San Angelo Family Magazine - October '23

photo by Carolyn Nored Miller

On The Cover

Dacy and Kenzy are helping their parents deliver San Angelo Family Magazine each month and are always looking for the next location or opportunity to get the magazine in the hands of more readers!

Their parents are Ricky & Tonya Ortega. Their grandparents are Anthony & Linda Jones of San Angelo and Dora Ortega of Austin.

Dacy Ortega

11 years old (almost 12)

6th Grader at Glenn Middle School

• Musical Theatre & Dance at the San Angelo Broadway Academy - she is currently in rehearsals for the Wizard of Oz

• She is in the Band (Trombone) and Choir at GMS this year.

• Member of the San Angelo 4-H Club

• She loves to play Volleyball, Sing, Dance and craft.

• Dacy is strong in her Faith and loves spending time with family and friends!

Kenzy Ortega

9 years old

4th Grader at Bowie Elementary School

• Musical Theatre, Tap & HipHop Dance at the San Angelo Broadway Academy - she is currently in rehearsals for the Wizard of Oz.

• Plays Volleyball with her team Pure Energy at the YMCA.

• Member of the Student Council at Bowie.

• Member of the San Angelo 4-H Club.

• Loves God first! Then loves to read and hang out with her family & friends.

photo by Carolyn Miller

Nathan loves music and playing the guitar. Since learning the guitar, a couple of years ago, Nathan has become quite versed at it and has already played at two art receptions. Trying new things, just like the typical 21-year-old, Nathan is figuring out who he is as a person and his place in this world.

Nathan comes from a loving family and has a bright, cheerful smile that spans from ear to ear. Nathan is a caring young adult who has many friends, takes pride in his work, and writes articles for the campus newspaper. But there is something that sets him apart from other young adults his age; Nathan has an Intellectual Disability (ID).

Currently, Nathan (not his real name) lives at the San Angelo State Supported Living Center (SSLC) in Carlsbad. Since arriving at the living center years ago, Nathan has learned that having ID doesn’t have to hold him back. At the SSLC he has learned interpersonal skills, how to hold and keep a job, how to be a team player (in Special Olympics) how to believe in himself, and how to play the guitar. His team of direct care givers helped him set goals for the future. He is on track to live in a group home and eventually will be able to live in an apartment.

Nathan is just one of 138 people that live at the SSLC. Residents range in age from 14 to 96 years old, male and female, all have an IQ below 70 (ID) and a mental disability diagnosis in addition. It takes many people to care for Nathan and the other residents at the SSLC - about 950 people, it’s a labor of love.

Another labor of that love is the Volunteer Services Council (VSC) of the SSLC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to enrich the lives of the residents and is independent from the state. For over 50 years, the VSC has helped the residents with the fun extras that make life enjoyable. The state only supplies residents with basic food, shelter, and medical care; the VSC fills the gaps!

The VSC is comprised of community volunteers that care and bring awareness to the mission by putting the needs of the residents first. Through fundraising and community partnerships the VSC provides additional goods, services, and enhancement of programs at the SSLC. One example of our fundraising efforts is Nightmare @ Camp Williams, an annual haunted maze at the SSLC Camp Williams Park off of Hwy 87N. All proceeds from this annual event go to the VSC who in turn use the funds for our Holiday Cheer program (Christmas presents for each resident) in addition to other resident events throughout the year.

Help us improve the quality of life for everyone who calls San Angelo SSLC home.

ATTEND one of our many fundraisers such as the

DONATE at Vscsanangelo.org

Nightmare @ Camp Williams event!

FOLLOW us on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/SanAngeloVSC

CONTACT us at: Heather Cavin, heather.cavin@hhs.texas.gov; 325-465-2257.

Popcorn lovers rejoice: October is National Popcorn Poppin’ Month, a seasonal celebration of one of America’s oldest and most beloved snack foods.

Here’s a great recipe with a twist!!!!

Pumpkin Spice Latte Popcorn

Spiked with pumpkin pie spice and espresso powder, this sophisticated, heavenly popcorn is halfsass, half-class.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vanilla sugar

2 teaspoons espresso powder

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

8 cups popcorn

2 tablespoons melted coconut oil

Directions

In small bowl, whisk together vanilla sugar, espresso powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt until blended.

National Popcorn Poppin’ Month

Place popcorn in large bowl. Drizzle coconut oil over popcorn; toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with vanilla sugar mixture until dusted evenly.

Tip: Add white chocolate chips, white chocolate–covered pretzels or vanilla yogurt–covered raisins if desired.

Interesting Internet Sites for...Halloween!!!!!!!!! www. .com

Halloween Costumes - No sew!

