Valuable Volunteer
JHS Student Earns Top Service Honors
By Amy Morgan
Johnson High School senior Madison Kirschbaum has been named JHS Student Volunteer of the Year – an honor that also qualifies her for consideration for the NEISD designation. Participants include “high school students who have contributed to the community through volunteer activities and/or community service,” according to the district.
Madison chooses to volunteer because it “allows me to channel my energy and motivation into something beneficial for my community and myself,” she wrote on her application, adding, “I never expected it to fill me with such gratitude or hope for the people I serve.”
She had already accumulated 318 volunteer hours by the end of March, a number she considered “not as much as she hoped.” Madison’s been head stage manager for the JHS Theatre Program and has led orientations and ceremonies as JROTC Battalion Adjutant directing the school’s 114 cadets. Outside of school-related activities, Madison’s served on the San Antonio Rodeo BBQ Committee for years, as well as volunteering for free monthly ophthalmology clinics with I Care San Antonio, a non-profit organization providing complete eye care to those in need.
She counts helping at the eye clinics among the most rewarding experiences. Recently one of the physicians took time to teach Madison how to rinse out a patient’s eyes. “I’ve been certified twice in first aid –you’d think I’d would have known,” Madsion said. “I enjoyed learning and was glad I could be helpful. I could see the impact right in front of me.”
Madison’s also part of the JHS National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and Key Clubs. And that does not include the time she spent preparing for the Raider team events that have taken her across the nation. JHS’s females placed third overall at the national competition held in the mountains around Fort Knox, Kentucky. Madison’s proud her team earned a first-place finish in the grueling obstacle course. The group had to carry each other over 10-foot walls, move canoes and run - feats made more difficult by high altitude. She also competes academically with the JROTC Jlab team, which solves difficult SAT-type questions under a time constraint as
a group, an experience that has taught her a lot about studying methods and leadership, she said.
Her experiences have motivated her to serve her country. She’ll attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, Florida, a program she chose because of the strength of its ROTC program. She’s accepted a full ROTC scholarship from the U.S. Navy and hopes to earn an officer’s commission upon graduation. Madison is interested in science and intelligence and looks forward to developing her affinity for language learning. She found it easy to attain Japanese when she took the class at JHS and hopes to learn more.
One of her favorite Johnson High School memories involves her last theatre production, Cinderella. She was able to give a final goodbye speech as head manager and recognize each individual director with a personalized gift she made herself. Madison bequeathed a very special present to her mini-managers – a small stuffed llama affectionately named Shawn that she’s hidden in the set of every show since she became senior manager. In Cinderella, Shawn found a place in the moving wagon of royalty. When the Queen grabbed a prop, “there was Shawn in all his white fluffiness,” Madison said with delight. He even had his own head shot in the play bill.
Heat and Humidity
Take Precautions to Keep Fido’s Summer Frolics Fun
By Camp Bow Wow Staff
Thisyear it seems like San Antonio jumped straight into summer. Hot temperatures and high humidity combine to make all members of the family – human and canine alike –uncomfortable. While beads of perspiration rolling down your body might make you feel grubby, you have an advantage over Fido – dogs aren’t able to sweat. This means they are even more susceptible to overheating than their pup parents. Some breeds, especially those with squished noses like bulldogs and Shih Tzus, are especially affected by heat.
Common Signs of Heat Stroke
• Panting heavily
• Dry or bright red gums
• Pale gums, which signify dehydration
• Thicker than normal drool
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of balance
If your pup shows any of these signs, move him to shade, cool his body by placing him on a moist towel and offer ice cubes to lick. Contact your veterinarian quickly and take your pup to the office right away to rule out serious injury.
It goes without saying, NEVER leave your dog in a car unattended – even for a few minutes. Temperatures reach unhealthy levels more quickly than you would imagine.
Plan walks or outdoor playtime for early morning or later at night when the temperature cools off. Asphalt, metal and cement can burn sensitive paw pads, so make sure your pup has a route to travel on grass or in the shade. You can also explore stickon grippers to protect his feet.
If you are planning a trip to a park or outdoor event you could bring along a personal fan, cooling vest, or mat.
