Lon opened up the meeting with guest introductions. Kelli introduced Rocky Prado who was a guest of Jesse's. Also visiting were Sylvia Muzzy and Barbara Escobar receiving a donation for "Head to Toe" and also Ema Diaz.. Kristi brought the giggling trio of Dames: Holly, Leydi and Della.
Rhonda brought cupcakes for the July birthday celebrants Cheryl, Charles and Jesse. Thank you, Rhonda!
We next presented a $500 donation to "San Marcos Head to Toe" to help provide first day of school clothes, school supplies, shoes, backpacks and haircuts, to name a number of items many students cannot afford for the 2024-2025 school year.
JenniferRichmond, Sylvia Muzzy, and Barbara Escobar
REPORTS:
Lon brought up a situation with our lunches at Grin's. There is a need to increase the cost to members for our meals. After a conversation with the owner Paul, suggestions were made to charge a flat cost of $15 per meal which will include a tip. If someone only wants to get a drink and doesn't order a meal, there will be a flat cost of $5. The Kiwanis club board will discuss and vote on this at this evening's 5:00 p.m. board meeting. If this change is approved and Paul gives a final agreement, the change will probably happen at the next meeting.
Lon reminded everyone that attending a board meeting counts toward attendance for those wanting perfect attendance but who have missed a regular meeting.
He also encouraged everyone to be as involved as possible in the club as there are so many aspects to the club that need to be taken care of.
BOARD MEETING REPORT:
A few of the highlights of the July 18th board meeting:
Kristi reported on Good Citizen's Camp including having the speakers who participated this year present again next year; designing a camp shirt; encouraging more Kiwanis members' participation and addressing future funding ideas. She also suggested participation by a Key Club if that club is revived. Lon wants the Kiwanis sponsorship aspect emphasized.
Jesse talked about the Membership Committee's interview procedure for potential members. There will also be a Mentorship Committee to help new members. He mentioned there are four potential new members.
Moe led a discussion about trying to do something different for the next Pumpkin Race to encourage more runners. Ideas were hooded, long sleeve sponsorship shirts that would provide longer term advertising and hopefully bring in more sponsors; different types of awards from previous ones; and a new location to change things up. He suggested a four or five member committee for prearrangements and ten to twelve people the day of the race.
The board did discuss the increased meal costs with tips included for Grin's lunches. The board members present did pass a motion agreeing to the changes. This will be presented to Paul, the owner, for a final agreement.
PROGRAM:
Kelli introduced Hayley Brooks with CASA which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates which, as she pointed out, has nothing to do with houses.
Their mission is to provide "high quality, best interest advocacy for children and youth in the child welfare system." They envision "a world where every child thrives in a safe, stable, loving home." To achieve this end they use four key components: gather information, facilitate, advocate and monitor. They provide information and make recommendations in a child's best interest to the judge to facilitate making informed decisions.
CASA has a volunteer program that provides around 40 hours of training in a 6 week period. Once the training is completed, a volunteer is paired with a Case Supervisor and assigned one to two cases at a time. Right now they have 226 trained community members. CASA provides a consistent presence for the child. There are several ways to help. One can become an advocate, a board member, spread the word about the organization, and donate. The need is great. Please see their website if interested in more information. https://www.casacentex.org/
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
July 25th: Danny Arredondo, Law Enforcement Assn.
Events:
July 18th: Club Board meeting, 5:00 p.m., Sunflower Bank
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 find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go in the other room and read a book." Groucho Marx
"The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense." Tom Clancy
"If you could choose one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor." –Jennifer Jones
bring a guest to an upcoming meeting!
