Jorge Perez is a dedicated husband and father of four originally from Laredo, Texas, known for building lasting relationships through trust and clear communication. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he connects effortlessly with a diverse range of clients. A graduate of Tecnológico de Monterrey with an MBA from Texas A&M International University, Jorge brings a strategic, results-driven approach to every real estate transaction. He believes real estate is more than buying and selling—it’s about creating opportunities and helping families build a better future.
May Madness
Why Your Pup May Seem a Little Off this Spring
By Camp Bow Wow Staff
If you’ve noticed your dog has been acting differently lately, it may not your imagination. Maybe your pup seems to be more energetic than usual. Or Fido is suddenly more restless, distracted, or even a bit reactive. His activity that felt settled during the winter months suddenly has become less predictable.
Many dog owners notice a shift this time of year. And while it may feel random, there is usually a clear reason behind it.
During the winter, many pups settle into quieter routines. There is often less outdoor time, fewer social interactions, and more predictability. As the seasons change, so does your dog’s environment. Just as more daylight and pleasant temperatures encourage people to shake off their winter blues and get moving outside, so too do changes in environment invigorate your pup. Longer days, warmer weather and increased outdoor activity all create new levels of stimulation. More people are outside. More dogs are out walking. New smells begin to surface after months of colder weather. Even subtle changes like light exposure can impact your dog’s internal rhythm and energy levels.
For dogs, the world suddenly feels bigger and busier.
More Stimulation More Energy
They may experience what feels like an energy surge. They are taking in more information, processing new surroundings, and reacting to increased activity. This can show up as excitement, restlessness, or difficulty settling. It is not bad behavior. It is an adjustment.
When the Behavior Feels “Off”
Some dogs handle this transition easily. Others may struggle more.
You might notice:
• Increased pulling on walks
• More barking or alertness
• Difficulty focusing
• Extra sensitivity to sounds or movement
These responses are often tied to overstimulation rather than disobedience. Your pup is simply trying to make sense of a more active world.
When stimulation increases, structure becomes even more important.
Dogs thrive when their day has a rhythm they can rely on. Consistent routines, clear expectations, and balanced activity help regulate their energy and behavior.
This is where thoughtful daycare and structured environments can make a difference. Instead of constant, unregulated play, dogs benefit from guided interaction, mental engagement, and planned rest periods throughout the day.
It is not about doing more. It is about doing things with intention.
None of this is Random
When dogs act differently, there is always a reason. Seasonal transitions bring new energy, new stimulation and new challenges to process. With the right balance of structure, activity, and rest, most dogs will settle into this new season with ease.
How can you help your Pup adjust?
As your dog adjusts to seasonal changes, a few simple shifts can help:
• Keep routines consistent at home
• Provide both physical activity and mental engagement
• Allow time for rest and recovery
• Avoid overwhelming environments when possible
Most importantly, give your dog time. What looks like a sudden behavior change is often just a natural response to a changing environment.
What feels like unpredictability is often just your pup adjusting to a world that suddenly woke back up.
Captivating Community
The Club At Sonterra Offers Fun for the Whole Family
By Amy Morgan
Your first visit to The Club At Sonterra might have been for an event – a sports banquet, wedding or graduation party. The mysterious gate just visible from the intersection of Stone Oak Parkway and Sonterra Boulevard swung open, and you were welcomed to drive inside.
Once inside the gates and parked in the generous, free lot shaded by luxurious, mature oak trees, you realized you’d found a gem tucked deep inside Stone Oak.
Founded in 1985, The Club At Sonterra is the only family-focused private club in San Antonio. It spreads across 7070 acres and boasts not one but two 18-hole championships golf courses, 23 tennis and 8 pickleball courts, a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool, fully equipped fitness center, pro-shops, KidZone and several dining choices.
While the large ballroom, with room for up to 350, and four smaller adjacent rooms are available for public events, the rest of The Club At Sonterra’s amenities are reserved exclusively for members and their guests, with the rare exception of a few charity tournaments. But that does not mean only those who live within Sonterra’s gates are eligible for membership.
All who count themselves among the Club’s number have been attracted by the warmth and friendship of likeminded people who enjoy the camaraderie of the activities, sports and hospitality found there.
“The Club At Sonterra offers so much more than just golf or tennis,” said General Manager Nathan Gillespy. “People don’t just leave when their kids finish a tennis lesson or swim practice. It’s common to see families head right over to the 19th hole to eat together. There’s a bond and attachment in community it’s hard to find anymore.”
