Right at HOME Video e-magazine April 2021 Issue

Optimizing Orthodontia Military Veteran Brings Decades of Experience to 7to7 Dental Practice 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics recognized the plight of overstretched parents and planned the practice to offer orthodontics along with comprehensive dental care for the entire family at their convenient location at the corner of Stone Oak Parkway and Evans Road.

Michael Roberts, D.D.S., joined the practice after retiring as a Colonel from the United States Army. At one point, he was in charge of all Army dentistry west of the Mississippi. Dr. Roberts brings three decades of experience in dentistry and orthodontics to 7to7 Dental. He is happy to be “back to full time patient care,” he said, “doing what I was trained to do, and what I love to do.”

Michael Roberts, D.D.S., joined the practice after retiring as a Colonel from the United States Army.

Because 7to7 Dental is a group practice, the health professionals enjoy great synergy, Dr. Roberts commented. The practice features multiple treatment chairs, each staffed by highly trained professionals, so parents and siblings can get their teeth cleanings, fillings and orthodontic adjustments together, all under one roof and at the same time. 7to7 Dental’s motivation is to take care of patients. “We don’t ‘do these hours’ because they are necessarily more lucrative,” Dr. Roberts said. Co-owners Justin Coke and Tiffany Winburn, D.M.D., saw they could fill a real void and serve families with busy schedules. We provide the best service possible by offering extended or ‘odd’ hours to meet the need.”

Dr. Roberts noted that appointments before nine and after five are the most coveted by patients. He has transitioned smoothly from military life to 7to7 Dental’s practice. “7to7 Dental’s philosophy is that the wellbeing and oral health of the patient are paramount, which is similar to the Army’s view,” he said. “A soldier needs to be dentally fit to do his job. We arents face the challenge of balancing family responsibilities, can extrapolate that analogy to the family – without dental wellness, a problem can escalate into an emergency that takes kids’ activities, work and school. someone away from their family or their job, resulting in lost wages and extra expense.”

It’s tough to keep all the plates spinning – much less find time for When not busy at 7to7 Dental, Dr. Roberts volunteers his services with the Christian Medical and Dentist Association, of the children’s necessary dentist and which his wife, Mitzi, is co-director. The group sets up a nine-chair dental clinic at Church Under the Bridge to serve the doctor appointments. And then homeless six Saturdays a year. In his free time, the self-described “died in the wool motor head” enjoys restoring vintage your middle-schooler needs braces. automobiles – especially his black 1986 Corvette.

The thought of adding one more obligation to an already crowded 7to7 Dental is a local business, grown in 13 years from the practice of one dentist and four employees. The owners and schedule can seem overwhelming. many staff members live in Stone Oak with their families and are part of the community. Visit 7to7 Dental’s website at 7to7dental.com or call 210-495-2000 to schedule your appointment.

By Amy Morgan

P

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Rewarding App Simple Program Rewards Drivers for Safe Driving

SAFE 2 SAVE founder Marci Corry created the program in 2016 in response to a fatal accident involving two Texas A&M students, enlisting the computer programming skills of her husband, Trey. In 2018, they partnered with Fort Bend ISD in Houston to sponsor a high school competition, which resulted in a 21% reduction in distraction related tickets and collisions.

By Amy Morgan

o driver can ignore warnings about distracted driving. Texas law even made using the phone while driving illegal in 2017. Deep inside we agree distracted driving is dangerous and wrong, but somehow when we hear that tone ping, the compulsion to check our phone is so strong it overwhelms our best intentions.

N

over 10 mph without using their phone. If they do pick up the phone while driving, they will not accumulate any points and their driving score will be affected. That score helps users become self aware and strive to do better, said Meagan Kamara, SAFE 2 SAVE’s Director of Community Engagement.

Did you know nine out of 10 young people expect a text to be answered in five minutes or less? 89% of people say no one should text and drive, BUT, “they are the exception.”

According to the National Safety Council, a driver is 23 times more likely to crash when texting and driving.

SAFE 2 SAVE partners with more than 1500 restaurants and online retailers to offer discounts for safe driving.

