By Amy Morgan
WSuperior Service
From PAL to President, Reagan Senior Unites Student Body
ell-rounded. The term might be a cliché, but it accurately describes Ronald Reagan High School senior Sebastian Rangel. President of the school’s student council, Sebastian also is a varsity wrestler who qualified for state competition his junior year following a regionals showing as a sophomore. And those are just the first of Sebastian’s many accomplishments. He’s part of the National Honor Society and has been chosen as a Reagan PAL (trusted leaders who assist with ALE and mentor younger students in the district.) When Reagan introduced water polo as a new sport last year, Sebastian joined the team, despite not knowing proper swimming strokes or how to tread water!
“It was tough, but so much better than I expected,” Sebastian said. He stepped in as goalie the second half of the bi-district game and blocked eight attempts. “I killed it!” he said. “I went from being the guy who could barely swim to the goalie saving the day.”
Practice is at 7 a.m. at the Josh Davis Natatorium at the Blossom Athletic Center – far from his Stone Oak Home. Travel alone is a significant time commitment. Whether he’s treading water, wrestling or planning a PAL Special Olympics event, Sebastian’s dedication shines throughout his endeavors.
Sebastian looks forward to using his student council position to unite Reagan’s student body. He’s hoping to elevate Homecoming this year. “I want to bring back the hype,” he said, taking inspiration from Saturday Night Fever and the Bee Gees for the fall dance’s disco theme.
Sebastian also developed a Fiesta event for Reagan’s ALE students. Stu-Co officers helped their ALE friends color and decorate shoeboxes with stickers, feathers, and beads to create Fiesta floats that they paraded through the school halls.
“They had the brightest smiles on their faces. It was so heartwarming,” he said.
Volunteering is important to Sebastian. He sorted 35,000 pounds of donations at the SA Food bank and loaded food boxes into the cars of 200 families. He enjoys Reagan’s toy drive benefitting students at Dellview Elementary. The highlight of his day is dressing up in a Santa hat and delivering a special present to each child, he noted.
He also delivers Meals on Wheels during the holidays and participates in Lenten fish fries with the Knights of Columbus chapter at his parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He’s proud of the baseball hat he’s earned for his service there.
Sebastian credits his parents and grandparents with instilling his philanthropic spirit. “I want to give back to the community, knowing I will inspire others to find a way to make somebody else happy,” he said.
His favorite class has been freshman Biology with Ms. Jones, as he enjoys all things related to science. Sebastian plans to attend St. Mary’s University next fall and major in psychology, after which he’ll follow brother Antonio (RHS 2018) into the Department of Public Safety Academy with a career goal of becoming a Texas Ranger. The world will be a safer place when this stellar student earns his badge.
By Amy Morgan
GMedical Mission
7to7 Dental Orthodontist Provides Much Needed Care in the Dominican Republic
iving back is in the DNA of 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics. Not only has the practice devoted its 34 doctors and 250 staff members to provide an entire day of no-cost dental care to hundreds of patients for the past 12 years, Co-Owners Tiffany Winburn, D.M.D., and Justin Coke actively encourage doctors and staff in their philanthropic efforts. “We love what we do and love helping people,” Justin said.
Recently 7to7 Dental’s chief orthodontist, Michael Roberts, D.D.S., took a week to lead a team of 40 medical and dental colleagues and students, as they provided much needed health care to 450 individuals in the Dominican Republic. The mission trip is organized by the Christian Medical and Dental Association, where none other than Dr. Roberts’ wife, Mitzi, serves as the organization’s Area Director.
Once they arrive in the remote area, the team sets up medical and dental rooms in a host church or school where they treat each patient’s most pressing concern. The dental room includes eight chairs – two for cleanings, three for extractions and three for fillings. What’s so amazing is that the team packs in all the equipment and supplies – including reusable, portable dental chairs made of corrugated plastic that, when assembled, are strong enough to hold up to a 400-lb person! The suction machine, low-speed hand drill and other equipment all fit in what look like carry-on suitcases. The CMDA group even brings a portable X-ray machine that Mitzi described as looking like a gun from a science fiction movie.
“All we need is a power source, and we are good to go!” she said. If something overheats or malfunctions, Dr. Roberts steps up to fix it. He also works behind the scenes to solicit donations of equipment and supplies.
“Every dollar that comes into the ministry is a sacred dollar, and we feel very responsible to be a good steward of it,” Mitzi said.
