San Angelo Family Magazine - April '24

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photo by Carolyn Nored Miller

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What’s Inside . . . .

It rained the day we photographed the April cover so Quinn Brockman just embraced it and grabbed her umbrella!! She is six years old and attends school at Christoval Elementary.

She has lots of pets including a llama named Cookie!

Her parents are Landon and Kristen Brockman. Her grandparents are Nancy & Bob Brockman of Sonora, Lezlie Carter of Midland and two grandparents that have passed away, Becky Carter & Ken Carter of Midland.

Quinn loves to color, play outside with friends, and go to the ranch and look for treasures!

Send in your SNAPSHOTS!!! April is a great month to get fun pics of your kids outside. See page 8 FMI and get outside and play and have fun taking photos.

WATER SAFETY TIPS for KIDS

As the warmer months are quickly approaching, especially here in West Texas, we will soon be headed to play and enjoy the water. Here are some water safety tips to help ensure safety and fun for all!

Effective supervision is the best line of defense to prevent water related incidents. Designate “water watchers” so roles are clear. Especially at pool parties, a good rule of thumb is to be responsible for the child or children you brought to the party. In an instance where a child is missing, always check the water first.

Knowing how to effectively administer CPR is a crucial line of defense. You never know when you will be in a situation where CPR can save a life.

If you or a relative have a pool, make sure the pool is fully secured by a fence. Selflocking gates are also a great line of defense and help ease anxiety about leaving the gate open. Alarms can be placed on gates or doors leading out to the pool area. Picking up pool toys and removing them from the pool area, eliminates the possibility of attracting children to the area.

Coast Guard approved life jackets are another great line of defense around water. These should be worn at all times, especially in water you cannot see through and water with current.

Remember to educate friends and family about the importance of keeping gates closed, doors locked, and other precautions you have in place. When visiting friends, relatives, or on vacation, be sure to make and communicate your water safety plans to others.

Dress children in brightly colored swimsuits. Bright colors are easier to spot in and under the water. Avoid swimsuits that are blue, purple, or green. Choose swimsuits that are neon, red, pink, yellow, and orange.

At the beach, lake, or river always remain within 10 feet of your child. Waves, currents, and undertows can change quickly. Life jackets should always be worn in these environments. When boating or on a dock have a rope and throw ring that can be accessed quickly if needed. Keep docks well illuminated and establish water safety rules with children.

Safety in and around the bathtub is also important to be aware of. Children should never be left unattended in the bathtub. Drowning is quick and most of the time, silent. “No slip” strips or mats are great safety tools for bathtime. After pools, more children drown in bathtubs than in any other product in and around the home.

Buckets and other structures that hold water are typically not thought of as hazards. These need to be emptied and turned over if possible so they cannot hold water. Closing toilet seat lids is essential when small children are around.

According to the CDC, drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for infants and young children between the ages of 1-4. Let’s change this statistic by practicing water safety!

Everywhere you turn you are probably seeing and hearing the following phrases: “go green,” “ecofriendly,” and “environmentally conscious.” The push, especially for Americans, to reduce pollution and help save the environment is based on evidence that the decisions we have made, and continue to make, are damaging the air we breathe and the land we live on.

Earth Day is April 22. Read our tips and tricks to help you get started in living a green lifestyle.

Save water by decreasing your shower time -- or rather take a bath, which uses less water than a shower.

Even better, take a “navy shower,” shutting off the water while soaping up and shampooing.

Get in the habit of brushing your teeth with the water off, and encourage your children to do so, as well.

Switch from paper and plastic bags to reusable bags and totes.

Forget the electric or gas dryer, and hang dry your clothing.

ing, and paperless statements to reduce your paper usage.

Try your hand at composting (planting scraps from fruits, veggies, and coffee grounds outside), which will help create better soil and less landfill waste.

It's not a day, it's a movement.

Opt for direct deposit, online bank-

April 22

Use recyclable (and refillable) beverage containers that you can fill with filtered water.

Unplug all of your appliances when you leave the house to save energy (and prevent a fire hazard).

Landscape with native plants.

Save stained or ill-fitting clothing to use for dusting and cleaning.

Use rechargeable batteries

Purchase used items from thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets, and more.

Recycle kids clothes - many times they are barely worn!

Select products made of recyclable materials.

Buy groceries in bulk, as it reduces packaging and the number of trips you take to the grocer.

If possible, buy items that use less packaging.

Purchase locally produced food at farmer’s markets and even roadside stands.

Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, instead of jarred, canned, or frozen. First weekend of San Angelo Farmer's Market is May 3.

Lower your thermostat. Buy a programmable thermostat.

Ride a bike somewhere!

Instead of just throwing away catalogs that you receive in the mail, call the company to be removed from future mailings.

Turn your car off if you’re going to be idle for more than one minute.

Share a magazine subscription with a friend, not only will you share the cost but you will cut down on the amount of trees used!

When taking your lunch to work or school, use reusable containers instead of disposable items.

When you stop for coffee in the morning bring a reusable mug from home, refills are cheaper & no trash to throw away!

Every step you take toward saving our environment is important. Start now - and teach your kids at an early age how to protect this amazing world we live in. For more information go to: www.earthday.org/earthday

Snapshots is a perfect way to share your best photos. We are looking for cute home snapshots (no professional photos, or school pics). Think of an original caption and email to family@wcc.net.

