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Plant ecology workshop at Chinati Saturday

Nov
02

MARFA – On Saturday, November 4, the Chinati Foundation is pleased to host a Range Ecology and Plant Identification Workshop led by Sul Ross State University’s Borderlands Research Institute and the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Marfa Soil Survey Office.

Please join us for this fun, free and informative experience! The Range Ecology and Plant Identification Workshop will take place from 8:30am–1:30pm in Chinati’s Art Lab.

Enrollment is limited and lunch is provided. Please email apowers@chinati.org or call 432.729.4362 for details.

This free workshop includes three speakers: Dr. Bonnie J. Warnock, the SRSU Clint Josey Endowed Chair for Sustainable Ranch Management, speaking on the morphology and inflorescences of grasses; Dr. Lynn Loomis of the NRCS, speaking on the morphology of area soils as related to the intake and storage of water; and Will Juett of the NRCS, speaking on ecological sites and the relation of grasses to the soil. These talks will be followed by a two-hour field activity, in which participants will get hands-on experience in determining soil morphology, distinguishing different ecological sites and identifying grasses.

The Chinati Foundation/La Fundación Chinati is a contemporary art museum based upon the ideas of its founder, Donald Judd. In light of its mission to present works in which art and the surrounding landscape are inextricably linked, Chinati is pleased to partner with BRI and the NCRS to host this workshop.

The Borderlands Research Institute’s mission is to help conserve the natural resources of the Chihuahuan Desert Borderlands through research, education, and outreach.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners conserve the nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources.

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History of Fort Davis’ Chihuahua neighborhood subject of meeting Saturday

Nov
02

FORT DAVIS – The Jeff Davis County Historical Commission will sponsor a public meeting about the history of the Chihuahua neighborhood of Fort Davis at 10am Saturday, November 4, at the Jeff Davis County Library on Memorial Square in Fort Davis.

The principal speaker will be the Honorable Andy Ramos, Mayor of Alpine, who was born in the Chihuahua neighborhood in 1947. The purpose of the meeting is to gather material, especially photographs, for a historic interpretive marker about the history of the neighborhood.

Chihuahua, which is the traditional center of the Hispanic community of Fort Davis, was laid out on two large tracts of land originally granted to George Bentley, a retired soldier, in 1879, and to John B. Shields, an Irish-born shoemaker, in the early 1880s. Bentley and Shields started selling lots to Hispanic settlers in the 1880s.

Ramos is a great-grandson of Bentley and his wife Concepcion Rodriguez. His father, Gerardo Ramos, was in the service when he was born, and the family soon moved to San Antonio, but Ramos spent all of the summers of his childhood in Chihuahua with his grandparents, Dan and Josephine Bentley Elizalde, who lived just west of Mary Lou’s Café.

Those summers will be the subject of his talk.

Other speakers will be Jeff Davis County Historical Commission chair Mary Williams and members Ramon Olivas and Gerald Dumas and, it is hoped, residents of Chihuahua who have memories and photographs to share.

The marker will be similar to those recently placed by the Jeff Davis County Historical Commission by the library in Valentine and by the firehouse and in front of the library in Fort Davis. It will include historic photographs, text, and a map, and will be weatherproof. The purpose of the markers is to make both residents of and visitors to Jeff Davis County more aware of the county’s history and historic structures.

The general public is cordially invited to the meeting.

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Alpine library host writing workshop

Nov
02

ALPINE – Alpine Public Library Hosts a Writing Workshop on Saturday, November 11 featuring presentations from two accomplished authors.

This event is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served.

Starting at 1pm, attendees will hear from acclaimed memoirist and writing instructor Donna M. Johnson on how to craft compelling personal stories. Her talk is titled “Moving Beyond Fact: The Role of Imagination in Memoir.”

In addition, published novelist Meg Gardiner will explore ways writers can create compelling characters and put them in memorable conflict. Her talk is titled “Killer Plots: Building Tension & Creating Conflict in Fiction.”

This program will include a moderated discussion with the authors, led by Writers’ League of Texas Executive Director Becka Oliver, and a chance for the audience to ask questions. This event is for writers and readers alike and is a terrific opportunity to hear accomplished authors speak about the craft of writing and the life of a writer.

