The Lead Aug. 26, 2022: We wrap up a week of Kerr County nonprofit discussions

Good morning, Kerr County!

First off, it's game day! That's right; high school football is back. We can expect highs in the high 80s today and into the low 90s throughout the weekend. It seems like the chances of thunderstorms are becoming more remote. There is a 20% chance of thunderstorms through Monday, but it feels like we're heading back to our drought conditions. However, the National Weather Service still suggests a chance of rain through next week (fingers-crossed).

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On today's The Lead Live!

Today marks the final series of interviews with nonprofit groups from around Kerr County. All told, we will interview 38 nonprofit groups this week. Here's a look at today's final lineup:

• 8:10 — YMCA
• 8:40 — Hill Country Arts Foundation
• 9:10 — Native Plant Society
• 9:40 — Riverside Nature Center
• 10:10 — Hill Country Youth Ranch
• 10:40 — The Big Fix
• 11:10 — Kerrville Chalk Festival
• 11:40 — Big Seed and Kerrville Urban Trails.

Some of the lessons learned from Thursday's show were:

https://fb.watch/f83J8W1BCY/

• The Kerr County Sheriff's Foundation, which has raised thousands to benefit the deputies, will hold an event at 6 p.m. on Sept. 22 at Down on the Loop in Ingram. Down on the Loop is a new beer garden with two food trucks on the grounds. The event is another opportunity for the foundation to raise money on behalf of Sheriff Larry Leitha, and the goal is to raise $150,000 to help pay for a new tactical vehicle called a BearCat. The Cailloux Foundation is contributing another $150,000 for the armored vehicle. The foundation proved itself previously by raising more than $70,000 (in a single day) to fund equipment for the sheriff's special response team.

https://fb.watch/f83A8DSC9W/

• The Dietert Center Executive Director Brenda Thompson made a compelling argument about why younger people should visit the Guadalupe Street facility in Kerrville — to understand aging better. "I say in your 40s; you need to come to the Dietert Center and check it out because there are some great programs," Thompson said. The point here is that it gives younger people an idea of programs for their parents or loved ones and the resources available. The Dietert Center, of course, has one of Kerr County's most robust and engaged volunteer bases — many volunteering through the center's Meals on Wheels program. Like many of those we've interviewed over the last week, Thompson said volunteers are always needed. "We are very fortunate, but it doesn't mean that we're full," Thompson said.

https://fb.watch/f83GRyNh0K/

• Kerrville Noon Rotary President Marta Diffen talked with us about the continued relevance of service clubs in a time when many of those institutions seem to be dying. "We do a lot of outreach and a lot of promotion to bring younger members in, and ideally, we've got the people that have been in the club for 50 years," said Diffen, who is a special assistant to Schreiner University President Charlie McCormick. "They have so much institutional knowledge that we want to ensure we don't lose that. So, we're trying to bring in younger people that still have that fellowship with the people that have been part of this club and really made this club what it is."

https://fb.watch/f83EAmU0_B/

• Kerr Arts and Cultural Center Executive Director Lanza Teague said the downtown Kerrville institution is trying to expand its programming by emphasizing the community's cultural history. "We're doing a lot of things to talk about the local culture with history and ghost tours that we offer through the center talking about all the crazy things that happened just within two blocks of downtown," said Teague, who studies Kerrville history. KACC, of course, is known for some signature events, including its annual furniture and woodworking show, the Southwest Gourd show and a Plein Air Painting event, which draws artists from across Texas. Teague said they're still looking for sponsors for the awards programs associated with the Plein Air show. And once again, the center is in desperate need of volunteers. "I am only one person, and I find myself running in several different directions, and you know, that's not always the most productive way to operate a business, but I'm always looking for people setting up for receptions," Teague said.

https://fb.watch/f83C8Zq7AK/

• Arms for Hope, a sprawling 400-acre residential home for youth in Medina, mapped out its plans on how it plans to spend money raised by the Hill Country Charity Ball next year. Arms for Hope CEO Troy Robertson said the Christian-based institution (formerly the Medina Children's Home) would build five additional residences for single mothers and their children. It's part of their effort to help women who may have been homeless, abused or victims of human trafficking. The home serves more than 100 children through private placement. Children live in group homes managed by "house parents," who live with the children. "So hopefully, we're preventing those children from going into the (Child Protective System) system," Robertson said. There are 35 women in the single mother program, but Robertson said there is a long list to gain entry into the program. Arms of Hope doesn't accept federal or state aid, which means raising more than $8.5 million annually to fund its initiatives.

