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Alpine’s Xtreme All-Star 12U softball team members were pumped up and ready to hit a homer with super sweet deals at their bake sale fundraiser on June 18 outside of Morrison True Value in Alpine. The team is raising funds to cover travel costs to attend an All-Star girls softball tournament in Lubbock. Here, Xtreme All-Star players Alyna Gutierrez, Kayleigh Parsons, Reyna Martinez, Bella Navarrete, Rose DeGuia, Ryen Navarrete, Aaliyah Garcia, and Ailea Fierro pause for a photo, welcoming customers looking for treats sold for a good cause. Avalanche photo by Roxanne Hill

The Big Bend consists of a thriving arts community where dedicated artists share their talents. And now an inspirational mural makes a vivid presence at the Sul Ross State University campus where civic leaders welcomed those who made valuable contributions to the university and to the region.

I am starting to see the benefits of my somewhat nomadic upbringing. I spent the first years of my life in California, my teenage years in El Paso, some of my adulthood in Ozona, and my college years in San Antonio. Although the first moves were difficult, as I matured into adulthood, I began appreciating the exposure to these different environments.

Giving back to the community teens call home not only brings intrinsic rewards but also offers the opportunity to make a difference. That is what Frontier CASA, a nonprofit organization helping support children in foster care, is all about. The dedicated team of court appointed advocates and staff serve in seven Far West Texas counties, including Brewster, Jeff Davis, and Presidio. Frontier CASA has recently launched a new youthbased program, Friends of CASA, designed to provide additional support. At the Alpine office, Arely Leyva juggles a variety of roles - advocate, facilitator, and recruiter who also oversees social media.

Elise Kuchler, Judy Stokes, and Madison Cavness pose outside of Kokernot Field in Alpine with a 1960s signed Alpine o6 Cowboys baseball bat. It was then presented to Hugh S. White, Stokes’ uncle. The vintage bat was signed by all of the 1960s players and their manager. His grandchildren Brad Brahm and Amy Driscoll have cherished the bat, but decided it should be back in Alpine. Courtesy photo

From sharing common bonds through the joy of music, to growing up together as brothers and friends at church, Alpine’s Grupo Alegre matches its namesake in Spanish - cheerful group. It has become one of the Big Bend’s live music favorites, and the one many area residents reach out to for festive celebrations of all kinds.

Our Avalanche reporter asked, “Will you plan on attending Alpine Cowboys o6 baseball games this season?” Ben Telesca, Alpine: Yes, I absolutely plan on attending the games. The community should support them more often and get out there.

For the first time since 2016, the Trans-Pecos Wildlife Conference will be held at Sul Ross State University on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 4-5 this year. The event will be co-hosted by the Borderlands Research Institute, Texas Wildlife Association, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Alpine Humane Society Pet of the Week is Oswald, a shy, sweet, tiny orange tabby who takes some time to warm up to new friends, but has never turned down pets. Oswald can seem a little standoffish at first, but a little scratch behind the ears will quickly win him over. He’s affectionate and sweet, and can always be heard purring. Oswald is great with other cats and kittens and will play with anyone. He’s honestly a little obsessed with bells, and can keep himself entertained for hours with just a jingly toy.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 502 E. Lockhart Ave.