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Window Wow Enjoy Your Outdoor Spaces with Made in the Shade’s Custom Solutions

By Amy Morgan

September in San Antonio can seem like just an extension of summer, with little relief from the sun and heat. Are you tired of being trapped indoors, unable to use your patio or grill for months on end? Installing an awning, custom outdoor shade or screen will allow you to enjoy your porch without withering under the sun’s blaze.

If you are ready to reclaim your outdoor space, look no further than Made in the Shade. The local, family-owned company has been helping San Antonians with blinds, window coverings, shades and awnings since 1994, when Cathy Morse singlehandedly started the business. Now her son, Josh, and his wife, Jess, manage not only the San Antonio location but have expanded the business to license 158 independent franchises across the United States and Canada. And Josh’s a SA native; the Ronald Reagan High School graduate has lived in Rogers Ranch for more than 20 years.

Made in the Shade owners, Josh and Jess Morse.

sample collections to the house for a free, personalized consultation with no obligation.

“It’s easier to select the perfect product, color, and texture that will transform your room when you are looking at samples in your own home,” Josh said.

Beyond beauty, window fashions also provide solutions for privacy, light control, and even energy efficiency, important as CPS’s rates continue to rise.

For those who’d like to view Made in the Shade’s outdoor awnings, patio covers or large material samples in person, their well-equipped showroom is located on Broadway by the airport. The entire collection of window treatments – blinds, shades, shutters and more – can be viewed online at www.madeintheshadesa.com.

But most of Made in the Shade’s customers prefer for one of their trained designed consultants to bring their

Cathy Morse started Made in the Shade window treatments in 1994.

Unlike bargain blind retailers who expect you to measure your own windows with a pencil and ruler, a process ripe for error, Made in the Shade’s design consultants will professionally measure each window to the eighth of an inch with laser technology to ensure every window treatment fits perfectly into its unique opening. Once a selection has been made and the product is received in San Antonio, installation takes just one day, and the company offers a limited lifetime warranty on shutters and shades, one year for labor, and five years on motorized parts.

Whether you’re looking for a way to control light, access hard-to-reach windows, or a convenient way to open and close shades in virtually any room setting, motorization is the ultimate solution. A sun-sensored control can help lower energy costs, and motorized window treatments cause less wear and tear on blinds and shades, increasing the longevity of your investment.

Made in the Shade takes advantage of prices negotiated through large buying networks to pass along savings to their customers. But Josh and the San Antonio team still provide the same personalized customer service his mother did three decades ago. The company’s more than 200 5-star Google reviews and Top-Rated Window Treatment Specialist designation speak to their service emphasis.

Window covering trends include stylish layered shades that offer privacy yet allow in light and are a great upgrade to a home without the cost of a remodel, Josh said. Popular now are motorized screens or shades that glide effortlessly with one push of a button or interface with a smart home system to raise and lower coverings at pre-programmed times – a valuable safety consideration when you are away from home.

Motorized shades also are the safest option for homes with children or pets, as they include no dangling cords, an important liability consideration for offices, rental properties or Airbnbs. By adding motorization to your window treatments, you will be able to open one shade at a time or multiple shades all at once. If you upgrade now, your install technician will program your motorized window treatments so you can control your shades through an app or schedule operation daily without another thought (or lifting a finger). With a minimum purchase of three qualifying motorized shades, customers will receive a free Smart Home Hub and set up – a $350 value!

Book your free consultation today and see how Made in the Shade’s window coverings can allow you to enjoy your outdoor areas and instantly update your home.

BRING COMFORT TO EVERY SPACE

FREE SMART HOME HUB + SETUP With purchase of 3+ qualifying motorized shades. $350 VALUE.

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Community Calendar Presented by Frost

Mornings with Misty – Tuesday, Sept. 8, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Enjoy coffee and conversation with D9 City Councilmember Misty Spears. Emerald Forest HOA, 18102 Emerald Forest Drive 78259; (210) 207-7325.

Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Wednesday, Sept. 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. Kennedy’s Irish Pub, 19179 Blanco Road 78258; www.spn-sa.org.

41st Annual Zoo Run Relay & Kids Run – Friday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m., individual 4-mile run and 8-mile relay; Saturday, Sept. 12, 8 a.m., kids’ run. Lace up your running shoes for the annual San Antonio Zoo Run benefitting wildlife. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St. 78212; www.sazoo.org/zoo-events.

Margaritaville Dance Party at the Garden – Friday, September 11, 7-10 p.m. Margarita Dance Party at the Japanese Tea Garden. Escape to island time under the stars – a laid-back evening of tropical tunes and summer vibe. Japanese Tea Garden, 3853 N. St. Mary’s St. 78212; jtg@saparks.org.

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.

Pearl Putt – daily 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.

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.

Garden Run Club – Saturdays through September, 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.

Color Your Universe! PAiDA & cybr.grl 2-man live – Friday, Sept. 4, Doors open at 6 p.m. A J-Pop concert experience with superstars PAiDA and cybr.grl. Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.stablehall.com.

Moonlight Princesses – A tribute to Demon Hunters – Sunday, Sept. 6, Doors open at 7 p.m. The music, energy and magic that inspired a global phenomenon. Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.stablehall.com.

Breakfast with the princess and her friends – Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 and 11:30 a.m. Bring your little ones for breakfast with Disney princesses benefitting the Reagan High School theatre department. Ronald Reagan High School Cafeteria, 19000 Ronald Reagan 78258; www.reaganstage.org.

D9 Declutter Day – Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Get rid of old papers, recyclables and bulk items. Walker Ranch Senior Center, 835 W. Rhapsody 78216; 210-207-5280.

Battle of Salado Creek – Saturday, Sept. 12, 13.1, 10 miles, 5 miles or 5K. Staggered starts 5:30-6:55 p.m. Race 2 of the Alamo Beer Series Challenge. LBJ Park, 10700 Nacogdoches Road 78217; www.scallywompus.com.

Mariachi Showcase – Sunday, Sept. 13. Throughout the day. Enjoy local Mariachi groups, art and more in an ultimate celebration of San Antonio culture. Pearl Park, 312 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.atpearl.com.

Viva Dieciséis – Tuesday, Sept. 15. Throughout the day. The vibrant, family-friendly celebration at Pearl marks the kickoff to Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, public art activations, a special ceremony, and more. Pearl Park, 312 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.atpearl.com.

Mrs. Doubtfire –The New Musical Comedy – Tuesday, Sept. 15 – Sunday, Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m. Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com/events.

Guns n’ Roses – Wednesday, Sept. 16, 6:25 p.m. 2026 World tour featuring Guns n’ Roses with guest Pierce the Veil. Alamodome, 100 Montana St. 78203; www.alamodome.com/events.

Amy Grant – Tuesday, Sept. 22, Doors open at 7 p.m. Iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.stablehall.com.

Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.

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Visit us at 21011 US Highway 281 North in San Antonio or call (210) 220-6576.

DENTAL DIGEST

Spectacular Smile 7to7 Dental Now Offers Esthetic Treatments

By Amy Morgan

Y

ou’ve heard the saying, “The eyes are the windows to our souls,” but actually, an inviting smile is one of the first things people notice.

We all want to feel confident we are putting our best foot forward at work and social settings, and especially when we have a big event on the calendar.

But unfortunately, the things we eat and drink and the aging process itself can cause our teeth to lose their luster and even become sensitive. 7to 7 Dental and Orthodontics’ Carly Tovar, D.D.S., recently became certified through the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE) in new treatments to help patients regain the youthful appearance of their smile and reduce pain.

“The Gum Builder” is a term that describes the process of injecting dermal filler to close the gaps where papilla (the gum between the teeth) has been lost. Not only does the material seal unsightly “black triangles” between the teeth that are instantly aging, it also can prevent food trapping and decreases tooth sensitivity in just a few days. Over the long term, the material promotes the growth of a person’s own collagen to slow the progression of gum recession, Dr. Tovar said.

