Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Terlingua Moon๐ŸŒ™, Volume 36, No. 33, August 19, 2025

Terlingua Moon๐ŸŒ™

Volume 36, No. 33 August 19, 2025

by Blue Grama

 


I felt awe at the beauty of the delicate cream and red blooms, circled and stared at this orchid wonder, then left it untouched. Nearby, a vinegarroon, six-inches long and scorpion-like, scuttled over the damp leaves and hid beneath some logs. His black and brown armor-plating and the smell of vinegar that he ejected made him seem dangerous though his spray was his only defense. This reminded me that beauty and risk coexisted in Big Bend.”  
– Patricia Wilson Clothier, Beneath the Window

 ________________________________

Send your MOON news and submissions,
 by Monday NOON for that week’s MOON.
Email to terlinguamoon@gmail.com.  Please no PDFs or fancy fonts! 
On the web at:  theterlinguamoon.blogspot.com
Updated every Tuesday (or maybe Monday).
For 36 years, THE source for news in South Brewster County. 
We are what YOU share.

______________________________


According to MesoWest weather stations, we have had 12.93” of rain in the Chisos Basin so far this year!

 

THE NIGHT SKY THIS MONTH

๐ŸŒ‘ 8/23  New Moon 1:06 am

๐ŸŒ“ 8/31  First Quarter

๐ŸŒ• 9/07  Full Corn Moon ๐ŸŒฝ

 

Perseid Meteor Shower: Peaked 8/12-13 and continues to taper off toward the end of the month. See the Perseids in the early morning hours, facing NE towards Perseus.


Moon and Mercury: 8/20, the planet Mercury will stand close to the Moon during the dawn twilight. It looks like a fairly bright star, to the lower right of the Moon. The brighter planets Venus and Jupiter align well to their upper right.

 

Protect our dark skies! Turn out the lights at night, use warm colored, downfacing or shielded lights.

 

PAISANO POST - FROM TERLINGUA SCHOOL

Terlingua CSD school registration is 8/18 - 8/21 from 8:00 - 4:00 at Big Bend High School. The first day of school is 8/25/25! Terlingua CSD would like to thank the team at Far Flung Outdoor Center for the incredible donation of school supplies and backpacks for all students in grades PK-4th!  

 

BIG BEND CRISIS CENTER

Good morning, Terlingua. I was just notified that the WTFB truck will be arriving Wednesday August 20th around 11:30 a.m.. Food distribution will be Friday from 10:00 a.m. at 3:30 p.m.. Please note that if you have not yet signed up to get your scanner card, you will have to wait until after 1:00 p.m. to sign up and get a box. Please bring ID and proof of home. A special thank you to all our volunteers - we will need you both Wednesday and Friday. Thank you.

 

FREE PET CLINIC!!!!

Alpine Humane Society and Operation Kindness, both non-profit organizations, are collaborating to bring the first FREE clinic to offer spay, neuter, vaccines, and microchips on August 30 and 31.

Surgical and wellness services will be no charge, and heartworm tests and flea and tick products will have a nominal fee.

Operation Kindness will be bringing 13 team members, including four veterinarians, with all the equipment needed for the clinic.  We have 4 or 5 team members coming from Alpine, with the large number of kennels that we will need, and 1 experienced volunteer from Sanderson.

Any assistance or donation that you can provide to help move this project to the finish line would be greatly appreciated.  Several local businesses have already offered lodging and one meal.  We are still in need of lodging, and the four veterinarians would prefer individual lodging, as well as a couple of our team members.

Brewster County is providing the community center for the clinic’s location.

Things that we need:

  • Funds to subsidize the services (we currently have $7000, we need $14,000).  Thank you, High Sierra Bar and Grill, for the fundraising!
  • Lodging for about 11 (we have lodging for 7 or so, already pledged)
  • A breakfast and two lunches for 18 to 20 people (we have one breakfast already pledged)
  • Help to bring a large number of kennels and supplies from Alpine to Terlingua and back. (We have one offer of assistance so far)
  • Ice, water, and cold drinks
  • Help with advertising (hang flyers in local businesses)

If you, a friend, neighbor, or coworker, need assistance with veterinary services, please call Alpine Humane Society at 432-837-2532.

