ImprovingyourQualityofLifesince1995
What’s Inside . . .
513th Annual Kids’ Marathon
On The Cover
cover photo by
The beautiful Spring beauties are Raia McLaughlin, six years old and her sister, Olivia Mclaughlin, four years old. Raia is at Christoval elementary and Olivia is at the Shannon childcare center.
Their mom is Galina McLaughlin, DO and their dad is Luke Mclaughlin. Grandparents are Rumen & Radostina Lachkov and Tom Mclaughlin.
Raia loves gymnastics and basketball. And Livie loves pandas!
The Concho Valley is blessed with so many happy children that have a bright future! Thank you to Christoval Vineyard for allowing us to photograph our April cover at your beautiful setting! For more information on this unique venue, go to www.christovalvineyards.com/
San Angelo Family is published monthly by Ink Publications, LLC.
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©san angelo family 2025
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7Beyond Ballet - San angelo Ballet
8Acts of kindness challenges
9lone star market at the warehouse
10ASU Planetarium spring schedule
11San Angelo Gives
12family day at SAMFa
13Tom Green Co. library april events
14Community calendar
17Snapshots
18easy vegetables to grow in buckets
19people/plant connection
20smokey bear poster contest
21funzapoppin’ at the train station
22meetings around san angelo
23fort concho speaker series
24Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt
25decorating easter eggs
Carolyn Miller and Kyla Bassett
Carolyn Miller/Kyla Bassett Marketing
Tonya Ortega and family and Support
www.safmtx.com
Check out our facebook page for even more info each month! San Angelo Family Magazine
Carolyn Miller
Shannon is hosting the thirteenth annual Kids’ Marathon Celebration Event on Thursday, April 24 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at San Angelo Stadium. Students in kindergarten through sixth grade are invited to attend to run the “celebration lap” and participate in fun fitness activities and games.
The Kids’ Marathon program encourages local students to form healthy exercise habits early in life. The program begins in January when students are encouraged to walk or run a total of 26 miles prior to the “celebration lap,” where they can complete the final 0.2 miles around the stadium track in April. All students are welcome to run the final “celebration lap” at this come-and-go family event.
Other community organizations will be on-hand with free fun activities and information about upcoming summer programs to keep kids active and motivated. Participants will automatically be entered into a drawing for Angelo State University and SAISD season sports passes and other prizes. Local athletes and mascots from ASU, Central High School and Lake View High School will also be on the field to join in the festivities and pose for photos. The first 350 participants will receive a free Kids’ Marathon race tag, finisher’s medal and event T-shirt.
Special thanks to San Angelo Independent School District, Angelo State University, CATCH In Motion, H-E-B, Angelo Awards, Big Country T’s and Shannon Medical Center. For more information, visit www.ShannonHealth.com/kidsmarathon or call (325) 747-8850. Tell them you saw it in San Angelo Family Magazine!
13TH ANNUAL KIDS’ MARATHON CELEBRATION EVENT
ENCOURAGES CONCHO VALLEY KIDS TO GET ACTIVE
Beyond Ballet
Ballet San Angelo’s latest Experimental Production
This spring, Ballet San Angelo invites you to experience a groundbreaking performance in Beyond Ballet: Experimental Works in Music & Dance. This unique production goes beyond traditional ballet by showcasing original music submitted by musicians, paired with choreographed works by the talented dancers of Ballet San Angelo. The result is a night full of creative energy, where music and dance merge in fresh, exciting ways.
A Fusion of Originality
Ballet San Angelo is passionate about bringing original, creative works to the Concho Valley. Beyond Ballet takes this passion one step farther by showcasing not only original choreography, but original music as well. In this performance, Ballet San Angelo moves away from the traditional repertoire of classical music and steps into uncharted territory, using entirely original compositions. These pieces, which span various genres, serve as the inspiration for Ballet San Angelo’s professional staff and upper level dancers, who will craft original choreography inspired by each song. This creates an immersive experience where the dancers and musicians collaborate, bringing their art to life in a way never seen before.
