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

P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2009

VOL 2 No. 45

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with pain

It’s time to start experiencing relief with a personalized treatment plan from our new comprehensive Back Pain program. Our skilled health team specializes in joint and back pain, off ering both minimally invasive surgical techniques and non invasive treatments.

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MHH097001_StrGolf_FB_01.indd 1 10/12/09 3:39:49 PM

The University of Hous-ton System-Sugar Land and the Wharton County Junior College will hold joint Open House and Advising Night on Nov. 12, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

It is a comprehensive event designed to provide participants with as much or as little information as they require in regards to admis-sions, fi nancial aid, entrance exams, career counseling, and academic programs.

“We encourage people of all ages to attend the Joint Open House and Advising Night,” said Betty McCro-han, president of WCJC.

“The event is helpful to parents of high school stu-dents, students trying to fi nd their way through the col-lege entrance process, adults who are returning to college to make career changes, and currently enrolled students who may have an interest in changing their major or ap-plying for fi nancial aid for the fi rst time. Anyone who is close to completing their associate’s degree may want to take advantage of the op-portunity to meet with the University of Houston’s fac-ulty about continuing their education.”

“The University of Hous-ton System will have repre-sentatives available to speak to the many programs of-fered at the Sugar Land cam-pus,” explained Dick Phil-lips, UHSSL associate vice chancellor.

Hemal Shah, a senior at Hightower High School, was selected to serve on the Dallas branch of the 2009-2010 Federal Reserve Stu-dent Board of Directors. He is among 24 Houston-area students selected to serve on the board. As a member of the board, he will meet with fi nancial advisors to discuss monetary policy and fi nancial literacy, and participate in a fi nancial literacy community project. He is the fi rst student to represent Fort Bend ISD and Hightower High School as a member of the board.

“This event offers a great opportunity to learn more about the University of Hous-ton System’s many bachelors and masters degree programs and the joint admissions agree-ment we share with Wharton County Junior College.”

The open house will give participants a one-stop oppor-tunity to have their questions answered by college experts. Instructional staff from both institutions will be available to provide information about academic programs, as well as a shared joint admissions agreement which makes for a seamless transfer from Whar-ton County Junior College to the University of Houston. Staff will also be available to discuss admissions, testing re-quirements, and fi nancial aid.

Prospective students can meet with academic advisers representing more than 60 as-sociate’s, bachelor’s, master’s degrees and certifi cate pro-

grams offered. Financial Aid, Admissions and Student Ser-vices staff will also be on hand to answer questions.

This Fall semester, WCJC and UHSSL experienced un-precented enrollment with more than 3,600 students in combined attendence.

“Our own tremendous growth is just another indica-tion of the region’s overall expansion and the increasing demand for higher education in Fort Bend County,” said Dick Phillips, associate vice chancellor of UHSS.

The event at the UHSSL and WCJC campus in Brazos Hall, 14004 University Blvd. in Sugar Land is free and open to the public.

For information about WCJC offerings call 281-242-8412 or visit wcjc.edu. For information about UHSSL of-ferings call 281-275-3300 or visit sugarland.uh.edu.

UHSSL, WCJC schedule joint open house

File picture of a prospective student with an adviser at the UH Sugar Land campus.

FBISD student to serve on Federal Reserve Student Board of Directors

Shah

The City of Missouri City and the Greater Fort Bend Eco-nomic Development Council announced Nov. 9 the sale of 6.2 acres in Trammell Crow Company’s new Lakeview Business Park where Lufkin Automation will construct a 40,000-square-foot company headquarters building.

This new $4 million proj-ect will relocate an estimat-ed 45 jobs to Missouri City when completed. The City of Missouri City and Fort Bend County Commission-ers’ Court approved tax abate-ments for the project. Lufkin Automation currently is locat-ed on Beltway 8 in Houston.

Dewayne Atwell, Lufkin Automation General Man-ager, said “we look forward to working in our new facility. The Missouri City/Fort Bend County location we selected is accessible not only for our employees, but also for our customers and vendors. We anticipate that the Lakeview Business Park will provide Lufkin Automation with an

excellent environment to con-duct its business.”

“We are all very excited to welcome this growing com-pany to our City,” said Mis-souri City Mayor Allen Owen. “Lakeview Business Park of-fers the ideal setting for their business. Its convenient ac-cess to Beltway 8, US High-way 90A and the Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road positions it to effectively and effi ciently serve the entire Houston met-ro area. We have a great story to tell and welcome the op-portunity for other companies

like Lufkin to become a part of our growing city.”

“The 157 acre Lakeview Business Park represents what companies expect to fi nd in Fort Bend County—a pro business atmosphere, an amenity-rich environment, excellent access to all of Greater Houston, and a per-fect answer to the question of how to maximize value with-out sacrifi cing quality,” Bar-kley Peschel, vice president of development/operations at the Greater Fort Bend Eco-nomic Development Council. “Lufkin Automation is a per-fect fi t for Lakeview and Fort Bend County.”

Bob Graf, the city’s Eco-nomic Development Coordi-nator, said Lufkin is the type of growing company that the city looks to attract to Mis-souri City.

“Lufkin’s project will be the catalyst for companies to take a look at relocating to this great new development with sites that are shovel-ready for development.”

Lufkin Automation manu-factures technically advanced, electronic well automation equipment and supplies ar-tifi cial lift optimization and training. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2010.

Oil equipment company moves headquarters to Missouri City

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS. The Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club 2010-2011 college scholarship applications are now available for Fort Bend County students currently attending Texas A&M University College Station, Galveston and Blinn TEAM. Completed applications including transcripts with Fall 2009 grades must be received by Feb. 8, 2010.Scholarship amounts ranging from $500 to $1500 will be awarded in May 2010.Electronic applications can be found online at www.fortbendaggiemoms.com. For more information contact [email protected] or Linda Casey, at 281-980-3189. Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club executive board members pictured front row (L-R): Marilyn Conger, Debbie Jacobson, Linda Casey, Mary Ann Dolezal. Second row (L-R): Liz Darden, Mary Beth Morris , Pam Dishberger, Tina Gibson, Anne Pencak, Sharon Jamison, Cindy Grillo. Back row (L-R): Suzette Peoples, Jane Hackemack, Christa Frey, Merry Ad-amcik, Kathy Stautberg, and Aline Pepping.

Money crunch: FBISD may delay some academy programsBy SESHADRI KUMAR

The Fort Bend ISD board of trustees is in a predicament over the proposed academies in various high schools in light of the $18 million defi cit in the 2009-10 budget.

The school board at a workshop on Monday labored hard over the much publicized academies, designed to be the magnets for advanced aca-demic achievements.

While the looming funding shortage forced the board to take a fresh look at the pro-posed academies, the trustees were reluctant to abandon the academies as a whole.

Superintendent Timothy Jenney came up with a rec-ommendation that envisioned a gradual implementation of the program instead of doing all at once as planned.

Four new academies at Wil-lowridge High School, Elkins High School, Dulles High School and the High School

No. 11 and an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program at the Missouri City Middle School are scheduled to be opened next year.

Jenney said not implement-ing any academy program would halt the current mo-mentum and that is not desir-able. Instead two or three of the proposed academies can be introduced next year, if not all, he said.

The board appeared to be in favor of Jenney’s recommen-dation, but the debate contin-ued on which of the proposed academies would be imple-mented fi rst.

The Emerging Technol-ogy Academy at Willowridge seemed to be on the priority list, with a near consensus that it should be opened next year.

However, there is still a di-vided opinion on the proposed relocation of the engineering academy from Hightower to Elkins and the math and sci-

ence academy at Dulles High School.

Each of the high school academies would require $125,000. Some start up mon-ey has been allocated in the current budget to prepare for the academies.

