Rutherford selected for Cork and Fork’s Hometown Hero

Lloyd Norris, President of the Nagel Clinic Board of Directors, recently announced the selection of Jody Rutherford as the 2023 Cork & Fork Hometown Hero Award recipient.

Rutherford, Bandera County Commissioner for Precinct 4, will receive the award in a ceremony during the annual Cork & Fork event on Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Farm Country Club Pavilion.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jody into the Nagel Clinic’s own hall of honor with this important award,” said Norris. “He has long been a champion for projects that promote the health and safety of the people of Bandera County.”

Jody and his wife, Carolyn, have lived in Bandera County for the past 36 years, and Jody has worked in Bandera County for over 60.

He served for 17 years on the Utopia ISD Board. He also served on the Board of the first Rural Health Initiative for Middle Rio Grande Development Council, which provided indigent health care to underserved areas of southwest Texas.

Jody co-founded the Utopia EMS and helped found several other rural volunteer EMS programs in southwest Texas. He is a certified EMT, later upgrading to paramedic, and became the first certified Course Coordinator/Instructor in rural southwest Texas.

As we continue celebrating the 15th anniversary of the founding of the clinic, Jody stood out as an exceptional choice for Hometown Hero because he epitomizes the spirit of care and compassion for others that this award represents,” said Norris.”

This year marks the fourth time the Hometown Hero Award has been given to a widely respected community leader.

Previous winners of the award include Johnny Boyle, Buddy Byrd, Dr. Saleh Jaafar and, last year, the four Registered Nurses at the four Bandera ISD campuses: Trenna Fiztpatrick, Shirley Nichols, Toni Serene, and Shanna Wilke.

Cork & Fork is the Nagel Clinic’ signature fundraising event and will be held this year on Veterans Day with the theme “O Beautiful For Patriot Dream.”

Special guests from each branch of the U.S. military will be honored in an inspiring salute to all who have served and sacrificed for our liberty and freedom.

Returning to Cork & Fork by popular request will be the men’s a capella Tenor-Bass Ensemble from the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin.

Also returning will be Weldon Henson & Band, auctioneer Todd Odom, emcee Robert Price from WOAI News 4, and Chef Aaron Gonzalez with his Backyard Bistro crew catering an outstanding dinner.

Table sponsorships and single tickets for Cork & Fork are available by emailing Giving@nagelclinic.org or by calling the Nagel Clinic at 830-796-3448 EXT 9.