21 adorable DIY Halloween costumes for kids—no sewing necessary! www.mother.ly/child/no-sew-diy-kids-halloween-costumes

Non-Candy Halloween Treats

13 Alternative Non-Candy Halloween Treats For Kids. Prevent sugar overload by handing out these goodies. www.womansday.com/life/a52496/non-candy-halloween-treats/

Fun Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating

There are lots of cool, still-in-the-spirit-of-fall activities you can do this month that will be fun for kids and grownups alike. The best part? You can customize them to make them as spooky—or not!—as you like. pickanytwo.net/alternatives-to-trick-or-treating/

Halloween Party Games for Kids

Planning a Halloween Party or playdate for the kids this year? Time to crank the fun up a few notches with these 22+ amazing and crowd-pleasing, creative Halloween Party Games for Kids that are loads of fun! www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com/17-halloween-party-games-for-kids/

Online Halloween Games for Kids

Safe Kids Games (parents, always supervise your kids online activity www.safekidgames.com/halloween-games/

More Halloween Games for Kids - Online

Your kids can go through this list and find some online Halloween games that are a little spooky and some that are silly, but they all are geared for kids. Who knows, maybe you'll have fun playing them as well! www.thesprucecrafts.com/free-halloween-games-1357655

Halloween Pictures Ideas

These Halloween Picture Ideas will make you want to capture all of the great holiday memories from this time of year. Here are some fun Halloween and Pumpkin Photography Ideas with a twist.From candy corn to pumpkins to witches and more, capture the essence of the spooky holiday through photos. www.kristendukephotography.com/halloween-and-pumpkin-photography-ideas

10 Virtual Halloween Games and Activities

Kids can have fun even if you decide to stay home this year!! Make it something fun for the kids to still get together with each other - supervised online of course. merakilane.com/halloween

Halloween Appetizers and Snack Recipes | Allrecipes

Find easy Halloween appetizer ideas, from spooky mummy toes and witches' fingers to ghoulish brain dips, plus healthy snacks like pumpkin seeds. www.allrecipes.com/recipes/16674/holidays-and-events/halloween/appetizers/

As always, PLEASE supervise any online activity that your kids might enjoy for Halloween - and every day!

SNAPSHOTS

Snapshots is a perfect way to share your best photos. We are looking for cute home snapshots (no professional photos, or school pics). Think of an original caption and email to family@wcc.net. Please be certain to use the word snapshots in the subject and include the information below on this page.

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

Cash thinks crocs are life!!

River says “Giddy up and go ride!”

the Nunez family says Always be Kind

Aminah says Varoooommmm, Let’s Roll

To Submit a photo, email: family@wcc.net

Include:

Child’s name, Parent’s name, Contact phone number or email Permission to print child’s photo/name Your favorite caption

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.

Bros being bros. Enzo, Omari, and Sullivan

Quinn and her llama, Cookie!

Beep, Beep, Beep! I’m The Little Blue Truck! - Emery

A MURDER AT FORT CONCHO

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark: 630 S Oakes St 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Who killed Captain C.A. Daver? Modeled after the board game “Clue”, A Murder at Fort Concho gives you the opportunity to play detective for a night. Listen to the suspects’ alibis, search for clues, and help Detective Mister E. Salva solve the “whodunit”. Come alone or come as a group! A lot like last year, we are giving you 2 nights to play along! And both nights will have different results! Do you think you can solve it?

The murder starts at 7 p.m. Detectives will be briefed outside of Barracks 1. Each briefing will be approximately 10 minutes. There will be no time slots again this year, so we will be lining up and sending people into the Barracks 1 courtyard depending on the order of arrival. All detectives will have until 10:30 p.m. to solve the mystery. Make sure to dress according to the weather of that evening and wear comfortable walking shoes! And have a flashlight ready. We will be selling Fort Concho flashlights at the BK1 gift shop, but you are welcome to bring your own!

Detectives can purchase their tickets ahead of time in the Visitor Center at Barracks 1, or by calling (325) 481-2646, starting Monday, October 16. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $8 for Military/Fort Concho Members. (Want to become a member? Ask me how!) Tickets will also be sold at the door until 9 P.M.

NO ONLINE TICKET SALES! BEWARE OF SCAMMERS! You must have an actual ticket to participate and receive a clue card

The event will begin in the Fort Concho Visitor Center/Barracks 1 courtyard. Parking will be available across Oakes Street. “There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact…” – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Greater West Texas, INC in partnership with Tom Green County Sheriff's Office is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Family Fall Festival on October 17, 2023, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Tom Green County Courthouse! This year’s event, presented by H-E-B and Hoar Construction, will have live music, games, giveaways, and trunk-or-treat!

This free, family-friendly event will have vendors from Children’s Advocacy Center programs, community partners, and child-welfare agencies. Each vendor will have child-friendly games and prizes for kids and more information about their services and resources for adults. Families will receive a goodie-bag filled with resource information from vendors who attend the event. Not to be outdone, Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office will offer their annual Trunk-or-Treat providing a safe and enjoyable space for families to get into the holiday spirit! Moreover, in addition to games and treats, the event will offer a bite to eat, live entertainment by Billy the One-Man Band, and appearances by ASU Mascots, Cheerleaders and Angelettes!

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Greater West Texas, Inc. (CAC) was established in Tom Green County in 1991. Concerned community members wanted an advocacy center to reduce re-traumatization of children by using a coordinated child-centered approach to child abuse investigations, limiting the number of times a child had to re-tell, and in essence, relive their experience. In 1992, CAC started Hope House, its first program. The CAC began serving the community by offering child abuse victims and non-offending caregivers a warm, home-like environment and utilizing a child-friendly, multi-disciplinary approach throughout the investigation, prosecution, and healing process. Recognizing the efficiency and numerous quality, communication, and economic benefits of housing a full range of community-driven programs under one roof, the CAC continued to grow into the umbrella organization that exists today.

