On April 18, The Lead hosted its first Super Show, with 36 guests throughout the six hours of live webcasting. Here are the excerpts from all of the main interviews.
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Irene Van Winkle — Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kerr County's Irene Van Winkle has led the effort to bring awareness to the issue, one that makes some uncomfortable, but her commitment remains true. On Monday, she said she'd got a spot in the Glory Community Garden to plant sunflowers in honor of her Ukrainian ancestry and determination.
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Crystal Smith — While she's the owner of Billy Gene's Restaurant in Kerrville, Smith is actively involved in the Republican Women of Kerr County. The group hosts television news correspondent Lara Logan for an April 28 fundraiser at Arcadia Live. The event begins at 5:30 p.m., and tickets are still available. For information, email gop@simmons.net. In terms of Republican women, Smith represents a decidedly younger demographic in the club. "I get that question all the time about why I joined," Smith said. Her response is simple: She wanted to get educated about the facts. It's a lesson she wants to continue for other younger women to help grow the club.
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Judy Eychner — Eychner is running for mayor of Kerrville. In her 10-minute appearance, she articulated that affordable housing remains a top priority for the city. "If we don't look to the future and manage what's going on we're going to be in trouble," she said. Eychner reiterated her previous campaign statements that her only agenda is to work for Kerrville.
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Kim Richards — Richards owns Dwell Well Experience, which manages vacation and short-term rentals, and she spoke about some of the community's challenges around this issue. "Vacation rentals have been here for over 15 years," she said. "There are over 400 here in Kerr County. We've literally never had an issue." Richards said she agreed with developing a stronger plan in Kerrville to manage the growing short-term market. "I was a little taken aback to not put a third one on a street," Richards said, referencing a recent Planning and Zoning Commission decision to reject two short-term rental conditional-use permits that would have led to multiple properties on the same streets. "That's not in the guidelines."
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Barbara Veldhuizen — As the leader of the Kerr County Democrats, Veldhuizen represents a distinct but dedicated political minority. She said the Kerr County party is working hard to bolster voting registration and pushed back against voter-fraud claims posited by the Republican leadership. "When you pass a new voter bill when there is no evidence of fraud — at all — what happens is that you promote the idea that the voting system is untrustworthy," Veldhuizen said.
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Sgt. Jack Lamb, Kerrville Police Department — Lamb provided an insightful story about dealing with young people who could have gotten in trouble with the police, but he went in another direction. "There's an old saying that there's no justice like mama justice," Lamb said. In that scenario, Lamb would call the parents to alert them that their child was potentially in trouble, and frequently a parent corrected the problem. "Sometimes, you just say, hey, this is what they're doing. Would you like to speak to your son or daughter?'" Lamb said. "Usually, you can hear them and that resolves a lot of issues."
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Clifton Fifer — As part of the Super Show, guests and visitors were asked to make a small donation to support the Glory Community Garden in the Doyle neighborhood. Fifer told us the history of the garden, which once was an abandoned field but is now blooming nearly year-round. Fifer said the garden was established seven years ago as a Barnett Chapel United Methodist Church ministry. It is now flourishing with more than 30 tiny gardens and more on the way. All told, we raised $130.50 for the garden on Monday.
Richard McAlister, American Red Cross — Armed with goodies, McAlister broke some news that caught us off guard — your smoke detectors can expire. McAlister, who works for the Red Cross and in Kerrville, discussed the need for new smoke detectors, carbon monoxide monitors and emergency radios — all items the Red Cross can help obtain.
Phoenix Miller — The Schreiner University student and all-around great person sang this:
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Ashley Philips — We knew her as the one who stormed onto the show from the Hill Country Youth Ranch, but she's switched gigs. Now Ashley storms on the show to discuss the benefits of HCTC's fiber-optic internet offerings. Visit their website today to see if your home qualifies for fiber-optic transmission: https://www.hctc.net/
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Dr. Bill Rector — As one of the leaders of The Heart of the Hills Heritage Center, Rector described getting the center launched, including the city of Kerrville's plan to renovate the historic A.C. Schreiner mansion. Using a design-build concept, Rector said city officials believe this will be a more efficient way of completing the estimated $3 million renovation. "The architect and the builder will be on the same team," explained Rector, adding that should ensure the resolution of conflicts from design to build-out. "They also think it will save money, which is always a good thing." Once the renovations are complete, the Heart of the Hills Foundation has nine months to open the museum.
