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DTEX 2024.001-5-1 Legacies, 2010-2022 I 0 1 � c� Denton LULAC Librada "Lily" Rose Cantu Dr. G. Roland Vela o � 2 rwa * 1929 Denton LULAC #4366 Honors the Legacy Of Librada "Lily" Rose Cantu October 20, 1990 —November 04, 2010 Librada Like My Abuelita My name means liberty and it is warm. It's delicious like soft, fresh sopapillas with honey from your neighbor's land on the other side of the county. It's like the first springtime breeze you feel on your cheeks when you think you've had just about enough of these cold and rainy winter days. It's like when your papa makes 7ur favorite meal of tacos y frijoles con queso after a long day at school. It's like the smell of your Abuelita's sweater after she's been gone for years. It's the comfort you get from knowing she's there. with you, in the sweater. After all, it's her name too. My name is beautiful. Not everyone knows that though. When I tell them what my real name is,they ask me to say it again. Then they'll try it out. It doesn't work on their tongues though. It doesn't flow from their lips like the honey from your neighbor's land on the other side of the county. So I tell them don't worry, call me Lily. I like that name, Lily. But it's not my real name, because it's not like the smell'of my Abuelita's sweater. Lily is more like the perfume some old gringa sprays on her sweaters so they'll smell good, even though her own smell is pretty nice as it is. It's the cover, because not everyone sees and smells the goodness. Lily is common. It is who I am to many, but not to those who.matter the most. To them I am Librada, which means liberty and smells like my Abuelita's sweater when I am sad. I am Librada who is my Abuelita,even though she knows me only through her view down on Earth from her place on Jesus' lap. I am Librada who is like my dad's mama, who I only know through the sweater that smells like my name and is like a springtime breeze. I am Librada who is my Abuelita who made the best sopapillas with the honey from not across the county, but across the border. I am Librada which means liberty and is warm like my Abuelita and her sweater. We will not try to explain the inexplicable.Even the facts are sketchy at this point;the meaning Dentongraduate dies after behind them is beyond our understanding and is likely to remain so. What we do know is that Librada"Lilly"Cantu,a failin2009 g from roof in Peru graduate of Denton High School,fell to her death last week in the Chaclacayo district of Peru,where she By Britney Tabor was on a mission for the Catholic Church. Staff Writer High,said that she would She was 20 years old. light up a room when she We did not know Lilly Cantu personally,but there are An accident claimed the life of a entered it and was some- some things we can assume about her from the article Denton High School graduate this week one people noticed. about her death by the Record-Chronicle's Britney Tabor. in Peru. She said Cantu was a A photograph accompanying the article shows a Librada"Lilly"Cantu,who was serving good student, a high young woman with bright eyes and a captivating smile. with Catholic Mission in Peru, fell from school Student Council yes,beauty is only skin deep,and the camera can indeed the third-story roof of San Francisco de member and pursued Asis,a shelter in the Chaclacayo district, Cantu her certified nursing lie,but it is hard to fake the intelligence in a young girl's Peruvian media outlets reported. She assistant certification through a health eyes or the radiance of a young girl's smile.We think we was 20. science tech class. know a lot about Lilly Cantu just from looking at that It was unclear when the accident She said Cantu also loved working picture. occtured. with children at Immaculate Conception Her school counselor,Doretha Hudspeth,confirmed a School district officials on Friday said Catholic Church,where she was a mem- lot of what that picture told us. that upon graduating fi•om Denton High ber. "She just enjoyed helping other people,"Hudspeth School in 2009,Cantu postponed college "She just enjoyed helping other peo- said."When she talked about it,her face just lit up" to work with the mission in Peru. ple,"Hudspeth said."When she[Cantu] It is clear that helping other people was important to School officials remembered Cantu as talked about it,her face just lit up:' Librada Cantu,and it is clear,too,where she got her a compassionate young woman who She said that she will remember Cantu commitment to serve others. Her mother,Barbara Doretha Hudspeth, who was Cantu's smile. loved fife. as someone who was never without a Cantu,is a second-grade teacher at Newton Rayzor counselor when she was a student at _ Elementary School,and her sister,Kathleen Reichel, Rivera Elementary School and Denton See CANTU on 7A teaches English as a second language at Lee Elementary School.(A second sister,Marianna Cantu,is a sopho- more at Denton High.)It is natural that Lilly Cantu grav- itated to a life of service; her mother and one of her sis- ters had already devoted their lives to just about the greatest service a person can give—teaching. • At a time in her life when most young people are busi- `\J ly preparing for careers in college or in their first jobs, �� Ok Lilly had volunteered for a church mission in Peru,a rare S commitment for a bright young high school graduate • �� with an even brighter future ahead.She served not only ` e O the people in that South American country,but those at i home too.00Through the Internet she was reporting regu- larlyg P to her mother's second-graders about life in Peru, pand about how a life of service can make a difference in ^� V the lives of others.This was more than just an informal G stream of e-mails;the correspondence was part of Newton Rayzor's International Baccalaureate interna- tional studies discussions. It is clear that this young woman was preparing her- self for a life of service,just as her mother and sister had done before her.We can offer no insight into why that life was cut short,no meaningful solace to those who miss her so today. We can only say that many people in this good town, including many f us who did not know her before,are convinced today the ge had indeed succeeded in her preparations,that her fe.while too short,was an impor- tant and successful oni It was a life of service,freely and enthusiastically given.,No life lived like that can be con- sidered anything but a:triumph. Sometimes the bricjfest lights burn the brightest. D , Volunteer felt called to service 20-year-old ' home "We had to care for si. .Jidren ,glans to in Peru, where she died change the world By Lowell Brown together." Staff Writer Before she lost her life in Peru, Lily —Isaac Lewis, Cantu found her purpose. 32,brother of The 20-year-old Denton High Lily Cantu School graduate died after slipping off a - - third-story rooftop at Hogar San Francisco de Asis, a Lima-area home for impoverished sick children where Lily Cantu,20, is she was serving as a volunteer caregiv- " , , shown with a child er. at Hogar San Fran- In the weeks after she left Denton in cisco de Asis,a early October, in a series of Facebook center for impov- updates and Skype calls, Cantu shared erished sick chil- with friends and family members the dren in Chacla- joys and sorrows of caring for the poor- cayo, Peru.The est of the poor.She'd stepped out on her Denton resident own, not even fluent in Spanish, to died last week in spend six months serving Peruvian chit- an accident. dren. "Lily just took a leap of faith and Courtesy photo jumped into the deep end of the pool and found where she felt most called," ter what, Lily's life was going to be Family members said Cantu was said Susan Mullins, youth minister at [focused on]doing for others,and she wearing hosiery but no shoes when she Immaculate Conception Catholic searched until she found where she was lost her footing while trying to ste Church, where Cantu was a member most called, which was this Peruvian /+b and youth ministry volunteer."No mat- clinic." - See CANTU on SA C� II _ I C 41 a, m ro a r m p O C C IOU C U c C C,C a`> N C a � N OC � a) v C N 0 (O S ro m J i a) r 0 a O Q a) a) 0 U L N N Q) O L d D ro a c c c E c m r `m a> U c 2 .c E c, c 0 o a, c, oE (n (D v) � troE `ma, r ma troCUI (D , 0 o 0 � a) r c a m 0) R -0 2ow aci m '� U m ro �, rn.o oo` `° " a � � Z > J o 0 3 0` eo �j o' o E .a, o ^� s > � ro ro 0 e 0 ro _ V z Q) 2 mU � `9 s a, ro d o 0 3 E c m m E o n (D 0 � 3 � � �o ¢ o o � a, _ ." m $ m � 3 m E Z3 v 2 a°'i a, _o ro � a) E a E s � -' aoi .`° 0 � x AJd c 05 m ay ct > L dL > O 0 p ? — Co a`3i c'Er 0g m > >.o c E .'' - v 0 ID p ro O,N C C -0 OC m c4 �, v3i a, Z a3 0 cc c a, O .� c v, aai .Cco ro 0 0 'o rn c c — w v0, _ = Lu EQY 0L m = -0 roc 0 C vE c � .c cca 'c o `0° 5 M T E i' � J m m ro o `° aim a� : >, �' 0 0 3 0L � cY to o a, 3 ro a' a, 0 3 c ro c ro .n a, v, o roc > c� o 0 a-X 0 a_ m ._ m � O o v, ro co _ t U ro a t X U cc, o E .N U 'u, rNa U > c av'i r Y 3 t U c E Z a, — ro c > 0 m a ro c 3 > > —J U � F- UU) C) 00' 0 > 3Y o ro � a0i 0,gs m � c � m o = -C t � o •� o J v, 3 c ' o m 9 Z .�' � i' .c 0 -o -0 co ro — c o Y �, C a, �' ro c o c—No a' s v, � � > E a' a`, a��, c m c`ax 3 af°i � mt ? ro _, o . �C > m C Cm - = W , ro u, > � vicn � EE mEom `� CU o m E a, r m c E ai m vi .� a U o Q'L c c 3 L__ e y' o-` Y rn ro : c 3 0 c c a 0 vi cn .� J > �, r, c, E ro 3 0 - g >, Jc ro m .� u, E t > y ro a) `° is u a, o0i c ccv rocc6imro` ro ¢ ma) nmm 0JLQ ~ NNU ¢ 03 a�i C,,,�. . . Volunteer felt called to service Denton Record-Chronicle From Page lA Cantu "Now she had a direction, Barbara Cantu said."It was just from a gathering spot on the Lily Cantds love for the chil- buildings rooftop to an exterior dren is clear in a message to her staircase. No foul play is sus-pected in her death,they said. family last month, when she A memorial fund was opened sought prayers fora 4.yeAr-oW at Wells Fargo Bank in Cantu s boy bV�c . dren's name to help her family pay to home d mal- nourished on a street The boy, beli "Our main concern is the o autistic,wouldn't cost of getting her home, said respond to anyone when he her mother, Barbara Cantu, a came to the home but showed Denton school teacher. "That's great improvement while there, why this was set up.We're pray- eventually laughing and play- ing well have enough left over ing with other children, Cantu so we can give it back to the wrote. He couldn't stay there lads in Peru somehow." indefinitely, though, and she worried he'd be sent back to his `Now she had a direction' neglectful family. Lily Cantu's journey began "I'm not sure what exactly to when she saw The Hurnctn Fx- pray for," Cantu wrote. "It perience, a documentary that seems impossible to get him inl from here to a suitable family area dren a faril� in three days,but that would be i ' eete y a Florida pedia- the very best Otherwise, pray �'° for a miracle. Maybe one we trician, serves children whose ■ �r nio],.,.�n one nen�L can't Imagine" P ord �l�'tQ cbo�..ihe been unsure what world r" to do with her life after gradu- ating from high school last year but enjoyed worldng with chil- dren at her church.After seeing wo- p� the film,she knew she had to go "Her Lo Rw °�1't 8f never been out of the U.S.,fam- to Peru, even though she'd that,Wda��dw.& .va talk �iti ily members said. together hwwmP44w@&rvkhe Haita fevple.k-wee gethg to be our life's wQ&&agether" e9u still wasn't sum..about college pti- but -talked about becoming a p►rysical ther- apiff-o-r-dREgir,her mother said. "She wanted to become trained to help people,"Barbara Cantu said. Librada `Lily' Rose Cantu died in Chaclacayo, Peru on November 4, 2010. Lily was born October 20, 1990 in Denton, Texas.She attended Rivera elementary, ICCS and graduated from Denton High School in 2009. She attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Lily's time on Earth was surprisingly brief, but she made a deep and lasting impact on the world around her. Lily felt called to serve the sick and destitute children of Peru. In a remarkable show of courage and independence she made arrangements to visit Peru on her own and live out her faith and calling. She was serving at Villa la Paz, Center for Destitute and Sick Children at the time of her death. As in her everyday life, Lily kept up regular correspondences with family and friends while she was in Peru. She expressed her sadness at the overwhelming poverty of the children she served, but also her profound joy at helping to ease any suffering she could. Not long before her death, as she prepared to throw a Halloween party at the center for the children, she wrote, "costumes, kids, candy, cokes, cookies, music, dancing, PERU. I love my life." Lily is survived by her parents Barbara and John Cantu, her siblings Mariana Cantu, Andrew Lewis, Isaac and Ashley Lewis, Kathleen and Keith Reichel, and Sarah and Jay Tavis, as well as many adoring nieces and nephews. There will be a rosary and vigil on Sunday, November 21 S`at 7:00 pm. The funeral is on Monday, November 22°d at 11:00 am. Both will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. A memorial fund has been established in Lily's honor at Wells Fargo Bank. Funds will be used to serve the children of Peru whom Lily loved so deeply. Librada Rose's legacy will live on not only in the hearts of those who loved her, but also in the lives of children in need. Donations to the Lily Cantu Memorial Fund will be accepted at any Wells Fargo Bank or at lilyrosefund.org. CITY OF DENTON NAMING APPLICATION V City Buildings, Facilities, Land, or Any Portion Thereof Please type or print clearly in ink and return to the City Manager's Office: Date of Submittal Commemorative Naming (Check One): F- �] Individual ❑ Organization❑ Individual or Organization Submitting Nomination: John J. Cantu Recommended Name of City Building, Facility, Land, or Any Portion Thereof: North Lakes Park playground Location of City Building, Facility, Land, or Any Portion Thereof: Address Descri tion of Location 2001 West Windsor Dr. Denton,Tx. Playground is directly across Windsor Dr. from the Cross Street annex building. Explanation of why this name should be considered. Please include the individual's biographical information and vitae or resume. Use additional sheets, if necessary: Nomination Submitted to Celebrate One of Our Own Graced With a Missionary Heart and Zeal for the Sanctity of Human Life According to the November 8, 2010, DRC editorial: "We will not try to explain the inexplicable. Even the facts are sketchy...What we do know is that Librada (Lily) Cantu, a 2009 graduate of Denton High School, fell to her death last week in the Chaclacayo district of Peru, where she was on a mission ...." Lily's life, albeit her time of service way"too short...was a life freely and enthusiastically given...No life like that can be considered anything but a triumph." (DRC, A Life of Service, Ended too Soon, November 8, 2010) Please see full aabbreviated bio attached. Point of Contact Organization or Secondary contact First Name Organization First Name John Rudy Last Name Last Name Cantu Rodriguez Address Address 2716 Cordova Circle 1200 .Hope St City State Zip City State Zip Denton Tx. 76209 Denton Tx 76205 Phone Number Phone Number 940-594-4075 940-391-9764 Email Address Email Address john2barb@gmail.com rroddguezl445@verizon.net Signature of Nominator or Organization Representative: Date: John J. Cantu Digitally signed by John J.Cantu 06/24/2021 Date:2021.06.24 17:17:33-05'00' 11 City of Denton Naming Application Request for the Re-Naming of a City of Denton Park or Trail Re-naming Request to Honor the Legacy of: Librada "Lily" Rose Cantu October 20, 1990 — November 04, 2010 Nomination Submitted to Celebrate One of our Own With a Missionary Heart and Zeal for the Sanctity of Human Life I: ABBREVIATED BIO Librada "Lily" Cantu, a native of Denton,was born on October 20, 1990,at the Westgate Hospital. She attended Tomas Rivera Elementary School and later the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Middle School. She graduated from Denton High School in 2009. Lily was actively involved in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (ICCC). As she grew older,she became a youth mentor and held various leadership roles in the youth ministry. She also helped her parents in their outreach ministry to those less fortunate, here and abroad. A documentary entitled The Human Experience convinced Lily of her true calling to serve, especially families and children living in third world countries. Her passion was to serve the"poorest of the poor". According to Susan Mullins,a now retired ICCC Youth Minister: "Lily just took a leap of faith and jumped into the 4eep end of the pool and found where she felt most called...No matter what, Lily's life was going to be [focused on] doing for others...she searched until she found where she was most called." (DRC report, November 9, 2010). After watching a documentary based on the Hagar San Francisco de Asis(Home of St. Francis of Assis Clinic)in Chacaclayo, Peru, she was determined to join Hagar as a youth volunteer. According to Mr. Cant6, Lily's dad,children are brought to the Hogar clinic with severe health or abandonment issues; sometimes left in trash dumps or doorways. At the clinic, many of these children are nourished enough +o survive, rehabilitated and returned to their parents, or wait for adoption. Lily found her call to service in these dire human conditions. Her one—way ticket to fly to Lima, Per6 was purchased with money she had inherited from her grandfather, Reynaldo Santos Cant6. She did not tell her parents or family what she had planned. Just weeks before she was to depart, "she informed all of us(says her Lily's dad);though we tried to dissuade her, she would not be moved." According to the November 8, 2010, DRC editorial: "We will not try to explain the inexplicable. Even the facts are sketchy...What we do know is that Librada (Lily) Cant6, a 2009 graduate of Denton High School,fell to her death last week in the Chaclacayo district of Per6,where she was on a mission for the Catholic Church." Lily's life,albeit her time of service way"too short...was a life freely and enthusiastically given...No life like that can be considered anything but a triumph." (DRC,A Life of Service, Ended too Soon, November 8,2010) Biographical Data Provided by: John Cant6 (Lily's Dad) 2716 Cordova Circle Denton,Texas 76209 Ph: 940-594-40 75 email: john2barb@gmail.com -ditorial Support: Dr. Rudy Rodriguez,Sr., email: rrodriguez1445@verizon.net cell: 940 391 8764 II. EXPLANATION OF WHY Librada (Lily) ROSC' Canui SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR NAME OF A CITY PARK or Re-naming of a City Trail Denton High School Counselor, Ms. Doretha Hudspeth, shared what was Lily's most passionate and profound signature trait"...she just enjoyed helping others. (DRC,A Life of Service Ended too Soon, November 8,2010) Shortly before her tragic accident, Lily wrote an email to her mom (Barbara) and her dad (John), she talks about her love for them "especially during the upcoming holiday...But, I still love it here." It is clear Lily was preparing for a life of service and there is no explanation into why that life was cut short. The DRC says it best: "There is no meaningful solace and peace to those who miss her so today". Lily is in heaven now. There is no doubt there were no intermediate steps for her for she possessed a caring and giving heart for humanity; most especially,for"the least among us". .t is up to us, the living, to perpetuate the memory of God's gift to us all of this beautiful and compassionate human being. A park such as the one dedicated to our friend, Dr. G. Roland Vela, would be a fitting memorial to Lily Cant6. It would serve as an inspiration to the young and not-so-young, present and future generations of our Denton community. She left her earthly home with an incredible legacy of commitment and dedication to her Christian values and the sanctity of human life. Without any intent to add strength to this nomination, Mariana Cantu, at the memorial remembering her sister, expressed her gratitude to friends and family thusly: "Lily didn't realize what a great impact she was making. My sister merely sought to walk into the world and do the right thing over and over again. This is what she did with her life. This is what she would want you to do with yours." The purpose of life is not to be happy. it is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have made a difference that you have lived and lived well. Ralph Waldo Emerson 311IN JOIN CONTRIBUTE f c-; Petition to Honor the Legacy of Lily Cantu 266 people have signed this petition.Add your name now! 266 peace- have signed. 27% Petition to Honor the Legacy of Lily Cantu October 23, 1990- November 4, 2010 We, the Denton Community, support the naming of a park, park trail, or playground in an existing park, in honor of Librada "Lily" Rose Cantu.This letter is signed by those who wish to see her legacy of loving service to young children perpetuated within the Denton community. Why Librada(Lily)Rose Cantu should be considered for the name of a city park, trail, or playground: Denton High School Counselor, Ms. Doretha Hudspeth,shared in a very concise and succinct way Lily's most passionate and profound signature trait:"...she just enjoyed helping other people."(DRC,A Life of Service Ended too Soon, November S, 2010) SIGN PETITION My Home My home is where She is. Sometimes I try to kick Her out, but She's stronger than me and always moves back in. My home is my body, and it is where She lives. A lot of people don't believe in Her. Some people call Her a Him. Call Her the Holy Spirit. For me She is She. And She lives in me and She makes me Home. When I am willing to be Her home (and make me Home) my eyes and my mouth are like windows and her light shines from them. My hands move where She wants them to move. But many times I am not willing to be Her home (and make me Home). Sometimes I am angry and I don't want Her in, because it is hard to be windows. It is hard to be good, so I want Her out. It is then when She lies quiet and still, and fools me into thinking She has left me. And then I become sad and am not a home and have no home again. Maybe then I become willing again. Maybe then She shines again, a little bit at a time, and maybe it is then that I become willing to be Her home (and make me Home). My home is where She is. Sometimes I don't want a home. Sometimes I want to be free. Sometimes I want to be alone. And that is what kicks Her out. When I say I don't want Her, She is sad. Then it makes me sad that She is gone from me, and I am sorry. When I kick Her out, I don't know where She goes, but it is not far, because when I am sorry, She can hear my heart saying come back home and She comes back. And then I am windows again. I think sometimes it's too hard to be the windows, but sometimes I think it is only then when I am happiest and it is then when I can be my best to my friends and my family and whoever else needs Her through me. My home is where She is, and everyone needs a home. 11:04pm Barbara Cantu We just looked at the photos of the children. You look s0000 HAPPY! You really are at the right place. They look so loved and loving. Is there anythign we can do to help? 10:49am Barbara Cantu Morning Chula, Went to Bishops house for dinner. Pretty much like one would expect. Dad wasn't going to make it so I bowed out.,put on my jammies and then the bishop called me on the phone and said to please come on. What are we going to do? So we were there 1 hour late but in time for a catered dinner for us and two other couples. While there he got an important bishop text and stayed distracted for most of the meal. He looked pretty serious. Sharon and I were convinced that it was something serious. Anyway he entertained us the rest of the evening on his player piano and we sang to Wizard of Oz and South Pacific medleys. Fun,just like out of Birdcage. So I have a cold and need to sleep but Peggy is having a crisis to Vicki and I are taking her to lunch. Speaking of crisis.... the Rangers lost to the Yankers last night by one point and your brothers are freaking out. Dave has taken them to the last couple of games(including last night) and Andrew is going this afternoon. 41 10:53ain Barbara Cantu Anyway....Andrew took mari for breakfast this morning and she'll find out the Ranger details. I love you ,muss you and pray that your guts are healthy(I saw the bowl of fruit you were eating) . What the heck...Jesus has brought you this far so what are a few salmonella bugs. Mom 1:54pm Librada Rose Cantu Hahaha! Mom, my guts have been great since I got here! Other parts not so great(sore throat) but guts defintely good. I am very glad that you ended up going to the Bishops. Why wasn't dad going to go question mark. I am at an internet cafe because Dr. Tony has kept the internet off for days and we are all too afraid of him to ask again. Anyway, I really miss you. I miss the Rangers and Texas and my brothers and Mari.. I am very homesick today. Sometimes I am not sure I will make it the whole six months. Speaking of, I emailed Sister Nelida in Huancayo again,just to kind of check up and make sure everything is good to go, but I have not heard from her and it has been over a week. Ugh. So I dunno what will happen with that. Please tell the family that I want to email more often but the internet, like I said, is often off. 1 miss you, I love you. I love you, I love you, Lily 12:44pm Barbara Cantu Hope you had a fun and safe evening at a discotec in a foreign land with strangers!! OK A bit of business.First- Folks who might want to send you money for your birthday should send it where?Are you able to use your debit card?If so can we just have them put it in your account at Wells Fargo? Let me know.Second- Do you have a skype password yet? We have a camera for the computer now and want to see you! Third-At the Bishop's dinner we met a delightful young woman named Chanacee Ruth-Killgore who happens to be the director of Respect Life for our diocese.Sharon Hess asked us to tell the table about your visit to Peru and Dad mentioned The Human Experience in the conversation. Chanacee was really excited to hear that because she is the one that brought the film here and escorted Jeff, Mike and Cliff around. She plans on going with Surfers with a Cause to Bolivia in March and said that if she wasn't married that she would be on the road all the time. Anyway she would love to hear from you and about your experiences.Her email is cnith-killgore@fwdioc.org . She may be someone to get to know. Ok darling.. I hope you are moving through the home sickness fairly smoothly. It happens. You will get through it and I sure hope the Sister gets a hold of you soon so you won't worry about the future . I love love love you back. Mom 7:52pm Barbara Cantu Happy Birth Day my 8 and 1/2 pound punkin. WOW !!!! 20 Well we ate half the cake cause the kids were here for the Big Game that we lost. I even pulled Mari out of school because it was a 3:00 game. Any way half the cake is still here to show you if we can skype. We all sang happy birthday to Lily with Andrew and I injecting extra words.I hope to see the egg pic. soon. Remember..I love you the best.Mom 12:26am Librada Rose Cantu Hi Mania. I am so glad you all had cake! I had apple pie at coffee today and ice cream and fruit and yummy things. I miss you all very much, tonight especially. But my family of volunteers has made today so lovely. I'm disappointed about the Rangers. Is it all over for them? I will upload pies tomorrow. Hopefully the internet will be on more often because Dr. and Victor are off to Florida tomorrow. I love you so, so much. We shall talk more soon. P.S. Happy birthday... thank you, thank you, thank you for being my mother. 12:07pm Barbara Cantu When I say I love you the best.. of course that means the best of all the friends that love you. I love all my children the best. I love you the 20 year old curliest the best.No No No the Rangers are not out. hi fact they have won more games than the Yankers this series. It means that they have to win 4 out of 5 . They have won 3 out of 5 and the Yanks have won 1 out of 5. If the Yanks win on Friday we start playing for the best of 7. Love my Pretch. MOM 7:20pm Barbara Cantu Hey kiddo , Hope you're doing better today. Monsignor asked about you tonight at Mass and I told him that are having a hard time with the socioeconomic differences in Peru. He said that you and Mary Z. will need to hook up with Eric to trade stories. I will go to the bank tomorrow morning and put some money in . I hope it gets to you. I love you sweetie. Say your prayers as we pray for you every day.MOM 10:05pm Barbara Cantu Hi Hunny Bunny, Good Game tonight! Rangers were definately at home ! They did win. Long ,long day for my first Church/youth garage sale. I did have fun and make new friends but Mari had a blast! Young Luis has caught her eye.Enough. Dad sent a portion of your letter about Willy's situation. He put some of your message in his words as well and so Willy will have lots of prayers from our ACTS family . I hope all is well my precious and I WILL SEND SOME MONEY NEXT WEEK. LOVE , Mom 4:32pm Librada Rose Cantu Hi Mama. Are the Rangers still doing well?I know they lost again last night, but they're still going, right? Garage sales are always so very tiring. Who's young Luis?He's caught Mari's eye, eh? Which Luis? I saw Dad's email to the ACTS community. I really appreciate it. Willy's mom was supposed to show today and hasn't yet so I doubt she will.. maybe she'll never show, or maybe she will come tomorrow or something. We really don't know. And with the Doctor being gone, we don't really have anyone to ask about it because we feel bad to keep emailing him on his time off. Sigh. It's so hard. It feels like it's always the last time we have with him, and we don't know... we just don't know how his life is going to be. It breaks my heart every time I think about it too hard. It's just not fair to him. Did you see the pictures I sent Daddy? Isn't Willy just adorable?Agh. So, I really don't know what happened with the money thing. The only big expenses I've had are the hostal and taxis.... and that's not even that much. I really... I just don't know. And I don't know how I'm going to get through, either. I really... I guess I just really really really need you to sell my car. Sigh. I'm stressing about it. I don't know what I should do, Mom. What should I do? 1 appreciate you putting money in.. obviously I appreciate it. It's my only means of income now. So, I meekly thank you. Thank you thank you. I hope all is well at the hol 1111LIg around. r it here. Give my love to everyone. 