Phone: 281-980-6745 ww ww w.fbindependent.com .fbindependent.com P.O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2011 VOL 4 No. 45 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor 10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745 Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487. Official newspaper of Fort Bend County, Missouri City & Sugar Land Gold & Silver Refiner y Bring in gold and silver jewelry ; go with a hand full of cash. We have no middle men and can afford to pay higher than competitors. NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 3599 Highway 6, Sugar Land 281-313-9999 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday (In the Kroger Shopping Center at Settlersway) We buy gold and silver jewelry and scrap, melt it on the spot. That is why we can afford to pay more. Visit us once before you go elsewhere. By SESHADRI KUMAR The filing deadline for the 2012 March primary elections has been changed, following a court order. The filing will begin on Nov. 28 instead of the originally scheduled date of Nov. 12. A three-member panel of federal judges in San Antonio, which is hearing legal chal- lenges to the redistricting plan adopted by the State Legis- lature, issued the ruling last week. The court is working on drawing new district boundar- ies for the upcoming elections but has not yet finished, and candidate filing was to have begun next week. Earlier this year, the Texas Legislature moved up the pri- mary filing period for candi- dates by about a month be- cause lawmakers wanted to give military voters more time to cast ballots. But because the state’s new redistricting plans are still tied up in courts, the panel of judg- es in San Antonio moved the filing date and shortened the filing period. The court has also issued a revised ruling on residency re- quirements. Since the composition of House and Senate districts in which candidates might offer themselves is uncertain until the Court enters an order per- taining to the districts of the offices and to be fair to the present officeholders, poten- tial candidates and the citizens of Texas, the court found it necessary to modify the resi- dence requirements. “Therefore, it is ordered that for the 2012 elections to the Texas House of Repre- sentatives and Texas Senate a person must be a resident of the district the person seeks to represent from December 15, 2011 until the date of the General Election. It is further ordered that an incorrect pre- cinct designation on an appli- cation for a place on the ballot shall not render the applica- tion invalid if the designation is corrected on or before De- cember 19, 2011. An applica- tion for a place on the ballot for the office of precinct chair shall not be invalid if filed more than 90 days before the end of the filing period.” The first day to file an ap- plication for a place on the Primary Ballot as described in Texas Election Code shall be November 28, 2011. An application for a place on the general primary elec- tion ballot must be filed not later than 6 p.m. on December 15, 2011 as described in Texas Election Code. On Nov. 7, 2011, Fort Bend County Republican Party Chairman Sharon Robrts is- sued an advisory for all pre- cinct chairs, elected officials and announced candidates with an update on the 2012 primary election filing period and changes to the election calendar over the next several weeks and months. Roberts said, “As a result of a court order from a federal panel of judges in San Anto- nio, the new filing period for the March 2012 Primary Elec- tions has been condensed and pushed back from November 28 to December 15, 2011. These changes apply to all races on the March 2012 Pri- mary Election ballot in Texas - federal, state, county, an lo- cal offices.” Roberts remarked, “At this time, it is not clear what leg- islative lines and districts will be ordered by the court, and this delay in their ruling has necessitated the changes in the election calendar. We do expect that the federal panel will be handing down interim maps later this month. “In a related topic for our County Commissioners Court to decide, once those interim maps are implemented, the federal panel in San Antonio has granted a deadline of De- cember 13 for new precinct lines to be enacted so that our county’s precincts can be properly organized along the lines of the new districts.” To comply with the new filing period, Roberts also an- nounced that she will be avail- able to receive applications for a place on the Republican primary ballot at the follow- ing location(s) and date(s). (See the listing on Page 8.) The grand-opening cer- emony of Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library will take place on Thursday, November 10, be- ginning at 6:00 p.m. at the new library, located at 14010 Uni- versity Blvd. in Sugar Land. The library is a joint project between Fort Bend County, the University of Houston System at Sugar Land, and Wharton County Junior College. The grand opening will be officiated by Fort Bend Coun- ty Judge Bob Hebert, who will be joined by other county, uni- versity, and local officials. All area residents are invited to come out and take part in the grand-opening reception. The library sits on the Uni- versity of Houston-System Sugar Land campus. The new library, designed by Baily Ar- chitects, Inc. of Houston, is a two-story building of 40,193 square feet, making it the third largest library in the system. A bond referendum ap- proved by voters in May 2006 included funds for three coun- ty library construction proj- ects: the University Branch Library in partnership with the University of Houston campus in Sugar Land and Wharton County Junior College; the Sienna Branch Library in part- nership with Houston Commu- nity College; and renovations at George Memorial Library in Richmond. The University Branch is the second joint-use facility in the Fort Bend Coun- ty library system. The library includes com- munity meeting rooms, study rooms, a puppet theater, and a computer lab for technology classes and general public use. Additional computers will be available for public use out- side of the computer lab. The library has free WiFi access for individuals wishing to bring their own laptop computers to the library. Beginning the week of No- vember 14, the Youth Services department will have a full range of children’s programs, including Mother Goose Time for infants, Toddler Time for babies from 12 to 36 months of age, Story Time for 3 to 6-year-old children, school- aged programs for children in grades 1 through 5, and pro- grams for tweens. The library will offer intro- ductory computer classes for adults. Patrons may learn com- puter basics such as how to use a computer, how to search the Internet, and how to use Mi- crosoft Office programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. A wide variety of books for children and adults are avail- able for recreational read- ing and research. Magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual materials are also on hand. The library offers audio books that can be downloaded from home, as well as a generous assortment of databases that patrons may access in the li- brary or from home. The Uni- versity Branch Library will utilize Radio Frequency Iden- tification (RFID) technology in its check-out system. “The University Branch Library is the second county library/college partnership in the Fort Bend County library system,” says Library Director Clara Russell. “Part of our library mission is to provide an environment of lifelong learning and en- richment for the entire, diverse community, and this new ven- ture just reinforces our com- mitment to providing a con- tinuum of service for people of all ages. We hope the residents in the area will find the new li- brary a pleasant and enjoyable place where they can study or just relax with a good book.” The hours of operation for the new branch library will be as follows: Monday, 12 noon - 9 p.m; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m – 9 p.m, Wednesday, 10 a.m – 6 p.m; Friday, 12:00 noon - 5 p.m; and Saturday, 10 a.m - 5 p.m. The library will be closed on Sundays. For more information, call the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677. University branch library opens The doctors of Stafford Chiro- practic Clinic are getting ready for their sixth annual Macaroni Moun- tain food drive benefiting the Food Pantry at East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Inc. The dates for the pasta food drive are Nov. 1 - Nov. 30, 2011. Dr. John Felker said, “with this activity, not only are we able to make a significant contribution of food to the com- munity’s coffers, we have the op- portunity to offer the gift of health through Chiropractic”. Patients who donate 35 boxes of Macaroni Roberts Filing deadline for March 6 primary changed Sugar Land Rotary will honor our nation’s veterans at a spe- cial Annual Sugar Land Rotary Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Sweet- water Country Club, 4400 Palm Royale Blvd., Sugar Land, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Hal Jay, Veterans Day Event Chairman, said “This year we will have Rick Yarosh, a hero from the War on Terror, as our speaker. I have known Rick for several years as one of our Impact a Hero soldiers, and he will have a tremendous story to tell.” For reservations contact Sonny Johnston at sonnycpa@wind- stream.net or (281) 240-5700. Serving on the Veterans Day planning team are Sugar Land Rotarians Sonny Johnston, Lerleen Hawkins, Hal Jay - Event Chair, and Greg Pendley - Sugar Land Rotary President. and Cheese will receive a complimentary examination visit and those who donate 25 boxes will receive their regular of- fice visit including an adjustment. “Thanks to our staff and patients, last year was our biggest year, exceeding 1,000 lbs of Mac & Cheese and we hope to grow that amount with this year’s drive. Frequently, we have people who are not even patients, just drop off several boxes and we are glad to give the community that opportunity to share,” said Dr. Felker. Each food order sent from the pantry includes two boxes of pasta. East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry has been help- ing our neighbors in need for over 20 years. To learn more about EFBHNM visit www.HumanNeeds.org, All donations are tax deductible. MAC MOUNTAIN. (From previous pasta food drive) sit- ting - Dr. John Felker, Stafford Chiropractic Clinic; stand- ing, left-to-right – Diane Clark, EFBHNM; Don Fought, Volunteer; Dr. Nelson Stratton, Stafford Chiropractic Clin- ic.
Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.
Offi cial newspaper of Fort Bend County, Missouri City & Sugar Land
Gold & Silver Refi nery
Bring in gold and silver jewelry ;
go with a hand full of cash.
We have no middle men and can aff ord to pay
higher than competitors.
NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC3599 Highway 6, Sugar Land
281-313-999910 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday
(In the Kroger Shopping Center at Settlersway)
We buy gold and silver jewelry and scrap, melt
it on the spot. That is why we can aff ord to pay
more.
Visit us once before you go elsewhere.
By SESHADRI KUMARThe fi ling deadline for the
2012 March primary elections has been changed, following a court order.
The fi ling will begin on Nov. 28 instead of the originally scheduled date of Nov. 12.
A three-member panel of federal judges in San Antonio, which is hearing legal chal-lenges to the redistricting plan adopted by the State Legis-lature, issued the ruling last week.
The court is working on drawing new district boundar-ies for the upcoming elections but has not yet fi nished, and candidate fi ling was to have begun next week.
Earlier this year, the Texas Legislature moved up the pri-mary fi ling period for candi-dates by about a month be-cause lawmakers wanted to give military voters more time to cast ballots.
But because the state’s new redistricting plans are still tied up in courts, the panel of judg-es in San Antonio moved the fi ling date and shortened the fi ling period.
The court has also issued a revised ruling on residency re-quirements.
Since the composition of House and Senate districts in which candidates might offer themselves is uncertain until the Court enters an order per-taining to the districts of the offi ces and to be fair to the present offi ceholders, poten-tial candidates and the citizens of Texas, the court found it necessary to modify the resi-dence requirements.
“Therefore, it is ordered that for the 2012 elections to
the Texas House of Repre-sentatives and Texas Senate a person must be a resident of the district the person seeks to represent from December 15, 2011 until the date of the General Election. It is further ordered that an incorrect pre-cinct designation on an appli-cation for a place on the ballot shall not render the applica-tion invalid if the designation is corrected on or before De-cember 19, 2011. An applica-tion for a place on the ballot for the offi ce of precinct chair shall not be invalid if fi led more than 90 days before the end of the fi ling period.”
The fi rst day to fi le an ap-plication for a place on the Primary Ballot as described in Texas Election Code shall be November 28, 2011.
An application for a place on the general primary elec-tion ballot must be fi led not later than 6 p.m. on December 15, 2011 as described in Texas Election Code.
