It is with great sadness that I report our club lost three people within the last two weeks.
Steve Slavik, Penny's husband, passed away on May 7th. He was always volunteering for various events which he did with a quiet, easy demeanor and smile. He will be greatly missed.
Steve Slavik Services:
Visitation for Steve is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 4:00- 7:00 at Pennington's Funeral home in San Marcos.
Funeral is Monday, May 19, 2025 at 2:00 pm with graveside following. The service will be at 1st United Methodist Church, located on Hutchison Str., in San Marcos.
Pam Cook, a very dedicated Kiwanian, who has been a strong and devoted volunteer at events and fundraisers for many years, passed away on May 14th. Her positive and cheerful personality is really going to be missed. We have not been able to see her for some time as she was the primary caretaker for her husband Randy.
Pam Cook Services
A viewing will be held at Pennington Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025 and a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 31st at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in San Marcos. Burial will follow at San Marcos City Cemetery.
Please click on the link for more information.
Garry White, a former San Marcos Kiwanis Club member, passed away on May 10th. I never met him so am unable to give any personal comments.
Garry White Services:
Garry's funeral will be on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Mission Park Cemetery-South, 1700 SE Military Dr. San Antonio. 78214. Visitation starts at 10 am, Funeral starts at 11 am with a lunch/reception to follow at the Cemetery's banquet hall. Please pass this onto those who may want to go to his funeral. Dress is casual (Garry was not a coat/tie person). If you choose, the following are clothing options as outlined by groups: Texas State - a shirt or hat with Texas State University or College logo. Rick provided this informaton.
Please send out thoughts and prayers to all of their families to help them through their loss.
REPORTS:
Cheryl sent "Thank you" notes to all who sponsored the Cornhole Tournament. Penny wrote the "thank you's" and Cheryl handled getting them sent out. Thank you to both!
Rick reported that members having birthdays this month are Susie, Kelli, and Chester. Kelli and Steve Whigham are celebrating their anniversary on May 20th. Birthday treats at May 22nd meeting.
The next Flag Day is Memorial Day on May 26th. We are at about 50% paid sponsors. La Cima has 58 flags and is adding 24 more which will help the program funds.
Good Citizens Camp is gearing up to start the last week of May. A banner has been ordered for the "barn" door in the covered pavilion and a yard sign for the entrance. There is a nominal fee of $10 for each camper this year. Donations may still be needed for lunch meals for the campers. Kristi and Emily will be able to tell us what is needed. Gary Nelson donated funds towards the camp today. Thank you, Gary!
Monday, May 19th, is the date for our scholarships to be handed out. The reception is at 4:45 pm. while the program starts at 5:30pm We are giving 3 $1000 awards. If you interested in presenting the Scholarships please let Rick know.
Rick is going to the TX/OK Kiwanis District Governors' visit in Georgetown. If you wish to attend let Rick know by Wednesday evening.
Rick sent an email out to all members concerning having a member meeting one night of the month in lieu of one lunch meeting. Monday night is the time Grin's can accomodate us. He heard from only eight members. This item will go to the Board meeting on May 21st for a final vote. The other proposal is to have fewer meetings during the month. Apparently the majority of those who responded want to continue with every week.
Speaking of the Board, we will need a new President and Secretary for 2025-2026. Please consider volunteering for one of these positions as we will need to announce and vote on these positions in a timely manner.
There is no official program for next week. Kristi will talk about the upcoming camp. Again, she needs volunteers who are willing to speak on an area of expertise such as finances, insurance, or any other life skill everyone needs to know. I sat in on many of the presentations at the camp last year. The kids, overall, were very attentive.
Finally, do not forget our club is donating diapers, wipes, and other related necessities to Hays County Chid Protective Services. Please bring anything you can donate on May 29th.
PROGRAM:
Glen introduced Ashley Schimelman, who has been the Children's Librarian at the San Marcos Public Library for 24 years. She was the first full time children's librarian when hired. The library has just hired a second one most likely due to Ashley's incredible job of promoting literacy and reading to our youth. The original program was for 3-5 year olds which gradually expanded to a summer program for older children. They now include all age groups even offering an Adult Summer Reading Program. Over 3000 reading logs were turned in last year. She still uses paper logs rather than technology. Another feature is they have different departments such as the AG Dept. from Texas State Univ give presentations.
Ashley commented that there is a shortage of camps in our area. She is pleased to hear that Kiwanis started the Good Citizan Camp.
The Summer Reading Program kick off is May 29th from 9:30 to 11:30. Many club members volunteer to help with arts and crafts stations and games plus science experiments. The kids get to explore vehicles of all shapes and sizes from Public Works, Fire, Police, and Utilities departments. If you want to help out, you can show up 15-20 minutes early for an assignment.
Ashley said this has been a year of change. All positive. Diane Insley, the library Director retired after almost 37 years of service. Natalie McAdams has been hired to replace Diane. She will start on June 2nd.
Our club presented Ashley with a $2500 donation towards the Children's Reading Program. We have been doing this for many, many years to support this most valuable program for San Marcos youth.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
May 22nd: In-club meeting with Kristi apeaking on Good Citizen Camp.
May. 29th: LBJ Museum, Debbie Butler
May 29th: Collection for diapers, wipes, etc. for Hays County Child Protective Services.
EVENTS:
May 17th: Camp work day starting at 9:00 am.
May 26th - 30th: Good Citizen Camp
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:
I am doing something a little different this time. A "Word Daily" site popped up in my email a few weeks ago. In honor of the library's commitment to encouraging literacy, here are a few words to ponder.
Rubiginous: rust-colored
Limitrophe: A border state or area.
Redivivus: Come back to life; reborn.
bring a guest to an upcoming meeting!