"This new project has been extremely rewarding," says Erin Lane, Artistic Director of Ballet San Angelo. "From discovering local talent to pairing composers with choreographers, this process has been very inspiring. It's brilliant to see these choreographers stretch their creativity to new music, while igniting new thoughts, ideas, and ways to move." The diverse musical offerings come from musicians both local and beyond, adding to the richness and variety of the performance. From electronic beats to minimalist instrumental and even heavy metal, the music will set the tone for each unique piece of choreography.
Get Inspired
This production is ideal for anyone seeking inspiration or a fresh artistic experience. Whether you are a lover of contemporary art or simply someone looking for something new, Beyond Ballet offers an opportunity to engage with creative expression in a vibrant, immersive setting. For couples looking for a fun and unique date night, Beyond Ballet is an unforgettable choice. The blend of powerful music, stunning choreography, and innovative storytelling through movement makes for an evening full of excitement and connection. It’s a chance to explore the beauty of dance in a way that is fresh, modern, and engaging.
To Infinity and Beyond
Ballet San Angelo is much more than just ballet—it is a testament to the infinite creative potential of dance. Beyond Ballet exemplifies how movement and music can bring people together, offering a platform for emotional expression and connection. This production emphasizes that ballet is not confined to one style or form, but is constantly evolving, embracing new ideas, and pushing the boundaries of what dance can communicate. It’s a chance to witness a new generation of dancers and musicians coming together to create something truly unique.
Performance Date: May 16th & 17th
Location: The Black Box Theatre - San Angelo Performing Arts Center - 82 Gillis St Ticket Information Box Office: 82 Gillis St | Tues-Fri 10am-6pm 325 284 3825 balletsanangelo.org/tickets
Acts of Kindness Challenges
12 Simple Acts of Kindness to Brighten Someone’s Day
12 creative ways to spread kindness and make a positive impact. From creating a care package to starting a pay-it-forward chain, these simple ideas are perfect for fostering connection and joy. Kindness has the power to transform both the giver and the receiver, creating a ripple effect of positivity that brightens the world around us. These challenges are designed to encourage small but meaningful acts that can bring joy to someone’s day, foster deeper connections, and remind us of the beauty in simple gestures. Whether you are surprising a neighbor, thanking a childhood hero, or leaving an uplifting note for a stranger, each act is an opportunity to make a difference. Choose from the list and see how even the smallest effort can spark happiness and inspire others to do the same!
1. Create a surprise care package. Gather a few small items—a candle, snacks, or a good book—and leave it anonymously on a neighbor’s doorstep or send it to a faraway friend.
2. Give a compliment with a twist. Compliment someone on something less obvious, like their ability to stay calm under pressure or their knack for telling great stories.
3. Be a secret gardener. Plant flowers or greenery in an empty spot in your yard or a community space. Add a little beauty for everyone to enjoy.
4. Write a thank-you letter to your childhood hero. Whether it is a teacher, coach, or relative, let them know how they shaped who you are today.
5. Create a kindness jar. Fill a jar with inspiring notes or words of encouragement and leave it in a shared space at work or school for others to take when they need a boost.
6. Pick up a piece of litter you see outside. When you're out for a walk or running errands, take a moment to pick up trash and leave your surroundings cleaner than you found them.
7. Leave a “hidden treasure.” Write a kind note or draw a cheerful doodle and tuck it into a library book, a shopping cart, or a seat on public transport for a stranger to find.
8. Donate books with a personal touch. Add a handwritten note or bookmark to each book you donate to a library or Little Free Library, encouraging the next reader.
9. Host a “pay-it-forward” chain. At a drive-thru or café, pay for the person behind you and see how far the chain of kindness can go.
10. Start a community chalk art project. Use sidewalk chalk to draw colorful art or write uplifting messages on a public path for others to enjoy.
