San Angelo Family Magazine - Jan. '26

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January 2026

San Angelo Family Magazine

www.safmtx.com

San Angelo Family Magazine

www.safmtx.com

January 2026

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january 2026

Volume 31

issue 9

What’s Inside . . . . . . . cover by Carolyn Nored Miller

On The Cover

Jakobe Olivas, age 5, is helping us start out a new year with smiles!!

His parents are Jaimie and Joshua Olivas. His siblings are Julian, Jayde, Jayson and Jessie Olivas.

His favorite things are being outside, playing with his animals and playing with trucks He’s a social butterfly and loves to talk to everybody.

He was adopted from fostering along with his sister, Jessie. He has a rare brain malformation called Vein of Galen that requires frequent visits to Dallas to see many of his specialists. He is always smiling regardless of all the challenges he’s been through.

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31st National prayer breakfast

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Junior League’s Western dance

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A joyful way to keep moving

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Celebrating community

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planning for the unexpected

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friends of tgcl New year book sale

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building bridges

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community calendar

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San angelo broadway academy

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7 signs you might be a helicopter parent

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be a foster parent

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tom green co. library events

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snapshots

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easy art projects

20 meetings around san angelo 21

indoor gardening

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are you ready to have kids?

San Angelo Family is published monthly by Ink Publications, LLC. We welcome letters, articles, artwork, and photographs from our readers and the community. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all material contributed. We are not responsible for the return of any unsolicited material.

You may email us anytime at family@wcc.net.

All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission. ©san angelo family 2026

Please recycle this magazine.

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January 2026

San Angelo Family Magazine

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Staff Owners/Publishers Carolyn Miller and Kyla Bassett Editor Sarita Fawn Dunham Layout/Design & Advertising Carolyn Miller/Kyla Bassett Marketing Director Tim L. Vasquez Photographers Tim L. Vasquez/Carolyn Miller Distribution Tonya Ortega and family Support Staff - Lexi (Mini Aussie)

San Angelo Family Magazine P.O. Box 910 Fort Davis, TX 79734 325-656-7438 family@wcc.net www.safmtx.com Check out our facebook page for even more info each month!

San Angelo Family Magazine

31st National Prayer Breakfast San Angelo February 5, 2026 Mark your calendars and Save the Date for this very special 2026 National Prayer Breakfast San Angelo. The 31st Annual event is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 6:00 a.m. at the McNease Convention Center.

The purpose of the Annual Prayer Breakfast is to join together with cities all across the United States to pray for wisdom and guidance for our government and all our leaders.

We are excited to have author, Bible teacher and television host Sheila Walsh as this year’s featured guest speaker.

From Scotland, Sheila has spoken around the world to over 6 million people. Now, Sheila hosts numerous shows on the TBN Television Network, America’s mostwatched faith and family channel.

TBN reaches a potential audience of 2 billion people each day through TV and TBN app. Sheila’s programs include the flagship show “Praise” and the talk show “Better Together.”

A Grammy nominated recording artist, Sheila has recorded over 24 albums. She loves to make the Bible practical, sharing how God met her at her lowest point and helped her to rise up again.

Her message: “God is faithful, and He is holding you!”

The National Prayer Breakfast San Angelo begins at 6:30 a.m. with the presentation of colors, national anthem, and pledge of allegiance, followed by welcome and special music. The Prayer Breakfast concludes at 7:30 a.m.

Tickets for the Prayer Breakfast are $5.00 each, available at the door.

Invite your friends, family, and co-workers to the National Prayer Breakfast San Angelo, an inspiring and uplifting community gathering. For more information, call 325-234-0375.

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The Junior League of San Angelo’s Western Dance 2026, graciously presented by City National Bank, is more than a fun night of music and dancing— it’s an event with a purpose. Every dollar raised through tickets, donations, auctions, and raffles directly supports service projects that make a meaningful impact across the Concho Valley.