This event is the third event in the 2017/2018 season of Texas Writes, a statewide program offered by the Writers’ League of Texas and supported by a generous grant from the Tocker Foundation.  Texas Writes sends accomplished, published authors into libraries across the state for presentations and panel discussions focused on the craft of writing.

“This is one of the programs that we offer that I’m most proud of for its commitment to supporting the wonderful libraries that service our smaller towns in Texas and for its chief aim, to feed writers’ souls and to connect writers and readers in our communities.” – Becka Oliver, Executive Director, Writers’ League of Texas.

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Harvest Bowl food pantry fundraiser in Fort Davis

Nov
02

FORT DAVIS – If the Fall weather has you craving homemade soup, chili, and bread, the Food Pantry of Jeff Davis County is ready to meet your needs with its Annual Harvest Bowl on Saturday, November 11, from 5- 7pm.

A variety of unique soups and chili will be offered, along with fresh-baked breads and desserts at the Pantry at 609 Compromise Street in Fort Davis. This event is a significant fundraiser for the Food Pantry and attracts a large crowd every year. There is no need to choose a favorite soup as guests will be able to sample them all.

Entertainment and a silent auction will add to this fun community gathering. Costs for the meals are $15 for adults and $10 for children and include beverages.

The Food Pantry of Jeff Davis County hosts fundraisers like Harvest Bowl in part because nearly 100% of the food the Pantry distributes from its locations in Fort Davis and Valentine is purchased, not donated. Significant funds are needed for the purchase of the healthy food offered to participants, as the Pantry serves nearly one quarter of the households in Jeff Davis County.

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Talk on Islam at Building 98

Nov
02

MARFA – Conventional thinking has not led to solutions in the Middle East or Central Asia. Rex Redden will present Islam: A View Askew at Building 98 in Marfa at 6pm Saturday, November 11.

The event is free and open to the public.

For 15 years Redden performed his American heritage lumberjack show in 20 states, including Alaska, and five provinces of Canada. Rex spent part of his youth in Muslim Turkey, traveled in the Middle East, and received military training at the United States Air Force Academy, his alma mater.

On 9-11-2001 he was driving into Virginia to perform in Isle of Wight County when all hell broke loose.

In his words, “I had to know why we were attacked, and as was the case with hundreds of thousands of alpha males across the country, I had a visceral reaction to the video of Osama bin Laden kneeling to shoot his Kalashnikov. I started loading up with histories and biographies of Afghanistan and its leaders. I knew something about Turks, but little about Arabs. My first read was Philip Hitti’s History of the Arabs. I never stopped reading; I started writing.”

Just Plain Crazy – a memoir of ideas, Pax Palestinia – a view of Islam as the driving force in the Middle East, and One Fast Camel – an adventure novel set in Afghanistan, form his completed trilogy that is threaded together with a practical blue-collar philosophy that begins to offer solutions to problems rather than just look at them.

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Texas Master Naturalists presents lecture next Thursday

Nov
02

ALPINE – The local Tierra Grande  Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists is pleased to announce the following public lecture.

Topic: “Surviving in El Despoblado: Stories of the Big Bend Settlers”

When: November 9, 7-9pm

Where: Sul Ross, Range Animal Science Center Room 130

Presenter: Louis F. Aulbach

The presentation is free and open to the public.

The early Spanish explorers of the region of Texas that we know as the Big Bend called that area El Despoblado, the uninhabited place. Yet, for over 100 years, the area has been home to large numbers of settlers who strove to establish a foothold on the land. Not all of them were successful.

This presentation will shed light on who some of these settlers were and how they tried to survive on the great land.

Louis F. Aulbach is author of five best selling river guides to the rivers of West Texas, including three guides to the Rio Grande, a guide to the Pecos River, and a guide to the Devil’s River. His first river guide, called the Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande, was first published in 1987 and is now in its fifth edition. His publication called The Fresno Rim is a hiking guide to the Big Bend Ranch State Park in West Texas.

His recent publication, entitled Buffalo Bayou, an echo of Houston’s wilderness beginnings, is a guide to Buffalo Bayou in Houston which delves extensively into the local history along the city’s most famous stream.

