Right at HOME Video e-Magazine April 2024 Issue

PURPOSEFUL PARTY

23rd Taste of the Northside Unites Foodies and Philanthropists to Benefit Brighton Center

By Amy Morgan

Viva Fiesta! Every April we don our brightest duds, shine our medals and feast on special food and drinks that come around only once a year. But sometimes the crazy crowds can feel like a little too much. Right size your festivities this year at Taste of the Northside. The elevated event April 18 limits the number of entrants, so you can celebrate in style. Like many official Fiesta events, proceeds from the party directly benefit a local non-profit. Taste of the Northside remains the flagship fundraiser for the Brighton Center, which has been supporting families of local children with disabilities or delays for more than 50 years.

A spectacular occasion for the past 23 years, once again Taste of the Northside ramps up the wow factor to keep patrons coming back for more. More than 30 of San Antonio’s finest restaurants will offer their signature dishes at this culinary affair that unites Fiesta, foodies and philanthropists. H-E-B serves as the Presenting Partner alongside representatives from some of your favorite restaurants in town. You’ll meet the culinary teams from Eddie V's, Brasao, Mae Dunne, JW Marriot, Paloma Blanca, Cover 3, Toro, Tu Asador and Paladar. They’ll offer a wide array of feast-worthy food — from savory dishes to delectable desserts. There's something

to delight every palate at the Taste of the Northside, beginning with a welcome cocktail at 6 p.m., and ending with a late-night snack catered by Whataburger prior to the 11 p.m. conclusion.

What would Fiesta be without sophisticated sips? Taste of the Northside offers countless curated wines, craft cocktails, and cold brews. Sip and Savor in Stella Artois’ elevated beer garden.

Indoor and outdoor spaces feature entertainment like dueling pianos from Howl2Go, beats from Vegas DJ Services, and live music by the E7 band. You’ll be able to groove to the tunes on the main lawn, which offers views of the Northside skyline.

Check out Tesla’s new Cyber Truck in its inaugural drive off the showroom floor and enter to win your chance at a new Toyota vehicle. Not to be outdone by automobile enthusiasts, San Antonio’s newest jewelry store, Tenenbaum, has pledged $10,000 in store credit vouchers. Party patrons who opt in have the chance to win thousands in sparkly merchandise.

There’s plenty of room to spread out at the Security Service Federal Credit Union Events Center close to UTSA. Free parking is located in their covered garage onsite, and Uber and Lyft will drop off right at the front door.

Other sponsors include, Kairoi Residential, Valero, Silver Eagle Beverages, Forvis, Toyota, Tesla, and M2 Technology. Use the discount code RIGHTATHOME to receive $35 off the $275 VIP ticket price.

Every dollar raised at Taste of the Northside directly supports the Brighton Center, laying the groundwork to empower children to realize their full potential now and in the future.

Katrina Campbell, who took the helm as CEO in 2021, likes to emphasize that at the Brighton Center, “Here, there are only abilities.” The Brighton Center serves more than 4,000 children and their families each year with services like pediatric therapy, inclusive preschool, and special education advocacy. Equally important is the support the Brighton Center’s trained staff provides for families.

“So much of what we do in early childhood has a lifechanging impact,” Katrina said. “Day-to-day life with young children can be overwhelming. When you have a child who’s born with a disability or a toddler diagnosed with delay, suddenly you are in a world where there’s no guidebook. One parent described it as being dropped off in the middle of an island – there’s such a feeling of isolation and not knowing where to turn for help.

“Our team comes alongside a family and walks through the journey with them. We provide free evaluations, develop service plans, conduct therapy services and provide emotional support and education. The Brighton Center's specialists also ease a family’s transition to the next step for their child, whether inclusion pre-school or the special education system,” Katrina added.

The Brighton Center’s services often are provided at reduced or no cost. “Every year the Brighton Center must raise more than $3 million to allow us to provide financial assistance to the families we serve,” Katrina verified. Donations fill in the gaps and allow the Brighton Center to scholarship tuition to their immersion pre-school that offers the lowest child/teacher ratio in the city and provide one-on-one special education advocacy.

“Every day is a new opportunity for these children to thrive,” Katrina said. “It is so important that the community understands what Fiesta really is – not just a party, but a way to support the organizations that give back. Funds raised by official Fiesta events like Taste of the Northside allow us to provide all the bells and whistles that make us unique and holistic.”

