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. OCTOBER| NOVEMBER| DECEMBER 2020
YO U R VOT E I S YO U R VO I C E Page 20
E M PLOYE E O F T H E Q UA RT E R page 4
N AT I O N A L D O M E ST I C VI O L E N C E AWA R E N E S S Page 6
F I R E PR EVE N T I O N WE E K Page 8
WO R D S E A R C H Page 12
YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE
VOTE
M A K E
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D I F F E R E N C E
EARLY VOTING - La Porte voters are able to vote at any Harris County location. The early voting polling location in the city limits is at the La Porte Recreation & Fitness Center, Norman L. Malone Senior Center, 1322 S. Broadway, La Porte, 77571 Tuesday, October 13th – Saturday, October 17th: 7:00am – 7:00pm Sunday, October 18th: 12:00pm – 7:00pm Monday, October 19th – Saturday, October 24th: 7:00am – 7:00pm Sunday, October 25th: 12:00pm – 7:00pm Monday, October 26th: 7:00am – 7:00pm Tuesday, October 27th – Thursday, October 29th: 7:00am – 10:00pm *Thursday, October 29th: 24hr Locations roll into Friday morning. Friday, October 30th: 7:00am – 7:00pm Tuesday, November 3rd: 7:00am – 7:00pm 2
La Porte voters may vote at any Harris County polling location for early voting and on election day. Find them all at HarrisVotes.com! Curbside voting will be available throughout the election period, just pull up in marked spaces. October 5 is the last day to register to vote for the November 3, 2020, election. Check your registration status at VoteTexas.gov.
ELECTION DAY Your vote makes a difference! Vote on Tuesday, November 3, from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. The election polling locations within the city limits on election day are:
• La Porte Recreation & Fitness Center, Norman L. Malone Senior Center, 1322 S. Broadway • La Porte City Hall Council Chamber, 604 W. Fairmont Parkway • Bayshore Elementary School Gymnasium, 800 McCabe Road • Lomax Junior High School Gymnasium, 9801 N. Avenue L • Rizzuto Elementary School Cafeteria, 3201 Farrington Street • Jennie Reid Elementary School Cafeteria, 10001 W. Fairmont Parkway • The Academy of Viola De Walt, 401 N. 2nd Street • Bayshore Baptist Church, 11315 Spencer Highway
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(Congratulations) A big CONGRATS to our Employee of the 2nd Quarter:
Kayla Baez Recreation Center Specialist Kayla Baez, Recreation Center Specialist, prides herself in doing her job to the best of her abilities while making sure that the kids she cares for are learning and having loads of fun! Kayla has worked with the Parks & Recreation Department for 2 years and has made quite an impact during her time. During the COVID-19 quarantine, Kayla implemented a new virtual program so that children stuck at home could have activities to look forward to every day. Some of these Rec at Home activities were children’s crafts and activities that include the entire family. Kayla enjoys seeing the looks of the kid’s faces as they play and enjoy time together, and her happiest moments are knowing that her kids hate leaving camp because they are having so much fun! “I’m glad that we can give them a space they love to come to and don’t want to leave. That is how I know I’ve done a great job and it’s what makes me happy,” says Kayla. Her goal is to continue to nurture and care for the children that come to the community centers and to enjoy her dream job. “Most people constantly search for the next great thing, but I love my job, this is my great thing. It’s perfect. I love it. I do a lot, but I also get to play with the kids, get on slides, and jump on trampolines. What’s not to love?” says Kayla.
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Kayla is no stranger to kid fun. She is a mother to a smart and outgoing, 7-year-old daughter named Olivia. When thinking of ideas she tries to think of things her daughter and her would enjoy as well. Kayla has a degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas A&M, Kingsville. She lives in Seabrook but grew up in
Channelview. When she’s not at work she likes to enjoy the outdoors by going camping, enjoying time with her daughter Olivia, and reading fiction novels for her book club.