The CAC and the Sheriff’s Office are proud to have HEB and Hoar Construction present this year’s Family Fall Festival. Over 115 years ago, HEB opened their doors to help make the lives of hard-working Texans better. HEB was a family business back then and remains a family business today with a passion and commitment to helping every community they serve. Hoar Construction, LLC, established by Friend Reed Hoar in Birmingham, AL, first specialized in building churches. Now a national-wide company, with divisions ranging from residential to healthcare, Hoar Construction takes a community approach to each project by participating in local community events, volunteering to serve local community members, and now in San Angelo, by supporting children and families through the CAC. HEB and Hoar Construction will both be at Family Fall Festival for families to visit with both sponsors.

Opportunities to become a sponsor or sign up as a vendor for Family Fall Festival are still available.

For more information about this exciting event, please visit: https://cacgreaterwtx.org/events/cac-family-fall-festival/ or call (325)653-HOPE. We hope to see you there!

LUSTER Blue Buffalo Art Gallery see page 21

Angelo West Branch Library, Stories & More Fridays, 10:30 and 11 am Story time with giggles and fun, free all ages

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY

TGC Library Book Sale see page 21

Fall Festival Ideas see page 17

see page 20

1st Annual Dia de los Muertos Art Exhibition, see page 21

see page 3

Fall Sweep - Keep Texas Beautiful, see page 25

Free Event at ASU to view Annular Solar Eclipse see page 18 FMI

Nightmare at Camp Williams - Outdoor Haunted Maze - see page 8

Angelo North Branch Library - Story-time and Crafts, 2pm Saturdays

anch Library Wednesdays riends join us read to, play enjoy!

Angelo North Branch Library, Pre-K Matinee, 11am Wednesdays

Nightmare at Camp Williams - Outdoor Haunted Maze - see page 8

Fort Concho After Dark (see page 7)

Adult Literacy Council Annual Book Sale October 19-21 see page 9

Beethovan Meets Mariachifree concert see page 19

your crafty projects and share the room with like-minded crafters! Free/all ages. It’s a “come-and-go” vibe.

Trunk or Treat at Old Central Firehouse see page 21

Nightmare at Camp Williams - Outdoor Haunted Maze - see page 8

4th Annual Dia de los Muertos October 20 & 21, FMI see page 21 and Street 21

Community wide free tree giveaway see page 26

Angelo North Branch Library - Therapaws, 3:30 pm Fridays

Are you being verbally abused (or someone you know). Read page 27

#1 Support live music & your community

Each San Angelo Symphony performance promises an evening of the very best in classical music, Broadway, popular or jazz and features the most amazing guest artists in our area. Your annual subscription not only allows us to continue our efforts in keeping the San Angelo arts scene vibrant, but also contributes critical funding to provide musical experiences outside of the concert hall to thousands of children in the greater Concho Valley area.

#2 Save Money

Becoming a San Angelo Symphony season subscriber means you lock in a built-in discount by purchasing a multi-concert season package compared to purchasing the same number of single tickets.

#3 Enjoy the best seats in the Murphey

The Symphony’s tiered patron membership levels allows subscribers exclusive early selection of reserved seats. Subscriptions with “best available seating” are also allowed early access to prime seating before they go on sale to the public.

#4 Keep your seat each season

When you subscribe to one of the tiered patron memberships, you may sit in the same seat for the entire concert season and can maintain the same seat the next season with your renewal. If you subscribe to a package with “best available seating” you can also upgrade it to “reserved seating” and may maintain the same seat the next season with your renewal as well.

#5 Enjoy a night out

From a fiesta night packed with rhythmic sounds to a night of Gershwin, Rossini and Britten, your San Angelo Symphony offers a great evening out for every type of listener. As a subscriber you can enjoy a concert season that includes a mix of classical greats and familiar favorites that will leave you feeling inspired and entertained!

San Angelo Symphony

Five Reasons Why You Should be a San Angelo Symphony Subscriber

Each season, Maestro Guzman and the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra prepare a concert season of unique and exciting performances that will connect with audiences in creative new ways. Season subscription packages are a great wayto get the most out of a concert season, offering cost savings, early access to seating and exclusive benefits. Here are five reasons that you should consider becoming a San Angelo Symphony subscriber.

Questions about choosing the best San Angelo Symphony subscription for you? Call the Symphony office at 325.658.5877, 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday or visit our website at www.sanangelosymphony.org/attend.

by Courtney Mahaffey

Fall Festivals

Fall Festivals are a great way to spend family time together and cut loose and have some real fun! Maybe your organization is trying to put together a booth!!! We still enjoy all the traditional activities, but here are some new ideas for a different twist:

Have a scarecrow making contest. Gather everything needed put in large garbage bags. According to ages have team see who can put a scarecrow together the fastest.

Try a candy scramble. All the candy is hidden in hay and kids have to dig for it! Special candies are good for prizes.

