By Amy Morgan
YouIncredible Implants
Replacements Can Look, Feel, Perform Like Natural Teeth
might have heard an advertisement touting a dentist who offers implants. Have you wondered what they are and why would you need one?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth placed into the jaw where a tooth has been lost, explained Tiffany Winburn, D.M.D. Dr. Winburn is the co-owner of 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics, which now offers 10 offices in the San Antonio area to serve patients for family dentistry and emergencies.
Dr. Winburn has been placing implants for more than a decade. Unfortunately, sometimes a tooth slowly deteriorates despite best efforts to maintain it, she said. Maybe it started with a cavity that grew bigger, eventually requiring a crown and then a root canal. One day, the tooth is no longer viable and may cause intense pain, often at an inopportune moment. Dr. Winburn’s own father developed an excruciating toothache that required her to remove his tooth and begin the implant process the day after her wedding! He’s had wonderful results with his implant for the past 12 years, she reported.
“That’s the thing about dental emergencies. They do not call and check to see if it’s a good time,” Dr. Winburn said. That’s one reason 7to7 Dental is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, so they can be responsive to patient needs. “People aren’t always excited to see the dentist, but they are happy to have us when there’s an emergency and they need us,” she added.
A dental implant starts with a titanium post that's surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. It fuses to the bone and creates a stable, permanent anchor for the crown that looks like a natural tooth that’s affixed on top of the artificial foundation. An implant works in much the same manner as a joint replacement, Dr. Winburn said. It takes the place of a tooth and works just like the original.
“Implants are the closest to a natural tooth in appearance, function, feel and maintenance that we are capable of in dentistry at this time,” she said. There’s nothing flexing or pressing on the gum tissue. There’s nothing to take in and out of the mouth. It does not rely on the other teeth around it. And it’s easy to clean and floss just as you would your natural tooth.
After an extraction, Dr. Winburn prepares the site of the implant with a swift grafting procedure to strengthen the bone. Once the patient is well healed, usually after two or three months, the implant will be placed, usually under local anesthetic or sedation right in the dental office. There’s very little discomfort or recovery downtime, Dr. Winburn said. It takes another few months for the bone to fuse to the artificial tooth root before a custom-made
crown that matches the original tooth in shape, size and shade can be added. Temporary options can cover the space until all steps are finalized if missing teeth are visible when smiling or talking, she reassured.
Patient feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Her father-in-law, an oral surgeon, boasts that he can’t tell the difference between his two implants and his natural teeth. Even years later, most report that their implant is great – especially if the tooth had been a problem.
“They don’t have to think about it anymore. They can just live their lives – eat what they want,” Dr. Winburn said. And because there is no nerve inside of the implant, they are free from pain.
“It’s exactly what I hear about joint replacement, ‘I don’t know why I put it off for so long.’ Once people are through and on the other side, they all wish they had done it sooner,” Dr. Winburn said. “It is so transformative and improving of their life.”
Patients sometimes are concerned about cost. Although there is an initial outlay, data show the return on investment for an implant is higher than any other kind of tooth replacement because of its longevity, Dr. Winburn noted.
“It’s well ahead of the pack. In year 30 and 35 post implant, 90% are still in place and function better than partials or bridges that are subject to wear and tear.”
7to7 Dental is committed to making dental care affordable for its patients. Their membership plans offer discounts on implants. Staff members also are experienced in negotiating with insurance companies to make sure patients are able to use the benefits they’ve worked so hard for.
So, if you’re suffering with pain or have had an extraction and are ready to replace the tooth, schedule a consultation with 7to7 Dental to discuss the best course of action for you.
Be Epic!
School of Rock Students Learn to Rock On Stage and In Life!
By Amy Morgan
Playing a musical instrument used to be an American rite of passage. Today, School of Rock, located right across from Cornerstone Church at 109 Gallery Circle, provides a new, vibrant and fun way to learn. Students can study guitar, bass, drums, keyboards or singing as they bring their inner musician to life.