“Her love of every camper that comes through her program is evident by the amount of work she puts into their enjoyment and the special attention she gives each of them. Her program participants, campers and parents alike, keep returning for every summer, holiday break, or spring break, simply because they know that Kayla is the one organizing and running each camp, keeping their children safe, and providing a great experience for their kids! I feel extremely lucky and even honored to be Kayla’s direct supervisor. In my entire career, I have never worked with anyone so seamlessly. Kayla is driven, extremely creative, funny, caring, honest, reliable and hard-working, while at the same time remaining grounded, humble, and unsatisfied with the status quo. She is an extremely valuable asset to the La Porte Parks & Recreation Department and has a very bright future ahead of her!” -Jesse Baker, Recreation Specialist “Kayla is truly passionate about her work and always willing to help out around the department. We are lucky to have her on our team!” -Bianca Cuccerre, Recreation Specialist “Kayla is truly passionate about her work and always willing to help out around the department. We are lucky to have her on our team!” -Lindsay French, Parks & Recreation Specialist
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NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). You can join the La Porte Police Department and battered women’s advocates across the country in committing to support domestic violence survivors, spread domestic violence awareness, and help end domestic abuse. Here are a few ways you can show your support during the month of October: PURPLE PORCH LIGHTS - Show your support of domestic violence survivors by displaying purple porch lights at night. PURPLE RIBBON BUSINESS SUPPORT - Display the Domestic Violence Awareness Month flyer in your business or workplace during October. The flyers will be distributed throughout the city by the Crime Victims Liaison, as well as available in the lobby of the Police Department. PURPLE THURSDAY - October 22nd is nationally recognized as Purple Thursday. Wear purple to show support for victims of domestic violence and spread awareness about the cause. Wear purple every Thursday in October, especially on October 22nd. Posting your pictures to social media to show your support using the tag #PurpleThursday, and share them with our Crime Victim Liaison, Shaye Lister, at ListerS@LaPorteTX.gov. DONATE TO A LOCAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER – LPPD is partnering with The Bridge Over Troubled Waters and will be collecting specific items to be donated to the shelter. Find area drop boxes and the items needed on the city’s website LaPorteTX.gov/DomesticViolence as well as the La Porte Police Departments Facebook page at LaPortePoliceDepartment. BE INFORMED - Knowing the facts about domestic abuse is the first step toward preventing it. Nearly three out of four Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. Now is time to take a stand. Support survivors and speak out against domestic violence. If you need assistance or want to talk to someone about domestic violence, call 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or Shaye Lister at 281-842-3172. 6
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Fire Prevention Week Every year, Fire Departments have celebrated the second week of October as Fire Prevention Week. In October 1922, Fire Prevention Week was established to honor the lives lost to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The fire began on October 8th and ended on October 10th, destroying many homes and lives.
left too close to a burner. During Fire Prevention Week, the La Porte Fire Department and Fire Marshalls Office, team up to visit all elementary schools within La Porte. Teaching students from Pre-K, to the fifth grade safety and knowledge about what to do in the event of a fire.
While the source of this fire is unclear, its effects created a lasting impression. The goal of Fire Prevention Week is to teach the public how to prevent fires, and protect your life or others. Each year, the National Fire Protection Association (nfpa.org) picks a theme to associate with this week. This year, the NFPA selected the theme of “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen”.
The La Porte Fire Department starts Fire Prevention Week by speaking with Pre-K/Kindergarten classes. The classes are introduced to firefighters as positive role models to seek help from. They are shown various types of bunker gear and air packs to let the child know the different appearances a firefighter has. No matter the appearance of a firefighter, they are there to help! They are introduced to the definition of an emergency, how to dial 911, and how to stop, drop, and roll.
Due to COVID-19, many individuals are cooking at home now. While this solution is beneficial, it can lead to serious fires through unattended cooking or objects being
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First and second graders interact with the Fire Marshal Office. The deputies’ team review the importance of having
a working smoke alarm in every room and how/when to change the batteries. And what to do when a smoke alarm goes off. After, the students are able to view the firetrucks and ask questions of the firefighters. Third graders get hands on training about the different types of extinguishers and how to put out fires. Firefighters provide third graders with house props and water can extinguishers to show putting out a fire. Fourth graders get to participate in the pumper races. They are shown the process of getting water from a fire hydrant through the connection of hoses, and nozzles, to put out the fire. The students are then paired up to try themselves in a fun, quick race. Fire Prevention week ends with the fifth
graders. The students are brought out to the La Porte Fire Training Field. They are shown behind the scenes of what goes into a fire, from the 911 call coming in, to the fire being put out. These demonstrations help students connect their knowledge of fire safety. For more information, about the La Porte Fire Department go to Lpfd.net, or visit nfpa.org/public-education.
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Parks & Recrea Register online at laportetx.gov/register or by visiting the La Porte Recreation & Fitness Center. Call (281) 470-9891 for questions or additional information.
