In this episode of The Boerne Brew on Boerne Radio 103.9 FM, host Kerry Barboza (sports editor of the Boerne Star) interviews author Richard Butler Jr. about his book Hill Country Ball: Depression-Era Baseball in the Texas German Belt, published by Texas Tech University Press. They discuss the origins of the book — sparked by a photograph of the Boerne White Sox at the Old Jail Museum — and dive into nearly four years of research and writing. Topics include the Hill Country League and Mountain League of the 1930s, town-team rivalries between Boerne, Comfort, Fredericksburg, and Kerrville, the role of "ringers" (including soldiers from Fort Sam Houston), community life around Sunday baseball games, the Kendall County Fairgrounds as a ballpark, local baseball legends like Edgar Bergman and the Pankratz brothers, the Kerrville All-Stars of the Negro Leagues, and the surprising discovery that Hall of Famer Dizzy Dean moonlighted as a teenage pitcher for Hill Country teams under an assumed name.

 

0:00     Intro — welcome to The Boerne Brew; guest Richard Butler Jr. and his book Hill Country Ball

0:38     Book reception since September 15 release; library presentations and discoveries

1:08     Origin story — the Boerne White Sox photo at the Old Jail Museum

1:52     From a library newsletter article to a full book; discovering the Hill Country League and Mountain League

2:38     Richard's baseball fandom; Tigers memories (Mark Fidrych, Kirk Gibson, Norm Cash)

3:31     Research process — ~2 years of digging through local newspapers and archives

5:01     Research resources — Fredericksburg Standard, Comfort News, Kerrville papers; the Boerne Star fire that destroyed pre-1938 archives

5:46     Gaps in the record — piecing together the controversial 1935 Boerne White Sox withdrawal from the Mountain League

6:30     Research vs. writing — Richard's background as a retired attorney; ~4 years total from start to publication

7:22     Where to buy — Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Texas Tech University Press, Kendall County Genealogical Society

8:05     Baseball as Americana — Sunday games, picnics, and community life in the Hill Country

9:31     Town teams and "ringers" — $5/game hired players, Fort Sam Houston soldiers pitching on Sundays

11:33  Why the 1930s — two leagues, three future major leaguers, baseball's cultural impact during the Depression

12:57  Kendall County Fairgrounds as the Boerne White Sox's home ballpark — horse track inside, 800 fans in a town of 1,100

14:05  League history — Hill Country League (1930), Mountain League (1934), coexistence and eventual decline

15:17  Decline of town teams by the 1960s — television, air conditioning, and the rise of other sports

16:49  Bauer Field still standing; Edgar Bergman — ace pitcher, lumber company owner, and community pillar

18:01  H.O. Adler — first president of the Kendall County Fair Association and the Boerne White Sox

18:25  Family names still in Boerne — Ecker, Holtkamp, Philipp, Pankratz, Fabra; meeting descendants of players

19:30  Tom Dugas — baseball player and bowler; the Turnverein bowling league named after him

20:05  The Negro Leagues in the Hill Country — Kerrville All-Stars, Jim Crow era, limited newspaper coverage

21:14  Dizzy Dean's Hill Country connection — teenage pitcher at Fort Sam Houston moonlighting under an assumed name

23:04  Dizzy Dean confirmed at Kendall County Fairgrounds — a Hall of Famer pitched in Boerne

23:45  Final thoughts — biggest surprise was the Dizzy Dean discovery; closing remarks and where to buy the book

Original Air Date:  October 24, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

In this episode of The Boerne Brew on Boerne Radio 103.9 FM, host Kerry Barboza (sports editor of the Boerne Star) interviews author Richard Butler Jr. about his book Hill Country Ball: Depression-Era Baseball in the Texas German Belt, published by Texas Tech University Press. They discuss the origins of the book &mdash; sparked by a photograph of the Boerne White Sox at the Old Jail Museum &mdash; and dive into nearly four years of research and writing. Topics include the Hill Country League and Mountain League of the 1930s, town-team rivalries between Boerne, Comfort, Fredericksburg, and Kerrville, the role of "ringers" (including soldiers from Fort Sam Houston), community life around Sunday baseball games, the Kendall County Fairgrounds as a ballpark, local baseball legends like Edgar Bergman and the Pankratz brothers, the Kerrville All-Stars of the Negro Leagues, and the surprising discovery that Hall of Famer Dizzy Dean moonlighted as a teenage pitcher for Hill Country teams under an assumed name.
&nbsp;
0:00&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Intro &mdash; welcome to The Boerne Brew; guest Richard Butler Jr. and his book Hill Country Ball
0:38&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Book reception since September 15 release; library presentations and discoveries
1:08&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Origin story &mdash; the Boerne White Sox photo at the Old Jail Museum
1:52&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; From a library newsletter article to a full book; discovering the Hill Country League and Mountain League
2:38&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Richard's baseball fandom; Tigers memories (Mark Fidrych, Kirk Gibson, Norm Cash)
3:31&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Research process &mdash; ~2 years of digging through local newspapers and archives
5:01&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Research resources &mdash; Fredericksburg Standard, Comfort News, Kerrville papers; the Boerne Star fire that destroyed pre-1938 archives
5:46&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gaps in the record &mdash; piecing together the controversial 1935 Boerne White Sox withdrawal from the Mountain League
6:30&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Research vs. writing &mdash; Richard's background as a retired attorney; ~4 years total from start to publication
7:22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Where to buy &mdash; Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Texas Tech University Press, Kendall County Genealogical Society
8:05&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Baseball as Americana &mdash; Sunday games, picnics, and community life in the Hill Country
9:31&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Town teams and "ringers" &mdash; $5/game hired players, Fort Sam Houston soldiers pitching on Sundays
11:33&nbsp; Why the 1930s &mdash; two leagues, three future major leaguers, baseball's cultural impact during the Depression
12:57&nbsp; Kendall County Fairgrounds as the Boerne White Sox's home ballpark &mdash; horse track inside, 800 fans in a town of 1,100
14:05&nbsp; League history &mdash; Hill Country League (1930), Mountain League (1934), coexistence and eventual decline
15:17&nbsp; Decline of town teams by the 1960s &mdash; television, air conditioning, and the rise of other sports
16:49&nbsp; Bauer Field still standing; Edgar Bergman &mdash; ace pitcher, lumber company owner, and community pillar
18:01&nbsp; H.O. Adler &mdash; first president of the Kendall County Fair Association and the Boerne White Sox
18:25&nbsp; Family names still in Boerne &mdash; Ecker, Holtkamp, Philipp, Pankratz, Fabra; meeting descendants of players
19:30&nbsp; Tom Dugas &mdash; baseball player and bowler; the Turnverein bowling league named after him
20:05&nbsp; The Negro Leagues in the Hill Country &mdash; Kerrville All-Stars, Jim Crow era, limited newspaper coverage
21:14&nbsp; Dizzy Dean's Hill Country connection &mdash; teenage pitcher at Fort Sam Houston moonlighting under an assumed name
23:04&nbsp; Dizzy Dean confirmed at Kendall County Fairgrounds &mdash; a Hall of Famer pitched in Boerne
23:45&nbsp; Final thoughts &mdash; biggest surprise was the Dizzy Dean discovery; closing remarks and where to buy the book
Original Air Date:&nbsp; October 24, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
<a href="https://www.boernestar.com/">https://www.boernestar.com/</a>

