F ORT B END FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. ww ww w.fbindependent.com .fbindependent.com P.O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010 VOL 3 No. 44 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. Phone: 281-980-6745 Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Sugar Land Youth in philanthropy (YIP) presents its second an- nual countywide food drive on Saturday, Nov. 13 located at Sugar Land Town Square. Sponsored by H-E-B, the event will benefit five local food banks; East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Katy Christian Ministries, Mamie George Community Center, Rosenberg-Richmond Help- ing Hands and Second Mile Mission Center. YIP students from 12 Fort Bend High Schools are com- ing together to stock the pantries of local food banks and organize a canned food sculpting competition. An award ceremony will take place at 2:30 p.m. Show your philanthropic community spirit donating your non-perishable food items Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at either Sugar Land Town Square or the conve- nient drive-by drop-off avail- able at City Hall Drive. YIP is presented by The George Foundation and the Fort Bend Chamber of Com- merce. Its purpose is to pro- vide opportunities for high school students to learn the roles volunteering and phi- lanthropy play in building a better community. YIP brings students to- gether to research nonprofits, make awards and incorporate campus participation in vol- unteer activities, thus, allow- ing them to see first-hand the impact philanthropy has on the community. The YIP countywide food drive is sponsored by H-E- B, Planned Community De- velopers, Sugar Land Town Square and Safari Texas. For more information about YIP and how to get involved or provide support, contact David Crowl at 281-491-2497 or [email protected]. You can also visit the Fort Bend Youth In Philanthropy (YIP) facebook page. Top row: David Crowl, Keri Schmidt, Wende Lewis-Buckley, Dee Koch, Kelly Matte; Bottom Row: Chris Breaux, Diane Miller, Theresa Kopnicky, Allison Wen. —Photo by ANDREW WOLF. Youth in philanthropy hosts food drive Early voting for the Novem- ber 2, 2010 election ended in Fort Bend County with 14,205 voters casting ballots on the last day. Five sites, Cinco Ranch Li- brary, First Colony Conference Center, Missouri City Commu- nity Center, The FBC Rosen- berg Annex, and Randalls at New Territory all saw more than 1,000 voters cast ballots. In all, 78,855 voters took advantage of the opportunity to vote early in person. Another 6,732 ballots have been returned by mail bringing the total to 85,587, or nearly 28 percent of the 309,031 reg- istered voters in the county. Cinco Ranch Library with 9,248 recorded the highest number of early votes, fol- lowed by Missouri City where 8,952 voted early. First Colony finished third with 8,401 votes. For election results, visit www.fortbendvotes.org or fbindependent.com More than 85,000 vote early SCOUT TRAILER. Classic Chevrolet has partnered with the Richmond area Boy Scout Troop #1656 to repaint and refurbish their scout trailer. This was done as a community goodwill and was free of charge to the scout troop. The scouts thank Mike Gnader and the Body Shop staff who donated their time and talent. In the picture, left to right, are Mike Gnader, collision center manager, Rene Gonzalez, Troop 1656 quartermaster and Don Kerstetter, owner of Classic Chevrolet in Sugar Land. By SESHADRI KUMAR Fort Bend ISD board of trust- ees want local control and the authority to establish its own tax rate above $1.04 per $100 property valuation without seek- ing voter approval through a Tax Ratification Election. This is one of the several is- sues contained in the legislative agenda that the school board presented to area legislators at a breakfast meeting recently. Among the legislators who at- tended the meeting were Repub- lican State Sen. Joan Huffman and State Reps. Charlie Howard and Dr. John Zerwas. Ron Reynolds who defeated Dist. 27 State Rep. Dora Olivo, in the Democratic primary, was also present. Reynolds is ex- pected to win the seat defeating a Libertarian rival in the Nov. 2 election. The legislative agenda and a resolution urging the legislature to “make education a priority” has been prepared by the Texas Association of School Boards, representing 1034 school dis- tricts in the state. All school districts are ex- pected to adopt an identical reso- lution to put pressure on the state to improve school funding “with an attitude where education is found as the highest priority.” While the legislators were inclined to look at removing inequities in the school funding system, the demand for raising the tax rate without voter ap- proval did not elicit a positive response. While Dr. Zerwas cautioned the board “to be careful about local control on raising taxes,” he later said he would like to un- derstand the history behind the mandate for the Tax Ratification election. Huffman was not sold on the idea and said the issue needed further study. Howard did not endorse the idea either. The school district also wants the school start date to be left to the district’s discretion. Now, the state sets the date. The mandated late start date is a not good idea or in the inter- est of local control, the district says. On accountability, the school district is concerned about the “excessive testing pressures placed on our district’s stu- dents.” The district believes the entire academic record of a stu- dent should be considered for graduation and not the 12 end- of-course exams alone. The board supports the amendment to the education code relating to student expul- sions involving computer related incidents or hacking. Over 25 students in FBISD were involved in tampering with district computers and altering grades, but the district was not able to expel these students. Currently, school districts may only discipline through re- moval to an alternative school, but that has not effectively de- terred criminal conduct, accord- ing to the district. The board opposes any legis- lation which would endorse, cre- ate or permit the use of private school vouchers as the vouch- ers detract from the funding of the financially-strapped public schools. The school district wants to be exempted form the water dis- trict and municipal utility district fees. FBISD paid over $ 2 mil- lion to MUDs and water districts for water connection fees to new school campuses in 2007. The district opposes unfund- ed mandates like the 22:1 ratio in kindergarten through fourth grade. The district wants a re- laxation of this policy so that the district can make staffing deci- sions based upon the needs of each campus. On school finance, the district supports a plan proposed by the TASB. The TASB plan increases the state’s investment in public schools, guarantees all districts new money, and closes funding gaps among districts. The plan would cost the state an additional $47 million in 2011-12, $1.068 billion in 2012- 13, $1.543 billion in 2013-14 and $2.169 billion in 2014-15. FBISD seeks more local control, equitable funding
Transcript
FORT BEND
FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.
wwwww.fbindependent.com.fbindependent.com
P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010
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.
Phone: 281-980-6745
Offi cial newspaper of Fort Bend County & Sugar Land
Youth in philanthropy (YIP) presents its second an-nual countywide food drive on Saturday, Nov. 13 located at Sugar Land Town Square. Sponsored by H-E-B, the event will benefi t fi ve local food banks; East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Katy Christian Ministries, Mamie George Community Center, Rosenberg-Richmond Help-ing Hands and Second Mile Mission Center.
YIP students from 12 Fort Bend High Schools are com-ing together to stock the pantries of local food banks and organize a canned food sculpting competition.
An award ceremony will take place at 2:30 p.m.
Show your philanthropic community spirit donating your non-perishable food items Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at either Sugar Land Town Square or the conve-nient drive-by drop-off avail-able at City Hall Drive.
YIP is presented by The George Foundation and the Fort Bend Chamber of Com-merce. Its purpose is to pro-vide opportunities for high school students to learn the roles volunteering and phi-lanthropy play in building a better community.
YIP brings students to-
gether to research nonprofi ts, make awards and incorporate campus participation in vol-unteer activities, thus, allow-ing them to see fi rst-hand the impact philanthropy has on the community.
The YIP countywide food drive is sponsored by H-E-B, Planned Community De-velopers, Sugar Land Town Square and Safari Texas.
For more information about YIP and how to get involved or provide support, contact David Crowl at 281-491-2497 or [email protected].
You can also visit the Fort Bend Youth In Philanthropy (YIP) facebook page.
Top row: David Crowl, Keri Schmidt, Wende Lewis-Buckley, Dee Koch, Kelly Matte; Bottom Row: Chris Breaux, Diane Miller, Theresa Kopnicky, Allison Wen. —Photo by ANDREW WOLF.
Youth in philanthropy hosts food drive
Early voting for the Novem-ber 2, 2010 election ended in Fort Bend County with 14,205 voters casting ballots on the last day.
Five sites, Cinco Ranch Li-brary, First Colony Conference Center, Missouri City Commu-nity Center, The FBC Rosen-berg Annex, and Randalls at New Territory all saw more than 1,000 voters cast ballots.
In all, 78,855 voters took advantage of the opportunity to vote early in person.
Another 6,732 ballots have been returned by mail bringing the total to 85,587, or nearly 28 percent of the 309,031 reg-istered voters in the county.
Cinco Ranch Library with 9,248 recorded the highest number of early votes, fol-lowed by Missouri City where 8,952 voted early.
First Colony fi nished third with 8,401 votes.
For election results, visit www.fortbendvotes.org or fbindependent.com
More than 85,000 vote early
SCOUT TRAILER. Classic Chevrolet has partnered with the Richmond area Boy Scout Troop #1656 to repaint and refurbish their scout trailer. This was done as a community goodwill and was free of charge to the scout troop. The scouts thank Mike Gnader and the Body Shop staff who donated their time and talent. In the picture, left to right, are Mike Gnader, collision center manager, Rene Gonzalez, Troop 1656 quartermaster and Don Kerstetter, owner of Classic Chevrolet in Sugar Land.
By SESHADRI KUMARFort Bend ISD board of trust-
ees want local control and the authority to establish its own tax rate above $1.04 per $100 property valuation without seek-ing voter approval through a Tax Ratifi cation Election.
This is one of the several is-sues contained in the legislative agenda that the school board presented to area legislators at a breakfast meeting recently.
Among the legislators who at-tended the meeting were Repub-lican State Sen. Joan Huffman and State Reps. Charlie Howard and Dr. John Zerwas.
