El Paso, Texas, October 18, 2024 – The El Paso Community College (EPCC) Risk Management Institute successfully hosted its Hands-On Excavation Safety Festival today at the Mission del Paso Campus. The event drew a diverse crowd of industry professionals, emergency responders, and community members, all eager to learn about safe excavation practices and trench safety.

The festival featured a series of live demonstrations that vividly illustrated the dangers associated with excavation work. Attendees witnessed simulations of trench cave-ins, pipeline ruptures, and electrical contact incidents, providing them with a realistic understanding of excavation-related hazards. These demonstrations were complemented by training sessions led by industry experts, focusing on trench safety, emergency response, and hazard identification.

“The goal was to not only to give a learning experience but to give people an opportunity to connect , do some networking, and everyone really seemed to enjoy the festival,” Cecy Maurer, EPCC Risk Management Institute Coordinator, said.

One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity for attendees to greet the pilots of the El Paso Fire Department Fire STAR Air Methods Helicopter, and also engage in hands-on activities and real-time emergency response drills. This practical approach allowed participants to gain valuable experience and confidence in handling excavation-related emergencies.

“It’s been amazing, the community response just shows the support that everyone has for the college, and it’s great for the college to be at the center of such an important event like this, really demonstrating the need for training and safety,” Blayne Primozich, EPCC Associate Vice President of Workforce and Continuing Education, said.

Networking was a key component of the festival, with area utility and pipeline operators, emergency responders, and industry professionals connecting to discuss best practices and innovations in the field. The event also provided information on Texas and New Mexico’s “call before you dig” laws, emphasizing the importance of safety and compliance in excavation projects.

The festival was made possible through the collaboration of several partners, including El Paso Community College, UTEP, OSHA, Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), T & T Staff Management, Inc., El Paso Water Utilities, Lower Valley Water District, El Paso Electric, Texas Gas Service. Generous sponsorship from companies such as Sunstate Equipment, 4-Rivers, United Rentals, Little Big Inch Pipeline Co., Equipment Share, Jordan Foster Construction, ZTEX Construction Inc., Sundt Construction Inc., Union Pacific, and Marathon Petroleum played a crucial role in the event’s success.

The EPCC Risk Management Institute trains an average of 4500 workers per year, and offers free classes on digging safety and many other classes on workplace safety. Find out more at https://www.epcc.edu/Academics/ContinuingEducation/RiskManagementInstitute.

Photos courtesy: Rudy Gutierrez/EPCC.

A helicopter from EPFD STAR Shock Trauma Air Rescue on display

Firefighters carry away a dummy while simulating a rescue of a worker inside a trench during Excavation day Friday at Mission del Paso campus

Karla Lopez, Tejano Jack, Dr. Blayne Primozich, Cecy Maurer and Alexandra Luna

Navi Sanchez, right, and Ivan Gardea, center, both EPCC Electrical Tech students get a demonstration on a DeWALT hand tool from Cesar Macias, representative for DeWALT

El Paso, Texas, October 17, 2024 – El Paso Community College (EPCC) is set to host fun, family-friendly or frightening Halloween events, on or before Halloween, at our campuses in the month of October. All are free, except EPCC Theatre’s Transylvanian Clockworks, Rio Grande’s Ghost Tours & the Fall Festival. All events are open to the public!

Transmountain and Valle Verde scary Halloween events are recommended for older audiences, while Rio Grande’s Ghost Tour might not be for the faint of heart. Mission del Paso, Valle Verde Fall Festival, and Northwest Campus are family friend.

What: EPCC Campus-Wide Halloween Events

Schedule:
Oct. 25 Trunk or Treat, Mission del Paso, 10700 Gateway Blvd East, El Paso, TX 79927, Law Enforcement Academy Parking Lot, 6-9:00 p.m.

Oct. 25 Ghost Tours, Rio Grande Campus, 100 W. Rio Grande Ave, El Paso, TX 79902, Little Temple, Tours: 6,7,8,9,10 & 11:00 p.m.

*Oct. 25 Hall-O-Horrors III, Valle Verde Campus, 919 Hunter Drive, El Paso, Tx 79915, Building A, Rm A1116-A1121, 6-8:00 p.m.

Oct. 30 Fall Festival, Valle Verde Campus, 919 Hunter Drive, El Paso, Tx 79915, Americana Village, 6-9:00 p.m.

Oct. 31 Spooky Carnival, Northwest Campus, 6701 S. Desert Blvd, Building A, Flexitorium, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

*Oct. 31-Nov. 10 The Transylvanian Clockworks, Transmountain Theatre, 9570 Gateway N. Blvd, El Paso, TX 79924, Times Vary

*Mature audiences

Free flu and COVID shots available
Mobile vaccination unit will be present for legislative hearing

RIO RANCHO –?Did you know virus season is upon us and New Mexicans have opportunities to get a free flu and/or COVID shot? And did you know there are new COVID variants that you can get vaccines for too?

