The finale of Wayland Union Schools Summer Fun-tastic series will feature 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.

Mary 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.

A spokesperson for the Columbus Zoo says, “This personalized program will allow you to visit with a cheetah that travels with Jungle Jack Hanna to shows such as Good Morning America and The Late Show with David Letterman.  Discover where cheetah come from, what they eat and get up close and personal with this animal star and its handlers. Bring your camera, you’ll have a wild time!”

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 age 18 and under. Adults can purchase a lunch for $4.

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

• Monday, Aug. 10 — Breakfast and lunch at Steeby from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and 11:30 to noon.
• Tuesday, Aug. 11 — Lunch at Steeby, 11:30 to noon and dinner from 6:30 to 7:15 at the United Church of Wayland.
• Wednesday, Aug. 12 — Breakfast and lunch at Steeby from 8:30 a.m. 9 and from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
• Thursday, Aug. 13 — Lunch at at Steeby, noon to 12:30 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 14 — Lunch (11:30 to noon) at United Church.

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