No, it might be the best kept secret in Stone Oak that almost half of The Club At Sonterra’s membership comes from addresses across northern San Antonio and beyond.
It’s Nathan’s goal that The Club At Sonterra meets the social, fitness and recreational needs for the entire family. Almost every night there’s a special theme menu or a social activity to bring people together. Bingo often draws a multigenerational crowd of 200. In addition to kids camps and clubs, there are sports leagues, game nights, group fitness, travel clubs, card games and wine tastings.
“The biggest joy I have is to go out on the back patio and see someone sitting down for lunch or dinner. Then their group of four becomes a group of eight, then 16. The kids are running around and their parents are enjoying a glass of wine watching the sunset,” Nathan said.
It’s easy to find a place to fit in at The Club At Sonterra. New members can schedule an evaluation with the sports pro of their choice who’ll assess their skill level and suggest groups to join. Whether you are passionate about pickleball, a scratch golfer, or a weekend warrior, you’ll be able to meet your tribe.
Golfers, in particular, can enjoy two completely different styles of play on the North and South courses to keep games constantly interesting. Well-appointed pro shops carry favorite brands like Lululemon and Black Clover, along with the most up-to-date golf, tennis and pickleball equipment, accessories and club-branded merchandise.
“It’s wonderful to have two different choices in one location,” Nathan said. He joined the club’s management in 2018, and since that time has seen the refurbishment of almost every area. The Encore Leisure group designated The Club At Sonterra as its 2025 Club of the Year. In the past two years since Nathan stepped into the lead position, the owners have invested $7.5 million in upgrades. Just recently, the bunkers on the North course were refreshed, along with the men’s and women’s card rooms, bathrooms and member lounge.
The swimming pool with a diving well and children’s wading area has been resurfaced and new furniture added in time to open the 2026 swim season. Summer’s stifling heat is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to take advantage of the pool’s lifeguarded hours from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. The Sonterra Stingrays’ team registration is still open for those ages 5-18, and lessons are available to get your littlest ones water ready. Don’t delay, practices start soon.
The Break Point Bar & Grill located by the pool and racket sports area has “everything you’d want at court and poolside dining,” Nathan said. “The Executive Chef recently added a new pizza oven and expanded the menu to include Acai bowls, smoothies and protein shakes to provide healthy options in addition to the always popular frozen margaritas and Frosé.”
When you need a break from the kids, relax in the adultsonly lounge with a cocktail or have a quiet business lunch. The card rooms provide the perfect spot for friendly gaming competition.
“The Club At Sonterra is so much more than a club –it’s a community,” Nathan said. Intrigued? Interested in seeing if The Club At Sonterra might fit your family? Contact Debbie Gonzaba at 210-483-4292 to schedule a personalized tour that will cater to your areas of interest.
Hunger Helpers
Students Create Food Pantry for Johnson Cluster Families
By Amy Morgan
You never really know what the face of hunger looks like.” So stated Johnson High School senior Ella Larson. Wise beyond her years, Ella and fellow student, Jacob Duke, started a food pantry last year to serve families in the JHS cluster.
Many might mistakenly believe that those living in affluent Far North San Antonio would not struggle to obtain the basic necessities of food, toiletries and clothing, but that is not the case. According to NEISD records of those who are eligible for free or reduced lunch, 848 Johnson students – 1/3 of its population – qualified this year. Overall, the JHS cluster includes 2,610 economically disadvantaged children, with hundreds attending each elementary and middle school.
Jacob’s learned “You can never judge a book by its cover. Even though someone may look all right, they could very well be struggling to take care of themselves or their family.”
“We wanted to provide an opportunity for a need to be met without people feeling ashamed,” Ella said.
Lack has grown more pressing since NEISD disbanded their central food pantry and hygiene product service recently. In addition to non-perishable items, Jacob and Ella also connect families with assistance from other food banks and can provide clothing vouchers, diapers, and utility payment funds.
Since its start in September 2025, JHS’s food pantry has served more than 400 individuals, Ella reported, and averages 5.6 families a week, although they fulfilled 65 requests in six hours on January 21, the first time a large eblast was sent to the JHS cluster announcing the resource. Its slogan: “Feeding our future and current Jaguars.”
Ella and Jacob overcame a series of obstacles to bring their dream to fruition. They received invaluable help from Family Specialist Ruby Morris to complete all the requirements for district approval. Ms. Morris supports all seven of the JHS cluster schools. Where to store food donated through drives or delivered through the JHS Amazon wish list was another hurdle.