Boerne Brew - Richard Butler 10-24 and 31-26

Jeff Flinn, managing editor of the Boerne Star newspaper, sits down with Paul Barwick from Boerne's Old Jail Museum for a wide-ranging conversation about local Hill Country history. Topics include the museum's founding and restoration, a bizarre WWII "bat bomb" project that strapped napalm to bats, Civil War gunpowder made from bat guano, Depression-era baseball in the Texas Hill Country (featuring the book Hill Country Ball), legendary baseball characters like Rube Waddell and Dizzy Dean, Milwaukee Brewers hot streak and Bob Uecker stories, ghost stories from the 99-year-old jail, sheriffs who died in the line of duty, daring jail escapes, and recent museum donations including a 1982 Boerne bear paw print.

0:00     Intro & Guest Introduction

0:36     Old Jail Museum History & Restoration

2:55     The WWII Bat Bomb (Project X-Ray)

5:54     Bat Guano & Civil War Gunpowder

7:07     Hill Country Ball Book & Depression-Era Baseball

10:25  Dizzy Dean & Rube Waddell Stories

13:12  Milwaukee Brewers & Bob Uecker

14:47  Ghost Stories from the Old Jail

16:45  Sheriffs Who Died in the Line of Duty

19:43  Jail Escapes & Visitor Stories

21:30  Recent Donations: The Boerne Bear

22:22  Outro & Museum Info

22:58  End Credits

 

Original Air Date:  October 17, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

Jeff Flinn, managing editor of the Boerne Star newspaper, sits down with Paul Barwick from Boerne's Old Jail Museum for a wide-ranging conversation about local Hill Country history. Topics include the museum's founding and restoration, a bizarre WWII "bat bomb" project that strapped napalm to bats, Civil War gunpowder made from bat guano, Depression-era baseball in the Texas Hill Country (featuring the book Hill Country Ball), legendary baseball characters like Rube Waddell and Dizzy Dean, Milwaukee Brewers hot streak and Bob Uecker stories, ghost stories from the 99-year-old jail, sheriffs who died in the line of duty, daring jail escapes, and recent museum donations including a 1982 Boerne bear paw print.
0:00&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Intro &amp; Guest Introduction
0:36&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Old Jail Museum History &amp; Restoration
2:55&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The WWII Bat Bomb (Project X-Ray)
5:54&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bat Guano &amp; Civil War Gunpowder
7:07&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hill Country Ball Book &amp; Depression-Era Baseball
10:25&nbsp; Dizzy Dean &amp; Rube Waddell Stories
13:12&nbsp; Milwaukee Brewers &amp; Bob Uecker
14:47&nbsp; Ghost Stories from the Old Jail
16:45&nbsp; Sheriffs Who Died in the Line of Duty
19:43&nbsp; Jail Escapes &amp; Visitor Stories
21:30&nbsp; Recent Donations: The Boerne Bear
22:22&nbsp; Outro &amp; Museum Info
22:58&nbsp; End Credits
&nbsp;
Original Air Date:&nbsp; October 17, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
<a href="https://www.boernestar.com/">https://www.boernestar.com/</a>

The Boerne Brew - Paul Barwick & The Old Jail Museum

Veronica Rector from The Boerne Star sits down with retired Special Forces veteran Tyr Symank to trace his 31-year military journey — from an 18-year-old who enlisted for college money to becoming a Green Beret combat medic deployed to Afghanistan. Tier shares stories from the First Cavalry's Horse Cavalry Detachment at Fort Hood, his experience in Special Forces selection during 9/11, grueling land navigation training in the North Carolina sandhills, and a unforgettable field amputation performed in a mud hut on the Afghan-Pakistan border. The episode closes with details about the upcoming Tides of Gratitude Gala benefiting the Real Warriors Foundation, a veterans' mental health nonprofit.

 

0:00     Intro — Veronica Rector welcomes Tyr Symank to The Boerne Brew

0:20     Early inspiration — Why Tier enlisted at 18 (college money, ski resort life, Marine recruiting ads)

2:11     Choosing the Army — Marines wanted 6 years; Army offered the same tank driver job for 2 years (he stayed 31)

2:55     Fort Hood & the Horse Cavalry Detachment — Ceremonial unit, parades, and rodeos across Central Texas

4:24     Trying out for Special Forces — Selected as a SF medic; 9/11 happens during training

5:01     9/11 experience — Working with FDNY weeks before the attacks; watching the second tower hit live

6:03     How 9/11 changed his motivation — From personal challenge to real mission

6:23     Special Forces training: Land Navigation — The infamous "Star Course" in North Carolina sandhills

8:03     Mid-show  — Veronica resets for new listeners

8:19     SF training phases — Small unit tactics, specialty selection, the year-long medic course (highest attrition)

9:27     Deployments — Language training (Thai), SERE school, then Afghanistan in summer 2003

10:08  Afghanistan environment — Bagram, "Disney Drive," conventional forces flooding in

10:47  Mission work — Weapons cantonment in Mazar-i-Sharif; border operations in Kunar Province

12:27  Naray outpost — Northernmost coalition presence on the Afghan-Pakistan border

13:28  The amputation story — An elderly Afghan local with an unhealed leg fracture; Tier prepares to amputate in a mud hut

15:33  Improvising surgery — Missing Gigli saw handles, thermobaric grenade rings, a Sawzall, and a "five-second rule" skin graft

19:26  Post-military life — Retired May 9, 2026; emceeing the Tides of Gratitude Gala

20:03  Tides of Gratitude Gala — Nov 7, Spring Branch, TX; benefiting Real Warriors Foundation (veterans' mental health)

21:20  Outro — Where to find the replay (boerneradio.com)

Original Air Date:  October 10, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

