| Click it or TICKET! Including Adults in Back Seat |
 The Victoria Police Department is joining forces with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and law enforcement agencies across Texas for this year's annual Click It or Ticket campaign; unbuckled drivers and passengers and drivers whose children aren't properly secured will be ticketed. Fines range from $25 to $250 plus court costs. Thousands of state troopers will join police officers and sheriffs' deputies statewide to step up enforcement of the state's safety belt laws between May 24 and June 6, including the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Read the news release |
| Grant Funds for Non-Profit Organizations | Through its annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) the City of Victoria has created a program to provide approximately $90,000 per year in grants to Public Service Agencies (PSA's) whose programs meet national objectives as well as City-specific objectives. Deadline for submission is June 8, 2010.
The public service or services offered by a PSA must be directed toward improving one or more of the following needs:
· Homeless Shelters
· Eviction Prevention Assistance
· Services for the Homeless
· Food Pantries/Distribution
· Crime Prevention/Neighborhood Watch
· After School Programs
· Utility Bill Assistance - Water Bills
Contact the City of Victoria Development Services at 485-3360.
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| Mosquito Fogging Underway |
 Employees from the Parks and Recreation Department are currently fogging the city to help reduce the adult mosquito population. High winds are hindering the fogging process--when winds exceed 10 miles-per-hour fogging is halted.
It takes approximately three days of fogging to cover the entire city. Light winds and no rainfall are needed for the spraying to begin. The spraying will continue as long as the mosquito problem persists.
Residents can help keep the mosquito population under control on their own property by draining anything outdoors that is a potential breeding place for the insects: old tires, pet water bowls, poorly maintained pools, birdbaths, potted plants or clogged rain gutters.
For more information about the mosquito spraying program, call the Victoria Parks and Recreation Department at 485-3200. |
| Crime Prevention - Help End Auto Theft | | H.E.A.T. Registration & VIN Etching
Saturday, June 5, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Parkway Baptist Church (4802 N. John Stockbauer)
A car is stolen in Texas every five and a half minutes!
Statistics show that most vehicles are stolen between the hours of 1-5 a.m. HEAT decals authorize law enforcement officers to stop and verify vehicle ownership during these hours, anywhere in Texas and anytime the vehicle travels into Mexico.
Enrolling in the HEAT program and having your vehicle VIN etched will greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of vehicle theft. HEAT (Help End Auto Theft) is a statewide vehicle registration program sponsored by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The Victoria Police Department Crime Prevention Unit offers HEAT and VIN registration by appointment Thursdays, from 9-12 at the Victoria Mall Substation, call 485-3808. Click here for more information. |
| An Urban Hike - Tonkawa Nature Trails |
 The Tonkawa Nature Trails, Athey West, Athey East and Red River, are part of the Riverside Park Trail System and are located within a 67-acre area bordered by Vine and Red River Streets and Memorial Drive.
Two of the three trailheads begin, just behind the historic Hiller House, at the intersection of Vine Street and Independence Drive. Before beginning your walk, look for the educational narratives--with photos--that discuss the interrelated flora and fauna living in the Athey Nature Area.
Cleared paths wind through heavily wooded elm, oak, ash, huisach trees and dozens of different vines and shrubs. More than 100 species of birds frequent this area; deer, raccoons, skunks, snakes, and scores of damselflies, dragonflies and butterflies also call this wilderness home.
Take time to return to nature, while in the city. Visit our nature trails this summer. Photo: Megan and Britney O'Sullivan walk their dogs, Princess and Romeo, down the Athey West Nature Trail.
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| Recycling Methane Gas - Significant Choice |
 On March 3, more than 30 engineers, consultants, financial officers and company owners--attended the initial contract discussion on bidding for the gas from the City's landfill. Interest in capturing the methane gas that's emitted from the landfill began more than 10 years ago. But, it's taken some changes and upgrades before the process could be considered. "Right now we're burning money," says Jerry James, director of environmental services, in reference to the gas burning from the landfill's flare. Many cities have been capturing this by-product for years and either selling it or using it to power municipal projects.
