Welcome to The San Antonio Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Atma Energy wins Fast Track 2024: Under $10M category.

• Upcoming Kenny G concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Sidney Lanier

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“An unexamined life is not worth living.”

— Socrates

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Trivia

Which San Antonio park is known for its Japanese tea garden, including a lush year-round garden, stone bridges, and a koi pond?

A) San Pedro Springs Park

B) Brackenridge Park

C) Phil Hardberger Park

D) Hemisfair Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The name of the annual San Antonio music festival that features a wide range of genres, including Tejano, country, and rock, is B) Maverick Music Festival.

💼 Business

Atma Energy wins Fast Track 2024: Under $10M category. (Link)

SA Zoo faces multimillion-dollar funding gap. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Texas seeks redemption against Georgia in SEC title game. (Link)

Smithson Valley’s revenge tour continues with regional final clash vs. Corpus Christi Flour Bluff. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Tower of the Americas repairs poised to start in 2025 after two-year delay. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 Our Lady of the Lake Saints at Incarnate Word Cardinals Men's Basketball
McDermott Convocation Center, San Antonio
Sunday, Dec. 15th | (More info)

🏀 Southwestern Adventist Knights at UTSA Roadrunners Men's Basketball
UTSA Convocation Center, San Antonio
Thursday, Dec. 19th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎷 Kenny G
Majestic Theatre, San Antonio
Tuesday, Dec. 10th | (More info)

🎸 Nathan Hamilton
Sam's Burger Joint, San Antonio
Wednesday, Dec. 11th | (More info)

Family

🗺️ Romantic San Antonio Outdoor Escape Game
Public Art located in Alcoves, San Antonio
Tuesday, Dec. 10th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “San Antonioscape with a fusion of different historical eras” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

San Antonio Historical Events

HemisFair '68: A World's Fair that celebrated the city's diverse cultural heritage and promoted progress.

HemisFair '68 was a monumental World's Fair that took place in San Antonio, Texas, and left an indelible mark on the city's cultural landscape. The fair, which ran from April 6 to October 6, 1968, was a celebration of San Antonio's rich and diverse cultural heritage, showcasing the city's unique blend of traditions, art, and history. Visitors from around the world were treated to a vibrant tapestry of exhibits, performances, and displays that highlighted the city's multicultural identity and promoted a message of unity and progress.

At the heart of HemisFair '68 was the theme of The Confluence of Civilizations in the Americas, emphasizing the interconnectedness of cultures and the exchange of ideas across the continent. The fair's iconic Tower of the Americas, standing tall at 750 feet, became a symbol of San Antonio's ambition and forward-looking spirit. It served as a beacon of progress, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and serving as a testament to the city's commitment to innovation and growth.

HemisFair '68 left a lasting legacy, shaping San Antonio's identity as a city that embraces diversity, creativity, and global engagement. The fair's impact can still be felt in the city's vibrant arts scene, culinary traditions, and ongoing commitment to cultural exchange. HemisFair '68 stands as a testament to San Antonio's enduring spirit and its dedication to celebrating its multicultural roots while looking toward a future of continued progress and inclusivity.

Famous People From San Antonio

Sidney Lanier - Poet, musician, lived in San Antonio.

Sidney Lanier, a poet, critic, and musician, was born in Macon, Georgia, on February 3, 1842. He was the son of Robert S. and Mary Jane (Anderson) Lanier. Lanier's life was marked by his passion for literature, music, and his involvement in the Civil War.

Early Life and Education

Lanier was born in Macon, Georgia, on February 3, 1842, to Robert Sampson Lanier and Mary Jane Anderson. He was raised in an atmosphere that mixed strict Presbyterian morality with the Southern gentleman's ideal of social graces and intellectual refinement. Lanier graduated from Oglethorpe College in 1860 and at the outbreak of the Civil War joined the Macon Volunteers.

Civil War and Imprisonment

In 1860, Lanier joined the Confederate Army and served with the Macon Volunteers until he was captured by the Union Army. While being held in prison, Lanier contracted tuberculosis, which eventually led to his untimely death at the age of 39.

Poetry and Music

Lanier was not only a poet but also an accomplished musician. He was an amateur flautist and wrote poetry that reflected his love for music and nature. His most notable works include Poems of Sidney Lanier (1884; revised and enlarged 1891, 1916), which showcased his deep connection to the natural world and his musical sensibilities.

Legacy and Influence

Sidney Lanier's legacy as a poet, musician, and critic continues to inspire literary and musical enthusiasts. His works are celebrated for their lyrical beauty and profound connection to the natural world. Despite his short life, Lanier's impact on American literature and music is enduring.

Connection to San Antonio

Lanier's connection to San Antonio is commemorated through the Sidney Lanier High School, a local public high school in the westside of San Antonio, Texas. The school serves the San Antonio Independent School District and was renamed after the Confederate poet Sidney Lanier in 1923, in accordance with the district's practice of naming junior schools after American authors.

Key Achievements of Sidney Lanier:

• Accomplished poet, musician, and critic.

• Graduated from Oglethorpe College in 1860.

• Served with the Macon Volunteers during the Civil War.

• Renowned for his poetry collection Poems of Sidney Lanier.

• Commemorated through the Sidney Lanier High School in San Antonio.

Sidney Lanier's life was a testament to his passion for literature, music, and his enduring influence on American culture. His legacy as a poet and musician continues to inspire generations of artists and scholars.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

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