Guess how many eyeballs are in the jar Or you could use glow-in-the-dark worms?

Pumpkin bowling- one pumpkin and some empty 64oz soft drink bottles are all you need. Set up the empty soft drink bottles like bowling pins and use the pumpkin as the bowling ball. Pumpkins are very tough and can withstand a lot of 'bowling' before bursting.

Wrap the mummy-all you need is a willing victim and a few rolls of toilet paper. One person stands still (that's the victim) while the kids take the toilet paper and wrap the person up mummy-style. Two victims and two teams, with a 5 minute time limit for the best mummy make this game fun for kids.

Lollipop guess! Take a block of Styrofoam. Put black marker dots on the bottom of some of the sticks of Dum Dum Pops or Tootsie Roll pops. The others stay unmarked. Participants choose a lollipop. If it has the black dot, they get a prize ticket, plus the lollipop. If they pick one that's unmarked, they just keep the lollipop. Everyone wins something.

Hire a caricature artist! The great thing about this idea is that it works for all ages.

Wacky hair painting for all ages (it is temporary and washes out).

Bucket toss: Line up 6 buckets/pails and have particiipants toss a ping pong ball in them. If they get it in they get a new ball to toss to the next one and so forth! (add a prize if you want)

Football throws - 12-17 age group. Take a big wooden board, cut various size holes in it (1-3 feet wide). You get points for throwing a football through the holes (smaller hole, more points or bigger prize).

BEETHOVEN MEET S MARIACHI

On Friday, October 27, 2023, Lake View High School Mariachi Los Caciques will host a free concert at the Murphey Performance Hall starting at 6:30pm. During this concert, Mariachi Los Caciques will have the unique and exciting opportunity to play alongside Juilliard trained Pianist Dr. Christopher Schmitt.

Dr. Schmitt is a classical concert pianist, teacher and chamber musician living in Washington DC. He holds a Doctorate in Piano Performance from The Juilliard School, and performs regularly in small ensembles at the White House and DC metropolitan area.

In addition to performing alongside LVHS Mariachi, Dr. Schmitt will spend two days with SAISD students hosting music seminars, concerts and rehearsals. During his time at SAISD, LVHS and CHS musical fine arts students will participate in a music seminar which will include a question and answer segment, one-on-one musical instruction and constructive guidance.

San Angelo ISD is proud to support the hopes and dreams of our students and celebrate all the ways they are smart, and this unforgettable opportunity to perform with a world-renowned pianist is one more way. This is the 2nd opportunity our fine arts students have been able to meet, learn, and collaborate with Dr. Schmitt, as he came in October 2021. San Angelo ISD appreciates the opportunity to work with supporters of public education to create an experience highlighting the students’ talents and potential.

A special thank you to Mario Castillo, a San Angelo native and former school teacher who now works as a lobbyist in Washington D.C. and supports Texas children and the arts, Director of Mariachi Rosendo Ramos and Assistant Director Ezra Ramirez for partnering with us to lift up the hopes and dreams of our students.

This will be a special event to attend with your entire family.

To stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD, please visit the SAISD website at www.saisd.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Fire Prevention

Fire Prevention Week Oct 8-14, 2023

By taking the time to do a fire safety inspection, and correcting any problems you discove family's risk of being harmed in a home fire. Take about 20 minutes to inspect your home. As you go from room to room, check of

Hunting for Home Hazards

___ Yes ___ No Does a grown-up always stay in the kitchen when food is cooking on the stove?

___ Yes ___ No Are cooking areas free of materials that could catch fire?

___ Yes ___ No Are pot handles turned towards the back of the stove?

___ Yes ___ No Is there a "kid-free" zone of three feet (one metre) around the stove when grown-ups are cooking?

___ Yes ___ No Are portable space heaters always turned off and when grown-ups leave the room or go to sleep?

___ Yes ___ No Has your family's heating equipment - chimneys, fireplaces, woodstoves, or furnaces been inspected professionaly this year?

___ Yes ___ No Are candles always blown out when grown-ups leave the room or go to bed?

___ Yes ___ No Are candles in candleholders that can't tip over easily and are big enough to catch dripping wax safely?

___ Yes ___ No Are matches and lighters kept in a locked cabinet, out of children's sight and reach?

___ Yes ___ No Are electrical cords in good condition, without cracks or frayed areas?

___ Yes ___ No Are flammable liquids like gasoline, kerosene, or propane stored in safe containers, out side the home in a properly ventilated shed or garage?

___ Yes ___ No If there are smokers in your home, do they douse all butts and ashes with water before throwing them away?

Sound the Alarm: Installing and Testing Smoke Alarms

___ Yes ___ No Does your home have a working smoke alarm on every floor, and inside or near every sleeping area?

___ Yes ___ No Are the batteries working in every smoke alarm? (Have a grown-up press the 'test' button to find out.)

___ Yes ___ No Do you have any smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old? If so, or if you can't remember, have a grown-up replace them.

___ Yes ___ No Does everyone in your home know the sound of the smoke alarm and know exactly what to do if it goes off?

Do the Drill: Practicing Home Fire Escape Plans

___ Yes ___ No Does your family have a home fire escape plan that includes two exits (usually a door and a window) out of each room?