Veronica Rector from The Boerne Star sits down with retired Special Forces veteran Tyr Symank to trace his 31-year military journey &mdash; from an 18-year-old who enlisted for college money to becoming a Green Beret combat medic deployed to Afghanistan. Tier shares stories from the First Cavalry's Horse Cavalry Detachment at Fort Hood, his experience in Special Forces selection during 9/11, grueling land navigation training in the North Carolina sandhills, and a unforgettable field amputation performed in a mud hut on the Afghan-Pakistan border. The episode closes with details about the upcoming Tides of Gratitude Gala benefiting the Real Warriors Foundation, a veterans' mental health nonprofit.
&nbsp;
0:00&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Intro &mdash; Veronica Rector welcomes Tyr Symank to The Boerne Brew
0:20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Early inspiration &mdash; Why Tier enlisted at 18 (college money, ski resort life, Marine recruiting ads)
2:11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Choosing the Army &mdash; Marines wanted 6 years; Army offered the same tank driver job for 2 years (he stayed 31)
2:55&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Fort Hood &amp; the Horse Cavalry Detachment &mdash; Ceremonial unit, parades, and rodeos across Central Texas
4:24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Trying out for Special Forces &mdash; Selected as a SF medic; 9/11 happens during training
5:01&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 9/11 experience &mdash; Working with FDNY weeks before the attacks; watching the second tower hit live
6:03&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How 9/11 changed his motivation &mdash; From personal challenge to real mission
6:23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Special Forces training: Land Navigation &mdash; The infamous "Star Course" in North Carolina sandhills
8:03&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mid-show &nbsp;&mdash; Veronica resets for new listeners
8:19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SF training phases &mdash; Small unit tactics, specialty selection, the year-long medic course (highest attrition)
9:27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deployments &mdash; Language training (Thai), SERE school, then Afghanistan in summer 2003
10:08&nbsp; Afghanistan environment &mdash; Bagram, "Disney Drive," conventional forces flooding in
10:47&nbsp; Mission work &mdash; Weapons cantonment in Mazar-i-Sharif; border operations in Kunar Province
12:27&nbsp; Naray outpost &mdash; Northernmost coalition presence on the Afghan-Pakistan border
13:28&nbsp; The amputation story &mdash; An elderly Afghan local with an unhealed leg fracture; Tier prepares to amputate in a mud hut
15:33&nbsp; Improvising surgery &mdash; Missing Gigli saw handles, thermobaric grenade rings, a Sawzall, and a "five-second rule" skin graft
19:26&nbsp; Post-military life &mdash; Retired May 9, 2026; emceeing the Tides of Gratitude Gala
20:03&nbsp; Tides of Gratitude Gala &mdash; Nov 7, Spring Branch, TX; benefiting Real Warriors Foundation (veterans' mental health)
21:20&nbsp; Outro &mdash; Where to find the replay (boerneradio.com)
Original Air Date:&nbsp; October 10, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
<a href="https://www.boernestar.com/">https://www.boernestar.com/</a>

The Boerne Brew -  Tyr Symank - 10-10-26

Veronica Rector (The Boerne Star / Boerne Radio) interviews Joey Hummel, co-founder of Reel Warriors — a non-profit that builds community for veterans through fishing, hunting, camping, and blacksmithing. Joey shares the mission behind Reel Warriors, how it started with a simple fishing trip and a roommate, and how it's grown into a multi-state organization collaborating with veterans' groups nationwide. The conversation covers the loss of military camaraderie after service, the importance of collaboration between nonprofits, the upcoming Tides of Gratitude Gala (Nov 7th in Bulverde), and how veterans can get involved locally through First Friday breakfasts at The Dinger and monthly socials at Free Roam.

0:00     Intro — Veronica Rector welcomes guest Joey Hummel from Reel Warriors

0:20     Mission of Reel Warriors: organic veteran community building through fishing trips

1:18     The military bond — why veterans lose camaraderie in civilian life and how isolation leads to depression

2:33     Friday breakfast networking: DD214 Club at The Dinger (8 AM, first Friday of every month)

3:10     Life after the military: finding social circles again

3:42     Joey's background: Marine Corps 1999–2004, Iraq tour, father was a 22-year Marine

4:15     Expanding Reel Warriors — California team, Texas growth, Whiskey & Warrior fundraiser

4:30     Collaborating with Final Salute (homeless women veterans) and other nonprofits

5:00     The importance of nonprofit collaboration vs. ego in the nonprofit world

5:44     Partnership with Off Duty (first responders), Higher Ground (Idaho), Marine Recon Foundation, Semper Fi Fund

6:14     Expanding to Montana — MVP (Montana Vet Program) and Exterra Health

6:52     Tides of Gratitude Gala — Nov 7th at Park31 in Bulverde: silent auction, guest speaker, tickets at tidesofgratitude.com

8:12     How to get involved: Instagram/Facebook (RWF Community), reelwarriorsfoundation.org

8:32     Reel Warriors = REEL (fishing reel) — also does hunting, camping, blacksmithing

9:06     VFW and American Legion — declining participation, political advocacy for veterans

10:50  Vietnam vets' homecoming and the legacy of looking out for the next generation

11:06  Origin story: Joey working at a brain treatment center for PTSD vets, near homelessness, divorce

12:07  Meeting co-founder Nicholas Piscitelli — bourbon, brainstorming, and fishing

13:05  The first charter: 25 veterans on the ocean; "Let's start a nonprofit"

13:55  Founded Feb 25, 2019 — surviving COVID in California with smaller boat trips

15:25  Jason Lilly (Generation Kill / HBO) joins the board; slow, mission-first growth

16:12  "For the average Joe" — not just special forces; all-female charters; expanding to Louisiana

16:45  No combat-veteran requirement: if you served and have a DD214, you're in

17:24  Military humor — supply Marines, the crayon meme, Space Force

19:00  First Friday breakfast recap & next dates; monthly Free Roam socials (last Thursday, 5 PM)

20:30  Guitars for Heroes — teaching veterans to play guitar

20:34  Show wrap-up & where to find replays 

Original Air Date:  October 3, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

