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EXECUTIVE
Community
At Kissing Tree, we don’t just honor our veterans on Veterans Day, Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. We honor our veterans every day for the tremendous sacrifice and service they have given to protect our country and its values across the world.
Now that will be more apparent, as the Kissing Tree Veterans Plaza comes to fruition after years of hard work by so many in our community. This will be a beautiful tribute as an addition to our main grounds allowing for the opportunity for solace and reflection. While this is a veterans’ tribute, as the name suggests, it is not solely for veterans. The project gained such wide-spread community support that residents were allowed to “pave the way” for the project with inscribed bricks to remember a loved one whether they are a veteran or not.
We’ve used this historic groundbreaking as an opportunity to thank and honor our veterans once again. We have featured a Kissing Tree veteran from five of the six branches of the armed forces, as the recently created Space Force is still too youthful to have a representative in our community. I’d like to personally thank Deb Brohaugh, Air Force; Wayne Keeton, Army; Linda Honer, Coast Guard; Mike Pacholak, Marines; and John Honer, Navy, as well as all veterans for their service to our country.
Beyond the new traditions we are creating here in our community, there are also some established veterans’ organizations in San Marcos that still need our help. VFW Post 3413 received damage from recent storms and is in need of fundraising and volunteers to bring it back to its rightful prominence. We highlight them here in hopes that we can help.
Aside from honoring our veterans with this issue, there are plenty of other happenings in our community included in this issue of the Kissing Tree Journal. We hope you enjoy reading about them as much as we did putting it together.
Matthew Dozier
Matthew
Dozier CMCA, AMS, PCAM, LSM
Executive
Director
– Kissing Tree
201 Kissing Tree Lane
San Marcos, Texas 78666
““We have a lot to be proud of as a community.” Matthew Dozier, Executive Director of Kissing Tree.
“
“This has been a long, long, four-year long and then some, uphill slog,” Gerry McLaughlin, chair of the Kissing Tree Veterans Group Board, said. “… this is something [that is] hopefully going to be here for a long, long time and be an asset to the Kissing Tree community and the community in general.”
Essentially since the inception of Kissing Tree itself, there has been a dream of creating a space to honor the community’s veterans.
It started with Jack Pryor, Pat Porter, Kevin Wilson, David Reel and Matt Chase, who were the pioneers of the project.
“The Veterans Plaza is a concept that was developed about five years ago to honor veterans, both living and deceased, and have a location here on the Kissing Tree community property that people could go and see the names of loved ones inscribed,” David Reel, team leader of the fundraising team for the Veterans Plaza, said. “It has grown since then to include anybody, veterans or not, living or deceased, so that we will have a place where people in the community can come and honor their loved ones.”
Reel served from 1970 to 1976 in the 82nd Airborne
Division of the US Army. Serving in Vietnam was a different experience than that of many previous wars. That experience is part of what inspired Reel to help bring this project to fruition.
“I look back at my tour serving during the Vietnam era, an era that wasn’t very kind to Vietnam veterans,” Reel said. “This is a place where we can heal. It’s a place where we can come together and share congratulations for serving our country and protecting our freedoms, and also to honor and remember those that live in the Kissing Tree community.”
When the idea was first formed, it almost seemed like too formidable of a project. The plaza will be located on the west side of The Mix complex, offering a special space on campus to hold memorials and special events and honor those who served in the armed forces. The plaza will be home to Texas, American and POWMIA flags, all atop a raised platform in front of a beautiful limestone wall. Curved benches will offer spots for resting and quiet reflection.
Due to the size and scope of the vision, it became apparent that there would need to be a large fundraising component.
The Kissing Tree Veterans Group, whose current board is McLaughlin, Sal Pagano, Si Jones and Stan Uchman, was charged to raise $110,000 before the project could get off the ground.
“We did that in six months,” Reel said. “I’ve got to give a big kudos to the residents, to the veterans, to the vendors in the San Marcos community and sponsors here.”
