LIFE. BY THE BAY. CITY OF LA PORTE NEWSLETTER JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH | 2018
New Year. New You.
Join the Recreation & Fitness Center Today!
Historical Projects | Page 4 Election Information | Page 5 Conservation Efforts | Page 6 Upcoming Events | Page 7
The City of La Porte is proud to offer state of the art fitness equipment and classes to our residents at the Recreation & Fitness Center. The center is equipped with a racquetball court, aerobics room, full-size gymnasium, indoor heated lap pool, locker rooms with shower facilities, volleyball court, weight room, cardio room, and wet and dry saunas. Fitness classes are offered year-round and include:
JAZZERCISE ®
Jazzercise is a combination of aerobic exercise, dance fitness and strength training that is available for teens and adults from beginner to advanced fitness levels. Classes are held Monday – Saturday at various times.
WATER AEROBICS
This class targets all muscle groups with minimum impact on the joints and improved heart function, balance and circulation. Classes are held Monday – Friday in the morning and afternoon. Participants must be at least 16 years of age or older. Individual and family memberships are available to anyone 16 years of age or older. For purchase of resident memberships, residents must present current water/sewer bill with valid Texas Drivers License (Drivers License not acceptable proof by itself). For more information, visit the Recreation & Fitness Center at 1322 S. Broadway, La Porte, TX 77571 or call 281-470-9891.
CONGRATULATIONS CERT GRADUATES! Welcome to the team.
A Message from Mayor Rigby:
We would like to congratulate our most recent class of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) graduates on completion of the 8-week training course. For more information about the CERT program, visit harriscountycitizencorps.com.
You might be familiar with some of the La Porte Police Department’s initiatives, including: Basic and Advanced Citizens Police Academy, the Citizen Ride-Along Program, Youth Law Enforcement Explorer Post, National Night Out, and the Police Volunteer Initiative. Did you know these programs would not be possible without the La Porte Police Department’s Community Oriented Policing Flagship Police Area Representative (PAR) Program?
UPCOMING CITIZEN TRAINING CLASSES:
The LPPD established the PAR Program more than 9 years ago in an effort to enhance community engagement, cooperation, and trust between the police and local residents. PAR Officers act as “lead patrol officers” in each area and are responsible for developing working relationships with area citizens, neighborhood associations, faith-based communities, and businesses.
Participants attend classes at the La Porte Police Department every Tuesday night for thirteen consecutive weeks. They participate in courses taught by LPPD, both certified police officers and civilian employees, serving in specialized positions. In addition to classroom instruction, hands-on training is offered to participants – ranging from Special Weapons and Tactics to Community Policing. For more information or to register, contact Officer Anthony Bish at bisha@laportetx.gov or (281) 842-3124.
The LPPD is taking a proactive approach to prevent crime, develop permanent remedies for area issues, and improve the quality of life within the City of La Porte. Your PAR Officers are able to take additional time to bring together resources needed to mediate many neighborhood issues.
Citizen EMS Academy (CEMSA) Tuesdays | January 9 - February 13 | 6:00PM - 8:00PM
This academy consists of six (6) consecutive weeks of education that gives the participant a unique insight into the work of an EMS agency, how the EMS system operates on a daily basis, and how to become a citizen EMS provider. Sessions will include the history of La Porte EMS, EMS operations, patient care, CPR and First Aid training, Stop the Bleed class, tour of EMS HQ and the Dispatch Center and a ride along with paramedics as an observer. For more information, or to register call 281-471-9244.
Citizen Police Academy (CPA) Tuesdays | January 16 - April 10 | 6:30PM - 8:30PM
GARBAGE BAG DISTRIBUTION BEGINS FEBRUARY 7 The Public Works Department will be delivering household garbage bags again this year. The bags will placed near the front door of your residence, where possible, or as close to the house when not at the door. Delivery begins on Wednesday, February 7, and will continue each weekday until all deliveries are completed.
MEET YOUR POLICE AREA REPRESENTATIVES (PAR OFFICERS) District 1 | Officer Anthony Bish
District 1 represents the east side of the city and is served by Officer Anthony Bish. Officer Bish has more than 11 years of law enforcement experience and holds an Advanced Peace Officer Certificate. He has worked assignments in patrol and criminal investigations before being assigned to District 1. Currently he is also the liaison for the Citizens Police Academy that has graduated hundreds of La Porte citizens.
District 2 | Officer Roger Gonzalez
District 2 represents the west side of the city and is served by Officer Roger Gonzalez. Officer Gonzalez joined the La Porte Police Department in 2006. He is a graduate of San Jacinto College with an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and Social Services and holds a Master Peace Officer License with 22 years of law enforcement experience. Currently he is also the liaison for the Youth Law Enforcement Explorer Post.