Veronica Rector (The Boerne Star / Boerne Radio) interviews Joey Hummel, co-founder of Reel Warriors &mdash; a non-profit that builds community for veterans through fishing, hunting, camping, and blacksmithing. Joey shares the mission behind Reel Warriors, how it started with a simple fishing trip and a roommate, and how it's grown into a multi-state organization collaborating with veterans' groups nationwide. The conversation covers the loss of military camaraderie after service, the importance of collaboration between nonprofits, the upcoming Tides of Gratitude Gala (Nov 7th in Bulverde), and how veterans can get involved locally through First Friday breakfasts at The Dinger and monthly socials at Free Roam.
0:00&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Intro &mdash; Veronica Rector welcomes guest Joey Hummel from Reel Warriors
0:20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mission of Reel Warriors: organic veteran community building through fishing trips
1:18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The military bond &mdash; why veterans lose camaraderie in civilian life and how isolation leads to depression
2:33&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Friday breakfast networking: DD214 Club at The Dinger (8 AM, first Friday of every month)
3:10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Life after the military: finding social circles again
3:42&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Joey's background: Marine Corps 1999&ndash;2004, Iraq tour, father was a 22-year Marine
4:15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expanding Reel Warriors &mdash; California team, Texas growth, Whiskey &amp; Warrior fundraiser
4:30&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Collaborating with Final Salute (homeless women veterans) and other nonprofits
5:00&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The importance of nonprofit collaboration vs. ego in the nonprofit world
5:44&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Partnership with Off Duty (first responders), Higher Ground (Idaho), Marine Recon Foundation, Semper Fi Fund
6:14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expanding to Montana &mdash; MVP (Montana Vet Program) and Exterra Health
6:52&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tides of Gratitude Gala &mdash; Nov 7th at Park31 in Bulverde: silent auction, guest speaker, tickets at tidesofgratitude.com
8:12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How to get involved: Instagram/Facebook (RWF Community), reelwarriorsfoundation.org
8:32&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reel Warriors = REEL (fishing reel) &mdash; also does hunting, camping, blacksmithing
9:06&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; VFW and American Legion &mdash; declining participation, political advocacy for veterans
10:50&nbsp; Vietnam vets' homecoming and the legacy of looking out for the next generation
11:06&nbsp; Origin story: Joey working at a brain treatment center for PTSD vets, near homelessness, divorce
12:07&nbsp; Meeting co-founder Nicholas Piscitelli &mdash; bourbon, brainstorming, and fishing
13:05&nbsp; The first charter: 25 veterans on the ocean; "Let's start a nonprofit"
13:55&nbsp; Founded Feb 25, 2019 &mdash; surviving COVID in California with smaller boat trips
15:25&nbsp; Jason Lilly (Generation Kill / HBO) joins the board; slow, mission-first growth
16:12&nbsp; "For the average Joe" &mdash; not just special forces; all-female charters; expanding to Louisiana
16:45&nbsp; No combat-veteran requirement: if you served and have a DD214, you're in
17:24&nbsp; Military humor &mdash; supply Marines, the crayon meme, Space Force
19:00&nbsp; First Friday breakfast recap &amp; next dates; monthly Free Roam socials (last Thursday, 5 PM)
20:30&nbsp; Guitars for Heroes &mdash; teaching veterans to play guitar
20:34&nbsp; Show wrap-up &amp; where to find replays&nbsp;
Original Air Date:&nbsp; October 3, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
<a href="https://www.boernestar.com/">https://www.boernestar.com/</a>

The Boerne Brew - Joey Hummel  10-3-2026

Host Kerry Barboza (sports editor, Boerne Star) interviews retired baseball coach Chuck Foster ahead of his induction into the Boerne ISD Hall of Honor (October 2nd). Foster recounts his career across Boerne High and Boerne Champion, his legendary partnership with assistant coach John Ecker, the 2004 state championship run (including the dramatic regional finals, the "junk baller" Game 3, and the role players who won it all), his faith journey, his son Derek's coaching success in Carthage, and his current ministry work at Mission City Church. The interview closes with the two recording a promo for the show's Saturday broadcast.

0:00     Intro – Kerry Barboza welcomes listeners to the Boerne Brew; introduces Chuck Foster's career and Hall of Honor induction

0:39     Retirement & coaching memories – Foster retired in 2021 (COVID delayed plans); reflects on what he misses and doesn't miss about coaching

2:35     John Ecker – the loyal assistant – How Foster and Ecker met on interview day, shared wedding anniversaries, and built a great coaching partnership

4:15     "Mr. Boerne" – Ecker's deep Boerne roots, family legacy, and why Foster says messing up that relationship would've gotten him "run out of town"

5:15     Hall of Honor reaction – Foster's humility; being mentioned alongside legend Dave Fulkerson (6-time state champ in cross country)

6:30     Other 2026 inductees – Claire Crites (volleyball), 2011 boys' soccer state champs, Jeff Dabbs (Benefactor Award)

7:25     Family at the ceremony – Who can attend (daughter, wife, mother-in-law, possibly sister); son Derek coaching in Carthage can't make it

8:40     "Coach" or "Chuck" – Former players still call him Coach; encounters at Mission City Church with Blake Aleman, Julio Riggs, the Bollinger family

10:00  Faith & language transformation – Foster's Christian walk, accountability with Dale Coley, and how God changed his heart and his language

11:24  2004 State Championship – the stars – Russell Moldenhauer, Bradley Suttle, Ray Martinez (switch-blade knife who caught & played shortstop)

12:13  State tournament recap – Suttle's 2-hitter vs. Port Neches Grove; Moldenhauer's 3-hitter vs. Denton Ryan in the finals; hidden ball trick and stealing third

13:44  Regional finals vs. Cowley – Suttle steals home – Extra innings, Brad Suttle reads the pitcher, Foster sends him, and they win Game 1 at Wolfe Stadium

15:47  One-gamer vs. Hallettsville – Beating the #1 team in the nation behind Bryce Dorn's gem

16:00  Game 3 – Austin Jones, the junk-baller – Lefty throws a 43 mph changeup; Chambliss homers in the 1st, then Jones shuts them down the rest of the way

17:47  The Valley trip – Bus arrives late, players still on the bus mentally, Suttle throws a no-hitter anyway; Foster & Ecker sunburned scouting in a Jeep

19:20  Augie Garrido's mantra – "If your mind can conceive it and your heart can believe it, your body can achieve it" – visualizing the dog pile at Dell Diamond

20:45  Role players won it all – Justin Rodriguez, Ray, Taylor Spalla, Kevin Rawls all had key hits; not just the superstars

21:30  Derek Foster coaching in Carthage – Son won a state championship as an assistant; East Texas is home now; daughter Haley with FCA

22:30  Life after coaching – Cheryl and Chuck, grandkids, choosing his own time, wife gets him back full-time

22:50  Ministry at Mission City Church – Campus pastor at the NW location off I-10; mission to engage people with the gospel and lead lives of transformation

23:36  Closing & thanks – Looking forward to October 2nd ceremony; Boerne Star website for the replay

Original Air Date:  September 26, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

