Last Day

Sadly, today is my last day as intern here at the McAllen Chamber. I feel so privileged to have had this opportunity this summer- I have learned so much from a great group of people. There were challenges (learning how to run a website), accomplishments (updating the organization guide), and great memories (kayaking the Rio Grande). One of the biggest impressions that the staff here at the Chamber has made on me this summer is how passionate they are about what they do. They are all very hard workers and love their job. McAllen has so many great things happening, and the city is so blessed to have amazing people that help in bringing it all together. It has been a wonderful summer, and I cannot say thank you enough. I will now go back to school for my senior year at Texas A&M (WHOOP!), but you can bet your bottom dollar that I will not miss out on the staff Christmas party where Wally will make his famous fajitas! Take care and God Bless! I will miss you all!

Jeramie

Summer Interns 2009: Jenny and Jeramie

Arts in McAllen

Yesterday and today we had a visit from Jim Bob McMillan, Deputy Director of Texas Commission on the Arts. Greg and I showed off our entertainment district and Quinta Mazatlan- he'd seen neither. We had dinner at El Patio on Guerra, a wonderful new restaurant on 17th Street, and drove him all around the City. He saw our newly unveiled mosaic- or the beginnning of it, at least- on 2nd Street, our historic homes, the new Arts Village in the arts district, and the McAllen Chamber's Creative Incubator, which he hadn't seen since it opened a few years ago. He saw parks and met a few people in our arts community. It was fun showing off McAllen!

KAYAK IN McALLEN

Outside of McAllen on south Ware road Los Caminos del Rio, a none profit organization dedicated to preserve our area 's natuarl resources is 0ffering kayaking on a resaca close to the Rio Grande River. The trip starts at 10:00 a.m. and it takes about 4 hours. The cost is $ 20.00 per person. The trip is ideal to spend time with your family. For more information please




























































































































call (956) 227 2373.

Chamber staffers went kayaking on the Rio Grande River on Tuesday. What a blast! These kayaking trips are offered by Los Caminos Del Rio, a non-profit dedicated to heritage, culture, and preservation in the Rio Grande Valley on both sides of the River. We learned how to paddle, how to get back up after tipping over and how to steer. Most of us did all three. The Rio Grande, just below the Anzalduas dam actually has level two rapids with lots of white water. The fishing is great there too. Just another reason to come to McAllen and have fun while you are here. Give us a call and I'll be happy to set this up for you.

"Kayaking the Rio Grande"

Our day began at 7:30 a.m. as everyone gathered at the Chamber to embark on our journey to the river. As soon as we got to our destination, I noticed the water looked rougher than I had ever seen. I started to have second thoughts about participating in this outdoor adventure but quickly pushed those thoughts out of my mind. The guides gave us a quick lesson on paddling and the meaning of the different signals to give them while out on the water. Part of the experience of kayaking is that you get to carry your own kayak down to the water...not very happy with this part of it!

After about five minutes in the water we had our first victim. In the water she went jeans and all!! Luckily for her, she was teamed up with the Chamber President....he helped her get back into the kayak in no time. Several other staff members experienced taking a dip in the river as well. The only thoughts running through my head were ...you gotta stay dry....and you gotta stay in the kayak. I think we did pretty good! We had a wonderful time as a team and I can't wait for the next outdoor adventure!

Kayaking in McAllen is awesome!

You have to try it!!

Texas Association for Mexican American Chambers of Commerce Convention Starts Today in McAllen!

TAMACC 2009 Annual Convention arrives in McAllen, "The City of Palms".

Around 400 delegates, exhibitors, and sponsors are in McAllen to witness a magical thing; a brand new state of the art convention center and wonderful shops and restaurants surrounding it.

The convention begins Thursday, July 30 and ends August 2.

McAllen hosted this convention nine years ago and it was a complete success!

The McAllen Area Chamber of Commerce is very glad to be hosting this historic convention.

"I believe all the attendeess that either flew in or drove in will be pleasantly surprised at McAllen's New Convention Center, the variety of restaurants, and the nightlife of "17th Street", states Ernesto Arredondo, Director of Sales for the McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau (a division of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce)

"McAllen is truly blessed to have this wonderful convention in McAllen!"

Take the bus to McAllen from the Monterrey airport

Last Sunday I went to the airport to pick up my son and I saw the booth to sale tickets for taxi and for Senda bus to travel to McAllen, you can deal at the airport, arriving at Monterrey and the buses depart every hour. This is a good opportunity for travelers arriving from all Mexico whom wish to travel to McAllen to do shopping.

