Lon opened the meeting and called on Kelli and Jesse to introduce their guests. Kelli announced that Sandy Ellen was here for her third visit making her eligible for applying for membership. Jesse introduced Marilyn Bostick who was on her fourth visit.
Lon said Glen was not feeling well and had gone to the hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and hope it is nothing serious so he will be back with us at next week's meeting.
REPORTS:
Lon noted that the Board who met last night, inducted Emily Sousa whose work schedule did not allow her any time to come to a Thursday lunch for an induction. Emily was an integral part in the planning and execution of Good Citizen's Camp using her professional counseling skills and horse therapy to work with the high school kids who attended. We welcome her to the club and look forward to another camp next summer.
Jesse reminded us of the Chamber of Commerce Busines Showcase happening this Friday, Aug. 23rd. It runs from 10:00 to 2:00 and anyone is welcome to come and help at our booth.
He said our intern Daija Bee has shown much initiative in writing a document on what she wants to do as an intern for the club. He would like input on what we might like to have her do, as well.
Rick went over Kiwanis dues for the coming year. Kiwanis International raised their portion by $25 to make it $77 plus there is a children's fund of $5. District dues are $40. San Marcos Club may be raising our dues by $50 so that our Admin. account is a little healthier. This means the annual dues will be going up. There will be the option of quarterly payments by members. More on this after final decisions are made.
There is the question about flags being put out from our Flag Program on Labor Day. Rick clarified that Labor Day is a "make up" day for when flags cannot be put up on other holidays due to bad weather. There were no bad weather days during the current cycle so no flags will be put up this Labor Day.
Rhonda asked whether we want to continue the Butter Braid fundraiser. There was quite a drop in revenue this year from last year but as she said, it does still add to the Admin. funding. The decision was made to go ahead and do this fundraiser again with a timeline of getting the items before Thanksgiving.
Lon ended the reports with an update on the Installation Banquet. Kelli and Rhonda are working at setting it up for Sept. 20th at the First United Methodist Church.
BOARD MEETING REPORT for Aug. 21st:
Our Board meeting was the night before this lunch meeting. A rundown of the highlights are as follows:
As previously noted, Emily Sousa was inducted at this meeting. She is very interested in being involved with Sponsored Youth programs, especially with Key Club.
Jesse reported for the Membership Committee that he had interviewed Marilyn Bostick to become a member. The Board voted and approved her membership.
He also mentioned five possible new members who have been coming to our meetings.
Rick discussed the Internship contract and the proposed, detailed plan Diasha Bee submitted to the committee for what she would like to do for the club which includes social media work. The Board voted to accept her as our intern. A point of contact person is needed to work with her on priorities of what focus of her work would be most beneficial. She will have a space at Sunflower Bank in which to work.
Kelli reported on the Installation Banquet saying she is looking for a caterer who would do set up, providing of food, and clean up. This will make it much less work for members.
Moe discussed the Pumpkin Dash which will take place at La Cima this year. It is scheduled for Oct. 19th. There is a fee of $30 for early entry with that deadline being Oct. 17th. It is $40 for the day of the race. Kids may race for a $10 fee which will be in the park area. Awards will be different this year and a race shirt that is long sleeved with a hood is proposed. "Athletes Guild" will handle online registration, web page advertising and race finish line set up. If you know of anyone who would like to participate, let them know quickly so we can spread the word and have a very successful race this year.
Rick relayed information for Kristi who proposed we join the San Marcos Police Trunk or Treat on Halloween night. The Board approved to go ahead with this. Members will be asked to bring a bag of candy to the Oct. 31st meeting which will be distributed to the kids at the event. This event is held at the San Marcos Police station in the back parking lot. It was started last year to insure safe trick or treating, especially with fentanyl fears. I went to it last year and can attest to both its safety and the fun factor.
PROGRAM:
Diane Breedlove with "School Fuel" addressed our club concerning the great need for children to come to school having had a meal to start their day. Coming to school hungry has a deleterious affect on children's learning abilities, energy, and simply feeling well. This came to her attention in 2013 when she learned about Bowie Elementary School where about 31 kids were coming to school hungry. A collection was taken up to get nonperishable food for them to take home on Friday. Academic and health improvement was quickly seen. About 200 kids were helped that first year. In San Marcos almost 28% fall below the poverty line. The goal of "School Fuel" is to help these kids stay in school and graduate so they can succeed in life.
Currently it costs $230 per year to supply them with a sack of food every weekend during the school year. They raise funds through board members talking to groups such as the Kiwanis club to tell about this widespread need, hopefully resulting in donations. They also apply for grants. They are all volunteers and can use help on Thursdays with packing the sacks. She compared it to the "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" assembly line. Sept. 5th is the first night of packing so if interested in helping this most worthy cause sign up at SignUpGenius.com.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
Aug. 29th: Hays County Child Protective Board
EVENTS:
Aug. 23rd: Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase. 10:00-2:00. Embassy Suites Conference Center. Call Jesse if you want to volunteer.
Although the Events section notes the Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase for Aug. 23rd, it is now Aug. 24th when I am writing this newsletter. Having attended the Showcase, here is a brief acconting of the event. We had a great showing of Kiwanis members. The ones I saw while there were Kelli, Kristin, Moe, Rick, Jesse, Luanne, Chester, Willie, and Penny. We had a number of people sign up to be further informed about the club by the time I left around 12:30. The photo booth was a great success. Here are a couple of pics. Note some of the Texas State cheering squad tried out the photo booth.
Kristin and Kelli Luanne, Penny, Willie, Texas State cheer members at photo booth with Rick's backside.
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:
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” —Maya Angelou
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” —Walt Disney
“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” —Winston Churchill
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