Please be certain to use the word snapshots in the subject and include the information below on this page.

*Photo publication cannot be guaranteed due to the large volume of photos received. It’s

Aubrey Martin Batter Up

PRCA RODEO PERFORMANCES

Friday, April 5 - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 6 - 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 6 - 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 7 - 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 11 - 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 12 - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 13 - 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 13 - 7:30 p.m.

Military Appreciation: Wednesday, April 17 - 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 18 - 7:30 p.m.

Concho Educators Federal Credit Union Xtreme Bulls: Sunday, April 14 - 2:00 p.m.

Military Appreciation: Wednesday, April 17 - 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18 - 7:30 p.m.

PRCA Finals

Friday, April 19 at 7:30 PM

The Finals bring you the best contestants from this years rodeo. The top 12 in each event come back to town to compete for the championship! It is one of the most coveted titles in Pro Rodeo!

Cinch Chute-Out

Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 PM

Tejano Day - Mexican Rodeo

Sunday, April 21 at 2:00 PM

Come be a part of the first ever Mexican Rodeo at Tejano Day! We are excited to bring the Jerry Diaz family to produce the most colorful and beautiful shows you will ever see! FREE GATE ADMISSION to the fairgrounds!! Grupo Proyecto in the Buffalo Social Club immediatly following the rodeo. Let's close out the rodeo season in style!!

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month which recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Throughout the month, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Greater West Texas, Inc., and many others across the nation, will be raising awareness for child abuse prevention. Child abuse and neglect is a problem of epidemic proportion, but it is preventable.

Child abuse prevention is a community responsibility and the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) has activities planned for the month of April to engage the community to stand up to child abuse. Join the movement against child abuse and help CAC end the cycle of abuse.

• Pinwheel Ceremony

- April 1, 2024, 11:30am-1:00pm, Children’s Advocacy Center

- Wear blue and stand up for the children that have suffered abuse and neglect in the Concho Valley. Those in attendance will experience the powerful emotion of standing up for children. After a group photograph, place pinwheel on the campus lawn to show your support for children.

• Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse Training –

- April 3, 2024, 11:30am-1:00pm, Children’s Advocacy Center

- Child abuse prevention is everyone’s responsibility, so CAC wants to ensure you are equipped with the necessary tools to help a child in need. In this free training, you will learn how to recognize child abuse and learn the process of reporting it. To sign up, contact Michael Cuellar at mcuellar@cacgreaterwtx.org

• Child Sex Trafficking: Awareness & Prevention Training –

- April 18, 2024, 11:30am-1:00pm, Children’s Advocacy Center

- In this free training, you will learn the current concerns presented in the State of Texas due to Human Trafficking/Child Sex Trafficking numbers and how educators and child-welfare agencies can know what to look for, what to expect, and what to report in the instance of discovering trafficking in a child’s life. To sign up, contact Michael Cuellar at mcuellar@cacgreaterwtx.org.

• "Blue Fridays" - Blue is the national color for child abuse awareness, so this April show your support by wearing blue! Snap a picture and post it on social media using the hashtag #CACBLUEFRIDAYS to be entered to win a prize each Friday in April!

• Blue Sunday–Sunday, April 28, is a day of prayer for local congregations to spread awareness for the prevention of child abuse in our community.

Awareness and education are paramount to preventing child abuse. If you suspect abuse, call the Child Abuse Hotline 1800-252-5400 or call 911 if you believe the child is in immediate danger.

The mission of the Children's Advocacy Center of Greater West Texas is to ensure each child in our community has a safe and nurturing home. In 2023, the Children’s Advocacy Center served over 5,800 individuals throughout the Concho Valley. For more information about the CAC, Child Abuse Prevention Month, or how to get involved, visit our website at https://cacgreaterwtx.org/, call (325) 653-HOPE (4673) or email info@cacgreaterwtx.org.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Signs and Symptoms of Autism - see page 17

Campfire Story Time

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark: 630 S Oakes 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm see page 21 18

y in April details see page 9 for schedule MIDWAY AND CARNIVAL see page 17

Lakeview Mariachi Band - April 11

Por El Amor a la Musica (For the Love of the Music) The Cactus Hotel. see page 21

Check out all the wonderful programs this month at ASU’s Planetarium www.angelo.edu/departments/physics-geosciences/planetarium_calendar

Kids’ Marathon Celebration Event

San Angelo Stadium 5:30-7:00pm see page 4 (free event)

The People/Plant Connection’s events on page 19 San Angelo State Park April Events Today - Bison/Longhorn feeding!!!!! see page 9

Texas Trash Off - see page 26 in” by way Academy ge 26

Magazine 5-656-7438 the ADACCV Spring Lumcheon featuring Nic Sheff see page 22 FMI

April 18-21 Regional Calvary Competition see pg 21

25th Annual San Angelo National Ceramic Competition

April 19 - June 23 see page 13 FMI

Earth Day Celebration April 20 12:30-3:30pm, @ Growing Garden Cities (community garden) 308 E 5th Street. Free event with Interactive gardening activities see page 2

PICNIC IN THE PARKSAN ANGELO STATE PARK

Make and personalize your own stuffed animal see page 16 FMI

Fort Concho Frontier Day see page 10

Coming in May Ballet San Angelo Presents Children’s Ballet CINDERELLA see page 12 FMI

San Angelo Gives Tuesday, May 7

see page 24 to learn how you can GIVE!!!!