On Nov. 7, 2011, Fort Bend County Republican Party Chairman Sharon Robrts is-sued an advisory for all pre-
cinct chairs, elected offi cials and announced candidates with an update on the 2012 primary election fi ling period and changes to the election calendar over the next several weeks and months.
Roberts said, “As a result of a court order from a federal panel of judges in San Anto-nio, the new fi ling period for the March 2012 Primary Elec-tions has been condensed and pushed back from November 28 to December 15, 2011. These changes apply to all races on the March 2012 Pri-mary Election ballot in Texas - federal, state, county, an lo-cal offi ces.”
Roberts remarked, “At this time, it is not clear what leg-islative lines and districts will be ordered by the court, and this delay in their ruling has necessitated the changes in the election calendar. We do expect that the federal panel will be handing down interim maps later this month.
“In a related topic for our County Commissioners Court to decide, once those interim maps are implemented, the federal panel in San Antonio has granted a deadline of De-cember 13 for new precinct lines to be enacted so that our county’s precincts can be properly organized along the lines of the new districts.”
To comply with the new fi ling period, Roberts also an-nounced that she will be avail-able to receive applications for a place on the Republican primary ballot at the follow-ing location(s) and date(s).
(See the listing on Page 8.)
The grand-opening cer-emony of Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library will take place on Thursday, November 10, be-ginning at 6:00 p.m. at the new library, located at 14010 Uni-versity Blvd. in Sugar Land. The library is a joint project between Fort Bend County, the University of Houston System at Sugar Land, and Wharton County Junior College.
The grand opening will be offi ciated by Fort Bend Coun-ty Judge Bob Hebert, who will be joined by other county, uni-versity, and local offi cials. All area residents are invited to come out and take part in the grand-opening reception.
The library sits on the Uni-versity of Houston-System Sugar Land campus. The new library, designed by Baily Ar-chitects, Inc. of Houston, is a two-story building of 40,193 square feet, making it the third largest library in the system.
A bond referendum ap-proved by voters in May 2006 included funds for three coun-ty library construction proj-ects: the University Branch Library in partnership with the University of Houston campus in Sugar Land and Wharton County Junior College; the Sienna Branch Library in part-nership with Houston Commu-nity College; and renovations at George Memorial Library
in Richmond. The University Branch is the second joint-use facility in the Fort Bend Coun-ty library system.
The library includes com-munity meeting rooms, study rooms, a puppet theater, and a computer lab for technology classes and general public use. Additional computers will be available for public use out-side of the computer lab. The library has free WiFi access for individuals wishing to bring their own laptop computers to the library.
Beginning the week of No-vember 14, the Youth Services department will have a full range of children’s programs, including Mother Goose Time for infants, Toddler Time for babies from 12 to 36 months of age, Story Time for 3 to 6-year-old children, school-aged programs for children in grades 1 through 5, and pro-grams for tweens.
The library will offer intro-ductory computer classes for adults. Patrons may learn com-puter basics such as how to use a computer, how to search the Internet, and how to use Mi-crosoft Offi ce programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
A wide variety of books for children and adults are avail-able for recreational read-ing and research. Magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual
materials are also on hand. The library offers audio books that can be downloaded from home, as well as a generous assortment of databases that patrons may access in the li-brary or from home. The Uni-versity Branch Library will utilize Radio Frequency Iden-tifi cation (RFID) technology in its check-out system.
“The University Branch Library is the second county library/college partnership in the Fort Bend County library system,” says Library Director Clara Russell.
“Part of our library mission is to provide an environment of lifelong learning and en-richment for the entire, diverse community, and this new ven-ture just reinforces our com-mitment to providing a con-tinuum of service for people of all ages. We hope the residents in the area will fi nd the new li-brary a pleasant and enjoyable place where they can study or just relax with a good book.”
The hours of operation for the new branch library will be as follows: Monday, 12 noon - 9 p.m; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m – 9 p.m, Wednesday, 10 a.m – 6 p.m; Friday, 12:00 noon - 5 p.m; and Saturday, 10 a.m - 5 p.m. The library will be closed on Sundays. For more information, call the library’s Public Information Offi ce at 281-341-2677.
University branch library opens
The doctors of Stafford Chiro-practic Clinic are getting ready for their sixth annual Macaroni Moun-tain food drive benefi ting the Food Pantry at East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Inc. The dates for the pasta food drive are Nov. 1 - Nov. 30, 2011. Dr. John Felker said, “with this activity, not only are we able to make a signifi cant contribution of food to the com-munity’s coffers, we have the op-portunity to offer the gift of health through Chiropractic”. Patients who donate 35 boxes of Macaroni
Roberts
Filing deadline for March 6 primary changed
Sugar Land Rotary will honor our nation’s veterans at a spe-cial Annual Sugar Land Rotary Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Sweet-water Country Club, 4400 Palm Royale Blvd., Sugar Land, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Hal Jay, Veterans Day Event Chairman, said “This year we will have Rick Yarosh, a hero from the War on Terror, as our speaker. I have known Rick for several years as one of our Impact a Hero soldiers, and he will have a tremendous story to tell.” For reservations contact Sonny Johnston at [email protected] or (281) 240-5700.
Serving on the Veterans Day planning team are Sugar Land Rotarians Sonny Johnston, Lerleen Hawkins, Hal Jay - Event Chair, and Greg Pendley - Sugar Land Rotary President.
and Cheese will receive a complimentary examination visit and those who donate 25 boxes will receive their regular of-fi ce visit including an adjustment. “Thanks to our staff and patients, last year was our biggest year, exceeding 1,000 lbs of Mac & Cheese and we hope to grow that amount with this year’s drive. Frequently, we have people who are not even patients, just drop off several boxes and we are glad to give the community that opportunity to share,” said Dr. Felker. Each food order sent from the pantry includes two boxes of pasta. East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry has been help-ing our neighbors in need for over 20 years. To learn more about EFBHNM visit www.HumanNeeds.org, All donations are tax deductible.MAC MOUNTAIN. (From previous pasta food drive) sit-ting - Dr. John Felker, Stafford Chiropractic Clinic; stand-ing, left-to-right – Diane Clark, EFBHNM; Don Fought, Volunteer; Dr. Nelson Stratton, Stafford Chiropractic Clin-ic.
PERRYHOMESA T T B O 43 Y
B Q H $140s $850s
O 20 C H A ! V W F C L !
PERRYHOMES.comPlans, prices and availability are subject to change without notice. (11/10)
V O F B C !Cross Creek Ranch2,200 - 2,900 sq. ft. (281) 633-25552,900 - 3,300 sq. ft. (281) 238-0919 2,900 - 3,700 sq. ft. (281) 238-0919
Westheimer Lakes1,600 - 3,100 sq. ft. (832) 222-2120
Old Orchard 1,900 - 4,000 sq. ft. (281) 277-18002,600 - 4,400 sq. ft. (281) 265-4555
The Oaks of Rosenberg 2,100 - 3,300 sq. ft. (281) 633-9366
River Park West2,200 - 3,300 sq. ft. (832) 222-2804
Telfair3,800 - 5,400 sq. ft. (281) 778-0050
Riverstone2,200 - 2,900 sq. ft. (281) 778-2100 2,600 - 4,100 sq. ft. (281) 778-3840
Sienna Plantation3,400 - 7,000 sq. ft. (281) 778-7800
Creekmont1,900 - 3,500 sq. ft. (281) 431-8600
Shadow Creek Ranch1,600 - 2,900 sq. ft. (713) 436-87511,900 - 3,300 sq. ft. (713) 436-93702,500 - 3,300 sq. ft. (713) 436-8751
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102
65
3
10
610
9059
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906
6
99
1093
1464
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723
1WEST PARK
FORT BEND
521288
10
98
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NewsPage 2 • INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 9, 2011
On Wednesday, Novem-ber 2, the Brain Injury As-sociation of Texas presented Representative John Zerwas, M.D. (R-Richmond) with its
Legislative Excellence Award in recognition of his dedica-tion to the survivors of brain injury and their families.
The Brain Injury Associa-
Become an essential part of an adult student’s life by sign-ing up to be a tutor at the Literacy Council!
The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County will be holding tutor training on Saturday, November 12 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday, November 14 and Wednesday, November 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
After 12 hours of training, outstanding volunteers are equipped to teach Basic Literacy and English as a Second Lan-guage (ESL) classes to adults. The training prepares tutors to organize and compile lesson plans, learn about various tutoring techniques, understand the purpose of the Literacy Council and much more.
Tutors do not need knowledge of any foreign language, nor do they need formal teaching experience. There are only three qualifi cations needed to become a tutor at the Literacy Coun-cil, a desire to help adult students, patience and commitment to three hours of tutoring per week.
“The reward that our tutors feel after helping a student fi nd their “voice” is indescribable,” said Amelia Perez, Program Director.
“Students arrive at the Literacy Council timid and shy, but once they feel comfortable with the language and their speak-ing abilities, their confi dence soars and they are saying ‘Hello’ to everyone they pass in the hallways. It is an incredible trans-formation and a source of pride for the tutors.”
If you are interested in impacting someone’s life by becom-ing a tutor, please contact the Literacy Council at 281-240-8181 or visit the website at www.ftbendliteracy.org.
The Sugar Land Skeeters has announced the start of the “Name Your Mascot” contest.
“Our mascot is a character that will always be with us, whether it is the preseason, postseason or off season,” said Christopher Hill, Skee-ters Vice-President for Busi-ness Development.
“Our mascot will stay with us forever and becomes the face of the organization in the community. When people see our mascot out and about, they will think Sugar Land Skeeters.”
The mascot will be named by the children of Sugar Land and surrounding communi-ties.
Children must go online to the team website (www.SugarLandSkeeters.com) and download a form to color and
submit to the organization. Forms will also be available at the Pro Shop located in Sugar Land Town Center.
Kids ages 13 and younger are encouraged to write-in their favorite name for the new mascot.
The winner of the contest will be named President of the Kroger Kids Club for the 2012 season.
The President will receive honorary membership in the Kroger Kids Club as well as four tickets to the Historic Opening Day Game on April 26, 2012. The contest will run from November 7-25.
The mascot was created by Dave Raymond of Ray-mond Entertainment Group. Raymond pioneered the fi eld of sports mascots with his in-novative inhabitation of the
world-renowned Phillie Pha-natic.
He was the original Phanat-ic, and his vision and perfor-mance skill spawned a revolu-tion in the mascot industry.
The Sugar Land Skeeters minor league baseball team, led by Manager and former Major League All-Star Gary Gaetti, will play in the $35 million-dollar StarTex Power Field, which is being con-structed by the City of Sugar Land and the Skeeters at the intersection of State Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 90A.
The Sugar Land Skeeters will play 70 regular season home games annually, begin-ning in April 2012. StarTex Power Field will play host to a multitude of other sport-ing events including football, soccer, lacrosse, cheerlead-
ing, and band competitions, as well as concerts, group out-ings, and scout sleepovers.