His latest publication, Camp Logan, Houston, Texas, 1917-1919, is a detailed account of the activities of the military regiments which trained at Camp Logan during World War I.

Aulbach, a Native Houstonian, is a graduate of St. Thomas High School, Rice University and the University of Chicago. He retired in 2008 after over 17 years as the Records Management Officer for the City of Houston, he served on the Harris County Historical Commission in the 2009-2010 term.

Updated information to his published guides and excerpts can be found on Aulbach’s website.

Inquiries and additional information available y contacting: Anne Adkins, Program Coordinator/TierraGrande TMN, 512-922-2178 / 432-426-3961, Anne@hadkins.com.
 

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Halloween fun in Presidio this weekend

Oct
26

PRESIDIO- Join the state park ranger staff at Historic Ft. Leaton and their telescopes to see the Texas Dark Skies.

The Star Party is Friday, October 27 from 7-10pm at the fort, just outside of town on East FM 170, better known as the River Road.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, Ghost Trax Paranormal aren’t available for the Ghost Hunt event at Ft. Leaton. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Other entertainment for Friday, Oct 27th is a costume contest at the Presidio Trading Post and Cantina. Fun prizes will be awarded.

Saturday, October 28 is a disco cooking contest at the Presidio Trading Post and Cantina, FM 170 east at 1412 Park Valley Ave starting at noon. Cooks may prepare their favorite dish in a Disco Cooker. The turn in time for the entries is at 4pm. Entry fee is $20 with a winner-take-all cash prize.

Saturday evening is live music starting at 8pm to closing, featuring the Doodlin Hogwallops, Patch and Rita and Jeremy Gardner.

Call Rafa for the details (432) 229-3916.

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Presidio’s Molly Ferguson to walk the red carpet at Tejano Music Awards this weekend

Oct
20

(photo by and courtesy of David Muñoz, Muñoz Snapshots, Corpus Christi)
Presidio’s Molly Ferguson with her Tejano Idol first-place trophy.

SAN ANTONIO – The newly crown Tejano Idol Molly Ferguson will walk the red carpet this Saturday at the Tejano Music Awards in San Antonio.

The 37th Annual Tejano Music Awards (TMA’s), is October 21 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and is the only major and longest-running event to recognize the Tejano music genre.

This year, The Texas Talent Musicians Association (TTMA), producers of the Tejano Music Awards, will turn back the clock to the format of the show from the 1990’s by bringing back the award dance that will feature “The Voice“ Jay Perez, Gary Hobbs, and Ricardo Castillon y La Difernzia.

The biggest night in Tejano Music will be the place where fans can expect a spectacular show that promises many surprises, exciting musical collaborations, and recognition of Tejano’s best and brightest stars.

Lifetime achievement honoree “La Reina De La Onda Tejana” Laura Canales will be honored for her role as pioneers and trendsetters in the early days of Tejano music and a special performance tribute to honor her legacy.

Artists scheduled to perform will be Stefani Montiel, Los Desporadoz, Isabel Marie, David Marez, La Calma, David Farias, Grupo Vision and a special performance by Frankie J. plus many more artists to be announced.

Red carpet ceremony will be held prior to the awards show featuring many Tejano artists and special guests to include: Miss Reina Latina San Antonio Sydney Gonzales, Miss Reina Latina Teen Giselle Gomez, Grupo Remedio, La Sombra, AT Boyz, Grupo Remedio, Rick Fuentes & the Brown Express and much more. The red carpet showcase begins at 5pm at the Henry B. Convention Center.

Ferguson recently won the Tejano Idol singing competition earlier this month in Austin. For winning, she received $1,000, a recording session with Freddie Records and a video and photo shoot in addition to her walk on the red carpet.

For tickets to the 37th Annual Tejano Music Awards & Dance, visit www.tejanomusicawards.com or visit the Ticketmaster Box Office.  Ticket prices range from $50 to $100 for VIP seating.

For the latest updates and announcements on the 37th Annual Tejano Music Awards and events be sure to check the official TMA website at www.tejanomusicawards.com.

