Alex Edwards was inducted into the San Marcos Kiwanis Club today.  Originally born in Ohio, Alex was the son of an Army General and was blessed to move around a lot.  After graduating from college, he entered into business with his mom and then got into real estate with his dad.  He is comfortable with technology and can help with Club Runner. Alex wants to serve on the McBride Wilson Kiwanis Camp committee and hopes to get a Kiwanis Builder's Club set up in San Marcos.  Welcome Alex!  We are excited to have you join our club!

 

1.  Kiwanis Cornhole Tournament and Picnic- Jesse Ramos reported that the advertising flyer has been updated with a QR code, so people can register online.  He stated that he has secured $1,200 sponsorships, this week alone, with an overall amount totaling almost $18,000 so far.

 

2.  Scholarships:  Scholarship applications were due earlier this past week with 27 High School students submitting their paperwork.  Pickup from the school will occur Friday, Mar. 27, and will be reviewed by the scholarship committee.  Holding the popsicle meet and greet at the High School showed definite success in drawing attention to the availability of the Kiwanis scholarships.  Thank you Vanessa Westbrook for suggesting this event!

 

3. Kiwanis International Coloring Books:  Pictures taken during our Pancakes With Santa, as well as those taken during the Good Citizen Camp will be submitted to Kiwanis Internation, as service projects our club has participated in, in hopes of having them converted and added to the Kiwanis International Coloring Book, that will later be distributed to kids.

 

4.  McBride Wilson Kiwanis Camp:  Lon Shell stated that our camp is being used almost every weekend.  This upcoming weekend, Scout troop 18 will be camping out.  This is the troop that helps place our flags at LaCima.

 

5.  Kiwanis President needed:  Jennifer Richmond made the official 3rd request for nominations of next year's Kiwanis President, as well as to announce that Penny Slavik will continue on as secretary, and Willie Garza, as Treasurer.  As of this newsletter, this upcoming vacancy has not been nominated.  Jennifer assured the club that she will stay on as Past-President, to help transition the new President.  Also, 3 slots are still open for board members to fill.

 

6.  Texas/Oklahoma Conference:  Early Bird registration is still open if there is anyone interested in attending.  Currently, there are 2 members that have shown an interest in attending.

 

7.  Need Summer Programs:  The club has had some excellent speakers come to our lunch meeting, but we are lacking programs after May.  Please contact Penny Slavik if you have someone that would like to present a program.

 

Christi Murillo, with the Marketing and Outreach Department of the San Marcos Parks and Recreation, is a very busy person!  She is responsible for managing everything used by the residents of San Marcos, TX. What this means is that she oversees things like the Library, Activity Center, hiking trails, tennis and pickle ball courts, various parks, and even the City Cemetery.  She is in charge of seeing that summer camps are set up, and athletic programs are available. She is also responsible in making sure events like Fall and Spring Carnivals, Veteran's Day Parade, plant sales, free tree give aways, and wreaths across America, are coordinated and run smoothly.

 

When asked about City Park parking, Christi explained that the paid parking is part of a pilot program, put into place to try to alleviate facility misuse and the accumulation of trash.  The pilot program will be reviewed on March 31, 2026, to determine its effectiveness, and who in the community is eligible for free parking.

 

Very informative program.  Thank you Christi!