Fort Bend Independent by Fort Bend Independent

VOL 4 No.4

Phone: 281-980-6745

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2011

P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County, Missouri City & Sugar Land

Global Science and Technology Center ‘changes direction’ By SESHADRI KUMAR The Fort Bend ISD has abandoned the idea of the proposed multi-million dollar, Global Science and Technology Center. At least that is the inference one can draw from a statement attributed to Superintendent Tim Jenney. In a Jan. 21 e-mail sent to FBISD staff Jenney announced that a plan will be developed that utilizes technology to deliver daily innovative science content to students through lessons at their home campus site.

This concept will replace the original idea of a “brick and mortar” science facility. The school district revealed this in a press release issued last week. “In response to the economic challenges the district continues to experience and concerns related to the cost of maintenance and utilities for the facility, too little access by students, and transportation expenses, the Board of Trustees chose the new direction for science instruction by adopting a Board/Superintendent goal to make the most of the principles

of the proposed science and technology center via technology and distance learning. “ By not building the facility the district will be able to redirect some Bond interest money for more pressing capital improvement projects rather than perhaps holding a Bond referendum next November. “It is important to note that the district cannot use bond interest money for employee salaries. “Meanwhile the district will continue to focus on instruc See GLOBAl, Page 2

FBISD faces $74 million cut By SESHADRI KUMAR Because of the proposed state budget reductions, Fort Bend ISD may lose as much as $74 million for 2011-12. This $74 million cut in funding will return FBISD to the 2005-06 spending levels, Chief Financial Officer Tracy Hoke told the school board at a budget workshop on Monday. Since 2006, the district has opened 13 campuses with a student population of 11,500 and 1,180 employees, Hoke

said. In FBISD’s 2010-11 budget, salaries alone accounted for 87 percent of the budget at about $360 million and benefits accounted for another $64 million. The district cannot reduce the utility costs significantly from its present level of $19 million and there can be no significant reduction in other contracted services including maintenance, which have already been cut to the bone.

Fort Bend Education Foundation Sponsors toast the upcoming Gala – Sally Imig, left, Aetna; Deb Farley, United Healthcare; Don Comer, NALCO; Lina Sabouni, AutoArch Architects; Laura Winters, Gala Co-Chair; Emily Agis-Wahl, BMC Software; Bouche Micky, Sugar Land Rotary Club; Gabriella Cone, Gala Co-Chair; Michael Siwierka, Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins and Mott; not pictured; Jim and Elaine Babb, Top Shelf Wine & Spirits, The Day Foundation, and Fred and Mabel Parks Foundation. (Story on Page 2)

The district is likely to lose the state’s technology allotment of $1.9 million, instructional facilities allotment of $545,000 and new building allotment of $300,000 and student success initiative fund of $500,000, besides the foundation school funding ranging from $53 million to $74 million. Also, there is no likelihood of getting the federal stabilization fund which was See BUDGET, Page 2

Toll road authority reconsiders security contract By SESHADRI KUMAR The Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority is reviewing its toll road patrol policy in light of the dozens of cameras being operated on the toll roads by Houston TransStar. That the cameras provide a round the clock live image of the toll roads is being factored into the number of patrol deputies needed to supervise the toll roads. Consequently the toll road authority is expected to stick to its existing plan of having three deputies patrol the toll roads instead of raising the number to six as was recently

proposed. Pct. 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers initially raised the question if the commissioners court acted properly in authoriizing Pct. 4 Constable Troy Nehls to hire deputies to patrol the toll roads which were not in his precinct. Meyers said his point of view is being misinterpreted and published reports misquoted him. “I never said Pct. 4 Constable cannot provide security for toll roads or that his actions would be illegal,” Meyers said. I did not say that a constable can only patrol within his pre-

cinct, but can’t handle business that originates from outside the precinct, he said. The constables have wide law enforcement power and that is not in doubt, he said. However, Meyers said his concern was about the legality of the commissioners court’s action in hiring deputies for a job “not originating” in the respective precinct. Meyers cited the following Local Government Code § 86.011. APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CONSTABLE. (a) provides that “…The commissioners court shall approve See PATROL Page 2