___ Yes ___ No Are exits in your home kept free of toys, furniture, and clutter?

___ Yes ___ No If there are infants or other family members with limited mobility, has someone been assigned to assist them in the event of a fire?

___ Yes ___ No Does your family practice the escape plan twice a year? (Why not practice it tonight!)

___ Yes ___ No Has your family picked a safe place to meet outside after you exit the home?

___ Yes ___ No Does everyone in your family know the fire department’s emergency number to call once you’re safely outside?

___ Yes ___ No Is your home’s street number clearly visible from the street?

If you answered 'yes' to all of the checklist questions above, congratulations! You and your family are doing a great job of teaming up for fire safety. If you answered 'yes' to 20 or more questions, you're on your way. Make sure to correct any problems, and you'll be 'home safe' before you know it. If you answered 'yes' to 15 or more questions, you've got some work to do! Work together to correct the problems then take the test again. If you answered 'yes' to fewer than 15 questions, it's definitely time to make some changes. Make sure your family takes the steps needed to turn every 'no' into a 'yes.' Remember: passing this test could save your life in the event of a home fire.

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

october Around San Angelo

Oct. 1 - 31 Pre-order for the Greek Church's Annual Bake Sale! (Pick up Nov. 11)

Baklava, Spanakopita, Koulourakia, Kourambiethes,, Melomacrona, Baklava Sundaes, Greek Coffee Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church San Angelo, TX Call Ann 325-651-8142 or Wilma 720-989-7928

October 5

Howard College Nonprofit Training Initiative

Lunch & Learn

Miss Hattie’s Restaurant, 26 E. Concho Ave., 11:45a-1p, FREE (Lunch on your own) No registration necessary. FMI call 325-481-8322 or email jharrison@howardcollege.edu

Volunteers are the backbone of any nonprofit and learning to manage them is just as important. Heather Kumpe, Chief Operations Officer, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, will address issues in the field of volunteer management and teach best practices relevant to today’s volunteer manager.

October 05

LUSTER

Blue Buffalo Art Gallery: 123 N Chadbourne St. 10:00 pm - 4:00 pm

The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts presents LUSTER: Realism and Hyperrealism in Contemporary Automobile and Motorcycle Paintings a traveling museum exhibition comprised of over 55 paintings by nearly 15 of today’s realist and hyperrealist painters who specialize in automobiles and motorcycles as their primary subject of choice.

October 7

TGC Library Book Sale

"The Friends of the Tom Green County Library book sale will be held Saturday, October 7 in the basement of Stephens Central Library, Irving and Beauregard Streets. Books, audio books, DVD's and more will be for sale from 9-1.

October 7

Kiln Basics Workshop - SAMFA’s Concho Clay Studio 12-2:00pm

423 S. Oaks, Instructor: Abby Bryoles

October 12

Snow White

Murphey Performance Hall: 72 W College Ave

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Based on a fairy tale by The Brothers Grimm, the ballet of Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs takes the vibrant style of a Disney animated movie and sets it to the musical motifs of Polish composer Bogdan Pavlovsky. An imaginative atmosphere is matched with bright costumes and scenery, while brilliant technical dance and comedic acting bring a heartfelt love story to life.

Presented by world-renowned dancers of The Grand Kyiv Ballet in collaboration with American dancers of the International Ballet Theatre.

October 19 - 21

1st Annual Dia de los Muertos Art Exhibition

Coop Gallery: 427 S Oakes St

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

The San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Museum and Cultural Center is hosting its first Dia de los Muertos Art Exhibition and Sale in partnership with Storming Designs.

The Dia de los Muertos Art Sale & Exhibition will represent the traditions our ancestors have left for us, reflecting honor and celebration of the lives of lost loved ones. Local artists are invited to test their talents in creating meaningful and unique artforms related to Dia de los Muertos.

Artists Register now! Cash Awards for 1st-3rd places! https://www.sanangelohispanicheritage.org/projects-8

October 20 - 28

En Plein Air Texas

See Website for Location Information: www.enpleinairTEXAS.com

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

THRILLING to look over the shoulders of our EPAT artists while they are painting! It’s magical to watch a painting go from the initial inspiration to the finished product.

October 20 - 21

4th Annual Dia de los Muertos

Bill Aylor Memorial Riverstage 16 E Ave A & San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts 1 Love St

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Experience the captivating Dia de los Muertos festivities by the San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Museum. Immerse yourself in this vibrant Mexican tradition of honoring ancestors through elaborate altars, marigold decorations, and joyful gatherings. Discover the significance of sugar skulls, pan de muerto, and vibrant calacas on San Angelo Hispanic Heritage-Dia de los Muertos. Join our community in celebrating unity, heritage, and the colorful spirit of Dia de los Muertos.

October 21

The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts in partnership with the Concho Clay Studio will host free Family Clay Days. This free event runs from 10 am to 12 pm in SAMFA’s Education Studio located at 1 Love Street, San Angelo, TX. Two additional fine art activities will be included with the clay activity. Family Day comes alive with lino-cut skull prints. This activity educates and encourages the representation of Hispanic Culture within our community. All Family Clay Day activities are free for all ages. If you’d like your ceramic artwork fired in our kiln, you will be able to pay a small fee to the Concho Clay Studio to fire it for you. Or you may take your un-fired clay home to re-wet and keep creating.