1 love you, and thanks again for the prayers and the money. Lily 4:59pm Barbara Cantu I guess my question is...What are you going to do the month of december? I hate for you to come home before you're ready. Do you have room and board besides that month? How much money do you need per weeK? You crazy chick... Be thinking outside the box. Don't count on me to do the thinking and saving at this point. What I mean is... If I got a loan could you pay me back by working when you got home or would you give up Spain and the 400 1 am giving to the tourest people go to you?or you get some cool job teaching English in December or..I don't know. Think about it now so you can quit worrying about it. I love you and know you will be fine. ( You still have your ticket for home right?) 5:1 Opm Barbara Cantu Did you get the reply I gave you around 10 minutes ago which was at 5:00? If not I will rewrite it . xoxoxox Librada Rose Cantu October 20, 1990—November 04, 2010 Librada "Lily" Cantu was a native of Denton. She was born at Westgate hospital and spent her earlier years at Flow Hospital infant day care where her mother Barbara Cantu was Director. Flow had the first on-site, non-profit corporate day-care in Denton County. In those days on-site free day care was an experiment offered as a work benefit in an effort to attract and retain quality staff. By the time Lily was ready for grade school she was enrolled at Thomas Rivera Elementary where her mother Barbara taught 2"d Grade. Lily went on to Denton's Immaculate Conception Catholic School where she played Viola and was a player on a championship Basketball team. Lily finished middle school there and then went on to storied Denton High School where she graduated and had also earned a CNA (certified medication aid) certificate. Before she graduated Lily and her best friend skipped school for a whole day to go to Dallas and see then candidate Barak Obama speak at a campaign rally. Lily was an all American kid. Not perfect, but pretty close. Outside of school Lily was very involved in her local Catholic church and youth programs there. Lily was a Alter Server at church. As she grew older she became a youth mentor and had some leadership roles in youth ministry. Lily also helped her parents in their outreach ministry to those less fortunate here and abroad. Lily was shown a film that was to change her life. The Human Experience is an independent film that investigates how people can be joyful in life no matter the circumstances surrounding them. This true life film features several locations to which a group of young men from New York city travel to sight-see and volunteer at local ministries. One such ministry is a clinic in a Lima, Peru suburb. The children at this clinic are from the poorest of the poor. In these third_ world conditions, parents believe children born with cleft pallet cannot suckle well enough to survive and 1NHl i e�fl?+ve to death while still infants. These children are brought to the clinic but some aVabandoned, sometimes at trash dumps or doorways. These are"'1'903cled by the clinic, nourished enough to survive surgery, rehabilitated and either returned to their parer J&or wait for adoption or admittance to an orphanage. Lily found her calling.S1109eoetheWremains of money she had inherited from her grandfather when she turned 18 to purchase her US passport and a one-way ticket to Lima, Peru. She didn't tell her family what she had planned. Just weeks before she was to depart she informed all of us. Though some of us tried to dissuade her she would not be moved. V l I would like to thank those of you who have comforted my family and I this past week. I would like you to know that your words mean a lot to me. honestly don't know what I would do without you, my family. I know what you're going through and I wish I could make it go away. I wish I could take away this great, gaping hole of hurt that most of you are feeling. But, I cannot. I can only hope that you do not wallow for too long. That you can, after a while, look up from this great tragedy and see what it has brought. My sister had always been a mystery to me, but this much was obvious: she had immeasureable faith in people, in God, in herself. Though we can see what she did with her life, especially during this past month,_Lily didn't realize what a great impact she was making. My siste ��ght-ff'" walk out into the orld and the right thing over and ov r in. MIS what she did with her a is is w she would want you to do with yours. Again, I thank you for your prayers and kind words. Mariana I V I� 1 The Denton Independent School District FACILTIY / BUILDING NAME PROPOSAL FORM RE: NOMINATION PROPOSAL: Dedication of the New Denton High School General Library to: a.) To Honor the Memory of Lily Cantu; and, b.) To Perpetuate Lily's Legacy of Giving and Caring for Others. OUR NOMINEE: Librada "Lily"Rose Cantu October 20, 1990— November 04, 2010 "Sometimes the Briefest of Lights Burn the Brightest" Denton Record Chronicle, November 8, 2010 Lily as a Young Volunteer Missionary Serving in the "Poorest of the Poor" Sections Of the Chacaclayo District of Lima, Peru Lily's Denton High School Counselor, Ms. Doretha Hudspeth, confirms what this picture tells us (about Lily): "She enjoyed helping other people...when she talked about it (i.e., her service to others) her face would lit up."(Denton Record Chronicle,A Life of Service Ended Too Soon, November 8, 2010). 1 1.) Existing Building Name and Address Proposed for Naming/Renaming: Existing Building: New Denton High School General Library Address: Bonnie Brae, Denton, Texas 2.) Proposed Name for Building (or Facility): The Librada "Lily" Rose Cantu Denton HS General Library. Dedication of the New Denton High School General Library is Proposed to Honor the Memory of Librada "Lily" Rose Cantu and Inspire other Young People to Carry on her Legacy of Passion for Giving and Care for Underprivileged Communities of Families and Children. 3.) 1 am Proposing the Aforementioned Name for the Following Reasons: a.) Lily is one of our own exemplary young citizens. Attended Tomas Rivera Elementary School and the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Middle School. She Graduated from Denton High School in 2009. b.)The Following Lily Cantu Bio Data Should Provide Additional Evidence Supporting our Proposal: Librada "Lily" Cantu, a native of Denton, was born on October 20, 1990, at the Westgate Hospital. She attended Tomas Rivera Elementary School and later the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Middle School. She graduated from Denton High School in 2009. Lily was actively involved in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (ICCC). As she grew older, she became a youth mentor and held various leadership roles in the youth ministry. She also helped her parents, John and Denton ISD retired teacher, Barbara Cantu in their outreach ministry to those less fortunate, here and abroad. 2 A documentary entitled The Human Experience convinced Lily of her true calling to serve, especially families and children living in third world countries. Her passion was to serve the "poorest of the poor". According to Susan Mullins, a now retired ICCC Youth Minister: "Lily just took a leap of faith and jumped into the deep end of the pool and found where she felt most called...No matter what, Lily's life was going to be [focused on] doing for others...she searched until she found where she was most called." (DRC report, November 9, 2010). Inspired by a documentary based on the Hogar San Francisco de Asis (Home of the St. Francis of Assis Clinic) in Chacaclayo, Peru, she was determined to join the Hogar clinic as a youth volunteer. According to Mr. Cantu, Lily's dad, children are brought to the Hogar clinic with severe health or abandonment issues; sometimes left in trash dumps or doorways. At the clinic, many of these children are nourished enough to survive, rehabilitated and returned to their parents, or wait for adoption. Lily found her call to service in these dire human conditions. Her one — way ticket to fly to Lima, Peru was purchased with money she had inherited from her grandfather, Reynaldo Santos Cantu. She did not tell her parents or family what she had planned. Just weeks before she was to depart, "she informed all of us (says Lily's dad), though we tried to dissuade her, she would not be moved." According to the November 8, 2010, DRC editorial: "We will not try to explain the inexplicable. Even the facts are sketchy...What we do know is that Librada (Lily) Cantu, a 2009 graduate of Denton High School, fell to her death last week in the Chaclacayo district of Peru..." Lily's life, albeit her time of service was way "too short...(it) was a life freely and enthusiastically given...No life like that can be considered anything but a triumph." (DRC, A Life of Service, Ended too Soon, November 8, 2010) 4.) Reasons for Nomination: The new DHS Library should be named for Lily for the reasons previously cited, as follows: a.) To Honor the Memory of a Hero and Member of the DHS and the City of Denton Community; and, 3 b.) To Inspire Other Young People of the DHS to Carry on her Legacy of Passion for Giving and Mucho Corazon for Underprivileged Families and Children. The great Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have made a difference that you have lived and lived well." Let's join together to honor the values by which Lily lived. Dedicating the new DHS library to memorialize the life of Lily Cantu would be a beautiful act of service that befits her amazing legacy. 5.) Names of Persons or Supporting Groups Responsible for Nomination: John Cantu (Lily's Dad) 2716 Cordova Circle Denton, Texas 76209 Ph: 940 - 594 - 40 75 email: john2barb@gmail.com JOHN: Do you want to include the names of Your Daughters Here John?? OTHERS: ???? At end, ok to add my name. Rudy Rodriguez, Sr. Denton League of United Latin American Citizens Council #4366 1200 Hope Street Denton, Texas 76205 (940) 3919764 cell rrodriguez1445@verizon.net 4 Thanks the Chair and Park Board members for the opportunity to present my testimonial in support of John and Barbara Cantu's nomination of Librada "Lily" Cantu as namesake for the dedicated space for the playground that is part of North Lakes Park. I am joined by Denton friends , including the Denton LULAC President and fellow members of the LULAC Council. Special thanks to the Denton Record Chronicle for supporting our nomination for a Lily Cantu Playground in their July 31 paper. In the brief DRC editorial, the editor speaks of Lily's lasting impression on our community while serving others during her short life. Lily died tragically November 2010 walking down the stairs of the Multi level ST Francis of Assis Clinic in Lima,Peru where she was doing her missionary work. This fatal accident took place while she was serving underprivileged children many with serious illnesses. The DRC says at the end of the editorial,: "Lily's legacy of selfless service and dedication to a cause much larger than ourselves is worthy of celebration, and we therefore urge the city of Denton to grant the Cantu's request. " When Gary Packan's office announced the call earlier this year for nominations from Denton citizens wanting to name local parks, John and Barbara felt the timing was right for to move forward with the Lily park naming application. It was felt, that the naming of a playground would be a fitting tribute to honor Lily's legacy. As Lily's sister said in the memorial service soon after her accident: "My sister merely sought to walk into the world and do the right thing over and over again. This is what she did with her life. This is what she would want you to do with yours. " Ralph Waldo Emerson presents us with another great line: " The purpose of life is not necessarily to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have made a difference that you have lived well. As for those of us who remain, let's honor the Cantu's nomination by paying tribute to the values by which Lily lived. For that reason, we urge the Park Board to move forward with their review and approval of the Cantu family park naming application. And let's do this in way that befits her legacy. A Lily Cantu Playground Park serving young children would be the best fit and best way to memorialize John and Barbara daughter's beautiful legacy. Thanks the Chair and Park Board members for the opportunity to present my testimonial in support of John and Barbara Cantu's nomination of Librada "Lily" Cantu as namesake for the dedicated space for the playground that is part of North Lakes Park. I am joined by Denton friends , including the Denton LULAC President and fellow members of the LULAC Council. Special thanks to the Denton Record Chronicle for supporting our nomination for a Lily Cantu Playground in their July 31 paper. In the brief DRC editorial, the editor speaks of Lily's lasting impression on our community while serving others during her short life. Lily died tragically November 2010 walking down the stairs of the Multi level ST Francis of Assis Clinic in Lima,Peru where she was doing her missionary work. This fatal accident took place while she was serving underprivileged children many with serious illnesses. The DRC says at the end of the editorial,: "Lily's legacy of selfless service and dedication to a cause much larger than ourselves is worthy of celebration, and we therefore urge the city of Denton to grant the Cantu's request. " When Gary Packan's office announced the call earlier this year for nominations from Denton citizens wanting to name local parks, John and Barbara felt the timing was right for to move forward with the Lily park naming application. It was felt, that the naming of a playground would be a fitting tribute to honor Lily's legacy. As Lily's sister said in the memorial service soon after her accident: "My sister merely sought to walk into the world and do the right thing over and over again. This is what she did with her life. This is what she would want you to do with yours. " Ralph Waldo Emerson presents us with another great line: "The purpose of life is not necessarily to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have made a difference that you have lived well. As for those of us who remain, let's honor the Cantu's nomination by paying tribute to the values by which Lily lived. For that reason, we urge the Park Board to move forward with their review and approval of the Cantu family park naming application. And let's do this in way that befits her legacy. A Lily Cantu Playground Park serving young children would be the best fit and best way to memorialize John and Barbara daughter's beautiful legacy. N G Editorial V. y 2.ot o A 'Iife of service, ended too soon e will not try to explain the inexplicable.Even the facts are sketchy at this point;the meaning behind them is beyond our understanding and is likely to remain so. What we do know is that Librada"Lilly"Cantu, a 2009 graduate of Denton High School,fell to her death last week in the,1pclacayo district of Peru,where shj was on a mission for the Catholic Church. She vvas 20 years old. We did not know Lilly Cantu personally,but there are some things we can assume about her from the article about her death by the Record-Chronicle's Britney Tabor. A photograph accompanying the article shows a young woman with bright eyes and a captivating smile. Yes,beauty is only skin deep,and the camera can indeed he,but it is hard to fake the intelligence in a young girl's eyes or the radiance of a young girl's smile.We think we know a lot about Lilly Cantu just from looking at that picture. a can only say that many people in this good town, Her school counselor,Doretha Hudspeth,confirmed a including many of us who did not know her before,are lot of what that picture told us. convinced today that she had indeed succeeded in her "She just enjoyed helping other people,"Hudspeth preparations,that her life,while too short,was an impor- said."When she talked about it,her face just lit up." tart and successful one.It was a life of sen ice,freely and It is clear that helping other people was important to enthusiastically given.No life lived like that can be con- Librada Cantu,and it is clear,too,where she got her sidered anything but a triumph. commitment to serve others. Her mother,Barbara Sometimes the briefest lights burn the brightest. Cantu,is a second-grade teacher at Newton Rayzor Elementary School,and her sister,Kathleen Reichel, teaches English as a second language at Lee Elementary ` School.(A second sister,Marianna Cantu,is a soipho- This da In history: November 8 more at 1-femmn 1-fsgh.7 rt Ls n t�u ffie�Of�IleT itated to a life of service;hrr ma ters had already devoted their lives to just about the greatest servile a person can give—teaching. At a time in her life when most young people are busi- ly preparing for careers in college or in their first jobs, Lilly had volunteered for a church mission in Peru,a raze commitment for a bright young high school graduate with an even brighter future ahead. She served not only the people in that South American country,but those at home,too.Through the Internet,she was reporting regu- larly to her mother's second-graders about life in Peru, and about how a life of service can make a difference in the lives of others.This was more than just an informal stream of e-mails;the correspondence was part of Newton Rayzor's International Baccalaureate interna- tional studies discussions. It is clear that this young woman was preparing her- self for a life of service,just as her mother and sister had done before her.We can offer no insight into why that life was cut short,no meaningful solace to those who miss her so today. Vig il service set for Cantu By Britney Tabor kindness. Mullins said Staff Writer the family has been over- A vigil service has been slated for 7 whelmed with the gen- p.n- Sunday for Librada"Lily"Cantu, a erosity and often share 20-year-old Denton High School gradu- r stories of their thankful- ate who died Nov 4 after slipping off a ness to everyone who has third-story rooftop in Peru. come to their aid as they The service will be at Immaculate grieve. Conception Catholic Church, 2255 N. Cantu "It's just been beautiful Bonnie Brae St.A funeral Mass is slated that Lily's story touched so many," for 11 am. Monday, also at Immaculate Mullins said. "It's like they are doing Conception. what Lily did—giving back as Lily did. Cantu's body was transported back to "Lily's death was very tragic but the Denton by air from Peru on Thursday. love in the community and the support Family spokeswoman Susan Mullins given showed that there are really good said that when news of Cantu's death people, she said. "The world is a good began to spread last week,friends,fami- place and this affums that" ly and even strangers from the region, Cantu,a 2009 Denton High graduate, out of state and Peru began to show their traveled on her own to Peru in early support for the Cantu family through donations,prayers,food and other acts of See CANTU on 11A From Page I* C�intu October to serve for sic months whom Lily Cantu worked with. as a volunteer caregiver at Hogar San Francisco de Asis,a BRnmyTABOR can be Lima-area home for impover- reached at 940-566-6876.Her ished sick children. e-mail address is btabor@ She is survived by her pas- dentonrc.conL ents,John and Barbara Cantu; sisters Kathleen Reichel and her husband Keith, Marianna William Ralph Mann Cantu,and Sarah Tavis and her Attorney husband Jay; and brothers Andrew Lewis and Isaac Lewis and his wife,Ashley. Civil Practice-Real Estate- A memorial fund was estab- Wills&Trusts lished at Wells Fargo Bank to Probate&Guardianship assist the family in bringing her Business&Corporation home from Peru. Mullins said Series LLC that the remaining money from the fund will be used bythe fam- (940) 566-6235 ily to serve the children of Peru f NG Channel 5, NBC DFW - News Report by Susy Solis, Nov 9, 2010 Woman Gives Her Life To Serving Children By Susy Solis • Published November 9, 2010 • Updated on November 9, 20Woman Gives Her Life To Serving Children By Susy Solis • Published November 9, 2010 • Updated on November 9, 2010 at 6:00 pm Behind her vibrant eyes and smile was a caring, loving, giving, profound woman. Librada "Lily" Cantu, 20, ultimately gave her life to serving others. Cantu had always devoted time to volunteering and helping others, but friends say she found her calling when she decided to volunteer to become a caregiver for sick and improverished kids at a Hogar San Fransisco de Asis, children's home in Peru. "Speaking very little Spanish, having never left the country, she just put all her faith in God and said 'This is where I need to be,"' said Susan Mullins, the coordinator of youth ministry for the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Denton, where Cantu was a lifelong member. "It's a very poor place, so families aren't able to care for them medically, so it was a long term care place for children."10 at 6:00 pm 't has been almost 11 years since our city lost iibrada"W Rose Canto to an unfortu- nate accident I personally did not know Lily,but thanks to her parents,John and Barbara Cantu,rve come to appreciate this precious individual whose life was taken away from us much too soon.lily's life was un- doubtedly graced with a missionary heart and a passion for caring for the most vulnerable and often the most forgotten among us.Her inspirational story deserves to be told. Librada"Lily"Cantu was one of our own;born on Oct.20,1990,at Westgate Hospital.She attended Tomas Rivera Elementary School,Immaculate Concep- tion Catholic Church(ICC)Middle School and graduated in 2009 from Denton High mool. Courtesy photo Her parents'outreachworktor ICC and Librada "Lily" Cantu is shown in this church service by her father for the ICC sister undated photo with one of the many church in Patzun,Guatemala,may have children she served as part of her mis- impacted lAys desire to serve needy commu- sionary work in Lima,Peru. nities during her formative years.A brother shared IWs dedication to service in econom- At the time of her death,Lily was only 20 ically depressed regions of Latin America.He years old,working with poor children in the was in fact on assignment in Guatemala when most economically depressed section of Lima, he was notified of his sister's tragic accident Peru.As the Denton.Record-Chrrnide noted ■ L In a Nov 9,2010,article in this newspa- on Nov 8,2010:"Lily's life,albeit short lived per,then-ICC Youth Minister Susan Mullins ...was a life freely and enthusiastically given N U O recalled that,"Lily ...No life like that can be considered anything just took a leap of but atriumph" N faith and jumped Based on the post-mortem examination in 4 into the deep end of Lima,it was reported by medical officials that the pool and found Lily tragically fell to her death walking down where she felt most from the multi-story building ofthe Hogar called...No matter San Francisco de Asir Clinic.Susy Solis, what,Ws life was Channel 5 TV News reporter,said of Lily soon going to be[focused after her death:"Behind her vibrant eyes and v� O on]doing for others Rudy smile was a caring loving,giving,profound ...she arched woman.Librada`Lily'Cantu,ultimately gave b se ♦=0 until she found Rodriguez Sr. her a to serving others' Z where she was most Lily's parents recently submitted to ct f�l called"Her search Denton's Parks and Recreation Department �� led her to the Hogar a park-naming application with the name San Francisco de Asis(Home of St Francis of of their daughter as namesake for a local Assisi)Clinic,a nonprofit organization serving park or park trail.A long overdue Den- children in the Chaclacayo district near the ton Librada"Lily"Canto City Park would Q city of Lima,Perri, especially be a fitting tribute to this young w Many of the children are brought to woman's legacy of extraordinary strength O the St.Francis of Assisi Clinic with se- of spiritual faith and dedication to the most vere health or psychological issues due to fundamental of Christian values.What a abandomnent by parents;sometimes they wonderful inspiration this lasting memorial are left in dumpsters or doorways.At this would be to present for fixture generations long-term help facility,many of the sick of our beautifiil city and malnourished children are treated back In the words of poet Ralph Waldo to health,provided with basic schooling and Emerson:'Me purpose oflife is not to be eventually returned to their parents;others happy.It is to be useful,to be honorable,to be wait for adoption. compassionate,to have made a difference that Lily found her call to serve in these dire you have lived and lived well"Lily Cantu did human conditions.She purchased a one- indeed make a difference.Let those of us who way ticket to fly to Lima,Peru,with money remain honor the values by which she lived in she had inherited from her grandfather.She a way that befits her legacy. did not tell her family of her plans until just a few weeks before she was to leave,and RUDYRODRIGVEZ,ofDenton,is a as her mother recalls,`"Though we tried to re ired prmfessorfirnn.the Unkvvity oJMnfh dissuade her,she would not be moved" Texas and Tama Woman' Uniz,,ersity,and a Clearly;Lily was firm in her convictions former member of the Denton ISD Board of and resolute in her spirit 7hrstws. Rudy, Marianna stayed for the vote. The application was unanamously approved. Marianna reports the board was very kind and expressed how moved they were by everything our speakers expressed. Super job Rudy! Thank you once again. Best regards, John and Barbara 1 Rudy, Marianna stayed for the vote. The application was unanamously approved. Marianna reports the board was very kind and expressed how moved they were by everything our speakers expressed. Super job Rudy! Thank you once again. Best regards, John and Barbara PRUDENCE Sep 14th, 2021 Email Yes, Alfredo and I stayed for the deliberations as well and it was very gratifying to hear the kind words the City staff and the board had to say about Lily and her family. The vote was unanimous to present Lily's name as applied for to the City Council for their approval. My understanding is that it will be presented as, " Librada 'Lily' Cantu Playground". According to the family, it is the playground where she played as a child. There is no funding for the signage yet, so we have to stay involved. The staff mentioned that the playground is overdue for renovations, and the signage will be constructed according to the criteria in the master plan. We look forward to learning the date of the city council's deliberation. I understand it is yet to be determined. Thank you. Saturday,Jul 31, 2021 Denton Record Chronicle Representation matters I appreciated Dr. Rudy Rodriguez's July 24 guest essay regarding the naming of a Denton playground or park after my sister, Lily Cantu. It has been nearly 11 years since she slipped and fell to her death in Peru, leaving the world a little less bright and her family with a hole that can never be filled. It would bring us joy to have a park or playground named after Lily. When we lose a loved one unexpectedly, we fear that they will be forgotten.The renovated park or playground at North Lakes, with its emphasis on universal accessibility, would be a fitting remembrance as Lily was serving special-needs children at the time of her death. As a former Denton ISD teacher, I bring another perspective: Representation matters. Lily was a young Hispanic woman, determined to serve. She understood herself to be not just an individual but rather as part of a community. This is exactly the kind of citizen we should be honoring. In these trying times, when we are perhaps unsure of how "together" our community really can be, and as we feel our differences so keenly, we can look around our community to see who we've decided to honor. If the park or playground were named in honor of Lily, I would rejoice not just as a big sister who misses her little sister but also as a teacher who longs to see young people feel their calling to rise up and take their roles as servant leaders in their community. Kathleen Cantu Reichel, Valley View For those of us who have not lived through the personal crisis this family experienced it is difficult to image the pain moms and dads feel at the loss of a daughter or son. I talked early on with John and Barbara about meeting with the pastor of the ICC about possibly a dedicating spot on the church grounds nicely adored with beautiful plants as way to memorialize Lily's life. But the grief at the time I felt was to deep and to painful, felt that was not a good timing to talk about a special tribute for Lily. When the city announced a call for nominations from the community for the naming or re-naming of local parks and trails, John, Barbara and I met to talk about the idea of proposing the naming of a park for Lily. A meeting followed with Gary Packan to present our proposal directly to him for serious consideration by his office, the Park Board and the ultimately the City Council. I really like John and Barbara's idea that the playground park at North Lakes as the city's site for the proposed Lily tribute would such a fitting site to honor her memory. The Lily Cantu Playground Park could be the North Lakes equivalent of Eureka Park at South Lakes. Some would say why such a place of fun and excitement for children. A memorial to a life lost some people would view it as a big contradiction to what a playground represents to young children. I believe it could serve a great purpose for children enjoying the park. Not only will it represent a fun place for kids, but Moms and dads can help their young children learn what it means to be a good and kind person. Don't need to be a missionary and serve in third world countries to have this personal quality as part of your life. Lily Cantu the genuine satisfaction she felt in giving freely and enthusiastically to others. As her sister said at Lily's memorial services: "My sister merely sought to walk into the world and do the right thing over and over again. This is what she did with her life. This is what she would want you to with yours. As moms and dads, I am sure they could phrase this into language their children would understand. And, having a statue of Lily with her smiling face holding a beautiful child would give extra meaning and significance to a person whose life although brief was an honorable life inspired by the most basic of Christian values of unconditional love and caring for others. Hope this park for children dedicated to Lily's beautiful life would inspire our community to support adding improvements to the N Lake Parks that match or even surpass those of Eureka Park in South Lakes. I Ph: 940- 594-40 75 email: john2barb@gmail.com Editorial Support: Dr. Rudy Rodriguez, Sr., email: rrodriguez1445@verizon.net cell: 940 3918764 11. EXPLANATION OF WHY Librada (Lily) Rose Cantu SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR NAME OR RE-NAMING OF A CITY PARK Denton High School Counselor, Ms. Doretha Hudspeth, shared in very concise and succinct way what was Lily's most passionate and profound signature trait "...she just enjoyed helping other people." (DRC, A Life of Service Ended too Soon, November 8, 2010) Shortly before her tragic accident, Lily wrote an email to her mom (Barbara) and her dad (John), she talks about her love for them "especially during the upcoming holiday...But, I still love it here." It is clear Lily was preparing for a life of service and there is no explanation into why that life was cut short. The DRC says it best: "There is no meaningful solace and peace to those who miss her so today". Lily is in heaven now. There is no doubt there were no intermediate steps for her for she possessed a caring and giving heart for humanity. In her final November 2010 tribute to her sister, Mariana said: "Lily didn't realize what a great impact she was making. My sister merely sought to walk into the world and do the right thing over and over again. This is what she did with her life. This is what she would want you to do with yours." It is up to us,the living, to perpetuate the memory of God's gift to us all of this beautiful and compassionate young woman. A park such as the one dedicated to our friend, Dr. G. Roland Vela, would be a fitting memorial to Lily Cantu. It would serve as an inspiration to the young and not-so-young, present and future generations of our Denton community. She left her earthly home with an incredible legacy of commitment and dedication to her Christian values and the sanctity of human life. What a beautiful inspiration!!! ************* The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable,to be compassionate, to have made a difference that you have lived and lived well. Ralph Waldo Emerson 1 librada "LiCy"Rose Cantii 1990-2010 Lily, daughter of John and Barbara Cantu and five siblings: Sarah, Kathleen,Isaac,Andrew and Mariana. Lily attended TWU Child Development Center,Tomas Rivera Elementary, Immaculate Conception Catholic School and graduated from Denton High school in 2009.Lily obtained her Nurse's aide certification while in high school and worked at the Vintage of Denton. Lily went to Peru searching to help children of extreme poverty.After watching a documentary of the Hogar Sara Francisco de Asis in Chacaclayo,Peru she followed her call as a missionary. The Hogar offers medical treatment and hospice to those children in medical crisis on the lowest rungs of Peru's poorest. While some abandoned children are brought in by the nuns, others were brought in by parents with cleft pallet and many were burnt patients victims of portable kerosene stoves that are used indoors by the poor for cooking and heating. 