FBJSL CHARITY BALL. Standing, L to R: Pam Spencer (FBJSL President), Jenn Marker (Charity Ball CoChair), Robin Alston (Charity Ball Co-Chair), Raquel Smith (FBJSL Board Member), Shayne Newell (Charity Ball Co-Chair) and Shannon Bloesch (Charity Ball CoChair). Kneeling, L to R: Peter Strohmer (General Manager, Sterling McCall Lexus) and Marvin Marcell (Director of Public Affairs, Group 1 Automotive, Inc.) (See Page 2.)

10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

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Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 26, 2011

Global From page 1 tion to improve students’ science competency, noting that overall achievement in science is still the lowest area of student performance in the district, although there has been improvement. “In fact, the House Public Education Committee just posted its interim report to the House website. “The report includes the committee’s recommendations for the 82nd Legislature regarding the four charges the committee investigated over the course of the interim. Charge Four is of particular importance in this regard: “Review policies to ensure the availability of quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum to all students in primary and secondary education. Examine strategies to increase the supply and improve retention rates of teachers in STEM fields.” When the board had a change of heart on the global science center is not clear. There was no specific agenda item in any of the board meetings recently. However, the board had closed sessions to discuss the superintendent’s contract and the Superintendent/board goal, where the topic could have been discussed. Last year, when the district decided to delay the global science center because of budget constraints, it was made public through an email from the superintendent to the school district staff. Similarly, the latest decision on the global science center was also made public through the superintendent’s email to the staff, followed by a press release about the email. The reasons cited by the board for abandoning the project are the same which the public made two years ago when the board authorized the superintendent to go ahead with the project.

Budget

Patrol

From page 1

received last year. Future budgetary discussions for the school district include extra curricular activity fees, further tightening bus routes, cost analysis of academy and vocational programs, departmental and campus budget adjustments, health insurance program changes and staffing guideline changes. Trustee Jim Rice suggested town hall meetings to keep the community informed of the challenges faced by the district. Trustee Marilyn Glover said the district has to take “a hard line approach” and consider collaboration among likeminded school districts. Parents also should come up with good ideas on how we can keep a campus open under these circumstances. Board president Sonal Bhuchar said the community should take on the responsibility of communication with the legislators as the board and the adminisitration would continue to do.

Youth of the month

and confirm the appointment of the deputy only if the commissioners court determines that the constable needs a deputy to handle the business originating in the precinct…” A plain reading of this statute shows that the commissioners’ authority is limited to hiring deputies for jobs originating in the precincts and it does not limit the powers of the constable to do any given law enforcement duty. For example, if a constab -le patrols the toll road without specifically hiring deputies for that specific job, it will not be in violation of any law. However, if the commissioners were to appoint deputies, then the origin of the job comes into the picture and the commissioners have to act accordingly. Meyers sought to correct the action by having Commissioners Court authorize the Sheriff, who does not need the Court’s approval to hire deputies, or the Constable in whose precinct the toll road is located to patrol the toll roads.

Millie Shi of Clements High School was honored on January 12 by The Exchange Club of Sugar Land as Youth of the Month. Millie is ranked #1 in her class of 693 students with a GPA of 4.0. She excels in all AP (Advanced Placement) classes. She is a National Merit Semi-Finalist and is applying as a finalist. She is an accomplished pianist. She received a first place award in the TMTA (Texas Music Teachers Association) in Arlington, Texas, last year. Millie has performed at many hospitals, retirement homes, and on the radio. When she is not studying or playing the piano, she volunteers as a tutor at many Fort Bend I.S.D. schools. Millie plans to attend M.I.T. University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to major in economics. The Exchange Club of Sugar Land meets every Wednesday morning at 7 at the Sweetwater Country Club. — Photos by Ed Lee

