LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM VOL. 10, ISSUE 1 | JULY 13-AUG. 10, 2021
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS HAPPENING PG. 05
Plenty of fresh fare at North Side farmers’ markets
CASTLE HILLS • HILL COUNTRY VILLAGE • HOLLYWOOD PARK • SHAVANO PARK • NORTH SA
SUSAN YERKES | PG. 06
ALAMO: ENOUGH HISTORY FOR ALL
HEALTH CARE | PGS. 12-17
BLOOD SHORTAGE, COVID SHOTS
MOVING AHEAD UPGRADES WILL EASE N.W. MILITARY TRAFFIC
40K
by EDMOND ORTIZ
ANNUAL AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC
After COVID delay, Reagan band takes top national honor
59% INCREASE BY 2045
20K
30K
ACTUAL PROJECTED
31,220
29,153
21,300
27,087
19,679
PROJECT continues on pg. 23
22,953
18,947
2021 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
16,243
2017
14,467
2013 2014 2015 2016
15,755 0
25,020
10K
by EDMOND ORTIZ
THE REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL BAND ended the 2020-2021 school year by formally receiving a top nationwide honor — the National Program of Excellence Blue Ribbon. BAND continues on pg. 22
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS JULY 13 - AUG. 10, 2021
PUBLISHER Jaselle Luna EDITORIAL Editor
Thomas Edwards News Staff
Edmond Ortiz Copy Editor
Bob Stewart Contributing Writers
Ron Aaron Eisenberg, Jose T. Garza III, Justin Kraiza and Susan Yerkes ART Designer
Multimedia Account Representative
Michael Valdelamar Controller
Gracie Cortinez READER SERVICE Mailing Address
5545 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 211 San Antonio, TX 78229 Phone: (210) 338-8842 Fax: (210) 465-9455 ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Advertising@localcommunitynews.com STORY IDEAS: tips@localcommunitynews.com EDITOR CONTACT: tedwards@localcommunitynews.com
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THREE CONVENIENT CAMPUSES SERVING SAN ANTONIO I
NORTH CENTRAL: 12222 Huebner Rd STONE OAK : 20615 Huebner Rd. DOMINION : 6185 Camp Bullis Rd.
TA L K LO CA L
Carry responsibly terroristic threat, an assault causing A NEW LAW allowing bodily harm or disorderly conduct. Texans 21 and older to carry Proponents, meanwhile, argue handguns without a state Texas legislators only affirmed what license or a permit doesn’t is already the law of the land — the mean common sense should NORTH OAK: 20615 Huebner Rd. 78258 I STONE Amendment gives people the go out theCENTRAL:12222 window. Huebner Rd. 78230 Second right to bear arms. Period. While the constitutional-carry But even if open carry is the law, law eliminates a background check, those who tote a gun have a moral and instruction and proficiency on the ethical obligation to learn how and shooting range, gun owners should when to use it. Or, more important, still avail themselves of a free, when not to pull the trigger. online safety course to be provided Carrying a pistol or a revolver by the Department of Public Safety. shouldn’t be the fulfillment of some Texas joins 19 other states in gunslinger fantasy. It’s serious approving open carry. business. Drawing and firing a There are naysayers, of course, weapon, even if it’s justified, can open including police and domesticCHILDREN WEEKS - prosecution 5 YEARS OF AGE. one to 6criminal and costly violence experts who sayNOW openENROLLING Located in North Central San Antonio. civil liabilities. carry will only increase gun Protecting your life and the violence. T O R P Still, there are safeguards to help V I D - 19 livesO COofL loved ones and innocents is CO TY IS But if you’re going to ensure that wrongdoers don’t have SAFEunderstandable. FIRST carry a gun, be responsible and get the legal access to a handgun including proper training. This is 21st century those convicted during the last Texas, not the OK Corral. five years of deadly conduct, a
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ON THE COVER: (Left) The state is launching an upgrade to Northwest Military Highway to cope with rising traffic. (Story on pg. 23) Illustration by E. Fisher. (Right) Reagan High School officials accepting the National Band Association’s National Program of Excellence Blue Ribbon award are Principal Brenda Shelton (left), former band director Dan Morrison, assistant band directorTo Mason Daffinee bandTo director White.List (Story on pg. 01) Courtesy photo 210.694.0740 Add Your and Name The Greg Interest Contact
HAPPENING
JULY
PLAN YOUR MONTH WITH OUR CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY.
5
City Councils/ School Districts Hollywood Park: 6 p.m. July 20; 2 Mecca Drive Hill Country Village: 5 p.m. July 15; 116 Aspen Lane Shavano Park: 6:30 p.m. July 7; 900 Saddletree Court Castle Hills: 6:30 p.m. July 13; 209 Lemonwood Drive
JULY 10-11
SAN ANTONIO COLLECTOR’S EXPO Time to grab your celebrity-signed autographs and get them authenticated at the San Antonio Shrine Auditorium, 901 N. Loop 1604 West. A team of authenticators will be on hand to ensure your autographs are genuine. For more, visit https://stayhappening.com/.
JULY 12-15 KIDS CAMP
Youngsters can enjoy a week of worship, science and art at the Heights Community Church Kids Camp, 121 Interpark Blvd. Children can choose between two camps: Worship and Arts Camp and Science Camp. Activities include music, dance, sign language, tech-arts and science experiments. The cost of admission is $25 per person. For more, visit https://stayhappening. com/.