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OLIDAY CAMPS When school is out, camp is in! Join us for one of our Holiday Camps during the Thanksgiving and winter breaks. All camps are packed with fun, games, crafts, field trips, and more. WHERE: Special Programs Center, 1302 S. Broadway DATES: Thanksgiving - November 23 – 25, Winter Break - December 21-23, December 28-31 TIME: 7:30AM – 5:30PM AGES: 5 – 12 (Kindergarten - 6th grade) FEE: $40 for Thanksgiving and Winter Break Week One, $50 for Winter Break Week Two. REGISTRATION INFO & DEADLINE: Registration open October 1 – November 16 for Thanksgiving Camp and November 2 - December 14 for the Winter Break camps. However, registration fills up quickly so register early! Call (281) 470-9891 for additional information.
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TORYTIME IN THE PARK
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ID’S NIGHT OUT
Join us for Kid’s Night Out where your kids enjoy an evening of fun and parents get to enjoy an evening out. Kid’s Night Out will be filled with fun, games, pizza, and more! Dinner will be served at 6:30pm. WHERE: Special Programs Center, 1302 S Broadway DATES: 2nd Friday of the Month – Oct 9, Nov 13, Dec 11 TIME: 5:00PM – 10:00PM AGES: 5 – 12 (Kindergarten thru 6th Grade) FEE: $15 per child REGISTRATION INFO & DEADLINE: Registration for each month closes one week prior to the Kid’s Night Out date.
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A terrific way to get children outside and more connected to nature. Join us in your neighborhood park where we explore nature with a book and fun outdoor activities! All children must be accompanied by a parent or childcare provider who will participate in the program. WHERE: 1st Wednesday of the Month at Seabreeze Park. 2nd Wednesday of the Month at Brookglen Park. DATES: Seabreeze Park – Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 2 Brookglen Park – Oct 14, Nov 11, Dec 9 TIME: 10:30AM – 11:00AM AGES: 5 and under FEE: Free
ation Programs T
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RICK OR TREAT FROM YOUR SEAT Calling all goblins and ghouls, make plans to join us for a night of Halloween curbside
fun! WHERE: Little CedarBayou Park DATE: Saturday, October 24 TIMES: 6PM - 8PM FEE: This is a free event where vendors will create a “trail” for participants to drive through to pick up their curbside treats. Come and enjoy a safe night of fun and get into the Halloween spirit! OUTH WINTER BASKETBALL LEAGUE Join our growing recreational winter basketball league for both girls and boys! This recreational league is designed for Grades K – 7th to increase physical activity, develop teamwork & interpersonal skills, learn the rules of basketball, practice & improve basketball skills, and most importantly, HAVE FUN! Practices will be held once a week with games on Saturdays for 7 straight weeks. Team jerseys are provided for each player! Volunteer coaches are needed for each team! WHERE: La Porte Recreation & Fitness Center DATES: Games played January 16 – February 27, 2021; Practices begin the week of January 4, 2021. TIMES: Weeknight practices may range between 5PM – 9PM. Saturday games may range between 8AM – 5PM. AGES: 5 – 12 years (Kindergarten – 7th Grade) FEE: $45 Early Registration; $60 Late Registration REGISTRATION INFO & DEADLINE: Early registration runs October 1 – November 30. Late registration deadline is December 14.
EAR-ROUND PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS Private swim lessons offer one-on-one instruction from our experienced certified instructors! Each session consists of four 45-minute classes. WHERE: La Porte Recreation & Fitness Center DATES: Year-round beginning October 5 TIMES: Monday – Thursday at 6:45 or Saturdays at 10:00AM, 11:00AM, 1:00PM, or 2:00PM AGES: 6 months to adult (Under age 3 must be accompanied by a parent in the water) FEE: $60 per session
IRTUAL TREE LIGHTING
Join us for our annual tree lighting virtually on Facebook. You won’t want to miss Santa and the Mayor lighting our brand-new Christmas tree at Five Points plaza. WHERE: City of La Porte Facebook page. DATES: Thursday, December 3 TIME: 6:30PM
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ORTH POLE CALLING Monday, December 7 through Thursday, December 10 | 6:00PM – 8:00PM Save the date! This December your child can receive a call from the North Pole! The program is free and our way of promoting the holiday spirit. Parents can register their children by obtaining a North Pole Calling Form from participating LPISD Elementary Schools or the La Porte Recreation & Fitness Center and depositing the completed form in the North Pole Calling Mailbox at each participating location. For more information or to volunteer for North Pole calling, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (281) 470-7275. Completed forms must be turned in by Monday, December 7, at Noon!
