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Commitment. A powerful word. Obligation. A powerful word. Adversity. A powerful word. There is a strong link that binds commitment and obligation together. But that link is all too easily broken when adversity or inconvenience comes calling. People all too often give up when difficulty strikes. Adversity tests the resolve of one’s commitment. Adversity is the weight that builds character.

Alpine Ambassadors, along with Alpine Mayor Catherine Eaves, Alpine council members Martin Sandate, Judy Stokes, and Sara Tandy, all joined in a traditional ribbon cutting to welcome the new Visitor Center pavilion with Center Coordinator Heather Yadon at the open house on July 28. The event featured live music, refreshments, Visit Alpine freebies, and door prizes, all to kick off Viva Big Bend weekend. Avalanche photo by Roxanne Hill

Bullshirtz, the region’s premier shop for custom screen printing, is under new ownership as of Aug. 1. It was a long search to find the perfect fit according to original owner Rick McDowell who was reluctant to let his pride and joy of over a decade go to just anyone.

Local Big Bend honkytonk band The Doodlin’ Hogwallops adds the finishing touch to say adios to Viva Big Bend weekend at the Railroad Blues in Alpine on July 31. The popular Trans-Pecos country band was a favorite of both locals and visitors alike, and sent many people to the floor to dance the night away and enjoy favorite hits. Avalanche photo by Roxanne Hill

William Bain Ward was inducted into the Texas State Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Honor at the annual meeting in the Arlington Convention Center. Ward graduated from Alpine High School in 1961, and from Sul Ross State College in 1965.

Heather Yadon, Alpine: I like best that it fills our hotels. It accomplishes our goal of the Visitor Center, to get people to Alpine. A lot of them are first time visitors, and we get so many repeats, and that lets us know people are really enjoying it and having a wonderful time in Alpine.

AUG. 4 Alpine Ambassadors Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 502 E. Lockhart Ave.

Hillside Baptist and First Assembly of God churches will be hosting Vacation Bible School at the Kokernot Pavilion Monday through Friday, Aug. 8-12, from 9-11:30 a.m. Children ages five and up are invited to attend this fun time complete with music, Bible stories, puppets, games, and snacks.

Alpine Humane Society Pet of the Week is Burke, a beautiful brown and tan Burmese mix male kitten born in April. He is outgoing, and warms up quickly. He does love to be held and snuggled. Burke could join a home with another cat or even a dog, with the right conditions to get comfortable. He is still a youngster, and will need play time to burn off that energy. Burmese cats are playful and curious as kittens, but as older adults, they prefer to watch rather than join activities.