Terlingua Moon
Volume 36, Number 34
August 26, 2025 by Abejita Chiquitita
AUGUST 26 IS NATIONAL DOG DAY!
If you don’t own a dog, at least once, there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life.-- Roger Caras
The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him, and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself, too.-- Samuel Butler
Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.-- Groucho Marx
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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! (We like it easy.) On the web at: theterlinguamoon.blogspot.com. For 36 years, THE source for news in South Brewster County. Updated every Tuesday (sometimes Monday).
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PAISANO POST FROM TERLINGUA SCHOOL
Welcome back returning and new Paisanos and families!
Cross Country Schedule: Sept. 6th in Balmorhea, Sept. 13th in Alpine, Sept. 17th in Marfa, Sept. 24th at home with Ft. Davis, Oct. 2nd Presidio, and District XC Meet in Marfa October 8th. This year we have Coach Aizupitis for high school and Coach Hazlehurst for middle school.
UPCOMING SHOWS & EVENTS
Starlight:
8/26 – Comedy Open Mic
8/27 – Laird & Friends
8/28 – Moses Martinez
8/30 – Bill Palmer
10/11 - Dallas Burrow
Boathouse:
Open Mic Hosted by Rory Hancock every Wednesday night! 8- 11 pm
Behind the Store:
8/30 – Last Minute Low Budget Productions presents – Comedy Roast Battle!
Doors at 8, Show at 8:30, $5 Cover
BIG BEND CITIZENS ALLIANCE
The BBCA will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 27th at the Red Pattillo Community Center, 201 Rex Ivey Rd, Study Butte. Join us for snacks at 5:30 PM, and the meeting will begin at 6:00 PM. We are a 501(c)(3) public charity supporting the Canyon View Community Park, Terlingua Cares, Terlingua Community Garden, Terlingua Recycles, Terlingua Visual Arts, Voices From Both Sides, Terlingua Dark Sky Alliance, and the South County Library Project. All are welcome to attend this public meeting. For more information, agenda, & minutes, please email secretary.bbca@gmail.com or text 432-244-7656.
CHISOS BASIN TO REMAIN OPEN FOR WINTER 2025 SEASON
Construction projects to begin May 1, 2026
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TX – Park officials have announced that the Chisos Basin area of the park will remain open this year throughout the park’s busy winter months. Construction projects in the Basin to replace the Chisos Mountains Lodge and the entire water distribution system will have a revised start date of May 1, 2026. The beginning of May generally marks the start of Big Bend’s hot season, and visitation to the park traditionally begins to greatly decrease at that time.
Facilities that will remain open during the upcoming fall, winter, and early spring include the Chisos Basin visitor center, Chisos Basin campground, and the entire Chisos Mountains trail system. The park’s concessioner, Casa Grande Hospitality, LLC, subsidiary of Aramark, will continue to offer visitor services in the Basin such as food services and the camper store. Lodging options will also reopen in the Basin and visitors should check directly with Casa Grande Hospitality, LLC, subsidiary of Aramark, for availability of these amenities by visiting their website at www.chisosmountainslodge.com. Reservations for campsites should be made at www.recreation.gov.
Next summer, thanks to funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund, construction work on significant improvements to the Chisos Basin area of the park is expected to begin on May 1, 2026, and continue for approximately two years. As work begins, the Chisos Basin area will be closed to visitor entry. This includes the Basin Road, lodging units, Basin Campground, restaurant, NPS visitor center, camper store, and trails within the Basin area. This work will ONLY affect the Chisos Basin area of Big Bend National Park. As major components are completed, park managers will assess which areas can be safely reopened to regular public access.
During the work in the Chisos Basin, Big Bend National Park will remain OPEN year-round with over 800,000 acres of canyons, desert, historic sites, diverse wildlife, scenic drives, backcountry roads, and over 150 miles of hiking trails for visitors from around the world to enjoy.
Information is regularly updated at:
SATURDAY COMMUNITY MARKET, AUGUST 30, SET-UP DONATION WAIVED
August is already coming to an end, with September soon to arrive. We'll be waiving set up fees Saturday, August 30, so come set up and sell or come see what delightful things you can find or interesting people you may meet. Our Saturday Community Market is open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, here in the Ghost Town at the Community Garden.
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 upcycled, 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 welcome. After all, reusing and up-cycling already existing items is smart and green.
We'll be here all summer, in the shade. This year, we're celebrating the summer season by waiving the $10 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 at 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.
THE BIG BEND MOBILE LIBRARY
To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life. – W. Somerset Maugham
>Hours: Thursday August 28th 3:00pm-6:00pm Canyon View Community Park(next to the Terlingua school), and Saturday August 30th 10am-3pm Community Garden in Terlingua Ghost Town.
>Next Library Meeting: Thursday August 28th 5pm at the mobile library trailer at Canyon View Community Park. Are you interested in helping our library grow? All are welcome!
