Terlingua
Moon🌙
Volume
37, No. 37 September 15, 2026
by Blue Grama
“I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I
go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. I reread passages from my
favorite books. I hold the little treasures that somebody special gave me.
These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious
pieces of good in the world.” – Dolly Parton
________________________________
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THE NIGHT SKY THIS MONTH
🌓 9/18 First Quarter
🌕 9/26
Full Harvest Moon
🌗 10/3
Third Quarter
🌑 10/10
New Moon
Fall Equinox: September 22, 2026 7:05 pm CDT
Venus is having its brightest week of the year! September
14-19, 2026 in the early evening.
Lyra, the harp: crosses high overhead on September
evenings. It forms a small, faint diamond. To find it, look for Lyra’s most
prominent star, Vega, which is just off one point of the diamond.
Pegasus is in the east at nightfall. Four moderately
bright stars mark its body, the Great Square, which is tilted. The first
Sun-like star with a known planet, 51 Pegasi, is along the top right side of
the square. Under dark skies, it’s just visible to the eye.
Information from the Timeanddate.org, Stardate.org, EarthSky.org
, and McDonald Observatory.
Protect our dark skies! Turn out the
lights at night, use warm colored, downfacing or shielded lights.
Reflect Orbital may soon threaten dark skies world-wide.
Read more via Dark Sky International: https://darksky.org/news/organizational-statement-reflect-orbital/
ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?
Check your voter’s registration status in Texas at VoteTexas.gov or at
the link below: https://goelect.txelections.civixapps.com/ivis-mvp-ui/#/login
HISTORIC LANDOWNER LAWSUIT FILED OVER BORDER WALL
Yesterday 9/14/26 a historic lawsuit was filed opposing the border wall
in the Big Bend, with 230 landowners supporting. Read more at the Big Bend Sentinel:
https://bigbendsentinel.com/2026/09/14/big-bend-landowners-file-suit-over-border-wall/
REMEMBERING THE AMAZING BETTY ALEX
Betty Louise (Alexander) Alex was born in
Corpus Christi, Texas, on August 14, 1949. After an extended illness, she left
her body while in hospital in San Antonio, Texas, on August 11, 2026, at the
age of 76 years. She leaves behind her husband, Thomas C. Alex; and his son,
Thomas Reed Alex; Reed’s wife, Heather; and grandchildren Jordyn Alex and Luke
Alex; Betty’s son, Lorn Wayne Willingham; and grandchildren, James Willingham
and Chelsea Villegas, her husband Mark and their family. She also leaves behind
several precious kitties. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ollie and
Christine Alexander.
Betty put herself through college as a single mom and did
her graduate studies in wildlife biology at Corpus Christi State University.
Betty worked for the U.S. Geological Survey for several years on offshore
cruises collecting sediment samples from the floor of the Gulf of Mexico and
processed those samples in the USGS sedimentology laboratory in Corpus Christi.
She eventually became supervisor of the USGS sedimentology laboratory. In 1980
she applied to the National Park Service and began a new career at Big Bend
National Park as the ranger activities clerk.
In the late 1980s, Betty took on the position of Geographic
Information Systems specialist which enabled her to get back into science.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, she built the GIS program at Big Bend from the
ground up. During Betty’s last few years with the National Park Service, she
oversaw a project to document rare plant species. When she started this
project, there were 36 plant species that were considered rare, threatened or
at least uncommon in the national park. Four years later, that list had grown
to over 300 species. Her photographic documentation of plants and their
habitats grew to over 18,000 photos.
Betty had a profoundly unique relationship with the natural
world. She was a scientist and a seer. She dedicated her life to the pursuit of
natural history, wildlife biology, botany, and an intense connection with the
Chihuahuan Desert.
A Celebration of Betty’s Life is scheduled for Saturday,
November 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Red Pattillo Community Center in Study
Butte, Texas. There will be a sharing of stories followed by refreshments.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations: Grand
Companions in Fort Davis, Texas; American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals (ASPCA).
