June 2023: Deer in the Spotlight

JUNE 2023 EDITION: DEER IN THE SPOTLIGHT

WELCOME BACK

SUMMER!

4 11 12 UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS JUNE 6 JUNE 20 PARKS COMMISSION LIBRARY BOARD DPCDC (TYPE B) CCPD FCPEMSD MEETING AGENDAS LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PARTNERS

WWW.DEERPARKTX.GOV DPISD INFORMATION CLICK HERE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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FEATURED ARTICLES ECONOMIC DEVELOPEMENT business updates

DEER PARK POLICE DEPT. new programs and other information

DEER PARK LIBRARY what's new in city resources

PARKS & RECREATION art park players update

SAN JACINTO MONUMENT & MUSEUM program updates and other info.

MEET THE ARTIST

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PAINTING WITH PURPOSE

Located at HEB on East Boulevard, the mural is just one of the many ways that the City of Deer Park is working to make the community a more vibrant place. The mural is a beautiful addition to the local community. It captures the essence of the area and its people, showcasing its unique character and charm.

lan Davis, the local artist commissioned by the City of Deer Park, has been known for his exceptional artwork that transforms mundane objects and spaces into visually stunning pieces.

In the case of the electrical box on East Boulevard, Davis Artistry has transformed the dull fixture into a work of art that adds a touch of vibrancy and beauty to the street.

The mural's depiction of the Houston Astros is a fitting tribute to the team's success and popularity in the area. The Astros have a long history in Houston, dating back to the 1960s, and they have been a source of pride and joy for the community ever since. The mural not only celebrates their achievements but also serves as a reminder of the team's importance to the local culture.

The commissioning of local artists to paint electrical boxes and other public fixtures is part of the City of Deer Park's efforts to promote art in public spaces and support local artists. It not only adds character and life to the community but also provides a platform for artists to feature their talents and gain recognition.

Overall, the mural is a wonderful addition to the community, bringing color, beauty, and a sense of pride to the area, and has quickly become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with many taking photos and sharing them on social media.

It has sparked conversations and allowed people to bond over their shared love for

incorporate more traditional painting techniques into his work. He has experimented with different mediums and styles, and his latest pieces have been praised for their bold colors and dynamic compositions. Despite branching out from his original focus on faux finishing, Alan remains dedicated to his craft and continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with paint and canvas.

their neighborhood. Additionally, the mural has also provided a boost to local businesses, as more visitors come to see it and explore the surrounding area.

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ABOUT ALAN lan began his artistry in 2013 by painting cabinets. In 2015, he opened an art gallery in Downtown Houston that primarily focused on faux finishing.

Since opening the art gallery, Alan has been able to showcase his creativity and unique style to a wider audience. While his gallery is no longer open, it was a popular destination for art enthusiasts in Houston, where he gained a reputation for his exceptional fauxfinishing work. After closing his gallery, Alan expanded his services to offer custom artwork for clients' homes and businesses. He has worked on a variety of projects, including faux marble walls, distressed wood finishes, and metallic accents. His attention to detail and commitment to quality has earned him a loyal following among homeowners and interior designers in the Houston area.

In recent years, Alan has also begun to

In 2020, Alan painted the "Ballerina" mural on the RPAC Dance Studio's building to inspire hope in the community during the troublesome times of the pandemic. This is where Alan's drive to beautify the community ignited.

Since completing the "Ballerina" mural, Alan's passion for beautifying the community has only grown stronger. He has been actively seeking out more opportunities to use his artistic skills to make the world a brighter place.

By collaborating with local businesses to create stunning murals that attract visitors and boost foot traffic, Alan seeks to leave a positive impact on the community. His latest project is a colorful, patriotic, and spiritual mural located on Canada, across from Pecan Park in La Porte.

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Alan's commitment to beautifying the community has made a significant impact on the people around him. His work inspires hope, creativity, and a sense of connection that is more important now than ever before

UPLIFTING PASSION t's fascinating to explore the influences that shape an artist's style. Alan attributes his influence to his mother, as well as, artists Salvador Dalí and Ten Hundred.

Growing up around his mother's extensive collection of art by the famous artist, Claude Monet, and others, Alan developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the art work. He found solace in the paintings and would often spend hours studying the brushstrokes and color palettes of his mother's favorite artists. As he grew older, Alan began to explore his artistic abilities and found that he had a natural talent for drawing and painting.

