Fort Bend Independent

FORT BEND

FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

Phone: 281-980-6745wwwww.fbindependent.com.fbindependent.com

P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

VOL 5 No. 51

Offi cial newspaper of Fort Bend County, Missouri City & Sugar Land

Seshadri KumarPublisher & Editor

10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Staff ord, TX 77477Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487

www.fbindependent.com281-980-6745

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.

A crowd of more than 5,000 people enjoyed an evening of fun at Missouri City’s 29th annual Snowfest Festival that featured a special tree lighting ceremony with fantastic colorful fi reworks, the world’s tallest snowman bounce house and a giant Snowhill on Friday, Dec. 7 at the City Hall Complex on Texas Parkway. Residents who attended the Festival were encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Santa’s Exchange Project. The toy drive will provide gifts for thousands of deserving chil-dren in Fort Bend County. The following day, Dec. 8, hundreds lined the streets for the annual Snowfest Parade which featured 53 entries. The two-mile long parade included bands, colorful fl oats and cars, boy and girl scout groups, churches and busi-nesses and organizations from throughout the City that kicked off at the corner of Murphy Road and Cartwright Road.

Spectacular Snowfestin Missouri City

Hope, Joy and Faith ex-pressed in Quail Valley Garden Club Holiday Lighting Win-ners . . . and if you’re puzzled how Faith is expressed with the Candy Cane theme of Faith Winners Fred & Leslie Gegen, drive by 3110 Robinson Road to get “the rest of the story” as well as view the Winners of Hope, Robert and Joyce Sisti of 3615 Elms Court; Joy Win-ners Peter and Tracie Rothe of 3514 Golden Tee Lane. Honorable Mentions in Faith category are James and Judy

Shoemake of 3202 Robinson Road; Hope, Oscar and Maria Romero of 2714 Oakmont; Joy, Valerie Langdon of 3130 Mill-

brook. Holidays lights are ob-served by various faith-based groups during the winter sol-stice. Take some family time to

drive around and enjoy. http://traction.typepad.com/QVGC and select Holiday Lights! Happy Holidays!

Faith in Holiday Lighting

By SESHADRI KUMARThe Fort Bend ISD board of

trustees on Dec. 12 approved the purchase of 16 buses with 71 seats and four other, 53-pas-senger school buses at a cost of about $1.85 million.

There is $4.46 million of re-maining transportation funds in the 2007 Bond, of which, $1.34 is available to spend. The District has identifi ed addition-al critical needs and has allo-cated an additional $502,151 from budgeted operating funds to purchase the needed busses.

Before approving the pur-chase, Trustee Dave Rosenthal urged that the administration look at school buses running on Compressed Natural Gas as the gas price is very low and it causes less pollution.

Conversion to CNG may re-quire installation of special gas fueling stations.

Administration offi cials said they would conduct a feasibil-ity study and present it to the board for consideration before purchasing the next fl eet of school buses.

The FBISD Transportation Department has approximate-ly 41,000 eligible riders, of which, an average of 24,000 are transported each day.

Last year, the department logged a total of 5,632,560 miles in 10 different transpor-tation scenarios including reg-ular routes, special education routes, academy routes, fi eld trip routes, bilingual routes, homeless student routes, ad-equate yearly progress (AYP) routes, alternative school routes, technical education

shuttle routes, and Progressive High School shuttle routes. The department has a total of 466 buses including 351 regu-lar route buses, 101 special education route buses, and 14 activity buses.

The District has developed a desired replacement schedule for its aging fl eet, as well as, identifi ed additional needs due to growth.

Over the next three years, the district will buy hundreds of replacement buses.

On Dec. 1, Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus hosted 160 girls from West Houston Girls Scout troops for the in-augural Teddy Bear Clinic. From Daisies to brownies to juniors, each girl earned their very own Teddy Bear Clinic badge by visiting nine dif-ferent medical stations and learning about various pediat-ric subspecialties. The stations included: radiology, surgery, pharmacy, child life, cancer, nutrition, physical and oc-cupational therapy, sleep and emergency medicine.

Texas Children’s hosts Girls

Scouts for badge

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS. Himesh Gandhi, a Sugar Land city councilman and partner at the law fi rm Hrbacek & Gandhi P.C., delivers the keynote address during the University of Houston-Victoria Fall 2012 Commencement Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Leonard E. Merrell Center in Katy.

FBISD reacts to Connecticut school massacre

In response to the school massacre at Newtown in Con-necticut, Fort Bend ISD posted the following message on its website with the caption “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Newtown, Connecticut community.”

Our hearts and prayers go out to those touched by the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.

Our schools are safe places, but we are learning from the in-vestigation of this event to de-termine what additional safety measures can be put in place, especially in our elementary schools.

Here is what your school district is doing:

We have asked our counsel-ors, teachers, administrators and staff to give each other an extra measure of support to reassure our students they are safe and validate their feelings. Our students will have con-cerns and questions resulting from this tragedy, and they will look to adults for information and support.

The following are some sug-gested tips that can be used to help ensure children feel safe.

Maintain a calm demeanor.Reassure children that they

are safe. Make time to talk and ac-

tively listen to children’s ques-tions or fears.

Keep explanations develop-mentally appropriate.

Observe children’s emotion-al state and respond accord-ingly.

Maintain a normal routine.Establishing a sense of nor-

malcy and security will help students, as well as adults, cope with such troubling news. Below are helpful websites with more detailed information and resources that parents and school personnel can use.

National Association of School Psychologists: www.nasponline.org

American School Counselor Association: www.schoolcoun-selor.org

American Psychological As-sociation: www.apa.org

National PTA: www.pta.org/programs

Listen Protect Connect Model and Teach presentationWe encourage you to read these tips and other information post-ed on the District’s website, fortbendisd.com under “Emer-gency and Severe Weather In-formation.”

All safety procedures are being reviewed with a goal to do everything possible to keep children and staff safe. The Fort Bend ISD Police continue to work with all of our schools to support them and to constantly review emergency procedures with school offi cials. As part of the District’s crisis plan, these procedures are reviewed and evaluated on an ongoing basis and training is provided to staff members. We also practice drills with students to let them know what to do in the event of an emergency.

We are renewing our efforts to collaborate with local com-munity and law enforcement agencies to maintain a united effort aimed at school safety. Unfortunately in light of school violence, active shooter exer-cises are part of the ongoing training for our school district and other local agencies.

We are directly asking our entire school community to renew its efforts to help us keep our children and schools safe. Unfortunately, this trag-edy is a reminder to our staff and parents to be aware of all surroundings and report any unusual situation and/or sus-picious person to the proper authorities. Many of you have concerns and those should be shared with your campus prin-cipal and they will be provided to an integrated team that is looking for ways to put addi-tional safety measures in place in our schools.

The safety and protection of our students is of the ut-most importance to our school principals, teachers, staff and administrators and is a respon-sibility the District takes seri-ously. We will soon break for the holidays, but will continue to inform you about improve-ments to school safety proce-dures.

FBISD buys 20 new school buses at $1.8 million

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 19, 2012

Over 20 Communities in the Houston Area!Visit our Website for a Complete ListingOffers, plans, prices and availability are subject to change without notice. (11/12)

!Firethorne from the $190s - 530s 1,600 - 2,800 sq. ft. (281) 693-46772,200 - 3,500 sq. ft. (281) 693-01502,500 - 3,900 sq. ft. (281) 693-46923,000 - 4,200 sq. ft. (281) 693-46923,400 - 5,600 sq. ft. (281) 693-4502

Pine Mill Ranch from the $180s - 490s1,600 - 2,500 sq. ft. (281) 391-71712,200 - 4,100 sq. ft. (281) 391-71712,500 - 3,900 sq. ft. (281) 347-21212,900 - 4,900 sq. ft. (281) 347-21213,400 - 5,600 sq. ft. (281) 392-4322

Cinco Ranch from the $290s - 440s2,500 - 3,000 sq. ft. (281) 395-30102,500 - 3,500 sq. ft. (281) 693-00223,000 - 3,800 sq. ft. (281) 347-2100

Cross Creek Ranch from the $290s - 420s2,500 - 3,200 sq. ft. (281) 633-25552,800 - 3,600 sq. ft. (281) 238-09193,000 - 3,900 sq. ft. (281) 633-8500

Westheimer Lakes from the $170s - 260s1,600 - 3,000 sq. ft. (832) 222-2120

The Reserve at Brazos Town Center from the $230s - 340s2,500 - 3,900 sq. ft. (281) 238-0770