Make sure your furry family member has access to plenty of cool, fresh water, especially if he is
outside or has been exercising. You can keep water refreshing by adding ice cubes or by floating frozen water bottles in your pup’s bowl. Pro tip: a metal bowl placed in the shade will stay cooler than plastic. When you make ice, you can also freeze broth or peanut butter to make a dogpleasing “pupsicle.”
Some breeds enjoy a dip in a shallow pool or cooling off with a hose shower – others do not. You’ll know whether your furry family member considers water a treat or a trial. Some might prefer sprawling on cool tile or concrete or resting on a damp towel in the shade. You might even find Fido has chosen to dig a hole in the dirt where the soil retains a chill. And who doesn’t enjoy the breeze from a ceiling fan.
Dogs also can become sunburned, especially if they have short or light-colored hair or visible pink skin. If you plan to take Fido out on a sun-filled excursion, and especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., apply dog-friendly sunblock before you go.
AVOID Zinc oxide, a common human sunscreen ingredient. It’s toxic to dogs and can cause severe illness or death.
Precautions are always a good idea. If you feel hot, your pup probably does, too. Keep an eye on the temperature and provide options so Fido’s frolics stay fun and safe.
By Amy Morgan
WOptimal Orthodontics
Evaluate Kids Early to Prevent Complications
e all look forward to summertime. School’s out and families can enjoy a more relaxed schedule with time to catch up on play and a few important appointments without the stress of navigating the attendance office. While you are all visiting the dentist for cleanings to keep your smiles bright, don’t forget to request an orthodontia exam for your elementary schoolers along with their regular oral care.
Children ideally should see an orthodontist for the first time at the age of seven, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). “At this age, kids have both baby and permanent teeth, helping orthodontists detect early signs of jaw, bite or crowding issues.”
This does not mean the orthodontist will fit the child with braces at that age, said Michael Roberts, D.D.S., who brings 34 years of experience to 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics. “Early evaluation often means monitoring growth and development to plan timely care and prevent more serious problems later.”
“We’ll watch as the child develops so we can select optimal times for intervention instead of making a decision on a quick snapshot,” Dr. Roberts said.
Dr. Roberts joined 7to7 Dental’s practice located at the corner of Stone Oak Parkway and Evans Road six years ago after retiring from the U.S. Army. At one point, Colonel Roberts was in charge of all Army dentistry west of the Mississippi. Now he leads 7to7 Dental’s four orthodontists who are Board Certified and proven to be competent and qualified in their specialty, he said. While 7to7 Dental does offer traditional braces, their professionals prefer to use Invisalign in combination with the latest digital tools for faster, more comfortable results.
Dr. Roberts recommends Invisalign for the vast majority of his orthodontia patients – no matter their age. “People always ask me why Invisalign is better. I didn’t like it as much years ago,” he admitted. “It has always been a great idea, but now with the digital tools, the technology has met the idea, and
it has caught up. There’s nothing magical about it –it’s a tool – but now it’s the superior tool. It is more efficient, more accurate, generally takes half the time to treat and the outcome is more consistent/ better,” he added. 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.
And when your child is ready, summer is the ideal time to get started. They can be fitted and become accustomed to their device before navigating the school-day rush. Scheduling is easy because 7to7 Dental offers one-stop care. Orthodontic visits can take place at the same time as a dental check, streamlining the calendar. 7to7 Dental is open 7 a.m. -7 p.m., so services are provided when it’s most convenient for patients and their parents.
7to7 Dental itself is a Diamond Level Invisalign Provider – the highest attainable. Dr. Roberts has taken extended Invisalign training and even now is participating in an advanced Fellowship Course.
He has found Invisalign to be “very comparable in cost (to braces) depending on the complexity for the most part,” he said. 7to7 Dental has great relationships with financing companies to ensure maximum affordability. You can get started with just a $250 deposit. Call to schedule your free consultation today! 210-495-2000.
Souvenirs with Meaning: Collecting More Than Just Stuff
By Dionne Roberts
We’ve all been there. You’re in a gift shop at the end of your trip, wondering if you really need another magnet. Or keychain. Or that slightly-too-small T-shirt you’ll probably wear once, maybe to bed. But souvenirs can be so much more than a “look what I brought back” moment. The right ones become memory-keepers, truly meaningful reminders of the places you’ve been and the moments that mattered.
