GRILL IN THE GARDEN
Diamond Decks Partners with Bull BBQ to Customize, Upgrade Outdoor Entertaining
By Amy Morgan
Outdoorliving spaces continue to gain popularity in South Texas as they add value to a home – an estimated 84-88% return on investment – and that doesn’t even factor in the enjoyment of use! Whether it’s a patio upgrade or a place to grill and gather, today’s outdoor living areas are designed to enhance a home’s appeal.
The heart of a home is the kitchen. Diamond Decks has been taking the kitchen outdoors for the past 10 years and is now one of the largest outdoor living construction companies in the state of Texas.
Owner Donnie Ferguson listens closely when he meets a client at one of Diamond Decks’ showrooms located inside the Stone Ridge Market HEB at Highway 281 and Evans Road or at the HEB plus at Bandera Road and Loop 1604. He’ll ask about entertaining style, number of guests, countertop or table seating and what type of food they like to cook.
These answers help Donnie design the outdoor living space of their dreams. Diamond Decks can add stamped and stained concrete to enlarge an existing patio footprint and construct a covering to offer shade from summer’s relentless sun. Many clients are asking him to wire heating elements into the ceiling that can be switched on to add just enough warmth to make watching an evening game or hosting a winter party outdoors pleasant – even during one of San Antonio’s chillier nights.
Of course, the star of an outdoor area is its grill. Diamond Decks partners with Bull Outdoor Products for stainless-steel grills and components. The American company has been producing grills since 1992 and patented a ReliaBull technology to ensure their grills heat evenly and work reliably and consistently. They’ve since expanded to pizza ovens, power burners, sinks, drawers, refrigerators and ice wells. They even offer grilling tips and recipes on the company website, https://bullbbq.com/rbc-heritageand-bull-bbq.
Bill Blanchard has been a wholesale distributor for Bull BBQ Outdoor Kitchen Equipment for 12 years. Because he and Diamond Decks share a close relationship, Donnie is able to pass along wholesale prices on Bull appliances to his clients. Bill keeps grills and components in stock and delivers in a timely manner at no charge.
“I’ve known Bull for 12 years, and it is always a reliable product,” Bill said. “Diamond Decks was one of my first customers. They have such great design ideas. Their vision of what works best in somebody’s back yard always complements the home.”
While a built-in refrigerator is handy to keep menu items ready to fire, Donnie and Bill both prefer an ice well for serving cold beverages. Or Donnie suggests installing a kegerator, so you’ll always have a cold mug of your favorite beer at the ready. Another trend is the power burner, perfect to handle a large pot for a crawfish boil. And people are requesting Bull griddles to cook everything from pancakes to vegetables quickly and easily.
Diamond Decks handles all the details of a project from start to finish – design, slab pour, building, appliance installation, electrical, plumbing, audio, along with all the designer touches that make your outdoor space a showstopper.
Donnie’s worked with one Sonterra homeowner recently to completely transform a dated living space. He enclosed the existing patio with screens and added a covered porch floored in stamped concrete. Stacked stone counters topped with granite wrap around to include a high-top bar facing the golf course and a stainless-steel Bull grill, power burner and ice well. Diamond Decks wired the ceiling for heat lamps and fans and illuminated the perimeter and steps leading to a hot tub on a lower level.
The result upgraded the backyard with a sophisticated look that will be marveled at from the Sonterra golf course, Donnie noted.
“It’s very rewarding when you start in the beginning with a great idea, bring it all together, and smile and rejoice with everyone when we finish the installation,” Donnie said.
Diamond Decks has an A+ rating from the BBB, an Angie’s List Super Service Award and is Top Rated as an Elite Service provider by Home Advisor. Go to Diamonddeckstx.com to get started on your wish list, then call for an in-home design consultation or showroom visit.
Community Calendar
Presented by Frost
39th Annual Zoo Run Relay & Kids Run Friday, Sept. 6, 6 p.m., individual 4-mile run and 8-mile relay; Saturday, Sept. 7, 8 a.m., kids’ run. Lace up your running shoes for the annual San Antonio Zoo Run benefitting wildlife. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St. 78212; www.sazoo.org/zoo-events/zoorun-relay.