The Oaks of Rosenberg from the $210s - 270s 2,200 - 3,400 sq. ft. (281) 633-9366

RiverPark West from the $220s - 340s2,100 - 3,100 sq. ft. (281) 344-02582,200 - 3,600 sq. ft. (832) 222-2804

Aliana from the $230s - 320s2,100 - 2,800 sq. ft. (281) 207-90022,500 - 3,100 sq. ft. (281) 207-6656

Riverstone from the $290s - 440s2,200 - 3,400 sq. ft. (281) 778-21003,000 - 4,200 sq. ft. (281) 778-3840

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Sienna Plantation from the $250s - 550s 2,200 - 3,400 sq. ft. (281) 778-15443,400 - 5,600 sq. ft. (281) 778-7800

Creekmont from the $160s - 330s1,600 - 3,100 sq. ft. (281) 431-86002,500 - 3,900 sq. ft. (713) 855-8880

Southern Trails from the $250s - 360s2,500 - 4,100 sq. ft. (713) 413-88822,800 - 4,200 sq. ft. (713) 413-8882

Shadow Creek Ranch from the $180s - 360s1,800 - 3,100 sq. ft. (713) 436-78802,500 - 3,600 sq. ft. (713) 436-87512,200 - 4,100 sq. ft. (713) 436-93702,600 - 3,400 sq. ft. (713) 436-87513,000 - 4,900 sq. ft. (713) 436-1550

$550s

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The only TCEQ approved gold refi nery in town is now open to the public.

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DECEMBER 19, 2012 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

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Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers, Inc. will pay a cash reward for information lead-ing to the resolution of a 2011 cold case in Stafford.

Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers, Inc. will pay up to $5,000 for information lead-ing to the arrest and convic-tion of the subjects involved in the murder of Oscar Garcia, 45, who was killed on Dec. 19, 2011 in a room at the Super 8 Motel, located at 12845 FM 1092 in Stafford.

The Stafford Police De-partment received a 911 call at 5:21 p.m. about shots being fi red in the motel.

Upon arrival, Stafford Po-

lice Department detectives found Garcia’s body in a fi rst-fl oor room. He had been shot to death. Detectives learned that Garcia was a regular guest at this motel. He also was known to frequent the West Airport Inn at 10570 W. Airport in Stafford, but always stayed in the Super 8 Motel while in Stafford.

Detectives were able to re-cover video that showed a red two-door convertible, a 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, pull into the motel and back into a parking space near the victim’s room.

The two suspects exited the vehicle. They were wearing

dark clothes and dark hoodies. Multiple gunshots were

heard and the suspects were seen running from the motel and getting into the convert-ible and leaving the scene at a high rate of speed. While getting into the vehicle, the video showed that one of the suspects was wearing a white baseball cap under the hoodie.

Garcia’s last known address was the 1200 block of Joyce in Weslaco, Texas. He was 5-feet, 10-inches in height and weighed 275 pounds. He drove a gold-ish Ford Explor-er.

Anyone who may have seen Garcia on that date or who

may have information on the two suspects is asked to call Crime Stoppers.

Information which leads to the apprehension and fi l-ing of charges on the suspects involved could earn up to a $5,000 cash reward.

Call the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Offi ce Dispatch at 281-341-4665, Fort Bend Crime Stoppers, Inc. at 281-342-TIPS (8477) or text plus the tip to CRIMES (274637). Tips also can be submitted online at www.fortbend-tx-crimestoppers.org.

All calls to Crime Stoppers are anonymous.

Jim Rice announced he will seek re-election as Fort Bend Independent School District Board of Trustee, Position 3 in the May 11, 2013 election. Rice currently serves as the FBISD Board President.

“I am proud of the accom-plishments of the Fort Bend ISD during my tenure and to serve as the Board President. My goals continue to be to pro-vide a quality education for all students, support our teachers, engage the community, and to maintain a balanced budget. I am very passionate about edu-cation and have been actively involved in education leader-ship positions throughout the community,” said Rice.

Jim Rice is a business own-

er, President and co-founder of Rice & Gardner Consultant, Inc.

He understands making payroll, paying taxes and

maintaining a balanced bud-get. Rice understands that education plays a vital role in providing a competitive ad-vantage to Fort Bend County, our State and Nation.

Jim Rice is a 31 year resi-dent of Sugar Land. His three grown sons are all FBISD High School graduates, and all three are Eagle Scouts.

Rice has been married to his wife Mary for over 32 years. He has been actively involved in the community serving on the Boards of Fort Bend Cares, the Fort Bend Literacy Council, Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, the Thunder Wolf District Boy Scouts of Amer-

ica, and is a member of Christ United Methodist Church.

In addition Rice was elected to serve on the Texas Associa-tion of School Boards Board of Directors Region 4 G.

“I sought election as a Trustee because I believe I have the leadership and man-agement skills to help the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees govern to provide an outstand-ing education for all students,” Rice said.

“I am seeking re-election to continue to work with the teachers and the community to make responsible decisions.”

For more information, visit Rice’s campaign website: www.jimricefbisd.com.

NURSING PROGRAM GRADUATES. The Wharton County Junior College Sugar Land Associate Degree Nursing Program graduates pictured front row left to right include: Sumair Chaudry of Houston, Lorena Lynch of Richmond, September Her-ron of Houston, Jessica Bubenik of Kendleton, Diana Nava of Rosenberg, Melisa Lehr of Stafford, Katrina Hart of Missouri City, Dipti Patel of Pearland, Veronica Martelino of Houston, Lauren Garza of Katy, Jeannie Cuellar and Emily Cortinas of Richmond, and Charlie Lin of Sugar Land; Graduates pictured back row left to right include: Cammy Garcia of Katy, Sum-mer Torres of Houston, Susan O’Hearn of Richmond, Lisa Rios Valchar of Richmond, Malena Dieguez of Houston, Heather Scantlin of Richmond, Sherrill Delafose of Houston, Gary Pretzsch of Katy, Samantha Zapalac of Orchard, Paula Best, Shelly Boyne, Heather Watson, and Carla Barrow of Sugar Land. Not pictured is Ashley Labay of El Campo. Photo by Kevin Farley.

Rice plans to seek re-election for school board

Rice

Reward offered in 2011 Stafford murder case

Two of Houston’s leading master-planned communities, Cross Creek Ranch and Impe-rial Sugar Land, are the fi rst in the Houston area to install live webcams which allow both developments to present their features in real time to visitors of each community’s websites.

The streaming webcams can be accessed at www.cross-creektexas.com and www.im-perialsugarland.com.

The webcam mounted atop Cross Creek Ranch’s signature Welcome Center presents pro-spective homebuyers with a real-time view of the commu-nity including its Adventure Island Water Park, hike-and-bike trails and lake.

“When you see families out by the pool and residents walking the trails, it really gives prospective homebuy-ers, particularly those relocat-ing from out of town, a sense of the community,” says Rob Bamford Cross Creek Ranch General Manager.

Bamford adds more than half of Cross Creek Ranch’s new homeowners in 2011 were from outside the Hous-ton area and as far away as

Europe and Asia. Moreover, current residents can use the webcam feature to see real-time weather conditions while they are away.

Cross Creek Ranch, one of the top 20 best-selling master-planned communities in the United States, is located west of Houston in Fulshear at the crossroads of FM 359 and FM 1093, minutes west of the Grand Parkway and the West-park Tollway.

Its amenities include miles of hike-and-bike trails, a fi t-ness center and sports complex with tennis courts, basketball court, sand volleyball court and playgrounds for all ages. Its model home collection is the largest in the Houston area with fully furnished residences from Highland Homes, Ash-ton Woods Homes, Newmark Homes, Perry Homes, Plan-tation Homes, Trendmaker Homes and Village Builders.

The webcam at Imperial Sugar Land presents views of the largest remaining devel-opment opportunity in Sugar Land. The master-planned community ultimately will incorporate retail, residen-

tial, entertainment and offi ce components with civic build-ings and several, large public spaces.

Imperial Sugar Land con-sists of 690 acres, representing the largest remaining devel-opment opportunity in Sugar Land. Imperial Sugar Compa-

ny, the oldest continuously op-erating business in the state of Texas, processed sugar on the site for more than 160 years.

Both Cross Creek Ranch and Imperial Sugar Land are projects of Johnson Develop-ment Corp.

Webcam aids new homebuyers

Performing on stage with the Fort Bend Symphony Orches-tra (FBSO) is the highlight of winning the orchestra’s annual concerto competition according to previous winners and FBSO is once again offering the dream gig. Applications for FBSO’s 13th Annual Young Artist Concerto Competition are now avail-able online and must be postmarked by December 31.