Popular awards have been a free Chick-fil-A sandwich,

What if instead of focusing on bad behavior, we could break the habit by commending people when they do right?

That idea is the premise of the SAFE 2 SAVE program, which incentivizes safe driving behavior through a mobile app that rewards users for not “teching” and driving. Their motto: Remind, Drive, Compete, Redeem.

The simple yet effective initiative was created in 2016 to offer exclusive rewards to those who use the free SAFE 2 SAVE app to monitor their driving. SAFE 2 SAVE encourages drivers to set maps and music before

they begin. Drivers open the app each time they start a trip and accumulate two points for every minute they drive

La Madeline’s lemon tart or petite Caesar salad, or Schlotzsky’s $3 off $15, all earned with 500 safe driving points. “A Huntsville car dealership even offered $500 off a vehicle for 10,000 points!” Meagan said.

Getting started is easy. Just search for SAFE 2 SAVE on the App Store and download right to your phone. Then create an account. The app will ask for a referral code. Type in RAH, and Right at HOME Magazine will give you 500 points just for getting started! The app also asks you to upload an “is it worth it” photo to your Home Screen. That’s the picture of your loved ones that will display if you touch your phone while driving.

“It’s a visual reminder right at the point of distraction that helps you remember that texting and driving is not worth someone’s life,” Meagan said. “I work at SAFE 2 SAVE, but when my phone dings, I’m just as tempted.”

SAFE 2 SAVE founder Marci Corry created the program in 2016 in response to a fatal accident involving two Texas A&M students, enlisting the computer programming skills of her husband, Trey. In 2018, they partnered with Fort Bend ISD in Houston to sponsor a high school competition, which resulted in a 21% reduction in distraction related tickets and collisions.

“Users in a competition are more likely to be engaged,” Meagan said. SAFE 2 SAVE now is being used by almost 500,000 drivers across Texas, with plans to expand statewide by the end of the year, Meagan said. SAFE 2 SAVE hopes to reach users nationwide by 2022.

SAFE 2 SAVE came to San Antonio through a connection between sponsor University Health and Melinda Cox, North East ISD Council of PTA’s Healthy Lifestyles Chair.

Like Marci, Melinda is determined to change the cultural norms of distracted driving.

This April, NEISD introduces a competition to pit faculty and staff against the families of the district’s 68,000 students.

Weekly cash prize winners will be selected from those who keep a good driving score of 90 or above.

In May, the organization launches a SAFE 2 SAVE Family premium app, available for a small monthly fee. Like SAFE 2 SAVE PRO, intended for businesses, SAFE 2 SAVE FAM allows parents to track their teen’s driving as well as monitor their driving score and distractions. “FAM is their most requested solution,” Meagan said. Rewards apply to the driver, and what teen doesn’t like a free sandwich?

With SAFE 2 SAVE, everyone is able to to make the world a little safer, because, “One life lost to distracted driving is one too many.”

Don’t Drive Distracted Johnson High School PTSA Smart Driving Club Advocates for Safety This is the second time NEISD has participated in a SAFE 2 SAVE competition. “We want these things to be as common as homecoming because this is not going away,” Melinda said. “Everyone has a phone, and most people drive. We’ve made tremendous strides with drinking and driving, and thousands upon thousands of lives have been saved with seat belts. I appreciate these competitions where we can all come together on the same page.”

By Amy Morgan

or the past nine years, NEISD PTSA volunteer Melinda Cox has spent hundreds of hours F inspiring students at Johnson High School to change

the culture of distracted driving. She teaches students they can make a difference and that they have a civic duty to engage with the world around them. Through the years, the influence of the JHS Smart Driving club has increased, culminating in a competition this month through the SAFE 2 SAVE program that rewards drivers for their safe driving behaviors.

North East ISD Council of PTAs will partner with University Health and SAFE 2 SAVE to sponsor a safe driving competition to include all seven NEISD high schools. Along with bragging rights and a trophy, winners will earn special privileges. Those who use the SAFE 2 SAVE app to keep their driving scores above 90 will qualify for weekly cash drawings. Every participant who downloads the app and enters RAH into the access code will automatically earn 500 reward points – the equivalent of a free sandwich at a local restaurant!

