April, May, & June 2017 Life By The Bay Newsletter

Life. By The Bay. CITY OF LA PORTE NEWSLETTER

125th Anniversary Celebration

Rich in history and built on community, La Porte has a lot to celebrate in 2017. We have BIG plans for the City’s 125th Anniversary. Festivities start Thursday, May 11, and run through Sunday, May 14. We hope you will celebrate with us! See Page 2 of this edition for more details!

Visit www.laporte125.com for more information!

APRIL

MAY

Featured in this Edition: 125th Event Schedule Election Information Flicks at Five Points Hurricane Workshop Bay Forest Golf Course Summer Programs

JUNE

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La Porte 125 Schedule of Events Visit www.laporte125.com for more information and to register!

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Presented By:

Exercise Your Right to Vote this May! As chief elections officer of the City of La Porte, I strongly encourage all citizens to exercise their right to vote. I believe the strength of the electoral process stems from an informed and engaged citizenry. Thus, the goal of this article is to provide La Porte citizens the information needed to access the voting process. If you are not registered to vote, GET REGISTERED. It is an easy process and provides a great reward – it allows your voice to be heard! You may register online at: laportetx.gov/registertovote.

On May 6, 2017, the registered voters in the City of La Porte will have the opportunity to elect City officials for At Large District B, District 1 and District 6.

Early Voting by Mail: In Texas, applications for a ballot by mail must be submitted to my office by April 25th. The last day to receive a voted ballot in the City Secretary’s office is Saturday, May 6, at 7:00 p.m. (unless overseas deadline applies).

Military and Overseas Voters: Eligible military personnel, spouses or dependents of the military, and civilians overseas have the opportunity to complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) online.

Early Voting by Personal Appearance: La Porte’s registered voters may choose to vote prior to Election Day during the early voting period, April 24 - May 2.

Patrice Fogarty, City Secretary General Election This May!

what will you need to vote?

Texas requires voters to present an approved form of photo identification to vote at the polls. To facilitate the voter qualification process when you go to the poll, you should: 1. Review the list of approved Photo IDs, and make sure you have one. A voter will be required to show photo identification at the polling location before the voter will be permitted to cast a vote. Check laportetx.gov/voterid for acceptable forms.

2. Make sure YOUR State Approved Photo ID is current; With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the Photo ID must be unexpired or expired no more than four years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place.

not sure what precinct you’re in? laportetx.gov/myprecinct

3. Verify that the name the Harris County Voter Registrar has on file for you matches the name on one of the State approved Photo IDs. You may visit laportetx.gov/voteraddress to update your voter name and address.

Voters who currently do not have an approved form of photo ID may apply for an Election Identification Certificate (EIC) at no charge with the Department of Public Safety. For more information: Call DPS customer service at (512) 424-2600 or visit laportetx.gov/ElectionID.

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Updates to City Parks The Parks and Recreation Department has been busy with several upgrades to our parks and facilities!

Creekmont Park

Flicks at Five Points Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and join us downtown every Friday this summer at 8:30pm for an outdoor movie at Five Points on our giant outdoor blow up screen! *The August 18 showing will be at our Wave Pool for a flick-and-float to bid summer farewell.

The City recently upgraded the Creekmont Park walking trails.

Glen Meadows The Glen Meadows park recently received a beautiful shade structure, and new picnic tables and grills.

5/26 6/2 6/9 6/16 6/23 6/30 7/7 7/14 7/21 7/28 8/4 8/11 *8/18

Secret life of pets trolls angry birds pete's dragon zootopia storks finding dory kung fu panda 3 brave how to eat fried worms sing kubo and the two strings moana

Arbor Day 2017 is a partnership between the City of La Porte and Trees for Houston. A tree give away will take place on Saturday, April 28 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Pick up your free tree from the Tree Farm located behind the Fitness Center at 1322 S Broadway.

Arbor Day - April 28 Page 4

Contact La Porte Parks & Recreation for more information at 281-470-7275.

