By Amy Morgan
WSports Savvy
ith Northeast ISD schools starting August 17, athletes are returning to the field to prepare for their fall season. As you stock up on socks and cleats, don’t forget an essential piece of equipment – a mouthguard.
Mouthguards reduce the risk of injury from an accidental fall or hit to the face by spreading the force of a blow over a larger area and absorbing some of the shock. Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer an injury to the mouth when they are not wearing a mouthguard, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Well-made mouthguards may also reduce the rate and severity of concussions, the organization reports, which considers custom-made mouthguards the most protective option.
Many teens either currently wear braces or have recently completed orthodontia. Protect your investment! A hit to the mouth can chip, break or even take out a tooth and cause bone damage – undoing years of treatment in an instant, said Sarah Martinez, office manager at the 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics location on TPC Parkway. She has seen many emergencies in her 11 years with the practice. When a ball or other piece of sports equipment hits the face, teeth can be broken or pushed in. Not only is this painful – because teeth are surrounded by sensitive nerves – permanent teeth do not grow back. Fixing or replacing broken teeth can be expensive and require multiple procedures. Your athlete also could break the bones of their jaw. Another risk of tooth injury is displacement. If tooth alignment is compromised, the treatment is surgery.
“Custom mouthguards fit better and are less likely to fall out,” Sarah emphasized. Dental professionals will use a patient’s unique mouth impressions to craft a mouthguard from thermoplastic material that is much more durable than the generic plastic found in store-bought mouthguards. In contrast, you basically "boil & bite" the others, which can leave room for error. Once your athlete has received a mouthguard, which can be made in Rattler green or Jaguar blue to match uniform colors, make sure they clean it regularly to keep it from growing bacteria.
Playing contact sports can be especially dangerous for young athletes in braces. Braces-wearers can suffer sports injury trauma because off-theshelf, moldable mouthguards are unable to cover braces and sometimes break them off. As you plan for your teen’s orthodontia needs, keep in mind that Invisalign liners can serve double duty as a mouthguard, protecting a school-aged athlete’s smile while straightening teeth.
7to7 Dental & Orthodontics has positioned two of its 12 offices in the North San Antonio corridor to serve the needs of the many families living in or moving to the fast-growing area. It’s just a quick trip to the office at 20122 Stone Oak Parkway or the location across from the J.W. Marriott, allowing your family to fit a dental visit into a busy schedule. TPC Managing Dentist Rebeca Garcia, D.D.S. has been with 7to7 Dental for five years. Dr. Garcia graduated from UT Health San Antonio’s Dental School in 2019, after which she completed at two-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency.
Book an appointment today for a custom mouthguard or consider the protective benefits of Invisalign. The practice is open from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. -5 p.m., weekends. 7to7 Dental offers a one stop shop for dentistry for the whole family and emergencies. Insured patients pay nothing out of pocket for Brighter Whiter cleanings and exams for adults and children or second opinion evaluations.
Prevent Oral Trauma with a Custom Mouth Guard
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.
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.
Garden Run Club – Saturdays through August, 7-8 a.m. Enjoy the morning while running through the Garden’s beautiful 39 acres on a marked one-mile route. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place 78209; www.sabot.org
TheVery Hungry Caterpillar at the Majik Theater – through Sunday, August 2, times vary. The critically acclaimed production is back, with 75 puppets telling four of the author/illustrator’s beloved stories. The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; www.magiktheatre.org
“Theatre is Magik” summer camps at the Magik Theatre – Several sessions, dates vary through Friday, Aug. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Campers first through 12th grade learn acting, dance, voice, and tech theatre techniques, ending with a musical theatre-style sharing on the stage. The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; www.magiktheatre.org
Pearl Putt – daily through August, 10 a.m.- 11 p.m. New 18-hole mini golf course at the Pearl inspired by San Antonio’s most iconic landmarks. 1100 Springs Plaza 78215; www.atpearl.com
Mornings with Misty – Tuesday, Aug. 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Enjoy coffee and conversation with D9 City Councilmember Misty Spears. Hidden Forest HOA, 831 Sherman Oak 78232; www.eventbrite.com/e/mornings-with-misty-hidden-forest-hoa-tickets.
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Wednesday, Aug. 5, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Milano Italian Grill, 19239 Stone Oak Parkway 78258; www.spn-sa.org.
Remember the Alamo … Beer! – Saturday, Aug. 8, 13.1, 10k, 5K or relay. Staggered starts 6:30 – 7:55 a.m. Start training for San Antonio’s marathon season. Tuscany Venue, 16102 Old Fredericksburg Road 78257; www.scallywompus.com
SASCA Autocross Event – Saturday, Aug. 8, 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.
NEISD first day of school – Monday, Aug. 17
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Friday, Aug.14, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. D.J.’s Bar and Grill, 1806 N. Loop 1604 W. 78232; www.spn-sa.org
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus – Friday, Aug. 14-Sunday, Aug. 16, times vary. The Greatest Show on Earth comes to San Antonio. Alamodome, 100 Montana St. 78203; www.alamodome.com/events
Culinaria’s Rambling Rosé – Saturday, Aug. 15, 12-4 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.