11. Turn the tables on service workers. Leave a thank-you note or a small treat for your postal carrier, garbage collector, or delivery driver to show appreciation for their hard work.
12. Spread encouragement anonymously Write motivational quotes or kind messages on sticky notes and place them in surprising spots, like bathroom mirrors, lockers, or vending machines.
by Maria Gracia, www.GetOrganizedNow.com. Visit Maria’s website and get your own copy of 25 Easy Ways to Get Organized in Less Than 5 Minutes a Day…Complimentary
Lone Star Market at the Warehouse
by Stan Bickel, Ballinger, Texas
Lone Star Market at the warehouse, in its 10th year, began in April 2015 with a phone call to Laura Wills in Artesia, NM. Wills has experience as a vendor at numerous shows in New Mexico and Texas. LSM had its first show in April 2015. Wills has worked extremely hard at promoting LSM.
LSM has two shows per year: the last weekend of April and October. There are vendor booths inside and out. Booths consist of one-of-a-kind, vintage, boutique, handmade, furniture, jewelry, home décor and food items.
Gayle Bickel also started her Queen Bee Café in April 2015. Bickel was the Culinary Arts teacher at Central High School in San Angelo. Therefore, she was truly knowledgeable about serving great food. Bickel passed away due to cancer in November 2017. Her friend Sara Vanecek has continued the tradition and now serves great food at Lone Star Market. Vanecek owns and runs Twisted Willow, a food company. Stan’s wife, Jodie, is currently very involved in LSM and has been a great asset in its operation.
LSM is located at 608 Railroad Ave in Ballinger, Texas. The outside of the 18,000 square foot building is a reddish/orange brick which is plain looking. However, when you walk inside it is definitely not plain. The first floor has wooden floors that have been soaked in lanolin from the wool that had been stored there since the 1930s. It has huge square wood beams that tower up to the roof twenty-five feet tall. The basement has cement floors with large wood beams supporting the first floor. When you walk in, your eyes will be overwhelmed by the structural bones of the building built in the early 1900s.
There is evidence of its past use as a wool and mohair facility. On the walls of the first floor are words such as bellies, cross, black, lamb, etc. These words refer to various categories of wool. At the peak of wool season there could be approximately one million pounds of wool stored there.
Evidence of likely problems when the building was built are metal bars on all the windows. It could be used as a jail!
Plan to attend Lone Star Market at the Warehouse Friday, April 25, 10am – 5pm & Saturday, April 26, 9am – 4pm. Tickets will be sold at the entrance for $6 per person and children twelve and under get in free. If you are handicapped or have children in strollers you get in for free.
Ballinger Chamber of Commerce is also having its 50th year Ethnic Festival. The Ethnic Festival will be held on the Runnels County Court House grounds beginning at 10am on Saturday, April 26, 2025. There will be vendors, entertainment, food, and many other activities. There is no entrance fee for the Ethnic Festival.
Come. Discover Ballinger. Friday, April 25 & Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Angelo State University’s Planetarium
UPDATED!!!
The Angelo State University Planetarium will present 22 different full-dome public astronomy shows during its spring 2025 schedule that began Wednesday, Feb. 5, in the Vincent Building at 2333 Vanderventer St.
The Planetarium shows will run weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. through May 8, with breaks in the schedule for ASU's Spring Break in March and Easter in April. All the shows are open to the public with admission prices of $3 for adults and $2 for children, active military and senior citizens. Angelo State students, faculty and staff are admitted free.
The ASU Planetarium contains the distinctive combination of a Sci-Dome HD digital projector and a large tilted dome theater. The Sci-Dome HD projector is capable of projecting more than 500 million stars and celestial objects.
The spring Planetarium shows will run as follows:
April
• Wednesday, April 2 - Secrets of the Universe
• Wednesday, April 9 - The Story of Earth
• Thursday, April 10 - One Sky
• Wednesday, April 23 - Great White Shark
• Thursday, April 24 - Rex
• Wednesday, April 30 - Natural Selection May
• Thursday, May 1 - Astronomy: 3,000 Years of Stargazing
• Wednesday, May 7 - Exoplanets: Discovering New Worlds
• Thursday, May 8 - The Cowboy Astronomer
More details are available at angelo.edu/planetarium and on Facebook at facebook.com/AngeloStatePlanetarium.