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Blackwell School invites you to an April block party

Oct
20

MARFA – The first annual Blackwell Block Party (BBP) is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, 2018—a one-day festival celebrating and commemorating the unity of bi-national culture and the rich heritage of Mexican Americans in Marfa. Organizations and individuals are invited to be a part of the event by hosting activities that contribute to the theme of Mexican and Mexican American history, culture, and heritage.

Held on the grounds of the Blackwell School, the BBP will be family friendly, serving multiple generations and people of all backgrounds through art, music, dance, stories, food, and activities. The cornerstone event of the BBP is the unveiling of a community-inspired mural at the Blackwell Park. The mural will serve as a tangible legacy of the memories made and honored at the BBP.

The BBP enriches the Marfa community through celebrating the legacy and influence of Mexico and Mexicans on the city of Marfa; collaborating across labels and differences; creating memories that cement our sense of place; and increasing awareness of, and appreciation for, the history of the Blackwell School and the mission of the Blackwell School Alliance.

Marfa is home to many arts organizations, civic clubs, school groups, churches, media outlets, historic partners, and businesses. All are invited to become partners in this special community event. The Blackwell School Alliance has a list of ideas, or you can brainstorm something even better.

To learn more and to get involved contact Gretel Enck at gretel.enck@zoho.com or 432.295.3359, or Taylor Livingston at tayloranndi@gmail.com or 323.303.1552.

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AHS Class of ’67 celebrates 50th reunion

Oct
20

(photo courtesy Cynthia Neu)
Members of the AHS Class of 1967, front row seated from left, Jacobina Skinner, Rory Coggins, Cynthia Neu, Betty Lou Low, Robin Sohl and Mary Bell Lockhart. Second row kneeling from left, Ginny Lines, Debbie Boysen, Jeannie McCollister, Elizabeth Morrow, Sally Turner, Clinnell McLean, Georgie Oates, Lea Skelton and Elaine Babcock. Back Row boys standing from left, Drew Wilson, Archie Clouse, Jeff Haynes, Sam Cooley and Harrell Winter.

ALPINE – It’s true. Time flies! Many local and former residents of Alpine who attended high school together from 1963 to 1967 will celebrate their 50-year class ReUnion 5pm-midnight Saturday, Oct. 21 at the old Granada Theater in Alpine.

A cash bar will be open with dinner served at 6pm. AHS classes of 1965-1969 are invited to attend, too.

Contact jeanlabeff@icloud.com or Sandra Smith at slsmith49@sbcglbal.net for more details. Jean can be reached at PH: 432-386-3034.

Everyone is invited to bring their favorite photos from times past to celebrate at this ‘historical’ event! Music will be provided by D.J. Russell.

Registration begins at 1:30pm Friday, Oct. 20th at the Old Alpine High School Building. Fee is $50 per person payable by check or cash. No credit cards, please. Registration continues that evening at the American Legion Hall for a pre-game social. Alpine Bucks will play the Sonora Broncos at 7:30pm for those who’d like to attend. Another post game social continues at the American Legion Hall where guests may BYOB. But all setups must be purchased at the Legion.

A program is planned Saturday night at the Granada asking celebrants to tell (on microphone) something significant they remembered from Alpine High School.

“It should be something that helped you later in life as you pursued a career and created your own families and businesses. Think of it as a homework assignment,” explains former teacher Jean LaBeff, Class ReUnion leader. “Let’s see who’s going to make an A! ”

Cynthia Neu has already submitted one political memory from Alpine High School. “MaryBell Lockhart and I were going at it even then. She’s always been a liberal and I’ve always been a conservative. But I must admit one time she said something in our civics class that did influence me for the rest of my life working as a newspaper and television news reporter in El Paso, Moscow and Washington, D.C.  MaryBell said, ‘Not everyone in this country can be a Chief. Somebody ’round here’s gotta be an Indian. If all we have is Chiefs we won’t get anything done! The real sign of leadership is being able to bring out the best in all Indians, regardless of what tribes we’re in.’  We learned a lot from each other at Alpine High,” says Cynthia.

If you are not able to join the celebration in Alpine on Oct. 21st but would like to send along one of your favorite learned ‘moments’ at Alpine High please e-mail them to CynthiaNeu@aol.com so they can be read to the group on your behalf. It will be

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