JULY 13
SEWING GROUP A sewing club meets from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Encino Park Community Center, 1923 Encino Rio St.. Bring a power strip or extension cord. For updates, contact Sylvia Jolet at sjolet@ earthlink.net or call (210) 497-3383. HAPPENING continues on pg. 07
EDITOR’S NOTE: THE CALENDAR IS CURRENT AS OF PRESS TIME, BUT SOME EVENTS MAY HAVE BEEN POSTPONED OR CANCELED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS. ACCESS TO PUBLIC MEETINGS MAY BE LIMITED OR STREAMING ONLY. CHECK WITH THE LISTED CONTACTS FOR UPDATES. LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
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OPINION
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS JULY 13 - AUG. 10, 2021
The unforgettable Alamo by SUSAN YERKES
FOLLOWING YEARS OF STOPS AND STARTS, plans to preserve and maintain the Alamo are moving forward. After the Texas Historical Commission’s refusal to allow the Cenotaph, that 60-foot marble monument commemorating the Alamo defenders, to be moved from its prominent spot in Alamo Plaza, the ambitious plan to “reimagine” the Alamo stalled.
But it’s back on track, for the present. A big infusion of money is key. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has promised $50 million from the state, and Bexar County commissioners have pledged another $25 million over the next five years. Hope Andrade, a leader with decades of political experience, is chair
of the Alamo Management Committee overseeing the project. Former District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran, who claims Alamo defender Jose Toribio Losoya as an ancestor, is the vice chair. There are a lot of groups involved in this endeavor: the state, the historical commission, San Antonio, Bexar County, the Alamo Trust (charged with
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fundraising), the Alamo Management Committee and its executive committee, the Alamo Advisory Group and the Alamo Citizens Advisory Committee. The biggest point of agreement for all is the importance of preserving and maintaining the historic Alamo building. Other issues remain to be fought over — and they will be. It’s good news that Alamo Plaza, which some early planners wanted to close off, will remain open. It’s also wonderful to hear the historic Woolworth and Crockett buildings across the street from the Alamo will be preserved. Advocacy groups have been lobbying to save those buildings, which are also part of San Antonio history. The Woolworth building now represents a bright spot in the saga of the struggle for civil rights. It was one of seven downtown lunch counters during the early 1960s. On March 7, 1960, Black customers were served along with whites. The moment thrust San Antonio into the national news. Jackie Robinson, the first Black player to join a Major League Baseball team, told the New York Times the story “should be told around the world.” The Woolworth building is the only one of those seven lunch counters still identifiable after 60 years. Today, when the subjects of racism and diversity have become political flashpoints, the Woolworth lunch counter – still marked by a
red-tiled area that was the serving counter and holes in the floor where stools were bolted – is well worth commemorating. And the story, which was barely remembered by most for decades, still bears retelling as part of the continuing discussion about freedom and inclusion. When museum designer Patrick Gallagher, the program manager for the Alamo Trust, presented some preliminary plans for the Alamo Museum and Visitor Center in May, he stressed the Woolworth building will also house an exhibit on its place in civil rights history. There are still big battles ahead for the Alamo. The biggest is bound to be how the story of the Alamo will be presented in the new museum. In June, a new book with the provocative title “Forget the Alamo: The Rise and Fall of an American Myth,” drew praise from revisionists and rage from traditionalists. It’s a fascinating, unsettling read. But given the worldwide popularity of the heroic Alamo narrative, it’s unlikely anybody is going to forget the Alamo. It’s also likely the vital role of Tejanos in Texas history, the history of slavery in the state and a host of other issues will be increasingly known and remembered. Texas is a big, very diverse state, with plenty of powerful myths. There’s room for all our history here. syerkes@localcommunitynews.com
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One of the most well-respected and award-winning journalists in South Texas, Susan Yerkes pens a column each month for LOCAL Community News. A veteran of newspapers, television, radio and online, she calls San Antonio home.
JULY 13 – AUG. 10, 2021
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
HAPPENING continues from pg. 05
JULY 17
GOLF CAMP D1 Training San Antonio offers golfers the opportunity to improve rotational power and precision. The event starts at 9 a.m. at 17350 Henderson Pass. Admission is $75 per athlete. For more, visit https://www.activekids.com/.
JULY 18
TIME FOR A HAIRCUT Attend the TX Barber Battle & Expo for freestyle design or fade cuts at 10 a.m.; located at the San Antonio Shrine Auditorium, 901 N. Loop 1604 West. More than 120 barbers will attend the state’s largest barbering event. Educational classes and product demonstrations will be showcased. General admission is $40 per person. For tickets, visit https://www. eventbrite.com.
JULY 19-JULY 23 SCHOOL OF ROCK
The School of Rock is showcasing an “All About the Bass Camp.” Learn your riffs during a five-day immersion into bass playing and collaborative musicianship. It begins at 11 a.m. at 109 Gallery Circle. For more, visit locations.schoolofrock.com.
JULY 20
DAY CARE MAGIC AND PUPPET SHOW Children’s entertainer David Pitts aims to bring magic, puppets and educational entertainment to the Goddard School of San Antonio, at 10 a.m. at 10907 Biering Road. For more, visit http://mrpitts.com.
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participation of youths ages 7 to 17 in advanced drills and mini-games. Ages 3 to 6 can engage in skill-building and sports. Summer soccer takes place at 6:30 p.m., at 21654 Blanco Road. For more, visit www.activekids.com.
JULY 23
KEEPING THE ROMANCE ALIVE The Cornerstone Church Life Center, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, hosts a dinner night for couples. Attendees can enjoy food, worship and a message reinforcing relational stability and strength. Admission is $20 per couple and a $5 child care fee for couples with kids under the age of 13. For tickets, visit sacornerstone.brushfire.com.
JULY 24
DEERFIELD HILL COUNTRY FARMERS MARKET Enjoy the sights and scenery of locally sourced foods and produce kiosks at 10 a.m. at 16607 Huebner Road.
