F ORT B END FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10 , 2013 Phone: 281-980-6745 ww ww w.fbindependent.com .fbindependent.com P.O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623 VOL 6 No. 15 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. Tax Return Preparation— Electronic Filing We are ready to help you with a broad range of tax needs including * Form 1040— Personal Tax Return * Business Returns —Corporate & Partnership * Tax Planning & Projections * Complimentary Electronic Filing for School Teachers, Peace Officers and Firefighters Sandersen Knox & Company, LLP 130 Industrial Blvd, Suite 130 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281)242-3232 www.sktx.com; [email protected]Sugar Land police shot and killed a 31-year-old man April 7 after he threatened officers with a loaded rifle. The incident occurred after police responded to the 3300 block of Lakefield for family disturbance at 9 p.m. The man's father told police his son threatened him with a hatchet and a rock during a heated argument. Police arrived and found the man and his wife waiting outside and the man's son barricaded inside the house. Police set up a perimeter and ordered the 31-year-old man to exit the house. A short time later, the suspect chambered a round, then exited the house and pointed the rifle toward officers. Officer Greg Suter fired his service weapon, striking the suspect twice. Sean Isensee died at the scene. Sugar Land police have responded to the same house for similar incidents in the past involving Isensee. Per policy, Suter has been placed on three days of leave pending the outcome of a routine administrative investigation of the incident. By BARBARA FULENWIDER The good news Missouri City councilmen heard from Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald at their April 1 meeting was no April Fool’s joke. Crime in their town dipped from 2011 to 2012 and a lot compared to the city’s crime statistics in 2010. In the spring of every year, police chiefs compile their town’s crime statistics because they must be submitted to the FBI annually. The stats are compiled for the uniform crime report (UCR) and shows how many major offenses have been committed in the past year. Major offenses are murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft and arson. Fitzgerald said his department uses the “hierarchy method” to compile its UCR, which means they count only the most serious offense in any one incident even though one incident may have multiple offenses. In 2012 violent crimes in Missouri City totaled 44 aggravated assaults, 34 robberies, nine rapes and no murders. In 2011 there were 45 aggravated assaults, 35 robberies, 10 rapes and no murders but 2010 was another story. Two years ago Missouri City had 122 aggravated assaults, 41 robberies, 13 rapes and five murders. Violent crimes dipped again in 2009 but were higher in 2008. Crimes against property followed the same pattern. Burglaries in Missouri City in 2012 numbered 217 compared to 278 in 2011 and 293 in 2010. The most burglaries during the five-year period the chief showed council figures for were in 2009 when there were 354. Thefts numbered 179 in 2012 compared to 241 in 2011 and 227 in 2010. Theft from motor vehicles came in at 211 reported last year. The number compares to 284 in 2011 and 294 in 2010. In 2009 there were 409 thefts from vehicles. The theft of vehicles was also down in 2012 to 34 compared to 43 in 2011 and 95 in 2010. Pick pocket theft, purse snatching and shoplifting crimes were also down in 2012 compared to 2011 in Missouri City. Shoplifting came in at 138 incidents last year and 87 arrests compared to 162 incidents in 2011 and 85 arrests. Non-violent burglaries in Missouri City for 2012 were also down to 217 compared to 292 in 2011, 297 in 2010, 366 in 2009 and 304 in 2008. Larceny (crimes of property) dropped to 617 in 2012 compared to 830 in 2011, 818 in 2010, 872 in 2009 and 808 in 2008. Girl Scouts Gloria Moore, Maddie Welly, Ammanya Dorelling and Carey Rodriguez were among the 300+ Girl Scouts who participated in Friday’s Light of Hope Ceremony to kick off April Child Abuse Prevention Month. PHOTO BY PERRY & FURMAN If you are driving around Fort Bend County, you might notice a lot of blue in the landscape these days. Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Exchange Club of Sugar Land and the Child Welfare Board have joined forces to blanket the County in blue this April for Child Abuse Prevention Month. On Friday, April 5, Child Advocates of Fort Bend kicked off April National Child Abuse Prevention Month with their annual Light of Hope Ceremony with help from Sugar Land Exchange Club, Friends of Child Advocates of Fort Bend, the Child Welfare Board and Cameron and Nicole Hill. U.S. Rep. Pete Olson made the opening remarks for the ceremony which featured an exhibit honoring all of the victims of child abuse and inspirational songs by local recording artist Debbie Fancher. Ex-Judge Robert Kern and Doug Earle from Exchange Club of Sugar Land read two of the stories from the exhibit. The historical story of the meaning of the blue ribbon was recited by Child Advocates of Fort Bend Board President Mark Magee. More than 300 area Girl Scouts participated in the ceremony by creating a human blue ribbon on the steps of City Hall. The Scouts created thousands of blue friendship bracelets for the ceremony. They kept some to distribute to their friends and brought the rest to be distributed at the ceremony and throughout the month of April. Guests at Friday night’s ceremony were encouraged to stop by the Child Advocates of Fort Bend table to get a blue friendship bracelet and blue ribbons to tie around the the trees at their homes. Although child abuse knows no season, April is designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Some of the ways to participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month include wearing a blue ribbon, helping to pass out blue ribbons, posting child abuse prevention materials in your office or place of business and inviting Child Advocates of Fort Bend to talk to your group about child abuse. For more information, call 281-341-9955 or go to www. cafb.org. Child Advocates of Fort Bend hosts Light of Hope ceremony Man killed after armed confrontation Crime down in Missouri City See CRIME, Page 3 Sushain Cherivirala, 15, of Sugar Land, a student at Dulles High School and a winner of IBM’s Master the Mainframe competition takes a tour at IBM’s facility in the Town of Poughkeepsie. Sushain Cherivirala is the youngest winner ever in IBM’s Master the mainframe contest 2012. These contests have been organized by IBM for the past eight years. This year, more than 4,600 students from North America participated and 13,813 globally, from 33 countries.Sushain, third place winner, was invited to visit IBM’s plant in Poughkeepsie, NY and was recognized amongst the executives of the plant. Miles Nosler of Texas State University in San Marcos, took first place in the contest. The mainframe contest is part of IBM’s Academic Initiative. No experience is needed, just an aptitude. The contest is self-guided test that asks the students to solve computer problems using a mainframe. For IBM, this is not about games. “This is really about building skills for IBM customers,” says Michael Todd, who has run the contest for all of its eight years. The idea is to keep the pipeline of tech talent filled so that the big companies, agencies and universities that buy these “enterprise class” computers can hire help who know what to do with them. It’s not games for the students, either, as they consider careers. Local student aces in IBM mainframe contest Fort Bend ISD has named its 2013 Principals of the Year. Deirdre Holloway, principal of Blue Ridge Elementary (BRE), is the Elementary Principal of the Year, and Vonda Washington, principal of Christa McAuliffe Middle School (CMMS) is Secondary Principal of the Year. Each year, District principals select an elementary and secondary honoree based on their leadership, service and dedication to students, faculty and staff. In her six years as BRE principal, Holloway has improved test scores, state rankings and overall student achievement, and she commends her staff for going the “extra mile” for their students. Holloway comes from a family of educators and grew up learning the importance of education. This is her second time to be named FBISD’s Principal of the Year. “I became a principal because I love working with teachers and students,” Holloway said. “I greet students every morning as they walk in the building and visit classrooms weekly, often asking students to explain what they are learning. I also try to build positive relationships with parents that visit the school.” Washington has been the principal at CMMS for three years and strives each day to ensure all of her teachers, FBISD names principals of the year Deirdre Holloway (left) and Vonda Washington (right). students and community stakeholders know that she has a genuine concern for them. Washington will finish her doctorate degree in educational leadership in May. “I make a conscious effort to always be a model for anyone I come in contact with, and I expect my students and teachers to do the same,” said Washington. “As the principal of McAuliffe, I commit to implementing the change necessary for building critical thinkers and problem solvers.”
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.
Tax Return Preparation— Electronic FilingWe are ready to help you with a broad range of tax needs including* Form 1040— Personal Tax Return* Business Returns —Corporate & Partnership* Tax Planning & Projections* Complimentary Electronic Filing for School Teachers, Peace Offi cers and Firefi ghters
Sandersen Knox & Company, LLP130 Industrial Blvd, Suite 130
Sugar Land police shot and killed a 31-year-old man April 7 after he threatened offi cers with a loaded rifl e.
The incident occurred after police responded to the 3300 block of Lakefield for family disturbance at 9 p.m. The man's father told police his son threatened him with a hatchet and a rock during a heated argument.
Police arrived and found the man and his wife waiting outside and the man's son barricaded inside the house. Police set up a perimeter and ordered the 31-year-old man to exit the house. A short time later, the suspect chambered a round, then exited the house and pointed the rifl e toward offi cers.
Offi cer Greg Suter fi red his service weapon, striking the suspect twice. Sean Isensee died at the scene. Sugar Land police have responded to the same house for similar incidents in the past involving Isensee.
Per policy, Suter has been placed on three days of leave pending the outcome of a routine administrative investigation of the incident.
By BARBARA FULENWIDERThe good news Missouri
City councilmen heard from Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald at their April 1 meeting was no April Fool’s joke.
Crime in their town dipped from 2011 to 2012 and a lot compared to the city’s crime statistics in 2010.
In the spring of every year, police chiefs compile their town’s crime statistics because they must be submitted to the FBI annually. The stats are compiled for the uniform crime report (UCR) and shows how many major offenses have been committed in the past year. Major offenses are murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft and arson.
Fitzgerald said his department uses the “hierarchy method” to compile its UCR, which means they count only the most serious
offense in any one incident even though one incident may have multiple offenses.
In 2012 violent crimes in Missouri City totaled 44 aggravated assaults, 34 robberies, nine rapes and no murders. In 2011 there were 45 aggravated assaults, 35 robberies, 10 rapes and no murders but 2010 was another story. Two years ago Missouri City had 122 aggravated assaults, 41 robberies, 13 rapes and five murders. Violent crimes dipped again in 2009 but were higher in 2008.