Mis Ultimos Dias en McAllen

Creo que la McAllen es una de las ciudades mas hermosas en las que he estado y su clima increible. La gente aqui es tan amable y siempre tiene una sonrisa en su cara. McAllen es de las pocas ciudades que son cosmopolitas, todo aqui ha cambiado desde que llegue. Todo se ha levantado y modernizado, es simplemente una ciudad hermosa. La voy a extrañar.

Main Street History - Part 2

I'm glad you decided to join me as I continue my search for Historic Markers along Main Street. My next two finds are in the 300 block of S. Main (Main & Chicago) and are conveniently located across the street from one another. My first find is the La Placita Building. Built in the style of Spanish colonial revival, this structure sports a Baroque front piece around the door, corbelled cornices and the familiar red-tile roof. La Placita wasn't always La Placita. It was built in 1935 and dedicated in January, 1936 as the sixth location of the McAllen Post Office (est. 1907). It served as a postal facility until 1956. Since 1957 the building has been home to a number of offices, including Federal and City. In June of 2008, the McAllen Heritage Center Museum of History established residency and in March of this year, celebrated their Grand Opening. The museum, open from Tues. - Fri. 1-5 pm and Sat. 11 am - 4 pm, serves as a place to preserve, and exhibit those items that reflect McAllen's unique history and cultures. Admission is free and there is free parking behind the building. For more information, contact Geoffery Alger, Curator at 956-687-1904 or e-mail at mcheritage@att.net.

If you look across the street, you'll see the second historical building. This is the M & J Nelson building, better known to downtown shoppers as the J.C. Penney building. Morris R. Nelson build and owned the 30,999 sq. ft, 3 story building for the use of the J.C. Penney Co. The Art Moderne style building was designed in 1949. The exterior is two-toned brick with a darker brick accenting the corners. Recessed entry doors lead into the interior and a couple of unique finds: Aluminum stair rails and the City's first 13-passenger elevator. There is also a basement, something I'm used to seeing up north (Michigan) but rarely here in south Texas. The building also sported one of the City's earliest Air Conditioning units. Hopefully it never had to contend with the kind of temperatures we've seem lately. The M & J Nelson served then and continues to serve the downtown area as an architectural and commercial anchor for McAllen growth and development. Meet me next week at the south end of Main Street, as I wrap up the History All Along Main.

Congrats to Ruben Hinojosa Elementary Chess Team!

Wow!

Congratulations to Sharyland's Ruben Hinojosa Elementary Chess Team as they won 2nd place at the Super National's Chess Tournament in Nashville, TN.

They had recently won 1st place at the 2009 Texas State Scholastic Chess Championships on March 21& 22 at the New McAllen Convention Center. This was the first time that the Texas State Chess Championships were in the Rio Grande Valley!!

Way to go!!!!!


Ernesto Arredondo
Director of Convention Sales
McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau/Chamber of Commerce

Stay-cation Update!

With McAllen’s 72 small shopping plazas, and the Valley´s best selection of restaurants, nightlife and cultural/arts events, there is a lot of fun to be had in McAllen! Through the Stay-cation package, you and your family can enjoy discounts at multiple hotels, restaurants, and even an action park in McAllen. Go to www.vacationrgv.com and create a vacation from your own backyard!

Where have the Martin Roosts Gone?

My wife Elaine and I cannot figure out why we don't know where any martin roosts are right now in this county. Called a pre-migratory nocturnal roost, this is where Purple Martins seasonally congregate by the tens of thousands on the eve of their flight to South America.

Early mornings over patio coffee we see martins swooping into this south Pharr neighborhood from some elusive roost.

What we need are outposts or spies. We have had no reports from neighbors this year. Longtime neighbor and amigo Jack Cawood decamped to San Antonio, and we retired from 24 enjoyable years of martins when we moved to nearby Pharr.

On cloudless mornings I check Doppler radar for the telltale donut shape at www.srh.noaa.gov, a technique I learned from the Purple Martin Conservation Association.

Last evening Elaine and I drove by previous years' roost sites: the big apartment complex in south McAllen that Cawood's property-management company ran; the nearby Kmart; even Outback Steakhouse, where trees have since been severely pruned back because of the seasonal roosts. Lotsa local publicity Outback received from the martins musta not helped.

An article I once wrote about the big Outback roost for PMCA's magazine might be found here: http://purplemartin.org

FrankBirkhead
Pharr, Texas
Febirkhead@aol.com


Birkhead, 74, of adjacent Pharr is a retired McAllen city official and a Valley resident of 48 years. He was named McAllen Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year in 2006.

Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce

All is ready to welcome to the city of McAllen the Texas Association of Mexican Amercian Chambers of Commerce to be held in McAllen July 30-August1, 2009. The group is full of convention activities to keep all member active all through the 3 days.