(See OPEN LETTER, Page 4)

FBEF gala: Tea partyin Wonderland The 18th annual Fort Bend Education Foundation Gala “A Tea Party in Wonderland,” presented by Aetna, will be held at the Sugar Land Marriott Hotel on February 26, 2011. Come join gala co-chairs Gabriella Cone and Laura Winters in a Tea Party toast to the Fort Bend Education Foundation’s continuing efforts to enrich and enhance the quality of education for all Fort Bend ISD students. Area children are the recipients of this excellence and will take what they learn with them in to the future. Let’s support this ongoing effort in a whimsical, wacky and fun way! Go through the looking glass into Alice’s Won-

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Bid on live auction items & Bid Board items individually or with friends. The evening’s silent Auction promises to have irresistible items donated from each school in FBISD. Who knows, you may be bidding against the Mad Hatter! Just as Alice remembered her visit to Wonderland, you will experience an evening to remember. Join the toast to the success of the Fort Bend Education Foundation and thank the community for its generous support. For table sponsorship, individual tickets or to donate an item visit our website at www. fortbendisd.com/foundation

derland and join her for a tea party. Experience a wonderful evening complete with delectable dining, divine music and dancing, and fantastic friends. Journey through a Wonderland filled with exciting live auction items. Bid on a trip to glittering and glamorous New York City to see the sights and do some serious shopping. Venture to Napa Valley to partake of some fine wine and tour the wineries while taking in the glorious surroundings. Oh! There’s been a special someone traipsing through Wonderland lately. It’s a puppy, just lapping up the idea of becoming the newest member of your family!

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FBJSL Charity Ball Sterling McCall Lexus will be the presenting sponsor of The Fort Bend Junior Service League’s (FBJSL) 2011 Charity Ball. Sterling McCall Lexus was also the presenting sponsor of the very first Charity Ball in 2001. The Charity Ball, scheduled for March 5, at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square, will benefit the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Youth Ranch and the FBJSL Community Assistance Fund. In addition, the Ball will be part of a year-long celebration of FBJSL’s tenth anniversary of serving the Fort Bend community. Peter Strohmer, General Manager of Sterling McCall Lexus, said, “The women of the Fort Bend Junior Service

League have given tirelessly to our community since 2001, and Sterling McCall Lexus is proud to support the League’s tenth anniversary Charity Ball.” FBJSL President Pam Spencer added, “We are so pleased to welcome Sterling McCall Lexus as the presenting sponsor of the 2011 Charity Ball. They have been strong supporters of the League for many years, and we can’t think of a better partner to help us raise funds for Parks Youth Ranch.” For more information on the Charity Ball, including sponsorship opportunities, which range from $500 to $10,000, please contact Charity Ball Co-chairs Robin Alston, Shannon Bloesch, Jenn Marker or Shayne Newell at charityball@ fbjsl.com.

