This being the day before Valentine's Day Kelli sweetly brought Valentine cupcakes! The February birthday celebration dessert will be next week. Penny's birthday was today. Happy Birthday!
REPORTS:
Rick had a list as usual.
He reminded those who put out flags that President's Day is on Feb. 17th. We are still short one person to take on a route. Please let Rick know if you can help out.
Grin's is having its 50th anniversary on Feb. 14th. A "Thank you" card with congratulations for their anniversary and thanking them for providing our club with a meeting place was passed around for members to sign. Rick delivered it after the meeting.
Non profit "Unforgettable Families and Friends" is distributing around 200 plus shoes and tee shirts at Bonham Pre-K 1225 TX - 123, San Marcos, Tx on Thursday Feb 27th from 5:00 to 7:00pm. Set up starts at 3:45 pm. A sign up sheet was passed around. If it did not get to you, let Rick know you want to help out.
Jesse reported that the Cornhole Tournament is still in the works.
Steve, Kelli, Rick and Lon helped with the McBride Wilson camp work day last Saturday. Kelli brought breakfast tacos. Some pipes had frozen in the last cold snap. A boy scout troop is scheduled to use the camp soon so all needs to be in good working order.
An update on Key Club. The roster is ready with 24 members. Kristi will be involved in getting it finalized.
Jesse mentioned Rodriguez Elem. is working on some programs with which our club may be able to get involved.
Jennifer and Penny gave a brief report on the Kyle 4-H Fancy Feathers event this past weekend. Jennifer volunteered seven hours on Saturday. She listened to Bantam roosters scream (they don't cock-a-doodle-do) for the whole time. She won the Chicken Poop bingo. Penny took her granddaughter to see the chickens and commented on the great variety in sizes. Great fun had by all.
PROGRAM:
Sheri Sholtes with Service Dogs, Inc. gave the program today about training and placing Service Dogs with those in need. They provide dogs all over the State of Texas. They use dogs they rescue from animal shelters rather than breeding them. The scope of their work is amazing. She showed videos of some dogs at work. There are four main types of service dogs that need different types of training to perform tasks to mitigate those with different types of disabilities. They are hearing dogs, mobility service dogs, courthouse facility dogs, and trauma response facility dogs. She said the courthouse facility dogs who are used to calm children who have to take the stand in court have to remain out of sight and quiet during court proceedings so they do not prejudice the jury.
It costs $50,000 to train a dog and they provide lifetime support. There are several ways to support their organization. They need weekend foster care, donations, referring of applicants, plus there are many areas where they welcome help at the facility in Dripping Springs.
This is a total win/win for not only those who need service dogs but also for the dogs themselves who have a job and are no longer in an animal shelter with an uncertain future.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
Feb. 20th: Kiwanis Good Citizen Camp Update
Feb. 27th:
EVENTS:
Feb. 19th: Board meeting, Sunflower Bank at 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 27th: Unforgettable Families and Friends Shoe giveaway
Feb. 28th: Rotary Club Casino Night - Centex Wing of the Commemorative Air Force Museum at the San Marcos Airport
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 dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."
Emily Walker
"Service dogs teach us the true meaning of compassion, empathy and acceptance." Anonymous
"Service dogs have the incredibile ability to turn disabilities into possibilities." Anonymous
Bring a friend to a meeting!