District 3 | Officer Yvonne Stanley
District 3 represents the Lomax area and is served by Officer Yvonne Stanley. Officer Stanley has more than 22 years in law enforcement experience. She completed her Bachelor’s degree from University of Houston in December 2008 and earned her Master’s Degree at Sam Houston State University in 2011. In addition to her PAR responsibilities, she serves as the Police Department’s D.A.R.E. Officer assigned to La Porte Independent School District’s Baker Junior High School.
INVESTING IN OUR HISTORY The City of La Porte is proud to partner with the La Porte Bay Area Heritage Society on a new addition to the Sylvan Beach Depot Museum & Library. This new 450-square-foot building will be utilized by the La Porte Bay Area Heritage Society for events, classes, meeting, lectures, art shows, and more. With the vast collection of La Porte’s important historical artifacts and archives, there was a great need for the additional space.
SYLVAN BEACH DEPOT MUSEUM & LIBRARY The Sylvan Beach Depot Museum & Library is open Saturday and Sunday from 11:00AM - 4:00PM. They are open during the week via appointment only. Admission is free. If you have any questions, please call us at 281-471-0493.
LA PORTE BAY AREA HERITAGE SOCIETY
The La Porte Bay Area Heritage Society hosts a monthly Sunday Speaker Series from 2:00PM - 4:00PM at the Sylvan Beach Depot Museum & Library on various historical topics. For more information, contact us at 281-471-0493.
´
ELECTION INFORMATION
6 14
225
6 14
225
6-LA
RTE
H 146
SH 225-S
SH 146-S
VALLEY VIEW
L
SENS
LOMAX SCHOOL
MOCKINGBIRD
MEADOW LARK
H
H 225
P
H
BARBOURS CUT
MAIN SH 146;
BROADWAY
SH 146SH 146-SH 146;MAI N
MAIN
BAY AR
G
TEXAS
EA
146
GTON
A
AR BAY
CANADA
FARR IN
E
N IZO AR
EA
SPENCER
16TH
UNDERWOOD
CARLOW
MAIN
SENS
SPENCER SPENCER
ABSHIER LUELLA
FAIRMONT
146
BROADWAY
EXPORT
146
If you are interested in running for the office of Mayor, District 2, or District 3 in the May 5 general election, you can file with the City Secretary’s Office beginning Wednesday, January 17, 2018. All paperwork must be filed no later than Friday, February 16, 2018. Official candidate packets are available by request. Please contact Patrice Fogarty, City Secretary, at 281-470-5019 or csostaff@laportetx.gov.
LA PO
S EN E-S RT SENS
Mayor, District 2, District 3 Are Up For Election
RTE
PO
LA PO
LA
OLD UNDERWOOD
OLD
PO RT E
RTE
SH 14
LA PO
WHARTON WEEMS
146
146
MC CABE
OLD HWY 146
Information on candidacy and laws regarding the election may be found in the City’s Home Rule Charter and the Texas Election Code. In addition, you can find campaign finance laws on the website of the Texas Ethics Commission. Any questions regarding the election process can be directed to the City Secretary.
WHARTON WEEMS
FAIRFIELD
NR E
IS
0.5
PARK
0
BAY COLONY
SU
NORTH SHADY
1
2 Miles
Source: The City of La Porte- GIS Division and City Secretary's Office December 2017
GET INVOLVED IN YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT | ENROLL IN CITY UNIVERSITY Have you ever wondered what it’s like to keep a City running smoothly on a daily basis? Every day City staff make decisions, oversee projects, respond to citizen concerns, and more. We’d like you to get involved in this process. For this reason, the City of La Porte has put together a program called City Univerity. It’s a unique opportunity for our citizens to get hands-on interaction with key City staff, a closer look at services offered, and what it takes to run a City of approximately 35,000. Your participation will include: hands on activities, facility tours, and much more! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of your City. We want our citizens to have input on the direction we are taking as a City, and this program will give you a direct line of communication with both your elected leaders and City staff. City University is free to attend and will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:00PM-9:00PM, September 6 to November 8, at various facilities throughout the City. At the end of the ten-week session, a graduation will be held at a City Council meeting on November 12. The deadline to sign up will be Monday, September 3, at the Recreation & Fitness Center. To find out more, call (281) 470-9891 for additional information.
Before being elected to City Council, I took part in the inaugural class of 2014. It was an eye opening experience to say the least. I learned something new and exciting each week visiting every department. I encourage everybody who is interested in learning more about this amazing city to get involved by enrolling in City University! -Nancy Ojeda, District 6
MONARCH WAYSTATIONS Coming this Spring... WHAT IS A MONARCH WAYSTATION?
• Monarch Waystations are pollinator gardens that provide resources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration.
WHY ARE WE CONCERNED?