Bienvenidos a McAllen!

Teo Rojas
McAllen Chamber.

McAllenStock at the Incubator

Awesome show last night at the Incubator. 5 nationally known bands performed an outdoor concert here that drew over 400 people. The headliner was "Hey Monday" on their "Let's Make A Mess" tour. This band just anounced that they will be heading to the UK as soon as they finish this tour. What a great talent and all this at the Incubator. Rumor has it that M3 Productions is finalizing a deal with the William Morris Agency to bring more big name bands to the Incubator. Keep watching http://www.mcallenart.com/ for up to the minute information as these shows develop.

Summer vacations

The families of Monterrey have been calling Casa McAllen, asking for promotions in hotels and shops, because they tend to travel to McAllen to buy everything they need for summer vacations, as swimsuits, sandals, shorts, shirts, items for the beach. So the business of McAllen will be very busy during this summer season.

Our speaker at my local Rotary club was the General Manager of our local Hockey Team, the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. We've had this AA level hockey team for six years and they have been among the most successful teams in the league in terms of attendance, season ticket holders, group sales etc. The reason for their success, according to Grant Buckborough is that their three main goals, in the order of importance are first, community service, second entertainment, and third hockey. They have raised over 1.2 million dollars for local non-profits while providing terrific entertainment and some darn good hockey too! Last year the Killer Bees were one of the youngest teams in the league and most of their players are returning. We expect to contend for the championship this coming season.

Just another reason to come to McAllen - we have the hockey, arena football, professional baseball and NBA developmental league basketball. So, whatever the season, there is a game in town. Come visit us!

Starry Starry McAllen

The first section of the mosaic "Starry Starry Valley" was unveiled Wednesday morning. Educator Rina Roberts, art teacher for Memorial High School, has been working on this for years, and the first sections are now up at the corner of 2nd Street and Hackberry. She and her students need lots and lots- and lots- of tile to complete the project. If you have any leftover tiles from a decorating project, or broken tiles, please bring them by the Chamber of Commerce building at 1200 Ash Avenue. We'll collect them and deliver them to Ms. Roberts and her hard-working team.
Do go by and view the beginning of the mosaic that's been installed, and then imagine how gorgeous it will look when it's finished. You can also help work on it yourself if you like. Just get in touch with Memorial High School's art department to find out where and when.
This project is being made possible by financial assistance from the McAllen Chamber of Commerce's McAllen Arts Council grants and by Keep McAllen Beautiful, a department of the City. It's just one more way that the City and the Chamber are showing their committment to the arts.

McAllen Chamber Staff will attempt to Kayak the Rio Grande River

Okay....so Steve just announced that the staff will be taking a kayaking trip on Tuesday, July 28th. I am so excited!! Kayaking in McAllen?? Yes, we are the city that has it all!! I love my job, we get to do such fun stuff!! Stay tuned for next week's blog, I will report on who stayed dry and who came back soaked!! I might even include some photos of our courageous staff in action!

Visitas Virtuales en Hoteles de McAllen

La Cámara de Comercio de McAllen ha empezado un nuevo proyecto, se ha dedicado a crear visitas virtuales para los hoteles miembros. Estos visitas virtuales se subirán a la pagina del departamento de Convenciones y Turismo; http://www.mcallencvb.com/. Estos serán útiles para futuras convenciones, de esta manera los planificadores de reuniones podrán escoger su hotel ya teniendo idea de cómo es por dentro.

History All Along Main Street

Last week I was impressed when I found three sites along Bicentennial to spotlight. Imagine my delight when a trek down Main Street yielded 6 sites. This week, I'll highlight two of them. My first find was the First Methodist Church of McAllen, located at 221 N. Main. The building is currently home to the Horizon Montessori Charter School. According to the Tx. Historical Commission, there is a Historical Marker at the site, but I was unable to locate it. The Marker reads: The earliest record of Methodist church activity in the lower Rio Grande Valley dates to 1849. Circuit-riding ministers served an area along the Rio Grande from Brownsville to Roma. In 1909 the Rev. C.W. Godwyn was assigned to serve Methodists in McAllen, and a small frame sanctuary was built that year. It was replaced by a larger structure in 1913. Continued growth in the congregation led to construction of the present facility in 1928. This congregation continues to be an important part of the McAllen community. (1989). Marker or no marker, it is a neat old building, with its mixed colored bricks, red-tile roof and stained-glass windows. If you gently part the bushes on the north side of the entry, you can read the cornerstone that reads: McAllen Methodist Church, Established 1928.