The competition, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 19 at Sher-man Clay Piano in Houston, is open to Texas residents who are 18 years of age and younger. Contestants must perform, from memory, one movement from a concerto or a work from the standard repertoire for solo instrument with orchestral accom-paniment that lasts no longer than 12 minutes.

“The Fort Bend Symphony is committed to fostering student musicians,” said Janet Larke, chairperson for the competition. “We are constantly amazed at the high standard of musical tal-ent displayed by these students and our audiences are always impressed by the outstanding performances of these young musicians.”

In addition to performing with FBSO at its February concert, the winner receives a $500 scholarship.

For more information, visit www.fbso.org/Concerto.html, email [email protected] or call Janet Larke at 979-257-4271.

Fort Bend Symphony accepts applications for annual concerto competition

Princess Christmas!Princess Christmas will be

hosting two encore perfor-mances on Christmas Eve, at the Fort Bend Theatre, 2815 N. Main St., in Stafford ,Dec. 24, Monday at 9 a.m and 11 a.m.

This enchanting holiday musical written by playwright and FBT Executive Artistic Director Tarra McCain is great fun for the entire family, and reminds us that real beauty lies within us all! For even more fun, children attending in prince or princess attire will receive a small prize from FBT! Tickets are available at $9 each for adults and children at www.fortbendtheatre.com, or call 281-208-333 for group discounts and birthday party specials.


Opinion

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FORT BEND

FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

Seshadri KumarPublisher & Editor

Email: [email protected]

www.fbindependent.com

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODSDreams become a reality

Bowden

AUTOMOBILE: Toyota Venza

By CAROLYN BOWDENHOW IT ALL BEGAN:

By 1969 there had been three attempts, spanning 18 years, to build a golf course on the fringe of the Houston city limits.

First it was a Golf Asso-ciation. Then a well- known golf pro and a development agency staked out the land but the deal failed. The third attempt succeeded and the fi rst spade of dirt was turned on what would be the Quail Valley Golf Club and Devel-opment.

It was said: “In some ar-eas, it looks as if God created this land for a golf course.”

There was a slight roll in the terrain and the soil was a combination of gumbo and sand. Pecan and Oak were the dominant trees and water in fi ve natural lakes would come into play on 12 of the holes. Seven holes were wide-open, which led to a major tree transplanting job along the fairways.

The executive nine-hole course (now known as Mac-Naughton Park) served as a fl ood control golf course. On the 54-holes of golf, they had four or fi ve man-made lakes. Quail Valley just fell together the “right way.”

According to some of the men responsible for Quail Valley’s development, the owner of the land looked at these wide open spaces and saw a golf course communi-ty. It was important to him to preserve a “country feel-ing” and have it all devel-oped around a golf course. The developers had a million dollars and Missouri City

was welcoming them by being very cooperative during con-struction. However, there was some serious work convinc-ing offi cials with utilities and school districts. They wanted to “undersize” the work and the developers wanted them to “oversize it”

APPLE VALLEY? Quail Valley was not always meant to be “Quail” Valley. The second prospective buyer had planned to call the develop-ment, “Apple Valley”. How-ever, one day, a group of men involved with the “new” own-er were inspecting the acreage and stirred up several coveys of quail. Thereby, the name was changed to “Quail” Val-ley.

EARLY DAYS OF THE DEVELOPMENT: In the time before Quail Valley was totally fi nished, the men in-volved, enjoyed hunting and fi shing. They fi shed in Turtle Creek, hunted dove where Quail Valley East is now and where Meadowcreek Club-house was built. Stafford Run was a prime spot for bird hunt-ing , but they left the quail, the

area’s namesake, alone.HISTORICAL DIS-

COVERIES: A slave burial ground was discovered during the development of Robinson Road. A hitching post was dug up near El Dorado Bou-levard, and thought to be Sam Houston’s.

“WHO IS GOING TO WANT TO LIVE WAY OUT THERE?” The distance from Houston did not stop people from buying. Twenty-two developers came out to build custom houses in the middle $30,000 range. Then,” Open-ing Day” arrived, following weeks of rain, and there was just mud everywhere! They sold over 100 lots in the fi rst month. Surprisingly, people bought based on a ”proposed” golf course, that was not built yet. Missouri City’s popula-tion at that time was 3,300. The developers wanted to de-annex from Missouri City and create their own city, but a law prevented that. So, instead, they built a community that was totally “self-serving” in necessities and amenities.

“BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME”: This could have been their motto, be-cause, this is exactly what happened. The fi rst fam-ily moved into Quail Valley in early 1970 and in spite of many “ups and downs” in the Economy, since that time, this Subdivision continues evolv-ing, improving, and moving ahead into the future!NEXT COLUMN: (January 2nd) – Our First Christmas in Quail Valley

Write to: [email protected]

By STEVE BROWN It seems these days we

are inundated with warnings about our swollen national debt and the “fi scal cliff,” and with good reason.

We’ve been fi scally ir-responsible for far too long and it’s fi nally caught up to us. Simply put, America must right its economic course or face disastrous consequences.

Future generations are re-lying on us to work together to solve this problem so that our country can secure its place as an economic leader.

Earlier this month, I had the honor to travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with President Obama’s advisors and Mem-bers of Congress as part of a delegation from Texas invited to learn more about our na-tion’s fi scal issues.

This debt affects each and every American on a daily basis whether we realize it or not. If we continue to ne-glect our debt we can expect infl ation and interest rates to rise, creating real problems for individuals and businesses alike.

A spike in infl ation means that the cost of everyday items such as gas and groceries will rise. And an increase in inter-est rates results in a stricter lending environment, making it harder for businesses to ac-cess money vital for growth and expansion. Higher interest rates also make it more diffi -cult for individuals and fami-lies to access funds needed for major purchases like a home or a car.

On January 1, if Congress and President Obama aren’t able to reach an agreement we’ll see our economy go off a “fi scal cliff” – the arbitrary blend of tax increases and spending cuts.

Taxes on middle class families will increase by

about $2000. Additionally, the cliff’s combination of tax hikes and nearly across-the-board federal spending cuts would have severely nega-tive effects on Texas’ working families, funding for K-12 and higher education, and small businesses and major employ-ers alike.

The cliff would cut about $1 billion in state funding from many critical programs that protect the most vulnera-ble among us, including nutri-tion programs for low-income women and children, as well as education, public housing and workforce training.

However, simply avoiding the cliff won’t be enough. If our debt sticks to its current course, important programs like those mentioned above won’t be cut now, but rather squeezed to death over time as our national debt crowds out other priorities.

We simply must begin con-trolling our debt; research shows that once debt reaches elevated levels, an economy can be expected to grow sig-

nifi cantly slower each year, and would increasingly face the threat of a fi scal crisis.

President Obama and Con-gress certainly have their work cut out for them.

The only way to success-fully achieve comprehensive debt reduction is through a bipartisan approach. We need compromise, no matter how hard it is.

With the recent tragic events in Connecticut, it’s time to fi nally commit to put-ting our fi scal defi cit and long term debt behind us.

I think we would all want to see President Barack Obama and Congress shift their fo-cus to deal with gun control and our mental health crisis in the New Year. But, it might be diffi cult to adequately ad-dress those issues if we’re still mired in the mud of our ongo-ing fi scal debt.

I am a fi rm believer that America is up to these great challenges. But we must set aside our differences and be prepared to sacrifi ce.

Improving our long-term economic outlook isn’t a Democratic or Republican is-sue- it’s an American neces-sity. We will be stronger and better suited to meet the issues of tomorrow when we stop ig-noring the fi scal challenges of today.

Steve Brown is chairman of the Fort Bend County Demo-cratic Party and is on the steering committee of the Tex-as chapter of the Campaign to Fix the Debt. Fix the Debt is a non-partisan movement to put America on a better fi scal and economic path.

Averting the fi scal cliff: Time to pave path for long term debt reduction

Brown

By BARBARA FULENWIDERFor 2013 the Toyota Venza

crossover got an enhanced exterior design, more con-venience features and an op-tional Entune multi-media system.

The 2013 Venza is avail-able in LE, XLE and Lim-ited grades. The LE and XLE models are available with all powertrain combinations: four-cylinder, V6, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Venza Limited is powered by the V6 engine only.

Venza was developed spe-cifi cally for the North Ameri-can market and provides SUV fl exibility with its fold-fl at rear seats, spacious cargo area, elevated driver sightline, available all-wheel drive and up to 3,500-lbs. towing capac-ity.