Hurricane preparedness Workshop - june 3, 2017 Hurricane season is just around the corner! The La Porte Office of Emergency Management urges everyone to get prepared for hurricane season, which runs from June 1st - November 30th. Join us at the Southeast Harris County Hurricane Preparedness Workshop on Saturday, June 3rd from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The workshop will be held at the Pasadena Convention Center, located at 7902 Fairmont Pkwy.

Many informational booths will be open from 10:00am to 1:00pm to promote hurricane preparedness and general health and safety. A special presentation on the 2017 hurricane season outlook will be given at 1:00pm by Tim Heller, Chief Meteorologist for Channel 13. This event is free and open to the public. Free hot dogs and soft drinks will be provided, while supplies last. Many door prizes will be given away throughout the workshop. For more information, call 281-470-0010 or visit www.lpoem.org.

donation collection bins

Are you #ReadyLP?

City Council recently adopted an ordinance requiring all owners/operators of Donation Collection Bins to secure a permit in order to begin or continue operating within the City. The ordinance stipulates that only charitable organizations (no “for profit” operations) may operate a Donation Collection Bin. Property owners who wish to allow placement of a Donation Collection Bin on their property shall be required to grant written permission to the City and must comply with all guidelines established by City Council. Application for a permit is required and a city inspection will be performed to verify the owner/operator of the Donation Collection Bin has met all requirements set forth by the City. Permits must be renewed annually. For additional information, please contact the Inspection Division at 281-470-5077.

ems provides car seat inspections - schedule your inspection today!

The La Porte EMS Department is now an official “Car Seat Inspection Station.” Citizens can now call EMS headquarters at 281-471-9244 to make an appointment to have their car seats inspected. There are five certified “Car Seat Technicians” who are willing to assist citizens.

Call today to schedule your appointment!

La Porte EMS: 281-471-9244

advanced citizens police academy Are you a recent graduate of the Citizen’s Police Academy? If so, we invite you to join us for the upcoming session of Advanced CPA beginning May 23. These classes offer a more in-depth look at our special divisions and how we can utilize the information to assist law enforcement as well as benefit our day to day lives. Applications are due Tuesday, May 16.

More Information: Visit www.laportetx.gov/488/Citizens-Police-Academy or Contact Officer Anthony Bish at bisha@laportetx.gov.

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Employee Service Awards The annual Employee Service Awards were presented on Monday, February 13 at the City Council Meeting. Sgt. Bennie Boles and Officer Justin Weaver (left) were both awarded with Employee of the Year of 2016 for their heroic act of talking down a suicidal jumper off of the Fred Hartman Bridge.

The next award given was to Recreation Superintendent, Megan Mainer (right) for Manager of the Year. Megan received six separate nominations coming from her direct supervisor, peers, and a teammate from outside of her department. The City of La Porte would like to congratulate these award recipients on a phenomenal year of hard work!

congrats!

Swing into Spring at Bay Forest It’s tournament time at Bay Forest! If you are looking for a little competition on the course, look no further.

Norman Malone Mayor’s Memorial Golf Tournament

Join the La Porte Education Foundation on Wednesday, April 26 for a day of golf and giving! Entries are $550 per team and include goodies galore. For more information, visit www.lpisdef.org.

Bay Area Championship This year’s championship tournament is scheduled for Saturday, May 6 - Sunday, May 7. Entry fees are $120 per person and include green fees, range balls prior to play, and food and beverage tickets. Prizes range from $400 - $100 gift certificates to the Pro Shop. Registrations are open to the first 140 players, so register today at www.bayforestgolf.com.

junior golf clinic Don’t forget about your juniors. Bay Forest will host a Junior Golf Clinic Monday, June 5 - Thursday, June 8. This is a great way to introduce your children to all aspects of the game. A PGA professional will instruct them on chipping, pitching, putting, rules, and etiquette. The class is limited to the first 21 paid entries. Visit www.bayforestgolf.com to register, and for more junior activities.

