Right at HOME Video e-Magazine June 2026

Timely Tunnel

Smitty’s Car Wash Debuts in Stone Oak

By Amy Morgan

We’ve all heard the adage cleanliness is next to godliness. And we’ve felt its truth. No matter whether it’s your home or your car, when things are clean, everything seems right with the world. There’s a reason fresh linen and new car are popular scents. Now there’s a new option in Stone Oak to help keep your vehicle spick and span. Lufkin-based Smitty’s Car Wash has opened its first location on the corner of Blanco and Heubner Roads, investing $7.5 million in the community.

President Ken Sampson saw how the North San Antonio area was developing and noticed it lacked a tunnel car wash. “We try to service underutilized areas,” he said. “Car washes are a steady need, and we thought we’d be a great fit.” It’s been a season of fast growth for Smitty’s Car Wash. The company has opened 15 locations since October 2022.

The belt is user friendly and alleviates the risk of car damage. Smart LPR technology recognizes a vehicle’s license plate without a tag and seamlessly opens the entrance gate for those who purchase a monthly membership. No-contract memberships with unlimited washes start at just $29/month and can be used at any of Smitty’s Car Wash North American locations. Individual washes start at $12. All include high performance vacuums, compressed detail air, mat cleaners, window cleaner, and drying towels.

Not just another wash tunnel, Smitty’s takes an innovative approach to car care. “With state-of-the-art technology, customer driven services and community engagement, the company’s overarching goal is to deliver exceptional car wash services to the communities they serve with a hometown feel,” according to Matt Brunk, Director of Operations. The company’s motto is, “We’re small enough to know you and large enough to serve you.”

Their system employs several types of modernizations to enhance customer service and sustainability. The conveyor belt works like a moving sidewalk and is easier to operate than a traditional chain and roller.

For those who are concerned about the environment and reducing water waste, always a need in draught-plagued San Antonio, Smitty’s Car Wash system reclaims the majority of the water used. Washing your personal car at home uses 100 gallons of water on average, Matt said. “We use less than half that because we recycle 60-80% of the water. If you are serious about water conservation, bringing your car through a Smitty’s tunnel will save a lot more water than washing it in your driveway.”

The Smitty’s Car Wash management team has devoted time and energy creating online training systems to develop their employees and enhance the customer experience.

“Most of the people we employ are young people managing people for the first time. We try to give them all the tools and skills they’ll need to succeed in any business they’ll choose,” Ken said.

“We know this is the first job for a lot of our employees,” he added. “We are flexible with their schedules and strive to be good mentors. We’ve had employees stay with Smitty’s when they relocate from Texas to Montana, and East Texas to Kerrville.” They even count a wedding in the Smitty’s family – between the managers of the Kerrville and Fredericksburg locations. “It means a lot that they started their family journey with us,” he said.

“We like to think of ourselves as a management company disguised as a car wash. Since we started, we’ve always been a community-first car wash. What sets us apart is our people – we treat our people right, so they’ll treat our customers right,” he continued. “Employees have to love their jobs to love their customers.

“Most importantly, we are committed to our community,” he added. Ken’s an avid sports fan who understands how Texans love their Friday Night Lights. Smitty’s Car Wash covers the cost of player dinners before football games in multiple communities where their tunnels are located. And in Lindale, a community outside Tyler, they even sponsor the varsity team’s radio broadcast. After each game, the host announces the Smitty’s Clean Drive of the Game, which highlights the most exciting offensive play.

Now that the Stone Oak location is open, Ken envisions Smitty’s Car Wash will soon be firmly established as a valued contributor to organizations locally. Smitty’s makes fundraising easy. They provide a QR code for customers that sends contributions directly to the benefitting organization, which avoids the hassle of chasing down donations.

“We want to be your favorite car wash, and we want to know you when you come in. From customer focused automation to water saving solutions, the future of car washes is smarter, greener and more customer centered than ever,” Ken emphasized.

By Amy Morgan

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TFantastic Fourth

The Club At Sonterra Celebrates in Style

his year America will celebrate her 250th birthday! Everyone wants to mark the special occasion with some wholesome family activity. You might be aware that The Club At Sonterra hosts a spectacular fireworks display on the Fourth of July that can be seen from vantage points across Stone Oak. But you might not realize that the fireworks are only the final flourish to an entire day of festivities at the Club.

Members and their guests can start the holiday morning with special golf, tennis, or pickleball play, then join the kids for a swim party at the 25-meter lifeguarded pool complete with wading area for the tots. There’ll be contests, coin dives, and a DJ spinning tunes and calling games. When hunger strikes, patrons can order traditional holiday fare like burgers or hot dogs poolside at the Break Point Bar & Grill or head to the 19th Hole for a red, white and blue BBQ buffet.

