Getting to Know the Dubois County Humane Society
- Category: Folk Fest News
3:00 – 3:45, North Tent
by a member of the Humane Society
Learn about all the exciting and beneficial activities happening with the Dubois County Humane Society and maybe even meet a canine friend or two. They will have a team out and about in the park all day during the Folk Fest. Their mission is to educate the community about the services the organization offers and introduce festival patrons to dogs hoping to be adopted into loving, forever homes. In addition to mingling with the crowd, the Humane Society will also have a booth where snacks (for humans) will be sold and a photo booth where folks can have their picture taken with their favorite pet or one they might adopt.
Cross country bicyclist Danny Schnell from Schnellville began his journeys in 1982. He has ridden from Indiana to all 48 states in the contiguous US. He has also taken a European trip and has traveled in part of Canada. In 1999 he put his back wheel in the Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles, CA, and when the year 2000 rolled in, he rode into the Atlantic Ocean at Daytona Beach, FL. A recent trip to New Orleans raised awareness and funds for the Indiana Donor Network Foundation. From his unique perspective on highways and backroads, 
Kristin Ems and her husband, Willie, bought their first alpacas in 2001. Willie had farmed and raised cattle, and Kristin had an interest in fiber arts. Starting with five alpacas, they bred them to generate excellent fiber and conformation and at one time had a herd of 31 alpacas. 
Near the Kyana Woodstock Market Stage, get an up close and personal look at Ryan Zaricki’s brand new Tesla Model 3, which travels 310 miles per charge. An avid follower of the latest technologies and trends in both the solar and automobile industries, Ryan will share interesting info for auto enthusiasts and anyone interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle.
President of Southwestern Indiana Citizens for Quality of Life, Mary Hess will share facts about the massive coal-to-diesel refinery proposed for within the city limits of Dale. With Spencer County already ranking 23rd (out of over 3,000 US counties) in toxic emissions (Forbes magazine), and this region already suffering from disproportionate illness rates caused by pollution, the all-volunteer, grassroots organization believes the idea is ill-conceived and is committed to stopping the proposal. Especially with Ferdinand being just six miles directly downwind from the refinery’s fallout and the smell of rotten eggs (sulfur), the community has a lot to lose in public health, economics, and quality of life. Organization members are comprised of citizens from Spencer, Dubois, and other area counties and consist of young parents, medical doctors, a chemical engineer from the oil and gas industry, teachers, business owners, students, and more. Mary and other informed group members will answer questions about the current state of the proposal and provide ways people can get involved.