Ron Reynolds who defeated Dist. 27 State Rep. Dora Olivo, in the Democratic primary, was also present. Reynolds is ex-pected to win the seat defeating a Libertarian rival in the Nov. 2 election.
The legislative agenda and a resolution urging the legislature to “make education a priority” has been prepared by the Texas Association of School Boards, representing 1034 school dis-tricts in the state.
All school districts are ex-pected to adopt an identical reso-lution to put pressure on the state to improve school funding “with an attitude where education is found as the highest priority.”
While the legislators were inclined to look at removing inequities in the school funding
system, the demand for raising the tax rate without voter ap-proval did not elicit a positive response.
While Dr. Zerwas cautioned the board “to be careful about local control on raising taxes,” he later said he would like to un-derstand the history behind the mandate for the Tax Ratifi cation election.
Huffman was not sold on the idea and said the issue needed further study. Howard did not endorse the idea either.
The school district also wants the school start date to be left to the district’s discretion. Now, the state sets the date.
The mandated late start date is a not good idea or in the inter-est of local control, the district says.
On accountability, the school district is concerned about the “excessive testing pressures placed on our district’s stu-dents.” The district believes the entire academic record of a stu-dent should be considered for graduation and not the 12 end-of-course exams alone.
The board supports the amendment to the education code relating to student expul-sions involving computer related incidents or hacking.
Over 25 students in FBISD were involved in tampering with district computers and altering grades, but the district was not
able to expel these students.Currently, school districts
may only discipline through re-moval to an alternative school, but that has not effectively de-terred criminal conduct, accord-ing to the district.
The board opposes any legis-lation which would endorse, cre-ate or permit the use of private school vouchers as the vouch-ers detract from the funding of the fi nancially-strapped public schools.
The school district wants to be exempted form the water dis-trict and municipal utility district fees. FBISD paid over $ 2 mil-lion to MUDs and water districts for water connection fees to new school campuses in 2007.
The district opposes unfund-ed mandates like the 22:1 ratio in kindergarten through fourth grade. The district wants a re-laxation of this policy so that the district can make staffi ng deci-sions based upon the needs of each campus.
On school fi nance, the district supports a plan proposed by the TASB. The TASB plan increases the state’s investment in public schools, guarantees all districts new money, and closes funding gaps among districts.
The plan would cost the state an additional $47 million in 2011-12, $1.068 billion in 2012-13, $1.543 billion in 2013-14 and $2.169 billion in 2014-15.
FBISD seeks more local control, equitable funding
Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 3, 2010
You don’t want to miss all the new and exciting things planned for the 2010 Sugar Plum Market presented by the Fort Bend Junior Service League and Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, this year’s “A Holly Jolly Christ-mas” themed event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Nov.5 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the beautiful Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theatre and Convention Center.
This three-day shopping extravaganza will feature Preview Night on Thursday, a fabulous fashion show and luncheon on Friday and Sat-urday, an exciting Friday eve-ning fashion show and dinner, a large raffl e showcase and more than 85 vendors.
This year’s fashion show contributors include Macy’s, Bobbi Brown for Macy’s,
Beauty Indulgence Day Spa & Salon and Sweet & Sassy.
Michele Fisher from the New 93Q and weekends at 106.9 The Point will serve as fashion show emcee.
All three shows will be ca-tered by Ray’s Grill/Water-cress Catering. In addition to the introduction of Preview Night on Thursday, Nov. 4, patrons will have the opportu-nity to have their photos taken with Santa on all three days of the Market.
“Believe you can conquer mountains and you will! Be-lieve in the magic because it is a marvel to watch! Believe in the spirit of Christmas and you cannot help but smile! Believe in the good in people and you will fi nd it. The good that the Fort Bend Junior Ser-vice League and the Sugar Plum Market does is com-mendable and I am thrilled to be a part of it,” said Santa (Bill French).
Last year’s Market was a
huge success with an esti-mated 6,000 visitors in at-tendance. As a result, the Fort Bend Junior Service league was able to donate $136,000 to help several worthy Fort Bend County charities. This year’s Market will once again benefi t local Fort Bend Coun-ty charities.
Sugar Plum Market’s Title Sponsor is Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.
Individual tickets are avail-able for purchase. General ad-mission tickets are $10 each. Preview Night tickets are $50 each. Fashion Show tickets are $65 each.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities or vendors for the 2010 Sugar Plum Market, visit www.sug-arplummarket.com, call 281-636-6272 or e-mail [email protected].
(Left to Right) Front Row: Jill Aycock, SPM Co-Chair; Mrs. Claus (Carol French); Santa Claus (Bill French); Katharine Hunton, SPM Co-Chair. Second Row: Ashley DeLay and Cynthia Cook, Committee Members; Cari Middaugh, SPM Co-Chair; Jana Baumann, SPM Co-Chair; Cindy Dempster, SPM Co-Chair and Kim Lee, Committee Member. Third Row: Johnnie Wright, Susanne Hiegel, Stephanie Van Horn, April Schmitt, Amy Zoeller, Alisa Tristan, Monica Neely and Marilyn Steinberger, Committee Members. Fourth Row: Lindsey Cullison, Jill Howell, Trina Sanford, Katie Harris, Ashley Kunco, Kristen Wemyss, Sherri Ebarb and Paula Rimes, Committee Members. Fifth Row: Jamie Quick, Michaela Brady, Liz Hayob, Ann Cantu, Candace Hamberg, Toni Burns and Laura Taylor, Committee Members.
FBJSL and Sugar Plum Market wish you A Holly Jolly Christmas
The 8th Annual “Taste of Sugar Land” set for Sunday, Nov. 14, from 4 - 8 p.m. at Safari Texas Ranch on FM 1464 will provide non-stop gourmet tastings from more than 20 of the best area restaurants, continuous live en-tertainment, holiday shopping, and lots of good old fashioned fun and fellowship. Hosted by the First Presbyterian Church of Sugar Land, the “TASTE” will share the bounty with Fort Bend Charities, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry and Fort Bend Family Promise. Tickets are $30 for adults, and $10 for children ten and under. Visit tasteofsug-arland.com, or call 281-240-3195 for more information. Pictured here (left) is Erica Gentry, man-ager of Whole Foods Sugar Land with Martha Stewart, at a recent appearance in the store. Whole Foods is a generous underwriter of the Grand Martha Stewart Dinner, a premier live-auction item of this event.
Telfair Indian American Cultural Association (www.telica.org)
invites you and your family to
Diwali, 2010 Saturday, 13th November, 2010
From 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. Cornerstone Elementary School
*** Free Admission – Open to All ***
Events and Activities Cultural Programs, Rangoli, Puja Thali
Community newsNOVEMBER 3, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3
Suzette Peoples ABR, GRI , E-Pro, 21 years Professional
Realtor; Owner of Peoples Properties, a Real Estate & Property Management Co.; American Business
Women’s Association.
Mortgage Banker can do loans in less than 30 days! Call Suzette or email: [email protected]
Suzette Peoples Broker /Owner
21 years of experience!
Direct: 281-980-3322 www.peoplesproperties.com
REDUCED
Built in 2006 Perry home. 1 story 4 bedrooms and study. Seller paying 1% towards buyer’s closing costs and reduced to $185,000. Culdesac on private lot.
REDUCEDFIRST COLONY/SUGAR LAND! Adorable 1-story home on cul de sac street. No neighbors behind you! 3 bedrooms & study or formal living. Open fl oor plan. Detached garage! Priced below market at $205,000.
CUSTOM SHOW CASE HOME! Over 4300sqft 5 bed-rooms 4 baths & 1/2 bath. Study and game room. Private cul de sac lot. Thousands in upgrades! Designer Decor thru out the home. Gourmet island kitchen & more! Rare fi nd! Hurry priced to go fast under $450K.
FIRST COLONY/SUGAR LAND
Riverstone. Pool, Spa, Waterfall. Built 2003. Trend-maker beauty. Over 4,700 sqft. 5 BR 4.5 baths. 3 car, 2 masters. Rare fi nd on huge oversized cul de sac lot. No neighbors next to you. Upgrades ga-lore. Zoned to Clements. Priced in the $500’s.
NEW LISTING
REDUCED/QUAIL VALLEYUpdated 1 story 4 bedrooms 2.5 bath with new roof and carpet July 2010. Interior all repainted and new fi xtures too. Great location on land-scaped reserve. Priced to go $120,000!!
BIG PRIC
E CUT
2 STORY OVER 3600 SQFT! Paradise pool! Updated and up-grades galore! Over $90K! 4/5 bedrooms 3.5 bath. Hardwoods thru-out. Zoned to Clements high school. REDUCED to go low $300’s.