From here, I wandered south to my next find. The Renaissance Casa de Palmas Hotel

at 101 N. Main. The hotel has been described as an "elegant blend of two worlds...Texas Hospitality with a Spanish Accent." The original Casa de Palmas was build in 1918 and its solid bricks, wooden beams, red-tile roof and twin towers became the center of business and and pleasure of the growing community. In 1919, when a hurricane hit the area, the hotel provided a refuge for hundreds of McAllen residents. In 1973, the hotel was destroyed in a fire started as the result of a lightning strike and was rebuild in the style of the original structure. The Casa de Palmas has also had a couple of name changes in its history. I remember it being called the "LaPosada Motor Hotel" when I first moved to the Valley in 1978. At some point, it became the "Doubletree Hotel" and now is the "Renaissance Casa de Palmas. The hotel has the honor of sporting not one, but two Tx. Historical Commission Markers. The markers flank the archway leading to the front entry and they read: Marker One: This site was a city park with antelope, javelina, and deer before a group of businessmen decided McAllen needed a hotel to serve as a business and social center. The Casa de Palmas, a three-story structure with a red tile roof built around a center patio and twin towers, was erected here in 1918. It served as refuge for many area residents during the severe 1919 hurricane. The hotel was rebuilt in the original style after a 1973 fire. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 1979 Incised in base: Restored by La Posada Motor Hotel and Marker Two:The town of McAllen began developing after the arrival of the railroad in 1905. Introduction of an irrigation system made vegetable farming possible. Soon there was a hotel, a grocery store, a Presbyterian church, a bank and a weekly newspaper. In 1916 after bandits caused border trouble, 12,000 soldiers were sent here to restore law and order. Business boomed with the increased population. Among the new facilities was the Casa de Palmas Hotel, opened in 1918. This fine hotel served as a business, social, and civic center for the Rio Grande Valley (1979).Incised in base: Restored by La Posada Motor Hotel. Can you picture javalinas and banditos running amok in Archer Park!

I remember in the mid-80's when McAllen hosted a hot-air balloon festival and one of the balloonists actually flew a balloon up and over the hotel and then tethered the balloon over the swimming pool in the hotel's courtyard. And if I remember correctly, that was the last time McAllen hosted the festival. I've also had the pleasure of having breakfast in the hotel's Spanish Room. Yummo!

If you join me next week, I'll amble a little farther south and point out some more of my finds. In the meantime, check out the history at the north end of Main Street and I promise I'll walk slow so you can catch up.

TAMACC Convention at the End on July 2009

Another convention for McAllen, this time it's the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce, the convention will be taking place on July 30-August 1st 2009 at the new McAllen Convention Center.

McAllen's airport

I'm off to the McAllen International Airport to pick up my daughter from DC. She's flying in on Continental, one of the 4 airlines that service McAllen. The others are Allegiant- to Orlando, Las Vegas and LA; Delta, and American. I wonder if we'll be there at the right time to hear the live music the airport is featuring in the lobby this summer?

July at the Incubator

It is July 17th already and we have many things to peak your interest at the Incubator. M3 Productions will be having concerts on Saturday, July 18 and on Wednesday, July 22. For info on that call Lucas Salas at 956-460-4070. Goodbar Productions is having a concert on Monday, July 20. For info on that call Patrick Garcia at 956-605-3344. We will be having a drawing workshop this coming Tuesday, July 21 at 7pm. The facilitator will be reknowned graphic artist, Joe Taylor. To sign up for this workshop, call Greg at 956-687-2787. And of couse we have our weekly Yoga, Acting and Radioo Broadcast classes. For more information on these, please visit our website at www.mcallenart.com.

Candlelight Posada seeks volunteers

We had our committee meeting for this year's Candlelight Posada yesterday. We are in need of volunteers for the days of the event and to serve on our committee. This year's event will be held on December 4th and 5th at Archer Park in McAllen. Volunteers are needed to help during the event with handing out programs to helping in Little town and Teen town. We also need volunteers to serve on our committee. If you are interested in helping with this wonderful event please contact Greg Shuller at 956-687-2787 or Maritza Munoz at 956-682-2871.

Los Herrera

Last Saturday, Lucio Tijerina, mayor of Los Herrera Nuevo Leon invited the new board of the Sister Cities Association of Monterrey to a meal at his home, where we enjoyed a delicious “cabrito” in a sauce, rice and “charro” beans

Los Herrera is a municipality that is located in the middle of the road from the tollway from McAllen to Monterrey, so a lot of people tend to go shopping in McAllen.

I've been pleasantly surprised that with the exceptionally dry conditions we've experience over the past few months that our Rio Grande River and the lakes built on the River still have plenty of water in them. It must be raining somewhere! The good news for us is that our golf courses are in terrific shape. I've been really working on my game the past few months and it's so great to hit the ball off thick, green grass. It's almost like hitting off astroturf. Come on down and let's play a round together!