Crimes against property followed the same pattern. Burglaries in Missouri City in 2012 numbered 217 compared to 278 in 2011 and 293 in 2010. The most burglaries during the fi ve-year period the chief showed council fi gures for were in 2009 when there were 354.
Thefts numbered 179 in 2012
compared to 241 in 2011 and 227 in 2010. Theft from motor vehicles came in at 211 reported last year. The number compares to 284 in 2011 and 294 in 2010.
In 2009 there were 409 thefts from vehicles. The theft of vehicles was also down in 2012 to 34 compared to 43 in 2011 and 95 in 2010.
Pick pocket theft, purse snatching and shoplifting crimes were also down in 2012 compared to 2011 in Missouri City. Shoplifting came in at 138 incidents last year and 87 arrests compared to 162 incidents in 2011 and 85 arrests.
Non-violent burglaries in Missouri City for 2012 were also down to 217 compared to 292 in 2011, 297 in 2010, 366 in 2009 and 304 in 2008. Larceny (crimes of property) dropped to 617 in 2012 compared to 830 in 2011, 818 in 2010, 872 in 2009 and 808 in 2008.
Girl Scouts Gloria Moore, Maddie Welly, Ammanya Dorelling and Carey Rodriguez were among the 300+ Girl Scouts who participated in Friday’s Light of Hope Ceremony to kick off April Child Abuse Prevention Month. PHOTO BY PERRY & FURMAN
If you are driving around Fort Bend County, you might notice a lot of blue in the landscape these days.
Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Exchange Club of Sugar Land and the Child Welfare Board have joined forces to blanket the County in blue this April for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
On Friday, April 5, Child Advocates of Fort Bend kicked off April National Child Abuse Prevention Month with their annual Light of Hope Ceremony with help from Sugar Land Exchange Club, Friends of Child Advocates of Fort Bend, the Child Welfare Board and Cameron and Nicole Hill.
U.S. Rep. Pete Olson made the opening remarks for the ceremony which featured an
exhibit honoring all of the victims of child abuse and inspirational songs by local recording artist Debbie Fancher.
Ex-Judge Robert Kern and Doug Earle from Exchange Club of Sugar Land read two of the stories from the exhibit. The historical story of the meaning of the blue ribbon was recited by Child Advocates of Fort Bend Board President Mark Magee.
More than 300 area Girl Scouts participated in the ceremony by creating a human blue ribbon on the steps of City Hall. The Scouts created thousands of blue friendship bracelets for the ceremony. They kept some to distribute to their friends and brought the rest to be distributed at the ceremony and throughout the month of April.
Guests at Friday night’s ceremony were encouraged to stop by the Child Advocates of Fort Bend table to get a blue friendship bracelet and blue ribbons to tie around the the trees at their homes.
Although child abuse knows no season, April is designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Some of the ways to participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month include wearing a blue ribbon, helping to pass out blue ribbons, posting child abuse prevention materials in your offi ce or place of business and inviting Child Advocates of Fort Bend to talk to your group about child abuse.
For more information, call 281-341-9955 or go to www.cafb.org.
Child Advocates of Fort Bend hosts Light of Hope ceremony
Man killed after armed
confrontation
Crime down in Missouri City
See CRIME, Page 3
Sushain Cherivirala, 15, of Sugar Land, a student at Dulles High School and a winner of IBM’s Master the Mainframe competition takes a tour at IBM’s facility in the Town of Poughkeepsie.
Sushain Cherivirala is the youngest winner ever in IBM’s Master the mainframe contest 2012. These contests have been organized by IBM for the past eight years. This year, more than 4,600 students from North America participated and 13,813 globally, from 33 countries.Sushain, third place winner, was invited to visit IBM’s plant in Poughkeepsie, NY and was recognized amongst the executives of the plant. Miles Nosler of Texas State University in San Marcos, took fi rst place in the contest.
The mainframe contest is part of IBM’s Academic Initiative. No experience is needed, just an aptitude. The contest is self-guided test that asks the students to solve computer problems using a mainframe. For IBM, this is not about games.
“This is really about building skills for IBM customers,” says Michael Todd, who has run the contest for all of its eight years. The idea is to keep the pipeline of tech talent fi lled so that the big companies, agencies and universities that buy these “enterprise class” computers can hire help who know what to do with them.
It’s not games for the students, either, as they consider careers.
Local student aces in IBM mainframe contest
Fort Bend ISD has named its 2013 Principals of the Year. Deirdre Holloway, principal of Blue Ridge Elementary (BRE), is the Elementary Principal of the Year, and Vonda Washington, principal of Christa McAuliffe Middle School (CMMS) is Secondary Principal of the Year.
Each year, District principals select an elementary and secondary honoree based on their leadership, service and dedication to students, faculty and staff.
In her six years as BRE pr inc ipa l , Hol loway has improved test scores, state rankings and overall student achievement, and she commends her staff for going the “extra mile” for their students.
Holloway comes from a family of educators and grew up learning the importance of education. This is her second time to be named FBISD’s Principal of the Year.
“I became a principal because I love working with teachers and students,” Holloway said. “I greet students every morning as they walk in the building and visit classrooms weekly, often asking students to explain what they are learning. I also try to build positive relationships with parents that visit the school.”
Washington has been the principal at CMMS for three years and strives each day to ensure all of her teachers,
FBISD names principals of the year
Deirdre Holloway (left) and Vonda Washington (right).
s tuden t s and communi ty stakeholders know that she has a genuine concern for them. Washington will finish her doctorate degree in educational leadership in May.
“I make a conscious effort to always be a model for anyone
I come in contact with, and I expect my students and teachers to do the same,” said Washington. “As the principal of McAuliffe, I commit to implementing the change necessary for building critical thinkers and problem solvers.”
Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 10, 2013
Over 20 Communities in the Houston Area!Visit our Southwest Communities Today!
Apple, the Apple logo and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Offers, plans, prices and availability are subject to change without notice. (04/13)
Firethorne from the $200s - 550s 1,600 - 2,800 sq. ft. (281) 693-46772,200 - 3,500 sq. ft. (281) 693-01502,500 - 4,300 sq. ft. (281) 693-46923,000 - 4,200 sq. ft. (281) 693-46923,400 - 5,600 sq. ft. (281) 693-4502
Pine Mill Ranch from the $190s - 510s1,600 - 2,500 sq. ft. (281) 391-71712,200 - 4,100 sq. ft. (281) 391-71712,500 - 4,300 sq. ft. (281) 347-21212,900 - 4,900 sq. ft. (281) 347-21213,400 - 5,600 sq. ft. (281) 392-4322
Cinco Ranch from the $300s - 460s2,500 - 3,000 sq. ft. (281) 395-30102,500 - 3,500 sq. ft. (281) 693-00223,000 - 3,800 sq. ft. (281) 347-2100
Cross Creek Ranch from the $300s - 430s2,500 - 3,400 sq. ft. (281) 633-25552,800 - 3,800 sq. ft. (281) 238-09193,000 - 4,200 sq. ft. (281) 633-8500
Westheimer Lakes from the $180s - 250s1,600 - 3,000 sq. ft. (832) 222-2120
The Reserve at Brazos Town Center from the $240s - 340s2,500 - 4,300 sq. ft. (281) 238-0770
The Oaks of Rosenberg from the $220s - 290s 2,200 - 3,400 sq. ft. (281) 633-9366
RiverPark West from the $220s - 350s2,100 - 3,200 sq. ft. (281) 344-02582,200 - 3,600 sq. ft. (832) 222-2804
Aliana from the $240s - 330s2,100 - 2,800 sq. ft. (281) 207-90022,500 - 3,100 sq. ft. (281) 207-6656
Riverstone from the $310s - 480s2,200 - 3,400 sq. ft. (281) 778-21003,000 - 4,200 sq. ft. (281) 778-3840
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Southern Trails from the $260s - 380s2,500 - 4,100 sq. ft. (713) 413-88822,800 - 4,200 sq. ft. (713) 413-8882
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Frost Bank recently moved its Sugar Land fi nancial cen-ter to a new location at 606 Highway 6 @ University Blvd.
The bank has adopted a new concept giving a new meaning to conventional banking.
The bank lobby, named Frost Room, looks like a ho-tel lobby. Visitors can read papers, browse the Internet, check their bank accounts on line, while enjoying cookies, coffee or bottled water.
Another unique feature of the bank is the community room, which is made avail-able free of charge for indi-viduals or organizations to hold small business meet-ings. The room has built-in, computer and video display system. Non-profi t groups or small businesses can book the room for two or three hours.
“It is a neat way to give back to the community,” says Jonathan Pursch, Assistant Vice President at the bank.
At the recent ribbon-cutting, Richard de la Paz , left, Market Teller Manager, Sugar Land Councilman Himesh Gandhi, Jonathan Pursch, Assistant Vice President, David Lepori, Houston Regional President, Richard Foster, Market President, Sugar Land Councilwoman Bridget Yeung, Laura Richard, Executive Director of Fort Bend Cares, Shelby Campbell, Vice President and Group Manager, and Keri Schmidt, President and CEO of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.
Frost Bank here is a “one stop” center and anybody who walks in will be able to use the services offered, Pursch says.
It is more than a bank be-cause the fi nancial center deals with investment and insurance as well. Wealth advisors assist in personal banking. Business-es which procure fi nancing from the bank, can get their
insurance needs met in house.To mark the grand opening,
Frost honored the work of local foundation Fort Bend Cares, which serves the needs of disadvantaged children and youth in Fort Bend County. Laura Richard, the foundation’s executive director, accepted a $3,000 donation from Frost as part of the event.
Frost Bank marks grand opening with community service
Jonathan Pursch, left, presents a check to Laura Richard of Fort Bend Cares.