San Angelo Gives
One act of kindness, one spark of hope can ignite an entire community. Over the past 10 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 6th San Angelo Gives will kick off its 24-hour online giving event for the 11th 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 6, 2025
For more information about San Angelo Gives, visit www.sanangelogives.org or contact the San Angelo Area Foundation at 325-947-7071.
At the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts (SAMFA), we believe in the transformative power of art and education. Our commitment to serving the community is at the heart of everything we do. One of our most cherished programs, Family Day, embodies this dedication by providing a welcoming space for families to explore the arts together. Occurring every third Thursday of the month, Family Day is a free event fostering creativity, learning, and a deeper appreciation for artistic expression.
SAMFA is dedicated to advancing children, their education, and the arts. Through interactive experiences, Family Day helps young minds develop artistic skills, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. Whether through painting, sculpture, or mixed-media projects, children can express themselves and experience the joy of creativity. Parents are encouraged to participate, making it an inclusive experience that strengthens family bonds and community connections.
We are thrilled to introduce Scott Sustek as our new Curator of Education. A highly respected local artist and educator, Sustek brings years of experience teaching art at the junior high, high school, and adult levels. Despite his extensive background, he remains a student at heart, continuously evolving his artistic practice. His passion for art education and connection to the San Angelo community make him an invaluable addition to our team. Under his leadership, Family Day will continue to grow with fresh ideas and new opportunities for creative exploration.
the Rancher Watering His Horse at Heritage Park honors the region’s ranching history. The Supernova steel sculpture at the Kendall Art Gallery and the mesmerizing Blue Morpho kinetic sculpture at Sunken Gardens Park showcase his innovative approach to public art. His works contribute to the city’s visual landscape and inspire artists to think big and create boldly.
Sustek’s artistic contributions can be found throughout Texas, including several notable sculptures in San Angelo. His Wise Old Owl stands at the Stephens Central Library, while the Bronze Jet welcomes travelers at the Regional Airport. His Working Cowboy at Bryant and 3rd Street captures West Texas heritage, and
FamilyDayatSAMFA: ACelebrationofArt,Education,andCommunity
Family Day at SAMFA is about more than making art—it’s about building connections, sparking imaginations, and strengthening our community. We believe the arts should be inclusive and accessible, which is why this program is free of charge. By providing a space where children and families can create, explore, and learn together, we reaffirm our mission to uplift the community through the power of art.
We invite everyone to join us every third Thursday of the month for Family Day at SAMFA. Whether you are a longtime museum supporter or visiting for the first time, there is always something new to experience and create. Together, we can nurture the next generation of artists, thinkers, and dreamers, ensuring the
Please make plans to join us for Family Day at SAMFA and many more to come! Watch future issues of San Angelo Family Magazine for updates and exciting announcements and events. This is a perfect way to enjoy your family AND build new connections with San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts.
We are located at 1 Love St, San Angelo, Texas. For more information contact us at 325-653-3333 and tell them you saw it in San Angelo Family Magazine!!
Tom Green County Library Activities
April
(tell them you saw it in San Angelo Family Magazine)
Upcoming Events:
May 2 & 3Alice in Wonderland by Ballet San Angelo (see page 3)
May 32025 Polo on the Concho, Fort Concho,
May 6San Angelo Gives (see page 11)
May 7Silver Bluebonnet Day (see page 21)
May 16 & 17Beyond Ballet by Ballet San Angelo (see
Forever my baby boy
Maverick & Jolie getting ready for the superbowl with their sweet Nana
Soaking up the suds in a bath full of love!
Too cute for own good!!
Obligatory picture after a bike ride on this wonderful evening!