But the fundraising didn’t stop there. The project shifted with the intent of being inclusive to the entire community. A “pave the way” program started where residents could purchase a memorial brick paver that will eventually comprise the deck area of the plaza. Inscribed bricks were sold as a fundraiser and a golf tournament was held on site, which raised $18,000 in profit for the project.
“There’s a lot of people that contribute to this, and it’s taken many, many years to put together,” Matthew Dozier, executive director of Kissing Tree, said. “We’ve had to do things the right way, and I appreciate the patience and the support of a lot of our leadership in the community. We’ve raised about $145,000 to date just through resident efforts. We’ve outkicked our coverage by quite a bit.”
On July 11, leaders from Brookfield Residential, the developer of Kissing Tree, and Cohere, the management company, as well as the Kissing Tree Veterans Group, gathered at the site of the future plaza for a formal groundbreaking ceremony.
“This has been a long day coming today that a lot of us have looked forward to for a very, very long time,” Brad Shelton, regional president for
Texas of Brookfield Residential. “… I do want to just pause for a minute, really, just to say thank you. I want to start by saying thank you to our community leaders in the veterans group, again, whose passion, whose vision, frankly, deserves most, if not all, of the credit for allowing this day to be possible. I also want to thank the teams that both Cohere and Brookfield for working alongside those community leaders to put the plans in place and the pieces in motion to actually pull this whole thing off. And then the last group I just want to say thank you to is for all the individuals, families, as well as the companies who so generously donated to make this day possible. Without each of those three groups I just mentioned, we wouldn’t be here today.”
With construction now underway, it will only be a short time before Kissing Tree has a new space to honor and remember both local veterans and residents.
“We have a lot to be proud of as a community,” Dozier said.
Linda Honer’s military career began unexpectedly. While working in Civil Service for 36.5 years across all military branches, a Coast Guard recruiter in West Texas caught her attention. The pitch? Good benefits in the CG reserves. At 29, Linda took the plunge into basic training.
Her rise through the ranks was swift, reaching E7. But Linda wasn’t done. She set her sights on Officer Candidate School, pushing past the age limit of 37 to enroll at 38. Completing OCS in Virginia, she became an Ensign.
Linda’s new role involved monthly weekend duty, focusing on port safety and security in South Padre Island. She conducted inspections and investigations, both from helicopters and boats. By retirement, she had reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander (O4).
The Coast Guard, being smaller, offered unique opportunities. Linda was one of just ten women in her unit at the time, helping to pave the way for future female service members.
Post-retirement, Linda maintains connections from her service days. She has even reconnected with her former Commander John Lindley, who now lives in our same KT community. The people Linda met during her time in the reserves and on active duty remain an important part of her life.
Linda Honer’s Coast Guard service has left a lasting impact, providing her with lifelong relationships and ongoing benefits. Her story is a reminder of the diverse paths and experiences of our local veterans.
The community of Kissing Tree proudly honors one of its residents, Navy veteran John Honer, for his remarkable service and dedication to the country. Born and raised on a farm in Wichita, Kansas, John Honer always dreamed of seeing the ocean and traveling the world. His journey from a small-town farm boy to a decorated Navy Lieutenant is a reflection of his courage, commitment and adventurous spirit.
In 1958, at the age of 17 and fresh out of high school, John enlisted in the Navy alongside two of his high school friends. Opting for the ‘Kitty Cruise,’ a program that allowed young men to enlist and discharged just before their 21st birthday, John’s naval career spanned far beyond his initial commitment, culminating in a distinguished 22 years of service.
John’s early years in the Navy were spent mastering visual communications, particularly signaling methods. Known as the fastest ‘burnout’ man in sending messages, he excelled in this critical role during his first eight years on various ships. Eager to take on new challenges, John volunteered for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, where he received specialized training in disarming and disposing of explosives.
After serving at sea, John was stationed in Seal Beach, California, for two years, where he worked on marine buoys and deactivated WWII mines washed ashore. His expertise led him to Vietnam from 1969 to 1971, where he served as a Chief Petty Officer and EOD
Lead Advisor. John’s role expanded as he became a Warrant Officer, taking charge of the Vietnamese Navy and even learning the local language.