For me, I maxed out magnets, ball caps and T-shirts, so these days it’s Christmas ornaments. I’ve collected them for years, and each December when we pull out our Travel Tree, the stories come flooding back. There’s the hand-painted ceramic one from a street artist in Florence. A delicate glass bauble from Prague. A wooden carving from Alaska. As each one goes on the tree, we’re right back there and laughing at ourselves and our adventures.
Other travelers I know have their own traditions. One friend picks up a local spice or tea from each country, so her kitchen is basically a global pantry. Another collects art—small sketches or prints from local artists that now fill her hallway like a personal travel gallery. Even something simple, like ticket stubs, maps, or a scribbled-down menu, can turn into something special when framed or tucked into a travel journal.
At the end of that day, it’s not about how much something costs. The best souvenirs are the ones that make you smile when you see them later. A woven basket from Africa.
A piece of sea glass from the Amalfi Coast. A hand-written recipe from a cooking class in Thailand. These little things tell your story and can be great non-digital reminders for your kids as they grow up and look back on your family travels (and travails ��).
So next time you travel, skip the souvenir shop at the airport and look for something that means something to you. Future-you will thank you—and your shelves (or tree) will be better for it.
Dionne Roberts, MCC, VTA Foster Perry Travel 888-878-5863 (888-TRVLTME) www.fosterperrytravel.com
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
Theatre is Magik summer camps – Several sessions, dates vary from June 2 - Aug. 1, 9 a.m.-3 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
SASCA Autocross Event – Saturday, July 5, 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
Mays YMCA Summer Sports Clinics and Leagues – Session 2 begins July 7. Clinics and leagues for kids 3-14. Days/times vary by sport and age. Soccer, baseball, football, multi-sport. Mays Family YMCA of Stone Oak, 21654 Blanco Road 78258; www.ymcasatx.org/programs/sports/youth-sports
Fellowship of San Antonio Kids Day Out Summer Camp –Tuesdays - Thursdays, July 9 -Aug. 1, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Kids explore the wonder of God’s creation through a summer camp adventure. Fellowship of San Antonio, 23755 Canyon Golf Road 78258; susan.thefellowshipkdo@gmail.com
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Wednesday, July 9, 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. Stonewerks, 999 Basse Road 78209; www.spn-sa.org
Concerts at Stable Hall – Friday, July 11, 7 p.m. The Ultimate 90’s Party includes music from NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Eminem, Brittany Spears, Madonna, and the Spice Girls. Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.stablehall.com.
MidSummer Night’s Dream Women’s Run – Friday, July 11, 10k, 2-person 10K relay, 5K runs. Staggered starts 8:15 and 8:30 p.m. Celebrate your inner diva in costume and illuminated swag as you run under the starry night sky. McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road 78247; www.scallywompus.com.
Disney’s 80s & 90s Celebration – Friday, July 11, 7:30 p.m.
High energy concert packed with nostalgia, music, and magic. HEB Performance Hall at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; www.tobincenter.org
Summer Night Markets at the Pearl – Wednesday, July 16, 5-8 p.m. Summer Market features entrepreneurs age 5 to 17, 303 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.atpearl.com
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Wednesday, July 16, 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’s, 19239 Stone Oak Parkway 78258; www.spn-sa.org
Drum Corps International Southwestern Championship Saturday, July 19, 1:30 p.m. Watch the top junior drum and bugle corps compete. Alamodome, 100 Montana St. 78203; www.dci.org/events/2025-dci-southwestern-championship
AMERICA in Concert – Saturday, July 19, – 8 p.m. The iconic, multiplatinum-selling group of signature song “Horse with No Name” fame performs its Encore Tour 2025. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston 78205; www.majesticempire.com/events.
Community Bible Church Vacation Bible School – Monday, July 21-Thursday, July 24, 9 a.m.- noon. Children Kinder-3rd grade. Out of Egypt, a Call to Courage VBS. Community Bible Church, 2477 N. Loop 1604 E. 78232; www.communitybible.com
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Friday, July 25, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. La Hacienda, 18747 Redland Road 78259; www.spn-sa.org.
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