Social Sites

Keeping up to date with everything that is happening with the McAllen Chamber of Commerce is now easier than ever! Simply log on to your facebook account and search for McAllen City of Palms, or simply click on the facebook icon below. We also have three different Twitter sites that we would love for you to follow us on. One for Economic Developments and Business News, one for Govermental Affairs, and another for the Convention and Visitor's Bureau. You can also access these three sites by clicking on the pictures below. See you on the web!

Economic Developments and Business News:

Govermental Affairs:

Convention and Visitor's Bureau:

Facebook Fan Page:

Texas Association for Mexican American Chambers of Commerce

"Texas Association for Mexican-American Chambers of Commerce to hold its 2009 Annual Convention at the New McAllen Convention Center - July 2009"

McAllen se prepara

Se prepara con infinidad de ofertas tanto en articulos para salir de vacaciones, como para este regreso a clases, pero siempre aprovechando la visita a McAllen para tomar un respiro y descansar en esta bella ciudad.

Para aquellos que gustan de los espectaculos, este 6 de Agosto se presentaran en Dodge Arena Marco Antonio Solis y Pepe Aguilar los tickets ya estan a la venta http://www.dodgearena.com/

Que tengan un excelente martes!!!

Of Trains, Troops and Trails

This weekend my meandering around McAllen took me to 100 S. Bicentennial where I actually found a three-fer.
The first was the Old Southern Pacific Railroad Depot. (One Block south of Bus. 83 on Bicentennial, between Austin & Beaumont).
This graceful building reflects a Spanish Colonial style, with stucco finish in a mottled pink / salmon color. The front facade is accented with ornately carved white arched doorways, and two medallions flanking a rose window. There are ornate downspouts and additional wrought iron accents as well as the traditional red tile roof. The Depot opened for service in August 1927, and served as a passenger terminal until 1952. From 1953-1985 it was occupied by a number of public agencies, including the police department, jail and municipal court. It was restored by a group of attorneys who now use it for their law office.
In 1986, the building was recognized by the Texas Historical Commission. The Marker next to the front door reads: The San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railroad laid track south to the Rio Grande valley and McAllen in 1927. This passenger depot, designed by railroad architect Leonard B. McCoy, opened in August that year. The structural tile building is stuccoed and detailed in Spanish colonial revival style. Passenger service ceased in 1952, and the building was occupied from 1953 to 1958 by public agencies, including the city police, jail, and municipal court. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 1986.

My second find was right in front of the Depot. In the boulevard on Bicentennial, is a small inconspicuous park. The center point of the park is a fountain with an obelisk with 4 carved white doves “flying” from each side of the obelisk. There are a couple of stone benches for sitting and relaxing. There are also 2 markers. The first is the Texas Historical Commission Marker commemorating the Campsite of the Fighting 69th,
Marker Text: Famed New York Infantry Regiment. Encamped in McAllen during 1916-1917 bandit trouble, guarding border and preventing the smuggling of arms across the Rio Grande to Pancho Villa. Tour of duty here seasoned the men for rigors of World War I, wherein regiment won undying glory in France. 1970

Located right beneath the historical marker, is a concrete marker capped in bronze that reads:
McAllen War Memorial
Honoring all McAllen War-dead
We gave… because they gave
Sponsored by
Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign War, Catholic War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of WW I, Los Compadres, GI Forum. Presented to the City of McAllen, 1979.

My final find was the Hiking and Biking Trail. I walked probably 3 or 4 blocks south and then turned around and went back. The trees provided just enough shade and the wind that was blowing made my stroll tolerable. At one point, in the distance, I could hear the carillon of a church. I checked out the benches along the trail and they were fairly comfortable and there were only a few pieces of trash that had missed the receptacles.

Who would have thought that one address in downtown McAllen would play host to trains, troops and trails.

Cultura, Arte y Entretenimiento

¡Únete al programa de cultura, arte y entretenimiento! Toma cursos para aprender a dibujar el Martes 21 de Julio en el McA2 Creative Incubator ubicado en 1001 S 16th St. Para mayor información favor de comunicarse con Greg Schuller al teléfono 687-2787 o visita www.mcallenart.com. Se pueden encontrar este y muchos más programas en la Cámara de Comercio de McAllen (956) 682-2871. ¡Viva el arte en McAllen!

Margarita Streets

Last night the McAllen Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting for Margarita Streets. They are located at 139 Nolana AveMcallen, TX 78504-2529. (956) 631-0400. Everyone had a great time socializing in a casual setting. So be sure to chill down some time this summer with a margarita from Margarita Streets! ‎

Cool off with one of McAllen's Summer Programs....