The New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMHealth) mobile vaccination unit will be providing free flu and COVID shots from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 22 at the Rio Rancho Public Schools’ administration building at 500 Laser Rd. NE in Rio Rancho.

The vaccination effort will take place as the department gives an update on respiratory season and illnesses at 1 p.m. that day to members of the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee in the administration building. Lawmakers will be encouraged to take advantage of the mobile unit. The public and members of the media are encouraged to attend the hearing to get the latest on virus season.

“This is a great opportunity for New Mexicans to take advantage of this free service,” said Andrea Romero, Immunization Program Manager for NMHealth. “The mobile unit’s goal is to provide vaccine to uninsured/underinsured adult populations that need access at no cost and reach underserved areas in the state, including rural communities.”

For more information about the unit and the legislative hearing, contact Robert Nott, NMHealth’s Director of Communications, at 505-479-0147.

Anyone who needs help finding a vaccine or has questions about vaccine can call the NMHealth Helpline at 1-833-796-8773 (1-833-SWNURSE).

RSV season is here, time to immunize the most vulnerable

New Mexico Department of Health encourages immunizations

SANTA FE – Respiratory season is among us, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus immunizations are now available for older adults and pregnant people. RSV antibody is available for infants. Infants are particularly vulnerable to RSV during their first year and RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in New Mexico and the United States.

RSV activity typically starts to increase in the fall and peaks around December and January.

“It’s very exciting to have RSV vaccines added to the tools we have to stay healthy during the winter,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth). “Getting immunized now will reduce the chances of having severe disease that could result in hospitalization or death.”

There are two ways to protect infants from RSV:

1. Maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) is recommended to people who are 32-36 weeks pregnant during September-January. Maternal antibodies protect newborns against RSV for approximately 6 months after birth.

2. Infants born during RSV season (October-March) without protection from maternal vaccination should receive RSV antibody (Nirsevimab or Beyfortus) within one week of birth. And babies younger than eight months old whose mother did not get an RSV vaccine during pregnancy should get an RSV antibody. It provides immediate protection against RSV and lasts at least five months.

Nirsevimab is also recommended for children eight-to-19 months old who meet any of the following criteria:

• Born premature with chronic lung disease.
• Severely immunocompromised.
• Severe cystic fibrosis.
• American Indians and Alaskan Natives.

For these high-risk children, Nirsevimab should be administered immediately. Data from the last respiratory season shows that Nirsevimab was 80-90% effective in preventing babies from being hospitalized with RSV. No shortages of Nirsevimab are anticipated this year.

Older New Mexicans are also at high risk of severe RSV. RSV vaccine is recommended for persons 75 years and older and for persons 60 years and older with chronic medical conditions. RSV vaccine for older adults can be given any time and only one dose is currently recommended. If you received an RSV vaccine last year, you do not need to get another one at this time.

RSV vaccines are offered in many locations, including healthcare provider offices, pharmacies and hospitals. NMHealth encourages those with health insurance to contact their healthcare provider or pharmacist about getting immunized against RSV. NMHealth offers vaccinations for people without insurance or who are otherwise not able to get vaccinated.

Nirsevimab is covered by the federal Vaccines for Children program, so all children in New Mexico, regardless of insurance status, can receive it.

Patients can find a location with available RSV vaccine here:

Vaccines.gov – Search for vaccine locations
Vaccines for Children providers in NM
Vaccines for adults without insurance

Anyone who needs help finding a vaccine or has questions about the vaccine can call the NMHealth Help Line at 1-833-796-8773 (1-833-SWNURSE).

El Paso Restaurants to Support El Paso Children’s Hospital Foundation

BEDFORD, Texas (October 14, 2024) – DQ® restaurants in Texas are spreading smiles through a special initiative for Texas kids benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Spoons for Smiles is set for Saturday, October 19 at participating DQ restaurants in Texas and participation is easy.

Fans simply order a Blizzard® Treat of any size at their favorite DQ restaurant in El Paso and $1 will be donated by Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council to the local member children’s hospital for each Blizzard Treat purchased with up to $50,000 donated.

“Spoons for Smiles is more than just an event—it’s a way to make a lasting impact on the lives of Texas children,” Lou Romanus, CEO of Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “By supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, we’re helping to ensure that kids across Texas receive the care they need. It’s an honor to be part of a community effort that brings joy and hope to so many families.”