Proceeds from Western Dance help fund initiatives such as P.A.C.K., a program that provides essential hygiene items to children in our community, as well as Home Run Heroes, a special baseball game created for children with physical and intellectual disabilities. These projects, along with many others supported by the Junior League, work year-round to strengthen our community and support those in need.

General admission tickets are on sale now, and a limited number of VIP tables are still available for those looking to enjoy the evening with reserved seating and an elevated experience. Tickets for the popular gun raffle can also be purchased, and you do not have to be present to win—making it an easy way to support the cause even if you’re unable to attend.

Guests can also sign up to compete in the cornhole tournament, with early entry available for participants who want time to warm up before play begins.

Whether you’re in it to win or just there to cheer, it’s sure to add to the fun.

This year’s entertainment features Derek Spence: A George Strait Tribute, bringing classic country hits that will keep the dance floor full all night long.

Guests can also browse an exciting selection of live and silent auction items, from boutique finds and rodeo tickets to unforgettable vacation experiences.

Western Dance 2026 is a celebration of community, generosity, and service.

By attending, bidding, or purchasing raffle tickets, you help the Junior League of San Angelo continue making a difference where it matters most— right here in the Concho Valley.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sajuniorleague.com. If you have any questions, please contact office@sajuniorleague.com.

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January 2026

San Angelo Family Magazine

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A Joyful Way to Keep Moving Ballet San Angelo’s Joy of Movement program brings people together through dance. The free weekly classes are open to everyone—folks living with Parkinson’s and other neurological challenges, their families and caregivers, and anyone who wants to move, feel better, and enjoy good company. No dance experience is necessary.

At its heart, Joy of Movement is about more than dance steps. The class is designed to support physical health, mental sharpness, and emotional well-being.

Through dance choreography, participants are encouraged to explore balance, coordination, motor skills, and cognitive engagement in a caring and uplifting environment. Each class creatively addresses symptom specific concerns such as balance challenges, reduced mobility, depression, weakness, and physical confidence, while honoring each participant’s abilities and personal pace.

What makes Joy of Movement special is the sense of community it creates. This class isn’t just about exercise—it’s about laughing, visiting, and sharing time with others in a warm, friendly setting. Dancing alongside others in the Ballet’s beautiful well-lit studios with proper dance flooring helps lift spirits, ease stress, and remind us that we’re not alone. Caregivers and family members are encouraged to join in, turning the class into a shared experience.

Music selections are intentional and include a wide range of instrumentation and genres, including many familiar classic songs you know and love. A growing body of research supports the fact that music has a powerful way of waking up the mind and heart. Moving together with others can boost mood, confidence, and mental sharpness. Movements are easy to follow and can be done seated or standing, so everyone can take part at their own comfort level.

Joy of Movement is based on Dance for PD®, a program created by the Mark Morris Dance Group in New York City. Dance for PD® is an internationally recognized rehabilitative program that has helped people around the world improve balance, coordination, and overall well-being. While Dance for PD was developed specifically for people with Parkinson’s, Joy of Movement, with the blessing of our NYC training base, broadens the benefits to help all seniors who want to stay active, connected, and engaged.

Classes are held every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. inside the Ballet San Angelo studios, and they are always free to attend. Come listen to great music, enjoy the company of others, and get some much-needed movement in a relaxed, welcoming space.

Whether you’re looking for gentle exercise, new friends, or just a reason to get out of the house and smile, Joy of Movement taps into the rich potential of dancing together for the good of the body, mind, and heart.

For more information, call 325-653-8877 or visit balletsanangelo.org/joy. Joy of Movement is made possible thanks to The Art & Eva Camuñez Tucker Foundation.

