By Amy Morgan
POpening Opportunity
7to7 Dental Launches 11th Office on Busy Blanco Road Near Deerfield
eople who live or work in the Deerfield area close to one of San Antonio’s busiest northside thoroughfares now have a new option for dental care that fits their family’s schedule. 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics opened their 11th office at 16350 Blanco Road in the Mission Oaks shopping center on December 1st.
7to7 Dental Co-owner Justin Coke researched the area and realized it was underserved of dental offices that offer the convenient hours that are 7to7 Dental’s trademark. 7to7 Dental is open from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. -5 p.m., weekends for dentistry for the whole family and emergencies. The new location will allow families to schedule their dental care when it works for them, rather than taking time off to go elsewhere, said Director of Marketing Travis DeZuba.
Multiple family members can have their dental exams, cleanings – even orthodontic checks – at the same time, as the Mission Oaks location staffs 13 chairs equipped with state-of-the art technology including television screens in the ceiling to keep patients entertained while the professionals are taking care of them.
Melissa Obregon will be the Mission Oaks office manager. The former dental assistant and treatment coordinator at the Potranco office has been with 7to7 Dental since 2013. She’s appreciated the practice’s commitment to promote from within and eagerly steps into the new management position. Melissa’s spent the last few months shadowing other office managers to prepare to take on the mantle of responsibility for day-to-day operations. She’s enjoying the opportunity to learn their techniques and best practices. Joining the team at Mission Oaks is Diego Bonilla, D.D.S., who graduated from the School of Dentistry at UT Health San Antonio. In addition to performing procedures, he will oversee all the providers and clinical practices.
“7to7 is a great company with a lot of opportunity to move up,” Melissa said. “You feel you have something to work toward. I like the core values and that we’ve stayed true to our customer service focus. The work environment really does feel like a family.
“I look forward to coming to work every day,” she added, “even at 6:30 a.m.” To make her commute a little easier,
Melissa recently moved to a new apartment on 1604 to be closer to the Mission Oaks office after living in Alamo Ranch for 10 years. Melissa earned her dental assistant certification in 2009 through a United States Naval program for military spouses sponsored by the Red Cross. When she returned to her hometown of Uvalde, she realized she wanted to be part of something larger than a small private practice and relocated to San Antonio, where she found 7to7 Dental.
As a treatment coordinator Melissa helped patients negotiate with their insurance providers to remove financial obstacles. In addition to accepting most dental insurance, 7to7 Dental offers three in-house plans to meet any family’s budget and needs. Each covers cleanings, X-rays, fillings, with ability to add for extractions, crowns, and implants. The Platinum plan includes a 10% discount on orthodontics, a savings that virtually covers the cost of the plan if a family member needs braces or Invisalign. Plans range from $20.99$49.99/month, depending on level of coverage desired. Monthly payments in digestible amounts are easy. Discounts accrue as multiple family members enroll. 7to7 Dental’s plans never require a deductible, so there’s not any additional out-of-pocket cost, red tape, annual maximum or waiting period.
If you realize you’ve let the year slip by without using your dental benefits or scheduling your last cleaning, you can still squeeze in a visit before the clock ticks down. 7to7 Dental will stay open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday - Friday, even during the holiday season — including New Year’s Eve. And if you schedule at the Mission Oaks location, the first 300 new patients will receive a free Sonicare electric toothbrush.
bedtime book
Local Author to Sign Pup-themed Story that Delights Children and Pets Alike
By Amy Morgan
Many families hold cherished memories of sharing bedtime stories with their children. But have you ever thought of tucking in your pup with a tale? Good Night Cookies, written by Texas author John J. O’Reilly, grew out of his experience telling a nightly story to his Golden Retriever, Grace Kelly, and her trusty sidekick, Mr. Mischief, a dapper black and white cat.
Based on the true adventures of Grace Kelly as a pup, Good Night Cookies delights both children and pets alike. John recounts how Grace Kelly figured out how to unzip her kennel and cruise the house on a mid-night hunt for her favorite cookie treats. Grace’s human mom, Susan, was surprised in the morning to find the cuddly pup snuggled up in a ball in her bed rather than in the kennel where she had been left.
