From the Senator's Desk...
July 20, 2006
Senator Shapleigh's notes and observations will keep you updated on what is happening behind the scenes in Austin and El Paso.
Written by Senator Eliot Shapleigh, www.shapleigh.org
Our Mission Valley
Our Mission Valley is home to Texas’ oldest and most historic Missions. El Paso’s Mission Valley dates back to 1682 when Spaniards and the Tiguas came down from New Mexico to settle in the Valley.
Several years ago, we organized a Committee to Save Purisima, the Socorro Mission. In several places the Socorro Mission was in very bad shape. The foundation was crumbling on the northeast corner, the adobe showed serious deterioration.
Working with the Diocese, many volunteers and the Cornerstones Group from New Mexico, we began the hard work of loving restoration. Today, the Mission restoration is nearly finished, with some landscaping left to do.
To support the restoration of our missions, we passed legislation to create the Mission Valley Plates. Here’s a photo that shows how they look!
Pretty amazing, huh!
You can buy one of our Mission Plates by calling TXDOT today. From every plate, $22 will go to save our missions!
Keep the faith!
Tu Senador
Upcoming Events:
Sizzlin’ Saturday Nights Series — The summer series of Saturday-evening outdoor events continues through Aug. 26 at the El Paso Desert Botanical Garden at Keystone Heritage Park, 4200 Doniphan (at Frontera). Gates open at 6:30 p.m.; shows begin at 7 p.m. Sponsored by the Junior League of El Paso. Information: 584-3511 or www.jlep.org. July 22: “Spice It Up a Notch” — cooking, wine and jazz show.
Viva El Paso! — The summertime pageant returns for its 29th season to its original venue at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, through July 29, offering an array of multicolored costumes, electrifying musical production numbers, and legendary characters. The musical chronicles the 400-year history of El Paso and the cultural evolution of the region. Presented by El Paso Association for the Performing Arts and El Paso Convention and Visitors Bureau. Tickets: $15 ($10 military/senior citizens/children).
Tickets available through Ticketmaster: 544-8444 or ticketmaster.com. Information: 534-0600.