The IB program at Mis-souri City Middle School drew considerable discussion. The school is a candidate for the IB program and is already offering the courses as a “candidate” school for the IB program. Out of the $168,000 earmarked for the project this year, the school has already hired two teachers at a cost of $100,000 for the IB program.

As the preparation has ad-vanced considerably, the program at the middle school is near certain to escape the chopping block. Before mak-ing a fi nal choice, the adminis-tration is expected to provide the board with a cost-benefi t analysis of each program.

An artist’s impression of the proposed building

Page 2 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 11, 2009

Building homes of quality and distinction for over 40 years.

Plans, prices and availability are subject to change without notice. (10/08)

Free Flu Shot Clinic &COMMUNITY TOY DRIVE

Join Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, the Fort Bend and Sugar Land Exchange Clubsand the Sugar Land Rotary Club in an effort to keep our community healthy,

and make our local children very happy this holiday season.

Just bring a new, unwrapped toy or children’s clothing item and you’ll receive a FREE flu shot.

Saturday, November 14th • 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.No appointment necessary.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital16655 Southwest Freeway

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will be distributing a limited supply of the seasonal influenza vaccine to persons age 18 and overwith no history of egg and/or latex allergy. Those individuals wishing to receive the H1N1 vaccine should contact their primary care physician.

NOVEMBER 11, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • Page 3

Community news

SUGAR LAND REDUCED

SUGAR CREEK Great 1 story on huge corner lot. 3 bed-rooms & study. Seller has updated carpet, tile paint in and out and roof replaced. Shows great and price already reduced to go fast in the low $200’s.

SUGAR LAND/COMMON-WEALTH. Over 4000sqft! 5 bedrooms 3.5 baths, game room, study/formal and extra room. Seller has updated carpet, tile granite counters, & more in 2009. Roof replaced too. Big yard. Price reduced to go $300’s.

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.

FIRST COLONY

Mortgage Banker can do loans in less than 30 days! Call Suzette for more info!

SUGAR LAND

CITY OF SUGAR LAND ETJ! PERRY 2 story with master down and gameroom up. Huge cul de sac lot! Built in 2003. Tile and wood laminate fl oors thru out. 3 car dettached garage! Priced to go at $190,000.

FIRST COLONY

First Colony/Sugar Land! Over 3100 sqft 4 bedrooms 3 full baths. Master down and bedroom/bath down. Game room up. All new interior/exterior paint 2009! New carpet and tile 2009! Priced to go in the $200’s Seller spent over $32K getting house ready to sell.

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

Suzette Peoples Broker /Owner

21 years of experience!

Direct: 281-980-3322 www.peoplesproperties.com

Popular David Weekly home! 2 story with master down. 3 bedrooms, study, gam-eroom, both formals and computer area. updated kitchen with granite. Wood and tile fl oors thru-out. New roof 2009 and new exterior paint and fencing. Priced to go fast at $200,000! Hurry don’t miss this one!

REDUCED

REDUCED

Sale pending 10 days

Houston Community Bank, N.A.Staff ord Branch

Starting or expanding a business?

Working capital needs?We are your small business solution!

JEFF SMITHPresident

18-year-Stafford Resident

13811 Murphy Road, Staff ord, Texas 77477

281-208-2111

www.houstoncommunitybank.com

Member

The Bank That Listens

TERRY CROCKETTSenior Vice President

FALL & WINTER MINI-TERMSand SPRING SEMESTER 2010

REGISTRATIONFall Mini-Term classes begin October 26

(Walk-in registration only–now through October 23)Winter Mini-Term begins December 21(Register November 1 through December 17)

Spring semester classes begin January 19, 2010(Register November 1 through January 16)

wcjc.eduWCJC is an E.O.E. institution.

A Spirit of Freedom Republican Women special event will fea-ture HANNAH GILES: “STANDING AGAINST GOLIATH” COURAGE IN ACTION, Exposed ACORN Corruption. (As seen on FOX News) Saturday, Nov. 21, 6:30 p.m. Sugar Creek Country Club, Sugar Land. For reservations: Call Judy 281- 980- 8594 or email Babs [email protected].

(L-R) Mary Scalise, Casa de Esperanza Fort Bend County Coordinator; Gina Miller, Co-Chair Wish Upon a Season 2009; Glenda Kirshbaum, Casa de Esperanza Director of Community Development; and Tami McGuire, Co-Chair Wish Upon a Season 2009

Casa de Esperanza-Fort Bend is kicking off the holi-day season with its third an-nual Wish Upon A Season holiday extravaganza on Fri-day, Dec. 4, at Safari Texas Ranch, 11627 FM 1464 in Richmond.

The proceeds from this event will help provide the resources for Casa de Espe-ranza-Fort Bend to continue and expand crucial services to their foster/adoptive chil-dren and their families in Fort Bend.

The theme of Wish Upon A Season 2009 will be “Stars of Today and Tomorrow.”

The honorees are Fort Bend fathers and daughters who are current and future stars in our community, providing vision and commitment of their time and talent in support of civic and charitable organizations in Fort Bend.

At the Dec. 4 extravaganza,

Casa de Esperanza-Fort Bend will pay tribute to Don Ker-stetter and daughter Grace, Dr. Scott Breeze and daugh-ter Ava, Quinn Wright and daughter Caylin, Will Hardee and daughter Heather Gobert, and Chris Breaux and daugh-ters Kimberly and Aimee.

Casa de Esperanza - Fort Bend has shown its commit-ment by undertaking to serve the youngest residents of Fort Bend County. For more than 27 years, Casa de Esperanza has provided residential, med-ical and psychological care—without charge—to special-needs infants and young children (ages six and under) who were in crisis because of abuse, neglect, or the effects of the AIDS virus.

Casa de Esperanza-Fort Bend is only the second orga-nization nationwide and the single organization in Texas to recognize and respond to the

need for specialized residen-tial care of children infected with HIV/AIDS, and has been serving HIV-positive children longer than any other agency in the country.

In addition, the organiza-tion supports 15 foster and 10 adoptive families and their children who reside in Fort Bend County.

Wish Upon a Season 2009 will include a cocktail recep-tion, Wishes-to-Go, a Cookie Extravaganza, and Gifts to Go, as well as a live auction, dinner, and an entertainment to celebrate the season.

The honorees will be intro-duced to everyone in a special presentation.

Sponsorships for the event are still available; contact Gina Miller at 281-491-6440 or 281-773-5700. Call the same numbers for more infor-mation about the event or to request an invitation.

Wish Upon A Season 2009 to benefi t Casa de Esperanza

By BARBARA FULENWIDERIf all goes as smoothly on the

second reading as it did on the fi rst, Missouri City’s fi rst hotel will be a La Quinta Inn & Suites at the intersection of Williams-burg and Township lanes just south of the Wal-Mart shopping center on Hwy. 6.

On fi rst reading at council’s Nov. 2 meeting, council members unanimously approved a request by TexLa Hotel, LLC of Sugar Land to amend an ordinance per-taining to Planned Development District No. 14 to allow for devia-tions from the architectural style of visible roofi ng and color and deviations of the primary brick on the inn.

In keeping with La Quinta Inn and Suites’ color of brick they re-quested the use of antique plum with a red tint mortar and have a bronze metal colored roof or pre-fi nished terra cotta metal roof.

Members of the Missouri City

Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) submitted a positive rec-ommendation for approval on the architectural changes.

The La Quinta project will be a three-story, 55-room property with a meeting space to accom-modate 41 people.

The owners told P&Z mem-bers they hope to start construc-tion by March and fi nish by the end of the year.

Owner A. J. Dhingra also told P&Z members he has “already obtained the franchise” and be-lieves it is a good fi t for Missouri City.

The applicant did not attend council’s Nov. 2 meeting.

