Kiwanis install new slate of officers

The San Marcos Kiwanis Club kicked off its 2018-2019 year on Sept. 27 at the Price Center Tea Room with a banquet dinner and installation of new officers. Leading the club in the next 12 months are Kelli Whigham, president and Rhonda White, president-elect. Continuing his service to San Marcos Kiwanis is Glen Rydl as secretary and Randy Cook as treasurer. The immediate past president is Doug Balkman. Balkman will continue to serve on the board for the next year. Balkman assured the club that he will continue his dedication to the local club, the community and Kiwanis International. He indicated how important it is that the club maintains its strong presence in our community.

In addition the following members were installed to serve on the club’s board of directors: Lon Shell, Andrew Gary, Pam Cook and Charles Walts.

Lt. Governor, Ken Baumbache, of Lockhart Kiwanis, was on hand to officially install the new officers. He complimented the local Kiwanis for the impact they continue to make in a very positive way to the San Marcos community.

The Kiwanis International Legion of Honor Award was created to extend a token of appreciation to Kiwanians with 25 years or more of service. Randy Cook was recognized this year with 40 years of service.

Gary Strunk received the Kiwanian of the Year Award for all of the hard work that he has done at the Kiwanis Camp McBride Wilson, ramp building and as club sponsor of the San Marcos High School Key Club.

The Kiwanis club meets every Thursday at noon at Grins Restaurant. If you would like to learn more about the organization, contact any member. We are always looking for community spirited folks that would like to join us as we serve our community in many ways.

The San Marcos Kiwanis Club’s next big event is The Great Pumpkin Dash 5k and Fun Run coming up on Saturday, Oct. 13, at 9 a.m. at San Marcos Toyota. Just like any of their fundraisers, the money goes back into our community. All proceeds of the Kiwanis 5k Race will benefit charitable endeavors in San Marcos and Hays County, e.g., scholarships, San Marcos High School Key Club, Miller Junior High Builders Club, Lorenzo de Zavala Elementary K-Kids Club, Hays County Youth Livestock Expo, Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts and the Hays County Food Bank.