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

see page 11 for ways to get involved

VIP “Meet and Greet with the Polo Players” Reception

Friday, May 3, 2024 • Fort Concho Commissary • 6:30 p.m. By invitation only

Polo on the Concho Match

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Fort Concho Parade Ground 11 a.m. Check-In

Texas Barbeque & Wade Bowen Concert

Saturday, May 4, 2024

First Financial Pavilion 6 p.m. Check-In

Sponsorship Packages are Available. Please call (512) 695-5383 for details.

Does your child…

☐ Not speak as well as his or her peers?

☐ Have poor eye contact?

☐ Not respond selectively to his or her name?

☐ Have highly fixated interest/topics? (e.g., dinosaurs, legos)

☐ Not have a social smile?

Signs and Symptoms of Autism

☐ Seem unable to tell you what he or she wants, preferring to lead you by the hand or get desired objects on his or her own, even at risk of danger?

☐ Have difficulty following simple commands?

☐ Not bring things to you simply to “show” you?

☐ Not point to interesting objects to direct your attention to objects or events of interest?

☐ Have unusually long and severe temper tantrums?

☐ Have repetitive, odd, or stereotypic behaviors?

☐ Show an unusual attachment to inanimate objects, especially hard ones (e.g., flashlight or a chain vs. teddy bear or blanket)?

☐ Prefer to play alone?

☐ Demonstrate an inability to play with toys in the typical way?

☐ Not engage in pretend play (if older than 2 years)?

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can vary in severity of symptoms, age of onset, and the presence of various features such as language and intellectual ability. Even though there are strong and consistent commonalities, especially in social deficits, there is no single behavior that is always present in every individual with ASD. How can I tell if someone I know has autism?

Individuals with ASD interact with others differently. They often appear to have difficulty understanding and expressing emotion, and may express attachment in a different manner.

Many individuals with ASD do not develop effective spoken language and rely upon other methods of communicating. Others have echolalia, the repeating of words or phrases over and over. Individuals with ASD often have difficulty understanding the nonverbal aspect of language such as social cues, body language and vocal qualities (pitch, tone and volume).

Individuals with ASD often have a great need for "sameness" which can make them upset if objects in their environment or time schedules change. Children with ASD may not "play" with toys in the same manner as their peers and may become fixated on specific objects.

This information was provided by San Angelo Autism Center which is a locally owned autism clinic that has 15+ years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children on the autism spectrum. ABA therapy is overseen by in-house Board-Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBAs), where they supervise their client's progress and find the best way to provide quality care for that child.

For more information about San Angelo Autism Center, stop by for a free tour, call (325)777-2727 or visit their website at www.sanangeloautismcenter.com.

April Gardening seminars and more

Spring is on its way, but Easter hasn’t come, yet. There is always a chance of a last minute freeze before Easter. The two gardening seminars sponsored by The People/Plant Connection will get gardeners off to a good start for spring. The Lunch ‘n’ Learn will teach about how to landscape with native plants and the new “Hands-on Gardening Class will be all about hummingbirds.

The April Lunch ‘n’ Learn class will be Friday, April 12 from Noon until 1 p.m. The speaker for these classes is Allison Schwartz, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Horticulturist. The subject for the April class will be “Landscaping with Native Plants”. Allison will talk how using native plants helps to keep your landscape looking good while conserving water. While we don’t serve lunch, people on their lunch hour are encouraged to bring their lunch. Cost of the class is $10 and is held at the Agrilife Extension office on the first floor of the Edd B. Keys Building, 113 W. Beauregard in San Angelo. Reservations are requested by calling 325-656-3104 or go to the website: www.peopleplantconnection.org in the contact section.

Don’t miss the newest gardening class sponsored by The People/Plant Connection. The “Hands-on Gardening Class” Thursday, April 25 and will feature Carol Sturm, Master Gardener, talking about “Hummingbirds”. Carol has done extensive work at the Hummer House with banding hummingbirds as is very knowledgeable about the little beauties. She will talk about how to bring the hummers to your backyard and about their migration. A special activity will follow the class. Attendees will go to the outdoor classroom and prepare a container of plants to take home. The plants will bring hummingbirds to your patio. The class is on Thursday, April 25 from 1-2:30 p.m. It will be held at the Angelo West Branch Library, 2013 Vista del Arroyo in San Angelo. The cost is $20 per person including supplies for the container and plants. Reservations are requested by Monday, April 19 to assure supplies for the special activity. Space is limited so call 325-656-3104 or go to the website: www.peopleplantconnection.org in the contact section to reserve your seat. While in the outdoor classroom attendees will have the opportunity to visit the new garden site.

Youth Gardening Class-Spring Session will be March 19, 26, April 2 & 16. During this session the young gardeners will be learning about wildlife habitats. They will be setting up watering and feeding stations in the garden. They will be planting plants to provide a place for laying eggs, providing food and shelter for the hummingbirds, birds, butterflies and other wildlife that will visit the garden. There are three age groups: Sprouts (ages 4-6), Junior Master Gardener (grades 3-5) and teen helpers, (grades 7th and up). The classes are on Tuesdays from 4-5:30. The youth meet together for a lesson on the day’s subject then they break out into two groups. Sprouts will be planting flowers, herbs and vegetables in the lower beds. The Junior Master Gardeners will be planting and working in the big garden. The PPC Youth Gardening Classes are underwritten by the San Angelo Garden Club and are free to attend. The goal of the PPC is to give youth information about eating healthy and growing their own food as well as preserving wildlife habitats and protecting the environment. To register your youth, simply call 325-656-3104 or go to the website: www.peopleplantconnection.org on the contact section.

