Keep McAllen Beautiful Launches Re-usable Bags Campaign

Mayor Richard Cortez and Keep McAllen Beautiful, Inc. (KMB) hosted a news conference Thursday, September 30, 2010, at Archer Park to launch a re-usable bags campaign.

Mayor Cortez and officials from KMB introduced a new video public service announcement that depicts the unsightliness of plastic bags, when they are not disposed of properly. They also highlighted the downside to using plastic bags and the upside of using re-usable bags.

"By using reusable bags, it prevents plastic bags from ending up in the landfill. It takes 1,000 years for plastics bags to break down," said Cortez.

City of McAllen Renewable Resources Manager Chris Lash added, “Americans use over 380 billion plastic bags per year and throw away approximately 100 billion bags per year. Help McAllen Go Green by using re-usable bags."

Why not to use plastic bags:

• Plastics are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource

• Production of plastics releases toxic chemicals into the environment

• Plastic bags can create litter that clogs storm drains

• Plastic bags can last 15-1000 years in the environment

Why re-usable bags are better:

• Reusable bags can carry more than standard plastic bags

• Reusable bags are designed to be easier to carry

• Most reusable bags are made from eco-friendly fabrics

• Most reusable bags are also washable and will last many years

• Some stores provide discounts for bringing in reusable bags. Check with your favorite retailers to see if you can get a discount for going green!

Residents are encouraged to visit the Keep McAllen Beautiful booth at PalmFest this weekend. They can trade in 5 plastic bags for a re-usable bag.

For more information about the re-usable bags campaign, call Keep McAllen Beautiful at (956) 681-4562.



Low Cost Pet Vaccinations in front of HEB (Trenton Road)

This Saturday, October 2nd from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
in front of H-E-B
901 Trenton Road, McAllen, TX  78504
(for safety, please have your pets on a leash or in a carrier) 

Package A (dog & cat):

Rabies 1 Year....$10

Rabies 3 Year....$20

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Package B (dog):

Rabies, DHLPPV.....$24

Package B (cat):

Rabies, FVRCPC....$20

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Package C (dog):

Rabies, DHLPPV, Bordetella....$35

Package C (cat):

Rabies, FVRCPC, FeLV....$35

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Package D (dog):

Rabies, DHLPPV, Bordetella, Canine Influenza....$55

Package D (cat):

Rabies, FVRCPC, FeLV, FIV....$55

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Now Available - Canine Influenza Vaccine

Canine Influenza causes respiratory illness in dogs. Symptoms can be coughing, sneezing, fever, nasal discharge and ocular discharge. It is easily transmitted by direct contact, cough or sneeze, or via contaminated surfaces. It is recommended for all dogs that are taken to places where multiple dogs will be. Examples would be shelters, kennels, boarding facilities, pet stores, adoption groups, doggie daycares, breeding facilities.

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Microchips...$27

Ask us about our Heartworm Specials

Rockets to Hold Open Practice and Autograph Session at State Farm Arena On October 3

September 28, 2010 

HIDALGO, TEXAS - The NBA Development League Champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers announced today their parent club, the Houston Rockets, is holding an open practice followed by an RGV Vipers Autograph Session Presented by Warehouse Pool Supply featuring members of the Houston Rockets at State Farm Arena on Sunday, October 3.

The open portion of practice will begin at 3:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The autograph session will include Rockets stars such as Yao Ming.

The open practice and autograph session are a part of RGV Rocket Launch 2010, celebrating the Rockets’ return to the Rio Grande Valley. This is the second consecutive year in which the Rockets have held a portion of training camp and a preseason game on the Vipers’ court. Led by former-Viper Aaron Brooks’ game-high 21 points, the Rockets beat the Boston Celtics 96-90 in front of a record sell-out crowd of 6,300 people last year.

Tickets to this year’s preseason game between the Rockets and the Orlando Magic on October 5 at 7:30 p.m. at State Farm Arena are still available and can be purchased by calling the Vipers at 972-1144 or online at rgvipers.com. Vipers season tickets are also available for purchase to guarantee access to the autograph session.

The Rio Grande Valley Vipers are the NBA Development League affiliate of the NBA Houston Rockets. The NBA Development League, founded in 2001, is the NBA’s official minor league whose teams have direct affiliations to NBA franchises.  For the 2010-11 season, the league will feature 16 teams – including the debut of the Texas Legends.  A proven developer of talent, 20 percent of players in the NBA at the conclusion of the 2009-10 season boasted NBA D-League experience, while the league continues to develop coaches, referees, and front-office staff for the NBA and its teams.  In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs.  The NBA D-League also advances the game of basketball as the research and development arm of the NBA.  Throughout the season fans can watch all NBA D-League games on NBA Futurecast, the free live Web-streaming initiative found at nba.com/futurecast.

McAllen Chamber To Sponsor "Heart of the Valley" Health Fair

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce Health Fair Committee invites everyone to participate in the 27th Annual “Heart of the Valley” Health, Fitness and Wellness Fair, Sunday, November 21, 2010 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the McAllen Convention Center.

The Chamber sponsors this event to promote health awareness and education to the community and to give medical & wellness businesses the HealthHealth-Fair2.jpg.axdFair2.jpg.axd to give back to the community. Also, through the fair we are able to educate the community about the latest treatments, procedures, services and technology available in the Rio Grande Valley.

Exhibitors at the health fair will offer free health screenings in cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure, vision/glaucoma, dental, chiropractic, bone density, live fitness routines among others. Over 6,000 Rio Grande Valley residents and Winter Texans take advantage of all the services offered at the health fair.

The health fair also features a Children’s section promoting health and wellness in children. Contests are held with door prizes being awarded to the best coloring contest participant in three different age categories and to the child that makes a Hole-In-One at the Miniature Golf contest. Entertainment is provided for children as well as health and safety education.

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce “Heart of the Valley” health fair is surely the largest health fair in the Rio Grande Valley and is an excellent opportunity for businesses on health care, fitness, spa and massage, etc to promote themselves. For complete details about the health fair, sponsorships or for booth reservation information, contact Luis Cantu or Priscilla Arredondo at the Chamber at (956) 682-2871.

Neighborhood Cleanup Planned for October 9

Keep McAllen Beautiful, Inc., and McAllen City Commissioner John Ingram have scheduled a neighborhood cleanup on October 9, 2010.

Trash containers will be placed at the following locations:

• 2508 N. 19th ½
• 2201 Camelia
• 2119 Fern
• 1800 W. Japonica
• 2209 Whitewing
• 2000 Daffodil
• 2104 Iris
• 2101 Kerria

For more information, contact Keep McAllen Beautiful at (956) 681-4562.