Mayor Allen Owen noted that it will be city’s fi rst hotel and be-lieved it is in an appropriate loca-tion.

Owen hoped the applicant will attend council’s Nov. 16 meeting when the fi nal vote is taken.

When Owen asked if any coun-

cil members wanted to comment, Brett Kolaja said he wants “to see something further south on Hwy. 6. This isn’t unique. There are some hotels in the Stafford area on Techniplex that you have to access by a side street. This is a well known chain.”

Owen said he’s “talked to the La Quinta people and they are very excited about this new facility they are building here. There will also be a hotel/motel tax (collected by the city) for a change. People come here to visit relatives and attend weddings and other events and it’s nice for us to have a place for them to stay and rent a car and shop and eat at our restaurants.”

Planning Development District No. 14 is 4.229 acres and already has an auto rental agency, trans-mission repair and medical facil-ity on it. The three tracts left will now be used by a La Quinta.

Missouri City approves La Qunita Inn on Hwy. 6

Emily Clement, an 8th grade student at Stafford Middle School, has taken the fi rst step to becom-ing an internationally recognized artist by winning a local compe-tition sponsored by the Stafford-Missouri City Lions.

Clement's poster was among more than 375,000 entries sub-mitted worldwide in the 22nd annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest.

Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to em-phasize the importance of world peace to young people every-where.

"Peace starts with us,” the 13 year-old from Stafford said.

The poster was selected by a group of judges for its original-ity, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, "The Power

of Peace." The judging was held on Nov. 4 at Stafford Middle School.

Stafford-Missouri City Lions Club President Marilynn Gerloff said she was impressed by the ex-

pression and creativity of the stu-dents at Stafford Middle School.

"It's obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them. I'm so proud that we were able to provide them the opportunity to share their visions.

"Clement's poster will advance to face stiff competition through the district, state, and interna-tional rounds of competition if she is to be declared the interna-tional grand prize winner," Ger-loff said.

One grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be se-lected.

The grand prize includes a cash award of US$2,500, plus a trip for the winner and two family members to New York City, New York, USA for awards ceremony

Stafford student advances in Lions International peace poster contest

at Lions Day with the United Na-tions.

The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certifi cate and a cash award of US$500.

"Our club is cheering for Em-ily as her poster advances in the competition, and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world," Gerloff said.

Locally, Clement was hon-ored for her participation by the Stafford-Missouri City Lions Club on Nov. 5, at their meeting.

View international grand prize and merit award winners at www.lionsclubs.org.

Carol Moseley, left, art teacher, Emily Clement, Marilynn Gerloff, president of Lions Club.

By JANICE SCANLANThere’s nothing like work-

ing with other people to get to know and remember them in an unexpected place. Since I don’t have kids, I don’t meet many children. We have only one household with kids on our block (other than one in college) and most grandkids live outside the neighbor-hood as well. That limits my opportunities to enjoy chil-dren.

Participating in the Plant-ing the Promise to Stay Drug Free at Quail Valley Elemen-tary allowed me and other Quail Valley Garden Club participants to work with children and for me specifi -cally closely with four boys who helped with the heavy work.

These young men were fun, but took instruction and working with some pretty dangerous tools like Dutch Hoes seriously.

We were very proud of weeding, composting and tilling the soil so others could plant tulips as the pic-ture shows.

So I was thrilled Hallow-een night when one of the young men came to our door Trick or Treating! At fi rst he didn’t recognize me because I was wearing glasses—now that’s a role switch on Hal-loween.

It was so nice to have a brief conversation with this young man . . . about the tulip

OpinionPage 4 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 11, 2009

Seshadri KumarPublisher & Editor

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

281-980-6745

Email: [email protected]

www.fbindependent.com

David HamnerSales Associate

Diane ParksGraphic Artist

By RON PAULAs Washington continues

debating healthcare reform the rest of the country is primarily concerned about jobs and the economy.

It is still uncertain what policies will be imple-mented, but I am certain about one thing: It will only further devastate our economy and our dollar.

The leadership has come up with a proposal they are confi dent will be what they consider fi scally re-sponsible, only to have it scored as nearly twice as expensive by the nonparti-san Congressional Budget Offi ce.

Estimates of past health-care spending programs have been off by as much as 100 percent so there is no telling what the actual cost will be.

The past century should have taught us one thing: that government interven-tion is expensive. Govern-ment programs lend them-selves so easily to waste, fraud and abuse.

Combine that with over-all ineffi ciency and it all adds up to a hefty price tag for the taxpayer, with not much leftover for actual services.

An outright takeover of an entire sector of the economy, especially one as important as healthcare, is something that we just can-not afford for the govern-ment to do right now.

Not to mention the fact that it is completely un-

constitutional. But Wash-ington insists on torturing the numbers and tinkering around the edges rather than facing this truth.

If healthcare reform does indeed pass, we should not be under the illusion that it will be free.

The money to pay for it will have to come from somewhere. They say they will get the money from cutting waste, fraud and abuse, but all of that is seemingly intrinsic to gov-ernment programs.

Since they want to ex-pand the government’s reach we have to assume we will be trading waste, fraud and abuse for waste, fraud and abuse with a big-ger budget.

The powers that be have insisted the money won’t come from higher taxes, it won’t come from rationing of care, and it won’t come from higher premiums.

This can only then put

more pressure on the Fed to print the money out of thin air. We already have a weakening dollar.

They are accelerating everything that weakened it in the past.

Adding this new, monu-mental pressure could very well be the straw that will break the dollar’s back.

Foreign creditors are al-ready nervous about con-tinuing to invest in the U.S .because of our skyrocket-ing debt.

The explosion of debt that is certain to accom-pany the enactment of this national health care bill can only add to that ner-vousness.

Ironically, enactment of the health care bill could help the cause of liberty by hastening the day when Congress is forced by eco-nomic circumstances to stop increasing the welfare-warfare state and return to the Constitution.

There are many problems with our current healthcare system, to be sure.

There are many tragic stories to be told. How-ever, we need to look at the root of our problems in or-der to address them prop-erly. More government in-tervention and bureaucracy injected into healthcare will take a fl awed system and make it immeasurably worse.

(Ron Paul represents the 14th Congressional District in Texas.)

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul

Texas Straight Talk

Musings: Paths crossing

By RUSSELL C. JONESCongratulations are in or-

der to the Greater Houston Rowing Club for the grand opening of its new boathouse in Lake Pointe Plaza.

Not knowing what to ex-pect, I arrived Saturday to fi nd an impressive 4800 sq. ft. building, capable of hous-ing 60 or more shells ranging from 27 foot sculls to 60 foot sweep boats.

The project also includes two new launches featuring fl oating docks able to ac-commodate the longest of the boats. A large paved area ap-proaches the boathouse from the launches.

The construction was fi -nanced in part by the First Colony Community Associa-tion which has plans to offer rentals to residents. Major contributions were also made by Planned Community De-velopers.

The Rowing Club meets regularly on Saturdays, Sun-days and Thursdays, and rows Oyster Creek. In the past, rowers only plied the creek south of Lake Pointe Plaza, but one of the new launches, north of a small dam on the creek, will now allow them to travel throughout Sugar Land.

Worst bill everThe Wall Street Journal

called it the “worst bill ever.” After it was passed by the House of Representatives at midnight last Saturday, the President called the vote “courageous.” Maybe both were right.

The bill, which if adopted by the Senate would transform the way that health care is de-livered in this country, passed by a mere fi ve votes. Those

who voted against the bill, Democrats and Republicans alike, either agree with the Wall Street Journal’s analysis, or at least recognize that a ma-jority of Americans agree with the characterization. Presum-ably, the President meant that the House was “courageous” to vote for such a bad bill, be-cause, surely, those who sup-ported it are likely to be voted out of offi ce next year.

