FREEPORT - A grassroots effort has spurred a change in management, board of directors, and policies following the annual meeting of Friends Forever Humane Society in January.
A series of challenges, resignations, and appointments has resulted in a board that is almost completely new. Continuing are Mary Otto and Brenda Boynton. New directors include Lauri Allen (president), Judy Gonder, Deanna Hardacre, Diane Heeren, Marcia Johnson, Melinda Kluge, Kristi Smith, and Patricia Toth. An additional three seats remain open.
"We had concerns in a variety of areas: finances, rate of euthanasia, and community perception to name a few. Although most of us had never met before, we were united in apprehension about continued operations at the shelter," Allen said.
Every aspect of shelter operations is currently under review.
More than 30 general members requested a special membership meeting to compel the board to disclose financial and shelter operations information that was withheld at the annual meeting in January. A special meeting is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 28 with the location announced soon. All members of Friends Forever Humane Society, as well as the community at large, are invited to attend. In addition to the 2009 information, the new board will present a summary of plans for the rest of the year.
Karen Ludke and Jane Krug, both past Friends Forever shelter managers, will the post once again on a volunteer basis after the previous manager and assistant manager resigned. The day-to-day staff remains.
Friends Forever Humane Society now has a Facebook page, and is in the process of completely revamping its Web site.
"We intend to be very transparent going forward," Allen said. "Our board meetings are open to any member who wishes to sit in. We welcome volunteers. Visibility in the community will increase, beginning with an appearance at the Lincoln Mall on March 27 and 28."
A series of challenges, resignations, and appointments has resulted in a board that is almost completely new. Continuing are Mary Otto and Brenda Boynton. New directors include Lauri Allen (president), Judy Gonder, Deanna Hardacre, Diane Heeren, Marcia Johnson, Melinda Kluge, Kristi Smith, and Patricia Toth. An additional three seats remain open.
"We had concerns in a variety of areas: finances, rate of euthanasia, and community perception to name a few. Although most of us had never met before, we were united in apprehension about continued operations at the shelter," Allen said.
Every aspect of shelter operations is currently under review.
More than 30 general members requested a special membership meeting to compel the board to disclose financial and shelter operations information that was withheld at the annual meeting in January. A special meeting is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 28 with the location announced soon. All members of Friends Forever Humane Society, as well as the community at large, are invited to attend. In addition to the 2009 information, the new board will present a summary of plans for the rest of the year.
Karen Ludke and Jane Krug, both past Friends Forever shelter managers, will the post once again on a volunteer basis after the previous manager and assistant manager resigned. The day-to-day staff remains.
Friends Forever Humane Society now has a Facebook page, and is in the process of completely revamping its Web site.
"We intend to be very transparent going forward," Allen said. "Our board meetings are open to any member who wishes to sit in. We welcome volunteers. Visibility in the community will increase, beginning with an appearance at the Lincoln Mall on March 27 and 28."