With his mother's encouragement, Alan began honoring his skills. He found that creating art was not only a way to express himself but also a way to connect with his faith.

Through his artwork, Alan was able to explore the spiritual themes that were important to him and communicate his beliefs to others. Now, as an accomplished artist in his own right, Alan continues to draw inspiration from his mother's collection.

By studying the work of Salvador Dalí and Ten Hundred, Alan incorporates their techniques and styles into his work, creating a unique blend that showcases his individuality as an artist.

Salvador Dalí was a Spanish painter known for his surrealist works. He was a master of creating dreamlike and sometimes disturbing images that challenged the viewer's perception of reality. His influence can be seen in Alan's use of unexpected imagery and juxtapositions in his art.

Ten Hundred, on the other hand, is a contemporary artist based in Seattle who is known for his colorful and whimsical murals. His work often features playful characters and bright patterns, and he has a distinct style that is instantly recognizable. Alan is drawn to Ten Hundred's use of bold colors and graphic elements in his art.

Alan's paintings serve as a testament to the power of art to bring beauty and meaning into our lives. He finds meaning in his work by seeing how it benefits others, "the fruits of his labor," by continuing to focus on the positive impact he has on the community.

Overall, the mural is a wonderful example of how art can bring people together and enrich a community. It's a

reminder that beauty can be found in unexpected places and that creativity has the power to transform and uplift.

Alan and other local artists are set to bring more murals to the City of Deer Park. As these exciting initiatives unfold, the city is poised to become an even more vibrant and creative place to live, work, and visit. Stay tuned for further updates on these developments, and find out how you can support the local arts community!

DEAF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SHEDS NEW LIGHT ON EMERGENCY WARNING SYSTEMS (Deer Park, TX) – Partnering with the Deer Park Independent School District, the City of Deer Park held its annual Student Government Day in April 2023. For the day, students were matched with City Directors and Leaders to shadow and learn from.

William Stokes, a junior-year high school student, shadowed Emergency Manager Jamie Galloway for the day. During his time with Jamie, William noticed a gap in emergency preparedness for the deaf community.

William, who is deaf himself, suggested a solution: installing flashing lights on emergency sirens. He suggested that the installation would be beneficial for the deaf community, allowing them to be alerted to Shelter-in-Place orders.

Recognizing the need, Jamie Galloway conducted research on equipment and installation pricing. After gathering the necessary information, William presented his proposal to the City Council on May 16, 2023, and the purchase and installation of the lights were approved during the meeting. Funding for the sirens will be provided by the Local Emergency Planning Committee.

During his presentation on May 16, William stated, "I didn't see anything (in the emergency plan) that was accessible for deaf individuals during an emergency and deaf people need access (to some form of notification)

Pictured from left to right: Erin Stokes - mother, William Stokes - son, City Manager James Stokes - father

during emergencies. So, I held on to that thought," said William, "I want to thank Jamie for doing research and for finding a strobe light for the siren towers. I really do appreciate that. Thank you so much."

"The addition of the strobes was minimal and within the budget of the project," Galloway said, "The replacement of the aged system will allow for the integration of newer technology and monitoring of the system.”

Proud dad and City Manager James Stokes stated, “I am an extremely proud father. William came up with this idea by himself at Student Government Day, advocated for himself and those with hearing disabilities, then prepared diligently and gave a great speech to our City Council. It shows young people can make a huge difference in their community.”

Assistant City Manager Sara Robinson stated, “To see and experience this type of advocacy and engagement amongst our youth was heartwarming. This student made a real impact for our community and beyond, and we are all humbled to serve Deer Park alongside this bright young gentleman as well as his peers. Thank you, William Stokes, LEPC, and DPISD!” William Stokes' recommendation to install flashing lights on emergency sirens is a crucial step towards ensuring that the deaf community is kept safe during emergencies.

It's important to note that the deaf community often faces significant challenges when it comes to accessing vital information during emergency situations.

