Fort Bend Independent 010417

VOL 10 No. 1

email: editor@ independent.com

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Fort Bend County elected officials take oath of office

Fort Bend County’s Constitutional County Judge Bob Hebert, right,administered the oath of office to James H. “Jim” Shoemake, left, Judge of the 434th District Court at the historic courtroom of Fort Bend County Courthouae on Jan. 1.

Fort Bend County’s elected officials who took the oath of office at a ceremony on Jan. 1: Seated, County Attorney Roy Cordes, left, Tax Assessor/Collector Patsy Schultz, and Sheriff Troy Nehls; Front row, Pct. 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales, 240th District Court Judge Chad Bridges, 387th District Court Judge Brenda G. Mullinix, 400th District Court Judge Maggie Jaramillo, 505th District Court Judge David Perwin and County Court-at-Law No. 5 Judge Ron Cohen; Rear row, Pct. 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1, Place 1 Gary D. Janssen, Pct. 1 Constable Mike Beard, Pct. 2 Constable Gary Majors, FATHER & SON. In a special swearing-in ceremony, Fort Bend Pct. 3 Constable Wayne Thompson and Pct. 4 Constable Trever J. Nehls. Judge Shoemake, who is also the Local Administrative County’s County Court-at-Law Judge Chris Morales, left, admin- District Judge administered the oath of office to the elected officials. Pastor Scott Belin of the Second Baptist Church, Houston, istered the oath of office to his father Vincent Morales, who was gave the invocation and benediction. PHOTOS by SESHADRI KUMAR elected Precinct 1 Commissioner of Fort Bend County.

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr.

Hard at work in rehearsals Aidan Leake as Stanley Lambchop, center, dreams of the adventures he can and will have, along with his family, L to R: (Mom) Abigail Cooney, (Dad) Mike Olinger, and (Brother) Drew Doyle.

FORT BEND CHAMBER GALA. The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s annual CHAIRMAN’S GALA presented by Audi Sugar Land will be held on Friday, Jan. 27, at Safari Texas Ranch. Preparing for the gala are Malisha Patel, left, chief operating officer of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Rehan Alimohammed legal counsel to the chamber, Chairman Mike Dobert, Treasurer Benjamin Swan, Chamber President and CEO Keri Schmidt and Chairman-elect Sterling Carter. See Page 3.

Smart Financial Centre hosts Community Open House The city of Sugar Land and ACE SL, LLC will host a special public open house of the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land on Jan. 7 from noon to 4 p.m.

The new world-class venue for performing arts, music, comedy, family entertainment

and other activities is like no other in the Houston area. The venue, located near University Boulevard and U.S. Highway 59, is expected to spur additional commercial and retail growth in the area that will further establish Sugar Land as one See OPEN, Page 5

Sugar Land’s national awardwinning community theatre, Inspiration Stage, opens The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley JR. on Jan. 6 in the historic Sugar Land Auditorium, 226 Lakeview Dr. Directed by Richard Gomez and under the artistic direction of Producer Mandy Seymore-Sensat, the musical runs the weekend of Jan. 6 through Jan. 8, with two evening shows and two matinees.

Tickets are available now at www. inspirationstage.com.

Flat Stanley, the beloved children’s book written by Jeff Brown is a literary and pop cultural phenomenon, delighting readers around the world. Now, everyone’s favorite two-dimensional hero has a new life with the infectious songs and non-stop adven-

ture in The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley JR. Stanley Lambchop is your ordinary ten-year-old until the bulletin board on the wall above his bed comes loose and falls on top of him. The next morning, Stanley wakes up flat. In a whirlwind musical travelogue, Stanley scours the globe for a solution to his unusual problem. He’s stamped, posted and cancelled from Hollywood and France to Honolulu and beyond, all in an effort to become a three-dimensional boy once more.

“The saying goes ‘go out for adventure and come home for love.’ That couldn’t be more true in The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley. The musical is about a boy finding out what he really wants in life, even if he has to go

Karli Gable, Drew Doyle, Aidan Leake, Joseph Henry and Lizzie Tyer learn to “use the force” in rehearsals for The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, Jr., as they dream of adventure and going off to far away lands where they can be anyone they want to be. half way across the world to do so!” says Director Richard Gomez.

“I have the privilege of directing this beautiful show and can’t wait to share it with everyone.

Stanley’s story challenges me and others to find adventure, find out who you are and always come home. Although I’ve gone near and far as an actor and human being, nothing quite beats being at home with my family and friends and getting to enjoy the magic and adventure we all can create by being together.” Stanley’s journey takes him and the audience all across the globe, to many interesting locales, filled with lots of colorful characters.

“The music of Flat Stanley JR. perfectly complements Stanley’s adventurous journey to find out

what he is destined to be. From simple, sweet ballads to a ‘totally awesome’ Hawaiian surfing number, the high-energy score transports you across the world and lets you experience the story through Stanley’s eyes,” says Music Director Sarah Patterson.

“Our student actors bring their powerhouse voices and youthful authenticity to each song, and by the end you can’t help but sing along too!”

The play features 31 talented youth from Sugar Land and the Houston area. The production staff includes Mandy SeymoreSensat as artistic director and producer, Richard Gomez as director, Sarah Patterson as music director, Davis Underwood as assistant director and Jonathan Bynum as stage manager.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 4, 2017

SPOTLIGHT Lamar Consolidated ISD Dedicates Fulshear High and Leaman Junior High School Fulshear High School Charger cheerleaders enthusiastically welcomed community guests to their new Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) campus for the dedication of Churchill Fulshear Jr. High School and Dean Leaman Junior High School.

The ceremony included performances by the Charger Band and school choirs, as well as remarks by the schools’ respective principals, Dan Ward and Michael Semmler, District Superintendent Dr. Thomas Randle, and Leaman family representative Lee Leaman.

“The overriding theme for

the dedication is that we are part of a ‘Charger Nation,’” said Janet Burkett, Firethorne Marketing Director, noting Fulshear and Leaman are the new designated Lamar CISD schools for residents of Firethorne West.

The District’s Kathleen Joerger Lindsey Elementary School is under construction and slated to open in Firethorne in August 2017. It will mark the District’s first-ever school in Katy.

Firethorne Marketing Director Janet Burkett congratulated Lamar Consolidated ISD Superintendent Dr. Thomas Randle on the opening of the new Fulshear High and Lea-

Charger Mascot man Junior High Schools after Firethorne, a 1,400-acre the schools’ dual dedication master-planned community, ceremony. blends the best nature has to offer: 150 acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities, a 12-acre lake with surrounding greenbelt, hike/bike trails, parks and playgrounds, tennis courts, Fitness Center, Clubhouse, resort-style swimming pool, competitive swim center, discovery-rich wildlife observation area and a natural bird habitat. Firethorne combines the vibrancy of West Houston with the small-town charm of Katy/Fulshear.

It is located near the crossroads of I-10 West and FM 1463, 10 and 15 miles west, respectively, of the Texas Medical Center-West Campus and Houston’s Energy Corridor.

For info, go to http://www. firethorne.info, call 281-6931011 or to visit Firethorne, (Left to right) Fulshear Charger Cheerleaders and Firethorne residents Bella Trew, fresh- take I-10 West and exit Pin man (age 14), and Victoria (Tori) Jameson, sophomore (age 15), were part of the Charger Oak to FM 1463.

Nation who welcomed guests to the dedication ceremony and reception.

Dr. Randle, with Janet Burkett, Firethorne marketing director

PLANTATION at Quail Valley Active Senior Living; Embracing the lives of Seniors 55 and Better

2815 Cypress Point Dr, Missouri City, TX 77459 www. plantationqv.com

Phone: (281) 208-4470

INDEPENDENT •JANUARY 4, 2017 • Page 3

NEWS Steve Porter announces bid for Fort Bend ISD to honor trustees during re-election to Sugar Land City Council School Board Recognition Month Sugar Land City Councilmember Steve Porter has announced his decision to seek re-election to the Sugar Land City Council District One in the May 6, 2017 election. “The City of Sugar Land City Council has always kept both Safety and Quality of Life for its citizens as top priorities, and I am committed to keep Sugar Land District One as a place all residents are proud to call home and will be equally proud of what we hand to the next generation, “ Porter said in a statement.