The real problem is that “courage” does not really mean voting for your own political point of view de-spite the fact that the rest of the world knows that you are wrong. Instead, it means do-ing the right thing in the face of the pressures of your peers. On second thought, maybe only the Journal was right.

Questionable supporters

Amazingly the AARP pub-licly endorsed this bill, which will eliminate the subsidies provided to10 million elderly for the Medicare Advantage program. Why would the AARP, which supposedly is an advocacy group for the el-

derly, do such a thing? The answer is simple. The AARP is one of the largest providers of Medigap insurance, a high cost coverage that pays what Medicare does not. The Ad-vantage program cut into Me-digap revenues. If the “worst bill ever” becomes law, se-niors will replace their Medi-care Advantage with Medi-gap, and the AARP will reap a fi nancial windfall.

Similarly, the American Medical Association supports the bill, even though it prom-ises to lower the expenses of the users of medical services. The AMA support was the result of a deal eliminating a 21% cut in physicians reim-bursements. But, you may ask, how could you possibly reduce medical expenses if the providers of the services do not take a cut? Good ques-tion! You can’t, and playing games with the numbers will not make it so.

When the makers of medi-cal devices would not go along with the bill, a tax on their products, such as pace-makers, stints, artifi cial limbs, and similar devices critical to modern medical treatment, was added to the program. Another non sequitur?

We are going to reduce medical costs by adding a tax to the price of critical compo-nents of medical treatment. Hmm. Does that make any sense? You know the answer to that question too.

Jones is the Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Sugar Land and serves as Councilman for Dis-trict 3. He was fi rst elected to the City Council in 1993. He owns a law fi rm and a title insurance company in Sugar Land.

The View From Sugar Land

Jones

Healthcare reform is economic malpractice

LetterTo the Editor:

Missouri City residents have every right to be proud of their City. We have many beautiful, well maintained neighborhoods, good shop-ping areas, great parks and the City has received at least one award recently for being a great place to live.

The “Show Me” city has much to offer its current and future residents and should strive whenever possible to maintain and improve its im-age in this respect. The last thing we need is to portray ourselves as a city in turmoil, and in perpetual disagreement with its residents and local business interests. Unfortu-nately, that is exactly what is happening and much of the fault lies with the city’s gov-ernment.

A Missouri City Council Member voicing criticism of another for her vote on a Coun-cil issue is a good example of how not to impress the public. It should be standard decorum for City Council members to have the freedom to choose to vote however they wish to best represent their constitu-ents without being criticized by other council members. Certainly, to aggravate the situation by allowing it to be publicized was bad policy.

Additionally, the issue voted on, a tax increase, is a sore spot for many residents. There are a great many of us who support a “no” vote on tax increases simply because we have seen too many such increases in the past.

The city’s position was in-consistent with its residents on this issue and they exacer-bated the situation by making a public spectacle of one coun-cil member’s opposition to the vote. The city government needs to portray a friendlier image and decrease the tax burden on its residents.

What could be more damag-ing for a city’s business image than condemning and taking possession of nearly 400 acres of a business owner’s property using eminent domain?

To make matters worse, this is happening in Missouri City at the precise time when our tax base needs new business development.

Certainly, Missouri City needs to cultivate a business friendly image, which it has not had in the current past.

We are predominantly a residential community and we need commercial develop-ment within the city limits to improve our tax base.

I personally would like to see a greater effort by the city

government to foster business interests and encourage new investment.

Due to pressure from its various neighborhoods and poor city planning in the past, the city has recently sought to placate voters with large ex-penditures to improve its parks and infrastructure. The city’s timing for these fi nancial out-lays could not be worse.

Many Missouri City resi-dents see the city’s expendi-ture of almost $10 million of public funds for a golf course in the middle of an economic recession as ill-advised and ludicrous.

Due to the recession, a num-ber of Missouri City residents are facing fi nancial crises due to lost jobs and other prob-lems. Plainly, this is an era of belt tightening not spending.

More recently, the city gov-ernment has again shown that it is out of touch with resident feelings on issues with its over aggressive stance on trash can placement.

This was plainly an over re-action to a minor problem.

Missouri City government and its policies are clearly out of sync with the opinions and feelings of many of its resi-dents. Howard Moline Missouri City

Rowing in Oyster Creek

Missouri City policies are out of sync

To the Editor:I wanted to let you know

how much I enjoy the column in your paper written by Larry Harrison. I look forward to his movie reviews, and respect his opinion. His column is witty and informative. He is an asset to your newspaper.Janice Stanford

planting and about my lighted courtyard for Halloween com-plete with my friendly witch Broom-Gilda.

Our pathways crossed . . . and I felt enriched from the simple pleasure of feeling community.

It’s a “feel good” that can often gets lost in budgets and allocation of resources.

I feel good about early and late trail times being extended to El Dorado trail at Quail Valley on Nov. 27, coinciding with the golf opening, despite the severe limitation of hours. I can understand how the golf operation wants to get a bet-ter experience of its volume and how to better manage its capacity.

Students show the pure joy of community and working with others at Quail Valley Elementary’s Planting the Promise to Stay Drug Free.

Right now I trust common sense will be used to provide access and work with the pub-lic as more is known.

I’m delighted that Lufkin In-dustries is in fi nal negotiations to move to Lakeview Business Park and that a La Quinta Inn is in the process of locating a property near Wal*Mart and the Oyster Creek Trail.

These are exciting events for Missouri City.

However, I’m getting a lot of mail, facts and fi gures about the Missouri City tax increase that are not “feel good.”

I believe the heart of the matter has, not as much to do with money, as it has to do with whether people perceive value and see benefi t from their tax dollars.

People don’t see how the plans connect to them person-ally . . .how they might enjoy a resource or even feel pride because of it.

Some think a dispropor-tionate fi gure has been spent on golf and Quail Valley with many recent proposals merely “throwing taxpayers a bone” or worse, signs of an election year.

Are we building a commu-nity where people of many in-terests have a chance for their

paths to cross? Feel included. It’s not parades or large

events as much as more op-portunities for people in their day-to-day life to feel more community connection, see people casually without an ap-pointment, meet new acquain-tances, feel community in ev-ery neighborhood.

It’s paths crossing.

Write to Janice at [email protected]

Film critic praisedArea high school students will

build structures out of canned and other non-perishable goods in the Sugar Land Town Square Plaza with all food benefi ting three lo-cal food pantries on Sat., Nov. 14. Come check out what each team has sculpted, enjoy live music by the teen band, “Paradox Lost” and bring non-perishable food items to support the efforts of a countywide food drive.

Canned Food Sculpting

FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 11, 2009 • Page 5

Simple Organization Tips

Film Review: The Men Who Stare At Goats

In a bid to unseat incumbent Dist. 14 U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, Gerald Wall has announced his bid to seek the Republican nomination for Congress in Texas Dist. 14.

Wall believes that the most serious problem our country faces today, are the career politicians who no longer rep-resent the people.

Wall claims to have serious differences of opinion with Paul on issues such as: Paul’s

refusal to protect the Ameri-can Flag; his refusal to support our young men and women in uniform during a time of war; his vote against protecting our teenage daughters from being transported across state lines to have an abortion, without parental consent; his vote against protecting the con-sumer against price gouging during a disaster ; and many other issues where Congress-man Paul seems to be out of

step with his voters. Wall says, “As our coun-

try spirals towards a fi nancial meltdown, our very Freedoms and Liberties are in jeopardy. At a time when, the future of our children’s prosperity is being robbed, the last thing we need are more doctors and lawyers in Washington. We need a representative, ‘of the people, elected by the people, who will stand for the peo-ple.’”

