January 31, 2013, By Mike Fak, The Humane Society of Logan County held their annual General Membership meeting at ALMH in Lincoln on Wednesday evening, January 30.

Forty members of the society were on hand to receive annual reports, updates and to vote on new board members.

Current president, Ellen Burbage, told members that in 2012, 130 animals were adopted from the “little” shelter located on the Parkway in Lincoln. Burbage went on to say she thought that was an amazing total and gave credit to everyone for “Doing everything our mission statement says we should do.” She went on to say, “In the past three years (her term as president) I couldn’t feel better about what we have done. And I mean we.”

A complete report was given out to all members present showing every detail on the operation of the humane society in calendar year 2012. The society is completely transparent with all information either available on their website or in person at the humane society shelter. Burbage told those gathered to ”Share this (annual) report with everyone you know.”

In all, 8 committee reports were filed in the annual report with a few extra minutes being allowed for the new pet cemetery that the society has planned on their grounds. Marilyn Wheat explained how the process is continuing to create a natural setting for the cremains of pets. Wheat explained that the first section of the cemetery to open will allow 610, 2’ by 3’ plots that should bring in close to $100,000. Burbage went on to say that the cemetery will become another important source of future income to keep the shelter operational.

The treasurer’s report filed by Lee Hahn showed the hard-working membership broke even for the year grossing $89,259.70 in revenue with total expenses after capitalization of $86,987.57. This was stressed as good news in the current economy. The society is not without cash reserves but not needing to use them shows great community support as well as hard work by the society’s volunteers.

During 2012, the membership held 17 different fundraisers bringing in a total of $25,674.00 for the shelter. In the report each and every fundraiser’s totals are broken down for membership and the public to see.

Also included in the report were several pictures of adopted pets and their stories. Burbage explained they couldn’t put all 130 pets in the report but that those shown were a sample of just a few of the positive stories that walk out the doors of the shelter almost every day.

In all, three board positions were voted on. Ellen Burbage and Lee Hahn were re-elected to three year terms and Mary Dowdell was elected to take the place of retiring board member Lynn White.

In concluding the meeting Burbage noted that the shelter also helps people who can’t afford to feed their pets. Burbage told of one man who temporarily lost his job and was helped with food for his pet. He was getting back to work and promised to volunteer to help pay back the society’s kindness, Burbage concluded the story. “We help lots of people and a lot of animals. But that’s who we are.”

If that is who you are you can go to their website at http://www.hslclincoln.org/