Later in the afternoon, Club staff will organize AllAmerican family fun including potato sack races, bounce houses and face painters. And no Fourth of July would be complete without popcorn and ice cream, said Nathan Gillespy, who has been running the event for the past eight years – even before he took over as General Manager two years ago.

For many members, the annual Fourth of July party has become part of their family tradition, Nathan added. People lay towels on the grass by the driving range as early as 3 p.m. to reserve their spots for the evening’s festivities. Patriotic music begins at 5 p.m., and the 20-minute fireworks extravaganza starts at 9:15 p.m. after the sun sets.

“It’s something we look forward to every year,” said Harold Oliver, who took over as Chairman of The Club At Sonterra’s Board in January. His family has been part of The Club At Sonterra since 2012. “The Fourth of July event is more personal than going to an amusement park. It's well-attended but not overcrowded. It highlights the family focus of The Club At Sonterra. We will have 500 people come out, but we all know each other. Our kids are rolling around in the grass playing together. That’s the

atmosphere for Sonterra. We can sit and relax, mingle with other members and get to know their families.”

As you consider how your family plans to celebrate this milestone holiday, you might realize you don’t want to travel across town to city-sponsored events or struggle with the crowds. It’s not too late to join The Club At Sonterra and be included in all the fun. The Club At Sonterra is conveniently located right in Stone Oak – no fighting traffic or worrying about a long journey home. Parking is free, plentiful, and right outside the front door. And it might be the best kept secret in Stone Oak that you don’t have to live inside Sonterra’s gates to become a member.

And there’s plenty of time in July and August to enjoy summer activities at The Club At Sonterra. The swimming pool remains lifeguarded through Labor Day weekend, and although the swim team is winding down, swim lessons and tennis camps for all ages are still available.

Contact Debbie Gonzaba at 210-483-4292 to schedule a personalized tour and see how your family will reap the benefits of community and connection – on the Fourth of July – and throughout the year.

At The Club At Sonterra, every detail is designed to elevate your everyday. Championship golf, tennis and pickleball, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a vibrant social calendar come together to create a dynamic and engaging club experience.

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.

Community Calendar

Presented by Frost

Otherwild at the San Antonio Botanical Garden – Now 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.

Mays YMCA Summer Sports Clinics and Leagues – Last call for summer registrations is June 12. Clinics and leagues for kids 3-14. Days/ times vary by sport and age. Soccer, baseball, flag football, basketball, cheer. Mays Family YMCA of Stone Oak, 21654 Blanco Road 78258; www.ymcasatx.org/programs/sports/youth-sports.

“Theatre is Magik” summer camps at the Magik Theatre Several sessions, dates vary from June 1 - Aug. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Campers first through 12th grade learn acting, dance, voice, and tech theatre techniques, ending with a musical theatre-style sharing on the stage. The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; www.magiktheatre.org.

Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Friday, June 4, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. The Bar Lounge at J-Prime Steakhouse, 1401 N. Loop 1604 W. 78232; www.spn-sa.org

SASCA Autocross Event – Saturdays, June 6, 27, 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

Golden: A K-Pop Kids Party – Saturday, June 6, doors open at 10:30 a.m. Family-friendly dance party with remixes inspired by familiar soundtracks, K-Pop songs and iconic pop movie anthems. Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.stablehall.com.

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

Fellowship of San Antonio Vacation Bible School – Monday, June 8 - Friday, June 12, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God. Fun activities, engaging lessons and God’s Word. VBS for entering kinder through 5th grade. Fellowship of San Antonio, 23755 Canyon Golf Road 78258; www.thefellowshipofsa.org

Concordia Vacation Bible School – Monday, June 8 - Friday, June 12, 9 a.m.- noon. Rainforest Falls shares the love of Jesus with children ages 4 years – 5th grade through games, crafts, worship and more. Concordia Lutheran Church, 16801 Huebner Road 78258; www.concordialutheranchurch.com

Cornerstone Vacation Bible School – Tuesday, June 9 - Thursday, June 11, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., with early drop off at 8 a.m. RESCUE VBS activities include Bible lessons, songs, entertainers, games, hands-on activities, free lunch and snacks for children ages 5 through 6th grade. Accessible for deaf/HOH. Cornerstone Church, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway 78258; www.sacornerstone.org.

TheVery Hungry Caterpillar at the Majik Theater – Saturday, June 13- Sunday, August 2, times vary. The critically acclaimed production is back, with 75 puppets telling four of the author/illustrator’s beloved stories. The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; www.magiktheatre.org

Alzafar Shrine Red Roadsters Car Show – Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Experience more than 100 unique vehicles on display – some of the best cars, trucks, motorcycles and minis San Antonio has to offer, with food, shopping and vendors. Alzafar Shrine Temple, 901 N. Loop 1604 W 78232; 210-496-1625.

