We had a great turnout of members today!  Visitors numbered 4!  Tivisay Estrada and Chase, Kristi Dane's husband attended, as well as Claudia McComack and Lucia Cisneros visited, being invited previously by Susie Hernandez's husband, Steven Hernandez.  Hopefully we will see these visitors back again!  Kelli Whigham brought in a yummy dessert to celebrate Marilyn Bostick's birthday, as well as the wedding anniversary of James and Kathy Collier.  Thank you Kelli!

 

 

1.  Jennifer shared some of the highlights from the Oct. 15, 2025 Board Meeting.

     A.  The board approved the 2025-2026 budget report, so we are good to go for another

           great year!

     B.  The committee lists have been updated, and chairmen have been appointed for 

           almost all of the committees.  Jennifer Richmond passed around a final copy of

           the lists, today, for all club members to review, make changes, and approve.

     C.  Trunk or Treat:  Last year, Kristi Dane had Key Club members come out to her

           house to decorate her horse trailer, so that the Kiwanis could participate in the 

           Trunk or Treat event held at the San Marcos Police Station.  This year, she does not

           have the Key Club assistance, and the decorating is not a job that she can do alone.

           Susie Hernandez has sent an email to TX State.  Recently, she was told by TX State 

           that they had 60 volunteers willing to help with the 5K race.  Her e-mail requested 

           that some of those volunteers could help decorate Kristi Dane's trailer.  If that

           request doesn't come through, Kristi Dane will be unable to participate in the 

           Trunk or Treat event with Kiwanis members.

     D.  Student Leadership Programs (SLP):  Rick Pickering and Jessica Rodriguez will

           be chairing the DeZavala and Hernandez school's K-Kids programs.  DeZavala 

           Elem. is further along, so Rick Pickering will be working with Jessica Rodriguez

           to get established as well.  Kiwanis will be purchasing the necessary kits for the 

           programs.  Still trying to get Key Club better established.  

     E.  The Great Pumpkin Dash 5K race:  Currently there are 56 runners signed up to 

           participate.  Sponsorships have been collected and tee-shirts have been ordered.

           Rick Pickering will be contacting Charles Johnson about getting some medical

           explorers to volunteer.  Way to go, Susie!  Sounds like everything is coming together.

 

2. Camp workday, previously scheduled for Oct. 15, 2025, has been rescheduled for Oct. 25, 2025 (same day as the race).  Tx State has 60 students willing to volunteer for the race, so Susie Hernandez is hoping to send some of them to work on the many upkeep duties needed to keep the club going.

 

3.  RISE Against Hunger- The Kiwanis Club was invited to help package up meals for the hungry.  Six San Marcos Kiwanis members and 3 guests took part in the event, and it was amazing!  In approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, approximately 10,000 meals were assembled.  Quite an organized event!

 

Thank you, Rick Pickering (not pictured), Jennifer Richmond, Penny Slavik, Luanne Johns, Chester Banks, Jessica Rodriguez, Lexi, Phyllisity Rodriguez, and Cadence!

 

 

 

4. Kristi distributed flyers for the Redline Charlie Foxtrot Car Show.  The Kiwanis plan to set up a booth and sell breakfast tacos.  This event will be on Saturday, Dec. 6th, 2025.

 

 

Tivisay Estrada is employed with a Mental Health organization called Branches. She explained that this organization is a liaison for Austin Oaks, a mental health in-patient facility in Austin.  She explained that until recently, Mental Health was not something that was addressed much, so resources were not a big priority. It just was not something that people talked about much, and it was kept within the privacy of one's home.  Branches'  mission is "Let's talk about Mental Health.  It doesn't make you weak.  We want to help!"

 

Tivistay Estrada stated that Austin Oaks addresses crisis situations such as suicide attempts or depression, in which a person needs in-patient hospitalization to help them cope with the crisis, and to learn specific tools to help them avoid another crisis situation.  Austin Oaks is  short term (est. 7-10 days) in a locked facility, and patients receive group therapy.  Austin Oaks has 3 separate units, within their facility: a suicidal unit, a detox unit, and an adolescent unit.  They also have a woman's unit that work with specific women issues such as post-parten.

 

Branches is like Austin Oaks except that it is an out-patient treatment facility.  Patients come for the day, but go home at the end of each day.  Transportation can be provided within a 10 mile radius.  Branches works in group therapy settings, as well.

 

She stated that all insurances plans are accepted, and they can offer a no-cost assessment in person or online.  Veterans, under the Compact Act can be seen at Branches, doing away with the wait to be seen at VA hospitals.  Homelessness, with Mental Health needs, is still a challenge in society, but a Pastor Todd, in San Marcos, is using grant money in hopes to offer some sort of assistance.  

 

Great program with lots of useful information!  Thanks Tivisay!

 

 

 

Oct. 25, 2025 (Saturday)- The Great Kiwanis Pumpkin Dash 5K @ LaCima.  Members need to be there at 6:00 am to setup.  Runner check-in 7:00 am, Race begins 8:00 am.

Oct. 25 , 2025 (Saturday)- McBride Wilson Camp Workday

Oct 30, 2025 (Thursday)- All members Youth Training @ Grins Restaurant  12:00-1:00pm.  This is a very important meeting, so if you can make it, that would be awesome!

Nov. 5, 2025  (Wednesday)- Club Social @ McBride Wilson Kiwanis Camp 6:00pm.  Willie will be grilling.

 

Oct. 23, 2025- Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, with Nansi Arevaldo presenting.

Oct. 30, 2025- Kiwanis internal meeting for certification of Youth Protection Training, with Jennifer Richmond presenting.

Nov. 6, 2025- Guardian of the Children , with Kenny Brannon presenting.

Nov. 13, 2025- Art League of San Marcos, TX, with Nancy Brown presenting.

 

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.

 

Did you know 53% of people 50 and older say the widespread use of driverless vehicles would be a bad idea for society, as do 37% of adults ages 18-49.  I don't know about you, but I think it is a little worrisome!

 

How do you know if a vampire is unwell?  Because he will be coffin.

 

Why was the computer cold?  It left it's windows open.