JULY 26-JULY 30
FROZEN IN JULY CAMP The San Antonio Ballet School hosts a free “Frozen in July Dance Camp,” featuring dance classes, arts and crafts, sing-a-longs, movie time and more. Bring the children for Disney-themed dress-up and performances at 9 a.m. at 2106 N.W. Military Highway. For more, visit www.facebook.com/events.
JULY 27 - AUGUST 5
SUMMER MARKETING AT RONALD REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL
STONE OAK SOCCER CLINIC
Network with North East Independent School District staff in-person through marketing initiatives and internships. Located at 19000 Ronald Reagan, the summer event features sponsored products and brands to grow marketing
The YMCA Stone Oak Performance Training Center encourages the
HAPPENING continues on pg. 10
JULY 22 - AUGUST 10
LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
Curious what’s selling in your neighborhood? Scan me
SOLD
SOLD
realtysanantonio.com/p/1523366
realtysanantonio.com/p/1516732
$1,050,000 3 bds
2 ba
$977,000 1,241 sq ft
9507 Autumn Grove, San Antonio, TX 78254 John Talamantes | 210-592-3132
5 bds
ACTIVE
realtysanantonio.com/p/1534983
realtysanantonio.com/p/1534843
$475,000
$400,000 2.5 ba
3,034 sq ft
205 Sky Springs Pass, San Marcos, TX 78666 Michael Harper | 512-757-7326
3 bds
2,150 sq ft
PENDING
realtysanantonio.com/p/1539534
realtysanantonio.com/p/1538021
$359,900
$324,900 3 ba
2,820 sq ft
3402 Treefrog Trl, San Antonio, TX 78253 Ismail Cruz | 512-961-2959
3 bds
2 ba
1,448 sq ft
923 Springhill Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130 Nicholas Insalata | 210-870-9170 SOLD
SOLD
realtysanantonio.com/p/1516513
realtysanantonio.com/p/1518424
$268,900 3 bds
2 ba
5015 Country Nest, San Antonio, TX 78253 Cyndi Cummings | 512-423-6782
ACTIVE
4 bds
4,721 sq ft
1511 Grenache, New Braunfels, TX 78132 Brooke Steele | 512-483-4794
PENDING
4 bds
5.5 ba
$260,000 2 ba
1,579 sq ft
13614 Sonora Bluff, Helotes, TX 78023 Jackson Team | 210-288-4779
3 bds
2 ba
813 Bismark St, Seguin, TX 78155 Callie Gordon | 512-915-4777
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2,346 sq ft
LOWDOWN
8
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS JULY 13 - AUG. 10, 2021
TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S NEW IN THE COMMUNITY FROM OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS TO NEWS TIDBITS.
Open and Opening Soon MY GYM NORTH SAN ANTONIO, 15614 Huebner Road, Suite 103, uses fun activities to help young children shape skills and build confidence, a company representative said. My Gym also offers gymnastics and hosts birthday parties, Parents’ Nights Out and other activities. For more, call 210-580-4636 or visit www.mygym.com/ northsanantonio. J. PHILIPPUS ART STUDIO & GALLERY, 1846 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 104, offers classes and artwork by owner and artist Jeanne Philippus. The studio/ gallery specializes in contemporary art using acrylic pours, resin and glass. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more, visit jphilippusart.com.
THAI BURI, 1160 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 110, offers traditional Thai dishes with a focus on southern Thai cuisine. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Dinein and takeout are available. For more, call 210-476-5072 or visit http://www.thaiburisa.com/. PLAYA BOWLS, 22706 U.S. 281 North, Suite 104 in The Village at Stone Oak, is the first San Antonio location for this New Jersey-based chain that offers acai, pitaya and coconut bowls as well as juices and smoothies. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more, call 210-257-8564 or visit www.playabowls.com or www.facebook.com/Playa-BowlsSan-Antonio-113094650605369.
ELENA SALON STUDIOS, 2193
15 Months - Pre-Kinder Afterschool Care 1st through 5th grades Summer Camp 5 through 10 year olds Located on Six Wooded Acres - With a Pool! 54 409 Encino Park Rd. San Antonio, TX 78 8240
(210) 696-0213 www.suburbanschool.com
N.W. Military Highway in Castle Hills, offers luxury suites for a variety of beauty and personalcare services. For more, visit http://www.elenasalonstudios. com or call 210-467-2562.
SUN AUTO TIRE & SERVICE, 11823 West Ave., offers vehicle maintenance, repair and tire replacement. The Churchill High School-area store is among four new San Antonio locations for Sun Auto Tire & Service, which now operates 42 sites across Texas, Arizona and Nevada. For more, visit www. sun.auto.
THE DRIPBAR, 22250 Bulverde Road, Suite 108, offers various intravenous therapies and single syringe shots
for people interested in health, prevention and maintenance at the cellular level. Originally from Rhode Island, The Dripbar also provides aesthetic services, weight-loss guidance, mobile concierge, a longevity program and hyperbaricoxygen therapy, as well as testing for heavy metals in the body and treatment for food inflammation. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more, call 726-900-8533 or visit https:// thedripbar.com/locations/sanantonio-tx.
DOODYCALLS SAN ANTONIO offers pet-waste removal and disposal for homeowners, homeowner’s associations, apartment communities and local parks across the North Side. Rates start at $14 per service – no contract required. Rates are based on the number of dogs and the size of the property. For more, call 210-934-9107 or visit https://doodycalls.com/sanantonio-tx.
BUBBY’S JEWISH SOUL FOOD, 12730 N.W. Military Highway, Suite 101, will open its doors in September, promising to put a homestyle spin on classic Jewish recipes. All baked goods will be made in house. For more, visit https:// bubbysjsf.com.