"Serving is not synonymous with easy,” Dr. Roberts said. “It can be hard and messy, with needs that far exceed the limited resources that we have. But God has given me so much more than I deserve, so how can I not serve others in this way. Healthcare is the universal currency. It has value in every country and every culture."
While Dr. Roberts physically performs procedures and
oversees students, his strength is in oversight. He realized early on that ministry people are not very efficient at organizing dental instruments. He said, “let me own that.” “He’s supporting me and the Lord in the way he serves,” Mitzi said.
“It does not matter that we are using portable equipment on plastic chairs. He holds himself and others to the exact same meticulous standards as if we were in a fixed facility clinic,” Mitzi said. “There are no corners cut. The quality of care is as high as it would be at a 7to7 Clinic.”
Dr. Roberts’ other superpower is making patients feel comfortable. It’s the first dental visit for most of the children, and the Dominican diet heavily reliant on fruit and sugary juice can cause significant tooth damage. He rewards good chair behavior with stickers and balloon animals – Dr. Roberts is quite adept at making balloon swords, fitting as he served for decades in the U.S. Army.
No-cost health care is scarce in the underserved areas they visit. Mitzi recounts how an elderly couple showed their appreciation after their treatments with a gift of a live chicken! “That was really showing a piece of their hearts,” she said.
Dr. Roberts is not the only 7to7 Dental employee who has gone on the Dominican trip. He took his dental assistant two years in a row and a dentist colleague from the Cibolo office also has been part of the group.
“I appreciate that 7to7 Dental supports him and allows him to recruit other staff members,” Mitzi added. “It really reflects well on the company. He does it out of the joy of it.”
Community Calendar
Presented
by Frost
Activities at the Walker Ranch Senior Center – Monday - Friday, 7 a.m.-4 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
Tejas Rodeo – Saturdays, March through November, 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Enjoy live rodeo action: bronco riding, team roping, barrel racing, mutton bustin’ and calf scramble. Live music at 9 p.m. Tejas Rodeo Company, 401 Obst Road 78163; www.tejasrodeo.com.
Nights at the Botanical Gardens – Select Wednesdays through September, 6-9 p.m. Enjoy extended hours, savor delicious food and beverages, explore a vibrant vendor market, and hear captivating live entertainment, all amidst the mesmerizing beauty of the Garden during the summer season. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place 78209; www.sabot.org/gardennights
Mays YMCA Fall Sports Leagues – Registration ongoing through August. Leagues for kids 3-14 begin in September. Soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, softball, multi-sport introduction. Mays Family YMCA of Stone Oak, 21654 Blanco Road 78258; www.ymcasatx.org/programs/sports/youth-sports
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Friday, Aug. 1, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. El Jaro de Arturo, 13421 San Pedro Ave. 78216; www.spn-sa.org
Remember the Alamo …. Beer – Saturday, Aug. 2, 13.1, 10k, 5k, 3-person relay. Staggered starts begin at 6:30 a.m. The first in a series of milestone training runs. Tuscany Venue, 15102 Old Fredericksburg Road 78257; www.scallywompus.com.
Counting Crows, The Complete Sweets! Tour – Saturday, Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m. The GRAMMY and Academy Award nominated rock band has enchanted listeners for two decades with their timeless rock& roll. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com/events.
Greater Tuna – Thursday, Aug. 7 – Sunday, Aug. 17, dates and times vary. A hilarious and satirical comedy that takes a witty look at life in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas. Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; www.tobincenter.org
SASCA Autocross Event – Saturday, Aug. 9, 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Participants compete to drive through a mini road course made of cones sponsored by the San Antonio Sports Car Association. River City Community Church parking lot, 16765 Lookout Road 78154; www.sasca.org
Culinaria’s Rambling Rosé – Saturday, Aug. 9, 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. Annual tribute to the summer wine features six rosé tastings with paired bites. Becker Vineyards, 464 Becker Farms Road, Fredericksburg 78624; www.culinariasa.org.
Lisa Lisa 40thAnniversaryTakeYou Home Tour – Saturday, Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m. Celebrate 40 years of music from the 1980s and 90s with legendary Lisa Lisa and special guests. Frost Bank Center, 1 Frost Bank Center Drive 78219; www.frostbankcenter.com
NEISD First Day of School – Monday, August 11
Salsa Night! With Jose Amador and NATIAO Latin Jazz –Wednesday, Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m. The dance floor is open for the venue’s popular Salsa night. Jazz TX, 313 Pearl Parkway 78215; info@jazztx.com
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Friday, Aug. 15, 4 - 6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Stonewerks, 999 Basse Road 78209; www.spn-sa.org.