We are happy to provide tax-deductible donation receipts for any cash or in-kind donations.

To donate, offer support services, or for any questions, call Mary Ann Vega, Director, Alpine Humane Society at 432-837-2532, the Thrift Store and Cattery at 432-837-3400, or email:  maryann@alpinehumanesociety.org.        

With much gratitude, Mary Ann


PAINT & SIP 

Join us for a "Paint & Sip" event with Amanda Johnson at the Far Flung Outdoor Center on August 23, 2025, from 6 PM to 9 PM. Hosted by AJJ Art, the session will feature an 11x14 landscape painting of Santa Elena Canyon. Enjoy appetizers and sangria from Fly Gap Winery. All-inclusive price: $60. Reserve your spot by calling/texting Amanda 432-244-1547


EARTH AND FIRE ART GALLERY 

August Guest Artist - David Secor. 

SUMMER SALE!  The handmade pottery created by the award winning ceramicist Domingo Garcia of Mexico, will be 15% off during August.

 

MILKY WAY TREATS 

Ice cream trailer will be open this weekend, Sat-Mon, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.  Stop by for delicious homemade pint of ice cream or try our or creamy chocolate or vanilla soft serve. Treat yourself!  Gracias, Terlingua!

 

UPCOMING SHOWS & EVENTS

Starlight:

8/21 – Marc Utter

8/22 – Moses Martinez

8/23 – The Whitmores

8/25 – Marc Utter

8/26 – Comedy Open Mic

8/28 – Laird & Friends

8/29 – Moses Martinez

8/30 – Bill Palmer

 

Boathouse:

Open Mic Hosted by Rory Hancock every Wednesday night! 8- 11 pm


Big Bend Ranch State Park – West Contrabando Trailhead:

8/23 – Star Party - Reservation needed

 

Behind the Store:

8/30 – Last Minute Low Budget Productions presents – Comedy Roast Battle!

Doors at 8, Show at 8:30, $5 Cover

 

DESERT SPORTS AND FURTHER ADVENTURES

Change is in the air at Desert Sports!!
Our goal is to focus on our BIKE SHOP with bicycle supplies, repairs and mountain bike rentals! We also plan to expand our RETAIL STORE with more exciting outdoor gear, and recharge the ART WALL with local art!
I After 29 years of serving outdoor enthusiasts, Desert Sports is suspending all of our Guided Tours in Big Bend. We will also discontinue boat rentals and shuttles. But don’t despair ...
We will be working with and referring our customers to our longtime friends at Further Adventures – a Far Flung Adventures Outpost (the river company out of Taos, NM). Further Adventures will be using the Desert Sports’ location as their base of operations, and most of the Desert Sports’ guide staff will be working with Further Adventures starting this Fall Season.
Desert Sports highly recommends that you book your next Big Bend adventure with Further Adventures, making for a smooth transition for both our longtime guide staff as well as our old friends and valued guests. Many thanks to the wonderful folks and extraordinary guides for your support and dedication for nearly three decades!!

Visit furtheradv.com for more Big Bend tour info.
Visit desertsportstx.com for more Bike Shop updates.

 

CALL FOR ARTWORK – BBAC

PROSPECTUS: “Delicious...All about Food” (any type of food)

THEME: A variable Smorgasbord of art relating to food

Show Dates: September 11- October 2

Take-In: On or before TUESDAY, September 9, 10:00am – 4:30pm

(Artwork may be brought in BEFORE September 9, during regular gallery hours: from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Please try to bring in before 4:30 pm during those days to have time to sign in your work.)

Reception: Friday September 12, 5:00 to 7:00pm

Pick up artwork: TUESDAY, October 2, 2025

Questions: bigbendartscouncil@gmail.com

Curator: Emory Holman: emoryh29@gmail.com, Nyssa Mariah Barrick residuethoughtclay@yahoo.com

[More Info and submission form attached to Moon email OR click the flyer at the end.]

 

MASK COMPETITION! – FUNDRAISER FOR ALPINE PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Alpine Public Library has recently lost some of our much needed funding. As a result we are having to increase our fundraising efforts. We are borrowing from the Ft Collins Museum of Art that has sponsored a mask fundraiser for 22 years making it their major fundraiser.

