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C I T Y O F L A P O R T E E X T E N D E D N E W S L ET T E R

LIFE. BY THE BAY. J U LY | A U G U S T | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 0

EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER Page 4 WE ARE PARKS AND RECREATION Page 6 ROCK THE VOTE! Page 15 ADOPTION CENTER Page 20 TRADE DAYS Page 24

laportetx.gov

TRAIN DEPOT

Saturdays & Sundays 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The La Porte Bay Area Heritage Society Depot Museum, Caboose, and La Porteâ€™s first library are located in Heritage Park, across the street from Harris Countyâ€™s Sylvan Beach Park. Admission is free. In 1978, the Old La Porte Depot was relocated back to its original location and restored to serve as a museum for the City of La Porte, Texas and surrounding areas. In 2017, the Heritage Exhibit Hall was built for culture workshops and exhibits. MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM

The City of La Porte maintains a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System to transport storm water. The City has also created a Storm Water Management Program to manage the quality of discharge from the system. This program includes best management practices and schedules for implementation to address six minimal control measures. For more information visit: http://LaPorteTx.gov/stormwater

(City Happenings)

A big CONGR ATULATIONS to our Employee of the 1st Quarter:

Neil Courtney Neil Courtney, Senior Financial Services Technician, has worked for the City of La Porte for over six years. He began his work as a Secretary in the Parks and Recreation Department, then transitioned into the Finance Department. He has worked his way up the ranks into a Senior Financial Services Technician with tenacity and hard work. As part of his position, Neil deals with payroll and cash management, which he says he enjoys a lot. Co-workers describe Neil as funny, caring, a joy to be around, with a personality that lights up the room. Neil is originally from Bay City, Texas but he now calls Seabrook, Texas home. When Neil is not working hard, making sure everyone gets paid on time, he loves to play video games (Overwatch being his favorite) and eating his favorite food, hamburgers. Neil Courtney is an all-around enthusiastic and kind person which makes the City of La Porte proud to call him our Employee of the 1st Quarter. Congratulations Neil!

On June 26, Harris County upgraded the COVID-19 threat level to Red Level 1 – Severe. As a result, Judge Hidalgo has issued a Stay Home Advisory that mirrors the Stay Home-Work Safe Order that was issued in March. As part of this Advisory, Judge Hidalgo urges all Cities to limit any outdoor gatherings. The number of daily cases and hospitalizations has also reached their highest point since the beginning of the pandemic. It is now more important than ever for our community to follow social distancing and health guidelines issued by public health officials. Under a Level One threat, the public is urged to: • Stay home, except for the most essential needs like going to the grocery store for food and medicine. • Avoid and cancel all gatherings of any size. • Essential workers practice special precautions to prevent spread. • All vulnerable individuals (65+ or with pre-existing health conditions) stay home. • Self-quarantine for 14 days if in close and prolonged contact with someone who has tested positive with COVID-19. • Wear face coverings to protect others. • Avoid non-essential business and personal travel. Avoid public transportation where possible. • Cancel visits to nursing homes, long term care facilities, and hospitals. • Avoid and cancel all indoor and outdoor gatherings, including concerts, rodeos, large sporting. events, etc. Schools and afterschool activities for youth close, as directed by educational authorities. • Minimize contacts with others wherever possible.

SUN

MON

TUE

JULY 2020 5

Take your four-legged friend to Little Cedar Bayou Dog Park

Learn about the Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle @ Brookglen Monarch Waystation

19 Visit the San Jacinto Monument

Discover Bay Forest Golf Course

Catch a Sunrise @ Seabreeze Park

Birdwatching @ Little Cedar Bayou Nature Trail

Enjoy a Picnic @ Seabreeze Free Daily Admission @ Northwest Pool Park

WED 1

Play 3 vs 3 basketball @ Charles Walker Community Center

Story Time in the Park @ Double Dip Day @ Brookglen Park Northwest Pool (free ice cream during open swim - limited supply)

Double Dip Day @ San Jacinto Pool (free ice cream during open swim - limited supply)

Take your dog on a walk on the Hike and Bike Trails starting at the Recreation & Fitness Center

Double Dip Day @ Enjoy a walk to the Bird Fairmont Pool Watching Station (free ice cream during open swim - limited supply)