Porter believes the citizens of Sugar Land are fortunate that past city leaders and citizen volunteers have made the City, one of the best places to live, work, and play in the nation. “Even with the good news, there are challenges ahead in District One involving aging infrastructure, quality development, safety, economic growth, mobility and others,� he said. “For over 35 years, my family and I have called District One our home,� Porter said. “We love its rich history, great schools, planned growth, economic vitality, low taxes, and the friendly, civic-minded people who also call District One home.�

Porter has served as the

Porter Sugar Land City Council Member for District 1 since 2013. During that time he has been involved in many issues for District 1 and citywide.

Porter cited the following few examples of his involvement in District 1. •Pushed for, and got, the successful License Plate Recognition pilot program for District 1. This program has shown to be eective in helping solve crimes and will be rolled out in the rest of the community. •Initiated a review of the Ethics Policy as it pertains to elected oďŹƒcials in an attempt to take it to the next level so our elected city oďŹƒcials operate at the highest level of integrity

•Drainage improvements in Sugar Mill, Ragus Lakes, and underway for Covington Woods •Worked with Barrington Place HOA, Walmart, and city sta to ensure Walmart addressed traďŹƒc, lighting, and building proximity to neighbors issues •Worked to ensured that donation of park land for enlarging MayďŹ eld Park will not extend beyond yearend, which will allow renewal of the park to begin. •Assisted Hall Lake residents to protect their trees, and achieve a more aesthetically pleasing result when the Imperial Connector Trail was added along Brooks Street.

Porter has served on both City and County wide boards and committees. He has a Master of Business Administration from Houston Baptist University and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Houston. He and his wife, Nancy, have been married for 37 years, and have four sons: Kirk, Mike, John and Chris. Porter retired from ExxonMobil after a 39-year career as a global Information Technology project manager.

For more information , visit www.StevePorter4District1. com.

Fort Bend Chamber chairman’s gala set for Jan. 27

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s annual Chairman’s Gala presented by Audi Sugar Land will be held on Friday, January 27, 2017 at Safari Texas Ranch. 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 reception starting at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner and brief awards. The celebration continues as guests enter a festive ballroom experiencing the ultimate party band experience of SVK Band.

Sponsors for the 2017 Chairman’s Gala include: Showcase Sponsors in-

clude CHI St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital, City of Sugar Land, Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land, Consolidated Communications, Fluor Corporation, and Sterling McCall Automotive Group.

18 Karat Sponsors – Blue Sky Marketing, Brown & Gay Engineers, Inc., Fort Bend Lifestyles and Homes Magazine, MD Anderson Cancer Center Sugar Land, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Mercantil Commercebank, Minute Maid, NALCO Champion, Pamela Printing, Rice & Gardner Consultants, Rich Products, Safari Texas Ranch, Sugar Lakes Family Practice, Sugar Land Skeeters, The Johnson Development, The Univer-

Central Fort Bend Chamber to host Annual Awards Luncheon The Central Fort Bend Chamber annual awards luncheon will showcase Fort Bend County’s best and highlight the eorts of those who have been dedicated to the chamber’s mission throughout 2016.

The luncheon will be held in the atrium at Gallery Furniture, Grand Parkway, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. January 26, and is presented by Veranda, a community by Johnson Development Corporation.

Honored chamber members are business owners and professionals whose commitments to enhancing their communities and growing businesses have set them apart from the crowd. The categories to be honored for 2016 include, business person of the year, business partner of the year, board member of the year, achievement in economic development, Raymond Saage volunteer of the year, committee member of the year and ambassador of the year.

This select group of members have achieved an even higher level of success through eorts that go above and beyond. The chamber will proudly recognize those exceptional eorts at this event.

To sponsor this event or purchase individual tickets, contact Debbie Kilen at dkilen@ cfbca.org or 281-342-5464.

For more information about the chamber or its programs, call 281-342-5464 or visit www.cfbca.org.

sity of Houston Sugar Land, Welcome Wagon, and Windstream Communications.

Reserve your table now to enjoy this jazzy evening!

Sponsorship opportunities include Showcase Sponsor at $3,000, 18 Karat Sponsor at $2,000, or corporate table at $1,000. Individual reservations are available for $100.

Attire is black tie optional, and seating is limited.

Register online at www.

FortBendChamber.com or contact Sheridan Labbè for more information at 281.566.2152 or Sheridan@ fortbendcc.org The 5-Star Accredited Fort Bend Chamber is a broadbased business organization whose mission is to serve its 1,200 members as the voice and advocate of business in Fort Bend County, and as a catalyst for excellence in business and economic growth in the Fort Bend region.

As the largest single-county Chamber in the nine-county area surrounding the Houston Metroplex, membership provides both immediate and long-term beneďŹ ts for your business and helps build momentum for our community’s future.

FBISD’s Board of Trustees – Pictured (seated, from left) Kristin K. Tassin (President), Grayle James, Dave Rosenthal; and (standing) KP George, Addie Heyliger (Secretary), Jason Burdine (Vice President) and Jim Rice.

January is School Board Recognition Month and Fort Bend ISD is honored to recognize each of its seven board members for the dedication and hard work they show in support of our students, sta and community.

FBISD’s Board of Trustees includes Kristin K. Tassin (President), Jason Burdine (Vice President), Addie Heyliger (Secretary) and Members KP George, Grayle James, Jim Rice and Dave Rosenthal.

These seven dynamic individuals are servant leaders

who bring a diverse and a unique set of business, leadership and community service experiences, and they are foremost focused on inspiring and equipping all students to pursue futures beyond what they can imagine.

They are also parents, community members and active volunteers with backgrounds that position them to both identify with and actively lead Fort Bend ISD in innovative ways to meet the unique needs of today’s learners.

While we celebrate School Board Recognition Month

throughout January, our appreciation for our FBISD board members extends well throughout the school year.

Our board members generously volunteer their time and eorts – devoting countless hours away from their families and personal lives – to ensure that the present and future lives of our more than 73,000 students are rewarding.

During the January 23 Regular Board Meeting, FBISD will recognize the Board Members during a special presentation and reception.

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Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 4, 2017

OPINION How the Christmas tradition began in Quail Valley The Head Elf

By Susan Buck “Jimmy Hays needs to get a job,” are words echoing in the Boca Court cul-de-sac and spilling into Kiamesha, the intersecting street in Quail Valley the past two years especially from Halloween through the first weekend in December.

Actually, Jimmy has a job: he is a distributor for the Houston Chronicle. but the “Head Elf” is often accused of having too much time on his hands.

In the fall of 1997, Jimmy called a meeting to tell the neighbors that we needed to decorate together for the upcoming Christmas holidays.

This man is dangerous.

He convinced a fairly large group of consenting adults to spend considerable time at the very busiest season of the year doing something they were not sure they wanted to do in the first place.

According to Jimmy’s plan, the yards themselves would be left up to individual families, but curbs would be lined with white lights, and white light swags on poles would outline the streets. Some of us purchased lights by the cart load, but Jimmy purchased lights by the cases and fuses by the gross as we prepared for the Decoration Day ahead.

Neighbors outlined curbs using varying techniques.

Some meticulous neighbors stapled every light upright onto tiny boards. Other precise neighbors made miniswags at exact intervals along their curbs.

My husband Bill, taking the line of least resistance, stapled lights here and there along tiny boards. In the dark it was almost impossible to tell the difference. The yards were measured and the poles cut before the larger swags could

be hung.

We worked together in the cold and the rain (Electricity and rain? Yes, we were enthusiastic, not necessarily smart.) to tie the yards and the neighbors together.

Personal touches were added -the Hays, Lowthers and Paces had lighted reindeer, the Petersens had a nativity scene, the Bridges had a giant green and white tree of lights, and the Hendersons had lighted angels and bear and tree cutouts. Bill and I, new emptynesters, had the characters of Nanny, our golden retriever, and Banjo, our cocker spaniel, enjoying the holiday spirit.