SUGAR LAND/COMMONWEALTH
NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
November 3, 2010
City of Sugar Land
2700 Town Center Boulevard North
Sugar Land, Texas 77479
(281) 275-2700
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Sugar Land.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about November 19, 2010 the City of Sugar Land will submit a request to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant program funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project for the purpose of minor housing rehabilitation conducted by Fort Bend CORPS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofi t corporation, at the cost of $91,854. The project will occur in locations throughout the city. Examples of minor housing rehabilitation include but are not limited to: roof repair; window and roof replacement, and bathroom repairs and accessibility.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Sugar Land has determined that the project will have no signifi cant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on fi le at the City Secretary Offi ce, City of Sugar Land, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas 77479 where the ERR can be reviewed and copied weekdays 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to the City of Sugar Land Community & Environmental Services Department responsible for receiving and responding to comments. All comments received by November 18, 2010 will be considered by the City of Sugar Land prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
RELEASE OF FUNDS
The City of Sugar Land certifi es to HUD that Allen Bogard in his capacity as City Manager consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfi ed. HUD’s approval of the certifi cation satisfi es its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows the City of Sugar Land to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Sugar Land’s certifi cation for a period of no less than fi fteen days (November 22, 2010 - December 6, 2010) following the anticipated submission date (November 19, 2010) or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certifi cation was not executed by the Certifying Offi cer of the City of Sugar Land; (b) the City of Sugar Land has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or fi nding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written fi nding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to Shelia Perine, Field Environmental Offi cer, HUD New Orleans Field Offi ce, 500 Poydras Street, 9th Floor, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Allen Bogard, City Manager U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20410Telephone: (202) 708-1112
Directory Directory Directory Directory DirectoryAT Renovations, Inc.
101 Southwestern Blvd., Suite 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478
www.texansinsure.com (281) 277-7800
Basil Housewright, President
Insurance
Fort Bend ISD received no-tice from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) on October 27 that the agency had granted the district’s appeal fi led in August to change the rating of Christa McAuliffe Middle School to Academically Ac-ceptable from Academically Unacceptable.
This action automatically boosted the district’s rating to Recognized.
The offi cial letter from TEA Commissioner of Education Robert Scott states, “Because the Academically Unaccept-able rating for Christa McAu-liffe was the only reason your district was prevented from earning a Recognized rating, granting the appeal also re-sults in the district rating for Fort Bend ISD changing from Academically Acceptable to Recognized.”
“This is really great news for everyone in Fort Bend ISD, especially our students, teachers and administrators who have worked extremely hard and made signifi cant academic progress each year for the past several years to obtain this well-deserved rec-ognition.
“It is important to note that the district’s achievement of Recognized was earned with-
out the use of the Texas Pro-jection Measure, or (TPM),” said Dr. Timothy Jenney, su-perintendent.
“We are also very pleased that McAuliffe Middle School has now offi cially been desig-nated Acceptable and believe they are well on their way to achieving Recognized status,” said Jenney.
On behalf of the FBISD school board, Sonal Bhuchar, president, expressed her sin-cere congratulations as well, “We are delighted to be rec-ognized for the academic achievements of our students and staff. This title refl ects the untiring commitment of our entire staff to help our stu-dents learn and succeed ev-ery day and the hard work of our students in realizing their goals. The Board of Trustees joins me in commending and congratulating everyone at FBISD that made this pos-sible.”
Due to an earlier reported dropout rate of 2.2 percent in one group of students at Christa McAuliffe Middle School (and the rate cannot exceed 1.8 percent — which was two students in this case), the campus was rated as Aca-demically Unacceptable in July, thus preventing FBISD
from becoming a Recognized district.
McAuliffe’s TAKS scores qualifi ed the campus for an Acceptable rating, but the campus automatically re-ceived the unacceptable rat-ing due to the dropout rate within the one student group. The district appealed McAu-liffe’s rating to the TEA be-cause former students labeled as dropouts were located and found to be enrolled in anoth-er school district.
Of the 25 TAKS academic indicators (reading/ELA, math, science, social studies and writing for the 5 student subgroups) used in the state accountability system, 24 showed an increase between 2009 and 2010.
The one indicator that did not show an increase remained the same at 99 percent.
Of the 25 TAKS academic indicators, 21 were at the Ex-emplary level and 4 were at the Recognized level.
Fifty-fi ve of the 67 cam-puses that are rated earned the rating of Exemplary or Rec-ognized —82 percent of total campuses.
Achievement gaps between African-American, Hispanic, and White students continued to shrink in 2010, with the
largest improvements com-ing in math and science. For example, the gap between African-American students and White students in math decreased 3 percent (a total of 13 percent since 2006) while the gap between Hispanic and White students in math de-creased 3 percent (a total of 10 percent since 2006).
The percentage of African-American students meeting standard in math increased 4 percent from 2009-10, and economically disadvantaged students meeting standard in math increased 3 percent. The percentage of Hispanic students meeting standard in math also increased 3 per-cent.
The percentage of African-American students meeting the standard in science in-creased 7 percent from 2009 to 2010 while the percentage of Hispanic students meet-ing standard increased 8 per-cent, and the percentage of economically disadvantaged students meeting standard in-creased 8 percent.
For a complete listing of the 2010 FBISD District and Campus Accountability Rat-ings, go to www.fortbendisd.com and click on “2010 TEA Accountability Ratings.”
Under the direction of Stafford High School teachers Frank Hoang, Audrey Tyus, and Dr. Marilyn Szentirmay, Stafford High School students have been building their own robots and participating in area competitions.
A nationally esteemed robotics competition, sponsored by the VEX Robotics Design System, will be hosted by Stafford High School Nov. 13 and is expected to draw close to 1,000 student participants.
In addition to the guidance and support of club sponsors ev-ery Saturday, Stafford students are receiving additional assis-tance from community volunteers who have engineering and computer programming expertise. The volunteers are helping students complete their projects and build effective robots.
The VEX Robotics Design System offers students an excit-ing platform for learning about areas rich with career oppor-tunities spanning science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
These are just a few of the many fi elds students can explore by creating with VEX Robotics technology. Beyond science and engineering principles, a VEX Robotics project encourag-es teamwork, leadership and problem solving among groups. It also allows educators to easily customize projects to meet the level of students’ abilities.
The affordable VEX platform is expanding rapidly and is now found in middle schools, high schools and university labs around the globe. Robotics hobbyists also appreciate the ad-vanced capabilities of the VEX System.
The competition will be held at Stafford High School with Kindergarten through 12th grade teams from all over Texas participating. Top competitors are vying for a chance to qual-ify for the VEX World Championship at Disney World. For more information, contact Stafford High School at 281-261-9239.
Fort Bend ISD declared a recognized district by the Texas Education Agency
Stafford High to host robotics competition
Doctors and staff of Physi-cians at Sugar Creek host the Fall Festival Fun Day on Sat-urday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Physicians at Sug-ar Creek, 14023 Southwest Freeway.
The event will include a multitude of children’s activi-ties along with health screen-ings and safety demonstra-tions for the entire family.
Children’s activities in-clude a moon walk, face painting, sand art and more, plus the opportunity to partic-ipate in a bike helmet fi tting
and giveaway sponsored by Hard Hats for Little Heads, the Texas Medical Associa-tion and the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.
Adult health screenings include glucose, blood pres-sure, body mass index (BMI) and bone density.
Flu shots will also be avail-able for a nominal cash fee. The Sugar Land Police will give a child safety seat dem-onstration and the Sugar Land Fire Department will discuss fi re safety.
NAMI Fort Bend will be meeting on Thursday, Nov. 4, at the First United Methodist Church of Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd. from 7-8:30 p.m. Attorney Robert Hager will be speaking on “Techniques on Improving Mental Health Provider’s Treat-ment and Protecting Against Denial/Cessation of SSA Disability Benefi ts.” The meeting is free and the public is invited.
Looking for a unique gift for that special someone? Check out the Furniture Bank ‘chair’ity Auction and you won’t be dis-appointed. More than 40 chairs will be on display for the silent auction held Monday, Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Sugar Creek Country Club, 420 Sugar Creek Blvd., Sugar Land.
The silent auction, part of the Furniture Bank 6th Annual Golf Tournament, is open to the public.
Some of Houston’s best know celebrities, artists and non profi ts took part in this unique opportunity to take older chairs in need of repair, and creatively transform them into works of he(art). Each chair expresses the organization or individual’s personality and will be sold during the silent auction at Sugar Creek Country Club to benefi t The Furniture Bank.
From “Big Bird” to “Circus, Circus” to a chair made com-pletely of nails called “What Does Not Kill You Makes You Stronger,” these works are unique, fun, and user-friendly.
More than 40 chairs have been redesigned by “heARTISTS” including internationally-acclaimed artist Bert Long, Jr., Taft McWhorter and Texas Artist Sam Caldwell.
Also joining the CHAIRity fun are “Great Day Houston” KHOU Channel 11 Host Deborah Duncan, KTRK Channel 13 News Anchor Melanie Lawson, Hi-Tech Texan Michael Gar-fi eld and Grammy Award Winning Country Artist Brad Paisley. Additional designs provided by Cystic Fybrosis and Houston Food Bank.
Proceeds of the charity auction benefi t The Furniture Bank, a non-profi t entity making empty houses homes by providing furniture and household items to more than 1,500 families each year through partnerships with over 70 social service agencies in Houston and surrounding counties. For more information, contact Oli Mohammed at 713-842-9771.
Art charity auction
Fall festival fun day
The Spirit of Freedom Republican Women’s Club PAC Meet-ing will be held on Friday, Nov. 19 at Spring Creek Barbecue, 4895 Highway 6, Missouri City. 11 a.m. Meet and Greet, 11:30 a.m Toni King, author of Medicare and Health Insurance Sur-vival Guide, What You Don’t Know Will Hurt You will be the speaker. Learn how to make informed decisions for you or your parents. Find out what the insurance agents are not telling you. Contact Tina Gibson at 281-491-6599 for more information.