A Sincere Thanks to Those Businesses and Individuals Who Sponsored and Played in the Community Challenge
Volleyball Tournament! This Inaugural Event was a Success Because of You! Thank You For Helping
Us to Provide Quality and Aff ordable Healthcare Services to our Community!
The George Foundation Trustees last week announced the retirement, effective May 1, 2013, of longtime Executive Director, Roland Adamson, who served the Foundation for 35 years.
“After interviewing the top three candidates, the Founda-tion Trustees have recruited Roger Adamson to fi ll the open position of Chief Executive Of-fi cer of The George Foundation,” said Pat McDonald, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Adamson, the Foundation’s newly appointed CEO, is a 1999 graduate of the United States Military Academy, receiving a BS degree in Systems Engineer-ing. From West Point, he went on to fulfi ll his military obliga-tions from 1999-2004, training at Fort Hood, Texas and a tour in Iraq.
While in Iraq, Adamson served as the Company Ex-ecutive Offi cer of the 1st Bat-
talion’s 67th Armor Regiment in Ba’qubah and as Operations Offi cer at Headquarters of the 4th Infantry Division in Tikrit.
Following his military ser-vice, Adamson received a MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 2006, majoring in Marketing, Finance, and Management & Strategy. He
comes to the Foundation with seven years of experience in management and marketing with a Fortune 500 Company, Caesars Entertainment, where his last position was Vice Presi-dent of marketing.
Adamson stated, “I am very happy to be returning to the community where I grew up and graduated from Lamar Consoli-dated High School, and to bring with me my family, my wife Jennie and two children, who will now get to experience the richness of growing up in Fort Bend County.”
McDonald stated, “The Foun-dation Trustees feel that they have found the right candidate to make this transition in leader-ship, to carry on the work begun by Mamie and Albert George in 1945. We welcome Roger and his family and look forward to working with him to fulfi ll the mission of The George Founda-tion.”
foundation repairREMODELING & MORE
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Fitzgerald showed council the total top fi ve big box store chain larceny fi gures by year. Total larceny was 617 in 2012 and 830 in 2011. The total top fi ve box store larceny was 101 in 2012 and 156 in 2011 with the percent of box store larceny of total larceny 18.80 percent in 2011 and 16.37 percent in 2012. Larceny totals for 2012 at the fi ve box stores in Missouri City had Walmart with the most for 2012 with 37.
Last year Kohls had 25 lar-ceny incidents, Target, 13, Krogers Sienna, 4 and Home Depot, 8. In 2011 larceny at Walmart was 71 incidents, 32 at Kohls, 24 at Target, 16 at Krogers Sienna and 13 at Home Depot.
Family violence incidents were down but total assaults increased in 2012 to 783 from 699 in 2011. Family violence reports totaled 238 in 2011 compared to 196 in 2012.
Citywide all UCR crimes that involved people increased to 53 in 2012 from 46 in 2011. Property crimes for those two years totaled 916 incidents in 2012 and 1,126 in 2011. In 2010 there were 97 crimes against people citywide 1,160 against property and a total of 1,510 Part II UCR crimes citywide. Part II UCR crimes are theft from motor vehicle, theft of a motor vehicle, pocket picking, purse snatching, shoplifting and theft of vehicle parts/ac-cessories.
For 2011, Missouri City had 1,172 Part 1 UCR crimes and 1,506 Part II UCR crimes for a total of 2,678. This past year the citywide statistics showed 969 Part 1 crimes were committed and 1,313 Part II for a total of 2,282 crimes and a 14.79 per-cent decrease in overall crime in the city compared to 2011.
The City of Sugar Land’s new Fourth of July celebration - the Star Spangled Celebration at Constellation Field - pro-vides a fan-friendly, family venue that continues a rich holiday tradition. The event is scheduled for July 4 from 6-10 p.m.
“Our new location provides an opportunity to showcase state-of-the-art entertainment, including fireworks, a high-tech multimedia show and a few new surprises that will make families feel more im-mersed in the festivities,” said Sugar Land Event Production Manager Teresa Preza.
The Star Spangled Celebra-tion at Constellation Field will include traditional patriotic entertainment along the sta-dium concourse, and families
may bring blankets to spread along the outfi eld for an ideal view of entertainment on dual stages. The fireworks finale will include new entertainment features especially designed to complement the stadium atmosphere.
The stadium accommodates a capacity of 10,500 and pro-vides a safe alternative to Oyster Creek Park that lacks adequate infrastructure to host what has become a large-scale community event.
Constellation Field provides adequate parking, restroom facilities and multiple entry points, amongst other advan-tages.
Due to stadium capacity requirements, free tickets will be distributed for the Star Spangled Celebration at Con-
stellation Field on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. Sugar Land residents may request six tick-ets per household from April 6 through June 1 by providing a Driver’s license at Imperial Park Recreation Center, 234 Matlage Way, or Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive.
Tickets remaining after June 3 will be made available to the general public. There will be a limit of six tickets per address. Requests for more than six tickets will be placed on a waiting list. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses interested in being a part of the event.
For more information, con-tact the Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 275-2885 or visit www.sugar-landtx.gov.
Sugar Land to hold Fourth of July Celebration at Constellation Field
CrimeFrom Page 1
Roger Adamson
Roger Adamson appointed George Foundation’s CEO
Whole Foods Market in Sugar Land has selected Keep Sugar Land Beautiful as the recipient of a Whole Foods Market Com-munity Giving Day on Wednesday, April 24. Keep Sugar Land Beautiful will receive 5 percent of the net sales on this day.
Keep Sugar Land Beautiful would like to encourage every-one to shop at Whole Foods Market in Sugar Land on Wednes-day, April 24, to support KSLB’s environmental programs and events that address recycling, reuse, waste reduction, litter pre-vention, beautifi cation, reforestation, clean water, and water conservation.
Keep Sugar Land Beautiful will also be in the store from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. so shoppers may learn more about local environmental programs.
The mission of Keep Sugar Land Beautiful is to educate and engage everyone to take responsibility for the environmental health of our community. To learn more about Keep Sugar Land Beautiful programs, please visit www.kslb.org.
By BARBARA FULENWIDER
The sales tax totals for 2012 are in and by most accounts cash registers in Fort Bend County rang all year.
Sugar Land, Missouri City and Rosenberg each brought in the most sales tax revenues in their history of collecting such while Stafford, Meadows Place and Richmond took in more this year than last year but got no cigar.
Sugar Land set a new sales tax collection record by taking in a whopping $43,557,020 in 2012 from the state comptrol-ler. As of March this year the city collected $3,204,890 of its share compared to $3,189,798 last year in March.
The result of Christmas sales taxes deposited in February this year, was $5,066,630 com-pared to $5,168,289 deposited in February 2012.
Missouri City had an equal-ly impressive collection rate, which set a record for that town thanks to the surge in new busi-ness openings. Missouri City brought in $6,566,631 last year from sales taxes collected in its city limits, and this past March got a check for $508,954 com-pared to the $439,835 received in March 2012. March checks refl ect January sales because sales tax calculations run two months behind.
The $6.5 million Missouri City collected in 2012 was almost half a million dollars more than was collected in 2011 or 2010.
Sales tax collections for December 2012 were $769,126 compared to $678,578 col-lected in December 2011.
Rosenberg also set a new record by bringing in a total of $12,816,054 in sales taxes last year. In March this year the city collected $957,514 compared to $879,791 paid in March a
year ago. Total sales tax col-lections for Rosenberg in 2011 were $11,408,105 and in 2010 were $11,115,621.
The town’s 2012 Christmas sales brought in $1,423,767 in its February sales tax check compared to $1,363,389 col-lected for Christmas sales in 2011.
Stafford, which pays all city bills with sales taxes since it col-lects no property taxes, brought in a total of $14,591,700 in 2012 sales taxes and in March increased its bank account by $1,128,027. That amount com-pared to $1,025,306 Stafford got in sales taxes in 2012.
The last time Stafford col-lected more than $14 million in total sales taxes was 2008 when it was reimbursed $14,613,782 by the state comptroller. Sales tax receipts for December 2012 totaled $1,438,797 compared to $1,362,826 for December 2011.
Meadows Place fared well also in 2012 by collecting a to-tal of $1,043,312 in sales taxes. In March the city collected $82,145 compared to $72,593 in March 2012.
In 2007, 2008 and 2009 Meadows Place collected more than the total of $1 million in sales taxes each of those years.
R i c h m o n d c o l l e c t e d $4,067,934 in sales taxes in 2012 compared to $3,915,827 in 2011 and $4,085,384 in 2010.
In March this year, Rich-mond collected $661,649 for January sales compared to last year’s sales tax receipts in March of $270,170. Decem-ber sales tax receipts totaled $404,447 in 2012 and $96,025 in 2013.
Cash registers rang all year in area stores
KSLB to benefi t from community giving day
The Fort Bend Chapter of the Czech Heritage Society will be holding their meeting and social at Old South Plantation in Richmond on Saturday April 13th at 10:00. Come and join your fellow Czech friends and enjoy a delicious lunch.
By CAROLYN BOWDENWhen we told our friends
and neighbors that we were moving to a subdivision called “Quail Valley” they were concerned. The “talk on the street” was that this area was a “senior citizen development”. However, that did not deter us and when we moved to Quail Valley, we discovered most of the residents were our age or just a “little” older.
DO NOT UNDER ESTI-MATE TEENAGERS: The teenagers in Quail Valley were concerned that the only activ-ity for them was the pool in front of the club house. They organized and approached the owner of the development and requested that he build a rec-reation center for the youth. He explained that he was in-volved with developing the subdivision and that this was not in his plans at this time. Well, the youth decided to move ahead with their plans and do a fund raiser to build a rec center. They had no idea what it would cost and did not care. They organized a “bake sale” and set it up in front of the club house. At the end of the day they counted their money and were pleased that they had raised $50. Unfor-tunately, the $50 disappeared before they “broke camp” that day. When the owner of the QV Development heard of this he was incensed and as a result,he determined that a “simple” pavilion would be built with a roof, concrete fl oor and basketball goals of various heights.
