Dear Editor:

The Boothbay Region Humane Society/Lincoln County Animal Shelter has enjoyed rescuing and finding homes for thousands of animals since 1959.

Founded and incorporated that year by Lorraine Nickerson along with Robert Boyd, Rena Higgins, Estella Walbridge and Daniel Howard, the current board of directors, many of them newly appointed, continue to appreciate and enjoy the kind support by the community of its ongoing mission.

Over the last two years, long-time members have retired from the all-volunteer board, and the body is now enjoying a revitalization and new commitment to the mission.

With the commitment, however, the board continues to be challenged, moving from a history of an all-paper accounting system to new accounting software, a necessary growth with the goal to offer greater transparency and ease of reporting.

Additionally, financials have moved from board oversight to hiring an accounting firm, and the William Brewer CPA in Bath continues to perform audits. With advice, Lincoln County Animal Shelter is currently appealing an IRS-levied penalty.

The LCAS board appreciates and welcomes the pro bono attorney who is determining the status of investments and estate donations.

Recently, two estate-donated properties have been sold and/or liquidated in support of LCAS, and the final estate-donated property is currently under evaluation in preparation for listing.

A donated piece of artwork, upon expert assessment was determined to be a print, rather than an original painting of value.

LCAS enjoys the receipt, in late 2013, of one of many grants to support facilities maintenance.

For 2014, the board will review, evaluate and update LCAS bylaws.

The Lincoln County Animal Shelter board of directors is proud that founder Nickerson remains actively involved in board decisions, bringing a lifetime of experience and dedication. The all-volunteer board also acknowledges however that every board member's vote has the same weight as all other board members.

For all nonprofits, financial stability and support is the daily and ongoing challenge.

Lorraine Nickerson, Ellen McFarland, Kelly Brook, Martha Takatsu, Kathy Williams, Kim Fletcher and Lucy Harrington

Board of Directors

Related: Adopting accountability at Lincoln County Animal Shelter