Summertime is here and parents are looking for activities for their children to do while they are out of school. Why not sign them up to learn to swim and keep them cool at the same time!! Take advantage of McAllen's Gus and Goldie program! Details below.


GUS & GOLDIE
LEARN-TO-SWIM PROGRAM
The most popular swimming program in the
Rio Grande Valley is back! Join Gus & Goldie
and learn important water safety skills. Preregistration
is required for all swimming
classes. Classes are held Monday through
Friday. Participants will receive an official Gus
& Goldie t-shirt for each session attended.
DATES:
Session 1: June 15 - June 26
Session 2: July 6 - July 17
Session 3: July 20 - July 31
Session 4: August 3 - August 14
FEE:
$20.00/resident • $30.00/non-res
For more information please call 956-681-3333.

AVOID JET LAG

During a recent study done for travelers the following are suggestions to avoid the fatgue as a result of long hours on transatlantic flights: Eat light before the trip specially fruits, vegetables and whole wheat bread. Drink water before and during the flight. Avoid carbonate drinks, alcohol and coffee since this kind of drinks tend to dehydrate you.

Have a wonderful trip!

Teo Rojas

What DO McAllen-ites Do? Part II of IV

* Alas, even the best laid plans...get delayed. As promised here is the 2nd part of my TOP 25 LIST for McAllen Activities! Enjoy!

6. Special Events!
There are so many active organizations in McAllen that put on fun events all year long. From an Iron Chef Cook-Off, International Fashion Shows, Casino Night, New Year’s Eve Downtown Ball Drop, music festivals, Brew-seum by IMAS), ARTWalk, bi-monthly Music After Hours, artshows, etc. It’s VERY easy to fill up your weekly calendar with a different event each night.

7. Outdoor Delights!
With over 10 public parks, as well as, popular hike and bike trails, and a city-wide commitment to beautiful, native landscaping! McAllen-nites love to spend their evenings outside with their families and friends. It genuinely feels like a community because our parks and sidewalks are populated and vibrant. I love that I can sit on my balcony in the evenings and watch parakeets flying overhead, the neighbors bbq-ing, and scattered groups of people walking and biking in the park down below…. anytime of the year!

8. Vintage /Thrift Scavenger Hunts!
Thrift Shopping is no doubt a popular trend with younger generations, but McAllen-ites certainly have their own spin to offer to these scavengers! From down-town shopping, vintage shops everywhere, and several Ropa Usadas (a warehouse filled with mountains of clothes – literally. For the brave, it’s well worth the adventure)! Our younger generation McAllen-ites understand that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!" Many folks spend their Saturday afternoons taking full advantage of our La Plaza Mall, Palms Crossing, and hundreds of other stores and shopping centers, but many visitors never get to know the shopping scene from this angle! ;)

9. THE ARTSY SCENES
Of course Art-walk and Music after hours! Almost year-round, McAllen host a monthly ARTWALK, in which residents and visitors can spend an evening walking amongst the blocks of studios, galleries, stores, coffee shops, and restaurants enjoying local artist's pieces, conversation, and people watching. With over 3000 people averaged at each of these evenings, its hard to believe our ARTWALK has only been around for three years!
Living in the ART District, has given me a chance to enjoy this scene all the time, and I spend most of my evenings with the window open to hear the live music and soft chatter on the coffee/wine shop patio next door.

10. Backyard BIRDING
Having grown up in McAllen for 15+ years and being the daughter to an avid birder, my appreciation for this city is largely based on the backyard birding that has made this city an international destination. With grapefruit and orange trees nestled next to towering palm trees, and bird baths scatter about, the green, cool sanctuaries migrating birds seek out are found right in our McAllen backyards!
It fascinates me to be standing in a McAllen yard, alongside 12 binocular-donned strangers, and a line of cars parked down the block…all to gawk at a rare bird that hasn't been sited by most people. McAllen resident birders are so generous when it comes to sharing the sighting and their backyard havens with fellow birders. It's a birder thing….and McAllen has been doing it for years!

Email me questions or thoughts at jsimpson@mcallencvb.com

Broadway in McAllen

Big news- Special presale: use code DINO to get your tix for Walking With Dinosaurs before it’s on sale Fri. Go to www.DodgeArena.com for more info. This is a terrific show- think Jurassic Park without the scary parts!