1 want to go find what needs to be done and do it. LiCy 2010 LULAC Council #4366 honors Librado "Lily"Rose Cantzi 8 (�2.� Vigil service set for Cantu By mR 1Ntnel Tabor �:,.; lundnesn.MuBlm said the famih•has been m-er- A sigd smite has been slated for i whrlmed with the lm u- p.m Sundae for L'brada•lilt"Cantu,a csusty and often,hay 20-)car-old Denton High School g ado- stmes of their thankhd- ate whin died Nm 4 alter slipping off a ness to nmtune whto has third-stop rooftop in Fu.•r1L more to their ail as d-- The senior will be at 1—.Iate --' K. e. Conup ohun Catholic Ch-h.2:G5 N. Cantu 'hijust been beautifid Bonnie Brae St.A funeral Mass is slated that Lily-s story toudied so roam•: for 11 am Mooch);also at I.wmarsdat. Mullins said'It's lice the)-are doing Conception. what Lily did-giving bade as lily did Cassius body was tramtod por bade to 'I�ly's death was{tom•tragic but the Deno by air hma Peru on Thurrday. bse in the tommunry and the support Fa®I-v spokeswoman Susan Mi&m V%m showed that them am really good said that whom soma•of Cantuts death people"she said-The wurid is a gosh in spre ad read last weds,Gwmk fitmi- platy and this aff r that. ly and nssu strangers form the region. Cant..a 200q Demo.Huth grathW." .it ofstate and R•ro began toshoe,their traded on her rnm to I,-in edy support for the Cantu fusad•through donations,promm fond and other arc of See CANNI on IIA _ From Page 3A Cantu Odnbrr to xn<fm we mmahs aisrmlly Cantu wwk i-if, .a sul.nteer caregner at Hogan San Frans dr Asir,a RRMEYTABOR nor br 4ma-am home f impmrr- o-i d ar 440SuS&6"-Her lshrd sick ddldrm. -nail oddrm is brabo,@ She a curved by her pa- drnlonre< . ems,John and Barbara C:ntu; siren Kathleen Neidui am her husband Keith,Mitrimurm ` Ph Mann Carom,and.Sands Avis and her Attotvev husband Jay; and brother Andrew Is'wis and Lsaad I— UrN Pn t=•Rd Estate and has wtk,Ashky. Wills l Trus4 A enesmrial hind was stab& Probate BGuandiamhip lishtd as Welk Fargo Nark to asmtn the hmBy in hnnpng her Business h Correction I.-form Pe-SfuIhm read Series LLC .iut the 7-2mein.+from lxfmxi will bcmedby the€.. (940)566-6235 it,to sane the duldren of R•nt Channel 5, NBC DFW - News Report by Susy Solis, Nov 9, 2010 Woman Gives Her Life To Serving Children By Susy Solis • Published November 9, 2010 • Updated on November 9, 20Woman Gives Her Life To Serving Children By Susy Solis • Published November 9, 2010 • Updated on November 9, 2010 at 6:00 pm Behind her vibrant eyes and smile was a caring, loving, giving, profound woman. Librada "Lily" Cantu, 20, ultimately gave her life to serving others. Cantu had always devoted time to volunteering and helping others, but friends say she found her calling when she decided to volunteer to become a caregiver for sick and improverished kids at a Hogar San Fransisco de Asis, children's home in Peru. "Speaking very little Spanish, having never left the country, she just put all her faith in God and said 'This is where I need to be,"' said Susan Mullins, the coordinator of youth ministry for the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Denton, where Cantu was a lifelong member. "It's a very poor place, so families aren't able to care for them medically, so it was a long term care place for children."10 at 6:00 pm J Mr. Sean McCrory Executive Editor Denton Record Chronicle RE: Request DRC support for the attached nomination of Librada "Lily" Cantu (October 20, 1990— November 4, 2010)for naming of a Denton City Park I have joined with Lily's parents, Mr. and Mrs.John Cantu (ph#940 594 4075), in presenting the attached special petition to the City of Denton to establish a Lily Cantu namesake park as a way to celebrate one of Denton's own whose short life was graced with a missionary heart and zeal for the sanctity of human life. Please advise on how I can help Mr. and Mrs. Cantu in building public awareness and support for this nomination via the DRC. See the attached material, including the DRC publications reporting on Lily's fatal tragedy during her time of service to needy children in Lima, Peru. Rudy Rodriguez rrodriguez1445@verizon.net 940 3919764 cell Mr. Sean McCrory Executive Editor Denton Record Chronicle RE: Request DRC support for the attached nomination of Librada "Lily" Cantu (October 20, 1990— November 4,2010)for naming of a Denton City Park I have joined with Lily's parents, Mr. and Mrs.John Cantu (ph#940 594 4075), in presenting the attached special petition to the City of Denton to establish a Lily Cantu namesake park as a way to celebrate one of Denton's own whose short life was graced with a missionary heart and zeal for the sanctity of human life. Please advise on how I can help Mr. and Mrs. Cantu in building public awareness and support for this nomination via the DRC. See the attached material, including the DRC publications reporting on Lily's fatal tragedy during her time of service to needy children in Lima, Peru. Rudy Rodriguez rrodriguez1445@verizon.net 940 3919764 cell Denton RecordmChroniele Nednv%dap.Jattrsan S.2022 N lkv.tutt.Team N Vul. I IN.No. IS6 N 1knitalRt . ,m 161wbt .2 sectr.rtrr N Ml_SO Council names to honor lily Cantu' playground III Menh Wd Ile-MI Ixt hie yt.d.r t,-IIIr tn(11. ►ti'tdlf 1*k,fitmteth krMn.n as Indus- enl with dining Bitch Lakes ami nsntt,A tfwe rrrtet. �I.,A NMttr xnih and dncmty.nlx•nYtt to I lr:tnnr teal%uvet Park ttittrh 6 named for t6- S.wtth I.nkr.Purim Thr mam ttun r wa•the,idnnnain n tntulragcdr,ta.etotn tk L11n1 her nwtjudµrzwaW.,name tutw..iw.d %VoW. Fund Stmv print A VteIst LAkr I'&A arse wAs vix td uxar tluut a try rd wink to tit%aF %arx.i, puke trails end fkkk heipfullre.t,x+at;,t'_ .1,4tlxutedat101:huluerWSI suir%x-marndihr N-ial,and.rtnmuutihnwinhersalikr m"r. the city of Dn*m heir rtew -she wrnt on to i ultnatr that gdt Samc areas,arch es the newh ntrm- dernannn.,4 the rattbtal tUrrcu= to repLAm Ipmerx n,%mrt and aastpn mirk%tawrtlti to a*-ki of unamaxu+ etx-had that gram(fud,hv had -of td M111 Park.an nanxd fix rndinxhr- &xutK• Rnw I rad. .xt ttxv Witt txurub to pm-%v-Rt`.ti tur.8a-Lab named %tars hr l rN t inrntil mrmlrn'llu..lut trxgawnrr.r_t,;he-m& a6 with I4x7I tx"i,whtrt'a-I'xl.r'ta wl9r hnncL Bare ed it,tumr In tN•mg Altmlyd tm pn4wrtiet" -ruing IleOtklt.nrntilnnrttrl.rr,lu>ctataall• tamed fix gtergraphn tnd:.atorx tx akic"k•1lxrricMai,ltre,rt. titu-. Pat•kam durdw of I)mkm Insxn;rFtrmwh turtadart:t I-li trrciunr4rMhlpril n•nwuhc"pal- romnanewiry ntattway. FVn tia Ru Fine] 1,a xdihall Wkl PA,Aral PAvnatlta►,trout the Dn4aa lwada-[A't anttr 11a gimuuL wiuth ate witu had been thunnitd M W tr416 Ixr%V Ws dabi t lu%v aL 11XIO f ettut A-was tt-nau rd Tit /utu.11'hrtmerL thin past uurm er was 1xt%%anh kt,wn an N.,rth I:Ju- 'ti?N•did it fvvi wh.hat.he the it nattnx.uul wire ntunnl Grr the rx:ut:,t Rttvwet FxAd ttr lowwr kn'td 1NwAxal1 clot a namm%au"wu*,ndutt.d u, Perk I'Linv"md tprwgh-.- John Cam a rleind. 'Shr mqw madw•xv Thr etreptkxt Tuts p1mrr.M Anxivan,cntlrh told Ikgt- drtemimIr hrra tram'nwn"fnr puF+ Cantu 17t-A up pwffi to time perk wasrit Matittg an►flags alwtrl IL, ettfoft cps ttx naming „t'ttu trail 4At[Ito Rttxteb tw.,ball tUUXR Ltf h.pruk,.14%ptamx6 ht'k6 Intl trak- .0u,dirt]wink lxipnx children as a Appnrsad.u'the plxyXpvijnd name newdw fletttnn 1k%dark and Ik,npxt Tim R"x-r %M' 91417tsd CatstuaN Iw rttum% in rani m#M clinic to Prtu when she%w in bra Ixxwr was the lest tit tw.,Jaen Ik%%witer hrrwrr dial in 21016.7hc rxjnpnllif Aced(If txnrtK fits 011;named 20 yrarn odd. narlw: 34"Imr<aI Icy etxIned nitrmh m Cnunxil nwn*wn arempted the tee` Amud lt}his t hi d rn.thr Tits Rr.«tT IU fxtx•nkd a tprad tgKxowntty .o nr Cantu.[ik'.Lieber,uldrreaed Rx-,dad rvr t. g ."unknxlatann acid named the path bFnnnnsl Flux],w}xrtmad he MWIP as to M111[7t rnplll titan kxak 4t Gt what tuunW ummAwn shmth ba+jrr tbrn U nears%apqutnwl'Rtet U.% wrie t,5'iktkw&rTtad. autt}uiuutottwsty. theywSWt]cane1aa1ittostobenWIL4 untntm,nrc,,txoTwid*tn thank them paNiat*Rtrerrlit M•the rity'c Pok-4- i P"Vkrtr akWW %fib ROW east Crania(] members agrtrd to not 1L•iRQfr11J n hr RFJnmrmrMl and K"A to 6,daugtltrrs lur and kX- ItmTrawn and tkautriaution Board. tW Ki%u 111oh was renamed Embi IJkr ananre the At wnrin Lrlpitn StuAx uI 14(1,'ihb-tOW aml tvr 7+nitn ue W r� Arn„ng tlx• nmiy named Aran a Perk jttirung the naming ttu•mr ptrt. Crnttr antl mstend mumk-t1 "veil tlur..F.rllA'Reid I■ The Denton League of United Latin American Citizens Council #4366 John and Barbara Cantu and Family Librada "Lily" Rose Cantu 2022 Humanitarian Service Memorial Scholarship Award F Al October 20,1990 "' November 04, 2010 "SOMETIMES THE BRIEFEST OF LIGHTS BURN THE BRIGHTEST." The Scholarship is Awarded to a Student Graduating from a Denton High School Who has Demonstrated Lily's Extraordinary Commitment to Serving Underprivileged Communities. April 27, 2022 LY o t ' c� 1929 2011 Request to Rename South Lakes Park to Dr. G. Roland Vela INSIDE TODAY r ALSO INSIDE F Denton blows second-half lead against Lake Dallas / Sports, lB Protesters stand ground, Ryan pulls away for easy win over The Colony / Sports, lB prevent park cleanup planNationa l, 3A D nton Chronicle Record, I. An edition of C, be juallas Vol. 108, No. 74/ 26 pages, 3 sections Saturday, October 15, 2011 Denton, Texas 50 cents Groupsuggests new name F r. ,r 6 Local LULAC chapter He is one of the most underappreciated �. k asks cityto add Vela citizens of this town." to South Lakes Park —Don Smith,longtime friend of Roland Vela , h t By Lowell Brown Staff Writer "He is one of the most underaPP re- South Lakes Park *— Roland Vela has several claims to ciated citizens of this town," Smith Supporters say the change would local fame. said. honor a worthy resident and inspire The first Hispanic elected to the Smith and others hope to change young people to greater success and Denton City Council,Vela had a dis- that. civic involvement tinguished career as a microbiology The League of United Latin "I think that he makes a wonderful professor at the University of North American Citizens' Denton chapter role model;said Linnie McAdams,a Texas.He even has a species of bac- is asking the city to rename South former council member who joined teria named for him. Ickes Park after Vela, 84,who lives prominent residents in signing the - t -- Still, few people know or fully in the nearby Southridge neighbor- renaming proposal. "Seeing his Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton understand the depth of his contri- hood. Under the proposal, the 187- name [on the park] would bring The Denton Parks and Recreation Department is considering a request to butions to Denton,said Don Smith, acre park on Hobson Lane would be - -- rename South Lakes Park after Roland Vela, shown at the park Thursday in a longtime friend. officially known as G. Roland Vela See PARK on 7A Denton. From Page 1A successfiilly fought to stop cost- Park G. ROLAND VELA ly amendments to the con- Age:84 struction contract,Smith said. Born In:Eagle Pass "Roland stopped a lot of bad inspiration and hope to Lives In:Denton things from happening,and his younger people — and Famlty:married Emma Lamar Codina Longoria in 1953;they have accomplishments were signifi- Hispanics in particular— that four children,seven grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. cant," Smith said. "He's as e might encourage them to seek Education:University of Texas at Austin(B.A.,1950;M.A.,1951; incorruptible as anyone I've e higher education and a more Ph.D.,1964) ever met. If he thought some- active participation in city gov- Title:emeritus professor of microbiology,University of North Texas; thing was right,it didn't matter d ernment, rather than thinking fellow,American Academy of Microbiology what the opposition was.' �t their voice doesn't count." vy, microbiology professor, For Vela, the recognition Career highlights:ts: U.S.Na 1945-46;UNT 3s The proposal is pending 1965-2000;elected to the American Academy of Microbiology,1975; would be nice, but it would to before the city's parks board, published 75 research papers,a textbook and a laboratory manual; mean a lot more if the renam- which could vote as early as directed research of 44 master's and 20 doctoral students;discov- ing inspired young people, he e- Nov 7.The City Council would ered and studied a new type of bacterium with doctoral students. said. e's have the final say. City service highlights:Denton City Council,1979-80;Texas Vela grew up in San Antonio to Public opposition has been Municipal Power Agency board,11 years;Denton Airport Advisory among a large Hispanic popu- scarce, but city parks director Board,former chairman lation, but he's lived in places ns Emerson Vorel said people Other:named one of Latino Month/y magazine's top 100 Texas where Hispanics felt left out at- contacting his department Latinos of the 20th century in 2000;authored biographies of Antonio because of their small num- i a have expressed mixed views. Lopez de Santa Anna and Bernardo de GAIvez. bers,he said. ew "We've gotten a lot of a-mails SOURCE:Roland Vela,staff research He has lived in Denton since en and phone calls on both sides of 1965, and Latinos now make le's this"after inviting public com- up 21 percent of the city's popu- ment, Vorel said. "The recur- City parks officials offered board of the Texas Municipal lation. ►n- ring theme [from opponents] South Lakes Park as one of the Power Agency, a partnership "Kids today tend to think igs seems to be,'By all means find potential naming options, and among Denton and three other that if you don't sing or dance something to attach his name LULAC committee members cities. He also served on the or make a lot of noise, you'll ;ed to,but let's make it something latched onto it because of the city's airport board, among never amount to anything," ;bt other than South Lakes Park'" park's prominence and proxim- other community boards. Vela said. "Something like this me Some residents are emotion- ity to Vela's home, Rodriguez Many of his accomplish- will show them that you can be a ally attached to the park said. ments were unheralded or for- quiet and do your job and do it ter because they helped fund and "I think this is a first step in gotten over time,said Smith,a well,and people will notice" J& build the Eureka playground acknowledging the contribu- longtime UNT botany profes- there in 1994.Opponents seem tions of leaders who have sor who has known Vela for 48 LOWELL BROWN can be to have nothing against Vela; stepped forward from the years. For example, when reached at 940-566-6882.His they just don't want the park's Hispanic community so they TMPA was building its power e-mail address is lmbrown@ name to change,Vorel said. can serve as mentors for other plant in southeast Texas, Vela dentonre.com. Rudy Rodriguez respects people who want to step for- that viewpoint but disagrees. ward," said Jorge Urbina, a til- "This is a democracy, and Denton lawyer and community OBITUARIES be certainly all views are wel- leader. -- - - - - --- - -- of come;said Rodriguez,who led Vela became the first Pamela Holman 21 the LULAC committee that Hispanic elected to the council Pamela Gail Jeffries Redfearn Holman recommended the name in 1979. He served one term was born June 19, 1956 in Oklahoma City, lti- change. "Were going to stick but spent another decade as a its with South Lakes Park" Denton representative on theT OK,and died October 12,2011 in Dallas, TX. She maintained her humor through her City of Denton Request to Speak on an Agenda Item WELCOME to the City of Denton City Council Meeting! 1. If you wish to register to speak on a Consent Agenda Item, Public Hearing, or an Item for Individual Consideration, please complete the form on the opposite side of this card. 2. The Mayor will call your name to speak at the appropriate time. The time limit for speakers to address Council is three (3) minutes for public and non-public hearing items. The time limit for a representative of a group or organization of ten or more members is ten (10) minutes or less. The time limit for applicants for land use or other public hearing items and their agents is five (5) minutes or less per speaker with a maximum of fifteen (15) minutes. 3. When addressing the City Council, please step forward to the speaker's podium, state your name and address, and direct your comments to the Mayor and City Council. PLEASE RETURN THIS CARD TO THE COUNCIL'S ASSISTANT Request to Speak on an Agenda Item Agenda Item # (Please Print) NAME: DATE: ADDRESS: PHONE: CITY: ZIP CODE: E-MAIL: CHECK THE BOX IF YOU WISH TO BE Lj NOTIFIED BY EMAIL REGARDING THIS ITEM do wish to speak on this item. I will speak in: [ ] SUPPORT [ ] OPPOSITION do not wish to speak on this item, but would like the following comments circulated to the Council. [ ] SUPPORT [ ] OPPOSITION Comments Time limit for speakers is three (3) minutes for non-public hearing items and public hearing items. Time limit for a representative of a group or organization of ten or more members is ten (10) minutes or less. Time limit for applicants for land use or other public hearing items and their agents is five (5) minutes or less per speaker with a maximum of fifteen (15) minutes. M PROPOSED TIMELINE FOR CONSIDERATION OF SOCCER FIELDS AT NORTH LAKES PARK Feb 21, 2012 - Council Work Session — Council agreed to purchase 26 acres on the north side of North Lakes Park for site of four new soccer/rugby fields — COST: $250,000 Parks and Recreation Dept will work to purchase property and hire a design firm April 3, 2012 - Design contract on Council Consent Agenda Fall 2012 — Design complete for Phase I and ready for groundbreaking Fall 2013 — Phase I construction complete Follow up— Contact City Council via email or phone let them know of the LULAC proposal to name the new soccer field complex for Dr G. Roland Vela. Let's plan meetings with council members, including those running for reelection. City of Denton 1-r - City Council Contact Information — J L� Mailing Address for the City Council: City of Denton Voice Mail: 349-7717k 215 E. McKinney Fax: 349-8596 Denton, TX 76201 Mayor Mark Burroughs (Annie) Office: 349-7717 15 Royal Oaks Circle Cell: 390-9702 Denton, TX 76210 E-mail: mark.burroughs@cityofdenton.com Council Member- District 1 Kevin Roden Cell: 206-5239 322 Texas Street Denton, TX 76201 E-mail: kevin.roden@cityofdenton.com Council Member-District 2 Dalton Gregory (Donna) Home: 565-9331 2408 Emerson Lane Denton, TX 76209 E-mail: dalton.gregory@cityofdenton.com Council Member-District 3 Jim Engelbrecht (JoAnn) Home: 565-1009 2305 North Lake Trail Cell: 206-5167 Denton, TX 76201 E-mail: jim.engelbrecht@cityofdenton.com Council Member- District 4 Chris Watts (Robin) Cell: 391-4422 1900 Jasmine Street Denton, TX 76205 E-mail: chris.watts@cityofdenton.com Mayor Pro Tern -At Large Place 5 Pete Kamp (David Gosdin) Home: 566-5557 110 Friar Tuck Circle Cell: 390-9137 Denton, TX 76209 E-mail: pete.kamp@cityofdenton.com Council Member-At Large Place 6 James King (Melinda) Cell: 390-3698 510 N. 1-35E Denton, TX 76205 E-mail: james.king@cityofdenton.com Revised 05/19/11 March 21,2011 Mr. Emerson Vorel Director City of Denton Parks and Recreation Denton,TX Dear Mr. Vorel: The Denton League of Latin American Citizens met on Saturday, March 191h and unanimously voted to request the Denton city government to rename the South Branch Library to the Dr. G. Rolando Vela Library. Enclosed are the nomination materials required by your office and the City of Denton Beautification, Parks and Recreation Board. LULAC members also request, after your review and comment of the material, to be placed on the April 4,2011, meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board and allowed time on the agenda to present our proposal. Some of the LULAC members will also be present at the April 5, 2011, meeting of the Denton City Council to propose the name change for the South Branch Library. For more information, please contact Dr. Piiia Hinojosa,LULAC President, at(940) 300 3171 or me at(940) 3919764. Your assistance and support are greatly appreciated. Rudy Rodriguez,�PD. Retired UNT Professor & Chair Ad Hoc Committee Nomination of Dr. Vela for Name or Rename of City Facility Members: Dr. Roberto R. Calderon, UNT Professor,Jorge Urbina,President, Denton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,Dorothy Martinez,Retired Dallas ISD Administrator CITY OF DENTON NAME NOMINA TION FORM Naming or Renaming of Parks, City Facilities or Specific Facilities to Recognize an Individual, Organization or Other Entity Please type or print clearly in ink and return to: • Department of Parks and Recreation(for all Parks or Recreation Related Facilities) • City Hall (for all other Facilities) I. Date of Submittal: MARCH 21, 2011 II. Individual or Organization Submitting Nomination: Denton LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS Council 4366 & Jerry Vela, Son of Nominee III. Address: 3925 MAGGIES MEADOW City, State, Zip: DENTON, TX. 76210 Telephone: (940) 565 9507 (home) (940) 391 9764 email: rrod riguez1445(a,verizon.net IV. Signature of Nominee or ation Representative: I L a ?rel eti -Ace 6-od k Luar- covxcil LIM6 I Li V. Nominee (Check one): Individual _X Organization VI. Nominated Name/Organization: G. Rolando Vela, Ph.D. VII. Number of Years Nominee Lived in Denton: 45 years Recommended Name of Facility: RENAME: South Branch Library to DR. G. ROLANDO VELA LIBRARY IX. Facility Location: SEE ABOVE X. Explanation of why this individual/organization should be considered. (This information will be used by the City Staff and/or Parks, Recreation and Beautification Board to determine the basis for their decision). Use additional sheets if necessary.) The wonderful community life we enjoy in our great city would be impossible to achieve without the active participation and service of our citizens. Dr. Vela,better known to his friends as Roland or Rolando, recognized the value of community service since first coming to Denton over 45 years ago. He further understands the value of community relationships and community building. These values he exemplified through his work and service in a number of City of Denton Boards and Commissions. His most notable contribution to the citizens of Denton was during his service as the first Latino elected member to the City Council in 1979. His leadership qualities and deep- felt commitment to community betterment were further demonstrated during his tenure as either an officer or member of the: Board of Directors of the Flow Medical Foundation; Anne's Haven Hospice; Denton County Cooperative Agency; Our Daily Bread(meals for the indigent); Board of Directors of the Texas Municipal Power Agency (11 years); Airport Advisory Board (served as Chair). In addition, Dr. Vela, as Professor of Microbiology, contributed enormously to elevating the status of the University of North Texas over the 40 years of service to that great educational institution, as noted in his professional vita (see attached). Now retired from UNT, he remains active as an Professor Emeritus through his research and publications. He has also retained his membership in the prestigious American Academy of Microbiology. It is due to Rolando's legendary devotion to the City of Denton and values that are at the core of the Denton community that the League of United Latin American Citizens submits this nomination. Replacing the name of the SOUTH BRANCH LIBRARY with the new namesake, Dr. G. ROLANDO VELA,would be a fitting reminder to all present and future citizens who serve our City and those who avail themselves of our City services of the standard for the academics and civic involvement that he set during his long tenure of service to Denton and the University of North Texas and his expectation of excellence. V. Names of persons or supporting groups responsible for nomination: DR. ISABELA PINA HINOJOSA, President,LULAC March 21,2011 Mr. JERRY VELA (Dr. Vela's son) March 21,2011 Mr. JORGE URBINA, President,Denton Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce March 21, 2011 Dr. RUDY RODRIGUEZ (UNT colleague) March 21, 2011 Dr. ROBERTO CALDERON (UNT colleague) March 21,2011 G. Roland Vela, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Microbiology (2000) member: American Academy of Microbiology (1975) G. Roland Vela Fellow American Academy of Microbiology & Emeritus Professor of Microbiology * Roland Vela,born in Eagle Pass,Texas, September 18, 1927 to Marcial Vela Bermea and Maria de Guadalupe Muzquiz de la Garza. * Raised in San Antonio,Texas; attended public schools and volunt� fnr cPrv;rP in U $ * In 1953,married Emma Lamar Codina Longoria, children Jerry, Anna Maria, Yolanda,Jaime *Attended UT Austin: B.A., 1950; M.A., 1951; Ph.D., 1962; all in Microbiology and Biochemistry. *Worked for the City of San Antonio; Southwest Foundation for Research, San Antonio,Texas; Harvard University,Boston,Massachusetts; School of Aerospace Medicine,Brooks Air Force Base,Texas. --� * Professor of Microbiology University of North Texas,35 years; Associate Dean of Science&Technology, College of Arts& Sciences, 5 years. *Published 75 research papers;textbook,Applied Food Microbiology* and Lab. Manual,Laboratory for Applied Food Microbiology; several"Guest Editorials' Denton Record-Chronicle,Denton, Texas.. * More than 100 invited seminars in American and Foreign Universities * Directed research of 44 Masters and 20 Doctoral Students plus undergraduates and post-doctoral fellows. * Chrm.Univ. Tenure Committee; Pres Campus AAUP; Committee of Fourteen; Faculty Senate;Faculty Grieva * Discovered bacterium that was eventually named Paenibacillus velaei by P. Sukplang and A. Thongmee * Served on Research Peer Review Committees:National Research Council;American Society for Microbiolog, National Institutes of Health;National Academy of Science;Howard Hughes Medical Institute;Department of Education;U.S.Army Chemical Corps; etc. * Member of the American Society for Microbiology for more than 56 years and also the Society for General Microbiology,London; Canadian Society of Microbiologists,Montreal; Sociedad Mexicana de Microbiol, Mexico City; Sociedad Colombiana de Microbiologia,Bogota,etc. * 1975 - 1978 President,Texas Branch,American Society for Microbiology,Distinguished Service Award * 1978 - 1987 Editor Texas Journal of Science * Member of Alpha Chi Sigma, National Chemistry Honor Society and Phi Kappa Phi, Honor Society. * Visiting Professor: The University of Texas at Austin; University of Barcelona; University of Granada, University of Chihuahua; University of Nuevo Leon;Universidad Nacional de Columbia,Fulbright Senior Fellow,Bogota Columbia, 1980 Lifetime Distinguished Professor,Microbiology,Colombian Government. * Consultant for Frito-Lay; Campbell Soup Co.;A. H.Halff and Associates; Oceanography International; W. J. Smith Wood Preserving Co.;Fisheries Ministry of Thailand; Fort Worth Independent School District. Etc. *Retired from the University of North Texas June, 2000. * Co-chair College of Arts and Sciences Emeritus Faculty Council, 5 years. * Included in University of North Texas Oral History Project. * President's Council, University of North Texas * Boards of Directors: Flow Medical Foundation; Anne's Haven Hospice; Denton County Cooperative Agency; Our Daily Bread(meals for the indigent). * Member of several City of Denton Boards and Commissions; C ' A' ort Adviso Board. * Member of the Denton City Council. * Board of Directors of the Texas Municipal Power Agency, 11 years *Listed as one of the outstanding 100 Texas Latinos of the 20te century by Texas Latino Magazine. * Published, after retirement: The Men Named Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, 2003 Bernardo de Gdlvez Spanish Hero of the American Revolution 2006 * Currently working on book of the Muzquiz family of Spain, Mexico, and Texas. * In retirement: Grandfather; Author; Private pilot; Chess player; Wood worker; Traveler; Talker; Businessman meek&mild; and Amateur intellectual. *This may be the only textbook published by a commercial publisher for a member of the Biol.Dept.Faculty in its entire history. Denton Record-Chronicle t1urday, May S, 2010 In honor of Galvez Former professor to visit Spain By Les Cockrell Region Editor A retired University of North G. Roland Texas professor is scheduled to Vela,an travel to Spain to help pay trib- authority on ute to a Spanish hero of the Bernardo de American Revolution. Galvez,a G.Roland Vela will join other Spanish hero r members of the founding chap- of the ter of Granaderos y Damas de `"=`' American Galvez in a series of ceremonies Revolution, is and activities that will include a shown in the visit to the Royal Palace in uniform of Madrid and a ceremony in the Macharaviaya, the hometown Granaderos y of Bernardo de G61vez, who Damas de helped the American colonies } Galvez,at his secure their independence by home on leading Spanish forces against ' '> Ridgecrest the English. Street in Vela will be accompanied by ' , ^ ' Denton on Ws wife,Emma Tuesday. See VELA on 7A - DRC/AI Key -The king gave them 20 uni- forms"Vela,said. "New people who come in now have to make Uvez's victories against the the uniform themselves." From Page IA British opened up vital supply The group typically boasts ` lines that helped ensure the 20 to 25 members,Vela said. Ve I a I colonists'eventual success,Vela "They go to parades and visit said.In addition to the victory at schools, he said. "They visit "The largest part of the rea- Mobile,Galvez also led Spanish military installations. They're son we are going to Madrid lies forces in successful campaigns active,and their objective is to with a book I wrote,Vela said. in Florida and Louisiana,secur- make people learn about Vela is author of Bernardo de mg access to the Mississippi Galvee Gdlvez, Spanish Hero of the, River and allowing friendly Vela will wear a uniform American Revolution forces to supply Washington's when he and fellow Granaderos pub- army. participate in activities planned fished by Acacia Press in 2006. 