In today’s world, many kids are looking for community and real connection with other kids who share their interests. The unique School of Rock method fills that void for many SOR students. Each week, young rock stars take a private lesson on the instrument of their choice and participate in a band practice to use what they’re learning in the real-world setting of a rock band. This motivates student progress and provides the scenario for students to make real friends as they get ready to perform together in a big rock concert held three times a year. They learn to rock on stage and in life.
Sometimes parents think their child is too shy to perform, but owner Michele Patton has found that providing the right environment for kids to thrive helps them build confidence as they “find their tribe.” She added “In fact, that’s why my husband and I bought the school… We saw our son flourish there and wanted to provide that same positive experience to other families!”
“There’s nothing like the bond that‘s formed between bandmates,” she said. “The experience of playing and performing in our group music programs fosters an incredible band dynamic for our young rock stars and plants the seeds of lasting friendships.” Through being in a band, students also
learn patience, camaraderie, responsibility, leadership and other skills that will help them be successful in other areas of their lives. “It all feeds into our motto,” Michele said, “Be You. Be Epic.”
The School of Rock world-wide franchise was started in Philadelphia in 1998. San Antonio’s 4000-square-foot location, owned by Michele and her husband, Andrew, is the fifth largest school in the United States— and it provides some unique benefits to San Antonians. With nearly 400 students and 50 bands, Michele and Music Director Dave Taub carefully designed five distinct programs to account for varied cognitive, social and hand-eye coordination abilities students develop as they grow: Rookies (ages 4 to 7); Jr 101 (6 to 8); Rock 101 (7 to 11); Jr Performance (10 to 13); and Performance (13 to 18). There is also a First Act program for beginner teens (12 to 18). Each program provides a comfortable community environment for all age groups, where students learn and socialize with their peers.
David Patton, who began singing and playing at three years old, works with his parents as House Band Director. He now plays 11 instruments (and counting) and teaches piano and singing. He’s grateful they kept the school open when the original owners wanted to sell. Now, side by side with the other 31 teachers at the school, he continues the legacy of the teachers who inspired him.
Kids and parents alike seem to love School of Rock. “Even after a long day at school and then immediately going to School of Rock for his lesson and band rehearsal for almost two and a half hours, he is always excited to be there and learn in the environment they have created,” one parent said. The kids say School of Rock is much more fun than learning classical music or just taking lessons. One of the first songs (and most requested) students learn is “Seven Nation Army” by White Stripes, Michele said.
“Kids learn songs they grew up listening to with their parents in the car,” David added. “They may not know the name, but they recognize the tune, and it brings generations together.”
Students 12 and up can audition for the House Band, which performs at events in and around San Antonio. “I love that the House Band experience teaches the kids to give back to their community as they show off their musical ability,” Michele said. House Band members also can audition for School of Rock AllStars, in which students perform at well-known venues around the United States.
“We’ve had a number of San Antonio students become AllStars,” Dave stated, and “that includes our House Band Director, David Patton.”
“The safety and comfort of our students is our number one priority,” Michele said. “We have a separate entrance for our youngest students (Rookies), and we also have a special space for them with child-sized instruments.” Charlene Taub, a master singer with the San Antonio Philharmonic and the Rookies Director, has invented multiple musical games with the Rookies staff to teach youngsters musical concepts.
“There’s nothing more gratifying than to hear my Rookies yell, ‘I get it!’” she said. For the bigger kids, you’ll find three rehearsal rooms (ear protection required), each outfitted with multiple drum sets, keyboards, guitar and bass amps and full PA systems. School of Rock also sports 13 private lesson rooms.
The school offers “Rock of Ages,” a program for older adults that features afternoon and late evening hours to fit adult lifestyles. For additional information about the fun that awaits and to schedule a trial lesson, call 210-341-7671 or fill out a contact request form at https://www.schoolofrock.com/ locations/sanantonio.
Community Calendar
Presented by Frost
by: Thao Nguyen
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.