It’s pumpkin growing season and The People/Plant Connection is sponsoring their Giant Pumpkin Contest again this year. Anyone who would like to grow a giant pumpkin can contact them through their website: www.peopleplantconnection.org or call 325-656-3104. A packet with 2 seeds will be mailed to participants. Along with 2 free seeds, you will receive an instruction sheet with tips on how to start and grow giant pumpkins. Gardeners will grow their pumpkins all summer and bring them to the weigh-in Saturday, November 2. Ribbons will be given to first, second and third places. There will be awards for other categories, as well.

The mission of The People/Plant Connection is to bring the joy of gardening to people of all ages and abilities. They are accomplishing their mission by building an education garden at the Angelo West Branch Library, 3013 Vista del Arroyo in San Angelo. The group sponsors educational programs for children in the garden as well as adults. The garden is watered by rain water so they don’t use any municipal water. The PPC mostly plants drought tolerant plants to be the example of a beautiful garden that uses very little water. Watch for monthly seminars that show you how to make a beautiful garden while conserving water. The PPC is totally run by volunteers so most of the funds from their classes go toward their garden project and programs.

Follow them on Facebook-PeoplePlantConnection or their website: www.peopleplantconnection.org

MEETINGS AROUND SAN ANGELO

Email meeting information to family@wcc.net. Please include contact information. SAFM reserves the right to determine if the meeting will be included. PLEASE verify any meeting dates and times as changes could be made after our print date.

Adult Diabetes Support Group -2nd Thurs. 6:30pm. Trinity Lutheran Fellowship hall. Leslie Hines lesliehines@shannonhealth.org 323-657-8249

Aglow International, San Angelo Lighthouse - every 1st Thurs, 6:30pm, Ministerial Alliance, 1100 Martin Luther King Dr., pot luck supper, all are welcome. FMI 325-653-9975

Alcoholics Anonymous, 3711 Chadbourne, San Angelo, TX 76901. A phone number for all AA groups in San Angelo is (325) 939-8939. New website-Meetings listing: SanAngeloAA.org

Al-Anon - 1917 W. Avenue N, help for those whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. FMI 800-259-1972 or info@sanangelo-al-anon.org or www.sanangelo-al-anon.org

Alzheimer’s Assoc. Support Groups - 438 E. Houston Harte Expy or for full list & FMI 1-800-272-3900

American Legion Post 32 - 2nd Mon, 7p, 165 E 43rd Street. FMI Post Adjutant 325-653-1958..

American Legion Post 572 - 3rd Saturday, 9 am breakfast, 10 am meeting, Elks Lodge, 2121 S. Chadbourne, FMI 325-655-7648 (Carl Frentz) or amlegpost572@gmail.com

Assn of Asian-American Women- 2nd of the month in person or via zoom. For more information call Mimi Clark at 563.650.1029 or visit: https://www.aaawtexas.org/ Breastfeeding Community Gathering, Every Thurs.(excluding holiday), 11:00am, FREE, Shannon Women’s & Children’s Hospital Family Room, FMI: Amanda John 325-481-6326

Brush N Brag Decorative Painters 3rd Sat., 9am, St. Marks Presbyterian Church, 2506 Johnson St (Fellowship Hall): FMI call Sherrill Dooley 325 340-0762 sherrill222@yahoo.com

Canyon Creek Cloggers - Mon. & Thurs., 5:30-7:00, 320 W. Ave N (Sam Houston Elem. cafeteria).FMI Karen-949-4204/374-6289.

Civil Air Patrol – every Thur, 5575 Stewart Lane, 6:20p-8:30pm, age 12 & up with interest in aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. sanangelocap.org

Compassionate Friends Support Group - Thursdays, 6:30 pm, Harmony room at First United Methodist Church (corner of Twohig and Chadbourne). Park on the second floor of parking garage of Cactus Hotel. Come through double glass doors. Contact Peggy Mathias Peggym@wtcg.us

Concho Valley Archeological Society, Non Profit Organization, Meetings 4th Thursday each month except July & December, 7:00 pm, Classroom at the Fort Concho Living History Stables, 236 Henry O. Flipper St. San Angelo, FMI Larry Riemenschneider 325-653-8216

Concho Valley CARES Coalition - 1st Wed., 12:00-1:00pm, SAISD Admin Building, 1621 University Ave, FMI Jennifer Flores, (325)224-3481 or Sarah Adame, (325)224-3481

Concho Valley Homeless Planning Coalition, every 2nd Wednesday from 10-11 a the Stephens Central Library. FMI 325-653-2411

Concho Valley Quilters Guild - Wed., 28 N Chadbourne, parking in the back, 9:30-2:30 pm. We hand-quilt for the public & members. Visitors/New members welcome! FMI 325-227-8713. Concho Valley Ostomy Support Group - Contact Joan Countess,325-647-0658 for date and time of meeting.