Attached [to the bottom of the Moon] are examples of the masks we will provide at the library free of charge. There are no rules. They may be decorated any way you want with anything you want. The masks will be available in August & we ask that they be returned by November first. They will be on display & up for bids at the library’s silent auction. They will also be judged & awarded ribbons. 

Masks can be picked up at the Alpine Public Library -- Check in at the Front Desk.If you have questions just call me at 432-386-0640 or 432-364-2816.


BIG BEND COMMUNITY CHORALE

Next Monday, August 25, at 6pm, the Big Bend Community Chorale will begin rehearsals for their Fall/Winter Concert (planned for early December).

In two weeks, the BBCC will be back to singing with joy in our hearts.  Rehearsals will begin on Monday, August 25, at 6 PM at the SRSU Fine Arts Building 200 (choir room).  Rehearsals will continue every Monday until the week of our performances. As always in the fall, we will be working on our Christmas/Holiday music.  So I hope you are ready for Christmas Music in August!  YAY!

The concerts this year will be on Friday, December 5 at 7:30 PM in the Methodist Church in Alpine and Sunday, December 7 at 3 PM in the Presbyterian Church in Marfa. The dress rehearsal will be on Thursday, December 4, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM in the Methodist Church in Alpine.  

If interested in joining the chorale this semester, please contact:

Andrew D. Alegria, DMA
Director of Choral Activities and Vocal Studies
Sul Ross State University (432) 837-8216

Big Bend Community Chorale - Artistic Director

www.bigbendcommunitychorale.com


TAQUERIA EL MILAGRO

Opening for the season this Friday, August 22, for street tacos, steaks and huge side dishes from authentic Mexican recipes.  All  in a great setting.  Open Wednesday through Sunday from 3pm until 9pm. 432 371-2060 for takeout via our drive through window. BYOB.

ESPRESSO … y POCO MAS 

We serve home cooked breakfasts and lunches and great coffee, smoothies, iced drinks along with fresh pastries.  Located in the Ghost Town, we have strong wifi, newspapers and fantastic views.  432 371 3044 for to-go orders.  Open at 7:30 a.m.  The views from here are great, too!



THE BIG BEND MOBILE LIBRARY 

“I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library.” – Jorge Luis Borges

>    Hours:  Thursday August 21st 3:00pm-6:00pm Canyon View Community Park (next to the Terlingua school) and Saturday August 23rd 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Community Garden in Terlingua Ghost Town.

>   Children's Story Hour: Storytime is back at the Library on Saturdays at 11am. Parents and children are encouraged to join Texas teacher Alison Weiss for a read-aloud story time in the ghost town!

>   Origami Club: Unfold your creativity with our new Origami Club! Learn the art of paper folding and meet new friends. All skill levels are welcome – come fold with us on Saturdays at the Library.

>   Library Tech Services: Computer stuff? We've got you covered. Visit us for all your printing, scanning, and copying. Tech support on site.

>   Exchange Box: The new and improved free porch! One person's trash is another person's treasure! Unless it's actually trash… all donations must be approved by library staff. If you have large donations, please bring them on Thursdays.

Follow us on social media for more updates @BigBendPublicLibrary.

 

DON'T LOSE THAT PRECIOUS RAIN WATER! 

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)

 

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 p.m. on Thursday at the Big Bend Church, just north of the post office.

 

SATURDAY COMMUNITY MARKET 

Come see us at the Saturday Community Market, open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Located at the Community Garden in the Ghost Town, we're here every Saturday with happy vendors offering an array of locally produced goods and other items.  You'll also be able to enjoy our fabulous local mobile library and portable free ‘porch’, even consult with Dr. Gigabyte if you have a computer problem.

Local art, handcrafted textile goods, fresh eggs, sour dough bread, all natural lip balms and skin care products, all natural essential oil fragrances, beard oil and massage oils, handcrafted, creative jewelry, resin creations, block printed textiles and vintage goods, both curated and up-cycled, practical and artistic items made of reclaimed steel and more -- you never know just what or who you'll find here.

