We had several guests today. Rick introduced Dr. Tina Cade from Texas State Univ. who passed out a survey for those over 65 to voluntarily fill out concerning the impact of a gardening program on senior citizens' perceptions of the quality of life, loneliness and hope. She will be speaking at our next meeting on Feb. 27th. The study needed a control group who are not involved in the gardening program.
Another guest was Cynthia Bentley from the Kyle Kiwanis Club who invited members to participate in "Unforgettable Family and Friends" at Bonham Elem. distribution of shoes and t-shirts on Feb. 27th. More details are in the "Events" section.
Kristi's husband Chase attended as well as Rick's mother-in-law, Kennia.
Kelli brought whatI believe were kolaches for the February birthday celebration for Luanne, Penny and Willie. They were quite good. Thank you, Kelli!
REPORTS:
Jesse said the cornhole tournament is still progressing. He said once the club has 501(c)3 status it should help with donation funding.
Rick reported that Boy Scout Troop 812 will be using the McBride Wilson camp this weekend.
Scouts Pack 105 will be using it Feb. 28th through the first weekend of March. Rick emphasized that the mission of the camp is to show how we are helping kids.
The calendar is updated for camp work days with March 15th being the next one scheduled.
There is a vendor fair coming up at Kissing Tree. Participating in this again was on the agenda of the Feb. 19th board meeting. Jesse was able to get the $150 fee waived last time because he provided the photo booth. This time he will not be able to so we are going to find out if there is a way they will waive it again.
We received the news today that Grin's has been sold and will be closed from March 2nd - 19th. Rick is taking a poll via email (check your emails) to see how to handle this meeting-wise. We have the options not to meet for two weeks; have a picnic at the camp for one meeting with no meeting during spring break; have a social such as a glass bottom boat ride on March 6th; or meet at a different restaurant. Let Rick know what you prefer.
A sign up sheet was passed around for volunteering for School Fuel. They get booked up about two weeks in advance.
We have programs pretty well covered for the meetings up until May 1st. If you have any suggestions, please make them known.
Board Meeting Report:
A reduction in membership dues for two members of a family signing up was discussed and passed. One member will pay the full dues for Kiwanis International, District and local while the second family member will not have to pay the local club dues.
The board discussed having socials other than at restaurants. The venue is yet to be determined. Two members will cook the food while those coming to dine will pay $10 each. The funds will go towards the Admin. account. It is not been determined how often this will occur.
Lon reported that he has 8 committee members for camp maintenance. The focus is to get the camp ready for summer. So far insulation has been added to the walls and around plumbing pipes. Some frozen pipes were repaired. Bathrooms were cleaned in preparation for the scouts coming this weekend. Lon stressed that we need total club commitment to help.
PROGRAM:
Kristi and Emily gave an overview of the upcoming Good Citizen Camp which will be held during the last week of May and the first week of June. The camp will run from 8:00-2:00 this summer as they found the afternoon heat was too much last year. They also are expanding to take 6th-12th grade level students.
Kristi is working on getting the 501(c)3 finalized so that bigger donations can be collected from sponsors. She will have certificates for members to give sponsors to make it official.
Penny asked about the scope of the program's purpose. Emily said it is to teach real life skills including how to cope with issues that come up. They used vision boards last year and will probably continue that this year to help campers focus on what they want to do with their lives. Some of the practical skills the campers will learn are how to build a resume, how to budget and save money and, importantly, learn how to respect and talk to authority figures.
Cynthia Bentley contributed to the discussion with her knowledge and experience. One area she asked about was how the word gets out to students. Some of the schools were not supportive nor receptive in helping with getting students the information. Kristi and Emily now use a backdoor method by going to booster clubs and Key Club networking.
They hope to get Corporate members signed up for funding which can generate enough revenue to make improvements at the camp and also help fund other fundraising events we hold.
If you get a chance, try to drop in at the camp. Better yet, if you have an area of expertise you think may benefit the campers in acquiring life skills or know of someone, let Kristi and Emily know. It is a very worthwhile and valuable program for youth.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
Feb. 27: Dr. Tina Cade and sutdent Liz from Texas State with an over 65 of age survey concerning the impact of a gardening program and senior citizens' lives.
EVENTS:
Feb. 27th: Unforgettable Families and Friends Shoe giveaway
Feb. 28th: Rotary Club Casino Night - Centex Wing of the Commemorative Air Force Museum at the San Marcos Airport
Regular Reminders:
Don't forget to click "like" and "share" on Facebook and other social media to promote the Kiwanis Club. We need to keep getting the club's name out there to promote our community involvement and to add new members to help in our endeavors.
Be sure to check the Calendar posted on the San Marcos Kiwanis Club website to stay up-to-date on what is happening.
Humor and Musings:
"The mentor can be identified by four things: by restraining you from wrongdoing, guiding you towards good actions, telling you what you ought to know, and showing you the path to heaven." Gautama Buddha
"What do we live for if not to make life less difficult for each other?" George Eliot
"It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through." Zig Ziglar
bring a guest to an upcoming meeting!