RECREATION CEN-TER: By the mid 70’s there was a small building (with “inside” games) behind the large pavilion and parents took turns volunteering to “man the door” and make sure everyone who came were members of the Quail Valley Club.
YOUNG MEN THEN BEGAN TO JOIN THE REC CENTER: Suddenly the importance of “men’s” sports within Quail Valley became quite popular and or-
ganized teams evolved from the Rec Center . The players were young athletes (those who were natural athletes and had never played “organized” sports and others were college players and professionals.) All needed an “outlet” to play the sports they enjoyed. The fi rst year teams picked their own players but the next year teams drafted players and it was the start of Quail Val-ley Men’s sports. The teams played on Sunday afternoons and the attendance to watch and support grew. Everyone drove golf carts to the soft-ball fi eld and brought ”adult” beverages because there was no concession stand. After each game the players went to a team player’s home that had a pool. But not before they stopped at the drive-in grocery to replenish their coolers. The fact that these QV sports players would plan their vacations around the sports schedules, illustrated the importance placed upon “recreational” sports in Quail Valley.
FLAG FOOTBALL: This sport did not last as long because many teams became very competitive. Younger teams came along and “fa-ther-time” put an end to Flag football—not enough ace bandages!
BASKETBALL: Every Thursday night at the Rec Center the men gathered. One player had never played basketball , but he wanted to
be on the team with his bud-dies. They agreed he could be on the team but all he got to do was throw the basketball in OR when the team got so far ahead he could go in “garbage time”.
THEN QUAIL VALLEY DEMOGRAPHICS BE-GAN TO CHANGE: The young men began to “live” through their sons who were now old enough to play sports. At that time in Quail Valley there were no concerns about safety and boys would go to the Rec Center and stay all day in the summer. Finally Moms would call at 9 p.m. when it was getting dark and tell the director of the Rec Center to send their sons home.
“Some” of the “sports pro-fessionals” who lived in Quail Valley, include:
BASKETBALL: Rick Berry NBAFOOTBALL NFL: Bobby Maples (Oilers &
Denver Broncos) Don Trull (Baylor) Lawrence Taylor (New
York Giants) Bob Talamini (Oilers) Gregg Bingham (Oilers)
Alonzo Highsmith (Oilers) Willy Germany (Oilers)
BASEBALL: Jimmy Stewart (Astros)
Fess Parker (TV’s Davy Crockett)
Claude Osteen (Astros & Dodgers)
Randy Kerbow (Rice)Football coaches who lived
in Quail Valley: Bum Phillips (Oilers) Andy
Bourgeois (Oilers) Ed Biles (Oilers) June Sheldon Jones III
(Oilers & Houston Cougars)Women’s Softballteams:
The young women also formed several softball teams but they did not have the “numbers” like the Men’s teams. Therefore, their teams only played a few years.
Next column: (April 24th) “Saving the old Oak Tree.”
By BASIL HOUSWRIGHT, JR.Stop for a moment to refl ect
on everything you’ve worked hard for in your life – your home, your vehicles, and your family’s security. You may even have a recreational ve-hicle, a boat, or a place on the lake or in the country for fam-ily getaways. You probably already purchase an insurance policy to protect these assets and the potential liability their use may involve you or your family in.
But have you ever stopped and thought about why you buy liability insurance and how much is enough? In to-day’s society, no one is exempt from large liability losses. Let’s face it, people are grow-ing more willing to sue every day and it could happen to you. Your base insurance policies covering your autos, home, recreational vehicle or boats may not be enough to protect you. If you or your family are involved in a serious accident and at fault and someone is se-riously injured or killed, how much insurance is enough? Re-member you don’t need to be a millionaire to be sued like one.
A Personal Umbrella Liabil-ity Insurance policy would be a method to protect everything for which you have worked so hard. It can give you additional liability insurance over the limits of your auto, homeown-ers, recreational vehicle and boat liability policy limits in $1,000,000 increments. Many insurance companies will sell up to $5,000,000 limits with-out specialized underwriting
requirements. The cost of an umbrella policy is typically in-expensive in comparison to the amount of coverage offered.
There is a catch though. The insurance company will require you insure all the un-derlying liability exposures to a specifi ed minimum liability limit in order to qualify for an umbrella policy. The umbrella policy may also have exclu-sions and limitations, such as business related activities and exposures related to jet skis, jet sleds or other recreational vehicles. It is suggested you check the specifi c limitations with the company you propose to do business with.
The Personal Umbrella Li-ability Insurance policy should provide coverage for legal costs, including representa-tion by insurance company ap-pointed attorneys, court costs, interest on judgments and pre-miums for necessary bonds. The chances of being sued for more than your automobile, homeowners, recreational ve-hicle or boat liability insurance polices may be small but if this
were to happen it could prove to be a fi nancial ruin for the rest of your life. Your current insur-ance coverage may not protect you against charges of defama-tion of character, invasion of privacy, libel or slander, but a personal umbrella insurance policy could by making sure your personal liability and um-brella insurance policy include Personal Injury Coverage to cover these exposures.
Many parents think fi rst of lowering their automobile li-ability limits when their chil-dren fi rst start to drive due to the increased costs associated with this new exposure. The reason for the substantial pre-mium increase for insuring youthful drivers is the tenden-cy for new, inexperienced driv-ers to have accidents, many of which result in serious damag-es and injuries. It would be ad-visable for parents to consider higher limits of automobile li-ability coverage and a personal umbrella policy when they have youthful drivers in their household to protect against this period of higher exposure. The more you own the more you have to lose. Consider a personal umbrella policy to give you and your family extra piece of mind.
Basil is manager of Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc a local Independent Insur-ance Agency operating in Sug-ar Land since 1991. He can be reached at (281) 277-7800, Fax (281) 277-7801, E-Mail – [email protected]. Visit www.texansinsure.com.
Umbrella Liability Insurance
Housewright
By RAY PATELI have been walking door
to door morning and evening since December 2012 to col-lect signatures on a petition to amend the City Charter lan-guage to remove Red Light Camera Systems from the City Limit. The goal is to collect 2,600 and now we have over 2,400 signatures. Countywide offi cials, State Reps., U.S. Rep., Ex-City Leaders togeth-er with their spouses all alike have endorsed this petition drive and encouraged me not to give up on this issue.
I moved to Sugar Land 37 years ago with my family from Connecticut when the Sugar Land population was only 1,418 and not incorpo-rated. City Hall started as a trailer.
The present city hall is the fourth building to be ours. Our population is now 84,511. Having Architectural/Town Planning back ground, I vol-unteered to serve in various public service capacities in Fort Bend County, the City of Sugar Land and Fort Bend ISD.
As a Secretary of the Plan-ning and Zoning Commission I contributed my knowledge for the feasibility and master plan for today’s city.
Had I been serving at the time I would have voted against the chosen site for to-day’s City Hall because it has created a serious traffi c bottle neck. No thought was given to means of egress especially in case of fi re or hurricane.
Unfortunately the city has kept issuing permits to high density projects such as a multi bed hotel and apart-ments in very close proximity.
High density projects at-tract a low income population together with drugs and other crimes. Instead of giving birth to a red light camera system the city should have a crime prevention camera system.
The city is misleading the news media on a national level
that we now have crime pre-vention cameras.
As a matter of fact a bid invitation just went out on March 6, 2013 when two teen-agers broke in to the police chief’s house.
We live in a very fast world and technology has changed every aspect of our behavior. I obtained a copy of the minutes of the meetings and agree-ments to study facts about red light cameras and found the following:
1. February 27, 2007: Our Police Department pre-sented a Garland, Texas Red Light Camera enforcement model at the workshop to con-vince the Mayor and Council, how smartly Garland is in col-lecting civil penalties of $75. No public input was ever en-couraged.
2. May 22, 2007: Mayor introduced the RLC system ordinance. Texas Senate Bill 1119 prohibits local authori-ties from providing informa-tion about civil penalties to any Credit Bureau.
Texas counties may refuse to register a vehicle for not paying $ 75 civil fi ne (Thanks to our legislature), but since 2010 this refusal is no longer practiced by the Fort Bend Tax offi ce.
3. June 19, 2007: the birth of Ordinance 1628. Ap-proved on fi rst consideration and adopted upon Second con-sideration on July 03, 2007.
4. July 20, 2007: agree-ment was signed between the City and American Traf-fi c Solution of Arizona for $ 570,000 per year maximum with automatically renewal clause for successive one-year terms with no termination cost should either party decide to terminate this agreement.
5. To meet this cost the agreement allows contractor to rotate camera locations – to high traffi c intersections in or-der to issue more violation no-tices (to generate more reve-nue). Initially there were eight
cameras at four locations x $ 4,750 per month for the cam-era company. Until December 5, 2012, a total of 87,569 vio-lation notices ($75/violation fi ne + $25 late charge) were issued. You do the math.
Is this for our citizen’s traf-fi c safety concerns expressed by our Mayor in that work-shop or is it a successful busi-ness promise fulfi lled?
6. Violation notices have misleading threats to collect money. The success rate is over 70 percent. Victims of the systems are senior citizens, students and visitors from out-side the city limits who really bring revenue to our malls and businesses.
CONCLUSION: As I meet people for signatures on our petition to amend the charter, all speak overwhelmingly one language.
There are many other issues here to solve than just rotating RLCs in the City and if the City Council is so concerned about the traffi c safety then there are many national stud-ies available to consider such as: increasing yellow time by 1 to 1.5 seconds as other parts of the nation have done. In-stall bigger and better visible warning signs rather than ex-isting small signs.
Provide count down tim-ers to indicate when the yel-low light will change to red. Install strong fl ash warning lights to bring vehicle opera-tor’s attention. Educate our people. Issue fi rst time viola-tors at least one warning.
We are the concerned citi-zens of this City of Sugar Land and humbly request to our Honarable Mayor and the Council to please listen to your concerned constituents rather than ruling with your personal emotions and let us decide what is good and what is bad for us.