Instead of embarking on a planned third tour in Vietnam, John was assigned to Alaska, where he completed Arctic Survival Training, diving and parachuting while searching for explosives. From 1975 to 1977, he served in Pennsylvania as an entrance exam administrator before being stationed in Oahu, Hawaii, as a diving officer. There, he worked with black coral divers and managed decompression chambers at depths of up to 200 feet.
After an illustrious career, John retired as a Lieutenant but continued to utilize his expertise in explosives in the commercial sector, cleaning up old military sites. He fully retired from all work at the age of 75. He now enjoys retired life with his Coast Guard wife, Linda Honer, here in Kissing Tree.
Reflecting on his career, John says, “Joining the Navy was the best thing I ever did. It kept me under control, and I got to see the world.” His story is an inspiring reminder of the dedication and sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.
The Kissing Tree community is proud to honor John Honer for his unwavering service and significant contributions. His legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations, reminding us all of the importance of service, discipline, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Thank you, John, for your service.
Mike Pacholek’s journey from a young boy fascinated by airplanes to a seasoned Marine Corps pilot is a story of determination, resilience and a lifelong passion for aviation. Growing up in West Palm Beach, Florida, just half a mile from the center line of the Army Base runway, Mike was captivated by the planes flying overhead every day. His love for aviation began early, evidenced by his adventurous ride to the airport on his tricycle at just two and a half years old. His mother always knew he was destined to be a pilot.
During his junior year at Georgia Tech, Mike had his eyes tested and discovered that he did not qualify for Naval Flight Training, his goal. He then applied to the Air Force and Marine Corps. Accepted by the Air Force
Squadron 16 at Marble Mountain, with additional duties as a squadron pilot, he managed administrative responsibilities for a 700man unit. After completing 120 missions, Mike was released from active duty on September 30, 1966. Until 1973, he continued to serve in the Marine Corps Reserves, flying the H-34, H53, C54 and T-bird.
training new pilots as first officers and upgrading them to captain, as well as checking pilots for proficiency on the line and overwater navigation. He succeeded in attaining Airline Transport Pilot ratings (Captain) on several aircraft, including the B-700s, the CE 500 and 650, and the DC-3, 8 and 9.
for the 1962 pilot training class at Lakeland Air Base, Mike decided he would only accept the offer if the Marine Corps did not accept him. Persistently contacting the Colonel of the recruiting district, he took his request to Washington and received orders to the 30th Officer Candidate School starting March 12, 1962. Graduating as a Second Lieutenant, Mike reported directly to Pensacola for flight training and received his Naval Aviation wings on November 30, 1963.
Mike was ordered to the Third Marine Air Wing helicopter facility at Santa Ana, California. Assigned as a squadron pilot to HMM363, he received orders in 1965 to take the August Air Wing personnel draft aboard ship to Danang, Vietnam. Serving as the Administrative Officer of Marine Air Base
One month after leaving active duty, Mike started Flight Engineer class at Braniff Airways in Dallas, fulfilling his quest to become a commercial pilot. When Braniff ceased operations in 1982, he adapted by becoming a stockbroker and financial planner, discovering a talent for teaching over sales. Returning to flight, Mike did a stint of corporate flying.
In 1990, UPS hired Mike as a management pilot. His duties included
Reflecting on his Marine Corps career, Mike feels deeply grateful for the education and experiences it provided. Cherishing the lasting friendships with fellow Marines and the opportunity to achieve his dream of flying, Mike Pacholek’s story is one of perseverance and dedication to both his country and his passion for aviation. He hopes that his journey can serve as a modest inspiration to those who share similar aspirations.
In the heart of our KT community, we are proud to honor the journey of Deb Brohaugh, who served in the United States Air Force. Growing up in a military family, Deb’s path was shaped by the values instilled in her by her father, an Army serviceman. When her dependent status expired, her father’s sage advice led her to the Air Force, a branch offering expanding opportunities for women in the late 1970s.
