Kerr Arts and Cultural Center executive director Lanza Teague provided the program last Wednesday, describing the upcoming Smithsonian traveling exhibit, Spark! Places of Innovation.
Lanza has deep roots in Kerr County, with her ancestors settling in the area in the 1880's. In addition to her duties at the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, she writes a column on local history for the Kerrville Daily Times.
Lanza worked on the application to host the traveling Smithsonian exhibit, and her efforts paid off with Kerrville being only one of six cities in Texas to be selected. The exhibit explores innovation and invention in rural America. Numerous examples will be displayed showing how rural communities created new products and solved problems. The exhibit will also showcase local inventions, companies and solutions from our area.
Local success stories include HEB, James Avery, the Louise Hays Park construction in a single day, the screwworm eradication, the Kerrville Axe which was developed for making cypress shingles, "Mag Eyes" magnifying lenses, and the first commercially made hummingbird feeder.
Several organizations are partnering with KACC to bring the exhibit here, including the Heart of the Hills Heritage Center, the Butt Holdsworth Library, the Kerr County Historical Commission, and others.
The exhibition runs May 16 through June 28, 2026 at the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center.
Mike Cave led us in the Invocation and Pledge.
George Eychner led us in song in honor of our speaker, Lanza Teague.
The recent Main Event Fundraiser was a big success. Early projections indicate about $50,000 was raised for our scholorships and other Rotary programs for the coming year. Thank you to all who worked to bring this fundraiser together.
The Rotary Planning Retreat was a success, and some good ideas were suggested for continued improvements to our club. In June of this year, a summary of findings will be presented to the club.
Josh the Otter Water Safety Programs at local elementary schools runs April through May.
The Veterans Appreciation Breakfast is April 24.
The Rotary Picnic is May 6.
The dedication of the Flagpoles at Guardian Plaza is Wednesday, May 13. This dedication recognizes the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders. This will be a lunch event, taking the place of our regular noon meeting. 11:30-1:00. The lunch will take place right after the dedication, and guided tours of the new facility will be available after the lunch.
The Youth Citizenship Awards program is May 27.
Woody Lockhart is dealing with complications from recent cancer surgery. Please keep Woody and his family in your prayers.