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Capt. Jeremiah Romack, Salvation Army — Romack and his wife, Miss, are the Kerrville Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center leaders. One of their immediate challenges is finding employees — something nearly everyone is feeling. We asked Romack about the biggest misconception about the Salvation Army during the interview. "That we only do thrift stores," Romack said with a laugh.
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Kerrville City Councilwoman Brenda Hughes — Hughes is running for re-election but we wanted to know what was her biggest lesson learned from serving on the Council: "With a Muslim grandfather, a Jewish grandmother, a Catholic mother, a Lutheran father, religiously I'm a little confused but the one thing I know is that 2050 comprehensive plan is our community Bible," she said. "That I get. There were so many great things that came out of that task force — it had 144 members. So, that's a pretty fair representation of our community. Our community is the boss. They are the ones who put us in place to do what they want us to do. I looked at that comprehensive plan and this is some great stuff."
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Andrew Gay — His day job is as a financial advisor, but on the Super Show, Gay sang the praises of Leadership Kerr County, which had just hosted the EasterFest celebration on April 16. Gay said the immersive class, sponsored by the Kerrville Area of Chamber of Commerce, is an important community connector. "There are people there, I probably wouldn't have met," he said. "If you're interested in doing that and serving the county, or the city, watch out for the classes."
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Kathryn Dover — As a Yoga instructor, Dover is prepared to make people do uncomfortable things, and that's especially true with her hot Yoga classes. Yes, you heard it — hot Yoga. "It's like I find all of the misfits that don't like to sit quietly in Yoga, and they are coming only to your class," Dover explained. "They love to complain and I love it." Dover teaches at Humbling Bloom in Kerrville.
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Dale Leach — Chances are you've probably seen Dale Leach's photography — he's shot the last two covers of Our View, a guide produced by the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce. Leach is an avid events photographer, especially at the Kerrville Farmers Market and at Arcadia Live! "Every photographer likes to get get drama," Leach said. And when it comes to the Hill Country, Leach often finds it. Check out his work here: https://www.dhlphotographix.com/
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Tara Legenza and Karen Guerriero — Legenza is a real estate agent with Fore Premier Properties, and she's joined forces with Anabel Medrano — on two fronts. The pair are working in real estate together, and they're also working to raise funds for Kerrville Pets Alive! So, Legenza was joined by Karen Guerriero to promote the April 30 "Fur Pawty" at La Escondida 1962. "We wanted to do something, and I love planning parties," Legenza said. With that, the "Pawty" was born. Guerriero and Medrano have talked for some time about doing something, but it was when Legenza entered the scene that things started moving.
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Valerie Chambers and Lynn Niles — Continuing the real estate theme, Century 21 The Hills Realty's Chambers and Niles discussed a four-part real estate education series they host. "The situation is that there are listings almost daily, but they go quickly," said Niles, adding that some homes are selling for 30% above their listing price. Niles and Chambers said the current market is unlike anything they've ever seen, and that's why they felt their class was important to offer. "We want to share our knowledge and they're never at a charge," Niles said. For more information about Century 21 The Hills Realty: https://www.century21thehills.com/
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Monica Allen — Representing BCFS Health and Human Services, Allen discussed the need for adult mentors for teens that have gotten into trouble or are on the brink. The Kerrville-based organization is constantly looking for adults to enter their mentoring program that provides those teens with an adult role model — about an hour per week is required to spend with the teens. Allen is clear that the selection process aims to protect youth. "The total training is 30 hours," she said. "But the first 10 hours is what gets you matched with the youth." For more information: https://discoverbcfs.net/kerrville/
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Ada Brown — As an advocate for the deaf community, Brown's spirits soared when the movie "CODA" won Best Picture at the 2022 Academy Awards. The film tells the story of a hearing daughter in a deaf family. The catch is that the daughter is an exceptional singer, but she's also a vital member of a family that is often isolated from the hearing world. "The parents really depended on her, and it made me look at my own family," said Brown of the film's portrayal of the family. Brown has lost most of her hearing, relying on sign language to communicate and now teaching it to others at the Dietert Center in Kerrville.