Host Kerry Barboza (sports editor, Boerne Star) interviews retired baseball coach Chuck Foster ahead of his induction into the Boerne ISD Hall of Honor (October 2nd). Foster recounts his career across Boerne High and Boerne Champion, his legendary partnership with assistant coach John Ecker, the 2004 state championship run (including the dramatic regional finals, the "junk baller" Game 3, and the role players who won it all), his faith journey, his son Derek's coaching success in Carthage, and his current ministry work at Mission City Church. The interview closes with the two recording a promo for the show's Saturday broadcast.
0:00&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Intro &ndash; Kerry Barboza welcomes listeners to the Boerne Brew; introduces Chuck Foster's career and Hall of Honor induction
0:39&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Retirement &amp; coaching memories &ndash; Foster retired in 2021 (COVID delayed plans); reflects on what he misses and doesn't miss about coaching
2:35&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; John Ecker &ndash; the loyal assistant &ndash; How Foster and Ecker met on interview day, shared wedding anniversaries, and built a great coaching partnership
4:15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Mr. Boerne" &ndash; Ecker's deep Boerne roots, family legacy, and why Foster says messing up that relationship would've gotten him "run out of town"
5:15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hall of Honor reaction &ndash; Foster's humility; being mentioned alongside legend Dave Fulkerson (6-time state champ in cross country)
6:30&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Other 2026 inductees &ndash; Claire Crites (volleyball), 2011 boys' soccer state champs, Jeff Dabbs (Benefactor Award)
7:25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Family at the ceremony &ndash; Who can attend (daughter, wife, mother-in-law, possibly sister); son Derek coaching in Carthage can't make it
8:40&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Coach" or "Chuck" &ndash; Former players still call him Coach; encounters at Mission City Church with Blake Aleman, Julio Riggs, the Bollinger family
10:00&nbsp; Faith &amp; language transformation &ndash; Foster's Christian walk, accountability with Dale Coley, and how God changed his heart and his language
11:24&nbsp; 2004 State Championship &ndash; the stars &ndash; Russell Moldenhauer, Bradley Suttle, Ray Martinez (switch-blade knife who caught &amp; played shortstop)
12:13&nbsp; State tournament recap &ndash; Suttle's 2-hitter vs. Port Neches Grove; Moldenhauer's 3-hitter vs. Denton Ryan in the finals; hidden ball trick and stealing third
13:44&nbsp; Regional finals vs. Cowley &ndash; Suttle steals home &ndash; Extra innings, Brad Suttle reads the pitcher, Foster sends him, and they win Game 1 at Wolfe Stadium
15:47&nbsp; One-gamer vs. Hallettsville &ndash; Beating the #1 team in the nation behind Bryce Dorn's gem
16:00&nbsp; Game 3 &ndash; Austin Jones, the junk-baller &ndash; Lefty throws a 43 mph changeup; Chambliss homers in the 1st, then Jones shuts them down the rest of the way
17:47&nbsp; The Valley trip &ndash; Bus arrives late, players still on the bus mentally, Suttle throws a no-hitter anyway; Foster &amp; Ecker sunburned scouting in a Jeep
19:20&nbsp; Augie Garrido's mantra &ndash; "If your mind can conceive it and your heart can believe it, your body can achieve it" &ndash; visualizing the dog pile at Dell Diamond
20:45&nbsp; Role players won it all &ndash; Justin Rodriguez, Ray, Taylor Spalla, Kevin Rawls all had key hits; not just the superstars
21:30&nbsp; Derek Foster coaching in Carthage &ndash; Son won a state championship as an assistant; East Texas is home now; daughter Haley with FCA
22:30&nbsp; Life after coaching &ndash; Cheryl and Chuck, grandkids, choosing his own time, wife gets him back full-time
22:50&nbsp; Ministry at Mission City Church &ndash; Campus pastor at the NW location off I-10; mission to engage people with the gospel and lead lives of transformation
23:36&nbsp; Closing &amp; thanks &ndash; Looking forward to October 2nd ceremony; Boerne Star website for the replay
Original Air Date:&nbsp; September 26, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
<a href="https://www.boernestar.com/">https://www.boernestar.com/</a>

The Boerne Brew - Chuck Foster 9-26-2026

Host Jeff Flinn (Boerne Star managing editor) welcomes Cara Hines, owner of Mix House Gallery in Comfort, TX, to preview the Comfort Art Festival — happening today, 10 AM–4 PM on High Street. They discuss the festival's structure (artists hosted by local businesses), the three artists featured at Mix House (Douglas Galloway, Mike Martin, Leonardo Gutierrez), the wide range of art media on display, and how the Comfort business community rallied during recent floods. A call to support local artists and the businesses that host them.

 

Time     Topic

0:00     Show intro — Jeff  opens The Boerne Brew on Boerne Radio 103.9 FM

0:12     Comfort Art Festival overview — 10 AM–4 PM, 14th year, organized by Julie Kuykendall

1:05     Festival format — artists apply, businesses host, cross-promotion model

2:42     Featured artist Douglas Galloway (San Antonio) — mixed media encaustic (beeswax) paintings, "Lagniappe" exhibit through Sept 27

3:11     Leonardo Gutierrez (oil painter, Comfort local) & Mike Martin (printmaker/collagraph, Comfort)

4:04     Lagniappe exhibit details — Cajun term meaning "a little something extra"

5:18     Jeff's Das Festival experience — watching an artist draw vehicles on-site

6:48     Roll call of participating artists (~40+ names) across Comfort, Boerne, San Antonio, Kerrville

9:12     Full list of art media — oil, felting, masks, acrylic, wood carving, quilting, watercolor, dulcimers, digital photography, gourd art, stained glass, microscapes, and more

10:11  Practical info — parking, walking High Street, artists set up outside businesses

10:31  Supporting artists and businesses — buy art, thank host businesses

10:51  Re-recap of Mix House's three artists and their locations

11:34  Douglas Galloway deep dive — New Orleans/French Quarter background, shotgun houses, peeling paint inspiration, photos paired with abstracts

12:52  Julie Kuykendall's organizer role — application/matching process, fees, artist placement

14:06  Cara's favorite medium — mixed media (cross-disciplinary artists, gallery name origin)

15:51  Demonstrations across the festival — printmaking, pastel, sea glass jewelry, and more

17:00  Judith Youngers — sculptural succulent microscapes + poet

17:20  Hotel Giles — courtyard artists, rooms available, George Brinn's dulcimers

18:15  Directions — Highway 27, take a left to High Street, parking tips

18:39  Jeff's must-see list — dulcimers, digital photography, collagraph printmaking

19:50  Do artists stick to one medium? — experimentation behind the scenes

21:02  Comfort businesses to visit — Freethinkers General Store, Vintage Comfort, 8th Street Market, 723 High, Monogram 29, High's Cafe, Both Hands Burger Bar, Three Paths Distillery, Newsome Vineyards

22:55  Comfort floods (2025) — businesses fed/housed first responders, Renee's Kitchen (450 meals/day for 3 weeks), Susan Dye & Comfort Pantry

24:10  Sign-off — thanks to Cara, Roland (engineer), final call to support Comfort & buy art

Original Air Date:  September 19, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