We're still working our way through the rest of the shows and will bring you back more from our conversations next week, but here's a link to all of our shows: https://kerrcountylead.com/watch-our-episodes-from-forging-connections-a-guide-to-nonprofits-in-kerr-county/

Today's newsletter is sponsored by the Texas Hill Country Podcast with Tom Fox

Check out the Texas Hill Country Podcast with our good friend Tom Fox. This week, Tom chats with Andrew Gay and Gilbert Paiz, our other good friends from Texas Hill Country Advisors! Listen here: https://compliancepodcastnetwork.net/the-hill-country-advisors/?fbclid=IwAR0MaSueKw-NHUjmPAQzs0ep_xe38FbWeCBwKiCP2LgF9BEFzpCuVCDNdQY

Backlash or praise for Biden's student loan relief?

The fury over President Joe Biden's decision to forgive $10,000 in student debt is mounting, with some calling it unconstitutional and an overreach. Others complain about the plan's fairness to those who played by the rules and paid their debt.

Former Trump administration Education Secretary Betsy Devos argued the plan is 100% illegal. Texas Rep. Chip Roy, who represents Kerr County, called the plan immoral and horrible. The issue split Democrats.

"While there's no doubt that a college education should be about opening opportunities, waiving debt for those already on a trajectory to financial security sends the wrong message to the millions of Ohioans without a degree working just as hard to make ends meet," Ohio Senatorial candidate Tim Ryan said in a statement to The New York Times.

The right-wing Texas Public Policy Foundation's Andrew Gillen wrote: "First, there are many legal avenues that may stop this plan in its tracks. To start with, the Department of Education's lawyers concluded that the president does not have the authority to unilaterally forgive loans. Congress can also sue under the Antideficiency Act. Student loan servicers could sue for loss of revenue. And states like Texas may also be able to sue on behalf of education agencies."

Others, including many top Democrats, argue that President Trump set the stage for debt relief by declaring the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency — an emergency declaration continued by Biden. That triggered laws put into place in the wake of Sept. 11 to forgive student debt in case of an emergency. No one would argue that the coronavirus pandemic changed the trajectory of many college students and those who were paying back loans. Unlike a mortgage, there's no actual default on student loans — even if you declare bankruptcy.

And another factor, as The Center For American Progress pointed out, even before the pandemic, tuition outpaced inflation and college costs rose by 63% between 2006 and 2016.

Most people seem fixated on the $10,000 reduction, but they seem to be missing the huge component of Biden's plan — reducing payments and shortening the forgiveness period. Here are the words from the White House:

• For undergraduate loans, cut in half the amount that borrowers have to pay each month from 10% to 5% of discretionary income.
• Raise the amount of income that is considered non-discretionary income and therefore is protected from repayment, guaranteeing that no borrower earning under 225% of the federal poverty level—about the annual equivalent of a $15 minimum wage for a single borrower—will have to make a monthly payment.
• Forgive loan balances after 10 years of payments, instead of 20 years, for borrowers with original loan balances of $12,000 or less. The Department of Education estimates that this reform will allow nearly all community college borrowers to be debt-free within 10 years.
• Cover the borrower's unpaid monthly interest, so that unlike other existing income-driven repayment plans, no borrower's loan balance will grow as long as they make their monthly payments—even when that monthly payment is $0 because their income is low.

So, previously, if you had student debt, you were on the hook for 20-25 years. And, depending on your debt, you were looking at a significant burden with monthly payments. Another furious debate is whether debt relief was inflationary or a deflationary element. It's hard to say and the Supreme Court may weigh in on the matter, but the wheels are already in motion.

