a.  The board discussed and approved reducing dues for 2026-2027.  This reduction will create a shortfall for covering administrative expenses, as dues are part of the funding for the administrative account.  To compensate the reduction of dues, our club will need to plan more short-term events like Murdoch's hot dog sales, Butter Braids, and the trivia event currently planned for September.  All fundraising suggestions are welcome!

     b.  The club will be asked to vote on an addendum and an addition to the club by-laws.  The addendum needs to include verbiage that "the club operates in a non-profit manner" to satisfy a requirement for the Property Tax Exemption on the McBride Wilson Kiwanis Camp.

     The addition is to include the option to use a Certified Independent Auditor for the financial review of our fiscal accounting.  Currently, we conduct an in-house review which is acceptable for Kiwanis International.  Having the option choice as an addition will allow us access to grants requiring the independent auditor.

     Jennifer will be sending a copy of both addendum and addition to each member's email.  Please review and vote as soon as possible, as the deadline is 2 weeks after submitting for votes.  PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAILS for this important information.

 

     a.  Rick Pickering shared that it was a great conference, and he was able to learn a lot.  He shared that he bought a box of the Kiwanis International coloring books which shows various Kiwanis Club service achievements.  His plan is to share these coloring books with the San Marcos Public Library, CASA, and Southside Community Center.  Our Good Citizen Camp should be featured in the next published edition.

     b.  Rick also shared a way to promote our club, involve the community, and possibly bring in membership, using a service project, involving "Disaster Backpacks".  His plan will be part of our table display during the Chamber Expo happening on Aug. 19, 2026.  Make plans to visit our booth and help us promote who we are and what we do.  More details to come during future meetings.

 

3.  Good Citizen Camp:  It's happening this week!  Make plans to come out to the Kiwanis camp anytime between 9:00 am-2:00 pm and visit our day campers.  They would love to see you, and this would be a great way for them to understand what the Kiwanis and Key Club does.  What a great way to reach out to the kids that we have pledged to help.

 

4.  Stuff the Bus:  Penny Slavik has purchased $400 worth of various school supplies, using club and individual member donations.  We are asking that all members come out to get a picture taken with our donations.  Please meet at the Tanger Outlet Mall, at the bus, next to the Toys-R-Us store on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at 11:00 am.  We might even be able to get our picture in the newspaper!  What a great way to promote our club, and help kids, at the same time!  If you have collected school supplies, bring them, as well!

 

 

This year makes Gem Coleman's first year leading the Summer Reading program, and she showed our community how awesome reading can be.  She shared that this year's theme was titled "Uncover a Story", and her main focus was on dinosaurs.  She began the summer off with a kick-off that included "Big Rigs" that allowed kids to sit in driver's seats and experience what it would be like to operate one.  There were crafts, and other activities for the kids to do, as well. Then throughout the summer, the kids were able to be a part of 2 animal shows, various craft Monday's, Music programs, STEM exploration, Community Outreach Organization Collaborations, and teen activities.  

 

Gem pointed out that the animal shows, featuring a kangaroo, sloth, tortoise, snake, and hissing cockroaches, were made possible because of the donation made by our San Marcos Kiwanis Club.

 

Lots of reading logs were turned in, and lots of prizes were given out, many from business donations, and some from money earned from the library book sales.  In total, the library hosted 378 summer programs, which included 122 children's programs.  Sounds like the summer was jammed packed with lots of opportunities to get kids and adults in to experience all that reading can offer.