Events

Most people don’t think about having - much less using - an estate plan until something catastrophic happens to a loved one, such as a fatal accident, diagnosis of a terminal illness, incapacity or sudden death. During such periods of extreme emotional distress and grief, family members are often left with no clear direction, and have no legal authority to make decisions, neither do they have any legal right to property. Debt and estate taxes can make it even more difficult.

As a former litigating attorney, Tracy believes the best way to resolve potentially thorny estate disputes  is to prevent them from occurring in the first place.  Selected as a Texas Super Lawyer each year from 2009 to 2018, Tracy’s practice includes estate planning, elder law, probate and estate administration, probate and estate litigation and civil appeals. Her extensive trial and appellate experience includes litigating guardianships, trusts, will contests, heirship disputes, and real estate divisions in probate.

Tracy is a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, the Appellate Practice Sections of the State Bar of Texas and the Austin Bar Association. She has represented clients at all levels of federal courts including district courts, courts of appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

Each month the Early Act program extolls and celebrates a virtue that is related to the Rotary Four Way Test. Children who have exemplified that virtue in outstanding ways are publicly recognized in school-wide Knighting Ceremony, hosted by members of the Knights of the Guild, who come dressed in period clothing as Medieval knights, armor, swords, and all.  It is a solemn ceremony with many of the honorees' parents, grandparents, friends, or relatives in attendance. The Rotary Club of San Marcos has reserved seating with a clear view of the action and it is always a great thing for our members to add a dimension of care and commitment to our club's Early Act service project by being there as honored guests. (Counts as a make up)

Kristy Vandenberg, our current District Governor Nominee, works as the Executive Director of The Ultimate Gift of Life, whose mission is to increase awareness of the benefits of organ and tissue donation. Lari Blevins is a retired fire fighter and a heart transplant recipient who will share his personal story.

Projects in the current city legislative session and how it is taking on some of our city’s growing pains and with the aim of improving the quality of life here.

Clay DeStefano is an award-winning writer and artist currently serving as the Executive Director of the Price Center, a unique, non-profit community center in downtown San Marcos Texas. His personal wellness and aging philosophies are derived from life experience, including 30 years in the health care industry, which led to a book he published in 2016 titled “HealthScare: Confessions of a Hospital Spin Doctor.” Under Clay’s direction, the Price Center has broadened its focus and outcomes using the arts and Blue Zone concepts that include healthy and creative activities offered within an intergenerational, multi-cultural, and historic venue. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community

Centro Cultural Hispano showcases the beauty and richness of Hispanic culture and the San Marcos community by sponsoring events, programs, and exhibits that exemplify the finest in the arts, promote academia personal wellness. Ms. Salazar a founding member of Centro and currently the Executive Director.

Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries is building a renewed sense of wholeness and dignity among refugees and those who are displaced from their home countries. There is a great deal of controversy about immigration now, but the welfare of these people cannot be ignored. Jimmy Cobb is engaging with Southwest Good Samaritan to understand the plight of these people in order to see what can be done to help them.

Each month the Early Act program extolls and celebrates a virtue that is related to the Rotary Four Way Test. Children who have exemplified that virtue in outstanding ways are publicly recognized in school-wide Knighting Ceremony, hosted by members of the Knights of the Guild, who come dressed in period clothing as Medieval knights, armor, swords, and all.  It is a solemn ceremony with many of the honorees' parents, grandparents, friends, or relatives in attendance. The Rotary Club of San Marcos has reserved seating with a clear view of the action and it is always a great thing for our members to add a dimension of care and commitment to our club's Early Act service project by being there as honored guests. (Counts as a make up)

District 5840's 2019 District Conference will be held on May 3 & 4, 2019 at the new Embassy Suites located at 5615 Landmark Parkway, San Antonio, Texas, 78249; telephone 210.270.0800.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Dr. Jason Kwak is an educator and world class performer. He currently serves as Director of the Texas State International Piano Festival, currently in its tenth year. The Festival which takes place in early June, brings the world's young piano all stars to San Marcos. Forty countries will be represented at TSIPF.

Everyone loves Big Bend, but the Big Bend Conservancy’s takes it to a deeper level. Their mission is to promote, protect and raise funds for Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River.  Courtney has been the Conservancy's Executive Director since July 2007. Come learn how the Conservancy is protecting the character and geography of Big Bend National Park by keeping it in front of Texas and ensuring that it is in close alliance with the National Parks Service.

Dr. Katz is an immigrant to the United States from South Africa and has a fascinating perspective on his country post Apartheid.  He is also a member and supporter of Texas State's Friends of the Fine Arts, so when Seth Worley invited him to speak on S. Africa, he said, fine, but I'd like to give some info on Friends of the Fine Arts!  Good enough. There's a lot of reason for our club to be close to Friends of the Fine Arts.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July

Friends is an exclusive group of people from the community of San Marcos and TXS who are committed to supporting students who are pursuing degrees in the arts and communication. Support helps students pay their tuition, travel to competitions and conferences,and participate in unique learning opportunities. Members receive special benefits and privileges that allow them to be "front and center" when experiencing the arts and communication on the Texas State University campus and beyond. For more information, CLICK HERE.

School Fuel’s mission is to provide the "fuel" for a better learning environment by removing the pangs of hunger among the students in our classrooms. More than 75 percent of our school age children are on reduced or free meals at school. Most of them go home on the weekends to little or no food. Statistics show that children who struggle with hunger at home perform at lower levels in school during the week.

Andrea Villalobos, Sr. Planner in our Planning & Development Services Department, will give us a presentation about the SMTX 4 All Workforce Housing Task Force and the upcoming Strategic Housing Action Plan currently being developed and open for public comment and contribution.  

Chris Carrier is a survivor with a compelling story about the liberating power of forgiveness. In a day where our communities, country, and the globe grow increasingly polarized because of offenses, real, or imagined, his message of peace and reconciliation provides a refreshing invitation to offer forgiveness, even for a horific offense. Mr. Carrier's has told his story to millions, appearing in conferences, small meeting rooms, and even the nationally broadcast Oprah Winfrey Show. His story has also been covered by the New York Times.

Mr. Carrier has a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and teaches bible at the San Marcos Academy.