The 2013 Venza offers four-cylinder and V6 models in FWD and AWD versions. Venza’s 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 181 horse-power at 5,800 rpm and 182 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The four-cylinder Venza is EPA-rated at 21 MPG city/27 MPG highway for the FWD model and 20/25 for the AWD.

The 3.5-liter V6 makes 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. The V6 FWD model has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway and 18/25 for the AWD. Both engines are teamed with a six-speed sequential-shift electroni-cally controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).

The four-cylinder mod-els ride on standard 19-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. Twenty-inch fi ve-spoke aluminum alloy wheels are standard for the V6 model. Power-assisted, ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes are standard on all models. Venza’s front suspension consists of a rigid

L-arm-type MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar, and the rear suspension is a dual-link MacPherson strut setup with stabilizer bar.

Toyota’s STAR Safety Sys-tem is standard on all Toyota models and features Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake Sys-tem, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist and the Smart Stop Technology (SST).

Inside, Venza’s adjustable center console features a slid-ing cover and armrest, three iPod®/MP3 player holders with wire concealment fea-tures and a large storage com-partment. The center-console compartment is also equipped with a USB port, auxiliary audio jack and 12-volt power outlet.

The 2013 Venza now offers the Toyota Entune multime-dia system, which provides a smartphone with full access to navigation, entertainment and information services.

The Venza LE grade comes with new standard features that include a blind spot mirror and outer mirror turn signals with puddle lamps. Other key standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control with air fi lter and second-row-seat vents; eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar; 3.5-inch LCD multi-information display; a tilt/telescopic adjustable steer-ing wheel with integrated au-dio controls; an overhead con-sole with map lights; rear-seat adjustable personal reading lamps and three 12-volt power outlets.

The LE also comes stan-dard with the Display Au-dio system, which includes a 6.1-inch touch screen, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, auxiliary audio jack, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and mu-sic streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology.

The Venza XLE adds leath-er-trimmed seats, steering wheel and shift knob; four-way power passenger seat; multi-stage heated front seats; driver seat memory; reverse tilt outer mirrors, Display Au-dio with Navigation and En-tune; anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer; Smart Key System with Push Button Start and illuminated entry; power rear liftgate and a back-up camera all as standard equipment.

The Venza design is practi-cal, with a rear load-in height that is almost as low as that of Toyota’s minivan. The size-able liftgate opening enhances the vehicle’s utility. Venza also provides a low step-over height. Cargo-area utility is enhanced with fold-down 60/40 rear seats, one-touch fold-down seat levers and a tonneau cover.

The Toyota Venza XLE V6 front-wheel drive model re-tails for $33,180. The Toyota Venza is one of my top choic-es for best crossover vehicle. I like the way it drives and rides and the V6 has plenty of torque and power. It is most comfortable with numerous creature comforts and I like its looks inside and out.

Don’t risk your home. Call me for fl ood insurance today.

FLOODS ARE LIKE HIGHWAYS.THEY RUN THROUGH ALL 50 STATES.

Floods are America’s most common natural disaster, so everyone is at risk. In fact, 1 in 4 fl ood claims are fi led in low-to-moderate flood risk areas.

www.texansinsure.com

Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc.101 Southwestern Blvd., Suite 230

Sugar Land, TX 77478

281-277-7800

Fort Bend ISD develops its school calendar two years in advance to facilitate planning for the community and staff. The Calendar Committee be-gan working on the calendar options in November for the 2014-2015 school calendar and has reached consensus on four draft calendars for re-view.

Parents and community members are invited to review the four draft calendars and select their preference for one of the calendars and provide any comments. To access the draft calendars, go to www.fortbendisd.com and look un-der “Quick Links” and click on “2014-2015 Proposed Cal-endars.”

The following link may also be copied and pasted into browsers to view the draft cal-endars at: www.fortbendisd.com/calendar2015.

The Texas Legislature has mandated that all school dis-tricts start no earlier than the fourth Monday in August – no exceptions, no waiv-ers. Therefore, the fi rst day of school for the 2014-2015 school year will be August 25, 2014.

The calendar preferences will be taken on the webpage until January 10, 2013.

IRS PUBLIC AUCTION SALE REAL ESTATE

2607 BERMUDA DUNES DRIVEMISSOURI CITY, TX 77459

JANUARY 24, 20139:00 A.M.

$82,0000* Minimum BidADD’L INFO:

[email protected] or

www.irsauctions.gov

School calendar

INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 19, 2012 • Page 5

Community news

PUBLIC NOTICE

FORT BEND COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

FYs 2008 and 2011 CONSOLIDATED ACTION PLAN AMENDMENTS

Fort Bend County proposes to amend its approved FYs 2008 and 2011 Consolidated Action Plans. The Consolidated Plan regulations at 24 CFR 91.505 state that a jurisdiction shall amend its approved plan whenever it makes one of the following decisions:

(1) To make a change in its allocation priorities or a change in the method of distribution of funds;

(2) To carry out an activity, using funds from any program covered by the consolidated plan (including program income), not previously described in the action plan; or

(3) To change the purpose, scope, location, or benefi ciaries of an activity.

In addition, Fort Bend County has identifi ed in its citizen participation plan the criteria it uses for determining what constitutes substantial amendments that are subject to a citizen participation process, in accordance with the County’s citizen participation plan. The defi nitions and/or criteria for what constitutes a substantial change for the purpose of amending the consolidated plan are as follows:

(1) Purpose: The purpose is substantially changed if the overall purpose for which a project is funded changes. Changing a specifi c objective without changing the overall purpose of the project will not be considered a substantial change.

(2) Scope: The scope is substantially changed if the original estimated cost of the project is increased by twenty percent or more.

(3) Location: The location is substantially changed if the service area of a project changes from the original service area.

(4) Benefi ciaries: The benefi ciaries are substantially changed if there is a change in type or the number is increased by twenty percent or more.

The Fort Bend County FYs 2008 and 2011 Consolidated Plan Amendments are available for public review and comment. The public is encouraged to submit written comments by Monday, January 21, 2013 to Marilynn Kindell, Community Development Director, at 301 Jackson, Suite 602, Richmond, Texas 77469. Comments will be incorporated into the Consolidated Plan Amendments, as appropriate.

FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS

FYs 2008 and 2011 CONSOLIDATED PLAN AMENDMENT

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)

Funds are available to be reprogrammed from:FY 2008 Housing Rehabilitation $121,039.93FY 2011 CDBG Program Administration $56,850.16FY 2011 CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Administration $16,798.82

Total Available To Be Reprogrammed $194,688.91

Projects to be funded are: FY 2011 Arcola Water System Improvements $194,688.91 Total Reprogrammed Amount $191,688.91

ORDINANCE NO. O-12-42

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO BFI WASTE SERVICES OF TEXAS, LP, A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP D/B/A REPUBLIC SERVICES OF HOUSTON, THE RIGHT, PRIVILEGE, AND FRANCHISE TO USE THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY TO CONDUCT A SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE BUSINESS WITHIN THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS; PROVIDING A TERM; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.

I, Maria Gonzalez, City Secretary of the City of Missouri City, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the caption of said Ordinance No. O-12-42 approved on the third and fi nal reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on December 17, 2012, as the same appears in the records of my offi ce.

/s/ Maria GonzalezCity Secretary

City of Missouri City


AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO DEPENDABLE DISPOSAL SERVICE LLC, A TEXAS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, THE RIGHT, PRIVILEGE, AND FRANCHISE TO USE THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY TO CONDUCT A SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE BUSINESS WITHIN THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS; PROVIDING A TERM; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.





AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO V.F. WASTE SERVICES, INC., A TEXAS CORPORATION, THE RIGHT, PRIVILEGE, AND FRANCHISE TO USE THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY TO CONDUCT A SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE BUSINESS WITHIN THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS; PROVIDING A TERM; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.





AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO WASTE MANAGEMENT OF TEXAS, INC., A TEXAS CORPORATION, THE RIGHT, PRIVILEGE, AND FRANCHISE TO USE THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY TO CONDUCT A SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE BUSINESS WITHIN THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS; PROVIDING A TERM; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.





AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO WCA WASTE CORPORATION, A DELAWARE CORPORATION, THE RIGHT, PRIVILEGE, AND FRANCHISE TO USE THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY TO CONDUCT A SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE BUSINESS WITHIN THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS; PROVIDING A TERM; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.





AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO BFI WASTE SERVICES OF TEXAS, LP, A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP D/B/A REPUBLIC SERVICES OF HOUSTON, THE RIGHT, PRIVILEGE, AND FRANCHISE TO USE THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY TO CONDUCT A SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE BUSINESS FOR COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS WITHIN THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS; PROVIDING A TERM; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.I, Maria Gonzalez, City Secretary of the City of Missouri City, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the caption of said Ordinance No. O-12-47 approved on the third and fi nal reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on December 17, 2012, as the same appears in the records of my offi ce.



The annual Candlelight Tour, offered by Fort Bend County Museum in Rich-mond, and hosted by the Museum Docents, was once again a success.

Candlelight Tour opened Friday through the fi rst week-end in December, and this year over 350 visitors toured the Moore Home, which was decorated for Christmas in-side and out. Each room of the house, hosted a docent tour guide, provided a history of that room, bits and pieces of interesting trivia about the past residents, and additional history about Richmond and the community.

Every year, people who have lived in the county for most or all of their lives, come out to tour the Moore Home, for the fi rst time.

“However, some families have made the Candlelight Tour a yearly tradition, oth-ers are drawn to the particular themes of the tour, and every year we have new faces.

“On the Friday of the tour weekend, senior adult tours are provided during the morn-ing and early afternoon, so that the retirement and as-sisted living homes may bring their residents, many of these come annually,” said Claire Rogers, spokesperson, Fort Bend County Museum.

The John M. Moore Home was built in 1883 by John M. Moore (1862-1940) for his bride, Lottie Dyer. A prosper-ous rancher, Moore served in the state legislature and in the U.S. Congress.

Following his 1905 elec-tion to Congress, he remod-eled the home from its origi-nal Victorian design to a neo-classical style popular in the early 20th century. Rich-

mond’s First Baptist Church was founded in the house and noted politicians and cattle-men often visited.

When Congressman Moore died in 1940, his son, John M. Moore, Jr. moved into the house with his wife Dor-ethea Guenther Moore. Their son Hilmar, Richmond’s late mayor, and his fi rst wife Kel-lie Pearson Moore lived in the home during World War II while he commuted to Elling-ton fi eld.

“The house will stay deco-rated all through the month of December so we will continue to give tours of the house. Many school groups sign-up for programs during this month specifi cally so that they can tour the house while it is decorated,” Rogers said.

Over the Candlelight

weekend and throughout the month of December, over 500 schoolchildren are expected to learn about Fort Bend County, as they tour the home.

“My favorite part of Can-dlelight Tours is the yearly theme that the docents choose. This year’s theme celebrated the 175th anniversary of the establishment of Fort Bend County and Richmond as the county seat. This allowed the docents the opportunity to showcase the rich history and heritage of our county starting with the Old Three Hundred of Austin’s Colony,” Rogers said.

The Candlelight Tour takes approximately eight months of planning, according to Fe-lesa Baker, who served her fourth term as chair of this event.

“I enjoyed researching county history and determin-ing a presentation framework. However, our docents decided how the factual information would be interpreted for each room. Many of the docents give their time and talents, year after year for the Candle-light Tour,” Baker said.

After the tour, visitors were invited to enjoy wassail and cookies on the patio, and browse the gift shop.

The Fort Bend County Mu-seum Association has pre-served and interpreted Fort Bend County and Texas his-tory for nearly 40 years.

For more information on the Fort Bend County Mu-seum and the Moore Home, pleasevisit the website, http://www.fortbendmuseum.org/

Fort Bend County Museum’s candlelight tour

Felesa Baker, chair, Candlelight Tour, in the parlor of the Moore Home, awaiting the next group to tour.

By BARBARA FULENWIDERStafford City Council mem-

bers at their Dec. 12 meeting were presented a proposed or-dinance on the city’s fi rst ever non-smoking ordinance.

After Art Pertile, city at-torney, made his presenta-tion, council’s opinions on it followed but in the end they made no changes to the ordi-nance draft and the only ac-tion they took was to approve a motion to hold a public hearing on the ordinance on Feb. 6. They will also allow anyone who wishes to public-ly address it at the city’s town hall meeting on Jan. 23.

Mayor Leonard Scarcella still thinks the ordinance should be more lenient and give more consideration to the town’s business owners of restaurants, hotels, sports bar, entertainment venues, etc., but most other council mem-bers seemed okay with it.

The mayor said he’d hoped that the ordinance would be structured so that the town’s businesses could determine either to join or not but that the proposed ordinance doesn’t allow that.

He pointed out that there are more than 600 businesses in Stafford and “if you told them all right now, ‘you have a non-smoking ordinance that will impact your business contrary to what a lot of peo-

ple have stated’ more might publicly speak to that.

“It will impact a pretty good number of those busi-nesses and I think those peo-ple should be able to address council about this.”

He also urged council to “think about some businesses you are precluding from ever coming into the city of Staf-ford. A lot of these people – restaurant owners – will not come before council and address us because they are worried about discrimination against their business because they opposed the non-smok-ing ordinance.”

After Pertile’s presenta-tion, Councilman Ken Mat-thew thanked him for put-ting together seven different ideas into one ordinance, and Pertile reminded council that they can change any and ev-ery part of it at any time prior to their vote to adopt it or not probably on Feb. 6.

The mayor said he thinks the $2,000 fi ne for smoking in a non-smoking business is ex-cessive but CouncilMember Felicia Evans-Smith pointed out that Pertile had explained that such was standard policy.

Councilman Robert Sor-bet said he didn’t think “city judges would be complicit about handing out fi nes that size.”

He said he personally

would like to put a minimum on it but thinks “judges will use good sense about it.”

Scarcella responded by say-ing that because of his many years as a lawyer he doesn’t share Sorbet’s faith regard-ing judges’ temperaments and abilities. He did allow that some are “fantastic.”

Sorbet also said he would prefer that smokers have to be 50 feet from the entrance or exit of a business to smoke, rather than the 25 feet current-ly in the proposed ordinance. “Fifteen people standing 25 feet away almost makes a tun-nel,” he said.

The mayor said that “25 feet may sound fantastic be-cause if it’s pouring down rain and someone wants to smoke, I can assure you they will about three feet outside of that door under the overhang. I think you’ll have many cir-cumstances where people will violate the 25 foot limit.”

Scarcella went on to say that making Stafford’s non-smoking ordinance uniform bothers him immensely be-cause Stafford “is trying to be like the crowd and be lapdogs to what everybody else wants. I don’t believe it’s the best thing or best for Stafford but I believe it will pass.”

Then he reminded council and his audience that the city gets “more than $1.25 million (in sales tax revenues) from our restaurants every year.”

Evans-Smith disagreed with the mayor and noted that Stafford “didn’t pick up

ordinances from everybody else and just combine them. We’ve had a lot of input on it and let the public tell us what they wanted. We’re not like everybody else and we do pay our bills differently than everybody else. I’m very pas-sionate about this and I think everybody here is.”

Councilman Wen Guerra said he did his homework in-dependently by visiting busi-ness places in Stafford that could be impacted detrimen-tally by a non-smoking ordi-nance.

“I think the ordinance is fi ne. I looked at it fi nancially. We’re not trying to do any-thing that anybody else in this area hasn’t already done. It’s just the way society is evolv-ing. This is a document that can be tweaked or reworked in the future. If we see it isn’t working, we can change things in it.”

Again Scarcella disagreed and said, “If we pass this ordi-nance, the next time it comes up it will be even stricter. It’s not going backward.”

He also added, “We’ll put out a draft ordinance on the website and let any and every-body take a look at it. It may inspire some people to address it and maybe some will think it doesn’t go far enough.”

He also said that if council wants to vote on the ordinance after the public hearing at their Feb 6 council meeting they may do that. Then he thanked all “for being involved in this process.”

