Good morning, El Paso. Valentine’s day is coming up and we have some awesome things for you to do, with or without a lover, leading up to the date.

In today’s Border City Buzz:

• “Quit Bugging Me” Event

• Valentine’s Selfie & Candy

• Book Club For Adults

Let’s get to it.

But before, would you mind answering this question for me. It will help me to improve the newsletter so I’m always giving you the best!

Around Town

Is Anyone “Bugging” You? 🪳

Got someone who’s been driving you up the wall? The El Paso Zoo & Botanical Gardens is once again taking names—literally—for their annual "Quit Bugging Me" event! Whether it’s an ex, your boss, or that one neighbor who mows their lawn at 6 A.M., you can submit their name and watch a Madagascar hissing cockroach get fed to the meerkats in their honor.

Donations aren’t required, but they help support wildlife conservation, animal enrichment, and professional development for zoo staff. You can submit a name here, but hurry; the deadline to submit a name is February 13th.

Local Nonprofit Gives Books To Kids 📚

A local nonprofit is making sure kids in El Paso have access to books—without spending a dime. Books Are GEMS, located at 7744 North Loop, Suite B, provides free books to children from toddlers to high schoolers. Each child can take home one new book and six gently used ones to encourage literacy and foster a love for reading.

Parents can also pick up books on behalf of their kids, making it easier for families to access reading materials. The organization also hosts Saturday Story Time at 11:30 A.M., where the first 50 families receive an additional free book.

Books Are GEMS operates Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from Noon to 6 P.M., and Saturdays from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. They also accept book donations during designated hours.

The nonprofit serves El Paso, Southern New Mexico, and Fort Bliss communities, working to increase literacy rates and make books accessible to all. Those interested in supporting their mission can donate books or make financial contributions to keep the program running.

First Graders Become Published Authors! 🎒

First graders at Herrera Elementary School have taken their creativity to the next level—by becoming published authors! With the help of teachers Sandie Lenhart, Evelyn Ortiz, and Leslie Rangel, students wrote simple sentences, paired them with illustrations, and turned their work into a real, published book.

The project focused on early literacy skills, helping students master sentence structure, punctuation, and comprehension in a fun, engaging way. Teacher Evelyn Ortiz even partnered with a publishing company to bring their stories to life.

This hands-on approach not only boosted confidence and creativity but also left students with a keepsake that proves their voices matter. Keep going kids!

Things To Do

Valentine’s Selfie & Candy 💘

Looking for a sweet and simple way to celebrate Valentine's Day? Swing by Escamilla’s Fine Art Gallery in San Elizario for a charming Valentine’s photo. Snap a selfie at the Valentine photo area, let the kids get creative making their own valentines, and enjoy some free candy.

Date: February 11 - February 14, 2025
Time: 12:30 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Location: Escamilla’s Fine Art Gallery, San Elizario, TX
Admission: Free

Want A Free Meal For Your Kids? 🥩

Texas Roadhouse at Fort Bliss is making Valentine’s extra special for the little ones with a Kids Night filled with fun and freebies! Enjoy a night out where kids eat FREE with the purchase of an adult entrée, plus exciting activities like face painting, balloon animals, and cookies for the kiddos.

Date: February 11, 2025
Time: 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
Location: Texas Roadhouse, Fort Bliss, TX

Book Club For Adults 📖

Love books? Join fellow readers at Irving Schwartz Public Library for a laid-back, open-format book club. No assigned reading—just bring whatever you’re enjoying and share your thoughts with other book lovers. Whether it’s fiction, nonfiction, or a guilty pleasure, all genres are welcome!

Date: February 11, 2025
Time: 1:00 P.M.
Location: Irving Schwartz Public Library, 1865 Dean Martin Dr., El Paso, TX 79936

Weather

Tuesday

⬆️ 71 ⬇️ 44 | ☀️💨 | 0% chance of rain

Wednesday

⬆️ 62 ⬇️ 40 | 🌤️💨 | 0% chance of rain

Thursday

⬆️ 63 ⬇️ 45 | 🌤️ | 0% chance of rain

Live Music & Entertainment

Tuesday 2/11

• Scotty Austin – RockHouse Bar & Grill – 12:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. (tickets)

• Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele – St. Rogers Depot – 7:30 P.M. - 8:45 P.M. (tickets)

• Night Ritualz – Lowbrow Palace – 8:00 P.M. - 12:00 A.M. (tickets)

• Urban Heat – Lowbrow Palace – 8:00 P.M. - 12:00 A.M. (tickets)

• Open Mic Night – Rosewood Bar – 8:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.

Wednesday 2/12

• Julio Iglesias Jr – Plaza Theatre – 7:00 P.M. (tickets)

• The Jazz Exchange – The Garrison – 7:30 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.

• Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Tango – Havana Bar & Grill – 7:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

Thank YOU!

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