IN OTHER NEWS
DISTRICT 9 COUNCILMAN JOHN COURAGE WON A THIRD TERM
JULY 13 – AUG. 10, 2021
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
WITH NEARLY 54% OF THE VOTE in the June 5 runoff, fending off a challenge from Patrick Von Dohlen. Courage, a former educator and Air Force veteran, focused his campaign on finding solutions to road problems and providing neighborhood services. Von Dohlen, a financial planner who mounted a third straight council bid, touted his conservative credentials and sought to portray Courage as too liberal for District 9. “Thank you all for the tremendous support over the last few months. You are the reason we are here,” Courage said. ACCORDING TO AN UPDATE, WORK ON THE BOND-FUNDED CLASSENSTEUBING RANCH PARK PROJECT IN STONE OAK NOW INCLUDES site clearing for a park road, parking lots, sports fields and a pavilion. Contractors have also filled and graded several areas, and installed fencing for stormwater-pollution prevention.
THE HILL COUNTRY VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL IN MAY APPROVED RENEWING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH SAN ANTONIO PERMITTING the San Antonio Police Department and San Antonio Municipal Court to handle offenses committed on or within 200 yards of the cities’ shared boundary. The offenses are punishable by fine only. The pact is effective for five years.
HOLLYWOOD PARK-AREA COMPANY DENIM GROUP HAS BEEN ACQUIRED BY COLORADO CYBERSECURITY FIRM COALFIRE, but will retain its local office. Coalfire’s officials said the move allows the firm to transform modern application development by improving services, security and resources, reaching the market quicker. Terms were not disclosed.
9
CASTLE HILLS RESIDENTS WILL SOON BE ABLE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE USE OF I-INFO, an emergency notification system providing community news, information, user tips and crisis details by text and email. The system allows users to receive critical information over the phone.
THE ROTARY CLUB OF STONE OAK REWARDED STUDENTS AT THREE NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT CAMPUSES for successfully performing in an RCSO community project. The FLAG, or Fitness, Literacy, Attendance & Grades, program encourages students to improve their overall fitness, school attendance, literacy skills and grades. At the end of this academic year, Rotarians visited East Terrell Hills, Oak Grove and Walzem elementary schools, presenting soccer balls to students with perfect attendance. In addition, bicycles were given to students who enhanced their personal fitness, literacy, attendance and grades.
CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER BRANDON FORINASH RECEIVED THE DIAMOND COACH AWARD from the National Speech & Debate Association, which recognizes a professional career combining excellence and longevity in speech and debate education. All Diamond Award winners were recognized at the world’s largest academic competition, the National Speech & Debate Tournament, in Albuquerque, New Mexico in June. Find LOCAL Lowdown at www.localcommunitynews.com. LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
The key to finding work you’ll love tomorrow is finding a college that works for you today. And with the Alamo Colleges District, you have what it takes, because we give you everything you need on your first steps toward success. You have real accessibility. A family of five colleges conveniently located near you – Northeast Lakeview College, Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College, St. Philip’s College, and San Antonio College. You have real choices. Select from a wide range of academic and career training paths. One of them is surely just right for you. You have real affordability. Thanks to low tuition and easily available financial aid, you can follow the first two years of your college dream with no money headaches. You have real help. Open enrollment means that getting into college here is a snap. And you’ll have your own advisor from day one until you graduate or finish career training. So, put in the work and in two years or less, you’ll have a real paycheck to take to the bank - or real college credits to take to a 4-year university. You have what it takes!
CALL 21-ALAMO AT ALAMO.EDU OR
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
HAPPENING
JULY 13 - AUG. 10, 2021
HAPPENING continues from pg. 07
engagement and conversations. For more, visit https://northeastfoundation.org/.
JULY 28
HOLE IN ONE! Join the Junior Tour of the Canyon Springs Golf Club at 7 a.m. at 24405 Wilderness Oak St. for an 18-hole championship course on natural Texas terrain. Tickets are $55 per person. For tickets and more, visit https://www. bluegolf.com/.
JULY 30-AUG. 8 FAN FEST
Celebrity Fan Fest at Six Flags Fiesta Texas features stars such as Freddie Prinze Jr., Charlie Cox (“Daredevil”), Krysten Ritter
(“Jessica Jones”), Mike Colter (“Luke Cage”), Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca in “Star Wars” episodes VII-IX). Celebrity Fan Fest will offer several family-friendly activities, including live music from British Rock Revival and performances by magician Adam Wilber. For tickets and more, visit CelebrityFanFest.com.
City Church, 2220 N.W Military Highway, is open at 10 a.m. each Wednesday for food distribution to needy families. For more, call 210-377-3030 or visit https:// missioncity.church/events/mannafood-ministry.
JULY 30 - AUG. 1
ROTARY CLUB MEETING
MATRIMONY AT MORILEE TRUNK SHOW Bring your spouse-to-be to the Bridal Connection for design-brand wedding dresses and evening wear. The event is located at 923 N. Loop 1604 East, Suite 106. For more, visit https://www.morilee.com/.
WEDNESDAYS
THURSDAYS
Northwest Rotary Club members gather at Outback Steakhouse, 12511 Interstate 10 West, at noon. For updates, call 210-576-5475.
EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY LEGACY FARMERS’ MARKET
Grab your locally sourced foods 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 18402 U.S. 281 North. For more, visit https://local. aarp.org/.
EVERY SUNDAY BRUNCH BINGO
Join the Chicken N Pickle for brunch, beer and bingo. Don’t miss the competition at 5215 UTSA Blvd. For more, visit https://chickennpickle. com/.
SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance to tips@localcommunitynews.com.