Here I rest my case and ap-peal to my fellow citizens that let us be united on this issue. Thank you!
Facts about Red Light Cameras in Sugar Land
By SESHADRI KUMARDoes money matter in edu-
cation? The answer is yes, with the
caveat that it is possible to spend a lot of money and yet not get good results, says J. David Thompson of Thomp-son and Horton, LLP, attorney for the plaintiff FBISD and others in the lawsuit against the state.
Thompson gave an update on the lawsuit dealing with school fi nancing in Texas at a luncheon hosted by the educa-tion division of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce in Sugar Land on April 4.
FBISD board president Jim Rice is the chairman of the chamber’s education division.
There is a strong correla-tion between various perfor-mance standards of students and the funding provided to that school,as per evidence presented to the court in the lawsuit, Thompson said.
Comparing the percentage of low income students versus average revenue, it has been shown that more low income kids, meant a decline in aca-demic performance.
In 2004 dollars, education revenue provided per student in Texas was $7,128, exclud-ing money spent on food ser-vices and facilities.
The revenue per student in 2008 rose to $7,400 and in 2011 it fell to $6,293.
That is at the heart of the lawsuit fi led by Fort Bend ISD and other school districts and the Taxpayers and Students Fairness Coalition against the State of Texas for failing to provide adequate funds, as
stipulated in the Texas Consti-tution.
In the past, the state used to conduct a variety of studies to ascertain the cost of providing or meeting the educational re-quirements.
“The state has stopped do-ing these studies because it did not like answers. We don’t know the actual costs of edu-cation today,” Thompson said.
The only place where the Constitution mentions the word “duty” of the state is in the article requiring the state to provide suitable resourc-es for effi cient, free public schools. Of course, no state property tax can be levied to fund schools.
If local tax is co-opted, it amounts to a state tax, ac-cording to the Texas Supreme Court. It is possible to do in-directly, what is prohibited di-rectly, the court has said.
Once the state sets the stan-dards, it must provide the nec-essary means to meet the stan-dards, Thompson said.
Every year about 80,000 students are added to public
schools in Texas and Texas is not only a “growing” state, but a “changing” state as well.
Low income population in Texas public schools account for 60 percent of the total enrollment and their annual growth rate is one percent. This population exceeds the total growth in population.
The socio-economic status of a household has a strong relationship to educational standards. The primary lan-guage spoken at home, mobil-ity during the year and quality of class room teachers are the other factors affecting the ed-ucational standards, Thomp-son said.
After a 12-week trial, Judge John Dietz agreed with schools that the current fund-ing mechanism violates the state Constitution.
The judge, “predicted a drift toward Constitutional violation.”
In other words, the state should ensure that every com-munity is provided the nec-essary resources to meet the educational requirements.
The district judge is expect-ed to give his written judge-ment in April. If the state directly appeals to the Texas Supreme Court, it will come up for hearing in the spring of 2014.
The current Legislature is doing good work. There has been a signifi cant restoration of funds to education, not seen ever before, Thompson said. There is a signifi cant response from the legisla-tors and it is positive. They are working productively this session, he said.
Money matters in education, says attorney
Thompson
NewsINDEPENDENT • APRIL 10, 2013 • Page 5
PUBLIC NOTICE
FORT BEND COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
FY 2005 CONSOLIDATED ACTION PLAN AMENDMENT
Fort Bend County proposes to amend its approved FY 2005 Consolidated Action Plan. The Consolidated Plan regulations at 24 CFR 91.505 state that a jurisdiction shall amend its approved plan whenever it makes one of the following decisions:
(1) To make a change in its allocation priorities or a change in the method of distribution of funds;
(2) To carry out an activity, using funds from any program covered by the consolidated plan (including program income), not previously described in the action plan; or
(3) To change the purpose, scope, location, or benefi ciaries of an activity.
In addition, Fort Bend County has identifi ed in its citizen participation plan the criteria it uses for determining what constitutes substantial amendments that are subject to a citizen participation process, in accordance with the County’s citizen participation plan. The defi nitions and/or criteria for what constitutes a substantial change for the purpose of amending the consolidated plan are as follows:
(1) Purpose: The purpose is substantially changed if the overall purpose for which a project is funded changes. Changing a specifi c objective without changing the overall purpose of the project will not be considered a substantial change.
(2) Scope: The scope is substantially changed if the original estimated cost of the project is increased by twenty percent or more.
(3) Location: The location is substantially changed if the service area of a project changes from the original service area.
(4) Benefi ciaries: The benefi ciaries are substantially changed if there is a change in type or the number is increased by twenty percent or more.
The Fort Bend County FY 2005 Consolidated Plan Amendment is available for public review and comment. The public is encouraged to submit written comments by Monday, May 13, 2013 to Marilynn Kindell, Community Development Director, at 301 Jackson, Suite 602, Richmond, Texas 77469. Comments will be incorporated into the Consolidated Plan Amendment, as appropriate.
FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS
FY 2005 CONSOLIDATED PLAN AMENDMENT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)
Funds are available to be reprogrammed from:FY 2005 Fort Bend County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1 $200,000.00Total Available To Be Reprogrammed $200,000.00
Projects to be funded are:FY 2005 Arcola Water System Improvements: STAG match $200,000.00Total Reprogrammed Amount $200,000.00
Public Notice
Cole Foundation Inc.,
announces its intent to provide
Temporary Housing Assistance for Women Parolees
who have been approved for parole through the
Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Location:
3002 Meadow Bend Circle,
Richmond, Texas 77469;
Date: Thursday, May 9, 2013,
Time: 6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Terry Cole 832-921-1836 .
By BARBARA FULENWIDERThe 2013 Buick Encore
crossover delivers Buick’s style, has improved acoustics and plenty of luxury amenities in a versatile package.
With room for fi ve and up to 48.4 cubic feet of stor-age space with the rear seat folded, Encore offers sub-stantial cargo capacity along with a higher driving posi-tion, available all-wheel drive and crossover design. Buick’s QuietTuning is standard, and features Buick’s fi rst use of Bose Active Noise Cancel-lation technology, which re-duces sounds at their source, blocks sounds from entering the cabin and absorbs remain-ing sounds.
Additional standard fea-tures include 10 air bags, StabiliTrak and a 138-horse-power Ecotec 1.4L turbo four-cylinder/six-speed automatic powertrain. The engine makes 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. torque.
Encore has the highest fuel economy of any crossover from a domestic automaker and uses regular gasoline. It gets better fuel economy with 25 in the city and 33 on the highway than direct competi-tors such as the Mini Coun-tryman S (EPA-estimated 25 city / 32 highway with the automatic transmission) and the Volkswagen Tiguan (EPA-estimated 21 / 26). It also beats the combined EPA fuel economy of Ford’s most ef-fi cient version of the Escape crossover (26), as well as the Jeep Compass (24).
A Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic transmis-sion backs the Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine. The Hydra-Ma-tic 6T40 six speed automatic transmission offers a steep fi rst gear and a tall overdrive
top gear, which allows the Encore to achieve robust ac-celeration, fuel effi ciency and less engine noise at highway cruising speeds.
Encore is offered in front-wheel and available all-wheel-drive confi gurations in four trim levels: Encore (1SB), Encore Convenience (1SD), Encore Leather (1SL) and Encore Premium (1SN).
The Encore’s signature cues include a waterfall grille, chrome accents and surrounds, portholes on the hood and painted lower pan-els. Eighteen-inch, fi ve-spoke painted aluminum wheels are standard. Seven-spoke chromed aluminum wheels are available.
It has 18.8 cubic feet of stor-age behind the split-folding rear seat and 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. With the rear seat in place, there is room for at least six full gro-cery bags. When the rear seat is folded, there’s room for golf clubs and overnight bags for a weekend getaway. The front passenger seat folds fl at to ex-tend the cargo length.
Standard equipment on the Encore includes heated out-side rearview mirrors, six-way, power-adjustable driv-
er’s seat with power lumbar adjustment, power windows with driver express up/down and front/rear passenger ex-press down, seven-inch, high-resolution, full-color display radio, AM/FM/Sirius XM (three months of service) Siri-usXM Travel Link and Tune Select (requires subscription), stereo with CD player, auxil-iary input jack and six speak-ers.
Also, leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel with locking feature to deter theft, rear cargo cover, roof-mounted luggage rails, dual gloveboxes, theft-deterrent system, variable-effort elec-tric power steering, compact spare tire with mechanical jack.
Encore trim levels progres-sively add standard equip-ment with packages avail-able in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive models. The convenience package adds an electrochromic inside rear-view mirror, remote start, dual automatic climate control, 120V outlet and fog lamps. The leather package adds leather seats, heated steering wheel, power passenger seat, heated seats, driver memory package that includes driver
presets for seat position, out-side mirrors and climate con-trol.
The Encore premium adds rainsense wipers, premium Bose seven-speaker audio system, front and rear park as-sist, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, car-go net and cargo mat.
The Encore’s 100.6-inch (2,555 mm) wheelbase and wide stance – 60.6-inch (1,539 mm) front and rear tracks – contribute to a more confi dent-feeling driving ex-perience, while a strong struc-ture enables greater suspen-sion precision and a quieter ride.
A MacPherson strut front suspension is used with coil springs, a large stabilizer bar, hydraulic ride bushings and side-load-compensated front strut modules. The rear sus-pension incorporates a com-pound crank (torsion beam) design, with a double-wall, tubular V-shape beam profi le with gas-charged twin-tube shocks.
Encore is designed with technologies that help avoid crashes. They include four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution, cornering brake control and brake assist, avail-able all-wheel-drive, available forward collision alert and lane departure warning, avail-able front and rear park assist.
The Buick Encore arrived in beautiful ruby red metallic paint with a titanium interior. With all standard equipment it retails for $29,190. Eigh-teen-inch chromed aluminum wheels and an audio system with navigation added $1,790. It’s a honey to drive, a beauty to see and a great size for city driving and hauling.