• Like the honey bee, the Monarch butterfly is a pollinator that plays a vital role in the food chain for humans and other animals. • Without pollinators, we’d have limited supply of fresh produce, which we rely on daily. • The Monarch butterfly has experienced a large decrease in population due to extreme habitat loss by use of pesticides and herbicides in North America, which is a sign of a declining ecosystem.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
• Eliminate use of pesticides and herbicides. • Increase Monarch habitat by planting a garden. • Include key survival plants for the monarch in your garden like milkweed, nectar plants for all seasons, sheltering plants or trees and a nearby water source.
GET YOUR KIDS INVOLVED!
• Join us as the City creates its own Monarch Waystation at Brookglen Community Center. Sign up today!
RAIN BARREL WATER COLLECTION | CONSERVE WATER! PROTECT OUR BAY!
The City of La Porte is proud to partner with Galveston Bay Foundation and LyondellBasell to bring you a Rain Barrel Workshop. Galveston Bay Foundation’s Rain Barrel Program works to conserve water and reduce storm water runoff, pollution, and bacteria entering Galveston Bay.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Lawn and garden watering make up nearly 40% of total household water use during the summer. • Capturing rainwater will help protect your lawn and garden during periods of drought. • You can install rain barrels in series or at multiple down spouts in order to collect more water. • One rain barrel can conserve approximately 1,050 gallons per year! Learn more about what you can do at the workshop! Workshops consist of a presentation on the environmental benefits of collecting rainwater, and proper rain barrel installation instructions and tips.
Rain Barrel Workshop
Saturday, March 10 | 10AM - 12PM | Sport Complex Register at www.galvbay.org Questions? Contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 281-470-7275
UPCOMING EVENTS MAIN STREET TRADE DAYS | 1ST SATURDAYS | 10:00AM - 2:00PM The hunt is on! Come find unique treasures at Main Street Trade Days in Historic Downtown La Porte on the 1st Saturday of the Month from 10:00am - 2:00pm. From antiques and collectibles to repurposed items and artisans, you are sure to find several unique pieces to add to your collection. Beginning January 6 you will also be able to find your favorite Sip & Stroll Vendors at Main Street Trade Days. Interested in becoming a vendor? Visit www.visitlaportetx.com.
DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE | FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 | 6:30PM - 9:00PM You’re invited to the annual Father Daughter Dance! This year’s theme is Denim & Diamonds. Dads – Grab your best pressed jeans and jackets. Daughters – Put on your best dress and join us for a night full of fun, door prizes, laughter and dancing. Light refreshments will be provided. Dads and daughters of all ages are welcome. Pre-registration is required by Monday, February 5 @ 5:00PM. Please register online at www.laportetx.gov/registertoday. For more information, call the Parks & Recreation Department at 281-470-7275.
AIRING OF THE QUILTS | SATURDAY, MARCH 17 | 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Join us for the Airing of the Quilts display! This year’s event will feature Blanket Bingo and a Square Exchange. Interested in showing your quilts? Please email us at events@laportetx.gov.
DOGGIE DASH 5K | SATURDAY, MARCH 24 | 8:00AM - 10:30AM
Don’t like to run alone? Neither do we! So join us on Saturday, March 24, for our 2nd Annual Doggie Dash at Five Points Plaza in Historic Downtown La Porte. Dog owners can choose to run (or walk) a 5K. This is more than just a race! Bring the kids, pups, and your friends for an adoption event! Register online at Eventbrite.com by Friday, March 16 @ 5:00PM. For more information, call the Parks & Recreation Department at 281-470-7275.
SPRING BREAK CAMPS: Camp Jambaree
School is out for Spring Break and the Parks & Recreation Department has great camp activities planned for students to stay active and busy during the break, including daily field trips, games, crafts and more. Come into the Recreation & Fitness Center to sign students up for our fun-filled camp, or register online at www.laportetx. gov/registertoday by Monday, March 5 at 4:00PM. For more information, call 281-470-7275.
Junior Golf Clinic
Join us for Spring Break Junior Golf Clinic at Bay Forest Golf on Monday, March 12 - Thursday, March 15 from 8:00AM - 10:00AM. The clinic is availabe for children ages 6 - 12 years old. For more information, call Bay Forest Golf at 281-470-4653. Keep up with the Parks & Recreation Department
FUN TIMES. BY THE BAY. IS AVAILABLE ONLINE In an effort to keep our residents better informed of all the great programs and events available throughout the Parks & Recreation Department, we have a program catalog available online at laportetx.gov/funtimesbythebay. Log on today and check out all the offerings from youth to seniors!
CITY OF LA PORTE 604 W FAIRMONT PKWY LA PORTE, TX 77571 281-471-5020 WWW.LAPORTETX.GOV
Save the Date! Mardi Gras on Main Street & NEW Umbrella Parade Saturday, February 17
GRAB YOUR KREWE!
Saturday, February 17 MAMBO JAZZ KINGS STREET ENTERTAINERS CRAFT BEER GARDEN FOOD TRUCKS UMBRELLA PARADE MARKET VENDORS
VISITLAPORTETX.COM/MARDIGRAS