Concho Valley Photography Club- 2nd Saturday ea. month, 9:30 am, online Zoom meetings, open to all levels of photographers.

Concho Valley Republican Women 4th Thursday luncheon (January-October), 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Open to the public. For FMI and RSVP go to www.CVRW.org

Concho Valley Retired Teachers and Associates (CVRTA) Second Tuesday of the month (Sep-May), 9:30 am, at First Christian Church, 29 S Chadbourne, San Angelo.

Concho Valley Telephone Pioneer Club - 3rd Friday, Baptist Memorial at Main Street Cafe, noon, lunch 11:30. Different speaker each month. FMI Rhonda Nichols @ (325) 656-5301

Concho Valley Turning Point: (Faith-Based 12 Step) Tues 7pm, (Anger Mgmt.) Thurs 7pm, (Bible Study) Mon & Fri 7pm, (Transitional Housing for Men), meet @528 E. Highland Blvd. FMI: 325-658-1389, cvtpmail@gmail.com, www.cvtp.org. Hope, Believe & Achieve Here!

Concho Valley Women Veterans Association, 12th/each month, 5:30-7:00 pm, 119 North Chadbourne, Vietnam Veterans of America building. FMI commander@cvwomenveterans.com

Disability Connections Center - monthly peer support groups, computer classes, cooking classes and arts & crafts classes, FMI call 325-227-6624 or 325-227-6625, dcciltx.org/

Disabled American Veterans' Auxiliary - 1st Thurs, 5:30 p.m., 1909 Pulliam, FMI: Maria Torres, 653-9059

Down Syndrome Support Group - 2nd Thur, even numbered months, 6:00pm, Region 15, Open to individuals with Down Syndrome/families/friends. Child Care and light meal provided. FMI Karyn at 227-3716 or Kathy at 325-651-9593

Embroidery Guild of America 3rd Tues 7PM, St.Paul Presbyterian Church, 11 Park St., FMI Leslie Wisdom rhoridgetx@yahoo.com

Fleet Reserve Assn (FRA) Branch 295 - 3rd Sat, 11a, Elks Lodge, 2121 S. Chadbourne, FMI 325-942-8036 (Terry Cook, Branch Secretary)

Greater San Angelo Crafts Guild 3rd Sun, 2:30p, St. Paul Presbyterian, 11 N Park, Visitors welcome. FMI 949.8206

Group Connections - free family gatherings and educational activities for parents and children. Monthly. FMI call (325)653-HOPE or visit https://cacgreaterwtx.org/

Hanging By A Thread Quilt Club - 2nd Mon, 7p, Suez Shrine Temple, FMI Louise Lathram, 325-703-4664.

Le Coterie Society Club of San Angelo - 2nd Saturday each month, St Mark Presbyterian Church, 11am-12pm, FMI: Helen 325-262-8563 or Ronetta 325-653-7574

Lone Star Cloggers every Mon. & Wed. 5:30-8pm V.F.W. Hall/125 S. Browning Street. We welcome former cloggers and anyone interested in learning. FMI: Beverly Grenda 653-6448

Myasthenia Gravis Support Group, Sat. Feb. 29, 10 - 11 am, Downtown Branch of Tom Green County Library, 2nd floor, FMI sanangelomg@gmail.com or call 806-252-2158

NAACP - 1st Sat, 2-3:30p, Ministerial Alliance Campus, 1100 MLK Blvd., FMI sanangelonaacp.org

Overeaters Anonymous (HOW) - call hotline for locations and times. 325-482-8899

Parents Helping Parents - 3rd Tues. WTRC Admin. bldg, 12-1:00pm. Light meal provided, RSVP. FMI Barby Nobles, 223-6473.Open to all children, families, friends with special needs. Parkinson’s Support Group, 4th Monday, 5:30, Glen Meadows Baptist Church Rm 104, 6002 Knickerbocker RD., FMI 325 949-0970

San Angelo Amateur Radio Club (SAARC) - 2nd Thurs,, 7:00pm, the clubhouse, 5513 Stewart Lane, Mathis Field Airport. Open to any Amateur Radio operators FMI www.w5qx.org

San Angelo Art Club-1st Mon, 7p, Kendall Gallery, 119 W 1st St, sanangeloartclub@gmail.com, facebook.com/sanangelo.artclub, or sanangeloartclub.org

San Angelo Astronomy Assoc - 1st Mon, 7p, ASU Planetarium. FMI 325-277-6139 or angeloastronomy.com/

San Angelo Chess Club Mondays except holidays, 6-8 pm, downtown library, 33 W. Beauregard, Suggs Community Room (3rd floor) or occasionally in library lobby. Sets provided. Casual and USCF-rated games. 325-853-2324. sanangelochess@gmail.com. Free.