Stafford Mayor Scarcella skeptical of smoking ban in city


Friends of First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway at Grants Lake, Sug-ar Land, will hold their month-ly bargain book sale Sat. Jan. 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hardbacks $1, paperbacks $.50. (some upcharged some less). Lots of children’s books. GOOD CONDITION ONLY books, CD’s, DVD’s may be donated during regular library hours or at the sale and are tax deduct-ible. 281-416-0936

THE STATE OF TEXAS

CITATION BY PUBLICATION

TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF GLENDA FAY MARCELLE AND THE UNKNOWN

DEVISEES OF GLENDA FAY MARCELLE, ADDRESS UNKNOWN

NOTICE: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 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being January 14, 2013 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be fi led by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Offi ce, 301Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the offi ce. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the fi rst fl oor of the Justice Center building.The case is presently pending before the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was fi led on SEPTEMBER 19, 2012. It bears cause number 12-DCV-201035 and is styled:Citimortgage, Inc. vs Marvin Michel Marcelle, Marvin Michel Marcelle, Jr., Ayana

Marie Marcelle, The Unknown Heirs at Law of Glenda Fay Marcelle, and The Unknown

Devisees of Glenda Fay Marcelle

The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is:

DAMIAN WILLIAM ABREO

BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER TURNER & ENGEL LLP

1900 ST. JAMES PLACE SUITE 500

HOUSTON TX 77056

713-693-2027

The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit:THAT SUIT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO ENFORCE THE VENDOR’S LIEN BY PLAINTIFF,

CITIMORTGAGE, INC., ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS BY AND THROUGH ITS

ATTORNEY OF RECORD, DAMIAN W. ABREO OF BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER TURNER

& ENGEL, LLP, 1900 ST. JAMES PLACE, SUITE 500, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056, AGAINST

THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF GLENDA FAY MARCELLE AND THE UNKNOWN

DEVISEES OF GLENDA FAY MARCELLE AND ANY OTHER PERSON CLAIMING ANY

RIGHT, TITLE, INTEREST TO 14758 CHARLMONT DRIVE, HOUSTON, TX 77083 AND

LEGALLY DESCRIBES TO WIT: LOT 31, BLOCK 4, PROVIDENCE, SECTION 2, ACCORDING

TO MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 28, PAGE 13, OF THE MAP RECORDS

OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS.If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 29th day of November, 2012.

DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTTFort Bend County, TexasBy: Deputy District Clerk ROXANA MARAVILLA

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEThe Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 for CVS Commercial Reserves “A” and “B” Replat No. 2, Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, William B. Travis Bldg., 309 S. Fourth St., Rm. 700, Richmond, Texas. Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Nathan Junius with Linfi eld, Hunter & Junius Inc. at 504-833-5300 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by,Dianne WilsonFort Bend County Clerk

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, addressed to the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday,

December 27, 2012, for:

CONTINUOUS LIGHTING MAINTENANCE

Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows:

BID NO. 2013-07 CONTINUOUS LIGHTING MAINTENANCE

BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE

Bidder shall sign and date the bid. Bids that are not signed and dated will

be rejected.

Signed and sealed bids shall be delivered to the City Secretary Offi ce, on or before 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, December 27, 2012 , City of Sugar Land, City Hall, Suite 122, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. All bids received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened. Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within thirty (30) days following the date for the opening of bids.

The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifi cations prior to the date set for opening of bids. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifi cations. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not aff ect the bid opening date.

The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held on 11:00 a.m. CST, Wednesday, December 19, 2012, Public Works Conference Room, 111 Gillingham Lane, Sugar Land, Texas, 77478.

ITB documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land Offi ce of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at www.publicpurchase.com or https://www.bidsync.com . Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments and other information relating to the bid will be posted at this site.

For questions regarding this bid, please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contracts Manager, telephone number (281) 275-2302 or email [email protected].

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMCCity Secretary

THE STATE OF TEXAS

CITATION BY PUBLICATION

THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF WALTER TAYLOR

THE UNKNOWN DEVISEES OF WALTER TAYLOR

NOTICE:

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 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being January 28, 2013 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be fi led by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Offi ce, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the offi ce. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the fi rst fl oor of the Justice Center building.The case is presently pending before the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort BendCounty sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was fi led on APRIL 19, 2012. It bears cause number 12-DCV-197627 and is styled:The Bank of New York Mellon, Formerly Known As The Bank of New York As Successor In Interest To JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. As Trustee For Gsmps Mortgage Loan Trust 2002-1 vs Claudia Bradley Taylor, Everett Paul Taylor, The Unknown Heirs At Law of Walter Taylor, and The Unknown Devisees of Walter Taylor, In Re: 7615 South Glen Willow Lane, Missouri City, TX 77489The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is:DAMIAN WILLIAM ABREO

BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER TURNER & ENGEL LLP

1900 STJAMES PLACE SUITE 500

HOUSTON TX 77056

713-693-2027

The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit:LOT FIFTEEN (15), BLOCK FOUR (4) OF SOUTHWEST CROSSING SECTION ONE (1), ASUBDIVISION IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS AND IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 315, PAGE 24 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS AND IN SLIDE NO. 560/A OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BENDCOUNTY, TEXAS. (SAID PROPERTY LIES WHOLLY IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS)If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 11th day of December, 2012.

DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT

Fort Bend County, Texas

Deputy District Clerk Melina Gonzalez

Telephone: (281) 633-7635

CITATION BY PUBLICATIONSTATE OF TEXAS

TO: PATRICK WILLIAM DONOVANWHEREVER HE MAY BE FOUNDand 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 MICHELLE KIRATHE, Petitioner, was fi led in the 328TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas ON THIS THE 10TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2012 against PATRICK WILLIAM DONOVAN, Respondent(s), numbered 12-DCV-199361, and entitled IN THE INTEREST OF MIRACLE PASHAN DONOVAN, A CHILD.The suit request ORIGINAL PETITION IN SUIT AFFECTING 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:APRIL 02, 2003The 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 10th day of December, 2012.ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER OR RESPONDENT:WILLIAM T. ENGELHAUPTALSTON & ENGELHAUPT PLLC12926 DAIRY ASHFORD RD STE 174SUGAR LAND TX 77478281-277-9872

DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT

FORT BEND COUNTYDeputy District Clerk Brandon Palmer

281-633-7609

Notice of Unclaimed PropertyBy Jeff Council

Fort Bend County Treasurer

This notice is provided in accordance with Section 76.201 of the Texas Property Code regarding unclaimed property. Unclaimed property is in the custody of the Fort Bend County Treasurer; Individual property amounts consist of unclaimed funds and are less than $100.00. Any person possessing a legal or benefi cial interest in the reported property may contact the Fort Bend County Treasurer’s offi ce at 281-341-3750 or by mail at P. O. Box 1202, Richmond, Texas 77406, and may present proof of the claim and establish the person’s right to receive the property. A complete list of unclaimed property valued at $50.00 or more and $100.00 or less can be viewed on line at http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us. Once on the website, go to the County Treasurer Department by clicking on the drop down for departments. Then click on the unclaimed property tab to view the listing. The unclaimed property is presumed abandoned and subject to Chapter 76 of the Texas Property Code.

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 19TH day of October 2012 by the 400th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause # 11-DCV-194444 in favor of the Plaintiff -Quail Bridge Community Improvement Association, Inc., Plaintiff , for the sum of $4,434.25 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on December 1, 2012 and will off er for sale on the 8th day of January, 2013 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours often o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said defendant, Lawrence E. Garvin had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:LEGAL DESCRIPTION:THE NORTHERLY PORTION OF LOT TWO (2), BLOCK TWO (2), OF QUAIL BRIDGE, SECTION TWO (2), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN VOLUME 25, PAGE 15 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AND BEING A REPLAT OF RIDGEMONT, SECTION FIVE (5) LOCATED IN THE J. POINTEVENT SURVEY, A-305, AND THE J. POINTEVENT SURVEY, A-513, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS )”THE PROPERTY”) ALSO KNOWN AS 16530 GOLD RIDGE LANE, HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77053.TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.

Ruben Davis, ConstablePrecinct Two

Fort Bend County, TexasBy Lieutenant G. Majors #73

Deputy Constable

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 3rd day of October 2012 by the 240th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause # 12-DCV-195880 in favor of the Plaintiff -Southwest Crossing Homeowners Association, Inc., Plaintiff , for the sum of $5,796.80 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on October 16, 2012 and will off er for sale on the 8th day of January, 2013 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours often o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said defendant, Edward D. Nisby and Willie Mae Thompson Nisby had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 33 OF BLOCK 03 OF SOUTHWEST CROSSING, SECTION 1, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND AND/OR HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAPS OR PLATS THEREOF RECORDED IN MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, UNDER SLIDE NOS. 560/A, 560/B, 561/A AND 561/B, AND RECORDED IN THE MAP RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS UNDER VOLUME 315, PAGE 24, AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 14403 LAZY WILLOW COURT, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77489 (“THE PROPERTY”)TERMS: CASHTIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.