Fe s t i v a l o f T r e e s

“Unwrap the Magic”Benefiting Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels

Friday, November 20, 2009 7:00-11:30 pmSafari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464, Richmond

Honoring:

Neil & Carolyn Banfield, Linda Hancock & Billie Neuhaus

Sponsorship OpportunitiesNorth Pole - $10,000Presented by statusTwo reserved tables for 10 (Adults or Adults and Children)Full Page ad on back cover of event programName prominently displayed at eventName mentioned from podium during event

Saint Nick - $5,000Two reserved tables for 10 (Adults or Adults and Children)Full Page ad in event programName prominently displayed at eventName mentioned from podium during event

Rudolph - $2,500One reserved table for 10 (Adults or Adults and Children)Full Page ad in event programName prominently displayed at eventName mentioned from podium during event

Dasher - $1,500One reserved table for 10 (Adults or Adults and Children)Half Page ad in event programName prominently displayed at eventName mentioned from podium during event

Dancer - $1,000One reserved table for 10 (Adults or Adults and Children)Name prominently displayed at eventName mentioned in event program

Prancer - $500One reserved table for 10 (Adults or Adults and Children)

Elf - $200One Booth in either Mrs. Claus’ Gift BoutiqueTwo Adult Tickets

Event TicketsHoliday Family Pack - $150Two Adult and 3 Children Tickets

Family Tickets - $90Two Adult or One Adult and Two Children

Adult Ticket $50Child $25

1330 Band Road; P.O. Box 1488 • Rosenberg, Texas 77471 • 281-633-7057 • 281-633-7050 fax • www.fortbendseniors.org

Sponsorships & ReservationsCompany/Donor Name

Contact Name

Mailing Address

City State ZipPhone FaxEmail

Sponsorship

Event TicketsO Holiday Family Pack $150 x ____ = $______O Family Tickets $90 x ____ = $______O Adult Tickets $50 x ____ = $______O Child Tickets $25 x ____ = $______O I/We cannot attend, but would like to make a donation

in the amount of $_________

PaymentO AmEx O MasterCard O Visa O Check (payable to FBS)

Card Number Exp. Date

Name on Card Total $

Signature

O St. Nick - $5,000O Rudolph - $2,500O Dasher - $1,500

O Dancer - $1,000O Prancer - $500O Elf - $200

presents

SOLD

AWARD WINNING

If you would like more information, please contact us today.

1705 JACKSON STREET, RICHMOND, TX 77469

PHONE: 281.341.3000PHYSICIAN REFERRAL: 281.341.4800

www.oakbendmedcenter.orgwww.drbrianmirza.com

CAREIf you’re tired of struggling with obesity and seek a healthier and better quality of life, OakBend Medical Center is here for you. At OakBend Medical Center, Dr. Brian Mirza, M.D., F.A.C.S and our staff are changing the lives of many by offering comprehensive weight loss solutions in a caring and compassionate environment. If you are overweight and seeking a weight loss solution that’s right for you, we invite you to attend one of our life-changing seminars.

Bariatric Program SeminarsOakBend Medical Center Conference Room1705 Jackson Street Richmond, TX 77469

October 20, 2009 – 6pmNovember 17, 2009 – 6pmDecember 15, 2009 – 6pm

Some of the solutions we offer:

Gastric Banding

To RSVP, please call 281.341.2860.

BEFORE & AFTER

Brian Mirza, M.D., F.A.C.S.Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery

Dear Lisa,The holidays are almost

here and I am dreading them. My husband and I both work and we have 3 school age children. It is my turn to host the Thanksgiving dinner for my family. How can I get my house in order, plan a menu, shop, cook and take care of my regular routines? Help!JG

Dear JG,Yours is a common dilem-

ma. I have found over the years that what matters is the memory. It is best to fi rst re-lax your expectations.

Do not worry if your home is not magazine perfect or if your meal is not used by top chefs. With that in mind, you should create a list of things

that need to be done and a timeline to keep them in or-der.

Some of your routines may need to wait until after the holidays.

1. Organize and declutter your home, especially areas your company will be using.

2. Prepare a menu and then delegate certain dishes to family and friends that will be coming.

3. Set a day to shop. Some of the produce may need to be purchased the day or so before to prevent spoilage.

4. The week before the event, do a quick house clean-ing so you don’t have to think about it at the last minute.

5. The day before and the day of the event concentrate your efforts on cooking and

being a good host. 6. If you want to have a

holiday memory for your chil-dren and do not have time to be creative, the important part is to let them be a part of all that you do for the events.

Enjoy the holidays and blessings to your family.

Lisa

If you have an organizing question, you can contact Lisa at [email protected]

Lisa Giesler is a Professional Organizer and a member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers). Visit her at www.atimeand-placeforeverything.org

I’m a big fan of George Clooney because I think he’s a great actor and can take on a comedic role as easily as a serious one. I fi rst became convinced that he was not just another pretty face in his 2000 performance in “The Perfect Storm” as the tormented Cap-tain Billy Tyne.

So I had to see this latest Clooney Comedy on opening day even though I considered seeing “The Box.” Life’s choices can be diffi cult and faulty sometimes. I can only dream of “The Box” as I paid my $7.50 to see George star as Staff Sergeant Lyn Cas-sady who is trained in a secret program at Fort Bragg. The military purpose, in trying to keep up with the Soviets, is to develop a group of psychic spies. Lyn prefers to call his group “remote observers.”

The group is part of the U.S. Army’s First Earth Bat-talion led and trained by Jeff Bridges. I don’t bother to give Bridges’ character name (Bill Django) because this charac-ter is really an extension of who I believe is the real Jeff Bridges, at least the Bridges I’ve known for over 30 years.

Yeah, the one that has a long pony tail and sounds like he just got through smoking a doobie. Or just got back from a bad LSD trip.

And then there’s the re-porter (Ewan McGregor) who wants to go to Iraq to cover the war and convince his wife that he’s not a wuss, but gets hooked up with the wacky Lyn Cassady who is on a mis-

sion that is “black.” Oh, did I mention that Kevin Spacey plays Sgt. Larry Hooper who is the nemesis of the Good Earth Boys? Or is he? Who knows or cares.

If you are wondering why my comments are disjointed and make little sense thus far, then you understand the fabric of this movie. Director Grant Heslov lost control two min-utes into this fl ick and never righted the ship.

The only traction in the sto-ry is displayed when Clooney and McGregor are sloshing through the desert sand and we can see their foot prints.

But during the entire movie, I had the recurring thought that these four outstanding actors (Clooney, Bridges, McGregor, and Spacey) must have all agreed to do this project if the other three also agreed. The four of them seemed to be winking and laughing under their breaths in every scene.

This story is bizarre slapstick. Is that an oxymoron?

Note: In an effort to make full disclosure and to ensure transparency, I must admit that I’ve stared at a few goats when I was younger.

I bet there was more than just a few beers (and doobies) consumed by them during the making of this movie. I have never counted my laughs dur-ing a movie before this expe-rience, but almost instantly I could tell that this was going to be a bust but with some laughs. I laughed 23 times. Some were little more than a giggle but most were guffaws. I laughed more than the other seven sitting in Theatre #12 on this beautiful Friday after-noon.

Rock ‘n Roll. Grade 73. Larry H.

Email [email protected]

Co-Owners Minesh Patel and Mario Rios of RE/MAX Fine Properties in Sugar Land would like to welcome new agents Greg Vannostran and Rosalind Fontenot.

Both Greg and Rosalind have concentrated their busi-ness inside the Loop and are now looking to expand their services to Fort Bend.

“We are very excited to bring in two Realtors with In-ner City living experience to RE/MAX Fine Properties to complement our existing fam-ily of agents,” says Minesh.

“Each agent will defi nitely be a unique asset to the offi ce and we look forward to them expanding their services to our community.”

