Lon opened the meeting with recognition of a number of guests. Penny brought her son Nathan. Kristi brought the Dame clan trio. Jesse had guest Rocky who is on his third visit. Moe brought his lovely wife Diane.
REPORTS:
Rhonda announced August birthdays for Beverly, Glen and Pam. Next Thursday will be the group celebration with some kind of delectable dessert. (Still waiting on that banana puddling.)
She mentioned the August calendar has been updated.
Jesse had several announcements:
Saturday from 10:00-1:00 is a school supply event at the R.O. C.K. church.
On Monday, Aug. 12th, is a high school teacher event.
Friday, Aug. 23rd, is the Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase. Our club is participating in this. Jesse will have his Photo booth set up to draw in the crowds.
Rick is meeting with the La Cima development team next week
A possible new intern has been interviewed and it looks like we may actually get an intern to help out with social media and other areas to be determined from Aug.-Dec.
Rick spoke briefly about the Kiwanis District Convention that he talked about more at length at the last meeting. He encourages everyone to go as there are so many positive things that came out of it that the club could do. He said that a lot of women received awards. He feels that our club has women who would qualify.
One other area he addressed was possibly asking some of our corporate sponsors to become corporate members in our club.
Lon noted that Penny, on her second try, was the winner for identifying the pictorial quiz in the last two newsletters. We had several guesses from others that were close. The answer is the photo showed the framework built around the Memortial tree at the McBride Wilson camp with the purpose being to support netting over and around the tree to discourage grasshoppers from eating the leaves again.
PROGRAM: Jesse introduced Mike Tessaro who is President of "A Night in Old Bethlehem." This wonderful event has been a part of San Marcos's "Sights and Sounds" for quite a few years. It recently became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. It has a long history starting in the early 1990's in a variety of locations. Covid shut it down in 2020 and it was challenging to keep it going in 2021 and 2022 but it was back in full force by 2023.
Their mission is to "invite the community to discover the birth of Christ as they explore the town of Bethlehem." A live Nativity scene, angels, wise men, shepherds, live animals such as camels and backdrop scenery all add to the authentic portrayal of the times. Children can make candles, work with clay, and make simple wooden toys. There are food booths and music. Having been there a number of times, it really makes you feel like you have stepped back in time. It takes around 75 people per night to make it happen. They partner with local churches for volunteers and hosting. They are partnering with Gary Job Corp to rebuild the sets which are somewhat worn with use.
Unfortunately, "Sights and Sounds" has been paused so will not occur in 2024. They lost the long term carnival partner and an increase in event requirements has proven challenging. The Board members have decided to have "A Night in Old Bethlehem" event somehow. Location, dates and times are still to be determined. They do need volunteers and donations so do consider helping out if possible and if you are so inclined. It is a most worthwhile event.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
Aug. 15th: LaCima
Aug. 22th: Diane Breedlove, "School Fuel"
Aug. 29th: Hays County child Protective Board
EVENTS:
Aug. 10th: "Back 2 School Bash" at R.O.C.K., SCT, 107 Centerpoint Rd. Set up at 8:00 a.m. Event from 10:00-1:00.
Aug. 15th: Celebration of August birthdays.
Aug. 22nd: San Marcos Kiwanis Board Meeting. Sunflower Bank. 5:00 p.m.
Aug. 23rd: Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase. 10:00-2:00. Embassy Suites Conference Center. Call Jesse if you want to volunteer.
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:
“I saw a study that said speaking in front of a crowd is considered the number one fear of the average person. Number two was death. This means to the average person, if you have to be at a funeral, you would rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy.” — Jerry Seinfeld
“Doing nothing is very hard to do…you never know when you’re finished.” — Leslie Nielsen
“The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been kindness, beauty and truth.” —Albert Einstein
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