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News Land has led to involvement on both the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation and the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation. Her project to preserve Lakeview Auditorium, once the community center of Sugar Land in its company town days, led to the establishment of the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation in 1999. Yeung serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors of this foundation which has successfully raised over one million dollars to convert the historic landmark into a state of the art performance venue. Additionally, Yeung serves on the Board of Directors for the newly established Sugar Land Heritage Foundation, created to preserve and communicate the history of the City of Sugar Land. Yeung states, “I feel truly blessed to be living in Sugar Land. I love the history of our City and I feel it is essential to preserve its story and educate current and future generations who will call Sugar Land home. My own history of serving our City on multiple boards and commissions equips me with the experience and perspective necessary to effectively serve as a representative on City Council. It will be a privilege to continue serving the citizens of Sugar Land in this new way.” Yeung was a member of the Class of 2003 Fort Bend Leadership Forum and in 2009, the Leadership Excellence for Nonprofit Class. For four years, she has been a member of the Faith In Practice Surgical Medical Mission Trip to Antigua, Guatemala. Yeung is seeking Dist. 2, council seat currently held by Don Olson. Bridget and her husband, John, have been married for 33 years and have one daughter, Kristin, who is currently attending the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Sugar Land City Councilman Don Olson last week announced that he will not seek re-election to the City Council upon the conclusion of his term. “Today, I announce that I will be stepping down from Sugar Land City Council at the conclusion of my second term. These next few months will mark the end of my many years of professional and volunteer service in city government in a career which has spanned across five decades, several states and cities, and numerous administrations. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have had to serve my district and Sugar Land, and I pledge to serve these next months on City Council with as much dedication as I have these past four years.” “This decision has been bittersweet. Our family moved here from Ohio in 1983, and out of all places within this region, Celia and I chose Sugar Land as the place where we wanted to raise our children. This was the place where we saw the best schools, where we witnessed dynamic growth, and where we lived among the finest neighbors in America. Here is where we have been active in service and volunteer opportunities throughout Fort Bend County, and here is where we have gained treasured and lifelong friendships and memories.” “Together, Celia and I have made the decision to be nearer to our children, Kimberly and Scott, who not so many years ago, both graduated from Clements High School right here in Sugar Land. Today, they have their own families and our grandchildren (age 5-14) are very active, quickly growing into young men and women that we are very proud of. We are ready to devote more of our time to them, and thus we will soon be relocating to the Austin area. It is difficult to decide to leave our home of 28 years, but we are excited to soon become greater participants in our grandchildren’s lives and activities.” “I wish to publicly acknowledge and thank my wife Celia, for giving me the love and support I needed to serve in this office these two terms. “I have thoroughly enjoyed being on City Council, and I greatly appreciate the hard work and dedication of my fellow council members and our city staff. These past four years have been a rewarding experience, and it has been a joy to work with the constituents of our city. I am very proud of what we have accomplished, and of the bright future that lies ahead of Sugar Land.” Don Olson was elected to Sugar Land City Council in May 2007, and re-elected in 2009. Olson will continue his consulting business in his new location.

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Annual String Fling to feature Fort Bend ISD orchestra students Fort Bend ISD will host its annual String Fling Concert on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m., at Wheeler Field House, located at 16403 Lexington Blvd., in Sugar Land. This free event will showcase the talents of FBISD’s middle school beginner orchestra students and feature Dennis Whittaker, professional bassist, as guest clinician/ performer. Whittaker has been the principal Double Bassist of the Houston Grand Opera since 1996, and appears on six world premier recordings with that organization. He performed as principal bass for the Festival de dui Mondi in Spoleto, Italy for Gian Carlo Menotti’s 90th birthday.

Scott Coulthard earns Eagle Scout rank Scott Coulthard of Troop 731 has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Alan was recognized in a special Eagle Court of Honor ceremony held Jan. 22, at The Highlands Club House. Scott, son of Alex and Cheryl Coulthard of Sugar Land, started Scouting in Canada. He progressed through the Cub Scout ranks, and joined BSA Troop 731 in 2007. He advanced through the ranks completing 52 merit badges, serving the community with numerous service hours, and

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R ED U C ED

S u g ar Land community leader Bridget Yeung has announced that she will run for Sugar Yeung Land City Council, representing District 2. A resident of Sugar Land for 23 years, Yeung is well known as a business professional dedicated to community service. Since 1996, Yeung has been a Principal with Fort Bend Financial Associates, with over 20 years experience in the financial service industry. Yeung is the current Chairman of the City of Sugar Land Planning and Zoning Commission and the Past Chair for the Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce. Yeung has gained a wealth of experience in city management and infrastructure in her six years on the Sugar Land Planning and Zoning Commission, for which she has served as Chairman for the past three years. Additionally, she was appointed to the City of Sugar Land 4B Corporation and served on this for six years, with responsibility in the roles of president, vice president and secretary. Yeung has been a member of the Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce for 10 years and was elected to the position of Chairman in 2010, this year serving in the role as Past Chair for this organization of 1200 member businesses. In 2007, she was presented the Vicki Hamilton Award for “strong commitment and outstanding service” to the Fort Bend community. Additional roles in the Chamber of Commerce include Division Chair for Education. Yeung’s appreciation for the unique history of Sugar

21 years of experience!

