San Saba County Friends of Animals held its first member meeting on January 7, 2013. At the meeting, the organization’s 2012 president, Kate Beckes, spoke to members about the development of SSCFOA since August of last year, when interested citizens gathered at City Hall one evening to discuss creating a humane animal shelter. In the few short months since that all-important first meeting, thanks to the efforts of our members and supporters, SSCFOA has been formed as a Texas non-profit corporation and has actively begun pursuing our goal of providing a place to house and care for lost, abandoned, abused and neglected animals in San Saba County.

During the recent meeting, members participated in a discussion of the current and planned activities of SSCFOA. They also received reports on the organiza-tion’s fundraising efforts and the steps that we are taking to educate ourselves about animal sheltering and to locate a property that would be suitable for a facility. Scott Meador, Animal Control Officer for the City of San Saba, presented a short talk on the possibilities for improving animal welfare through cooperation among the City, the County and our organization.

The following officers were elected for 2013: Kate Beckes, President; Valerie Cortinovis, Vice President; Linda Thompson, Secretary; and Renice Burnham, Treasurer. In addition to the officers (who also serve as members of SSCFOA’s board), three at-large directors were elected: Susie Nettleship, Ann McWilliams, and Angela Torres. These officers and directors succeed the interim board that was installed when the organization formed as a non-profit corporation in early October of last year.

To keep up with our activities, please visit our newly created Facebook page and “like” us! Launched on January 1, 2013, our page is still in its early stages. However, we do plan to post meeting schedules and news about our organization, as well as information on “lost and found” animals and animals needing new homes. You can also give us your feedback and help us help those animals in our county who are in need of assistance.