August 31 , 2020
Trip Down Memory Lane: Tom Spencer
I ’ve known Tom Spencer since we were pups atAustin PBS , KLRU - TV . He deal public affairs programs and went on to develop , produce , and host them . I was on contract for a special project and then hired as Operations Manager . ( Oh , the guy on the far leftfield is Gary Menotti , director ofAustin City Limits.)Despite our small production faculty , we accomplished a hatful , since we got tagged for every job that came along outside of weekly programs and special . We were young , fearless , tireless , and existing on dreams . Tom host unnumerable special projects . A fellow crafted this collage from my early photo that illustrates a program we produced and broadcast for another organization , along with live Auction and CTG ’s first years . We put on the ( borrowed ) glitz to host a limited live broadcast where our call metre was 6 p.m. Although wilted at1 a.m. when it “ was a wrap , ” we celebrated a fun nighttime with “ nary a goof . ” Tom ’s hair was still debonair perfection . Mine , despite 10 pound sterling of whisker atomiser , rise . Yep , we ’ve check each other through as many hairstyles as TV transcription formats . As manufacturer and often master of ceremonies , Tom ’s vocation at Austin PBS was just as wide-ranging with multiple renditions of refinement and architecture political program as well as public occasion . Long ago , I clipped this fromThe Daily Texanwhen Tom host Representative Jake Pickle for a statewide program . Photographer John Moore aptly captured a queer second . Along with Tom ’s public affairs programs , he write and produced powerful and poignant documentaries : Painted Churches of Texas , Las Misiones : The Missions of Texas , Soul of the Garden , and many others .
When we were assign to a pilot garden program , Tom as host , me as manufacturer , our missionary work develop over the twelvemonth as we responded to environmental challenges and spectator worry , aright here , right on now . Central Texas Gardener’sgone beyond just plants , purpose , and DIY peak to a holistic view of the interconnectivity between gardens , wildlife , insects , and fall water imagination . We’ve boost gardeners to express their unique personalities indoors and out . Tom left Austin PBS in 2008 to become CEO ofInterfaith Action of Central Texas ( iACT ) . From there , he head toI Live Here , I Give Hereas executive director . Then , since piss resources and surround are paramount to him , he joined theTexas Living Watersproject as programme director .
Trees are perfectly key to Tom , so he was positively glowing when he told me that he ’d been selected as executive theatre director ofTreeFolksin May 2019 . CTG , of line , had been involve with TreeFolks from their beginning ( long before we had pictures of guests or even a web site ) . But here ’s a gibe from 2013 when we met with April Rose , executive film director at the time ( and frequent guest and valuable advisor since then).Then on September 3 , 2019 , Tom suffered a major stroke . Diligently and with his inherent determination to meet every challenge , he ’s ready progress and explore new labor , as always . He ’ll welcome your supportive cards atAuberge Assisted Living .
Across many platforms and pursuit , Tom ’s passionate guidance has civilize and uplifted so many . With dedication , intelligence , an vicious grin , and hearty jape , he ’s brought fresh destination and clear up ism to our attention . The trees he ’s found , the wildflowers he ’s sown , and the ideas he ’s rooted impact Austin every day .
Tom ’s always recognized how trees behave on our legacy . cerebrate about that : the tree you love now were planted long ago by someone who attend ahead to future generations . With Tom ’s heart-whole approval , TreeFolks launched theTom Spencer Million Trees for Austin Fund . If you ’re able , support this important mission to combat climate alteration , heat island effect , and diminishing wildlife home ground for an even cooler , heartening place to live now and ten to come .
This fall , CTG will present seasonally - favorite programme that Tom hosted . Until we get back to new full - fledge production , we ’ll present on - line consultation via Zoom along with gardens theater director Ed Fuentes and I pullulate last fall and that I ’m editing at home . And who knows what else ?
On September 12 , CTG premieres a Modern programme recorded days before we were shuttered in March , featuring Steve Bartholomew , son ofSquare Foot Gardeningfounder Mel Bartholomew . I ’m so glad to be able to present this to you now , when many of you are get your first garden . With Steve ’s tips , you ’ll be ready to go for declination and wintertime organic food , whether your space is modest or big .
Thanks for stop by ! See you next week , Linda
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