Lon opened the meeting with acknowledgement of several guests. Jesse introduced Veronica Medina and Susie whose last name I did not get. We also had a visit from our new intern Daija Bee who will be a special assistant for a short time.
REPORTS:
Rick said he received back input from a number of members about what committees they want to be on for the coming year. He passed out a committee list with the most recent updates.
He also reported on Governor Kathy Culbertson's upcoming visit to our Region meeting at the First United Methodist Church in Round Rock on Sept. 21. All members are welcome to attend. It will run from 10:00-noon. If you are interested in going, the following link may be used to sign up.
https://k2624.site.kiwanis.org/events/
Lon reported that planning for the Awards Banquet is underway.
Jesse is working with the San Marcos school system to restart youth clubs.
He also gave the reminder that Rick is working out details for raising dues.
PROGRAM:
Jack Wylie with the Hays County Child Protective Board gave a brief history of the Board noting it was begun in 1978. The county-appointed board coordinates with Child Protective Services to provide emergency supplies for children and caregivers who are in State care due to abuse or neglect. They work with churches, civic organizations, charities and schools. Their main focus is supporting CPS investigators and caseworkers to provide as stable an environment as possible.
The Board operates the Hays County Remme Rainbow Room which is a 24/7 facility providing new and unused emergency supplies for abused and neglected children. Critical needs include diapers and clothing. Donations of items are appreciated as are monetary donations. Toys are also needed including items for teens like basketballs and other sports equipment and makeup, such as nail polish.
In 2023, there were 341 requests mainly in Hays County. Many members had questions. One, for which it was tough to hear the answer, was what the average age is of children needing this service. Abby did not know of an average age, but she said the greatest number of children were newborns. This is shocking.
If you are interested in donating items, the contact number is 512-210-8032.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
Sept. 5th: Hays County CERT
Sept. 12th: Not known
Sept. 19th: Round Table
Sept. 26th: Business Meeting
EVENTS:
Sept. 20th: Installation Banquet
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:
"All kids need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them.” – Magic Johnson
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” – Nelson Mandela
“No other work transcends that of working with children, sticking with them, teaching them, and making a difference in their lives." Jay Weatherill
bring a guest to an upcoming meeting!
Jack Wylie, Hays County Child Protective Board member
Abby Mendez-Villegas, Hays County Child Protective Staff member