopardy. I am extremely disappointed in the entire process and disgusted that Yoshi and the mayor continue to hold the animal shelter and innocent voiceless animals hostage for political reasons. I'd hate to be either one of them when they meet their Maker. They have no heart, soul or conscience.
belletones
4:06 pm on Saturday, June 25, 2011
Bloomfield Independent Press reports that McCarthy has promised Venezia 3 new firefigheters for a yes vote on the budget. The animal shelter may get the axe IF THE BUDGET IS PASSED in order to make deals with the players. Show up in force at the town council meeting on Monday. Speak up for the shelter and ask that ALL DEPARTMENTS be examined and ask to make cuts not just Fire Police Rec and Health and Human Services.
Oh, word has it that the police have up their demand and now want SEVEN (7) new vehicles 6 of therm Crown Vics that will be discontinued next year.
Karen Banda
1:33 pm on Sunday, June 26, 2011
Mayor McCarthy, what happened to your PROMISE that the animal shelter was safe? Do you always make promises you have no intention of keeping? (Rhetorical question.)