Foster Perry Travel presents Rick Braun in its Jazz on the Water series – Saturday, Sept. 7, 7 and 9:30 p.m. By Land & Sea Concert features nationally recognized Smooth Jazz artists. 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. 78207; www.jazzonthewaterus.com.
Reagan Rattler Cheer Clinic – Saturday, Sept. 7, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Students K-9 join the Reagan High School cheer teams to tumble, jump, dance and cheer, capped off by a performance at the RHS varsity football game Sept. 13. Ronald Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan 78258; www.reagan. formstack.com/forms/cheerclinic2024.
Jelly Roll in concert – Wednesday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m. Beautifully Broken tour featuring the winner of 2023’s New Artist of the Year CMA award. Frost Bank Center, 1 Frost Bank Center Drive 78219; www.frostbankcenter.com.
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Friday, Sept. 13, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Stonewerks (Quarry), 999 E. Basse Road 78209; www.spn-sa.org.
Battle of Salado Creek – Friday, Sept. 13, 13.1, 10 mile, 5 mile, 5K, staggered starts 5:30-6:45 p.m. Second of the Alamo Beer Series Challenge. LBJ Park, 10700 Nacogdoches Road 78217; www.scallywompus.com.
Ronald Reagan High School Theatre presents The Outsiders – Wednesday, Sept. 18, Thursday, Sept. 19, Saturday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m. Play adapted from S.E. Hinton’s novel set in 1960s rural Oklahoma. Gloria Robinson Auditorium, Ronald Reagan High School, 19000 Ronald Reagan 78258; www.reaganstage.org.
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Wednesday, Sept. 18, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. Smashin’ Crab, 700 E. Sonterra Blvd. 78258; www.spn-sa.org.
Culinaria’s Women & Whiskey with a Twist at La Cantera Resort & Spa Thursday, Sept. 19, 6-9 p.m. Pink Spirits Affair by Moet et Chandon, with tastings, bites, vendors and live entertainment. 16641 La Cantera Parkway 78256; www.culinariasa.org.
Sesame Street Live: Say Hello – Friday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2 p.m. Elmo, Cookie Monster and friends feature in this all-new live production. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com/events.
Zoo Boo! – Saturday, Sept. 21 - Thursday, 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.
Encino Library Playground Anniversary Wednesday, Sept. 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the Encino Library playground. Enjoy light refreshments and toddler friendly activities and take home a free fruit tree. Encino Branch Library, 2515 E. Evans Road 78259; 210-207-5280.
Chosen Women’s Event – Friday, Sept. 27, 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Enjoy powerful worship, inspirational messages, marketplace, and food trucks. Summit Church, 2575 Summit Church Road 78259; chosen@summitsa.com.
Fall Home and Garden Show – Friday, Sept. 27, noon – 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 – 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 29, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. More than 200 booths featuring the latest products and services for home and landscape to help you make your dream home a reality. Alamodome, 100 Montana St. 78203; www.alamodome.com/events.
41st annual Jazz’SAlive Festival – Friday, Sept. 27, 4-11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, 11 a.m. -11 p.m. Jazz talent performs at Civic Park at Hemisphere. VIP experiences available. 630 E. Nueva St. 78205; www.saparksfoundation.org/event/jazzsalive.
D9 Declutter – Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m. – noon. Drive through disposal event. Bring documents to shred, bulky waste and clothes to donate. Walker Ranch Senior Center parking lot, 835 W. Rhapsody 78216; 210-207-5280.
Uhland Fall Fest – Saturday, Sept. 28 - Sunday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Family friendly fall-themed event featuring musical performances, games, artisan market, seasonal foods and beverages. New location on a historic farmstead 25 miles south of Austin. 2400 Cotton Gin Road, Uhland 78640; www.uhlandfallfest.com.
Scratch Savers
Help Fido Beat the Itchies this Allergy Season
By Camp Bow Wow Staff
Poor Fido! Your furry family member is itching, scratching, losing fur. Maybe you’ve noticed him pawing his ears or licking his feet until he rubs a spot raw. Your pup looks miserable, and you want to find a solution to stop the suffering.
Just like humans, dogs can be afflicted with allergies –and the problem is more common than you might think.