Everyone needs ice cream every now and then!
Late night stops for Bahama bucks
Hunter and Layne ready for Bentwood Country Club’s Daddy Daughter Date Night. Baby Lottie and Brooks enjoy the evening at Brown Park.
Easy Vegetables to Grow in 5-Gallon Buckets
Growing vegetables in buckets is a great way to maximize space, especially for small gardens and balconies. Here are some of the best crops to grow in 5-gallon containers:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Carrots
- Spinach
Container gardening makes it easy to grow fresh vegetables even in limited spaces. With proper drainage and rich soil, these plants can thrive in buckets!
It’s also a great way to get your kids involved and they will love to watch the progress of them growing!!! This is a great after school and weekend hobby. While they have fun, they are also learning about sustainability and nutrition.
Gardening with your children is more than just a fun activity. It’s a task that teaches important life lessons while doubling as a science experiment and lesson about how to grow your own food. Many parents also find that gardening with their kids helps them eat a healthier diet since they get to eat the food they grow!
Annual Giant Pumpkin Contest Seed Giveaway
The People/Plant Connection, a local 501(c)(3) 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. Seeds packets are ready for distribution.
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 distributes are First Prize F1 pumpkin seeds. They can get up to 150 pounds. The pumpkins 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 325-6563104 and two seeds will be mailed to you. Each set of seeds comes with instructions on how to get the best results.
and vegetables by planting in the raised beds around the outdoor classroom. They also learn how to take care of the environment by watering their plants from the rainwater collection tanks. The Spring Session will provide ways to feed the birds and create ways for birds to get materials for building their nests.
The two groups work together and separately doing different activities in the garden. The Sprouts will be planting spring vegetables and herbs in the raised beds. They will also hang the hummingbird feeders in the garden.
The People/Plant Connection
Junior Master Gardeners will be planting in the bird feeding station bed, setting up a watering system, spreading mulch and laying down steppingstones to finish the bed. Their work will be outdoors in the garden.
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.
Join us for the 2025 Spring Session for The Adventures in Gardening and Nature--Youth Gardening Class. These classes are sponsored by The People/Plant Connection a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Their mission is to bring the joy of gardening to people of all ages and abilities. The classes are held at their educational garden at the Angelo West Branch Library, 3013 Vista del Arroyo, San Angelo. The classes will be Tuesdays, October 1-29 from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
The gardening classes are for two age groups, Sprouts, (ages 4-6) and Junior Master Gardeners, (3rd-5th grades). The young gardeners learn how to plant herbs
Connections
As adults, we often reflect on the relationships we've built throughout our childhood, whether positive or negative, and how they've shaped our lives. Being a foster parent offers the chance to become a positive and lasting connection for a child in need of stability and support. The bond formed between a foster parent and a child can leave a lasting impact, whether through the relationship itself, a shared moment, or a lesson learned during their time together. This connection provides the child with a sense of security and accountability, which is essential for their growth. In our work, we often hear that prospective foster parents are hesitant due to the fear of forming strong attachments with a child, only for that child to eventually be reunified with their biological family or moved to another home. While this can understandably be difficult for adults, the connection is exactly what the child needs and deeply desires. Instead of focusing on the potential for loss, it’s important to consider the invaluable lessons and sense of belonging that a child gains during their time in a loving foster home. Without that connection, the child might not experience the support and stability they so desperately need.
Teen Helpers, (6th grade & up), are welcome to help with the classes while they learn about gardening with the younger members.
Both groups will enjoy the “Kindness Minute” and paint a rock for the Kindness Rock Garden they started last year. They will also paint birdhouses and place them in the garden. Both groups will stuff suet cages with nesting materials for the birds.
A new program, “Get Moving In The Garden”, will be introduced. The gardeners will be playing outdoor games and enjoying physical activities in the garden.
This program is underwritten by the San Angelo Garden Club and the Rolling Hills Garden Club making it free to attend. Open to everyone.