Fixed-seat stadium capac-ity is approximately 6,200 for baseball, plus additional lawn and standing room only tick-ets. StarTex Power Field has a capacity of over 10,000 in concert confi guration.
The Sugar Land Skeeters offi ces are presently located at 16160 City Walk in Sugar Land Town Square, Sugar Land, TX 77479 where ad-ditional information, tickets, and Inaugural Season mer-chandise are available. The Skeeters may be reached at www.SugarLandSkeeters.com or by calling 281.240.HITS (4487), and on Face-book (facebook.com/Sugar-LandSkeeters) and Twitter (@SL_Skeeters).
Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) presented a check for $41,000 to the Fort Bend County Women’s Center (FBCWC) on October 21, the fi nal night of their International Seminar and 30th anniversary celebration in Sugar Land. From left: Jim Smith, PCCA President; Vita Goodell, Executive Director of FBCWC; Linda Schoonmaker, President of FBCWC Board of Directors; Lizzie Dragon, PCCA Vice President of Marketing, Education & Member Relations and Cyndi Hicks, PCCA Director of Event Management.
Erin Garrison, left, Administrative Director of BIATX, with Representative John Zerwas, M.D.
Name Your Mascot: Skeeters announce contest
tion of Texas (BIATX), found-ed in 1982, strives to meet the urgent need to develop pro-grams for public awareness and education regarding brain injury, to support research and rehabilitation and to provide family guidance.
During his time as Repre-sentative of District 28, Dr. Zerwas has introduced a myr-iad of health and human ser-vices initiatives that have im-proved the healthcare of Texas patients.
As a physician for more than 30 years and one of three doctors in the Texas House of Representatives, Representa-tive Zerwas brings a unique perspective to the legislature. Dr. Zerwas has been an infl u-ential member of the Public Health Committee since he was elected to the offi ce in 2006, and he is the chair of the Appropriations subcommittee on Health and Human Ser-vices. He also serves on the Calendars Committee.
Brain injury association honors Dr. Zerwas
Literacy Council of Fort Bend County Offers Tutor Training
HELP WANTEDLicensed X-Ray Technician position in Fort Bend County area.Fluent Spanish required. Must be willing to learn additional patient care skills. Send resume, including 3 professional references to: X-ray Tech Position, P.O. Box 2908; Sugar Land,TX 77487-2908.
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By BARBARA FULENWIDERThe new superintendent of
Stafford Municipal School District, Lance Hindt , will be the featured speaker on Dec. 9 at the Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce lun-cheon being co-sponsored by the city of Stafford.
With this feather in the school district’s cap it appears to be an ideal time to try and get more Stafford businesses actively supporting the state’s only municipal school dis-trict.
So the city plans to invite a number of Stafford CEOs to sit at the city’s sponsored table(s) at the event.
Mayor Leonard Scarcella started council’s discussion on the matter at their Nov. 2 meeting and all agreed that “this is a most important func-tion to enable the city to con-nect the school district with the business community.”
The mayor went on to say that “a lot of the CEOs of companies in Stafford live in Fort Bend ISD so support that district’s programs. We need to take action now and try to get as much support and at-tendance at this luncheon as we can” for Stafford Munici-pal School District (SMSD).
Councilman Robert Sorbet told council that at the recep-tion held for Hindt in Sep-tember, “We had more peo-
ple who attended than were expected, and that’s a good thing.”
Sorbet also said that invita-tions to the chamber luncheon need to go to all Stafford busi-nesses that get the Freeport exemption or are in the en-terprise zone and that the city needs to target businesses that are not on the chamber’s list.
“The goal,” Sorbet said, “is to promote Stafford, Stafford Centre and SMSD. We want the largest businesses there so they can partner with SMSD and will book their future events at Stafford Centre and not at hotels in other cities.”
“Many business people here,” Scarcella said, “act like they don’t know SMSD ex-ists. Those are the ones we particularly want to invite.” Sorbet said he will personally follow up with phone calls to CEO’s after the invitations are mailed.
Hindt, who was in the au-dience and spoke at the meet-ing, said the school district “has been engaged in trying to get in the door and talk to the right (corporate) people.” He asked that the city specifi -cally put the CEO’s names on the invitations.
Scarcella noted that the city paid $511,148 for services to the school district. Total city police services ran $190,210, facility usage cost $226,014
and total city programs cost $94,925.
The mayor also pointed out that if all school-age children who live in Stafford attended SMSD, the school district would not have to send any more of its tax dollars to Aus-tin because it would no longer be considered a property rich school district.
To back that up, Scarcella presented U.S. Census fi gures in a chart, which showed that in 2010 white students living in Stafford numbered 421 but only 152 attended SMSD. Out of 579 Asian school-age chil-dren living in Stafford only 268 attended; of Latinos 1,250 lived in Stafford and 1,114 at-tended SMSD; Black/African American students living in Stafford totaled 1,240 and 1,027 attended SMSD. Out of
the total of 3,561 school age students living in Stafford, 2,632 attended SMSD last year.
The city of Stafford’s 2010 Census fi gures for the city of Stafford show almost an equal number of all ethnici-ties. There were 3,972 whites, 4,740 blacks, 4,590 Latinos, 4,000 Asians and 391 oth-er for a total population of 17,302.
In 2010, students who at-tended SMSD but did not live in Stafford totaled 600 and that is the same number again this year, Hindt said.
Scarcella said that a huge issue for the city is the avail-ability of land – and we don’t have enough for commercial purposes. He showed a slide of the city’s extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) and said if that were annexed the city would be 23 percent bigger.
“The only reason we don’t is because we want to con-tinue to maintain and be able to do what we can for SMSD. If we annexed these areas we’d be in the districts of Fort Bend, Alief and Hous-ton. We then could no longer give the money to Stafford because we’d have to give all the districts the same amount of money. Not annexing the ETJ keeps SMSD’s integrity intact.”
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on OCTOBER 31, 2011 by the 434th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #10-DCV-180102 in favor of the plaintiff - WINFIELD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $6,790.28 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.
I have levied on NOVEMBER 3, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - JOSEPH AND NEKISHA
MAL VEAUX had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:Legal Description: LOT 36, IN BLOCK FIVE, OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION 6, IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT RECORDED UNDER PLAT FILE NO. 20050039 OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, “THE PROPERTY” ALSO KNOWN AS 2726 DARBY BROOK DRIVE, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545.
TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstableFort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on OCTOBER 31, 2011 by the 434th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #09-DCV-173086 in favor of the plaintiff - WINFIELD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $7,896.63 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.
I have levied on NOVEMBER 3, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - KATINA M.
DEVAUGHN had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:Legal Description: LOT SIX, IN BLOCK THREE, OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION 4, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 2477/A OF THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, “THE PROPERTY” ALSO KNOWN AS 3202 VILLAGE POND LANE, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545.
TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstableFort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION
Notice by Order of Fort Bend County Commissioners Court on September 6, 2011 in accordance with TX LOCAL GOV’T CODE § 263.001. The appointed Commissioner shall sell at public auction real property owned by the County on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.Said property to be sold at public auction is 0.029 acre of land (1,244 sq. feet) being part of a 0.160 acre tract of land, Fort Bend County Clerk’s fi le No. 2010030568 being out of a call 187.0178 acre tract (vol 2569, Pg 2006; offi cial records of Fort Bend County, Texas) being in the D.A. Conner Survey, Abstract No. 158, Fort Bend County, Texas located at the intersection of West Belfort Road and Sam Brookins Road. The auction will be held at the property site located at the intersection of West Belfort Road and Sam Brookins Road.
Administrator needed
Looking for a part time job? Do you know Quicken and
Excel? Are you good on the telephone? The Republican
Party of Fort Bend is looking for a Primary Election
Administrator. For more information, please send
an email (include contact details) with background
With new leader at the helm, Stafford gives boost to school district
The crowds at The Farmers Market at Imperial are help-ing ring the cash registers of local farmers, dairy operators and vendors, according to event organizers who project the market will generate up-wards of $1 million in annual sales.
Keri Schmidt, president of the Fort Bend Chamber says nearly 60 vendors par-ticipate each Saturday, pre-senting shoppers with an ar-ray of fresh-from-the-fi eld fruits and vegetables, pasture raised meats, free range eggs, local cheeses, fresh baked goods, jams and honeys, spic-es, olive oils and more.
“We certainly had high expectations during the plan-ning stage and by all indica-tions, we’ve met or exceeded them all in terms of atten-dance and participation by farmers and dairy operators,” says Schimdt.
The success of the Farm-ers Market at Imperial is par-ticularly good news for small business owner Julie Ham-mond of Hammond Farm who started producing and selling goat cheese, soaps and lotions to supplement her family’s income after losing her job in 2009.
“With the addition of the Farmers Market at Imperial, we now participate in three Houston-area markets to sup-
port the sale of our products,” said Hammond.
“Our sales at Imperial have been strong and steady.”
In addition to strong sales reported by farmers market vendors both at the event and online, nearby merchants also have witnessed an increase in sales since the opening of the Farmers Market at Imperial back in October.
Jaime and Theresa Crespo, whose restaurant Teresitas is tucked away on nearby El-dridge Road, say exposure from the Farmers Market at Imperial has had a positive impact on their business.
“Our experience with the Farmers Market at Impe-rial has been, by far, our most effective marketing tool yet,” says Theresa Crespo. “Since the market has opened, we’ve seen an 18% increase in traf-
Farmers Market at Imperial means big business for vendors, local economy
fi c to our restaurant. Plus, we’ve booked more off-site catered events,” said Theresa Crespo.
Located at Highway 90 and Ulrich Street in front of the Imperial Sugar silos and his-toric Char House, the Farm-ers Market at Imperial is held rain-or-shine Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Organiz-ers recently announced plans to keep the event open year round.
Presented by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, the event is certifi ed as an offi cial
GO TEXAN Farmers Mar-ket by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Imperial Sugar Land’s park-like setting, with sprawl-ing oak trees, allows visitors to enjoy their locally grown food purchases while gather-ing with friends and neigh-bors. Enjoy on-site, ready-to-eat items from Berryhill, Grande Tamales, Udipi Café Sugar Land, Pork Side BBQ and Grill, Teresitas Café, Chef for You, Imperial BBQ and Keba Hut. Plus, free, on-site parking provides easy ac-cess to the market.
Stay up to date as new ven-dors are added to the Farmers Market at Imperial by visit-ing www.ImperialSugarLand.com/FarmersMarket.
