October 2018 Volume 10, Issue 3...• Make sure accessories such as swords, canes, or sticks are not sharp or too long 6. Makeup safety If makeup is a part of your child’s Halloween

October 2018 Volume 10, Issue 3

Inside this issue:

Halloween Safety Tips………………..pg. 3

Health Fair & Wellness Walk Recap………………..pg. 7

Healthy Eating on a Budget………………..pg. 9

Fun Page………………..pg. 11

Winter Care Tips For Your Dog………………..pg. 13

Christmas in the Village………………..pg. 16

Upcoming Events………………..pg. 17

City Council

Manuel Leos

Mayor

Victor Carrejo

Place 1

Alfredo Lopez

Place 2

Sonia Arceo

Place 3

Lulu Cloud

Place 4

Santos Lucero

Place 5

Administrative Staff

Andrea Carrillo, Village Administrator Jannette Monrreal, Admin. Assistant Maria Garcia, Accounting and Budget Supervisor Enrique Medina, Accounting and Budget

Analyst Norma Gomez, Sanitation Clerk

Josh Luna, Media Specialist & Community

Outreach

Greetings Vinton,

Our days of summer have come and gone, as fall is upon us. The monsoon

season was not much of a factor for the Village of Vinton this year, but we

were ready for what this season may have brought us. Our Public Works pro-

vided hundreds of sand bags to the residents in the event of a flood.

Special thanks to the volunteers, the staff and the non-profit Keep Vinton

Beautiful (KVB) for making the Highway and River Cleanup events a success

this summer. I urge you to please report any illegal dumping, to the Sheriff’s

Department at (915) 886-2724 or to city hall at (915) 886-5104. This is

where we live, it’s our Home do not let anyone Trash It! Also, thank you to

the participants, sponsors and staff for the great job on our 13th annual

Health Fair & Wellness Walk at Bill Childress Elementary.

Here in Vinton, we are in the midst of change as we are in the final stages of

bringing the infrastructure that is so critically needed. But we must not stop

with the water and wastewater projects, as we are at a point in time that we must take control of our destiny.

This community is undergoing the biggest change of its history. We, the elected officials and the residents,

must take on the challenge to work together for the betterment of the community. How will we do this? By un-

derstanding the duties and responsibilities of the elected official and of the residents.

This is how we the elected officials and the residents can take charge of our destiny, by bringing these attributes

forth and working together. Let us not lose sight of our Vision and Mission. It’s “Our Time, Our History”, as always,

my door is open to you.

Respectfully yours,

Manuel “Manny” Leos, Sr.

It’s the duty of the elected official to have these at-

tributes to serve the community:

• Integrity

• Consistency

• Confidence

• Dedication to the interest of citizens and the com-

munity as a whole

• Strong communication, including being a good lis-

tener

• Openness to the thoughts and ideas of others

• Being approachable and accessible

• Willingness to work cooperatively with others

And the residents have these responsibilities to better

the community:

• Participate in your community events and commit-

tees

• Be informed about what is going on in your communi-

ty

• Participate in the democratic process

• Follow the rules and laws

• Respect the property of others

• Be a good neighbor

• Protect the environment

Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety. There are

several easy and effective behaviors that parents can share with kids to help reduce their

risk of injury .

Trick-or-treating safety tips

1. Provide adult supervision

Trick or treat is safer – not to mention more fun

– in groups, and adult supervision is essential.

So get together with other adults and make an

evening of it. Bring cellphones for quick pictures

and emergencies, but leave them in your pock-

ets to avoid getting distracted.

2. Stay on the sidewalks

The thrill of the holiday often factors into acci-

dents as excited kids rush from door to door. Keep children on the sidewalks, and shepherd them care-

fully when they need to cross the road. In areas without sidewalks, walk on the far edge of the road, fac-

ing traffic.

3. Carefully check candy

Check candy for choking hazards like gum and hard candies. Throw away any candy that is not sealed

with a wrapper and avoid homemade treats received from strangers.