R ED U C ED

Bridget Yeung runs for Sugar Land Councilman Don Sugar Land City Council Olson announces retirement

Suzette Peoples Broker /Owner

and plan, develop, and give leadership to a service project for a non-BSA organization.

Scott’s Eagle project was designing, coordinating, building, and installing raccoon proof trash enclosures for the hiking trails at Brazos Bend State Park In addition to his Eagle Rank pin and neckerchief, Scott was presented with a plaque from the Exchange Club of Sugar Land and a special collectible Norman Rockwell Knife from Troop 731. Scott continues the tradition of excellence from Troop 731, as he is the 60th boy to earn the rank of Eagle Scout in the troop since its inception in 1991.

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Missouri City parks receive recognition Several Parks and Recreation projects in Missouri City are being recognized as outstanding parks and natural area projects by the HoustonGalveston Area Council of Governments. The Wetland Reforestation Project received an honorable mention in the “on-theground” projects category (under $500,000) of the HGAC Parks and Natural Areas Award Program. The City’s Parks & Recreation Department, spearheaded by the City Forester & local volunteer organizations, have completed reforestation projects in three major City parks. The reforestation and wildlife habitat projects included planting 875 trees at Buffalo Run Park, Independence Park and Sta-Mo Park. The projects have also resulted in several Boy Scouts completing their Eagle Scout awards and several civic organizations completing community service projects.

This award-winning project was completed with the help of numerous donations and 140 volunteers who worked a total of 450 hours. The total direct cost of these projects was $3,000, and most of the trees and materials were donated by local corporations. In addition, the Memorial Tree Program and the Junior Arborist Program received certificates of recognition in the planning and policy tools categories, respectively. The Memorial Tree Program allows residents to recognize a loved one, or honor a group or individual, with a tree planted in one of the City’s parks in their honor. The cost is $100, and participants also receive a customized page on the City’s website, displaying pictures and a written dedication of the person or group the tree honors. The Junior Arborist Program has been reaching out to students of Southminster

becoming Junior Tree Detectives around their campus on Earth Week. The Parks and Recreation Department was officially recognized during a ceremony held on Jan. 18 at H-GAC’s offices in Houston.

New event manager for Town Square

Missouri City Parks and Recreation projects were honored recently by the Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments. Attending the ceremony to accept two awards were, from left, Councilman Bobby Marshall, Parks and Recreation Director Larry Foos and Forester Paul Wierzbicki.

Planned Community Developers, Ltd. has announced the addition of Shana Sonnier as Marketing and Event Manager for Sugar Land Town Square. Sonnier’s new role will encompass producing events that make Sugar Land Town Square a destination location and contribute to the sense of community found in Sugar Land. By working with community partners, Sonnier will be able to bring exciting activities that represent the diversity and generosity of the community to the Plaza of Town Square. Sonnier’s previous experience includes 16 years as a marketing and promotions director in the radio industry where she created, produced and managed events of all sizes. She was also responsible for the successful marketing of radio programming features including contests, station ID’s and listener building promotions. “Working with Sugar Land Town Square is an excellent opportunity to marry my event marketing and production skills with my love of bringing people together,” said Sonnier. “My focus will be to enhance the family-friendly events already in place and create exciting new programs that the community is sure to enjoy.”

