Lifestyle

Dear Neil, Regarding your recommendation of crape myrtles along streets, I do admit that under certain circumstances they can be spectacular, but they are not native to our state, and their seeds can spread into natural areas and crowd out species more useful to our environment. I would say that the yaupon hollies would be a better choice. They are native. Their fruit is preferred by birds, and their branching is used for nesting. I appreciate your column and almost always agree with you!

Students in the Marathon Public Library’s after-school program did reading a bit differently last week. They listened to audiobooks and then used clay to create items inspired by their stories.

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December 27 Alpine Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m. to noon at Alpine Visitor Center January 6 Alpine City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Council Chambers January 21 City of Alpine Town Hall meeting for EMS Task Force, 6 p.m. at Alpine Civic Center, to discuss ambulance ground transportation services.

The 35th Annual Black-Eyed Pea Off (cook-off) will be held in the Terlingua Ghostown on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Participants need to bring their best Black-eyed Peas for judging and to share with spectators. Award and prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place. Turn-in time is 2 p.m. sharp with a $10 entry fee. Peas may be cooked onsite or off. Spectators can start the year off with a bowl of “Good Luck” peas for a $10 (or more) donation - includes bowl, spoon, and cornbread until it runs out. There will be local music and a raffle for several “Hot Dates” (Room & Dinner). All proceeds will benefit continuing education scholarships for Terlingua School Graduates.

She came into the shelter after being found running loose in the city of Alpine in mid-September. She went unclaimed at the shelter, and upon starting her veterinary care, it was discovered that she was positive for heartworm disease. She started treatment immediately and had several months of confinement and restricted activity while undergoing her treatment. She is now heartworm-free and ready for adoption.

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The time for the Annual Live Nativity is right around the corner. The Nativity dates are December 19-21, and the event will be held at the “stable area” between Kokernot Lodge and the Outdoor Theatre. Tri-county residents and visitors are invited to be the audience as this timeless story is retold with lights, music, and costumed characters, including Mary, Joseph, Gabriel, shepherds, wise men, and more. Wassermann Wranch will again provide the animal cast of Carl the camel and Pumpkin, the faithful Nativity donkey. Anyone may also be a part of the all-star cast by just showing up to the new dressing area, the Prop Barn [right next to the Outdoor Theater Stage], to robe up and fill the role of a winged angel, shepherd, wise man, scribe, innkeeper, census reader, or other parts. There are no lines to learn, and costumes are provided. Check out next week’s Alpine Avalanche for complete information. Please call Karen at 432-386-3071 for further questions.