Deb enlisted in 1979 in Massachusetts, committing initially to a four-year tenure. Her transition to military life was seamless, given her upbringing. Basic training was smooth for Deb due to her military roots. She was subsequently assigned to San Angelo, where she trained at Goodfellow AFB to become an Intelligence Analyst. However, an injury altered her course, leading her to Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio. There,
she served as a Teletype operator, attaining the rank of Senior Airman and given a new assignment to Offutt AFB, in Nebraska.
While at Offutt AFB, Deb served as a Communications Center Specialist. Her desire to expand her career led her apply for the special duty assignment of Professional Military Education (PME) Instructor, that highlighted her dedication to leadership and mentoring. During this period, she also earned her Bachelor of Information Technology, exemplifying her commitment to lifelong learning.
From 1994 to 1997, Deb’s journey took her to Germany, where she served as the NonCommissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC), Communications Computer Systems and served as the Acting First Sergeant for the 426th Intelligence Squadron. This role allowed her to further hone her leadership skills and guide her fellow servicemen and women. Driven by a desire to continually improve, she later applied for and completed training as a First Sergeant, a position she held until her retirement in 2005 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Here, she played a pivotal role in shaping the experiences of new recruits in basic training. Her military career, intended to last four years, spanned an impressive 26 years, three months, and 13 days.
Deb’s transition to civilian life did not mark the end of her serviceoriented mindset. She obtained an alternative teaching certification then earned a master’s degree in education at the University of Texas San Antonio. Over the course of a decade, she dedicated herself to teaching, guiding young minds and shaping future leaders.
Deb’s journey through the Air Force is particularly notable as she
was one of the pioneering women in her field, becoming the third woman assigned to Detachment 4, 1814th Communication Systems. Reflecting on her career, Deb acknowledges how the Air Force helped her become a leader and fostered her independence. “The service helped me to mature, kept me grounded, and focused on my path,” she says, encapsulating the impact her military career has had on her life.
Today, we honor Deb Brohaugh for her unwavering commitment and service to our nation. Her journey from a military child to a seasoned Air Force veteran and respected educator is an inspiration to us all. Deb’s legacy of leadership, continuous learning and dedication to service exemplifies the core values of the Air Force and serves as a beacon for future generations.
Thank you, Deb, for your remarkable service and for continuing to inspire and lead by example.
Wayne Keeton’s journey from a carefree surfer to a Chief Warrant Officer 5 in the Army is a testament to the transformative power of military service. Drafted in 1967, Wayne found direction, purpose and value in the Army. Over decades of service, he exemplified the core Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, honor and selfless service, which guided him through various roles and challenges.
Wayne’s leadership skills were quickly recognized at Ft. Bliss, Texas, where he became a Trainee Platoon Leader after just three days of training. Instead of focusing solely on his advancement, he mentored and tutored fellow trainees, ensuring their success—a selfless act that earned the entire platoon weekends off, reflecting his commitment to teamwork and support.
His journey included Engineer Officer Candidate School at
Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, where he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant (2LT) in the Army Corps of Engineers. Upon graduation from OCS he was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam where he was assigned duties as a project officer approving, managing and inspecting military construction projects throughout Southern Vietnam. Wayne’s duties involved extensive travel by helicopter to multiple areas in Vietnam. Wayne’s exposure to helicopters in Vietnam sparked a lasting passion for aviation, leading him to pursue flight training at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. Upon graduating from flight school as a Category B aviator, he flew Huey helicopters for the 14th Engineer Battalion in Ft. Ord, California, representing the spirit of service and skill that characterized his military career.
Wayne’s dedication extended beyond active-duty assignments. He continued his service in the California, Tennessee and Texas Army National Guard units while building a successful civilian career in marketing and advertising.