In addition, everyone added lights to houses, shrubs, or whatever stood still long enough to be decorated.

Jimmy, with the help of Skip and Rob, the Head Elf’s second and third in command, so to speak, lighted toy soldiers, a tree, and a holiday message at the ends of the cul-de sac. When the music began, the decorations were complete.

He convinced a fairly large group of consenting adults to spend considerable time at the very busiest season of the year doing something they were not sure they wanted to do in

the first place.

Christmas, 1997, was barely packed away and the Easter Bunny’s trail was not even cold when Jimmy struck again. With 12 houses now involved, we would do “The Twelve Days of Christmas” for Christmas, 1998.

With the help of the Internet, I found a book of patterns to copy and we were ready to start. Sharon and her daughter Brooke drew the pictures on one-half sheets of plywood, and the works of art began to take shape. Sarah, who grew up in the house she now owns with her husband Phil, was pregnant and had a friend paint “6 Geese a-laying.”

Bobby and Sue’s daughter used oils to bring “10 Lords a-leaping” to life. The Head Elf himself painted “2 Turtle Doves” and “7 Swans aswimming.” My husband, a recovering Scrooge, painted “3 French Hens” and “4 Colly Birds.” Colly birds? Calling birds?

We found it both ways, but opted for the old English version guessing correctly that it would cause discussion. (A colly bird is a black bird.)

Other neighbors worked together or alone to create personal masterpieces. And

glitter in all colors was everywhere. Some of it even ended up on the pictures! Thanksgiving weekend we began working.

The swags went up easier this year, and the weather cooperated. We blew fewer fuses as we learned from experience not to attach 14 strands of lights to one outlet. Were there any orange extension cords left in Missouri City?

Jimmy and Skip added a silhouette of a church, but this year the decorations were not complete until my husband bowed to neighborhood pressure and glittered his Howitzer shell, his infamous “Cartridge in a Bare Tree,” hanging in our front yard.

Throughout the holiday season neighbors go into the yards at twilight to check the lights. Our little piece of Quail Valley has become a small Christmas attraction, and we enjoy waving at passers-by and shouting “Merry Christmas!”

That, itself, should be reward enough, but beyond that is the knowledge that the lights wags have joined the neighbors together in a very special way - even during the months they are packed away awaiting next year.

And speaking of next year: Come by between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year to see ‘”Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

For the past two years in January when I return to school, teachers always tell me how special our cul-de-sac was at Christmas.

I’m even asked to let people know if a house goes up for sale. My smiling response is always the same: Do you REALLY want to live that close to Jimmy Hays?

I do.

(This article was originally published in 1999)

Whatever happened to family-friendly news

By DR. GARY WELTON It seemed like a good idea.

Prepare a national news broadcast that parents can watch with their children without fear of trauma, nightmares, or lewdness. If I can watch the news with my children, then I have a natural opportunity to discuss issues and problems of the day, encouraging my children to be informed consumers of current events. This experiment of family-friendly news became the policy of certain news outlets in the 1990s, but was quickly co-opted by Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. The Clinton sex scandal took the national news in directions that were not family friendly—never mind the fact that there are certain subjects that I myself as an adult do not want to think about while I am eating my dinner. The “family-friendly news era” was so short that when I search for the term today, I get only 19 hits.

Of course, news has never been entirely family friendly.

Television news has always covered stories of fatal airline disasters, bridge failures, devastating storms, African famines, and military conflicts. The reality is that our world is not always family friendly, and part of my parental responsibility is to guide and teach my children about threats, dangers, and wise ways to protect oneself.

That being said, the news over the last 20 years has been far from family friendly.

We’ve seen images of airplanes intentionally flying into buildings, Americans choosing to jump from those towering infernos, and skyscrapers collapsing before our eyes. We’ve seen bombings at iconic events like the Boston Marathon. We’ve watched

live military battles in the Middle East.

Obviously, the media make many choices in which they edit harrowing images. The stories we have seen of late from Syria have been horrifying, yet only cover a small part of the actual atrocities in cities like Aleppo. The realities around us are not family friendly; neither are they adult friendly. I wish I did not need to think about the intense struggles that occur around the world and within our own cities and towns. Nevertheless, as an American adult, I need to be informed, in spite of my natural desire to just think in terms of personal peace and affluence.

A recent example comes from October, when the release of president-elect Donald Trump’s lewd statements on a bus several years ago forced the national news to cover stories of selfish sexual fantasy. Jimmy Carter’s 1976 quote to Playboy (“I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times”) pales by comparison to some of the things being covered today.

One of the focal points on colleges and universities across America today is the issue of sexual assault. The issue is being framed as a violation of Title IX. According to a Huffington Post story, there are 315 colleges and universities under investigation for Title IX issues; many of these focus particularly on sexual assault. At the very point in time when we are trying to teach our young men dignified, mature, and legal means of interacting with young women, we are hearing news See NEWS, Page 5

“Show Me City” sets myriad milestones in 60th anniversary year Earning a series of prestigious awards and recognitions, Missouri City has spent its 60th year of incorporation living up to its reputation as one of the nation’s premier residential and commercial communities with first-class amenities.

Throughout the banner year, myriad milestones were set, many of them for the first time in the City’s history.

Here is a look back at some of 2016’s record-setting achievements: • Refinanced $79,695,000 of debt, saving the citizens $10.7 million in interest during the life of the bonds. This is the single largest transaction and savings the City’s ever managed.

• Marked the one-year of service anniversary for City Manager Anthony J. Snipes. As Chief Administrative Officer, Snipes has initiated a High Performance Organization (HPO) framework, introducing all teams to proven management techniques that will result in a work culture based on the decisions and leadership of employees across all levels. He marked his oneyear anniversary on Dec. 1. His accomplishments over the year include: • Creation of the Nuisance Abatement Team, consisting of members of Code Enforcement, the Police Department, Development Services, the City Manager’s Office, and the Legal Department.

The committee is charged with developing the philosophy, processes, communications and means to measure the outcomes and

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reporting out on code enforcement initiatives.

Negotiation and execution of a contract with Greenberg Traurig for state legislative consulting services and spearheading a meeting of the consultant with Council to discuss the upcoming Legislative session and identify any measures that would have a direct impact on Missouri City.

Development of employee task forces on Customer Service, Communication, Diversity and Inclusion, Open Government and Innovation, and Workforce Development. The taskforces involve members from various departments at all levels of the organization.

Implementation of the Voice2Vision program to educate and engage all employees about strategic initiatives, projects and goals.

Implemented a Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Policy that allows the City to clarify uses of the funds and to bring in greater revenue.

Earned the “Gold Star” award for Financial Transparency from the Texas Comptroller’s Office.

Created a 501c3—Missouri City Parks Foundation—to facilitate recreation and special events such as the First Annual Community Night Out event, which drew hundreds of citizens, stakeholders and visitors.

Earned a competitive $50,000 Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation Grant for the Quail Valley North Park

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Playground Replacement Project.

Launched the conceptual planning and design of a future City Hall plaza to feature a Veteran’s Memorial, an amphitheater, public artwork and other landmarks. These new features will coincide with the opening of the new neighboring Missouri City Houston Community College campus and the future expansion of the Missouri City Library, which will include a three-story addition to the existing campus.

Completed a performance-based redevelopment incentive policy for designated areas on Texas Parkway, Cartwright Road and FM 1092. The program is a tool targeted to support new capital investment in those areas.

Named an All-America City Award Finalist by the National Civic League.

Implemented the City’s Public Protection Class rating of 1/1Y, the highest rating awarded by Insurance Services Office (ISO); only 26 Texas cities and 97 cities nationwide have this designation.

Completed the Comprehensive Plan Update; featuring a community symposium with regional partners including Dr. Stephen Klineberg of Rice University’s Kinder Institute and the launch of the www.ShowMeCity. com Comp Plan website.

Earned a competitive Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Grant of $59,255 to purchase automated license-plate

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recognition equipment to help reduce auto theft and other crimes associated with vehicles.