“Good Night Cookies is a true story that celebrates the special connection between a family and their furry companions.
Reading to pets and other animals, even favorite toy ones, can be a delightful experience for both readers and their fluffy dedicated listeners,” John wrote.
Although Grace Kelly has now passed over the rainbow bridge, John still enjoys reading about her antics to his current dog, Annabella, who has had her own share of puppy adventures. John will be signing Good Night Cookies in person at the Twig book shop at the Pearl on December 20 from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. It will be a great time to meet John and stock up on some personally autographed copies. Who doesn’t love a signed book to add to a special collection?
If you are unable to meet John, you can order signed books online through his account, https://authorjohnjoreillybookstore. com/. Make sure to order by December 12 to ensure delivery before Christmas.
John describes himself as “a kid at heart” who enjoys children’s books and reading. He began making up stories to tell his son, Connor, and daughter, Siobhan, when they were small. When the now 20-somethings no longer needed dad’s narratives to help them sleep at night, John naturally turned his efforts toward his beloved pets. His kids urged him to write down his stories and encouraged him to publish. John said he was inspired by the venerable Dr. Seuss, who grew up just around the corner from John on Mulberry Street in Springfield, Massachusetts.
When John decided to make his tales more permanent, he sought advice from Susan (who founded Silverlight Press) as well as experienced educators and friends who helped him make sure the wording and style were age appropriate. Susan connected him with illustrator Daryn Rowley, who took special care to convey John, Susan, Mr. Mischief and especially Grace Kelly’s facial expressions and match their actual physical appearance. John sent Daryn hundreds of pup pictures to ensure Grace’s golden hair feathered just right. “I think the kids deserve to ‘feel Gracie’s fur’ wafting in the breeze,” Daryn said.
John also learned how valuable the experience of reading aloud is to children who are developing their skills. Many find reading to a dog to be the key that removes anxiety and unlocks a life-long love of learning. The first organization to recognize the power and benefits of children reading to dogs was the Reading Assistance Dog Program (READ) founded in Salt Lake City. The program has grown since 1999 to include more than 3500 registered therapy dog teams serving as literacy mentors worldwide.
“Good Night Cookies is more than a bedtime story perfect for a pre-sleep ritual or family tradition of love. The author hopes it also encourages and supports reading therapy dog programs that help children overcome personal, developmental, and educational challenges - all through furry camaraderie!” John has pledged to donate 10% of the proceeds of Good Night Cookies to therapy dog reading programs across the country in honor of his mother, an avid reader who taught children with learning disabilities.
“Reading can be done by a child to a loving pet not only for the joy of companionship, but also for the improvement in oral reading skills. As the mantra for school reading states…’Good Readers Reread.’ A pet, whether living or stuffed, is a safe listener and a constant encouragement to the child to just sound out that word and there is no rush. It’s great confidence building with a devoted listener…a loving pet!” said Maureen Winseck, Ed.D. a school psychologist and teacher with more than four decades of experience.
Patricia Clark, a 25-year library media specialist, also endorsed Good Night Cookies, saying, “Shared stories and experiences are vital to a child’s emotional development. A bedtime routine can be reassuring and self-affirming.” She donated a copy to her elementary school in Somers, Connecticut, for the students to enjoy. Why not emulate her generous gesture and gift one to your local elementary school library!
Meet the Author!
Meet the author of good night cookies, John J. O’Reilly, at The Twig Book Shop in the Pearl, Saturday, December 20th from 11am -1pm. Buy the book and get your copy signed while you’re there.
Order additional copies of the book online at any of these links below before December 12th to have it delivered before the holidays.