What better reason to raise a glass at Taste of the Northside this Fiesta.

Photos provided by Jonathan Ivy Photography

Community Calendar

Presented by Frost

Activities at the Walker Ranch Senior Center – Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Hot meals served daily from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for qualifying seniors and their spouses. Exercise, field trips, bingo, loteria, movies, arts and crafts, free health and wellness screenings vary daily. 835 W. Rhapsody 78216; 210-207-5280.

Stone Oak Rotary Club – Tuesdays, noon -1 p.m. Guest speakers weekly. Dona Tota, 923 Loop 1604 W. #115 78232; www.stoneoaksarotary.org.

Valero Texas Open – Monday, April 1Sunday, April 7. Venerated golf tournament will celebrate its 102nd anniversary in Texas. TPC, 23808 Resort Parkway 78261; www.valerotexasopen.com.

Reagan Stage Theatre’s 3rd Annual R.O.A.D. Show – Friday, April 5, Saturday, April 6, 7 p.m. Reagan students direct, act and perform in original and published works. Black Box Theatre, Ronald Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan Drive 78258; www.reaganstage.org.

Vintage Market Days – Friday, April 5, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, April 7, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Vintage-inspired spring market features unique items curated from the best artisans, designers and pickers from across the country, live music and food trucks. San Antonio Rose Palace, 25665 Boerne Stage Road 78255; www.vintagemarketdays.com/ market/greater-san-antonio.

Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.

Eclipse – Monday, April 8, noon to 2:30 p.m. Several San Antonio locations will offer eclipse viewing parties to take advantage of the once in a lifetime event not seen in the U.S. since the 1300s. Check out SeaWorld, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the Tobin Center and the Witte Museum. Don’t forget your viewing glasses.

Fiesta Fit Fest – Friday, April 12, 5-8 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sunday, April 14, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Something fitness for everyone, kid’s run and bike ride, fun zone, beer mile, 5 and 10K, free fitness classes, health and wellness expo. UTSA East Campus, One UTSA Circle, 78249; www.sanantoniosports.org.

L’Etape Texas – Sunday, April 14. Staggered starts beginning at 7 a.m. 100, 60 and 25mile and family cycling courses in Northwest San Antonio. Worldwide amateur cycling experience with racing and riding options. UTSA, One UTSA Circle 78249; www.letapesanantonio.com.

Culinaria’s Women & Whiskey at La Cantera Resort & Spa – Thursday, April 18, 6-9 p.m. LALO Tequila, with tastings, bites, vendors and live entertainment. 16641 La Cantera Parkway 78256; www.culinariasa.org.

Fiesta San Antonio – April 18-28. San Antonio’s biggest party is back, with events to please everyone. Fiesta San Antonio Commission, 110 Broadway, Suite 350 78205; info@fiestasanantonio.org.

Taste of the Northside – Thursday, April 18, 6 – 11 p.m. Elevated event combines foodies, philanthropy and Fiesta. Noteworthy restaurants offer stylish sips and delicious dishes to benefit the Brighton Center. Security Service Federal Credit Union Events Center, 15000 W Interstate 10 78249; www.brightoncenter.org.

10th Annual Midnight in the Gardens

Saturday, April 20, 7-11 p.m. Masquerade event benefits Fiesta Youth. Live music, dancing, food, silent auction. The DoSeum 2800, Broadway 78209; www.ticketstripe.com/midnight.

Fiesta Arts Fair – Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday, April 21, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. View contemporary art from more than 100 artists across a variety of media. Southwest School of Art, 300 Augusta St. 78205; www.swschool.org/fiestaartsfair.

Fiesta Castle Hills – Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Parade at 10 a.m. Family friendly fair and food fundraises for Best Friends Team, Special Olympics Texas. 209 Lemonwood @ The Commons 78213; www.castlehillscommunityorganization.org/fiestacastle-hills.

Doing Good on the Green – Monday, April 22, 8 a.m. shotgun start. 20th annual golf tournament supports the San Antonio Food Bank. The Club at Sonterra, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd. 78258; www.safoodbank.org/doing-good/.

Battle of Flowers Parade – Friday, April 26, 9:55 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Fiesta San Antonio’s founding event. Grayson and Broadway 78205; www.battleofflowers.org.

Festival de Animales – Saturday, April 27, Sunday, April 28, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Celebrate the animals, culture and food of Latin America, including live performances. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 78212; www.sazoo.org.