San Angelo Dream Center, Mons., 6-8pm, 1928 MLK Blvd. Christ Powered Recovery, 12 Step Faith based recovery group. Probation/Parole approved. FMI Jeff Matheny 325-234-9958. San Angelo Genealogical & Historical Society (SAGHS) 1st Tue, Sept -May, 7p, Trinity Lutheran, Fellowship Hall, 3536 Lutheran Way. Free & open to the public. Refreshments provided. FMI (325) 268-0973, info@saghs-tx.org, or facebook.com/pg/SAGHS/events

San Angelo Republican Women - 1st Mon, San Angelo VFW, 125 S. Browning, 6:00 p.m. Free/open to the public. "Boots on the Ground!" FMI: sanangelorepublicanwomen@gmail.com

San Angelo TEA Party 2nd Tues., 507 N. Chadbourne St. annex building next to Transit/Bus Station, 6 to 7:30 p.m. contact 325-227-8982

San Angelo Toastmasters Thursdays, Zoom Meetings at 5:30-6:30, FMI Hilda Guffey, 325-450-7044, hilguff@yahoo.com

San Angelo Writers' Club 2nd Tues, 6:30pm, TGC Stephens downtown library lobby, FMI Sanangelowritersclub@gmail.com

Space To Be Me (Youth Support Group, ages 12-18), Wednesdays, 6:00pm, Open Arms office (113 N. Harrison), FMI openarmscv.com or contact Cassandra Ynojosa

Email address: cynojosa@openarmscv.org

SMART Recovery - free group support for people experiencing addictions. Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 pm at 133 W Concho Ave #110, San Angelo, TX 76903. FMI call (325)-944-2561.

Texas Veterans for Veterans - Tuesdays, 7:15am-9:30am, 1905 Pulliam, designed to help local needy veterans and their families. FMI 325-656-9562

The Survivor Sisters 1st Thurs., 5:30pm, Cancer Empowerment & Resource Center/Shannon Clinic, 102 N. Magdalen St. Female cancer survivors & friends/caregivers welcome. FMI  Katie Hill, at 325-481-2065.

TOPS TX 0136 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) - Weight Loss Group, Thurs, 7-8pm, Calvary Baptist Fellowship Center, 2401 Armstrong, San Angelo. FMI – 325-653-1045 or 325-656-8167.

Veteran SMART Recovery - free support for people experiencing addictions. Weds, 6-7pm, Cactus Hotel (36 E Twohig Ave. #110, San Angelo). FMI Steven Keihl 325-944-2561.

VFW POST 1815 - 10:00am, 3rd Sat., 125 S. Browning. FMI John Muckleroy, 655-6550

Vietnam Veterans of America -1st Thurs, 6:30p, 119 N. Chadbourne, FMI 949-3059

Women Veterans Society, every 3rd Thursday at 5:30 pm. 125 S. Browning St. For more information, email us at WomenVeteransSociety@gmail.com

Young Professionals of San Angelo, 3rd Thurs, Visitor Center's Riverview Room, 12-1pm. FMI: facebook.com/YPSanAngelo or ypsanangelo.org

Every Wednesday in April

Fort Concho Speaker Series

Fort Concho Commissary

630 S Oakes St, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Join us on your lunch break and enjoy a free lecture. The first one is from Joyce Gray & Carl Brockmann while they talk about “The Total Solar Eclipse” & “Chief Joseph and the Long Trail”. Be sure to bring your lunch and a friend!

If you have any questions, give us a call at 325-6574441 or email us at events@fortconcho.com or see page 9 FMI~.

April 5

Geek Night: Godzilla

Tom Green County Library: 33 W Beauregard Ave

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Are you ready to wreak havoc and cause mass chaos? Are you here to defend Earth or destroy it? Are you the King of Monsters? Then come geek out with us over the number one kaiju – Godzilla!

This program is for adult patrons (age 18+) only. As this is an afterhours event, final admission will be at 8pm. Entry and exit to this program will be accessible through the Irving Street entrance.

April 7

Big Band Classics feat West Texas Jazz Orchestra

Brooks and Bates Theatre: 82 Gillis St 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Big Band Classics concerts sparkle with the big band music of the West Texas Jazz Orchestra, led by band director James Bode. The West Texas Jazz Orchestra is made up of area high school and junior high band directors, Angelo State University music professors, and other musicians.

Tickets: https://www.sanangelopac.org/events

April 11

Lakeview Mariachi Band

Por El Amor a la Musica (For the Love of the Music)

The Cactus Hotel: 36 E Twohig Ave

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Come celebrate a night of music, food, and entertainment. Doors open at 5:30pm. Tickets are $50 each. Sponsorships available. Contact Aurora at 325-2129277 for tickets and additional information.

April 11

Campfire Story Time

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark: 630 S Oakes

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

S’mores, Stories, and Sarah!

Join our Education & Living History Coordinator, Sarah as she tells historical tales about life on the frontier! Although limited seating is available, feel free to bring your own chairs or blankets! Sit under the Texas sky, roast some marshmallows, and take in some histo-

These are just a few of the many monthly activities. More listed throughout the magazine and on our community calendar. Send your events to: family@wcc.net

april Around San Angelo

ry! The program takes place in Fort Concho’s Courtyard, and is free and open to the public. The stories told are welcoming to all ages.

April 13-14

Concho Valley Modern Vintage Market

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark 630 S Oaks, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Join us at the Fort Concho Historic Landmark for an enjoyable weekend for the entire family. There will be vendors from all of West Texas, food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, a car show and lots of shopping! This will be a unique, one-of-a-kind shopping experience in San Angelo! Children 12 and under are free of charge. Saturday, April 13 - 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sunday, April 14 - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Fort Concho

Historic Landmark FMI or vendor information, feel free to check out our website. HOME (conchovalleymodernvintagemarket.com)

April 17

Baby Shark's Big Broadwave Tour!