October 21

Cactus Market Days

13 W Twohig Ave, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

A local event held every 3rd Saturday of the month for local arts & craft vendors. Local Craft & Food Vendors Contact Judy Fowler: 949-6200 or 234-5566

October 24

Symphony Guild Meeting

The Symphony Guild is presenting grants & scholarships to local orchestra teachers and students and the Guild’s October 24 meeting. The meeting is open to the public, members and prospective members. Contact sanangelosymphonyguild@gmail.com for more information.

October 25

En Plein Air Car Show and Street Party

Blue Buffalo Art Gallery: 123 N Chadbourne St

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts brings “LUSTER” to 2nd Street with a CAR SHOW AND STREET PARTY !

Food Music Artists * Painting

October 26

Trunk or Treat at Old Central Firehouse

Old Central Firehouse Pizzeria & Taproom: 200 S Magdalen St

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

We are excited to be hosting our 2nd Trunk-or-Treat with Heros on October 26th from 5-7 p.m. at Old Central Firehouse Pizzeria & Taproom. We are looking forward to having local police and fire departments join us again for this free event.

October 26

Halloween at the Y

San Angelo YMCA 353 S Randolph St, 6 pm - 8:30 pm

The Y’s goal is to offer a safe and family friendly event to all that wish to attend. The event will focus on safety and community engagement while creating a fun event for families.

October 29

Nightmare in the Concho Valley Spooktacular Fest! San Angelo Performing Arts Center: 82 Gillis St 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Games, Prizes, Haunted House, Food, Bounce Houses, Costume Contest, Art Contest, Trunk or Treat,Parents Engagement Activities and much more… We are passionate about bringing people together to make great memories with their love ones.

October 31

Markets Along the Concho Halloween Event

Bart Dewitt Park: 325 S Oakes St, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join us for Food Trucks, Vendors, Arts & Crafts, Community Awareness, Toy Drive and Spooktacular Event! FMI: Michael LePak 915-303-0004 or hello@marketsalong.com

MEETINGS AROUND SAN ANGELO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Assn of Asian-American Women- 2nd of the month in person or via zoom. For more information call Mimi Clark at 563.650.1029 or visit: https://www.aaawtexas.org/

Breastfeeding Community Gathering, Every Thurs.(excluding holiday), 11:00am, FREE, Shannon Women’s & Children’s Hospital Family Room, FMI: Amanda John 325-481-6326

Brush & Brag Decorative Painter's, 3rd Sat., 9am, St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 2506 Johnson Street (Fellowship Hall) FMI Kathleen Daniel 227-6833, kathleendaniel@suddenlink.net

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

Civil Air Patrol – every Thur, Emergency Operation Center (EOC) at San Angelo Airport, 6:30p-9p, age 12 & up with interest in aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. Contact: sanangelocap.org or gocivilairpatrol.com

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

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

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

Concho Valley Telephone Pioneer Club - 3rd Friday, Rio Concho Manor Rec. Rm 12 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!

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

Disabled American Veterans' Auxiliary - 1st Thurs, 5:30 p.m., 1909 Pulliam, FMI: Maria Torres, 653-9059 Down Syndrome Support Group - 2nd Thur, even numbered months, 6:00pm, Region 15, Open to individuals with Down Syndrome/families/friends. Child Care and light meal provided. FMI Karyn at 227-3716 or Kathy at 325-651-9593

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Angelo Dream Center, Mons., 6-8pm, 1928 MLK Blvd. Christ Powered Recovery, 12 Step Faith based recovery group. Probation/Parole approved. FMI Jeff Matheny 325-234-9958.

San Angelo Genealogical & Historical Society (SAGHS) 1st Tue, Sept -May, 7p, Trinity Lutheran, Fellowship Hall, 3536 Lutheran Way. Free & open to the public. Refreshments provided. FMI (325) 268-0973, info@saghs-tx.org, or facebook.com/pg/SAGHS/events

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

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

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

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

Space To Be Me (Youth Support Group, ages 12-18), Wednesdays, 6:00pm, Open Arms office (113 N. Harrison), FMI openarmscv.com or contact Jon Zachariah - 325-655-2000 (LGBT+ Support Group)

SMART Recovery - free group support for people experiencing addictions. Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 pm at 133 W Concho Ave #110, San Angelo, TX 76903. FMI call (325)-944-2561. Texas Veterans for Veterans - Tuesdays, 7:15am-9:30am, 1905 Pulliam, designed to help local needy veterans and their families. FMI 325-656-9562

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Myers Memorial Art Show

The up-coming art exhibition for the San Angelo Art Club-SAAC will feature the work of Active Members of the SAAC. This is a yearly show for the club to showcase the excellent work of its members. Entries will include all media used by the members. Also included will be miniatures that are 100 square inches or less. There is no time restraint on age of the art and there is a six entry limit per member.

