Rick started the meeting by introducing Kiwanis Club former member Gary Strunk with Texas Ramps who is looking for volunteers to help with building ramp projects. Lon has his contact info if you are interested.

 

As neither Kelli nor Rhonda were at the last meeting when Rick gave out thanks for the work done to organize the Installation Banquet, he again gave out his thanks to Rhonda who was in attendance this time.

 

Rhonda said there are no birthdays in October but there is an anniversary celebrated by James Collier and his wife this month.

 

She reported that it is time to order Butter Braids with a deadline of Oct. 21 to turn in orders with a delivery date of Nov. 14th. The breads and cookie dough are pre-packaged and frozen. Please bring a cooler of some sort with which to take home anything you ordered. The funds raised will go to our Admin Acct. out of which club operating costs are paid. We need as many funds as possible so please try to find friends and family who will also support this. Rhonda has taken care of this for a number of years. Many thanks!

 

Lon honored Paul Sutphen, Grin's owner and an honorary member of our club, with an award he had designed for all honorary members. Paul not only provides the room we use for our lunch meetings but he also provided the sausage for Pancake Day. Lon thanked Paul for his service to the club. Paul said his mission is to serve other people.

 

Rick encouraged members to wear pink today in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. He handed out Breast Cancer Awareness wrist bands to club members.

 

Remember that if you want a Pumpkin Dash long sleeved, hoodie t-shirt, they are available for $20.

 

Dr. Vanessa Westbrook, formerly of the Kyle/Buda Kiwanis club, was introduced again. She came to our meeting last week, as well. She is the Region 11 Director for Key Club, TX/OK which has 111 Key Clubs throughout this region.  She said they are "movin' and groovin'." We look forward to her working with our Key Club Advisor Kristi for San Marcos High School

 

Glen introduced our speaker JJ who directs the San Marcos Public Library Children's Reading Program. JJ said when she started work in this program , it felt like she was home. She finds much joy in her work with the children of all ages. One of her focuses is to create an environment for kids so they want to come back. She wants children to start early coming to the library even as young as infants where they can be a part of Storytime. She does not mind kids running around being happy in the library although some parents are a little frazzled by it.  JJ passed around many photos of events from the last Summer Reading Program kickoff and told delightful stories about interactions with the children.  She said 1,389 children participated last year despite a downpour of rain in the morning. 

The funds our club donates every year goes towards the Summer Reading program as well as events like the Reptile Show. 

 

JJ's main goal is to provide a fun, high quality entertainment and educational environment to help kids not lose ground in learning over the summer break from school. Her enthusiasm and connection with the children makes a great difference in many childrens' lives.

 

They are always needing volunteers. You can sign up online or go into the library to see where they need help.