Your weekend planner:

Today

Art

• Kerr Arts Exhibits — Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: https://www.kacckerrville.com The details: Three art exhibits. Paintings by James Crouse, “Images” KACC judged membership show, “Photoquest” a judged exhibit featuring images captured by members of the Kerrville Camera Club. Artists reception August 27th, 1-3 p.m.
• Luckenbach Legacy, Hondo's Daughter, Becky Crouch Patterson Exhibition — Museum of Western Art, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: The details: Becky Crouch Patterson, a fifth-generation Texan whose father was the legendary developer of historic tiny-town Luckenbach, made famous by Waylon Jennings's classic song, "Let's Go to Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love." This is Patterson's original art, described as a marriage of Texas Folk Art and Fine Art, plus textiles, memorabilia and works from her life. In addition to her work, Hondo and Luckenbach artifacts fill three cases.
• Hill Country Arts Foundation Member's Show — Hill Country Arts Foundation, Ingram, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Information: https://www.hcaf.com The details: Featuring art by HCAF member artists.
• Vicki Keese Art Exhibit — Kerrville Hills Winery, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 30. Information: https://www.dancingdogsdesign.com The details: Artist Vicki Keese has an exhibition at Kerrville Hills Winery through the end of October. Stop by and enjoy some great wine and art. The show includes various original art to enhance the walls of your home, business and outdoor space.

High school football

• Medina Valley at Tivy, 7 p.m.
• Stockdale at Ingram Tom Moore, 7 p.m.
• San Antonio St. Anthony at Center Point, 7:30 p.m.
• Austin Valor at Our Lady of the Hills, 7:30 p.m.

Live music

• Eley Buck Davis — Southern Sky Music Cafe, 7 p.m.
• Reggae on the Guadalupe — Lazy Days Canteen at Roddy Tree Ranch, 5:30 p.m. (gates open at 1 p.m.) Information: https://www.roddytree.com/lazy-days-canteen.html The details: Enjoy two days of Reggae music with headliners "The Expendables."
• Jesse Wren — Pint and Plow Brewing Co., 6 p.m. Information: https://www.pintandplow.com The details: Hometown kid and Burklee College of Music grad Jessie Wren live on the patio stage.
• Tim Porter and Gary Hatch — Cafe at the Ridge, 6 p.m. Information: https://www.shopsattheridge.com
• Allen Love and The Country Pride Band — The Inn Pub at the Inn of the Hills, 7 p.m. Information: 830-895-5000 The details: Allen Love and The Country Pride Band will be performing old and new country that'll get you moving. Come out for a great night of drink specials, dancing and good company.
• Jeremy Parsons — Arcadia Live!, 7 p.m. Information: https://thearcadialive.org/ The details: Hang out on the back deck and listen to the acoustic performance of Jeremy Parsons.

Science and Nature

• 1-on-1 with a naturalist — Riverside Nature Center, 10 a.m. Information: https://www.riversidenaturecenter.org The details: Naturalist, author, and columnist Jim Stanley and Texas Master Naturalist and native plant enthusiast John Hucksteadt will be available to meet one-on-one to answer questions, and discuss various topics, or listen to ideas about nature.

Dance

• Learn to Belly Dance — Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, 6 p.m. Information: The Cheeky Peacocks Dance Company The details: Bring a yoga mat, a bottle of water and a friend! The class is $10.

Performing Arts

• The Nerd — Hill Country Arts Foundation, 7:30 p.m. Information: https://www.hcaf.com The details: Willum Cubbert has often told his friends about the debt he owes to Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved his life after he was seriously wounded in Vietnam. He has written to Rick to say that, as long as he is alive, "you will have somebody on Earth who will do anything for you" —so Willum is delighted when Rick shows up unexpectedly at his apartment on the night of his thirty-fourth birthday party. But his delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a hopeless "nerd" —a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence and less tact. And Rick stays on and on, his continued presence among Willum and his friends leading to one uproarious incident after another until the normally placid Willum finds himself contemplating violence—a dire development which, happily, is staved off by the surprising "twist" ending of the play.