Host Jeff Flinn (Boerne Star managing editor) welcomes Cara Hines, owner of Mix House Gallery in Comfort, TX, to preview the Comfort Art Festival &mdash; happening today, 10 AM&ndash;4 PM on High Street. They discuss the festival's structure (artists hosted by local businesses), the three artists featured at Mix House (Douglas Galloway, Mike Martin, Leonardo Gutierrez), the wide range of art media on display, and how the Comfort business community rallied during recent floods. A call to support local artists and the businesses that host them.
&nbsp;
Time&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Topic
0:00&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Show intro &mdash; Jeff &nbsp;opens The Boerne Brew on Boerne Radio 103.9 FM
0:12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Comfort Art Festival overview &mdash; 10 AM&ndash;4 PM, 14th year, organized by Julie Kuykendall
1:05&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Festival format &mdash; artists apply, businesses host, cross-promotion model
2:42&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Featured artist Douglas Galloway (San Antonio) &mdash; mixed media encaustic (beeswax) paintings, "Lagniappe" exhibit through Sept 27
3:11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Leonardo Gutierrez (oil painter, Comfort local) &amp; Mike Martin (printmaker/collagraph, Comfort)
4:04&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lagniappe exhibit details &mdash; Cajun term meaning "a little something extra"
5:18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jeff's Das Festival experience &mdash; watching an artist draw vehicles on-site
6:48&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Roll call of participating artists (~40+ names) across Comfort, Boerne, San Antonio, Kerrville
9:12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Full list of art media &mdash; oil, felting, masks, acrylic, wood carving, quilting, watercolor, dulcimers, digital photography, gourd art, stained glass, microscapes, and more
10:11&nbsp; Practical info &mdash; parking, walking High Street, artists set up outside businesses
10:31&nbsp; Supporting artists and businesses &mdash; buy art, thank host businesses
10:51&nbsp; Re-recap of Mix House's three artists and their locations
11:34&nbsp; Douglas Galloway deep dive &mdash; New Orleans/French Quarter background, shotgun houses, peeling paint inspiration, photos paired with abstracts
12:52&nbsp; Julie Kuykendall's organizer role &mdash; application/matching process, fees, artist placement
14:06&nbsp; Cara's favorite medium &mdash; mixed media (cross-disciplinary artists, gallery name origin)
15:51&nbsp; Demonstrations across the festival &mdash; printmaking, pastel, sea glass jewelry, and more
17:00&nbsp; Judith Youngers &mdash; sculptural succulent microscapes + poet
17:20&nbsp; Hotel Giles &mdash; courtyard artists, rooms available, George Brinn's dulcimers
18:15&nbsp; Directions &mdash; Highway 27, take a left to High Street, parking tips
18:39&nbsp; Jeff's must-see list &mdash; dulcimers, digital photography, collagraph printmaking
19:50&nbsp; Do artists stick to one medium? &mdash; experimentation behind the scenes
21:02&nbsp; Comfort businesses to visit &mdash; Freethinkers General Store, Vintage Comfort, 8th Street Market, 723 High, Monogram 29, High's Cafe, Both Hands Burger Bar, Three Paths Distillery, Newsome Vineyards
22:55&nbsp; Comfort floods (2025) &mdash; businesses fed/housed first responders, Renee's Kitchen (450 meals/day for 3 weeks), Susan Dye &amp; Comfort Pantry
24:10&nbsp; Sign-off &mdash; thanks to Cara, Roland (engineer), final call to support Comfort &amp; buy art
Original Air Date:&nbsp; September 19, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
<a href="https://www.boernestar.com/">https://www.boernestar.com/</a>

The Boerne Brew - Comfort Art Fest  9-19-26

This episode of the Boerne Brew features host Jeff Flinn interviewing Shelly Leonard, executive director of Love Kendall County Kids (formerly Love Boerne Kids/Boerne Community Coalition). They discuss the organization's growth since 2015, the scope of child food insecurity in Kendall County (1 in 6 kids), and the range of services offered — food, school supplies, shoes, beds, after-school and scholarship programs. The conversation covers Saturday's Hunger Action Month events: a food distribution at their Highland Drive location and a food drive/raffle at Walmart, plus upcoming "give back" nights at Chipotle and Texas Roadhouse. Shelly also shares her personal connection to the mission, volunteer opportunities, and how the community can get involved via lovekckids.org.

 

0:00 – Intro & weekend community events

0:36 – Food drive for Love Kendall County Kids introduced

0:46 – Shelly Leonard's Saturday food drive details & raffle prizes

1:08 – History: from Boerne Community Coalition to Love Kendall County Kids

1:39 – Child food insecurity stats (1 in 6 kids)

2:32 – Services beyond food: school supplies, shoes, beds, scholarships

3:07 – Website & how to get help/volunteer/donate

3:47 – 2025 impact numbers (26,000 lbs food, backpacks, school supplies)

4:17 – Back to School Resource Rallies & sock/underwear drives

5:33 – Comfort ISD expansion & shoe requests

6:24 – Teacher supply drive idea

6:52 – Headquarters location & hours

7:22 – Today's food distribution logistics (9–11 AM)

7:44 – Walmart food drive requirements & signup process

8:24 – Summer/holiday school lunch programs

9:16 – COVID-era lunch gap story

9:51 – 2025 distribution stats & rising need

11:00 – Shelly's personal story & path to the role

12:03 – Comparison to Palmer Drug Abuse Program peer counseling

13:16 – Contact info: website, phone, address

14:34 – What a Walmart visitor can expect today

16:11 – What's needed most: food, volunteers

16:31 – Chipotle (9/23) and Texas Roadhouse (9/30) give-back nights

17:44 – Speaking engagements & contact email

18:24 – Volunteer opportunities & ideal volunteer ages

20:35 – Why need keeps growing in Kendall County

22:00 – Wrap-up & how to help this weekend

Original Air Date:  September 12, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

This episode of the Boerne Brew features host Jeff Flinn interviewing Shelly Leonard, executive director of Love Kendall County Kids (formerly Love Boerne Kids/Boerne Community Coalition). They discuss the organization's growth since 2015, the scope of child food insecurity in Kendall County (1 in 6 kids), and the range of services offered &mdash; food, school supplies, shoes, beds, after-school and scholarship programs. The conversation covers Saturday's Hunger Action Month events: a food distribution at their Highland Drive location and a food drive/raffle at Walmart, plus upcoming "give back" nights at Chipotle and Texas Roadhouse. Shelly also shares her personal connection to the mission, volunteer opportunities, and how the community can get involved via lovekckids.org.
&nbsp;
0:00 &ndash; Intro &amp; weekend community events
0:36 &ndash; Food drive for Love Kendall County Kids introduced
0:46 &ndash; Shelly Leonard's Saturday food drive details &amp; raffle prizes
1:08 &ndash; History: from Boerne Community Coalition to Love Kendall County Kids
1:39 &ndash; Child food insecurity stats (1 in 6 kids)
2:32 &ndash; Services beyond food: school supplies, shoes, beds, scholarships
3:07 &ndash; Website &amp; how to get help/volunteer/donate
3:47 &ndash; 2025 impact numbers (26,000 lbs food, backpacks, school supplies)
4:17 &ndash; Back to School Resource Rallies &amp; sock/underwear drives
5:33 &ndash; Comfort ISD expansion &amp; shoe requests
6:24 &ndash; Teacher supply drive idea
6:52 &ndash; Headquarters location &amp; hours
7:22 &ndash; Today's food distribution logistics (9&ndash;11 AM)
7:44 &ndash; Walmart food drive requirements &amp; signup process
8:24 &ndash; Summer/holiday school lunch programs
9:16 &ndash; COVID-era lunch gap story
9:51 &ndash; 2025 distribution stats &amp; rising need
11:00 &ndash; Shelly's personal story &amp; path to the role
12:03 &ndash; Comparison to Palmer Drug Abuse Program peer counseling
13:16 &ndash; Contact info: website, phone, address
14:34 &ndash; What a Walmart visitor can expect today
16:11 &ndash; What's needed most: food, volunteers
16:31 &ndash; Chipotle (9/23) and Texas Roadhouse (9/30) give-back nights
17:44 &ndash; Speaking engagements &amp; contact email
18:24 &ndash; Volunteer opportunities &amp; ideal volunteer ages
20:35 &ndash; Why need keeps growing in Kendall County
22:00 &ndash; Wrap-up &amp; how to help this weekend
Original Air Date:&nbsp; September 12, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
<a href="https://www.boernestar.com/">https://www.boernestar.com/</a>