The city investigated capitalization of the project, however, at this point, "It would only power about 5,000 homes," says James. "The problem is how to get that power back to Victoria." Often cities will use the electricity produced to power its municipal plants, but unfortunately, Victoria's landfill isn't close enough to consider this option. After initial review, the city has short-listed two companies. The next step is on-sight evaluation of similar projects in Mississippi and Arlington, Texas. The contract to be awarded could be for 15 years or longer, depending on final negotiations. "The City stands to make a significant amount of money," says James. "As soon as it is approved by council, and the contract is signed, construction will begin." |
| Illicit Storm Water Discharge Ordinance |
 In compliance with federal and state regulations concerning the Clean Water Act, ordinance 2010-6 prohibits the pollution of the City of Victoria's Municipal Storm Sewer System.
It is illegal to blow, deposit, dump, emit, leak, pump or pour substances into the storm sewer system. Doing so can result in a penalty up to $500. Read the ordinace here. |
| Victoria Fire Department Annual Report |  The Victoria Fire Department 2009 Annual Report is a comprehensive review of its activities throughout the preceding year. Highligts include fire and EMS call statistics, call comparison study, educational programs, department review and much more. |
| Birth Certificates - Passports, School |
 Whether you're registering your children for school, applying for a passport, visa, social security card, or going on a cruise you will need a certified birth certificate.
In Victoria County, certified birth certificates are available from either the City Secretary, who is the Local Registar for Victoria County, or the Victoria County Clerk's office. Certified birth certificates can be obtained for those born in the state of Texas as far back as 1926. Avoid the last-minute rush and order yours today. For more information on ordering a birth certificate click here. |
| Korean War Conference June 24-26 |
 The Victoria College/University of Houston-Victoria Library is commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Korean War by sponsoring a three-day conference June 24-26 at Victoria College.
Presentations include all aspects of the conflict by speakers from all over the nation. A reception and exhibit honoring Korean War veterans is at the Museum of the Coastal Bend Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. PBS news anchor Jim Lehrer is Master of Ceremonies at an evening banquet Friday, June 25. Registration required. For more information click here |
| New Book Drop for Victoria Public Library | |
The Victoria Public Library now has a book drop in the parking lot of the Victoria City-County Health Clinic at 2805 N. Navarro. Book drops are open 24 hours a day for the return of library materials.
Three book drop locations are available:
- In the Victoria Mall parking lot at 7800 N. Navarro near Red Lobster
- In the Victoria City-County Health Clinic parking lot at 2805 N. Navarro
- Next to the Victoria Public Library on Main Street
Library patrons may drop off their books as well as audio-visual materials. The book drops include a separate opening for audio-visual materials such as cds, dvds, books on cd and playaways. These items should be placed in the drop opening designated for audio-visual materials.
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| Library in June: Summer Reading Kick-off | |
Sword Fighting Demonstration
June 7, 2 - 4 p.m.
Victoria Community Center
The ARMA Houston North-Siders are back to show off their sword fighting skills. Sword-fighting fans of all ages are invited to join us! Light refreshments will be served.
CHILDREN
Summer Reading Program - June 7 - August 4
Mad Lib @ Your Library, Summer Reading Program (SRP) is a FREE program aimed at encouraging children to read during the summer. The SRP program is open to infants through 5th graders. Registration begins June 7. Children will receive reading logs to keep track of their reading time, and will receive a library buck which can be redeemed for prizes for each hour of reading. Programs include crafts, storytelling, puppet shows, music and games.
Toddler Story Time - Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Stories, repetitive songs, simple crafts, and finger plays to encourage early language development for 2 to 3 year olds.
On My Own Story Time - Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
Stories, music, games, and simple crafts for ages 4 to 5.
Discovery Zone - Wednesdays in June and July at 3 p.m.
Explore entertaining and educational topics for school age children (1st-5th grade).