Black triangles can be caused by aging, bone loss, gum disease, or, as in Dr. Tovar’s case, braces.

She realized after completing a round of braces in her 40s that she was experiencing her own black triangles. Dr. Tovar was delighted when she noticed a continuing education course on dermal filler listed in the AAFE catalog and quickly became certified to perform the non-invasive, non-surgical procedure.

She is so skillful, she injects her own gums and displays her before and after pictures to showcase her results. It may take a month before the filler fully plumps, so Dr. Tovar recommends scheduling a treatment in advance if you are planning for a special event.

“It has been neat seeing patients smile a little bit more confidently and get out of pain,” she said.

Dr. Tovar also offers neurotoxin injections to help patients who suffer from headaches or jaw pain.

She has been trained through the AAFE exactly where to place the Xeomin (a Botox alternative) on

the forehead or along the jaw line. An added plus, treated forehead wrinkles may disappear along with the headaches and the jawline tightens slightly after injections there that treat pain from clenching teeth or TMJ. 7to7 Dental offers a one-price package for either Neurotoxin or The Gum Builder and will schedule patients for a free consultation with Dr. Tovar at her primary location across from the JW Marriott on TPC Parkway. If the patient decides to proceed with treatment, Dr. Tovar can start immediately and be finished in under an hour.

7to7 Dental also offers in-house whitening with the Colgate Optic White system, which features a professional strength 35% peroxide solution activated by a blue light. In just one hour, patients leave with teeth an average of seven times whiter.

If a person is more interested in completely changing the shape, shade or color of their teeth, 7to7 Dental can fit cosmetic veneers. Veneers are cemented onto the front of existing teeth and typically last for up to 10 years like crowns, said Jocelin Mazza, lead treatment coordinator at the TPC office. Some people chose to cover just their front two teeth, others want to change their smile from canine to canine. The professionals at 7to7 Dental work with a specialty dental lab to make a custom shade for each veneer to provide the most natural, yet esthetically pleasing results, Jocelin added.

So don’t continue to suffer with a less than spectacular smile, sensitivity or pain. Book a free consultation with 7to7 Dental and see how their team of professionals can help you go from dull to dazzling. For your convenience, 7to7 Dental’s offices are open from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. -5 p.m., weekends.

210-495-2000 www.7to7Dental.com

Facebook: 7 to 7 Dental & Orthodontics Instagram: @7to7Dental Call or book online with ease

PET TIP

Rescue Finds Lovable Lizzie Houston her Furever Home

By Camp Bow Wow Staff

L

ast spring, the empty-nest couple mourned the loss of their beloved rescue Darcy - part of their family for more than a decade. Their middle-aged dog, Claire, was lonely and missing her packmate. It was time to adopt a new furry family member. But finding an available, smallish, scruffy female was surprisingly difficult. They reached out to SNIPSA - the rescue where they found their most recent pups - to no avail. They filled out paperwork and were approved at Charming Pet Rescue, The Lucky Spot Dog, even PAWS of Austin. Plenty of Pit mixes, plenty of Lab mixes and chihuahuas. But their perfect pup remained elusive.

Then, a development! Their adult son sent a post from Houston rescue K-9 Angels listing a young female who looked promising. The picture of the fuzzy black and tan scruff showed her bounding joyfully across a yard – ears flapping. Lizzie and her two sisters had been dumped in a box on the mean streets of Houston. A Good Samaritan had found them while they were still together and took them to K-9 Angels to find loving homes. Thankfully, Lizzie and her litter mates had not wandered long.

After making contact and being pre-approved for adoption, the couple loaded up Claire and headed East. They tumbled out of the car and waited in the fenced playground for their future fur baby to arrive.