FUN TIMES. BY THE BAY.
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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City of La Porte Word Search J Q L T T S S Z P E GB H R K F B CD A A ZQ S B C T R VQX H L N T T AM J B DN O E O V A TWZ P Q D Y MM T F N I P A HGA EMZ DN F E V I OC E R Y S V N E A F A OWR L C L L D L P U B F S T U T A WMW R Q M Z K QR E G E U RGOB F F Z K V HOZ A S J TMY VOXM R E Y U P HMA K E A D I F N J A T GW P H HW F WE A E L E C T I OND A YMP N L N P Q E J N V C KMQA I CWB K A Y L A B A E Z K I F UN T I ME S T J H T QA H I M F K YMG I Z P K R Y A NHO L I D A Y C AMP S D B E Q J G Y EWP I L O P T I F I R E P R E V E N T I T UH Z P G Y T OA B L A S WM L A L P H D V R U Q E E O J T C H AWD P U H Z N V K S T R D J T B N Z RW I N B I DQ F T R I C K OR T R
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P O K J I B E E L I GH EWS L E T L X U A X F F N K GWA R L Y VO T L I CWO R U J OX N R U V Y V L G Q T T F F J F E R E N C R P U R P L X HH R S I N X AGU K ROUMH Y F XM L F S I U J RO S I X RGNN U CD T R A ON A R B X A C FWU O L HU V B F KWX J F H T E R P RO E A T UH Y
O Y Q F F T I NGH T E R L Q A WW I J MB A F O I NG EW K S B B E R K T Y J F QN T U F D Z HW E P J E O E F R B N N I QA E OR N Y T R E U S H T F O Y I H I NON P GZ DG OHO Y A L T B RO E E K P Y R R E S T X L F VO G R AMS OH K J W
Make a Difference Winter Programs Fire Prevention
Tree Lighting
Trick or Treat
Firefighter
Holiday Camps
Early Voting
Election Day
Santa Claus
Public Works
Newsletter
Wear Purple
Kayla Baez
Fun Times
North Pole
Life by the bay
One thing
La Porte
Vote
Trick or
t a e s r u o Treat from y k
Octob er 24th
ar , 6-8 pm at little cedar bayou p
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City of La Porte Word Search J Q L T T S S Z P E G B H R K F B C D A A Z Q S B C T R V Q X H L N T T AM J B DN O E O V A TWZ P Q D Y MM T F N I P A HG A EMZ DN F E V I OC E R Y S V N E A F A OWR L C L L D L P U B F S T U T A WMW R Q M Z K QR E G E U R GO B F F Z K V HO Z A S J TM Y V O XM R E Y U P HMA K E A D I F N J A T GW P H HW F WE A E L E C T I OND A YM P N L N P Q E J N V C KMQ A I CWB K A Y L A B A E Z K I F UN T I ME S T J H T Q A H I M F K YMG I Z P K R Y A NHO L I D A Y C AM P S D B E Q J G Y EWP I L O P T I F I R E P R E V E N T I T UH Z P G Y T O A B L A S WM L A L P H D V R U Q E E O J T C H AWD P U H Z N V K S T R D J T B N Z RW I N B I DQ F T R I C K OR T R
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P O K J I B E E L I GH EWS L E T L X U A X F F N K GWA R L Y V O T L I CWO R U J O X N R U V Y V L G Q T T F F J F E R E N C R P U R P L X HH R S I N X A GU K ROUMH Y F XM L F S I U J RO S I X R GNN U C D T R A ON A R B X A C FWU O L HU V B F KWX J F H T E R P RO E A T UH Y
O Y Q F F T I NGH T E R L Q A WW I J MB A F O I NG EW K S B B E R K T Y J F QN T U F D Z HW E P J E O E F R B N N I Q A E OR N Y T R E U S H T F O Y I H I NON P G Z DG OHO Y A L T B RO E E K P Y R R E S T X L F V O G R AMS OH K J W
Make a Difference Winter Programs Fire Prevention
Tree Lighting
Trick or Treat
Firefighter
Holiday Camps
Early Voting
Election Day
Santa Claus
Public Works
Newsletter
Wear Purple
Kayla Baez
Fun Times
North Pole
Life by the bay
One thing
La Porte
Vote
CITY OF LA PORTE 604 W FAIRMONT PKWY LA PORTE, TX 77571 281-471-5020 WWW.LAPORTETX.GOV
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