'Me British had closed all in conjunction with next week's A lot of Americans are not ports,Vela said. "They had a visit,including an audience with aware of Galvez or his contri- noose around the American Crown Prince Felipe.The prince butions to the American colonies. is an authority on Galvez,Vela Revolution, Vela said, because "The Americans couldn't said. the Spanish leader is not included in many US. h depend on their own supply. On their visit to Galvez's depend Spain and France supplied a birthplace, members of the books. lot." group will lay the cornerstone "He was really a super guy"Vela said "I was fascinated by The more he learned about for a new monument to the him." Galvez and Spain's role in the Spanish hero. His interest in the Spanish war,Vela said,the more deter- During his lifetime, Galvez mined he became to write on held many important posts,Vela hero began one evening several th Years ago when Gilvez was e subject said,includin serving as gover- J 0 mentioned in a television pro- Spain's decision to help the nor of the Louisiana e J colonies was a difficult one, e p c schools- in gram he and his wife were ` watching. Vela said,and under other cir- Louisiana know all about him, cumstances "We had never heard of him," ,the Spanish might Vela said."He's in their history Vela said."We had no idea who have opposed their quest for books. 00ks n they were talking about" independence. Galvez continued his govern- "It was a complex war"Vela went service after peace was Vela began searching for n' declared between England and more information about Galvez, but the typical sources were no said."it was a world war,actually' Spain. help,he said. The fact that Galvers role in He went to Spain, then 'y "I looked in encyclopedias, the war was largely ignored by came back to be viceroy of M.c� and his name wasn't there. I most Americans in the years Mexico,"Vela said. looked in history books,and his that followed the revolution Galvez died at age 40 in name wasn't there,"he said. (was understandable,Vela said. Mexico City, Vela said. The Vela stepped up his search by "The English didn't like him, herds heart was returned to his checking documents at UNT so their American cousins did- hometown for burial. and other resources,and at last, et either." Vela retired from UNT 10. he struck pay dirt. It took Vela three years to years ago as a microbiology "There's a lot of information complete his book,but its pub- professor.During his tenure,he about Giilvez," he said. "The lication brought him an inter- served as the associate dean for Library of Congress has a lot of estinghonor from the Order of science and technology for five documents on his role in the Granaderos y Damas de Gal- years. Revolutionary War." vez,an organization founded in He has written several books, Galvez was honored with a San Antonio in 1975 to inform including a microbiology text- U.S.postage stamp in 1980 on the public about Spains contri- book, but said he especially the 200th anniversary of the butions to the American Re- enjoys writing biographies. Battle of Mobile,one of his vic- volution. "I'm not writing my own tones against the British. "They made me honorary autobiography,"he said."I write governor,"he said. constantly.I enjoy writing." Vela said some historians g° , contend that the Battle of This will be the groups sec- He and his wife have visited Mobile was the most important and visit to Spain,Vela said.On Spain several times, but this battle of the American Revolu- their first visit many years ago, trip will have special signifi- tion. members were given an audi- canoe,Vela said. "Many historians agree that, ease with Bing Juan Carlos. "This will be something had it not been for Galvez,the that's going to last,"he said. British would have won,"Vela LES COCKRELL can be said. reached at 940-566-6887.His e-mail address is lcockrell@ dentonmcom. IO CITY F DENTON215 E. McKINNEY•DENTON, TEXAS 76201 •(940) 349-8307•FAX(940)349-8596 CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE March 25, 2011 Denton League of United Latin American Citizens 3925 Maggie's Meadow Denton, TX 76210 Dear Sirs: We have received your request to rename the South Branch Library in honor of Dr. Rolondo Vela as a means of recognizing his many contributions to the Denton Community. As we undertake review and evaluation of your request I thought it would be helpful for you to have a copy of the current City policy regarding the naming of Library facilities. That policy provides information as to both the naming guidelines and the naming process. itionaUy I have ( requested staff to consider other alternatives that ro riate for the recognition you seek Again, T wanted you t+o have this material as we begin our review of your request and may contact you for additiona orma ion in a near Tiifure. If you have other questions or desire of er assistance at this time please let me know. I would be happy to visit with you further. S' cer F d eene ssistant City Manager Attachment cc: George Campbell, City Manager Eva Poole, Library Director l "Dedicated to Quality Service" www.cityofdenton.com CITY OF DENTON NAME NOMINATION FORM Naming or Renaming of Parks, City Facilities or Specific Facilities to Recognize an Individual, Organization or Other Entity Please type or print clearly in ink and return to: • Department of Parks and Recreation (for all Parks or Recreation Related Facilities) • City Hall (for all other Facilities) I. Date of Submittal: II. Individual or Organization Submitting Nomination: Denton LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS Council 4366 III. Address: -7. �O L A C L=, City, State, Zip: t?Af ,, -I-X Telephone: ( ) - 3s�`,r- 4g-5 8 III. Signatur f Nominee or Organizati -epresentative: V. Nominee (Check one): Individual Organization VI. Nominated Name/Organization: G. Roland Vela, Ph.D. VII. Number of Years Nominee Lived in Denton: 45 years VIH. Recommended Name of FaciIty: IX. Facility Location: X. Explanation of why this individual/organization should be considered. (This information will be used by the City Staff and/or Parks, Recreation and Beautification Board to determine the basis for their decision). Use additional sheets if necessary.) The wonderful community life we enjoy in our great city would be impossible to achieve without the active participation and service of our citizens. Dr.Vela, better known to his friends as Roland or Rolando, recognized the value of community See below for Ms. Aukerman update on outcome of Rec and Parks Board meeting yesterday evening. Bottom line: no decision for now. What happens next: 1.) the Board's renaming committee will meet to consider the renaming of South Lakes Park; Not sure if this will be discussed in the Oct 3 regular meeting of the entire Board or not. 2.) The Renaming Committee will present their recommendation to the entire Board in Nov 71h meeting. Rosemary and I will be away celebrating our anniversary and not available to attend the Oct 3, Rec & Parks Board meeting, but can attend on Nov 7. In meantime, you can inquire on progress of our proposal by calling Mary Aukerman in the City of Denton, Dept of Parks and Recreation at 349 8748. FOLLOW UP You, of course, have the option of continuing your advocacy for Roland V. nomination by calling or emailing members of the parks and recr board, as follows: Derrick Murray, Chair, 214 929 7790 email: derrickmu(a)_verizon.net Carol Brantley 387 email: carolbrantley(cDgmail.com V icki Byrd 382 9941 email: vitbyrd(a.verizon.net Alex Lieban 383 4311 email: alieban(cDverizon.net Dave Rowley 565 9332 email: d.rowley1(cwerizon net Janet Shelton 387 2412 email: iwshelton(overizon.net Jennifer Wages 387 0341 email: jenniferwages(c�hotmail.com City of Denton Staff Liaison: You may want to send copies of your email Mr. Vorel, City Director of parks and rec. Emerson Vorel 349 7460 emerson.vorel(cDcityofdenton.com Mary Aukerman 349 8748 mare.aukerman(cDcitvofdenton.com See attachment for members of the City Council in case you want to contact them as well. Keep me posted on what you find out. Rudy 391 9764 cell From: Aukerman, Mary E. [mai Ito:Mary.Aukerman@cityofdenton.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2011 10:00 AM To: 'Rudy' Subject: FW: Rec and parks meeting Rudy, At the regular Park Board meeting, the renaming committee set their meeting for October in order to get the matter the consideration they feel it deserves. They will present their recommendation to the entire Park Board at the November 7th meeting. I'm sorry it is not as soon as you may have anticipated but it is a process and it does take time. I will let you know if I hear anything different. Thanks for your patience. Mary From: Rudy [mailto:rrodriguezl445@verizon.net] Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2011 7:50 AM To: Aukerman, Mary E. Subject: Rec and parks meeting Mary, let me know as soon as you find out decision of the Rec and Parks Board RE: the Vela S. Lakes Park proposal. Your help is greatly appreciated. Rudy PARKS, RECREATION AND BEAUTIFICATION BOARD 2010-2011 Council Home Office Original Present Place Member Home Address Telephone Telephone Appointment Term 1 Vicki Byrd 2512 Timber Trail, 76209 382-9941 453-4603 [C] 7/2009 2009-11 2 David Rowley 3012 Pennsylvania Ct., 76205 565-9332 391-5727 [C] 4/2010 2010-12 d.rowleyI@verizon.net 3 Derrick Murray 4516 Rhone Dr.,76226 214/929-7790 214/840-5522 7/2009 2010-12 derrickmu@verizon.net 4 Carol Brantley 1525 Churchill, 76209 387-2569 ---- 7/2006 2010-12 5 Alex Lieban 2208 Parkside Dr., 76201 383-4311 597-8720[C] 7/2010 2010-12 alieban@verizon.net 6 Jennifer Wages 2508 Glenwood Ln., 76209 387-0341 565-6459 7/2007 2009-11 7 Janet Shelton 4 Timbergreen Cir., 76205 387-2412 940/300-4119 [C] 7/2009 2009-11 jwshelton@verizon.net Staff Liaison—Emerson Vorel * Chair Members appointed for 2-year terms Advisory Board Members must be resident property taxpayers NOTES: Tues, Aug 30 phone visit with Ms. Mary Aukerman, Management Assistant, Parks and Recreation Dept. If you need to call Mary, her office phone is: 349 8748. 1 .) The meeting date of Parks and Recreation Board has been changed from SEPT 12 to SEPT 19, Monday, 6 pm — WHERE: Civic Center on Bell and McKinney, Civic Center Conference Rm. —if group is too large, meeting will be moved to Rotunda Room, Civic Center TIME: 6 pm 2.) Notice requesting public comment on proposed name change of South Lakes Park has been posted. l found two signs at South Lakes Park. 3.) Line up of presenters supporting the change of name. This is an incomplete list. 1.) Dr. Isabella Hinojosa, LULAC Pres 2.) Mr. Jerry Vela, Vela Family Representative 3.) Jorge Urbina, President, Denton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (need ok from Jorge to add his name) 4.) Dr. Don Smith, LINT Vela Colleague (talked to Don earlier today. He has agreed to help us.) 5.) Others will follow, including Popo Gonzalez, Roberto Calderon, also friends of Roland yet to be contacted More on planning for this important historical event at our LULAC meeting on Sept 17`h Also, suggest no need for meeting on Sept 8 to plan for the presentations to the city park & rec board. Rudy LULAC Chair, Vela Park Nomination Task Force NOTICE OF MEETING FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Notice is hereby given that the C Parks and Recreation Department of Denton a meeting to receive public co ment on hold quest to rename a ark propertya re- p Hobson Lane, Denton, Texas aft located at 556 er G. Roland Vela, at the Parks, Recreation and Beautifica- lion Board meeting on Monday, September 19, 2011, at 6 p.m, at Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76201. For more in- formation, pleae contact Emerson Vorel, Direc- tor of Parks and Recreation at (940) 349-8745 or by email at parksnrec@cit),ofdenton.corn From: Calderon, Roberto [mailto:beto@unt.edu] Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2011 1:54 AM To: Rudy; 'Calderon, Roberto'; 'Dr. Frank R. Perez' Cc:jorge@texstar.us; Hinojosa, Isabella Pina; 'dorothy martinez'; 'jerry vela' Subject: Meeting Summary I Dr. G. Roland Vela Naming Committee 129 June 2011 Gente, Here are the minutes or summary of the meeting held today, Wednesday, June 29, 2011, with City of Denton officials to explore naming and/or renaming possiblities of a facility in honor of Dr. G. Roland Vela. We felt coming out of the meeting that the city officials, Greene and Vorel, had prepared for the meeting and had offered a viable and well thought out list of possible sites to name or rename in honor of Dr. Vela. I urge Rudy and Frank to please feel free to add and/or correct any of the statements or misstatements I may have made in my telling and recounting of the meeting. The minutes are attached in a Word file. Adelante, �edosrte Committee to Name a City Facility in Honor of Dr. G. Roland Vela Denton LULAC Council 4633 Meeting: Wednesday, 29 June 2011, Denton City Hall Present: Fred Greene, Assistant City Manager, City of Denton, Texas; Emerson Vorel, Director, Parks & Recreation Department, City of Denton, Texas; Dr. Frank Perez, LULAC Council 4633; Dr. Rudy Rodriguez, LULAC Council 4633; Dr. Roberto R. Calderon, LULAC Council 4633. Meeting Started: 4:05PM Meeting Ended: 4:40PM 1. Mr. Fred Greene opened the meeting noting that because of the protocols in place to rename the South Branch Public Library, it would be next to impossible to rename the facility after Dr. G. Roland Vela. Thus, he and his staff had put together a series of alternative sites that might be named or renamed after Dr. Vela instead. Mr. Greene stated that they had read closely Dr. Vela's biography and noted that his association with the field of biology was one they had paid close attention to in developing the list of alternative sites to consider naming or renaming in his honor. 2. Among the options or alternative sites presented were the following: First, the Civic Center Pool. The facility has basically never been named the city (� I officials stated. Dr. Rodriguez mentioned the Collins Complex's water park and natatorium in light of this option, but Mr. Greene responded that the natatorium is administered by the Denton ISD, in which case this would add an additional layer or process of negotiation that would have to be negotiated. Point taken. Second, South Lake Park (which has two lakes and is in the southside of Denton �Z_ J where Dr. Vela and his family have long resided). Third,the as yet unnamed "Adult Soccer Complex"which has yet to be built. There is an engineering firm that's been hired already to develop a plan for this future 3 facility. He and Mr. Emerson Vorel emphasized that many of those expected to use the facility when it is finally or eventually built would be "Hispanics" because of the soccer leagues organized and existing in the City of Denton. These soccer leagues currently use one field each in two other city parks including Mack Park and Denia Park. The current soccer fields in North Lakes Park are not available to adult soccer leagues because the Denton Soccer League currently administers the children's and youth leagues on behalf of the city. The city maintains the fields but the Denton Soccer League administers the programs doing everything from recruiting players,teams, to charging fees for participating, and hiring of referees, etc. Queried as to when the as yet unnamed "Adult Soccer Complex" might be operational, neither city official could or would offer a definite date. They cited the current state of the city's budget and the economy as factors to consider, and since the park would be built with bond funds, then the city would have to either find new money with which to complete the complex or take funds from existing parts of the city budget to pay for the same. However, both officials cited that the City of Denton was committed to making this "Adult Soccer Complex" a reality and that the hiring of the engineering firm to develop plans for it already was an indication of the city's intent to follow through with its construction. In addition, both Mr. Greene and Mr. Vorel noted that because the technically unnamed "Adult Soccer Complex" has yet to be named, it is always easier to come in at the beginning with a name for it and have it approved than is the case with sites that have already been named. It looked like to us that the city officials were enthusiastic foLlbis particular venue ov ear ist of possible alternative sites. Asked w e er e Adult Soccer Complex" would have restroom facilities, the response was in the affirmative Mr. Greene noted that the question with the plans being developed by the unnamed engineering firm that's been hired to develop said plans for this facility, depending on the as yet changing funding variables affecting the process (its construction and completion), the facility might have eight fields, or, he said, it might have as few as four fields. Mr. Greene also noted in response to our questions that North Lakes Park may or may not be located in North Lakes Park, as they'd mentioned earlier. They wouldn't commit to saying that North Lakes Park would be the final site for its construction. But they-did affirm that it was their view that the site would be built in due course. This much, they noted, the city is committed to doing. Fourth,the possibility that the newly built park called Briercliff Park could be I renamed after Dr. Vela. They spoke the praises of this new park facility and Dr. 1 Rodriguez and Dr. Perez added that they'd seen it from a distance and so forth. It is a relatively small park apparently located next to a relatively new subdivision. The facility has a soccer field, baseball field, shelter, and so forth. Fifth, the city officials had apparently consulted with the city's library 1 administration because they noted that a particular collection within the South Branch J Library could be named in honor of Dr. Vela. Thus they pointed out that since he was a scientist, a Science collection could be named in his honor, or, better still, there's a new Children's Section that's being built or will soon be built at the South Branch Library. They noted that the new Children's Section will have walls that muffle the sound so that other patrons at the library are not subjected to the energy and bustle (noise?)that excitable children are apt to make. They specifically said that this new section of the South Branch Library might be called the "Dr. Vela Children's Library." These were the five options presented at the meeting by Mr. Greene and Mr. Vorel. They were quick to indicate that regardless of which site was eventually the one y� Crocedures o bear the name of Dr. Vela, that it would be necessary to follow the established and protocol in the naming or renaming process of the particular facility. Thus, if it were one of the parks,take Briercliff Park, said Mr. Greene by way of example only, then you would have to prepare the pertinent application and submit it to them, Greene and Vorel,who would then present it to the respective city commission, the Parks c fi and Recreation Board, in this case, or in the case of a library facility, the Library Board, etc. There would then a hearing process for those who were for or against the naming and/or renaming of the facility involved. Altogether, there would also be a sign posted in the chosen "park" or other facility for a period of 90 days (or was it 45 days?) alerting or informing all concerned of the proposed naming and/or renaming,whatever the case might be. Understood, everyone agreed. Dr. Rodriguez used the opportunity to tentatively speak strongly jaavogof pursuing ere aming o the Sou various alternatives presenied. Mem comnuttee thanked the city officials for the work they'd clearly undertaken to prepare for the meeting and coming IQ the meeting with a carefully considered list of options for the naming of_aTa-c-i-l-ity in honor of Dr. G. Roland Vela. Dr. Ro stated that there would be great pride taken in the Latino community al having such a facility as South Lakes Park after Dr. Vela, etc. He also stated that Dr. Vela had an extensive network of friends and supporters who could be brought into the process to support the renaming of the South Lakes Park in honor of Dr. Vela. Although, Dr. Rodriguez added, most of these would be older residents of the City of Denton who remembered the many civic contributions that Dr. Vela had made to the city, etc. Mr. Vorel offered a word of advice at this point. He stated that he had wide experience in negotiating the naming and/or renaming of city facilities. His most recent experience was one in which a park was renamed after a deceased young Iraq War veteran. He noted that he'd taken a lot of criticism for supporting that campaign. That those opposed had even brought up the question of the renaming of the park as negative because in the future the park might draw many Veteran's Day or Memorial Day events to the facility. Thus, Mr. Vorel noted that it would be easier to name a park or other facility that has yet to be named rather than rename one which already has a built-in constituency in favor of keeping the facility named as is, etc. Point taken. _Q Finally, Mr. Greene asked that LULAC Council 4633 please proceed to establish what he called a "priority list," in which we could list our first, second,and third options, D for example. That when we were ready to proceed to please make these available to he iand Mr. Vorel. They would then steer the application to the next appropriate levels of the process. Agreed. / Dr. Rodriguez inquired of Mr. Vorel when the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board was scheduled to take place. Mr. Vorel said that typically the Parks and Recreation Board meetings the first Monday of every month but that the Board would not be meeting in July. That their next scheduled Board meeting then would be the first Monday of August 2011. Given this, Dr. Rodriguez suggested that maybe we would be looking to come before the Parks and Recreation Board by the scheduled September 2011 meeting. It was explained that Mr. Greene and Mr. Vorel would (appreciate having about one month's advance notice on the paperwork or application per the case to ensure that the materials are circulated to all involved. Agreed. If you wish to see a list of the parks and trails available and maintained by the City of Denton go to the following link: URL: http://www.cityofdenton.com/index.aspx?page=645. Respectfully submitted, Roberto R. Calder6n, Ph.D. Thanks all for supporting the nomination of Dr. Vela for name of a local Denton site. As we previously discussed with the Vela family and in the Jan 11 meeting of J. Vela, R. Calderon, F. Perez and R Rodriguez with Mayor Burroughs, our group will be pursuing the naming of the soon to be constructed soccer facility at North Lakes Park in honor and in recognition of Dr. Vela's many contributions to the city of Denton and UNT. See note below from Councilman Roden for an update on the plans for the soccer facility. I will be out of town for Board of Trustees meeting. Let's plan a meeting of our task force soon after I return for further discussion and follow up on the LULAC proposal. Rudy 940 391 9764 From: Roden, Kevin P [mailto:Kevin.Roden@cityofdenton.com] Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 9:24 PM To: rrodriguez1445@verizon.net Subject: Update on soccer facility Dr. Rodriguez - In an earlier email, you asked for an update on the constructions plans for the upcoming soccer facility at North Lakes Park. Here are the details I have just received from Mr. Vorel... Here is a proposed timeline for the construction of soccer fields at North Lakes Park. * February 21. 2012 Council Work Session. Parks will discuss with Council our request to use $250,000 from the Tree Mitigation Fund to help purchase 26 acres on the north side of North Lakes Park. This property would be used for four new soccer/rugby fields. Moving the fields onto this property would allow Parks to preserve the area currently identified for these fields as a permanent natural area. Staff has begun negotiations with the owners and a sale price has been identified. * Parks will work to purchase property and hire a design firm simultaneously. * April 3, 2012. Design contract on Council Consent Agenda. * Fall 2012. Design complete for Phase I and ready for groundbreaking. * Fall 2013. Phase I construction complete. It is our intent to use the funds currently available to construct the entry road, a parking lot, four fenced, irrigated, and lighted fields with a temporary restroom facility. Construction of a permanent restroom/concession facility will be part of Phase 1I and will required additional funding. Sent from my Wad f i The right decision The Parks, Recreation and Beautifica- tion Board did the right thing by rejecting the proposal to rename South Ickes Park. Mr. Vela has, I am sure, done a lot of admirable things in the city of Denton that are worthy of recognition.But one of them was not being actively involved in the cre- 1 ation of South Lakes Park. t Maybe he should be recognized by nam- ing the airport in his honor, or naming a 1 City Council room "The Vela Room,"or a f biology lab at UNT in his honor, but to a honor him in a way that connects him to a project in which he has never been directly or indirectly associated is at least uncaring and unappreciative of the dozens of citizens S who did participate in the building of this park h So many area citizens gave so much time l\ and money during the initial construction rr that it would be ludicrous to pick only one h name. tl The second and maybe most important tl reason to not name the park or any other facility after Mr. Vela or any other living a person can best be stated in simply remem- a bering what has just happened at Penn h State and the "legendary" Joe Paterno or h Houston's Enron Field a few years back E Park boards, city councils and school boards would do well to consider this in si developing their naming policies. rE Gerald Slater, n J (" i t Denton in Renewable Pn----- hE Group suggests new name I Denton Record Chronicle I News for Denton County, Texas I ... Pagel of 5 1 ests new name Local LULAC chapter asks city to add Vela to South Lakes Park 11:49 I'M CUT on Friday,October 14,2011 By Lowell Brown/Staff Writer Roland Vela has several claims to local fame. The first Hispanic elected to the Denton City Council, Vela had a distinguished career as a microbiology professor at the University of North Texas. He even has a species of bacteria named for him. Still, few people know or fully understand the depth of his contributions to Denton, said Don Smith, a longtime friend. DRC/David Minton The Denton Parks and Recreation Department is considering a request to rename South Lakes Park after Roland Vela, shown at the park Thursday in Denton. View larger More photos Photo store "He is one of the most underappreciated citizens of this town," Smith said. Smith and others hope to change that. The League of United Latin American Citizens' Denton chapter is asking the city to rename South Lakes Park after Vela, 84,who lives in the nearby Southridge neighborhood. Under the proposal,the 187-acre park on Hobson Lane would be officially known as G. Roland Vela South Lakes Park. Supporters say the change would honor a worthy resident and inspire young people to greater success and civic involvement. l "I think that he makes a wonderful role model," said Linnie McAdams, a former council member who joined prominent residents in signing the renaming proposal. "Seeing his name [on the park] would bring inspiration and hope to younger people—and Hispanics in particular—that might encourage http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontenVdws/dre/localnews/stories/DRC velapark_1015.... 