Siesta Half Marathon – Sunday, April 28. 13.1, 10k, 5K, staggered starts 7:31-8:40 a.m. The fourth of the Texas Hill Country Challenge Series. Race on the River Walk starting at Mission County Park. Wear your best Fiesta costume. 6030 Padre Drive 78214; www.scallywompus.com.

By Amy Morgan

DSilly Rabbit, Invisalign is for Kids!

Orthodontic Technology Advancements Apply to Children

o you remember the tagline for the fruity breakfast cereal – “Silly Rabbit, Trix are for Kids!” That same slogan could apply to the Invisalign tooth-straightening system and children. While Invisalign was initially considered an adult application to correct crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, it’s a myth that Invisalign is only for adults. “Quite the opposite!” advised Michael Roberts, D.D.S., who brings 33 years of experience to 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics. “Invisalign is the preferred tool over old-school bonded braces. Every patient of mine is a candidate for Invisalign unless proven otherwise.”

Bonded braces were invented in the early 1900s and utilize limited technology to guide the teeth to where the orthodontist hopes they’ll land. Although Invisalign and brackets work with the same biomechanisms, they hold the teeth differently. Invisalign wraps around the teeth like a glove, he added.

With Invisalign, Dr. Roberts creates the final result digitally and reverse engineers back to the beginning. He makes a computer record of the teeth using a technically advanced iTero 5-D intraoral scanner, which takes a three-dimensional image of the mouth in detail to the 1/1000th of an inch.

Even more amazing, images upload to an onscreen simulation, so a patient can visualize exactly what their mouth structure looks like side by side with the suggested treatment plan. Dr. Roberts can even add a patient’s photo to the simulation to show a patient how their smile would look with straight teeth.

“It makes quite the impact!” Dr. Roberts said. “The iTero digital scanner is the single greatest advancement in my career. It has changed the landscape of dentistry and orthodontics completely.” Once the image is approved, Dr. Roberts will create a course of 20-25 custom fitted Invisalign trays to complete the treatment. Patients wear each aligner 24/7 for two weeks, removing only to eat, drink or clean.

“I can do things with Invisalign I could only imagine with conventional braces. Invisalign is the most

accurate tool we have for moving teeth,” Dr. Roberts said.

Another benefit for kids and teens, most coaches will accept the liners as mouthguards. Wearing braces while playing contact sports is dangerous, Dr. Roberts added. The first time you pick somebody’s lips out of their braces after they’ve been hit in the face with a basketball is not fun. This is no longer an issue with Invisalign. “I have people who do MMA and boxing with Invisalign,” he said.

Parents voice concerns about their kids not wearing them responsibly, but Dr. Roberts hasn’t found that to be a significant problem. “I have fewer compliance issues with kids than adults. It’s much more sophisticated, more accurate, more comfortable, and makes teeth easier to clean,” Dr. Roberts said.

Most Invisalign treatment takes only 12-18 months –half to two-thirds the time of conventional braces. It requires fewer office visits and less time to achieve the desired results – meaning less time away from school and work. Because 7to7 Dental is open 7 a.m. -7 p.m., services are provided when it’s most convenient for the patient and parents. Dr. Roberts has found Invisalign to be “very comparable in cost (to braces) depending on the complexity for the most part,” he said.

7to7 Dental has developed many ways to work with families to make orthodontia affordable, with new, in-house financing options coming soon. Dr. Roberts has taken extended Invisalign training and an advanced Fellowship Course, so you can be confident your child will receive a great Invisalign experience.

By Amy Morgan

ThisJHS Senior Student Possesses Musical Talent in Triplicate Tenor and Trumpet

Johnson High School senior student’s musical ability can best be described as talent in triplicate. Charles Serrano leads the JHS marching band as the Head Drum Major, was selected to sing tenor at the All-State choir two years in a row, and has played trumpet in Johnson’s top Jazz Band, varsity orchestra and wind ensemble for the past four years.

In fact, there’s not a musical avenue in which he has not performed with distinction.

Charles counts his most memorable JHS moment the time he conducted his final performance of the fall marching season at the Alamodome his junior year. “I was overwhelmed by the band in front of me,” he said. “I wanted to wipe away my tears so I could see the center drum major better, but I had to keep going.” He’s chosen one of the band teachers, Miss Julia Donnel, to be honored as his Summa because of her friendship and guidance.

