Episodes

  • Hill Country Youth Orchestras: A Musical Journey and Annual High Tea Fundraiser

    Hill Country Youth Orchestras: A Musical Journey and Annual High Tea Fundraiser
    Oct 3 2024
    Welcome to award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique areas of Texas. This week Tom welcomes Mark Haufler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hill Country Youth Orchestras and Patricia Lee, Executive Artistic Director. The Hill Country Youth Orchestras been serving young musicians in the Hill Country area since 1987. Initially starting as a small organization in one town with just 50-60 students, it has grown to include three locations and ten orchestra levels, serving 150-220 students, in a tuition-free each year. The program, praised for fostering discipline and teamwork through music, has helped students flourish locally and internationally. Lee discusses her journey from conductor to director, to Executive Artistic Director. Haufler, shared his non-musical but passionate journey in supporting the organization. The conversation also highlights the orchestra's breadth across different locations like Kerrville, Boerne, and Fredericksburg, each offering unique opportunities for student musicians. They discussed the upcoming annual High Tea fundraiser at the Museum of Western Art on October 19. This unique event, famous in Kerr County, combines Western and English culture, featuring activities like bingo and showcasing student performances. Both Patricia and Mark highlight their enthusiasm for the event and encourage participation. The episode serves as both an insight into the cultural and educational impacts of the Hill Country Youth Orchestras and as a call to support their mission through the High Tea event. Key Highlights · History and Growth of Hill Country Youth Orchestras · Roles and Contributions of Key Members · Impact on Students and Community · Expansion to Other Locations · Annual High Tea Fundraiser Resources Hill Country Youth Orchestra High Tea Tickets Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast
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    23 mins
  • Exploring Kerrville’s Literary Community with Rachael Carruthers

    Exploring Kerrville’s Literary Community with Rachael Carruthers
    Sep 25 2024
    Welcome to award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique area of Texas. This week Tom welcomes Rachael Carruthers, head of patron services at the Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library in Kerrville, Texas. Rachael discusses her 15-year career at the library, emphasizing the diverse programming she helps organize, including community outreach, reference assistance, and the upcoming ‘Readers, Writers, and Books’ event. The event will feature talks from notable figures such as Kathleen Hudson, Tom Fox, and Larry Morris, covering topics like oral histories, the Hill Country author podcast, and self-publishing. Rachael highlights the vibrant literary scene in Kerrville, the library’s supportive role for local authors, and the various book clubs tailored to different interests within the community. Key Highlights: Rachael’s Role at the Library Upcoming Event: Readers, Writers, and Books Community Engagement and Outreach Library Resources and Services Book Club Events Resources: Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network
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    14 mins
  • Educational Innovations at Ingram ISD: A Conversation with Dr. Robert Templeton

    Educational Innovations at Ingram ISD: A Conversation with Dr. Robert Templeton
    Sep 11 2024
    Welcome to award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique areas of Texas. This week Tom welcomes back Dr. Robert (Bobby) Templeton, Superintendent of Ingram ISD Dr. Templeton shares the district's challenges and achievements, including a historic flood that caused significant damage and the impressive resilience of the students. He discusses the district's innovative early college program, which allows students to graduate with an associate's degree, saving families significant money. The episode also highlights a new building trades program to prepare students for careers in construction. Additionally, Dr. Templeton emphasizes the importance of community involvement, school safety, and healthy competition in education. He reflects on his Rotary Club experience and its role in fostering local and global service projects. The conversation concludes with Dr. Templeton's commitment to ensuring student safety and success. Key Highlights · Challenges and New Initiatives at Ingram ISD · Early College Program Success · Building Trades Program · Community Involvement and Rotary Experience · Focus on School Safety Resources Ingram ISD Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network
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    18 mins
  • The Affordable Housing Crisis in Kerrville, Kerr County and Beyond