Wayne served another combat tour while in the Guard serving as the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade Tactical Operations Officer in Iraq. He retired from military service in 2009, after 42 years of service, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5. His time in the Army provided Wayne with the experience and expertise to become a Consultant and Expert Witness in helicopter accident litigation today. While in the Texas Army National Guard, Wayne was promoted to Major and became a staff officer, but after serving in that capacity for two years, he decided to convert to a Warrant Officer in order to specialize in flying duties. Throughout his life, he remained an active member of veteran organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and KT’s Veterans group, enriching his community through leadership and advocacy long after his retirement from active duty service in 2009.
As we celebrate Wayne’s contributions, we honor his journey.
In the heart of San Marcos, located at 1701 Hunter Road, stands a beacon of patriotism and community spirit: the Maurice T. Suttles VFW Post 3413. This institution, first established in 1935, has been a cornerstone of veteran support and community engagement for nearly nine decades.
Named after Private Maurice Thomas Suttles, the first San Marcos native to fall in World War I, the post honors his sacrifice at the Battle of Belleau Woods on June 6, 1918. This dedication to remembering the fallen while serving the living continues to drive the post’s mission today.
Since 2019, the post has been led by Commander Stephanie Brown and her husband, Quartermaster and Adjutant Aaron Brown. Both Army veterans themselves – Stephanie served as a medic and Aaron as an Apache helicopter mechanic – they bring a wealth of experience and passion to their roles.
Adapting to changing times, the post has evolved its operations to remain a vital part of the San Marcos community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they made the difficult decision to relinquish their liquor license to continue holding essential meetings. This adaptability speaks volumes about their commitment to their mission.
The VFW Hall has long been a gathering place for the community, hosting Quinceañeras, birthday celebrations and bereavement gatherings. Recognizing the importance of this space, the members have expanded rental offerings, sometimes even trading repairs for rentals, ensuring the post remains financially sustainable while serving the community.
Weekly meetings at Post 3413 involve members discussing volunteer projects and planning ceremonies for patriotic observances. From commemorating the sinking of the USS Maine to celebrating Independence Day and honoring POW/MIA Recognition Day, the post ensures that the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten.
Community engagement is at the heart of Post
3413’s mission. Their “Proven Grounds” Breakfast, held every Friday morning from 8 to 10, offers free meals. The post also hosts nine local nonprofits, including the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, San Marcos Police Officer Association, San Marcos Professional Firefighters Association and The Broke Thespians theater group.
In times of crisis, Post 3413 steps up to the plate. They provide relief funds to veterans in need and transform their building into a shelter during disasters, offering water, food and operating as a FEMA drop point.
As we reflect on the invaluable service of our veterans, let us also recognize the ongoing contributions of Maurice T. Suttles VFW Post 3413. Their unwavering dedication to both veterans and the wider San Marcos community exemplifies the very best of American values.
As members of the Kissing Tree community, let us show our appreciation by supporting their events, utilizing their rental spaces and participating in their community initiatives. Together, we can ensure that this vital organization continues to thrive, serving as a bridge between our military past and our community’s future.
VFW Post 3413 now faces a significant challenge.
Recent storms have caused extensive damage to their building, and despite receiving several generous donations, they still need approximately $60,000 for crucial renovations including ceiling replacement and electrical work. This is an opportunity for our community to rally around this vital organization and help ensure its continued operation.
There are many ways to support and engage with VFW Post 3413. You can stay informed about their events and needs by visiting their Facebook page at facebook.com/vfwpost3413/ or by checking their
new sign for current event information.
For those looking to combine entertainment with support, attending The Broke Thespians performances is a great way to indirectly support the VFW while enjoying local theater.
Whether through financial support, attendance at events, or a simple “Thank you for your service” at their Friday breakfast, every gesture of support helps maintain this crucial pillar of our community. Let’s stand together to support those who have stood for us.
bacon-wrapped, peppercorn-crusted Steak au Poivre
Join us every Wednesday night for our special filet night at Tarbox & Brown. To ensure you get the steak of your choice, reservations will take priority.