Did you know an allergy is actually an immune response on overdrive? When your dog comes into contact with something to which he's allergic, his immune system will overrespond to attack the allergen, causing uncomfortable symptoms. Your furry family member resembles a small child who can’t tell you what’s wrong when they don’t feel good. It’s up to you to solve the mystery of what’s causing his compulsive scratching – his only recourse to try to stop the irritation.
The trigger could be something airborne, like pollen; an irritant, like a soap, cleaning product or even grass; or a food allergy.
Some dogs are allergic to fleas. Their reaction to even a few bites causes extreme itching and could lead to infection. You can compare a pup’s situation to a human who’s allergic to mosquito bites. Those affected will quickly develop an itchy red welt at a bite site, in contrast to the non-allergic person sitting next to them who barely notices a thing.
One clue to help identify where your pup's allergies might be coming from is to notice whether they tend to get better during the winter, when outdoor culprits like grass and pollen disappear. Allergy tests are available for dogs, but they can be expensive and are not as reliable as those developed for humans.
If allergies persist year-round, your vet might be able to help rule out a food allergy. While blaming your furry family member’s skin problems on something he ate might seem like a quick fix, the truth according to Tufts University's Cummings Veterinary Center is that food allergies in dogs are fairly rare. The most common foods
to cause an allergic response in dogs are animal proteins including chicken, beef, dairy, and eggs, Tufts reported. Your vet may prescribe a limited-ingredient diet to see if that assuages the symptoms.
No matter what the catalyst, you want to help Fido feel better – fast! Consider a few options that can be found through a variety of sites that sell pet-related products. You can use an antifungal and antiseptic wipe or spray to soothe and heal irritated or scabbed skin. Shampoos that contain oatmeal or aloe vera may also be helpful. For fast relief, try antihistamines that contain diphenhydramine HCI (you might recognize it as the ingredient in Benadryl.) Antihistamines will temporarily relieve itchy skin and are especially good for insect bites and stings. A side effect is that they may make your pup sleepy.
Don’t be tempted to give Fido one of your human tablets. It’s safer to choose a formula designed for dogs. If allergy symptoms persist, your vet can prescribe a hydrocortisone cream to treat an itchy area topically, an oral steroid, a steroid-like medicine called Apoquel or even allergy shots to break the itch/response cycle. Your vet also may recommend you try an over-thecounter immune support chew that contains Omega fatty acids or probiotics to help your furry family member more successfully weather allergy season.
Whatever is the most effective solution for you and your pup, we wish your furry family a healthy, scratch-free pollen season.
Running Rattler
By Amy Morgan
School is back in session, which heralds the return of high school sports for eager Texas fans.
Watching senior Cole Pryor streak down the field for a Rattler score has become a familiar sight at Ronald Reagan High School football games. As the starting running back on the football squad, and a varsity player since ninth grade, Cole racked up 34 Reagan touchdowns before his senior year even started. The feat is not too surprising as he’s fast as lightening. Cole takes just 10.7 seconds to run 100 meters, a feat he accomplishes as part of Reagan’s varsity track team.
Last year the football district champs finished 11-1, falling only to nemesis Austin Westlake in the second round of playoff finals, a record Cole’s hoping to improve upon this season.
“We want to build off our successes and take our program to another level,” he said. Cole counts memories on the field as some of his favorite at Reagan. “The games are super fun. Everyone’s energetic, and there’s a great atmosphere,” he said. “The band’s playing, and the players are hyped up. We’re trying to contain our excitement and direct it on the field.”
Cole remembers how the older players took him under their wings when he was younger, a practice he plans to emulate now he’s a team captain. “I saw how they carried themselves and learned,” he said. Two-a-day practices started in August, and he’s been “leading by example and being someone the younger guys can look to for guidance.”
In the same vein, Cole’s spent the past summers coaching Lopez Middle School’s eighth grade 7-on-7 flag football team. “It’s really fun to see them get it down!”
he said. “We had a winning season, and it was cool seeing the team grow as we went along.”
Cole’s played football with some of his teammates since they were in middle school at Lopez, a school to which he’s now returned, along with Wilderness Oak Elementary, as a mentor with RHS’s PALs program. Part of the privilege of being a PAL is the ability to leave campus and connect with younger students – serving as a role model and friend. Not surprisingly, Cole also enjoyed helping with the Special Olympics track meet making sure his PALees were able to compete and have fun.