Jimmy Failla: Escape from NewYork Tour – Saturday, Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m. Comedian and nationally syndicated radio talk host, named Outstanding Male Comedian of the year at the 2014 New York City Nightlife Awards. Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com/events.
Meet the Jags – Wednesday, Aug. 19, 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. Preordered 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
Rattler Round-Up – Friday, Aug. 21, 7-10 p.m. Reagan High School’s fall sports/spirit kickoff open to the community will showcase the Reagan band, dance and cheer teams, introduce coaches and athletes at the football practice field. Preorder a $15 dinner served in the cafeteria from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. www.reaganspirit.com.
Doggy Daycare
5 Signs Your Dog Could Benefit from Camp
By Camp Bow Wow Staff
Every dog is unique. You don’t have to look far to see the difference between a Chihuahua and a Great Dane. No matter how big or small, old or young, one thing Fido and Fifi have in common is the desire for activity, engagement and companionship. If you work long hours or are away from home often with children’s activities, your pup may not be getting the exercise or attention he needs. Even an older dog or couch potato still needs interaction. If your pup does not receive enough physical exercise or mental stimulation, he’ll often find his own way to stay busy – much to his human parent’s dismay! It is important to find a way to channel Fido’s enthusiasm in positive ways.
Five signs that your pup may benefit from regular daycare visits:
1. Excessive chewing or destructive behavior
If your dog is chewing chair legs, digging up plants or demolishing the remote control left tantalizing close to the edge of the coffee table – boredom may be the culprit. Your pup needs healthy outlets for his energy. Camp Bow Wow provides opportunities for play, exploration and supervised interaction throughout the day.
2. Constant barking
Dogs bark for many reasons, but excessive barking can sometimes be a sign of loneliness or pent-up energy. Your pup may be less vocal if he can work off his wiggles with other canine companions under the watchful supervision of caring staff members.
3. Too much energy at home
Does Fido seem restless even after a walk? Some pups need more activity and enrichment than a daily walk can provide – and especially for young dogs or high-energy herding or working breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Jack Russell Terriers or Belgian Malinois. These quick learners are alert, curious and do best when they have a job. Camp Bow Wow offers a variety of activities like nose work, puzzle toys, mental channels and playscapes to help dogs stay active and engaged.
4. Difficulty being left alone
School starts this month. Class, work and extracurriculars may leave Fido alone more than during the summer when the family is at home to play. Many pups struggle when family routines change. If your furry family member seems anxious or unhappy when left home alone, regular Camp Bow Wow visits can provide daytime companionship.
5. Limited social interaction
Dogs are social animals. Positive interactions with people and other dogs can help build confidence and improve social skills. Many canines enjoy the opportunity to sniff and run with a pack. Whether your dog is young or mature, safe social experiences can contribute to overall wellbeing.
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, your furry family member may be telling you he needs a little more activity and engagement in his day. Doggy Daycare is about much more than playtime. It provides exercise, mental stimulation, social interaction, and a structured environment where dogs can thrive. Many pup parents notice improvements in their dog's behavior, confidence, and happiness after regular Camp visits.
A doggy daycare visit could be just the ticket to keep him happy, healthy and fulfilled.
5 FULL DAYS OF CAMP, 1 BATH AND 1 ENRICHMENT FOR only $156! * enhanced first day special!
*LEGAL: Offer valid only at below locations. Camper must pass interview and meet entrance requirements. New customers only. Other restrictions apply.
By Amy Morgan
By Amy Morgan
HRacquet Rally
The Club At Sonterra Members Enjoy Tennis and Pickleball Leagues, Ladders & Lessons
ave you heard the news? Racquet sports are good for your health! A study recently rated tennis as the top activity to extend longevity – by 10 years! And research suggests pickleball may improve symptoms of Parkinson's. Both tennis and pickleball promote social connections –another boost to mental health and overall wellness.
But where to play? The Club At Sonterra is a hidden racquet sports gem located in the heart of Stone Oak. Rated the only Premiere Private Club in the state of Texas by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), it boasts 21 hard courts, two clay courts and eight outdoor pickleball courts.
Whether a ranked competitor, a social enthusiast or just someone wanting to pick up either sport, The Club At Sonterra offers a place for every member of the family. Tennis starts for littles as young as four, with a thriving and competitive junior program. Players find private and group lessons, clinics, inhouse and USTA competitive teams. The Club fields more than 100 USTA teams every year that are 100% member driven – which speaks to the number of people making good use of the courts. Signs proudly listing the names of team champion winners decorate the fences around the racquet sports area.
Jenny Gray has been the Director of Tennis at The Club At Sonterra for the past six years. In 2020, Jenny was recognized as the Alex Gordon Professional of the Year by the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) and, at the time, only the second female to be so honored. She believes her work organizing a Rally for the Ribbon tennis/pickleball tournament, which benefits the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation, may have tipped the hat in her favor. This year’s tournament on Oct. 23 will be the 22nd she’s organized, inspired by the loss of her mother to the disease.
