Rick introduced a return guest, his mother-in-law Kinnea Diaz. Great to see her again.
Luanne is back after a serious medical situation. We are very glad and relieved to see her doing well and able to come back to the meetings.
Birthdays celebrated this month are Susie, Kelli, Chester (98!), and Andrew Gary.
REPORTS:
Vanessa thanked the club for sponsoring Abigail Edge, Lt. Governor for Key Club, for her trip to LEDCON. Abegail will be Lt. Gov. for our Division 38 in 2025-2026 which includes San Marcos High School.
Vanessa has been promoted to the position of Assistant District Administrator.
Rick said fifteen were in attendance at the Social at Italian Gardens on April 30th.
Flag Program collections are improving. Fourteen of the twenty-one sponsors have paid. Memorial Day is the next flag day.
The Cornhole Tournament was a great success. Over $5000 was made in profit. That is really good for a first time event. We had a good number of sponsors whose names were posted at each cornhole playing area. Rick thanked all of the committee members and Jesse, the chairperson, who was greatly relieved as the event place started filling up with attendees and cornhole participants. Southern Star Events is a wonderful venue. There is a lot of space for kids to play at various games; multiple cornhole stations could be set up; and room for tents for food prep plus the raffle and a stage for the DJ. A covered eating area provided plenty of space for both eating and resting between cornhole games. The setting is pastoral and relaxing. Seriously, if you need a venue for any reason, do consider Southern Star Events owned by our newest member Erica Simmons.
Rick has purchased Kiwanis Club "Thank you " notes to send to the sponsors. Penny volunteered to write the "thank you's." Jesse will provide her with contacts and addresses.
Tournament warmup.
Food, cashier and raffle tents.
Willie (sitting) cashier with Rick on the right.
Kelli on the far right competing.
Penny with a very enthusiastic throw with her granddaughter.
Serious competition underway.
Kristi reported that fliers are out all over San Marcos to sign up kids for Good Citizen Camp which will be starting the last week of May. She requested more volunteers saying that different backgrounds and skills help the kids to open up. She said campers from last year bonded during and after camp. She and Emily hope to have 15-20 kids for each of the two weeks they are running it with a goal of 40 in the future. Penny suggested she get volunteers from Texas State Univ. There were a number of students who were a great help at the Cornhole Tournament.
PROGRAM:
Jack Wylie and Abby Mendez-Villegas from the Hays County Child Protective Services were our presenters today. Jack said they are serving both Hays County and Caldwell County and help out as far north as Waco. They link the citizens of Hays County, the Commissioners Court and Child Protective Services serving to provide emergency services and supplies to children and caregivers at the time of removal from their situation. They can provide only temporary shelter. They keep a warehouse with supplies which they need to replenish especially with diapers, wipes, onesies and underwear. There is 24/7 access to the Rainbow Room center where CPS caseworkers can get essential items for children and families in their care. Money donations are always welcome along with any items listed.
The children age out at age 18. This has created many problems for these kids as they need to have an affordable place to live and hopefully continue their education and get a good job. Texas State Univ. has a Star Program in which they offer free tuition to help them out.
Rick suggested we have a club drive to bring diapers and wipes to the May 29th meeting which we will donate to this organization.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
May 8th: Sunshine Kids
May 15th: San Marcos Library, Summer Reading Program
EVENTS:
May 17th: McBride Wilson Camp Cleanup Day, 9:00-1:00.
May 21: Board Meeting, Sunflower Bank, 5:00 pm.
May 23rd-25th: Good Citizen Camp prep at camp.
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
A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn.
"A clear conscience is a sure sign of a bad memory." Mark Twain
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." Charlie Chaplin
bring a guest to an upcoming meeting!
