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By Phyllis J. Neuberger
A vibrant woman, Michele Greene has had her own successful State Farm
Insurance agency for 20 years. "I was in Deerfield first, but have
been here in Lighthouse Point at 3320 N. Federal Hwy. for the past 10
years," she says. "I love my work and all my involvements. I
especially like the fact that my son, Marlin, works with me on many
of them. We are creating our own memories with both of us in the
picture."
Her involvements are many. She sits on the local and state boards of
the Children's Home Society. One of her specific assignments is to
raise awareness of the Society itself and its goals. "Mostly I
fundraise," she explains. "I've been successful in getting local
businesses to support this worthy organization. About 25 percent of
our budget comes from fundraising.
"Each year, I'm very involved in our Christmas party for the children
and their foster parents. Last Christmas, about 100 Broward County
State Farm agents contributed money, gifts and gift cards to the
party and that meant organizing, picking up and delivering on my
part. I was happy to do it."
Then there's Share-a-Pet, which sets up visits to nursing homes and
some schools with trained pets. Greene is certified to do this hands
on activity and says it's one of her favorite things to do. "My dogs,
Basco, an English bulldog, and Brandi, a Shih Tzu were trained by
Therapy Dogs, Inc. My dogs attended three, two hour classes which
determined their fitness for this kind of service. Not all dogs are.
"Brandi and Basco learned obedience and how to interact with
residents. The pets seem to know if a person wants just quiet, side-
by-side comfort or lots of kisses. Marlin and I visit the Seaview
Nursing and Rehabilitation Center every week with Basco and Brandi.
It melts your heart to see the residents react with big smiles and
great joy. Dogs give unconditional love to all people. Executive
Director Patricia Rice points out residents who are in need of a
special visit or attention. Many of the residents have no family, and
they form a special bond with visiting pets."
Even on Sunday Greene has found a way to tap into her seemingly
endless supply of giving. For the past six years, Greene has been a
religious instructor to third graders at St. Elizabeth's.
"I'm the teacher and Marlin is the teen helper," she says, explaining
what they do. "We use crafts to convey the spiritual message."
In addition to the demanding activities described, Greene manages
time to fundraise for the Pompano Beach High School Booster Club and
sits on the board of the Lighthouse Point Chamber of Commerce where
she helps coordinate events and business networking.
ABOVE (photo) - Michele and her son, Marlin, are dedicated Share-a-
Pet members, who make regular visits to the Seaview Nursing and
Rehabilitation Center with Basco and Brandi. The response is
wonderful to the dogs who give unconditional love.
BELOW - (photo) Michele and Basco spend a quiet moment at home. "I
don't know where Michele gets the energy," Lighthouse Point
Commissioner Susie Gordon says with admiration. "She seems to have
time for everybody and every worthy cause that needs her help."
Greene's response is, "I guess I'm a true Gemini with double energy.
I really care about all of these organizations. I believe in what
they are accomplishing, and I want to help. And it's wonderful to
have my son at my side, pitching in. Thank you Michele and Marlin
Greene!
To find out more about Share-a-Pet, call 954-630-8763 or visit their
web site at www.shareapet.org
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