November 2022

Practice the Presence

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Years ago, I discovered the small book “The Practice of the Presence of God”, by Brother Lawrence. The author, a 17th century monk in France, was a simple man, a former battlewounded soldier who entered the monastery in middle age and became a cook there. I’ve never forgotten the valuable message of the writing, which Lawrence expressed as continuously experiencing God amidst in his work in the kitchen, and “turning his little omelet in the pan for the love of God.” In essence, Lawrence’s way of life was abiding always with God, and communing with God no matter what small task he was doing. He claimed to do everything, even the menial tasks, all for the love of God. The brother took to heart Jesus’ charge in John’s Gospel to “Abide in me,” and Paul’s instruction to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 15:16-18).

Traditional versus non-traditional

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Last week I spoke about how a little preparation ahead of the big, holiday meal can make your holiday more enjoyable. In our weekly column ‘Heard on the Street,’ the question put forth was whether the citizens of Alpine have a traditional or a non-traditional Thanksgiving meal. This question led me to this week’s talk on food.
Vegetable prep for Dad’s Dressing. Photo by Bob Gerbert

Anita Balog

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Anita Sue Balog passed away on Nov.7, 2022, in Odessa, Texas. Visitation will be on Thursday, Nov.
Anita Balog

Aurie West

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Services for Aurie Mitchell West, who was born Nov. 15, 1937 and passed away Nov.

City discusses water billing issues

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The City of Alpine held its regularly scheduled city council meeting on Nov. 15 with an abbreviated meeting, with major items topping the agenda. The items up for discussion were the water billing procedures as well as a resolution to approve the boards, commissions, and committee’s handbook.
Megan Antrim

Fightin’Bucks take fourth bi-district title

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The Alpine Fightin’ Bucks came home with their fourth bi-district title Friday night under Coach John Fellows and his staff. The Bucks were the 21-point underdog in this fight against the Brady Bulldogs, and the 30-degree temperature did not keep the fans from loudly cheering on their Fightin’ Bucks to a nail-biting victory.
Fightin’ Buck quarterback Tray Ervin attempts to cross the goal line in Alpine’s Bi-District win against Brady last Friday. Courtesy photo

Kindness and gratitude shines in Alpine

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Thanksgiving is just around the corner- a time for community members to share treasured memories while being thankful for life’s rich blessings. But for many families in Alpine and the surrounding communities who are not as fortunate, several area churches and nonprofit organizations are stepping in to lend a helping hand this holiday season.
Alpine Christian School students volunteered at Grace Christian Fellowship’s food distribution center last month. Courtesy photo

Alpine finds success in postseason

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Although Saturday’s matchup against the Friona Squaws did not go as planned, there is exciting news for this young team. The Lady Bucks who bowed out at Area, still penciled their way in the history books.
Lady Bucks square off against the Friona Squaws this weekend in Area play.

Fightin’ Bucks head to playoffs

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The Fightin’ Bucks came out last Friday night to redeem themselves against the Crane Golden Cranes. The Bucks lost to Crane a few weeks ago (14-0) and were fighting for a win to get the number one seed in the playoffs. The Bucks once again came up short against the Golden Cranes, with a final score of 56-28.
Fightin’ Bucks varsity squares off in their final home game against Crane on Friday night. Avalanche photo by Kara Gerbert