GRAPEFRUIT PIE RECIPE

With thanks to Bell's Farm to Market, McAllen, TX
(This contributor's preferred substitutions included)

1 cup sugar
1-3/4 (1.75) cups water
2 tbsp. cornstarch
1/8 tsp. salt
1 3-oz. package strawberry Jello©
3 Texas grapefruit (sectioned and strained)
1 9-in. pie shell, baked

Instead of labor-intensive fresh grapefruit, substitute 1-1/2 jars SunFresh© Red Grapefruit by Del Monte. Found in H-E-B grocery's refrigerator case, this quality product is imported from nearby Mexico.

Cut grapefruit segments into bite-size.

1 fresh grapefruit equals approximately 12 sections.

Cook sugar, water, cornstarch and salt until thick and clear. Add box of Jello© and stir until dissolved. Chill until mixture begins to set. Add grapefruit sections and pour into baked pie shell. Top with Cool-Whip© whipped cream and serve.

This contributor also has sugar-free substitutions, but we're running outta space here.

And if we run out of calories, watch this blog for pie recipes Hershey© Bar and Key Lime.


Frank Birkhead
Febirkhead@aol.com

*do you have a unique or good "VALLEY RECIPE" (i.e. drink, dessert, plant/fruit)? Email us! jsimpson@mcallencvb.com

Monterrey Sales Calls

During these days I've been doing my Sales Calls to travel agents, there is little traffic because the children aren`t in school classes, but the heat is very intense in Monterrey.

One of the travel agent told me that the hotels in Puerto Vallarta are delivering a block of coupons ($ 4.000 mexican pesos) for crafts, restaurants, tours, self-service shops, hotels and I think it is something similar to our Value Card which one we deliver in Monterrey households with high incomes.

Most families (regiomontanos) travel to McAllen tend to buy everything their need for vacations, so the McAllen stores will be very busy.

Yesterday we had our monthly meeting of the "Hospitality Forum." This was one of the best yet. We met with the most significant hotels in the region and our speaker was Patricia Griffin, the CEO of "Green Hotel Association." Patricia gave a most informative presentation, the key point of which is that if hotels save water, electricity, and haul less trash they can make more money. Hotels love hearing ideas about how to save money. She also demonstrated how many hotel guests prefer responsible properties so this actually helps them build business too! I've never seen this group take so many notes! This was a great kick-off to our "McAllen Green Hotel program." I think we will see many local hotels join the Chamber's program and gain the recognition they deserve.

TASO Convention!

Texas Association of Sports Officials - Football Official State Convention in McAllen this week!!!!

McAllen en Verano..........

En esta semana muchos de los estudiantes salen de vacaciones lo que implica que los Regios vayamos como de costumbre a McAllen para hacer "shopping" o simplemente para descansar,,en McAllen tenemos mucho mas que ver y que hacer.
Contamos con excelentes Hoteles, Restaurantes, Tiendas con super ofertas, asi como tambien recreacion familiar como lo son nuestros Museos y muchos lugares mas.....para mas informacion pueden visitar nuestra pagina. www.mcallenchamber.com

Los esperamos en McAllen y recuerden visitar Casa McAllen para que se preparen con sus guias y cupones de descuento!!!!

Casa McAllen
Av. Fundidora No. 501
Cintermex suite 104 PN
Monterrey, N.L.
Tel: (81) 8369-6450, 8369-6452
casamcallen@infosel.net.mx

Texas Associatoin of Sports Officials Convention

Texas Association of Sports Officials Conventions starts July 9-11, 2009, that's going to be an interesting group. I hope you all had a great 4th of July weekend. As you can see we are back in business...

Vivir Verde en McAllen

La Cámara de Comercio de McAllen tiene exposiciones sobre temas de cómo vivir verde cada mes. Este mes de Julio estará el expositor Mark Kroeze. Mark hablara de como los arboles pueden ahorrar dinero. ¡Aprende a ahorrar energía para que no tengas que pagar tanto en tu recibo! Ven la exposición que tiene la Cámara de Comercio de McAllen el 14 de Julio a las 5:30pm en 1200 Ash Ave. McAllen, TX. ¡Es completamente gratis y abierto a todo el público!