The Elta Joyce Murphey Performance Hall: 72 W College Ave, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Tickets at SanAngeloPAC.org, (325) 284-3825 or in person at the Box Office on 82 Gillis Street!

April 18-21

Regional Calvary Competition

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark: 630 S Oakes 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Free and open to all to watch! Must register and pay the registration fee to participate.

Thursday and Friday: 9 am – 4 pm; Saturday 8 am – 12 Noon and 1-2:30 pm; Sunday 9:00 am-9:30 am (Times are subject to change due to weather and/or number of participants)

Competition by military and civilian riders in period uniforms; events on saber, pistol, jumping, military & combat horsemanship POC Bob Bluthardt (director@fortconcho.com or 325-481-2730

April 18

Clay Play Day with Ariel Bowman

The Concho Clay Studio: 1 Love St 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Clay Play Day with Ariel Bowman! 3 – 6 p.m. in the Education Studio at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts.

Ceramic artist Ariel Bowman will be in SAMFA’s Education Studio during Art Thursday to teach handson clay activities! Join us for this special Art Thursday event celebrating the 25th San Angelo National Ceramic Competition. All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. www.samfa.org

April 20

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark: 630 S Oakes

7:30 am - 12:00 pm

Frontier Day

Gather up your friends and family and bring them down to Ol’ Fort Concho for our annual Frontier Day!

Come out starting at 7:30 am for delicious pancakes prepared by the Lion’s Club ($8 per person,) and stay til Noon to watch some sheep shearing demonstrations, 1800s Baseball, old western gunfights, and much more. Admission to the fort grounds will be free.

If you have any questions, give us a call at 325-6574444 or email us at events@fortconcho.com

April 20

Cactus Market Days; April Showers Bring May Flowers

13 E Twohig Ave

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Shop an array of unique local Craft and food vendors! Candles, leather goods, metal artwork, jewelry, woodwork, crochet, photography, bird houses, home decor, you name it! Live entertainment all day.

April 25

6th Annual Dancing with the San Angelo Stars

The Elta Joyce Murphey Performance Hall: 72 W College Ave

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

April 27

Taco & Salsa Fest

Santa Fe Park: 12:00 am - 6:00 pm

April 27

Paintbrush Alley Market Days

Paintbrush Alley: behind the Texas Theatre 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (free to the public)

The weather is going to be perfect for our spring #PBMD! Come out and shop local artists, makers and vendors at Paintbrush Alley Market Days. This is a pet friendly, family friendly event with food trucks, live music, children’s activities and more!

April 27

The Twin Mountain Tonesmen Present: The Elements

The Elta Joyce Murphey Performance Hall: 72 W College Ave

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

We’ll be singing songs you know and love that feature the four elements: Earth, wind, fire, and water!

Featuring guest quartets: ALL IN The Cactus Brothers Quartet Make Your Mark Quartet

May 4

Polo on the Concho Match

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark

11:00 am - 6:00 pm

FMI see page 16. or please call (512) 695-5383 for additional information.

FREE SEEDS for the GIANT PUMPKIN CONTEST

The People/Plant Connection, a local nonprofit organization, sponsors a Giant Pumpkin Contest each year. They distribute two free seeds to anyone who would like to grow a giant pumpkin. Gardeners plant the seeds after the last frost and water and nurture them throughout the spring and summer. The object is to get a pumpkin as large as possible to make it to the weigh-in in November. Now is the time to distribute the giant pumpkin seeds.

Giant pumpkins are fun to grow for adults and children. They grow big and they grow fast. Their giant leaves shade the pumpkins in the hot summer afternoons. The seeds the PPC distribute are Prize Winning Hybrid pumpkin seeds. They can get up to 300 pounds. In our area, however, they don’t get that big. They require daily watering just like any vegetable and they like it hot and dry. To get your set of seeds, simply email: www.peopleplantconnection.org, or call 325-656-3104 and two seeds will be mailed to you. Each set of seeds come with instructions how to get the best results.

Last year there were seven great entries and they were very close in weight. First place was won by Bonnie Anderson with her pumpkin weighing in at a whopping 51.2 pounds. Dorcy Swindall’s pumpkin won 2nd place and weighed in at 47.4 pounds. Third place was awarded to Steve Hochreiter for his pumpkin weighing in at 42.4 pounds. Certificates were also awarded for best shape, color and the smallest.

The People/Plant Connection’s mission is to bring the joy of gardening to people of all ages and abilities by building an educational garden at the Angelo West Branch Library, 3013 Vista del Arroyo. They offer adult and youth gardening classes throughout the year. For information visit their website: www.peopleplantconnection.org or follow them on Facebook at PeoplePlantConnection.

San Angelo ISD is Looking for Difference Makers at our Annual Job Fair on Saturday, April 20th

Are you interested in making a difference? San Angelo ISD is looking for people like you to add to our team of difference makers in positions across the district including teaching, professional positions, bus drivers, child nutrition, maintenance, custodians and more.

San Angelo ISD will be hosting our annual Job Fair at the Central High School Tucker Building located at 655 Caddo Street on Saturday, April 20th from 9-10:30 am where interested applicants can meet district and campus administrators, learn more about open positions and participate in interviews.

Register for the Job Fair at www.saisd.org/jobfair to secure your spot today. Once registered, please email your resume to michelle.castro2@saisd.org no later than 5 pm on Thursday, April 18, 2024 to be fully registered for the job fair. Walk-ins are also welcome to join.