Spirit of Freedom Republican Women’s Club
Please join ABWA (American Business Women’s Associa-tion) SWAPEN(SW Area Professional Express Network) for a meeting on Nov 16 at 11:30 a.m. till 1 p.m. at Sugar Creek Country Club. To RSVP visit www.abwahouston.org or contact Suzette Peoples at 281-980-3322.
By RUSSELL C. JONES Congratulations are due all of
the local elected offi cials who successfully weathered the gruel-ing campaign which fi nally end-ed yesterday. Here in Fort Bend, few races were close and the out-comes were expected. But, the effort which goes into running for political offi ce, especially local races, is draining upon the candidates’ lives, families and careers. The next time anyone is critical of a local politician for even being in the business, stop to ask him about the effect of a campaign upon his spouse, his kids and his co-workers.
Obama the Elitist The disdain for the American
people which this president has shown is breathtaking. Ignore for the moment the overwhelm-ing opposition to his transfer of the nation’s health care to the government.
Ignore the arrogance dis-played when he unilaterally fi red the chairman of the then-private General Motors. Ignore the violation of the rights of the secured creditors in the Chrysler bankruptcy. Just for the moment, think only of the direct attacks upon the character of the Ameri-can people.
Think of the ridicule of hard-working middle class who “get bitter, they cling to guns or reli-gion . . . as a way to explain their frustrations.”
Think of the condescension to American women when he scorned his own grandmother as “a typical white person,” throw-ing her under the bus in defense of Jeremiah Wright.
Think of the shame which he brought upon this nation as he apologized to Europe for Amer-ica’s “arrogance,” and when he bowed at the waist to the king of Saudi Arabia, bowed again to the emperor of Japan, and then again to the Chinese president. Think about his comment last week that “we’re going to punish our en-emies and we’re going to reward
our friends.” Now comes the latest scorn
upon the American people. The president has discovered a new mental disease among the ma-jority of Americans. Charles Krauthammer recognizes it as a new branch of science–liberal psychology–and calls it Obama Underappreciation Syndrome. It apparently results in the aberrant behavior of voting Republican.
It seems that this president is convinced that “facts and science and argument does not seem to be winning the day all the time. [Americans] are hard-wired not to always think clearly,” as he told a roomful of doctors who kicked in $15,200 each to Demo-cratic coffers.
Rather than acknowledge le-gitimate disagreement with his unpopular programs, Obama has determined that Americans as a group are mentally ill. They must be if they do not agree with him. As a Harvard educated mil-lionaire elitist who is sure that he knows best and thinks that those who disagree just aren’t in their right minds, Obama has lost the very voters he needs to keep his party in power.
Voters who hear the president say, ‘You don’t understand what the problems really are — you’re just scared,’ and voters whom the president calls the “enemy” get really annoyed.
NPR’s Tipping PointNot recognized for indepen-
dent thought and reporting for decades, National Public Radio may have crossed the line to its own demise last week. After tak-ing a $1.8 million contribution from liberal fi nancier George So-ros, the publicly funded network canned its own liberal analyst Juan Williams for admitting a politically incorrect thought.
Williams’ sin was his admis-sion, during his defense of Mus-lim innocence in the 9/11 attacks, that he actually experiences some nervousness when he fi nds indi-viduals in Muslim dress aboard an airplane. Yes, you read that correctly. He was essentially ad-mitting that his own emotions are inappropriate–based upon a lib-eral politically correct analysis. That admission of an improper emotion was suffi cient to cause NPR to terminate his contract.
Like Obama’s conclusion that the American people are men-tally ill because they do not suf-fi ciently appreciate him, NPR concluded that Williams must be mentally ill. NPR President and CEO Vivian Schiller says that Williams’ feelings are between him “and his psychiatrist.” The smirk on her face as she made her comment was unmistakable.
NPR’s action was the latest ex-ample of the left-leaning political philosophy of the network. Calls for the elimination of NPR’s $420 million annual pubic fund-ing were immediate.
No doubt Republicans will regain control of the House of Representatives in this election. Although they will be unable to reverse the damage already man-aged by Obama in the past two years, they should be able to cut off funding to NPR. That result is the greatest irony of the entire Juan Williams fi asco.
Jones is a member of the Sugar Land City Council, having been fi rst elected in 2003. He owns a law fi rm and a title insurance company in Sugar Land.
By THOMAS J. PARR, M.D.The word “austerity” is be-
ing used a lot recently to de-scribe what will be needed to address our national debt problem, and that will have a heavy impact upon our na-tional healthcare system, starting almost immediately. Everyone will be affected.
Federal administrations, both Democratic and Repub-lican, have known for two decades that promises for the Federal government to pay for all health care costs for all Americans over the age of 65 would be impossible.
Their collective actions to conceal this fact have not changed the economic reality of today. Almost no one has “really good” health insur-ance any more.
With lingering recessionary pressures and unknown, up-coming Federal budget auster-ity measures, most businesses will be under continued pres-sure to reduce employee ben-efi t costs.
Health insurance premi-ums are going up 20 percent or more, whether paid by em-ployers or individuals. Patient co-pays and deductibles will probably go up, as well.
The same insurance com-pany which plans to reduce reimbursement to physician providers this year has just told me it is raising the pre-mium I pay to cover my em-ployees 28 percent!
The various Federal Price Control systems imposed on physician compensation for the past 18 years have reached a breaking point.
Thus, the Medicare system will have to fi nd additional ways to pay out less in health-care dollars for each Ameri-can senior annually.
The options are raising Medicare deductibles substan-tially, increasing the Medicare premiums paid by seniors, and rationing the health care provided.
Your doctors are also being forced by the Federal govern-ment to go onto an expensive,
nationwide Electronic Medi-cal Records (EMR) system before 2015, where all patient data will be available to Fed-eral bureaucrats for “research” purposes.
The Federal government will then decide what medi-cal care will and will not be allowed under Medicare (ie: rationing).
No elected offi cial wants to be associated with rationing of this sort, so the new laws place this responsibility in the hands of functionaries who are anonymous to, and free of any political consequences from the affected population.
The Association of Ameri-can Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) sent out an e-mail, on October 27, 2010, advis-ing that some members of Congress are now saying that once the new system is in place, your doctor “could be fi ned $100,000 for the fi rst offense of defying the recom-mendations from Washington bureaucrats in treating a pa-tient and jailed for the second offense.”
America’s doctors are hav-ing to take on bigger patient loads, primarily because of the below-cost compensation rates from the insurance com-panies, from the various State medical programs, and from Medicare.
Because of the projected doctor shortage, America’s re-maining doctors will have to cover more patients as well.
Instead of choosing to ex-pand patient volume, many primary care physicians are adopting a concierge practice
concept where, for a special fee, the size of the practice is limited.
The concierge fee is paid to the practice, in addition to the standard fees for services. Concierge primary care physi-cians will be able to continue providing more personalized care without the same cost and time constraints of high volume physicians.
The concierge practice model does not work for the sub-specialties however. You do not establish a permanent, year-in and year-out relation-ship with every possible spe-cialty “just in case.”
Your need for specialists is often under urgency or emer-gency conditions, and usually for only a limited period of time.
Unfortunately, medical and surgical sub-specialities are more likely to have the insur-ance companies imposing ac-cess restrictions, in order to be able to give more of their pre-mium dollars to shareholders.
Medicare rationing provi-sions, established by non-elected Federal bureaucrats will further serve to limit access to subspecialty medi-cine.
As you put your family budget together for 2011, in-clude provisions to be able to “take control” of your health care needs.
Either set up a savings plan or clear a credit card to be used for health care purposes only.
Perhaps your immediate plan ought to include some of both until you reach your goals.
If and when you run into a health urgency or emergency, you can still have some con-trol, regardless of your medi-cal plan’s coverage limita-tions.
By JANICE SCANLAN If you’ve even walked along
a heavily wooded trail -- espe-cially one that winds into the sunset or sunrise, you know how the light coming through the trees brings to mind the tall arched gothic cathedrals that are 8 plus stories high. It is truly the same kind of spiri-tual experience you gain in a Gothic or heavily stained glass church or temple.
Or if you’ve seen the Church Without Walls in the Ozarks . . . that is almost all glass and built within the trees, you know that oneness with nature has become a similar spiritual expression to the stained glass that tells Bibli-cal or other religious stories—and that liberated people from the dark and dank buildings of the Middle Ages. I believe our love of outdoors today comes from many of us working in of-fi ces or on jobs that confi ne us.
As those in the Renaissance were seeking to inspire spiritu-alism, I think that we want our communities to be green and beautiful places to meet others . . . to provide a sense of con-nection and well-being.
My reserved, introverted husband, can’t wait to speak to people on the park trails . . . and he wants to go to parks where there are people.
Look at the trend from shop-ping malls to more outdoor places to mingle, have refresh-
ments or a meal . . . just pass the time and perhaps shop.
One of the things that Mayor Michael Bloomberg has done in New York City, is turn “con-crete jungle” areas into places that have park benches, light posts, little “fences” to separate them from the traffi c and, when possible, green. It’s made New York a friendlier, more con-nected city within the canyons of buildings and skyscrapers.
To help beautify Missouri City, employees from two local companies will soon participate in a unique, green initiative: The Edible Arbor Trail Project.
On Nov. 4, Kroger and TXU Energy will use their “green thumbs” to help start planting the innovative trail, which will begin along Oyster Creek Trail, just west of Murphy Road.
The Edible Arbor Trail will blossom from Mosley Park to
Cartwright, along the Missouri City section of the Oyster Creek Trail and connect eventually to the Lost Creek side of Oyster Creek Park off Dulles.
