We had two guests this week. Billy Williams came for a second time and Steve, Penny's husband, also was here. It was good to see them both.
REPORTS:
Lon was sorry to report that the Memorial tree at the camp lost every single leaf to grasshoppers. Sevin dust and a pesticide spray have been applied in the hopes of leaves being able to return. It might help to put netting over it to deter grasshoppers if leaves reappear.
Lon led an auction of a richly colored, Moroccan influenced acrylic painting Veronique generously donated towards fundraising for the club. Kristi made the winning bid. Thank you, Veronique and Kristi!
Kelli reminded us of the dinner social on June 20th at 6:00 p.m. at Jorge's. RSVP as soon as you know if you are going.
PROGRAM:
Jesse introduced our guest speakers for the program Hats Off for Veterans. They are Lisa Adams, President/CEO; Chris Adams, Board Director; Angie Mendez, Board Treasurer; and Lia Wilkinson, an intern with HOFV.
Chris began with giving their Mission Statement.
"At Hats Off For Veterans, our mission is to provide financial assistance to Veterans who are seeking to obtain their first higher educational degree, and to assist with professional development for those seeking a certification or license in a skilled trade. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for those who have served our country."
While there are other programs to help Veterans, this one is unique in focusing on educatiion. They currently serve Texas although their strategic goal is to serve Veterans nationwide.
HOFV is a non-profit made up of community volunteers. It was started in 2005 by Lisa Adams and originally focused on local hospice patients' end-of-life wishes. As fundraising grew the need for helping veterans and their families also increased. They now put on numerous entertainment events some of which include live music by artists like Two Tons of Steel and The Derailers. Check out their sites on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to find upcoming fundraising events. There are some fun ones scheduled for October.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
June 20th: Judge Tanner Neidhardt
This is a speaker you do not want to miss! He has over 135 trials as an advocate or judge and as a trial attorney who held himself to a high standard he expects the same for attorneys in the courtroom where he presides.
Because of the vast number of jurors he has been before, he developed a new model for picking jurors which has been adopted in the criminal courthouse where he practices.
He teaches #TrialAdvocacy advocacy. Come hear what that means.
This is a great opportunity to get the workings of a courtroom the general public does not usually know.
Bring a friend or family member!
June 27th: Sponsored Youth
EVENTS:
June 20th: Dinner Social at Jorge's. 6:00 p.m. RSVP to Kelli.
June 20th: Birthday celebration for members with birthdays this month.
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:
“Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.” — Jack Handey
“The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true.” ― James Branch Cabell, “The Silver Stallion”
“When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.” – Elon Musk
bring a guest to an upcoming meeting!
