Concerned Citizens

It’s that time again for one of my favorite events in San Antonio – UTSA’s Great Conversation. Each year at the end of February hundreds will gather at the Institute of Texan Cultures for a night of good food, fun and most importantly table talk. The event benefits the UTSA Honors College by providing funds for scholarships for current and future students to attend the college. What makes the event so much more entertaining is that you spend about an hour talking about various table topics led by community leaders and experts. Now in its 10th year this event continues to grow as more people are catching on to the fun. It’s also a great place to network and meet new friends. This year’s event is scheduled for February 23rd and tables are filling up fast. If you’ve never enjoyed the experience, I strongly encourage you to spend a night sitting with other San Antonians enjoying a great conversation.

While I was checking my RSS feed today I saw this obituary about a true friend who passed away Christmas Eve from a tramatic fall. Joe Patrick Bean was an editorial writer for the San Antonio Express-News when I first met him. I can’t really recall the year I knew him but in the time I had around him I soaked up so much knowledge and insight on politics and life. In your life only a few people really make the impact to shape your life and Joe Patrick was one of those for me along with Rob Blanchard. It’s hard to put into words the grief I feel knowing a person like Joe Patrick is no longer among us but I can truly say he made a mark. I only wish I had spent time with him at this point in my life.

Joe Patrick Bean, may you rest in peace no.