The Boerne Brew - Shelly Leonard, Love Kendall County Kids 09-12-26

Kerry Barboza hosts Boerne Radio's sports reporter and Coaches Show host Esteban Serrano for a wide-ranging conversation. Esteban shares how he broke into sports broadcasting at Central Catholic High School, his path through Texas Sports Productions, mentors who shaped his career (Baron Wiley, Roland Ruiz, Bill Schoning), and lessons learned from re-listening to his early work. They dig into the Coaches Show's format and live-audience challenges, Boerne Radio's sales side, this year's Boerne Little League World Series run, and a full breakdown of local high school football — including Champion, Smithson Valley, and Boerne High's strong start to the season.

 

0:00 – Intro & welcome to the Bernie Brew

0:32 – Nerves of being interviewed vs. interviewing

1:01 – Behind the scenes of the Coaches Show at 28 Songs Brewhouse

2:19 – Getting started in broadcasting at Central Catholic

5:07 – Meeting Baron Wiley and joining Boerne Radio

5:33 – First play-by-play game and broadcasting idols

8:12 – From Cronkite dreams to finding his own path

8:53 – Advice from mentors and self-critique

10:08 – TSP, production vs. commentary, and advice for young broadcasters

12:44 – History of the Coaches Show and its revival

14:09 – Bringing coaches on to "brag on the kids"

15:59 – Adjusting to a live studio audience

17:47 – Sales side of Boerne Radio

17:59 – Boerne Little League's World Series run

22:53 – Laredo broadcasting trips and travel memories

21:00 – Laredo Champion football: strong season outlook

23:36 – Smithson Valley matchup potential

23:53 – Boerne High Greyhounds season opener recap

25:16 – Wrap-up and thanks

Original Air Date:  September 5, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

Kerry Barboza hosts Boerne Radio's sports reporter and Coaches Show host Esteban Serrano for a wide-ranging conversation. Esteban shares how he broke into sports broadcasting at Central Catholic High School, his path through Texas Sports Productions, mentors who shaped his career (Baron Wiley, Roland Ruiz, Bill Schoning), and lessons learned from re-listening to his early work. They dig into the Coaches Show's format and live-audience challenges, Boerne Radio's sales side, this year's Boerne Little League World Series run, and a full breakdown of local high school football &mdash; including Champion, Smithson Valley, and Boerne High's strong start to the season.
&nbsp;
0:00 &ndash; Intro &amp; welcome to the Bernie Brew
0:32 &ndash; Nerves of being interviewed vs. interviewing
1:01 &ndash; Behind the scenes of the Coaches Show at 28 Songs Brewhouse
2:19 &ndash; Getting started in broadcasting at Central Catholic
5:07 &ndash; Meeting Baron Wiley and joining Boerne Radio
5:33 &ndash; First play-by-play game and broadcasting idols
8:12 &ndash; From Cronkite dreams to finding his own path
8:53 &ndash; Advice from mentors and self-critique
10:08 &ndash; TSP, production vs. commentary, and advice for young broadcasters
12:44 &ndash; History of the Coaches Show and its revival
14:09 &ndash; Bringing coaches on to "brag on the kids"
15:59 &ndash; Adjusting to a live studio audience
17:47 &ndash; Sales side of Boerne Radio
17:59 &ndash; Boerne Little League's World Series run
22:53 &ndash; Laredo broadcasting trips and travel memories
21:00 &ndash; Laredo Champion football: strong season outlook
23:36 &ndash; Smithson Valley matchup potential
23:53 &ndash; Boerne High Greyhounds season opener recap
25:16 &ndash; Wrap-up and thanks
Original Air Date:&nbsp; September 5, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
<a href="https://www.boernestar.com/">https://www.boernestar.com/</a>

The Boerne Brew - Esteban Serrano  9-5-2026

This episode of Boerne Brew (Boerne Radio 103.9 FM) features host Jeff Flinn (managing editor, Boerne Star) interviewing Mark Olson of LTO Ventures.

Olson is the father of two adult daughters with intellectual/developmental disabilities and founded LTO Ventures in 2010 to build housing, provide consulting, and advocate for people with disabilities.

LTO has helped build 19 communities across 10 states; a new one just opened in Zionsville, Indiana.

Olson shares statistics: 28.7% of Texans have a disability across six categories (mobility, cognition, hearing, vision, independent living, self-care).

LTO is now building its own project in Boerne: Autumn Hills Village — starting with a weekday day program (individualized skills and socialization) launching around January, followed by a 100-resident residential community (38 homes + 62 lease units) and a 40,000 sq ft community enrichment center, pending finding ~17 acres of land.

On Thursday, September 10th, Olson is hosting two informational sessions (10:30am and 7:00pm, in-person at the Chamber of Commerce boardroom + Zoom) to update the community and recruit volunteers, donors, and expertise.

 

0:00     Intro / welcome to Boerne Brew

0:30     Introducing Mark Olson & LTO Ventures

1:25     Mark's personal story (daughters) & founding LTO

2:39     Disability statistics in Texas

5:48     Announcing Autumn Hills Village & day program details

8:29     How the project phases come together / community demand

11:53  Recap & explaining LTO name (daughter's initials)

12:40  Residential community plans & land search

14:18  How to get involved / contact info

16:45  Emotional core: planning for the future

17:37  Fundraising & the Hill Country community's generosity

19:36  Common questions parents ask

20:30  Past & upcoming LTO projects around Texas

21:29  Autumn Hills Village specs (homes, apartments, enrichment center)

22:59  September 10th event details recap

23:52  Sign-off

Contact: molson@ltoventures.org / ltoventures.org.