Victoria Bach Festival @ VPL - June 9, 10:30 a.m.
A special children's performance by the Victoria Bach Festival featuring the classical stylings of many talented young performers.
Take Home Craft - June 14-19
Visit the library to pick-up a Father's Day take home craft -- Pom-Pom Tie Guy.
Slime Time - June 15, 3 p.m.
It's ooey and gooey! Children will make their own neon slime. Registration Required
Kim Lehman, The Bee Lady - June 22, 2:30 p.m.
BZZZZ! Fun, Honey, and Bees Oh, My! This fun filled hour will feature music and stories about the life and times of beekeeping with honey tasting. Appropriate for children of all ages.
Edible Play Dough - June 29, 3 p.m.
Peanut butter makes more than a sandwich. It will be used to make edible play dough for a fun and creative playtime. Registration Required
NOTE: There will be peanut butter at this event; a peanut free table will be available. Please request a peanut free project during registration.
TEENS
Texas Teens Read - June 7 - August 2
Within Arms Reach...the Future is Yours is the theme for Texas Teens Read (TTR), a free program offering many things for teens (6th-12th grade) to do this summer. Registration begins June 7. Teens will receive a library buck for every hour of reading to redeem for prizes. Programs will feature magnetic poetry, cosplay costume contest, hardware jewelry, gothic sock puppets, recycle crafts, and gaming. Enjoy an amazing demonstration of Renaissance Martial Arts by the ARMA Houston-North Siders at the kick-off celebration!
Teen Gaming - June 10, 4-6 p.m.
Teens will learn more about teamwork, communication and strategizing through gaming. Hang out with other teams to play Wii games and strategic board games, 6th - 12th grade.
Magnetic Poetry/Melted Crayon Bookmarks - June 14, 2 p.m.
Learn how to express yourself through poetry by making cool magnetic poetry kits. We'll also be learning how to make melted crayon bookmarks. For teens in 6th-12th grade.
Cosplay - June 21, 2 p.m.
Do you love Anime? Come to the library as we watch popular anime, compete in a rice eating contest, and have a cosplay costume contest. For teens in 6th-12th grade.
Hardware Jewelry/Beaded Critter Charms - June 28, 2 p.m.
Make awesome jewelry using washers, string, nuts and jump rings. We'll also be making cool bug cell-phone charms. For teens in 6th-12th grade.
ADULTS
Brown Bag Book Group - -June 2, 12 p.m. in the Bronte Room
The brown bag book group meets every first Wednesday of the month in the Bronte Room. Light refreshments and relaxed atmosphere provided. This month we will be discussing The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett.
Lunchtime Learning - June 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Lunchtime Learning is a monthly educational program to learn about genealogy research held in the Bronte Room of the Victoria Public Library. This month will focus on Death Records. Soup or salad will be served. Registration Requested
Genealogy Computer Lab - Every Friday from 9-11 a.m. Genealogy databases and websites will be featured each week with time allowed to use them.
June 4 - Jumping over the brick wall
June 11 - California
June 18 - Kentucky Resources
June 25 - Great Britain Registration Required
The Victoria Public Library programs are at 302 N. Main, Victoria, Tx 77901, unless another location is indicated. Call (361) 485-3302 or visit the library website, www.victoriapubliclibrary.org for more details and to register for programs as indicated.
NEW HOURS!
9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Wednesday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday
Closed Sunday |
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| National Peace Officers Memorial May 11 |  | |
The Victoria County Sheriff's Department hosted the annual Peace Officers Memorial May 11, honoring fallen officers killed in the line of duty. The memorial is held in conjunction with National Police Week each May. Eleven law enforcement officers in the state died in 2009, including Victoria County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Tim Olsovsky, who died of a heart attack, while conducting drills, in October.
Banner photo: Victoria Police Officers stand at attention during the raising of the United States flag. Above: Malcolm Brown, one of the five members of the Texas Border Patrol, Pipe and Drum Honor Guard, Rio Grande Sector, performing at the ceremony. |
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Memorial Day May 31
All City Non-Emergency Offices Closed
Trash collection, Landfill and Compost Site
Operate Normal Hours
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In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields
the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row
that mark our place; and in
the sky the larks, still bravely singing, fly - scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.