Costume safety tips

4. Choose bright, visible costumes

When selecting a costume, opt for the bright-colored

outfits and add a touch of reflective tape to the ma-

terial. Stick some reflective tape on their trick-or-

treat bags as well so they can be easily spotted by

motorists. Lastly, don’t forget to make sure they’re

equipped with a flashlight or glow stick – must-have

accessories for any costume.

5. Make sure costumes are well-fitted and

safe

Being visible isn’t the only safety consideration for a

costume. The right fit is just as important. Here’s

some advice on keeping your child’s ensemble safe and secure:

• Prevent accidental tripping or entanglement by making sure costumes aren’t too big or long

• Avoid masks that block vision, but if your child wears one – it should have large eye, nose and

mouth openings. You can also op for makeup or face paint as an alternative

• Costumes, wigs and accessories should contain a label indicating they are flame resistant

• Make sure accessories such as swords, canes, or sticks are not sharp or too long

6. Makeup safety

If makeup is a part of your child’s Halloween costume plans, make sure it is non-toxic and test it on a

small area first. Before your child goes to bed, make sure to remove all makeup.

Home Safety Tips

7. Jack-o-lantern safety

Young children can paint or color their

pumpkins instead of carving. Or have

them draw a face with markers and an

adult can do the carving. Use colorful glow

sticks inside your Jack-o-lanterns instead

of candles to prevent burns.

8. Home decoration safety

If you’re turning your home into a haunted

house, keep safety in mind: make sure

steps, sidewalks, porches and paths are

well-lit and free of decorations and holiday

props. Keep decorations away from fire-

places and candles.

9. Take precaution against pranks and vandalism

Unfortunately, vandalism often increases during Halloween. That’s why taking these precautions is a

good idea:

• If you’re going away during Halloween, make it seem like you’re still home by turning down the vol-

ume of your answering machine and phone, covering your garage windows, and leaving your cur-

tains in normal positions with valuables out of sight.

• Install outdoor lighting (activated by a photocell or movement) to illuminate the area around your

home during Halloween.

• Consider purchasing a security system that directly alerts police to intruders.

• Trim shrubs and large trees before Halloween so trespassers have fewer hiding spots.

• Make sure your homeowners insurance policy is up-to-date.

Car and driving safety tips

10. Use extra caution while driving

Drivers need to take particular care on this chaotic

night. Keep your car parked if you can, but if you have

to drive through a neighborhood, take it much slower

than normal. Watch for kids who may dart between

cars and into the road without looking. Read

our Halloween Driving Safety Guide for more useful

tips.

11. Protect your car

Cars are another common target of vandalism on Hal-

loween. Here are some ways you can help secure your

car:

• Park inside if you can on Halloween. Your garage

is your best bet. If you do not have a garage you

may want to consider investing in some outdoor lighting for your driveway and yard.

• Make sure your car is locked on Halloween. Oftentimes, vandals complete their missions with ease

when doors are unlocked and windows are down/cracked.

• Consider a car alarm.

• Hide your valuables on Halloween. Don’t give thieves any extra incentive to break into your car.

Source: Nationwide

The 13th Annual Health Fair & Wellness Walk was a huge success! The event featured 90 walk partici-

pants, 29 exhibitor booths, free backpacks and school supplies, food, dancing, raffles and more.

Thank you to our sponsors El Paso Health, El Paso Electric, Costco, La Feria Food Store and Petro Stop-

ping Centers for helping us with this great community event. The Village of Vinton would like to express

our deepest gratitude for your commitment and continued support.

Take a look at some of the highlights from the 2018 Health Fair & Wellness Walk.

Healthy food can be expensive. Therefore, it can be difficult to eat well when you're on a

tight budget. However, there are many ways to save money and still eat whole, single-

ingredient foods. Here are 5 clever tips that can help you eat healthy on a budget.

1. Plan Your Meals

When it comes to saving money at the grocery store, planning is essential. Use one day each week to

plan your meals for the upcoming week. Then, make a grocery list of what you need. Also, make sure to

scan your fridge and cabinets to see what you already have. There are usually a lot of foods hidden in

the back that can be used. Only plan to purchase what you know you're going to use, so that you don't

end up throwing away a lot of what you buy.