While the student drivers at the district’s seven high schools are a primary focus of the SAFE 2 SAVE competition, Melinda believes it is never too early to plant seeds of safe driving expectations in the minds of their younger siblings.

Melinda, who also serves as North East ISD Council of PTA’s Healthy Lifestyles Chair, founded the JHS Smart Driving Club when her oldest child got behind the wheel in 2012. Since that time, club members have been recognized on the floor of the Texas House for their work promoting the statewide hands free law during the 2017 legislative session, designed educational signs displayed citywide and appeared in City Council public service announcements.

Most recently, club officers presented to the Texas Association of School Board Members, putting the kids and their efforts in front of every single district in Texas.

“We are all in this together —it can’t be one club, or one app — it only takes one drunk person, one distracted person to wipe out an entire family,” Melinda added. “It is a habit to break.”

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Pet Pictures

Bluebonnet Photos w/Fido earned notoriety as one of San Antonio’s premier bluebonnet destinations, and dogs are allowed.)

Bring along a friend to help you corral your furry family member, especially if you are considering letting Fido offleash for the photo. Your accomplice can help you keep your pup’s attention or even hold a long leash off camera to make sure potential spring fever doesn’t encourage your pup afield.

By Tamara Wetegrove

A

pril in San Antonio —spring sunshine heralds not just blue skies, but bluebonnets. While families rush to take pictures of their children cavorting in the blooms, who’s to say commemorating your furry family member’s bluebonnet milestone isn’t just as worthwhile? All it takes is a little prior planning and patience. A bonus, you won’t have to worry about styling hair or protecting precious outfits. Fido is ready for his al fresco portrait au natural.

Before you go, take time to think through equipment you’ll need to capture your pup at his best. Treats can motivate cooperation and good behavior, so pack plenty. Take along some toys, too, to lighten the mood and encourage a playful pose. A tired dog will be more cooperative and ready to hold still for the photo, so toys can help you work his wiggles out before you’re ready to start shooting. Who knows, you might even use playtime to take some action shots.

Make sure your pup is leashed as you move him to the selected destination, especially if you are close to a high-traffic area. In fact, while the verges of 281 and 1604 seem tempting destinations because of their profusion of blooms, it might be wise to select a spot less traveled, like a park or field. (MacAllister Park has

It goes without saying that the bluebonnets will be growing outside, which will allow you to shoot in natural light. Set your camera (the one on your smartphone will do) to burst mode so the faster shutter speed will capture multiple images, allowing you to select your favorites for printing or posting. Try some shots from your dog’s vantage point. Bending or lying down will enable you to get a better view of his face so you can capture a favorite expression, ear lift or goofy grin. You’ll want to check the area for fire ants and/or other unwelcoming critters like scorpions or snakes before you plant your pup or yourself on the ground. A solid-colored towel or cushion will protect from the elements and add dimension to your shot.

Be respectful of others. Share the area, try not to smush the blossoms, and for heaven sake’s, don’t pick them! Enjoy documenting your dog’s springtime adventures and developing your photography skills. Who knows, maybe one of your posts will make Fido famous.

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SENIOR MOMENT

Softshoe Shuffle, Step She Could Have Danced All Night

By Amy Morgan

I

f “All the World’s a Stage,” Terry Bland found hers a little later in life. The sprightly 87-year-old easily pops into the perfect pose that she learned from her tap teacher decades ago as she recalls the admonition to, “Tell yourself you’re beautiful.”

Terry discovered her talent for dancing when she was in her early 50s. She joined a ladies’ dance group when she and her second husband, Robert, moved to Sun City Arizona in 1990. She noticed the women performing soon after the Blands purchased their retirement home. “They were beautiful ladies and up in age. One was close to her 70s and could still do the splits! I thought, ‘If they can do it, I think I can!’” A star was born.

Despite lacking formal training, Terry jumped right into class and practiced hours daily. Soon the teacher recognized Terry as one of her performance leaders. Terry danced to Elvis Presley’s The Whistler and high kicked to New York, New York. Each number was complemented by appropriate costumes, many of which she sewed herself. She remembers creating calf-high shoe coverings resembling boots for a tap dance to San Antonio Rose.

