Lunches and snacks will be made available at the Wayland Union Schools administration building this week, in addition to free meals at Steeby Elementary and the United Church of Wayland.

The biggest feature later this month, however, will be a visit at Pine Street Elementary at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, from Mary Wykstra, conservationist and animal activist from Action for Cheetahs in Kenya, and a live cheetah from the Columbus Zoo.

Wykstra was born just a few miles down the road in Martin, but found her calling in life to save this species from the brink of extinction. She will have a special visit to her hometown area this year before travel by vehicle across the U.S. to speak at several zoos and private facilities to spread the work of cheetah conservation in Kenya.

“Research is not enough to save the cheetah,” Ms. Wykstra said. “Our programs engage communities in conservation activities including bee keeping, tree planting and improved livestock husbandry. We use the indigenous activities and knowledge to promote range-wide and holistic conservation efforts.”

For the Wayland activity, the Columbus Zoo will provide the audience with a unique opportunity to meet a cheetah and her handlers and companion.

There is no cost to attend the program but a there is a $2 suggested donation. The first 100 kids will receive a free cheetah book. Crafts from Kenya will also be for sale with proceeds used to purchase shoes and school uniforms for children in Kenya.

A free lunch will be provided prior to the event at Pine Street Elementary at 12:30 p.m. for kids ages 18 and under. Adults can purchase a lunch for $4.

The free meals schedule for the upcoming week is as follows:

• Monday, Aug. 17 — Breakfast and lunch at Steeby from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and 11:30 to noon. Snack and lunch offered at the administration building from 10:20 to 10:40 a.m. and from 12:30 to 1 p.m., respectively.
• Tuesday, Aug. 18 — Snack and lunch offered at the administration building from 10:20 to 10:40 a.m. and from 12:30 to 1 p.m., respectively. Lunch at Steeby Elementary, noon to 12:30.
• Wednesday, Aug. 19 — Breakfast and lunch at Steeby from 8:30 a.m. 9 and from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
• Thursday, Aug. 20 — Snack and lunch offered at the administration building from 10:20 to 10:40 a.m. and from 12:30 to 1 p.m., respectively. Lunch at Steeby Elementary, noon to 12:30.
• Friday, Aug. 21 — Lunch (11:30 to noon) at United Church. Snack and lunch offered at the administration building from 10:20 to 10:40 a.m. and from 12:30 to 1 p.m., respectively. Lunch at Steeby Elementary, noon to 12:30.

PHOTO: Mary Wykstra, a native of Martin, and her cheetah friend.