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January 2026

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Celebrating Community through our lens in the Concho Valley

Christmas at Old Fort Concho

Christmas at Old Fort Concho

Wall Hawks Championship

ASU Tree Lighting

Santa’s Market GAFB

ASU Tree Lighting

Santa’s Market GAFB

Wall Hawks Championship

ASU Tree Lighting

Christmas at Old Fort Concho

Wall Hawks Championship

Santa’s Market GAFB

Celebrate with us through photos by Tim L. Vasquez, Marketing Director for San Angelo Family Magazine. This new section will highlight attendees of various events and functions we attend in San Angelo and the Concho Valley. For more photos, please visit San Angelo Family Magazine’s facebook page! The magazine offers so many great events and happenings you can be a part of each month so get out and enjoy!! If you have an event you would like for us to attend, please send your info to family@wcc.net 8

January 2026

San Angelo Family Magazine

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ARE YOU READY - OR NOT? Preparedness…

An everyday task for everyday life. Being prepared for emergencies is crucial at home, school, work and in your community. Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood, workplace or school or can confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones – were cut off?

Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. The best way to make you and your family safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes.

Prepare for Disasters Before they Strike: Build A Disaster Supplies Kit There are six basics you should stock for your home in the case of an emergency: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items for medical conditions.

Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container. Below is a partial list of what should be included in your kit.

Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack or a duffle bag.

Water Store water in plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.

• Store one gallon of water per person per day.

• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).* Food Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit: Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables.

High energy foods. Canned juices. Vitamins. Food for infants. And don’t forget the pets.

Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.

First Aid Kit Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.

• Various bandages and dressings and tape • Waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• antiseptic wipes.

• large medical grade non-latex gloves.

• Anti-bacterial ointment.

• Cold pack.

• Scissors (small, personal).

• Tweezers.

• CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield.

Non-Prescription Drugs • Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever • Anti-diarrhea medication • Antacid (for stomach upset) • Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised

by the Poison Control Center) • Laxative Tools and Supplies • Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, & plastic utensils • Emergency preparedness manual • Battery-operated radio and extra batteries • Flashlight and extra batteries • Cash or traveler's checks, change • Non-electric can opener, utility knife • Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type • Tube tent • Pliers, tape, compass • Matches in a waterproof container • Aluminum foil & plastic storage containers • Signal flare • Paper, pencil • Needles, thread • Shut-off wrench, for household gas and water • Map of the area (for locating shelters) Sanitation • Toilet paper, towelettes • Soap, liquid detergent • Feminine supplies • Personal hygiene items • Plastic garbage bags, ties (personal sanitation uses) • Plastic bucket with tight lid • Disinfectant • Household chlorine bleach Clothing and Bedding *Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

• Sturdy shoes or work boots • Rain gear • Blankets or sleeping bags • Hat and gloves Special Items • Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons For Baby: Formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, medications For Adults • Prescription drugs (including heart & high blood pressure medication and insulin) • Denture needs • Contact lenses and supplies & eye glasses Important Family Documents Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container: - Will, insurance policies, deeds, stocks and bonds - Passports, social security cards, immunization records - Bank account numbers - Credit card account numbers and companies - Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers - Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates) Make a plan Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.

• Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.

• Pick two places to meet: 1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. 2.

Outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.

• Ask an out-of-state friend to be your “family con-

tact.” Family members should call this person and tell them where they are.

• Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

• Write down all of these contact numbers and information on the family emergency contact card.

Complete this checklist • Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).

• Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.

• Make sure each adult in your home knows how and when to turn off the utilities (water, gas, and electricity) at the main switches.

• Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.

• Get training for adults in your home on how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it's kept.

• Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.

• Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.

Practice your plan • Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

• Quiz your kids every six months so they remember what to do.

• Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.

• Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Emergency Tip: In the contacts list of your cell phone, enter the name and phone number of the person emergency services should call on your behalf and label it ICE. ICE stands for In Case of Emergency. Paramedics know what ICE means, and look for it immediately.

When disaster hits, Texans need to be ready. If you can’t easily answer these three key questions, make your plan today.

1. Do you know where you will find your loved ones?

2. Do you have essentials, such as water and medication?

3. Do you know how you will get trusted information?

Check out these websites for further information: www.texasready.gov www.redcross.org www.ready.gov Contact your local Emergency Management Office for further assistance: (325) 657-4289

San Angelo Family Magazine

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January 2026

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Larry Justiss Friends of the Tom Green County Library

The sale will be held in the basement of Stephens Central Library at Irving and Beauregard.