AUTOMOBILE: Buick Encore
Where can a boy with vocal talent get the opportunity to sing for U.S. Presidents, collaborate with famous entertainers and sing high profi le performances like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo?
The answer is … the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas! Open auditions for the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s 32nd concert season will be Saturday, April 27, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church of Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd. Times will be from 9 a.m. – 12 Noon.
Boys with unchanged voices should be 8 years old or going into the third grade for the 2013-2014 school year. Scholar-ships and payment plans are available in addition to carpool as-sistance. Call the Fort Bend Boys Choir offi ce for more audition details and/or if you need to schedule an alternate date. Also, ask about Music Magic, their music enrichment program for 6 and 7 year old boys!
Boys learn so much more than music as a member of the Fort Bend Boys Choir. They become leaders and develop time man-agement skills, self-confi dence, self-esteem and citizenship. There are no benchwarmers or substitutes in choir! Each boy plays an integral role in the organization’s success.
Find out more about the Fort Bend Boys Choir and how they have been making a difference in the lives of boys for over three decades by visiting their website at www.fbbctx.org and their Facebook fan page; or, call the choir offi ce at (281) 240-3800 to learn about their various music programs, concerts or to sched-ule an audition.
Audition now with the Fort Bend Boys Choir
Tour Choirboys John Garrido and Kent Mohr at their winter vocal camp this past January 2013
Sugar Land AARP Chapter 4075 meets Wednesday April 24 at 1 p.m. in The T E Harman Center, 234 Matlage Way.Our program will be Meet Troy Nehls, sheriff Fort Bend County and Trevor Nehls, Constable Precinct 4, who are our newly elected law enforcement offi cials. For more info call 281-494-2600.
The Fort Bend County Women’s Center is inviting the community to learn more about the PennyWise Pennies volunteer opportunity at Pen-nyWise Resale Centers. Three Open Houses will be held on April 11 and 12. Attendees can learn more about the vari-ous volunteer opportunities offered at PennyWise while enjoying refreshments. Open Houses will be held at the fol-lowing times:•Thursday, April 11 from 11:30 a.m – 1:00 p.m at Pen-nyWise Richmond, 1120 Hwy 90A, Richmond 77406•Thursday, April 11 from 4:30 p.m – 6:30 p.m at PennyWise Stafford, 13945 Murphy Rd., Stafford 77477•Friday, April 12, 11:30 a.m – 1:00 p.m at PennyWise Mis-sion Bend, 6808 Hwy 6S, Houston 77083
Last July, the Women’s Cen-ter introduced this new way for the community to make a difference in the lives of sur-vivors of domestic violence and sexual assault through the PennyWise “Pennies” Volun-teer Program.
“Pennies” earn different recognition levels based on how many hours of service they complete during the year. Copper Pennies donate 60 service hours per year; Silver Pennies donate 144 hours and Gold Pennies donate 288 ser-vice hours per year. Pennies work a minimum of 3-hour shifts. Pennies receive a recog-nition pin denoting their level of service and are recognized on the Pennies Wall of Fame at each PennyWise location. Visit www.fortbendwomen-scenter.org or contact Amber Paaso ([email protected] or 281-344-5759.
Sugar Land’s drop-off recycling centers at 113 Gillingham Lane and 4802 Scenic Rivers Drive will close on June 1.
The City now contracts with Republic Services to provide recycling for all residents and businesses. With the addition of the commercial franchise, Republic Services is contacting businesses to discuss service levels for solid waste and recy-cling.
Residents currently receive automated curbside recycling collection once per week utilizing a City-issued recycling cart. Sugar Land’s curbside recycling program was expanded last year to include all colors of glass bottles and jars. The addition of a green waste program ensures all green waste -- grass clip-pings, leaves, brush, tree limbs, etc. -- will be recycled rather than sent to a landfi ll.
To locate a regional recycling center, visit www.recycleinfo.org.
Over 75 community lead-ers and elected offi cials gath-ered at Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels’ headquar-ters recently to deliver meals to the homebound, to see fi rst-hand the needs of the el-derly in our community.
This annual event, March for Meals, provides an up-close and personal look at those who face hunger every day.
“Senior hunger continues in our community, and if it was not for our homebound program, we are not sure what would become of those we serve, over 1,100 elderly a day. We know they would have an empty plate, and we know being hungry creates other health and emotional problems.
“Bottom line, hunger hurts, especially when one is frail. These senior citizens did not plan for their golden years to turn out this way, but life threw them a curve ball. Now these folks are trying to live on only their social se-curity checks, which do not stretch far enough to cover basic needs,” said Manuela Arroyos, CEO, Fort Bend
Ending senior hunger in Fort Bend County
Richmond Police Chief Whitworth and Tony Masraff of Mas-raff’s Restaurant-Houston.Seniors Meals on Wheels.
Todd Staples, commission-er, Department of Agriculture noted in January, “For every senior that receives home de-livered meals saves Texas tax payers over $38,000 per se-nior, per year in elderly care. We encourage communities to get involved with Meals on Wheels programs, to help de-
liver meals to shut-ins.” With Fort Bend Seniors
providing meals to over 1,100 daily and close to 2,000 annu-ally, the organization is saving Texas taxpayers over $70 mil-lion a year in taxes.
The cost to provide meals to one senior per year is $2,250, which is much more economi-cal, according to Arroyos.
PennyWise Open House
Sugar Land Recycling Convenience Centers to Close
“Rustic Moon” Loving Friends will meet
for dinner and entertainment on Tuesday, April 16, at the Sweet-water Country Club located at 4400 Palm Royale Blvd., Sugar Land. The event starts at 5 p.m. for registration and dinner. The group will be entertained by Lar-ry Glass and Jon Ingram of Rus-tic Moon Entertainment. Loving Friends are men and women who lost their spouses, whose goal is to move on with their lives in a social environment. For member-ship information, call (281) 438-5224. The cost for dinner and en-tertainment is $17 inclusive and complimentary valet parking is available.
Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 10, 2013
WHEREAS, on 06/25/2004, a certain (Deed of Trust) was executed by E J Messarra, AKA Elie J Messarra, AKA Elie John Messarra, Unmarried, as Trustor, in favor of Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation, A Sub-sidiary of Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB, as benefi ciary, and American Title Company, as Trustee and was Record-ed on 7/09/2004, as Instrument No. 2004083573, in the offi ce of the Fort Bend County, Texas Recorder, and
WHEREAS, the Deed of Trust was insured by the UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, (the Secretary) pur-suant to the National Housing Act for the purpose of providing single family housing; and
WHEREAS, the benefi cial interest in the Deed of Trust is now owned by the Secretary, pursuant to an assignment recorded on 5/18/2011, as Instrument # 2011046310 in the of-fi ce of the Fort Bend County, Texas Re-corder, and
WHEREAS, a default has been made by reason of failure to pay all sums due under the Deed of Trust, pursuant to Paragraph 9 Subsection (i) of said deed of Trust and
WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness se-cured by the Deed of Trust to be imme-diately due and payable,
NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to power vesting in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, 12 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR part 27, subpart B, and by the Secre-tary’s designation of us as Foreclosure Commissioner” notice is hereby given that on 6/04/2013 at 1:00 PM, all real and personal property at or used in connection with following described premises (“Property”) will be sold at
public auction to the highest bidder:
Commonly known as: 11827 Meadow Crest Dr.,
Staff ord, TX 77477
APN: 4966-01-008-0380-907
More thoroughly described as: As more particularly described in
said Deed of Trust.
The sale will be held at the following location:
THE PLACE OF SALE SHALL BE IN THE
AREA DESIGNATED BY THE COMMIS-
SIONERS COURT OF SUCH COUNTY
PURSUANT TO 51.002 OF THE TEXAS
PROPERTY CODE, AS THE PLACE
WHERE FORECLOSURE SALES TAKE
PLACE, (IF NOT SUCH PLACE IS SO
DESIGNATED, THE PLACE OF SALE
SHALL BE IN THE AREA WHERE THIS
NOTICE OF SALE IS POSTED), IN THE
CITY OF RICHMOND, FORT BEND
COUNTY, TEXAS.
Per The Secretary of Housing and Ur-ban Development the estimated open-ing bid will be $138,850.48.
There will be no pro-ration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, ex-cept that the purchaser will pay, at or before the closing, his prorate share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale.
When making a bid, all bid-ders except the Secretary must submit a deposit totaling ten percent (10%) of the Secretary’s estimated bid amount, in the form of a cashier’s check made payable to the Foreclosure Commis-sioner Cimarron Trustee Services. Each oral bid need not be accompa-nied by a deposit. If the successful bid is an oral, a deposit of $13,885.05 must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefund-able. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within 30 days of the sale or at such time as the Sec-retary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a cashier’s or certifi ed check. If the Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyancing fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery of the remainder of the payment and all other costs as-sociated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be re-turned to them.
The Secretary may grant an extension of time with which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All ex-tensions will be fore 9-day increments for a fee of $600.00 paid in advance. The extension fee shall be in the form of certifi ed or cashier’s check made payable to the commissioner. If the high bidder closed the sale prior to the expiration period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied
toward the amount due.
If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder may be required to forfeit the cash deposit or, at the election of the Foreclosure Commissioner after consultation with the HUD Field Offi ce representative, will be liable to HUD for any costs incurred as a result of such failure. The Commissioner may, at the direction of HUD Field Offi ce Represen-tative, off er the property to the second highest bidder to an amount equal to the highest price off ered by that bid-der.
There is no right of redemp-tion, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as proved herein HUD does not guarantee that the property will be vacant. The amount that must be paid by the Mortgagor, to stop the sale prior to the scheduled sale date is $138,700.48 as of 6/03/2013, PLUS all other amounts that are due under the mortgage agreement.
Plus advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reason-able road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commission-er’s attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for record-ing documents. Plus a commission for the Foreclosure commissioner and all other costs incurred in the connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstate-ment.