Pieces will be accepted Wednesday, October 25 and Saturday, October 28. Bring your art pieces to Kendall Art Gallery, 119 W. 1st Street in San Angelo. The exhibit will be on display by October 30. Judging will be the first of November and awards will be given at the club’s November meeting, Monday, November 6. Visitors will be able to view the pieces of art Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays in November.

There’s still time for artists to join SAAC and enter their artwork. Membership to the San Angelo Art Club is $35 per year. They meet the first Monday of each month, unless a holiday. Their programs are informative and of interest to members. SAAC membership also offers discounts for entry fees to the other exhibitions and juried shows sponsored by SAAC. Members also receive a monthly newsletter “Splashes” to keep informed of the activities of the club and up-coming exhibitions. To join, simply go to their website: sanangeloartclub.org and print the membership application. Include your dues and mail it or drop it by, Kendall Art Gallery, 119 W. 1st Street, San Angelo, Texas 76903. If the gallery isn’t open, simply drop it in the mail drop at the front door.

The San Angelo Art Club was formed in 1928 and is the oldest art club in Texas. They pride themselves on the quality of art they display in their exhibitions. Artists from all over Texas enter their art shows. Artists can sell their pieces with a small commission going to SAAC for care and maintenance of the Kendall Art Gallery. During an exhibition, the gallery is open: Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 1-4 p.m. Members of the club host the openings and there is no charge to visit the Kendall Art Gallery. For more information about the San Angelo Art Club, visit their website: sanangeloartclub.org.

Giant Pumpkin Contest Weigh-In

The People/Plant Connection, a local non-profit organization distributes two free seeds to anyone who would like to try growing giant pumpkins in the spring each year. The seeds are mailed to each contestant and includes instructions how to get the most from the seeds.

Giant pumpkins are fun to grow for adults and children. They grow fast which makes them fun to watch. The PPC encourages families, youth groups, businesses and organizations to participate. The variety of pumpkins used are First Prize Hybrid and they can weigh up to 300 pounds. Melons, in general, like hot, dry weather so this should be a good year for the pumpkins. If you missed this year’s contest, watch for the seed giveaway in March 2024.

Contestants have grown their pumpkins all summer and into the fall to let them get as big as possible. The weigh-in will be Saturday, November 5 at the annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh-in. This is when all contestants can bring their giant beauties to be weighed. There are two categories, Youth-ages 17 and below and Adult –ages 18 and above. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons will be awarded in both categories. Other categories may be awarded as the pumpkins arrive. The 2023 Giant Pumpkin Weigh-In will be held at the new garden location, The People/Plant Connection outdoor classroom at Angelo West Branch Library, 3013 Vista del Arroyo, San Angelo. Pumpkins will be weighed beginning at 2:30 p.m. Winners will be announced after all pumpkins are weighed. If inclement weather, the weigh-in will be moved indoors at the Library.

Those who have raised a giant pumpkin are encouraged to bring it to the official weigh-in and join the others to see who the winner is for the 2023 Giant Pumpkin Contest. There is no cost to enter your pumpkin. Please call 325-656-3104 to register your pumpkin.

The People/Plant Connection is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring the joy of gardening to people of all ages and abilities. Their Giant Pumpkin Contest brings fun and excitement to those who participate. Join the fun and see all the pumpkins. FMI peopleplantconnection.org/.

Hello San Angelo Heroes! And ALL SCHOOL CAMPUSES! You have officially been CHALLENGED:

Our Fall Sweep is right around the corner and if you are ready to inspire and motivate your team, join us,

• to meet relevant community needs

• create relationships through intentional acts of service

• engage in purposeful teambuilding

"San Angelo is a remarkable community worth preserving and safeguarding, where humans and nature can co-exist in harmony and champion the sustainability of our environment!"

Bring your team together and foster a love of the environment by registering for our community wide FALL SWEEP cleanup today! Let me know if you have any questions, Charlotte Anderson (325) 486-3771

New Procedures for 2023:

• Register a Team and turn in waivers

• Select or be assigned a location

• Stop by 69 N. Chadbourne to pick up t-shirts & litter kit with supplies

• KSAB Certified teams get to keep their litter kits

• Go to location to clean at or before 9:00am on Oct. 14th

• At 10:30am gather trash head to location for recap (to be announced)

• Bring your most interesting item

• Turn in Supplies and Enjoy Refreshments & Activities

• Prepare for awards Most Interesting Item, Best Spirit, Tough Team

Do you wonder if your relationship may be abusive? If you answer 'yes' to more than a few, PLEASE reconsider your quality of life and/or safety. And if you have children, think about their safety. No matter what you tell children, they learn from what they see and hear.

Verbal, emotional and physical abuse do NOT have boundaries between your economic status, race, gender, age, education or employment. You may think if you just “try harder” things will get better. Or that your partner will just wake up one day and apologize for all they have done. Most times that is not the case.

Does your partner...

• ignore your feelings?

• disrespect you?

• ridicule or insult you then tell you it’s a joke, or that you have no sense of humor?

• ridicule your beliefs, religion, race, heritage or class?

• withhold approval, appreciation or affection?

• give you the silent treatment?

• walk away without answering you?

• criticize you, call you names, yell at you?