Schmidt
FROM THE DESK OF G. M. MAJORS, LIEUTENANTFORT BEND COUNTY PRECINCT TWO
CONSTABLE DEPARTMENT303 TEXAS PARKWAY, SUITE 124 -
MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459OFFICE# 281-403-8010 PERSONAL FAX #281 -403-8033November 4, 201 1ATTENTION: SHAYLON D. JOHNSONYOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED TO CALL (281) 403-8010 IMMEDIATELY TO DISCUSS THE PAYMENT OF AN EXECUTION OF JUDGEMENT AND ORDER OF SALE:Winfi eld Lakes Community AssociationVsSHAYLON D. JOHNSONCivil Docket Number: 10-DCV-180107lf we do not hear from you immediately, we will proceed to collect this judgement by seizing the property and completing the ORDER OF SALE in accordance with the law. This notice is being sent as a courtesy with the intention of saving you time and additional court costs.NOTICE: All payments must be made through this offi ce to assure prop-er credit towards the judgement. Payment should not be made directly to the Plaintiff . BEFORE PAYING ANY AMOUNT, YOU MUST CONTACT OUR OFFICE.If property has already been seized under court orders then you will ftnd an attached sale notice. Such Sale can be avoided by full payment of judgement and cost, please contact our offi ce immediately.
Sincerely,G. M. Majors,Lieutenant
By JARED & BILL JAMESONIt’s diffi cult to understand the
current economic climate with-out fi rst recognizing its central theme: debt. Whether we’re talk-ing about the European banking crisis, persistently high unem-ployment, a collapsing housing market or even a bubble in Chi-nese real estate, almost every current economic problem can ultimately be tied back to the impact of easy credit resulting in unmanageable debt levels. Be-low is a summary of some of the most noteworthy debt situations of today, as well as their histori-cal signifi cance.
Let’s start with the largest is-suer of debt in the world; the US federal government. The cur-rent US debt is $14.9 trillion. If we were to divide this by each American citizen, every man, woman and child would owe around $48,000. The $14.9 tril-lion represents approximately 100 percent of America’s GDP in 2010 (Gross Domestic Prod-uct, or the total amount produced by a nation in a year). The only other time debt exceeded pro-duction in the US in the last 100 years was during World War II.
The government is not the only debtor in America. If you combine outstanding household, business and government debt, Americans owed $50.7 trillion in 2009. This is approximately 3.5 times GDP, and is more than twice as large as the previ-ous high of 150 percent, seen in 1946.
Greece has been the focus of most of the fi nancial problems plaguing Europe. Greek debt as a percentage of GDP was 142 percent in 2010, and has only grown this year. Due to this very high level, investors have driven
up the yields on Greek debt to more than 23 percent on bonds that mature in 10 years. This makes it almost impossible for Greece to pay its debts, as inter-est payments take up a larger and larger portion of its budget. For comparison, the current US 10-year Treasury yield is 2.34 per-cent. Other European countries, such as Spain and Italy, are also facing higher interest rates due to their debt levels.
Finally, China, the “producer of the world,” claims its pub-lic debt is around 19 percent of GDP, which is among the low-est levels in the world. However, the Chinese banking system has a unique structure in which local communities issue government-backed loans. According to Vic-tor Shih, assistant professor of political science at Northwestern
University, if you included local with national debt, China’s ac-tual debt is close to 96 percent of its production.
Debt will remain a major fac-tor in the global economy for the foreseeable future. The process of deleveraging (paying down debt) and its harmful effects will be a primary factor in future economic growth, both in the US and abroad. This will of course impact future returns on stocks and bonds. Work with your fi -nancial advisor to make sure your portfolio is appropriately positioned.
WJ Interests is a fee-only fi nan-cial planning and investment management fi rm in Sugar Land. For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or 281-634-9400.
By RUSSELL JONESSugar Land’s minor league
Skeeters will celebrate their fi rst opening day ever against the Atlantic League champion York Revolution next April 26, ac-cording to the buzz surrounding the team released by the front of-fi ce. Managed by major league All-Star Gary Gaetti, the team will inaugurate the new StarTex Power Field, now rapidly rising above the treetops at the inter-section of Hwy. 6 and 90-A.
The stadium’s luxury suites are sold out, but a few shares are still available from the Greater Fort Bend Economic Devel-opment Council. According to team offi cials, season ticket sales have been running above expectations, but plenty of seats will be held back for sale on game days.Fred and Fan Need Attention
Most honest analysts believe that the semipublic institutions known as Fannie Mae and Fred-die Mac were at the epicenter of the 2008 economic disaster. Pretty much everyone involved in the home mortgage indus-try should have recognized that those two behemoths could not indefi nitely continue business as usual.
Charged by the government with expanding home owner-ship at any cost, they guaranteed loans without serious regard to the ability of borrowers to repay. Fan and Fred repeatedly lowered their standards for loan quality at the behest of a politically moti-vated Congress, purchased loans of doubtful quality and repack-aged them for resale to a gullible public, posturing them as being as safe as federally issued trea-sury bills.
As long as they were making profi ts, Fan and Fred’s private shareholders pocketed the gains.
But as soon as they reached the point where any other company would have fi led bankruptcy, the federal government fed them bil-lions of taxpayer dollars, keep-ing both alive and taxpayers gag-ging on the losses.
Now we learn that execu-tives at the two housing giants received bonuses in six or seven fi gures over the past two years. Those bonuses were paid to in-dividuals who were a part of the housing disaster. Those bonuses were paid despite record losses. Those bonuses were paid with taxpayer dollars.
In early 2011, Senators Chris Dodd and Barney Frank spon-sored an overhaul of the nation’s fi nancial system, creating dozens of additional regulatory agen-cies, slapping thousands of pag-es of new regulations on private banks, and assuring that the pub-lic would bear the burden of the new costs. The decision of Bank of America to charge monthly fees for use of debit cards, wide-ly criticized by public and politi-cians alike, can be traced directly to the Dodd-Frank law.
Amazingly, Dodd-Frank failed to address any of the short-comings of Fannie Mae or Fred-
die Mac. Perhaps Dodd’s special treatment on personal loans from Countrywide may account for part of that Congressional omis-sion. Just as likely is the close personal relationship of Frank to a senior offi cial at Fannie, while Frank was on the House Banking Committee working to deregu-late his friend’s agency. Regard-less of the reason, the underly-ing dysfunctionality of the two entities most responsible for the Great Recession of the Obama years have not been addressed.Sympathizing with OWS
A few weeks ago, this column suggested that sympathy with the cause of the Occupy Wall Street crowd is not entirely misplaced. Despite the amorphous nature of the group’s goals, despite the occasional violence, drugs, and fi lth, despite the general left wing cast of the protesters, it is impossible to say that they are completely delusional.
The billions of taxpayer dol-lars being loaned to so-called green companies, rewards for union leaders whose tactics di-rectly led to the demise of the American car companies, the gifts of taxpayer funds to munic-ipalities for everything from ice rinks to bridges to nowhere, are all examples of the crony capi-talism which we see coming out of Washington and deserving of the protestations of OWS as well as the Tea Party.
The problem with OWS is that it does not know where the true culprit lives. At least the Tea Party understands that the real problem is as much in Wash-ington as it is on Wall Street.
Jones served as a member of the Sugar Land City Council from 2003 through June, 2011. He owns a law fi rm and a title insurance company in Sugar Land.
story in reading about the pio-neers who settled the Routt County on the west side of the Continental Divide in North-west Colorado. What it took for homesteaders and pio-neers to settle that challenging part of the country with snow, mountains, and great chal-lenges of distance—building railroads.
One of the biggest chal-lenges is making laws and rules that work for people, are fair, and can be administered without a giant bureaucracy or interfering with entrepreneur-ship. The Great Depression of the 1930s especially hit those farming and ranching settlers. Extreme weather conditions as well as a slow economy. Sound familiar?
There has always been en-mity between cattle and sheep ranchers. Cattle can range fairly near to one place, but sheep will quickly over graze and destroy the plants by eat-ing the roots. They have to keep moving and range far.
The 1934 Taylor Act cre-ated a Grazing Services De-partment so Harold Ickes, Secretary of the Interior for Franklin D. Roosevelt, was vetting its fi rst Director to ad-minister grazing land in ten western states. He had been impressed with testimony be-fore Congress that an attorney and cattle rancher had pro-vided.
Farrington R. “Ferry” Car-penter was a 1909 Princeton
graduate and a 1912 grad of Harvard Law. He was also a practical visionary who fell in love with the west and staked a homestead claim when he was 21 and still going to college, working summers to “prove up” the claim.
Secretary Ickes interviewed Ferry and asked if there was any reason why Ferry should not be chosen for the job. Ferry said there were several. First, he had represented the cattle ranchers against the sheep ranchers. Moreover, he was a Republican, and if the govern-ment was trying to set up a bu-reaucracy like they did with the Forest Service, he didn’t want the job. Ickes replied he didn’t care what party he belonged . . . and there was such a small bud-get for the Grazing Service, he could not build a bureaucracy if he wanted. He then asked who he should talk with about Ferry with the sheep men. Ferry fur-nished the attorney who repre-sented the sheep ranchers.
Secretary Ickes talked with the man, who wanted a sheep
man for the Director. Ickes simply asked the attorney if he thought Ferry could be fair to the sheep ranchers. The attor-ney said he could.
Ferry took the job and con-vened a meeting equally di-vided among sheep and cattle ranchers. The fi rst item of busi-ness was to draw a map of the grazing ranges. Not knowing all the natural land barriers or anything about desert graz-ing, Ferry picked 3 cattle and 3 sheep ranchers. He told them that the rest of the group was convening for lunch. That as soon as the boundaries were drawn, they could go as well. The boundaries drawn that day are still essentially the same to-day.
The second thing Ferry did was take the advice of a Wash-ington bureaucrat, and not de-fi ne what staying “near” to home base meant for grazing. By keeping that word fl exible, he paved the way for solutions that met the different needs of sheep and cow men as well as fi t local circumstances.
Ickes tried to fi re Ferry, but Roosevelt overrode him be-cause he had the sheep and cow men working together. What common sense and sense of purpose. Oh, for more today.
Visit http://traction.typepad.com/musings for the name of the book or write to [email protected]
By BASIL HOUSEWRIGHTHome Insurance rates are on
the increase in the Texas Gulf Coast area since Hurricane Ike in September 2008.
Prior to Ike there were sev-eral major storms, which did not hit the Texas Gulf Coast directly but resulted in numer-ous home insurance claims. These were Hurricane Katrina, Rita and Gustave as well as many other tropical storms.
Years 2009 and 2010 were not as bad in regard to hurri-canes but we still had numer-ous weather related claims due to several violent hailstorms. Prior to this we had been very fortunate that numerous insur-ance companies had begun to write new home insurance policies in our area.
In 1998 to 2002 we had the mold crisis, which substan-tially curtailed home insurance availability in Texas and drove the price of home insurance up sharply.
