Good morning, El Paso. It’s Wednesday, and we are halfway through the week, but this cold weather is absolutely brutal. Let’s keep pushing through!

In today’s Border City Buzz:

• Warming Stations & School Delays

• Something Fun Is Coming Soon

• Free Tax Prep For El Pasoans

Let’s get to it.

Around Town

Warming Stations & School Delays ❄️

The weather is taking a chilly turn, and El Paso has your back with warming centers ready to save the day (and your toes)!

The City and Office of Emergency Management are rolling out the cozy carpet at local libraries and rec centers for anyone needing a warm spot. The warming stations are as follows:

Recreation Centers:

• Nations Tobin (8831 Railroad)

• Marty Robbins (11600 Vista Del Sol)

• Valle Bajo (7380 Alameda)

• Galatzan (650 Wallenberg)

The centers schedules will be Mon.-Thurs: 9 A.M. to 8 P.M., Friday-Saturday: 9 A.M. to 2 P.M, Sunday: Closed):

Library Locations:

• Jose Cisneros/Cielo Vista (1300 Hawkins)

• Richard Burges (9600 Dyer Ste. C)

• Memorial Park (3200 Copper)

• Sergio Troncoso (9321 Alameda)

• Clardy Fox (5515 Robert Alva)

• Esperanza Moreno (12480 Pebble Hills)

• Armijo Library (620 E. 7th)

• Westside (125 Belvidere)

• Irving Schwartz (1865 Dean Martin)

• Dorris Van Doren (551 Redd)

• Judge Marquez (610 N. Yarbrough)

These libraries are open Monday from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M., Tuesday through Thursday from 10 A.M. to 7 P.M., Friday from 1 P.M. to 6 P.M., Saturday from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M., and are closed on Sunday.

County Warming Centers:

• Agua Dulce Community Center, Ilumina Library: 15371 Kentwood Ave, Horizon City, TX 79928

• Fabens Community Center: 201 NW Camp St, Fabens, TX 79838

• Canutillo Community Center: 7351 Bosque Rd, Canutillo, TX 79835

The warming centers will operate through Friday, January 24, from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M.

School Delays

El Paso ISD Update: Schools and offices will operate on a regular schedule on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. All activities will resume as usual.

Gadsden Independent School District: Schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, to protect students from frigid early morning temperatures.

Free Tax Prep For El Pasoans 💰

Tax season is looming, but here’s some good news: the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is here to save your wallet (and your sanity).

If you’re eligible based on income, age, or disability, you can get your taxes done for free. That’s right—free.

Last year, VITA helped Borderland residents file 13,450 returns, saving over $2.4 million in tax prep fees. That’s a lot of tacos—or whatever brings you joy.

GECU is leading the charge again this year, training IRS-certified volunteers to start filing on January 27.

Ready to keep your hard-earned cash? Head to freetaxeselpaso.org for locations and what to bring. Let’s make tax season less taxing, shall we?

Hikers Rescued In Organ Mountains 🗻

Two hikers who lost their way in the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces were safely rescued early Monday morning, January 20.

The Las Cruces Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team, along with several other rescue groups, sprang into action Sunday night after the hikers became disoriented in the Dripping Springs area.

Rescue crews worked tirelessly through dropping temperatures, locating the hikers and guiding them safely off the trail.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported. The mission wrapped up just before 3 A.M., thanks to the combined efforts of multiple agencies.

Things To Do

Let’s Get, Yarning? 🧵

Yarn-A-Holics Peer Support Group – Emergence Health Network Veterans One Stop Center

📅 Date: Every Wednesday
🕔 Time: 5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. MST
📍 Location: 10737 Gateway Blvd W, #350, El Paso, TX 79935

Join the Yarn-A-Holics Peer Support Group to learn crochet skills like making blankets, hats, scarves, and toys while enjoying the stress-relieving and cognitive benefits of crafting.