Had the most profitable year-to-date at the Quail Valley Golf Course and the City Centre: Net profit of $13,362.15 Set a record for number of rounds played at 60,563 Voted 2016 Best Golf Course in Fort Bend by the readers of Fort Bend Star Since opening the City Centre in 2012 facility revenues have increased an average of 5 percent annually October saw the best month of QVGC revenues since the City took over in 2008, with $416,883 in realized revenue October set a monthly record for rounds played with 6,438 Projected weddings hosted in Fiscal Year 2017 is 3 times that of the year the City Centre opened in FY13 Received City Council approval to redesign the City’ main website, www.

MissouriCityTX.gov.

Completed a tourism video with ICMATV to market and promote the City’s amenities; it may be viewed on the homepage of the City website.

Produced our first Annual Report: Missouri City “InFocus”, which chronicles the year-end successes of City departments in achieving City Council and Community priorities. It may be viewed here: http://bit. ly/2iOm96b.

Upgraded the City’s video/archive/indexing and

recording service to improve MCTV programing to HD quality with installation of Swagit, which includes capabilities for a mobile application that will increase and improve citizen communications.

Additionally, installed a new A-List Broadcast Automation system for replacement of end-of-life system and enhanced visual programming.

• Expanded Municipal Volunteer Program outreach to provide volunteers for critical city departments, such as, Public Works, Development Services, Parks and Recreation, and Communications.

• Coordinated a namesake street dedication ceremony for former City Manager Frank Simpson in Park 8Ninety, an industrial business complex developed by Trammell Crow.

In addition to these highlights, City Council voted for an increase in the tax rate that will result in an estimated $32,707,001 in tax revenue and enhance public safety and code enforcement efforts among other benefits. At their Monday, Oct. 17, 2016 Regular Meeting, Missouri City Council Members voted 4-3 to approve a resolution that will move the City’s general elections from May to November.

And, staff continued to proactively pursue educational and networking solutions to improve the quality of services provided to residents. In 2016, Police Chief Mike Berezin was invited to the White House for the “Advancing 21st Century Policing” briefing, which included a presentation from President Barack

Obama.

Staff also created Municipal Management Districts 1 and 2 and related agreements to facilitate the future development of more than 800 acres of land along the Fort Bend Tollway, completed Phase One of the Community Center renovation and signed a seven-year municipal solid waste contract with WCA Corp. for collection of residential, commercial and recyclable materials.

“Many of these projects were made possible through our new business plan management model that is aligned with City Council priorities,” said City Manager Anthony Snipes. “And, all are in line with the City’s strategic priorities of having quality development through buildout, growing business investments, developing a high performance team, maintaining a financially sound City government and creating a great place to live.”

In his first year of leadership, Snipes also oversaw the hiring of six new executives: Fire & Rescue Services Chief Eugene Campbell Jr., Chief Performance Officer Kathleen Weisenberger, Parks & Recreation Director Jason Mangum, Development Services Director Otis Spriggs, Financial Services Director Edena Atmore and Divisional Director of Court Services Brittany Rychlik.

Looking forward to 2017, Snipes said he will continue to partner with the “excellent employees we are fortunate to have to build the Fiscal Year 2018 General Fund Budget and focus on public safety, economic development, code enforcement, infrastructure improvements, tourism, and community partnerships.”

News Fort Bend Hispanic Heritage Forum launched The Central Fort Bend Chamber hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for a member, Fort Bend Hispanic Heritage Forum, recently.

Fort Bend Hispanic Heritage Forum was established in 2005 as a Rosenberg-based 501(c)3 non-profit/non-partisan corporation dedicated to the preservation of the Hispanos community and its diverse heritage by promoting a positive atmosphere through educational, social and civic events. Their main focus is raising funds for scholarships.

Business members attended the ribbon cutting ceremony to show their support and welcomed Fort Bend Hispanic Heritage Forum and its Board of Directors to the Chamber family. The Board of Directors are Joe Vera, Lupe Uresti-Cabello, Janie Warstler, Linda Rubalcaba and Ray Aguilar who share the same values of improving all aspect of life in the community. Board of Director Joe Vera was presented a ribbon cutting certificate from Crista Rollock with Christa Rollock Insurance on behalf of the Chamber Ambassador Committee. Vera thanked the Chamber for the warm welcome and to all who support their cause. “We are glad to

Open From Page 1 of the strongest economies in the region. No general fund tax dollars were spent on the plaza or the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, which is projected to provide an annual benefit to the community of $26.1 million over 30 years.

Sugar Land residents are encouraged to take advantage of the behind-the-scenes tour, which will take place a week

Fort Bend Hispanic Heritage Forum Board of Directors (left to right): Ray Aguilar, Linda Reyna-Rubalcaba, Lupe UrestiCabello, Joe Vera, Janie Warstler be a part of this community also issued a few scholarships and to offer our services in in surrounding counties as support of higher education well. We don’t turn away any student who wants to apply.” for all students,” says Vera.

Fort Bend Hispanic HeriThe creation of the Fort Bend Hispanic Heritage tage Forum will be hosting Forum was derived from a its 3rd Annual Awards Bandream by the late Ernie Ro- quet on March 9, 2017 at the driguez who wanted to help Rosenberg Civic Center. “We provide better education for are looking for assistance young students in the Fort again this year to continue our Bend community. Vera says, commitment of opening the “We are happy to extend our doors of higher education to arms out to the community students seeking scholarship and Fort Bend County. With opportunities,” says Board of Ernie’s idea, we were able Director Janie Warstler.

For more information, visit to form this organization and raise funds for over 175 schol- their website at: www.hispanarships in the county with the icheritageforum.org help of our partners. We’ve

before the venue’s official grand opening.

The event will feature selfguided tours of the venue including backstage areas and children’s activities provided by organizations such as the Sugar Land Skeeters, the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land and the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center. The event will also feature special performances

by School of Rock Sugar Land and Cypress.

Some concessions, excluding alcohol, will be provided at a reduced cost, and special ticket offers on select shows will be offered during the event.

Parking will be available at the north parking which is located on Lexington Boulevard next to the plaza and fountain area.

No tickets or registration is required to attend. For additional information, visit www.SugarLandTX.gov/SFCOpenHouse, or www.smartfinancialcentre. net.

Simonton Christian Academy receives donation

Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers started the Fort Bend Charities, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization many years ago. After 10 years of hosting a Charity Golf Tournament, in 2015, Commissioner Meyers launched the Fort Bend Ranchers’ Ball which has proven to be a huge success. In 2015 the Fort Bend

Ranchers’ Inaugural Ball raised $252,000 and this year the donations increased to nearly $290,000 through the hard work of the dedicated committee led by Katy residents Jon and Sue Strange.

Commissioner Meyers and his hard working committee members have now raised over $1 million for very worthwhile charity causes.

News From Page 4

have been replaced by verbal descriptors of lewd sexual talk, creating negative role models.

Today’s news is not family friendly. I hope and pray that we can take the stories of 2016 and establish more positive norms and mores of decency, civility, and love for our neighbor. We can do it but we’ve got our work cut out for us.

-- Dr. Gary L. Welton is assistant dean for institutional assessment, professor of psychology at Grove City College, and a contributor to The Center for Vision & Values. He is a recipient of a major research grant from the Templeton Foundation to investigate positive youth development. The Center for Vision & Values 100 Campus Drive Grove City College Grove City, PA 16127 .

stories about lewd speech.

It just became that much harder to parent mature boys and men in our modern culture.

Where has our society come, and where is it going? Although Christianity is a strong and growing force on several continents, the secularization of America is evident in our national surveys and in our daily lives.