New Year Book Sale

The next sale will be in February.

Saturday, January 10 The aim of the Friends of the Tom Green County Library is to provide funds for non-county budget items to be used for the improvement of our three county libraries.

The Friends organization accomplishes this aim through on-line sales on the ABE web site, every other month book sales in the basement of Stephens Central Library located at the corner of Irving and Beauregard Streets, and the staffing of a bookstore located on the first floor of Stephens Central Library.

Tell them you saw it in San Angelo Family Magazine!!!

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January 2026

San Angelo Family Magazine

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Building Bridges is West Texas Rehab Center’s Hospice of San Angelo program for grieving children. It is a grief support group specifically designed for children and teens who have experienced loss through the death of someone significant in their lives. Trained staff and volunteers offer support through the use of activities including art, music and other creative means to encourage children to express their feelings of grief and allow them to share cherished memories of their loved ones.

Peer groups help decrease the isolation often felt by children and teens who grieve, as they form bonds with other participants who have also experienced loss. With Building Bridges as support, children and teens come together to share the experience of life.

Building Bridges seeks to promote growth and healing to grieving children and teens by helping them to identify their feelings of grief in a safe environment. Group activities help children and teens begin to express their feelings and start the journey toward grief resolution. Participants’ self-esteem is improved through the validation of the unique qualities of individual grief.

Building Bridges provides guidance for children and teens to adapt to the many changes in their families and teaches skills to help cope with loss that will effectively serve them throughout life.

Building Bridges is offered twice annually during each school year. During each session, groups meet for one hour on Tuesday nights for six weeks.

Groups are divided according to age and each group is facilitated by carefully trained volunteers. Although our volunteers are well trained in grief theory, they will simply provide grief support to participants, not psychotherapy.

Parents or caretakers attend an adult session each Tuesday evening designed especially for them.

There is no charge to participate in Building Bridges and the program is open to any grieving child in the community.

Volunteers are the cornerstone of the Building Bridges program. Adults who have a special love for children and a desire to help a child’s grieving heart are encouraged to consider becoming a Building Bridges Volunteer. Training classes are offered to teach grief theory, developmental aspects of loss, the art of listening, and techniques for facilitating small groups. Upcoming training dates are January 10th and 17th from 9am-3pm, lunch is provided. For more information on becoming a volunteer or to sign-up for the training please contact Kat Turpen at kturpen@wtrc.com.

If you have a child who could benefit from grief support and would like to attend Building Bridges, please call our office at (325) 658-6524.

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January 2026

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Upcoming...

February 4 February 20 February 27 March 4

Januar

National Prayer Breakfast (see pg 5) Texas A&M Singing Cadets 5th Annual San Angelo Songwriter Showcase World Ballet Company: Swan Lake

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Send your events for F family@w

Call an elderly person in your life to go to an event!! It will make their month so happy!!

Prepare for the Unexpected! see page 7

Grief support group for kids. see page 11

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San Angelo Broadway

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Do you have a child with SPECIAL NEEDS or a DISABILITY?

Academy’s Spring Classes

There is a local Foundation that can help you in so many ways!!

Learn more about ACCESSABILITY FIRST

(see page 14)

12 Send in your

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Are you a helicopter parent?

Check out the seven signs that you might be doing! see page 15

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Night at the Museum - FREE, 5-8pm The Mayer Museum, ASU Campus 2601 W. Avenue N. Kids Welcome!!

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SNAPSHOTS!!

Newer, easier! www.safmtx.com Get your family out and do something - your kids will love the memories you make together!

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18 Be a Foster Parent

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They need HELP in 2026!!!

Go to www.cosatx.us for a listing of all the San Angelo Parks and it even includes a map!

Get your family outside!!

see page 16

Take Your Kids Bowling!

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Be a driver for Meals for the Elderly.

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JANUARY SNAPSHOTS! see page 18

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Email your calendar events to fam 12

January 2026

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San Angelo Family Magazine

ry ‘26

Please verify date and location on any events before you go!