For signed, inscribed and “paw-tographed” copies from the author:
The Twig Book Shop
Plus a two-page professionally written article for an investment of $900. (Valued at $1200)
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Community Calendar
Presented by Frost
Zoo Lights – Through Wednesday, Dec. 31 – Lights illuminate at dusk. Zoo grounds awaken with magical lights at dark. Bigger, brighter and wilder attractions! San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St. 78212; www.sazoo.org
Illuminate at the Botanical Gardens – Through Monday, Jan. 11, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Entry times available every 30 minutes. All-new handcrafted lanterns, glowing trails that wind through the Garden’s natural beauty, and larger-than-life sculptures delight. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place 78209; www.sabot.org/illuminate
Old West Christmas Light Fest – Fridays - Sundays through Dec. 14; daily Dec. 19-23. 5-10 p.m. Synchronized light and music show, lighted maze, live music, line dancing, Christmas carols, shopping and Santa’s Holly Jolly Herd of Texas Longhorns. Old West Christmas Light Fest, 242 State Highway 46 West, Boerne 78006; www.christmaslightfest.com
A Charlie Brown Christmas – Through Dec. 24, times vary. Magik Theatre presents a live theater retelling of the classic. The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; www.magiktheatre.org.
Merry Happy Everything Holiday Pop Up – Tuesday, Dec. 2Thursday, Dec. 4, 6-8 p.m. Culinaria space will be transformed into a festive wonderland of twinkling lights, seasonal cocktails and photo ops, including Santa. Culinaria Event Space, 555 Bitters Road, Suite 105 78216; www.culinariasa.org.
S.T.A.G.E. Theater presents Trials,Tribulations and Christmas Decorations – Weekends, Dec. 5,6,7, and 12,13,14, 8 p.m., matinees Sundays, 2:30 p.m., doors open one hour prior. Holiday-themed comedy presented by the Bulverde Community Theatre. STAGE, 1300 Bulverde Road 78163; www.stagebulverde.org.
The Polar Express, presented by Children’s Ballet of San Antonio –Saturday, Dec. 5 - Sunday, Dec. 6, 2 and 7 p.m. Based on the children’s book, this immersive experience transports guests into the spirit of the season. Don’t forget to wear your pajamas! Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com/events
Ballet San Antonio’s The Nutcracker – Fridays - Sundays, Dec. 5-7, 12-14. 2 and 7:30 p.m. This production features a cast of more than 100 San Antonio-area children alongside professional performers. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, HEB Performance Hall, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; www.tobincenter.org.
San Antonio Races: marathon, half marathon, 5K – Health and Fitness Expo and nighttime 5K, Friday, Dec. 5; Expo, Saturday, Dec. 6; ½ and full marathon races, Sunday, Dec. 7. Inaugural races take the place of the Rock ‘n’ Roll, sponsored by San Antonio Sports. Start at Main Plaza and finish at Hemisfair 78205; www.sanantoniomarathon.com
Christmas with C.S. Lewis – Friday, Dec. 5 - Sunday, Dec. 7, 2 and 7:30 p.m. See how the author might have celebrated the season with friends. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; www.tobincenter.org.
Christmas at the Caverns – Saturdays, Sundays, Dec. 6-7, 13-14. Weekdays, Dec. 19-23, 4:30-9 p.m. 30-foot Christmas tree, 1/3-mile trail of lights, Santa “Spelunker” Claus, 500 square-foot outdoor maze, live music, s’mores. Check website for specific activities. Natural Bridge Caverns, 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road 78266; www.naturalbridgecaverns.com
SASCA Autocross Event – Saturday, Dec. 6, 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
15th Annual Holiday Hunger Run – Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. ‘Tis the season to help others. Run a 5K to benefit Provisions Outreach. Prizes awarded for best holiday costume. Bulverde City Park, 29815 Bulverde Lane, Bulverde 78163; www.provisionsoutreach.org
WinterFest San Antonio – Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Stone Oak festival with Santa, elves, rocking Christmas music, carnival, food, and 50,000 pounds of snow will benefit Brighton Center. North Central Baptist Hospital, 502 Madison Oak 78258; www.winterfestivalsa.com
The Sinatra Holiday Songbook with Wyatt Michael – Thursday, Dec. 11, Friday, Dec. 12, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Ring in the season with a night of romance, nostalgia and cheer that includes renditions of Sinatra-style holiday favorites. Jazz TX, 313 Pearl Parkway 78215; info@jazztx.com
Ford Holiday Boat Caroling – Friday, December 12 - Tuesday, Dec. 23, evenings starting at 6 p.m. Sing in the holidays with family and friends from a boat on the Riverwalk. International Center Building, 203 S. St. Mary’s St. 78205; www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
4 Meaningful Resolutions for the New Year
By Dionne Roberts
New Year’s resolutions have a way of starting with the best intentions before slowly drifting off—kind of like that gym membership we swear we’ll use. But what if this year’s goals came with an airplane ticket, a passport stamp, and maybe even a little sparkling toast? Travel has a way of turning resolutions into something you’ll want to stick with—and maybe even look forward to.