Note from the Terlingua Moon Editors: Betty’s
loss is felt whole-heartedly by our community, those in Terlingua and in Big
Bend National Park. Betty leaves a lasting mark on the history of this place
and our hearts. We will cherish you and your memory forever, half of Ghost Writers on the Sly.
MILKY WAY TREATS
Ice cream trailer will be open this weekend, Saturday thru Monday, 4-9pm!
We’ll have our creamy, dreamy chocolate and vanilla soft serve. Stop by and
check out our amazing view, our delicious pints of homemade ice cream, or one
of our fun sundaes!
The Saturday morning pastry cart returns October 3, 10 AM. The pastry
cart schedule is going to change, we will now be serving on the first Saturday
of the month. October 3, November 7, December 5. Gracias, Terlingua!
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING - FREE Community Event!
Want to learn how to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of
mental health challenges? Join us for **Mental Health First Aid Training** and
gain valuable skills to support friends, family members, coworkers, and
neighbors.
**Cost:** FREE
**Choose One Training Date:**
Saturday, September 19, 2026 **OR**
Thursday, September 24, 2026
**Location:** Far
Flung Outdoor Center
**Time:** 8:30
a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
**Format:** In-person only
**Space is limited, so register today!**
Sign up here: [Register for Mental Health First Aid Training]
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4BAEA62AA2F4C43-64922270-mental
FULL MOON POTLUCK!
The Jackass Flats Improvement Association welcomes EVERYONE to come out
and enjoy a beautiful evening under the desert full moon!
Saturday, September 26th, 2026
The Cactus Farm at 6:30 PM
This full moon is known as the Harvest Moon (and sometimes the Corn Moon)
because it falls closest to the autumnal equinox.
Bring your favorite harvest dish to share, pull up a chair, and enjoy some good
food, good conversation, and the company of friends and neighbors.
Come celebrate the Harvest Moon with us under the West Texas night sky!
Everyone is welcome!
ALPINE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK STORE: REREADS
Open every Saturday!
ALL YOU NEED TO ATTEND AN AA MEETING IS A DESIRE TO QUIT.
If you have, or think you might have, a drinking problem, we meet at
6:30 pm on Thursday at the Big Bend Church, just north of the post office.
UPCOMING MUSIC & FUN EVENTS
Wednesdays at the Boathouse: Open Mic 8 – 11 pm
Thursdays at La Kiva: Karaoke 9pm
9/17 Thursday:
Bruce Salmon & Amanda
Kitchens - Starlight
9/18 Friday:
Bruce Salmon & Amanda Kitchens – Starlight
Open Mic night! 5 – 8 pm – Bad Rabbit
Cafe
9/19 Saturday:
Neil Trammell & Marc Utter– Starlight
9/21 Monday:
Marc Utter – Starlight
9/24 Thursday:
Kate Pierson – Starlight
9/25 Friday:
Gary Gorence – Starlight
9/26 Saturday:
Chief Danny Boy– Starlight
9/28 Monday:
The Whitmore's– Starlight
10/1 Thursday:
We All Shit - Boathouse
Laird Considine & Friends - Starlight
10/9 Friday:
We All Shit – La Kiva
FAMILY CRISIS CENTER FOR THE BIG BEND
Hello Terlingua, posting from the official Family Crisis Center Page. The
food distribution for Terlingua will be this Friday, the 18th, truck will be in
on Thursday the 17th at around 11am. Shout out to all our wonderful
volunteers, you make this event possible. Thank you! Remember to bring
your cards.
Hola Terlingua, publicando desde la página oficial del Family Crisis Center. La
distribución de alimentos para Terlingua será este viernes 18, el camión
llegará el jueves 17 alrededor de las 11 a.m. Un saludo a todos nuestros
maravillosos voluntarios, ustedes hacen posible este evento. ¡Gracias!
Recuerden traer sus tarjetas.
PAISANO POST FROM TERLINGUA SCHOOL
Mark your calendars for Open House on Tuesday, September 15th.
We'll kick things off with an assembly in the Gym at 3:30pm. Kids and parents
are then welcome to visit classrooms and teachers until 5pm. All are welcome.
Ms. Pena is taking the Junior Class to the Career Fair at Sul Ross
University on 9/16.