Some info may change.

Thursday

calendar February to wcc.net

Follow us at www.safmtx.com or facebook at San Angelo Family Magazine!!

Saturday

Friday

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3 Celebrating Community

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Easy Art Projects for Bored Kids during Winter see page 19

photos from celebrations in the Concho Valley see page 8

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Art Thursdays at SAMFA Free!! see page 3 FMI

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Book sale at Tom Green Co. Library see page 10

Tom Green County Library January activities see page 17

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16 Joy of Movement

Save A Life Donate Blood Now

Free Classes for Seniors

WTBR Ranch Ball see page 9

see page 9

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The Neil Diamond Experience see page 11

Wing Cookoff

Mini Miss Wood Pageant see page 5

29 Art Thursdays at SAMFA Free!! see page 3 FMI

Take a neighbor to just one event and make their holiday happier!

SAMFA FREE 10am - 2pm see pg 3

January 24 & 25 see page 16

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30 Do you need help paying for housing or utilities?

Concho Valley Community Action Agency might help. www.cvcaa.org 325-653-2411

Junior League Western Dance see page 6

mily@wcc.net and add us on Facebook San Angelo Family Magazine

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January 2026

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San Angelo Broadway Academy (SABA) is excited to step into 2026 with incredible growth and opportunity!

For 20 years, SABA has been more than a performing arts education program—it has been a vital part of San Angelo’s cultural fabric, filled with heart, joy, dedication, and a deep love for the arts. As San Angelo’s only and largest youth performing arts educational program, SABA has inspired students in theatre, dance, and music through a positive, inclusive, and nurturing environment while producing professional-style, family-friendly performances that are meaningful and accessible to the community.

Now, after two decades of growth, SABA is expanding and moving to downtown San Angelo! Our new studios will be located at 106 South Chadbourne, Suite B, making spring the perfect time to join our SABA family.

SABA offers a wide variety of classes for students ages 3–18, including dance classes in creative movement and preschool dance, ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, pointe, (recreational and competitive dance programs), theatre arts classes, and private piano and voice lessons. We also offer adult fitness classes for those looking to stay active and engaged.

Our spring production of Mary Poppins, the Musical will hold auditions for students ages 12–19 on Saturday, January 24, with performances taking flight at the Murphey Performance Hall May 8–10.

Classes for dance, piano, and voice resume January 19, with theatre classes beginning mid-February. SABA also proudly offers free trial dance classes for all students and no registration fees.

Step into 2026 with SABA and experience our new downtown studio, a trusted 20-year program, and the joy of the arts—where creativity meets possibility.

For more information on class offerings, tuition, and registration, visit www.sabroadwayacademy.org or call 325-763-4807.

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January 2026

San Angelo Family Magazine

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Seven Signs You Might Be A Your daughter comes home in tears after an argument with a friend.

What do you do? If you answered, “Call the friend’s mom to work out the problem,” you need to take a step back.

Helicopter Parent

Try this instead: Be a support system, but let them talk it out. Teach them how to calm their emotions, then help them explore ways they and their friend can work it out on their own.

You Do Their Schoolwork Put on your preschooler’s shoes. Solve a hard math equation for your teen … there are plenty of ways to swoop in to save your kids from feeling frustrated. But healthy levels of stress can actually boost their problem-solving skills.

Try this instead: Let your kids figure things out on their own.

Praise their efforts when they stick with hard situations.

You Coach Their Coaches If you shout advice from the stands during your kids’ games or corner the coach to talk after every practice, it might be time to sideline yourself. Sports can teach your child how to deal with conflict, work toward a goal, be a leader, and cope with defeat. But it has to be their team, not yours.

Try this instead: If they ask for your help or you can see they have a problem, teach them how to talk to the coach themselves.

You Keep Your Kids on a Short Leash You stick around for drop-off birthday parties. You drive your teen to friends’ houses even when they’re only a short walk away. You send daily check-in texts (plural) to your college student. Sound familiar? If so, it’s time to cut the apron strings and let your kids build some self-confidence.