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Layng Guerriero — As an advocate for Prop. A — the general obligation bond that would pay for Kerrville's proposed public safety building — Guerriero touted the importance of the project. "The longer we wait, the worse it's going to be," Guerriero said if the bond doesn't pass on May 7. "Even if it we get approved May 7, it's going to be two years before they can move out of the old facility." The city is asking voters to approve a $45 million bond to pay for a 69,000-square-foot building that will house the police department, fire administration, municipal court, information technology and the emergency operations center.
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Mikaela Taylor and John Barrera — The pair hosts the Kerrville Podcast, where they talk to local business and community leaders. Mikaela Taylor announced she was transitioning her gender during one of their episodes. It proved to be an emotionally powerful moment in the podcast. "I've always been set in my ways," Barerra said. "I married my idea. I married an ideology. I'm very conservative. I'm open thinking now." Taylor said she's received nothing but support after her announcement. Taylor is the host of Mike FM's morning show here in Kerrville.
Axel Peterson and his mom, Jennyth, discussed an upcoming Boy Scouts fundraiser. |
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Jennyth and Axel Peterson — Representing Troop 111 of the Boys Scouts, Axel Peterson and his mom, Jennyth, told us about the May 7 car wash and bake sale fundraiser the troop is hosting at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Kerrville. The money raised will go directly to the troop's equipment fund, spent on camping and other outdoor gear. They are also looking for local businesses to help sponsor the car wash. The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Amber Thomason — Thomason owns a successful State Farm Insurance agency, and we wanted to know what was the leap of faith to start her own business. "I really feel like I was raised by Kerrville," Thomas said. Through a series of different jobs, she garnered the confidence to make connections and build a rapport with people. When she worked with Mike Kropp, who owns another State Farm agency, she saw how impactful her insurance work could be. Some of it was from handling life insurance claims and another story of a man who was reluctant to buy a policy but discovered he had aggressive cancer during the insurance screening process. The screening saved his life. For Thomason, it was a sign that she could do the work independently. "I knew then that's what I wanted to do," she said. "I wanted to help protect all of these things you worked so hard for."
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Darrell Beauchamp — As the director of the Museum of Western Art, Beauchamp discussed the latest exhibition — "The Heavens Declare." the collection of works depicts the skies in the mountains, canyons, plains and prairies of the Western United States. "It's just stunning," Beauchamp said. Beauchamp also let slip a little secret — private tours. "I'm like that car dealer in Carthage, Texas, I will meet you at two in the morning if I know you're coming," he said. And this isn't just because he's enthusiastic about this exhibit, but because he's a champion of every exhibition that comes through MOWA. "It is an absolutely spectacular show."
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Libbie Horton — After a successful production of two ballets, Horton and her good friend and creative collaborator Ka Neunhoffer decided to strike out and form their own production company, "Hillshapes." "The plan is to create more productions for our portfolio," Horton said. The two creators focus on specific elements — Horton the dance and choreography, while Neunhoffer composes original music. Some of their aspirations are to make their work distinctly Texas. Their first two productions focused on the history of the Texas Hill Country and another on the coast of Texas. "How many production companies have a composer and a dancer behind it?" Horton asked. "I don't know of any."
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Charlotte Benson — As the owner of Always Learning Tutoring, Benson saw an immediate need for an extra layer of educational support for students during the coronavirus pandemic. "I try to close the gap," Benson said. " A lot of times the parents know what they want their kids to work on," she said. "It's not always easy to work with your own children." With that in mind, Benson works to provide reading and math support for fourth grade through 12th grade. One of her specialties: "I work with kids in boosting their confidence," said Benson, adding that it's become a priority during the pandemic. Benson earned her bachelor's and master's degrees at Schreiner University.
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Kathleen Hudson — When it comes to music history, writing and literature, there's probably nobody stronger than Schreiner University Professor Kathleen Hudson, who has been traveling the U.S. this year to see as many Bob Dylan concerts as possible. "He did six shows in Texas and I went to four of them," said Hudson, who has written extensively about music and hosts musicians at Schreiner. Dylan, a Nobel Prize-winner for laureate, has played an exhaustive schedule, but Hudson his work is still candid, fresh and contemporary. "The Majestic Theater was probably special to me," she said of Dylan's performance in San Antonio. "Because Jimmie Rodgers opened the Majestic Theater in 1929, and he lived in Kerrville from 29 to 31." Schreiner is home to a significant Jimmie Rodgers collection, and for the last 35 years, Hudson has organized a tribute concert to the famed Country star.