Choose from our USDA Choice bacon-wrapped filet mignon, served with either herbed butter or a baconwrapped, peppercorn-crusted Steak au Poivre topped with a creamy brandy sauce. Each filet comes with loaded mashed potatoes (bacon, cheddar, green onion) and your choice of asparagus or a seasonal vegetable blend.
This filet pairs wonderfully with our newest by the bottle offering “Quilt Cabernet Sauvignon” from Napa Valley California.
This weekly special also includes a house salad and fresh dinner rolls with our homemade honey butter.
Discover the Peachy Keen cocktail, a refreshing blend served exclusively at Tarbox & Brown, nestled within the Kissing Tree Golf Club in the charming Kissing Tree neighborhood. This delightful drink features Texas-local Treaty Oak Peach Julep Whiskey, perfectly paired with peach tea and lemonade for a harmonious balance of flavors. Garnished with a fresh lemon slice, the Peachy Keen offers a taste of Southern charm in every sip. Whether you’re relaxing after a round of golf or enjoying a meal at our restaurant, this cocktail is the perfect way to unwind and savor the moment.
Indulge in a vibrant citrus delight with our tender ravioli, filled with flavorful Meyer lemon ricotta and tossed in a house-made lemon butter sauce, bell peppers and roasted grape tomatoes. This dish is accompanied by a house salad and fresh dinner rolls with our homemade honey butter. For a perfect pairing, we recommend a high-acid wine like our “Crowded House” New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, available by the glass.
Introducing the refreshing Blueberry Lemonade cocktail! This delightful drink features Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka blended with Monin Blueberry Syrup and lemonade, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. A splash of soda water adds a refreshing fizz, while a garnish of fresh lemon slices and blueberries completes this vibrant beverage. Ideal for warm days or a fun evening with friends, the Blueberry Lemonade is a true taste of summer in a glass. Sip, savor and enjoy this irresistible concoction!
In a world where professional videos can be recorded on the phone in your pocket and uploaded to any social media feed in front of billions worldwide, it has become easy for people to share their opinion. The problem is figuring out who is worth listening to.
This expands to the golf course where players eager to improve are inundated with swing tips and golf tricks from every corner of the internet. Do you go with the traditional bunker shot with a wide, open stance and the club face laid flat to the sky or should you try that version on TikTok that tells you to close
the face of the club as well as your stance and hit down on the ball?
Luckily, there is a certification program by the PGA that helps golfers know who is giving good advice and who is going to make you swing and miss.
“The PGA program teaches us how to teach people properly,” Rafe Corder, first assistant golf professional for Kissing Tree Golf Course, said. “They make sure we know the right techniques and use the correct verbiage for explaining what needs to be done in a golf swing. Also, it requires continuing education just so we stay up to date on the way of doing things.”
Corder has been a teaching professional certified by the PGA for 32 years. When it comes to all those TikTok videos, or even the swing-tip books that many Kissing Tree golfers probably have sitting under the coffee table, there is one main problem.
“They have never seen you swing,” Corder said. “They’ve never seen you hold the club. All individuals have different body types, different strengths, different weaknesses, and a lot of the players out here have some physical limitations. Being able to see that, and make adjustments accordingly, really makes a big difference in the outcome of the golf swing.”
Beyond swing adjustments, there is another sector of golf that inhibits many golfers. That old driver sitting in your garage is out of date – even if it feels like you just purchased it.
“Technology is your friend,” Corder said. “They’ve changed drivers so much in the last 10 years that you can’t even compare the older ones to the newer ones. It’s like comparing a wooden driver to a metal driver. There’s no comparison.”
Also, being custom fit for the golf clubs makes a difference in how the club sits on the ground, how a golfer impacts the ground. It can change how the ball flies, especially with the new technology where things go further.