Brews and Blooms – Saturday, June 13, 4-9 p.m. Enjoy a summer evening at the Garden with a craft beer festival, explore small businesses, sample local brews and unwind with music and food at the Botanical Gardens. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place 78209; www.sabot.org

SARR Texas Sun Showdown – Sunday, June 14, 7:00 a.m. 5k, ½ marathon and relay. McAllister Park Pavillion #2, 13298 Buckhorn Road 78247; www.runsignup.com/Race/Info/TX/SanAntonio/ SARRCarrabbas5KHalfMarathonandHalfMarathonRelay.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church VBS – Monday, June 15 - Friday, June 19, 9 a.m. - noon. Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God. For kids age 3 - 5th grade. St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1416 N. Loop 1604 E. 78232; www.tom1604.org

Riverdance 30: The New Generation – Tuesday, June 16 -Thursday June 18, 7:30 p.m. A fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com/events

Night Markets at Pearl – Wednesday, June 17, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy childentrepreneur artisans and makers market, 303 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.atpearl.com

By Amy Morgan

UOne-Stop Shop

7to7 Dental & Orthodontics Specialists Keep Care In-House

h oh! You might be familiar with that sneaking suspicion that something is not quite right with one of your teeth. Maybe you feel a twinge, or you find yourself wanting not to chew on one side of your mouth.

Or perhaps something sudden happened like a hard bite cracking a tooth. Either way, you now are faced with the situation of needing care beyond the scope of regular dentistry.

The good news is that in addition to dental care for the whole family and emergencies, 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics also offers patients access to boardcertified specialists without having to leave the 7to7 Dental family. Their highly trained specialty dentists and orthodontists work among 7to7 Dental’s 12 offices in and around San Antonio to allow patients to access services when they need them.

The first question when a tooth is at risk is whether or not it can be saved. If you are hoping to keep the tooth, you’ll consult with an endodontist. Dr. Nick Hargreaves is 7to7 Dental’s endodontist. He followed his family footsteps into dentistry, as his father is the dean of UT Health San Antonio’s Dental School. Patients can be confident Dr. Hargreaves was thoroughly trained how to perform a successful root canal there.

A root canal treats infection or damage that’s found in the soft inner core of the tooth called the pulp. The pulp is made of nerves, connective tissue and blood vessels. A root canal removes the inflamed tissue with the goal of saving the tooth.

A dental professional will first numb the area with local anesthetic before making a small opening in the crown of the tooth. They’ll use hightech imaging equipment and dental operating microscopes to perform microsurgery inside the pulp and on the narrow channels running down the root. (This is why the procedure is called a root canal.) Then they will remove the infected pulp from the chamber. The canals will be cleaned, filled with a

pliable material and sealed. A crown is usually seated over the tooth to protect it and restore function.

Sometimes IV or oral conscious sedation or nitric oxide is administered to relax a patient. Many of 7to7 Dental’s office-based dentists, like TPC’s Managing Dentist Rebeca Garcia, D.D.S, are certified in anesthesia techniques and can provide support when a procedure requires their expertise.

Timing of treatment is crucial. If a patient puts off a root canal too long and the infection spreads, the tooth may need to be extracted. In difficult cases, or when complications like impacted wisdom teeth occur, an oral surgeon may be required.

7to7 Dental’s professional staff also includes oral surgeons. Patients won’t need to look elsewhere for even the most complicated cases, resulting in fewer appointments and a consistent care team that will handle everything to ensure a more seamless experience. Keeping dental care in-house also often provides a significant cost advantage to patients. Whether covered by 7to7 Dental’s membership plan or traditional insurance, the 7to7 Dental staff is available to make sure every dollar is spent wisely.

Although 7to7 Dental has grown to include 350 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. 7to7 Dental offers a onestop shop for your family’s oral health needs –whether it be cleanings and check-ups, orthodontia or specialty dentistry.

Playful Pup

By Camp Bow Wow Staff

PlayTake a Break

– it’s such a happy word – evoking images of carefree frolic, smiles and fun. Don’t we all look forward to putting chores aside and doing something we enjoy?

Humans and canines learn through play. Play builds confidence, supports social skills and provides healthy outlets for energy. Just like for their humans, play is one of the best parts of our furry family member’s day. But not all play is good. Just like an overtired cranky toddler, your pup can become overstimulated. When that happens, what started as fun can quickly turn into stress.

Healthy play has a rhythm. Dogs take turns, they pause. They reset. Their bodies stay loose and responsive. When your pup becomes overstimulated, that rhythm disappears.

