At 6 p.m. Thursday, the Green County Humane Society's annual meeting will be at Ludlow Mansion. It will include the election of four members to the GCHS board of directors. Eight candidates are on the ballot, including four current GCHS board members. The vote could have a critical bearing on GCHS' future.
Whenever I think about the GCHS' future , a single question comes to mind: Is the GCHS board making the right decisions so that we can save and shelter as many dogs and cats in Green and Lafayette counties as possible? After all, the welfare of needy animals is what the GCHS is supposed to be all about.
Until the past two years, it would have been difficult to answer that question with an unqualified "yes."
Today, as a longtime GCHS member, I am much more confident in the direction, organization and priorities established by the GCHS board. Beginning with Yvonne Schutte's leadership, and now with that of current board president Paul Barrett, the GCHS has made great strides in establishing itself as a credible and forward-thinking organization.
Certainly, the GCHS board always has consisted of capable and dedicated individuals with a passion for animal welfare. Those individuals deserve our admiration and thanks. For years, the steadfast determination of those board members literally willed that shelter to stay open for needy animals, even when the GCHS financial status was at its worst. The problem was that GCHS always was teetering on financial insolvency and volunteer burnout. Financial supporters and shelter volunteers witnessed this plight and became uneasy with assisting the GCHS until the board could set a more credible course.
Why is this important now? Although it's endured growing pains, today's board is responsible, accountable and functions well. Because of this board, GCHS has a foundation from which we can move forward. Without such a strong board that understands the financial impact of its decisions and the importance developing a vision for GCHS that will rally community support, the society may take a major step backward. That unfortunate step could mean that fewer dogs and cats in Green and Lafayette counties will be saved, sheltered and placed into caring homes.
Today, the enthusiasm and direction offered by the GCHS board of directors inspires confidence. As a donor at a personal level and a representative of corporate support from The Swiss Colony, Inc., I am motivated to help marshal the donations and other resources that not only will assist GCHS today, but help it move into a better equipped facility in the future.
Thursday night, please join me in casting a vote for the animals. Under the direction of current GCHS board members, we have the organization, resources and momentum to save and shelter large numbers of dogs and cats. That same direction should help us rescue and find caring homes for even more animals in the future.
Whenever I think about the GCHS' future , a single question comes to mind: Is the GCHS board making the right decisions so that we can save and shelter as many dogs and cats in Green and Lafayette counties as possible? After all, the welfare of needy animals is what the GCHS is supposed to be all about.
Until the past two years, it would have been difficult to answer that question with an unqualified "yes."
Today, as a longtime GCHS member, I am much more confident in the direction, organization and priorities established by the GCHS board. Beginning with Yvonne Schutte's leadership, and now with that of current board president Paul Barrett, the GCHS has made great strides in establishing itself as a credible and forward-thinking organization.
Certainly, the GCHS board always has consisted of capable and dedicated individuals with a passion for animal welfare. Those individuals deserve our admiration and thanks. For years, the steadfast determination of those board members literally willed that shelter to stay open for needy animals, even when the GCHS financial status was at its worst. The problem was that GCHS always was teetering on financial insolvency and volunteer burnout. Financial supporters and shelter volunteers witnessed this plight and became uneasy with assisting the GCHS until the board could set a more credible course.
Why is this important now? Although it's endured growing pains, today's board is responsible, accountable and functions well. Because of this board, GCHS has a foundation from which we can move forward. Without such a strong board that understands the financial impact of its decisions and the importance developing a vision for GCHS that will rally community support, the society may take a major step backward. That unfortunate step could mean that fewer dogs and cats in Green and Lafayette counties will be saved, sheltered and placed into caring homes.
Today, the enthusiasm and direction offered by the GCHS board of directors inspires confidence. As a donor at a personal level and a representative of corporate support from The Swiss Colony, Inc., I am motivated to help marshal the donations and other resources that not only will assist GCHS today, but help it move into a better equipped facility in the future.
Thursday night, please join me in casting a vote for the animals. Under the direction of current GCHS board members, we have the organization, resources and momentum to save and shelter large numbers of dogs and cats. That same direction should help us rescue and find caring homes for even more animals in the future.