With the actions of Texas Department of Insurance pro-mulgating the mold exclu-sions and limitations of mold coverage on a home insurance policy and the deregulating of home insurance business to a rate and fi le system, many in-surance companies saw the Texas home insurance market-place as a new opportunity and entered or re-entered the Texas marketplace.
This created a price and availability situation in the favor of homeowners with lower prices and more choic-es of where to purchase their home insurance. Some insur-ance companies began selling new home insurance policies at 50% or less of the market rates. Then along came Ike and most all the home insur-ance carriers have reacted with double-digit rate increases in 2010 and 2011 with reports of the same in 2012.
Homeowners in Fort Bend and Harris County are again experiencing a limited avail-ability of home insurance options as many insurance companies are limiting their writing of new home insur-
ance policies in this area and renewal rates and deductible options are increasing.
One major issue driving this situation is hail & windstorms and roof issues.
Many homeowners do not replace the roofi ng materials on their homes when it has reached its useful life.
Many homes are supplied with a 15 to 30 year warranty on the roofi ng material when built new. This means the manufacturer does not intend the material to last much lon-ger than this time period. In fact in our weather conditions with extremely hot and humid summers if the roof lasts half of the manufacturer’s war-ranty period you are fortunate. When asphalt shingle roofi ng material remains on a home af-ter it has reached its life expec-tancy and is just “worn out”, it becomes brittle, very rigid and curls up. This leads to roof leaks and shingles breaking away during only mild wind and hailstorms.
More and more homeown-ers do not replace their roof when it is worn out, they just hope for a hailstorm so they can have their insurance com-pany perform this mainte-nance activity for them. With the prevalence of wind & hail storms in Texas the past few years, insurance companies are replacing roofs at an ex-tremely high rate.
To counter this insurance companies have been requiring higher windstorm and hail de-ductibles for new and renew-ing home insurance policies. The goal of the higher wind-storm and hail deductibles is
to place the roof maintenance costs on the homeowner. But what has happened the roof-ing industry has been success-ful in substantially increasing the “Insured Cost of Roof Re-placement.”
Now if I as a homeowner go out and solicit bids to replace my roof without using my home insurance the market-place is very competitive and much lower than the “Insured Cost of Roof Replacement.” So much lower that I can re-place my roof for the cost of pretty close to my windstorm and hail deductible.
What does this mean? Could it be the roofi ng industry is still working with homeown-ers to “fade” their deductible?
A few home insurance com-panies have recently revised how they handle roof claims, which basically tightened the controls on verifi cation of pay-ment of the entire full deduct-ible amount by the homeowner to repair or replace their roof.
Bottom line if we want af-fordable home insurance with reasonable deductibles a homeowner is going to need to assume the cost of roof repairs and replacements. The home insurance companies are going to require high enough deduct-ibles and controls to make sure this happens.
I have owned several homes through the years and have had several roofs replaced and only once paid for a total roof replacement out of pocket. But that roofi ng job I paid for out-of-pocket was almost half of what my “Insured Cost of Roof Replacement” was.
It looks like it is time for this to change if we want af-fordable home insurance with reasonable deductibles. I still like my roof repair guy.Basil Housewright, Jr. is man-ager of Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc., a local Independent Insurance Agen-cy operating in Sugar Land since 1991. He can be reached at (281) 277-7800, Fax (281) 277-7801, E-Mail – [email protected]. Visit www.texansinsure.com
Housewright
Will you outlive your money?
Home insurance market in Texas
NOVEMBER 9, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5
OpinionTo the Editor:
It was just a few months ago that Fort Bend ISD dis-trict refused to equalize the at-tendance of its schools by not including the entire district in its re-zoning efforts.
Of the 11 high schools in the district, there are three schools under-populated: Marshall, Willowridge, and Ridge Point.
The other eight are near maximum capacity or beyond. Predictions that some elemen-tary schools would have low enrollment fell far from what was expected.
Middle school students who live blocks from a school are being bussed miles to an-other school because of the district’s poor assessment and planning.
Is anyone taking a look at the number of students who are leaving FBISD schools and opting for private edu-cational facilities or home schooling?
The district has a huge bond debt, the payment of which has saddled the district’s tax payers, while still trying to appease those who were naive enough to believe that every-thing developers say is true.
Telfair residents, don’t hold your breath waiting for a school to be built in your neighborhood anytime soon. The taxpayers are not against you. They simply are not will-ing to add to the already exor-bitant bond debt.
In case you aren’t aware, this district, in 2010, was 30.95 percent Black, 24.48 percent Hispanic, 22.57 per-cent Asian/Pacifi c Islanders, 22.57 percent White, and 0.24 percent Native American.
That’s right, this district has a population of Blacks and Hispanics that is greater than 55 percent.
These students attend school in every area of the district, but the majority of them attend school on the east side of the district.
Four of these east end schools, Marshall, Willow-ridge, Lake Olympia, and Rosa Parks, have been ranked academically unacceptable. FBISD does not want this dark blot on its “stellar” repu-tation.
Hence, immediate steps have been taken to get these schools up to par.
New principals, new ad-ministrative staffs, new deans of instruction, and interven-tion specialists have been put into place. Principals have gone before school board members and the public to out-line strategies and plans to be implemented with the hope of improving the academic standing of these schools.
In one school, the district found it necessary to escort the entire counseling staff
out of its building. To date, these offi ces remain vacant and counseling services are no longer available to those students. It appears not much thought was given when this decision was made. If proper thought had been given, tem-porary staff would have been immediately ready to step into place.
Where would a teacher take a student who is contemplat-ing suicide? Certainly not to an empty counseling offi ce! If these counselors were that incompetent, why were they hired in the fi rst place? A bet-ter question, who hired them? Isn’t it the responsibility of the Human Resources Depart-ment to hire competent indi-viduals?
And if they are competent, but made mistakes, would it not be better to train them properly rather than remove them leaving the school void of any counseling services?
Is it true, in some instanc-es but not all, that schools that had a large Hispanic and Black population were sent teachers and staff that had been turned down by other campuses in the district?
Is it true that when appli-cants had superior credentials they were steered toward the “elitist” schools?
It is clear to me that if you want your entire district to be exceptional, then all district employees must be excep-tional!
It is unlikely the stumbles would have been noticed had the state not handed down a budget shortfall. Now the dis-trict’s dirty laundry has been aired:
1. Poor zoning decisions2. The building of too
many small schools rather than building fewer but larger schools
3. Too many schools too close together
4. Exorbitant bond debt5. Possible irregularities in
employment practicesAnd now, FBISD is about
to stumble, yet again. They have increased the teacher- student ratio, they have closed or planned to close some acad-emies, they have added many of their former employees to the unemployment line, and yet, they have not faced the real issue: Student and parent responsibility.
When is the last time you heard of a student being ex-pelled? It doesn’t happen very often anymore, yet there are plenty of disruptive stu-dents who impede the learn-ing process of those who actu-ally want to learn.
I recently visited one of these schools and I was in awe at the number of students being dropped off at school well past the beginning of fi rst period. There is no excuse for this habitual tardiness.
And I’ll bet many of the late ones are the same ones who are skipping classes regularly. What is the punishment for being tardy?
The student gets a disci-pline slip and is sent to class, only to impede the learning process for others!
A large number of slips must accumulate before something more severe can be implemented.
Parents need to be held ac-countable for getting their children to school on time and children should be held accountable for their actions while in school.
When is the district going to realize that some kids are never going to be interested in getting an education?
Getting an education should be considered a privilege and thus should not be forced upon anyone who does not want it nor on one who does not realize its importance. That’s why it is imperative to get a career school in the areas where these students live.
This district can no longer ignore what is obvious: un-til it gets a handle on how to communicate its expectations to all parents of all students in this district, it will continue its academic decline.
It can no longer afford to be driven by the mighty dollar, but by the desire to prepare its students to be productive citizens.
If it doesn’t, those who can afford to send their children to private institutions or home school them will do just that.
And all that will be left in FBISD will be the poor, the economically disadvantaged, the culturally displaced, the at- risk, and the under-served.
This is one stumble the dis-trict can not afford to make! — AUDREY JORDAN WILLIAMS
By THOMAS J. PARR, M.D.Many times, my Physi-
cian’s Assistant and I have pa-tients complaining that we are asking them to get laboratory and EKG studies prior to sur-gery, even for some “minor” surgical procedures.
There is a reason we ask for the studies. In surgery, we talk about how there are “no minor surgeries--just minor surgeons,” meaning that sur-geons who think what they are doing is minor are just wrong.
We make our decisions to obtain preoperative studies based on our patients’ health and social history, not just his or her age.
The lab tests we order have a specifi c purpose and are tai-lored to each patient’s needs.
Sodium, potassium, and other blood chemistry factors affect how anesthetics work and how the heart responds to the stress of surgery.
Basic kidney and liver function tests help us predict how the body will metabolize drugs before, during and after surgery, which might poten-tially lead to medication over or underdosing.
A history of high blood pressure, diabetes, or breath-ing problems, even when well controlled, indicates to us that we need to be even more cau-tious than usual when admin-istering medications during and after surgery.
Smoking compromises the body’s ability to handle the alterations in metabolism and tissue oxygenation that ac-company surgery.
Quitting smoking only eight weeks before surgery can improve surgical out-comes.
Alcoholic liver disease sig-
nifi cantly affects one’s ability to metabolize medications, and also to respond to the stresses of surgery.
Many years ago, I had a patient who told me she only had “one drink a day”--a mar-tini with her evening meal.
Her daughter confi rmed this, but this kind lady went into acute alcohol withdrawal following a total knee re-placement on the third day following her surgery.
This condition, called DTs, is fatal 20 percent of the time, even if it occurs while in the hospital.
When I challenged her and her daughter about this, I found out that her Martini glass was actually more of a fi sh bowl. It is never nice to be less than honest with your doctor!
An article published Oc-tober 6, 2011 in the online edition of the British medical journal “The Lancet” points out one of the most important aspects of our preoperative evaluations.
In a study involving more than 227,000 patients receiv-ing major, non-cardiac sur-gery the researchers found that patients with even mild anemia had more than a 40
percent increased risk of death within 30 days follow-ing their surgery. Correcting the anemia before surgery dramatically reduced the risk.
The researchers also found that when anemia was present in addition to even only one other preoperative risk fac-tor, such as those mentioned above, the 30-day serious complication and mortality rates were greatly increased compared with when only one risk factor was present.
Thus, the goal of our surgi-cal preoperative evaluation is not to hassle patients, but to detect any conditions that can be improved prior to surgery in order to make it safer for them.
We want to proactively de-termine how best to manage each individual during sur-gery, and to provide safe post-operative care.
By asking the proper ques-tions and obtaining the appro-priate laboratory studies, we can discover hidden diseases : which means the patient may have to be referred to another specialist the patient to anoth-er specialist (typically a car-diologist)before proceeding with surgery.
