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Stone Oak Crossing
19141 Stone Oak Parkway TheBreakfastMill.com
Delightful not Diva
By Amy Morgan
Find your voice and help others find theirs.” That adage has stuck with Ronald Reagan High School senior Madelyn Thompson since she learned it in fourth grade as part of Stone Oak Elementary School’s Seven Habits curriculum. Taking the lesson to heart, she’s headed to the University of Oklahoma in the fall to major in communication science and disorders to become a speech pathologist. “I have always loved talking and communicating,” she said – sometimes so much her conduct grade on that elementary report card reflected it. “I believe everyone should be able to let their ideas out to the world.”
Madelyn uses her voice in other ways, singing Soprano 2 in the Kantorei varsity mixed choir and serving as soprano section leader. She also is co-dance captain for the Soundsations! show choir and sang with the acapella girls show choir Chantez Nouvelle. Her favorite performance has been when the groups sing a holidaythemed gig together at the Pearl in December.
Reagan’s choir students like Madelyn can choose to participate in the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) competition, which tests students not just on their pitch and singing, but their ability to sightread music. She qualified for the mixed region choir all four years of high school, just missing the last advancement to all-state choir. Although Madelyn was disappointed not to achieve that distinction her senior year, she chalked it up as an opportunity to learn and persevere. She shared she was recently diagnosed with OCD, so the situation allowed her to “work through that and capture negative thoughts and turn them into encouragement,” she said. “I’m aiming for knowing nobody is perfect, and I just want to live like Jesus and share him with the world.”
One way she fulfills that mission is by spending her Sunday mornings leading worship and teaching children at Mission City Church’s north campus, located at Pieper Ranch Middle School. Born into a musical family, Madelyn started singing in children’s choir herself and performed in church musicals before leading youth music. She plays piano by ear and sometimes accompanies herself as she sings. This summer she’s looking forward to using her skills to lead children’s worship for Vacation Bible School.
Choreographing for Soundsations! is no stretch for Madelyn, as in addition to her busy choir schedule, she serves as a Colonel on Reagan's Varsity Diamond
Dance team. The girls performed at nationals in Orlando this February, competing in the Kick, HipHop and Gameday categories. But Madelyn was more impressed with the awards of others – notably the JV Silver Stars’ fourth place and Reagan Cheer’s second place national finishes. Her younger sister, Claire, a freshman, is part of Reagan’s cheer team. The highlight of the trip for Madelyn was being able to go backstage as cheer performed to celebrate her sister’s accomplishment. Madelyn and Claire were one of two cheer/dance sister combos from Reagan at the event.
“It ended up being super fun,” Madelyn enthused. “Our parents both came, and we got to watch each other’s routines and go to the Disney parks together.” Enjoying the fireworks display to end the evening provided another special memory for Madelyn, as the music and words reflected her emotions as she realized this year would be her Diamond Dancer finale.
She also enjoys serving others through Reagan’s National Honor Society – favorite activities have been helping teachers set up their classrooms and organizing products at the Food Bank. Even a stint cleaning chicken fluff at the Winding Branch Ranch was fun as Madelyn “loved to be able to do it with friends and know we were helping.” More darling than diva, Madelyn is sure to end the year on a high note.
Chorister Helps Others Find Their Voice
Community Calendar
Presented by Frost
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.
Night Markets at Pearl – Wednesdays, April 8 & 15, 5-9 p.m. Enjoy artisans and makers market, 303 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.atpearl.com
D9 Fiesta Event – Saturday, April 11, 11 a.m. -2 p.m. Collect an exclusive D9 Fiesta Medal and enjoy family friendly music, carnival, games, food trucks and a petting zoo at McAllister Park. You might catch a glimpse of visiting Fiesta Royalty. McAllister Park Multi-purpose Field West Pavillion, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road 78232; 210-207-0955.
The Master of Chicken – Saturday, April 11, 1 – 4 p.m. Presented by Culinaria, Chefs bring their best version of a chicken sandwich and compete for Master of Chicken, determined by guest vote. Includes beverages and tastings. The Alley on Bitters, 555 W. Bitters Road 78216; www.culinariasa.org.
Antigone presented by Reagan Stage Theater – Thursday, April 16 - Friday, April 17, 7 p.m., April 18, 1 p.m. Based on Sophocles's Antigone, two brothers die fighting each other, leading to a conflict of laws, personal morality, and justice. Black Box Theater, Ronald Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan 78258; www.reaganstage.org.
Fiesta San Antonio – April 16 - 26. San Antonio’s biggest party is back, with events to please everyone. Fiesta San Antonio Commission, 110 Broadway, Suite 350 78205; www.fiestasanantonio.org.
Golf Classic benefitting Strategic Alliance – Friday, April 17, 8 a.m. shotgun start. Golf tournament benefits Reynosa school project. Canyon Springs Golf Club, 24405 Wilderness Oak 78260; app.eventcaddy.com.