Rosalind has been a Real-

RE/MAX Fine Properties welcomes new sales associates

tor since 2003 and is currently expanding her knowledge by attaining her GRI while Greg has been a Realtor for 3 years and winner of several Top Producer awards from his pre-vious affi liation with Coldwell

Bankers. If you would like to con-

tact Greg or Rosalind, you can reach them at 281-265-5533 or visit their website at www.RemaxFine.com.

Vannostran Fontenot

Wall has made a pledge to term limit himself, by serving no more than eight years as a servant of the people. Rep. Paul says he supports term limits, yet he has been in Con-gress for over twenty years.

You can learn more about Gerald Wall’s candidacy at www.geraldwall2010.com

Gerald Wall announces candidacy for U.S. CongressSugar Land Town Square

is offering free photos with Santa Claus on Sunday, No-vember 29 and Sunday, Dec. 6, 13 and 20 from 1 – 5 p.m. Guests will have access to a free electronic copy that can be sent to Grandparents, up-loaded to Facebook or saved

to a computer, all courtesy of the University of Phoenix. Santa photos will be located at 16190 City Walk between Fleet Feet and Eye Trends.

For more information on all Town Square events visit SugarLandTownSquare.com.

Free photos with Santa in Sugar Land Town Square

Page 6 • NOVEMBER 11, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT

Legal Notices

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEThe Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 for Okene Court Subdivision being a replat of Reserve “C” Mission West, Section 3, Pct. 3. The hearing will be held in the Commission-ers 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 Chris Brenner with South Texas Surveying Assoc. Inc. at 281-556-6918 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by,Dianne WilsonFort Bend County Clerk

Become a Dental Assistant!10 Week CourseStarting Soon

Saturdays Only(281) 794-7944

www.Become-A-DA.comC. Mark Mann School

of Dental Assisting CareerCertifi ed by: The Texas

Workforce Commission Schools and Colleges

Local businesses, churches, and community agencies will unite to bring food and hope to as many as 5,000 children and adults in Fort Bend County. This all-volunteer outreach will include over 700 commu-nity volunteers of all ages who will be on hand to unload over 40,000 pounds of food from the Convoy of Hope truck, dis-tribute food, and facilitate all outreach programs on Satur-day, Nov. 21, at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds located on Highway 36 in Rosenberg.

The site will open at 10 a.m. and continue rain or shine until all of the food has been distributed.

The 7th annual “Taste of Sugar Land” will be held Sun-day, Nov. 15, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (auction and art preview with appetizers begins at 4 p.m. in the lobby). This year’s premier culinary event is again sched-uled in the ballroom and adja-cent lobbies of the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. Tickets are $25 and entitle attendees to sample delights from the 20+ fi ne area restaurants. There will be continuous entertain-ment, live and silent auctions, mystery bags, bid board items, and more. Get your tickets at

Mazal Hadassah Group will meet at Chabad of Sugar Land, 873 Dulles Ave., #B, Stafford on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. Featured speaker is Chaya Feigenson, “The Feminine Side of Hanukkah: The Role of Women in the Miracle and Celebration of Hanukkah.” Cooking demo; $5 cover at the door. RSVP a must to Mindy, 281-242-4454. Hadassah sup-ports health care and medical research throughout the world.

Arise! Cry Out!Sat., Nov. 14

Moms In Touch Interna-tional is hosting Arise! Cry Out!, a worldwide day of ex-traordinary prayer for chil-dren and schools on Saturday, Nov. 14. In the Sugar Land area, moms of all denomina-tions will gather at Williams Trace Baptist at 16755 South-west Freeway from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Check out www.Mom-sInTouch.org to register (go to Sugar Land when choos-ing your host site), or contact Mary Kaye Schulte, 281-265-6306, [email protected].

Make plans now for Friday, Nov. 13, from 6:30 – 10 p.m. as Fort Bend Theatre presents its Annual Awards Gala and Silent Auction starring local celebrities to be held at Safari Texas Ranch.

Along with great food, live music, song, and dance, there will be a celebrity musical spoof entitled The Wizard of Aaahs, featuring performanc-es from Chloe Dao, Season 2 Project Runway Winner, Doug Johnson of Channel 2, Michele Fisher of 96.5 FM, Dave Wallace, former mayor of Sugar Land, Louis Garvin the president of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and even more surprise guests to be confi rmed. Call 281-208-3333 or visitwww.fort-bendtheate.com.

AuditionsFort Bend Theatre will hold

auditions for Princess Christ-mas to be performed Dec. 5 – 20 playing Saturday & Sun-day at 3 p.m. and the 21st at 10 a.m. Auditions are open to children (8+), teens and adults. Newcomers and beginners are always welcome. Bring a head-shot or picture to the au-dition. For more information, visit www.fortbendtheatre.com or call 281-208-3333.

Fort Bend Theatre’s annual awards and

celebrity gala

Mazal Hadassah

Convoy of hope

Taste of Sugar Land

The Woman’s Club of Mis-souri City will kick off its new season by planning a fall fundraiser. The event which will offer dinner, tasting a fa-vorite wine and mini auction will be held at Quail Valley Country Club Grille on Sat-urday, Nov.14, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person with proceeds going to scholarships and ongoing charity support. For tickets or more information, contact Helen Curd @ 281-437-8996 or e mail [email protected].

Woman’s Club of Missouri City

plans fall fundraiser

Friends of First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway at Grants Lake, Sug-ar Land, will hold their month-ly bargain book sale Sat. Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. GOOD CONDITION ONLY books, CD’s, DVD’s (no magazines or encyclopedias) may be do-nated during regular library hours and are tax deductible. Children’s items are especially needed. 281-416-0936.

Bargain Book Sale

COMBINED NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

November 11, 2009Fort Bend County, Texas4520 Reading RoadRosenberg, Texas 77471281-341-4410

This Notice shall satisfy the above-cited two separate but related procedural notifi cation requirements.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about November 30, 2009 Fort Bend County will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL 93-383), as amended, and the Community Development Block Grant Recovery (CDBG-R) funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (PL 111-5, February 17, 2009) to undertake the following:

Project Nature/Scope Project Location Federal Funds

City of Needville $120,000 CDBG FY2009

City of Rosenberg $210,000 CDBG FY 2009

Riverwood $100,000 CDBG FY 2009

City of Richmond $203,128 CDBG FY 2009

City of Kendleton $151,976 CDBG FY 2007 and $488,804 CDBG-R FY 2009

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

Fort Bend County 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 proj-ect information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on fi le at the Fort Bend County Community Develop-ment Department, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, Texas and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit writ-ten comments to the Fort Bend County Community Development Department. All comments received by November 30, 2009 will be considered by Fort Bend County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Commentors should specify which part of this Notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

Fort Bend County certifi es to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that Robert E. Hebert in his capacity as Fort Bend County Judge consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibili-ties 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 Fort Bend County to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and Fort Bend County’s Certifi cation received by December 16, 2009 or a period of fi fteen days from its 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 or other offi cer of the County of Fort Bend approved by HUD; (b) the County of Fort Bend 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 or other participants in the project have 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 HUD, 1301 Fannin, Suite 2200, Houston, Texas 77002. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Robert E. HebertFort Bend County Judge

Sanitary sewer improvements to lift station, pumps, piping, electrical sys-tem and sewer mains in Skrabanek subdivision.

Sanitary sewer improvements to sewer line in Houston, Walnut and First Streets area.Sanitary sewer improvements to lift station, manholes, piping and elec-trical system subdivision-wide.

Sanitary sewer improvements to col-lection lines and manholes in Collins Road area.