Play Tennis @ Little Cedar Double Dip Day @ Wave Bayou Park Pool (free ice cream during open swim - limited supply)

THU 2

Fly a kite at Fairmont Park

FRI 3

Catch a Wave @ Wave Pool

SAT 4

Main Street Trade Days 10am - 2pm Fireworks at Sylvan Beach Park @ dark

Free Daily Admission @ San Jacinto Pool

Fishing at Woodfalls Park

23 Public Safety Pool Party @ Northwest Pool 5pm - 7pm

30 Play a game of catch at Pecan Park

Play sand volleyball at the Wave Pool

Hide a Painted Rock at a Park #LaPorteRocks

Go on a Geocaching Adventure

31 Volunteer at the Animal Shelter

11 Splash Park Saturday @ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park

18 Visit the Historic Colored Schoolhouse

25 Visit the Historic Train Depot

The Marketing and Events Division plans all of the City-wide marketing along with the popular City events such as Mardi Gras on Main Street, Summer Party on Main Street, Kids’ Rodeo, Christmas on Main, and many others. These events could not be achieved without the help of the Parks Division. “For an event such as Christmas on Main, the Parks team is on site by 8AM and doesn’t leave until 1AM or 2AM. I don’t think residents realize how much goes on behind the scenes during an event. Our Parks crew is there setting up hours prior to the event, then after the event is over, they still have to break everything down and make sure the streets are nice and clean for the public to use the next day. We couldn’t do what we do for our residents during these events without our amazing Parks team,” says Reyna Lay, Marketing & Special Events Coordinator.

The Parks and Recreation Department has served the community for well over 40 years. Before 1979, Parks and Recreation was housed under the Public Works Department and as the necessity for more trails, parks, and community engagement grew, the department did as well. The Parks and Recreation Department works efficiently to serve the residents of La Porte and surrounding communities from within the walls of the Recreation and Fitness Center at 1322 South Broadway. The department is managed by Director Rosalyn Epting, who holds over 23 years of experience in Parks and Recreation. She has held the position for six years and in that time has grown the department in a vast way through increased programming, athletics, camps, senior programs, and special programs involvement. Not only does the Parks and Recreation Department manage 23 parks, 17 of which have playgrounds, four outdoor pools, one indoor pool, three splash parks, and over 13 miles of hike and bike trails, it also houses the Marketing and Events Division, the Norman L. Malone Senior Center, and the Special Programs Center.

La Porte City events are not only great for residents, but they are great for businesses as well. At any one event the City has anywhere from 50 to 80 vendors selling handmade, artisan crafts, along with curated items from small businesses from many different states. Many of the Main Street shops stay open late and offer specials for shoppers, which helps make the event even more of a success. Last year, Christmas on Main brought in a whopping 5,000 people from La Porte and the surrounding communities. Mardi Gras topped it with about 8,000 people gathering on Main Street to celebrate, dance, eat, and drink. One group, dressed in Mardi Gras colors, a jester hat, and beads, proudly stated that they had driven over 200 miles to attend the event; a yearly tradition, they called it. On a normal day, the Recreation and Fitness Center has more than 200 guests per day. Many of these guests are a part of the fun and interactive classes, of all ages, held at the facility. Classes include Dance, Yoga, Jazzercise, and more. Due to Covid-19, the facility has continued to offer classes that are able to maintain social distancing standards. The Fitness Center prides itself in keeping the community safe during these tough times. The Norman L. Malone Senior Center has been a part of the Parks & Recreation Department since August

1, 1992, and provides year-round fitness, recreation, and educational activities for adults 55 years and older. A simple participation form is required to partake in senior activities, such as Dominoes, Bingo, Bridge, Karaoke, Chair Volleyball, and trips. The Senior Services Participation Form can be downloaded online at http://laportetx.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/5581/Participation-Form or can be picked up at the front desk of the Fitness and Recreation Center.

Recreation and are just one of the fun and exciting activities planned during the year for school aged children. The Department hosts two summer camps along with holiday and spring break camps. These camps run from 7:30am to 5:30pm, Monday through Friday. Spaces fill up quickly! Athletics such as Basketball, Girl’s Volleyball, and Youth Track keep local residents active throughout the year. Last year the Parks and Recreation Departments had 285 youth registered for Basketball alone!