San Angelo ISD offers:

1. A quality, safe and secure work environment

2. Great, competitive benefits

3. Enhanced professional learning opportunities

Whether your talents are in education, counseling, special education, languages, campus leadership, maintenance, child nutrition, transportation, custodial, plumbing or lawn care, SAISD welcomes your interest and application. Interested applicants should visit www.saisd.org/jobs to view our openings and apply!

San Angelo ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information or on any other basis prohibited by law. Employee decisions are made on the basis of the applicant’s job qualifications, experience, and abilities.

One act of kindness, one spark of hope can ignite an entire community. Over the past nine years, the San Angelo Area Foundation has powered San Angelo Gives, a unique giving opportunity that has helped amplify community impact, maximize generosity, and simplify giving.

On Tuesday, May 7th San Angelo Gives will kick off its 24-hour online giving event for the 10th year with hopes of inspiring generosity across the Concho Valley.

Now more than ever, local charities need community support and by pairing the generosity of donors with the San Angelo Area Foundation’s ability to “Amplify” gifts, the positive effects brought to the community are immeasurable. Every donation, no matter how large or small can make a difference. San Angelo Gives provides a platform in which organizations can engage donors in their mission. These organizations touch the lives of every member of our community and are working tirelessly to provide assistance and services from healthcare, education, the arts, animal services, etc. Donors have the ability to choose which organizations they wish to contribute. Additionally, donors who wish to maximize their giving can also establish a match gift for their favorite causes and is a way to encourage others to give through San Angelo Gives.

Building the spirit of philanthropy with those who love the Concho Valley, San Angelo Gives enters our neighbors’ hearts, unites donors and empowers organizations to continue doing the work that helps our communities thrive. San Angelo Gives has witnessed profound generosity as compassionate donors rally together, raising record breaking dollars for local charities. San Angelo Gives connects those with a heart for giving to those with a heart for service and offers the entire Concho Valley region the opportunity to join the collective effort to improve the longterm outlook of our community.

The first Tuesday in May each year is one of those days when the best of people truly shines through, so mark your calendar to join others and support your favorite causes through www.sanangelogives.org on May 7, 2024.

For more information about San Angelo Gives visit www.sanangelogives.org or contact the San Angelo Area Foundation at 325-947-7071

Be part of the giving movement on Tuesday,

May

Doesn’t it feel good to give back to others?

You can make the most impact with your generosity by donating to your favorite causes during San Angelo Gives. This 24-hour online fundraising event provides critical funding to nonprofits across the Concho Valley.

Your generosity also can help your favorite causes win cash prizes awarded throughout the day, making San Angelo Gives a fun way to raise money for your community.

Donate to your favorite causes on May sanangelogives.org

Powered by the

Belles and Beaux Informational Meeting

As parents, you do everything to help your child navigate through the ups and downs of childhood and survive with self-esteem. You praise his every accomplishment. “You tied your shoe!” “You finished that book!” “You made your bed!” You encourage him to make friends with other children who support him and have similar interests. You probably even sign him up for after-school activities to keep him physically active. You might register him for music or dance lessons and listen to endless recitations of his part in the school’s play. And all of this is great—essential, even.

But did you know that activities, especially arts-related activities, are important for so much more than just keeping your child busy? They’ve been proven to boost a child’s self-image.

Whether in an individual setting or as part of a group, arts education improves a child’s confidence. Studies have shown that when children participate in art activities with peers, the feedback they give to each other builds self-respect by helping them learn to accept criticism and praise from others. And that’s not the only way it can improve self-esteem, though.

- www.kennedy-center.org/education

If you can’t send a team, SEND A MESSAGE!

On April 6th, or the week before, put a message on your sign or reader board at your business!

DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS TRASH-OFF KEEP SAN ANGELO BEAUTIFUL APRIL 6TH

If you will tag us on Facebook and send us a picture of your sign, we’ll bring you a bag of our gourmet roasted coffee for your office!

If you want to address relevant community needs with intentional acts of service, Send us your crew for a round of purposeful teambuilding. No team is too small!

We provide everything you need for a successful event: Bags – Snax * Gloves - Awards * Grabbers – Water Treasure hunt for “Most Interesting Item” and more.

Register a team today – charlotte.anderson@cosatx.us or (325) 486-3771

The best way to help protect children isto recognize and report any suspici neglect o exploitation. I you areunsure, it is best to call theTexas Depart Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Hotline and let them investigate.Bel few o thesignsto look outfor.

Please call the number below i yousee or suspect:

•frequentunexplained injuries

•extreme fea o parentsor caregivers

•obvious malnourishment

•lack o personal hygiene

•stealing or beggingfor food

•unattendedfor long periods oftimes

•unaddressed dental/medical needs

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“All children deserve a safe and loving home. We encourage our community to stand together against child abuse and neglect.” – Liliana Mata, DFPS Faith-Based and Community Engagement Specialist

“All children deserve a safe andloving home. O r community stands togeth abuseand neglect,”-Liliana Mata, DFPS Faith-Based and CommunityEnga Specialist.

*Texas Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-800-252-5400

*Moreinformation aboutabuse or neglect: www.dfps.texas.gov

*Helpful parenting tips: GetParentingTips.com

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