Must Pre-register by April 5 to reserve space. Limited spaces available. Call today, 325-656-3104 or go to the website: www.peopleplantconnection.org
Texas A&M Forest Service presents the 3rd Annual
Bear Poster Contest
for Texas students.
Contest winners will be featured in the 2026 Texas Smokey Bear monthly calendar. Deadline is August 30, 2025
Visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SmokeyPosterContest/ for full rules and entry details.
Texas students from Kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to participate to help promote wildfire prevention. Students will demonstrate their understanding of wildfire prevention through their original artwork of Smokey Bear. Students may submit their entries independently or through their school district, homeschool, youth program/camp, or other informal education or youth organization.
The Poster Contest consists of four divisions:
1. Kindergarten through 2nd grade
2. 3rd through 5th grade
3. 6th through 8th grade
4. 9th through 12th grade
The Smokey Bear Poster Contest helps raise awareness about wildfire prevention so we can keep Texans safe and conserve our natural resources. Contest entries should feature a wildfire prevention message for issues seen in Texas.
We need HELP!!!
Meals For The Elderly relies on our volunteers to help us deliver meals to over 600 recipients daily.
If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions about the volunteer opportunities available, please visit www.mealsfortheelderly.org or contact the Volunteer Director, at (325) 655-9200 or email them at volunteer@mealsfortheelderly.org
Tell them San Angelo Family Magazine sent you!!
Funzapoppin'
at the Railway Museum of San Angelo
The Easter Bunny will be hop-hop-hopping down the bunny trail to the Railway Museum of San Angelo Saturday, April 12. He’ll be posing for free photos from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for anyone who wants to point a camera his direction.
It’s the first Second Saturday of the season at the museum and the bunny won’t be alone. There will be vendors and food trucks and the museum’s little choo choo train will give kids a ride around the closed streets. Inside the museum costumed guides will give tours. Next Home Centurion will provide free coloring for children during the event. People who take a guided tour inside the museum can participate in the museum’s scavenger hunt and they will be entered in a drawing for a prize from the museum’s gift shop.
Railway Volunteer of the Year, Elizabeth Curtis, will lead a hat-decorating workshop inside the museum. There will be straw hats in adult and child sizes with colorful flowers, feathers and other fun things that are easy to attach to a hatband to create a beautiful Easter bonnet. The workshop is $5 and includes the straw hat, headband and decorations.
May 10 is National Train Day which honors the 156th anniversary of the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States. The Railway Museum will celebrate May 10 as the Second Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Newly elected Board of Directors president Chris Roque has formed a new organization for model railroaders named the South Orient Model Railroad Association. Members will be on hand to talk about, sell and display trains. The five rooms of scale model trains in the museum will all be running.
Information about the museum from sanangelorail: The Railway Museum of San Angelo, established as the Historic-Orient Santa Fe Depot, Inc., is housed in the historic railway depot located in the San Angelo Cultural District. The depot was constructed from 1909-1910 as the Texas headquarters of Arthur Stilwell’s Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railroads (KSM&O). when completed the KCM& O would have provided a n economical transportation route connecting the lucrative markets of the Orient through the Mexican port of Topolobampo via a direct line through San Angelo all the way down from Kansas City.
The start of the Mexican Revolution prevented Stilwell from realizing his dream, but the depot remained. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company purchased the KCM&O, including the depot, in 1928. It became the Santa Fe passenger depot and served San Angelo until 1985 when rising costs ended all passenger and freight operations.
Very few original Orient structures survive in Texas. When Santa Fe announced plans to demolish the depot in the late 1980s, San Angelo citizens started a campaign to preserve the building. After years of neglect, volunteers restored the depot to its original stately presence. The job of the museum is to gather, preserve and display artifacts, documents, letters and equipment related to the history of the railroad in San Angelo and the Concho Valley through educational programing and community events.
Entry to the museum is $3-5 Fridays and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10-4 p.m. During Second Saturday tours of the museum are $3-5 and rides on the little choo choo train are $5.