Try this instead: Create chances for them to be independent: Let them play in the yard while you stay inside or walk the dog solo.

You're a Maid in Your Own House Do you still make your first grader’s bed, clean your teen’s room, or do your college student’s laundry? It’s time to lighten your load. Make your kid pitch in around the house and you’ll teach them responsibility for a lifetime.

Try this instead: Start with small tasks and build from there. Be clear about what you expect them to do, and praise a job well done.

You Play It Too Safe “Get down from up there!” “Don’t ride so fast!” “Hold my hand down the slide!” Would you bubble wrap your kids if you could? Turns out you can protect them too much. When you don’t let them take physical or mental risks, you can stunt their development.

Try this instead: Remember the goal is to keep them as safe as necessary, not as safe as possible. Let them climb a tree, or fall and scrape their knee. It’s good for their growth as a person.

You Can't Let Them Fail Think of the last time you made a mistake. Chances are, you learned from it. Your kids need to do the same. Trial and error teaches them how to make their way in the world. If you take over a project or task to “do it right,” they won’t learn how to tackle problems in the future.

Try this instead: Let them make mistakes every once in a while. When they fail, encourage them to try again.

Find this or more helpful tips at www.webmd.com/parenting

San Angelo Family Magazine

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January 2026

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Be a Foster Parent!

As we begin the New Year, many of us set goals—whether they relate to finances, education, or professional growth. This year, we invite you to consider adding a meaningful community goal to your list: becoming a foster parent.

Foster parents have a profound impact on the lives of children and families within our community. Children who come from challenging circumstances often carry trauma, and having a consistent, caring adult during these difficult times can make all the difference. Witnessing a child heal, grow, and overcome obstacles is one of the most rewarding experiences a foster parent can have.

Fostering not only supports the child but also plays an important role in strengthening their biological family. By partnering with and supporting family reunification efforts, fostering parents contribute to long-term stability and positive outcomes for the entire family unit.

If you have questions or are interested in taking the next steps, please contact New Horizons. Becoming a foster parent is a life-changing experience—for you, for the child, and for the community. We encourage everyone to consider how they can make a difference this year.

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January 2026

San Angelo Family Magazine

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Tell them you saw it in San Angelo Family Magazine!

Tom Green Co. Library Events for January 2026 (tell them you saw it in San Angelo Family Magazine)

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January 2026

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snapshots Parade ready!

A holly jolly season!

Checking in with Santa!

Sunday blessings!

A beautiful flower in her own garden

Gatherine eggs from the chicken coop

Maxton, Beau and Hudson cheering on the Hawks!!!!

All dressed up

We love receiving photos and its a great way to highlight kids having fun! Ages newborn to senior in high school.

For a faster, better way to send SNAPSHOTS, go to our website to submit (safmtx.com). It’s EASY!!!!

Or email us at family@wcc.net. Include child’s name/age, parent’s name, contact phone number or email, permission to print child’s photo/name, your favorite caption. Please submit by January 15, 2026 to be considered for the February ‘26 issue.

No professional photos, school pictures or sports pictures taken by a professional. One photo per entry, please. Submitted photos and info will serve as a “photo release,” allowing Ink Publications, LLC the rights to use the photo in any publications (digital, print or media) including online advertising and social media for the magazine.

Happy New Year!!

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January 2026

San Angelo Family Magazine

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Milk Jug Bird Feeders

Treasure Shoe Box

Pet Rocks

Rinse out an empty plastic gallon milk jug with lid.

Cut a window in the front of the jug, and make two small poke holes for the perches. Insert pencils for perches and fill the bottom of the jug with bird seed.

Decorate an old shoe box and lid with construction paper, markers, paint, glue and glitter, crayons, googly eyes, stickers, lace, doilies, or whatever else you can find. Be sure to put the child's name inside the lid. This box makes a great container for treasures found out in the yard, on the way home from school, or anywhere else your children "hunt".

