News

Carolers from Marathon ISD were excited to ring in the fun, festive holiday season for visitors and locals alike at Marathon’s Fiesta de Noche Buena on Main Street on Dec. 4. The annual Christmas event featured lively holiday music, plenty of holiday treats, special appearances by Santa and the Grinch, and more. Avalanche photo by Roxanne Hill

A great high school band starts with a great band director. The band director plays an enormous role in what makes a marching band perform at the highest level. And a passionate, knowledgeable director can push the students to the next level.

Thanks to the generosity of the Big Bend Regional Hospital District Board of Directors and administrators, Alpine ISD can now launch a certified nurse assistant program at the high school for the 2022- 2023 school year. It will involve a Career and Technical program of study in nursing science, and allow students to acquire an industry-based certification as a Certified Nurse Assistant. It would also prepare students to enter into a higher education nursing program.

As the holidays approach, communities around the Big Bend are positively impacted by the benevolence and generosity that brings people together. One private, nonprofit organization, the Marathon Foundation, has been quietly impacting the lives of Marathon residents since 2010, all thanks to a group of community-minded folks who use their acts of kindness to improve the lives of those who call Marathon their home.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission recently awarded funding to Jeff Davis County Library under its American Rescue Plan Act Grants Program. The library received two grants.

On Nov. 23 Alpine Lions Club Treasurer and First Vice President John Sutterfield presented a $300 check to Big Bend Pets Director Patsy Culver so the group can better help pets in the community. Courtesy photo

Alcoholics Anonymous, 502 E. Lockhart Ave.

The Food Pantry of Alpine will distribute food to Northern Brewster County residents beginning Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m.-noon at its new location at 933 East Gallego Avenue in Alpine. To protect volunteers and limit their contact, hours of distribution have been shortened.

The beautiful music and contemplative silence known as Taize is returning to St. James Episcopal Church in Alpine. All are welcome for this unique worship experience on Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m. in the St. James sanctuary located at 510 North Sixth Street.

The Davis Mountains Wine, Beer, Spirits and Food Festival is set to feature regional wineries, vineyards, craft brew, spirits, and gourmet foods on Saturday, Dec. 4. The event will offer tastings from a variety of vendors from the Big Bend, and is the first of its kind offered in Fort Davis.