Christie Woodruff with the North Alabama Zoological Society (NALZS) spoke to the Athens Rotary Club on December 3, 2021.
She shared the exciting news about the zoo project right here in Limestone County. Here are a few highlights:
- North Alabama Zoological Society was founded in 2019.
- Zoo Proper will be 269 acres in Limestone County off of I-65.
- The secondary site is also in Limestone County will be for sustainable farming and agriculture, research center, educational outreach, academic partnerships, conservation, and community impact.
- The zoo and research center will be funded through corporate donations, private donations, and grants
- Currently, there are 33 board members and more than 34 volunteer staff who is working to bring this project to Limestone County.
Christie said several ask what the Zoological Society is currently doing in our community. Three focal points are education, research, and conservation.
- Educational programs include NALZS nature camps, 2021 nature ramp expo, NALZS Junior Zoological Society, and the Huntsville Science Festival
- The research includes the NALZS research advisory council and a partnership with the Alabama Wildlife Research Center.
- Conservation programs are with FrogWatchUSA, Festival of the Cranes, and Pollinator Gardens.
Rotarian Bethany Shockney encouraged the entire club to get behind this project and explained the major tourism and economic impact it could bring to Athens and Limestone County. You can learn more about the project and donate to the organization by visiting their website by clicking here.
ATHENS CHRISTMAS PARADE - HUGE SUCCESS!
Thank you to those Rotarians who volunteered on December 2, 2021, at Athens Middle School with the annual Christmas Parade lineup.
NEW ROTARIANS
Rotarian Jimmy Woodruff inducted two new rotary members at the December 3 meeting. Congrats to Bethany Shockney (nominated by Rotarian Taz Morell) and Brad Mallette (nominated by Rotarian Amy Golden) on joining our club. These are two great additions to our club and we welcome them.
CHECK YOUR ATTENDANCE
Club Secretary Chris Hamilton encourages all Rotarians to check their attendance and make sure all make-ups are reflected since we are approaching the mid-year point for perfect attendance.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
12/10 - Full Tummy Service Project - Arrive early (10 a.m. to Noon) at the Athens State University Ballroom to help stuff food bags for the Athens Full Tummy Project. Athens Rotary Club will provide easy-to-prepare food items to 219 elementary students in need within Athens City Schools. At Noon, the Athens High School Jazz Band will perform.
12/17 - No Meeting - Happy Holidays
12/24 - No Meeting - Happy Holidays
12/31 - No Meeting - Happy Holidays
01/07 - Meetings Resume
SERVICE ABOVE SELF - SERVICE PROJECT OPPORTUNITY - TOYS FOR TOTS
One of our annual service projects is to assist the United Way of Athens-Limestone County with the Toys for Tots packing. This year's packing activities are on December 15 and 16 at the United Way Office at 419 S. Marion Street. There will be two shifts each day. Times each day will be from 10 a.m. until Noon and from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Please consider volunteering for this great cause. Contact Service Projects Chair Rich Caldwell at rich1569@gmail.com if you want to volunteer.