Take “get in shape,” for example. Instead of forcing yourself onto the treadmill yet again, imagine hiking through Tuscany’s rolling hills or wandering Costa Rica’s lush rainforest trails. It feels a lot less like a workout when you’re exploring vineyards, spotting wildlife, or ziplining over waterfalls. Even a morning stroll along a Bali beach or the cobblestone streets of Prague counts as movement—and it comes with a view.
“Spend more time with family” hits differently when you make memories far from home. Think picnics in Paris, a lazy afternoon sailing the Greek Isles, or building sandcastles together in Turks and Caicos. Travel pulls everyone away from busy schedules and endless screen time, giving families a chance to reconnect the old-fashioned way: by simply being together. Those shared adventures quickly become the stories you laugh about for years.
And if “learn something new” is on your list, travel turns it into an adventure. Maybe you’ll take a pasta-making class in Bologna, try your hand at blending wine in Napa, or practice your Spanish over churros in Madrid. New cultures, new flavors, new perspectives—these are the kinds of lessons that stick, long after you’re home.
Even “be more mindful” feels easier when you’re watching the sunrise over the Serengeti or
sipping tea in a peaceful Kyoto garden. There’s something about being somewhere completely new that helps you slow down, breathe deeper, and really pay attention to the world around you.
So maybe this year’s resolutions don’t need to be about changing yourself as much as expanding your world. Whether it’s a dream safari, a beach escape, or finally chasing the Northern Lights, the best goals may just be the places you choose to go.
Here’s to a year of adventure, discovery, and resolutions that last long after January.
Dionne Roberts, MCC, VTA Foster Perry Travel 888-878-5863 (888-TRVLTME) www.fosterperrytravel.com
nuary 9 & 10, 2026 Club at Sonterra a smooth jazz experience featuring Gerald Albright Doors open at 6pm Dinner at 6:30pm Show at 8pm
Finances for Fido
Budget Wisely Before Gifting a New Canine Family Member
By Camp Bow Wow Staff
We’ve seen the television ads during the holidays that feature a happy family gathered around a tree delightedly cuddling a fluffy new puppy adorned with a floppy bow. While the picture may seem Norman Rockwell perfect, don’t forget to count the long-term costs of adding a new furry member to your family. Too many people realize far too late they woefully underestimated the obligation of taking care of a pet for a lifetime.
If you get over the sticker shock of a pup’s initial price tag (thousands of dollars for some designer breeds), you’ll want to consider whether to purchase pet insurance to offset major vet bills or set aside funds to pay for medical treatment. Furry family members require regular checkups to ensure they stay healthy, and elderly pets will have increased needs like senior adults. Rabies vaccines are mandatory, and others, like Bordetella, also are required if you have your pup boarded or groomed. Flea, tick and heartworm protection range in cost but are a must in San Antonio’s warm climate. All it takes is one de-flea disaster, and you’ll never forget your pup’s pest prevention again.
Do you travel or work away from home for long hours? Pups, like small children, aren’t able to fend for themselves. You’ll want to make arrangements for pet sitting – whether you enlist a neighbor, kennel, or sign your pup up for camp – all with differing price tags and advantages.
You might not realize it, but pet supplies add up. Even if you eschew holiday costumes or designer duds, you’ll still need a soft bed, perhaps a kennel or doggy playpen, food and water dishes, collar, leash and toys – and especially if your precious pup is teething. Scrimp at your own risk. What’s the replacement cost of your couch cushion or chair leg? Will you train your pup yourself, sign up for a class or hire a reputable professional? You’ll want to invest the time and treasure to ensure your pup develops good social manners.