The reason we are doing this is to make as certain as possible that our patients will not have an adverse outcome from our actions.
All of this may be annoying and sometimes much more time consuming than our pa-tients want to expend, but it is for their well being.
Dr. Thomas Parr, an ortho-pedic surgeon in Sugar Land, can be reached at 281-491-7111.Visit www.tomparrmd.net for more information.
FBISD is about to stumble again
Parr
There are no ‘minor’ surgeries, just minor surgeons
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 by the 434th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #09-DCV-170555 in favor of the plaintiff -OLYMPIA ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $4,148.88++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.I have levied on NOVEMBER 4, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) -JORDAN WILLIAMS
JR. had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:
Legal Description: LOT TWENTY (20), IN BLOCK ONE (01) OF OLYMPIA ESTATES, SECTION ONE, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLATS THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NO(S) 2330/A OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. (SUBJECT PROPERTY) 2627 ATLAS DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS
77459.
TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstableFort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on AUGUST 2, 2011 by the 268th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #09-DCV-
170570 in favor of the plaintiff -OLYMPIA ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $2,001.18++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.I have levied on August 06, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) -JAZZMON
J. WILLIAMS AND CHANTE R. WILLIAMS
had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:
Legal Description: LOT ELEVEN (11), IN BLOCK FIVE (05) OF OLYMPIA ESTATES, SECTION TWO, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAPS OR PLATS THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NO(S) 2331/A OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. 2802 TROY DRIVE
MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459.
TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstableFort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on OCTOBER 3, 2011 by the 400th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #11-DCV-
186804 in favor of the plaintiff - QUAIL BRIDGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $3,780.25++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.I have levied on NOVEMBER 4, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) -EDWIN M. ROLIN
had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:Legal Description: THE EASTERLY PORTION OF LOT TEN (10), IN BLOCK SIX (6) OF QUAIL BRIDGE, SECTION TWO(2), BEING A REPLAT OF RIDGEMONT SECTION FIVE, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAPS OR PLATS THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 25, PAGE 15 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, “THE PROPERTY” ALSO KNOWN AS 5407 RIDGE WIND LANE, HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77053
TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstableFort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 by the 434th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #11-
DCV-187289 in favor of the plaintiff - THE VICKSBURG COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $6,002.35++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.I have levied on NOVEMBER 4, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) -PATRICIA URSETI
AND ROBERT ALVAREZ had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:Legal Description: LOT ONE (1), IN BLOCK THREE (3) REPLAT OF VICKSBURG, THE VILLAGE OF SHILOH, SECTION ONE, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAPS OR PLATS THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NO(S) 843/A AND 843/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF. 3103 TRUESDALE DRIVE
MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459.
TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstableFort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 by the 240th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #10-DCV-177803 in favor of the plaintiff - QUAIL BRIDGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $6,356.27++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.I have levied on NOVEMBER 4, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) -RAUL R. MEDINA
AND ARACELI MEDINA had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:
Legal Description: LOT 32, IN BLOCK 4, OF A BENCHMARK, SECTION ONE, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAPS OR PLATS THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 28, PAGE 22 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, “THE PROPERTY” ALSO KNOWN AS 5643 SANTA CHRISTI DR., HOUSTON, FORT BEND, TEXAS 77053
TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstableFort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 by the 268th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #10-DCV-180159 in favor of the plaintiff - QUAIL BRIDGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $3,977.01++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.I have levied on NOVEMBER 4, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - CARLOS ERNESTO MERINO
AND DEISY GLORIA ZELAYA had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:Legal Description: THE EASTERLY PORTION OF LOT TWO(2), IN BLOCK SIX (6) OF QUAIL BRIDGE, SECTION TWO(2), BEING A REPLAT OF RIDGEMONT SECTION FIVE, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAPS OR PLATS THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 25, PAGE 15 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, “THE PROPERTY” ALSO KNOWN AS 5439 RIDGE WIND LANE, HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77053 .
TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstableFort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on OCTOBER 3, 2011 by the 434th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #10-DCV-185745 in favor of the plaintiff - RIDGEMONT PUD HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $3,430.52++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.I have levied on NOVEMBER 4, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - JONATHAN MORRIS
had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:
Legal Description: LOT 6, IN BLOCK 12 RESERVES D AND G, OF RIDGEMONT SECTION TWO (2) A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 10, PAGE 11 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, “THE PROPERTY” ALSO KNOWN AS 4823 E. RIDGECREEK DR., HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77053 .
TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstableFort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on OCTOBER 31, 2011 by the 400th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #09-DCV-175171 in favor of the plaintiff - WINFIELD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $7,151.44 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.I have levied on NOVEMBER 4, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - JAYE C. CAMPBELL
had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:
Legal Description: LOT 1, IN BLOCK 3 WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION 6, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT RECORDED UNDER PLAT FILE NO. 20050039 OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, “THE PROPERTY” ALSO KNOWN AS2903 EDGEWICK ELM STREET, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545.
TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstableFort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on OCTOBER 31, 2011 by the 400th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #09-DCV-176120 in favor of the plaintiff - WINFIELD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $9,073.31 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.I have levied on NOVEMBER 4, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - ALEXANDROS G.
VARONOS had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:
Legal Description: LOT 20, IN BLOCK 4, OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION 6, AMENDING PLAT, FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT, RECORDED UNDER PLAT FILE NO. 20060249 OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, “THE PROPERTY” ALSO KNOWN AS 2303 BEDFORD OAK STREET, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545.
TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstableFort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on OCTOBER 26, 2011 by the 434th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #09-DCV-174699 in favor of the plaintiff - WINFIELD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $8,270.51 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.I have levied on NOVEMBER 4, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - CLYDE D. LEWIS
II had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:
Legal Description: LOT 22, IN BLOCK 1, OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION 6, AMENDING PLAT NO.1, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT, RECORDED UNDER PLAT FILE NO. 20060249 OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, “THE PROPERTY” ALSO KNOWN AS 2923 ACACIA FAIR LANE, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545.
TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstableFort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 9, 2011
Legal Notices
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
Six (6) sealed proposals, one (1) original and fi ve (5) copies, addressed to the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, November
17, 2011, for:
COMPREHENSIVE FEE STUDY
Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows:
RFP NO. 2012-07
COMPREHENSIVE FEE STUDY
BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE.
Respondent shall sign and date the proposal. Proposals that are not signed
and dated will be rejected.
Signed and sealed proposals shall be delivered to the City Secretary Offi ce, on or before 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, November 17, 2011, City of Sugar Land, City Hall, Suite 122, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. All proposals received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened. Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within ninety (90) days following the date for the opening of bids.
The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifi cations prior to the date set for opening of proposals. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifi cations. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not aff ect the bid opening date.
The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder based on the evaluation criteria provided in the RFP.
Proposal documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land City Secretary Offi ce, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at https://www.bidsync.com. Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments and other information relating to the bid will be posted at this site.
Questions regarding this proposal must be received by the Purchasing Offi ce on or before 3:00 p.m., Thursday, November 10, 2011. Please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contract Administrator at telephone number (281) 275-2302 or email [email protected] .
Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAECity Secretary
NOTICE OF RATES AND FEES FOR VARIOUS SERVICES
The City of Sugar Land City Council on September 20, 2011 adopted on second consideration City of Sugar Land Ordinance No. 1828:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE V, DIVISION 4 (FEES FOR VARIOUS CITY SERVICES) AND CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE VIII, DIVISION 3 (RATES AND CHARGES) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY REVISING CITY SERVICE FEES AND MONTHLY RETAIL WATER AND WASTEWATER CHARGES. Said ordinance is available in the offi ce of the City Secretary, City of Sugar Land, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, (281) 275-2730, and may be examined between the hours of 8:00 o’clock a.m. and 5:00 o’clock p.m., Monday through Friday. Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMCCity Secretary
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEThe Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 for replat of Fulbrook, Section 2C, replat of Lots 5 and 6 Block 1, Precinct 3.The hearing will be held in the Com-missioners Courtroom, William B. Travis Bldg., 309 S. Fourth St., Rm. 700, Rich-mond, Texas.Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the pro-posed replat. Should you wish to ex-ercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact David Leyendecker with Clay & Leyendecker Inc at 281-391-0173 forinformation prior to the hearing.
Submitted by,Dianne WilsonFort Bend County Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEThe Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 for replat of Fulbrook, Section 2D, replat of Lots 5, 6 and 7, Block 4, Pre-cinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, William B. Travis Bldg., 309 S. Fourth St., Rm. 700, Richmond, Texas.Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the pro-posed replat. Should you wish to ex-ercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact David Leyendecker with Clay & Leyendecker Inc at 281-391-0173 forinformation prior to the hearing.
Submitted by,Dianne WilsonFort Bend County Clerk
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
SUGAR LAND SENIOR CENTER PROJECT
The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City:
CIP PROJECT NAME: Sugar Land Senior Center Project
CIP PROJECT NUMBER: MU1102
LOCATION OF WORK: 226 Matlage Way, Sugar Land, TX 77478
Plans, specifi cations, and bidding documents may be obtained at the following offi ces and location with payment of $235.02:
A&E Reprographics Digital Vault
4235 Richmond Avenue
Houston, TX 77027
(713)-621-0022
Sealed bids shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land City Secretary Offi ce,
2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2011, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.
A mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 2:00 p.m.,
Thursday, November 10, 2011, City of Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center
Boulevard North, Sugar Land, TX 77479.
The City Council will award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder that complies with all requirements of the Request for Bids. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the bid opening date and time.
Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAECity Secretary
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEThe Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 for replat of Fulbrook, Section 4A, replat of Lots 5 and 6 Block 1, Precinct 3.The hearing will be held in the Com-missioners Courtroom, William B. Travis Bldg., 309 S. Fourth St., Rm. 700, Rich-mond, Texas.Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the pro-posed replat. Should you wish to ex-ercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact David Leyendecker with Clay & Leyendecker Inc at 281-391-0173 forinformation prior to the hearing.
Submitted by,Dianne WilsonFort Bend County Clerk
CITY OF MISSOURI CITY
LEGAL NOTICE
The City of Missouri City, Texas is now issuing an Invitation for Bids for the following:
IFB #74-12 Construction of Surface Water Plant Landscaping and Irrigation
Scope: The City of Missouri City is accepting bids for the construction of landscaping and irrigation at the City’s surface water treatment plant. The project is located at 8850 ½ Sienna Ranch Road in Missouri City. The project includes, but is not limited, to planting of trees, shrubs, groundcover and turf, associated irrigation, and construction of a windmill.
The successful contractor shall provide all labor, materials and transportation necessary to perform under this contract per specifi cations. All construction shall be in conformance with project plans, specifi cations, City of Missouri City standards, ordinances and comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements where applicable. Bid shall include any delivery, fuel surcharge or other miscellaneous charges. The bid shall be lump sum and include the days to completion.