Deputy Constable

PUBLIC HEARING

LOCATION/DATE: The City Council of the City of Missouri City will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 7, 2013, at the City Council Chambers – 2nd Floor, City Hall Building, 1522 Texas Parkway (FM-2234), Missouri City, Texas at 7:00 p.m.

PURPOSE: To receive comments for or against a request to rezone an approximate 432.87 acre tract of land from LC-2, local retail district and LC-3, retail district to PD, Planned Development District to allow for an integrated development consisting of a general plan that would provide design standards to include but not be limited to use regulations as provided in the City’s Zoning Ordinance for LC-3, retail district, BP, business park district and MF-2, multifamily residential district.

SITE LOCATION: The subject site is divided into seven districts. (1) Commercial Northwest being located north and east of the Olympia Estates residential subdivision and south and west of the Lake Olympia southbound entrance and exit ramps to the Fort Bend Parkway; (2) Business Park West being located north of the Olympia Estates residential subdivision and east of the Vicksburg residential subdivision and west of the Fort Bend Parkway; (3) Commercial Southwest being located on the northwest corner of the Fort Bend Parkway and Trammel Fresno Road; (4) Commercial Northeast being located south and east of the Lake Olympia northbound entrance and exit ramps to the Fort Bend Parkway; (5) Multifamily being located north of district (6) described below and east of district (4) described above; (6) Business Park East being located east of the Fort Bend Parkway; (7) Commercial Southeast being located north of Trammel Fresno Road and the FBISD Hightower High School.

SITE LEGAL DESCRIPTION: The subject site can be described as being fi ve tracts containing seven districts.Tract 1 appearing to contain a portion of the (4) Commercial Northeast district and the (6) Business Park East district and containing all of the (5) Multifamily district as described in the site location above and being described as a 152.5856 acre tract of land situated in the Elijah Roark League Survey, A-77, Fort Bend County, Texas same being Tract 11A of Olympia Estates as recorded in Slide Number 2331 A &B of the Fort Bend County Plat Records.

Tract 2 appearing to contain a portion of the (4) Commercial Northeast district and the (6) Business Park East district as described in the site location above and described as being a 116.302 acre tract of land being out of the remainder of that certain 263.13 acre tract of land and out of the remainder of that certain 80 acre tract of land, conveyed to Hermann Health Care System, Inc. by deed recorded under Clerk’s File No. 9774265, of the Fort Bend County Deed Records.

Tract 3 appearing to contain a portion of the (2) Business Park West district and all of the (3) Commercial Southwest district as described in the site location above and described as being a 88.1380 acre tract being out of the remainder of that certain 100 acre tract of land, conveyed to Hermann Health Care System, Inc. by a deed recorded under Clerk’s File No. 9774265, of the Fort Bend County Deed Records.

Tract 4 appearing to contain a portion of the (2) Business Park West district and all of the (1) Commercial Northwest district as described in the site location above and described as being a 37.429 acre tract located in the Elijah Roark League, A-77, in Fort Bend County and recorded in the name of Point Center Financial, Inc. in F.B.C.C.F. No. 2009050702.

Tract 5 appearing to contain all of the (7) Commercial Southeast district as described in the site location above and described as being a 38.4163 acre tract of land being part of the remainder of an 80 acre tract of land, conveyed to Hermann Health Care System, Inc. by a deed recorded under Clerk’s File No. 9774265, of the Fort Bend County Deed Records lying in the Elijah Roark League Survey, A-77, in Fort Bend County, Texas.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Additional information and a map of the subject site are available for review at City Hall, Missouri City, Texas on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call 281-403-8600 or email the Planning Department at [email protected] for further information.


CONSTABLE SALE

Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 25TH day of October 2012 by the 240th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause #

09-DCV-175348 in favor of the Plaintiff - San Miguel Civic Association, Inc., Plaintiff , for the sum of $3,999.03 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on October 29, 2012 and will off er for sale on the 8th day of January,

2013 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours often o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz:LEGAL DESCRIPTION:

LOT 23 OF BLOCK 23 OF MISSION

BEND, SAN MIGUEL SECTION 6, A

SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY,

TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT

THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 29,

PAGE 11, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT

BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY

KNOWN AS 1533 BEECHNUT STREET,

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77083 (HEREAFTER

REFERRED TO AS THE PROPERTY).

TERMS: CASH

TIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.



Deputy Constable

A public hearing will be held by the City of Missouri City to receive comments for or against proposed amendments to the City’s Zoning Ordinance regarding:(1) The unity of ownership requirement for amendments to PD Planned Development districts.

The public hearing is scheduled:Planning & Zoning Commission

Date: Wednesday January 9, 2013Time: 7:00 P.M.

Place: City Council Chambers (2nd Floor of City Hall)

1522 Texas Parkway (FM 2234) Missouri City, Texas

Specifi c information is available at City Hall, Missouri City, Texas, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, or you may call 281-403-8541 or e-mail [email protected] for additional information.


Jacqueline Baly is a 2013 University of Houston Alum-ni Association Award recipi-ent.

Baly will be the recipient of UH’s “Rising Star” award. Her achievements include serving as Mayor Pro Tem and Councilmember for the City of Sugar Land as well as President & CEO of Baly-Projects, LLC.

She is a former Commis-sioner of the Brazos River Authority, a statewide ap-pointment she received from Governor Rick Perry, where she represented Harris, Fort Bend and surrounding coun-ties on water and wastewater issues.

This year’s honorees in-clude names that are promi-nent both nationally and lo-cally as well as on the UH campus. The 2013 honorees will be recognized at the 59th Annual Awards Gala, to be held April 27, at the Westin Houston, Memorial City.

Distinguished Alumni Awards are given to individu-als whose professional ac-complishments bring credit to the University.

The Distinguished Service Award is given to UHAA Life Members who are set apart by their history of service to the association and university. The Chair’s Award recogniz-es generous contributions of time, talent, and resources to

UH by non-alumni. The Outstanding Volunteer

Award recognizes alumni who exemplify a spirit of volun-teerism to advance UHAA’s mission.

The Rising Star Award, giv-en for the fi rst time in 2010, recognizes the accomplish-ments of alumni under the age of 45.

Other Award recipients in-clude: Distinguished Alumni Award Dr. Roger Birkman (’47, MS ‘47), Chairman of Birkman International, Inc. Bill Worrell (’69), Play-By-Play Announcer for Houston Rockets Loretta Devine (’71), Actress Chair’s Award Meredith Dreiss, President of Archeo Productions, Inc.

University of Houston Alumni Association announces slate of 2013 award honorees

Baly

As we countdown to a New Year, Missouri City in-vites you and your family to the best New Year’s Eve bash in Fort Bend County. Come celebrate the start of 2013 at the premier City Centre at Quail Valley on Dec. 31 from 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. in the magnifi cent Magnolia Ball-room.

La Dolce Vita—“The Good Life”—is the theme of the fi rst-class celebration that will focus on families, friends, fi ne dining and fun!

The event will feature live music from “The Next Level”—a seven-piece band, food stations, cash bars, a midnight champagne toast, party favors and a breakfast bar. Complimentary valet parking will be available.

Purchase your tickets now—an individual, all-inclusive ticket is $85—for more details visit: www.ccqv.eventbrite.com. For website registration help 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week, call 1-888-810-2063.

Details can also be found on the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov.

Celebrate New Year at the City Centre

in Quail ValleyBargain

Book Sale

DECEMBER 19, 2012 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

FILM REVIEW: Hyde Park on Hudson

AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

SERVING FORT BEND SINCE 1981

In the Sugar Land Industrial Park 407 Julie Rivers Drive, Sugar Land, Tx. 77478

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Real Estate and Banking Law Estate Planning and Probate

Business and Employment Law Mergers and Acquisitions

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Not just oil, Pennzoil

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Not Just Oil, Pennzoil

Occasionally, I like to write my review while watching a movie, especially when I have the DVD and the privilege of watching the fi lm in the com-forts of my offi ce.

And I’m bored and need something to do besides “watch” the movie. Such an occasion has arisen, so you will have the pleasure to read my thoughts as they occur; no time for editing. Just watch it and type.

The setting is simple enough: during a summer weekend in upstate New York in1939, King George VI and the Queen of England have

come to the US to visit Presi-dent FDR (Bill Murray) and his wife Eleanor (Olivia Wil-liams) at Hyde Park.

Seems the Roosevelts live unconnected lives and sleep in separate quarters if one be-lieves this version. This ac-count also includes romantic interludes between FDR and his lovely fi fth cousin Daisy. Who keeps up with their fi fth cousin and who is named Dai-sy? A character beautifully played by Laura Linney.