It is unreasonable for me to expect my secular neighbors to adhere to my own moral standards and mores. In fact, as our country becomes increasingly secular, we are finding that our national morals have degraded. Carter’s once-shocking 1976 admission of his private thoughts

Simonton Christian Academy was among the charities that received donations from Fort Bend Charities, Inc. recently. After their check presentation during the morning Pledges, Simonton Christian Academy’s Administrator, Amy Oglesby, took Commissioner Meyers on a tour of the school and showed him their computer lab. Mrs. Oglesby said that “because of the funds we received two years ago from Fort Bend Charities, Inc., we were able to provide a computer lab for our students. We begin teaching Kindergarteners computer skills and by the time they are second graders they can prepare PowerPoint presentations, Excel Spreadsheets and Word Documents.” At the Simonton Christian Academy Check Presentation, left to right, Jeff Cannon - President of Fort Bend Charities, Commissioner Andy Meyers, Amy Oglesby – SCA Administrator, Steve Littlefield - Senior Pastor of Simonton Community Church, Walt Sass - Vice President of Fort Bend Charities along with students of SCA’s fourth and fifth grade classes.

INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 4, 2017 • Page 5

Sugar Land registers “noticeable” decrease in sales tax revenue

By BARBARA FULENWIDER If shopping in your town isn’t your habit, you might want to change that habit because sales taxes cover a significant amount of a city’s costs.

If you doubt that, note that sales tax revenues to Texas cities in December alone totaled $628 million or two percent more than in December 2015.

The allocations were based on sales made in October because monthly payments run two months behind.

According to the state comptroller, Glenn Hegar, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, El Paso and San Antonio continued to have “significant” increases in sales taxes while Houston, Sugar Land and Plano had “noticeable” decreases.

Total year-to-date pay to all Texas towns that collect sales taxes came in at $5,292,256,913 compared to $5,238,223,416 year to date in 2015.

Total allocations for all Texas cities this past December were $408.1 million compared to the $36.4 million that counties received. Transit systems got a total of $143.5 million in December and special purpose taxing districts collected $39.6 million in the holiday month.

The change from December 2015 to this past December shows cities, transit systems all gained revenues while counties lost by 5.3 percent.

Total net payments made for the fourth period this year were $408,144,535 compared to $407,285,619 -- a 0.21 percent increase.

There are four periods each year that begin with September, October, November. Pay-

ment dates to entities for 2017 are Jan. 23, April 21, July 21 and Oct. 20.

Of the six largest towns in Fort Bend all but Missouri City charge a 2 percent sales tax rate. Missouri City has a 1 percent rate because it is a member of the Transit Authority of Harris County so receives tax revenues from it.

Allocations paid in December this year for October sales saw decreases for four towns and increases for two. Missouri City, Rosenberg, Stafford and Sugar Land all took hits while Meadows Place, Fulshear, and Richmond increased their sales tax revenues.

Meadows Place increased its sales tax receipts by 1.58 percent for the year to date.

In 2016 the city collected $1,461,603 compared to $1,438,820 collected in December 2015. Net pay in December 2016 was $113,463 compared to the same month a year ago of $114,729 for a loss of 1.10 percent.

Missouri City had a percentage loss of 0.16 for yearto-date collections. They went from $8,562,246 in 2015 to $8,548,141 this past year. The city’s sales tax receipts in December this year were $659,574 compared to $680,304 in December 2015 for a 3.04 percent decrease.

Richmond got a payment of $465,567 this past December compared to $474,929 last year in December. The difference was a minus 1.97 percent which was made up by a yearto-date percentage increase of 8.18. Total sales tax revenues paid to the city in 2016 totaled $5,999,378, compared to yearto-date payments in 2015 of

$5,545,602.

Of the four towns that saw losses in sales tax receipts, Rosenberg took the biggest decrease. That town lost 5.82 percent of total sales tax dollars it received in 2015.

Year-to-date totals Rosenberg received this year are $15,597,803 compared to $16,563,219 in 2015. The payment received this December for October sales was $1,287,837 compared to $1,227,549 in 2015. October sales in 2016 topped 2015’s by 4.91 percent.

Stafford added $1,315,323 to its accounts in December and was more than the $1,287,416 paid in sales tax receipts in December 2015.

The percent change from yearto-date payments this year was minus 2.48 percent. Year to date totals this year came in at $16,787,607 compared to year-to-date totals in 2015 of $17,215,430.

Sugar Land’s 2016 yearto-date sales tax totals were $51,446,499 and for 2015 were $51,563,115 for a 0.22 percent drop. December 2016 sales tax totals the city collected amounted to $3,460,405 compared to the December 2015 payment of $4,273,629.

The difference was a 19.02 percent dip.

Fulshear is new to the list and was added because it’s a fast growing town that had a monthly sales tax increase of a whopping 98.38 percent this December over December 2015. Its year-to-date increase of 12.14 percent is also large.

This town took in $111,377 this past December to almost double the $56,141 in sales tax receipts it received in December 2015.

Mad Science of Houston presents Friday night workshops Mad Science - Spend your Friday night with us at The Mad Science Kid’s Lab as we explore science topics in a fun and interactive way! Join us each month for a unique experience plus a pizza dinner!

Ask your parents to stay or give them the night off! Only $15/workshop and they will all include an awesome takehome.

1/20: Lab works Let Mad Science help you get back into school mode with our very hands-on Lab works workshop. Learn all about lab gear and the do’s and don’ts of the Lab. 2/17: Planets and Moons Take a break and join us in

space as we discover the solar system around us. Create eclipses and discover some cool facts about our solar system. Children will learn about the space technology used to find out about space and see a gravity launcher!

3/17: Stunt Planes and Gliders Just in time for kite season!

Learn about air and air pressure. Build different types of gliders and discover the science behind them so that you can let them go farther. Make your very own sky hawk!

4/21: Earthworks What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by finding out more about our beautiful Earth? Look at the 3 different

types of rocks that cover the Earth, create a volcanic explosion and watch the bricks fall with an earthquake force.

5/19: Energy Burst Let Mad Science help children release some of that energy that is building up as summer approaches! Children will experiment with different types of energy and learn how it gets transferred!

Fridays from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., 6300 Westpark Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77057 To register, or for more information, visit our website at houston.madscience.org or call 713-663-7623.

Don’t Delay, Enroll Today!

Katy Bar Association Monthly Meeting Area attorneys are invited to the Tuesday, January 24, 2017 lunch meeting of the Katy Bar Association at 11:30 a.m. at Hasta la Pasta, 1450 W Grand Parkway South, Katy, Texas.

The guest speaker Teresa Lechner-Fish, IP Associate with Gardere Wynne Sewell, LLP, will present “Copyright Basics: What Are Copyrights? How Are Copyrights Created? Who Owns the Copyrights? And How Can They Be Protected.”

She will identify examples of copyrights, provide guidance on how copyrights are created and who owns those copyrights, and offer suggestions on how copyrights can be protected in the marketplace.

Her law practice includes assisting growing companies as intellectual property counsel, handling copyright, due diligence,

Lechner-Fish trademark, trade secret, licensing, and patent matters, having prepared and prosecuted hundreds of copyright, patent and trademark applications, and assisted patent litigation teams, involving complex technologies and litigation strategies.

Ms. Lechner-Fish’s technical education includes Master of Science degrees from University of Tulsa and Oklahoma State, and Juris Doctorate in 2005 de-

gree from the University of Houston Law Center.

Her experience includes senior chemist, senior chemical engineer, and intellectual property coordinator for major corporations, and inventor and patent holder.

Her professional affiliations include the Katy Bar and Houston Bar Associations, the Intellectual Property Law Section State Bar of Texas, and the Uniform Trade Secret Act and Texas Uniform Trade Secret Act Working Groups.

President Elizabeth Pratt remarked, “We wish all of our friends and members of the Katy Bar a wonderful, happy, and healthy New Year. This month we will be hearing about the intellectual property field, copyrights. Area attorneys are invited to our lunch meeting and earn an hour of CLE.”

INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 4, 2017 • Page 6

HCC-UHD partnership provides pathways for student success

AUTOMOBILE: Mazda CX-9

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The all new midsize 2016 Mazda CX-9 is a three-row crossover SUV that offers fun-to- drive handling, bolder design and starts at an MSRP of $31,520.

The CX-9 is Mazda’s flagship and portends a future of innovative technologies and amenities that have elevated Mazda vehicles.

