James Bordonaro, a board member of the Humane Society who somewhat reluctantly decided to jump in and become part of the solution, talked about how the Humane Society ended up successfully taking over the operation of the Emporia Animal Shelter in April of last year, discontinued routine euthanasia of animals (decreasing from 67 animals in 2014 to only 14 in 2015), changed hours of operation to allow families to visit and choose the right animal, partnered with Kansas State University to periodically host a mobile surgical lab to spay and neuter 222 animals over the past year and reducing the number of unwanted animals, installed an awning for sun shelter, and out sources animals to other areas that are experiencing shortages of animals.
Christy Davis, Executive Director of the Symphony in the Flint Hills, talked about the planning and work that is required to put on a first class event for which the Symphony in the Flint Hills is known. This year's event will be held on June 11 in Chase County. As Christy explained, there's so much more to this organization than just the Symphony, though.
Greg Jordan and Lisa Soller from the Lyon County History Center provided an update on the remodeling of the new center on Commercial Street. Originally built in 1928, the building is being nicely refurbished with $2 million in funds donated and through a matching grant. It seems to be progressing really nicely. The new center will provide much more space to display the history of our area. There will be eight core areas for display.
Rotarian Jack Atherton, who is a long-time member of the Lyon County Historical Society board, said that Judge W. L. Huggins was the first Rotary Club of Emporia President and was also the President of the Lyon County Historical Society.
Our Rotary Club Membership Proposal can be downloaded from a link on the right side of this bulletin as well as from a link on our website at www.rotaryemporia.com.
Each membership proposal must be signed by a proposing Rotary Club member who is recommending that person for membership in our club. When you as a club member sign this form as a proposer, you are indicating that you know this person sufficiently to know that he or she would be a good Rotary Club member.
There are several pictures of our Salvation Army Project both in progress and after completion. View them by clicking on the right side of this bulletin where it says Salvation Army Project Photo Album.
Announcing a new Rotary Club membership drive running January 5 through June 7.
On June 7th, the winner will receive $100.00 in Chamber Bucks
Each time a new member is inducted into Rotary, the sponsoring Rotarian will have their name entered into a drawing. The more members you bring in, the more chances of winning the drawing. First Place will get $100, Second Place will get $50 and Third Place will get $25 We have a lot of great projects to accomplish and we need members. Applications with the breakdown of dues are available from every Board member. Remember, new members get reduced meal prices for a limited time.
Benefits of being a member…
Great Friendships, Awesome networking, Interesting programs, the feeling of accomplishment in our community, State and the World. Doing good, feels good. Think of it like this… Yes you pay for your meals even though you may not be able to attend every week, but that money goes to fund some amazing projects.