CITY HAPPENINGS
PURCHASING DEPARTMENT EARNS AEP AWARD
The City of La Porte’s Purchasing Department has been awarded the 23rd Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) for 2018 from the National Procurement Institute. The AEP Award is earned by public and non-profit organizations that obtain a high application score based on standardized criteria. The AEP is awarded annually to recognize Innovation, Professionalism, E-Procurement, Productivity and Leadership in the procurement function. This is the fifth consecutive year the Purchasing Department has achieved this award. Pictured (left to right): Sandie Scarborough, Contract Administrator; Cherell Daeumer, Purchasing Manager; and Ashley Lovercheck, Buyer
EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER
Bianca Cuccerre, Recreation Specialist, was awarded City of La Porte Employee of the Quarter at the City Council Meeting on August 27th. Bianca is responsible for many of the special events enjoyed throughout the city including, The La Porte Kids’ Rodeo, Family Fright Night, Airing of the Quilts, Mardi Gras on Main, The Search for Lafitte’s Gold, Christmas on Main, Breakfast with Santa, and more. Bianca also plays a vital role in the city’s online communications via social media and the city website. Congratulations Bianca! Pictured (left to right): Rosalyn Epting, Director of Parks and Recreation; Bianca; and Mayor Rigby
ON THE COVER
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This statue, located in Heritage Park next to the Sylvan Beach Train Depot Museum, was created by Carey Gray, grandfather of current District 4 Council representative Kristin Martin. The statue was modeled after Kristin’s siblings.
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/DocumentCenter/View/4313/ Phase-II-Stormwater-Management-Program
POLICE UPDATE
GIVING TO THOSE IN NEED
The La Porte Police Department (LPPD) Blue Santa Program began seven short years ago, and has already resulted in the distribution of gifts, toys, and many other items for thousands of children who might not otherwise have had a Christmas. With the help of La Porte Police Officers, the La Porte Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, various City departments, and many generous community donors, the program can provide local families with assistance and gifts throughout the Christmas Holidays. In 2017, the Blue Santa Program assisted over 1,100 registered families receiving gifts for local children. La Porte Police Department emphasizes, through local teamwork, such as the Blue Santa Program, that we can all make a difference in the lives of those who find themselves in a less fortunate position. We are asking the La Porte community to join us, and help in assisting local families to have a great Holiday Season. If you wish to join us in making this season a merry one, please go to the La Porte Police Department Facebook page for drop off locations and participant registration information. Also, tax-deductible monetary donations for the program can be made to the La Porte Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association; a registered 501(c)3. Checks made out to the Association can be dropped off anytime at the La Porte Police Department, 3001 North 23rd Street. For further information concerning the program, please contact LPPD’s Support Services Division at 281-842-3124, or call the La Porte Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association at 281-842-3149, or website at http://www.lpcpaaa.org.
BE SAFE THIS HALLOWEEN
The Police Department wishes every parent, child, and Halloween enthusiast a safe and happy Halloween. Since the holiday falls on a Tuesday night this year, the department plans to focus on preventing acts of vandalism, and the inevitable increase in traffic accidents as the extended-weekend partygoers take to the roads. The police caution drivers and parents of young trickor-treaters to take appropriate steps to ensure the night stays safe. For questions concerning holiday safety or other related matters, contact the La Porte Police Department at 281-842-3183 or 281-842-3124.
