George Eychner introduced the Hill Country Youth Orchestra, which is the nation's only tuition free youth orchestra. Our Rotary Club has supported the club in the past by donating money for the purchase of instruments and performance attire. The HCYO has been in existence for 37 years, and has taught over 2,000 students in that time. It introduces string instruments to kids that might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about them. The HCYO is 100% funded by grants, annual fund raising and private donations.

 

 

Teresa Britt is an instructor for HCYO, as well as a fiddler, violinist and singer with several groups in the hill country. She has also performed in numerous ensembles and orchestras in Texas. 

 

We heard some great performances by students Jude Parker and Natalie McDonald.

 

 

 

 

Natalie also gave a testimonial on how she became involved in the Hill Country Youth Orchestra, and how she has benefitted from the program.

 

 

Former Rotarian Greg Shrader  explained more about the program. Three churches in the hill country provide instruction and performance space for the students, in Kerrville, Boerne and Fredericksburg. The biggest fund raiser is a show put on by Robert Earl Keen each year at the Cailloux Theater. The upcoming show is sold out, but there is also a benefit golf tournament coming up on March 19 at Riverhill Country Club.

 

 

 

 

 

Tammy Prout led us in the Prayer and Pledge.

 

 

 

 

George led us in singing "Home on the Ranch" in honor of our program about what 4H is doing for Kerr County. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marta rings the bell to get us started.

 

 

Mark your calendar for March 5th for highway cleanup.  Tally Elementary at 7:30 am

 

 

Mark your calendar for March 26, as there will be a trash clean up in Louise Hays Park.

 

The Rotary Grove near the Trailhead Beer Garden at Schreiner University needs volunteers to help water the new trees that were planted in honor of deceased Rotarians.  Janelle Peralt is handling signup. 3 days a week will be the watering days. MWF let her know.

 

 

 

 

Jeff introduces members with guest.

 

 

 

Kristy passed out fliers about joining Rotary

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had 14 online with 54 folks live. 

Continue to keep Robin Miears' sister in your prayers, as she recovers from COVID. She is doing better.

 

Keep Ron Blilie in your prayers. An active Rotarian with our club, who slipped and fell while walking his dog. He broke a rib and his hip. This is after they just got back from vacation in the Artic Circle.

Paul Martinez officially became the newest member of Rotary.

 

Paul is Director of Engineering for Kerrville Public Utility Board.

Rob Walter exchanged his red Rotary badge for a new one.

 

 

 

Each week, a Kerrville Rotarian is highlighted so we get to learn a little more about a fellow member.

Jack Pratt was introduced by Ashley Phillips.

 

 

Jack is married to Missy for over 20 years. A former Major of Kerrville and is running for County Commissioner Precent 2. He was president the Houston Rotary Club.

His favorite memory is of making a trip to Mexico drilling water wells.

 

 

 

 Loves golf and fishing and is an avid snow skier. Jack also loves woodworking and antique cars.

 

 

Favorite restaurant: Wahoo

Favorite food: Italian

 

 

 

Dave Samuel was wearing his Rotary pin when his name was called, so he won a bottle of wine.