Fiesta Arts Fair – Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, April 19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. View contemporary art from more than 100 artists across a variety of media. UTSA Southwest School of Art, 300 Augusta St. 78205; www.swschool.org/fiestaartsfair.
Fiesta Castle Hills – Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Parade at 10 a.m., family friendly fair fundraises for Roy Maas Youth Alternatives and the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation. 209 Lemonwood @ The Commons 78213; www.castlehillscommunityorganization.org/fiesta-castle-hills.
Doing Good on the Green – Monday, April 20, 8:15 a.m. shotgun start. Golf tournament supports the San Antonio Food Bank. TPC San Antonio, Oaks and Canyon Courses, 23808 Resort Parkway 78261; www.safoodbank.org/doing-good
Ford Mariachi Festival – Wednesday, April 22 -Thursday, April 23, 5:30-9 p.m. Experience an evening of mariachi bands and Folklorico dancers from local schools as they perform along the River Walk – a tradition started in 1972. 602 E. Commerce St. 78205; www.fiestasanantonio.org/our-events/ford-mariachi-festival
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Wednesday, April 22, 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
Taste of the Northside – Thursday, April 23, 6 – 10:30 p.m. Elevated event combines foodies, philanthropy and Fiesta. Noteworthy restaurants offer stylish sips and delicious dishes to benefit the Brighton Center. The Rock at La Cantera, 1 Spurs Way 78256; www.brightonsa.org.
135th Annual Battle of Flowers Parade – Friday, April 24, 9:55 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Fiesta San Antonio’s founding event. Grayson and Broadway 78205; www.battleofflowers.org.
King William Fair – Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. parade start. Fiesta festival with live entertainment on five stages, 200 + vendor booths selling handcrafted items, Kid’s Kingdom play area, pet-friendly activities, food and beverage booths and a quirky parade. 122 Madison St. 78204; www.kwfair.org.
Siesta Half Marathon – Sunday, April 26, 7:31 – 8:40 a.m., 13.1, 10k, 5K, .05 K fun run, staggered starts. The Fourth of the Texas Hill Country Challenge Series. Mission County Park, 6030 Padre Drive 78214; www.scallywompus.com
Dragons Love Tacos – May 2, 3, times vary. Discover the dietary delights and dilemmas of dragons in this Magik Theatre live production adapted from the New York Times best-selling book. San Pedro Playhouse, Russell Hill Rogers Theater, 800 W Ashby Place 78212; www.magiktheatre.org.
By Amy Morgan
SOptimal Orthodontia
Evaluate Early and Consider Invisalign’s Flexibility
mile for the picture! Everyone has a camera in their pocket these days, and your smile is the first thing they’ll notice. Many people seek orthodontic treatment to correct crooked teeth, but as much as we focus on the esthetics, improved health – both now, and in the future – is the most important benefit of orthodontia, according to Tiffany Winburn, D.M.D., coowner of 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics.
Mal-aligned teeth can lead to negative consequences, she cautioned. They are harder to keep clean, which can cause cavities when people are young, periodontal and gum disease later in life. Improper jaw development or alignment can put an individual at risk for clenching and grinding their teeth and can even create airway problems or sleep apnea.
Conversely, teeth that are well aligned and work as intended accrue benefits over time. Teeth are less likely to trap food and accumulate plaque when they are straight and even, she added.
The American Orthodontic Society recommends all children have an orthodontic consultation by the age of seven, Dr. Winburn said. “It sounds young because it is,” she acknowledged. “But we’re not starting treatment on the first visit. An expert in facial and dental growth and development will notice potential problems that warrant consideration for later treatment.” Early monitoring allows the dental professionals to plan, sparing more complicated intervention later.
And at 7to7 Dental, a first orthodontic consultation is always at no cost. Parents (or adult patients) can schedule a regular dental cleaning and checkup when one of 7to7 Dental’s three orthodontists is working at their office of choice and complete both appointments in one visit – a boon for busy families!
An orthodontist might notice younger children have adult teeth not oriented favorably to come in, Dr. Winburn added. “It’s very common that one or more of the upper canines is angled in a way it is not likely to push the baby tooth out. There are very simple ways to right the ship to create and maintain space to let the canine drop in that will prevent surgery later in life.”
Another common problem is missing teeth. “Forewarned is forearmed,” Dr. Winburn said. “Braces are an investment in time and money. The sooner you know what to expect the better.”
Dr. Winburn noted she sees more children every year wearing Invisalign rather than traditional braces. While parents voice concern that children will lose or not wear their trays, Dr. Winburn has not noticed that problem.