2. Stick to Your Grocery List

Once you've planned your meals and made your grocery list, stick to it. It's very easy to get sidetracked

at the grocery store, which can lead to unintended, expensive purchases. As a general rule, try to shop

the perimeter of the store first. This will make you more likely to fill your cart with whole foods. The mid-

dle of the store often contains the most processed and unhealthy foods. If you find yourself in these

aisles, look to the top or bottom of the shelves rather than straight ahead. The most expensive items

are usually placed at eye level. Additionally, there are now many great grocery list apps to help you

shop. Some of them can even save favorite items or share lists between multiple shoppers. Using an

app is also a great way to make sure you don't forget your list at home.

3. Cook at Home

Cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out. Make it a habit to cook at home, rather than eating

out at the last minute. Generally, you can feed an entire family of 4 for the same price as buying food

for one or two people at a restaurant. Some people find it best to cook for the entire week on the week-

ends, while others cook one meal at a time. By cooking yourself, you also gain the benefit of knowing

exactly what is in your food.

4. Cook Large Portions and Use Your Leftovers

Cooking large meals can save you both time and money. Leftovers can be used for lunches, in other rec-

ipes or frozen in single-portion sizes to be enjoyed later on. Leftovers usually make very good stews, stir-

fries, salads and burritos. These types of food are especially great for people on a budget.

5. Don't Shop When You're Hungry

If you go to the grocery store hungry, you are more likely to stray from your grocery list and buy some-

thing on impulse. When you're hungry, you often crave foods that aren't good for you or your budget. Try

to grab a piece of fruit, yogurt or other healthy snack before you go to the store.

Source: Healthline

Recipe courtesy of Delish

RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds) • 1 zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced into half-moons • 3 medium tomatoes, halved and thinly sliced into half-moons • 2 yellow bell peppers, thinly sliced • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning • Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 1 c. shredded mozzarella • Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400°. Make slits in each chicken breast, being careful not to cut through com-

pletely, and stuff with zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion. 2. Drizzle with oil and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with mozzarella. 3. Bake until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside, 25 minutes. 4. Garnish with parsley before serving.

This is the opposite of boring, flavorless chicken breast. It's literally packed with colorful flavor. Bonus: It's insanely good for you!

You can stuff this chicken with ALMOST ANYTHING. Try sliced ham, Swiss, and pickle chips, or sun-dried to-matoes, kalamata olives, and feta.

1. Let’s talk temperature!

Some dog breeds are blessed with thick fur that keeps them warm naturally, even in very cold tempera-

tures, but dogs with thin coats may need to wear a sweater or coat when out for winter walks. A good

coat should reach from the neck to the base of the tail and also protect the belly. But remember that

coats will not prevent frostbite on the ears, feet or tail … so even with a cozy coat, don’t keep your short

haired dog out too long in freezing temperatures.

2. Go outside when the sun shines

If your dog feels the cold, try to walk her in the late morning or early afternoon hours when tempera-

tures are a little warmer, and avoid early morning or late evening walks. Spend time playing outdoors

while it’s sunny; sunshine brings the added benefit of providing both you and your pet with vitamin D.

Play fetch with toys, not sticks, which can cause choking

and other injuries. So, if your dog likes to chew and chase,

pack a Frisbee, ball or other safe toy and play together in

the sun.

3. Limit outdoor time in winter

Your family pet may love to spend time outdoors but in win-

ter even the furriest dog can get cold. Ears, paws and tails

are all susceptible to frostbite. Take your dog out frequently

for walks, exercise and play … but when the temperature

Does your dog love the winter or would

she rather cuddle up on the couch under

a cozy blanket? Either way, you should

be prepared to protect her when she ven-

tures out into the elements. Winter care

tips for your dog are important to keep

her safe this season.