Jenny commended the longevity of The Club At Sonterra’s pros and staff. Jenny’s predecessor, Michelle Dodier, retired after more than 20 years. Several of the Club’s nine RSPA-certified pros have been teaching for decades.
She also cited the number of intergenerational memberships, noting those who grew up at The Club have returned with their own families. “The program is something the community members built, and that’s something to be proud of,” she said.
The tennis program offers one of the few places non-members are able to experience The Club At Sonterra, as many interleague tournament competitions are held there. Pro-shop manager Christy Godwin has been told her selection of tennis
and pickleball merchandise, including Lululemon and Lucky in Love, is the best on the circuit.
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. When she started The Club At Sonterra’s program, Jenny thought it would appeal to tennis players. Instead, she’s seen golfers and their spouses coming over and using a side of the club they weren’t accessing before. “Pickleball isn’t the world’s easiest sport, but you can get the ball over the net and start playing quickly,” Jenny said. “It can include more people and expands the opportunities to play.” The Club At Sonterra hosts an in-house co-ed league, a singles ladder, open play, mixers and events. Many players stay after their match for lunch or happy hour at the Break Point Bar & Grill. There’s everything from healthy Acai bowls, smoothies and protein shakes to handcrafted pizza, as well as refreshing frozen margaritas and Frosé.
Once a player joins The club, Head Tennis Pro Mike Thatcher will determine where they might fit with a group. Newbies will be steered toward a beginner’s class; those who played college tennis will be introduced to players at that high level. “Our job is to get people connected right off the bat, so they feel like they are home,” Jenny said.
Ready to pick up a racquet? Contact Debbie Gonzaba at 210483-4292 to schedule a personalized tour to see whether membership might be a good fit for your family. There’s a place for you at The Club At Sonterra.
For
Beyond the beautiful golf courses, you'll find:
• Championship golf
• Active tennis and pickleball communities
• Fitness and wellness programs
• Resort-style pool
• Exceptional dining
• Family events and social activities
•
Whether
Connect with the Debbie Gonzaba, Director of Sales, for a personal tour and conversation about whether the Club is right for you. Call 210-483-4292 or email dgonzaba@clubatsonterra.com
By Amy Morgan
TSoftball Sensation
Johnson Senior, Family Pillars of Encino Park
his month’s student spotlight not only represents personal accomplishment but also testifies to the value of community and family. Emily Kaman is the youngest of four children to graduate from Johnson High School. Her family has been a pillar of the Encino Park community since before she was born. Her mother, Michelle, teaches special education at Encino Park Elementary. Her father, Tony, has been a volunteer coach for McAllister Park Little League for decades. The Kamans have served on the Johnson High School Athletic Booster Association (JPA) for 10 years, as Emily followed brothers Jonas and Sam and sister Catherine through Johnson’s sports, academic and extracurricular programs.
Not surprising for one who cut her teeth watching her older siblings’ games and meets, Emily has excelled in sports. She accepted a D2 scholarship to play softball at Biola University in Los Angeles and joined the lady Eagles at the start of the school year. Despite it being an 18-hour drive from San Antonio, the campus “felt like home” to Emily. She visited multiple times during her years playing softball with California-based Corona Angels. Her coach Lorie Coleman attended and coached at Biola, and she’ll join select teammate Izzy Coleman who preceded her.
Biola was rated “One of the Best Colleges for Student Experience” by the Wall Street Journal. Emily will study Kinesiology to prepare for a future career as a physical therapist or physician’s assistant. She appreciates that the small Christian college offers daily chapel. Emily and her family have been actively involved at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, where she has served on teen ACTS retreats, volunteered at VBS and prepared the altar.
Emily started playing ball at McAllister Park, joining her brother’s T-ball and Coach Pitch baseball teams before she was quite old enough to qualify. Her father convinced the head coach to give her a try, and she quickly proved she was ready for the team. At nine she was selected as an alternate for the 10-year-old All Stars, before switching to softball the next year.
Emily began playing with the Corona Angels team even before starting sixth grade at Tejeda Middle School. Emily credits her teammates and coaches as
fostering her love of the sport. “They’ve been around for half of my childhood,” she said. She also appreciates her family’s dedication to her tournament travel schedule.
Surprisingly, Emily’s favorite memory from Johnson involves basketball, not softball, although the team’s District Championship her junior year was a highlight. “Coach D (Desmarais) and Coach Harris were flexible with me and let me work around my schedule to pursue my dream of a college scholarship,” she said. “They came out to my softball games and supported me on and off the field. It meant a lot to me.”
In addition to sports, Emily was inducted into National Honor Society and served as a PAL. She enjoyed mentoring her middle and elementary school PALees as well as the Special Olympics track meet. She remembers her student started out shy but got excited for the 25-meter run. “He was so happy and happy to see his twin brother win, too!”
In the summer, Emily lifeguards at the Encino Park community pool. She fondly remembers running around at swim team meets and biking to the pool when her older siblings were the lifeguards. “That was the life,” she said, recognizing the role her “village” has contributed to her success.
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