Editor: 

While we feel very much honored to be recognized with the Ernie Maxwell Community Spirit Award, we want the community to know this award does not belong to us alone. Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends, ARF, is made up of a group of hard working, very dedicated individuals without whom this organization would cease to exist. The two of us are only a small part of the entire picture.

Sadie’s Clinic opens to this community once a month because of Teri Hardy, ARF’s director of Sadie’s Clinic and Animal Welfare. Teri spends countless hours coordinating with Dr. Nastro, making patient appointments, keeping track of medical supplies and helping locals care for their pets.

Mary Lou Prosin is ARF’s amazing treasurer who tracks every penny, pays every bill, deals with tax returns, and does so with accuracy and transparency.

Bill Walker, our grant writer, spends hours searching for grant opportunities and writing convincing proposals. Because of Bill, we’ve received funding for a computer, equipment for Sadie’s Clinic and emergency pet care, to name a few.

Then, there are Janet McAlpine, Maria Lehman, Chris Martin, Tori Thomas, Barb Reese and our foster families who all are crucial to ARF’s success. We have many hard-working volunteers who show up to help on the weekends and at special events. Without all of these beautiful animal lovers, there would be no ARF.

With that said, we proudly accept this honor on behalf of all members of ARF’s family.

Robert Hewitt and Janice Murasko

Pine Cove