Railway Museum of San Angelo, 703 S. Chadbourne, San Angelo, 325-4862140, sanangelorailway.org, Facebook Railway Museum of San Angelo.
By Linda Thorsen Bond
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. Meetings help us connect!! Or maybe you want to learn more about something that is effecting you. Or you want to become more involved. Or you want to learn a new hobby. San Angelo and the Concho Valley have so much to offer and this list is a start! Please help keep this listing updated by emailing us at family@wcc.net
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
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 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 - 1st Friday of every month, 3:00p.m., Baptist Retirement Community, 903 North Main Street, Room 119. FMI Joan Countess at 325-647-0658. 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 2nd Saturday in July, the 3rd Saturday in September, and the 1st Saturday in December, Stephens Library, FMI 726-999-0359, gsacraftsguild@gmail.com
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, 6:30p, Suez Shriner's building (2915 W. Loop 306, San Angelo) FMI call Ellen @ 903-816-2971 or Sheryl @ 325-262-1492
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
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 Rotary Club of San Angelo, every Friday except for holidays, noon to 1pm, River Terrace, 880 W Avenue D. New guests are free, members pay dues and lunch. FMI call (325) 656-2612 or email sarotary@aol.com.
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 - Meetings are quarterly - contact for dates, 7p, ASU Planetarium. FMI 325-226-9172 or angeloastronomy.com/ San Angelo Chess Club Mondays, except holidays, 6–8 p.m., downtown library, 33 W. Beauregard. Club meets in library lobby. Equipment provided. Casual and USCF-rated games. 325853-2324. 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 (LGBTQIA Youth Support Group) - Wednesdays, 6:00pm, Open Arms Office, 113 North Harrison Street. FMI Contact Jennie Wagner @325-655-2000 or jwagner@openarmscv.ofg
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. Survivor Warriors 2nd Thurs., 5:30 pm, Shannon Cancer Center, 2nd Floor, 131 E. Beauregard Ave., All individuals diagnosed with cancer & friend/family/caregivers welcome. FMI Nurse Navigation, at 325-747-3994.
Texas Veterans for Veterans - Tuesdays, 7:15am-9:30am, 1905 Pulliam, designed to help local needy veterans and their families. FMI 325-656-9562
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's Sexual Assault survivor group (Open Arms), Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm, 113 N. Harrison St. . All women survivors over the age of 18 are welcome. A spanish speaking group is available as well. FMI 325-655-2000
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 sanangelo.org/yp/
Speakers Series Returns to Fort Concho
Each spring and fall for the past thirty years the Speakers Series at Fort Concho has offered free lunch-hour talks on local and regional history, and the program returns for all Wednesdays of April 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30. Held in the fort’s Commissary Building near the intersection of Burgess and East Avenue C, the programs usually start at five minutes past the hour and ends a little before 1 pm so guests can get back to work and other commitments.
Bottled water is available at no charge and guests are welcome to bring a lunch. School and adult groups are most welcome; call ahead at 481-2646 and we can reserve a block of seats for you.
This spring’s topics cover “R F. Ford, Spurs of Knickerbocker” on April 2; “Pistol Packing Preachers of West Texas” on April 9; “Ambrose Bierce, Nobody will Never Find my Bones,” on April 16; “Businesses of San Angelo” on April 23; and the “Battle of McClellan” Creek on April 30.
Guests are always asked to submit topics for future talks. For the Spring and Fall Series in 2026, the topics will reflect the nation’s 250th Birthday. Program chairman Joyce Gray of Mertzon would be pleased to hear your suggestions.
For more information, call the fort at 657-4444 or 481-2646.