A mandatory pre bid meeting will be held at 10 AM, Thursday, November 17, 2011 at Fire Station #4, 5955 Sienna Parkway, in Missouri City.
Bids will be accepted until 2 PM local time November 28, 2011 and then opened.
The bid packages may be obtained beginning November 9th from Missouri City Purchasing Offi ce at (281) 403-8626. There is no charge for the bid package.
Bids must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the IFB name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Bids must be delivered to the attention of the Sealed Bid Box, City of Missouri City Purchasing Offi ce, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas, 77489, prior to the acceptance deadline. Bids marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualifi ed. Bids are opened in public in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Charles Oberrender, CPPBPurchasing ManagerCity of Missouri City, Texas
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, addressed to the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 3:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, December
1, 2011, for:
PURCHASE OF CAROUSEL
Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows:
BID NO. 2012-12 PURCHASE OF CAROUSEL
BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE
Bidder shall sign and date the bid. Bids that are not signed and dated will be
rejected.
Signed and sealed bids shall be delivered to the City Secretary Offi ce, on or before 3:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, December 1, 2011, City of Sugar Land, City Hall, Suite 122, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. All bids received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened. Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within thirty (30) days following the date for the opening of bids.
The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifi cations prior to the date set for opening of bids. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifi cations. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not aff ect the bid opening date.
The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder.
ITB documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land City Secretary Offi ce, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at https://www.bidsync.com. Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments and other information relating to the bid will be posted at this site.
Questions regarding this bid must be received by the City of Sugar Land’s Purchasing Offi ce no later than 3:00 P.M., Friday, November 18, 2011. Please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contract Administrator, at telephone number (281) 275-2302 or email at [email protected] .
Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAECity Secretary
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, addressed to the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 3:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, December
1, 2011, for:
PURCHASE OF PICNIC FURNITURE
Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows:
BID NO. 2012-13 PURCHASE OF PICNIC FURNITURE
BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE
Bidder shall sign and date the bid. Bids that are not signed and dated will be
rejected.
Signed and sealed bids shall be delivered to the City Secretary Offi ce, on or before 3:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, December 1, 2011, City of Sugar Land, City Hall, Suite 122, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. All bids received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened. Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within thirty (30) days following the date for the opening of bids.
The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifi cations prior to the date set for opening of bids. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifi cations. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not aff ect the bid opening date.
The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder.
ITB documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land City Secretary Offi ce, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at https://www.bidsync.com. Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments and other information relating to the bid will be posted at this site.
Questions regarding this bid must be received by the City of Sugar Land’s Purchasing Offi ce no later than 3:00 P.M., Friday, November 18, 2011. Please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contract Administrator, at telephone number (281) 275-2302 or email at [email protected].
Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAECity Secretary
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
Sealed submittals (1) one original and (5) fi ve copies, addressed to the City Secretary Offi ce of the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 3:00 o’clock
p.m., Thursday, December 1, 2011 for:
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS 2012-10
SWEETWATER BOULEVARD RECONSTRUCTION
Submissions shall be appropriately marked in the upper left hand corner as follows:
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS 2012-10
SWEETWATER BOULEVARD RECONSTRUCTION
Signed and sealed submittals shall be delivered to the City Secretary Offi ce, on or before 3:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, December 1, 2011, City of Sugar Land, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. All submissions received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened. Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within one hundred and twenty (120) days following the date for the opening of submittals.
The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifi cations prior to the date set for opening of submittals. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifi cations. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective submitters and may or may not aff ect the submission opening date.
The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all submissions and to waive informalities in submittals received. The award will be made based on a panel evaluation of submittals received.
RFQ documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land City Secretary Offi ce, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at https://www.bidsync.com. Registration is free. All documents, amendments and other information relating to the submittal will be posted on this site.
Questions regarding this bid must be received by the City of Sugar Land’s Purchasing Offi ce no later than 3:00 P.M., Friday, November 18, 2011. Please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contract Administrator, at telephone number (281) 275-2302 or email at [email protected].
Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAECity Secretary
THE STATE OF TEXASCITATION BY PUBLICATION
TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS AND I OR UNKNOWN OWNERS AND I OR INTERESTED PERSONS OF JOHN WILLIAMS (DEC’ D) AND I OR THE ESTATE(S) OF ANY OF THE ABOVE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND I OR UNKNOWN OWNERS AND I OR INTERESTED PERSONS OF WILLIE HOUSTON (DEC’ D) AND I OR THE ESTATE(S) OF ANY OF THE ABOVE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND I OR UNKNOWN OWNERS AND I OR INTERESTED PERSONSNOTICE:You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not fi le awritten answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being December 12, 2011 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be fi led by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Offi ce, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the offi ce. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the fi rst fl oor of the Justice Center building.The case is presently pending before the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was fi led on August 25, 2010. It bears causenumber 10-DCV-183444 and is styled:Harold I. Daily, Abe Daily, Leodis Montgomery, Dorothy Lee Parker & Randy Hillsman vs John Williams, Willie Houston, Unknown Heirs, Unknown Owners and/or other Interested personsThe name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFFS is:MICHAEL W. ELLIOTT310 MORTON ST. #99RICHMOND, TX 77469832-496-5000The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFFS is as follows to-wit:THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND I OR UNKNOWN OWNERS AND I OR INTERESTED PERSONS OF JOHN WILLIAMS (DEC’ D) AND I OR WILLIE HOUSTON (DEC’ D), AS WELL AS ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY TITLE OR INTEREST IN LAND UNDER DEED TO EITHER JOHN WILLIAMS OR WILLIE HOUSTON OR IN AN TO 5 TRACTS OF LAND IN THE NOEL F. ROBERTS LEAGUE, ABSTRACT NO. 79, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, TOTALING 128.143 ACRES, MORE OR LESS.If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 27th day of October, 2011.
DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTTFORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS
Deputy District Clerk Daisy Reyes281-633-7627
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on NOVEMBER 1, 2011 by the 400th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #09-DCV-175412 in favor of the plaintiff - WINFIELD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $7,502.30 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.
I have levied on NOVEMBER 4, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - HILDA YARN had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:
Legal Description: LOT 9, IN BLOCK 1, OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION 3, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT, RECORDED IN SLIDE 2438B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, “THE PROPERTY” ALSO KNOWN AS 3335 BECKER GLEN STREET, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545.
TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstableFort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on OCTOBER 26, 2011 by the 434th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #09-DCV-180112 in favor of the plaintiff - WINFIELD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $3,472.02 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.I have levied on NOVEMBER 4, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - SHALICIA L. NEAL had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:
Legal Description: LOT 27, IN BLOCK 5, OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION 6, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT, RECORDED UNDER PLAT FILE NO. 20050039 OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, “THE PROPERTY” ALSO KNOWN AS 2823 ACACIA FAIR LANE, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545.
TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstableFort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on OCTOBER 31, 2011 by the 434th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #09-DCV-175915 in favor of the plaintiff - WINFIELD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $5,352.97 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.I have levied on NOVEMBER 3, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - MIKE CROCKETT AND GOLDIE CROCKETT had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:Legal Description: LOT 13, IN BLOCK 1, OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION 4, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT, RECORDED IN SLIDE 2477A OF THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, “THE PROPERTY” ALSO KNOWN AS 3326 VILLAGE POND LANE, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545.
TERMS: CASH; TIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.Ruben Davis, Constable,Fort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on NOVEMBER 1, 2011 by the 434th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #09-DCV-175173 in favor of the plaintiff - WINFIELD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $7,911.07 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.
I have levied on NOVEMBER 3, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - TRISHA FREDERICK
had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:Legal Description: LOT 7, IN BLOCK 3, OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION 6, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT RECORDED UNDER PLAT FILE NO. 20050039 OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, “THE PROPERTY” ALSO KNOWN AS 2927 EDGEWICK ELM STREET, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545.
TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstableFort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on OCTOBER 31, 2011 by the 240th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #10-DCV-180115 in favor of the plaintiff - WINFIELD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Inc., plaintiff , for the sum of $6,365.69 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.
I have levied on NOVEMBER 3, 2011 and will off er for sale on the 6th day of DECEMBER 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - DAVIS FILS MOMPOINT
AND JOSETTE P. MOMPOINT had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:Legal Description: LOT 42, IN BLOCK 1, OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION 6, AMENDING PLOT NO. 1, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT FILE NO. 20060249 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, “THE PROPERTY” ALSO KNOWN AS 3411 FARREL HILL STREET, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545.
TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstableFort Bend County Precinct Two
By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable
NOVEMBER 9, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7
AUTOMOBILE: Honda Crosstour
AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
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This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any security/instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. The securities/instruments discussed in this material may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney does not render advice on tax and tax accounting matters to clients. This material was not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer under U.S. federal tax laws. You should always consult your own legal or tax advisor for information concerning your individual situation.
one of the premier Hollywood producers of this generation; his movies have grossed over $13 billion in recent years.
Grazer is an entertainment genius as a writer and produc-er; his movies have garnered 52 Oscar nominations and his TV shows have 94 Emmy nominations.
In 2001, he won an Oscar for Best Picture for “A Beauti-ful Mind” where he teamed up with his partner/director Ron Howard.
The Producers Guild of America gave him the David O. Selznick Lifetime Achieve-ment award and he has really cool hair for a 60 year old, but he ain’t perfect.
If you don’t believe me, then spend 10 bucks to see this piece of crap.
Grazer was the Big Daddy Producer for “Tower Heist;” he and Eddie Murphy suppos-edly worked on the story and tweaked the script for years. And this is the best you can
do? I’ve said many times:
“Making a great movie is very hard.” And that is a direct quote from Larry H. Feel free to quote me.
By now you’ve seen a trailer or heard about this for-tuitously well-timed movie about a band of regular 99 percenters trying to steal money ($20million) from Mr. Big (aka Madoff) after learn-ing that he lost their pension money in a Ponzi scheme.
The poor working stiffs are employed at the Tower in Manhattan which is a posh high rise where the average price for an apartment costs $5.6 million.
Great cast so how did you muck this up, Grazer? Script! That same script that he, Mur-phy and 42 year-old Director Brett Ratner worked on so hard for years. The script sun got in their eyes.
Or they were blinded by lure of Ben Stiller and Mat-thew Broderick.
So, who’s hosting and pro-ducing the 84th Academy
Awards ceremony next spring? None other than Eddie Mur-
phy and Brett Ratner. At least there won’t be a confl ict of interest as these two will not be nominated for an Oscar so they can concentrate on mak-ing a great show for us to en-joy. They owe us one. We forgive. and all will be for-gotten and everyone involved will live happily ever after and continue to get richer. Be-
cause we all know that making a great movie is hard!