Charles was already being considered for Drum Major when he followed the example of his father, older brother and sister and began playing trumpet at Tex Hill. The JHS band directors mentor middle school students and notice who’s standing out as a leader and a musician at an early age, he said.

While leading the band might have provided his most moving high school experience, being selected to the All-State choir also tops Charles’ list of achievements. All-State is an individual accomplishment and a very exclusive club, he added. Charles was one of two JHS singers tapped for this prestigious choir. Only five of his part, Tenor 2, from the entire San Antonio/Austin region are chosen to join the 500 vocalists from across the state. He noted it was an “awesome and very rewarding experience to get to sing alongside the very best in Texas.”

Charles honed the vocal talent for which he was chosen by singing in JHS’s mixed varsity choir, Cantare, for the past three years as well as the male varsity ensemble, Voci. Charles has also been a member of the region choir all four years of high school.

On the instrumental side, Charles normally uses a common B Flat trumpet, but recently he’s been playing a C trumpet, known for its orchestral sound, with the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA). When he joined YOSA his sophomore year he immediately qualified for the premier group. This May he’ll enhance the Tobin Center performance of the group’s approximately 90 “best of the best” high school musicians with his trumpet solo in the YOSA Philharmonic concert. Charles values this group because it affords him the opportunity to rehearse with highly talented peers.

While Charles enjoys all aspects of making music, he plans to continue performing vocally in college, noting he expects stiff competition as he’ll be singing with students who’ve made music their major and potential career choice. In contrast, Charles plans to study biomedical engineering, which will allow him to marry his interests in medicine and engineering and pursue a potential career as a physician like his father and grandfather before him. He’s waiting to hear from Johns Hopkins and Rice, but in the interim, his class rank of 21 and designation as a National Merit Finalist have guaranteed him acceptance to the University of Texas at Austin. Not a bad “fallback” school, and one where he looks forward to joining the legendary Longhorn marching band, swapping JHS Columbia Blue for burnt orange.

Senior Charles Serrano leads the Johnson High School marching band as Head Drum Major. He was also recently named to the TMEA 2024 6A All-State Choir.

By Amy Morgan

ThePractical Protection

Safeguard Your Vision with Glasses, Timely Treament

eclipse is coming April 8. San Antonio and the surrounding area will witness almost total darkness in the middle of the day for the first time since 1397! You’ll want to view this event, but don’t be fooled — despite its apparent disappearance, the sun is still not safe to look at with unprotected eyes.

Without proper eye protection you can suffer “eclipse blindness” – a serious injury in which the eye’s retina is damaged by solar radiation within seconds of staring at the sun, according to the American Optometric Association.

Regular sunglasses are not enough.

To allow locals the opportunity to safely view this once-in-their-lifetime celestial event, the Physicians Premier freestanding emergency rooms will offer free eclipse glasses starting April 1 at their locations on Potranco Road, Cibolo, Corpus Christi and in Bulverde, just west of Highway 281 on Highway 46 near the HEB Plus, while supplies last.

“Hopefully, we’ll protect a few eyeballs,” said Lonnie Schwirtlich, M.D., an emergency physician with 42 years of experience and founding partner of Physicians Premier.

Dr. Schwirtlich and his colleagues also treat many other eye ailments.

Often a patient comes in because their eye is irritated and red. If the drainage from the tear ducts is clear, it usually is due to an allergy and can be treated with over-the-counter eye drops, he said. If the eye is draining white or green pus, it has become infected and needs antibiotics.

Any type of eye infection should not be ignored, he said. He’s seen ulcers that eat all the way through the eyeball, causing a permanent loss of vision. Dr. Schwirtlich stressed a patient should NOT use steroid eye drops for that condition as it will block the body’s immune response and make the infection worse rather than better.

Another tell-tale sign that an individual should seek medical attention is when the eye becomes so sensitive to light it is painful to open. This can

happen if the retina has been burned by viewing light from direct sunlight or a welder’s flame. Dr. Schwirtlich will administer pain medication and patch the eye to allow it to heal.

Treatment is similar for one who is experiencing symptoms due to a foreign body in the eye. Dr. Schwirtlich’s seen gravel, dust, or metal perforate the eye’s surface and cause pain and aversion to light.