Find smooth, flat or round rocks. Be sure to clean off any dirt or sand and dry completely before starting.

Paint with acrylic paints. Decorate faces by using google eyes, yarn for hair, markers, glitter, and any other tidbits you like.

Bookmarks

Great for back to school or as a gift to someone you love. Make fun bookmarks with construction paper, markers, for the kids during Winter paints, and stickers. You can also use glitter, sequins, lace, doilies, or buttons. Cut strips from conCreate a Story struction paper, painting the construction paper will If you have several children together, this can be great make it sturdier, or you can visit the local library or fun. Give each child two or three pieces of paper. Have office supply to have them laminated for longer lasting them each draw a picture and write a sentence. When use. To complete the bookmark, attach a tassle made finished, see if they can put it together to form a story. from strands of yarn.

New pages can be created as you go along. A book cover can be made from two pieces of construction Alphabet Collage paper, a hole punch, and yarn.

Using catalogs or magazines, have the kids cut out col-

Easy Art Projects Juice Carton Crayon Box Wash and dry an empty cardboard juice carton and cut off the top. Using bits and pieces of masking tape, have the children tape up the entire carton, covering all sides, the more tape the better. Use crayons to color the masking tape box. The tape makes the box sturdier and will make a great crayon holder for their desk or dresser.

Paper Towel Rain Makers Young kids love noise makers. Color, paint, and decorate empty paper towel rolls. Cover one end of a paper towel roll with waxed paper and close it off with a rubber band. Pour a handful or two of dried beans (split peas work well) in the open end, close open end the same as the other. Poke toothpicks through the rolls at different intervals to add a "rain shaker" sound.

Animal Jumble Using construction or white paper, ask each child to draw a different body part of an animal, but to have their animal be a secret. For example, have one child draw the head, another draw the tail, another the legs and so on. let the children pick the animal they want to draw. When they are done have them put the animal together with tape or glue. Have fun coming up with a name for the animal (monk-dog-lion-potamus).

orful pictures that begin with a specific letter of the alphabet. Assign different letters to each child. Have them glue the pictures onto a piece of construction paper.

Kids THINK they are bored sometimes. They just need guidance from parents on ideas they can do to have fun or be productive. For more fun ideas, go to: www.happinessishomemade.net/quick-easy-kidscrafts-anyone-can-make/. Now go have some FUN!!

Tell them you saw it in San Angelo Family Magazine!!

Tell them you saw it in San Angelo Family Magazine!!

San Angelo Family Magazine

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January 2026

19

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 Sat., 10am meeting (immediately following the Elks' free breakfast for veterans and first responders), Elks Lodge, 2121 S Chadbourne, FMI 325-655-7648 (Kristie Young) or adjutant@txlegion572.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 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 Pearl Lions Club, 2nd & 4th Mondays, 6pm at the Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center at 27 W. Concho Ave, FMI lionpgonzalez@gmail.com or 325-227-1296 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 Wednesday of the Month, 12:00-1:00pm, San Angelo Health Foundation Visitor’s Center River Room , 418 W. Ave B, San Angelo, TX 76903, FMI: Christopher Sandoval (325) 224-3481 or Kayla Gomez (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, 3:00p.m., locations alternate between Baptist Retirement Community and Encompass Hospital 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 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 East Angelo Lions Club, every Wednesday at 11:55 for lunch at Rio Concho, 401 Rio Concho Dr., San Angelo in the Library. Jerry Wilson, Sec 325-234-7662 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 Hope Gathering - 3rd Monday, Christian support group for widows. FMI contact Sharlene Miller at sanangelohopegathering@hopegathering.org and visit www.hopegathering.org 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 NAACP - 1st Sat, 2-3:30p, Ministerial Alliance Campus, 1100 MLK Blvd., FMI sanangelonaacp.org Narcotics Anonymous, Multiple meetings around town 7 days a week, For addresses and times visit https://meetings.pszfna.org/best-little-region-of-na-meetings/# or FMI 985-278-1058 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.

