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Community Corner

🌱 Fallen Soldier's Family Awarded Posthumous Medals + NIOSA 2022

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in San Antonio.

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Gabriela Cantu Couvillion, Neighbor
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Happy Friday, San Antonio! Here's everything you need to know to start today off on an informed note, shall we? Here's what's happening today in San Antonio.

First, today's weather:

Sunny; warmer in the p.m. High: 86 Low: 52.

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Here are the top stories in San Antonio today:

  1. On Wednesday, March 23, the family of Private First-Class Marcos Perez "was presented with the medals he earned through the ultimate sacrifice," more than 70 years after the San Antonio service member was killed in the Korean War. During the ceremony, his son, Robert Perez, "read the last words his father wrote home to his wife Victoria" and "shared his father's letter with" Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-San Antonio). Castro said, "One of the biggest honors that I have as a member of Congress is to award medals to our service members... And sometimes, unfortunately, posthumously to their family." Marcos, originally from Mexico, came to the U.S. when he was 5 and "joined the army in his late 30s during the Korean War." Robert said, "My mom didn't want him to go, but he said, 'If I don't go, who will go?' He left and never came back." As Castro awarded the family with their father's "Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and his U-N Service Medal," he said, "These medals only tell part of Mr. Perez's courage and selfless devotion to the United States of America." Robert was so inspired by his father's sacrifice that when the Vietnam War began, he didn't wait to be drafted, but instead, he volunteered. Although the medals offer the "family a sense of closure," Robert said, "It's never going to replace him, but at least it'll bring honor to his name." For more details on this story, including a news video, please visit: (KENS5.com)
  2. Fiesta San Antonio is coming up on Thursday, March 31, but if you haven't yet ordered your Fiesta medals "for your local business, event, or even your own personal influencer brand," there's still time. Kathy Drago, co-owner of Monarch Trophy, an official partner of the Fiesta Commission, has been minting Fiesta medals for the past 15 years. She and her husband Charlie have "have been running the 50-year-old business for the past 20 years." Their clients include Whataburger, Rey Feo, King Antonio, among others. Kathy said, "Come by and see us, bring your idea. It's not too late — Fiesta starts next Thursday. We still have people calling in and we are still taking orders. We welcome anybody through the doors that would like to create a medal." For more details visit: (mySA)
  3. For more than two years now, The San Antonio Planning Department has been working on a plan to develop areas across San Antonio, including the East side. The public was able to review the entire plan for the first time on Wednesday, March 23, during the department's meeting. Channary Gould with the San Antonio Planning Department said, "We are optimistic that we'll get the community support," and believes that the public's feedback is important in planning the final draft as "each of them are establishing vision and goals for each of their respective communities." Based on the public's comments, the planning committee will make their edits and create another draft to present to City Council in the fall, but individuals can still add their public comments until mid-April. For more information visit: (WOAI)
  4. After being canceled in 2020 and "scaled back to allow for social distancing" in 2021, A Night Out in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) is coming "back in full swing" this year! Chairperson Jane Foreman said, "There will be a few changes this year, but some new traditions will remain the same. For example, the 'Blast Passes' will be available this year. They're a touchless way to purchase food and drinks." She added, "You can bring your QR code that you bought your blast pass with and come down to the NIOSA office. Or you can come to Fiesta on Thursday the 31st and we can go ahead and load your credits on your wristband, and you won't have to stand in any line when you come to the gates." NIOSA will run from Tuesday, April 5 to Friday, April 8 from 5:30-10:30 p.m. each night, and entrance e-tickets will be required like in 2021. For more information visit: (FOX 29)

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Today in San Antonio:

  • Status of Women in San Antonio: Reflections in the Pursuit of Gender Equality Exhibition hosted by City of San Antonio Department of Arts and Culture at 115 Plaza de Armas. (11 a.m.)
  • Rainbow Dance Company: Free Regional Dance Competition at the Majestic Theatre. (Noon)
  • San Antonio Parks Foundation "Jazz in the Garden" Free Event at the Japanese Tea Garden. (6:30 p.m.)
  • Comedian Jim Jefferies at The Tobin Center. Purchase your tickets online at tobincenter.org or by phone at 210-223-8624. (7 p.m.)
  • Musician Jerry Deleon in San Antonio at the Thirsty Horse Saloon. Contact the venue for more information. (7 p.m.)
  • Seven Seas Food Festival at Sea World San Antonio. (All Day)

From my notebook:

  • "Shoutout to the San Antonio Spurs crew who do the work behind-the-scenes to get the team ready to go on gamedays!" (Facebook)
  • "Monarch Fest at San Antonio Zoo is this weekend! This event is included with standard zoo admission and is free for zoo members. Receive free native milkweed, build a DIY butterfly feeder, and receive native nectar plant seeds! Visit the link @sazoo | Linktree." (Instagram)
  • "San Antonio Rodeo's first ever Fiesta del Vaquero event is on Sunday, April 3 at Chicken N Pickle at 5215 UTSA Blvd.! This event is going to be a fun one, with music by Tenille Arts and Elvie Shane, so don't wait too long to get your tickets! Purchase your tickets at @SanAntonioRodeo | Linktree." (Instagram)
  • "Enjoy shopping at over 40 handmade artisan booths at the Fiesta Artisan Show from April 8-10! You will find pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, beadwork, and more when you shop this event. Details at (thesanantonioriverwalk.com)." (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Gabriela Couvillion

About me: I'm an active mom of two grown sons and lifelong San Antonio resident. I received a BA in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and in my free time I immerse myself in creative writing. Thanks for reading Patch, and feel free to reach out if you have any news and happenings you think may appeal to our readers!

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