(Johnson Food Pantry | Amazon Gift List amazon.com)
Currently, items are housed in the attendance office and the back of the ALE classroom. Special needs students enrolled in JHS’s work-based learning program taught by Ms. Bickford gain valuable life skills packing, labeling and learning about nutritious food groups as they fill the boxes. Ms. Bickford “is incredible – we couldn’t do it without her and her students,” Ella enthused. JHS’s textbook room also was tapped to store an overflow of canned corn and green beans, Ella said.
Leadership organization Students of Service (SOS) (for which Ella is an ambassador) donated the pantry’s first grant of $650 for shelves to keep products organized and helped them write and obtain a $1000 grant from HEB. The students used half of that award to restock after the banner January deliver day.
Taking the pantry from idea to fruition involved Ella and Jacob developing an intricate Google form and spreadsheet system
that allows students or families to confidentially request a food box through a QR code or link and for Ella, Jacob, Ms. Morris and Ms. Bickford to track packing and pickup. JHS and cluster schools publicize the food pantry through their weekly newsletters, eblasts and flyers.
Box contents vary by family size, but usually contain a jar of peanut butter, quick meals, boxes of mac and cheese, a bag or rice or beans and canned goods (complete with can opener if needed.) A requestor is notified to pick up their box at the Welcome Center once it has been packed.
Building community through service has proved especially meaningful to Jacob. “We actively connect with hundreds of people all the time, including those in need, other food pantries, or with volunteers,” he said. "I've discovered the importance of teamwork, especially in a project as big as this one. This was most definitely not a one-person project by any means.”
“Knowing the kids I work with so closely in PALs can go to sleep with a full stomach, knowing they are cared for, I want every kid and every parent to have that,” Ella added. She treasures the feedback from a cluster elementary counselor who shared a mother’s reaction to her food box. “I wish you could have seen my kids’ faces when they came home from school!” Ella was told. “They immediately dove in and started eating the food we had packed and the extra treats we stuck in.”
“That I’ve been put in the position to create and have a platform to bless those families and let those parents know someone is looking out for them and they are not forgotten is truly beautiful,” she said.
Ella plans to attend Texas A&M in the fall, where she’ll major in biomedical science with plans to become a pediatric physician’s assistant. Jacob will spend next year at UTSA before transferring elsewhere to complete a degree in a science field. His aspiration is to become an oncologist. These two Johnson students continue dreaming big, always considering how they can use their talents to benefit others.
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.
Otherwild at the San Antonio Botanical Garden – Through July 7. This large-scale immersive exhibit features the visionary work of artist Patrick Shearn, known for turning public spaces into areas of magic, movement, and awe. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place 78209; www.sabot.org.
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Friday, May 8, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Little Woodrow’s, 606 W. Alton Oaks 78232; www.spn-sa.org.
New Orleans Night! A Mardi Gras Party – Friday, May 8, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Featuring classic New Orleans tunes like “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Jazz TX, 313 Pearl Parkway 78215; info@jazztx.com
SASCA Autocross Event – Saturday, May 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
Tacos and Tequila Festival – Saturday, May 9, 2 p.m. Adult-only festival with locally crafted tacos, Margaritas, tequila tasting, world renowned Hip-Hop artists, exotic car showcase and Lucha Libre wrestling. Retama Park, 1 Retama Parkway, Selma 78154; www.tacosandtequilafestival. com/event/san-antonio
Spa Girl Tri – Saturday, May 9, 6:30 a.m. Sprint distance triathlon for women with a pampering finish. JW Marriott Resort and Spa, 23808 Resort Parkway 78261; www.spagirltri.com
Night Markets at Pearl – Wednesdays, May 13, 20, 5-9 p.m. Enjoy artisans and makers market, 303 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.atpearl.com
Educating Rita – Wednesday, May 13 - Sunday, May 24, times vary. Inspiring play about personal transformation and the power of education. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; www.tobincenter.org.
Joci Awards – Sunday, May 17, 6 p.m. The Joci Awards bring together outstanding South Texas high school theatre talent for a Broadway-caliber live event. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com/events
Two-step Tuesdays at Stable Hall – Tuesdays, May 19, 26, 6 p.m. Country line dance and partner classes for all levels with Shellie and Ben, live music with The Joe Panther Band. Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.stablehall.com
River Walk Memorial Day Artisan Show – Friday, May 22 – Sunday, May 24, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Monday, May 25, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Experience the beauty of the River Walk and shop from more than 40 handmade artisan booths of pottery, textiles, jewelry, paintings and more. River Walk Extension, San Antonio Riverwalk 78205; www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/artisan-shows.