“The tasty trail will fea-ture groves of hardy trees and shrubs that produce edible fruits and nuts. It’s an exciting environmental project that will benefi t our community,” said City Forester Paul Wierzbicki. “Included with the trees will be educational signage detailing tree facts and displaying spon-sor logos.
“Where other arbor trails give patrons a chance to experience nature, this unique project will give residents a chance to taste nature.” Wildlife will like it as well, and their presence will en-hance the trail experience.
Additional sponsors are needed to assist with this im-portant environmental project that will have twelve groves of trees and plantings.
For more information and to obtain a commitment form, please contact Wierzbicki at 281-403-8645 or email him at: [email protected].
We appreciate the civic-minded companies and organi-zations that are helping beautify our community so we can enjoy time outdoors as well as meet and make friends.
Dr. Thomas Parr, an ortho-pedic surgeon in Sugar Land, can be reached at 281-491-7111.Visit www.tomparrmd.net for more information.Musings: Outdoor cathedrals
To the Editor:At the fi rst annual Quail Val-
ley Ladies Golf Association’s “Texas Tee” Golf Tournament there were at least three “win-ners” at the event played at the Quail Valley Golf Club on Oct. 10 and 11.
First was the City of Mis-souri City as it was the re-cipient of the very positive re-views of the newly renovated Quail Valley El Dorado Golf Course.
It appears that the critique from the teams and players from local and surrounding golf clubs from Sweetwater, Sugar Creek to RiverBend were very positive.
Sprinkle in teams and play-ers from Goliad, Beaumont, Lake Jackson and Oregon and Florida and you have a recipe for a successful tournament.
Missouri City families will also benefi t as all donations to the First Tee from the tourna-ment will be earmarked for the support of the young peo-ple of Missouri City and Fort Bend.
Second was the First Tee of
Greater Houston, a core op-eration of the Houston Golf Association.
This Charity was designat-ed by the QVLGA to be the recipient of the net proceeds from the tournament.
The “First Tee” is a youth development program dedi-cated to impacting the lives of our youth by providing facili-ties and educational programs that promote character devel-opment and life enhancing values through the game of Golf. (thefi rstteegreaterhous-ton.org).
From the fi nancial results of the tournament’s activities and silent auction the First Tee will be presented with a check for $6,500. These proceeds will be used to place the edu-cational programs of First Tee into at least one middle school in the Fort Bend School Dis-trict.
Lastly, (but not last) is the QV Ladies Golf Association. It was through their desire and efforts to establish a golf tournament that would refl ect that the golfi ng ladies of Quail
Valley were alive and active in the game of golf.
By enticing 96 ladies from all over the Fort Bend area and from other states to be a part of their fi rst annual tour-nament was a true accom-plishment and when looking at the substantial donation to the First Tee makes them a winner in the eyes of many.
While there were many in-volved in making this a suc-cessful venture it would be remiss not to acknowledge the efforts and direction of Sandy MacNaughton QVLGA Presi-dent, Linda Emery QVLGA Tournament Chair and Tyson Stittleburg, General Manager and Head Golf Professional of QV Golf Club.
The Ladies have now set the bar high for next year’s event with the hope that many will again participate in their sec-cond annual Texas Tee Golf Tournament to be held at the QV Golf Club on Oct. 9 and 10, 2011.Floyd EmeryQuail Valley resident & Friend of the QVLGA
Impending problems in healthcare
Three winners at Quail Valley Golf Club
Come experience the diff erence!Come experience the diff erence!Salem International Christian Salem International Christian
CenterCenter14056 Southwest Fwy #118 14056 Southwest Fwy #118
(In the FedEx Bldg. in front of (In the FedEx Bldg. in front of Holiday Inn Express)Holiday Inn Express)
Sugar Land, TX 77478Sugar Land, TX 77478
www.salemic.orgwww.salemic.org
Services: Sunday
8:30 a.m.
Wednesday
7 p.m.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land has been selected by Look Good…Feel Better to host a Pilot program for men being treated for can-cer. The program is a free, public service made possible by the collaboration of the Personal Care Products Council Founda-tion, the American Cancer Society and the Professional Beauty Association|National Cosmetology Association. During the one-hour class, men learn how to combat the appearance-relat-ed side effects of cancer treatment to look and feel confi dent. The class will review basic steps for good skin care, how to deal with changes to skin and nails, ways to camoufl age hair loss, and deal with stress. The upcoming class is on Thursday, Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. at 1327 Lake Pointe Parkway in Sugar Land. Participants can call (281) 566-1800, ext. 2 to register or get more information.
Contemplating the election
NOVEMBER 3, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5
Community news
Principal Dr. David Hook of Fort Bend Baptist Acad-emy in Sugar Land announced that three FBBA students have been named Commended Stu-dents in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program.
A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corpora-tion, which conducts the pro-gram, will be presented by the principal to these scholasti-cally talented seniors.
Students honored include Logan Collins, son of Jeryl and Jim Collins of Sugar Land, John Kurtz, son of Di-ane and Mark Kurtz of Sugar Land, and Joshua Wood, son of Susan and Jeff Wood of Sugar Land.
Approximately 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are be-ing recognized for their ex-ceptional academic promise.
Although they will not con-tinue in the 2011 competition for National Merit Scholar-ships, Commended Students placed among the top fi ve percent of more than 1.5 mil-lion students who entered the 2011 competition by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT).
“Recognition of high achieving students is essen-tial to advancing education excellence in our nation,” commented a spokesperson for the National Merit Schol-arship Corporation. “As dem-onstrated by their outstanding performance at FBBA and in this highly competitive pro-gram, these students named as Commended Students rep-resent some of the most aca-demically talented students in our country.”
Earlier this month, FBBA senior Bryan Collins was named a National Merit Semi-fi nalist, and Shanna Daniel was recognized as a National Hispanic Scholar.
Quail Valley Quails is cel-ebrating 40 years of friend-ship on Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. at the Quail Valley Grill. The social hour will be followed by a performance by Henry Lee, violinist. Lee is a 20 year veteran of the New Or-leans Philharmonic Orchestra and will be playing the vio-lin along with taped music of some of your favorite musical selections. For luncheon res-ervations contact Terry Colley via phone or email: 281-438-6234; [email protected].
The 5th annual festival presented by the Fort Bend Education Foundation is scheduled to take place Sat-urday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Sugar Land Town Square. The event celebrates the tremendous diversity of cultures in our school district by highlighting their unique traditions, arts, and foods.
The International Festival will showcase booths from 18 different countries from all over the world.
Entertainment will be pro-vided on the steps of City Hall by talented artists and students of FBISD schools as well as various local dance and music programs.
There will be a cultural wedding/celebration fashion show featuring styles from around the world.
Area restaurants will pro-vide a sampling of interna-
tional cuisines. Students will enjoy the
“Activities Booth” where they can experience toys and games of different cultures. Elementary age children will receive a “Passport” for vis-iting each country and an in-ternational goody bag when they leave.
The Fort Bend Education Foundation provides oppor-tunities to enrich and enhance the quality of education for all Fort Bend ISD students through our Grants to Teach-ers and Schools program.
Since its inception in 1992, the Fort Bend Education Foundation has awarded over $2.8 million dollars to teach-ers and schools in FBISD.
For more information re-garding the Foundation, please visit our website at www.fortbendisd.com/foun-dation.
State Sen. Dan Patrick is the special guest speaker at the November Fort Bend Cham-ber Governmental Relations meeting on Monday, Nov. 8 at 11:30 a.m. at Sugar Creek Country Club.
Talk show host for the “The Dan Patrick Show” heard on KSEV 700 AM, he is the leading conservative voice of Texas airwaves.
In the aftermath of the mid-terms, hear the assessment from Patrick and how the re-sults will impact the upcom-ing Texas legislative agenda.
Sworn in as Texas Senator District 7, in January 2007, Patrick’s fi rst legislative ac-complishment was to have “In God We Trust” permanently displayed in the Senate cham-ber. He is known for taking on hot-topics such as abortion, supporting “campus carry” and illegal immigration. He serves on one of the most important assignments in the legislature, Finance, is vice-chairman of Education, serves on Criminal Justice, Health and Human Services, Intergovernmental Relations and another contro-versial topic for this upcoming session, Redistricting.
Make reservations on-line at www.FortBendChamber.com or email Jaine Garvin at [email protected] or call 281-491-2407.
Methodist Sugar Land Hos-pital would like to cordially invite the Fort Bend Com-munity to join us as we usher in the Christmas Advent Sea-son with our Second Annual Journey to Bethlehem event. Through a series of worship events, we will tell the story of the coming of the Christ Child.
Join Methodist Sugar Land Hospital on the follow-ing days for scripture read-ings, music and devotional thoughts.•November 29 - “The Gift of Preparation and Anticipa-tion” Isaiah 2: 1-5; Isaiah 40: 3-5; Luke 1: 5-17•November 30 - “The Gift of Fulfi llment”Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1: 26-37•December 1 - “The Gift of
Obedience” Jeremiah 23: 5-6; Matthew 1: 18-25•December 2 - “The Gift of the Savior’s Birth” Micah 5:2; Ezekiel 37:24; Luke 2: 1-20•December 3 - “The Greatest Gift of All” Jeremiah 31:31; Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 2: 1-12
All productions will be held from 12:00 – 12:45 p.m. in the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Sweetwater Pavilion Chapel.
