Robert and Barbara Polverari, of Southwick, stand in front of the new Polverari / Southwick Animal Control Facility Wednesday. The couple donated the $300,000 structure to the Town of Southwick earlier this year which is located in the rear of the Southwick Public Safety Complex at 11 Depot Street. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – The new Polverari-Southwick Animal Control Facility is nearly complete, thanks to the generosity of Robert and Barbara Polverari.
The animal-loving couple not only donated the funds for the $300,000 facility, but Robert, a builder for 50 years, served as the designer and contractor and put in long days at the site.
Now that it is almost ready for the town’s dogs and cats, Polverari is once again helping by hosting a fundraising open house and dinner to help stock the facility and cover medical costs.
The event is set for Oct. 19 and features an open house at the facility, located behind the Southwick Police Department on Depot Street, from 3-4 p.m., followed by a dinner at Roma’s Restaurant. The dinner includes a cocktail hour and a four-course sit-down dinner.
Tickets for the event are $30 per person and are available at Moo-licious Farm on Feeding Hills Road during business hours, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily, as well as at the Pasticceria Italia in the Grist Mill Plaza. Animal Control Officer Tracy Root also has tickets available.
The dinner will include a raffle, and Moo-licious owner Joseph Deedy said anyone who would like to donate raffle items may drop them off at his business.
Root said the proceeds from the dinner will help cover medical costs, which are completely paid for through donations.
“On average, it costs us about $150-$250 to turn around an animal that comes to us,” said Root. That includes neutering and spaying animals for adoption.
“We operate solely on donations for food, cleaning supplies, litter and medical expenses,” added Root.
Robert Polverari said the facility is energy efficient, using LED lighting throughout. With the help of Town Planner Alan Slessler, Polverari designed a trough system for cleaning kennels. Each kennel will be six feet tall, have a divider to block the view from other animals, and an aluminum door will allow access outdoors. A large play area – fenced with donations from Tyler Granfield’s family – will allow dogs to run and play.
“We also have a fenced area outside for cats,” said Polverari.
The cat room includes perching shelves mounted high on the walls for cats to nap.
“We will use Velcro to cover them with carpet for easy cleaning,” Polverari said.
The building is made from grey textured concrete blocks and includes a carport for easy transition of animals. A lobby, separate office, adoption area, kitchen/wash area, and quarantine room are all part of the facility. Root said she was especially excited about the quarantine room.
“This brings us up to code,” she said, noting that the Southwick VCA donated stainless steel crates for use for quarantined animals.
Root said she was overwhelmed at the generosity of the Polverari’s.
“I’m ecstatic,” she said. “I think we will have more adoptions now because my office is right here and the rain isn’t a problem now.”
Currently, the animal control facility consists of a series of large sheds to house dogs, cats and supplies. The new building has ample storage space and is estimated at a value of more than $500,000.
For Polverari, the finished project is a source of pride for the long-time builder.
“I feel good,” he said. “I knew the town needed a little help with their facility. It worked for Barbara and I, and I think it worked out.
“I think this will be good for everyone in the end.”
Donations of food and other supplies are welcome throughout the year. For more information or to purchase tickets or donate raffle items, contact Root or visit the Pasticceria Italia or Moo-licious Farm.