Zoo Boo! – through Friday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Wear your costume to this fun, non-scary Halloween event for the entire family. Free trick or treating the last hour daily. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St. 78212; www.sazoo.org
Red Riding Hood – through Sunday, Oct. 12, times vary. Magik Theatre presents a fast and funny live theater retelling of the classic fairy tale. The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; www.magiktheatre.org
Uhlandfallfest – Saturdays and Sundays, through Nov. 2, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Family friendly pumpkin patch and festival featuring musical performances, games, artisan market, seasonal foods and beverages. Historic farmstead 25 miles south of Austin, 2400 Cotton Gin Road, Uhland 78640; www.uhlandfallfest.com.
Jazz in the Garden – Friday, Oct. 10, 6:30-9 p.m. Live jazz performance by Toro Flores & Hot Sauce in the peaceful atmosphere of the Japanese Tea Garden. Food and drinks available. Japanese Tea Garden, 3853 N. St. Mary’s St. 78212; www.saparks.org
Battle of Hillotes Run – Saturday, Oct. 11. Staggered starts 7:30-8:30 a.m., 13.1, 10K, 5K. Third of the Alamo Beer Series Challenge. Old Town Helotes, 14391 Old Helotes Road, Helotes 78023; www.scallywompus.com.
Jazz TX Breaks a Leg – Wednesday, Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. The magic of Broadway with a Jazz twist – the show reimagines iconic tunes from beloved musicals. Jazz TX, 313 Pearl Parkway 78215; info@jazztx.com.
Runway: Cabaret Across the Eras – Thursday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m. Fashion show co-chaired by Lisa Longoria Scott benefits flood relief efforts. Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.stablehall.com.
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band – Thursday, Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. Grammy-award winning, Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk and gospel. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com/events
29th Annual Junior League Olé Market – Friday, Oct. 16-Sunday, Oct. 19, times vary. Sugarplum Soiree market featuring activities and 80+ merchant booths. Proceeds benefit 35 non-profit community partners. San Antonio Shrine Auditorium, 901 North Loop 1604 W. 78232; www.jlsa.org/events/holiday
Smoke and Fire BBQ Event – Saturday, Oct.18, 5-8 p.m. Festival of the culinary art of smoking, grilling and open-fire cooking with demonstrations and tastings. Pullman Market, 221 Newell Ave. 78215; www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com.
The Jonas Brothers – Saturday, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. Greetings from San Antonio tour with special guests the All-American Rejects. Frost Bank Center, 1 Frost Bank Center Drive 78219; www.frostbankcenter.com
Ronald Reagan High School Theatre presents Pride & Prejudice – Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 23-24, 7 p.m. The play follows the familiar story of Jane Austen’s novel. Gloria Robinson Auditorium, Ronald Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan 78258; www.reaganstage.org
7th Annual Day of the Dead River Parade – Friday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. Enjoy decorated floats and costumed riders celebrating life and loved ones in conjunction with a Day of the Dead festival in La Villita. San Antonio Riverwalk 78205; www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Friday, Oct. 24, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Scuzzi’s, 4035 N. Loop 1604 W. 78257; www.spn-sa.org.
Michael W. Smith Beyond the Far HorizonTour – Saturday, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m. Grammy and Dove Award winner has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, sold more than 15 million albums and recorded 36 number one songs. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, HEB Performance Hall, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; www.tobincenter.org
Reagan High School Diamondbackers Disco Fever Gala –Saturday, Oct. 25, 6-11:30 p.m. Join other Reagan boosters to support the school’s sports programs. Holy Trinity Banquet Hall, 20523 Huebner Road 78258; www.rattlersports.com/gala.
HalloWine 5K and 10k Run – Saturday, Oct. 25, 7 a.m. Halloweenthemed adventure whether you decide to run, walk (or head straight to the reception). The Rim, 17703 La Cantera Parkway 78257; www.culinariasa.org/hallowine-run
Photo
Fantastic Flyer
Reagan High Jumper Overcomes Brain Bleed to Win District Medal
By Amy Morgan
Afall saved her life. What seemed initially to be a smallish setback at Ronald Reagan High School senior Aryiel Sherman’s high jump practice revealed a potentially fatal bleed in her brain. In the blink of an eye, the elite athlete went from training for state-level competition to neurosurgery and months of recovery.