How to tell when your dog needs a break

You may notice:

• Faster, more intense movement

• Ignoring cues from other dogs

• Constant chasing without breaks

• Difficulty settling or walking away

At this point, your dog is no longer choosing to play. Their nervous system has taken over, and they are winding up. Again, envision children on the playground. Suddenly, what was once fun devolves into frustration and tears. Little faces are red and sweaty. Everyone needs a break. Breaks are not punishment. They are essential.

Rest allows a body to recover and your pup’s mind to reset. It helps prevent escalation, reduces the risk of conflict, and keeps play safe for everyone involved. Without breaks, even well socialized dogs can become overwhelmed.

Think about that cranky toddler emerging happy and settled after a nap. You often will see the same

noticeable shift in your pup after a short break. His body softens and breathing slows. He may shake off, show a loose wiggly body, or simply choose to lie down. These are all healthy signs that his nervous system is returning to baseline. A reset pup reenters play more mindfully. He checks in with other dogs rather than barreling through. He responds to social cues again. The difference between a dog who has had a chance to reset and one who has not is visible.

Rest is not wasted time. It is productive time. It is the pause that makes the play meaningful and enjoyable.

A Balanced Dog

A balanced dog can play and pause. He can engage and disengage. He knows when to move and when to rest. A well-run doggie daycare environment recognizes this and knows their task is not about scheduling nonstop activity. It is about providing balance.

Your pup will benefit from supervised interactions, rotational play groups and calm rest periods built into the day. This structure helps dogs stay engaged without becoming overstimulated.

Play should leave a dog feeling settled, not exhausted or on edge. The goal is not just to tire Fido out. It is to support his overall wellbeing. And sometimes, the healthiest thing we all can do is take a break.

Proud Patriot

By Amy Morgan

It’s a gift to be simple, it’s a gift to be free…” read the lyrics of the music showcased in Ronald Reagan High School band’s 2025 fall marching season. Birthed during the revolutionary war, the song’s patriotic theme echoes the sentiments of senior student Isaac Joo. Isaac led the RRHS “Simple Gifts” performance as Head Drum Major, culminating his years in the program. In November the band traveled to Grand Nationals in Indiana, an elevated competition Reagan attends only once every four years. RHS advanced to the final 12 in the nation out of a field of more than 130, Isaac reported.

“It was an incredible opportunity to meet people who have passion and love for band,” he said. Isaac was responsible for conducting, starting and maintaining the show. Outside of performing, he’s the bridge between the directors and student leadership, he added. He noted two of his three band directors, Mr. Nelson and Mr. Estrada Simon, will be retiring from education this year and reflected how much their mentorship meant to him. “Those teachers influenced my life in such a way that I desire to make an impact for others,” he said.

Isaac plays clarinet and piano, and in addition to marching band is part of the Reagan symphony, wind ensemble and jazz band. There are not enough class periods in the day to accommodate that many practices, so despite the rigorous marching schedule, he routinely met with his fellow musicians after school and during lunch – learning parts and music in what’s left of his free time to be prepared to play.

Isaac will leave marching band – and football – behind for good when he attends the University of Texas in the fall, majoring in statistics and data science, but looks forward to auditioning for UT’s ensembles.

While Isaac’s high school experience seems relatively typical for a bright student —AP classes, National Honor Society officer, a class rank of 41/847, which places him in the top 5 % — he has experienced several unique circumstances, not the least living outside America for much of his childhood.

His parents came to the United States from Korea before Isaac was born. His father joined the U.S. Army, and the family joined him at postings in Korea – at Camp Humphries, where Isaac started clarinet lessons, and at Camp Walker. Isaac found himself

living in the country of his parent’s birth – ethnically Korean, yet himself a first-generation American.

“Getting to experience my culture outside of my household was an eye-opening experience,” he said. He also was able to meet extended family members who had not left their home country. “I felt like my family just expanded,” he said. Travel in Korea is inexpensive and safe, Isaac added, noting it is not unusual for children to ride the trains unaccompanied – giving him a sense of freedom rarely experienced in the states. The Joo family speaks Korean at home, so living in Korea helped Isaac maintain the language, a skill he leveraged to teach Korean lessons in San Antonio.

Being a military dependent opened Isaac’s eyes to a life of patriotic service, and he sought and earned a ROTC scholarship from the U.S. Navy, which will cover the cost of Isaac’s college tuition. He credits his father with teaching him about patriotism and serving a greater good. Isaac will eventually commission as an officer and plans a Navy career. He looks forward to his Midshipman Indoctrination Training Intensive this summer.

Isaac’s positioned to lead as he honors his heritage with service to his country. He is keenly aware that “it’s a gift to be free.”

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