Concerts at Stable Hall – Wednesday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m. Experience the modern masters of American Folk Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.stablehall.com.
Meet the Jags – Wednesday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m. Johnson High School’s fall sports/spirit kickoff open to the community will showcase the JHS band, dance and cheer teams, introduce coaches and athletes. Pre-ordered dinner at 5:30, pep rally 7 p.m. Food trucks and spirit gear available. Comalander Stadium, 12002 Jones Maltsberger Road 78216; JaguarSpiritClub@gmail.com
Summer Night Markets at the Pearl – Wednesday, Aug. 20, 5-8 p.m. Summer Market features child entrepreneurs age 5 to 17, 303 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.atpearl.com
Ozark Mountain Daredevils with Pure Prairie League –Sunday, Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m. Quintessential America rock band renowned for their fusion of country, rock and folk remain a cherished chapter in the story of American rock. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, HEB Performance Hall, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; www.tobincenter.org
Big Changes Coming to Stone Oak Parkway
By Amy Morgan
Ifyou’ve driven near the busy intersection of Stone Oak Parkway and Canyon Golf Road recently, you’ve probably seen major construction under way. The formerly undeveloped corner is being transformed into Stone Oak Mercantile — an exciting new shopping, dining, and service destination set to open in fall 2026 in Stone Oak, San Antonio.
Fulcrum Development Expands in Stone Oak
Fulcrum Development, a well-known name in San Antonio commercial real estate, is leading the project. With over more than 35 years of experience, Fulcrum is responsible for several iconic Stone Oak properties including Ventura Plaza and Stone Oak Plaza. The 57,673-square-foot mixed-use retail center in Stone Oak will feature a two-story central promenade, a variety of boutique retail and service shops, and three stand-alone pad sites. Site work includes grading, utility infrastructure, and drainage installation. The project is expected to be tenant-ready in late 2026.
Crust Pizza Co. Coming to Stone Oak
One of the biggest announcements is the arrival of Crust Pizza Co., which will open its first San Antonio location at Stone Oak Mercantile. Crust Pizza Co. is known for made-from-scratch 10” and 14” pizzas, including cauliflower and zucchini crust options. Their menu features fresh salads, wings, flatbreads, pasta, kids' meals, and daily lunch specials. The franchise was founded in 2011 in The Woodlands, Texas, by Clint Price and Mark Rasberry. It has since expanded rapidly across Texas and Louisiana
with over more than 30 locations. If you're looking for the best pizza in Stone Oak, Crust Pizza Co. aims to be a top contender, offering dine-in, takeout, and possibly craft beer and wine in a relaxed, familyfriendly setting.
Black Rock Coffee Adds to Stone Oak's Coffee Scene
Also joining the development is Black Rock Coffee Bar, a growing national coffee chain with a strong presence in Arizona, Oregon, and Texas. Their Stone Oak location will feature a drive-thru, providing a convenient alternative to the Starbucks across the street. Black Rock Coffee is known for bold, creative drink flavors like grapefruit, kiwi, and lavender. Their menu includes sugar-free syrups, “Fuel” frozen organic energy drinks, nitro cold brew, matcha lattes, and “Fizz” sparkling sodas. The brand has earned a loyal following thanks to its energetic atmosphere and friendly baristas. Black Rock opened its first San Antonio coffee shop in 2022 and continues to expand into high-growth communities like Stone Oak.
What Stone Oak Mercantile Means for the Community
With Crust Pizza Co., Black Rock Coffee, and additional retail and service providers on the way, Stone Oak Mercantile will bring much-needed dining and shopping options to one of the most traveled intersections in North San Antonio. If you're searching for new restaurants in Stone Oak or upcoming retail centers in North San Antonio, keep your eye on the progress at Stone Oak Mercantile.
Stone Oak Mercantile to Bring Crust Pizza Co., Black Rock Coffee, and New Retail to North San Antonio
Flash Flooding
Be Prepared to Save Yourself and Your Pup
By Camp Bow Wow Staff
Weall watched with grief over the July 4th holiday weekend as people and property were swept away by flash flooding in the Hill Country. Tragedies like this prompt us to learn what we can do to protect our loved ones and furry family members.