10/23/2011 Group suggests new name I Denton Record Chronicle I News for Denton County, Texas I ... Page 2 of 5 them to seek higher education and a more active participation in city government, rather than thinking their voice doesn't count." The proposal is pending before the city's parks board, which could vote as early as Nov. 7. The City Council would have the final say. Public opposition has been scarce, but city parks director Emerson Vorel said people contacting his department have expressed mixed views. "We've gotten a lot of a-mails and phone calls on both sides of this"after inviting public comment, Vorel said. "The recurring theme [from opponents] seems to be, `By all means find something to attach his name to, but let's make it something other than South Lakes Park."' Some residents are emotionally attached to the park because they helped fund and build the Eureka playground there in 1994. Opponents seem to have nothing against Vela; they just don't want the park's name to change, Vorel said. Rudy Rodriguez respects that viewpoint but disagrees. "This is a democracy, and certainly all views are welcome," said Rodriguez,who led the LULAC committee that recommended the name change. "We're going to stick with South Lakes Park." City parks officials offered South Lakes Park as one of the potential naming options, and LULAC committee members latched onto it because of the park's prominence and proximity to Vela's home, Rodriguez said. "I think this is a first step in acknowledging the contributions of leaders who have stepped forward from the Hispanic community so they can serve as mentors for other people who want to step forward," said Jorge Urbina, a Denton lawyer and community leader. Vela became the first Hispanic elected to the council in 1979. He served one term but spent another decade as a Denton representative on the board of the Texas Municipal Power Agency, a partnership among Denton and three other cities. He also served on the city's airport board, among other community boards. Many of his accomplishments were unheralded or forgotten over time, said Smith, a longtime UNT botany professor who has known Vela for 48 years. For example, when TMPA was building its power plant in southeast Texas, Vela successfully fought to stop costly amendments to the construction contract, Smith said. "Roland stopped a lot of bad things from happening, and his accomplishments were significant," Smith said. "He's as incorruptible as anyone I've ever met. If he thought something was right, it didn't matter what the opposition was." For Vela,the recognition would be nice, but it would mean a lot more if the renaming inspired young people, he said. Vela grew up in San Antonio among a large Hispanic population,but he's lived in places where Hispanics felt left out because of their small numbers, he said. He has lived in Denton since 1965, and Latinos now make up 21 percent of the city's population. http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/dre/localnews/stories/DRC_velapark_l 015.... 10/23/2011 Group suggests new name I Denton Record Chronicle I News for Denton County, Texas I ... Page 3 of 5 "Kids today tend to think that if you don't sing or dance or make a lot of noise,you'll never amount to anything," Vela said. "Something like this will show them that you can be quiet and do your job and do it well, and people will notice." LOWELL BROWN can be reached at 940-566-6882. His e-mail address is lmbroI4,nQ,dentonrc.com. G. ROLAND VELA Age: 84 Born in: Eagle Pass Lives in: Denton Family: married Emma Lamar Codina Longoria in 1953; they have four children, seven grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Education: University of Texas at Austin(B.A., 1950; M.A., 1951; Ph.D., 1964) Title: emeritus professor of microbiology, University of North Texas; fellow,American Academy of Microbiology Career highlights: U.S. Navy, 1945-46;UNT microbiology professor, 1965-2000; elected to the American Academy of Microbiology, 1975; published 75 research papers, a textbook and a laboratory manual; directed research of 44 master's and 20 doctoral students; discovered and studied a new type of bacterium with doctoral students. City service highlights: Denton City Council, 1979-80; Texas Municipal Power Agency board, 11 years; Denton Airport Advisory Board, former chairman Other: named one of Latino Monthly magazine's top 100 Texas Latinos of the 20th century in 2000; authored biographies of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and Bernardo de Galvez. SOURCE: Roland Vela, staff research Print Create A Screen Name Screen names can only consist of letters and numbers. Your screen name will appear to everyone. NOTE: You cannot change, delete, or edit your screen name once you hit "Save". ■I� CANCEL Leave Comment Having problems seeing comments? http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/dre/localnews/stories/DRC_velapark_l 015.... 10/23/2011 Page 1 of 1 Rudy From: Emma Guzman - Ramon [emita74@gmail.coml Sent: Friday, October 21, 2011 M5 PM To: vltbyrd@verizon.net, d.rowley1@verizon.net, derrickmu@verizon.net-, carol bra ntley@g mail.com-, alieban@verizon.net, stukel@unt.edu; jwshelton@verizon.net, mark.burroughs@cityofdenton.com; kevin.roden@cityofdenton.com-, jim.englbrecht@cityofdenton.com; chris.watts@cityofdenton.com, Dalton.gregory@cityofdenton.com-, james.king@cityofdenton.com; pete.kamp@cityofdenton.com Subject: Letter supporting renaming of park in honor of Dr. Roland Vela Good evening Hon. Mayor Burroughs,members of the Denton City Council and members of the Denton Park and Recreation Board: I hope that this email finds you in good spirits.❑ I also hope that you kindly read my email supporting the renaming of the South Lakes Park to the Dr. Roland Vela park.❑ As a Hispanic student of Denton High School graduating in 1992 and continuing my education at the University of North Texas, I do have to express my feelings to you and hope to be heard.❑ As some of you will recall, I served on the planning and zoning committee a few years back and was active in the local community before having to move for work related reasons.❑ As you mgiht recall also, my mother still resides in Denton with my sister Yolanda Guzman living just a short distance away in Allen.❑ It is because of these close connections that I have to Denton that I dare write this email to you. I did not grow up in Denton, my family having moved from Dumas to Denton my junior year in high school.❑ However, I claim Denton home and am still very connected to the Hispanic community there.❑ Growing up in the panhandle, I had no role models as Hispanics seldom graduated high school,much less continued onto higher education.❑ When we moved to Denton I could not believe how many people were in a position to guide me and help me get through school.❑ 1 was very happily surprised when I went to UNT and low and behold I had Hispanic professors.❑ Dr. Norma Williams inspired me tremendously as a professor as well as Dr. Rudy Rodriguez and Dr. Gloria Contreras as mentors.❑ I have no doubt I would have graduated college as that was my goal, but having these professionals there to help me, counsel me, encourage me and guide me through definitely made the journey more bearable. I know Dr. Roland Vela as an acquaintance only[]and don't claim to know him personally.El However, I know that he,just as Dr. Williams, Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Contreras were there to help me, he was there to help those before me.❑ I also know that seeing Latinos rewarded with having a city building/landscape/park means the world to people who were like me,wanting to find someone that could relate to my background, to my culture.111 know the Hispanic students not only in high school but at the university level as well, will be encouraged and humbled by renaming the park.❑ I'm sorry this email is so long, as an attorney, I guess what could you expect, right?❑ However,I do thank you for taking the time to read this and hope that you will take my small voice into account by honoring Dr. Roland Vela in this manner.❑ Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me either by email or phone at 210-412-6966.❑ Thank you again for your time, Emma Guzman-Ramon 10/21/2011 X. Explanation of why this individual/organization should be considered. (This information will be used by the City Staff and/or Parks, Recreation and Beautification Board to determine the basis for their decision). Use additional sheets if necessary.) The wonderful community life we enjoy in our great city would be impossible to achieve without the active participation and service of our citizens. Dr. Vela, better known to his friends as Roland or Rolando, recognized the value of community service since first coming to Denton over 45 years ago. He further understands the value of community relationships and community building. These values he exemplified through his work and service in a number of City of Denton Boards and Commissions. His most notable contribution to the citizens of Denton was during his service as the first Latino elected member to the City Council in 1979. His leadership qualities and deep- felt commitment to community betterment were further demonstrated during his tenure as either an officer or member of the: Board of Directors of the Flow Medical Foundation; Anne's Haven Hospice; Denton County Cooperative Agency; Our Daily Bread (meals for the indigent); Board of Directors of the Texas Municipal Power Agency (11 years); Airport Advisory Board (served as Chair). In addition, Dr.Vela,as Professor of Microbiology,contributed enormously to. elevating the statusof the University of North Texas over the 40 years of service to that great educational insti"on, as noted in his professional vita (see attached). Now retired from UNT, he remains active as an Professor Emeritus through"his research and publications. He has also retained his membership in the prestigious American Academy of Microbiology. - It is due to Rolando's legendary devotion to the City of Denton and values that are at the core of the Denton community that the League of United Latin American Citizens submits this nomination. Replacing the name of the SOUTH BRANCH LIBRARY with the new namesake, Dr. G. ROLANDO VELA, would be a fitting reminder to all present and future citizens who serve our City and those who avail themselves of our City services of the standard for the academics and civic involvement that he set during his long tenure of service to Denton and the University of North Texas and his expectation of excellence. V. Names of persons or supporting groups responsible for nomination: Dr. ISABELA PINA HINOJOSA, President, LULAC March 21,2011 Mr. JERRY VELA (Dr. Vela's son) March 21,2011 Dr. JORGE URBINA, President, Denton Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce March 21, 2011 Dr. RUDY RODRIGUEZ (UNT colleague) March 21, 2011 Dr. ROBERTO CALDERON (UNT colleague) March 21,2011 1 DENTON l LULAC COUNCIL #4366 9 AGENDA ...11/19/2011 I. Welcome - Pledge/Prayer- Roll call/Introductions DRC Public Announcement: 11.12.2011 II. Approval of Minutes- Lizeth Acevedo LULAC chapter unfazed Group to continue push for Vela's name for park III.Treasurer's Report -Anita Martinez-Strickland 10:46 PM CST on Saturday,November 12,2011 By Lowell Brown/Staff Writer IV. Guests—Dr. Taylor:Voter Registration Forum Members of the Denton LULAC chapter aren't giving V.Standing Committee Reports up their push to name South Lakes Park after former City Council member Roland Vela,even after the city -G. Roland Vela-Southlake: Dr. Rudy Rodriguez parks board rejected the idea. V. Old Business TAMAL tasting today! The council-appointed Parks,Recreation and Holiday Lighting Festival, Friday, Dec.2 Beautification Board voted unanimously and without discussion Monday to deny LULAC's proposal to 5:30-9:30 p.m. TAMAL tasting today! rename the park G.Roland Vela South Lakes Park. -Officer Nominations -STAAR Campus (Robles DISD) checks? http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/dre/localnews/stories/DRC lulac 1113.296310482.html VI. New Business -Officer Installations Dec, 101h @ Rudy's - Membership dues to be pd Dec 101h = $40.00 ea ,ill. President's Report _ - Proceed to stand firm - - Dec. 10—Holiday Gathering& membership @ Rudy Rodriguez'—3925 Maggies Meadow -January 21—leadership of our new President,Dr. Seto Calderon VII. Motion to Adjourn at November 7,2011 Citizens for Roland G.Vela-Southlakes Park @ Denton Parks&Recreation Sub-Committee Mtg 2012 President: Dr. Roberto"Seto" Calderon 2012 OFFICER Elections today for: 2011 OFFICERS President Elect: Anita Martinez-Strickland President-Dr. Isabella Pina-Hinoiosa Secretary: Sonia Sturdivant Treasurer: Blas Daniel Hinojosa President Elect: Dr. Roberto "Beto"Calderon Sgt at Arms: Dr. Frank Perez Parliamentarian: Dorothy Martinez Secretary: Lizeth Acevedo Treasurer: Anita Martinez-Strickland Parliamentarian Blas Daniel Hinoiosa WebMaster Kevin McGinnis L.U.L.A.C. Council #4366, P.O. Box 981, Denton,TX 76202-0981 www.dentoniulac.com www.dentonlulac.org Isabella, Roberto and members of the LULAC Vela Nomination Task Force 1.) Rep Roberto Alonzo can join us on Sat. He will be promoting the Mexican American Democrats Annual Convention, in Dallas Dec 16 and 17. 2.)Left invite phone message for Gen Robert Sanchez to join us as well. He is campaigning for U.S. Senator on Democratic ticket. 3.)Met on Friday with Asst City Manager Fred Greene and Director of Parks and Rec, Emerson Vorel. They asked if I could meet with them. Major discussion items: After hearing me out Regarding frustrations with process and disrespect of our group & Dr. Vela, discussion moved on to following: 1.) City Council is planning to review and act on policy Regarding a rule requiring person to be dead 3 yrs before his/her name is considered for city facility/park site... 2.) This policy will be considered in Jan 10 meeting. 3.) It will be recommended by the Greene and Vorel that the LULAC Vela proposal, since it was submitted before the new proposed policy, that it be considered by the Council for a site or park (not South Parks) to be determined at later time. MY SUGGESTION: Too many intangibles. We need not wait for the Jan 10 City Council meeting. We need to start proactive pressure work next week by meeting with Mayor Burroughs and Mayor Pro tem Kemp. We decide in advance what we would like in place of S. Parks for Vela namesake, e.g., Civic Center, Denton Airport.... and be sure Council acts on our proposal. What do you think? I can schedule meetings with Burroughs and Kemp. Rudy Isabella, Roberto and members of the LULAC Vela City Site Nomination Task Force 1.) Rep Roberto Alonzo can join us on Sat. He will be promoting the Mexican American Democrats Annual Convention, in Dallas Dec 16 and 17. 2.)Left invite phone message for Gen Robert Sanchez to join us as well. He is campaigning for U.S. Senator on Democratic ticket. 3.)Met on Friday with Asst City Manager Fred Greene and Director of Parks and Rec, Emerson Vorel. Major discussion items: After hearing me out Regarding frustrations with process and disrespect of our group & Dr. Vela, discussion moved on to following: 1.) City Council is planning to review and act on policy Regarding a rule requiring person to be dead 3 yrs before his/her name is considered for city facility/park site... 2.) This policy will be considered in Jan 10 meeting. 3.) It will be recommended by the Greene and Vorel that the LULAC Vela proposal, since it was submitted before the new proposed policy, that it be considered by the Council for a site or park (not South Parks) to be determined at later time. MY SUGGESTION: Too many intangibles. We need not wait for the Jan 10 City Council meeting. We need to start proactive pressure work next week & before Jan 10`h by meeting with Mayor Burroughs and Mayor Pro tern Kemp. We decide in advance what we would like in place of S. Parks for Vela namesake, e.g., Civic Center, Denton Airport.... and be sure Council acts on our proposal. What do you think? I can schedule meetings with Burroughs and Kemp. Rudy S� * 1929 2012 Request to Name the new Soccer Field Complex to Dr. G. Roland Vela SUBMITTING DR_ VELA'S NAME Denton League of United Latin American Citizens Council # 4366 NOMINA TION of DR. G. ROLAND VELA As the Name of the SOCCER FIELDS COMPLEX At North Lakes Park, Denton, Texas Submitted to: DENTON CITY COUNCIL Date of Submission: July 10, 2012 Individual or Organization Submitting Nomination: Denton LEAGUE OF UNITED LA TIN AMERICAN CITIZENS, Council 4366 Mr. Jerry Vela, son of Nominee, and Ms. Yolanda Vela, daughter of Nominee Denton LULAC Contact: Dr. Rudy Rodriguez, Chair, Denton LULAC Task Force, Vela Nomination for Name of City Facility 3925 Maggie's Meadow, Denton, Texas 76210 Telephone: (940) 565 9507, cell: (940) 391 9764 Email: rrodriguezl445(alverizon.net Committee Members: Popo and Lupe Gonzalez, Dorothy Martinez, Dr.Gloria Contreras, Dr. Isabela Pina, Blas Daniel Hinojosa, Anita Strickland, Alfred Sanchez, Dr. Frank Pdrez, Jerry Vela, Yolanda Vela Simtht r r n" ation Rep sentative: Pres I dent, Dentof Council # 4366 Nominated Name: G. Rolando Vela, Ph.D. Number of Years Nominee has Resided in Denton: 45 years Recommended Name of Facility: DR. G. ROLAND VELA SOCCER COMPLEX at North Lakes Park Why Dr. Vela should he considered. The rich and diverse community life we enjoy in our great city was impossible to achieve without the active participation and service of citizens. Dr. Vela, better known to his friends as Roland or Rolando, recognized the value of community service since coming to Denton over 45 years ago. He further understands the value of community relationships and community building. These values he exemplified through his work and service on numerous City of Denton Boards and Commissions. One of his most notable contributions was as the first elected Latino to serve on the Denton City Council in 1979. His leadership qualities and deeply-felt commitment to community betterment were further demonstrated by his service as an officer or member of the following organizations: Board of Directors of the Flow Medical Foundation; Anne's Haven Hospice; Denton County Cooperative Agency; Our Daily Bread (meals for the indigent); Board of Directors of the Texas Municipal Power Agency(I l years); and the Airport Advisory Board, where he served as Chair. In addition, as Professor of Microbiology, Dr. Vela made major contributions to science that elevated the status of the University of North Texas over the 40 years of service to that great educational institution. Even in retirement, he remains active as an Professor Emeritus through his research and publications. And, he has also retained his membership in the prestigious American Academy of Microbiology. It is due to Dr. Vela's legendary devotion to the City of Denton and values that are at the core of the community that the League of United Latin American Citizens submits this nomination. The naming of the SOCCER FIELDS COMPLEX at North Lakes Park in honor of Dr. G. Roland Vela would be a fitting tribute to his work and recognition of the high standards he set during his long tenure of service to the City of Denton and to the University of North Texas. PERSONS SUPPORTING THE NOMINATION: Jorge Urbina, President Denton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Maria Dudash Angel Lopez Tanya Martinez Scott Stantlift Maria T. Jimenez Customer service and community service are core commitments at Lowe's Page 1 of 1 Customer service and community service are core commitments at Lowe's Martinez, Tanya - Tanya [tanya.martinez@store.lowes.com] Sent: Friday,June 08, 2012 11:42 AM To: beto@unt.edu Cc: Martinez,Tanya-Tanya [tanya.martinez@store.]owes.com) Dr. Calderon, To Lowe's being a good neighbor means being committed to improving the places our employees and customers call home. We see that as an investment in our future. We also realize our need to build stronger partnerships with the Hispanic Community in our North Texas communities. Therefore, I am looking for your partnership in searching for a community involvement project that will benefit the Hispanic Community in our area. For example, last year we remodeled an area in the Samaritan Inn in McKinney benefiting homeless families in Collin County. Best regards, Tanya Martinez 2567 HRM 972. 963.4032 2773 E. Eldorado Pkwy Little Elm, TX 75068 NOTICE: All information in and attached to the e-mail (s) below may be proprietary, confidential, privileged and otherwise protected from improper or erroneous disclosure. If you are not the sender's intended recipient, you are not authorized to intercept, read, print, retain, copy, forward, or disseminate this message. If you have erroneously received this communication, please notify the sender immediately by phone (704-758-1000) or by e-mail and destroy all copies of this message (electronic, paper, or otherwise) . Thank you. https://webmail.unt.edu/O WA/?ae=Item&t=IPM.Note&id=RvAAAABnOoJucNIVOLcG2... 6/12/2012 G. ROLAND VELA, Ph.D COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES City& County of Denton ■ American Civil Liberties Union(Life Member) ■ Boy Scout Troop Counselor ■ Dallas Metropolitan Philosophical Society ■ Denton Forum (40 yrs) ■ Firehouse Theater Group— Campus Theater o Founding Member ■ Citizens' Committee on Traffic Safety ■ Civil Air Patrol ■ Airport Advisory Board o Chair twice ■ Denton City Council (1979) ■ Board of Directors, Texas Municipal Power Agency(eleven years) o Secretary Reassurer o Finance Committee o Personnel Committee ■ Board of Directors,Ann's Haven Hospice of Denton ■ Board of Directors, Our Daily Bread(meals for the indigent) o Secretary ■ County Program Planning Committee o Two terms ■ Denton County Cooperative Agency ■ Board of Directors, Flow Medical Foundation G. ROLAND VELA, Ph.D COMMUNITY ACTWITIES OTHER: ■ Editorial Board, Rangsit University Journal of Science, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand ■ Retired, University of North Texas June 1965 to June 2000 ■ Co-Chair College of Arts & Sciences o Emeritus Faculty Council, 5 years ■ Included in University of North Texas Oral History Project ■ Included in University of North Texas, Austin Hispanic Ex Students who served in WWII ■ President's Council, University of North Texas ■ Listed as Outstanding 100 Texas Latinos of the 201h Century, Texas Latino Magazine ■ Published after retirement: o The Men Named Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, 2003 o Bernardo de Gdlvez Spanish Hero of the American Revolution, 2006 ■ Currently working on the Muzquiz family of Spain, Mexico and Texas In retirement: Grandfather; Great-grandfather; Author; Timid private pilot; timid chess player, woodworker; bold talker; circular traveler; businessman meek & mild; Friday lunch philosopher; and confused intellectual G. Roland Vela, Ph.D. Emeritus Professor of Microbiology (2000) Fellow American Academy of Microbiology (1975) . . . see p. 3 Roland Vela. born Eagle Pass. Texas. September 18. 1927 to Marcial Vela Bermea and Maria de Guadalupe Muzquiz de la Garza (Vela) Raised in San Antonio. Texas.- attended public schools and Worked for the San Antonio Express and San Antonio Light Volunteered for service in U.S. Navy. R'\NTI Attended UT Austin: B.A.. 1950.- M.A.. 19-;1: Ph.D.. 1962: Microbiology and Biochemistry Married Emma Lamar Codina Longoria in 1953: children Jem-. Anna Maria. Yolanda. Jaime Worked for the Cite of San .Antonio Public Health: Southwest Foundation for Research-. City of San .Antonio. Texas; Harvard University. Boston. Massachusetts: School of Aerospace.Medicine, Brooks Air Force Base. Texas Professor of Microbiology, University of North Texas, 35 rears: Associate Dean of Science&Technology. College of Arts & Sciences. 5 rears Published 75 research papers: textbook.Applied Food Microbiology* and Lab. Manual. Lobormon•_fbr .4pplied Iood NficrohioloT-: several "Guest Editorials" Denton Record-Chronicle, Denton. Texas More than 100 invited seminars in American and Foreign Universities Directed research of 44 '.blasters and 20 Doctoral Students plus numerous undergraduate and post-doctoral felloW-s. Chaired Committee that wrote UNT Tenure police, Chaired Tenure Committee tNyo;terms: Pres Campus AAUP. Committee of Fourteen-. Faculty Senate: Faculty Grievance Committee Served as Faculty Advocate for many Faculty Members threatened With dismissal by UNT Discovered bacterium that was eventually named Paenibacilhis veloei by P. Sukplang and A. Thongmec Ser ed on Research Peer Rev-ieW Committees of the National Science Foundation.- National Research Council: .American Society for Microbiology: National Institutes of Health: National Academy of Sciences: Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Department of Education.- U.S. Army Chemical Corps:etc. Member of the American Socict\ for Microbiology for 59\ears: Societe for General Microbiology. London.- Canadian Societe of Microbiologists. Montreal: Sociedad Mexicana de Microbiologia. Mexico Cite*: Sociedad Colombiana do Microbiologia. Bogota, Colombia: etc. 1975 - 1978 President. Texas Branch. American Societe for Microbiology: Distinguished Sennce Award: emeritus member 1978 - 1987 Editor. Texas Journal of Science Organized UNT Hispanic Conference«-hick created The G. Roland Vela Award: later Hispanic Friends of the Uniyersit\, Member of Alpha Chi Sigma. National Chemistry Honor Societe and Phi Koppo Phi. National Honor Society Visiting Professor: The Uniyersit-, of Texas at Austin.- Uni\ersity of Barcelona: Univcrsit\ of Granada: University of Chihuahua: University of Nuevo Leon.- Uniyersidad National de Colombia Fulbright Senior FelloW. BogotA Columbia, 1980 Lifetime Distinguished Professor. Microbiology.. Colombian Government. Consultant for Frito-Lay; Campbell Soup Co.: A. H. Halff and Associates: Oceanography International-. W. J. Smith Wood Preserving Co.: Fisheries Ministry of Thailand, Bangkok. Fort Worth Independent School District. Etc. Retired from the University of North Texas June. 2000. Co-chair College of Arts and Sciences Emerinrs Faculh Council. 5 years. Included in University of North Texas Oral Histor Project- Included in University of Texas. Austin Hispanic Ex Students Who served in WWII Presidents Council. University of North Texas Boards of Directors: Flow Medical Foundation: Anne*s Haven Hospice.- Denton County Cooperative Agency.- Our Daily Bread(meals for the indigent) Founding Member. and actor. Firehouse Theater IW VlTe ) 1_� PP 44 Nearly 2,000 distinguished scientists Academy of Sciences. Dozens have been honored with have been elected to the American Academy of Nobel Prizes, Lasker Awards, and the National Medal of Microbiology in its 50-year history. Chosen for this Science. More than 500 Fellows are actively involved in honor by their peers,they have been elected on the all facets of the Academy,including guiding the highly suc- basis of their scientific excellence, originality, and cessful colloquium program. Fellows of the American leadership; high ethical standards; and scholarly and Academy of Microbiology embody the most exciting creative achievement. Fellows represent 40 countries minds in the science. Due to the depth and breadth of and all subspecialities of microbiology.They have built their scientific expertise,Academy Fellows are uniquely exemplary careers in basic and applied research,teach- qualified to provide the very best advice in microbiology. ing, public health, industry, and government service. Over 300 members of the American Academy of Microbiology have been elected to the U.S. National Ph.D. STUDENTS GRADUATED Dr. Gerald Dean Cagle Exec. Vice President Research Dr. Morris Crum Alcon Laboratories Morris Crum Testing Laboratory Fort Worth.Texas Dallas,Texas Dr. Raoul Simon Rosenthal, Jr. Dr. Joaquin Moreno Professor of Microbiology Professor of Microbiology Indiana University School of Medicine University of Alicante Indianapolis. Indiana Alicante, Spain Dr. James Ray Ralston Dr. Massoud Mahmoudi Head,Product Water Quality Control American Post-doctoral Fellow Sterilizer Company Univ. of Texas Health Sci. Res. Center Los Angeles. California Dallas,Texas Dr. Jung Fu Wu Dr- Gogu S.Reddy Research Group Leader Staff Scientist Cornell University Tulane University, Ithaca,News York New Orleans, Louisiana Dr. Wavne Riley Barnes Dr. Juan Manuel Sanchez Yafiez Sr. Research Scientist Professor of Microbiology Abbot Laboratories Institute for Nitrogen Fixation Chicago, Illinois Irapuato,Mexico Dr. Solomon Lare Aladegbami Dr. Virginia Guadalupe Nevarez Chief of Research Laboratories Escuela de Ciencias Quimicas Tarrant Co. Medical Center Universidad de Chihuahua. Fort Worth,Texas Chihuahua, Mexico Dr. Charles Slung Chang Dr. Miguel M. Castro Arroyo Professor of Microbiology Biosynthesis, Inc. Fu Jen University 225 Main Street Taipei.Taiwan Lewisville,Texas Dr. Joel Escamilla(Captain) Dr. Acharawan Thongmee Head, Microbiology Services Associate Dean U. S.Navy,Pacific Area Rangsit University San Diego, California Bangkok, Thailand Dr. Anthony Henry Gonzalez Dr. Patamaporn Sukplang Clinical Microbiologist Associate Professor and Director Portland General Hospital Thailand Research Institute Portland, Oregon Bangkok. Thailand Dr. William F. Fleming III Head. Mycology Section Mayo Clinic Minneapolis,Minnesota Dr. Terence A.Johnson Chairman, Biology Department Uruversit'c Uf Northern Tennessee Memphis, Tennessee a I Roland Vela, in uniform of Spanish Grenadier of the XVIII Century, presents copy of his book on Bernardo de Galvez to His Highness, Don Felipe, Crown Prince of Spain; Royal Palace,Madrid, 6-13-2010. i09 Roland Vela receiving Bernardo de Galvez award for his book Bernardo de Galvez, Spanish Hero of the American Revolution. Benjamin Lyon DAR Chapter Invites Prospective Members to October 8th meeting VAednesday.06 October 2010 12.301 r.N•'ntlen by Cathenne Giles The Benjamin Lyon Chapter of The National Society of The Daughters of the American Revolution will meet 1:30 p.m.,Friday.October 8,for a social followed by their 2:00 p.m.monthly meeting at Good Samaritan Village.2500 Hinkle Drive in Denton Members Sharon Casey. Rose Harpool. Becky Washam, and Sharon Lundsford will host the events. Author Dr. Roland Vela will present a program entitled.'Bernardo de Galvez:Spanish Hero of the American Revolution-- Women. 