The DQ Fall Blizzard Treat menu is available at participating locations for a limited time and includes the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat; French Silk Pie Blizzard Treat; NEW! Caramel Java Chip Blizzard Treat; OREO® Fudge Brownie Blizzard Treat; REESE’S PIECES® Cookie Dough Blizzard Treat; and the Royal NY Cheesecake Blizzard Treat.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in Texas include:
– Hendrick Children’s Hospital (Abilene – Sweetwater)
– Dell Children’s Medical Center (Austin)
– Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation (Amarillo)
– CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Jasper Memorial (Beaumont-Port Arthur)
– Driscoll Children’s Hospital (Corpus Christi)
– Children’s Health (Dallas)
– El Paso Children’s Hospital Foundation (El Paso)
– Cook Children’s Medical Center (Fort Worth)
– Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston)
– UMC Children’s Hospital (Lubbock)
– Medical Center Health System Foundation (Odessa-Midland)
– Shannon Medical Center (San Angelo)
– CHRISTUS Children’s (San Antonio)
– CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System (Tyler-Longview)
– Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center (Waco-Temple-Bryan)
– United Regional Health Care System (Wichita Falls)

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals serve kids and their families across Texas including Nolan and his family who turned to CHRISTUS Children’s in San Antonio when Nolan’s mom noticed something strange in his eye during playtime. By the end of the week, Nolan was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a form of cancer that develops in the retina. To remove the tumor in its entirety, Nolan’s left eye was surgically removed and immediately following the surgery, an orbital implant was placed to keep Nolan’s eye muscles in shape while he healed. Eight weeks after surgery, Nolan was fitted for a prosthetic eye, his “superhero eye”, as he likes to call it.

Today, Nolan loves reading and hanging out with his little brother. He enjoys playing baseball, doing karate and is still partial to superheroes. Although Nolan is cancer-free, he enjoys going to his six-month check-ups at the “big hospital” and seeing his friends in the Child Life Zone.

For more than 75 years, Texans have been drawn to DQ restaurants for the delicious frozen treats and the unique, Texas-centric food menu featuring food items that can’t be enjoyed anywhere outside of Texas. There’s the Dude® CLASSIC Chick’n Fried Steak Sandwich and the Hungr-Buster, the BeltBuster® with two quarter-pound patties, and the truly awesome Triple-Buster®.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries, including the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas.

For more information about the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council, visit dqtexas.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was founded more than 40 years ago with the vision to Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future. The organization has raised over $8.5 billion for 170 children’s hospitals by empowering and engaging with local communities and businesses. All donations benefit local member hospitals to fund what’s needed most, like critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids’ and families’ minds at ease during difficult hospital stays, and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services.

Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and your local member children’s hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.

El Paso, TX – October 2024 – Nylia Ballet Company is excited to announce auditions for their performance of the timeless ballet Swan Lake, premiering in February 2025. Dancers of all levels are encouraged to audition for roles in this highly anticipated production, as well as for positions in the Company’s Youth and Adult Companies.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Nylia Ballet Academy, located at
13340 Soleen Rd. Suite D, El Paso, TX.

Audition Schedule:

• Youth Auditions (ages 18 and under): 10:00 to 11:30 AM (Mandatory parent meeting: 12:00 to 12:30 PM)
• Youth Company Auditions: 10:00 AM
• Adult Auditions for Swan Lake:
-Beginners: 12:00 to 12:30 PM
-Intermediate and Advanced: 12:30 to 1:30 PM
• Adult Company Auditions:
-Beginners: 12:00 to 12:30 PM
-Intermediate and Advanced: 12:30 to 1:30 PM

The audition fee is $15, with an additional $10 company audition fee for those interested in joining the Company.

Becoming a Company member includes perks such as guaranteed roles in productions, professional training, competition opportunities, marketing photoshoots, and tuition discounts.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make your mark in El Paso’s dance community and perform on stage with the Nylia Ballet Company!

Dancers are invited to express their enthusiasm and dedication to the art form. Femaleidentifying dancers should wear a black leotard and style their hair in a neat bun, while maleidentifying dancers are requested to wear a black shirt.

For more information, please email info@nyliaballetacademy.com or send a direct message on
Instagram at @nyliaballetacademy.

What: The New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium at the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo will be temporarily closed for repairs starting Tuesday, October 15th. The repairs are expected to last four weeks and will improve plumbing systems throughout the building. All other museum grounds including the Main Museum building and exhibits, the Daisy Track, and the Air and Space Park and Playground will be available and operating during normally scheduled hours during this time.

Where: New Horizons Theater on the campus of the New Mexico Museum of Space History, Alamogordo.

When: Starting Tuesday, October 15, 2024 and lasting approximately 4 weeks.

Why: To improve plumbing systems throughout the building.

https://www.nmspacemuseum.org

El Paso County Breaks Ground on New Basketball Court at Risinger Park in Collaboration with Fabens Neighborhood Association

EL PASO, TX — El Paso County, in partnership with the Fabens Neighborhood Association, is pleased to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for a new full-sized basketball court at Risinger Park. The event will occur on Wednesday, October 9, at 12:30 p.m. at Risinger Park, located at 301 Grace St., Fabens, Texas.