For more information about Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Journey to Bethle-hem please contact Spiritual Care at 281-274-7164.
For more information on Methodist Sugar Land Hos-pital, please visit www.Meth-odistSugarLand.com.
The American Red Cross has signed a fi rst-of-its-kind partnership agreement with The National Exchange Club to collaborate on projects that benefi t the community.
According to Amy L. Mitchell, president of the Ex-change Club of Sugar Land “Our national organization promotes love of country and honors our men and women in uniform, local community service, youth programs as well as our national service project – child abuse preven-tion.”
The National Exchange Club, celebrating its 100th year of service in 2011, is an all-volunteer, national ser-vice organization for men and women who want to serve their community, develop leadership skills and enjoy new friendships.
Exchange is made up of more than 700 clubs and more than 22,000 members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
Amy Mitchell explained, “We are looking to increase public awareness of the Local Fort Bend Exchange Clubs consisting of The Exchange Club of Sugar Land, the Fort Bend Exchange Club, the Quail Valley Exchange Club, the Lone Star Exchange Club as well as the the National Exchange Club and help at-tract new members so we can continue to serve fami-lies, our communities and our wonderful country for a sec-ond century of service. Natu-rally, a partnership with the Red Cross will help us spread the word about the Exchange Club while we also fulfi ll our mission to benefi t our neigh-
bors and honor our country.”Exchange Club members
are able to support such Red Cross activities as blood drives, projects that support members of the armed forces and their families, disaster re-lief efforts, public safety edu-cation and more.
According to Sandra Startz, Chapter Manager of the Red Cross of Greater Houston, Southwestern Branch Offi ce, “The Red Cross is always ea-ger to attract volunteers and we believe this partnership will be benefi cial to both or-ganizations and to people in this region.”
For more information about getting involved in the Ex-change Clubs in the Fort Bend area, contact Amy Mitchell at 281-341-1718 or email [email protected]
Imperial Performing Arts is proud to announce the cast and crew for the Sugar Land Theatre production of Steel Magnolias, playing at The Imperial Theatre in Sugar Land Town Square, Nov. 4 through 14.
The cast of Houston- and Fort Bend County-based profes-sional actors is directed by Broadway Playwright Ragan Court-ney (a Houston resident), and includes Sara Gaston as M’Lynn, Erin Rochje as Shelby, Shondra Marie as Truvy, Lindsay Er-hardt as Annelle, Jo Ann Levine as Clairee, and Terri Carter as Ouiser.
Set design and construction by Keith Constant of Sugar Land, is supervised by Imperial Performing Arts Artistic Director and Sugar Land resident Nicole Kenley. The Imperial Theatre Box Offi ce and House Manager Lara Clapp of Sugar Land is Under-study for Shelby and Annelle.
Courtney says, “The talent of these fi ne actors is amplifi ed by their innate honesty and believability.”
This play, by Robert Harling, inspired the 1989 award-win-ning fi lm starring Shirley MacLaine, Sally Field, Olympia Du-kakis, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, and Daryl Hannah.
Kenley says, “We are proud to present this ‘new classic’ play with such a tremendously talented cast, expertly directed by Broadway veteran Ragan Courtney. You will laugh, cry, and fall in love with these characters. This is not a touring show from another city – these are local professional actors, directed and produced by Sugar Land’s own professional performing arts organization, Imperial Performing Arts, through our ‘Sugar Land Theatre’ initiative.” This play is the fi rst main stage pro-duction of the 2010-11 inaugural season at The Imperial The-atre, the home of Imperial Performing Arts.
Tickets are on sale now at www.theimperial.org, by phone at 281-277-7444, and at the Box Offi ce at 2210 Lone Star Drive in Sugar Land Town Square (next door to Z Gallerie, and across Lone Star Drive from Jos. A. Bank). Box Offi ce hours are Tues-day through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults, and $25 for student, seniors (55+), and military. This play is appropriate for ages 12 and up. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – visit our website for specifi c dates/times.
For more information, contact Edward Crowell, Executive Director of Imperial Performing Arts, at 281-277-7444, or by email – [email protected].
Steel Magnolias at Sugar Land’s Imperial Theater
National Exchange Club and American Red Cross begin historic partnership
Back Row (from left to right): District Attorney John Healey, U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, County Judge Bob Hebert, State Rep. Charlie Howard, Susy Smith, Sugar Land Mayor James Thompson, Brenda Robinson; Front Row (from left to right): Mark Schwartz, Chip Smith, Amy Mitchell, Tracey Shaw, Sandra Startz of American Red Cross, Southwest chapter.
FBBA students names Commended
Students
Quail Valley Quails
Journey to Bethlehem Fort Bend Chamber features
Dan Patrick
Fort Bend Fabulous: International festival
WINTER MINI-TERMand SPRING SEMESTER 2011
REGISTRATION
WHARTON • SUGAR LAND • RICHMOND • BAY CITY EL CAMPO • PALACIOS
wcjc.edu1-800-561-WCJC
WCJC is an E.O.E. institution.
Winter Mini-Term begins December 20(Register November 1 through December 16)
Spring semester classes begin January 18, 2011(Register November 1 through January 16)
Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 3, 2010
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
SUGAR LAKES CULVERT IMPROVEMENTS
The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City:
CIP PROJECT NAME: Sugar Lakes Culvert Improvements CIP PROJECT NUMBER: DR1102 LOCATION OF WORK: Sugar Lakes Boulevard between Heron Way and Creek Bend Drive, Sugar Land, Texas
Plans, specifi cations, and bidding documents may be obtained at the following location with payment of $50.00:
Huitt-Zollars, Incorporated1500 S. Dairy Ashford
Suite 200Houston, Texas 77077
(281) 496-0066
Sealed bids shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land City Secretary Offi ce, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 18, 2010, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.
A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 9:00 a.m., Monday, November 08, 2010, Fire Administration and Annex, 10405 Corporate Drive, Texas, 77478.
The City Council will award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder that complies with all requirements of the Request for Bids. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the bid opening date and time.
Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAECity Secretary
LEGAL NOTICEREQUEST FOR SEALED
COMPETITIVE PROPOSALSSealed Competitive Proposals will be re-ceived in the Offi ce of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Read-ing Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, NO-VEMB ER 18, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Offi ce of the Purchasing Agent, Rosen-berg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 and the names of the proposers made public. Propos-als received after the specifi ed time will be returned unopened.RFP 11-018 – ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECTS: ROAD AND BRIDGE DAIRY ASHFORD FACILITY AND FAIRGROUNDS BUILDING CA Pre-RFP conference with site visit will be conducted on Thursday, November 4, 2010. The fi rst conference will start at 9:00 AM (CST) and will be held at the Fort Bend County Road and Bridge Dairy Ashford Facility located at 12919 ½ Dairy Ashford in Sugar Land. The second conference will start at 10:00 AM (CST) and will be held at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds Building C located at 4316 Highway 36 in Rosen-berg. All vendors are encouraged to attend.Lump sum pricing is required; pay-ment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are re-quired.Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.Signed:Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing AgentFort Bend County, Richmond, Texas
LEGAL NOTICEINVITATION TO BIDDERS
Sealed Bids will be received in the Of-fi ce of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Offi ce of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received af-ter the specifi ed time will be returned unopened.BID 11-019 – DELIVER AND INSTALL JUSTICE CENTER SPECTATOR BENCHESLump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are 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
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
SUGAR CREEK 16-INCH WATER LINE IMPROVEMENTS
The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City:
CIP PROJECT NAME: Sugar Creek 16-Inch Water Line
Improvements
CIP PROJECT NUMBER: WA0504
LOCATION OF WORK: Sugar Creek Golf Course, North
Keswick Court from Country Club
Boulevard to Sugar Creek Boulevard
Plans, specifi cations, and bidding documents may be obtained at the following location with payment of $50.00:
Huitt-Zollars, Incorporated
1500 S. Dairy Ashford
Suite 200
Houston, Texas 77077
(281) 496-0066
Sealed bids shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land City Secretary Offi ce,
2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 18, 2010, at which time the names of fi rms submitting proposals will be read. Proposals received after the opening date and time will not be considered.
A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 11:00
a.m., Thursday, November 28, 2010, City of Sugar Land Public Works, 111
Gillingham Lane, Sugar Land, Texas 77478.
The City Council will award the contract to the respondent providing the best value that complies with all requirements of the Request for Proposal. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.
Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAECity Secretary
FORT BEND COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
FY 2009 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT
(CAPER)
Fort Bend County’s FY 2009 Draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is available for public review and comment from Friday, November 5, 2010 to Friday, November 19, 2010. The document is available for review at the offi ce of the Fort Bend County Community Development Department at 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, Texas, 77471.
The public is encouraged to review this document and submit written comments to Marilynn Kindell, Community Development Director, at 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, Texas, 77471 by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 19, 2010. A public meeting to receive comments will be held on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Training Room, Rosenberg, Texas. Persons with vision or hearing impairments or other individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids and services may contact the department at (281) 341-4410 regarding reasonable accommodations for the meeting.
Comments will be incorporated into the fi nal document, as appropriate, prior to submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for review and approval.
For information, please contact the Fort Bend County Community Development Department 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, Texas, 77471, (281) 341-4410.
