Macon Magazine

"The food was delightful, said Velez-Saez, but what made the meal was his son Matthew, Matthew's brand-new wife Merita, and his brother Marco all being there." Tell us about your most memorable Macon meal to be featured in an upcoming issue by emailing hello@maconmagazine with a story and photo. Moises Velez-Saez Founder of Que Pasa Newspaper and Media F amily is everything in the Hispanic community, said Moises Velez-Saez. It is fitting then that his most memorable Macon meal took place in the company of his family. For those that don't know Velez-Saez, he founded Middle Georgia's first dedicated Spanish newspaper Que Pasa? (What's Going On?) as a member of En Casa, a community service-based organization comprised of people with Hispanic heritage from various countries, focused on improvements and advancements for Central Georgia's Spanish speaking population. Que Pasa newspaper lasted 24 years and evolved into Que Pasa Media. The current platform is a 10-year-old television show airing on WMUM- TV and YouTube. The 69-year-old Puerto Rican accomplished this with the help of his wife Maribel Acevedo. He has many meals worth noting, but for him, Thanksgiving in 2022 tops them all. What was on the table? Velez-Saez says it was an interesting blend of Puerto Rican and Mexican dishes, reflecting the makeup of those in the room. Pork Shoulder, rice, coquito (a drink comprised of milk, alcohol, and coconut) on the Puerto Rican side, and a specialized version of enchiladas on the Mexican side graced the table. The food was delightful, said Velez-Saez, but what made the meal was his son Matthew, Matthew's brand-new wife Merita, and his brother Marco all being there. Like most Americans, the Hispanic community goes hard with planning and presenting weddings. In the air until that dinner hung a degree of disappointment and disdain, because the couple had kept their marriage a simple, secretive one executed by a judge at a courthouse. Marco had been sick and fairly disengaged during previous gatherings because of being prescribed the wrong medication. But not this time. He was present and doing well since getting the right prescription. Being together thawed the icy feelings rooted in the couple's marriage decision, shared Velez-Saez. Everyone talked candidly about it, and focused more on the moment. He doesn't usually drink alcohol, but sacrificed himself and used the occasion as a show of solidarity. "We toasted and agreed to make everything work," he said. He was reminded during the meal that rigid Latino cultural traditions can be broken, and family still remains. Like any other community, they too want the best for their children. They too love being together. They too are focused on the good. And while Thanksgiving and food brought them together, like the others in this article, it was the celebration that made it his most memorable Macon meal as well. February/March 2025| maconmagazine.com 57

• Cover