NearbyNews.com Blog

1927 – The Ginza Line, the first subway line in Asia, opens in Tokyo, Japan.

Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Metro_Ginza_Line#History

Fireworks are allowed in Gilbert when used safely: Fireworks may be used during private celebrations during New Year’s Eve, December 31, through January 1, under a code change that took affect last year. We are fortunate to be able to celebrate in this traditional manner in our community, but it is important that we plan safe celebration and check that we are using the right fireworks in the right places. As you prepare to ring in the New Year, review which fireworks are allowed, and safe, and to run through your safety check list before your family begins the celebration. Fireworks are allowed on private property with the owner’s permission. No fireworks are permitted on public property including parks. The fireworks that Gilbert allows during the holiday celebration allow for a fun time when used responsibly: Ground-based Fountains, Party Poppers, Pinwheels, Sparklers, Pinwheels and wheels, Smoke bombs, Snakes, Torches, Wheels. Fireworks not allowed include anything that explodes or goes into the air. Fireworks such as bottle rockets, firecrackers and Roman Candles pose a serious safety issue inside a community. All fireworks users are liable during their use – so plan ahead to ensure your family has a safe, fun time. Thank you for making this a fun, and safe, New Year. Learn more and take a fireworks quiz at www.gilbertaz.gov/fireworks.

1845 – The Republic of Texas, which had been independent since the Texas Revolution of 1836, is thereupon admitted as the 28th US state.

Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Texas#Statehood

The staff at Bark Avenue Pet Supply is always learning and sharing our knowledge to help educate the consumer to make informed decisions for their pets. Please join us for a free seminar titled “Let’s Talk about Teeth” for pet owners on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 2 p.m.

Learn what is included in a good dental care program for your dog from Tammy Ceroni. Dogs need dental care, too. Unfortunately, dental hygiene for dogs is sometimes overlooked. Many people seem to just expect dogs to have bad breath, and few people brush their dogs’ teeth frequently enough. Dental hygiene is just as important to your dog’s overall heath as things like nutrition, proper exercise and routine grooming. Help keep your dog healthy – pay attention to those pearly whites!

Tips – Tools – Products – Techniques How to Brush and Help your Dog Enjoy it!

Contact Bark Avenue Pet Supply to make reservations for this free seminar by calling 480-832-2510.

Customers looking to learn more pet food and supplements can contact the knowledgeable staff at Bark Avenue Pet Supply. The store is located at 3109 E McKellips Rd., Suite 104, Mesa, AZ. A map can be found at www.barkavepetsupply.com

1973 – The Endangered Species Act is signed into law by President Richard Nixon in the United States.

Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endangered_Species_Act

1966 – The Cave of Swallows, the largest known cave shaft in the world, is discovered in Aquismón, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_of_Swallows#History

1919 – Babe Ruth of the Boston Red Sox is sold to the New York Yankees by owner Harry Frazee.

Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babe_Ruth#Sold_to_New_York

December blood donors will help kids like 10-year-old Owen, who thanks to six blood donors, is excited to celebrate another holiday season with his family Four years ago, Owen was diagnosed with bone cancer. He underwent doses of chemotherapy to slow the disease, as well as transfusions of red blood cells and platelets to prepare his body for limb-saving surgery. Today, Owen is cancer free, but he will require additional orthopedic surgeries on his leg and follow-up visits. “I will always be grateful to blood donors for their selfless gift to my son,” said his mom, Carrie. “They helped him to fight cancer.”

Since blood has a shelf life of 42 days, donors will help patients throughout the most challenging time of the year to maintain our state’s blood supply. At the time of year when Arizona’s patient population is at its highest, blood donations are at the lowest. “We hope to encourage more blood donations while people are focused on the spirit of giving,” said Audrey Jennings, Executive Director for United Blood Services/Arizona. “The gift of life is the most important gift of all and doesn’t cost anything, except a little of your time.”

Visit www.BloodHero.com (sponsor code: see list below) to schedule your life saving appointment at an East Valley blood drive. You can also call 1-877-UBS-HERO (1-877-827-4376) toll free. All Dec. 18 – Jan 14 Donors will be thanked with a voucher for a ticket to the 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open Golf Tournament.

Tuesday, December 27
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center 7:30am-3:30pm sponsor code: mercygilbert
Chandler Regional Medical Center 7:30am-3:30pm sponsor code: blooddrive
Banner Gateway Medical Center and MD Anderson 9am-1:30pm sponsor code: bgmc

Thursday, December 29
Town of Gilbert 830-11am 50 E Civic Center 130 -330pm 75 E Civic Center sponsor code: gilbert
Gilbert Hospital 7am-11am sponsor code: gilberter
Banner Ironwood Medical Center 10am-2pm sponsor code: bannerironwood

If you missed Black Friday or Cyber Monday, you still have time to get tremendous holiday bargains. The City of Mesa operates surplus sales every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon at the City of Mesa Warehouse, 7041 E. Adobe.

Bicycle prices have been slashed by 75 percent through Dec. 22, all items marked with a red dot are 25 percent off and all desktop computers prices have been reduced $20.

A wide variety of merchandise is offered at the surplus sales, including clothing and office furniture. The merchandise consists of surplus items from various City departments and unclaimed police evidence. Payment can be made by cash, credit card or check/debit card with photo identification. All sales are final without warranty or guarantee of any kind and there are no refunds. There are some City items also available for sale on eBay that are not part of the surplus sales.

Proceeds from the surplus sales and eBay sales benefit the City of Mesa General Fund. During the 10/11 fiscal year, those sales generated approximately $178,900 for that fund.

For more information, visit www.mesaaz.gov/surplussales or call (480) 644-2663.

Host: Sunrise of Gilbert
RSVP: 480-632-9400
When: Wednesday, December 14 from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Sunrise of Gilbert
580 S. Gilbert Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85296

Join Sunrise of Gilbert as we celebrate 30 years of Sunrise with an Ollie the Trolley Holiday Lights Tour in appreciation of our valued professional partners.

5:00 PM – Pre-boarding delectables and holiday beverages will be served in our Terrace Club neighborhood.

5:30 PM – All aboard for an unforgettable tour of the best holiday lights in the East Valley.

A new, unwrapped toy to benefit the Gilbert Police Blue Line of Love Charity is your ticket aboard Ollie the Trolley for you and one adult guest.

Seating is limited to the first 60 guests. RSVP by December 12th!