CITATION BY PUBLICATIONDIVORCE
The State of TexasTO: Dale Alan Clark 810 E Main Street Inn of Uvalde Uvalde TX 78801, 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 Charlene Ross Clark, Petitioners, was fi led in the 387th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on the 18th of November, 2009 against Dale Alan Clark, Respondent, being numbered 09-DCV-176553, and entitled In The Matter of The Marriage of Charlene Ross Clark and Dale Alan Clark. The suit requests to 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 25th day of October, 2010.
Petitioner’s Attorney:Ashlee Ross10333 Richmond Avenue Suite 860Houston TX 77042713-468-0400
Honorable Annie Rebecca ElliotFort Bend County District Clerk
Deputy District Clerk Daisy Reyes281-633-7620
301 Jackson StreetRichmond, Texas 77469
CITATION BY PUBLICATIONSTATE OF TEXAS
TO: LARRY S EDWARDS and to all whom it may concern, Respondent(s),You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do (does) not fi le a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday next following the expiration of 20 days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. The petition of RODRIGUEZ, MARY HELEN, Petitioner, was fi led in the 328TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas on the May 18, 2010 against LARRY S EDWARDS, Respondent(s), numbered 10-DCV-180872, and entitled In the Interest of Ernest Enrique Rodriquez, a Minor Child. The suit request TERMINATE THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP as is more fUlly shown by Petition on fi le in this suit.The date of birth of the child(ren) who is/are the subject of the suit:October 18, 2006The Court has authority in this suit to render an order in the child(ren)’s interest which will be binding on you, including the termination of the parent-child relationship, the determination of paternity and the appointment of a conservator with authority to consent to the child(ren)’s adoption.Issued and given under my hand and seal of said Court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 28th day of October, 2010.ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER OR RESPONDENT:JAMES E KINCADEATTORNEY AT LAW10701 CORPORATE DRIVE SUITE 300STAFFORD TX 77477-0000281-265-6800
DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT
Fort Bend County, TexasDeputy District Clerk Amanda
281-238-3282
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD SOUTH PROJECT
The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City:
CIP PROJECT NAME: University Boulevard South through Brazos Landing CIP PROJECT NUMBER: ST0805 LOCATION OF WORK: From Commonwealth Boulevard to 600 feet beyond Outfall Channel
Plans, specifi cations, and bidding documents may be obtained at the following location with payment of $50.00:
Huitt-Zollars, Incorporated1500 S. Dairy Ashford
Suite 200Houston, Texas 77077
(281) 496-0066
Sealed bids shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land City Secretary Offi ce, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 09, 2010, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.
A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 17, 2010, Brazos Room, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479.
The City Council will award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder that complies with all requirements of the Request for Bids. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the bid opening date and time.
Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAECity Secretary
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEThe Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearingon Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. to vacate plat of Huntington PlaceSection 1, being a 27.843 acre subdivi-sion containing 133 lots in 3 blocks and 7 reserves, located in the William Pettus League, Abstract 68, recorded on May 20, 2008 of the Fort Bend County Plat Records plat No. 20080097, Precinct. 1. Plat, Subdivision and Dedication be vacated and canceled so as to convert all of the said platted property to acre-age tracts as same existed before such property was platted, subdivided and recorded.The hearing will be held in the Com-missioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.Submitted by,Dianne WilsonFort Bend County Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEThe Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffi c con-trol plan for Riverpark West, Section 12, Precinct. 1.The hearing will be held in the Com-missioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.
Submitted by,Dianne WilsonFort Bend County Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEThe Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearingon Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffi c control plans for Cinco Terrace Drive and Sum-merset Ridge Lane Street Dedication and Cinco Ranch Southwest, Section 36, Precinct. 3.The hearing will be held in the Commis-sioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to at-tend and state your approval or objec-tion on this matter.
Submitted by,Dianne WilsonFort Bend County Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEThe Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. to consider name changes for the following streets within Cinco Ranch Southwest, Section 42: Lost Pines Drive to Western Pine Trail, Pinyon Pine Drive to Cedar Pine Drive and Pine Ridge Court to Red Pine Valley Trail, Precinct. 3. The hearing will be held in the Com-missioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or ob-jection on this matter.Submitted by,Dianne WilsonFort Bend County Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEThe Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 for Grand River Section 1 Replat of Lot 10 in Block 4, Pct. 1. The hearing will beheld 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 maybe heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Franklin Schodek with Henry Steinkamp Inc. at 281-342-2241 for information prior to the hearing.Submitted by,Dianne WilsonFort Bend County Clerk
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT
The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City:
CIP PROJECT NAME: Pavement Rehabilitation Project
CIP PROJECT NUMBER: ST1101
LOCATION OF WORK: Various Locations Throughout the City
Plans, specifi cations, and bidding documents may be obtained at the following location with payment of $25.00:
City of Sugar Land Public Works
111 Gillingham Lane
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
Sealed proposals shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land City Secretary
Offi ce, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas,
77479, on or before 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 02, 2010, at which time the names of fi rms submitting proposals will be read. Proposals received after the opening date and time will not be considered.
A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting for all interested parties will be held 9 a.m., Thursday, November 11, 2010, City of Sugar Land Public Works, 111
Gillingham Lane, Sugar Land, Texas 77478.
The City Council will award the contract to the respondent providing the best value that complies with all requirements of the Request for Proposal. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.
Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAECity Secretary
NOTICE TO PROPOSERS
ON-CALL PAVEMENT REHABILITATION
The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City:
CIP PROJECT NAME: On-Call Pavement Rehabilitation
CIP PROJECT NUMBER: N/A
LOCATION OF WORK: Various Locations Throughout the City
Plans, specifi cations, and bidding documents may be obtained at the following location with payment of $25.00:
City of Sugar Land Public Works
111 Gillingham Lane
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
Sealed proposals shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land City Secretary
Offi ce, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas,
77479, on or before 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 02, 2010, at which time the names of fi rms submitting proposals will be read. Proposals received after the opening date and time will not be considered.
A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting for all interested parties will be held 9:30 a.m., Thursday, November 11, 2010, City of Sugar Land Public Works,
111 Gillingham Lane, Sugar Land, Texas 77478.
The City Council will award the contract to the respondent providing the best value that complies with all requirements of the Request for Proposal. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.
Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAECity Secretary
LEGAL NOTICEINVITATION TO BIDDERS
Sealed Bids will be received in the Offi ce of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Of-fi ce of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specifi ed time will be returned unopened.BID 11-020 – TRAILER MOUNTED PORTABLE GENERATORLump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are 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 NOTICEREQUESTS FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
Sealed Qualifi cation Statements will be received in the Offi ce of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosen-berg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosen-berg TX 77471 for the following until THURS-DAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 AT 1:30 P.M. (CST).
Q11-017 – ANIMAL SERVICES ADDITION
Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all qualifi cation statements received.Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing AgentFort Bend County, Richmond, Texas
Come to St. Laurence Cath-olic Church in Sugar Land for a free concert on Thursday, Nov. 4, at 7:30 p.m. The St. Laurence Chamber Singers will perform Requiem in C Minor by Luigi Cherubini in celebration of The Commem-oration of All Souls, as well as the 250th anniversary of the birth of Cherubini.
The St. Laurence Chamber Singers was founded in 2002 by Kevin Klotz, a St. Laurence Music Minister and doctoral student of Choral Conducting, to present some of the most treasured liturgical and classi-cal music ever written.
The Requiem they are per-forming by Luigi Cherubini is a powerful and dramatic work which was performed
at the funeral of Ludwig van Beethoven in 1827.
Says Klotz, “Cherubini’s Requiem in C Minor is a sel-dom performed masterpiece, but one that certainly deserves a place in the standard cho-ral-orchestral literature. The dramatic and profound writ-ing for both the voices and instruments takes the listener through a myriad of emotions and a deep spirituality; from the earth-shattering ‘Dies Irae’ to the pleading quality of the ‘Lacrymosa’, and fi nally to the peaceful, tranquil mood of the fi nal measures of the ‘Ag-nus Dei’.”
The Chamber Singers rely fully on donations to under-write the cost of presenting these professional quality
concerts free to the public. Patron support at all lev-
els is available and donations will be happily accepted at the concert.
Mark your calendars now for Thursday, December 16, at 7:30 p.m., when the Chamber Singers return to celebrate the Christmas season with “Les-sons & Carols.”
The concerts will be pre-sented at St. Laurence Catho-lic Church, located in First Colony in Sugar Land at 3100 Sweetwater Boulevard, at the corner of Sweetwater and Austin Parkway. To learn more about the Chamber Sing-ers or St. Laurence Catholic Church, visit www.stlaurence.org or contact the parish offi ce at (281)980-9812.
The Fort Bend Boys Choir is gearing up for its 7th annual walk-a-thon. Called Walk in Concert with the Fort Bend Boys Choir, this walk-a-thon will be held on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 9 a.m. at Oyster Creek Park in Sugar Land. Partici-pants will complete a 3-mile walk and of course, receive a walk-a-thon t-shirt. Proceeds will help support the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s fi ve music programs. Individual registra-tion is $15 or a group of four is only $50. Open registration for the walk begins at 8 a.m.
Businesses who would
Free concert at St. Laurence
like to support the Fort Bend Boys Choir can contact them for information about becom-ing a sponsor for the Walk in Concert walk-a-thon. Call the choir offi ce at 281-240-3800 for details.