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Wednesday, May 27, 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.
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Friday, May 29, 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
5K Walk or Run – Saturday, June 6, 8 a.m. 12th annual race for Aid the Silent benefits deaf teens and children. Live music and food trucks. Boerne Main Plaza, 132 S. Main St., Boerne 78006; www.aidthesilent.com/5K.
Liverpool Legends, the Complete Beatles Experience – Saturday, June 6, 7:30 p.m. Experience the complete history of the Beatles performed by musicians put together by George Harrison’s sister to honor her brother’s legacy. Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com/events
Run Day 5K – Saturday, June 6, 7 a.m. staggered starts. 5K road or trail, Kids 1K. San Antonio Run Day celebrates our local running community to embrace the joy of running, benefitting Street2Feet. McAllister Park pavilion 5, 13298 Buckhorn Road 78247; www.iruntexas.net/content/iruns-signature-races
Send your upcoming events to StoneOakInfo@gmail.com.
By Amy Morgan
STimely Toothcare
Schedule Your Summer Dental Checkups Before Calendars get Crowded
ummer is just around the corner. Before your family heads out for vacation, take advantage of a less crowded calendar to catch everyone up on their dental checkups and cleanings. And don’t forget your college students. Now is the perfect time to take care of their oral health, including wisdom teeth removal, while younger students are still in school.
7to7 Dental & Orthodontics has positioned two offices to serve the needs of the many families living in or moving to growing far north San Antonio. It’s just a quick trip to either the office at 20122 Stone Oak Parkway or the location across from the J.W. Marriott at 4272 TPC Parkway, allowing your family to fit a dental visit into a busy schedule.
Both offices include 12 chairs so families can schedule dental exams and cleanings for everyone simultaneously. Each is stocked with state-of-the art technology and equipment (including television screens in the ceiling to keep patients entertained while the professionals are taking care of them.)
One of 7to7 Dental’s trademarks is to offer treatment hours convenient to the patient. That’s why the practice is open from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. -5 p.m., weekends. In addition to teeth cleaning, 7to7 Dental offers exams, teeth whitening, implants and orthodontia – 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, cleanings and exams for children, or second opinion evaluations.
Many dental insurance plans require six calendar months between appointments. If the first appointment isn’t scheduled soon, you might miss out on using the benefits you’ve worked and paid for. And now that 7to7 Dental’s professionals can prevent a pre-cavity before it forms with the new substance Curodont, it’s even more imperative to keep dental checkups on schedule to avoid cavities later.
In the summer, 7to7 Dental often sees an uptick in dental accidents from outside play or backyard roughhousing. One of the top culprits in cases of broken teeth are motorized scooters, reported Ashley Nicoson, who took over the Office Manager spot at 7to7 Dental’s TPC location in February. She formerly worked as one of 7to7 Dental’s claim processing specialists. From a military
family, Ashley has lived in both North Carolina and Germany but has spent the past 16 years in San Antonio.
7to7 Dental is proud to promote from within the company, said Director of Marketing Travis DeZuba.
Ashley works with Managing Dentist Rebeca Garcia, D.D.S., who has been with 7to7 Dental for five years and opened the TPC location two years ago. 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. Dr. Garcia is trained to be able to offer IV or oral conscious sedation or administer nitric oxide to relax a patient during an extraction or dental surgical procedures.
Dr. Garcia’s goal is for 7to7 Dental to become the people’s choice for dentistry as the community grows. An avid golfer, Dr. Garcia enjoys being right across from the TPC course and the excitement of the Valero Texas Open.
“I love golf because it’s a quiet space that helps me reset, plus it gives me something challenging to work on outside of my career,” she said.
In addition to providing convenient, accessible dental care, 7to7 Dental is a good neighbor. The TPC office actively supports community activities. Staff members even took a basket of goodies to the fire station next to Johnson High School to help them celebrate the Super Bowl. Ashley plans to continue to build relationships with other area service providers.
Although 7to7 Dental has grown to include 262 team members across multiple locations in San Antonio, it’s still locally owned and operated by North Central San Antonio residents Justin Coke and Dr. Tiffany Winburn.
At
Schedule your private tour today and see what sets The Club At Sonterra apart. For more information, contact our Director of Sales Debbie Gonzaba at (210) 483-4292 or dgonzaba@clubatsonterra.com.