“I get better compliance from young and older teens than with adult patients,” she said. And because Invisalign trays are removed for eating, there are no dietary restrictions. Orthodontists advise patients with braces not to eat foods known to break off brackets and wires. Popcorn, for instance is prohibited. Invisalign also tends to reduce snacking. You’re less likely to grab a couple of Skittles from a candy dish if you know you have to take out and clean your trays before and after.
Invisalign trays can serve as mouth guards – not just for organized sports, but during the pick-up games and backyard roughhousing that actually cause more tooth injuries. When an Invisalign tray is in place, it serves to splint the teeth together, making them stronger and less likely to break or be lost, Dr. Winburn added.
It's also harder to fit mouth guards over brackets and wires, and a patient can cut their lips and tongue on their braces in an accident. “With Invisalign, there are no such concerns,” Dr. Winburn said. “Invisalign is less intrusive, easier, and, for a lot of people, it’s preferable.”
Dr. Richard Wallach took over as 7to7 Dental’s managing orthodontist in January 2026 when Dr. Michael Roberts retired. He oversees orthodontia for all 11 of 7to7 Dental’s offices in the San Antonio area that serve patients for family dentistry and emergencies, with hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
If you or your child is due for a free initial orthodontic evaluation, reach out to 7to7 Dental to schedule with your cleaning at your convenience.
Canines for Christ
By Camp Bow Wow Staff
There’s a reason dogs are called man’s best friend. Just petting a pup has long been known to decrease blood pressure, increase positive endorphins and break down barriers.
Therapy Pup/Partners
Provide Comfort, Counsel
Non-profit Canines for Christ capitalizes on the human/ canine connection to provide comfort and support in situations of need. They’ve been present for victims’ families and volunteers after the Kerrville flood and encourage San Antonio police officers at shift change. Wherever they go, a Canines for Christ team offers furry hugs and prayer to lighten any mood.
Started in 2007 in Tampa, Fl., by Larry Randolph, local Board President/VP Chaplains Jill and Ross Powell took over leadership in 2023 and run the organization from their Pleasanton home. Canines for Christ offers training, fellowship and serving opportunities to handlers and their pups through 37 chapters across the country as well as those in the UK, Canada, South Africa and potentially South Korea. The group currently numbers 1060 teams.
Certified Canines for Christ teams visit those in hospitals, hospice, nursing homes and schools. Some serve in the court system, sitting with people testifying. Others have been specially trained for crises, like those who responded in Uvalde and love on Montana firefighters.
“You name it, when we are invited to come into a space, we are there!” Jill said. She added that Canines for Christ partners with organizations on the ground when tragedy strikes to make sure they are serving in appropriate spaces.
Jill has partnered for four years with Rocco, one of five dogs the Powells own in Texas. She was drawn to Canines for Christ due to its emphasis on faith-based service coupled with the dogs’ therapeutic presence. “You can’t have fulness without Jesus,” Jill said. “It’s a beautiful kind of dance. You love God, you love people, you love dogs. It can’t get better than that.”
After the Kerrville floods, Jill and Rocco attended the funeral for the Tivy High School coach. “There’s a little bit of happiness that’s wrapped up in a dog in this really heavy time that shifts the atmosphere,” she said. “It’s beautiful to me if we can bring some peace and joy even for a moment. We are about a ministry of presence and relationship. We’re faith-based first, therapy second.”
Canines for Christ also supports the San Antonio Police Department, where Jill’s son is an officer. They attend roll call as officers prepare to start their work. They offer stickers depicting Rocco supporting SAPD superheroes, wristbands and other swag. As they pet Rocco, Jill reminds them that Canines for Christ is there to encourage them and pray with them if they’d like. She and Rocco also support the SAPD CSI and Wellness Units.
Canines for Christ is always welcoming new teams. The website lists resource teams, trainers and tips to get started. All dogs must pass a two-step evaluation to qualify. The first is a temperament test, which begins by documenting a dog’s internal desire to want to be with and love people of all kinds. Canines for Christ enlists local trainers to check a dog’s response to ways they might be handled, including rough petting and tail pulling. Then the dog must pass the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluation that tests basic obedience. Once the pup has been deemed ready, their human partner will fill out the application, provide vaccine records and a headshot picture. New members receive a welcome box with brochures describing the junior handler program, crisis response, reading buddy, and first responder care teams. Canines for Christ also has merchandise available - patches, shirts, stickers and lanyards.
Canines for Christ chapters provide ongoing opportunities for training, because “if you don’t keep training a dog, they will lose it,” Jill cautioned. Teams brush up on basic commands like sit, down, stay, come, and leave it, as well as learn advanced skills like lining up to a wheelchair or “paws up” to gently place paws up to reach someone in a hospital bed. Trainers also teach tricks like shake or high five as icebreakers.
If you are looking for an opportunity to combine your love for God, dogs and serving, get in touch will Jill through Canines4Christ.org. She’d love to help you join their paw-sitive pack.
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