Original Air Date:  August 29, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

This episode of Boerne Brew (Boerne Radio 103.9 FM) features host Jeff Flinn (managing editor, Boerne Star) interviewing Mark Olson of LTO Ventures.
Olson is the father of two adult daughters with intellectual/developmental disabilities and founded LTO Ventures in 2010 to build housing, provide consulting, and advocate for people with disabilities.
LTO has helped build 19 communities across 10 states; a new one just opened in Zionsville, Indiana.
Olson shares statistics: 28.7% of Texans have a disability across six categories (mobility, cognition, hearing, vision, independent living, self-care).
LTO is now building its own project in Boerne: Autumn Hills Village &mdash; starting with a weekday day program (individualized skills and socialization) launching around January, followed by a 100-resident residential community (38 homes + 62 lease units) and a 40,000 sq ft community enrichment center, pending finding ~17 acres of land.
On Thursday, September 10th, Olson is hosting two informational sessions (10:30am and 7:00pm, in-person at the Chamber of Commerce boardroom + Zoom) to update the community and recruit volunteers, donors, and expertise.
&nbsp;
0:00&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Intro / welcome to Boerne Brew
0:30&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Introducing Mark Olson &amp; LTO Ventures
1:25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mark's personal story (daughters) &amp; founding LTO
2:39&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Disability statistics in Texas
5:48&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Announcing Autumn Hills Village &amp; day program details
8:29&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How the project phases come together / community demand
11:53&nbsp; Recap &amp; explaining LTO name (daughter's initials)
12:40&nbsp; Residential community plans &amp; land search
14:18&nbsp; How to get involved / contact info
16:45&nbsp; Emotional core: planning for the future
17:37&nbsp; Fundraising &amp; the Hill Country community's generosity
19:36&nbsp; Common questions parents ask
20:30&nbsp; Past &amp; upcoming LTO projects around Texas
21:29&nbsp; Autumn Hills Village specs (homes, apartments, enrichment center)
22:59&nbsp; September 10th event details recap
23:52&nbsp; Sign-off
Contact: molson@ltoventures.org / ltoventures.org.
Original Air Date:&nbsp; August 29, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
https://www.boernestar.com/

The Boerne Brew - Mark Olson  LTO Ventures 8-29-26

This episode of the Bernie Brew features Veronica Rector interviewing Donna Provencher (director) and Mason Lowe (playing Charlie Brown) about BCT's upcoming musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." They discuss why the show resonates so widely, Mason's journey from auditioning for Linus to landing the lead, the show's vignette-style structure, and BCT's community-building culture. A major highlight is BCT's first-ever sensory-friendly, disability-accessible performance (Aug 27, 7:30 PM, free with reservation), sponsored by the Autism Community Network. They also cover show dates (Aug 21–Sept 6), upcoming BCT productions, ticket giveaways, and ways to volunteer or donate.

 

0:00 – Intro & guests

0:34 – Why BCT chose this musical

1:12 – Universal appeal of Charlie Brown/Peanuts

2:31 – Mason's path to the role

4:03 – The "pulled in" audition story

4:51 – Story structure: vignettes, not a linear plot

6:01 – Mason on tackling his first musical

6:36 – Community theater's mentorship dynamic

8:29 – Cast bonding & new creative risks

8:47 – Sensory-friendly show announcement

10:50 – Why accessibility benefits everyone

12:07 – How the sponsorship came together

12:59 – Show dates & sensory show details

13:35 – Other BCT shows this season (Anybody Home, Hill Country's Got Talent)

16:00 – How to donate/volunteer

19:09 – Choreography with Bri Dumond-Littleton

22:37 – Directing philosophy & past hits (Legally Blonde, Wedding Singer)

24:53 – Ticket giveaway details

26:04 – How to buy tickets & sensory show info

27:32 – Closing thanks & sign-off

Original Air Date:  August 22, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/

This episode of the Bernie Brew features Veronica Rector interviewing Donna Provencher (director) and Mason Lowe (playing Charlie Brown) about BCT's upcoming musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." They discuss why the show resonates so widely, Mason's journey from auditioning for Linus to landing the lead, the show's vignette-style structure, and BCT's community-building culture. A major highlight is BCT's first-ever sensory-friendly, disability-accessible performance (Aug 27, 7:30 PM, free with reservation), sponsored by the Autism Community Network. They also cover show dates (Aug 21&ndash;Sept 6), upcoming BCT productions, ticket giveaways, and ways to volunteer or donate.
&nbsp;
0:00 &ndash; Intro &amp; guests
0:34 &ndash; Why BCT chose this musical
1:12 &ndash; Universal appeal of Charlie Brown/Peanuts
2:31 &ndash; Mason's path to the role
4:03 &ndash; The "pulled in" audition story
4:51 &ndash; Story structure: vignettes, not a linear plot
6:01 &ndash; Mason on tackling his first musical
6:36 &ndash; Community theater's mentorship dynamic
8:29 &ndash; Cast bonding &amp; new creative risks
8:47 &ndash; Sensory-friendly show announcement
10:50 &ndash; Why accessibility benefits everyone
12:07 &ndash; How the sponsorship came together
12:59 &ndash; Show dates &amp; sensory show details
13:35 &ndash; Other BCT shows this season (Anybody Home, Hill Country's Got Talent)
16:00 &ndash; How to donate/volunteer
19:09 &ndash; Choreography with Bri Dumond-Littleton
22:37 &ndash; Directing philosophy &amp; past hits (Legally Blonde, Wedding Singer)
24:53 &ndash; Ticket giveaway details
26:04 &ndash; How to buy tickets &amp; sensory show info
27:32 &ndash; Closing thanks &amp; sign-off
Original Air Date:&nbsp; August 22, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
<a href="https://www.boernestar.com/">https://www.boernestar.com/</a>

The Boerne Brew - Boerne Community Theater 8-22-26

Sponsored by The Boerne Star as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM - Saturday's at 8am

Sponsored by The Boerne Star as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM - Saturday's at 8am

The Boerne Brew with Jeff Flinn

The Boerne Star presents The Boerne Brewwith Jeff Flinn- Managing Editor of The Boerne Star in Boerne, and along with Sportswriter Kerry Barboza.

You'll hear special interviews and conversations on the issues in Boerne, Texas (water, traffic, fire, growth, politics, and other newsmakers).  Plus insights in the Boerne sports world with Coaches and Player interviews.

Produced at the Boerne Star Studios as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM every Saturday at 8am.

The Boerne Star presents The Boerne Brew with Jeff Flinn- Managing Editor of The Boerne Star in Boerne, and along with Sportswriter Kerry Barboza.
You'll hear special interviews and conversations on the issues in Boerne, Texas (water, traffic, fire, growth, politics, and other newsmakers).  Plus insights in the Boerne sports world with Coaches and Player interviews.
Produced at the Boerne Star Studios as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM every Saturday at 8am.

The Boerne Star Presents The Boerne Brew

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

184 clip(s)