Saturday, Aug. 27

Live music

• Ariel Hutchins — Crider's Rodeo and Dancehall, 8 p.m. Information: https://cridersrandd.com/band-lineup
• Modal Mojo — Cafe at the Ridge, 6 p.m., Information: https://www.shopsattheridge.com
• Chris Boss — Pier 27 River Lounge and Pizzeria, 8 p.m. Information: 830-896-7437
• Reggae on the Guadalupe — Lazy Days Canteen at Roddy Tree Ranch, 5:30 p.m. (gates open at 1 p.m.) Information: https://www.roddytree.com/lazy-days-canteen.html The details: Enjoy two days of Reggae music with headliners "The Expendables."
• Matty Lee — Trailhead Beer Garden at Schreiner University, 8 p.m. Information: https://www.trailheadbeergarden.com The details: Matty Lee plays a mix of reggae-style vibes with jazz and blues twist.

Livestock

• Pig Show — Hill Country Youth Ranch, 5 p.m. Information: 361-920-1015 The details: The Alliance Pig Sale.

Trivia

• Golf Trivia Night — Arcadia Live, 6:30 p.m., Information: https://www.thearcadialive.org The details: We're wondering if there will be questions about the LIV Tour, or will it be reserved for the PGA?

Car Shows

• The River Roadster Show — Louise Hays Park, 4 p.m. Information: https://kerrvilletx.gov/1626/Kerrville-River-Roadster-Show The details: This free event is open to cars of all sizes, colors and speeds. Bring the family out to enjoy a beautiful night under the stars with cars, music, food and fun! You don't need a hot rod or classic to enjoy the fun! There will be live music and sweet treats available for purchase.

Free dessert

• Float with a Cop — Louise Hays Park, 4-6 p.m. Information: https://www.kerrvilletx.gov/73/Police-Department The details: Join HCTC and the Kerrville Police Department for your favorite float — Root Beer, Coca-Cola, Big Red or even Dr. Pepper. Meet the police officers.

At the Library

• Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth-Butt Day — Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library, 2 p.m. Information: (830) 258-1274 or visit the city's webpage at www.kerrvilletx.gov. The details: The day's activities will begin with a presentation on Mrs. Butt by Dr. William Rector. A photographic exhibit of the library dedication and personal effects of Mrs. Butt, courtesy of the H.E. Butt Foundation, will also be displayed. Following the presentation, The Short String Band will provide a musical performance. Refreshments will be available, and the event is free and open to the public. Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth-Butt, an educator philanthropist, social reformer and tireless advocate for libraries, was born Feb. 4, 1903. She graduated from Tivy High School and attended the University of Texas. After graduating, she taught in Kerrville public schools and married local grocer Howard Edward Butt. Mrs. Butt became a reformer for health and educational initiatives and was instrumental in developing the Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library.

Performing Arts

• The Nerd — Hill Country Arts Foundation, 7:30 p.m. Information: https://www.hcaf.com The details: Willum Cubbert has often told his friends about the debt he owes to Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved his life after he was seriously wounded in Vietnam. He has written to Rick to say that, as long as he is alive, "you will have somebody on Earth who will do anything for you" —so Willum is delighted when Rick shows up unexpectedly at his apartment on the night of his thirty-fourth birthday party. But his delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a hopeless "nerd" —a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence and less tact. And Rick stays on and on, his continued presence among Willum and his friends leading to one uproarious incident after another until the normally placid Willum finds himself contemplating violence—a dire development which, happily, is staved off by the surprising "twist" ending of the play.

Markets and sales

• Heart of the Hills Farmers Market — River Hills Mall parking lot, 8 a.m. Information: 830-370-7476

Sunday, Aug. 28

Performing Arts

• The Nerd — Hill Country Arts Foundation, 2:30 p.m. Information: https://www.hcaf.com The details: Willum Cubbert has often told his friends about the debt he owes to Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved his life after he was seriously wounded in Vietnam. He has written to Rick to say that, as long as he is alive, "you will have somebody on Earth who will do anything for you" —so Willum is delighted when Rick shows up unexpectedly at his apartment on the night of his thirty-fourth birthday party. But his delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a hopeless "nerd" —a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence and less tact. And Rick stays on and on, his continued presence among Willum and his friends leading to one uproarious incident after another until the normally placid Willum finds himself contemplating violence—a dire development which, happily, is staved off by the surprising "twist" ending of the play.

Live music

• The Collector's Edition — Pier 27 River Lounge and Pizzeria, 3 p.m. Information: 830-896-7437 The details: Collector's Edition will get your feet moving and your heart thumping with smooth rock (plus a little bit of country) from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.