1. Microgrant Progress:  Initially, the microgrant was going to cover the cost of 4 tables/ attached seating.  Currently, the club is hoping to get a few sponsors to raise our chances of being awarded the amount being requested.  Lon suggested that if we can't get the sponsorship, we could get table kits for the Boy Scouts to assemble.

 

2.  Scholarships:  The Scholarship Committee picked up and reviewed 44 applications and have chosen 5 prospects to be awarded the Kiwanis Scholarships.  $4000.00 was budgeted, but a request was sent to the board to increase the budget to $4500.00 to accommodate these 6 recipients.  The Committee would like to award 1st-3rd choices with $1000.00 each, and $500.00 to the 4th-6th choices.  The board will review this request at their April board meeting.  Praises need to be given to the Scholarship Committee for their hard work!

 

3. Flag Program:  Rick passed out Flag renewal packets to Penny Slavik , Cheryl Petre, Kristi Dame, and Kristin Wingard.  Hopefully money collection will go smoothly, and that all businesses receiving flag service continue with Kiwanis flags.  Prices per flag are $75.00 each.  LaCima flags are $50.00 per flag.  In addition, the 4H club will start receiving $3.00 per flag, and the Boy Scouts will be receiving $2.50 per flag.  All business renewals need to be completed before May 25, 2026.

 

 

4.  Programs:  We have people signed up to do programs through May 2026 but have quite a few vacancies after that.  Kristi Dame will check with the Utility Department at Crystal Clear for a possible program on water conservation.  

 

5.  President for next year:  The club is still in need of a President for next year.  Please consider volunteering for this position.  Penny Slavik stated that there will be a lot of support from the other board members, as well as the guidance of our past president.  (We'll even let you in on the secrets we use to make the job easier.)

 

 

Alex Edwards, employee and corporate officer of the real estate company called Clear Integrity Group, gave a very interesting presentation on a recently purchased property called The Ranch @ 1856.   Alex explained that the vision of the Clear Integrity Group is to "provide industry leading services that deliver outstanding results for clients in need of investment management, commercial, and multi-family management, and brokerage services."

 

Alex further explained that The Ranch @ 1856 is located in San Marcos; off of exit 207 on IH 35.  The property is about 34 years old, but there has been a lot of updating.  

 

Why should anyone want to move into The Ranch @ 1856?  Alex went on to explain that the amenities are very appealing.  There are brand new Pickleball courts, freshly paved parking, a playground, 2 swimming pools, a fitness center, a dog park, and on-site maintenance.  The residences are airconditioned, and have large closets, new countertops, and great floorplans.

 

Alex stressed that even though these apartments are upgraded, affordable, and that there are a lot of amenities, what he felt was equally important was the fact that they worked at trying to give back to the community.  he went on to explain that there were lots of incentives to rent, and to bring in referrals.  Rent reduction, business gift cards, and the offering of on-site events, such as Christmas celebrations, St. Patrick's Day awareness, and Valentine's Day events, are some of the fun things they do.  

 

During question time, a member brought up security measures.  Alex explained that there are lights on every building, security cameras, and signs with QR codes for cars to check in.  Kristi Dame asked if outside events could use facilities and was told that that is definitely possible.  Maybe the club could host a Pickleball Tournament, or a Redline Charlie's car show.

 

Thank you Alex!