The Senior Center is also a part of the Harris County meal program which provides free meals to residents, 60 years and older. Seniors can stop by for free lunch Monday through Friday. Due to the Covid-19 guidelines, these meals are currently being distributed in a drive-thru fashion in order to keep our seniors safe. Anyone interested in being a part of the meal program must come by the Senior Center in person to fill out the Harris County Area Agency on Aging Intake Form, which requires basic information and a Harris County residence. For more information, you can contact the Senior Center at 281-470-9897.

It seems that the Parks & Recreation Department is more of a transformer than a department within the City, with various pieces coming together to form a well-oiled machine.

“We don’t just have programming, we also have multiple agreements with outside user groups such as Boys Baseball and the Rodeo Association,” says Director Rosalyn Epting, “We also maintain the fishing piers at Sylvan Beach and Seabreeze Park, put up all the Christmas decorations, handle all the Citywide marketing, and facility maintenance.”

Parks & Recreation month is the perfect way to bring tribute to a department that encompasses more of the City we love than we know. Anywhere you look you can see Parks & Rec, whether that’s an employee mowing the grass at your favorite park or your child’s favorite ballpark, or as you pass Main Street and see the beautiful flowers in the planters along each street, Parks & Rec is more than just the Rec Center. It is a department filled with a group of noteworthy individuals coming together to build a better La Porte.

S.P.O.R.T (Special Populations Organized Recreation Therapy) is also housed under the Parks and Recreation Department and caters to adults with intellectual impairments who are independently functioning. The program includes physical fitness and independence skill training, community service projects, arts and crafts, field trips, special olympics, and life skill activities. Due to COVD-19, the S.P.O.R.T. program is not meeting or hosting any summer camps but they still receive weekly projects that they can work on at home. To learn more about the S.P.O.R.T. program you can contact the Special Programs Center at 281470-1579.

Summer camps are currently active at Parks and

One of our seniors playing Bingo at the Park.

(Athletics and Sport leagues)

IRLS’ YOUTH VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE WHERE: La Porte Recreation & Fitness Center, 1322 S Broadway DATES: Games played October 3 – November 14. Practices begin the week of September 14. TIMES: Practice day and time will be chosen by each volunteer head coach after registration is over and teams have been finalized. Weeknight practices may range between 5PM – 9PM. Saturday games may range between 9AM – 3PM. AGES: 9 – 14 years (4th – 8th Grade) FEE: $45 Early Registration; $60 Late Registration / Jersey included REGISTRATION INFO: Early registration runs July 1 – August 20. The late registration deadline is September 4th

OUTH NFL FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE WHERE: Deotis Gay, Sr. “Northside” Ballfield, 322 North 4th Street DATES: Games played October 3 – November 14. Practices begin the week of September 14. TIMES: Practice day and time will be chosen by each volunteer head coach after registration is over and teams have been finalized. Saturday games may range between 9AM – 3PM. AGES: 6 – 12 years (1st – 6th Grade) FEE: $50 Early Registration; $65 Late Registration / Jersey and Flag Belt included REGISTRATION INFO: Early registration runs July 1 – August 20. The late registration deadline is September 4th.

DULT COED KICKBALL LEAGUE

WHERE: Deotis Gay, Sr. “Northside” Ballfield, 322 North 4th Street DATES: Tuesdays, September 15 – November 3 TIMES: 6:00PM – 10:00PM AGES: Adult (16 and older) FEE: $200 per team REGISTRATION INFO: Registration opens July 1 – September 4. Free agent registration will be free initially, but any free agent placed on a team will be expected to immediately pay his/her portion of the team fee to the team captain.

TART SMART SOCCER & BASEBALL

Start Smart is an instructor-led, introductory sports program for children 3-5 years old. This clinic-type program builds confidence and self-esteem that gives children a fun and positive early experience in sports. It will help prepare kids for future athletic participation and allows for quality time between parents and children. Parent/ Guardian participation is required during each class. WHERE: Jennie Riley Community Center, 322 North 4th Street TIMES: Wednesdays, 5:30PM – 6:30PM AGES: 3 – 5 years FEE: $15 SOCCER DATES: September 2 – October 7 SOCCER REGISTRATION: Registration opens July 1 – August 28, or until class is full. BASEBALL DATES: October 14 – November 18. BASEBALL REGISTRATION: Registration open September 1 – October 9, or until class is full.