In Sport trim, CX-9 comes standard with LED headlights and taillights, fabric seating surfaces, an electronic parking brake, 18-inch wheels, rear backup camera, trailer stability assist, Mazda CONNECT infotainment with Commander control and a seven-inch color display. The available sport package adds a power driver’s seat, heated front seats and heated door mirrors.

The CX-9 Touring adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, HomeLink garage door openers, black- or sand-colored leather seating surfaces, Mazda advanced keyless entry system, a power liftgate, power front seats and an eight-inch Mazda CONNECT touchscreen display.

Additionally, customers can opt for the touring premium package, which includes automatic on/off headlights, LED fog lights, navigation, a premium 12-speaker BOSE audio system, rain-sensing wipers, rear backup sensors, second-row retractable sunshades, SiriusXM satellite radio, automatic brake support and a sunroof.

Further heightening the PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 for Arcola Farms Partial Replat No. 1, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, 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 Reza Samani with Advance Surveying, Inc. at samanireza@hotmail.com for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 for Aliana, Section 55 being a partial replat of Reserve “A” Westmoor Drive and Reserves, Precinct 4. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, 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 Rene Rodriguez with LJA Engineering at RRodriguez@ljaengineering.com for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 for replat: Sienna Village of Destrehan Section 6 Amending Plat No. 1, Pct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, 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 Geoff Freeman with LJA Engineering at Gfreeman@ljaengineering. com for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

CX-9 lineup is the Grand Touring model, which builds upon the Sport and Touring trim levels with adaptive front-lighting system, 20-inch wheels, aluminum interior trim, Mazda’s first heads up driving display that projects instrument and navigation information onto the windshield, high-beam control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, radar cruise control with brake support, roof rails and memory settings on the driver’s seat.

Finally, CX-9 Signature tops the lineup with standard predictive all-wheel drive — a system that measures conditions more than 200 times per second to determine how to allocate power to each wheel to minimize or never feel wheel slippage.

The loaded CX-9 Signature retails for $45,215 with all standard equipment.

The interior is beautifully adorned with auburn-colored Nappa leather, rosewood supplied by Japanese

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 for replat: Mason Road Self Storage, Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, 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 Rhodes with CivilSurv Land Surveying, LC at chris@ civil-surv.net for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF FLORA M. BRADLEY AKA FLORA BRADLEY, DECEASED; NO KNOWN ADDRESS NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file 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 23, 2017 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building.

The case is presently pending before the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on September 15, 2016. It bears cause number 16-DCV-235590 and is styled: U.S. Bank Trust, N.A. as Trustee for LSF9 Master Participation Trust vs Eugene Bradley, Deceased; Flora M. Bradley a/k/a Flora Bradley, Deceased The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: ELIZABETH HAYES BUCKLEY MADOLE PC 14841 DALLAS PARKWAY SUITE 425 DALLAS TX 75254 214-550-4154 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows towit: SUIT INVOLVING REAL PROPERTY: LOT EIGHTEEN (18), IN BLOCK TEN (10), OF THE REPLAT OF RIDGEGATE, SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 16, PAGE 4, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST THE COURT QUANTIFY THE AMOUNT CHARGEABLE TO THE PROPERTY WITH RESPECT TO THE LOAN (INCLUDING PRINCIPAL, PRE-JUDGMENT INTEREST, REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES AND EXPENSES, ADVANCES COSTS AND POST-JUDGMENT INTEREST) AND GRANT FORECLOSURE UPON THE LIEN SECURING SUCH AMOUNT AS PLAINTIFF’S SOLE REMEDY FOR DEFENDANTS’ BREACH OF CONTRACT AS ALLEGED ABOVE. 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 5th day of December, 2016.

DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas

By Deputy District Clerk Layla Helton Fort Bend County,Texas Telephone: (281) 633-7635

guitar-maker Fujigen, LED signature accent grille lighting and LED accent lighting around the automatic shifter.

All models come powered by Mazda’s new turbocharged 2.5T four cylindder engine, which generates 310 lb-ft of torque from just 2,000 rpm on either 87- or 93-octane gasoline.

It also produces 250 horsepower on 93-octane gasoline (227 horsepower on 87-octane) and nets class-leading2 EPA-estimated fuel-economy ratings on either gasoline grade — 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway in front-wheel-drive configuration. There’s also no turbo lag.

That engine is paired with a standard six-speed automatic and is available in front-wheel drive or allwheel drive.

The A-pillars have been moved back about four inches to give an athletic stance to the Mazda CX-9.

To preserve interior space, the wheelbase has been stretched by 2.2 inches while front and rear overhangs have been significantly reduced to give the crossover a more stable stance.

The new car is also shorter than before, and has a cabin that tapers to the rear.

The new CX-9 is a combination of luxury thanks to its refinement, has traditional Japanese craftsmanship, authentic materials and forward-thinking engineering.

It’s definitely a crossover SUV to test drive.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

BRAZORIA-FORT BEND RAIL DISTRICT The Brazoria Fort Bend Rail District Board of Directors will hold a Public Hearing to discuss and consider the proposed annual budget for FY2017.

The Public Hearing will be held on Friday, January 20, 2017 at 9 a.m. at the Port of Freeport Administration Office, 1100 Cherry Street, Freeport, TX 77541.

Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, left, HCC Board of Trustees Secretary, District IV; Dr. Michael A. Olivas, interim president, University of Houston-Downtown (UHD); Welcome Wilson, Jr., UH System Board of Regents Vice Chairman; Dr. Adriana Tamez, HCC Board of Trustees Chair, District III; and Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC Chancellor attend signing ceremony for articulation agreement that will allow HCC students to make seamless transfers to UHD. Houston Community College (HCC) is answering the call to educate and train more qualified nurses, teachers and business professionals in the Greater Houston area by partnering with the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) to create a unique transfer agreement between both institutions.

During a special ceremony at the UHD campus, HCC Chancellor Dr. Cesar Maldonado and UHD Interim President Dr. Michael A. Olivas signed a series of agreements aimed at creating seamless pathways for students transferring from HCC to UHD and vice versa.

“We are collaborating together as partners for student success,” Dr. Maldonado said.

“This is about saving students money and time. They can get to their endgame quicker and have that successful job in the end.”

“This is big news for students as we are devoting considerable resources to help them succeed academically and ultimately professionally – and for the good of our city,” Dr. Olivas said. “We want students to discover that our partnership with HCC can help their academic journeys.”

Sitting alongside Drs. Olivas and Maldonado were Dr. Adriana Tamez, HCC Board of Trustees Chair and University of Houston graduate; and Welcome W. Wilson, Jr., UH System Board of Regents Vice Chairman. Both described the new pact as a proud, historic moment.

HCC and UHD administrators and faculty worked together to develop degree

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF SILVIA O’CAMPO NKIA O’CAMPO SALGADO NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file 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 23, 2017 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor 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 filed on August 19, 2016.

It bears cause number 16-DCV- 234800 and is styled: Wells Fargo Bank, NA vs Misael Vasquez, Uriel Salgado, Raisa Vasquez, Berenise Salgado, Juan Vasquez, The Unknown Heirs of Silvia O’Campo a/k/a O’Campo Salgado.

The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: MICHAEL J. BURNS BUCKLEY MADOLE PC PO BOX 9013 ADDISON TX 75001 972-643-6600 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: LOT ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (112), IN BLOCK TWENTY-FOUR (24), OR REPLAT OF BRIAR VILLA, SECTION ONE (1}, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN SLIDE 571A MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY. WELLS FARGO BANK, NA IS SEEKING TO RECOVER A JUDGMENT AGAINST ALLOWING IT TO PROCEED TO FORECLOSURE AS PROVIDED BY THE DEED OF TRUST, TEXAS RULE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE 735.3 AND TEXAS PROPERTY CODE SECTION 52.002, PLUS INTEREST AND ATTORNEYS’ FEES, AS AN ADDITIONAL OBLIGATION UNDER THE SUBJECT LOAN AGREEMENT, AND ALL COSTS OF SUIT AND IN THE ALTERNATIVE, WELLS FARGO BANK, NA SEEKS TO ENFORCE ITS SECURITY INTEREST AGAINST THE PROPERTY IN AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE PAYOFF AT THE TIME OF JUDGMENT AND JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF THE ABOVEDESCRIBED PROPERTY WITH RESPECT TO ALL AMOUNTS DUE UNDER THE LOAN 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 8th day of December, 2016.

DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas

By Deputy District Vanessa Vasquez Fort Bend County,Texas Telephone: (281) 341-3754

maps to provide students with smooth transitions towards baccalaureate degree completion. They include: • A 22 (two-squared) transfer model that will allow students to earn an Associate of Arts (AA) in Business at HCC and complete their Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in various disciplines at the UHD College of Business; • A 22 transfer model that will allow students to earn both their Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees at HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences; • A transfer model that will allow students to earn an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) at HCC and complete their Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS) with varying concentrations at the UHD College of Public Service-Department of Urban Education.

As part of this initiative, there is already a UHD advisor at the HCC Business Center of Excellence to help students at both institutions with the transfer process and ensure completion and success in that program. There will also be a UHD advisor embedded at HCC Coleman.

This partnership resonates with Mustapha Nyally, a political science major at UHD and HCC graduate, who came to Houston from Sierra Leone.

“I am proud to say that I am a product of both institutions,” the Student Government Association President said. “I thank both the University of Houston-Downtown and

Houston Community College for the unimaginable impact they’ve had on me and my growth.”

On average, more than 700 students transfer from HCC to UHD annually making HCC one of the largest feeder schools to UHD. “This is a super bowl where both sides win. UHD wins and HCC wins because for us, victory is student success,” Maldonado said.

To learn more about these programs at HCC, visit hccs. edu/programs. To learn more about the programs mentioned at UHD, visit uhd.edu.

First United Methodist Church offers Painting with a twist

The Friends of the Arts committee, First United Methodist Church, Missouri City is inviting the public to a Fun Art Day. Have you always wanted to give painting a try? For a change of pace, try Painting with a Twist painting session which will be held in the church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 14, 10 a.m. You will leave with a one -of- a- kind creation and a new found talent you will want to explore. Cost for registration is $25. First United Methodist Church is located at 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City...cross street, Murphy road. More information, or requesting a brochure for future concerts, call 281-499-3502 or email: FriendsoftheArts @ comcast.net.

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF FLORA M. BRADLEY AKA FLORA BRADLEY, DECEASED; NO KNOWN ADDRESS NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file 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 23, 2017 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building.

The case is presently pending before the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on September 15, 2016. It bears cause number 16-DCV-235590 and is styled: U.S. Bank Trust, N.A. as Trustee for LSF9 Master Participation Trust vs Eugene Bradley, Deceased; Flora M. Bradley a/k/a Flora Bradley, Deceased The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: ELIZABETH HAYES BUCKLEY MADOLE PC 14841 DALLAS PARKWAY SUITE 425 DALLAS TX 75254 214-550-4154 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows towit: SUIT INVOLVING REAL PROPERTY: LOT EIGHTEEN (18), IN BLOCK TEN (10), OF THE REPLAT OF RIDGEGATE, SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 16, PAGE 4, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST THE COURT QUANTIFY THE AMOUNT CHARGEABLE TO THE PROPERTY WITH RESPECT TO THE LOAN (INCLUDING PRINCIPAL, PRE-JUDGMENT INTEREST, REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES AND EXPENSES, ADVANCES COSTS AND POST-JUDGMENT INTEREST) AND GRANT FORECLOSURE UPON THE LIEN SECURING SUCH AMOUNT AS PLAINTIFF’S SOLE REMEDY FOR DEFENDANTS’ BREACH OF CONTRACT AS ALLEGED ABOVE. 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 5th day of December, 2016.

DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas

By Deputy District Clerk Layla Helton Fort Bend County,Texas Telephone: (281) 633-7635

INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 4, 2017 • Page 7

FILM REVIEW: Manchester by the sea

This is Casey Affleck’s movie. There is an able cast of Kyle Chandler, Michelle Williams, and Lucas Hedges, but Affleck’s Lee Chandler is by far the dominant character who reluctantly becomes the guardian of a teenage nephew after the death of his father.

Affleck makes the most of this acting opportunity as crazy Uncle Lee and will be a contender for Best Actor. He plays a plumber/handyman who has “issues” and is called back home to Manchester when his brother (Kyle Chandler) suddenly dies from heart disease.

The teenager is skillfully played by Lucas Hedges whose resume includes parts in “Moonrise Kingdom” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” so keep your eye on this young star as he has big things ahead of him.

There’s some Oscar buzz for Michelle Williams as Best Supporting Actress but her performance is just another great character in her long list of amazing acting accomplishments; not Oscar worthy. Prediction: Her awards will come from her slated performance as Janis Joplin, a movie about the legendary singer’s life.

Quick question: who or what is the connection between two of the big movies

of 2016 - “Fences” and “Manchester by the Sea?” Answer: Stephen Henderson co-stars in “Fences” with much screen time, and he has a small part as Lee Chandler’s boss in this movie.

“If you’re going to freak out, every time you see a frozen chicken, then we’re going to the hospital!” Nobody said parenting was easy.

Director Kenneth Lonergan can be proud of this movie, but his strength is in his writing.

This emotionally complicated and clever screenplay of a family that has struggles that an audience can understand is more likely to be nominated than his directorial skills.

The musical score of Manchester is intriguing and appropriately eerie, sad, mysterious, and uplifting when needed.

Props to Canadian Lesley Barber.

Many will find this movie too depressing and lacking of joy and humor; count me in.

This film is a good example of “life is difficult.”

However, just when the mood was dragging, Ferris Bueller aka Matthew Broderick, showed up in a small part.

Insert inappropriate smiles here.

“At least she’s not drinking or in a psyche ward…you know Catholics are Christians,

Bill Parish to entertain ‘Loving Friends’ Loving Friends, a social group of men and women who lost their spouses and want to move on in a social environment will meet for dinner and entertainment on Tuesday, Jan. 17 , 5 p.m. at Sweetwater Country Club, 4400 Palm Royale Blvd., Sugar Land.

Bill Parish who brings his own unique band of showmanship and expertise to every type of musical performance will entertain the group. Although this very talented vocalist/guitarist performs as a single act, with his sequencing module, he truly has a full band sound. Cost for dinner and entertainment is $24 inclusive with complimentary valet parking available. Reservations required a week before the dinner meeting by calling 281-208-3124. For more information on Loving Friends and its other monthly activities, please call 281-208-3124. New members always greeted with a warm welcome.

too….”

Lonergan has created an outstanding piece of moviemaking that is not a feel-good movie for the masses. If you’ve seen all the other “must see” flicks, then those of you who like a Boston/Manchester accent should put this on your list.

Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 89. Larry H.

MEP Engineering

Commissioning

Program Management

Harvest Green Farmers Market Keeping a New Year’s resolution to eat more fruits and vegetables will be easy thanks to Harvest Green’s Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 21. Even the pickiest eaters will be inspired by booths overflowing with farm-fresh produce, including items grown on the Richmond community’s own Village Farm. The event takes place at 602 Vineyard Hollow Court and also features live music, artisanal goodies and handcrafted items. For more information, visit www.harvestgreentexas.com.

Soup tasting event at Missouri City Library In recognition of National Soup Month in January, Fort Bend County Libraries’ Missouri City Branch Library will host a “Soup’s On: Soup-Tasting” event with a variety of soups prepared by library staff on Tuesday, January 17, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway.

The public is invited to come to the library to sample the soups and vote on their favorite. Recipes for the dishes will be available.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Missouri City Branch Library at 281-238-2100, or the library system’s Public Information Office at 281-633-4734.

When you need experience, we have it covered.

Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary professional engineering firm that focuses on MEP Engineering, Commissioning, and Program Management. We act as an extension to our clients, providing total engineering services from project inception to completion. With our deep bench of high skilled and experienced staff and innovative technology Rice & Gardner can plan, lead, and complete projects on time and within budget.

