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Alpine ISD Bucks Boosters Bonnie Lujan, Sarah Fellows Martinez, Paty Saenz, Mesinda Llanez, and Sarah Vasquez pause for a photo at the middle school cafeteria on Dec. 11 as they serve up hamburgers with all the trimmings. The fundraiser will benefit all Alpine ISD athletes. Avalanche photo by Roxanne Hill

The Board of Regents of the Texas State University System formally recognized recipients of the Regents’ Professor, Staff, and Student Scholar awards for 2021. The board adopted resolutions honoring the award winners during its quarterly meeting this week on the campus of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville.

Toronto Creek Estates, a subdivision in Alpine, invites the community to join in a neighborhood Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 5 p.m., on Haystack, Doe Court, and Deer Run Drive. There will be hayrides, driveway goodies, and a Christmas lighting contest. Cookies, hot cocoa, candy, and more goodies will be offered. There will also be voting for best Christmas lights, and the winner gets a yard sign for their front yard.

What are you especially looking forward to in your senior year? Making memories with my friends that will last me a lifetime! What activities are you involved in during your senior year? I’m an active member of the Buck Band and a member of the National Honor Society. Who has been your most influential teacher or coach through high school? Mr.

Members of the Holy Cross Anglican Church Trail Life Troop 40 enjoy a Saturday morning of target practice at a gun range south of Alpine on Dec. 11. The boys participated in a range day where they practiced with .22 rifles and more under the close supervision of Trail Life volunteer Atticus Freeland and Gunsmoke Training & Defense founder Zach Vaughn of Alpine. Vaughn instructed the youngsters on basic firearm and marksmanship skills. Avalanche photo by Roxanne Hill

As a service to the Big Bend community, the Sul Ross State University Meat Lab hosted a wild game processing workshop. Twelve participants gathered on Dec. 4 as Hip-O Taxidermy’s Caleb Hughes presented topics on field dressing and taxidermy considerations. Marfa Meats’ Nicole Tancik broke down a mule deer carcass as participants asked questions.

Christmas is around the corner, and one way people can share in the joy and spread holiday cheer is by taking part in a special event to celebrate Jesus’ birth with a live nativity. Karen McGuire has been directing and organizing it in Alpine for 30 years. The event is produced by Michael’s Mountain Ministry, named after McGuire’s oldest son who passed away in 1991.

The filing period for the March 1, 2022, primary ended Monday, and the field is crowded for the number one spot in Brewster County. The county positions up for grabs in the Nov.

Members of the Marfa ISD Ballet Folklorico Aztlan perform for an enthusiastic crowd at the Marfa Chamber of Commerce’s first annual holiday bazaar held on Dec 11 in front of the Presidio County Courthouse. The Chamber welcomed locals and visitors to get in the holiday spirit with vendors selling Christmas gifts, a holiday decorating contest, a visit from Santa, crafts for kids, and live entertainment. Avalanche photo by Roxanne Hill

Chances are that both locals and visitors have driven or stopped by the Alpine Visitor Center, whether on their way to other places in the Big Bend, or simply to enjoy all Alpine has to offer. The Alpine City Council approved a revamp for the center earlier this year, with funds coming from the hotel occupancy tax reserve and proposed for the 2022 budget.