NOVEMBER 15, 2023 www.wintertexantimes.com 12 WINTER TEXAN TIMES We Love Our Winter Texans! Thank you for making us your home away from home! • Nightly, 7 Day Plus Rates Available • Fully Equipped Kitchens • Free Wi-Fi • Outdoor Pool • Small Pet Welcome (with fee) • Guest Laundry Service Walking Distance to the La PlazaMall and several restaurants. For Reservations 956-378-4046 www.mcallen-studio6.com 700 Savannah Ave. McAllen, TX Lock In Your Rates For Next Winter Winter Texan 7 Day Plus Special! $327.67 Queen Bed • $375.97 2 Full Size Beds PLEASE MENTION AD FOR SPECIAL! SPECIAL! 7 Day Plus As the days grow shorter and cooler, pecan trees in Texas prepare for their annual debut. Leaves take on hues of amber and crimson, painting a breathtaking landscape that attracts visitors from near and far. Amidst this natural transformation, pecans reach peak maturity and are ready to break through their sturdy shells. In 1919, the pecan tree was named the state tree of Texas, thanks in large part to former Texas Governor James Stephen Hogg. On March 2, 1906, Hogg expressed his wish for a soft-shell Texas pecan tree to be planted at his grave with its nuts distributed to Texas farmers for planting. Years later, journalist Katie Daffan suggested the pecan tree become the state tree of Texas in Hogg’s honor. This idea quickly gained widespread support, leading the state legislature to unanimously pass a resolution formalizing the designation in 1919, which was reaffirmed eight years later during the 40th Texas Legislative Session. Pecans have deep cultural significance in Texas, dating back to prehistoric times when Native AmeriThe pecan tale of plenty cans would use them for currency, meals, and cooking. Even Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, the first European to traverse Texas, found solace in Texas pecans. Without these protein-rich nuts, he might not have survived the harsh winter of 1532. These deep Texas roots have led to the pecan’s increased prevalence in our state, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley and Hill Country. There, pecan orchards are carefully tended. Growers use labor-intensive techniques, including grafting and crossbreeding, to produce multiple varieties of the nut. Pecans are native to Texas’ river valleys and are the only commercially grown nut in the state. Each year, Texas farmers produce an average of nearly 45 million pounds of pecans. As a result of their hard work and bountiful harvesting, Texas ranks third in the nation for pecan production, making it a significant contributor to Texas’ booming agriculture industry. Today, pecans are a Lone Star staple used for everything from candies and cookies to barbecue, but nothing says “Texas” more sweetly than a pecan pie, which has become the star of many Thanksgiving tables. This beloved dessert is so cherished that it eventually earned the designation as the official state pie of Texas in 2013, reflecting its special place in Texans’ hearts. They may be a tough nut to crack, but pecans have become a source of pride and a taste of history that continues to flourish year after year. From tree to treat, our tradition of honoring and appreciating the historic Texas pecan will continue in the Lone Star State for generations to come. Texas Recycles Day has a rich history rooted in the Lone Star State. The event traces its origins to 1994 as a project of two employees of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Kevin Tuerff and Valerie Davis. Their idea was to promote recycling through a campaign to boost recycling in the state. What began as localized initiatives soon gained statewide momentum, leading to the formal establishment of Texas Recycles Day. Since then, every November, Texans celebrate and amplify recycling practices. A few years later, the effort went national, and much of the country celebrates “America Recycles Day” on November 15th. The event serves as a reminder of our responsibility to preserve the state’s natural beauty and promote a sustainable future. Through grassroots events including educational programs, community events, and collaborative partnerships, Texas Recycles Day continues to be a significant catalyst for environmental awareness and positive change. The City of McAllen Public Works Department will be celebrating Texas Recycles Day at the McAllen Recycling Center, (4101 N. Bentsen Rd.) on Saturday, November 18, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Every year the city celebrates the importance of recycling in Texas. The event attracts people from all over the Rio Grande Valley and encourages adjacent cities to participate in recycling practices in our community. The event is free to attend for everyone. Go on by to learn more about recycling. Texas Recycles Day is today Photo Courtesy of Keep Texas Beautiful
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