FOOD FOR THOSE IN NEED Manna Food Ministry at Mission
Charlie Cox, Krysten Ritter and Mike Colter, veterans of Netflix's Marvel series 'The Defenders,' are among the many celebrities announced as participants in Celebrity Fan Fest at Six Flags Fiesta Texas July 30-Aug. 8. Courtesy photo/Celebrity Fan Fest
Fan Fest
Celebrity Fan Fest will offer several family-friendly activities, including live music from British Rock Revival and performances by magician Adam Wilber. For tickets and more, visit CelebrityFanFest.com.
NEW FAMILY MEDICINE DOCTOR, NEW LOCATION! San Antonio Medical Associates is proud to announce the addition of Patrick Pierre, MD. Dr. Pierre is board certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Pierre will see patients at our new, second location, currently under construction in the Bulverde/Spring Branch area. Until the office is ready in early 2022, Dr. Pierre will see patients in a temporary office next to Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak. Accepting new patient appointments today! Temporary Office ··· 1139 East Sonterra Blvd, Ste 245 San Antonio, TX 78258
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS MEDICAL SPECIAL SECTION JULY 13 – AUG.10, 2021
PANDEMIC TAKES TOLL ON BLOOD SUPPLIES by JOSE T. GARZA III
WHILE COVID-19 cases have waned, area bloodsupply levels remain critically low.
Because there is less than two days’ worth of stock, the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center is urging Texans to roll up their sleeves and donate plasma, said
spokesperson Francine Pina. About 600 donations a day are needed to rebuild reserves and support hospital patients, she added. Roughly 400 donors daily visit the center’s seven locations. The spike in need can be traced back to postponement of surgical procedures due to the coronavirus pandemic. Pina said plasma demand
from hospitals is 20 percent higher than it was a year ago, and because of that, the center is mostly requesting Type O blood donations. That blood type is most commonly used for transfusions and trauma situations. The center encourages donations of other blood types as well. Because of the plasma shortage, University
PEOPLE ARE OUT DOING OTHER THINGS SO THEY ARE NOT COMING IN TO DONATE.” FRANCINE PINA, SOUTH TEXAS BLOOD & TISSUE CENTER Hospital physicians decided to create an hourly timetable for when patients receive transfusions, while also determining whether medical procedures need to be delayed, said Dr. Leslie Greebron, director of transfusion medicine. “We have to ensure we are triaging inventory of our precious resource to make sure it goes to the
right people who need it at that moment,” she said. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a plethora of challenges to the center’s supply this past year. The organization was unable to host blood drives at businesses and schools, as most employees and students worked or studied remotely. Collections from such events made up 60
JULY 13 – AUG. 10, 2021
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS MEDICAL SPECIAL SECTION
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LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
University Health System nurses and medical assistants administer the second dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to12- to 16-year-olds at Wonderland of the Americas mall June 4. While many are still receiving inoculations to stave off the disease, area blood banks say donations of blood are running low. Courtesy photo/University Health System
percent of its stock, Pina said. Currently, that figure represents its donations from in-house, she added. The crippling February winter storm and annual holidays also slowed down plasma collections. “People were not able to donate blood during the storm,” said Pina, who noted that no-shows have also been an issue. “(During holidays), people are out doing other things so they are not coming in to donate. They may seem like minor things, but we need to catch up (on donations).” The center relaunched its mobile drive events in the fall, Pina said, and due to the drop in COVID-19 cases, it has been able to fill existing appointments and not extend hours. To reward donors, the organization gave away a Fiesta medal in June to commemorate the longtime celebration’s return after its cancellation last year due to
the pandemic. An electronic gift card valued at $10 awarded to donors after each visit is redeemable with 100-plus retailers. Vaccinated and unvaccinated donors are eligible to give blood as long as they are healthy, Pina said. Unvaccinated guests, though, are required to wear face masks and practice physical distancing, she added. “There is no waiting period after you have received (the COVID) vaccine to give blood,” Pina said. “The vaccine doesn’t interfere with a blood donation. It could be compared to getting the flu vaccine, as they still continue to give blood.” For more on being a donor, visit https://donor. southtexasblood.org. Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS MEDICAL SPECIAL SECTION JULY 13 – AUG.10, 2021
ABOUT HALF OF THE AREA POPULATION HAS RECEIVED
COVID-19 VACCINES by RON AARON EISENBERG
NEARLY 50% OF THE ELIGIBLE population in Bexar County and the surrounding area have received at least one vaccination against COVID-19, but more needs to be done, health officials said.