This is a fun website with printable clues for all ages!! Even if you can’t go on a community Easter Egg Hunt, make the best out of the situation and make sure your kids have fun - even if its from home!!
www.awonderfulthought.com/easter-egg-scavenger-hunt/
The concept is easy, you put clues into plastic eggs and the kids have to figure out where the eggs are hidden based on the clues. The last clue brings them to their Easter basket from G’ma & G’pa. The eggs are numbered with a sharpie along with each kid’s name as well so they don’t accidentally find someone else’s egg. One tip to remember though is that each kid gets a “starter” egg that has the first clue in it. Otherwise it can get a little confusing!
Some of these clues are very specific to their mom’s house, but they could be easily changed to fit into your own home. You can use these as ideas to go from. The hard part is thinking of all the rhymes!
There are printable clues for all the different ages:
•Scavenger Hunt Clues (ages 2-3)
•Scavenger Hunt Clues (ages 4-5)
•Scavenger Hunt Clues (ages 6-8)
•Scavenger Hunt Clues (ages 9-13)
•Scavenger Hunt Clues (ages 14-16)
•Scavenger Hunt Clues (ages 17-18)
Another idea is to use plastic eggs and incude little gifts inside each one. Some non-candy ideas are: •Cheerios. •Small Figurine. •Mini Pretzels. •Money. •Hair clips. •Marbles. •Erasers. •Stick-on Tattoos. •Finger Puppets. •Fruit Snacks. •Small Lego figurines.
I hope you enjoy this Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt!!
Decorating Easter Eggs
How to prepare the perfect hard-cooked egg Place eggs in single layer in saucepan. Add water to at least 1” above eggs. Cover. Quickly bring just to boiling. Turn off heat. If necessary, remove pan from burner to prevent further boiling. Let eggs stand, covered, in the hot water for 15 minutes for large eggs (12 minutes/medium eggs, 18 minutes/extra large eggs). Immediately run cold water over eggs or place them in ice water until completely cooled.
Tips for preparing hard-cooked eggs:
• Only cook one layer of eggs at a time. Rapidly boiling water causes the eggs to bump against one another, which is more likely to cause cracking.
• To avoid cracking as well as the harmless, greenish ring around hard-cooked yolks, avoid over-cooking. Also, cool the eggs quickly after cooking by running cold water over them or placing them in ice water until completely cooled.
• Once eggs have cooled, refrigerate them in their shells until use.
• Hard-cooked eggs in the shell can be refrigerated up to one week. Hard-cooked eggs out of the shell should be used immediately.
TOOTHBRUSH SPLATTERED EGGS Scrub an old toothbrush in watercolor or poster paints... aim it at the egg...then strum your thumb over the bristles. The paint will splatter a fine mist like spray paint on the eggs.
RUBBERBAND DESIGN EGGS Wrap elastic rubber bands around hard cooked eggs, then drip them in food-coloring dye. Remove the eggs; pat dry with paper towel; remove the rubber bands when eggs are dry. The parts of the egg covered with rubber bands will not be colored. You can STOP at this point or----once the rubber bands are removed, you can drop the egg into a different color dye.
SHINY EASTER EGGS Mix SWEETENED condensed milk (such as Eagle Brand) with food coloring; paint with brushes or Q-tips.
TOOTHPICK PAINTING Using acrylic paint, use a toothpick to paint on small, detailed designs such as flowers, stars, swirls, butterflies, and other designs. (Do not eat eggs that have paint on them)
ABSTRACT EGGS A jar of rubber cement can help make beautiful Easter eggs! This design is very simple to accomplish, even for children -- with a some supervision.....Fun part! No two eggs are exactly alike.
Need: Hard boiled eggs, basic egg dyes in desired colors, a jar of rubber cement. These eggs are really simple to make. The basic principle is that you drizzle rubber cement over the egg, let it dry, then color the egg.
Naturally, the egg dye won't stick to the parts that are painted with the glue. After the egg is colored to the desired shade, let it dry completely, then carefully peel off the rubber cement.
You can paint the rubber cement on plain white eggs...or dye the egg with a base color, then apply the rubber cement and re-dip in a contrasting color. The most important tip is to dry the eggs completely between colors and or coats of rubber cement.