The President and Daisy take long rides in a car spe-cially fi tted for the President who does not have the use of

$450,000. 8615 Halls Retreat, Missouri City - 4 bedroom/4 bathroom. HUGE STORY 2 STUDY. MASTER RETREAT WITH HIS/HER CLOSETS. MASTER BATH FEATURES JACUZZI TUB & HIS/HER SINKS W/ PREMIER GALAXY GRANITE. LARGE OPEN ISLAND KITCHEN W/ 6 GAS BURNERS. STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, CUSTOM CABINETS & WALK-IN PANTRY.

Sutton Forest, prestigious two story! Terrifi c location backing to Maranatha Farms. Almost 5000 SF. Updated! Spacious fl oor plan with lots of windows and great views. Low $500’s. Must see! Call Bill Moore 832-875-5111 or 281-980-6000.

$349,500. Crown Jewel – 3/4 Bedrooms/4.5 Bathrooms. Executive Series. 1 1/2 story with upstairs gameroom on wooded lot. Huge master closet. Gorgeous 3/4 acre lot backing wooded reserve. Covered Patio. Hardwd fl oors. Gourmet Kitchen w/granite counters.

$549,900. 6806 Peatwood Way – 5 Bed-rooms/3.5 Baths. Home sits on a large corner lot. Great fl oor plan at an amazing price. Home is in great condition and has been updated with wood fl ooring, stain-less appliances, granite countertops, island kitchen.

$209,500. 3006 Lake Estates – 4 Bed-rooms/2.5 Bathrooms. Beautiful David Week-ley. Travertine throughout. Crown Molding. Hi ceilings. Gourmet Island Kitchen updated w/ rare granite, stainless appliances., double ovens, bow-bay window & built-in micro-wave. Breakfast area w/oversized windows

$162,900. 5819 La Crema – 3 Bedroo2ms/2 Bathrooms. This impeccably maintained home features a great open fl oor plan w/ an extended tile entry, central kitchen w/ Corian counter tops, breakfast bar, large breakfast nook, and a charming front porch. Home has 2’’ blinds throughout.www.onemooresold.com

THE BILL

MOORE TEAM

Our own Larry H. is a member of the Press Section of The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. As a mem-ber, “…I get the latest news and announcements that are be-ing released almost on a daily basis as we are beginning the PR and Political season for Vote for my Movie!”

From the Academy “ two hundred eighty-two feature fi lms are eligible for the 2012 Academy Awards®, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today.

“To be eligible for 85th Academy Awards consideration, feature fi lms must open in a commercial motion picture the-ater in Los Angeles County by midnight, December 31, and begin a minimum run of seven consecutive days.

“Under Academy rules, a feature-length motion picture must have a running time of more than 40 minutes and must have been exhibited theatrically on 35mm or 70mm fi lm, or in a qualifying digital format.

“Feature fi lms that receive their fi rst public exhibition or distribution in any manner other than as a theatrical motion picture release are not eligible for Academy Awards in any category. The “Reminder List of Productions Eligible for the 85th Academy Awards” is available at http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/rules/reminderlist.html.

“The 85th Academy Awards nominations will be an-nounced live on Thursday, January 10, 2013, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

“Academy Awards for outstanding fi lm achievements of 2012 will be presented on Sunday, February 24, 2013, at the Dolby Theatre™ at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide.”

his legs. So far in the movie, they

have only held hands and kissed but we know there is something special in those embraces.

Much of the movie is sweet-ly narrated by Daisy while the wheelchair-bound President meets with the stammering King.

FDR explains to the young king that he will be a “very fi ne king.” This conclusion was reached in large part be-cause the King graciously ac-cepted a cocktail instead of tea as strongly recommended by FDR’s mother and the willing-

ness to eat an American hot-dog with mustard.

Director Roger Mitchell and Writer Richard Nelson might have to give up the business.

This movie was painfully boring and should not win any awards or nominations even though there is a big push for Bill Murray for Best Actor. No way. The movie was so bad that I noticed that the mu-sic and cinematography were particularly unsightly.

As I’ve said many times, making a great movie is hard. Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 70. Larry H. [email protected]

AWARDED 2011 BROKER/OWNERS OF THE YEAR FOR TEXAS/

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Photo (courtesy of Larry Pullen). The Blues Brothers Tribute Band, Bruce Mercer, Stewart Jacobson

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Chairman’s gala 2013 on Friday, January 25, at Safari Texas Ranch. In the words of incoming Chairman Stewart Jacobson, “The Gala gives members a chance to meet in a festive setting, putting aside business issues and simply enjoying one another’s company.”

The night will unfold with a complimentary cocktail recep-tion starting at six-thirty followed by dinner and brief awards. The evening gets started as guests enter the soulful after hours club grooving to the rhythm and blues of Elwood and Jake.

Reserve your table now to enjoy this soulful evening! Spon-sorship opportunities include Production Sponsor at $3,000, Directing Sponsor at $2,000, or Starring Sponsor at $1,500 all of which include recognition in marketing materials. Corporate tables available for $1,000 and individual reservations avail-able for $100. Attire is black tie & fedora optional and seating is limited. Register online at www.FortBendChamber.com or contact Farrah Gandhi for more information at 281-566-2152 or [email protected].

Chamber gala featuresthe Blues Brothers

The Women’s Association of Sugar Creek Country Club and the Sugar Creek Garden Club toasted 40 and 41 year anniver-saries, respectively, at their joint holiday luncheon on Dec. 13 with a program honoring past presidents and fabulous holiday makeovers for three lucky members who showed off their new look dressed in sequined tops and metallic holiday jeans per-fect for any year-end party.

Thirty-nine former presidents of the two groups were able to attend and be recognized. Harpist Joyce Dougherty provided an elegant musical touch to the festivities. Eduard Jorj Salon and Stein Mart generously donated their skills for the glamour and glitz makeovers.

Each holiday season the Women’s Association selects chari-table organizations for its community project. This year, mon-etary gifts were presented to East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, providing food for needy individuals and to the Fort Bend Community Partners Rainbow Room which provides supplies for children and adults serviced through Children Pro-tective Services and Adult Protective Services. To make a donation to these charitable groups call the East Fort Bend Hu-man Needs Ministry at 281-261-1006 and the Rainbow Room at 281-341-4029.

The year 2013 begins with the Sugar Creek Women’s Asso-ciation “Midnight in Paris” on Saturday, Jan. 26 at Sugar Creek Country Club. The evening features a tribute to the City of Lights with live entertainment highlighting music from Paris in the 1920s and a special dinner.

As part of their joint luncheon program in December, the Sugar Creek Garden Club and the Women’s Association of Sugar Creek Country Club selected three members for a special holiday make-over. Showing off their new glamour and glitz are (l to r) Diane Reeves, Kathy Luckenbach and Dana Knox. Eduard Jorj Salon and Stein Mart coordinated the new looks.

Thanks for the Memories and Cheers to 2013

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Merry Christmas!

Andy MeyersCommissioner

Precinct 3Fort Bend County

John Healey District AttorneyFort Bend County

Merry

Christmas!

Dean Hrbacek

Merry Christmas!

Hrbacek & Gandhi P.C.130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 110

Sugar Land, TX 77478lawfi [email protected]

Wishing all aMerry Christmas

Jerry WyattAt-Large

CouncilmanMissouri City

MerryChristmas

James PattersonCommissioner

Pct.4Fort Bend County

Merry Christmas

Grady PrestageCommissioner

Pct. 2Fort Bend County

Merry Christmas

Danny NguyenAt-Large


Merry Christmas

Allen OwenMayor

Missouri City

Merry Christmas

Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert

Merry Christmas

U.S. Rep.Pete Olson (R)Texas Dist. 22

MerryChristmas

State Rep. Elect Rick Miller (R)

Dist. 26

Merry Christmas

Himesh Gandhi Sugar Land City

Councilman At-Large #1

MerryChristmas

Bobby MarshallDist. A


MerryChristmas

Don SmithersDist. 1

Councilman City of

Sugar Land

Wishing all a Merry

Christmas

Harish JajooDist. 4

CouncilmanSugar Land

Sandersen, Knox & Co., LLPCertifi ed Public Accountants

www.sktx.comAlan Sandersen

Wishing all a Merry

Christmas

Jim RiceFBISD Trustee

Position 3

Merry Christmas

Don SmithDist. B


Merry Christmas

Floyd EmeryDist. D


Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

Robin ElackattDist. C

Councilman Missouri City

Merry Christmas

Jim ShawVice President

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