Many dog owners live with the miscon-

ception that because their pets have a

coat of fur, they can tolerate the cold bet-

ter than humans. This isn’t necessarily

the case. Like us, these fur-coated crea-

tures are used to the warmth of indoor shelter and cold weather can be as hard on them as it is on us

humans. Whatever your viewpoint on winter, one thing remains certain: it’s a time when our beloved

pets need a little extra care.

Here are 8 winter care tips to keep in mind as you explore the winter landscape with your faithful four-

legged friend.

Source: Dogs Naturally Magazine

drops, don’t leave him outdoors for long periods of time. A good

rule is to go out with him and when you’re ready to come in, he

probably will be too. If he’s outside in your yard by himself, check

often to make sure he’s not showing signs of feeling cold.

4. Cozy bedding

In addition to limiting your dog’s time outdoors on cold days,

don’t let your pooch sleep on a cold floor in winter. Choosing the

right bedding is vital to ensure your dog stays warm. Warm blan-

kets can create a snug environment; raised beds can keep your

dog off cold tiles or concrete, and heated pet beds can help keep the stiffness out of aging joints. Place

your dog’s bed in a warm spot away from drafts, cold tile or uncarpeted floors, preferably in a favorite

spot where she sleeps every day so that the area doesn’t feel unfamiliar.

5. Protect your dog from heaters

Dogs will often seek heat during cold winter weather by snuggling too close to heating sources. Avoid

space heaters and install baseboard radiator covers to avoid your pet getting burned. Fireplaces also

pose a major threat so please make sure you have a pet proof system to keep your heat-seeking pal out

of harm’s way!

6. Moisturize

Dry and cold weather can do a number on your pet’s skin. Help prevent dry, flaky skin by adding a skin

and coat supplement to her food. Coconut oil is a good natural moisturizer that can help keep your pet’s

skin and coat healthy. If you find your pet’s paws, ears or tail are dry or cracking, you can also apply co-

conut oil topically as needed.

7. No overfeeding please!

Although dogs may need an extra layer in win-

ter, make sure it comes from a coat and not a

layer of fat. Cold temperatures may even bring

on lazy behavior and the need for fewer calo-

ries. Be attentive to your dog’s activity level

and adjust her calories accordingly. A high

quality, whole foods, preferably raw meat

based diet will help ensure a healthy coat and

good energy for the cold winter months.

8. Keep your dog hydrated

Dogs can dehydrate just as quickly in winter

as summer. Although many dogs eat snow,

it’s not an adequate substitute for fresh water.

If your dog spends time outdoors in your yard,

make sure she has access to a water bowl,

check it often and break ice that forms on top.

CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE

DECEMBER 8, 2018

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NOVEMBER 2018

City Council Meeting - Meetings begin

at 6:30 PM. We encourage all Vinton

residents to attend all City Council

meetings to stay informed.

Town Hall Meeting - Join Mayor Leos

for coffee and voice your opinions.

Meeting starts at 9 AM.

River Cleanup - Join Keep Vinton

Beautiful in keeping our portion of the

Rio Grande clean. Meet under the

bridge in Vinton at 9 AM.

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1 Office

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Reopens

DECEMBER 2018

Thanksgiving Day - Vinton City Hall will

be closed in observance of Thanksgiving

Day. Regular office hours resume Mon-

day, November 26 at 8 AM.

Christmas in the Village - Come cele-

brate Christmas in the Village with us at

Dr. Applegate Park at 12 PM. Enjoy lo-

cal performances, food vendors, craft

vendors and a special visit from Santa!

Veterans Day - Vinton City Hall will be

closed in observance of Veterans Day on

Monday, November 12. Regular office

hours resume Tuesday, November 13 at

8 AM.

Election Day - at El Paso County

Northwest Annex located on 435 E.

Vinton Rd. 7 AM to 7 PM.

Let’s get social!

Follow us on all our net-

works

@keepvintonbeaut

@vinton_tx

/kvbtx

/villageofvinton

www.vintontx.govoffice2.com

The Village of Vinton website is

the official source of information.

Place your ad here!

Call us at 886-5104 for

rate information

Place your ad here!

Call us at 886-5104 for

rate information