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Buda home gifted to Marine veteran wounded in combat

A U.S. Marine veteran wounded in combat is settling into a mortgage-free Buda home with his family after receiving the keys through a veteran support program in March.

Zooming in: Sgt. Luis Valadez said he was inspired to enlist in the Marine Corps after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. He served five years as a Field Artillery Cannoneer, deploying overseas to Japan and Iraq, where he was wounded in combat.

He was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon and Iraq Campaign Medal, among other honors, according to officials with the Military Warriors Support Foundation, or MWSF.

The details: The Valadez family was escorted to their new home on March 19 by the Austin Patriot Guard Riders, where they were welcomed by neighbors and given the keys. Officials said the home was fully furnished—including a stocked kitchen and customized rooms for the kids.

“We're just so grateful right now,” Valadez said, adding that he and his family are excited to call Buda home.

 
Stay In The Know
San Marcos delays start date for Rio Vista Park access fee collection

The start date for a new seasonal managed access fee for out-of-town visitors to Rio Vista Park, approved by the San Marcos City Council on April 7, has been delayed until late June.

The overview: The city will implement a $5 daily access fee for nonresident visitors looking to enter Rio Vista Park on weekends and holidays this summer, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

Community members residing within at least one of the following areas will be exempt from the fee:

  • San Marcos city limits
  • San Marcos CISD boundaries
  • The 78666 ZIP code

The city originally intended to require the fee on 36 designated days this summer, beginning May 22. The start date was pushed back to June 20, leaving 27 designated days of fee collection, according to a San Marcos news release.

Diving deeper: Local area participants living in one of the three fee-exempt areas can register with the city online to receive a Resident River Pass. The pass will be available digitally, as a printed copy or as a reusable wristband.

 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

ATX TV Festival

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

May 28-31, times vary
Austin

May 29-July 5, show times vary
Georgetown

More info

More info

 

Older Adults Resource Fair

ATX Eid Fest ‘26

May 30, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Buda

May 30, 4-11 p.m.
Hutto

More info

More info

 
To submit your own event, click here.

Key Information
Q&A: Learn more about aging in place with Texas Construction

Royce Flournoy, president and founder of Texas Construction, launched the business over 30 years ago, bringing decades of craftsmanship to the Austin area. As a certified aging-in-place specialist, Flournoy supports homeowners in evolving their space to support changing needs.

The approach: Aging in place refers to the decision for older residents to stay in their existing homes as aging may cause physical limitations and a need for new infrastructure.

Texas Construction works with design specialists at Amity Worrel & Co. to make home improvement modifications at Age in Place in Style. By teaming up, the companies provide a comprehensive service to homeowners so they don’t have to compromise safety or style as their needs evolve over time.

Dig deeper: The Texas Construction team connected with Community Impact to discuss the importance of modifying homes for the safety and comfort of aging residents. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

  • 5609 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 210, Austin
 

Your local team

Sierra Martin
Senior Editor

Heather Demere
General Manager

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