The new basketball court is part of an ongoing effort to provide recreational opportunities for the Fabens community. The county’s Neighborhood Improvement Program will fund it.

The ceremony will coincide with a daytime community meeting at 12:30 p.m. at Risinger Park, where community members can learn more about the project and participate in other community-oriented discussions. A second community meeting will be held later that evening at 6:00 p.m. at the Rio Valle Woman’s Club, located at 521 Mike Maros St., Fabens, Texas, to provide additional opportunities for engagement and feedback.

For more information, please contact Rosa Cortez, the Fabens Neighborhood Association Vice President, at (915)-318-1646.

“Children of all ages and abilities should be able to enjoy their neighborhood park,” said El Paso County Commissioner Iliana Holguin. “Risinger Park is a very important part of the Fabens community, and the County wants to make sure that all children can enjoy not only the new all-abilities park but also play on a new modern full-size basketball court.”

Inauguración de la exhibición de arte
“Bruses of creativity”

En el marco de la Semana Binacional de Salud, el Consulado General de México en El Paso y Beautiful Minds MALI se complacen en presentar la exhibición artística “Brushes of Creativity”, un evento único que celebra el talento de niños y jóvenes con habilidades especiales. La inauguración tendrá lugar el jueves 10 de octubre a las 6:00 pm en las instalaciones del Consulado General de México en El Paso (910 E. San Antonio Ave., El Paso, TX 79901).

Esta exhibición destaca el poder transformador del arte como una herramienta de inclusión y empoderamiento. Cada obra expuesta es un reflejo de la creatividad, imaginación y visión única de sus creadores, demostrando que el talento no tiene barreras.

¡Te esperamos para ser parte de esta inspiradora celebración del arte y la diversidad!

Public health offices will observe Indigenous People’s Day  

NMHealth Helpline available during holiday

SANTA FE –State public health offices and administrative offices will be closed Monday, Oct. 14 in observance of Indigenous People’s Day.

All New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) offices will reopen as regularly scheduled Tuesday, Oct. 15.

The NMHealth Helpline, 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) will be available during regular business hours through the holiday weekend: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Helpline is staffed by nurses for health questions, health care connections and provider support.

EL PASO, Texas – University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) invites the community to participate in the annual “Better Health 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk” on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the UMC East Clinic, 1521 Joe Battle Blvd.

The 5K Run, 1Mile Walk will begin at 8 a.m. and offer a Kids Dash before the race.

Representatives from various organizations throughout the community will be on-site to provide health screenings, flu vaccines and information about available resources, such as UMC’s Mammogram Initiative for October.

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, proceeds from the event will benefit UMC’s Sobreviviendo/Surviving Cancer program, which helps cancer patients who are at risk of failing to adhere to their treatment plan because of financial difficulty, to receive on-going counseling and crisis intervention to overcome psychological and financial difficulties.

Registration and additional information for the UMC Better Health 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk and Kids Dash can be found here: UMC Better Health 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk (runsignup.com)

El Paso, Texas October 5, 2024– The Down Syndrome Coalition for El Paso (DSCEP), in partnership with El Paso Community College (EPCC) held its 14th annual Buddy Walk. The event was held at the EPCC Valle Verde Campus Americana Village. The walk raised funds for the DSCEP, the EPCC Buddy Walk Scholarship for students with disabilities and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).

Approximately 700 participated in the one-mile fun walk that circled the beautiful EPCC Valle Verde campus. Activities included entertainment, food trucks and information tables. All individuals with Down syndrome and children in attendance received a Buddy Walk medal.

The DSCEP Buddy Walk is one of 250 walks nationally. October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Down syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that occurs once in every 700 births in the United States. NDSS is the national advocate for the acceptance and the inclusion of people with Down syndrome as valued members of the community.

Cheerleaders Banner

Dominguez Family

Kid Bus Costume

Mariachis TJ

EPCC’s Mission del Paso Campus to Host Grocery Pick-Up

El Paso, Texas, October 1, 2024 – El Paso Community College (EPCC) & El Pasoans Fighting Hunger will host a Grocery Pick-Up event on Friday, October 4, 2024, at the EPCC Mission del Paso Campus Horseshoe in the center of campus, and is free to students, staff, faculty, and community!

This event is aimed at providing fresh produce and a variety of food options to EPCC students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. This initiative is made possible through a partnership with El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, EPCC Campus Life and the EPCC Student Government Association.

What: EPCC & El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Grocery Pick-Up
Where: EPCC Mission del Paso Campus, 10700 Gateway Blvd East, El Paso, TX 79927 (Horseshoe, Middle of the Mission del Paso Campus)
When: Friday, October 4, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Who: EPCC & El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, for EPCC students, faculty, staff, and community. Info: (915) 831-7045