Fifteen fine Fergus Falls Noon Rotarian's assembled at Union Pizza. We were welcomed and checked in by Wally C. Tessa Schierer and the staff from Toast served lunch and President Ken H brought us to order. Kathy A provided the invocation and we recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Four Way Test. Buzz L introduced his guest and granddaughter Ingrid Leo. She is an employee at Lundeen’s and a sister of Noah's, a guest in prior years.
Announcements: We were alerted that Bob R was not in attendance, thus no Rotary Minute and another week to prepare for the rose quiz. Keith O made a plea for a couple more Nov program leads. Steve L let us know he had plowed back the community gardens with his 1946 Allis Chalmers tractor. (That tractor is 76 years old and among the first produced after WWII.)
Brags and Fines: Anthony N started things out with a salute to the Humane Society for the black lab he and his family are enjoying. Hal L did the same but for a cat. Tim H told of his travels to the east coast to visit family and the drama involved in getting back. Wally C again mentioned the 12 hr trip he and Marcy made to Hibbing but this time had funds to cover the fine. Mark B and Katie J both cleared their consciences for missing meetings. Ken H let us know today’s Daily Journal articles would all have a pink background to raise awareness of breast cancer. Lastly, Keith O brought us up to date on his goose hunting in Canada and camping in Roseau County.
Program: Buzz L introduced two board members of the Humane Society of Otter Tail County (HSOTC): Kristi Lausch, co-chair of the current fundraising effort and Lori Kettner, also known as the “Cat Lady” because of her concern for cats. Kristi began with a brief history and over- view of the shelter. It was organized in 1979, 43 years ago. A 3500 sq ft building was subsequently constructed at 1933 West Fir Ave in Fergus Falls to serve as headquarters and shelter. HSOTC serves all of Otter Tail County and provides a safe haven for about 1,100 lost and abandoned animals each year. Nearly all are dogs and cats but an occasional rabbit, guinea pig, mouse, bird or hamster (pocket pets) appear. The shelter is not equipped to handle horses or other large animals. The Humane Society is organized as a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. There are nine full and part time employees plus a number of volunteers and 24-hour service is provided 365 days a year. The annual budget is currently around $270,000.00 and comes primarily from private donations. It provides a critical service to the county and is called on by the Emergency Management team from time to time. A few of the more memorable events included removing and caring for: 70 cats from a Clitherall property, thirty plus cats from a home in Perham and 72 dogs from a New York Mills home.
Program: Buzz L introduced two board members of the Humane Society of Otter Tail County (HSOTC): Kristi Lausch, co-chair of the current fundraising effort and Lori Kettner, also known as the “Cat Lady” because of her concern for cats. Kristi began with a brief history and over- view of the shelter. It was organized in 1979, 43 years ago. A 3500 sq ft building was subsequently constructed at 1933 West Fir Ave in Fergus Falls to serve as headquarters and shelter. HSOTC serves all of Otter Tail County and provides a safe haven for about 1,100 lost and abandoned animals each year. Nearly all are dogs and cats but an occasional rabbit, guinea pig, mouse, bird or hamster (pocket pets) appear. The shelter is not equipped to handle horses or other large animals. The Humane Society is organized as a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. There are nine full and part time employees plus a number of volunteers and 24-hour service is provided 365 days a year. The annual budget is currently around $270,000.00 and comes primarily from private donations. It provides a critical service to the county and is called on by the Emergency Management team from time to time. A few of the more memorable events included removing and caring for: 70 cats from a Clitherall property, thirty plus cats from a home in Perham and 72 dogs from a New York Mills home.
The challenges of caring for an ever-increasing number of animals have outgrown the capabilities of the existing facility. A 3500 sq ft building expansion has been proposed and a $1,5 million fund raising effort initiated. A video was shared to show the existing crowded conditions.
The addition will provide space for: more medical treatment and better containment of disease, better separation of dogs from cats (seems close proximity causes emotional reactions), more efficient grooming facilities, better access to exercise areas, increased storage, an indoor exercise area, a separate room for pocket pets, educational space and much more. Nearly one third of the total has been raised and our speakers closed with a challenge for our organization to become involved in the project.
The addition will provide space for: more medical treatment and better containment of disease, better separation of dogs from cats (seems close proximity causes emotional reactions), more efficient grooming facilities, better access to exercise areas, increased storage, an indoor exercise area, a separate room for pocket pets, educational space and much more. Nearly one third of the total has been raised and our speakers closed with a challenge for our organization to become involved in the project.