Terry loved romantic numbers with a big band sound, especially Andy Williams’ Wedding Song, which she declares “delicious!”

But her favorite dance is the Hula. Although Terry stopped performing at 80, she still remembers the moves, including the necessity of keeping her thumb tucked into the palm of her hand.

“People say they can see the music talks to me. When I am doing my numbers I feel like I am dancing there in the clouds. I can’t forget that,” she said. Performance became a family affair, as Robert happily chauffeured her friends and crafted props like the wooden banjos he made for the “recycled teenagers.” They lived in Arizona 12 years, then 16 years in Austin’s Sun City where they were closer to family in San Antonio.

Ironically, Terry met her first husband in 1952 when he asked her to dance. The couple married and raised four children in Bracketville (whose claim to fame is the set built to film John Wayne’s The Alamo) until they moved to San Antonio so he could work at Lackland AFB. After his death in 1986, she met and married Robert.

After a setback with allergies led to a hospital stay and a lengthy recovery, Terry joined the Independence Hill community in July. Her two-bedroom apartment above the lobby boasts eight large windows and looks out onto the beautiful landscaping of the campus grounds. Terry has developed a green thumb and enjoys nurturing her plants, which thrive in her home’s natural light. Several poinsettias have survived years. “I pamper them,” she said proudly.

Terry envisions joining the Zumba class when it resumes. She demonstrates how to say, “I love you,” in Hula, a skill she hopes to pass to one of her 13 grand or four great-grandchildren one day, along with her legacy of love for dancing.

For more information about the lifestyle offered at Independence Hill, call (210) 764-5260, or go to www.independencehill.com.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Persistent Performer Reagan Senior Student Never Missed a Play

By Amy Morgan

I

n the dark room, lights rise and the actor steps onto stage. This description reads like a scene from pre-Covid times, except it describes today’s reality for Ronald Reagan High School theatre, as the school presented not one, but two productions this spring.

The entire department developed creative techniques including distanced in-person practices, masking, video production and streamed performances because, “there’s no business like show business.”

One actor was senior student Jack Jurgemeyer, who has never missed performing in a Reagan theater production once in four years. His role as Mayor Dobbs in this spring’s musical, Bright Star, marked his eighteenth consecutive appearance. March’s UIL oneact play, Three Sisters, will be his nineteenth.

“Very few other students can say they’ve been in every one of Reagan’s shows for the past four years,” Jack said. “It’s been an absolutely great and fun journey.”

His first onstage opportunity presented itself freshman year. When a lead in the production of A Flea in Her Ear unexpectedly left, Jack had two days to finalize the details to take his place —not a common experience, he said. “That’s the only time I’ve seen an understudy step up into a role in a performance I’ve been in,” he said.

Jack was bitten by the acting bug in fifth grade, when he attended Reagan’s Jekyll and Hyde where his sister, Lauren, a 2017 RHS grad, ushered.

He joined theater in sixth grade at Bush Middle School and acted in his first play, The Brother’s Grimm

Jack added choir to his fine arts schedule. In addition to theater, he sings Bass in Reagan’s varsity Chamber choir, which performs formal compositions, as well as the Soundsations! show choir.

One of Jack’s Reagan highlights was earning a spot in the All-State choir his junior year. The competition whittles down the 20,000 student applicants to a very small percentage of singers in the state — only the top six of each voice part make it, he said. Winners were selected just before spring break in 2020, one of the last events before the shutdown.

Although Jack’s schedule has evolved several times during the course of this unpredictable school year, in production season this spring Jack attended choir Spectaculathon. Reagan’s subsequent performance of Les practice on campus in the morning, headed home for the bulk of his AP academic classes, then returned Miserables kindled his interest in musicals, and “after school” for his extracurricular practices. He enjoys history, reflected in his choice of Bush Middle School pre-AP U.S. History teacher Mr. O’Connor as his Summa honoree. Although Jack has devoted much passion to music and theater, he plans to make his career either in law or as a history professor, perhaps attending Rice University. “I’ve been in love with history since first grade,” Jack said. Until then, he can be found on Reagan’s stage until the last curtain call.

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