Construction of new wastewater treatment plant on T.B. Mitchell Rd. to serve entire city.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

November 11, 2009Fort Bend County, Texas4520 Reading RoadRosenberg, Texas 77471281-341-4410

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about November 30, 2009 Fort Bend County will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban De-velopment for the release of HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Aff ordable Housing Act, as amended, to undertake the following:

Project Nature/Scope Project Location Federal Funds

County-Wide $420,222 HOME FY 2009

The Fort Bend County Community Development Department will conduct a tiered single-family residential rehabilitation pro-gram for owner occupied homes. Activity will be scattered and activities are limited to single unit structures. Rehabilitation activities may include: repair or replacement of structure elements such as roof, windows and doors, sheetrock, plumbing and electrical fi xtures, mechanicals and upgrades to meet code requirements. Activities under the tiered program are scheduled to begin in January 2010 and specifi c sites are being determined. The activity proposed is categorically excluded under HUD regulation at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determination for this project is on fi le at Fort Bend County Community Development, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 and may be examined or 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 writ-ten comments to the Fort Bend County Community Development Department. All comments received by November 30, 2009 will be considered by Fort Bend County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Commentors should specify which part of this Notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

Fort Bend County certifi es to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that Robert E. Hebert in his capacity as Fort Bend County Judge consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibili-ties 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 Fort Bend County to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and Fort Bend County’s Certifi cation received by December 16, 2009 or a period of fi fteen days from its 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 or other offi cer of the County of Fort Bend approved by HUD; (b) the County of Fort Bend 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 or other participants in the project have 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 HUD, 1301 Fannin, Suite 2200, Houston, Texas 77002. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Robert E. HebertFort Bend County Judge

Rehabilitation of single-family owner occupied housing units.

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 14th day of OCTOBER 2009 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-166460 in favor of the Plaintiff - FORT BEND COUNTY & ET-AL Plaintiff , for the sum of $2,367.36++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 21stday of OCTOBER, 2009 and will off er for sale on the 1STday of DECEMBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) -HOGGART MONROE III had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: LOT 8 IN BLOCK 2 OF RIDGEWOOD ESTATES A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT OR THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 5, PAGE 20 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (6400000020800907)TRCAT 2: LOT 9 IN BLOCK 2 OF RIDGEWOOD ESTATES, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF IN VOLUME 5, PAGE 29 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (6400000020900907)Any properties sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the property or their interest therein if allowed, within the time and in the manner provided by law.ALL SALES SHALL BE BY CONSTABLE’S DEED AND ARE WITHOUT WARRANTY AS TO TITLE OR CONDITION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS EVIDENCED BY CONSTABLE’S DEED.MARKET VALUE: $15,500Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m.At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse

ROB COOK, CONSTABLEFort Bend County Precinct 312550 Emily Court, Ste 200Sugar Land, Tx 77478(281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 28TH day of SEPTEMBER 2009 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-167141 in favor of the Plaintiff - CHASEWOOD COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASS-OCIATION, Plaintiff , for the sum of $2,367.36++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 9TH day of OCTOBER, 2009 and will off er for sale on the 1STday of DECEMBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) -ELIZABETH CORMIER had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 15, BLOCK 10, OF WILLOW PARK SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT VOLUME 21, PAGE 4 IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS.

Any properties sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the property or their interest therein if allowed, within the time and in the manner provided by law.ALL SALES SHALL BE BY CONSTABLE’S DEED AND ARE WITHOUT WARRANTY AS TO TITLE OR CONDITION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS EVIDENCED BY CONSTABLE’S DEED.MARKET VALUE: $91,720Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m.At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse

ROB COOK, CONSTABLEFort Bend County Precinct 312550 Emily Court, Ste 200Sugar Land, Tx 77478(281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on October 26TH, 2009 by the 268TH DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #06-DCV-149052 in favor of the Plaintiff - BRIARVILLA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff , for the sum of $3,029.00++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the NOVEMBER 5TH 2009 and will off er for sale on the 1STday of DECEMBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) -GLORIA OSORIO had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 76, BLOCK 2 OF BRIAR VILLA, SECTION ONE(1), MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 16119 NECORIDGE DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77053.Terms: Cash, Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse

RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE,Precinct 2Fort Bend County , TexasBy Gary Majors #73

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on October 23RD, 2009 by the 240TH DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-165176 in favor of the Plaintiff - BRIARVILLA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff , for the sum of $2,987.05++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the NOVEMBER 5TH 2009 and will off er for sale on the 1STday of DECEMBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) -PATRICIA SMITH had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 4, BLOCK 26 OF BRIAR VILLA, SECTION ONE(1), MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 16015 BECK RIDGE DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77053.Terms: Cash, Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse


CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on October 23rd, 2009 by the 240TH DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #07-DCV-172937 in favor of the Plaintiff - BRIARVILLA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff , for the sum of $4,144.44++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the NOVEMBER 5TH 2009 and will off er for sale on the 1STday of DECEMBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) -STEVE RILEY JR., had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 54, BLOCK 2 OF BRIAR VILLA, SECTION TWO (2), MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 6010 BERKRIDGE DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77053.

Terms: Cash, Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse


Sugar Creek Garden Club monthly meeting will be held on Nov. 19 at Sugar Creek Country Club beginning at 9:30 a.m for the social hour. Scott Hasty, Proprietor & Floral Artist, will present the program, “Home for the Holi-days.” This is one that you don’t want to miss. Call Aileen Flack at 281-242-8488 for ad-ditional information.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEThe Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffi c control plan for Parkway Oaks, Section 6, Pct. 3.The hearing will be held in the Commission-ers Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your ap-proval or objection on this matter.


PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEThe Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffi c control plan for Lakemont Ridge, Section 1, Pct. 3.The hearing will be held in the Commission-ers Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your ap-proval or objection on this matter.


Rich history of Sugar Land

Take a walk down memory lane as Fort Bend County Li-braries’ Sugar Land Branch Library, in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the city of Sugar Land, presents a pho-tographic history of the city on Saturday, November 14, beginning at 11:00 am, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 550 Eldridge.

Mara Soloway, a volunteer for the City of Sugar Land, will share remarkable historic photographs of the city’s rich 50-year history, with interest-ing facts from its past. The program is free and open to the public. For more informa-tion, call the branch library at 281-277-8934.

www.tasteofsugarland.com, or by calling First Presbyte-rian Church of Sugar Land at 281-240-3195. The East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry (Food pantry), and the Fort Bend Family Promise are the benefi ciaries of the event.

Sugar Creek Garden Club

Personality differences in

workplaceFort Bend County Librar-

ies’ Mamie George Branch Library, 320 Dulles Avenue in Stafford, will present the program “Understanding Per-sonality Differences: A Key to Success in Life,” on Monday, Nov. 16, beginning at 7 p.m. Deidre Tretsven will discuss how inherited personality dif-ferences and learned person-ality differences affect a per-son’s communication style in the workplace. Some of these differences could include gen-erational, cultural, ethical, or varying attitudes toward work and problem-solving. By be-coming more aware of differ-ent personality traits, people can work more effectively with each other. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the branch library at 281-491-8086, or the libraries’ Public Information Offi ce at 281-341-2677.

More car-nival midway amusements, more food and entertainment choices, more arts and crafts vendors, and a silent auc-tion featuring a beautiful, h a n d c r a f te d quilt are the highlights of “A Country Af-fair,” the 15th annual Fall Fes-tival at First United Method-ist Church Missouri City from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14. Admission is free to the Fall Festival, which

is held on the church campus at the corner of Lexing-ton Boule-vard and FM 1092 in Mis-souri City. Over 70 arts and crafts vendors are s c h e d u l e d

to exhibit at the Fall Festival. Call 281-499-3502, or visit www.fumcmc.org for more information. Above, a quilt donated by the Coastal Prai-rie Quilt Guild is featured in the silent auction.