Short days ago we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved, and now we lie
in Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die we shall not sleep, though poppies grow
in Flanders fields.
by Lt. Col. John McCrae, M.D.
1872-1918
Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, today, it is celebrated near the day of reunification. |
| City Pool Opens May 29 for Memorial Day Weekend |  |
The City Pool will open for two days, May 29-30 for Memorial Day weekend. The officical summer season begins June 4.
Open swim pool hours Wednesday-Sunday, 1-6 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday
The Parks and Recreation Department is recruiting Lifeguards for its Summer Recreation Program. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older. Click here for more information. Do you enjoy Softball?
There are multiple Softball Tournaments taking place at the Youth Sports Complex in June. For a list click here
The Kayak Clinic has been postponed until August. |
| Civilian Fire Academy
Begins June 28 |  |
ENROLL NOW!
The Victoria Fire Department, in conjunction with the Victoria Civilian Fire Academy Alumni Association (VCFAAA), is offering its sixth Civilian Fire Academy, beginning June 28. Those interested in enrolling are asked to commit to the entire seven-week course, which meets Monday evenings 6-9 p.m.
The Academy offers information and history about the Victoria Fire Department, its importance in our community and hands-on instruction in many of the tasks and skills of firefighters.
For further information, please contact The Victoria Fire Department at 485-3460. |
| Victoria's Juvenile Curfew |  |
Juvenile curfew laws restrict minors, those under the age of 18, to be outdoors or in public places during certain hours of the day. Such laws help to insure a safer community and to protect kids from becoming victims of crime or becoming involved in delinquent behaviors.
For more information about the Juvenile Curfew see chapter 15, article III of the City Code here. |
| Hurricane Season |  |
REGISTER CELL PHONES FOR EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION
Global Connect is a reverse 9-1-1 system that enables local emergency officials to relay, by telephone, critical safety information and instructions in the event of an impending hurricane, chemical accident, natural disaster or evacuation.
Calls are automatically placed to all listed telephone numbers in the area affected. However, today with many households eliminating landline phones or choosing an unlisted number for privacy, many residents will be unable to receive an emergency notification call.
Emergency Management officials encourage residents to register unlisted and cell phone numbers now. In the event of an emergency, the number you register will be called. If you do not have computer access for registration, please call 2-1-1 for assistance. Register here |
| OZONE ACTION DAYS |  | |
Unlike stratospheric ozone, which forms naturally in the upper atmosphere and protects us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, ground-level ozone is mainly created by man-made (and natural) emissions.
Many factors affect ground-level ozone development, including temperature, wind speed and direction, time of day and driving patterns. Due to its dependence on weather conditions, ozone is typically a summertime pollutant.
Although, Victoria hasn't issued an ozone alert this season, "moderate ozone" days have already occured. For more information about ozone action days, air quality and what you can do to help, click here: www.airvictoria.org |
| 9-1-1 DON'T ABUSE IT | |
WHEN TO CALL 9-1-1? |
Dial 9-1-1 only for an emergency. An emergency is any serious medical problem (chest pain, seizure, bleeding), any type of fire (business, car, building), or any life-threatening situation (fights, person with weapons, etc.). Most jurisdictions also urge citizens to use 9-1-1 to report crimes in progress, whether or not a life is threatened.
The City of Victoria 9-1-1 call center, located in the Golden Crescent of Coastal Texas, serves a population of about 80,000 city and county residents. Our service area also extends into bordering counties.
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Free access to internet database of local reported criminal activity.
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InTouch Victoria is published by the City of Victoria Public Information Office. If you have comments or suggestions please contact us at 361-485-3110 or pio@victoriatx.org.
City of Victoria
Public Information
700 Main Center, Suite 105
Victoria, TX 77901 | |
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