“I know everybody’s obsessed with distance, but the proper shaft, proper head, loft, all those sorts of things make a huge difference in the outcome,” Corder said. “The lie angle of the club is how the
ball strikes the ground with the irons. With the driver, it’s not as important. With the angle of the irons, if you’re impacting the ground too much with the heel, it makes the toe shut and you will pull the shots. If you have it too upright, it makes it strike the ground with the toe and the heel of the club goes through the ball, so you slice it. If you have it fit properly, then you will impact the ground the way you need to and the ball should fly in the right direction, easier.”
The Kissing Tree Golf Course clubhouse has a fitting station. With the help of the professionals on hand, they can fit the clubs to any golfer’s style or swing.
Rafe Corder is the first assistant golf professional for Kissing Tree Golf Course. He has been a teaching professional certified by the Professional Golf Association for 32 years.
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I am a United States Air Force veteran, where I proudly served from 2010 to 2016, finishing my military career as a Staff Sergeant in Security Forces. We were stationed in New Jersey for the duration and couldn’t wait to get back to Texas. My journey in fitness and health began during my time in the Air Force, and I’ve been a group fitness instructor and personal trainer for over a decade. I’m certified as a personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise, as a nutrition coach through Precision Nutrition, and I’m currently getting certified as a Cancer Exercise Specialist through the Cancer Exercise Training Institute. I have taught over 3,000 fitness classes and have spent countless hours on personal training and nutrition coaching.
Start now.
The most common mistake I’ve seen is waiting until tomorrow to start on your fitness journey. Garth Brooks wrote, “If tomorrow never comes,” and when it comes to fitness, too often it never does. The best time to start exercising is yesterday but the next best time is today. Don’t wait for the perfect time, just get started.
If you haven’t been exercising regularly, then any increase in activity is going to be good for you. There is no reason to push it too hard too fast and risk an acute injury. Exercising, walking, jogging, lifting weights, yoga, all of these activities are very good for you and carry a very low risk of injury but pushing against the limits, especially too early in your fitness journey (or after a long layoff!) dramatically increases those risks. Take it easy early and know that you can always increase intensity later.
Exercise adherence is the number one predictor of long-term health. If you don’t enjoy what you are doing, you just won’t continue to do it, and that is normal and makes sense! Of course, when you are just beginning you won’t know what exercise modalities will be your favorite, so try them a little bit of everything and see where it takes you. You might be surprised!
Aerobic activity gets a lot of attention, mostly because it helps with weight loss and keeps your cardiovascular system in check. While it’s great and has plenty of benefits, it’s not the only part of physical fitness you should focus on. Strength training is just as important. Strength training is crucial for maintaining bone density, especially as we get older. Using weight machines, lifting hand weights and working out with resistance bands can all help support healthy bones.
Joseph Pilates, creator of Pilates, said, “You are only as old as your spine.” Maintain your flexibility and mobility and you will not only reduce your risk of injury but you can maintain your independence later into life. Any of our Yoga, Pilates, or Laura’s Limber for Life classes are great for this.
Modify the workout to fit your body, not the other way around. If running is uncomfortable, or pressing a weight overhead hurts your shoulders, then find another way to get your exercise in. For example, you can try swimming or brisk walking instead of jogging, and you can reduce the weight or use a machine if lifting overhead is the problem. Whatever it is there is an option out there that can help you. You may need some assistance finding that option which leads us to our next tip!
Hiring and sticking with a good personal trainer is what my son would call a “cheat code” to working out. They can distill years of training and education into a half-hour or hour session with you and you will make progress in leaps and bounds while staying safe. You can find any of our excellent trainers on the KT residents website. Reach out to one today to get a head start on your fitness journey!
Our expectations can quickly get ahead of us and unrealistic goals can really put a damper on your fitness journey. Think one step at a time and the most important goal for anyone exercising is that of consistency. I once had a client that hired me to lose weight and after two months hadn’t lost a pound. She was frustrated and almost quit but I asked her if she thought the last two months of working out were good for her or bad for her. She agreed with me that it had been good for her health, both physical and mental, and she kept going. We trained for another year and a half and she did hit her goals, just imagine if she’d quit!