You’ll need to budget for food and treats. Some humangrade food delivers right to your home, with a price tag to match. But a bargain brand might not deliver the optimal nutrition you’d want.
Will you bathe Fido at home or have him groomed? Some breeds require more than just a trip to the tub. They need regular coat maintenance to avoid getting matted and soiled. And every dog needs their nails trimmed. Most vets also recommend teeth brushing to prevent dental decay that can turn into costly cleanings and/or tooth extractions later.
Don’t be swayed by the adorable doodle or long-haired French Bulldog being sold by the side of the road. Purchasing a dog from an unknown source can be a recipe for disaster. You have no assurance the furry bundle has been properly vetted. It may be carrying heartworm, or even worse – Parvo – which can be deadly for pups. And with no family history to gauge, you could be setting yourself up for more than a decade of costly special food for sensitive stomachs, allergy shots, medications or even surgery to correct congenital conditions to which overly bred breeds may be prone.
When and if you decide to take the plunge – and there’s nothing like the unconditional love and loyalty of furry family member – budget wisely and set aside funds for emergencies. You’ll save yourself financial stress and be able to enjoy your precious pup more wholeheartedly.
Passionate Poet
By Amy Morgan
Ronald Reagan High School senior Joshua Sutton has much to say. He joined the school’s Student Voice Now Club his freshman year to have the opportunity to share his opinions about NEISD policies and proposals at conferences with district officials. This year, he’s part of an elite group of tenured members from each high school selected to attend monthly luncheons with Superintendent Dr. Sean Maika in person.
Joshua has spoken up in the past about expanding the Dollars and Cents class to teach students how to manage money and pay taxes. Two years ago, Reagan established a higher-level incubator pitching class similar to Shark Tank. Students now can visit local businesses and meet leaders as part of their coursework. Another success was allowing students to bring their own Wi-Fi devices to school to reduce cellular data load and demand on district Wi-Fi. Joshua also would like to curb the use of student vaping and nicotine by increasing penalties for possession of contraband items. Student Voice Now members have encouraged the district to add a Real Estate Principles class and hope to expand its curriculum to include licensure prep, which would allowing a student to graduate high school ready to take their real estate test and start work.
Realty interests Joshua, as he’s been inspired by several family members who are realtors or manage investment properties. He plans to major in business and finance and hopes to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta, which is ranked in the top three HBCUs in America. The all-male school appeals to Joshua because of its emphasis on values and character building.
“Some of the most successful black men have attended there (like Spike Lee, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Samuel L. Jackson). They call it a brotherhood,” he said. He was accepted into Morehouse’s pre-college program last summer and completed courses in sociology, kinesiology, and sports analytics. Joshua will be the second generation to attend an HBCU, as his parents graduated from Xavier, and his older sister is at Howard.
Joshua enjoys public speaking and having his voice heard. “Free speech is meant for a reason,” he said.
“It’s important in your being successful. I like to say what I believe with a defensible argument.” His motto is to live life focusing on the positive. When football injuries earlier in high school sidelined his hopes of continuing in sports, Joshua became the baseball team’s student manager instead. One of his favorite Reagan memories is when the Rattlers beat the “ridiculously good” team from Corpus Christi ranked 21st in the nation right before the state playoffs. Reagan strung together a series of hits and won the critical game in front of a home crowd with a walk-off single. In his spare time, Joshua referees youth basketball and football games at the YMCA.
He also enjoys words and writes poetry to process his feelings. He’s written about fear, pride, anger and love, impressing his AP English teacher Ms. Charlton. Joshua was inspired by poet Shel Silverstein.
One of his poems reads:
“The sun still shines on cloudy days, the world still laughs in silly ways.
A stumble just means you took a chance, a struggle’s the start of a victory dance. Folks may wait for you to fall, but you don’t have to mind at all.
So sing your song, enjoy the ride, with hope and joy right by your side.”
Inspirational, indeed.
RHS Senior Joshua Sutton Speaks Up
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