18 or older,who are interested in learning more about prospective membership in DAR or in Benlamin Lyon Chapter. are invited to attend. To RSVP;to learn more about prospective membership which is open to any woman 18 or older. regardless of race,religion, or ethnic background,who can prove lineal blood descent from a patriot who aided in achieving American independence; or to learn more about assistance available to help prospective members document proof, please contact Diana White at d1cwhite0charter.nct or 940-387-4741 THE DENTON' RECORD-CHRONICLE Page IIC IN COLOMBIA NT Doctor Awarded Lectureship �I= S r or G Roland Vela of ire-.tat nqula,JfdeWn,Cdombra.Iciudd<elerlluo by a Falbrial.: Tp STSL mlcmblalo u 11!-;ntl»nalioe to Culmold. Nona Taaa 51.1. Urd—_-tyl -1 n"ill be fry`=ID WarDRlners rmnmissisa sad a n-rye dray hen tr Imm his Neu blrowf Dunlevor said. 'The bce!ogral sriehtces faculty trwit., umwr_•nsi iaabiol.*,;�.ssvremehlsl brad aotl tu'maier.:l a±d uh:mseary he:Ur.:Ird Slaves murvdlr hzy.an - been an-mted A Senio.tamvr by updalln; Ihel° _ t'utbnghl-Hayr LeCmrtshcp hPn al ens ors"resalch and: ue-1xi's. -rtsenU7 tdmpfeld al STSC.11!ecyhar._r Program rlh 15 :each a Calomah. Saalhlir-acdc, :a Ur field' Ix.; •-1 bare txsrn blob" 'play.1,,r>•.rr mxylhm,from r•mnhriix-. uG' �'.•, mcienulo;r Ill' ' Amerb Ibism®er- I11{a aid.The learuueship bid; .jpamai In-stoic Ica atta.'_nrrn! nr te:a ..ill candun lane .I rum ..I:.Ar,;.71. ]%'.m:rrahial nil clrc err.•. u I.ne S a.laced t rare one • n I®g time mca Ile d Inorfs al the •{ Ic achiw Ih laic!K*Y a a: Or.'\'eta tier cur Ihla!hlwx:n Spamsb"err adaN_' ^.q. : ,m 1!•ciorr and rni.xs?rc- ee for slp�Jlb. In mivoNdagy m�y ad•amr ,_, 'm leafy'r�to bar'+to R4atrlh seidal men ~� ne feu I�Wf1l"an0 a lhlQ(:af Dk f,.R0L4\D YT:IA sl odmts N tk f J djsoernin nmcmz+nbiM ire+n.•rl'aaN.' x my sunrmer salary aol a",cad 1.eali 7:n - _ I r 7 T� 1a1_ T _ 7 - THE DENTON RECORD-CHRONICLE - Sanday,0a'tao"I.IrT. I Dr: Vela Does Lots Of Lecturing - t• Dr.Gcard Road VcU N. of Rartelom to fire a series me LIMInIsily of Raccl lana. oiled to unite a paper far a oho waou toallmdNiSU u the North Twos State UIIKttra ad aanm,n.He "f..11 lecture mostly an scientific .Journal fa a Dr—AInc r1i andeat. r � Univcrs icy biologleal •ass im-Ild by the Unirer. Iheraeuch that'do h--' Colombia which win appear "'we reallymeruiled him to z,intices deparlmeal has silY of Wredooa m becwne the NTSU professor said. in the January issue of the phY on the North Texas l• bcm doing Ions en of lecturing a yi s pratfsm'for the The lecima primarily w!n pablitetlon sf the lmulalo s ccer team," Dr. vela s a - lately-mostly in SPalluh. 77r7 fl Windear.y .bar rrai contxna" malabaielp eo Ggranco "Aguslin I— D, Vela Just returned unable :o because of papers that I and them Godiui,"The article Is Thc Young man.Alvam - " frmn a thre 11,guest responsibilities nt him. graduate stdents,published eaHtled."Hioelhia:The -"-is-c...f8arrarsqudh. ! 1Kt.-hip i1 the N.11-1 where he sad _,_at on the phsyialogy and the Need for a New Older- Colombia-•r1n enter NISU f g Unircnny of Cdombh,h graduate atudems are morphology of the RT1ne h 1-1Amcio, after he cotnpeta same P `„y 1 .mcotobacter vinclandi1.a Dr.Vela.his vile and their Eagltsh roam at Austin fs gota,I,the miaabiolel' cagagd in mlasaaiobgio ii deparI—al the medical aeamh. bacterium wt won wars four children made "Calkgcle Sherman-Ane"" achoal there. while in r Ductal;the tw�wKa!out a5th:' '-marvelous trip to the rmisna his Wracginetsing Bogor.he aim Irtlurd at in Spain.Dr.Vein NI also During the Caiambiaa trip, Colombia.Amato He mining a1"T",Care lohn' the t irenidad Jaser- lecture at the Ueleaa97 of made possible by a Semen said that they wed to a My a.coelloue hh mgheertng .. anclat uric NaUaral Res.h !dad rid and Orc thfsedb f F'uilnifat Iecrmv A.ard, remote morn called Lett,, aunties at Southern Laboratory for Special Salamanca Ira Wd*Xhog Dr. Vela was made son where hey made many god htelhodtsl University- The slues, me t em rip uU be Dr.Aft" honorary life member at the friends. young Colombian i. On tint-.ca.Dr.Vila will Ramos-Cormeniia. a Colombian society of The Velu brought back a c—Uy saying with Dr. Dn.G.IL VELA ,ny to Spain..the Uoilc profesmrar mlmdbWtp at Alkmblologv. W_ vu to7ocmg man fro.Colombia i'ch and his hmily. ` Dames Club Meets Society Elects Vela _ t ; Velar Host Christmas Party u. R land \w era ee<ea tic ybidenr d the Tefaa senrtch al 14t W�1CJ I A series h.,br Christmas he tub president ad nett is b.al eduki. art andfac Pat Amerinn See h far Slicrnb" t floe newt' .rend have-era RNrtg the a mot me Belden, prtas a bush olidaf aft pound pot +^logy+ Mlidi7 season for nrmobas cluirman. on Sc tdiday pv:b. grwp's recent fell rtrceling I.Andin. j ne Ile North Teas State Atli Canton,a ullae of L'niverfllp Danes Club. Sweden,presented st'da on As a clan pmysel, r.V at mem- Dila b been a member all .'forth Coueseling Center al Teas tyscr i j Dr.and Mrs,Roland Vela, tar nnllet lad and shooed belt made a Christina Teas Stale Uoi—g aialgtiul srieaw z SOrs e c acet or the for S h Vlifactr. basket for a ned7 family In fa�1y,tore f,r6.A cored IK1urer.be lass Uvir,yaiO_prrsentd a paper at the Prat T ! pbn Dean.. XTSU graeamamdbmxii d -Aanfher interest group, detoured a series Uf lerturts a Rngaln and Nalia ]Canfrraco m the uses at the a their wires. hosted a arts and mfts, h b-Y A goarmel dinner is m eareeloru.Spain %lye Wggs Tye Indicator told recently f_ Christmas party Saturday. making Christmas [Accrudfaall club mem- tr pas a-o-&,d a femrsblp in the In, al the Uftl'orslly of F'l kbL r" Oo Dec. 1 Ux co n decuratbns.Couples'bridge bets in Jamury. Fund d ember American Sacicdy w IY.1.Ne gourmet group held plavaisoevedervardming )lento.11 be fmlured. b Amen. lu a Tulc if his taanNlotida pas "11g "swedisb Christmas" the holidays. Thc ladies' veiny percentage err the ITrhrPoulbn.t 1he -P smorgasbod. Hosterses_ e[erclft class,taught b)'Pal •I°ming m+uninxzitr m8inugl ng•an palm Ca9� ere Mil,Jaale Candam Caldwell of the NTSII Ia.gD uric 1 V s in me United Slats alapr Continuum oe Ilumahutea to Nalmd town liter Deacon n, not 'ra—eel acamleazhfng.resenicband Scierue._ ,1 1 • friends mays sincettyab kale prulefaiotal attumplishmenly - i - rrieds ad farniry'behind. Thc hl e-_Briggs Type Indicator iu a The North Texas Darns lxmn psyr aglo -: �'• I Join In Carols Club is trying to help simale D•p"one l rill Hest - gradhule students and their which ideau;lo purples'favored modes err nrH.IND s}].y i - -a to adjml[o campus DR.IUIIN T.DEI.FS QuR far d We perception sad judgment. tlewh4rlrl. ' Thursday Night �h life ad to mesr thew•friends - _ while in Denton;' Mm. All clhtuns a:t Invited la join in candlelight caroling c d-esplarm. I Thursday vtm Girl Scouts in Neighrpod 111.Cron oltwoR indudrAm Tlmbr. Caurrd. tense" as did-fashloned Christ— Rced Pates hWarim;Mrs. program on Ih!patio d city hall. Stuart Trntoni, Sn,rhwrstcrmteic luminariu will light the patio. i Limns cbvi-m ales Chartaee Ituenu,.a smmmt d Eugene Coult•.at North John LE er. membership; Texas Stale Uni.vls4...itl Ie the o 11M ad 11 sing chairman: lilt aliekq h -SF,,t fviow-in the zccurnpaci d ft-cla harp. Light sKreary;and 111- M-Arm Harter ad Sandra Ha 11.r1 h,lrmfa d Thomas Saw-cer,termer. ' Ntghlnrhmd I I I.ayren lone u5ah tort u mom"residents as P=bar join nim the Girt Scouts in this celebration of 'Anyone dishing further Chtistmas unNmmd by the energy,mists or bluer wmM _tdotmtloa about the club problems_ may d c.lu P-0.Rea,e6J. - �cighhorhad ill eunampassa lhewntef rare a, may AT SStan. Denton, T¢ Krum cammuNly and the Denton Scale$eim.L �� We All Lived on Romana Street` A patriotic essay written b) Roland Vela-Muzquiz& Cesar Vela-Muzquiz in remembrance of a time when men were patriots.for love of flag and country and when we were all Americans first, Mexicans second and, when pressed, Democrats. Our knowledge of the theory of political systems was limited to " Republicans are the Rich Guys, Democrats are the Poor Cnrys. " We did not possess the guile to ask "Why?". D The text in this work is protected in its entirety by copyright and by right of ownership of the authors. No one may copy or use any part of it without previous,written permission from Roland Vela-Miuquiz or his assignees. Spring 2011 P.O.Box 51164 Denton,Texas 76206 Appendix 2. p. 1 WE ALL LIVED ONROALNA STREET by Roland Vela-Muzquiz and Cssar Vela-Muzquiz The houses were very old and stood side by side with little or no space for gardens,back yards or play areas. It was a hard,dusty little street with almost nothing that could be counted as a positive attribute—but we loved it, we were almost proud of it;it was,after all other considerations,our barrio, now we say,our Alma Maier. IaG* de Romana lay deep in the oldest part of San Antonio, probably less than ten blocks from the historic Spanish Cathedral built in 1731 by the ancestors of our ancestors ofthe family Muzquiz. Together with Kingsbury,California and Belvin,West Romana must have been part of an impoverished blue-collar neighborhood—much as it was in 1935 when we lived there. West Ehnira,West Euclid and Marshall were broad,paved streets lined with elegant,expensive houses with St.Augustine grass lawns and attractive gardens(see last page,bottom right). The latter comprised an Anglo and moneyed-Mexican neighborhood that bore the aura of gentility. In contrast to those on West Elmira,the houses on West Romana seemed to have been built on lots that were halved and halved again until small oddly-shaped houses filled every piece of open ground from North Flores to Camaron Street. We lived at 510 West Romana(see maps on last page,top left and middle)in a small two-bedroom one-bath with less then 600 square feet of floor space on a lot not larger than 25 x 50 feet. A store with living quarters above was hard by our west wall,and a two bedroom with no water or sanitary services was immediately behind our house. On another small portion of the original lot were a one-room apartment, a small grocery store,a store room and a storage garage. In brief,there were seven structures on a lot no more than 50 x 70 feet. While all the other streets had good asphalt surfaces and consequent clean environments,Romana was a gravel street bathed in mud to a depth of several inches when it rained and a permanent cloud of white caliche dust at all other times. Unlike the others,however, Romana was brimming with life—it seemed that each little house contained one or more boys—and/or girls that added to the constant clamor of the neighborhood. Healthy,active youths ranging in age from five to twenty filled the street. The boys had long established a unique order that lasted from one generation to the next. The"Romana Rattlers"team or gang(?),bound us all to one another and to the street. The Rattlers were a lose semi-gang that formed teams capable of competing successfully with those of other neighborhoods in all athletic events that boys could think of. No initiations or secret words were required; if you lived on Romana you were a Romana Rattler. In most instances we were better than the Riverside Katz,the Euclid Eagles,Cantarana,La Piedrera and the Snake Hill Gang. Since half ofthese were Anglos,we grew up knowing that movies and history were all wrong about physical prowess and who would win in any given contest. Then a sudden shift in world politics brought severe changes to Romana Street. On December 7, 1941, Romana Street stopped being the natural habitat of Romana Rattlers and became a national resource of boys/men to serve our country in the coming war. The number of boys/men who served in WWII and Korea that lived in the 200 yards (wild guess) of West Romana should be noted by someone— by everyone. Every substandard and misshapen little house contributed one or more men to the armed forces. There was a willingness,an urge—to serve our country—to be part of the war—to defend our country in its hour of need. And most of us volunteered. We, Cesar and I,were part of this cohort and we enlisted as soon as our ages permitted. Reluctantly,our parents gave us up,Roland volunteered for service in the Navy at 17 and Cesar joined the Army at 18. In the absence of a chronicler to tell the story of the boys from West Romana during WWII and Korea,we have undertaken the task. We two brothers who were of Romana Street humbly assume we can do this. But if we don't,we apologize for any and all errors and beg forgiveness. We think the data we show are fairly reliable,our ages notwithstanding. Roland is 83 and Cssar 81 but we are still quick and alert in almost every respect. It is our firm recollection that almost all the boys from every family that lived on West Romana served in the armed forces. It is also our recollection that of all those who went,only two, Ramon Ramirez and Raymond Mendez,failed to return. Both Ramon and Raymond enlisted in the Marine Corps and both were killed in action in Korea. All the others completed their term of service and were honorably discharged at the end of the war—and we did so without Ken Burns ever knowing we served our country. But we didn't serve to get our name on his list, we went because our country needed us. Unfortunately, Romana Street was an early victim of Urban Renewal. Seventy years later,we see that Romana Street was replaced by Interstate Highway 35 and that the remnants of our street were cleaned,paved,curbed and renamed Quincy Street. Lamentably,there is no commemorative plaque to describe the willingness of the men who rose from there in the 1940s to answer the call to duty,and few are left who remember that Romana Street ever existed. My brother Cssar and I wish to remind everyone that Romana Street existed and that it was,free of bravado and easy patriotism,indeed a place of the free and a home of the brave. LAST NAME FIRST(NICK NAME) EDUCAT. &COMMENTS SERVICE WAR Rivas Daniel HS U.S.Navy WWII Casillas Jimmy HS U.S.Navy Korea Gonzalez Braulio HS U.S.Navy WWII Mario HS U.S.Navy Korea Adolph (Popo) HS U.S.Navy Korea Lozano Ignacio (Nash) HS U.S.Navy WWII Joe HS U.S.Navy WWII Rogelio (Roy) HS U.S.Navy WWII Eloy HS U.S.Navy Korea Gomez Albert ? U.S.Navy WWII Rend HS U.S.Navy WWII Angel HS U.S.Navy WWII Raul HS U.S.Navy WWII Abel HS U.S.Navy WWII Ruben HS U.S.Navy Korea Gomez Mauricio (Wicho) ? U.S.Army WWII Diaz Salvador HS U.S.Navy WWII Pedro HS U.S.Army WWII Ramirez Andrew (Butch) HS U.S.Navy WWII Joaquin HS U.S.Navy Korea Obledo Armando (Ongi) ? U.S.Army WWII Jesus (Chief) HS U.S.Army WWII Mike Survived sinking of USS Indianapolis U.S.Navy WWII Mario Harvard Law; cofounder of MALDEF U.S.Navy Korea Oscar HS U.S.Navy Korea Quintanilla Oscar BA Trinity Univ U.S.Army WWII Hector Director U.S.ARMY UFO Program U.S. Army Career Manuel (Meme) HS U.S.Navy WWII Pei3a Benjamin (Benny) HS U.S. Army WWII Richard (Chichi) HS U.S. Army WWII Vela Roland Ph.D., UT Austin; Prof. Microbiology U.S.Navy WWII C6sar HS U.S.Army Korea Sanchez Robert (Beto) HS U.S. Marines Korea Mike HS U.S.Navy Korea Edward HS U.S.Navy Korea Suavia Adolph HS U.S.A.F. WWII Rodriguez Jose Ma. (Chema) ? U.S. Army WWII Rucobo Roy ? U.S.Anny WWII Narro Mike German prisoner;married farm.daughter U.S.Army WWII Mario HS U.S.Marines Korea Mares Gonzalo (Cha) HS U.S.Navy WWII Tomas HS U.S.Army Korea Granados Joe (Joe Venado) HS U.S.Navy WWII Raymond HS U.S.Marines Korea Gonzales Henry (Yika) HS U.S.Navy WWII Rend HS U.S.Army Korea Orellana Fernando (Ferny) Art Scholarship and Art Commission U.S.Army WWII Mario HS U.S.Army Korea de la Rosa Isauro Scholarship to Art School in Dallas U.S.Army WWII Jesus (Chichi) HS U.S.Army WWII Mendez Raymond HS Killed in Action U.S.Marines Korea Ramirez Raman HS Killed in Action U.S.Marines Korea Castill6n Frank HS U.S.A.F. WWII Raymond Tex.A&M..Architect. Own office U.S.Navy WWII Del Rio Salvador HS U.S.Navy Korea Romo Alfred HS U.S.Army Korea Roger (Pee Wee) HS U.S.Navy Korea Map of San Antonio in 1889 shows Romana, Belvin, California and Kingsbury e Streets in what appears to be undeveloped - : land between Camaron and North Flores. It also shows that Elmira(added dotted line), Euclid and Cadwallader had not yet been extended west of North Flores. Undoubtedly,the entire area between North - X Flores and Camaron was in the San Pedro Creek flood plain creating an undesirable environment for any but very poor dwellings. It appears that low income - — families lived in this neighborhood from the earliest days of street construction to the 1950s when the neighborhood was razed. West Romana Street gave way to Urban Renewal and much of it became part of the athletic fields used by Tech High School. The $• N. MAIN- small part of Romana Street that remained was �USTIN. (A►CE6lUlA) added to Quincy Street and West Romana was E44k:MENT removed from the map. The small x added to ~ It i both maps shows the approximate location of our house: number 510 West Romana Street. -41 ' Immediately below is a photo of part �� 4 of our front yard taken during a rare snowfall. —- This special event probably took place in 1936 I-35 N. FLQS_ or 1937. The two taller boys standing in our x TECM HIGH front yard were our cousin from Mexico, i _StHOOLt Alfonso Muzquiz Ortiz and Armando Obledo, c Mario Obledo's oldest brother The two little , guys in front of them were Manuel Ramirez and Pedro Diaz,whom we generally addressed , as Pittta, Pittta, Pittta a la Betty Davis. Getting ready to fire a snowball in the background is Peggy Pefla,daughter of our landlord. I am almost certain the man gy: at the right edge of the photo is my father, Marcial Vela Bermea,who was throwing snowballs with the best of us; \ he had been a fairly good baseball pitcher in his youth. It was a festive day;we were let out of school,our Dad didn't go to work, our Mom baked us apple pies and everybody played in the snow until it all melted. t f IF, F !. Houses on West Elmira (above) built at the turn of the Twentieth Century as they appear in 2011. The essence of luxury and comfort still shows through the century of their existence and contrasts sharply with the small, crowded houses on West Romana(left). August 21, 2012 Good afternoon Mayor Mark Burrough and members of the Denton City Council I am Isabella Pina-Hinojosa a Denton resident for the past 36 years. Today, I represent the Denton League of Latin American Citizens as President of Council #4366. If you've researched and read about Dr. Roland G. Vela, you know that he was elected as the first Latino member to the city Council in 1979 and continuously thereafter his leadership qualities were further demonstrated during his tenure. Several community members of Denton will share their thoughts of Dr. Vela's contribution to the City of Denton. Mine began as a university student at North Texas State University in 1975. As our university sponsor to the few Latinos on campus, Dr. Vela welcomed us by giving us hope to pursue our education in Denton and stressing community involvement within the City of Denton. His leadership served as a founding member of the Firehouse Theater Group, now known as the Campus Theater that continues as one of Denton's historical features. Thereafter, Dr. Vela sat on the Board of Directors for the Texas municipal Power Agency as Secretary Reasurer; Finance Committee; and Personnel Committee during a period of eleven years. G. Roland Vela participated with the Citizens'Committee on Traffic Safety and the Civil Air Patrol. As a member of the Denton Municipal Airport, he was twice named Chair of the Airport Advisory Board which advises the city council and/or city manager on airport operations to include lease agreements, development policy, grant projects and/or the budget. In addition to his civic involvement G. Roland Vela distinguished himself, highlighting the City of Denton, as a honorary professor and elected to the Fellow American Academy of Microbiology in 1975, an honor given to only 300 of the nearly 2000 distinguished scientists in a 50 year history. It is due to G. Roland Vela's legendary devotion to the city of Denton and values that are at the core of the Denton community that the League of United Latin American Citizens requests naming a soccer field complex after Roland G. Vela, a fitting reminder to all present and future citizens who serve our city and those who avail themselves in our multiple city services of the standard for academics and civic involvement during his long tenure of service to the City of Denton and the University of North Texas with excellence. Sin''l Val f .subelta iha-Hinojuaa�r-' LULAC Scholarship Chair September 19, 2011 Good afternoon Chairman Murray and members of the Parks, Recreation and Beautification Advisory Board: I am Isabella Pina-Hinojosa a Denton resident for the past 36 years. Today, I represent the Denton League of Latin American Citizens as President of Council #4366 who submitted a nomination request to the Denton city government to rename South Lakes Park to G. Roland Vela- South Lakes Park. The service of our citizens recognize the value of community service as exemplified by G. Roland Vela prior to elected as the first Latino member to the city Council in 1979 and continuously thereafter as his leadership qualities were further demonstrated during his tenure. Several community members of Denton will share their thoughts of G. Roland Vela's contribution to the City of Denton. Mine began as a university student at North Texas State University in 1975. As our university sponsor to the few Latinos on campus, G. Roland Vela welcomed us into his home giving us hope to pursue our education in Denton and stressing community involvement with City of Denton. I'll highlight a few of G. Roland Vela's contributions as listed on the first attachment to the packet you've received. His leadership served as a founding member of the Firehouse Theater Group, now known as the Campus Theater that continues as one of Denton's historical features. Thereafter, G. Roland Vela sat on the Board of Directors for the Texas municipal Power Agency as Secretary Reassurer; Finance Committee; and Personnel Committee during a period of eleven years. G. Roland Vela participated with the Citizens' Committee on Traffic Safety and the Civil Air Patrol. As a member of the Denton Municipal Airport, he was twice named Chair of the Airport Advisory Board which advises the city council and/or city manager on airport operations to include lease agreements, development policy, grant projects and/or the budget. In addition to his civic involvement G. Roland Vela distinguished himself, highlighting the City of Denton, as a honorary professor and elected to the Fellow American Academy of Microbiology in 1975, an honor given to only 300 of the nearly 2000 distinguished scientists in a 50 year history. It is due to G. Roland Vela's legendary devotion to the city of Denton and values that are at the core of the Denton community that the League of United Latin American Citizens requests renaming South Lakes Park to G. Roland Vela-South Lakes Park a fitting reminder to all present and future citizens who serve our city and those who avail themselves in our multiple city services of the standard for academics and civic involvement that G. Roland Vela set during his long tenure of service to the City of Denton and the University of North Texas with excellence. Sincerely, Aa"44- 1. Ila Pi,-Hino�osa,Fd.D. LULAC Denton Council President AGENDA CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL October 16, 2012 After determining that a quorum is present, the City Council of the City of Denton, Texas will convene in a Work Session on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Work Session Room at City Hall, 215 E. McKinney Street, Denton, Texas at which the following items will be considered: WORK SESSION 1. Citizen Comments on Consent Agenda Items This section of the agenda allows citizens to speak on Consent Agenda Items only. Each speaker will be given a total of three (3) minutes to address any items he/she wishes that are listed on the Consent Agenda. A Request to Speak Card should be completed and returned to the City Secretary before Council considers this item. 2. Requests for clarification of agenda items listed on the agenda for October 16,2012. 3. Receive a report,hold a discussion and give staff direction regarding the intent to develop a legal process for Tree Trusts as a mitigation option for the Denton Development Code, Subchapter 35.13.7, and the creation of a Tree Fund Advisory Committee to make recommendations on the criteria used to purchase properties, and suggest guidelines for Tree Fund expenditures for community education, as well as planting new trees to increase Denton's tree canopy. 4. Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction on the possible closure of Nowlin Road. 5. Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction regarding the public involvement process for upcoming DME Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). Following the completion of the Work Session, the City Council will convene in a Closed Meeting to consider specific items when these items are listed below under the Closed Meeting section of this agenda. The City Council reserves the right to adjourn into a Closed Meeting on any item on its Open Meeting agenda consistent with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, as amended, or as otherwise allowed by law. CLOSED MEETING 1. Closed Meeting: A. Deliberations regarding Real Property — Under Texas Government Code Section 551.072; Consultation with Attorneys — Under Texas Government Code Section 551.071. 1. Discuss, deliberate and receive information from staff and provide staff with direction pertaining to the potential purchase of a tract of land, located in the N. H. Meisenheimer Survey, Abstract Number 810, City of Denton, Denton, County, Texas, and located generally in the 3800 block of Elm Street south of Riney Road, and north of North Lakes Park. City of Denton City Council Agenda October 16, 2012 Page 3 these legal matters would conflict with the duty of the City's attorneys to the City of Denton and Denton City Council under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas, or would jeopardize the City's legal position in any administrative proceedings or potential litigation. B. Deliberations regarding Public Power Utilities: Competitive Matters — Under Texas Government Code Section 551.086. 1. Receive a presentation from Denton Municipal Electric staff and a Texas Municipal Power Agency ("TMPA") Board Member regarding public power utility competitive, financial and commercial matters pertaining to TMPA, a Joint Powers Agency, being a generation resource owned in common by the City of Denton, Texas, which holds a 21.3% interest in the same; including without limitation, plans, proposals, system improvements, fuel contracting, fuel transportation contracts, other contracting issues, the fixed and variable costs of operation of the generation unit, and capital improvement plans for the generation unit. Discuss, deliberate and provide Staff with direction. C. Consultation with Attorneys—Under Texas Government Code Section 551.071. 1. Consult with and provide direction to the City's attorneys associated with proposed enforcement related to sanitary sewer overflows and where a public discussion of such legal matters would conflict with the duty of the City's attorneys to the City of Denton, Texas and the City Council of the City of Denton, Texas under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas. 2. Consult with the City's attorneys regarding the status and possible resolution of pending litigation styled Steen v. Langford, et al., Cause No. CV-2010-00528, now pending before the County Court at Law#2, Denton County, Texas; and discuss, deliberate and provide the City's attorneys with direction and any recommendations regarding such legal matter. A public discussion of this legal matter would conflict with the duty of the City's Attorneys to the City Council under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas. ANY FINAL ACTION, DECISION, OR VOTE ON A MATTER DELIBERATED IN A CLOSED MEETING WILL ONLY BE TAKEN IN AN OPEN MEETING THAT IS HELD IN COMPLIANCE WITH TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, CHAPTER 551, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT SUCH FINAL ACTION, DECISION, OR VOTE IS TAKEN IN THE CLOSED MEETING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF §551.086 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE (THE `PUBLIC POWER EXCEPTION'). THE CITY COUNCIL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ADJOURN INTO A CLOSED MEETING OR EXECUTIVE SESSION AS AUTHORIZED BY TEX. GOV'T. CODE, §551.001, ET SEQ. (THE TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT) ON ANY ITEM ON ITS OPEN MEETING AGENDA OR TO RECONVENE IN A CONTINUATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING ON THE CLOSED MEETING ITEMS NOTED ABOVE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION §551.071-551.086 OF THE TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT. City of Denton City Council Agenda October 16, 2012 Page 5 C. Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Denton, Texas, approving guidelines for operation of the City of Denton Home Improvement Program and eligibility criteria; authorizing expenditures in excess of$50,000 for projects meeting program guidelines and criteria; and providing for an effective date. D. Consider a request for an exception to the Noise Ordinance for the purpose of an increase in decibels for amplified music for Fry Street's First Annual Wake Poolooza, to be held between addresses 101-125 Avenue A, on Saturday, October 20, 2012, beginning at 3 p.m. and concluding at 10 p.m. This request is for an extension of decibels for amplified sound from the allowable 70 to 75 decibels. Staff recommends approving the amplified sound to 75 decibels. E. Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas, amending Ordinance No. 2010-293 prescribing the number of positions in each classification of Police Officer; prescribing the number of positions in each classification of Fire Fighter; providing a savings clause; providing a severability clause; and declaring an effective date. F. Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with the North Central Texas Council of Governments for the cooperative purchasing of actuarial shared services associated with other post-employment benefits as defined by Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement Number 45;providing a savings clause; and providing an effective date. G. Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas authorizing the City Manager to execute a First Amendment to a Professional Services Agreement by and between the City of Denton, Texas and POWER Engineers, Inc. for Electric Design and Engineering Services pertaining to a substation siting and environmental assessment study for the construction of the McKinney Substation and the Audra Substation for Denton Municipal Electric; authorizing the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective date (File 4995—in the additional amount of not-to-exceed $75,000 for a total award of $290,515). The Public Utilities Board recommends approval (5-0). H. Consider adoption of an ordinance approving the expenditure of funds for Outside Metal-Enclosed Switchgears (OMCSWG) for the City of Denton Pockrus and McKinney Substations available from only one source in accordance with Texas Local Government Code 252.022, exempting such purchases from requirements of competitive bids; providing for the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective date (File 5027—awarded to S&C Electric Company, in the amount of$279,750). The Public Utilities Board recommends approval (5-0). I. Consider adoption of an ordinance accepting competitive proposals and awarding an initial one (1) year contract with the option to extend for four (4) additional one (1) year periods for the Section 125 Plan Administration of unreimbursed health care and dependent care accounts for the City of Denton; providing for the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective date (RFP 5047— awarded to PayFlex Systems USA, Inc., in the annual estimated amount of $62,118 and a five-year estimated expenditure of$310,590). City of Denton City Council Agenda October 16, 2012 Page 7 S. Consider adoption of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City of Denton and the Central Business District Association, Inc., d/b/a Denton Main Street Association for the payment and use of hotel tax revenue; and providing an effective date. ($23,010) The Hotel Occupancy Tax Committee recommends approval (3-0). T. Consider adoption of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City of Denton and Music Theatre of Denton for the payment and use of hotel tax revenue; and providing an effective date. ($5,000) The Hotel Occupancy Tax Committee recommends approval (3-0). U. Consider adoption of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City of Denton and the North Texas State Fair Association for the payment and use of hotel tax revenue; and providing an effective date. ($73,620) The Hotel Occupancy Tax Committee recommends approval (3-0). V. Consider adoption of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City of Denton and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance (North Texas Affiliate) for the payment and use of hotel tax revenue; and providing an effective date. ($10,000) The Hotel Occupancy Tax Committee recommends approval (3-0). W. Consider adoption of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City of Denton and the Tejas Storytelling Association, Inc. for the payment and use of hotel tax revenue; and providing an effective date. ($50,610) The Hotel Occupancy Tax Committee recommends approval (3-0). X. Consider adoption of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City of Denton and Texas Filmmakers' Corporation for the payment and use of hotel tax revenue; and providing an effective date. ($5,000) The Hotel Occupancy Tax Committee recommends approval (3-0). Y. Consider adoption of an ordinance fmding that a public use and necessity exists to acquire fee simple to an approximate 3.480 acre tract located in the City of Denton, Denton County, Texas, and situated in the M.E.P. & P.R.R. Co. Survey, Abstract Number 1475, City of Denton, Denton County, Texas, as more particularly described on Exhibit "A", attached to the ordinance and made a part thereof, located generally along the 2500 block of East McKinney Street, (the "Property Interests"), for the public use of expanding and improving electric utilities; authorizing the City Manager or his designee to make an offer to (1) Gary Dennis Dillard (the "Owner"); (2) successors in interest to the owner to the Property Interests; or (3) any other owners of the Property Interests, to purchase the Property Interests for the purchase price of Three Hundred Twenty Six Thousand Two Hundred Eight Dollars and No Cents ($326,208.00), and other consideration as prescribed in the Contract of Sale (the "Agreement"), as attached to the ordinance and made a part thereof as Exhibit `B"; authorizing the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective date. (69kV Transmission Line Re-build Project) City of Denton City Council Agenda October 16, 2012 Page 9 FF. Consider adoption of an ordinance finding that a public use and necessity exists to acquire (I) fee simple to a 4.69 acre tract; (II) a utility and slope easement encumbering 0.56 acre; and (III) a utility and drainage easement encumbering a 0.02 acre, said tracts located in the A. Tompkins Survey, Abstract Number 1246, and located in the City of Denton, Denton County, Texas, as more particularly described on Exhibit"A", attached to the ordinance, located generally in the 2400 block of South Bonnie Brae Street (the "Property Interests"), for the public use of expanding and improving Bonnie Brae Street, a municipal street and roadway; authorizing the City Manager or his designee to make an offer to (1) Harlan Properties, Inc. (the "Owner"); (2) successors in interest to the owner to the Property Interests; or (3) any other owners of the Property Interests, as may be applicable, to purchase the Property Interests for the purchase price of One Hundred Fifty Thousand One Hundred Sixty Three Dollars and No Cents ($150,163. ), and other consideration, as prescribed in the Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement"), as attached to the ordinance and made a part thereof as Exhibit "B'; authorizing the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective date. (Bonnie Brae Widening and Improvements project—Parcel 25) GG. Consider adoption of an ordinance finding that a public use and necessity exists to acquire (I) fee simple to a 5.59 acre tract; (H) a drainage easement encumbering 1.7 acre; (III) a slope easement encumbering 2.83 acres; and (IV) a temporary construction, grading and access easement encumbering a 0.06 acre tract, said tracts located in the William Roark Survey, Abstract Number 1087, James L. Harris Survey, Abstract No. 555 and James Edmonson Survey, Abstract Number 400 and located in the City of Denton, Denton County, Texas, as more particularly described on Exhibit"A", attached to the ordinance, located generally in the 4500 block of South Bonnie Brae Street (the "Property Interests"), for the public use of expanding and improving Bonnie Brae Street, a municipal street and roadway; authorizing the City Manager or his designee to make an offer to (1) Richard A. Gray, Jr. (the "Owner"); (2) successors in interest to the owner to the Property Interests; or (3) any other owners of the Property Interests, as may be applicable, to purchase the Property Interests for the purchase price of Three Hundred Twenty Two Thousand Nine Hundred Nineteen Dollars and No Cents ($322,919.00), and other consideration, as prescribed in the Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement"), as attached to the ordinance and made a part thereof as Exhibit `B"; authorizing the expenditure of funds therefor; and providing an effective date. (Bonnie Brae Widening and Improvements project—Parcel 39) 5. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION A. Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Contract of Sale (herein so called), as attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit"A",by and between the City of Denton, (the "City"), and Rayzor Investments Ltd., ( as "Seller") contemplating the sale by Seller and purchase by City of a called 26.6002 acre tract of land more or less, for the purchase price of One Million Dollars and No/100 ($1,000,000.0), said Real Property being generally located in the 3800 block of Elm Street south of Riney Road, and north of North Lakes Park, and located in the N.H. Meisenheimer Survey, Abstract Number 810, Denton County, Texas; (qZo t See below for Public Announcement in Wed, Sep 14, Denton Record Chronicle RE: the renaming of the City of Denton South Lakes Park to G. Roland Vela South Lakes Park. Instructions in prep for the Sep meeting with Parks & Rec Board: 1. ) Good idea for all presenting testimonials in support of Roland plan to arrive at the Civic Center Conference Rm (left of entrance) about 5:45 pm, Sep 19th (Monday) . If group is too large, the meeting will be moved to the Civic Center' s Rotunda area. 2. ) Be sure and pick up a card requesting Board permission to speak in favor of the Vela nomination. 3. ) According to Mary Aukerman, City of Denton Administrative Assistant, 4 minutes will be allowed for each Vela advocate to present his or her comments. For more, call Mary at 349 8748. 4 . ) Regarding the order of presenters, let's ask Mary A. if we could start with Dr. Isabela Hinojosa, LULAC Pres followed by Jerry Vela, representing the Vela family. 5. ) President Hinojosa has called a breakfast meeting tomorrow, 6 am, Sat, Sep 17th, at El Chapparral on McKinney across Civic Center, to talk more about coordinating the presentations. Those who can attend, please join us. Otherwise, there should be enough information above to prepare each presenter for the Sept 19 meeting. Here is the list of presenters: Dr. Don Smith Ms. Dorothy Damico Dr. Roberto Calderon Marilyn Mays Dr. Isabela Hinojosa Jerry Vela Popo Gonzalez Linnie McAdams Keith Shelton Thanks - Rudy RRodriguez 9764 cell NOTICE OF MEETING FOR PUBLIC COMMENT -Notice is hereby given that the City of Denton Parks and Recreation Department will hold a meeting to receive public comment on a request to rename a park property located at 556 Hobson Lane, Denton, Texas, after G. Roland Vela, at the Parks, Recreation and Beautification Board meeting on Monday, September 19, 2011, at 6 p.m. at Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St. Denton, TX 76201. For more information, please contact Emerson Vorel, Director of Parks and Recreation at (940) 349-8748 or by email at parksnrec@cityofdenton.com<mailto:parksnrec@cityofdenton.com> 7 ti _ � N 7 - ~ -3 r L ti T - IL lK _ - - - - - Dr. Rudy Rodriguez To the Members of LULAC Council 4366 who chose me for the honor of having a Denton Public Recreation Facility in my name. I consider this honor one of the outstanding marks of my life and I will cherish it always. I am sorry,the Parks and Recreation Board of Denton did not agree with you as I would have liked to see a part of my community identified with my passage through its roads and streets. It is part of human nature for a person to long to see his mark on his land as he prepares to leave it at the end of a long life. Yet very few of us attain this secret desire and while I thought that I might have the park named after me,I enjoyed the moment of great personal pleasure. So it is really with heartfelt regret that having been so close I had to accept being denied. I know you labored long and hard for the benefit of our home, Denton,Texas, and I tried to match those efforts with my own. Unfortunately we did not reach the level demanded by those who judged us. This was something of a surprise to me in that previous experience has taught me that your work is exemplary, as it was in this case. In addition, I have many instances of superior work in many areas of endeavor and,I thought,my curriculum vitae would convince even after a single reading. But, I am bound by the decision and I happily accept it as a final word, I see no point in continuing with this quest. Free choice is one of the major elements of our country and one I have never challenged. The spirit of our society is augmented when each one of us is encouraged to pursue our daily tasks in a free and confident manner with only our conscience as guide. I accept the decision of the Authorities and I thank them for their efforts in considering me for this honor. I know their work is difficult and onerous and I rest easy knowing they did it in the most diligent and honorable manner possible to them. Please accept my most sincere thanks for your efforts and know that I will gladly work with you in any future service you may undertake for the benefit of our community. G. Roland Vela Emeritus Professor of Microbiology Fellow American Academy of Microbiology Rudy Rodriguez jerry.vela@gmaii.com gary.packan@cityofdenton.com Subject: Two items Hi Jerry, An update from Gary in prep for the Wed, 11 am,ZOOM meeting, as follows: 1.) The sculptured statue will not be bronze. 2.) The art work will be less time consuming than the statue to produce. As you suggested, I told Gary your family may favor the art work option. 3.) Gary has asked for a brief bio of your dad also for posting at the Vela Athletic Complex. I do have a complete file I've compiled documenting our LULAC advocacy work in support of the Vela Park. My file includes your dad's extensive bio. You can borrow if you'd like for reference in writing the bio material. 4.) Could you email a draft of the your dad's bio to Gary before our Wed 11 am meeting, say by Tuesday. This way Gary will have time to review and can tell us if ok on Wed. 5.) Please feel free to call Gary at 817 819 3473 or his office, 940 349 7460. 6.) Let me know if I can be of any help. Thanks! Rudy 940 391 9764 i In our feeling of loss and sorrow, let us not forget he touched so many lives... He and Lupe were a lifetime member of the League of United Latin American Citizens and a passionate advocate for strong famiilies, children and schools. With the goal to help students learn in English and to keep young people in school to reduce the Hispanic dropout rate As a young man, he proudly answered the call to duty and was honorable discharged from the U.S. Army after having served in the Korean War. Popo touched our community in so many different ways and now we say Adios Amigo, God's speed and may the Father welcome you with open arms. Like all great leaders, who touched so many lives, Popo will be missed Rudy Rodriguez jerry.vela@gmail.com ..c: gary.packan@cityofdenton.com Subject: RE: Dr. Gerard Roland Vela Jerry and Gary, the bio looks great. Gary, Jerry is checking with his mom for ok RE: my suggested edits. Rudy edits for your consideration: 1.)Dr. Gerard Roland Vela A Scientist, Educator, Veteran, Leader, and Longtime Denton Resident SUGGESTED EDIT: Scientist, Educator, Veteran, Leader, and Longtime Denton Resident (Delete "A"). I "MONALE: This avoids the grammar question should it be "A" or "An". For ....ample, "A Scientist" is correct; but, "An" is the grammatically correct fit for "Educator". I believe the five Roland descriptors of achievements are great and can stand alone, without A or An. 2.)A special thank you to the League of United Latin American Citizens of Denton, Dr. Isabella Pina-Hinojosa, Dr, Rudy Rodriguez, and everyone associated with the hard work that went into the naming this park on behalf of Dr. Gerard Roland Vela. Suggested Edit: 2.) A special thank you to the Denton League of United Latin American Citizens Council #4366, Dr. Rudy Rodriguez, Dr. Isabella Pina-Hinojosa, Anita Martinez, Dr. Roberto Calderon, Alfredo Sanchez, and everyone associated with the hard work that went into the naming this park on behalf of Dr. Gerard Roland Vela. NOTICE SPANISH ACCENTS FOR Rodriguez, Martinez, Calderon, Sanchez t a big deal, but you may want to consider spelling out University of North Texas (UNT) on the top intro paragraph. Within the main body of the bio, you can use UNT. 1 Rudy Rodriguez jerry.vela@gmail.com monica.martin@cityofdenton.com; gary.packan@cityofdenton.com Subject: FW: Dr. Vela Sign Jerry, See request for information for signage planned for the Vela Athletic Complex regarding your dad's bio. For more information, contact Monica Martin with the City of Denton Parks and Rec Department: 940-349-8804, monica.martin@cityofdenton.com. I hope the photos referenced below will not be deleted from this email. Let me know if you need to lift any needed information from my G. Roland Vela document file. This Vela file will eventually be a part of the larger LULAC Archival documents collection for permanent storage at the Tx Woman's University Library. Would you please copy me any information you send to Monica. I would like to incorporate this additional material in our LULAC historical documents file for TWU. Thanks. Rudy R Rodriguez 3919764 cell From: Martin, Monica L [mailto:Monica.Martin(a)cityofdenton.com] Sent: Monday, October 19, 2020 7:41 AM To: rrodriguez1445@verizon.net Cc: Packan, Gary R Subject: Dr. Vela Sign Good morning, Rudy. We are excited to work with you in gathering a few more pieces of information for the historical sign that will go out at the G. Roland Vela Soccer Complex. I have a list of questions that I am hoping you can answer for us: 1. Do you have a picture of Dr. Vela that illustrates his time while on Council?This could be a photo of him in his suit and tie, or something that includes him actively serving. 2. Do you have a picture of his family's hometown? 3. Please confirm: Dr. Vela enlisted in the Navy and served at the U.S. Naval Ammunition and Submarine Net Depot in Seal Beach, California from 1945-1946. He was honorably discharged and went on to pursue his degrees with the University of Texas at Austin. 4. Thank you for sending the photos below. Can you help us get additional content on them?We are looking to answer the following questions on each: a. Who is in the photo?What is their relationship to Dr. Vela? b. What year was this taken? c. What was taking place during the time of the photo (was it a family reunion, a special event, etc?) 5. We would like to use the photos in the sign that will be put out at the complex. We will need high-resolution images in order for these to come out clearly(and not be blurry). Would it be possible for us to pick up the original photos from the family, scan them, and return to the family? 1 L V j ' • r irJ , AN ve loved researching and learning about this incredible member of our community. Thank you for your time helping gather these final pieces of information, as well as the honor to work with the family to celebrate Dr. Vela's many contributions. Please let me know if I can answer any questions for you. Sincerely, Monica Martin CPRE City of Denton Recreation Supervisor—Aquatic Programs 940-349-8804 Monica.martin@cityofdenton.com z Rudy Rodriguez m: Packan, Gary R <Gary.Packan@cityofdenton.com> _,ant: Sunday, October 18, 2020 4:46 PM To: Rudy Rodriguez Subject: Re: Concerned ABUELOS Attending city rec games Rudy Thanks for the email.The baseball tournament was a program offered by Denton Boys Baseball. I will pass this information along to the association. We provide them all the required information and rules to follow. Each participant also has to sign a waiver for participation. Flag football is our program. We painted the circles. I will share this with our Athletic group to reinforce. We communicate numerous times with participants and patrons about masking and social distancing. With how sensitive it is in our state about masks I do not want to put staff in a position of enforcement and potential conflict. I did need to respond to you regarding Vela. Monica is going to be sending you an email with some additional requests for the historical sign. The arch is in production along with a sign for The Nook at Quakertown. The sculpture has been a challenge. We sent out a request to the selected artist and they said the budget was not —ough. We allocated additional funding and waiting on another proposal from the artist. I think the deadline was ay. I will circle back tomorrow with an update. Gary Packan Sent from my iPhone On Oct 18, 2020, at 1:19 PM, Rudy Rodriguez<rrodriguez1445@verizon.net>wrote: J This message has originated from an External Source. Please be cautious regarding links and attachments. Gary, Rosemary and I have been attending our grandsons' youth baseball and flag football games. On Sat, (10/17) we were at our Robbie's Titan team Flag Football at the Vela Park and soon after we traveled the short distance to the Evers park to root for our Sammy's baseball team, the Crushers. As much as Rosemary and I, as senior folk, are doing our best to protect ourselves against the deadly virus, others—mainly parents, children and coaches, are not. The number of people wearing masks or practicing social distancing was almost zero in these Denton Parks and Rec games. This is despite the growing COVID pandemic and the sign posted on the concession stand by the service window that reminds people to: "KEEP DENTON OPEN: MASKS REQUIRED". And, by the way, the concession attendant was not wearing a mask. She did put on a glove to serve us popcorn. 1 Rosemary was too concerned to attend Sam's 8 am Crushers' game this morning at Evers. I decided to go to support my grandson, but watched the game from a remote area of the field away from the large scattered clusters of people showing no concern to the virus threat to their own health, much less the health of others. At the Vela flag football park, we appreciated the marked "social distant" circled areas for family and friends watching the game with ample space in between each circle. But few, if any, in or outside the marked areas were wearing masks. I am not sure if we have any policing or check for"Masks Required/Social Distancing" compliance by City staff or Police officials. I certainly did not see any evidence of this happening this weekend or in any of the recent previous games we have attended. Thanks, Gary, for looking into this matter. I trust you realize the urgency of acting on this concern soon as we quickly move toward an anticipated historic surge in flu/COVID cases in the fall and winter seasons. If you decide to form a citizen advisory group to help your department with a COVID response/compliance plan for city-sponsored recreational activities, let me know. I would be glad to assist. Thanks for your usual great help!!! Rudy R Rodriguez 940 3919764 cell z Rudy Rodriguez gary.packan@cityofdenton.com ....eject: Concerned ABUELOS Attending grandson games Gary, Rosemary and I have been attending our grandsons'youth baseball and flag football games. On Sat, (10/17) we were at our Robbie's Titan team Flag Football at the Vela Park and soon after we traveled the short distance to the Evers park to root for our Sammy's baseball team, the Crushers. As much as Rosemary and I, as senior folk, are doing our best to protect ourselves against the deadly virus, others— mainly parents, children and coaches, are not.The number of people wearing masks or practicing social distancing was almost zero in these Denton Parks and Rec games. This is despite the growing COVID pandemic and the sign posted on the concession stand by the service window that reminds people to: "KEEP DENTON OPEN: MASKS REQUIRED". And, by the way, the concession attendant was not wearing a mask. She did put on a glove to serve us popcorn. Rosemary was too concerned to attend Sam's 8 am Crushers'game this morning at Evers. I decided to go to support my grandson, but watched the game from a remote area of the field away from the large scattered clusters of people showing no concern to the virus threat to their own health, much less the health of others. ie Vela flag football park, we appreciated the marked "social distant" circled areas for family and friends watching iiie game with ample space in between each circle. But few, if any, in or outside the marked areas were wearing masks. I am not sure if we have any policing or check for"Masks Required/Social Distancing" compliance by City staff or Police officials. I certainly did not see any evidence of this happening this weekend or in any of the recent previous games we have attended. Thanks, Gary, for looking into this matter. I trust you realize the urgency of acting on this concern soon as we quickly move toward an anticipated historic surge in flu/COVID cases in the fall and winter seasons. If you decide to form a citizen advisory group to help your department with a COVID response/compliance plan for city- sponsored recreational activities, let me know. I would be glad to assist. Thanks for your usual great help!!! Rudy R Rodriguez 940 3919764 cell i Rudy Rodriguez gym: Packan, Gary R <Gary.Packan@cityofdenton.com> Tuesday, December 8, 2020 6:39 PM To: jerry vela Cc: Huffman, Drew S; Martin, Monica L; Dr. Rudy Rodriguez (rrodriguezl445@verizon.net) Subject: RE: Vela Plaque Draft Jerry-- Wanted to follow up on a few things. 1. Vela Sculpture—Approved by Council on Monday. We are moving forward to production! 2. Vela Plaque—Please see text below. Anything you would like to add? 3. Vela Historical Sign—Monica Martin is working on this and we are in need of a few photos. Do you have to have the photos that she had requested or something that could be used in their place? Thank you so much for all the help. Looking forward toward to the sculpture dedication in late summer! Gary From: Packan, Gary R Sent: Monday, November 23, 2020 2:38 PM To:jerry vela <ierry.vela@gmail.coni> .ect: Vela Plaque Draft Jerry I hope you are doing well. I was wondering if you could take a look at the information below and let me know if you have any thoughts. Thanks!!! This plaque will be placed near the entry to the facility mounted on a wall to the left or right. HAPPY THANKSGIVINGHH G. ROLAND VELA ATHLETIC COMPLEX NORTH LAKES PARK City of Denton, Texas Dedicated May 26, 2019 Grand Opening Celebration—August 31, 2019 CITY COUNCIL Mayor: Chris Watts District 1: Gerard Hudspeth District 2: Keely Briggs r';,trict 3: Jesse Davis -ict 4:John Ryan At Large Place 5: Deb Armintor At Large Place 6: Paul Meltzer PARKS, RECREATION & BEAUTIFICATION BOARD Chair: Frances Punch "-Ace 1: Gary Barber .ce 2: Kent Boring Place 3: Alana Presley Taylor Place 4: David Shuck Place 5: George Ferrie Place 6: Ben Huttash Architect: Dunaway Associates, Fort Worth, Texas General Construction: North Rock Construction Named in honor of the life and contributions of G. Roland Vela, US Navy Veteran, LINT Professor, Civic Leader, Mentor, Husband and Father. DRAFT CONCEPT. 0'�fwd . I Gary Packan Director, Parks and Recreation City of Denton 601 E. Hickory Street Denton, TX 76205 940.349.7460 UN�ITE.GROW panon VrYr and Pec 2 MENU G. ROLAN D VELA ATHLETIC COMPLEX PROJECT STATUS Planning Design Construction at the Vela Athletic Complex in North Lakes Park continues to progress. New sod has been laid and a new playground consisting of slides, swings, and numerous other play features are also ready to go. In early 2019, work began on the concession/restroom facility, and the target date for completion is May 2019. PROJECT BACKGROUND The G. Roland Vela Athletic Complex will be Denton's new soccer complex named for G. Roland Vela, a retired University of North Texas professor and former City Council member. The complex is expected to open in March with four fenced and lighted adult size multi- purpose athletic fields, a parking lot, playground, pavilion, and a restroom and concessions building. The complex is funded primarly through voter approved bond packages, park dedication funds, and general funds. PROJECT UPDATES August 16: The Vela Athletic Complex grand opening is scheduled for S t r ay., Auaust 31 from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. A soccer and rugby tournament will begin at 9:00 A.M. FC Dallas will host free soccer clinics, taught by FC Dallas coaches, for anyone interested. August 1: The Vela Athletic Complex is scheduled to open to the public with a grand opening event in late August 2019. In the final phase of construction, the 3,200-square-foot concession stand/restroom facility was completed. The playground has new slides, swings, and other play features for residents to enjoy. For reservation information, contact the City's Parks and Recreation Department at (940) 349- May 20: The Vela Athletic Complex has reached the final stages of construction and is scheduled for Civic Leader and Cherished Member of the LINT Family Emeritus Professor of Microbiology Dr.G. ROLAND VELA September 18, 1927—January 26, 2021 Emeritus Professor of Microbiology Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology University of North Texas Soon after moving to Denton over 50 years ago with his wife, Emma, Roland got deeply involved in the community. He understood the value of community relationships and community building. He demonstrated these values through active participation in a host of Denton Boards and Committees, and then, most notably, by his service as the first Hispanic elected to the Denton City Council. I met Dr. Vela, known to his friends and colleagues as Roland,when I moved to Denton in 1975 to join the faculty of Texas Woman's University. He was a most approachable, down to earth, and unintimidating yet high-profile scholar,a cultural trait of his deep Tejano roots growing up in the oldest part of San Antonio. In a similar experience shared by fellow academics Dr. Roberto Calderon and Gloria Bahamon, Roland was one of the first to welcome my wife Rosemary and I to our new community, immediately helping us to feel at home and a part of something bigger than ourselves. As a LINT professor, Dr. Vela embodied the university's mission, describing its faculty"as a caring and creative community(that)empowers our students and benefits the world around us." Roland Vela lived those words through his magnetic energy,generous friendship, and a high expectation of excellence. This was furthered evidenced in his formal and casual interactions with his students and young emerging university scholars. He believed in people and took them under his guidance, inspiring them to achieve their fullest potential. As a Hispanic biologist, Dr.Vela's influence and inspiration as a role model to young Hispanics cannot be underestimated. According to Dr. Isabella Pina Hinojosa, a longtime Denton resident and LINT graduate, "Dr. Vela encouraged me and other LINT Mexican-American students to dialogue and feel welcome at NTSU/UNT. Several students from the LINT Chicano/Mexican-American Student Organization were often invited to his home for inspirational talks that helped boost the Si Se Puede (Yes,We Can)self-confidence among the students." Domingo Garcia, prominent Dallas lawyer and National President of the League of United Latin American Citizens, says of his LINT biology professor. "When I ran for the Denton City Council at the age of 20, Dr.Vela provided mentoring support. He also helped many others of his former students." To strengthen the university's outreach to the Hispanic community, Dr.Vela also founded the annual LINT Hispanic Conference. A highlight of this annual event was the special presentation of the G. Roland Vela meritorious award to an outstanding DFW Hispanic for"Contributions Which Foster and Enhance Education for Hispanic Students." The City of Denton recognized and honored the deep significance of Dr.Vela's legacy and his contributions to our community in May 2019,when it dedicated the G. Roland Vela Athletic Complex. Through this enduring public facility,generations of children and their parents will come to know this icon of our community, who was, as the sign posted at its entrance states, a "U.S. (WW II) Navy veteran, LINT Professor, Civic Leader, Mentor, Husband and Father." The great author and anthropologist Margaret Mead once said: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,committed citizens can change the world." In many ways,that line defines Dr.Vela's impactful life. He was one of those thoughtful and committed individuals with a strong sense of missionary zeal who lived up to Dr. Mead's vision. He opened the doors of opportunity to so many individuals and for that we are grateful and inspired. In the January 28 piece in this newspaper announcing the death of Dr.Vela, his close friend, retired LINT professor Don Smith,said, "He was a very intelligent man and a fantastic bacteriologist. Roland made Denton better,and he made LINT better." Without a doubt, my friend also made the world better. Dr. G. Roland Vela is in heaven now. No intermediate steps for him for he possessed a caring heart and a giving soul. Rest in Eternal Peace, my friend. You've earned it. Dr.Vela's family has asked friends and colleagues wishing to contribute to the 2021 LULAC G. Roland Vela Memorial Scholarship Fund to submit a financial gift to: Angeles Munoz Vice President for Advancement G. Roland Vela Memorial Scholarship Fund The Denton LULAC Council#4366 P O Box 981 Denton,Texas 76201 lulac4366@gmail.com G. Roland Vela, Ph.D. Emeritus Professor of Microbiology (2000) Fellow American Academy of Microbiology (1975) . . . see p. 3 Roland Vela. born Eagle Pass, Texas, September 18, 1927 to Marcial Vela Bernea and Maria de Guadalupe Muzquiz de la Garza (Vela) Raised in San Antonio. Texas: attended public schools and worked for the San .Antonio Express and San Antonio Light Volunteered for service in U.S. Navv.W«'II Attended UT Austin: B.A. 1950.