The January 21, 2016 meeting of the Henderson Business and Professional Women's Club was held in the Maria Parham Medical Center Boardroom. Following an invocation by Donna Stearns and a generous buffet dinner, the club heard a presentation " Four-Legged & Homeless: What's a Dog (or Cat) to Do?" by Frankie Nobles, Director, Vance County Animal Shelter. Earlier in the day, approximately 100 people had attended the ground-breaking ceremony for a new shelter. As Mr. Nobles shared, the new space is much needed. The current building of 2,000 sq ft, which is cramped and over extended, will be replaced with a 8,700 sq ft facility which will be equipped to more humanely house and serve displaced animals. Nobles shared information regarding changes that have been implemented to improve adoption rates, assist pet owners with spaying and neutering programs, vaccinations, address rabies suppression and animal cruelty. Feral cats remain a challenge. Thanks to private organizations, many adoptable animals are saved by fostering families and movement to adopted homes in other states. The five member staff at the shelter is appreciative of local volunteers who assist with pets, visitors, paperwork and phones. There is always a need for pet loving volunteers at the shelter
At the conclusion of the program club members presented a cash donation to the shelter and helped load Mr. Nobles' vehicle with donated articles including dog and cat food, toys, towels, blankets and other items needed at the shelter.
A business session followed the presentation. Members welcomed new member Patti McAnally. The group discussed the possibility of hosting a future WEE event for state members, reviewed BPW awards options and were reminded of the need for members on the nominating committee next month. Everyone was encouraged to participate in the Community Health Assessment currently being conducted by the Granville- Vance Health Department All members were reminded that the February and March meetings will be held in the Boardroom. The meeting adjourned with the recitation of the club Collect.
The Henderson BPW holds a dinner meeting every third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are open to guests and new members. For February reservations, contact June Blanks at 252-438-6732. The next regular meeting will be February 18th in the Maria Parham Medical Center Boardroom. The scheduled speaker is Tracey Madigan, Director, Vance County Farmer's Market. The topic is "Farmer's Market: Coming Attractions".
Picture caption: BPW Vice-President,, Dianne White and Speaker Frankie Nobles, Director of the Vance County Animal Shelter