Make sure it’s someone who will help hold you accountable and not someone who will help you justify not going… A great partner can help you stay motivated and keep things entertaining and fun.
Some people hesitate to exercise alone because they’re not sure what to do and don’t want to look silly or feel out of place. First, know that the gym is your place. No one is judging you and anyone worth knowing will be excited when you are there. But if you are still having a hard time, that’s ok; take one of our more than sixty classes, there is one for you. All of our instructors are fantastic, take a variety of classes and see which ones work for you. In addition, several of our group fitness instructors are also personal trainers so it can be a good way to get to know the personality of a potential personal trainer.
GOLF COURSE GIGGLES SOCK HOP MURDER MYSTERY
KAYAK INSTRUCTION
DAY GRILLING SHUFFLEBOARD TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS
2025 will mark the 50th birthday of the Heritage Association, one of San Marcos’ most active civic groups and its only private historic organization. Heritage was chartered in 1972 during the leadup to the nation’s Bicentennial, its mission being to support the preservation of significant San Marcos buildings and traditions. Over the years this group has restored the Charles S. Cock House Museum and its adjacent pioneer cabin, undertaken the beautification of historic Veramendi Plaza,
its gazebo and Riverwalk, hosted hundreds of community luncheons, issued awards to numerous buildings and citizens, and in general, worked very hard to protect the vintage flavor of this unique and beautiful city. Annual events open to the public include a Historic Homes Tour, the Cemetery Walk, Arbor Day tree plantings, History Happy Hour lectures, an Easter Egg hunt, and the popular September Treasure Sale. Explore membership possibilities at www.heritagesanmarcos.org.
Empowering Women as Leaders is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization founded in 2004 with a mission to empower nontraditional age women (23 years and older) facing financial challenges to reach their highest potential. Through scholarships, mentoring, and networking, we provide the resources and support these women need to succeed. Often, these women are the first in their families to attend college, lack access to traditional financial support, and do not have mentors in their personal networks. We affectionately call the women we support “STARs.”
Our goal is to ignite each STAR’s inner light and confidence, helping them believe that they can achieve their dreams. We go beyond scholarships by pairing our STARs with mentors and offering networking opportunities throughout their college years. This support continues as they transition into leadership roles in their careers.
In January 2022, the EWL Austin Chapter was officially
granted 501(c)(3) status, allowing us to expand the EWL mission to central Texas. We’ve partnered with Texas State University to offer scholarships, mentoring, and networking opportunities to students at both the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses who are pursuing their bachelor’s degrees. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we were able to award two scholarships in our inaugural year. With continued fundraising, we awarded five scholarships in January 2024!
The question now is: What can we achieve next year? If you are passionate about empowering women and want to make a difference, we invite you to get involved. Whether you’re interested in mentoring, donating, or serving on our board, there are many ways you can help. Please reach out to EWL Austin Chapter board president and KT resident, Linda Lacinski, at Linda.Lacinski@ewlusa.org to learn more about how you can contribute to this impactful cause.
The SMGA is a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of natural spaces, as well as the creation and maintenance of trails to access those spaces. smgreenbelt.org
CASA Central Texas volunteers are members of the community who are especially trained and appointed by judges to advocate for a child while they are in the foster care system. casatulareco.org
The Friends of the Fine Arts supports the College of Fine Arts & Communications and promotes participation in the fine arts programming at Texas State University. finearts.txst.edu/friends.html
COM provides youth and families an opportunity to receive a Christian witness and to explore God’s creation through hunting and fishing events. christianoutdoorministry.org
The San Marcos Discovery Center
The Discovery Center is dedicated to fostering a resilient community through the promotion of environmental stewardship and education. sanmarcostx.gov/873/Discovery-Center
The Marbridge Foundation
Marbridge is a nonprofit residential community that offers transitional and lifetime care to adults with a wide range of cognitive disabilities. marbridge.org
The San Marcos River Foundation (SMRF)
The SMRF is a nonprofit to protect and preserve water quality and flow in the San Marcos River. sanmarcosriver.org