Register online at laportetx.gov/register or by visiting the La Porte Recreation & Fitness Center. Call (281) 470-9891 for questions or additional information.

(adult and family programs)

EXAS OUTDOOR FAMILY CAMPING Camping at a State Park can be intimidating to someone who’s never camped before. The Texas Outdoor Family Program is a partnership with Texas State Parks that helps remove those barriers. This program is a one-night camping event to introduce families to camping, nature, and your Texas State Parks. The activities this program offers will enable you and your family to comfortably and safely enjoy your Texas State Parks and provide skills for a lifetime of rewarding outdoor experiences. We will provide you with a tent, cots and sleeping pads, a stove, pans, fuel, a lantern, and more! Families will need to provide their own food, personal items, and bedding. $25 per family (6 people max) Fall campout dates and registration information will be announced in September. For more information, please contact Kayla Baez at (281) 245-5266 or email BaezK@laportetx.gov.

EOCACHING 101 WORKSHOP What is Geocaching? It is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location. This workshop is designed teach you the basics of geocaching using your smartphone. It will consist of an indoor presentation and an outdoor walk to discover caches. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring your smartphone! WHERE: La Porte Recreation & Fitness Center, 1322 S Broadway DATE: Thursday, September 17 TIME: 5:30PM – 7:00PM AGES: All Ages (12 and under must be accompanied by a parent) FEE: Free REGISTRATION INFO: Registration opens August 1 – September 11. For more information, please contact Kayla Baez at (281) 245-5266 or email BaezK@laportetx.gov.

ITY UNIVERSITY 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. At the end of the 10-week session, a graduation will be held at the La Porte City Council Meeting on Monday, November 9. Hope to see you soon! WHERE: Various facilities throughout the City of La Porte DATES: Thursdays, September 3 – November 5 TIMES: 6:00PM – 9:00PM (length of sessions will vary each week) AGES: Adult (16 and older) FEE: Free REGISTRATION INFO: Registration opens July 1 – August 28. Call (281) 470-5140 for additional information.

New Northwest Park Pool is open to the public, $1 entry.

Election Postponed

he City Council of La Porte has officially moved its 2020 general election to the November 3 uniform election date, with the ability to consider dates prior to that if they become available by action of the State of Texas. The City’s annual May general election for this year is for Councilperson seats for Districts 1 and 6 and At-Large Position B. Due to COVID-19 considerations, Governor Abbott issued a proclamation on March 18, allowing local governments to postpone May 2nd elections to November 3rd (Secretary of State Election Advisory No. 2020-12 to accompany it is available at https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections/ forms/adv-12-may-2-2020-uniform-election-date. pdf). City Council discussed concerns at its March 23rd regular meeting, voting to consolidate polling locations for the May 2nd date, and setting a special meeting for March 30 to formally revise the January 2020 ordinance that called the election. Following that decision, on March 24th, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a Stay At Home, Work Safe Order for the county, effectively restricting movement and gatherings through April 3rd. These contact limitations had been recommended at a national and state level and were being issued in similar formats in areas across Texas. Later the same day, the Texas Secretary of State’s Office (SoS) sent a mass email (CSO-3492) to political entities, encouraging election officials and governing bodies to make the decision on election dates quickly and included the following: Shelter-in-Place Orders: As many local political subdivisions are enacting shelter-in-place orders, this has a significant impact on elections. If your entity