According to figures current at press time, of the 1.9 million inhabitants in the greater San Antonio area, 781,524, or 40.58%, are fully vaccinated. An estimated 951,867, or 49.43%, people have had one dose of the double-shot vaccine to limit the spread of a novel coronavirus that triggered a planetwide pandemic a year and a half ago that has killed millions. Scientists say more vaccinations create herd immunity and give the virus nowhere to go.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by late June 65% of the U.S. population was partially vaccinated; in Texas, that number was 56%. In spite of the rising numbers, there remain many people on the fence about taking shots, and labs have required additional research to determine if vaccines used by adults are safe for adolescents. Attendance at clinics has also slowed in the past few weeks, as those who wanted the vaccine have gotten inoculated. Now it’s a question of getting others to show up who are not so sure. “We have plenty of work to do to get everyone vaccinated, but I’m pleased that we’re keeping pace with every major metro area in Texas,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I’m impressed with the pop-up program that (Metropolitan Health District) is coordinating to meet people where they live in order to equitably and
completely distribute our regional vaccine supply.” The mayor said he realizes there are many residents who still have questions or concerns about getting the shots. “This targeted rollout phase will be critical in developing trust with San Antonio residents who may be a little more hesitant to get the jab,” he added. “If we continue to build that trust and visit every neighborhood in our community, we will be able to avoid another surge.” The number of deaths from the coronavirus pandemic nationwide is staggering. More than 600,000 people have fallen prey to the virus and its complications, according to the CDC. And many more – who are not vaccinated — are expected to succumb to the disease in the coming months, officials said. In Bexar County, according to Metro Health, nearly 3,600 people have died from COVID-19. Of that number, 53% were females. An estimated 75% of victims who died from the virus were Hispanic, 18% were Anglo and 5% were African-American. Some 28% of the fatalities were age 50 and over. However, nearly 19% of those who succumbed were 19 and younger. Anyone age 12 and over can be vaccinated. Vaccine developers are currently conducting tests to determine proper dosing, efficacy and safety to inoculate youngsters from 2 to 12 years
of age. By mid-June, University Health System had vaccinated 15,500 youths ages 12-17, officials said. Locally, Metro Health, UHS and WellMed Medical Management and the WellMed Charitable Foundation have administered vaccines across Bexar County. The vaccinations are free to all. No insurance is required. George B. Hernandez Jr., president and CEO of UHS, said, “Getting people vaccinated has been an important objective for UH since we received the vaccine in late December 2020.” UHS will continue to offer the Pfizer vaccine at the Robert B. Green Campus Pharmacy, 903 W. Martin St., on a walk-in basis from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays for those 12 and older. Metro Health offers vaccinations in a variety of pop-up locations across the community. Find a vaccine site at https:// tinyurl.com/3whxreth. Metro Health is also offering incentives to those who get vaccinated – with a ticket to Six Flags Fiesta Texas for each vaccination at the Alamodome or pop-up clinics, plus free Fiesta medals at pop-up locations, while supplies last. A spokesman for Metro Health said, “Our vaccination rate is pretty evenly tied with Houston’s, and second to Austin’s, when we look at big cities in Texas.” While experts agree San Antonio is on the right track, there is still concern over those who refuse to be vaccinated.
That includes parents who resist having their children get shots. One parent, who asked that her name not be used, said she is not planning to get her two sons — both over the age of 12 — inoculated. “I just think there needs to be more testing to prove the shots are safe for my kids,” added the mother, who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. According to the Metro Health official, “To persuade people who are still on the fence, it’s more about one-on-one conversations at this stage, and public health can’t do that alone.” He urged people to check out the CDC’s suggestions on talking to those who are vaccine resistant by visiting https://tinyurl. com/42y8y46j. New, more transmissible strains of the virus could prove even more harmful to those who haven’t taken the jab, he warned. For more on COVID-19, go to www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/vaccines/faq.html. Find this story and more at www.localcommunitynews.com.
COVID-19 HOTLINE The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District has opened a COVID-19 Hotline for residents to ask questions about the virus. The hotline is available in English and Spanish. Residents can call 311 or 210-207-6000 and select option 8. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday.
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Neuropathy – There is hope for your recovery! Do you or any of your loved ones suffer from peripheral neuropathy? In our world, neuropathy has become quite prevalent. It is a devastating and debilitating condition, and you should know the truth. The weird tingling or numbness in your feet or hands and the stinging or electrical shocks in your legs or the feeling of your feet on fire, are a few of the symptoms that you might not be able to tolerate. Throughout all of this, the unyielding pain limits your activities and disrupts your sleep. When you’re at a loss for options, you visit your doctor, who diagnoses you with peripheral neuropathy and prescribes a medication like gabapentin (Neurontin). Some of the more common drugs given include hydrocodone, gabapentin, pregabalin (Lyrica), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and tramadol – all of which have serious side effects. After taking it for a while you realize that the medication hasn’t helped. These medications do absolutely nothing to reverse nerve damage. In fact, some medications, such as gabapentin, actually accelerate the nerve damage. It’s estimated that twenty-two million Americans are affected each year. One out of every five people will be afflicted by this disorder. “You are going to have to live with this condition.” This is what doctors commonly tell most neuropathy sufferers, and it couldn’t be further from the truth. Neuropathy can be caused by a vast number of different conditions. Diseases like diabetes cause some cases of neuropathy; other cases by the use of prescription medications, like cholesterol meds or statin drugs. Exercise, diet, and nutritional supplementation can reduce neuropathic pain and help regenerate nerve fibers. The first step is to identify the cause. There is nonsurgical medical technology to stimulate, repair, and regenerate nerve tissue. These procedures increase the production of nitric oxide, which further improves circulation, increases nerve transmission, and increases the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for the nerves. Nitric oxide stimulates the production of endorphins. We like to call this the happy hormone because endorphins decrease pain signals. Also, a special formulation of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is available through the pharmacy.
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
EDUCATION
JULY 13 - AUG. 10, 2021
COVID-19 prompts school to build outdoor classroom by EDMOND ORTIZ
A NORTH SIDE SCHOOL continues weaving nature into its lessons thanks in part to a city-funded outdoor classroom originally built to enhance physical distancing during the pandemic.
Montessori Schoolhouse at 10711 Dreamland Drive recently completed construction of the permanent campus facility, which includes a “music wall” so students can learn about vibrations. Money from a $75,000 COVID-19 recovery grant offered by San Antonio and administered by the nonprofit
LiftFund supported construction of the outdoor classroom. “Without the help of the grant, we
would not have been able to create such a functional outdoor classroom that stayed true to the Montessori method,” said Luz Migdalia Ponce, founder and director of the school. The institution is among 27 early childhood learning or day care centers to receive pandemic recovery grants from the city. It also was among six such businesses and nonprofits awarded the largest grant amount of $75,000 each. The campus, located north of Castle Hills, closed its doors in March 2020 at the outset of the global coronavirus outbreak.