I don’t want to write any more about this fl op so I’ll stop now; travel at your own risk. Rock ‘n Roll.Grade 69. Larry H. [email protected]
See Larry H’s old reviews at www.larryhmoviereviews.com
By BARBARA FULENWIDERThe 2012 Honda Crosstour
has a sleek, sporty and fuel-effi cient perspective while also maximizing the interior cargo capacity and versatility.
The Crosstour’s exterior design emphasizes an aero-dynamic look that conceals an accommodating rear cargo area with a large, lift-over tailgate. Upscale interior styl-ing, appointments and details extend from the passenger compartment to the cargo area. An under-fl oor storage area in the rear of the vehicle adds functionality, while re-versible cargo fl oor panels ac-commodate dirty objects.
The Honda Crosstour is available in two trim levels, the Crosstour EX and EX-L, with four-wheel drive also available on the EX-L model. For 2012, new features on the Crosstour EX include auto on/off headlights, a rearview camera, Bluetooth®1 Hands-FreeLink® and USB audio interface.
The Crosstour comes stan-dard with a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with variable cyl-inder management (VCM) for power and effi ciency. The engine produces 271 horse-power at 6,200 RPM and 254 lb-ft. of torque at 5,000 RPM, while getting an EPA-rated miles to the gallon in the city of 18 and 27 on the highway on two-wheel drive models. The Crosstour EX-L with four-wheel drive delivers an EPA-rated city/highway economy rating of 18/26 mpg.
To maximize effi ciency, the engine’s VCM cylinder deactivation system is pro-grammed to run on three, four or six cylinders, based on current power require-ments. A fi ve-speed automat-ic transmission is standard equipment. For utility-vehicle capability, the Crosstour pro-vides 6.2 inches of maximum ground clearance.
Besides the new additional equipment on the 2012 Honda Crosstour, standard features on the EX include projector-beam headlights, fog lights, 17-inch aluminum wheels with P225/65R17 all-season tires, a moonroof, body-col-ored power side mirrors with
defrost, chrome door handles, auto up/down driver and front passenger side windows and rear privacy glass.
Inside there is dual-zone au-tomatic air conditioning with second-row ventilation, a 360-watt AM/FM six-disc audio system with seven speakers, steering wheel-integrated au-dio controls, a compass and outside temperature indicator, cruise control, a fold-down 60-40 split rear seatback and a hidden removable utility box.
The Honda Crosstour EX-L adds 18-inch aluminum wheels with P225/60R18 all-season tires, leather-trimmed seat-ing surfaces with heated front seats, a memory driver-side seat and memory side mirrors with reverse tilting capabil-ity, a leather-wrapped steer-ing wheel and gearshift knob, Kevlar® cone audio speakers, front aluminum dome-type tweeter speakers, an auto day/night dimming rearview mir-ror, a HomeLink™ transmitter and a cargo privacy cover.
Safety technology includes a Honda-exclusive body de-sign that enhances occupant protection and crash compat-ibility in frontal collisions. Additional safety equipment on the Crosstour includes ve-hicle stability assist, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, side curtain airbags with a roll-over sensor, driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags with passenger-side occupant posi-tion detection system, dual-
stage, multiple-threshold front airbags and active front seat head restraints.
The test car vehicle was the four-wheel drive EXL with the navigation system and every-thing else. Even though the Crosstour is clearly a highly
utilitarian vehicle, it’s also a great ride in an upscale and well designed interior.
The Honda Crosstour also has plenty of power and inte-rior room. The manufactur-er’s suggested retail price is $36,540.
WOMAN’S CLUB OF MISSOURI CITY(WCMC): Magi-cian Robert Berry and assistant Karen fl ank WCMC Presi-dent Jo Butterfi eld at their Fall Magical Extravaganza held November 4th for the ladies of the club and their guests!
Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 9, 2011
Community news
NEW Filing dates and locations for Republican Party Candidates!
November 28, 2011 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Fort Bend County Annex 4520 Reading Road, Suite A Rosenberg, TX 77471
December 15, 2011 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Fort Bend County Annex 4520 Reading Road, Suite A Rosenberg, TX 77471 Applications may also be mailed: 1860 FM 359, #250 Richmond, TX 77469
Candidates, come choose your place on the ballot!
December 20th at 6:30 PM. there will be a meeting for the candidates to select their positions on the ballot. Courtroom of Judge Mary S. Ward 1517 Eugene Heimann Circle, Suite 100 Richmond , TX 77469
Get Involved!January 7, 2012 is just around the corner. This training is for all current precinct chairs, prospective voter registrars, and poll watchers. Your county needs YOU!
For more information call 832-766-2800.
The Republican Party of Fort Bend County
Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, in collaboration with the Sugar Land and Fort Bend Exchange Clubs and the Sugar Land Rotary, provided free fl u shots to community members who participat-ed in Santa’s Gift Exchange. Fort Bend and surrounding county residents graciously brought new, unwrapped toys or clothing items to Methodist Sugar Land Hospital in exchange for a fl u shot. The toys and clothing will benefi t local children in the Fort Bend area during this holiday season. Top row: Armando Saenz, IT physician liaison at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital; Tom Tielke, volunteer for Santa’s Exchange; Steve Griffi th, Sugar Land Exchange Club President; Kaelyn Stolhand, marketing coordinator at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and member of Fort Bend Exchange Club; Leena Taneja, Director of physician relations and marketing at Method-ist Sugar Land Hospital; Marcia Barham, physician liaison at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital; Bottom Row: Rick Smith, Sugar Land Rotary; Steve Weathered, Santa’s Exchange committee co-chair for Sugar Land Rotary; John Robson, Santa’s Exchange committee chair for Sugar Land Exchange Club; Mike Reichek, Fort Bend Exchange Club President; Amy Mitchell, Im-mediate Past President of Sugar Land Exchange Club; Jake Messinger, Lone Star Exchange Club President and Himesh Gandhi, Santa’s Exchange committee co-chair for Sugar Land Ex-change Club.
Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, in collaboration with the Sugar Land and Fort Bend Exchange Clubs and the Sugar Land Rotary, provided free fl u shots to community members who participated in Santa’s Gift Exchange.
“We were very pleased to see such a large turn-out on Saturday morning. It is great to work and live in a commu-nity that can come together for a wonderful cause that will benefi t the children in our community. We are also proud to once again partner with the local exchange and rotary clubs to provide this commu-nity offering and plan to do so again in 2012,” said Leena Taneja, Director of Physician Relations and Marketing.
Organizers of Santa’s Gift Exchange 2011 are anticipat-
ing an increase of qualifying families due to recent eco-nomic downturns.
Santa’s Gift Exchange will provide toys and clothing to more than 3,500 economi-cally disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County.
“A special thank you to the 350 plus people who at-tended the free fl u shot clinic and Santa’s Exchange event, as more children will now get the presents they deserve,” said Kaelyn Stolhand, Mar-keting Coordinator at Meth-odist Sugar Land Hospital.
“We are thrilled that Meth-odist Sugar Land Hospital has once again collaborated with Santa’s Exchange for this very worthwhile project. The outpouring of support and toys from the community through this effort was truly
awe inspiring. Through this joint effort, we are well on our way to collecting toys for the underprivileged Fort Bend children that without Santa’s Exchange would not be able to celebrate the holidays,” said Steve Griffi th, President of the Exchange Club of Sug-ar Land.
The toy drive will con-tinue through December 14th and Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will remain a site for donations. Please drop off new, unwrapped toys or clothing items to Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Main or Sweetwater lobbies.
For more information on Methodist Sugar Land Hospi-tal, visit www.MethodistSug-arLand.com or call 281-274-7500 for a physician referral.
Free fl u clinic draws plenty of toys for Santa’s Exchange
The Fort Bend Falcons softball team traveled to College Station, Texas on October 20 - 22, 2011. This team participated in the Fall Classic to compete against other softball teams fromaround the state. The team from Fort Bend ISD went undefeated again for the fourth year in a row to bring back the gold medal. We are very proud of the coaches and athletes on this Coach Pitch team. Pictured following their softball championship game are (front row holding the banner) Jessica Barrera, Tan Tran, Rina Chen, Kristi Oujesky, L’Air du Robert-son (back row) Coach Hillaire Porche, Coach Michael Biasini, Justin Thompson, Veronica Gaines, Matthew Cantarell, Nathan Kail, Yi-No Cheng, Michael Pelz, Andrew Kase, Michael Kidd, Nick Cantarell, Coach Charlotte Sanguinetti, and Coach Lilly Moreno.
FBISD Falcons win gold
The wrapping room was fi lled with excitement as volunteers from the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Sugar Land Ro-tary, and George Ranch High School students, beautifully wrapped collection boxes donated, that will be located at all Fort Bend ISD schools and at schools in Lamar Consolidated ISD from No-vember 13 to December 13. Businesses are encouraged to a request collection boxes as well. For more information, or to request collection box for your place of business, email [email protected]. Last year alone, 3,500 children received over 10,000 gifts through this project.
It’s a Wrap! - Pictured at the wrapping party are George Ranch High School students helping wrap boxes to use at schools to collect gifts for Santa’s Exchange. Co-Chairs for the event include John Robson – Exchange Club of Sugar Land and Steve Weathered – Sugar Land Rotary.
Seven couples – Adventurous Austins; Charming Cheathams; Compassionate Clarks; Noble Norrises; Powerful Powells; Regal Reids and Wonderful Woodsons blessed GOD and oth-ers recently at their auspicious occasion held at Sweetwater Country Club on Oct. 28. Each couple celebrated from 12 to 49 years of marriage with a total of 235 years of marital bliss. The Anniversary Celebrants with wedding dates were: Jessie & Stanley Reid, October 26, 1962; Jannifer & Cleveland Woodson, October 26, 1968; Brenda & Roland Powell, October 03, 1970; Anita & Bill Cheatham, October 19, 1971; Mable & Mose Austin, October 27, 1978; Bessye & Franklin Clark, October 08, 1994; and Sonja & Garfi eld Norris, October 19, 1999 .The celebration began with a meet, greet, & photo session; followed by the welcome, the occasion, and introductions; then prayer, sharing, bon appétit, and a fun game. The evening ended with romantic dancing at the the Sugar Land home of Mable & Mose Austin, Co-Founders of Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW), a volunteer, non profi t, community service organization. Left to Right - back row- Husbands: Franklin Clark; Garfi eld Nor-ris; Roland Powell; Mose Austin; Bill Cheatham;and Cleveland Woodson,III; Left to Right - front row - Wives: Bessye Clark; Sonja Norris; Brenda Powell; Mable Scott Austin; Anita Cheatham; Jannifer Woodson; and Jessie Reid.
Seven couples celebrate wedding anniversaries totalling 235 years