Cole remembers being shy himself, as he started Reagan in person just as pandemic restrictions were lifting. He credits his science teacher, Ms. Espino, with bringing him out of his shell. “She brought donuts and talked with me about shoes,” he said. “She noticed I was wearing a pair of black and blue Jordan Ones and started a conversation.” Cole admits he’s a bit of a kicks collector, rotating a handful of special pairs to match his outfits.
Cole’s younger sister, Reese, joined him at Reagan this fall. His parents will juggle watching the two of them compete on the track, court and field. The close-knit family attends God Chasers church together and enjoys rooting for his father’s favorite Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoons. Cole’s pursuing several offers from D1 colleges that will allow him to play football and complete a business degree he hopes to a parley into a career in management or sports marketing. “Motivated by constant growth,” Cole wants to be “the best at what I do.” RHS certainly benefits from his talent and attitude.
Reagan Football Captain Leads by Example
Photo credit: Pierce Hull / Gridironfootballusa.com
By Amy Morgan
YouMighty Mouthguard
Protect
Your Teeth During Contact Sports
invested in braces and now your student has beautiful straight teeth. Or maybe your teen still sports a mouth full of metal. Either way, safeguard their smile when they return to sports this fall. A hit to the mouth can chip, break or even take out a tooth and cause bone damage –undoing all the benefit of years of orthodontia in an instant. Mouthguards reduce the risk of injury from an accidental fall or hit to the face by spreading the force of a blow over a larger area and absorbing some of the shock. Well-made mouthguards may also reduce the rate and severity of concussions, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).
Professional athletes can set good examples. Golden State Warriors Guard Steph Curry is known for his mouthguards – in fact, one even sold at auction for more than $3,000. He’s known to chew on his mouthguard during free throws and throw it when he is upset.
What do pros like Curry know? Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer an injury to the mouth when they are not wearing a mouthguard, the ADA says. Take the 2009 elbow-to-face collision between NBA Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki and Houston Rockets forward Carl Landry. After fouling Nowitzki, Landry was left with five chipped teeth chipped and was immediately sent to the emergency room. The Mavs subsequently found pieces of Landry’s teeth stuck in Nowitzki’s right arm – yuck!
If a tooth sustains a direct impact, it could break or be knocked out. Not only is this painful — because your teeth are surrounded by sensitive nerves — permanent teeth do not grow back. Fixing or replacing broken teeth can be expensive and require multiple procedures. You could also break the bones of your jaw. Another risk of tooth injury is displacement. If the line of your teeth is compromised, the treatment is surgery.
“Most tooth loss in people under 35 years of age is caused by athletic injury/trauma with an average restoration or replacement cost of $4700.00,” said Michael Roberts, D.D.S., 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics’ lead Orthodontist, with 33 years of experience. Playing contact sports can be especially dangerous for young athletes in braces. Adolescents in braces
suffer routine traumas from sports injury because off-the-shelf, moldable mouth guards are unable to cover braces and sometimes break them off, Dr. Roberts said. The first time you pick somebody’s lips out of their braces after they’ve been hit in the face with a basketball is not fun, he added. This is no longer an issue with Invisalign. Invisalign liners can serve double duty as an orthodontic appliance to straighten and protect the teeth and gums as a mouthguard in school-aged sports.
7to7 Dental’s professionals can make customized mouthguards to fit your athlete’s personal anatomy so the guard can become an essential part of game equipment. The ADA considers custommade mouthguards the most protective option. Mouthguards made in a dental office are composed of thermoplastic material that is much more durable than the generic plastic found in store-bought mouthguards and are made using thermoforming techniques and a patient’s unique mouth impressions.
Once you’ve selected your mouthguard, don’t forget to take care of it. Clean it every time you wear it to make sure it’s not carrying bacteria. Book an appointment today for a custom mouthguard or consider the protective benefits of Invisalign.
With the professionals at 7to7 Dental fitting the mouthguards, athletes (and their parents) can rest assured the fit is spot-on and the investment in their athlete’s smile is protected.
Watch Our Project Videos.
