We had several guests today. Jesse introduced Christina DeLaCerda-Sustaita, Brittany Martinex and Noah Petes.

 

Rick's reminders:
Rick noted that Lon is celebrating a birthday this month. The club will provide a dessert at next week's meeting.

 

He reminded everyone present about "Wreaths Across America" happening this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the San Marcos City Cemetery. 

 

Rick is taking donations to buy snacks and drinks for Adopt-a-Cop. 

 

There is gift wrapping today (Dec. 12th) at 1:00 p.m.for Brown Santa at the Brown Santa Warehouse.

 

The Dec. 19th meeting will be last minute instructions for Pancake Day to be held on Dec. 21st. Please bring a bottle of syrup, if possible, and any Christmas decorations you can loan or give to decorate the event. Penny is bringing the final schedule of assignments to this meeting for those volunteering to help. She said if you do bring decorations that you want to be sure get returned to you, please put your name on them.

The ad sales are going well with approximately $2300 received, so far. Today is the last day to get ad orders so that printing of the placemats can be done in a timely manner. You do not have to collect money by today.

 

Dec. 26th and Jan. 2nd club meetings will be Round Tables as we wind down 2024 and head into 2025.  We have speakers lined up through January and into February but definitely need more for future meetings. If you have a suggestion, let Rick know.

Rick introduced Christie Murillo. the City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Marketing and Outreach Coordinator. She gave a brief overview of the department which has over 70 staff members in seven different divisions. There are twelve parks along the Blanco and San Marcos Rivers. Many amenities and recreational facilities are included such as basketball courts, tennis, soccer, softball, and swimming pools. They have programs for youth and seniors as well as inclusive activities. They partner with businesses such as Hill Country Karate. The Activity Center provides a wide variety of opportunities for recreational sports and even an art display area. The Discovery Center offers diverse experiences with information on gardening, pollinators and educational events such as with reptiles among other interests.

 

In addition to these activities, they are greatly invested in the City Cemetery and the "Wreaths Across America" event. They surpassed their goal of 950 wreaths this year.

 

Several questions by club members:

1) Rick asked whether there are facilities available for cornhole contests. The Activity Center has a space for an indoor event and Dunbar Park may be a possibility for an outdoor venue.

2) Lon asked about removal of trees that obstruct our sign on Hwy. 123. Christie said tree obstruction of signs is an ongoing issue and she will pass this concern on to the appropriate staff member.

3) Kristi asked whether there will be any dedicated parkland on the east side of I35. This area has typically been overlooked for park development but with the great increase of housing being built, this needs to be looked at. Christie said there is a survey going out and Parks and Recreation does have an awareness of the need for developing areas on the east side.

 

The Parks and Recreation dept. is constantly looking for ways to improve, expand and enhance our parks and activity facilities. Christie mentioned so many that it is impossible to list everything. If you are interested in learning more either check the San Marcos Parks and Recreation website or their Facebook page.

 

There are no speaker programs for the rest of December. 

Dec. 19th: Final instructions for Pancake Day. See "Report" notes.

Dec. 26th: Round Table