Aryiel was familiar with concussion protocol from her experience being a flyer in cheer, but the nausea after an off high jump landing in September 2024 was different. A CT scan revealed a Cerebral Cavernous Malformation in her brain that was bleeding internally. The physician told her she could have bled out within days if she would not have gone to the hospital.
“I’d never had surgery, never broken a bone. I had no time to process (that she was about to have brain surgery) and was overwhelmed,” she said.
“I was geared up to win the medals my junior year. I had interest letters from colleges. Then I couldn’t do anything. I was angry. Then I realized I was not the only one this was affecting.” Aryiel found strength in her faith, praying and listening to Even If by Mercy Me before not just the first, but a second surgery required to remove all the residual tissue.
“I felt like God was saying it was going to be ok,” she said. After surgery she could barely turn her head and had to practice walking. Running, working out and especially high jump were out of the question. Although it was emotionally painful “watching everyone do what I was made to do and not being able to do it,” Aryiel was grateful for her life. “I had my family to fight for. I had high jump to fight for.”
In January she was able to work out again and a few weeks later was cleared to jump by scissoring, a warmup move that landed her on her feet rather than flopping onto her surgical incision site. But at least Aryiel could put her spikes on again. The 2025 high school track season was winding down, the District meet was immanent, and she still wasn’t cleared to jump.
“I couldn’t contribute to my team — that was the hardest part ever.” Aryiel had one more chance to be cleared the day before Districts. Her participation hung in the balance. “The suspense was killing everyone,” she said. When the surgeon told her he didn’t see why she wouldn’t be able to jump, Aryiel broke into tears. Back at school, the happy scene was repeated with track Coach McHugh.
The next day, Aryiel’s warm up was rough. She reminded herself to be happy she was even able to be there. She cleared 5’, then 5’2”. She missed 5’4”, but so did the other girls. When her turn came again, Aryiel breathed the verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The picture of her smiling on the mat as she won the first place District high jump medal tells the story.
“That was such a personal accomplishment,” she said. “No one can take that away from me. I carry that on my backpack. I will remember that win and being able to share it with my teammates and family for the rest of my life.” Aryiel went on to place third in Regionals, clearing 5’5” and missing State by just one spot.
At AAU this summer Aryiel place sixth and was named an All-American. She’s continued to build strength, swimming with her younger brother on the Heights of Stone Oak summer league team and training three times a week at So High Sports and Fitness in San Marcos with Olympic medalist coach Charles Austin.
“I know I have to work to be the best, but I love training for it,” she said. She plans to continue to jump in college, looking at North Carolina State, Florida or Texas A&M. Aryiel plans to study sports or pediatric psychology because she knows she can identify with and help those going through their own setbacks.
“No one really understood what I went through,” she said. But Aryiel’s grateful to be on the other side and looking forward to her senior season to shine.
Family-Friendly Foodie Adventures: A Tasty Take on Spring Break
By Dionne Roberts
Spring break isn’t just for beaches and pool time anymore—it’s the perfect excuse to pack your bags (and your appetites) for a family foodie adventure. Because while sandcastles are wonderful, sometimes it’s the churros, tacos, and pasta-making classes that kids remember most.
Think of it this way: family-friendly foodie travel turns spring break into a delicious classroom without the homework. In Italy, you could trade spelling tests for rolling out dough in a family pizza-making class, where kids proudly show off their creations before devouring every last bite. Or imagine strolling through a colorful Mexican market during a Cancun getaway, sampling street food while grandparents sip rich hot chocolate and the kids discover just how good a freshly fried churro can taste.