Date: March 20, 2013
FORECLOSURE COMMISSIONER:CIMARRON SERVICE CORP, of
NEVADA
719 14TH STREET
MODESTO, CA 95354
Telephone No. (209) 544-9658
Facsimile No. (209) 544-6119
_______________________________CATHEY E. LATNER, Vice President
NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE
HUD # 493-7810598 TS#13-12732-25
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEThe Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 for replat of Long Meadow Farms Commercial Reserve, Sec 1, Partial Replat No. 2, Precinct 4. 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 proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Mary McKenzie with Hovis Surveying Company Inc. at 281-320-9591 for information 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, May 7, 2013 for replat of Oreilly FM 1464 Subdivision, being a replat of a portion of Restricted Reserve “A” in Twin Oaks Village, Section 15, Precinct 2. 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 proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Aaron Bourgeois with Lentz Engineering LC at 713-839-8900 for information prior to the hearing.Submitted by,Dianne WilsonFort Bend County Clerk
LEGAL NOTICEINVITATION TO BIDDERS
Sealed Bids will be received in the Offi ce of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Offi ce of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specifi ed time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.co.fort-bend.tx.us. BID 13-055 – CONSTRUCTION OF MUSTANG PARK BATHROOM FACILITY.Lump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check. Bonds are required.Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids.Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing AgentFort Bend County, Richmond, Texas
LEGAL NOTICEINVITATION TO BIDDERS
Sealed Bids will be received in the Offi ce of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Offi ce of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specifi ed time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.co.fort-bend.tx.us. BID 13-057 – TERM CONTRACT FOR BULK DIESEL EXHAUST FLUIDUnit pricing is required; payment will be by check. Bonds are not required.Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
Signed:Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas
LEGAL NOTICE
The City of Missouri City, Texas is now issuing an Invitation for Bids for the following:
IFB # 117-13 Construction of Standby Generator Improvements for Animal Shelter and
Traffi c Management Facility
The City of Missouri City will accept bids for and intends to award a contract for all materials, labor, tools, equipment and facilities required to complete turnkey construction of a standby generator for use by the City’s new Animal Shelter and Traffi c Management Facility. The project site is at 1919 Scanlin Road in Missouri City. This project includes, but is not limited to, the following:
The scope of work includes replacement of the existing electrical service and electrical panels to convert the building from 120/240V, 3 phase delta hi-leg to a balanced 120/208V, 3 phase electrical service. Also includes providing a new diesel engine standby generator and associated concrete house-keeping pad and automatic transfer switch to provide standby power to the entire building service. In addition, the scope includes construction of a small closet with lighting and exhaust to house the existing UPS.
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 freight, fuel surcharge or other miscellaneous charges. The bid shall be lump sum and include the days to completion.
A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 10 AM, April 12, 2013 in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1522 Texas Parkway, in Missouri City.
Bids will be accepted until 2 PM, April 29, 2013 and then opened. Bids are opened in public in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Bid packages are available by contacting the DemandStar bid service at (800)
711-1712 and requesting the bid name above for the City of Missouri City, Texas.
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.
City of Missouri City
LEGAL NOTICEREQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE
PROPOSALSSealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Offi ce of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Offi ce of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specifi ed time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.RFP 13-056 – LEASE OF PROPERTY AT 819 AVENUE H, ROSENBERG, TXDetailed monthly lease price is required. Bonds are not required.Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.Signed:Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing AgentFort Bend County, Richmond, Texas
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
THIS NOTICE IS AN ADDENDUM TO THE PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED PUBLIC
HEARING NOTICE FOR THE APRIL 9, 2013 PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
MEETING. THE APRIL 9, 2013 PUBLIC HEARING HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED
TO APRIL 25, 2013 AND INCLUDES PROPOSED AMENDMENT WITHIN THE
RESTRICTED INDUSTRIAL (M-1) DISTRICT.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND DEVELOPMENT
CODE-CHAPTER TWO, ARTICLE II, TO REVISE SEC. 2-55 LAND USE MATRIX
FOR SPECIFIC COMMERCIAL USES WITHIN THE BUSINESS OFFICE (B-
O), NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS (B-1), GENERAL BUSINESS (B-2), AND
RESTRICTED INDUSTRIAL (M-1) DISTRICTS
PURPOSE: One (1) public hearing shall be held at which all persons
interested in the proposed Code Amendment shall be
given an opportunity to be heard.
WHERE: CITY OF SUGAR LAND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
CITY HALL
2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH
SUGAR LAND, TEXAS
WHEN: CITY OF SUGAR LAND
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
APRIL 25, 2013, 6:30 P.M.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENT MAY BE OBTAINED BY
CONTACTING THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND PLANNING OFFICE AT (281) 275-
OFFICE IS OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:00 O’CLOCK A.M. TO
5:00 O’CLOCK P.M., AND IS LOCATED AT CITY HALL, 2700 TOWN CENTER
BOULEVARD NORTH, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS. PLEASE CONTACT THE
PLANNING OFFICE IF YOU WISH TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO GO OVER
ADDITIONAL DETAILS IN PERSON.
CITATION BY PUBLICATIONDIVORCE
The State of TexasTO: Xingying Hong , and to all whom it may concern, RespondentGREETINGS:You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not fi le a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 AM on the Monday next following the expiration of twenty (20) days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you.The Original Petition for Divorce of Tianming Cui, Petitioners, was fi led in the 387th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on the March 25, 2011 against Xingying Hong, Respondent, being numbered 11-DCV-188737, and entitled In the Matter of the Marriage of Tianming Cui and Xingying HongThe suit requests dissolve the bonds of matrimony.The court has authority in this suit to enter any judgment or decree dissolving the marriage and providing for the division of property which will be binding on you.Issued and given under my hand and seal of the said Court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 28th day of March, 2013.
Petitioner’s Attorney:Yanpin YangLaw Offi ces of Yang & Associates PLLC6689 W Sam Houston Pkwy S Suite 302Houston TX 77072713-271-9264
District Clerk Annie Rebecca ElliottFort Bend County, Texas
By Deputy District Clerk Amanda Morales
Telephone: 281-238-3282
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
1.792 ACRES ON CREEK BEND DRIVE
REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ESTABLISH NOAH’S (MULTI-
PURPOSE EVENT CENTER) FACILITY ON A 1.792 ACRE TRACT OF LAND
LOCATED ON CREEK BEND DRIVE NEAR THE INTERSECTION WITH FLOUR
DANIEL DRIVE IN LAKE POINTE TOWN CENTER, TRACT C, IN THE BUSINESS
OFFICE (B-O) DISTRICT.
PURPOSE: ONE (1) PUBLIC HEARING SHALL BE HELD AT WHICH
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE PROPOSED
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT SHALL BE GIVEN
AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD.
WHERE: CITY OF SUGAR LAND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH
WHEN: PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
6:30 P.M., APRIL 25, 2013
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT MAY BE OBTAINED
BY CONTACTING THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING OFFICE IS OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY
FROM 8:00 O’CLOCK A.M. TO 5:00 O’CLOCK P.M., AND IS LOCATED IN CITY
HALL, 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS.
PLEASE CONTACT THE PLANNING OFFICE IF YOU WISH TO SET UP AN
APPOINTMENT TO REVIEW ADDITIONAL DETAILS IN PERSON.
Vicinity Map:
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 5TH day of February, 2013, by the 434th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, in Cause #12-DCV-197746 in favor of the Plaintiff - Kingsway Community Improvement Association, Inc., Plaintiff , for the sum of $4,832.91 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on February 13, 2013 and will off er for sale on the 7th day of May, 2013 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours often o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said defendant, Jeff rey A. Williams had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
LOT 16, IN BLOCK 2, OF KINGSWAY,
AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY,
TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR
PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN THE MAP
RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY,
TEXAS, UNDER VOLUME 22, PAGE 27, AS
MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS, MORE
COMMONLY KNOWN AS 334 DUKES
BEND, STAFFORD, TEXAS 77477.
TERMS: CASH
TIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstablePrecinct Two
Fort Bend County, TexasBy Lieutenant G. Majors #73
Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 18TH day of February, 2013, by the Small Claims Court, Precinct 1, Place 2, Harris County, Texas in cause # SC12C0010476 in favor of the Plaintiff -Patrick O’ Connor Associates, , Plaintiff , for the sum of $3,265.29 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on March 11, 2013 and will off er for sale on the 7th day of May, 2013 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours often o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said defendant, Anastacio H. Lopez and Sara
S. Lopez, had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
LOT 60, BLOCK 4 MISSION WEST, SECTION
ONE (1), ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR
PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 23,
PAGE 17 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT
BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ALSO 35 ESPINOSA
DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77083.
TERMS: CASH
TIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstablePrecinct Two
Fort Bend County, TexasBy Lieutenant G. Majors #73
Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE SALE
Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 18TH day of February, 2013, by the County Court at Law No. 4 of Harris County, Texas in Cause #887212701 in favor of the Plaintiff -NCO Portfolio Management, Inc., Plaintiff , for the sum of $8,467.61 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on March 11, 2013 and will off er for sale on the 7th day of May, 2013 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours often o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said defendant, Ella B. Blount had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
LOT FOURTEEN,(14), IN BLOCK FOURTEEN
(14), SECTION THREE OF RIDGEGATE,
AN ADDITION IN HOUSTON, FORT BEND
COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY
KNOWN AS 6306 CANERIDGE DRIVE,
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77053, ACCORDING TO
THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED
IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, CLERK’S
FILE NO. 9065814, VOLUME 2266, PAGE
939-941.
TERMS: CASH
TIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.
