The program for Thursday, March 20, 2008 is:
Business Meeting
Souris Valley Humane Society
Kristine Seabolt is the Kennel Manager for our SVHS shared with us the joys and trials of working with man’s four footed friends. The facilities accommodate from 30 to 35 dogs and a number of cats. Cats spend their time in the “cat room”, an open area into which the patrons can enter and interact with the animals. After moving into the cat room, the adoption rate was significantly increased. She informed us that even with our small population, we still experience 20 to 30 adoptions each month. When one considers the positive results of an adoption that volume is amazing.
In addition managing the shelter, her organization provides many other services. One of the biggest challenges is micro-chipping our furry friends should they wonder where they are not appreciated. Additionally they provide the communities with “expert” services when questionable or down right abusive situations are discovered concerning animals of all kinds. Because of space limitations they have also gone “virtual”, allowing patrons they want or need to adopt out their pet board it until an appropriate placement can be made. Information is passed by web and phone, the pet is delivered to the shelter, the prospect owners are allowed a chance to visit with it, and it a match is made, they can leave with the animal. The process is apparently a hit since 20 or 30 adoptions have been made this way.
All this is being conducted without a stable “public” funding source. Certainly they raise money through the services they provide such surrender and adoption fees, but most of that money is quickly eaten up by the mandatory shots. Another opportunity to share is for citizens to take advantage of the number of donation brackets listed on there web site at http://www.svhspets.com . But, the annual fund raiser, "An Evening to Paws Gala" will be held April 5 with both a silent and live auctions. (RSVP requested by March 28.) Oh, by the way, she wanted me to let you know they do accept donations! And, she was very grateful for the stuff raised as a prelude to her visit.
- WHO World Health Day - April 7
"Protecting health from climate change " - Board of Directors Meeting - April 14, 2008
- Earth Day April 22
- Dist 5580 Conference - Apr 30 - May 1, 2008
- Quarterly Project - Trail Clean up & Social May 8 - 5:30 pm
Board Room Discussions
At the Monday March 18, 2008 Board of Directors meeting there were a couple of topics discussed that will be called to the attention of the membership; 1) District Conference Registration and 2) Ambassadorial Scholar Applications.
Many of us are looking forward to this years District 5580 Conference in Dickinson but there are a number of details to be dealt with on a Club level. This coming meeting (the March business meeting) will be the time to do it. As in the past, the Club will defray some of the expenses for the member’s attending. After considering the interest in attending and the amount budgeted it appears the club treasury will be able to absorb the cost of registration. That leaves attending members on their own for lodging and transportation. (And, yes, the noon club will be providing their "Fun Bus" and we are invited!) Penny is coordinating our Club’s participation so it you are interested, be sure to let her know be April 4th.
We have received notice that it’s time to be nominating prospective participants for the Ambassadorial Scholars for the 2009 -2010 year. (No, that’s not a typo! 2 years are necessary for vetting, selection and coordinating the applicants.) This is just one of the international opportunities Rotary affords the youth of our community. Our club’s relationship with Rotary International brings other programs such as RYLA, Model UN, and foreign exchange students to the members of our community and our region. We’d like to encourage everyone to keep their eyes open for gifted and adventurous students who the club could sponsor. An overseas experience for our youth can be a life changing experience for them while putting the best face of America forward! What can you do? Become more knowledgeable of the programs! Advocate for participation!
There of course is much more business to be attended to, so be there!