Courtney Read Hoffman

Retired - Governmental Relations, Public Relations and Teaching; Certified Grandmother

BY FORREST PREECE

1. What’s something about you that not many people know?

I enjoy word puzzles, especially Anacrostics, Wordle and Quordle. Before entering the workforce, my mother, the late Anice Read, never missed a day of Jeopardy at 11 am and was a great fan of The New York Times’ Anacrostics. I inherited the same love for word puzzles and do them every day.

2. What was your first job?

During my college years, I spent Sundays during football season driving the tapes of the Darrell Royal Show to air at TV stations across Texas. The show was recorded at KTBC at 6 am after all-night editing of game film and script writing. It was thought to be more efficient to drive the tapes, let them air, then drive them to the next station. I drove to Houston, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, then back through Austin to pick up another tape to drive to KCEN in Temple. Fear of Houston fog affecting airline reliability was real at the time. Broadcasting has changed a lot since then.

3. You can have dinner with three people – dead or alive, any time in history—who would they be?

Not necessarily all at one table, but I would love to dine with Jesus Christ, as I have a few questions for Him, Sam Houston to pick his brain about the Republic and early years of Texas’ statehood, and my now deceased dad, Julian Read, a great conversationalist.

4. If you had to pick three musicians for a playlist, who would they be?

My playlist would include Phil Collins, Willie Nelson, and Lauren Daigle.

5. Favorite book and TV show?

My favorite book is The Bible. I am inspired every time I read it. My favorite TV show is that original sitcom, I Love Lucy, which aired in the 1950s during the early days of television. Lucille Ball visited Austin in 1965 for an event at Dillard’s at Hancock Center. I got her autograph at the Driskill Hotel.

6. Most powerful movie you have seen?

Star Wars (1977) At the time, it took cinematography to a new level.

7. Favorite place in Austin?

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail along Lady Bird Lake. Before the trail was built one had little connection to that part of the Colorado River. Now everyone enjoys the lake up close and personal on miles of trails. What a gift to the people of Austin.

8. What is your favorite local restaurant?

Cisco’s Bakery, a haunt for politicos, is a favorite breakfast spot where for many years my family has celebrated milestones over Migas and Huevos Rancheros.

9. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I aspired to be a journalist, but in those days there was a typing requirement to enter journalism at UT. After several failed attempts at typing class, I changed my major to English where I could write and let

10. Which living person do you most admire?

Winston Simmons aka “African,” a humble, Godly man who has shown my husband, Clark and me, the greatest hospitality for many years exploring the islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He shares his home on his boat and his outlook on life, as we, and many others, journey with him.

11. What makes you happy?

I love being out-of-doors. As a child I spent many summers at church camps and Camp Mystic in the Hill Country. As an adult I enjoy “sculpting” trees, planting a garden, swimming, snorkeling, and sailing.

12. Best advice you ever received?

Be still, and know that I am God.