Elementary School for three years. Fourth and fifth graders learn about the benefits and enjoyment of nature and giving back to their communities by planting trees on campus, watching climbing and arborist demonstrations, and

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 26, 2011

Opinion

The View from Sugar Land City council takes the wrong path By RUSSELL C. JONES The Sugar Land City Council is usually pretty good about making the right decisions. Members argue over policy issues from time to time, but on the whole, the city seems to be working pretty well, and citizens seem to appreciate the integrity of the Council. Occasionally, however, the Council goes down the wrong path. It looks like it may be heading that way now. The Council is considering a number of amendments to the city’s charter for inclusion on the upcoming city election ballot in May. Most of the proposals are innocuous, intended only to bring the charter into compliance with state laws which have changed over the years. One or two may actually make significant improvements to the charter. The big issue, however, buried somewhere down in the middle of all of the others, is the question of whether to extend the term of City Council members to three years from the current two-year period. Additionally, term limits would be extended to nine years, instead of the current eight years. While this columnist is not one who generally supports term limits (let’s just say that this columnist absolutely opposes term limits), the reality is that every election is an opportunity for the voters to limit the term of an unsatisfactory incumbent elected official. Right now, voters can decide to make a change every two years. Yes, if you are an elected official, it is a pain to go through another election. Even if you do not have an opponent, there are certain aggravations which distract from one’s duty to the voters as the official approaches the end of his term. However, from the voter’s

Jones point of view, each election represents an opportunity to approve what the official has done, or to throw the bum out. The appearance of this item on the upcoming ballot has only been tentatively approved in a workshop session. It will come up again for a final determination by the City Council at the first meeting in February. At that time, the Council will vote whether or not to include the item on the May ballot. If you do not believe that the City Council’s terms of office should be extended, you should contact the mayor or your City Councilman directly and let him know how you feel. Alternatively, you can e-mail this councilmember at rjones@sugarlandtx. gov. GCWA is out of control. In 1995, the Gulf Coast Water Authority committed that it would agree to legislation which would give the counties of Fort Bend and Brazoria representation on its board of directors upon their contracting for the purchase of a certain volume of water. The issue is critical for Sugar Land because the GCWA controls certain water rights in Oyster Creek, which is to be the source of Sugar Land’s surface water under

the terms of a mandate issued by the Fort Bend Subsidence District. Consistent with the written assurances from the Authority, the Sugar Land City Council last year adopted a legislative agenda calling for representation of Fort Bend and Brazoria counties on the GCWA board. Sen. Joan Huffman agreed to carry the bill. Prior to the November election, Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert and Sugar Land Mayor Thompson met with the then Galveston County Judge, who agreed to support the legislation. When Republican Mark Henry was unexpectedly elected Galveston County judge, Hebert and Thompson met with him as well, receiving a promise to support the legislation. With no notice of a change of plans, last Wednesday the Galveston County Commissioners Court voted to oppose the legislation extending voting rights to Fort Bend and Brazoria. Fort Bend and Brazoria long ago surpassed the minimum requirements of the 1995 GCWA commitment. Instead of supporting Sugar Land’s legislation, however, R.C. Williams, chairman of the GCWA board, has now reneged on the board’s promise. He recently told a Galveston reporter that he opposes voting membership for Fort Band and Brazoria. “I represent [Galveston] county,” Williams said, noting that he was appointed to the board by the commissioners court. “So I will be voting against [the Huffman bill] too.” So much for the trustworthiness of some government officials! Jones is a member of the Sugar Land City Council, having been first elected in 2003. He owns a law firm and a title insurance company in Sugar Land.