Walk in Concert with the Fort Bend Boys Choir
Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club will be meeting on Monday, Nov. 8 at the Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way. The guest speaker will be Joan Cain, an attorney who specializes in expunctions and juveniles. She will be addressing legal issues regarding students. So-cial time, refreshments, and boutique shopping begin at 7 p.m followed by the program and business meeting. For more information visit our website www.fortbendaggi-emoms.com or contact Deb-bie Cortez at [email protected] or Anne Pencak at [email protected].
Aggie Moms meet
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FILM REVIEW: The girl who kicked...
CONSERVATIVE CARE ON THE CUTTING EDGE
Technology is not always the answer.
Surgery is not always a solution.
Experience and concern make that very important difference in the science and the art of helping you heal from your orthopedic injuries. You and I will work together to create a plan best suited for you.
If you want to see this mov-ie now, you have to travel to Landmark’s River Oaks The-atre or The Woodlands. I love going to the old theatre on the outskirts of downtown Hous-ton so I went to River Oaks. I parked across the street from the theatre in front of Barnes and Noble.
Since it was so convenient, I purchased the latest John Gr-isham novel and pitched it in my back seat as I passed by on my way to the picture show. Now that’s a twofer.
“Hornet’s Nest” is the fi nal in the “Millennium Trilogy” by Stieg Larrson. Here is some trivia on Larrson: “Finished his so-called Millennium Tril-ogy shortly before his death in 2004. All three novels were published posthumously. He had fi nished three-quarters of a fourth book before his death and had notes for two more and had planned a series of ten.”
Big loss for the literary and movie world; he died in Stock-holm at age 50.
The fi rst book made into a movie was “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” which I saw in June of this year.
And shortly thereafter in July, I saw the second install-ment “The Girl Who Played with Fire.”
I saw all three movies at River Oaks. We need to keep River Oaks open especially since we recently lost The An-gelika.
My reviews on the fi rst two movies are archived on my movie page at LarryHmovier-evies.com. I gave “Tattoo” a 93 and an 82 for “Fire.” These Swedish movies with subtitles have been so successful and intriguing to American audi-ences that Hollywood will soon have its fi rst English ver-
sion re-make of “Tattoo” di-rected by David “The Social Network” Fincher.
Not sure of the exact date of release but the word is “some-time in 2011.”
I hope Fincher doesn’t screw it up; these movies are special.
The girl is Lisbeth Salander
(Noomi Rapace) who is now recovering in a hospital with multiple gunshot wounds be-cause the last movie left her near death.
But Lisbeth is tough; very tough and she is not about to allow a bullet in the head, shoulder and hip slow her down.
The authorities are patiently waiting for her to get out of the hospital so they can arrest her and prosecute her for at-tempted murder.
Ok, she tried to kill her fa-ther, Alexander Zalachenko, with an axe but the dirty so and so had it coming. Self de-fense!
As a reminder, when Lis-beth was only 12, she doused her father and set him on fi re because he had been beating her mother. That dirty so and so; he had it coming. She has a half brother that is upset and wants to kill her, too.
And oh yeah, she has been raped, abused, and falsely in-carcerated in a mental hospital for years.
You’d have spiked hair, multiple piercings and a giant dragon tattoo on your back if it happened to you. She is one angry girl.
Will the system fi nally beat her?
Will she get some measure of revenge or justice?
This movie is worth the trip. Rock ‘n Roll.Grade 89. Larry H. [email protected]
Sugar Land cardiologist, B. Keith Ellis, M.D., and Meth-odist Sugar Land Hospital are creating a unique after-care program called Beating Hearts, designed to provide patients with heart conditions information and support that can assist with recovery and rehabilitation.
Beating Hearts’ fi rst meet-ing is scheduled for Wednes-day, Nov. 17, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Main Pavilion con-ference rooms at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.
After that, the group will meet quarterly and will fea-ture expert presentations from physicians and other health care professionals.
Each session will also allow individuals to share their sto-ries and discuss life after heart surgery with physicians and fellow patients.
“The cardiovascular pro-gram here at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has grown sig-nifi cantly in recent years,” says Dr. Ellis.
“We have a large number of current and former patients who have a real need for ongo-ing post-operative information and assistance. Beating Hearts will address those needs in a comfortable, community set-ting.”
Dr. Ellis believes access to physicians outside the doc-tor’s offi ce sometimes leads to a deeper, more productive discussion.
“And for some patients, it helps to talk to someone else who has experienced the same procedure,” he says.
Beating Hearts will be a living example of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s com-mitment to “complete heal-ing” – one that encompasses the spiritual, emotional and physical effects of surgery, says Bill Bross, Director of Spiritual Care at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.
“A cardiology procedure can present a wide range of ongoing lifestyle changes that can complicate or even delay a return to a normal life,” says Bross.
“Beating Hearts will enable patients to fi nd the answers and support they need to complete the healing process and allow
them to enjoy life again.”Dr. Ellis and Bross encour-
age everyone interested in the program including former and present Methodist Sugar Land Hospital patients who under-went coronary artery bypass grafting, vascular surgery, per-cutaneous revascularization and therapy for heart rhythm disorders to consider being a part of Beating Hearts.
Future meetings include:• “I Have Had Open
Heart Surgery: What’s Next?” scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011.•“When Can I Exercise After Receiving a Stent?” scheduled for Thursday, May 19, 2011.•“Doctor, What Can I Eat?” scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011.
•“What is PAD?” scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011.
For more information on Beating Hearts, or to RSVP for the fi rst meeting, call the Spiritual Care Department at 281-274-7164.
Methodist Sugar Land Hospital creates Beating Hearts support group
B. Keith Ellis, M.D.
Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 3, 2010
THE TIME IS NOW,THE TIME IS NOW, THE WAIT IS OVERTHE WAIT IS OVER
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The Chevrolet Cruze four-door compact is new for 2011. Four out of the fi ve Cruze models are powered by a 1.4-liter four cylinder turbo charged engine with vari-able valve timing that gets as much as 40 miles to the gal-lon on the highway. It makes 138 horsepower and 148. lb.-ft. of torque.
The Cruze has come to American after having already sold well in Europe and Asia. For a compact it provides a quiet cabin, premium mate-rials throughout the interior,
attention to detail and precise tolerances between body pan-els, which contribute signifi -cantly to the Cruze’s overall refi nement and precision.
While the Cruze is new to the U.S. it had logged more than four million miles in quality and durability testing worldwide so is the most real world tested GM product prior to its U.S. launch. The Cruze had also gotten fi ve-star safe-ty ratings in every market it’s sold in and expects to get that same rating in the U.S.
The Cruze comes in four models: the LS, which starts
at $16,995; the LT, $18,895; Cruze 2LT, $21,395; the Eco at $18,895, and the LTZ, $22,695. Standard equipment on the LS models includes a 1.8-liter four cylinder motor paired to a six-speed manual transmission, 10 air bags, electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control, anti-lock brakes, col-lapsible pedal system, power rear-door child safety locks, OnStar with a six-month sub-scription and turn by turn nav-igation, A/C, power windows and door locks, remote key-less entry, driver information center, auxiliary jack for play-back devices and XM Satellite Radio with a three-month sub-scription.
The LT gets all of the above standard equipment and the 1.4-liter turbo engine and 16
inch wheels; the Cruze 2LT, comes standard with a six-way power driver seat, leather, heated seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port with audio interface, steering-wheel mounted audio controls and remote vehicle start.
The Eco rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels and has an en-hanced aerodynamic perfor-mance package. The top of the line Cruze LTZ comes stan-dard with all of the above plus automatic climate control, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, ultrasonic rear-parking assist and 18-inch alloy wheels with four-wheel disc brakes.
The RS appearance pack-age, which is available on the LT and LTZ models for $695 includes unique front and rear
fascias, rocker moldings, front fog lamps and rear spoiler.
Available options on the Cruze are an in-dash naviga-tion system with 40-gig hard drive, a Pioneer audio system with nine speakers and a 250-watt amplifi er and ultrasonic rear park assist.
The Chevy Cruze design starts with a bold face in-cluding a two-tier grill with the iconic Bowtie logo that is Chevrolet’s signature look around the globe. An arching roofl ine connects to a steeply raked windshield and fast sloping rear pillars to give the car a sporty, coupe like pro-portion.
Inside the Cruze’s instru-ments are backlit with light-
emitting diode (LED) technol-ogy. The LED lights provide a crisp, ice-blue illumination of the analog instruments as well as lighting for other interior controls.
Along with a responsive driving experience, the Chevy Cruze delivers quietness and refi nement on the road. A MacPherson strut suspen-sion is used up front while an advanced Z-link design is used in the rear. The result is a more comfortable ride, re-duced road noise and isolation from vibration.
If you are in the market for a compact, zippy car with a sporty design, do test drive the Chevrolet Cruze. You may just take it home.
RETIRED TEACHERS. Members of the Fort Bend-Harris Retired Edu-cators visited the Museum of Funeral History in
Houston, for their fall fi eld trip. Pictured with a display of antique hearses in the fi rst row are Carolyn Rod-gers, Ann Neslony, Eleanor Blain, and Dianne McDon-ald. Pictured in the second row are Mary Ann Dolezal, Fred Hennes, Linda Hennes, Mary Crochet, Jerry Gar-rison, Terry Baldwin and Mary Ann Baldwin. The re-tirees viewed the Presidential Funeral Exhibit, the Popes of the Vatican Exhibit, The Ghana Coffi ns, The Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead Exhibit and many more ar-tifacts and information in the 30,500 square foot mu-seum. Visit www.trta.org for more information. The next meeting of the group will be on Nov. 11.
