The Terlingua Moon   

May 4, 2020--Vol. 31, #18

Next MOON: Send MOON news by Monday NOON for that week’s MOON. Please no PDFs or fancy fonts!

terlinguamoon@gmail.com. We’re on the web at: theterlinguamoon.blogspot.com

Editor’s note: check the Big Bend National Park website for updates on PARK closures: www.nps.gov/bibe and click on the ALERTS icon. Changes and additions will be posted there. ALSO, check the Big Bend National Park official Facebook page for “Ask a Ranger” events that happen live several times a week, and the most recent happenings like COOL historic preservation projects on Historic Adobe buildings at Castolon.

Happy Cinco de Mayo:  The Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, a holiday celebrated in parts of Mexico and the United States in honor of the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza.

News Release -- To: Area Media, April 30, 2020  --  From: Brewster County Judge's Office, BREWSTER COUNTY

Ekta Escovar MD, Local Health Authority

As of 3:20p.m., Brewster County was notified of the first COVID-19 case in the county. The case was identified through the Mobile Testing Team that was collecting patient swabs on April 25 and 26, 2020. The individual is in their 60s, residing in South Brewster County, and has been directed to self-quarantine. The case is still under investigation, and it is currently unknown how the individual became infected. We cannot release any further information as case contact investigation is underway.

It is imperative to maintain social distancing at this time, avoid social gatherings, and minimize contact with anyone outside of your household at this time. We continue to highly encourage Brewster County residents to be dependent on health authorities to provide the most accurate information on COVID-19. Please practice good hand hygiene with frequent hand washing, proper respiratory etiquette such as coughing and sneezing into your elbow bend, avoid all handshakes and physical contact. Stay home if you are feeling ill and call your primary care physician to discuss your symptoms.

Brewster County to Reopen Hotels, Restaurants and Retail, Alpine, Texas – (May 1st, 2020)

The Brewster County Tourism Council and Visit Big Bend have received notice from county officials that the decision had been made to allow hotels, motels, short term rentals, campgrounds and RV parks to reopen today May 1st, 2020. Lodging facilities had previously been ordered to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants and retail establishments will also open with reduced occupancy measures and under standard social distancing practices.

In addition, Big Bend Ranch State Park is open for day use with some restrictions. Only the front country areas along FM-170 will be opening. Closed Canyon and the Hoodoos trails along FM-170 will open this weekend. The East and West Contrabando trail heads will be open as will river put ins; however, the interior of the park will remain closed along with Park visitor centers. Overnight use or camping is prohibited at this time. For information on day use regulations, please visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

At this time, Big Bend National Park remains CLOSED to the public including a ban on through traffic through the park. No information is currently available as to when the National Park may reopen.

Visit Big Bend is pleased to be able to invite visitors to the Big Bend area once again as local lodgings, restaurants, retail facilities and outfitters try to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors can rest assured that all business here have health and safety top of mind and will adhere to all guidelines recommended by the CDC including social distancing, sanitization and limitations on group gatherings and occupancy. Please go tovisitbigbend.com or check our Facebook page and Twitter feed for the most up to date tourism information regarding Brewster County accommodations, Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.

NOW MORE THAN EVER IT IS IMPORTANT TO RESPOND TO THE 2020 CENSUS.  As of May 2, Southern Brewster County’s response rate is only 12.2%.  Remember:  an accurate count means funding for schools, food, medical assistance, roads and more.  Your survey will be delivered soon so keep an eye out for it.  You can respond by phone, internet or mail.  And your information is strictly confidential.  Without it we all lose.  Everyone counts!

Big Bend Observatory  --  Per government relaxation, we are reopening for visiting astronomers on May 1st. Per our own decision, we will be limiting reservations and placing a 3-day isolation period on the property in between each guest or group. Call 1-855-224-4236 to book your casita and observing time here at the height of the milky way season.