NOVEMBER 11, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • Page 7

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By BARBARA FULENWIDERThe GMC Terrain is a fi ve-

passenger crossover with a boxy design that has style. The compact SUV is pow-ered by a 2.4-liter direct injection Ecotec engine or an optional 3.0-liter direct injection V6. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The standard Ecotec en-gine makes 182 horsepower and 172 torque at 6700 rpm. This engine gets 22 miles to the gallon in the city and 32 on the highway. For Ter-rain owners who want more power, GMC off ers the 3.0-li-ter DOHC V6, which makes 264 horsepower and 222 torque at 6950 rpm. This en-gine gets an estimated 25 mpg on the highway and 17 in the city.

Highlights of the 2010 GMC Terrain are its design, fuel economy, multi-fl ex sliding rear seat, premium materials inside highlighted by the warm glow of red ambient lighting, ride and handling, safety, quality and value.

The Terrain’s front end, with squared off edges and fl ared fenders that make a statement appeal to those who want a strong image. Up front the Terrain also has a GMC-signature three-element grille accented by a prominent chrome sur-round and projector-beam headlamps mounted in large, chrome-accented rectangular housings.

The interior styling of the GMC Terrain was infl uenced by industrial sculpture so has a contemporary look and numerous design de-tails such as contrasting stitching and the use of ma-terials that convey an inte-grated appearance. There’s a closed storage compart-ment under the center arm-rest that will hold a purse or notebook binder and there are four handy power out-lets for phone chargers, lap-tops and other electronic portable devices.

The GMC Terrain’s multi-fl ex sliding rear seat opti-mizes passenger seating up to fi ve and can increase cargo space. The seat can be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches. When moved rearward, it allows more leg-room for rear-seat passen-gers than any other vehicle in its class and when moved forward expands the rear cargo space. With the rear seat folded down there’s nearly 64 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 60/40 split rear seat-back off ers additional con-fi gurations for passengers and cargo. With the rear seat in place, there’s 31.6 cubic feet of storage. If you can’t pack it you might want to tow it and the Terrain can. It tows up to 1,500 pounds (personal watercraft or mo-torcycles) with the 2.4-liter engine and 3,500 pounds with the V6 engine.

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optional features that are off ered to Terrain buyers in-clude a rear-vision camera that shows objects or people directly behind the vehicle, USB audio connectivity and MP3 playback, OnStar, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth

hands-free phone capability and remote vehicle start.

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wheel drive. Options on the test drive GMC Terrain were a convenience package of heated front bucket seats and remote vehicle start sys-tem, a tilt/slide sunroof and 18-inch machined aluminum wheels.

The GMC Terrain is avail-able in two trims: the SLE and SLT. Either can ride on 17, 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels. The four-door, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive GMC Terrain competes with the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano and up-level Honda CR-V.

The GMC Terrain retails for $24,995 and with options the bottom line came to $27,335. I like the Terrain’s looks, util-ity, comfortable, quiet ride and the compact size. It de-livers a lot of standard equip-ment for the price as well as good mileage, which not only saves time in not having to go to the pump as often but also money.

Fall Festival Set for Nov. 14

Page 8 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 11, 2009

Community news

Eleven girls from Troop 147 earned the Girl Scout Sil-ver Award, the highest recog-nition given to a cadette Girl Scout.

The 9th graders received the award recently at a cere-mony held at Parkway United Methodist Church.

To earn the Silver Award, girls must fi nd a need in the community outside of Girl Scouts and plan and execute a 40 hour project.

In addition to the Silver Award, each girl earned the

Girl Scout Community Ser-vice bar, the Cadette Chal-lenge and several Interest Projects earned over the past year in addition to rededicat-ing themselves to Girl Scouts as part of the ceremony.

The following people/or-ganizations benefi ted by the girl’s efforts: St.Vincent de Paul, 3rd graders at Walker Station Elementary, CAPs (Citizens Animal Protection), Texas Children’s Hospital, The Fort Bend Women’s Shelter, the Gabriel Project,

Meals-On-Wheels and the TWRC (Texas Wildlife Reha-bilitation Coalition).

Pictured starting in the back Row: Jessica Brandt, Christine Yu, Cori Picazo and Savannah Reed, middle row: Beth Sullivan, Brittney Gordon, Tejasvi Koka, and Amanda Beaver, front row: Nicole Kohn, Kathleen Mc-Goldrick, Madison Fuqua, Katherine Rickert and Dean-na Wightman.

Girl Scout Troop 147 earns Silver Award

Methodist Family Medicine Group announced last week that family practice specialist Dr. Tay-ma Shaya has joined their group.

Dr. Shaya joins Drs. Ana Cor-teguera, Julie Hung and Yana Finkelshteyn at the group, which was formally established on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Campus earlier this year.

Dr. Shaya is board-certifi ed by the American Board of Family Medicine.

She has an extensive back-ground in family practice and specializes in preventive medi-cine and works with her patients to optimize their health.

With a particular interest in metabolic diseases such as dia-betes, lipid disorders and thyroid dysfunction, Dr. Shaya is one of a handful of physicians who also

specializes in hormonal balancing through bioidentical hormone re-placement for men and women.

“We are proud to welcome Dr. Shaya to Methodist Family Medicine Group,” said Ayse Mc-Cracken, Chief Operating Offi cer at The Methodist Hospital Phy-sician Organization and Senior Vice President at The Methodist Hospital System.

“She brings a wealth of expe-rience in helping patients of all ages with a personal style and preventive approach that is so important in today’s fast-paced world. She will be a great ad-dition to the Methodist Family Medicine Group in Sugar Land.”

Dr. Shaya earned her doctor of medicine degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and performed her

residency at Memorial Family Practice in southwest Houston, where she served as Chief Resi-dent in 2001-2002.

She has been honored multiple times for her compassionate work with patients, including awards from Memorial Hermann Hospi-tal and the Texas Lions Club. She practiced in a former clinic in the Sugar Land area, since 2002.

“Joining Methodist Family Medicine Group allows me to continue to provide the best pos-sible care to my patients, but it also opens up access to the lead-ing-edge technology, outstanding inpatient services and top-notch specialists ,” Dr. Shaya said.

To schedule an appointment with the Methodist Family Medi-cine Group, call 281-275-0800.

Drs. Ana Corteguera, Tayma Shaya, Yana Finkelshteyn and Julie Hung

Dr. Tayma Shaya joins Methodist Family Medicine Group

Johanna Avila and Donna Moore of Cashion & Cody Den-tistry prepare to send candy to American troops overseas for Veteran’s Day. More than 17 pounds of candy was donated by patients in a successful Halloween candy buy-back pro-gram. The program spared patients of excess candy, and maybe some tooth decay as well, while sending sweet wishes to American troops.

Candy donated to troops for Veteran’s Day

Let’s get the party started! Clements Class of 2010 has begun plans for their school sponsored graduation party after successfully raising $16,000.00 in their popular car raffl e.

The winner, Reena Koshy, of Stafford was thrilled to hear that her name was drawn at halftime of the Clements football game on Oct. 24. She is now the proud owner of a 2010 Ford Mustang from Southern Ford. Vickie Alleman chaired the ProGrad Car raffl e and credits the success of the fundraiser to the generosity of sponsors and the commitment of the seniors to sell 353 raffl e tickets this year.

ProGrad, a tradition at Clements High School since 1977, provides a drug free, alcohol free all-night lock-in party at school the night of graduation. All fundraising for the event is done by senior students and their families. To learn more about Clements ProGrad, visit www.clementsprogradonline.com

Standing next to her new Ford Mustang is Reena Koshy from Stafford, Clements Pro-Grad Car Raffl e Winner. Also in the picture are Charles Culver, Sales Consultant and Arlene Catania, Owner, Southern Ford.

Clements ProGrad congratulates raffl e winner