Facilitated by a dedicated MVPN Volunteer, this group offers a creative outlet and meaningful connections.

For questions, contact:

• Sheila Anthony: (915) 319-3811 | [email protected]

• Natalie Whitaker: (915) 478-4147 | [email protected]

Something For The Littles

Desert Bloomers – La Nube

📅 Date: Every Wednesday
🕗 Time: 8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.
📍 Location: La Nube, El Paso (201 W Main Dr, El Paso, TX 79901)

Desert Bloomers is a special program for children ages 0-3 and their families. Enjoy a calm and engaging environment designed to support early development. Exclusive access to zones like Desert Bloom and Fly High ensures a tailored experience.

💲 Pricing:

• Members: $7 per person

• Non-Members: $9 per person (+$11 for museum access past 10 A.M.)

Caregiver participation is required. Make lasting memories with your little ones every Wednesday morning!

Local Business

Beauty School Giveaway 💈

El Paso Beauty Barber Academy (EBBA) is hosting its Grand Opening on Saturday, January 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5907 Brook Hollow Drive, El Paso, TX 79925.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony, supported by the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, will take place at 12 p.m. EBBA is offering a free tuition scholarship, with the winner announced during the event (contact the academy by January 24 to enter).

Attendees can tour the facilities, meet instructors, and learn about programs in beauty, barbering, and esthetics. Don’t miss this chance to explore career opportunities in the beauty industry!

Major Layoffs Incoming 🚙

Tenneco, a global auto parts manufacturer with a plant in East El Paso, will lay off 140 workers on February 15, 2025, as part of a restructuring plan.

The company stated the changes aim to better align operations with future business needs. To assist affected employees, Tenneco is partnering with Texas Workforce Solutions Borderplex to provide skills training and job placement support.

The El Paso factory, in operation for 28 years, produces parts for automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors. While the layoffs are unfortunate, Tenneco is committed to helping its employees transition to new opportunities.

Something Fun Is Coming Soon 😁

Gamescape by Cinemark is bringing the ultimate fun zone to Eastlake Market Place in early 2025, and El Paso is about to level up its entertainment game!

Imagine bowling strikes, zapping friends in laser tag, tackling ropes courses, or just showing off your arcade skills—all under one roof. And if breaking a sweat isn’t your style, cozy up in one of their seven theaters or hit the bar for a well-earned drink.

Think of it as your one-stop-shop for family outings, birthday bashes, or just avoiding boredom. Construction’s still underway, but excitement’s already sky-high.

Job seekers can apply for positions at Gamescape by visiting the on-site trailer at 13361 Gateway West Blvd., El Paso, TX, 79928.

Weather

Wednesday

⬆️ 51 ⬇️ 25 | ⛅ | 0% chance of rain

Thursday

⬆️ 47 ⬇️ 21 | ☀️ | 0% chance of rain

Friday

⬆️ 51 ⬇️ 30 | 🌤️ | 1% chance of rain

Live Music & Entertainment

Wednesday

• Julien-K - RockHouse Bar & Grill - 9828 Montana Ave. El Paso - 6:30 P.M. - 10:30 P.M.

• Steven Farmer - NEEP Collective - 8144 Dyer St Suite A El Paso - 8:00 P.M. - 12:00 A.M.

• Country Dance Lessons - The Stagecoach (Texas Stagecoach Saloon) - 10416 Dyer St. El Paso - 8:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.

Thursday

• Lex Luna - Coco Miel Bar - 1515 Lee Trevino Dr. El Paso - 10:00 P.M. - 1:00 A.M.

• Jez - 1922 - 502 N Oregon St. Suite B, El Paso - 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

• Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More - St. Rogers Depot - 420 N Campbell St. El Paso - 5:30 P.M. - 6:45 P.M. (tickets)

• Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay - St. Rogers Depot - 420 N Campbell St. El Paso - 7:30 P.M. - 8:45 P.M. (tickets)

Thank YOU!

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