International Run Celebrates Milestone Anniversary

The International Friendship Run celebrates its 25th anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 21 as participants of all ages from across Texas and Mexico test their abilities in the annual 10 kilometer road race along the United States and Mexico border.

The chip-timed and USA Track and Field certified race course begins along the new Anzalduas International Bridge at 8 a.m. Runners will then make their way through the town of Granjeno and along Military Highway before making a sprint to the spectator filled finish line in McAllen’s Los Encinos Park.

First through third place trophies will be awarded in 14 different age divisions. The custom-made trophies feature Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec emperor. The first 800 participants will receive commemorative 25th anniversary International Friendship Run finisher medals and t-shirts. Registered participants will also receive a pre-race meal and post-race tacos.

A 2K race held simultaneously provides youth ages 14 and under an opportunity to test their running skills. Beginning at the 8K point along the route, youth participants will finish at the official 10K mark in front of parents and spectators. Local schools are encouraged to participate by registering their students. The school with the most participants will be awarded a traveling trophy for an entire year.

Interested participants can register now through Friday, Nov. 19 at the McAllen Parks and Recreation Office located at 1000 S. Ware Rd, across from the new McAllen Convention Center, during regular business hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The youth 2K race fee is $5 per participant. The 10K race fee is $10 for participants registering prior to Friday, Nov. 12. Late registration after Nov. 12 is $15. A special registration expo and race packet pick-up will be held on Saturday, Nov. 20 at Palm View Community Center located at 3401 Jordan Rd from 12 to 6 p.m.

Hosted by the City of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department, the International Friendship Run began in 1985 to foster good will between runners in Mexico and the United States. The run began as a truly international race, starting from the town square in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico and ending at the town square in McAllen Texas.

For more information call McAllen Parks and Recreation at (956) 681-3333 or visit www.mcallen.net/parks.



Preservation Council To Unveil Signs For Historic District

The City of McAllen Historic Preservation Council in partnership with the Las Palmas Neighborhood Association will have an unveiling ceremony for the signs announcing the Las Palmas Historic District. The ceremony will take place on Friday October 22 at 10:00 a.m. at the intersection of Cedar Avenue and 15th Street.

The first historic district in McAllen was established by the City Commission on September 8, 2008 to recognize a group of unique and historic structures in one neighborhood. Below please find some facts about the historic district:

• Based on a 2005 historic resources survey 32 structures within the district were identified as “Contributing” to the city’s historic resources;
• Six buildings were found to be “Highly Contributing” and were recommended to the National Register of Historic Places, specifically: 300, 505, 520, 612, 704 and 707 North 15th Street; 
• The Miller House at 707 North 15th Street within the district is already a city, state and national landmark making it the only residential property in McAllen with all three landmark designations;
• The area of the district evidences different architectural styles with popular twentieth-century building methods;
• Lots in the district typically have only one house and perhaps an outbuilding (guesthouse);
• In the district the architectural styles are typical of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, namely Craftsman and Eclectic Revival styles with examples of Mission Revival, Spanish Eclectic and Tudor Revival;
• House forms and materials are typical of the various styles and include wood, brick and stucco;
• Despite variations of style and scale, the area’s streetscapes are unified by landscaping and setbacks.

For more information contact Xavier Cervantes, Neighborhood Planner, at 681-1250 or by email at xcervantes@mcallen.net

McAllen Convention Center To Host 2010 Career Expo

Are you unemployed, underemployed, or just browsing the job market? Visit the 2010 Career Expo, Tuesday November 2, from 9 am to 5pm, at the McAllen Convention Center (Ware & Expressway 83).

To obtain a Fast Pass, job seekers can register at any one of the six local Workforce Centers located throughout Starr, Hidalgo and Willacy counties. For additional information please call (877) 687-1121.

Employers, if you’re interested in recruiting talent please request a Employer Registration Packet by e-mailing OBP@wfsolutions.org. For additional information please call (956) 928-5000.

There will be a variety of part-time, full-time, and seasonal jobs opportunities to choose from, including retail, manufacturing, and everything in between!

Be sure to bring plenty of copies of your resume, dress to impress, and be ready for on-the-spot interviews!

'Butterflies of the World' Speaker Thursday 10/28 at Quinta

From Quinta Mazatlan:

Join us on Thursday evening (10/28) for a multi-media treat filled with breathtaking images of butterflies in their natural habitats with Bryan Reynolds, Director of The Butterflies of the World Foundation. Reynolds, visiting from Oklahoma, will present at Quinta Mazatlan on October 28th, 6 pm to 7 pm during the McAllen Nature Speaker Series sponsored by Thurmond Eye Associates.

The evening presentation follows the personal journey Bryan experienced when he learned about the perils of butterflies and what can be done to protect these winged wonders. The presentation will cover butterfly biology and behavior, where to find butterflies, how to observe butterflies, how to attract butterflies, butterfly conservation and discussion with the audience.

Bryan is the Founder and Executive Director of the non-profit organization working to improve public awareness of the conservation of the species, habitat and enjoyment of butterflies through educational programs using world-class photography. As a child, Bryan developed a passion for nature while on his family’s farm in northwestern Wisconsin. After serving 20 years in the Air Force, he retired to pursue a career in nature and wildlife photography. Many of his images have been published in books, post cards, calendars and magazines such as Outdoor Photographer, Nature Photographer, Mother Earth News, Discover, Highlights for Children, Birds and Blooms, and with the National Geographic Society.

Join Bryan Reynolds on Thursday, October 28th to learn about ways to protect these winged wonders. The Speaker Series is hosted by Quinta Mazatlan and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce as a means of disseminating ideas and information about our natural environment and the importance of protecting and conserving these wonders. The series is generously sponsored by Thurmond Eye Associates every Thursday evening at Quinta Mazatlan through April 2011.

General admission rates apply $2 for adults and $1 for seniors and no advance registration is required. Quinta Mazatlan, the McAllen Wing of the World Birding Center is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen, one block south of La Plaza Mall on 10th Street. For more information call (956) 681-3370 or visit www.quintamazatlan.com.

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