    The Affordable Housing Crisis in Kerrville, Kerr County and Beyond
    Jul 31 2024
    Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox engages with the people and organizations that make this region one of the most unique areas of Texas. This week, Tom is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the affordable housing crisis in Kerrville, Kerr County, and the U.S. The affordable housing crisis in the United States has reached alarming levels, with escalating prices and limited availability intensifying the struggle for many Americans to find suitable living conditions. Tom views this crisis as a pressing issue demanding immediate attention. With a nuanced understanding shaped by years of observing market trends and policy impacts, the panel argues that addressing the affordable housing problem requires a multifaceted approach tailored to the unique needs of diverse communities. They advocate for a significant increase in housing supply through a collaborative effort between government and the private sector, emphasizing the importance of streamlined public policies and substantial investments to make housing accessible to middle- and lower-income individuals. Key Highlights: Shifting Work Dynamics: Impact on Real Estate Tax Credit Programs and Affordable Housing Initiative Market-Driven Solutions for Affordable Housing Crisis Innovative Solutions for Affordable Housing Challenges Marshall Plan-Inspired Solutions for Affordable Housing Other Hill Country-Focused Podcasts: Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network
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    23 mins
  • Dr. Brent Ringo on One Year at KISD

    Dr. Brent Ringo on One Year at KISD
    Jul 17 2024
    Welcome to award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique areas of Texas. This week Tom welcomes back Dr. Brent Ringo of Kerrville ISD. They discuss a significant $1.7 million donation aimed at hiring additional grade level leaders to improve math and reading outcomes for third graders. Dr. Ringo also discusses KISD's new early college high school designation, the community and teacher feedback processes, improvements in academic performance, and strong partnerships with local businesses and Schreiner University. Athletic and fine arts successes within the district are also highlighted. Key Highlights · Exciting Donation to KISD · Early College High School Designation · Reflections on the Past Year · Transparency and Accountability in Texas Public Schools · Partnerships with Local Businesses and Shriner University · Looking Forward to the Next School Year Resources KISD Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network
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    14 mins
  • Richard McAlister on The American Red Cross and Hurricane Beryl

    Richard McAlister on The American Red Cross and Hurricane Beryl
    Jul 10 2024
    Welcome to award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique area of Texas. This week, Richard McAlister from the American Red Cross will talk about the organization’s response to Hurricane Beryl and its ongoing efforts for disaster relief. Hurricane Beryl significantly damaged Galveston’s electrical infrastructure, leaving approximately 2.3 million people without power. The Red Cross has opened 10 shelters in the Texas Gulf Coast region, providing over 2,100 bed spaces to assist those affected by the hurricane. These shelters offer climate-controlled environments, essential services such as food, hydration, and medical care to prevent heat-related illnesses, which could exceed the hurricane’s fatality rate. The Red Cross is committed to supporting the affected community for as long as necessary. Key Highlights: Hurricane Beryl’s Devastation Red Cross Shelters and Services How to Find a Shelter Health and Safety in Shelters Long-term Support and Commitment Resources: AmericanRedCross.org Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network
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    19 mins
  • Andrew Gay on the 2024 - 25 Leadership Kerr County

    Andrew Gay on the 2024 - 25 Leadership Kerr County
    Jun 29 2024
    Welcome to award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique area of Texas. This week, Tom welcomes Andrew Gay to talk about the 2024–25 class of Leadership Kerr County. Key Highlights: Why should you be a part of Leadership Kerr County? What will you learn in Leadership Kerr County? Highlights from Government Day How to apply Resources: Leadership Kerr County-Resources and Application Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network
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    20 mins
  • Layng Guerriero on The Guadalupe River Center

    Layng Guerriero on The Guadalupe River Center
    Jun 19 2024
    Welcome to award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this one of the most unique areas of Texas. This week, Tom talks with Layng Guerriero about his journey from Houston to Kerrville and his involvement in local community projects. They delve into the development of the Guadalupe River Center, a visionary project aimed at creating a multi-use facility by Nimitz Lake. The episode explores the origins, partnerships, and components of the project, including state-of-the-art river access facilities, vocational training, and environmental stewardship. Guerrero also shares insights into the importance of Rotary Club and public-private partnerships in driving community improvements. Key Highlights: Moving to Kerrville: A Personal Journey Rotary Club Experience The Guadalupe River Center Project Community Involvement and Public-Private Partnerships River Center Features, Educational and Environmental Initiatives Importance of the River Center for the future of Kerrville Resources: Guadalupe River Center Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network
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    18 mins