Greetings Monadnock Rotarians
We had a full house for our meeting on March 20. Bob Meissner recited a poem from memory and Bill had “The Hat” and spoke about a hiking trip with a group of eighth graders that was ill-planned and almost led to his being fired.
Our speaker was Kathy Harrington, Executive Director of the Monadnock Humane Society. She was joined by a new member of her executive team, Rianna Hutchinson. Kathy has served as Executive Director of several important non-profit organizations in the Monadnock Region including Stonewall Farm and the Monadnock United Way. Kathy offered a history of the organization which began as a human service organization in 1874 and served both animals and children. As human services organizations began to develop, the main issue became animal neglect caused by overpopulation. Nationwide, 20,000,000 animals were euthanized each year. Over the years, the number has declined to about 1,000,000 per year.
Monadnock serves the needs of 1,400 animals per year. They provide adoption services, kennel boarding, daycare, medical and financial help, chips for pets, puppy school and as an emergency shelter. Monadnock has become a “destination shelter” for animals from the South and Puerto Rico. The Board is in the midst of a new strategic plan and the Society recently opened a satellite office in Depot Square.
Announcements:
Steve Kim joined us and noted that the Peterborough Rotary Pancake Breakfast will be held on April 1. On April 2, the 4 Way Test lunch will be held. Judges are needed and lunch will be provided. May 7, Monadnock Chorus will be performing during lunch.
Chuck Simpson has again agreed to organize our roadside cleanup scheduled for the morning of May 12.
On March 27, the scheduled speakers will be Jennifer Marshall and Kristen Leach from N.H. Dance Institute. John Goodhue has Opening Words and Dale Gable has “The Hat”. On April 3, Vance has Opening Words and Jerry has “The Hat”.
See you Tuesday!
Bill