Presentation of a generous donation by a local organization was just one of the highlights of the latest Butler County Humane Society meeting held Wednesday at The Chef’s Table.

Mary Huff and Susan Lambert of the Alabama Power Service Organization presented BCHS president Herbert Morton with a check for $554.25 raised through their recent yard sale.

“We couldn’t think of a better place for it to be used,” Huff said.

The monies will be put in the account for the proposed Second Chance no-kill shelter to be run concurrently with the city shelter.

Morton also displayed his new vanity car tag which directly benefits animals in the state.

“These are $50 over the regular costs of a license plate, and they are now available for order. The monies collected will go into a foundation providing low-cost spay and neutering for cats and dogs belonging to Medicaid-eligible individuals. Our own Dr. Watson here in Butler County has agreed to be part of this program,” Morton said.

“One of the big problems we have here in our county is stray animals . . . programs like this can really help cut back on the homeless animal population.”

With volunteers now allowed back at the city shelter, Morton said he had recommended several willing individuals to help man the front desk and assist in caring for the animals.

The BCHS will also continue to assist with cost of medicines needed at the shelter.

In the arena of fundraisers, cookbook chair Fran Stallworth said she is still accepting recipe submissions, particularly appetizers, preserves and jellies, soups, salads and breads, along with favorite animal stories.

Volunteers will be needed to help typeset the submissions for the cookbook, scheduled for publication in 2010.

In addition, a 2010 vintage-look calendar featuring people and their pets is being planned by chair Annie Crenshaw.

“If you have great old B&W photos of a family member and their pet, or a more current photo that would look great in B&W, we would love to consider it for inclusion in this calendar,” Crenshaw said (contact her at anniecrenshaw@centurytel.net or at 382-6959.

Morton said Meredith Mann had agreed to chair a Dogutante Ball for early 2011, to be a gala affair at The Chef’s Table.

In other news, $100 was raised through the raffle held at Watson’s Animal Clinic with gift baskets won by Courtney Brown, Angie Waggoner and Lena Merrett.

“Now we need items to make up more dog and kitty baskets – chew toys, bones, little stuffed animals, serving dishes and more. Let’s everyone bring something to our next meeting,” Crenshaw said.

The next meeting of the Butler County Humane Society is at 1 p.m. August 12 at The Chef’s Table.