Would the two dogs like each other? Lizzie was younger than the couple realized, just six months old and “mostly” housebroken. Were they ready to take on a puppy? When they all met, Lizzie gave out a scared little “woof,” but Claire was not fazed.

When the couple picked Lizzie up and she licked their faces their hearts melted. It was love.

The paperwork was signed, sealed and delivered, and they drove back to San Antonio that same day.

Little Lizzie has since grown into a force of nature now dubbed “The Liz” a year later. She loves to “garden,” especially when it involves ripping the limbs from her dad’s beloved foliage (even thorny bougainvillea!), has doubled in size and doesn’t know the meaning of personal space. But she’s also the most loving and affectionate pup the family has ever had the joy of having. Now Lizzie and Claire lounge on feather pillows, snuggle under the covers, enjoy the ever-changing view of deer and squirrels in the back yard and dine on the finest meals straight from dad’s plate. Lizzie delights in launching herself through the dog door or up the steps to the bed at full speed to be the first to check out something interesting and spends hot summer afternoons upside down on the floor at her pup parents’ feet. She walked with her mom in this year’s Pooch Parade decked out in Fiesta flowers and even took a picture sporting colorful sunglasses.

What a life! Snatched from the brink of disaster – Lizzie’s found her furever family.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Star Scientist

Reagan Student Leverages NEISD Prep Programs for College/Career Readiness

By Amy Morgan

N

EISD’s AVID college-readiness program has propelled yet another Ronald Reagan High School student’s upward trajectory – opening doors to college and career that might not have been previously considered. Senior Diego Rodriguez was recruited into AVID his eighth-grade year at Lopez Middle School. Now he serves as Treasurer in what he deems a “big welcoming community.”

While Diego has appreciated the opportunity to tour college campuses as far away as Corpus Christi, it has been the internship experiences AVID has afforded that have proved most valuable to him.

AVID teacher Ms. Gail Newberg’s encouragement not to be afraid to take a risk proved fruitful, as Diego was one of only 10 incoming juniors who was chosen for the Texas Biomedical Research Institute sponsored by Valero in the summer of 2025.

“The Valero Young Scientist Program at Texas Biomed will help inspire local students to be part of the next generation of scientists and provide them unparalleled access to learn from leading biomedical scientists,” according to the program.

During his four-week term, Diego learned how to genetically modify a strain of bacteria to glow in the dark and created a simple research presentation on Ebola. In 2026, the students were invited to return to the lab and learn about the ways vaccines prevent infectious diseases. Diego credits his medical terminology teacher, Ms. Heather Ellis, for suggesting the program and writing his letter of recommendation.

Diego plans to pursue a health care career as a way to fulfill his desire to help people most directly.

He’ll study biology at UTSA next fall, entering an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program in partnership with the UT Health Science Center that pairs a science degree with a minor in nursing. But before he’s ready to take on UTSA’s campus, Diego will complete classes through the NEISD CTEC program to qualify as a Certified Medical Assistant.

Diego also interned with Congressman Tony Gonzalez his junior year, knocking on doors

canvassing District 23 during the 2026 election season. On Sunday, Diego serves on the greeting team at Northrock church, which means he stays for an extra service after attending with his family.

“Volunteering is my way to give back to my church,” he said.

Somehow, Diego fits playing trumpet in Reagan’s marching band into his busy weekday schedule. He joins 300 of his peers on the field as he performs this year’s show, “With Every Breath,” based on the hit by the Police. “Friday night lights bring back good memories,” Diego said, noting he’s developed his closest friendships through band. Last summer he took a part-time job with one such friend who also shares his last name – although they are not related.

Diego and Aiden Rodriguez both worked at the Stone Oak Chuzz Burgers, where Diego “brushed up on hospitality training.” Diego’s personality shone even at the milkshake station – leading a representative from the chain’s corporate headquarters to select him to participate in the company’s training video.

“Everybody goes big in San Antonio,” Diego said, “if you are going to do something you better give it your all.” A fitting motto for a Reagan rising star.