Following requests from several essential-worker parents, Montessori Schoolhouse reopened for a summer session while ensuring the safety of students and teachers. Campus officials developed plans for the outdoor classroom by building upon an established play area and adding the elements of the Montessori philosophy, which combines sensory-rich environments and hands-on experiences to benefit young children. Ponce said her students quickly adapted to the early days of
Montessori Schoolhouse’s new permanent outdoor classroom space includes a ‘music wall’ where young students explore how sound is made by vibrations. Courtesy photo/Montessori Schoolhouse
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JULY 13 – AUG. 10, 2021
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
outdoor lessons. Teachers brought art materials, puzzles and building blocks at the pupils’ request. “I honestly thought we would need to do a lot of pulling the children back from the playground to work on their numbers and letters,” Ponce said in a news release. “However, it was an insightful experience to see how well most of them regulated their time to seek out all types of challenges.” Ponce said she and her colleagues also realized an outside classroom required a more organized environment to better incorporate the Montessori work used indoors.
EDUCATION
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Ponce heard about the recovery grant program that provided financial assistance to local small businesses and nonprofits, and opted to pursue it. The approved grant funded the creation of a physical space outside for shelves, tables and chairs. It also supported improvements to the playground that nurtured learning through the senses, including a music station, a garden, a climbing station and a tricycle track. According to Ponce, Montessori Schoolhouse’s new outdoor classroom brings the curriculum into nature where classes spend most of their time, weather permitting. Two teachers supervise each group —one instructor provides lessons, the other supervises the children participating in physical activities. “The children are happier and more disciplined than we ever expected them to be. I believe this is because this environment suited their natural inclination towards broad choice(s) of mental and physical activity in nature,” Ponce said. Alex Lopez, assistant city manager and interim economic development director, said the city is excited to hear from grant recipients about how funds helped them pivot during the outbreak and adapt to new business operations. “Leveraging these opportunities can promote not just their economic recovery, but position them for success beyond the pandemic,” Lopez added. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
INFRASTRUCTURE
JULY 13 - AUG. 10, 2021
Castle Hills launches road, drainage projects by EDMOND ORTIZ
CASTLE HILLS — Described as one of the biggest upgrades in the city’s history, Castle Hills is preparing to rebuild several streets while also starting the next phase of a major drainage project.
RPS Infrastructure has been designing about $2.9 million worth of work on eight roads. City officials will seek construction proposals later this summer and start work this fall. beginning of the largest comprehensive infrastructure improvement plan the city has ever seen,” Mayor JR Trevino said.
“For years, Castle Hills has been plagued with street and drainage problems. (This year) will mark the
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A recent report indicates that half of the city’s roads are in need of serious repairs. The comprehensive street rebuilding project is part of a capital-improvements plan formed by City Manager Ryan Rapelye. City Council adopted Phase I of the CIP in late 2018 and Phase II in March 2019. The CIP is being implemented in conjunction with each city budget to allocate money for streets and drainage projects. The CIP includes an inventory of each street, description of necessary work and estimated cost. Roads in worse condition are set to be addressed early in the plan. The CIP identified necessary improvements totaling $42 million; half of that amount is estimated just for street reconstruction and extensive repairs. A street assessment indicated nearly 50% of Castle Hills’ streets need full-depth reconstruction. “Reconstruction is appropriate when a pavement has structurally failed and can no longer support the traffic demand,” Rapelye said. In the last two years, the city has implemented two CIP projects: Antler Drive improvements, and Banyan Drive/Glentower Drive drainage upgrades. San Antonio Water System partnered with the city on both projects. Bids for Phase III of the Banyan/ Carolwood Drive drainage project were due July 2. The City Council was expected to consider city staff’s recommendation from those bids on July 13. Phase III will feature installation of drainage culverts just past Gardenview Drive on Banyan, and around the corner to the bottom of
FULL-DEPTH RECONSTRUCTION IS PLANNED FOR: • Atwater Drive from Antler Drive to Buckaroo Drive • Bluet Lane from Travertine Lane to the cul-de-sac • Shalimar Drive from Jackson-Keller Road to Bluet • Travertine Lane from Jackson-Keller to Twinleaf Lane • Trillium Lane from Gladiola Lane to Travertine • Lemonwood Drive from Krameria Drive to Persimmon Drive • Honeysuckle Lane from Lemonwood to the Loop 410 frontage road • Fox Hall Lane at Fox Hall Cove
TWO OTHER STRETCHES OF ROAD WILL RECEIVE FULL-DEPTH RECONSTRUCTION AS FUNDING ALLOWS: • Lemonwood from Persimmon to Roleto Drive • Roleto from Lemonwood to Northwest Military Highway
JULY 13 – AUG. 10, 2021
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
Carolwood at the Banyan intersection. The problem in the Banyan/ Carolwood/Glentower watershed has been insufficient drainage capacity. Castle Hills’ master drainage plan calls for an underground storm-drain system to better channel stormwater from Glentower to the existing outfall to address this specific problem, officials said. The previous two phases of neighborhood drainage work included improvements to an existing channel and underground storm sewer along Glentower and Banyan, and extension of the underground sewer from Banyan to Carolwood. “This is a continuation where we stopped on the Banyon project, going around the corner, continuing
INFRASTRUCTURE
with the underground inlets up until Carolwood and Prinz (Drive),” Rapelye said. “The idea is when water comes down, it’ll be captured at that point and the water will be sent underground through Banyon,” the city manager added. Leaders said the third phase, estimated to cost $1.7 million, will take up to seven months to complete. Certificates of obligation issued by the city in 2020 will fund the drainage work as well as the comprehensive street reconstruction. In addition, Castle Hills will microsurface 15 roads this summer. Ten other streets received similar treatment last summer. Trevino said the projects will help
modernize much of Castle Hills’ road and drainage infrastructure. “We will be applying sealant to over 15 streets to help extend their useful life, complete reconstruction for portions of eight streets, and drainage
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improvements to address flooding in three different areas. 2022 is going to be Castle Hills’ best year yet,” he added. eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
TAKEAWAYS • Castle Hills plans full depth reconstruction of eight streets as part of a capital improvements plan. • The city also will launch the third phase of drainage upgrades in the Banyan/Carolwood/ Glentower watershed. • 15 roads will be micro-surfaced this summer.