A chemical burn needs to be flushed with water to remove the toxin, then “Get in and get checked,” Dr. Schwirtlich said, as he can use specialized equipment to continue to irrigate the eye further.

Another type of eye problem might involve a blow to the area. A sudden strike can cause a temporary loss of vision. Any eye blow should be checked immediately to rule out retinal detachment or perforation. A hallmark symptom that the eye’s retina is detaching is a sudden onset of vision loss without pain. Dr. Schwirtlich said people describe it as a “curtain that comes over the eye.” It can be treated with laser surgery if caught quicky, but if someone waits too long, it is not repairable.

A blow also could cause blood to pool in the eye, disrupting the fluid equilibrium and leading to glaucoma. Glaucoma is characterized by eye pain that causes a headache. A person’s vision will gradually decrease down to a tunnel as the fluid pressure in the eye increases. The eyeball may be tinged with red and become painful, he added. Physicians will prescribe an eyedrop that allows the eye to drain, or they can open the ducts surgically.

Preserve your precious vision. Don’t ignore eye problems and wear eclipse glasses to watch this month’s momentous event.

Canine Coronations

How to Fiesta with Fido

By Camp Bow Wow Staff

Nothing says San Antonio more than our Fiesta traditions — pins, crowns, costumes and “Show Us Your Shoes!” Dog lovers and pet pals alike can kick off the season this year with their own version of Fiesta royalty, canine style. You can be part of the crowning of pups El Ray Fido and his royal court at 10 a.m., on April 20 at the dog park/restaurant Hops N Hounds. The beloved event plays on the name of Fiesta’s human fundraising king, El Rey Feo, and has been a Fiesta tradition since 2002.

The free festivity, this year held at the restaurant’s new location at 1123 Ave B., raises tens of thousands for the San Antonio Humane Society. The organization’s mission is to protect and improve the lives of dogs and cats by providing shelter, care, adoption, rescue, spay/neuter programs, and community education. For the past 70 years the no-kill shelter has been “connecting friends for life,” because “People and Pets are just better together.”

Do you and your pup have what it takes to win the title of El Rey Fido XXII? Pooch/parent pairs have been raising funds since early this spring to see who will earn the honor of the crown and bedazzled canine cape. In addition to the king, four runners-up join El Rey Fido’s Royal Court (Prince/Princess of the Food Bowl, Duke/ Duchess of the Chew Toy, Duke/Duchess of the Fire Hydrant, and Knight/Maiden of the Royal Court). Check out entrants like tiny tutu wearing Bou, fuzzy Molly “Porkchoppious,” Tootie la Reina Puggle, Nugget the Bark Master, among others, at sahumane.org.

While a handful of Fiesta events are billed as pet friendly, including the free health and wellness Fiesta FitFest held outdoors on UTSA’s East Parking lot April 12-14, another event was created just for dogs and supports an organization in which they are directly involved.

The Pooch Parade will celebrate its 25th year and benefits Therapy Animals of San Antonio. The event boasts its own royalty – King Anbarkio and King in Waiting, this year named Scout and Bacon, respectively. Held at the Alamo Heights Swimming Pool, the event kicks off with a costume contest at 8 a.m., April 27.

Humans and their pups jockey for the titles Best in Show, Most Creative, Best Fiesta Flair, Best Matched Human and Animal, Top Dog and Most Patriotic. Walk or ride a float in the 4K parade lined with dog-lovers that begins at 9:30 a.m. and winds through Alamo Heights’ tree-lined streets, with water stops and treat stations along the way.

You can enjoy food trucks, booths of dog-related products, and watch training and agility demonstrations. Find out more at www.therapyanimalssa.org.

Unfortunately, the pooch parade conflicts with another of Fiesta’s dog-friendly events, the King William Fair. If you and Fido like to stay cuddled in the covers during the morning hours, the King William runs until 6 p.m., so you won’t need as early a start.

The King William Fair goes out of its way to welcome canine companions. There’s a doggy fashion show, rescue agencies with pups available for adoption, and vendors of dog related products among the 200 booths selling handcrafted items. A first aid station just for pups will offer water and waste bags as well as a spot for Fido to rest should he become overtired or overheated. You might miss the morning festivities, but you can still enjoy live entertainment on five stages and more than 60 snack stations.

So, gear up in your most regal attire and enjoy the Fiesta fun. An added attraction, your participation can benefit less fortunate pups in the community.