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With the sweltering Texas summer in the rear view mirror, outdoor activities beckon us to venture beyond the couch to experience the re-energizing power of nature. The City of La Porte provides the perfect opportunity for fall adventures with more than thirteen miles of trails for walking, cycling, running, hiking or simply relaxing. The main artery of the trail system winds its way parallel to Fairmont Parkway from Pasadena all the way to the bay. The paved path is ideal for cyclists looking for a long weekend ride. At the eastern end of the trail is Little Cedar Bayou Park, where runners can take a rest beneath the shady trees, while watching their furry little training partner play at the dog park. From the Little Cedar Bayou Dog Park, the trail splits into two separate personalities: one, continue along the paved wellmanicured path, or two, step off-road for a little rugged retreat. Option two leads hikers down a dirt trail away from the park as it twists beside the bayou toward the open bay. The densely wooded surroundings swallow up the sounds of the city, and with every step farther down the trail, stress and deadlines dissolve into distant memories. The trail ends with two unique bird-watching platforms (the first is pictured to the left), where the sweeping views of the bay are just what the doctor ordered. For a full map of the La Porte Trail System and more information visit:
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laportetx.gov/trails
PARKS & RECREATION PARKS DEPARTMENT IS WORKING HARD FOR YOU
The Parks Department has been working hard all year to provide La Porte with some amazing upgrades and fantastic new features. Here are just a few of the projects completed this year: an all new playground at Little Cedar Bayou Park; shade structures and windscreens installed at the Wavepool; new basketball court at Tom Brown Park; re-built basketball court at Pfeiffer Park; lasergrading of Pecan Park baseball fields; brand new crushed granite trail at Northwest Park; shade benches installed at the Dog Park; new backstops at Creekmont Park, Brookglen Park and Glen Meadows Park; fresh layers of crushed granite added to trails citywide; new trees planted; provided an awesome fireworks show; and kept our parks looking beautiful and inviting. In addition to all these great improvements, the Parks Department has begun work and planning on many significant new projects for the future, including: a fresh upgrade of Seabreeze Park playground; the complete re-plastering of the Wavepool and Northwest Pool; a new pool building at Northwest Park; and a new pavilion with restrooms at Five Points Plaza. Pictured Above: The New Northwest Park Trail
FALL CAMPS AND TAAF YOUTH BASKETBALL
Enjoy your holiday break with Parks and Rec! When school is out for the holidays check out our amazing activities for the students to stay active and busy during the upcoming school year. Come in and sign students up for one of our fun-filled holiday camps or our TAAF Youth Basketball program. We have games, crafts and trips planned to keep them engaged during camp as well as a season full of fun and competitive basketball. Camps are held at the Evelyn Kennedy Civic Center during Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks and basketball games and practices will be at the Recreation and Fitness Center. Go to laportetx.gov/register for more information.
FLORAL DESIGN COURSE
Fresh floral centerpiece teaching course, designed by you! This class offers a hands-on experience by a professional floral designer with Garden of Eden Floral that teaches you the basics of designing a fall centerpiece perfect for your table this season! We provide the tools, flowers and apron to make your very own masterpiece. Come join us November 10th and December 8th at the Recreation and Fitness Center. Register online at laportetx.gov/register.
FUN TIMES. BY THE BAY. IS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Discover all the exciting programs and events available throughout the Parks & Recreation Department. The program catalog is available online at laportetx.gov/funtimesbythebay!
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OCTOBER 6-7 STPGA Prestige Tour @ Bay Forest Junior Championship OCTOBER 20-21 Bay Forest Handicap Association Club Championship OCTOBER 24 La Porte Bayshore Chamber of Commerce Salute to Industry Golf Tournament OCTOBER 26-27 LPHS Invitational NOVEMBER 22 Thanksgiving Day - All Facilities Closed DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day - All Facilities Closed
For more information visit bayforestgolf.com or follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @bayforestgolf
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UPCOMING EVENTS Are you ready to parrrrrrrty like a pirate?! On Saturday, October 20, at Main Street and Five Points Plaza will be the biggest buccaneer bash La Porte has ever seen! Bring the whole family at 4pm to enjoy live music, food trucks, craft & artisan vendors, beer, pirate games, a mechanical shark, giant slides and more! Winners of the LPISD Pirate Art Contest will receive awards and the art will be on display. Wear your best pirate costume to be awarded as a “Certified Pirate!”
FAMILY FRIGHT NIGHT
Join us October 13th for a haunted night of fun at Little Cedar Bayou Park! Activities will include: overnight camping, tent decorating, a hayride, marshmallow roasting, and Coco on our giant outdoor movie screen! Bring your own tent, camping gear and decorations and we’ll supply dinner, breakfast and sweet treats! Costumes are optional. Pre-registration is required at laportetx.gov/register.
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CITY OF LA PORTE 604 W FAIRMONT PKWY LA PORTE, TX 77571 281-471-5020 WWW.LAPORTETX.GOV