For families seeking tropical flair, Hawaii offers shave ice in every color of the rainbow, hands-on lei-making paired with a farm-to-table feast, and fresh poke bowls that even the pickiest eaters often surprise themselves by loving. Closer to home, a Florida Keys spring break might include catching your own dinner on a family fishing excursion and learning how the locals prepare it— fun, fresh, and unforgettable.
What makes these trips truly special is the way food brings everyone together. Teenagers suddenly perk up when gelato stops are involved, little ones get excited about a market scavenger hunt, and parents? They get to relax, knowing everyone’s happily fed.
And here’s where a travel advisor makes your spring break seamless. From tours designed with kids in mind to restaurants that balance authentic flavors with family-friendly menus, we take the guesswork out of planning so you can focus on the fun (and the food).
So this year, skip the ordinary spring break routine. Let’s trade “What’s for dinner?” for “Remember that time in Italy…?” Because the best souvenirs aren’t tucked in a suitcase—they’re shared around the table.
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
Meaningful Memorial
By Camp Bow Wow Staff
Zoey, Ivan, Shadow, Sketches, Halo.
Each name represents a beloved furry family member who’s crossed the rainbow bridge. It’s obvious to the Camp Bow Wow family – staff and clients alike – how much every beloved pup will be missed. Staff members decided to take a cue from the Mexican Dia de Los Muertos custom of honoring the memory of departed family members and set up memorials at their locations in San Antonio and Austin.
“We always send cards to our pup parents when one passes, but we felt like we needed to do something more – we wanted to honor all the dogs collectively,” said Shawn Fritschle, who has led the team at Camp Bow Wow’s Northwest location for nine years. “They are like family to us,” she continued. “We miss them when they are gone.”
Many in San Antonio have long observed Dia de Los Muertos, a holiday that celebrates the lives of family members no longer alive. Dia de Los Muertos has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, calling it “a defining expression of Mexican culture.”
It’s traditionally celebrated from Oct. 31-Nov. 2, coinciding with All Soul’s Day. Although decorations often include stylized skulls made popular by Frida Kahlo, it is not to be confused with Halloween. There are no tricks or treats, and the skulls aren’t meant to be scary. Dia de Los Muertos is all about remembrance and honor.
Camp Bow Wow celebrates Halloween until Oct. 31 then switches the decorations after closing that day. “We don’t want to cross with Halloween, we want to be respectful,” Shawn said.
This will be at least the fourth year Camp Bow Wow has invited their clients to send in a picture of their departed pup along with a special item. Shawn sets the pictures in brightly colored frames flanked by candles and marigolds on tables covered with Mexican blankets in the lobby. Small canine skeletons and favorite toys grace some of the pictures.
Shawn personally hand paints and decorates each frame for her Camp’s memorial. “I actually cry while I make the dogs' posters. I know all the dogs since I’ve been here so long.”
Shawn also posted a video on Facebook that showcases the memorial and highlights each pup’s picture, complete with the song “Remember Me” from the movie Coco.
Camp Bow Wow Honors Memory of Departed Pups
“Remember
me Though I have to say goodbye Remember me Don't let it make you cry For even if I'm far away I hold you in my heart … Until you are in my arms again. Remember me”
“It’s such a positive thing. It is not dark. It’s about life and remembering that life,” she said. “The music is sad, but you have to smile with it because you have fond memories.”
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Shawn remembers one client who stood looking at his pup’s picture with shoulders shaking. Others come in and take time to look at each one.
“Everyone thanks us and says they are so glad we do it, even if their dog hasn’t had to be up there yet,” she said. Shawn offers pup parents the option to keep their framed photo after the memorial comes down November 3.
“These pups mean a lot to the staff, too,” she said. “That’s why we do this. We understand, these pups are like their children. There’s no, ‘just dog’ at our Camp. This underscores how we all feel about the place of importance these pups hold in their owner’s lives.”
While nothing can completely erase the pain of losing a furry family member, participating in Dia de Los Muertos keeps their memory alive. Some clients continue to send a picture every year. “It is so sweet they are still remembered,” Shawn said.
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