Pictured from left to right: Councilwoman Sherry Garrison; Councilman TJ Haight; Councilman Tommy Ginn, City Manager James Stokes; Deer Park High School student William Stokes; Mayor Jerry Mouton, Jr.; Councilman Bill Patterson; Councilwoman Georgette Ford; Councilman Ron Martin; Assistant City Manager Sara Robinson

In addition to installing flashing lights, there are several other measures that can be taken to ensure that the deaf community is included in emergency planning and response efforts. Some of these measures include: • Providing emergency alerts via text message or mobile app notifications • Hiring sign language interpreters to communicate critical information during public briefings • Creating emergency information videos with captions and sign language interpretation

Pictured: William Stokes presenting to Deer Park City Council

By taking these steps, we can ensure that the deaf community is not left behind during emergencies and that everyone has the information they need to stay safe.

MORE ABOUT STUDENT GOVERNMENT DAY Student Government Day is an event that allows high school students to experience the inner workings of local government. It's an opportunity for them to gain insight into the roles and responsibilities of various city officials while also learning how decisions are made at the local level.

Throughout the day, students have a chance to ask questions, participate in discussions, and even attend meetings to see firsthand how local government operates.

For many students, the event is an eye-opening experience that helps them better understand the importance of civic engagement and public service. Students who participate in Student Government Day often leave with a newfound appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into running a city, and some even consider pursuing careers in public service as a result.

Pictured from left to right: Mayor Jerry Mouton, Jr.; William Stokes: Emergency Manager Jamie Galloway

SShho e e v o v w o L o w S e o m L To T !

S e o y m r d he ui

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H e alt h

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ongratulations to The Health Nut for receiving a key to the City of Deer Park! This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work that has gone into running the business for 35 years.

Mayor Jerry Mouton and the City Council have recognized Karen Guidry, owner of The Health Nut, for her exceptional services by declaring May 16th as "Karen Guidry Day." This is a well-deserved honor for her contributions to the community.

The City Council's decision to honor Karen Guidry with her own day is a testament to the impact she has had on the community. She has not only provided healthy food options but has also supported various charitable causes and community initiatives over the years.

Karen Guidry's success with The Health Nut is also a reflection of the growing trend towards healthier lifestyles and the increasing demand for natural and organic products. Her store has become a hub for health-conscious individuals looking to improve their overall well-being.

The Health Nut has become a beloved restaurant in the community, providing healthy food options and nutritional guidance to generations of residents.

The key to the city is a well-deserved honor that reflects the positive impact that the business has had on the local area.

The Health Nut may be a great example of how small businesses can thrive in a competitive market. By focusing on a niche market of healthconscious consumers, the business has likely been able to differentiate itself from larger chains and build a loyal customer base.

Finally, it's worth noting that receiving a key to the city is a rare honor that not many businesses or individuals can claim. The Health Nut should be proud of this accomplishment and use it as a source of motivation to continue providing quality products and services to the community.

Visit The Health Nut on Facebook

WELCOME TO DEER PARK!

FUN FOR EVERYONE Kids Empire is now open at 3601 Center St., next door to Planet Fitness. The company is headquartered in California and has over 50 locations throughout the U.S. Deer Park’s new location has over 15,000 square feet of space to climb, run, spin & snack, and then do it all again. This is an indoor playground with floor-toceiling climbing walls, play structures, drop-in ball pit, mazes and more. Spaces are provided for active kids as well as ageappropriate structures for smaller tots. There is also plenty of room for parties and events, so it is the perfect spot to celebrate kids’ birthdays and Little League get togethers.

BOOK A PLAY DATE OR BIRTHDAY PARTY TODAY! Prices, which include all day re-entry, can be found on their website at Deer Park.KidsEmpire.com. They also have a Facebook page @Kids Empire Deer Park, or you can call them at (346) 499-0007.

Are you a proactive citizen interested in furthering the police-community relationship? Have you ever wondered how police work compares to your favorite crime drama, been curious about what exactly a police officer does, or wanted to learn more about pursuing a career in law enforcement? If so, the Deer Park Police Department has an opportunity for you.

The Deer Park Police Department is currently recruiting citizens for the 48th class of the Citizens Police Academy. Classes will begin on Thursday, August 17, 2023 and are held each Thursday from 6:30pm-9:30pm until graduation. Classes generally run for 14 weeks and cover several aspects of police related work. Previous classes have included interaction between class participants and officers and hands on training on SWAT, DWI procedures, self defense, investigations, communications and many other topics.

Students have practiced dispatch dexterity, mock traffic stops, learned about accident reconstruction, CPR, and had numerous questions answered.