CLUB LIFE

By Amy Morgan

Beautiful Ballroom

The Club At Sonterra Unveils Grand Ballroom Renovations with Public Reveal

By Amy Morgan

A

re you planning a holiday party, corporate event or milestone celebration? Look no further than The Club At Sonterra. Their Grand Ballroom and adjacent meeting rooms have been completely refurbished and are reopening for public events this month. The Club is hosting an open house ballroom reveal on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to show off the beautiful redecoration, introduce favorite vendors and encourage visitors to catch the vision with thoughtfully inspired event displays.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming all San Antonio to see the renovations and envision their event here,” said Marissa Norcross, Director for Private Events. Those interested are asked to RSVP to Marissa at 210-878-4290 to ensure she plans for enough lite bites and drink samples. Plentiful parking is free and right outside the front door.

Gone are The Club’s once dark furnishings and dated Saltillo tile floor. Now all four of the event spaces match The Club’s updated light, bright grey and cream color palette. The Club At Sonterra has invested in fresh paint and carpet, lighting and chandeliers that bring the rooms into the modern era.

“The space is versatile, elegant and timeless and will lend itself to any event,” Marissa said. “It’s a perfect backdrop for photos.” And The Club At Sonterra decorates beautifully for every season. New décor in keeping with the renovation will join the traditional illuminated trees during the holidays.

All event spaces can be reconfigured to a host’s preference – with movable bars, tables and temporary dividing walls. The Grand Ballroom itself holds up to 350 guests and is perfect for big galas or a large wedding. A non-profit recently held a gala that included a full fashion show complete with a runway, Marissa said. They also have positioned wedding cakes and dance floors using the room’s chandeliers as focal points.

The three rooms across an interior hall from the ballroom offer floor to ceiling windows that overlook the greens. The Director’s Room provides an intimate, beautiful spot for small birthday parties, weddings or baby showers for 50 or fewer.

Doors open to the Terrace and allow access to an auxiliary outdoor place to gather furnished with high top tables.

is breathtaking, Marissa enthused. They’ve had people hold small ceremonies outside and transition inside after dark. “It’s really pretty for a small outdoor wedding at the right time of the year,” Marissa added. The Terrace Room is perfect for midsized parties like a quinceañera or large baby shower and even serves as the location where The Club At Sonterra’s members hold Trivia Night.

No event is complete without refreshments. “Chef Paul is a fantastic chef,” Marissa said, “and we have a great culinary team.” They can customize any menu from buffet to plated dinner to make an event fantastic. They’ve offered omelet bars, holiday hams and turkeys and dessert options – putting together everything from an elegant Prime Rib carving station to kid-friendly favorites. The Club At Sonterra boasts an extensive wine list, and bartenders are gifted at crafting custom cocktails and signature drinks.

“We create a seamless personal experience for each one of our guests,” Marissa added. “We want everyone who comes in to remember how they were treated.”

The slightly larger Horizon Room seats 80 guests and includes a beautiful fireplace. The additional area allows room for a photo booth, DJ or dance floor.

A wedding event Labor Day weekend will christen the ballroom.

“A lot of thought went into coordinating to make sure the supplies were ready to make the bride’s day special,” Marissa added.

The Terrace Room holds up to 120 and opens onto the main part of the Terrace overlooking the pond. The view at sunset

As you consider your holiday events, don’t delay your booking decision. Weekend dates are already filling up, Marissa said.

901 Sonterra Boulevard San Antonio, TX 78258

(210) 496-1560

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www.clubatsonterra.com

Have You Ever Wondered What It's Really Like to Belong to the Club at Sonterra?

For many Stone Oak residents, the Club at Sonterra is one of those places they've driven past hundreds of times—but never experienced.

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 • A welcoming community that many members call their second home Whether you're looking for golf, tennis, great dining, or simply a place to connect with friends and neighbors, it may be worth taking a closer look.

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

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