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/

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January 2026

San Angelo Family Magazine

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Indoor Gardening Is winter wearing you down? The kids can't wait for Spring? Then why not bring a little Spring indoors? Children of all ages love to nurture growing things. You can grow your own indoor garden with common food items, many of which you may have in your refrigerator and pantry. Children are always fascinated by watching vegetables sprout, even if they don't always want to eat them!

A Potato Vine - Regular white potatoes will grow vines with dark green leaves, and they're sturdy, attractive and easy to grow. Caution: The potato is a member of the nightshade family. The leaves of the potato plant are poisonous if eaten.

You'll need: An oblong potato, a large jar with a mouth large enough to put your potato through, toothpicks Tell them you saw it in San Angelo Family Magazine!!

Tell them you saw it in San Angelo Family Magazine!!

Sometimes potatoes bought at the supermarket have been sprayed with a substance to keep them from sprouting. Wash and scrub your potato well to make sure it will sprout. Fill the jar with water. Cut off one end of the potato. Stick three or four toothpicks around the middle of your potato piece to hold the top of it up out of the water. Place the potato in the jar, with the cut side in the water. There needs to be some "eyes" beneath the water. Put the jar where it can receive light, but not in direct sunshine. In about a week white, stringy roots will start to grow from the bottom half of the potato. Soon after roots grow, the leaves will begin to appear on the top half of the potato.

Keep the jar filled with water, changing the water if it becomes cloudy. You can move your plant to a larger jar if it grows too big for the one it is in.

Carrot Tops - The next time you have carrots for dinner, save the tops. Carrot tops are easy to grow and produce nice foliage.

You'll need: A pie plate, pebbles, carrot tops Fill the pie plate with a layer of pebbles about one inch deep. Cut off the tops of several carrots. Fat, short carrots work the best. Put the carrot tops on the pebbles, cut side down. Add enough water to cover the bottoms of the vegetables. The carrots should not be completely covered with water. Use the pebbles to prop up your carrot tops and to keep them arranged the way you want. Place the pie plate out of direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. If your carrots begin to shrivel, there is not enough water in the pie plate and they will not sprout. Sprouts should appear in about a week and there will be new growth everyday. The carrots will continue to sprout for about a month. Beets, radishes, turnips and sweet potatoes also can be grown this way. Sprout several root vegetables at the same time to make a nice arrangement.

San Angelo Family Magazine

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January 2026

21

Are you ready to have kids?

Lesson 1 1. Go to the grocery store.

2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.

3. Go home.

4. Open your favorite app.

5. Use it for the last time.

Lesson 2 A really good way to discover how the nights might feel...

1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner) 2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.

3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again with the bag 6. Go to bed at 1:00.

7. Get up at 3:00.

8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM. Go back to sleep until alarm goes off.

9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready and go to work Repeat steps 1-9 each night.

Lesson 3 Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.

1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.

2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.

Lesson 4 Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.

1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there.

2. Get a dime. Stick it in the charging slot.

3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat.

Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.

4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Lesson 5 Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a preschool child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Lesson 6 1. Hollow out a melon.

2. Make a small hole in the side.

3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.

4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.

5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.

6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air.

You are now ready to feed a nine- month-old baby.

Lesson7 Find your favorite Disney movie. Play it over and over and over and over and over and over. (Be prepared that it will no longer be your favorite.)

Lesson 8 Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying 'mommy' repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each 'mommy'; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required).

Lesson 9 Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt- sleeve, or elbow while playing the 'mommy' tape made from Lesson 8 above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.

Lesson 10 Set aside every negative and dream of the proudest moment you have ever felt.

Multiply this by 100 and you will come close to what you will feel when you hold your baby the first time. Despite all the hardships or exhaustion or craziness, it will be the best thing that ever happens to you.

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January 2026

San Angelo Family Magazine

www.safmtx.com

San Angelo Family Magazine

www.safmtx.com

January 2026

23

SH HANN HA NON AT HOME

C re Car r