Phoenix Rising

Hope everybody had a fun Fourth.
I didn't make it to all of McAllen's events, but I did get in the parade and the fireworks. Impressive X2.
Sunday, I thought I'd wander over to the McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W. Bus. 83 ( S. side of Bus 83, just west of Ware Rd) and take a look around. Unfortunately, when I got there, the gates were chained shut and a sign indicated that the Center was closed until September due to construction. I remember visiting the Nature Center back in the late 70's when it was known as the Valley Botanical Gardens. I don't remember a lot of details from that early visit, except that from the parking lot level, you could take a series of trails down a hillside to a lower level. Having been stationed in San Antonio in 1975, I remembered the Japanese Gardens in Brackenridge Park and this sort of reminded me of that. The Botanical Gardens/Nature Center was established in 1962 and encompasses 15-20 acres. The Nature Center contains numerous collections of plants native to or adaptive to the Valley. Other features and facilities include handicap accessible trails, restrooms, pic-nic areas and a parking area.
The park was once a family oriented place that people enjoyed visiting, but a number of years ago, interest waned and the site became a hangout for some of the less savory elements of society. The park was closed for a while as the Parks Department cleaned up the place and the Police increased patrols to deter the illegal activities taking place there. I've heard that one of the reasons for the latest closing is that the old building on-site burned. It also looked like a new road or trail might be under construction. Guess we'll have to wait until September to see the final revision.
Was I disappointed to find the Nature Center closed? Yes. Was it nice to know that the place still exists and someone cares about it? Again, Yes. Will I return in September? Definitely. In the meantime, I can only hope that like the mythical Phoenix, the McAllen Nature Center can emerge from the ashes of it's past and become a gem of nature once again.

Green Hotel Program

McAllen's getting greener! Patricia Griffin, president of Green Hotels Association, addresses our hotels tomorrow at Quinta Mazatlan.

Have a Happy 4th of July Weekend!

It's always been a tradition in my family to BBQ for the 4th of July. This year we will keep the tradition going strong! We usually cook out at home then pack up right before 9:00 p.m. and head to Municipal Park to watch the fireworks.
When we were little my Grandparents would take us to the 4th of July parade every year...I have such fond memories of those days!
I have listed the activities for the 4th below...I hope to see some of you make it out to the events this weekend.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday, July 4, 2009
8:30 a.m. Patriotic Program & Main Street Parade to Archer Park through Downtown McAllen
9:00 a.m. Food, Games and Entertainment Archer Park
3:00 p.m. 4th of July Kiddie Carnival Municipal Park
6:30 p.m. Aquafest Water Show Municipal Pool
8:15 p.m. Town Band Performance
9:00 p.m. “Concert in the Sky” Fireworks Display Municipal Park
For more information regarding the Fourth of July Celebration, please call the Parks & Recreation office at (956) 681-3333 or visit the Parks & Recreation website.

McALLEN TOURS

When in McAllen take time to visit one our the area's most visited attraction. The Los Ebanos Ferry, 14 miles west of Mission on US 83 then 3 mi. South on FM 886, Los Ebanos last remaining hand -drawn ferry across the Rio Grande River in the U.S. One time known as " Smugglers Crossing" Open daily 8 a.m. to 4.m. with fee.

Greeting !

Teo Rojas

Facebook and Twitter Websites!

If you haven't heard about all of our viral websites yet, now is your chance to really keep up with us at all times! Click on the links you are interested in below to either become a fan (facebook), or to keep up with our tweets (Twitter).

Facebook

Twitter- Economic Development and Business News

Twitter-Governmental Affairs

Twitter-McAllen Convention and Visitors Bureau

4th of July

Some people in Monterrey have been calling to ask for discounts from the shops and hotels in McAllen, as it traveled this weekend to take advantage of special offers, along with increasing the franchise of the $ 300 dlls that will run from 26 June to August 31, so we will publish in the column "McAlleando" in the newspaper El Norte, this Friday, some of the events that take place regarding the 4th of July .

July is HOT at the Incubator

July is here and things are in high gear at the Incubator. Pottery classes begin next week and we will be having photography workshops here as well. We still have yoga classes twice a week, acting and drama workshops and radio and television broadcast classes as well as our occassional concerts. Look for an announcement about Zumba classes starting in the near future. A group of high school graduates specializing in singing, dancing, music, art, photography, poetry, fashion and arts & crafts will be having a festival here on Monday, July 13th. It will their farewell before they all go their different direction to college. For more information on this, contact Sarah Sparks at (956) 212-3329

Texas Association for Sports Officials - (Football) are having their 2009 July Convention in McAllen, Texas

Football Officials:

McAllen is looking forward to having you in McAllen, Texas, also known as "The Texas Tropics". The New McAllen Convention Center is only 2 years old. It still has that "new convention center" smell! Just wait and see. Many restaurants like PF Changs and Macaroni Grill are within walking distance of the convention center. Also, if you like certain beverages or tobacco, check out "The Tinder Box" and its located right in the shopping plaza near "Barnes & Noble". If you have any questions, please e-mail me at ernie@mcallencvb.com.

McAllen looks forward to your visit!!!!

McAllen Cocktail Contest- enter now!

Have an idea for a new cocktail? McAllen's having a contest for an "official drink." Go to www.mcallencvb.com to enter through August 31.