>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: Come fold with us on Saturdays at the Library. Learn the art of paper folding and meet new friends!
>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 @BigBendPublicLibrary on Facebook and Instagram for more updates!
WORKERS OVER BILLIONAIRES TRI-COUNTY LABOR DAY RALLY
September 1, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 103 State Street, Fort Davis (in front of Jeff Davis County Democratic Party Headquarters.) Parking is available in the library parking lot and along the street. Please bring your own home-made sign covering what’s most important to you. Celebrate American Workers!
TERLINGUA FIRE AND EMS FUNDRAISING APPEAL
From Donnie Daniels:
As you know, Terlingua Fire and EMS is the only fire department and emergency response team in all of South Brewster County. They work very hard in some of the worst conditions and environments. They are constantly training to stay prepared for whatever comes their way. They do this on a very small budget. Last year’s event raised $13,000 thanks to the support from our community and local and statewide businesses.
I am writing to request a monetary donation or any kind of support that you can provide. Any amount, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in our efforts. We also welcome non-monetary donations. They can be silent and live auction items. Examples: art, furniture, jewelry, gift certificates, etc. To express our gratitude for your generosity, we would be pleased to acknowledge you and or your company on the event page and social media platforms, unless you prefer to stay anonymous. For larger monetary contributions, your logo will be added on the event shirts, flyers, brochures and banners.
We have a four tier sponsorship this year:
Gold Sponsor - $1500 - This will get you a large logo on the shirt, reserved table of your choice during the ball and a $100 bar tab.
Silver Sponsor - $1000 - This will get you a large logo on the shirt and a $50 bar tab.
Bronze Sponsor - $500 - This will get you a small logo on the shirt
Honorable Mention - $100 - This will get your company name on the shirt.
At all of the sponsorship levels, we will distribute your advertising merch (provided by the sponsor) at the event.
I kindly request that you take a moment to consider the cause and the impact that your support can make. Your contribution will not only benefit Terlingua Fire and EMS, but also the entire South Brewster County from Lajitas to the national park to Terlingua Ranch to Study Butte to the Ghost Town. You can contact me (Donnie Daniels) directly at 936.827.2557.
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 may still be needed:
--Funds to subsidize the services
Thank you, High Sierra Bar and Grill, for the fundraising!
--Lodging for about 11
--Meals for 18 to 20 people
--Help to bring kennels and supplies from Alpine to Terlingua and back.
--Ice, water, and cold drinks
--Help with advertising (hang flyers in local businesses)
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.
If you, a friend, neighbor, or coworker, need assistance with veterinary services, please call Alpine Humane Society at 432-837-2532.
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
[See last week’s Moon email for more Info and submission form]
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.
See last week’s Moon for 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 432-386-0640 or 432-364-2816.
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.
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.
TAQUERIA EL MILAGRO
Happy Labor Day weekend. Come see us for street tacos, steaks and huge side dishes from authentic Mexican recipes. All in a great setting. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 3 pm until 9 pm. 432 371-2060 for takeout via our drive through window. BYOB.
ESPRESSO ... Y POCO MAS
Open as usual for the holiday weekend! Serving 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.
LA KIVA
New era coming soon… see y’all this fall.
[Editors’ note: Yeah, that’s all they’re tellin’ us! We assume there will be more info soon!]
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK ROAD CLOSURES
Date Posted: 8/20/2025
Due to multiple flooding events in July, the following road closures are in effect until further notice: Hot Springs Rd, Old Ore Rd, River Road West to Glenn Springs Rd, and Black Gap Rd. Old Maverick Road is open, 4x4 is currently needed.
JEFFREY NICHOLAS JOHNSON
April 20, 1982 — August 2, 2025
Jeffrey Nicholas Johnson, 43, of Grand Saline, passed away on August 2, 2025.
He was born on April 20, 1982, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and moved to Texas around the age of nine. Jeff graduated from Red Oak High School and lived in several Texas towns before making his home in Grand Saline in 2020.
On December 11, 2021, he married the love of his life, Sarah. Jeff was known for his kind heart, patience, and selfless nature. He had a quiet strength and was always willing to lend a hand without a single complaint. He truly was the example of a devoted husband and a friend to all who knew him.
One of Jeff’s favorite traditions was hosting his annual birthday crawfish boil, a celebration that brought joy to many and reflected his fun-loving spirit and love for gathering people together.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Connie and Gaylord Fry.
Survivors include his wife, Sarah Marder Johnson of Grand Saline; mother, Nicki Gittemeier and husband Ron of Terlingua; father, Larry Johnson and wife Carol of Sulphur Springs; children, Caden Cox of Fate, Cali Cox of Mesquite, Karlee Williams of Grand Saline, and Jaxson Williams of Grand Saline; sister, Jessica Johnson and husband Joshua of Lindale; grandparents, Jettie Spots of New Caney, and Carl Johnson of Pampa; and numerous other relatives and friends.
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