One way you can prepare today is to make sure your dog’s microchip number is up to date. The information the company has on file is what they’ll use to reunite you with your precious pup should you be separated. The chip won’t help if you’ve moved or changed your phone number or email. You also should list a backup contact in case an entire region is affected or has lost power.
Make sure Fido’s vaccinations are up to date and you have access to his veterinarian, microchip number and shot records before trouble happens. If you need to take your pup to an emergency shelter, most require proof before they accept a guest. You can take a picture and store the information on your phone, so you’ll always have it on hand. The same applies to your microchip information. Many vets keep digital records, so download your vet’s app and know your current password so you can access updates from any location.
If the worst happens, and you are affected by unexpected water, use the resources available to you to get your family members and pets to safety. News4SA reported on Monday, July 7, how Diana Smith was able to save herself and her two shepherd-mix pups by getting on a kayak with them. Had she instead chosen to try to run to her car, they might not have survived.
Never drive through a flooded street. Only a foot of water can sweep a vehicle – even a large SUV – off the road, and six inches of moving water can potentially knock a person off their feet, according to FEMA. Floodwater depth is not always obvious and can be tremendously dangerous. Once a vehicle becomes buoyant, the water will begin to push it sideways, which often causes it to roll and trap
those inside as it washes downstream. If you find yourself caught by rushing water in a car, take these steps to free yourself and loved ones with you.
Unbuckle your seatbelt. Don’t try to open the door. Don’t roll down the windows unless the water level is obviously below their opening and you can exit that way. If so, roll them down quickly before the car’s electrical system shorts.
If the water is above the window level, remove your headrest and use the metal tips to smash the rear windshield, allowing all inside to escape from the vehicle. Rear windows are designed to kick out. Also, the rear of most vehicles will float the longest. The back window will be your fastest, safest way out.
Before water rises, take flood warnings seriously. It’s wise to have emergency supplies for you and your pup readily accessible in case you suddenly need to evacuate. Include food (yours and Fido’s) for a few days, water and medicines. You’ll want first aid, a backup leash, collar, ID tag, and extra towels in case anyone gets wet or dirty. You can also place an air tag on your pup’s collar so you’ll be able to track his location with your phone in real time should you get separated.
It's almost impossible to predict when disaster might strike, but by updating the things you can before a problem occurs and keeping yourself alert and educated, you’ll give yourself the best chance you and your family members, furry and human, survive the situation.
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Visions of Sugarplums Come True: Sailing Europe’s Festive Rivers
By Dionne Roberts
Christmas Markets always held a sort of ethereal appeal for me—like snow globes come to life. I’d seen the photos, heard the carols, imagined the scent of roasting chestnuts drifting through lantern-lit town squares. But they never seemed quite real… until I experienced them myself.
It turned out that the twinkling lights, cinnamonscented air, and centuries-old holiday traditions (not to mention the food!) were even more magical than I’d dreamed. Even better, I didn’t have to brave icy train platforms or unpack at a new hotel every night. Instead, we floated from one storybook setting to the next, glühwein in hand, and the soft sounds of carols echoing through the ship.
Here are just three of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets, made even more magical when reached by river:
• Vienna, Austria doesn’t just do Christmas—it curates it. The Christkindlmarkt in front of City Hall is the city’s glittering centerpiece, framed by Gothic spires and the sound of choir music. Elegant stalls offer hand-blown glass, embroidered linens, roasted chestnuts, and every imaginable variety of holiday confection.
• The Nürnberger (Germany) Christkindlesmarkt is as traditional as they come. Each year, the Christkind—a young woman dressed as an angel—opens the festivities from the balcony of the Church of Our Lady. Beneath her, nearly 200 stalls fill the square with the scent of grilled sausages, spiced lebkuchen (gingerbread), and glühwein. The market dates back to the 16th century, and you can feel it in every detail.
• Strasbourg, France proudly calls itself the Capital of Christmas, and once you arrive, it’s easy to see why. With its half-timbered houses, canal-lined old town, and a towering tree in the city center, Strasbourg feels like a fairytale. The main market at Place Broglie, established in 1570, boasts over 300 stalls offering Alsatian crafts, kugelhopf pastries, and that unmistakable scent of orange and spice.
For those seeking an effortless way to embrace the season, Europe makes it simple, one magical market at a time.
Dionne Roberts, MCC, VTA Foster Perry Travel 888-878-5863 (888-TRVLTME) www.fosterperrytravel.com
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