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LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
ARTS
JULY 13 - AUG. 10, 2021
BAND continues from pg. 01
The Illinois-based National Band Association bestowed upon Reagan and six other U.S. high school bands and a middle school band the National Program of Excellence distinction by recognizing their performances during the 2019-2020 academic year. But, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions over the past year, Reagan didn’t receive an award presentation until this spring. NBA is the world’s largest band organization with more than 2,000 members. All but one of the schools to receive the national Blue Ribbon for 2019-2020 are located in Texas. The Reagan band has racked up numerous awards and honors over its
history, including appearances in the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. However, Principal Brenda Shelton said it’s “humbling” NBA sees the Reagan band as one of the best school bands in the nation. “We have extremely dedicated students, parents and directors. We are very proud of our students,” Shelton said. “Enduring a year of limited students on campus has reminded us all that having school without our students on campus is not something we enjoyed. Our students are amazing and they are the reason we thrive.” Reagan band director Greg White said finally receiving the band association’s award was “emotional” for band members.
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“This was our first live concert after the pandemic, and our seniors’ last performance with the band. For us to be presented with an award that recognized the hard work all our students put in year-round at this event meant the world to us,” he said. White said he and his colleagues worked hard to ensure Reagan students continued receiving a comprehensive music education during a year of limited or no group gatherings and mainly remote virtual classes. “While prioritizing the health and safety of our students above all else,
we were able to put on a marching production that showcased the history, tradition and excellence of the Reagan band,” White said. White continued: “We had clinicians Zoom in from the Boston Philharmonic and the Chicago Symphony. We put on virtual concerts, and in the end of the school year we had the opportunity to come together and make music for an audience. Our motto for the entire year was, ‘Different does not mean worse,’ and I believe we lived up to that expectation.” eortiz@localcommunitynews.com
The Reagan High School Band performs at the 2019 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The band recently was awarded the National Program of Excellence Blue Ribbon from the National Band Association. Courtesy photo/ North East Independent School District
JULY 13 – AUG. 10, 2021
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS
N.W. Military project gets underway in Shavano Park by EDMOND ORTIZ
SHAVANO PARK — Residents are seeing the start of a long-awaited project designed over the next three years to improve the city’s main road, Northwest Military Highway.
TxDOT also plans partial reconstruction of residential driveways lining Northwest Military to help motorists reach the expanded road more easily. In addition, VIA Metropolitan Transit will install a covered bus stop near Pond Hill Road and Northwest Military. Ahead of the major roadwork, AT&T contractors began moving fiber lines in May around the roadway. Relocation of utilities, including the city’s water main, was scheduled to last several months. During this phase, it is likely that the two outside lanes will be closed and the two center lanes will be used for two-way traffic, city officials explained. The city set up a webpage — https:// www.shavanopark.org/residents/nw_ military_project.php — to keep residents updated on the project in coordination with TxDOT. “We all know it’s coming but it is hard to visualize how the construction will proceed,” City Manager Bill Hill said. “Once work begins, I’m sure there will be more questions and we will work with TxDOT to answer them and to post on our website.” Major roadwork was expected to launch in June at 1604 and continue south. Officials said residents and others driving along Northwest Military through town can expect various lane closures during the construction period, which will last into early 2024. According to TxDOT, no additional right of way was required to accommodate the project. No structures are being
displaced because of the construction. The $15.5 million total project has long been in the works for TxDOT, which is responsible for maintaining the entire state road, and for Shavano Park, which is helping to fund water-line relocation. The 2010 town plan, updated several years later, contained a traffic study pointing to a significant rise in movement along Northwest Military. TxDOT data shows that Northwest Military inside Shavano Park supported an average daily vehicle count of 15,755. That number was projected to increase to 31,220 by 2045. Prior to the project’s launch, several Shavano Park residents expressed hope that a speed-limit reduction would be part of the state’s improvements along Northwest Military. It’s currently 45 mph. But in a project meeting held in 2019 in Shavano Park, TxDOT’s representatives said there is no plan to change the speed limit, adding such a consideration requires a traffic study. Other residents worry about the removal of trees for the road’s expansion. TxDOT and the city worked together for years to minimize tree removal and “identify solutions that maintain the LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
TRAFFIC
unique character of the area,” according to a TxDOT response to the 2019 project meeting. Hill agreed TxDOT has been helpful about the project moving ahead with as few inconveniences possible. “We have received a few questions on the Northwest Military Highway
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construction. Those questions have been about drainage, mailboxes, sidewalk and trees,” he said. “TxDOT has worked with us to make drainage considerations and to save as many trees as they can.” eortiz@localcommunitynews.com Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PLANS TO UPGRADE MOBILITY ON NORTHWEST MILITARY FROM LOOP 1604 TO HUEBNER ROAD BY: • Adding a continuous center-turn lane. • Adding sidewalks and bicycle lanes. • Adding a traffic signal at Pond Hill Road. • Installing raised medians between 1604 and Wagon Trail Road. • Improving drainage to prevent increased stormwater runoff.
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