Community - Organ Mountain News

A blurred view of a Christmas tree and strands of holiday lights glowing against the night sky.

Things to do in Las Cruces this weekend

Here are things to do in Las Cruces this weekend, including concerts, art exhibits, wellness programs and standout holiday light displays, with dates, times and locations.

A close-up of a trumpet being played during a live performance, with the musician’s hands on the valves and warm stage lighting reflecting off the brass instrument.

Events

Jazz and blues group lines up three holiday events in Las Cruces

The Mesilla Valley Jazz and Blues Society is hosting three jazz and blues events in Las Cruces this month, including free holiday performances and a community jazz jam.

Exterior of Casa de Peregrinos in Las Cruces, with people lined up outside the food pantry and a small outdoor gathering under a red canopy near the entrance.

Philanthropy

Casa de Peregrinos receives $50K Thornburg Foundation challenge grant

Casa de Peregrinos has received a $50,000 challenge grant from the Thornburg Foundation and is urging the community to match it as food assistance needs continue to grow.

Split image shows the book cover for The Devil Is a Southpaw and a portrait of a man wearing glasses and a dark denim jacket at a library event.

NMSU

NMSU professor publishes sixth novel, 'The Devil is a Southpaw'

New Mexico State University creative-writing professor Brandon Hobson has released his sixth novel, The Devil Is a Southpaw. Set in a 1988 Oklahoma juvenile detention center, the “novel within a novel” examines trauma, art, envy and redemption through the eyes of an unreliable narrator.

A small, house-shaped Christmas ornament hangs on a tree branch surrounded by multicolored holiday lights.

Guest Column

What our Christmas ornaments remember for us

A guest column reflecting on the history and personal meaning behind holiday ornaments and the memories they carry across generation. Gabriella Brillante Organ Mountain News publishes guest columns from community members as a way to highlight personal stories and perspectives that help shape life in southern New Mexico. This essay

Community

Project Jupiter donates $50K to Casa de Peregrinos during Sunland Park pop-up pantry

Project Jupiter donated $50,000 to Casa de Peregrinos, supporting a Dec. 5 pop-up pantry in Sunland Park as food insecurity increases across Doña Ana County

Hands play the keys of a Yamaha piano in a close-up view, with motion blur capturing movement across the keyboard.

Events

DACC to host free concert featuring world premiere of new works

Doña Ana Community College will present a free concert featuring the world premiere of two newly commissioned musical works on Dec. 5.

A baby with blond hair sits in a gray car seat holding a green blanket and a pacifier while looking toward the camera.

Public Safety

Free car seat fitting station offered Thursday in Las Cruces

A free car seat fitting station will be held Thursday at Sisbarro Buick-GMC in Las Cruces with certified technicians offering inspections, safety guidance and limited replacement seats.

A group of children play a casual game of hockey on an indoor ice rink, with people watching from behind the barrier under warm string lights.

Community

Doña Ana County ice skating rink now open for winter season

Doña Ana County’s new indoor ice skating rink is now open at the County Fairgrounds and will remain in operation through Feb. 19, with varying hours and an online schedule.