Classes are interactive and evolving as more citizens take the initiative to interact with their police department by joining the CitizensPolice Academy.

Prospective students should be 18 years of age with a clear criminal history, willing to attend the entire academy and live, work, or attend school, in Deer Park. Graduates are invited to join the Deer Park Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. Alumni members have continued interaction with the police department in a number of capacities. There is no fee for the academy.

The course is provided free of charge by the Deer Park Police Department in the interest of strengthening police-community bonds and increasing communication between citizens and police department employees.

Interested citizens should contact Community Liaison Sheila Plovanich at (281) 930-2118 or splovanich@deerparktx.org.

DEER PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR May 30- June 3 Proceeds are used to help fund our Summer Reading Program prizes. We appreciate your support!

Adult Programs

FEATURED FRIDAY Monday's Child: The Burke Family's Story June 23 at 11:00 AM

MYSTERIES & MORE BOOK CLUB

'Rock Paper Scissors' by Alice Feeney June 6 at 4:00 PM

*JUNE COMPUTER CLASSES THURSDAYS AT 6:00 PM June 8 - Microsoft Word 2016: Basics June 15 - Microsoft Excel 2016: Basics June 22 - Microsoft PowerPoint 2016: Basics

*ADULT PROGRAMAFTERNOON TEA AT THE LIBRARY June 10 at 2:00 PM

*This program requires registration; Call us at 281-478-7208 to sign up.

DEER PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY SRP 2023 Child Programs

FAMILY SING-ALONG MOVIE MONDAYS AT 10:30 AM

KIDS CRAFT SUMMER 2023 TUESDAYS AT 2:00 PM

June 6- Friendship Bracelet June 13- 2D Sand Art June 20- Retro Sunglasses June 27- 4th of July Marble Painting July 11- Pet Rock July 18-Dream Catcher July 25- Pop Art Print-Making

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL EVENTS WEDNESDAYS AT 10:30 AM

June 7- Crocodile Encounters June 14- Puppet Pizzazz June 21- Zoofari June 28- Houston Grand Opera July 5- Tie Dye Time July 12-Sunny Sue's Magic Show July 19- HMNS - Myths and Legends July 26- End-of-Summer Petting Zoo

SUMMER STORYTIME

Toddlers: Thursdays at 10:15 AM Preschoolers: Thursdays at 11:00 AM June 8 - July 20 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND MOVIE TITLES CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT DEERPARKTX.GOV/LIBRARY

DEER PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM The 2023 Summer Reading Program at the DPPL provides children of all ages an opportunity to enjoy reading as well as help maintain reading skills during summer months.

All while earning incentive prizes!

This summer we will offer logging both online and via paper.

Registration will begin May 30th.

Logging will begin on June 4th!

SRP 2023 Teen Programs 12-18

TEEN ART CAMP SUMMER 2023 WEDNESDAYS AT 3:00 PM June 7- Easy DIY Watercolor Prints June 14- Bead Lizard Keychains June 21-Personalized Buttons June 28- Mini Macrame Keychains July 12-Perler Beading July 19-Drip Pour Painting

TEEN MEME MOVIE

THURSDAYS AT 4:00 PM Check out our website for a list of titles.

TEEN ADVISORY BOARD June 6 at 4:15 PM

END OF SUMMER TEEN PARTY July 27 at 4:15 PM

PARKS AND RECREATION

s t n e v E g n i m o c Up CONCERT IN THE PARK KICK-OFF Thunderpants - 80’s Cover Band.

Friday, June 2 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Dow Park Pavilions

MOVIES IN THE PARK

June 3rd in Dow Park at Dusk Minions: The Rise of Gru rated PG

CONCERT IN THE PARK

Thursdays, 7pm – 8:30pm at the Dow Park Pavilions La Cour | June 8 | Ladies Night TBD | June 15 | Faith Night Sedated | June 22 | Teen Night

DIVE-IN-MOVIE

June 9th – Shark Tales June 30th- Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Dow Park Pool | 7PM | $10

DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE

June 17th at 7pm at the Jimmy Burke Center $40 per couple; $17 per additional daughter

SAVE THE DATE FOR 4TH FEST! July 4th, Jimmy Burke Center 5 – 10pm

C I T Y O F D E E R P A R K P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N