Mr. Jason Ramos of Tejas Manufacturing will be visiting the campus Friday
morning to discuss Letterman jacket ordering.
BREWSTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING AGENDA
At the link you will find the agenda for the Brewster County Regular
Commissioners Court Meeting on September 15, 2026. Brewster County Special Commissioners Court Meeting Agenda -
September 15, 2026
BIG BEND EPISCOPAL MISSION
Weekly church services will resume Saturday, September
26th, at 5pm in Lajitas at Sts. Mary and Joseph's Chapel w/ Father Mike
Wallens. All are welcome. There will be a gathering of the area Episcopal churches
this Saturday at St. James in Alpine.
Otra Vez Thrift Shop: September's $1 Bag Sale
continues on Wednesdays at 5:30pm-6:30pm & Saturdays from 9am-12pm.Thank
you for your support.
NO WALL 79852
Join our weekly family friendly Saturday protest at FM 170 and Hwy 118,
8:00 -10:00 AM or so. Most tourists to the area are interested and supportive!
TIME TO CALL, NO WALL
REMINDER:
Please continue to call Governor Abbott (512) 463-1828
Markwayne Mullin (202) 282-8000 extension 6
Senator Cruz (202) 224-3121
Senator Cornyn (202) 224-3121
No Big Bend Wall.org is
an excellent source of information. Follow us on Facebook at No Wall
79852 for current updates. Things are changing quickly.
Download Printable Flyers thanks to no-al-muro.com:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ffgMnaK_nsqqOYLUUpPcHjdpwjqfyWLj
No Wall. No Wire. No Way.
Your voice matters. Speak up for Texas parks,
for wildlife, for our economic survival, and for future
generations.
KEEP BIG BEND WILD!
There are encouraging signs in Congress for Big Bend.
As noted last week, Rep. August Pfluger of Midland is looking
after the interests of TX-23 while the seat is vacant. He has
convinced the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee to schedule a
hearing on the HR 2323, Big Bend Boundary Expansion Bill. That bill, originally
sponsored by Rep. Gonzales with a lot of local support, would allow
the NPS to accept donated lands south of Terlingua along Terlingua Creek
purchased from willing sellers by the Big Bend Conservancy (BBC). The Senate
version of the bill was sponsored by Sen. Cornyn and NM Democratic Sen. Lujan,
and has already passed that chamber. While not directly related to
either wilderness or border issues, this is nonetheless
encouraging. The House hearing will be this Wednesday (9/16) at 1pm
central time. BBC Executive Director Loren Riemer, a KBBW core team
member, will testify. Watch it live at https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=419053
The bill’s text is at https://docs.house.gov/meetings/II/II10/20260916/119507/BILLS-119HR2323ih.pdf.
Many Texas Congressional reps of both parties are co-sponsoring that
bill. See the list at https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2323/cosponsors.
KBBW will be on the Hill the week of September 21 and is
setting up meetings with the offices of as many of those cosponsors as we can,
along with several other Texas reps, every member of the New Mexico delegation,
and some from Arizona. The NM and AZ folks are very
interested in border issues and we expect them to be receptive to updates on
what’s happening in the Big Bend, and we hope, our legislative strategy to
rescind DHS’s unilateral authority, stop the construction, and protect the
national park and as much of the surrounding lands as possible in perpetuity
from this or any other kind of destructive assault.
We are working with our strategic partners at No Big Bend Wall, the Texas and national
teams at the National
Parks Conservation Association, and the Coalition
to Protect America’s National Parks on strategy and messages,
as the impact is amplified when we are aligned.
A big thank you to everyone, especially local businesses,
that have added your names to the Keep Big Bend Wild supporter list at keepbigbendwild.org/become-a-supporter. While
donations are helpful and appreciated (we're financially sponsored by the
El Paso Community Foundation, a 501c3), your names as supporters are
even more valuable. Local business and organizational supporters are
especially important, and appreciated. Elected officials see the growing
number of real people, real businesses, and real organizations from real places
that want to see Texas’ Gift to the Nation protected from
destruction. Keep Big Bend Wild’s goal remains permanent,
legislative protection, including a rollback of the authority DHS has to
operate at will without accountability. With enough support, and
enough voices, we will put brakes on the insanity and create binding legal
protection for the park that can’t be waived at the whim of whatever
administration is in power.