Ruben Davis, ConstablePrecinct Two
Fort Bend County, TexasBy Lieutenant G. Majors #73
Deputy Constable
LEGAL NOTICEREQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE
PROPOSALSSealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Offi ce of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Offi ce of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specifi ed time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.RFP 13-054 – COMMISSARY MANAGEMENT SERVICESA pre-RFP conference will be conducted on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 11:00AM (CST). The pre-RFP conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Sheriff ’s Offi ce located at 1410 Williams Way Blvd, Richmond, Texas 77469. All respondents are encouraged to attend.Detailed unit pricing is required. Bonds are not required.Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
APRIL 10, 2013 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7
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VOTE on May 14th Early Voting May 2nd - May 10th
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Rice & Gardner Consultants EngineerBuilding’s that Lower Energy Costs!
Rice & Gardner Consultants provided engineering services for the Fort Bend County North Annex.
Rice & Gardner Consultants continues to provide engineering services for various projects at Fluor’sLake Pointe Plaza Campus.
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The Sugar Land Skee-ters last week announced the club’s 2013 promotional schedule, highlighted by the Saturday Night Farmers Fire-works Series.
Also included in the pro-motional schedule are mul-tiple theme nights, exciting giveaways, jersey auctions for charity and concerts, spon-sored by Bud Light.
Opening Weekend kicks off on Thursday, April 18 with a magnet schedule giveaway, Opening Night ceremonies include a special introduction of the 2013 Buzz Brigade and postgame fi reworks.
On Friday, April 19, the fi rst 2,000 fans will receive a baseball giveaway, courtesy of Wells Fargo, while the Tex-as Blues Brothers make their fi rst-ever appearance at Con-stellation Field.
On Saturday, April 20, the Skeeters will join with Christ United Methodist Church of Sugar Land for the fi rst Faith and Family Night of the sea-son, featuring a pregame con-cert and worship.
Sunday, April 21 closes out Opening Weekend with Strike Out Autism Night, sponsored by Rangeland Energy. Players will don unique, striped jer-seys to be auctioned at the end of the game and benefi t Hope for Three, a local non-profi t organization geared toward raising community awareness for children with autism.
New Nights in 2013Among many fan favorites
from the inaugural season such as Pops in the Park, pre-sented by Fort Bend Sympho-ny (June 30), Sugar Land will host an array of new theme nights in 2013.
Cinco de Mayo celebra-tions will begin early at the ballpark with the second-an-nual Skeeters Car Show from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Authentic wooden baseball bats will be given as trophies to the winners of the car show categories, while the Corvette Owners Club of Houston will put on a pregame Corvette pa-rade around the warning track at Constellation Field, just prior to the Skeeters 1:35 p.m. game against the Lancaster Barnstormers.
From Wednesday, July 17 - Saturday, July 20, the Skee-ters will hold a College Night Series. The series includes college spirit nights for Bay-lor University (July 17), Uni-versity of Texas (July 18), Texas A&M University (July 19), and University of Hous-ton (July 20), with a postgame concert on Friday, July 19, immediately following the
Skeeters game vs. the Bridge-port Bluefi sh.
Several popular theme nights will also return to the 2013 promotional sched-ule, including Baseball In Education (April 30, May 1), designed to educate and en-tertain students in an out-of-classroom environment.
Emergency Responders Night (May 18), presented by Behind the Badge, will bring family and friends together in salute of men and women who work as emergency respond-ers.
Girl Scout Sleepover (May 31) and Boy Scout Sleepover (August 23) will also return and provide a unique, over-night camp stay inside the ballpark, while all scouts in at-tendance will receive special Skeeters badges and patches.
This year’s Ladies Night, (May 19), brings a very spe-cial guest to Constellation Field as Texas Baseball Hall of Famer and original mem-ber of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Marie “Red” Mahoney will throw out a ceremonial fi rst pitch.
Following the game, ladies are encouraged to participate in a diamond dig around the infi eld. One lucky lady will walk away with a diamond ring worth $8,000, courtesy of Elegant Jewelers.
Skeeters fans are getting healthy and fi t this season with Health and Fitness Night, featuring the second-annual Skeeters Buzz Run on Sun-day, August 11, presented by Fort Bend Fit and Memorial Hermann. The morning gets a jump start with a 5K run/walk at Constellation Field. That evening during the Skeeters’ 6:05 p.m. game against Long Island, fans can interact with numerous health and fi tness vendors along the concourse promoting healthy living and lifestyle changes.
The club will hold 14 spec-tacular postgame fi reworks shows in 2013. Fans also won’t want to miss out on the abundance of entertainment acts coming to Constellation Field this season, a few of which include:
•Texas Blues Brothers (Fri-day, April 19)
•Cowboy Monkey (Thurs-day, May 16)
•Krazy George - Former Oilers Cheerleader, Inventor of “The Wave” (July 12)
Along with an impressive line of performing acts this year, the Skeeters will also have a ton of giveaways for fans of all ages, including:
•Baseballs, (April 19)
•Youth Jerseys, (June 2)•Recyclable Water Bottles,
munity service efforts in 2013, the Skeeters will hold several jersey auctions benefi tting lo-cal area charities. Following Opening Weekend’s jersey auction for Strike Out Autism (Rangeland Energy/Hope for Three), the Skeeters will host the following jersey auctions:
•May 4 – Strike Out Cancer Night Black Jersey Auction (MD Anderson Cancer Center Regional Care Sugar Land)
•August 9 – Houston Buff’s Jersey Auction
•September 21 – Alzheim-er’s Association Night Jersey Auction
For a complete schedule of the Skeeters 2013 theme nights and weekly promos, visit www.sugarlandskeeters.com.
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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 10, 2013
FILM REVIEW: Evil Dead
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Eric H. told me not to go to this movie. “….Dad you don’t like those kind of slash-er movies and you’ll just walk out.” I showed him; I stayed for the entire torturous affair. But before I get too high and mighty about my disdain for this movie, please note that it’s estimated that “Evil Dead” pulled in $26 million on its opening weekend. That’s a lot of folks that don’t mind seeing someone’s arm chopped off
with a chainsaw. As I was walking out of the
theatre, I tried to remember if the title of the fi lm was “Evil Head” or “Evil Dead.” Was it scary? At times I jumped in my seat, and at others I yawned when a bloody-faced starlet was walking around with a nail fi rmly embedded in her forehead.
Speaking of young actors, I bet it was fun making this movie about fi ve young adults
in a cabin in the woods with all levels of evil and gore. I’m not sure if this gig is good for their careers, but what the heck; it pays and it was a well-produced, credible fi lm for this genre of movie. Kudos to Di-rector Fede Alvarez for seem-ingly keeping the action point-ed in the right direction and also keeping up with whose body parts were removed and/or restored and/or died.
I’ve been a little “under the weather” as they say, so I don’t want to waste too much energy on this debacle (apolo-gies to my editors) but we need to at least talk about the touchy subject of gun control. Lesson: when spending the weekend at a haunted house take a minimum of two shot-guns, three pistols, and one AR-15 with about a thousand rounds because some of those zombies are hard to terminate. Enjoy your week. Rock ‘n Roll.
Methodist Sugar Land Hos-pital recently celebrated Na-tional Certifi ed Nurses Day. The hospital honored over 168 certifi ed nurses for their knowledge, skills and experi-ence demonstrated by achiev-ing certifi cation in a nursing specialty to promote optimal health outcomes for patients.
March 19th has been de-clared National Certifi ed Nurs-es Day to create a special day of recognition and celebration for certifi ed nurses around the world. First-declared by the American Nurses Credential-ing Center and endorsed by the American Nurses Association, many other nursing certifi ca-tion organizations have signed on to participate in acknowl-edging the importance of cer-tifi cation to nursing excellence.
Methodist Sugar Land Hospital celebrates National Certifi ed Nurses Day
Honoring Nurses at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital for National Certifi ed Nurses Day. “Certifi cation is a formal
recognition of knowledge and experience in a particular nursing specialty,” explains Janet Leatherwood, Chief Nursing Offi cer at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Certifi -cation represents a declaration of a particular individual’s professional competence and a commitment to their pro-fessional development and to the patients they serve. We applaud those nurses receiv-ing their certifi cation which not only fosters professional growth, but also promotes ca-reer development.”
Certifi cation of nurses plays an increasingly important role in the assurance of high stan-dards of care for patients and their loved ones. Nursing, like health care in general, has be-
come increasingly complex. A Registered Nurse (RN) license provides entry to general nurs-ing practice, and the knowl-edge-intensive requirements of modern nursing require ex-tensive education as well as a strong personal commitment to excellence by the nurse.
Methodist Sugar Land Hos-pital encourages national cer-tifi cation for all of its nurses. There are many nursing cer-tifi cation specialties such as medical-surgical, pediatric, pain management, cardiovas-cular, oncology, hospice, case management, neonatal, labor and delivery, emergency, criti-cal care and many others.
For more information visit MethodistSugarLand.com or for a physician referral, call 281-274-7500.
Pictured at the Sugar Land Rotary teacher recognition are (from left to right): Ashley Forde, Jennifer Culberson, Margaret Bennett, Kristin McNeely, Lynsey Wallman, and Alonzo Ford.
The Sugar Land Rotary honored Fort Bend ISD’s 2013 Rookie Teachers of the Year during a Teacher Appreciation Day recognition program held at a recent Rotary meeting. The Rotary has recognized exceptional fi rst-year teachers through this recognition program for more than 17 years. Sugar Land Rotarians welcomed the teachers and their campus administrators to the event, expressing their gratitude to these young adults as they begin their education careers. Dr. Phillys Hill, FBISD Assistant Superintendent, introduced each honoree. The rookie teachers then shared why they became a teacher and what they have enjoyed most about their fi rst year of teaching.
Honored were: Margaret Bennett, Austin Parkway Elementary; Jennifer Culberson, Highlands Elementary; Ashley Forde, Lakeview Elementary; Kristin McNeely, Baines Middle School; Alonzo Ford, Bowie Middle School; and Lynsey Wallman, McAuliffe Middle School. They each received a gift card from the Rotary in appreciation of their outstanding efforts as fi rst-year teach-ers.
