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Community Corner

🌱 Van Gogh In SA + Mama Margie Is Real!+ 'Pueblos del Maíz' In May

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

Hello, people of San Antonio! It's me again, Gabriela Couvillion, your host of the San Antonio Daily.

First, today's weather:

Breezy in the morning. High: 96 Low: 68.

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Here are the top stories in San Antonio today:

  1. Surround yourself with art during the immersive Van Gogh exhibit taking place next week, from May 26-Sept. 5, at the Lighthouse San Antonio located at 221 Burleson. The event "will feature 500,000 cubic feet of monumental projections animating Vincent van Gogh's works of art," including " the Mangeurs de pommes de terre (The Potato Eaters, 1885), the Nuit étoilée (Starry Night, 1889), Les Tournesols (Sunflowers, 1888), and La Chambre à coucher (The Bedroom, 1889) and more." Tickets range from $39.99 (off peak) to $45.99 (peak) plus fees, "and can be purchased at www.goghsanantonio.com." (550 KTSA)
  2. If you've been looking for a four-legged companion, but don't know where to find one, there are actually many shelters in town with "thousands of dogs, cats and other animals of all ages and sizes" that are looking for you! One such place is the Footbridge Foundation - San Antonio Animal Rescue and Pet Adoption Service, located at 11791 Bandera Road. If you're not sure that you want to adopt one permanently, you may consider fostering one until it's placed in a permanent home. Whatever you decide, Patch and Petfinder can help you with a list of animals they compiled that you could see by visiting: (San Antonio Patch)
  3. This weekend the community is invited to celebrate the life of San Antonio radio personality, Robert "Bobby" Lopez, who "passed away in February following a long illness." Lopez worked at "some of the city's most popular radio stations" during his long career, including "KTSA, KTFM, Y100, KJ-97 and KRIO-FM." He was also "a member of the San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame, the Texas Radio Hall of Fame and the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame." The memorial event will be held this Sunday, May 22, from 1-5 p.m. at 1327 Guadalupe Street and will include "food, a silent auction, music and memories." (550 KTSA)
  4. The smiling Mama Margie caricature that has "been a staple of San Antonio iconography, inspiring costumes and merchandise" since 1993 is actually a real person. Her name is Margarita Abonce and she is 76 years old. For years her cartoon face "has warmly welcomed San Antonians searching for a quick bite to start their day or rambunctious after-hours crowds in need of comfort food to end the night." Although the image looks a lot like her, it doesn't quite capture the real lady whose "Sunday best outfit is the complete opposite of the work attire she's wearing in the logo." One thing that does match is the "red lipstick-rimmed smile," which Abonce said, "I never leave the house without lipstick or my perfume." (mySA)
  5. This month, San Antonio is celebrating "the cultural significance of corn" during "Pueblos del Maíz." The event is organized by the "World Heritage Office (WHO)," which "oversees San Antonio's Creative City of Gastronomy designation." As part of the celebration, 12 San Antonio restaurants are featuring "special corn dishes on their menus" with various local chefs participating. One of them is Paul Morales who "operates the Tacos Cucuy food trailer and owns Ancient Heirloom Grains." He said, "Being a Mexican American or just a Latino — corn is from our ancestors." He added, "Our civilization, everything was founded upon corn." (Texas Public Radio)

Today in San Antonio:

From my notebook:

  • San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo representatives are proud to announce that this year they have committed $11.5 million to the youth of Texas through scholarships, grants, endowments, junior livestock auctions, our calf scramble program & show premiums! This brings the total amount awarded to the youth of Texas over $243 million. A huge thank you to the community, sponsors and volunteers! We couldn't have done it without you!" (Facebook)
  • "Tickets are available now for Drive Thru Zoo at the San Antonio Zoo! During select evenings in June, guests will get to explore a wild zoo route while staying in the comfort of their own cars. Gather the herd and get your tickets for this truly 'zoonique' experience at https://sazoo.org/drive-thru-zoo." (Instagram)
  • "Get involved! The Firefighters' and Police Officers' Civil Service Commission is accepting applications. Appointed Commissioners will be compensated $20 per meeting and will have free parking for all meetings. Apply now at https://webapp9.sanantonio.gov/BoardCommApplica.../vacancies." (Facebook)
  • "Enjoy the beauty of the San Antonio River Walk at the Memorial Day Artisan Show. From May 27-30, you can shop from handmade artisan booths! Details at https://bit.ly/3KhLj5B." (Facebook)

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  • Petting Zoo Parking Lot Party with Goldfish Swim School – Bandera Pointe (May 21)
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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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!

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming San Antonio Daily? Contact me at sanantonio@patch.com

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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