KBBW is a strategic partner in the No Big Bend Wall Coalition. Please follow us
on our Facebook page.
#keepbigbendwild
ESPRESSO…
Y POCO MAS
Open at 7:30 a.m., seven days a week for home cooked
breakfasts, lunches and the best coffee in the area. Smoothies and iced drinks.
Located in the Ghost Town, great seating with fantastic views, strong
wifi, and newspapers. 432-371-3044 for to go orders.
TAQUERIA EL MILAGRO
Ghost Town's authentic Mexican food and more. Serving
Mexican recipes from street tacos to steaks and huge side
dishes. Great food, great setting. BYOB and make a party. Open
Wednesday through Sunday from 3 pm until 9 pm. 432-371-2060 for take-out
via our drive through window.
LOCAL GRAPHIC & DIGITAL DESIGN
Need design help for your business, organization, or creative project?
Terlingua-based graphic designer offering professional
design services for local businesses, artists, and organizations.
Branding & Logos • Print Design • Posters & Flyers •
Social Media Graphics • Digital Marketing • Websites & UI • Illustration •
Editorial & Layout
Sepideh Karimi
Graphic Designer & Artist
sepidehkarimi.design@gmail.com
sepidehkarimi.wixstudio.com/design
Instagram: @sepideh.jpg
TERLINGUA TRASH PICKUP
Terlingua Trash Pickup - weekly trash pickup for residential and business.
We do JUNK REMOVAL too: wood piles, tires, house clean outs,
mattresses, appliances, and more!
Straightforward pricing: No long term contracts, No fuel
fees, No environmental fees!
Details and pricing here: www.terlinguatrash.com.
Have a great day! -Jimmy (432) 201 - 5638
TANKS A LOT TERLINGUA
ARE YOU READY TO CATCH THE NEXT RAINFALL?
We can help - Call: TANKS A LOT TERLINGUA
Water Catchment Tanks, Pumps, Filters and Installation
Locally owned - located near the Terlingua Ranch Lodge.
Call Mark or Michelle: 432-371-3096 (home/office)
or 806-781-7814 (cell)
SATURDAY COMMUNITY MARKET
Come see us at the Saturday Community Market, open from 10:00 AM to 3:00
PM. Located in the Ghost Town, down in the Community Garden, we're here
every Saturday with happy vendors offering an array of locally produced goods
and other items.
Local art, handcrafted textile goods, fresh eggs, sour dough
bread, jelly, pickles, all natural lip balms and skin care products, all
natural essential oil fragrances, beard oil and massage oils, handcrafted,
creative jewelry, resin creations, practical and artistic items made of
reclaimed steel and more -- you never know just what or who you'll find
here.
Flea market items are also welcome. After all, reusing and
up-cycling already existing items is smart and green. We ask a $10 donation to
the Community Garden to set up, helping us to continue to improve this space
and experience for all of us.
We welcome new vendors. To make it easy for new vendors to
try our market and to show our appreciation to our regular vendors, we waive
set-up fees on the first Saturday of the month, offering free set-up on that
day.
For more information, text or call 432.213.1863 or
pop in at the market for a chat. Prepared food vendors must display current
food handling licence. (A quick, easy and affordable online course can provide
that).
Please help keep our market space safe and comfortable for
all, two-legged and four, by keeping all dogs leashed and under control. We
look forward to seeing you there.
BIG BEND ARTS COUNCIL
Clayworks has been a wonderful show! Thanks to all who participated
and also those who worked to make the reception a lovely event. The
ClayWorks show ends tomorrow- Tuesday, September 8. If you have any work
in the show, you can pick it up at the gallery. Remember, there is a
gallery form to sign when you pick up your work also.
The new show, "Delicious" is going to be hung on
Wednesday; entry deadline is also tomorrow, Tuesday, September 8th.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you, Terlingua!