or your county has issued such an order, you need to move your election; otherwise you are putting your election at risk of an election contest due to voters not being able to exercise their right to vote. Additionally, some political subdivisions have enacted fines for violating their local ordinances; if your order does so and there is no specific exemption for voting or conducting elections, you put your voters at risk of criminal penalty for leaving their homes to vote. Christina Worrell Adkins, the SoS Elections Division Legal Director, provided the following, in part: At this point, there is a distinct possibility that many of the current shelter-in-place and/or stay at home orders that have been put into place could be extended. You want to consider whether that is a possibility for your community. Regardless of how the local entities have classified it, there are many cities and counties that have enacted fines for violating these ordinances. We strongly advise all local entities that have these orders in place take action to move their election. If you do not, you run the risk of putting your election risk for an election contest as it is very likely that voters may not feel safe leaving their homes to vote. On March 25th, the White House provided Gov. Abbott with his requested Major Disaster Declaration for Texas, and followed on Sunday, March 29th with an extension of the federal distancing guidelines through the end of April. Harris County Judge Hidalgo suggested in her March 30th press conference that she might match this end date with a Stay At Home, Work Safe Order extension. At its special session the same night, the City Council voted to extend the City’s Disaster Declaration to continue in effect until such time as the COVID-19 Disaster Declaration issued by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on March 13, 2020, expires or is withdrawn, unless sooner terminated by executive order of the Mayor or by the City Council. After a difficult and thorough discussion, the City Council voted to postpone the election. Per the guidelines of the Governor’s proclamation, election deadlines for the November election will be followed. Current candidates may withdraw until the deadline for the same on the November uniform election date calendar, but no additional applications for the general election will be accepted. Candidates will resume campaign finance reporting guidelines with the Texas Ethic Commission’s (TEC) July 15th semi-annual 15

reporting date, provided they are not exempt due to the modified reporting standards. The SoS also provided information regarding ballot by mail packets that have already been sent: Ballot By Mail Requests: All applications for A Ballot By Mail (ABBMs) that were filed for the May 2, 2020 election that are marked annual would apply for the November 3, 2020 election. All single use ABBMs that were submitted for reasons of age or disability would still be valid for the November 3, 2020 election. If a single use ABBM was submitted and indicated the reason for voting by mail was due to absence from the county, this ABBM would not be valid as the applicable election date has changed. However, we would recommend that the political subdivision send a letter to these voters along with a new ABBM in case the circumstances surrounding their absence from the county are still valid or the voter is otherwise eligible to vote by mail. Ballots by Mail: If a political subdivision has already sent out mail ballots, those mail ballots that are returned would still be valid for the November 3, 2020 postponed election date. The City will be reviewing the over 850 mail ballot applications received and for which mail balloting packets have been mailed (many of which have been voted and returned) to determine which will be moved forward for the November election. Voters who have received a balloting packet from the City should review the information above in determining how to proceed. Voters whose materials will not be moved forward under the SoS guidelines will be contacted and notified of their November voting options by the City. Any voter with questions or concerns should contact the City Secretary’s Office at CitySecretary@LaPorteTX. gov or 281-470-5021. Citizens may register to vote until October 5, 2020, to vote in the November election. The partial November 3rd uniform election date calendar from the SoS is available at https://www.sos.state.tx.us/ elections/voter/important-election-dates.shtml. The SoS Election Advisory No. 2020-12 also ad-

dressed the Councilpersons not seeking re-election, noting that “under Art. XVI, Sec. 17 of the Texas Constitution, the individuals who currently hold public offices that are scheduled to be on the ballot on the May uniform election date will continue to exercise the duties of those offices until the new officers take their oaths of office, following the November uniform election date.” Updates will continue to be shared on the City of La Porte website, on the City’s social media platforms, and on the City’s Elections page at LaPorteTX.gov/Elections or LaPorteTX.gov/Elecciones. Voters are reminded that the City of La Porte is the official source of information regarding City of La Porte elections, and to be careful in following or sharing information from unofficial sources.

HEAVY TRASH

DID YOU KNOW? There is a City Ordinance! (96-2139)

We have a schedule by zones – find it here: (http://www.ci.la-porte.tx.us/416/Heavy-Trash-Collection) You could face an ordinance violation for: • Too much – more than 10 CU Yards. (6’ high x 6’ wide x 8’ long). • Putting trash out too early, more than five days before scheduled pick up. The Do’s

• DO place trash away from parked cars and mailboxes. • DO place within 3ft. of edge of Street. • DO separate your household garbage from heavy trash because they go to different landfills.