SHOW ONLY

$20 $40

DINNER & SHOW

CITY OF DEER PARK PARKS AND RECREATION

J U L Y 7 , 8 , 9 , 1 4 , 1 5 , 1 6 , 2 1 , 2 2 , 2 0 2 3

THE MUSIC MAN THE MUSIC MAN FOLLOWS FAST-TALKING SALESMAN HAROLD HILL WHO SPELLS OUT “TROUBLE” IN HIS BEST SALES PITCH AS HE CONS THE PEOPLE OF RIVER CITY INTO ORGANIZING A BOYS’ BAND, DESPITE THE FACT THAT HE DOESN’T KNOW A TROMBONE FROM A TREBLE CLEF. HAROLD DOESN’T COUNT ON FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE TOWN LIBRARIAN HOWEVER, AND WHAT ENSUES IS A FAST-PACED ROMANTIC COMEDY THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL LOVE!

San Jacinto Monument & Museum

The San Jacinto Monument & Museum offers a variety of familyfriendly events throughout the year, including reenactments, festivals, and educational programs. Some popular events include the Battle of San Jacinto reenactment, the Fourth of July celebration, and the Festival of Lights during the holiday season. Check the museum's website for a full calendar of events and plan your visit accordingly. Don't miss out on these fun and educational opportunities for the whole family!

UPCOMING EVENTS June 3: Bird Watching at the Battlefield; 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; free Every first Saturday of the month, we open two hours early so birders and photographers can enjoy early morning at the site.

Location: San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site

June 3: San Jacinto Family Day: Make a Ball & Cup; 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; included with the price of admission to the San Jacinto Museum; Child entry is free with the purchase of an adult ticket Make a ball and cup game.

Location: San Jacinto Monument

June 3: Battleground Van Tour; tours are one hour and start at 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m. & 2:45 p.m.; free Discover the San Jacinto Battleground like you've never seen it before on a staff-led van tour of the battlefield. Tours start shortly after the showing of Texas Forever!!

Location: Gather in the main lobby of the San Jacinto Monument.

Ask at the ticket kiosk to sign up.

San Jacinto Monument & Museum

CONTINUED June 10:

Cycling Saturday; 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.; free Every second Saturday of the month, we open the site two hours early just for cyclists. Come and bike the Birthplace of Texas without worrying about cars.

Location: San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site

June 10: Battleground Bike Tour; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; free Stretch your legs and honor the memory of the Texas Revolution with a guided bike tour of the battleground.

Location: Meet in front of the San Jacinto Monument by the flag poles June 10: Knit in Public Day; 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; free Celebrate Worldwide Knit in Public Day at the Battleground. Knitters and crocheters welcome.

Location: Outside the San Jacinto Monument, under the trees June 10: Boom: Cannon Demonstration; 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; free Cannon firing demonstration on the hour and half hour Location: outside the San Jacinto Museum June 17: Battleground Van Tour; tours are one hour and start at 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m. & 2:45 p.m.; free Discover the San Jacinto Battleground like you've never seen it before on a staff-led van tour of the battlefield. Tours start shortly after the showing of Texas Forever!!

Location: Gather in the main lobby of the San Jacinto Monument. Ask at the ticket kiosk to sign up.

San Jacinto Monument & Museum

CONTINUED June 17: History Under the Star: San Jacinto – The Experience of Battle Jacinto; 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; $5 for adults, $3 for members, free for students Renown Texas historian Dr. Stephen Hardin will talk about the Battle of San Jacinto from the perspective of the soldiers who fought in it.

Location: San Jacinto Museum

June 18: Battleground Van Tour; tours are one hour and start at 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m. & 2:45 p.m.; free Discover the San Jacinto Battleground like you've never seen it before on a staff-led van tour of the battlefield. Tours start shortly after the showing of Texas Forever!!

Location: Gather in the main lobby of the San Jacinto Monument. Ask at the ticket kiosk to sign up.

June 24: Battleground Van Tour; tours are one hour and start at 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m. & 2:45 p.m.; free Discover the San Jacinto Battleground like you've never seen it before on a staff-led van tour of the battlefield. Tours start shortly after the showing of Texas Forever!!

Location: Gather in the main lobby of the San Jacinto Monument. Ask at the ticket kiosk to sign up.