Kelli brought always popular, homebaked brownies to celebrate Gary Nelson's and Randy Cook's birthdays. They were both able to come to the meeting along with Randy's wife Pam so the celebration was a good one. We had many members and Valerie, a guest of Jesse's, show up which made for a nicely attended meeting.
Rick read a "Thank you" note from Penny in which she gave appreciation to club members for supporting her and her family during the loss of her father Del Brown.
REPORTS:
Rick reminded the flag committee that flags need to be set up for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day which is also Inauguration Day on Monday, Jan. 20th.
The following are items covered during the Board meeting on Jan. 15th.
1) The Bylaws for our new Foundation was discussed. We need this in order to get 501(c)3 tax advantages enabling the club to get greater donations from sponsors. It requires at least 50% of the club members to vote to approve the Bylaws. This will be done at our next meeting so please make every effort to attend the Jan. 23rd lunch meeting.
2) Boy Scout Troop 18 asked our club to charter them. Kiwanis International said we should not do this due to liability issues so the decision was made to decline.
3) The board discussed donating to the Possibility Fund that was presented to our club by a Kiwanis representative in a previous meeting. We felt the cost was too much for the club to be able to afford at this time.
4) The club is donating to the Children's Fund.
5) Jesse brought up having a corn hole tournament as a new fundraiser, held possibly sometime in the spring. He is looking into locations and logistics.
6) Community Support had a request from Kyle 4H for funding for their Fancy Feathers event at the Dripping Springs Center. The board approved $250.
7) Key Club is having its 100th birthday this year. The board discussed how to help them celebrate. K Kids is having their awards week Feb. 10-14. We need to figure out a way to participate, if possible. Rick said he will go.
8) Also discussed was an alternate dinner social by having a potluck at Sunflower Bank. A couple of members would cook and attendees would donate $10 for a meal. The proceeds will go into the Admin. acct.
Rick noted that Billy Williams left the club. We need a volunteer for website work. Rick has updated the calendar and fixed the broken links.
Rick and his wife helped pack food for School Fuel at Mendez Elem. last week. Rick said they packed about 1000 meals last Thursday. Luanne and Chester went this past Tuesday.
Kristi reported that the Kyle 4H's Fancy Feathers is taking donations for sponsoring trophies and belt buckles to award winners. A buckle is $250 and trophies are $25. These can be donated in honor of someone. This event is great fun. It is on Feb. 8th at the Dripping Springs Center. If you want some good laughs and want to see 4h members interacting with a wide assortment of fowl and rabbits, I highly recommend going.
PROGRAM:
Kristin introduced Chelsea Roberts, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper Realtors. She has won several awards; held executive positions such as past President of Four Rivers Assn; and is actively involved with Leadership San Marcos.
She began her presentation asking if we were aware of a lawsuit that has affected all realtors wtih all contracts and forms having to be rewritten. It relates to commissions and brokerage fees affecting the National Association of Realtors, Texas Realtors and local boards of Realtors.
She explained why everyone should use a realtor when buying and selling a home due to the amount of research real estate agents do for the assessment of property worth, marketing, and the listing appointments that have to be kept.
Chelsea said 2024 was a hard year due to mortgage interest rates being high.
The buyers were mainly those who had to move such as for a job change or a transfer. Those who wanted to move just to have a change of residence or neighborhood chose to stay where they were for the time being. She also said election years typically have a dip in sales due to the uncertainty of what might change.
Rising property taxes have not helped and have even caused rents to increase.
Here is hoping that the market will start to see an upswing very soon. There has been a considerable amount of building so many new properties are coming on the market. I'm sure Chelsea will be working hard to get them sold.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
Jan. 23rd: Josie Falleta, Main Street, Title: Downtown Coordinator
Jan. 30th: Rachel Sanborn, San Marcos River Foundation
EVENTS:
Jan. 29th: Club Social at Italian Garden at 6:00 pm. Cheryl is making arrangements for this so please RSVP to her.
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:
Real estate humor.
The only problem with being on time for your showings is that no one else is there to appreciate it.
Yesterday, someone ran into my real estate agency and yelled, “Nobody move!”
Q: How many estate agents does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: None! “The lightbulb is in excellent working order and comprised of a beautiful retro teardrop illuminator, offering original glass and metal features and located very centrally in the middle of the room. Local amenities abound and the property is serviced by a newly refurbished power cord connecting it to the ceiling. Nearby is a tasteful power switch to enable the purchaser to switch it on and off. Leasehold with share of power supply with lovingly improved wattage by the current owners. Would suit a professional couple or family looking for more light.”
bring a guest to an upcoming meeting!