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 4, 2017

NEWS Clements High School students raise University of Houston Sugar Land hosts $3,300 for UNICEF annual scholarship dinner

The Clements High School UNICEF students took part in the Trick or Trick for UNICEF fundraiser in October and raised $3,348.16. “By encouraging a school-wide classroom competition, as well as efforts of UNICEF members on Halloween night, Clements High School staff and students came together to collect change and to raise awareness for UNICEF efforts around the globe,” said Esther Lite, Clements High School UNICEF sponsor. Lite says the proceeds they raised this year is the most successful fundraiser to date for the organization. Last month, the students presented a check to UNICEF. “We are extremely thankful for the unwavering support of the community in making this year’s fundraiser a huge success.” UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children’s rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects.

Pictured, (Left to right): Nikita Maganti, Pranav Juturi, Tommy Le, Prith Choudhury, Kathi Ackerman Porter (Houston UNICEF), Shiv Chopra, Sahar Ali, Esther Lite (Sponsor) The Rosenberg Rotary Club honored one of its members Dec. 14 for her efforts in one of the organization’s major events. Club President Darren McCarthy, left, presented a plaque to club member Ginger Johnson for her efforts to chair and guide the club’s annual book project. For the past 10 years, the club has presented a personal dictionary to every third-grade student in Lamar CISD and Needville ISD. Dictionaries also have been delivered to third graders at the Holy Rosary School in Rosenberg. The club uses funds raised by its annual Gun Raffle to pay for the dictionaries. Nearly 30,000 dictionaries have been presented to third graders in those 10 years.

access is

affordable health care near me Because others depend on you, we make women’s health care affordable to all.

Medicaid, Chip and private insurance is accepted.

A sliding fee scale is also available for those who qualify.

281-342-4530 myaccesshealth.org

George Foundation scholarship recipients with trustees Jim Condrey, left, and John Null, right.— Zain Ali Photograpy.

The future is not only bright; it’s Cougar Red. Fort Bend County and University of Houston dignitaries gathered at the UH Sugar Land Campus to recognize the academic accomplishments of students at the UH Sugar Land 15th Annual Scholarship Dinner.

“We congratulate all of our scholarship recipients and express our sincerest thanks to the generous donors who support their academic dedication,” said Robert McPherson, UH Sugar Land Interim Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Operations. “These students are tremendous representatives of scholarship.”

The event, underwritten by the Fred and Mabel Parks Foundation, was held at the UH Sugar Land Campus Brazos Hall and featured dinner service from Safari Texas Ranch.

The students represented a number of disciplines including the UH Sugar Land inaugural programs from the School of Nursing and the College of Technology’s Digital Media program. Congratulations to these students, with special thanks to their benefactors: The UH Fort Bend Alumni Association Scholarship •Ashley Abraham •Mirza Mohammed Baig •Richard Liu •Lauren Phelgley The Alton L. Warren & Carolyn F. Warren Endowed Scholarship •Angela Lin The Bill & A.J. Yeoman Endowment Scholarship •Venancz Patrovics The Alumni & Friends Scholarship •Jennifer Lynds •Nicholas Morrow •Shermanna Ugoh T h e D a r re n & Ta t i a n a Etlinger Scholarship •Mary Ezebuiro The Marjorie Akers Hilty Gurasich Endowed Scholarship •Laura Respondek The Michel Miller Memorial Endowed Scholarship •Mercedes Hernandez

The Michael Baldwin Endowed Scholarship •Saif Sattani The George Foundation Scholarship •Hala Abdo •Rama Abdo •Farah Aboudaoud •Hina Afsar •Dimicho Albert Jr •Ashmal Ali •Michelle Alley •Sarah Ansari •Taleed Atieh •Promita Awal •Rohit Budhani •Micah Bullock •Jenny Chang •Hao-Hsiang Chen •Yishan Chen •Hanh Chu •Mykalea Cupp-Vasquez •Ashley Dang •Ali Elsaadi •Reem Elsaadi •Zubaida Faisal •Merziya Gaffar •Tania Garcia Gonzalez •Melissa Grimaldo •Nawaz Gulamhusein •Tazeem Gulamhusein •Barbara Herrera •Hongyi Hou •Tonya Huynh • Adnan Imran •Mostafa Lashgari •Pong Law •Jennifer Le •Jenny Le •Julie Le •Yule-John Lin •Sibing Liu •Marcos Lozano •Abdul Mahmood •Dua Mahmood •Sahar Zafar Mahmood •Jacob Mclaney •Lara Moaty •Obaidullah Moton •Marivel Perez •Khoi Pham •Laura Respondek •Jennifer Rivera •Ivan Rosas •Sara Schmidt •Humza Sheikh •Jennifer Shen •Oscar Zuniga Anzaldo The George Foundation Nursing Scholarship •Syed Abbas •Sayeeda Ali •Ijeoma Anyanwu •Caitlin Bearicks •Kelsey Brown •Lindsey Burkholder

•Carolina Cornel •Amanda Carandell •Kaitlan Dziuk •Dorte Equitz •Christina Fenner •Nicole Hidalgo •Samuel Hopkins •Iris Machuca •Denice Mayorga •Farah Momin •Vanessa Nunez •Jenna Ralph •Rameez Zaveri The Ed Rachal Foundation Scholarship •Heena Akbarali The Esther Sandoval Scholarship •Bailey Wind The Fred & Mabel R. Parks Foundation Scholarship •Fereshteh Abuzar •Gloria Banuelos •Mauricio Campos •Dorte Equitz •Cheryl George •Joana Gonzalez •Kirstin Stenoien •Xing Zhang The Friends of Nursing Scholarship •Mary Margaruite Ruiz The Good Samaritan Foundation Scholarship •Christina Rosser The Gulf Coast Medical Foundation Scholarship •Mark Yap The Montgomery Family Trust Nursing Scholarship •Hilary Butella •Augustine Enehikhuerre •Barzilai Escalante •Melissa Goode The John McNeill, D.O. Nursing Scholarship •Danielle Bragg The John S. Dunn Foundation Scholarship •Heather Mansker •Rose Munuve-Akinnola •Aaron Pongvachararak T h e Vi v i a n L . S m i t h Foundation Scholarship •Jennifer Aguilar •Sharleen Botero •Yelineth Bradburn •Erika Brown •Ashley Clay •Kayla McMillan •Ashton McPartland •Cathryn Ritchie •Morgan Schaefer •Shannon Shulby •Hailee Suisse

ily day where people can come together to recognize the support, love and healing dogs can provide cancer patients.”

The event will feature a short walk followed by canine performances such as the Houston Disc Dogs. Pup- and family-friendly activities include a DJ, face painting, contests, inflatables, balloon twisters and food trucks — as well as vendors offering a variety of poochworthy items. The goal is to raise $10,000 for cancer research. Deacon has already signed several sponsors.

Registration for Bark for Life is a $20 suggested donation for canines.

Owners who register online can save $5 by using the code BARK2017.

The first 500 people to register will receive a doggie bag full of goodies.

All participants will receive a Bark

for Life dog bandana. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

Humans without dogs can attend at no charge, but they won’t have to stay dog-free for long. “We encourage everyone to attend, even if they don’t have dogs,” Deacon said.

“We are working with local shelters to offer the opportunity to adopt a dog for the day. The goal is for them to fall in love with the dog throughout the course of the event and hopefully give it a forever home.”

Bark for Life is one event leading up to the Relay for Life Fort Bend, a signature fundraiser of the ACS that takes place from noon - midnight, Saturday, April 1, at Edward Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd, Sugar Land.

Riverstone hosts Bark for Life fundraiser Riverstone will be the site of a canine-friendly fundraiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS) Saturday, Feb. 25.

Bark for Life of Riverstone, presented by Lake Olympia Animal Hospital, is a non-competitive walk for dogs and their humans that will take place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Club at Riverstone, 18353 University Boulevard. The event celebrates cancer survivorship — human and canine — and honors the care-giving qualities of four-legged companions while supporting the mission of the ACS. “Bark for Life is a dog-friendly version of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life,” said Nick Deacon, lifestyle director for Riverstone and the event leader for Relay for Life. “It’s going to be a fun fam-