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www.bayforestgolf.com

summer camps

Main Street Trade Days New! Trade Days in downtown La Porte! Enjoy a day out with friends while browsing antiques, collectibles, repurposed furniture, and artisan vendors. Don’t forget to stop by one of Main Street’s local eateries to enjoy lunch.

Saturday, April 1, 2017 | 10:00am – 2:00pm Saturday, May 6, 2017 | 10:00am – 2:00pm Saturday, June 3, 2017 | 10:00am – 2:00pm

Mimosas and Monet No painting experience needed. With our step by step instruction, by local artists each month you are sure to feel like a pro. Not only will you enjoy an afternoon of painting, but you will be able to stay for Main Street Trade Days. Grab your girls, and register today! You are welcome to bring champagne or your favorite beverage of choice. Price is $35.

Saturday, April 1, 2017 | 10:00am – 12:00pm Saturday, May 6, 2017 | 10:00am – 12:00pm Saturday, June 3, 2017 | 10:00am – 12:00pm Note: The minimum registration is 5 participants. To register, call (281) 470-7275.

Sunset Sip & Stroll The Sunset Sip & Stroll Farmers Market is at Five Points Plaza every 3rd Saturday. We invite you to enjoy a glass of wine as your peruse local farmers crops for the month, browse artisans creations and stroll through the eclectic shops on Main Street.

April 15, 2017 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm May 20, 2017 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm June 17, 2017 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm

Camp Kokomo Looking for an all-day camp experience for the kids this summer? Register for Camp Kokomo! Kids will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of games, events, and field trips that will ensure that your Beach Boys and California Girls will have a summer to remember. A sack lunch, drink, 2 snacks, and swimwear must be brought each day unless instructed otherwise.

Evelyn Kennedy Recreation Center Monday– Friday | 7:30am – 5:30pm Kids Ages 8 – 12 Price $60 per week Register Today! Contact Parks & Recreation Department at (281) 470-7275.

Little Campers Younger kids will enjoy a safe summer camp atmosphere at Little Campers. Themed activities include field trips, swimming, games, crafts, face painting, songs, dances, and more. A sack lunch, drink, 2 snacks, and swimwear must be brought each day unless instructed otherwise.

Jennie Riley Center Monday– Friday | 8:00am – 5:00pm Kids Ages 5 – 9 Price $60 per week Register Today! Contact Parks & Recreation Department at (281) 470-7275.

fitness Classes are in Full Swing water aerobic sessions Classes are offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:00am or 8:15am; and Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 5:30pm. Want to try a session? Walk-ins are welcome!

April 3 – April 28 May 8 – June 2 June 12 – July 7 Jazzercise Classes are offered Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 5:30pm; Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00am; and Saturdays at 8:30am.

Yoga Classes are offered Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30pm.

Again, walk-ins are welcome.

April 4 – April 27 May 2 – May 25 May 30 – June 22 Please contact the Recreation and Fitness Center at (281) 470-9891 for more registration details, fees, etc.

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city of la porte 604 W fairmont pkwy la porte, tx 77571 281-471-5020 www.laportetx.gov

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PAMELA PRINTING CO. 77478

household hazardous waste day April 1st from 9:00am - 1:00pm Come out to the Public Works Service Center at 2963 N 23rd St from 9:00am - 1:00pm on Saturday, April 1st for our annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. Find out more about what you can bring and what to leave at home on our website at:

www.laportetx.gov/hhwday2017

Summer is Almost Here! city pools open may 27!

Pool Reservations Open to Residents on April 5* Pool Reservations Open to the Public on April 7

swim lessons available this summer!

Beginning in June, the City will offer swim lessons at City pools.

For more information, including the 2017 Swim Lesson Schedule, visit www.laportetx.gov/swimlessons.

*Pool reservations must be made in person at the Recreation and Fitness Center, located at 1322 S Broadway, from 8:00am - 4:30pm.