The DONT’s

• DON’T place trash under low hanging limbs or low hanging power lines. • DON’T place rock or concrete at roadside, we do NOT accept. • DON’T place contractor debris (Including but not limited to scrap lumber, concrete, bricks, scraps, wire and roofing material) we do NOT accept. • DON’T put hazardous waste in heavy trash. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: City of La Porte Solid Waste Division 281-471-9650 publicworks@laportetx.gov SUMMER PARTY ON MAIN!

SUM

S E PARK LA PORT

LA PORTE PARKS & RECREATION

JULY - SEPT 2020

FUN TIMES By the Bay. 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS OUTDOOR FAMILY CAMPING YOUTH NFL FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

NEW

LA PORTE KIDS' RODEO

281-470-7275

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/LAPORTETXPR

SEPT 2020

ay. Y

Discover all the exciting programs and events available throughout the Parks & Recreation Department. The program catalog is available online at

LaPorteTx.gov/FunTimesByTheBay

Residents of La Porte marching in the 4th of July parade, 2019.

(La Porte adoption center)

Are you a cat person or a dog person? Do you like to take your dog for a walk or lay on the couch and cuddle with your furry feline? Whatever your choice is, cat or dog, the La Porte Adoption Center has the fur-baby for you! The La Porte Adoption Center opened its doors on February 15, 2015. Led by Supervisor, Clarence Anderson, it has been the home of many wonderful pets before going off to their new adventure at their forever homes. The adoption center operates under the supervision of Mr. Anderson, who has over 35 years of experience, three officers, and one Adoption Specialist, Mrs. Lou Swanson. Mrs. Lou started off as a volunteer and grew to love the animals and came onto the team five years ago. Since then they have put hundreds of pets into homes.

The Adoption Center houses approximately 70 animals at a time and is currently open to the public by appointment only due to Covid-19. Anyone interested in adopting a pet may look online to see the

adoptable pet list, choose a few prospective ones, and then contact the center to schedule an appointment for a playdate. Once they have arrived they can have oneon-one time with the pets before deciding which one they will choose to join their family. The fee for adoption is $85 which goes towards updating their vaccines, spay or neutering, and proper paperwork. The Adoption Center is thankful to have over 50 volunteers that help maintain operations. Volunteers help the center by walking dogs, cleaning cages, playing with the animals, and helping out at events. Currently, they are not able to have volunteers help out at the center due to Covid-19 restrictions, but they are always open to adding volunteers to their list so that when restrictions are lifted, they can make sure they have enough to keep the animals loved and happy. Volunteers must be over the age of 16 to help out at the Adoption Center. Canâ€™t volunteer but still want to make a difference? The center takes donations! They very gladly accept toys, food, blankets, towels, and monetary donations. When

asked if they get a lot of donations Mr. Anderson stated, “We have so much food now that we have nowhere else to store it, but the best donation is monetary. Monetary donations allow us to help the animals in so many different ways. But we’ll never say no to free food!” There are so many ways you can make a difference at the Adoption Center. Monetary donations can change the animals’ lives, towels and blankets can keep them warm, toys keep them entertained, food keeps them strong and healthy, and your time to walk or play with them keeps them fit and loved. Volunteers are invaluable. The Adoption Center’s goal is to get their animals into forever homes, where they are cared for and loved. Should you find a pet that you are interested in meeting, please call the La Porte Adoption Center at (281) 842-3700. The center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 6pm and 11am to 4pm on the weekends. They are closed on holidays.

Pet Holidays July • • • • • • • • • •

Dog House Repair Month National Lost Pet Prevention Month National Pet Hydration Awareness Month July 1: ID Your Pet Day July 5: Pet Remembrance Day July 11: All-American Pet Photo Day July 15: National Pet Fire Safety Day July 21: National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day July 21: No Pet Store Puppies Day July 31: National Mutt Day

August • • • • • • • • • • • • •

National Immunization Awareness Month August 1: DOGust Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs August 2–8: International Assistance Dog Week August 5: Work Like a Dog Day August 8: International Cat Day August 10: Spoil Your Dog Day August 15: National Check the Chip Day August 17: National Black Cat Appreciation Day August 17: International Homeless Animals Day August 22: National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day August 26: National Dog Day August 28: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day August 30: National Holistic Pet Day

September • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Happy Healthy Cat Month Guide / Service Dogs Month National Pet Insurance Month Animal Pain Awareness Month Responsible Dog Ownership Month Pet Sitter Education Month September 1: Ginger Cat Appreciation Day September 13: National Pet Memorial Day September 13: National Hug Your Hound Day September 21–27: Adopt a Less-Adoptable Week September 19: Puppy Mill Awareness Day September 19: Responsible Dog Ownership Day September 20-26: National Dog Week September 20-26: Deaf Pet Awareness Week September 23: Dogs in Politics Day September 28: World Rabies Day

MAIN STREET TRADE DAYS

Every first Saturday of the month the City of La Porte brings the community together on our historic Main Street for our beloved Main Street Trade Days event. The event, which just celebrated its 3 year anniversary in March, is run by Junk Junkies owner Kelley Price. The City partnered with Kelley in order to create an event that would bring the community together to showcase the work of local artisans, artists, and musicians, selling their handmade, vintage, repurposed, or antique collectibles. The event also features delicious food such as homemade popcorn and cookies.

This event brings over 300 people to the community and many of them are visitors from the surrounding areas. Kelly has grown the event threefold in the last three years. What started with 22 vendors, now has over 60 vendors and a wait list per event! Due to COVID-19, the event has been put on hold, but we are looking forward to the day when we can walk down Main Street parusing handmade and vintage goods whilst smellling the wonderful aroma of smokinâ€™ barbecue.

Local residents and musicians entertain the public with their beautiful music.

LP Crossword Puzzle 1

2 3

4 5

8 9 10

Down: 1. Event in February with ﬁre breathers 2. The tower of Texas Pride 3. Mayor of La Porte

4. Birds on the City Logo 6. The department that cares for our trails

Across: 5. Our beloved town 7. The station travelers would come to before cars 8. Where the sand meets the water 9. Historic road in La Porte

10. Where we attend Kids' Rodeo 11. The December event with lights and a giant

tree 12. Who we root for on Friday nights 13. Event that falls on the ﬁrst Saturday of every month 14. Event in July that brings Tejano music 15. First colored school in La Porte 16. The ﬁnal school before college

ITâ€™S TIME TO CREATE MEMORIES WITH THOSE WE LOVE EXPERIENCE MOMENTS THAT HELP YOU TO CONNECT help la porte stay safe. stay home, make memories.

LAPORTETX.GOV

LP Crossword Puzzle Answers 1

M A

S A

L O M A X A R E N A

C H R I

M A

L A P O R T E C I

S Y L V A N B E A C H

T R A

M A O

I N

I N S T R E E T T R A D E D A Y S R

S T M A S O N M A

G U

G R

I N D E P O T

I N S T R E E T

B U L L D O G S M E

S U M M E R P A R T Y O N M A

H I

I N

S T O R I C S C H O O L H O U S E E

A 16

L A P O R T E H I G H S C H O O L O N

Down: 1. Event in February with ﬁre breathers 2. The tower of Texas Pride 3. Mayor of La Porte 4. Birds on the City Logo 6. The department that cares for our trails

Across: 5. Our beloved town 7. The station travelers would come to before cars 8. Where the sand meets the water 9. Historic road in La Porte 10. Where we attend Kids' Rodeo 11. The December event with lights and a giant tree 12. Who we root for on Friday nights 13. Event that falls on the ﬁrst Saturday of every month 14. Event in July that brings Tejano music 15. First colored school in La Porte 16. The ﬁnal school before college

CITY OF LA PORTE 604 W FAIRMONT PKWY LA PORTE, TX 77571 281-471-5020 WWW.LAPORTETX.GOV

DAILY UPDATES FROM AROUND LA PORTE

Let LAPORTETX.ORG Bring news to you. on our website, we’ve been: SHARING UPDATES ON ALL THINGS COVID-19 SPREADING THE WORD ON HOW TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES SHARING THE LATEST ON ALL OUR DEPARTMENTS TO INCLUDE MUNICIPAL COURT, PARKS & REC, AND PUBLIC WORKS

AND WE’LL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH ESSENTIAL COVERAGE OF ALL THINGS LA PORTE, TEXAS. What would you like to learn about today?

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