• humiliate you privately or in public?

• roll his or her eyes when you talk?

• give you a hard time about socializing with your friends or family?

• make you socialize (and keep up appearances) even when you don't feel well?

• make sure that what you really want is exactly what you won't get?

• tell you that you are too sensitive?

• hurt you especially when you are down?

• seem energized by fighting, while fighting exhausts you?

• have unpredictable mood swings, alternating from good to bad for no apparent reason?

• present a wonderful face to the world and is well liked by outsiders?

• "twist" your words, somehow turning what you said against you?

• try to control decisions, money, even the way you style your hair or wear your clothes?

• complain about how badly you treat him or her?

• threaten to leave, or threaten to throw you out?

• say things that makes you feel good, but do things that make you feel bad?

• ever left you stranded?

• ever threaten to hurt you or your family?

• ever hit or pushed you, even "accidentally"?

• seemed to stir up trouble just when you seem to be getting closer to each other?

• abuse something you love: a pet, a child, an object?

• compliment you enough to keep you happy, yet criticizes you enough to keep you insecure?

• promise to never do something hurtful again?

• harass you about imagined affairs?

• manipulate you with lies and contradictions?

• destroy furniture or anything in your home?

Don’t keep it quiet - tell someone!!

Please read this carefully...and share with anyone you think might be experiencing hurt of any kind (including yourself).

COULD

THIS BE YOU? (or someone you know)

• intentionally scare you with their driving?

• act immature and selfish, yet accuse you of those behaviors?

• question your every move and motive, somehow questioning your competence?

• interrupt you; hear but not really listen?

• make you feel like you can't win?

• use drugs and/or alcohol? Are things worse then?

• incite you to anger, which is "proof" that you are to blame?

• try to convince you he or she is "right," while you are "wrong?"

• frequently say things that are later denied or accuse you of misunderstanding?

• treat you like a sex object, or as though sex should be provided on demand regardless of how you feel?

• blame others for problems and mistakes

• makes everyone else responsible for his/her feelings. The abuser says, "You make me angry" instead of, "I am angry".

You may think that physical abuse is far worse than emotional abuse, since physical violence can send you to the hospital and leave you with scars. But, the scars of emotional abuse are very real, and they run deep. In fact, emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse—sometimes even more so.

The abuse can be very subtle - the control increasing gradually over time so that the partner gradually adapts to it.

The abuser and partner may function very well together in their respective roles; making a home, raising a family, and "getting ahead," so the abusive nature of the relationship is overlooked.

The abuser's behavior is alternately abusive and nonabusive, so that the partner is never sure whether or not the relationship is working.

The partner may be so absorbed in raising a family or developing a career that he/she ignores problems in the relationship.

While there are several forms of emotional abuse, most happens as an attempt to control another person. It has been described as being similar to brainwashing because it wears away one's self-confidence and sense of self.

If you feel your relationship may be verbally or emotionally abusive, talk to people you trust. Talk to clergy, call a friend and make a plan, call your local battered women's shelter, educate yourself, seek professional help. Do not allow verbal and emotional abuse to escalate to battery! If you know someone you suspect is being abused...DO SOMETHING!!

Verbal abuse takes many forms: from loud rants to quiet comments; from obvious put-downs to not-soobvious remarks that undermine the partner. What all the methods have in common is the need to control, to be superior, to avoid taking personal responsibility, and to mask or deny failures.

Do you recognize yourself in any of this text? Are you being verbally abused? Make no mistake: Although verbal abuse doesn’t leave visible scars, it does do damage. The victims’ self-esteem is eroded. Children who watch one parent being put down and diminished by the other, develop a skewed and sad view of how relationships are supposed to be. Many blame themselves for the situation. Boys who see their father abuse their mother may be more likely to become abusive adults. Girls who see their father abuse their mother may be more likely to tolerate abuse as adults. Do something to stop this today! Your quality of life and your children’s quality of life is worth you standing up to the abuse.

Whoever made up that rhyme about “sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me” was just plain wrong! Words do hurt. They can break a person on the inside just as surely as bruises on the outside. People who are subjected to verbal abuse suffer. People who are subjected to it over time can get so used to it they lose their sense of themselves as people worth loving. If you see yourself or someone you know in any of these stories, know you are not alone. Talk to someone - get help! If you can’t find someone to help, call me. Carolyn Miller/Owner & publisher of San Angelo Family Magazine at 325-656-7438.

Your situation could be critical if the following applies to you:

• You avoid certain topics out of fear of angering your partner?

• You express your opinions less and less freely.

• You are walking on eggshells, careful of when & how to say something.

• You long for that softer, more vulnerable part of your partner to emerge.

• You find yourself making excuses for your partner's behavior.

• You feel emotionally unsafe.

• You feel it’s somehow not OK to talk with others about your relationship.

• You hope things will change..especially through your love and understanding.

• You find yourself doubting your memory or sense of reality.

• You doubt your own judgment.

• You doubt your abilities.

• You feel vulnerable and insecure.

• You are becoming increasingly depressed.

• You feel increasingly trapped and powerless.

• You have been or are afraid of your partner.

• Your partner has physically hurt you, even once.