CANYON BREW AT FAR FLUNG OUTDOOR CENTER: Yes, we’re still open and serving our same great “Grab-n-Go” breakfast options! Stop by or call ahead (432.371.2633) for your daily dose of caffeine. SPECIAL: Drip coffee and any food item for $5!  Bring your mug and save a buck!  Opens from 8am -11am Mon-Sat with quick service!

Per telephone conversation with our district coordinator at TDEM yesterday, there will be additional Covid testing in the region in about a week.  Sunday - May 10th - Fort Davis; Monday - May 11th, 9am to 5pm – Presidio.  It is still the nasal swab PCR test.  Citizens can make an appointment 24 hrs. prior to the testing date either on-line at TXCOVIDTEST.ORG or by calling 512-883-2400. Again, if you call earlier than 24 hrs. prior to the scheduled test date, you will be told to call back. Additionally, if you do not call or register for an appointment, you can still show up at the site and will be instructed to either register on your phone or call the number. Either way, the testers will do everything they can to accommodate those who want to be tested.

Porters new hours:  Seniors’ Shopping Hours 7 to 8 AM.  Both Alpine stores are open 7a – 9p. For other stores: myporter.net/about-us and scroll to “Locations.”

The Terlingua Bottoms Group of AA meets Thursday at 7:30 at the Big Bend Church in Study Butte.  The meetings are open to anyone who has or thinks they may have a drinking problem.  We meet in a group of less than five, and practice Social Distancing!If you are ill, we respectfully ask that you stay home and call for a "telephone meeting" instead, 432-371-2073. (you can also call with any questions...) Leave a message and we'll get back to you.

If you want a Wylie water tank on the next load, please let us know.  We realize that money's tight right now; we don't cash your deposit check until your tank is in your possession. The salesman told me delivery is roughly 2 weeks from the time I call the (filled) order in. There's room for at least 3 more now.  Prices remain the same as they were a few months ago. And we also have valves. You can call us for details. 371-2506 or (512)924-2506.

The Town Electrician, Charles Turvey, Owner/ Master Electrician TECL# 31504  ME# 326558  Local, Licensed, Insured  thetownelectrician@bigbend.net  432-424-3464 (Home)  432-538-2533 (Cell)

Espresso ... y poco mas!  We're still cooking and serving Big Bend Roaster's coffee Wednesday through Sunday - 8 am to 1 pm. Our dining area has reopened with continuous sanitation of surfaces and with disposable paper plates and utensils.  We are keeping it safe.  All the same great menu items!  Call ahead (432) 371-3044 for your order and we will have it ready for you.  Book mark the online order page, too. We now have gift cards available.  Look forward to seeing you all soon!

Flack Electrical Services  --  Joshua Flack, Owner/Master Electrician TECL #31064 ME #337791  Licensed, bonded and insured.  940.255.2723

Dig Terlingua – We do Septic Systems and Dirt Work.  Backhoe Ditching, Digging, Dozer, Motor Grader & Dump Truck with Operator for Hire.  We deliver road base, gravel, sand, etc.  Septic System Site Evaluations & Installations – TCEQ #34046.  713.907.5259

  *****   SHOT TIME LIQUORS    *****   --Open 9a to 10p     MONDAY thru SATURDAY.

WoW did it get hot early this year ... or what?   We have decided the best way to handle the HEAT is to FIRE UP the COCKTAILS!  Come in and grab a bottle of CALYPSO 151 RUM.     *****    $10     *****     $10     *****     $10     *****  DRINK RESPONSIBLY and don’t forget the SHOT ICE!

In Stock at All Energies: Solar Racking, UV resistant wire, battery cables and DC breakers are in stock as well.  Brand new 320W panels for $225 each and 400W panels for $278 can be ordered.  If you need help making your solar system work better, email casey@allenergies.net or call/text 432-242-1874

RECYCLING IN ALPINE OPEN!!  HAL Flanders Recycling in Alpine, New hours 9 to Noon Tuesday through Saturday     last load 11:50 am. Closed Sunday and Monday.  Social Distancing Please