We welcome new vendors.  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'll be here all summer, in the shade.  This year, we're celebrating the summer season by waiving the set up donation on the last Saturday of each of our summer months.  It's a great way for a creator or new vendor to try out our market.  We typically have a table and chair or two to loan to new vendors.

For more information, text or call 432.213.1863 or pop in to the market for a chat.  Prepared food vendors must display current food handling license.  (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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Ring Huggins, owner of Many Stones, near the entrance to the National Park, died last night (8/17) of COPD.  Ring was a fascinating character who had been a student at Sul Ross during the mid-60’s and spent most of his life in the park area.  There was very little he did not know about Big Bend and he will be mourned by all who knew him. 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Obituary of Alice Wildermuth

Alice & Richard Wildermuth

Alice Blythe (Allison) Wildermuth, 85, of Erie, Illinois and Terlingua, TX, passed away at her home in Erie on August 4, 2025, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born February 9, 1940, in Wilmette, Illinois, to John and Louise (Tiffany) Allison.

Richard A. Wildermuth passed at the age of 87 on March 18, 2021, in El Paso, Texas from complications after a fall near his winter home in Terlingua. He was born to Virgil and Mina (Letherman) Wildermuth on July 26, 1932.

Alice graduated from New Trier High School in Wilmette, Illinois in 1958 and attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where she met Richard. A 1955 graduate of the Missouri School of Mines at Rolla, he was pursuing a Masters in Industrial Engineering. They were united in marriage on February 4, 1961, in Wilmette.

Alice worked in the insurance and travel industries, and Richard was an industrial engineer for manufacturers including Bell and Howell, Hyster, and McLaughlin before becoming a full-time farmer near Erie. Both were volunteer Whiteside County 4-H leaders, and Alice was active in Home Extension and assisted youth groups at Erie United Methodist Church. In retirement, they split their time between the farm in Erie and their daughter's home in Terlingua, Texas on the edge of Big Bend National Park. There, they enjoyed volunteering for the Terlingua Recycles program and the South Brewster County Library Project, and hiking or "porch picnicking" with many dear friends.

They are survived by their son, John Wildermuth of Port Byron; daughters, Ann Wildermuth of Terlingua, TX, Marilyn (Art) Granzeier of Pittsburgh, PA, and Arlene Williams of Warren, PA; sisters, Cindy Wildermuth of East Moline and Mary Wildermuth of Muscatine IA; sister-in-law, Sheila Wildermuth of Hampton; nephew, Randy (Melinda) Wildermuth of Port Byron; and niece, Darcy (Andrew) Carter of Tauranga, New Zealand. Their grandchildren are Amy Scott Williams (Oscar Murillo) of Williamsburg, VA, Towodi Williams of Warren, PA, Art (Melani) Granzeier of Lower Burrell, PA, Kenneth (Shay) Granzeier of Hookstown, PA, Sean (Mattie) Granzeier of Canyon Lake, TX, Scott (Niccole) Granzeier of Georgetown, PA, Jeffrey Granzeier of Pittsburgh, PA, Paul (Lakiya) Granzeier of Allison Park, PA, Katie (Reid) Granzeier of Peters Township, PA, Stephen (Molly) Granzeier of Resort, TX, and Peter (Ashley) Granzeier of Cleveland, OH. They also leave 19 great-grandchildren.

They were preceded in death by their parents; brother, Peter Wildermuth; and son-in-law, Al Williams.

Per their wishes there were no services, as they wanted everyone to remember them as they last met. In lieu of flowers or travel expenses, memorial contributions may be made to the Big Bend Citizens' Alliance (https://bigbendcitizensalliance.org/) or your favorite NPR or PBS station.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Loren and Tara Gabriel of Erie, Tim and Julie McKenna of Terlingua, and the entire team at Beacon of Hope Hospice.

 

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Thank you, Terlingua! ๐ŸŒž

 



 

Masks that can be decorated from Fort Collins Museum of Art to help raise money for Alpine Public Library:


 


A blue and white poster with a person and a picture of a canyon

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

A poster of a pet clinic

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

A sign outside of a store

AI-generated content may be incorrect.


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