- M-A.. 1951. Ph.D., 1962. Microbiology and Biochcmistr- Married Emma Lamar Codina Longoria in 1953:children Jem-. Anna Maria.Yolanda_ Jaime Worked for the Citv of San Antonio Public Health: Soudiwest Foundation for Research: City of San Antono. Texas; Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts: School of Aerospace:Medicine, Brooks Air Force Base. Texas Professor of Microbiology. University of North Texas, 35 years: Associate Dean of Science&Technology. College of Arts &:. Sciences, 5 rears Published 75 research papers: textbook.Applied Food Microbiolog1,*and Lab. Manual. I-aboroton,for Applied Food MicrobioloZ•: several "Guest Editorials"Denton Record-Chronicle. Denton.Texas More than 100 invited seminars in American and Foreign universities Directed research of 44 Masters and 20 Doctoral Students plus numerous undergraduate and post-doctoral fellows. Chaired Conunittec that wrote UNT Tenure policy, Chaired Tenure Committee hvo,terms: Pres Campus AAUP: Committee of Fourteen. Faculty Senate: Faculty Grievance Committee Served as Facub- Advocate for niany Faculty Members threatened with dismissal b.- UNT Discovered bacterium that was eventually named Poenibacilhis uelaei by P. Sukplang,and A. Thongmce Served on Research Peer Revie\x Committees of the National Science Foundation: National Research Council: American Societe for Microbiology-: National Institutes of Health: National Academy-of Sciences: Howard Hughes Medical Institute: Department of Education: U.S. Army Chemical Corps:etc. Member of the American Socict\ for Microbiology for 59 years: Society for General Microbiology. London: Canadian Society of Microbiologists. Montreal: Sociedad Mexicana de Microbiologia. Mexico City Sociedad Colombiana de Microbiologia. Bogota. Colombia: etc. 1975 - 1978 President. Texas Branch.American Society for Microbiology. Distinguished Service Award. emeritus member 1978 - 1987 Editor. Texas Journal of Science Organized UNT Hispanic Conference Nyliich created The G. Roland Vela Award: later Hispanic Friends of the UnIA ersity Member of Alpha('hi Sigina. National Chemistry Honor Society and Phi Kappa Phi. National Honor Society Visiting Professor: The University of Texas at Austin: University of Barcelona: Uniycrsity of Granada: Unversity of Chihuahua: Uniycrsity of Nuevo Leon: Unuyersidad Nacional de Colombia Fulbright Senior Fellow. Bogota Columbia, 1980 Lifetime Distinguished Professor. Microbiology. Colombian Govermnent. Consultant for Frito-Lay: Campbell Soup Co.: A. H. Halff and Associates: Oceanography International: W. J. Smith Wood Preserving Co.: Fisheries Nlinism-of Thailand. Bangkok: Fort Worth Independent School District. Etc. Retired from the Universin-of North Texas June. 2000. Co-chair College of Arts and Sciences Fnierinis Faculty Council. 5 years. Included in University of North Texas Oral Historn Project. Included in University of Texas_ Austin Hispanic Es Students ��ho served in WWII President's Council. University of North Texas Boards of Directors: Flow Medical Foundation: Anne's Haven Hospice: Denton County Cooperative Agency.- Our Dail-Bread(meals for the uidigent) Founding Member,and actor. Firehouse Theater G. ROLAND VELA, Ph.D COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES City& County of Denton ■ American Civil Liberties Union (Life Member) ■ Boy Scout Troop Counselor ■ Dallas Metropolitan Philosophical Society ■ Denton Forum (40 yrs) ■ Firehouse Theater Group—Campus Theater o Founding Member ■ Citizens" Committee on Traffic Safety ■ Civil Air Patrol ■ Airport Advisory Board o Chair twice ■ Denton City Council (1979) ■ Board of Directors, Texas Municipal Power Agency (eleven years) o Secretary Reassurer o Finance Committee o Personnel Committee ■ Board of Directors,Ann's Haven Hospice of Denton ■ Board of Directors, Our Daily Bread(meals for the indigent) o Secretary ■ County Program Planning Committee o Two terms ■ Denton County Cooperative Agency ■ Board of Directors, Flow Medical Foundation G. ROLAND VELA, Ph.D COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES OTHER: ■ Editorial Board, Rangsit University Journal of Science, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand ■ Retired, University of North Texas June 1965 to June 2000 ■ Co-Chair College of Arts & Sciences o Emeritus Faculty Council, 5 years ■ Included in University of North Texas Oral History Project ■ Included in University of North Texas, Austin Hispanic Ex Students who served in WWII ■ President's Council, University of North Texas ■ Listed as Outstanding 100 Texas Latinos of the 2e Century, Texas Latino Magazine ■ Published after retirement: o The Men Named Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, 2003 o Bernardo de Gdlvez Spanish Hero of the American Revolution, 2006 ■ Currently working on the Muzquiz family of Spain, Mexico and Texas In retirement: Grandfather; Great-grandfather; Author; Timid private pilot; timid chess player, woodworker; bold talker; circular traveler; businessman meek& mild; Friday lunch philosopher; and confused intellectual LAST NAME FIRST(NICK NAME) EDUCAT. &COMMENTS SERVICE WAR Rivas Daniel HS U.S.Navy WWII Casillas Jimmy HS U.S.Navy Korea Gonzalez Braulio HS U.S.Navy WWII Mario HS U.S.Navy Korea Adolph (Pogo) HS U.S.Navy Korea Lozano Ignacio (Nash) HS U.S.Navy WWII Joe HS U.S.Navy WWII Rogelio (Roy) HS U.S.Navy WWII Eloy HS U.S.Navy Korea Gomez Albert ? U.S.Navy WWII Rene HS U.S.Navy WWII Angel HS U.S.Navy WWII Raul HS U.S.Navy WWII Abel HS U.S.Navy WWII Ruben HS U.S.Navy Korea Gomez Mauricio (Wicho) ? U.S.Army WWII Diaz Salvador HS U.S.Navy WWII Pedro HS U.S.Army WWII Ramirez Andrew (Butch) HS U.S.Navy WWII Joaquin HS U.S.Navy Korea Obledo Armando (Ongi) ? U.S.Army WWII Jesus (Chief) HS U.S.Army WWII Mike Survived sinking of USS Indianapolis U.S.Navy WWII Mario Harvard Law; cofounder of MALDEF U.S.Navy Korea Oscar HS U.S.Navy Korea Quintanilla Oscar BA Trinity Univ U.S.Army WWII Hector Director U.S.ARMY UFO Program U.S.Army Career Manuel (Meme) HS U.S.Navy WWII Pena Benjamin (Benny) HS U.S.Army WWII Richard (Chichi) HS U.S.Army WWII Vela Roland Ph.D., UT Austin; Prof. Microbiology U.S.Navy WWII Cesar HS U.S.Army Korea Sanchez Robert (Beto) HS U.S. Marines Korea Mike HS U.S.Navy Korea Edward HS U.S.Navy Korea Suavia Adolph HS U.S.A.F. WWII Rodriguez Jose Ma. (Chema) ? U.S.Army WWII Rucobo Roy ? U.S.Army WWII Narro Mike German prisoner,married farm.daughter U.S.Army WWII Mario HS U.S. Marines Korea Mares Gonzalo (Cha) HS U.S.Navy WWII Tomas HS U.S.Army Korea Granados Joe (Joe Venado) HS U.S.Navy WWII Raymond HS U.S.Marines Korea Gonzales Henry (Yika) HS U.S.Navy WWII Rene HS U.S.Army Korea Orellana Fernando (Ferny) Art Scholarship and Art Commission U.S.Army WWII Mario HS U.S.Army Korea de la Rosa Isauro Scholarship to Art School in Dallas U.S.Army WWII Jesus (Chichi) HS U.S.Army WWII Mendez Raymond HS Killed in Action U.S.Marines Korea Ramirez Ramon HS Killed in Action U.S.Marines Korea Castillbn Frank HS U.S.A.F. WWII Raymond Tex.A.&M..Architect. Own office U.S.Navy WWII Del Rio Salvador HS U.S.Navy Korea Romo Alfred HS U.S.Army Korea Roger (Pee Wee) HS U.S.Navy Korea I i Map of San Antonio in 1889 shows Romana, Belvin, California and Kingsbury — Streets in what appears to be undeveloped 0 land between Camaron and North Flores. It also shows that Elmira(added dotted line), �. Euclid and Cadwallader had not yet been extended west of North Flores. -- - Undoubtedly,the entire area between North J X ` Flores and Camaron was in the San Pedro t Creek flood plain creating an undesirable - .?r environment for any but very poor 1 \ dwellings. It appears that low income families lived in this neighborhood from the earliest days of street construction to the f~ 1950s when the neighborhood was razed. West Romana Street gave way to Urban v 'u► . ,.:, I Renewal and much of it became part of the �. athletic fields used by Tech High School. The rV small part of Romana Street that remained was ".4; AUSTIN added to Quincy Street and West Romana was + ENT removed from the map. The small x added to both maps shows the approximate location of our house: number 510 West Romana Street. ?' .g Immediately below is a photo of part r. 1101, of our front yard taken during a rare snowfall. v This special event probably took place in 1936 or 1937. The two taller boys standing in our front yard were our cousin from Mexico, 5 a HOOK Alfonso Muzquiz Ortiz and Armando Obledo, Mario Obledo's oldest brother The two little guys in front of them were Manuel Ramirez , °• and Pedro Diaz,whom we generally addressed , as Pittta, Pittta, Pittta a la Betty Davis. Getting ready to fire a snowball in the background is Peggy Pena,daughter of our landlord. I am almost certain the man at the right edge of the photo is my father, Marcial Vela Bermea,who was throwing snowballs with the best of us; - he had been a fairly good baseball pitcher in his youth. It was a festive day;we were let out of school,our Dad didn't go to work,our Mom baked us apple pies and everybody - - played in the snow until it all melted. !! �r' 3112010 VN t Houses on West Elmira (above) built at the turn of the 1 ! Twentieth Century as they appear in 2011. The essence of luxury and comfort still shows through the century of their i existence and contrasts sharply with the small, crowded houses on West Romana(left). :,r: yam{(' •_ .� . eta ��' yr;- �/a�. . - - .ti - we ,ar( s` •t �, �_ � . � •�4,yr` •-� �,i Nearly 2,000 distinguished scientists Academy of Sciences. Dozens have been honored with have been elected to the American Academy of Nobel Prizes, Lasker Awards, and the National Medal of Microbiology in its 50-year history. Chosen for this Science. More than 500 Fellows are actively involved in honor by their peers, they have been elected on the all facets of the Academy,including guiding the highly suc- basis of their scientific excellence, originality, and cessful colloquium program. Fellows of the American leadership; high ethical standards; and scholarly and Academy of Microbiology embody the most exciting creative achievement. Fellows represent 40 countries minds in the science. Due to the depth and breadth of and all subspecialities of microbiology.They have built their scientific expertise, Academy Fellows are uniquely exemplary careers in basic and applied research,teach- qualified to provide the very best advice in microbiology. ing, public health, industry, and government service. Over 300 members of the American Academy of Microbiology have been elected to the U.S. National Ph.D. STUDENTS GRADUATED Dr. Gerald Dean Cagle Exec. Vice President Research Dr. Morris Crum Alcon Laboratories Morris Crum Testing Laboratory Fort Worth,Texas Dallas, Texas Dr.Raoul Simon Rosenthal,Jr. Dr. Joaquin Moreno Professor of Microbiology Professor of Microbiology Indiana University School of Medicine University of Alicante Indianapolis, Indiana Alicante, Spain Dr. James Ray Ralston Dr.Massoud Mahmoudi Head, Product Water Quality Control American Post-doctoral Fellow Sterilizer Company Univ. of Texas Health Sci. Res. Center Los Angeles. California Dallas,Texas Dr. Jung Fu Wu Dr. Gogu S. Reddy Research Group Leader Staff Scientist Cornell University Tulane University, Ithaca,News York New Orleans, Louisiana Dr. Wayne Riley Barnes Dr. Juan Manuel Sanchez Yanez Sr. Research Scientist Professor of Microbiology Abbot Laboratories Institute for Nitrogen Fixation Chicago, Illinois Irapuato,Mexico Dr. Solomon Lare Aladegbami Dr. Virginia Guadalupe Nevarez Chief of Research Laboratories Escuela de Ciencias Quimicas Tarrant Co.Medical Center Universidad de Chihuahua. Fort Worth,Texas Chihuahua, Mexico Dr. Charles Shing Chang Dr. Miguel M. Castro Arroyo Professor of Microbiology Biosynthesis. Inc. Fu Jeri University 225 Main Street Taipei.Taiwan Lewisville,Texas Dr. Joel Escamilla(Captain) Dr. Acharawan Thongmee Head, Microbiology Services Associate Dean U. S.Navy,Pacific Area Rangsit University San Diego, California Bangkok.Thailand Dr. Anthony Henry Gonzalez Dr. Patamaporn Sukplang Clinical Microbiologist Associate Professor and Director Portland General Hospital Thailand Research Institute Portland,Oregon Bangkok, Thailand Dr. William F. Fleming III Head. Mycology Section Mavo Clinic Minneapolis,Minnesota Dr. Terence A,Johnson Chairman, Biology Department Uni erslLy of Northern Tenniessee Memphis,Tennessee I \ { Roland Vela, in uniform of Spanish Grenadier of the XVIH Century, presents copy of his book on Bernardo de Galvez to His Highness, Don Felipe, Crown Prince of Spain; Royal Palace, Madrid, 6-13-2010. 21 0i9 Roland Vela receiving Bernardo de Galvez award for his book Bernardo de Galvez, Spanish Hero of the American Revolution. Benjamin Lyon DAR Chapter Invites Prospective Members to October 8th meeting Wednesday,06 October 2010 12:30 j r.Writlen by Catherine Giles The Benjamin Lyon Chapter of The National Society of The Daughters of the American Revolution will meet 1:30 p.m..Friday.October S.for a social followed by their 2:00 p.m monthly meeting at Good Samaritan Village.2500 Hinkle Drive in Denton Members Sharon Casey, Rose Harpool. Becky Washam, and Sharon Lundsford will host the events. Author Dr. Roland Vela will present a program entitled."Bernardo de Galvez:Spanish Hero of the American Revolution.' Women. 18 or older,who are interested in learning more about prospective membership in DAR or in Benjamin Lyon Chapter. are invited to attend To RSVP:to learn more about prospective membership which is open to any woman 18 or older. regardless of race,religion,or ethnic background.who can prove lineal blood descent from a patriot who aided in achieving American independence; or to learn more about assistance available to help prospective members document proof. please contact Diana While at dkwhite(0)chaner.net or 940-387-4741 THE DENTON RECORU-CH BONICL F• Pal! 71C IN COLOMBIA _ NT Doctor Awarded Lectureship Dr. G Rosad vela of the,tstwgwa.J1M.1h. Colambn.:cudid releeiyn by a Falb*;:bI-: T...Y751 mHronielm_Ic xa➢!^nspan,iicc to L'olumbla.^ale Korb Tr state Urdicsi. 'T x'171 be Tm to nnprarellfar's ramm dine:and.ILmae eau t a ly Iron his%Garr.Lquim, Proramor acid `The ba:o�t-.I srirnm family,�tt un:ter«ace miwhiifuo;ros:tcaiemal bu.rd and lirmatrrul aPd the rnrar.•h M.Ur.JM Slates,:mrestRy das.an been awarded Senia,tamsa by apdalm� F2^ raltin;aIllayi Lectureship topoofessars'rorarch andl uai'ers'y. �rrmnllr camp..,dA\TSl'.Ili mchar.er program with' 4i '.tacb a Cptnmbt. South'amxafder th the field.- Ire; •.I h._hmi Nudes_•;qi Places,In sn,tt nervlhine L•om rmnlrity:' I mer Acaa Ibis summer- I',I.titles The[—hip tas.: �,Ia•cine its been n a 1 Wderbltc-y In'use The WSI:biologist.11 be burn:tmc I:o Aug it. a i tic I m:eahial t:Wend - rues tea xAl roodurt threenl - rim! lose Dn¢•I'te^h'eo. irrva d Inlurn at Ind (todi;m- the L sot leehniqu.; or,se'a aa.chosen bur 11lia hwte:n spanish.-Ir added-: gnu. _4_ i--rime :rid tnirerelc—n""Wr'IML, In micrubloiagy In famlily and�}pnm lbrar,Ji e HaeftYI-;'m —fly going toIetn b."to lrh seholar gam +•: nd 1 car for I—ar a a MIA!or 11: rig G,AUIJ11tD FHA *indents It The Uiuren➢y ed smrt m ome nces nbiCh tcystammer s.I acd sleds:s dad f—hy. •THE DENTON RECORD-CHRONICLE Sanday,OCeaber 1,IF] Dr. Vela Does Lots Of Lecturing • Or.Gres and RaWd Vita dt of Barcelona to gird a resift the Una—SA'of Bate lulu. riled to xrit!a porn(ar a who wins toattend MSU as _ Ind North Twat State of lectures and laniears.He "I ill lecture mostly an scieotUln .Journal in a po--herring student. L'niverzi[Y bivtogieal was imitrd by the lham' Ilx rescaren that l do here: Columbia.which in appear -.We really tmuiled him to scimee.department has oily of liarcdeta le become the `MU professor said in the January Histic at the per m the North Tx.=• 1� bier.doing Ins of lemurivg visaing prafessae far the The lectures prm ➢r ar ..I) Publication of the Iolilulo soccer tram." Dr. V.I. s - Ime1Y,.mostly in Spanish. 14n, school year,bat was cunerm"a BeresotibWl la Gnografieo "Agustin JaYetl. y Dr. Yela just returned o because of papers that I and three Godaeai-'-The article is The young rear.All, from o ihrccmonth guest resp.nsibilities at NTSU, gnduaff smdens published entitled."BioeW -an ies:The ltnises Cureor➢arlqudia. 1. leclurohip at the National where he dad several cab the ph yinlogl•and the Need for a Net Order." Colmnbu•will eater MSU f Ilnircrs:ty er Calomnia.in graduate studceis are morphology of the While I.South America. Bee be Compkles some f Itogal,in We micminoli� engaged in mtaabiolaglcal Aaolobaeter vinelamin.a Dr.Veto.hats if.and Ina"v EegIW conases at Austin department of ibe..lira] rcaurrh. li—erium that R wvY foot child— made a "Galkgc I'Shuman.After he i = N .chant th.1, While in During Ibf lea-ueok viait nth:' '-marvelous trip to the imbibes his pre-engilnertug Eagda.he also lectured at to Spain.Dr.Veto will also During the Colombian trip, Colombia..Amamn."He Ininivg at NTSU,Care Plans the L Ivrtsidad Ja,ecia.a lecture eit the University of made possible by a SeNm said Unit the''wML is A tiny m bet'=9 hs rmgineering dad,we\atimal R--Ih hladridendthe Untmsityaf Fdbright Lacturu A—,d, 'remote tom.tied Leticia. studies et Southern taboralary far Special Salamanca.His had during Dr. Vela was made an where they made many good dtethodlsl UNreesiry. The Studios- the trip vial be Dr.Alberto honorary 1➢e member at the frimtilb. - ''dung Colombian is O.N.-.10,Dr"Vda Nl Ramos-Cormensa... Colombia. Society of The Vets brought back a —fly baying with Dr. DR.G.Res VEt t •By to Spat.Ica the Onhersity professor of microbidag-IL bticrnbidogy. He su ta- -wmg man tram Colandia Meta and his family. Society Elects Vela Dames Club Meets 1 Vefas Host Christmas Party 1h. Roland l'Na via ekeled eke prasidenr d the Tess.*Bench nl the WfTQ! 1 A s:ice of Chr iat mac rya president, and list. Is busy kin lion fa!Iand RY Put ,American SOCMY car Ulerabio r a1 the newt - e aimed .re hem Tilling the Gre elui ge Beltlm, prts s bitty Idkieg dr 3cs- pot lag. ,p hnlltlaY season[or mmclwrs chairman. on by bdiday pu:b. grmip.iRttt tall meeting an Austiu, c .F'�—s. I ad the Nmth Tetmt state of. Caution•a naliv of - Cirarerslly Dom.Club. sneden.presented*tides on As a dub project. Or.Verb has bete a mmilier a the.lamb Cou Ding Center at Texas IV—'I 'h.i ' Dr.and Mrs.Roland Vela, her native land and"' ter made a Chriltmas Texas State uai,ee ily biological ac.— U.ilervL•-peseNeo a paps.t Ibe Flrsl op.— d the club fen Sxadsh mlifaeU, Insket fora needy family'in Ideally vine twit.A noted lecture.he her ty ;j KiSU gmdnrc srodenssoid Anther interest Group. Dime. de,—d a series d term—en engota sold National Cnn(dreme m erne nun f the a. " ' their wires, basted a acts dad —ft.. Is boy A gourmet dinner is in BrcN aom.Spahr NJ—Brim T+ye l.dcn Mm ar bald_Uy � C1iros parry Saturday- making Christmas placer carat all club moo- He„.a«ordvd a reff—Wp In Ile gn- m'be L-air—fly of rlarda. - Oh DM i the couples' demranans.Couple•bridge bars in-Jemuey. Fend of ember American Sotltlr m lma.The si ` I ...rose[ grave held a play also h.ed—rehiring llcvien will he fenlarrd satriy s limited to a Tide c( lulu m.latalian aaa `Tlz =.'': ti' ...—el C4clstmai' the halida)3_ The IadiK PerrenlagC of the ry ibonan 4 Jurgen Types no the College t f .... fiord. Hostess., ceereserlass,taught by Pat "Caning to a uni—ito IJ.Ono mrcragtn]oq ns m the e•m..State• ualar Coaiinuum d Hummeues to Nntuni =s"1 vve Mn-Jerk couban- Caldwell of the NTSU unth like Denton is not vhotvrf .1tedlnle ch0g.,--handalo-ays.s''.since you lesre pralexrimal acrnmPliabmeeu. 41ente - �"' - frimtb slid family behind. The N'rth Texas Dames t s The hdyces8.fJ;s Type Indicator s a - -.--•r Club i trying to neap .' plc paper and truth my ntvglral ten = .i�`•` Join In Carols Club is Ardent dad!b- vhkn nk"ir-purples-inured m .of NDL\hap tTJ.1 I wno to adJml:o..pas DR.JOHN I.OEINM director of the pe«epti m and Judgment- 11r'J.f rMy Thursday Night i ve red to mast tie,.Irid hilc ire.Conlon;' ul-,rs_ All Corms.are invited In join in caimdig.1 carding Cori.ecplahaI Thursday wkm Girl Scouts in Neighachaod III.Cress Otherolrimstachide Mis Timbers Caurrfl, present . old-fashioned Chrtslm. Reed Yale*-historian; In Program m the pa in ofcity'hall. Shirr- Terlaim. SMlwestern-Idle lun inarias will HIM the patio. momenalmis cbaEmao:Mn Charlotte Kucllo..a student of Eugene Conley al North John Lester, membership Toss Slade Univershy,xill lead oho C—lies and 111 sing chairman: ern. slicker 'Sgnt NiCd"to the accompaniment Of the aukharp. Ught,secretary:and Itries \I.-Arm Hansel apt Sandra Howe14 c.<hairmm d Ttiows So - .U—_ Nenghtnrhmd Ili.apress the tan ttil at many rasidenls a possible On rilh the C. scour ie This«lekallun d -Art}'ee srisd'mg [rather ChrWmu undimmed by the megy crisis or other amid larormatlm about the club ��y may . Ica P.O.Boa Casa. Vclhbmnoedlilmmmpassesi4ex.Ie7 hall ofDmloo. NT S7fym, Dendon, Tax. Krum come mify and the Denton State School. 7W- I We All Lived on Ronlana Street` A patriotic essay written by Roland Vela-Muzquiz& Cesar Vela Muzquiz in remembrance of a time when met?were patriots for love of flag and country and when we were all Americans first, Mexicans second and, when pressed, Democrats. Our knowledge of the theory of political systems was limited to " Republicans are the Rich Cnrys, Democrats are the Poor Guys. " We did not possess the guile to ask '`Why?". c0 The text in this work is protmied in its entirety by copyright and by right of ownership of the authors. No one may copy or use any part of it without previous,written permission from Roland Vela-Muzquiz or his assignees. Spring 2011 P.O.Box 51164 Denton,Texas 76206 Appendix 2. p. 1 WE ALL LIVED ON ROMANA STREET by Roland Vela-Muzquiz and Cesar Vela-Muzquiz The houses were very old and stood side by side with little or no space for gardens,back yards or play areas. It was a hard,dusty little street with almost nothing that could be counted as a positive attribute—but we loved it, we were almost proud of it;it was,after all other considerations,our barrio, now we say,our Alma Maier. Ia(hk de Romana lay deep in the oldest part of San Antonio, probably less than ten blocks from the historic Spanish Cathedral built in 1731 by the ancestors of our ancestors ofthe family Muzquiz. Together with Kingsbury,California and Belvin,West Romana must have been part of an impoverished blue-collar neighborhood—much as it was in 1935 when we lived there. West Elmira,West Euclid and Marshall were broad,paved streets lined with elegant,expensive houses with St.Augustine grass lawns and attractive gardens(see last page,bottom right). The latter comprised an Anglo and moneyed-Mexican neighborhood that bore the aura of gentility. In contrast to those on West Elmira,the houses on West Romana seemed to have been built on lots that were halved and halved again until small oddly-shaped houses filled every piece of open ground from North Flores to Camaron Street. We lived at 510 West Romana(see maps on last page,top left and middle)in a small two-bedroom one-bath with less then 600 square feet of floor space on a lot not larger than 25 x 50 feet. A store with living quarters above was hard by our west wall,and a two bedroom with no water or sanitary services was immediately behind our house. On another small portion of the original lot were a one-room apartment,a small grocery store,a store room and a storage garage. In brief,there were seven structures on a lot no more than 50 x 70 feet. While all the other streets had good asphalt surfaces and consequent clean environments,Romana was a gravel street bathed in mud to a depth of several inches when it rained and a permanent cloud of white caliche dust at all other times. Unlike the others,however,Romana was brimming with life—it seemed that each little house contained one or more boys—and/or girls that added to the constant clamor of the neighborhood. Healthy,active youths ranging in age from five to twenty filled the street. The boys had long established a unique order that lasted from one generation to the next. The"Romana Rattlers"team or gang(?), bound us all to one another and to the street. The Rattlers were a lose semi-gang that formed teams capable of competing successfully with those of other neighborhoods in all athletic events that boys could think of No initiations or secret words were required;if you lived on Romana you were a Romana Rattler. In most instances we were better than the Riverside Katz,the Euclid Eagles,Cantarana,La Piedrera and the Snake Hill Gang. Since half ofthese were Anglos,we grew up knowing that movies and history were all wrong about physical prowess and who would win in any given contest. Then a sudden shift in world politics brought severe changes to Romana Street. On December 7, 1941, Romana Street stopped being the natural habitat of Romana Rattlers and became a national resource of boys/men to serve our country in the coming war. The number of boys/men who served in WWII and Korea that lived in the 200 yards (wild guess) of West Romana should be noted by someone—by everyone. Every substandard and misshapen little house contributed one or more men to the armed forces. There was a willingness,an urge—to serve our country—to be part of the war—to defend our country in its hour of need. And most of us volunteered. We, Cesar and 1,were part of this cohort and we enlisted as soon as our ages permitted. Reluctantly,our parents gave us up,Roland volunteered for service in the Navy at 17 and Cesar joined the Army at 18. In the absence of a chronicler to tell the story of the boys from West Romana during WWII and Korea,we have undertaken the task. We two brothers who were of Romana Street humbly assume we can do this. But if we don't, we apologize for any and all errors and beg forgiveness. We think the data we show are fairly reliable,our ages notwithstanding. Roland is 83 and Cesar 81 but we are still quick and alert in almost every respect. It is our firm recollection that almost all the boys from every family that lived on West Romana served in the armed forces. It is also our recollection that of all those who went, only two, Ramon Ramirez and Raymond Mendez,failed to return. Both Rambn and Raymond enlisted in the Marine Corps and both were killed in action in Korea. All the others completed their term of service and were honorably discharged at the end of the war—and we did so without Ken Burns ever knowing we served our country. But we didn't serve to get our name on his list, we went because our country needed us. Unfortunately, Romana Street was an early victim of Urban Renewal. Seventy years later,we see that Romana Street was replaced by Interstate Highway 35 and that the remnants of our street were cleaned,paved,curbed and renamed Quincy Street. Lamentably,there is no commemorative plaque to describe the willingness of the men who rose from there in the 1940s to answer the call to duty,and few are left who remember that Romana Street ever existed. My brother Cesar and I wish to remind everyone that Romana Street existed and that it was,free of bravado and easy patriotism,indeed a place of the free and a home of the brave. G. ROLAND VELA ATHLETIC COMPLEX Dedicated May 26, 2019 In Honor of Dr. Gerard Roland Vela UNITE,GROW, _ VNI7IN CITY OF F �. WIRA DENTON Denton Parks and Rec Mayor and City Council Mayor Chris Watts Gerard Hudspeth, District 1 Keely Briggs, District 2 Jesse Davis, District 3 John Ryan, District 4 Deb Armintor, At Large Place 5 Paul Meltzer, At Large Place 6 Parks, Recreation and Beautification Board Frances Punch, Board Chair Gary Barber, Place 1 Kent Boring, Place 2 Alana Presley Taylor, Place 3 David Shuck, Place 4 George Ferrie, Place 5 Ben Huttash, Place 6 Design and Construction Dunaway Associates, Fort Worth, Texas North Rock Construction, Denton, Texas Opened August 31, 2019 The G. Roland Vela Athletic Complex is named in honor of the life and contributions of Dr. Gerard Roland Vela, a US Navy Veteran, UNT Professor, Civic Leader, Mentor, Husband, and Father. Special thanks to the Denton League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council #4366 for their support and dedication to the Vela family, community, and the City of Denton.