Musings: Lost Culture By JANICE SCANLAN Time was way over for clearing old files. I don’t think I need 20 years of bank statements or files 10 years old. But the ironies of clearing the clutter are all the stuff you find . . . and all the stuff you thought you needed, but really didn’t. And re-using old binders? It’s having a place to store them! Is there a way to have the foresight to know what’s important? My husband has a simple rule for this. If you haven’t used it in the past year, you ought to throw it away. He’s probably right. However, I frequently have clients require I keep project files for five years . . . do I make a note to myself 5 years out— your time is up? What was the most interesting part of this endeavor is how technology has changed in just 10 years. I had one side of a credenza that had nothing but floppy discs—both the vinyl and 3.5” variety. Plus I had all the nice storage boxes for them. Now, I don’t have a computer that will even read these “back up data files;” but, by gosh, I have the information. Will our culture be lost to our data storage methods? Will archeologists find all this plastic stuff hundreds of years

Scanlan from now only to be unable to read any of it? It won’t be a Rosetta Stone that’s needed to unlock the meaning . . . it will be data devices that can read and display it. Think about all the devices we are creating right now in our smart phones, iPads, and other personal data devices. They are just the beta max and VCRs lost to the DVDs and whatever is next. Or 8 and 6 track tape players . . . and cassettes. However, part of this cleaning was personal stuff . . . old picture albums. One tattered album I had kept from my mother dated from the 1920s to the 1950’s. It was not in mint condition, but every photo is sharp and interesting. My mother liked to photo-

graph zoos, vacations, wagon loads of vegetables, Baptists dunking each other in rivers, and the obligatory photo of the period: the family lined up by the new car. Then the Polaroid “instant” cameras came. Those pictures were fun, but they certainly were fleeting compared with the sharp Kodak pictures that were 30 and 40 years older. In looking at 40 years of the Quail Valley Garden Club, we had to address all the tubs of storage items we were keeping. Old scrap books no one wanted; all the Christmas decorations for 19 entrances into Quail Valley; and just the other “stuff” that piles up. And we were spending money to store it. There is probably something we should be saving . . . but who has the time, interest or patience to go through it all? So are we drowning ourselves in stuff we don’t need or keep? This project has certainly tested recycle or reuse for me. And perhaps most of it should be lost—or never collected in the first place. Write to janicescanlan@ earthlink.net

Open letter to the communtiy Knowledge is power By SONAL BHUCHAR A school district is the hub of a community because from within its walls, emanates knowledge, creativity, excellence, hard work, commitment and dedication, all of which is focused on our most valued possession - our children. When the district succeeds, as Fort Bend ISD has, in becoming a Recognized district, then we as a community have succeeded and should stand tall and proud. Over the last five years, we have faced many challenges, in terms of growth, both exponential and slowed, public education funding, academic challenges and national economic crises. Despite the continued financial challenges we have faced and will continue to face in Fort Bend ISD, we can all be proud of our students and staff, and the support of our community for the remarkable gains in student achievement our district has made in recent years. We are one of the largest Recognized school districts in the state, and each year more and more of our campuses achieve an Exemplary or Recognized rating. We have done this through hard work, operating as a team, and keeping a positive focus on doing the best for our students. We managed our challenges by optimizing available resources and proactively en-

Boomerang children (the ones you send off to college and then come back) combined with ObamaCare have created a new and conflicting situation when it comes to adult children’s health care. As of January 1, 2011, adult children under the age of 26 are now being added back to parents’ health insurance policies, even if they have not moved back into the house. They have not converted back into “minor child” status, however. In just the first two weeks of 2011, we had two situations involving parents of such adult children create substantial conflict in our office because they were trying to manage their son’s or daughter’s medical affairs. In a third situation, someone unknown to us called the office and asked “which side did my friend get operated on?” It is time to discuss Patient Privacy Rights. By law, a child becomes a legal adult on his or her 18th birthday, and yet, turning 18 does not make a child be economically independent. Also by law, all adults have very specific privacy rights. One day, the parent is the legally responsible party regarding a 17-year-old child, and the next day, the 18-yearold adult can block the parent’s access to medical information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), was first past in 1996 and has been amended several times since. Doctors and other health care providers are required to provide proof that they have disclosed their HIPAA prac-

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gaging our legislators in continued dialogue to support fair and adequate funding for public education. Declaring a state of financial exigency last year, with an associated reduction in workforce, was a very difficult but objective process. The Board made a commitment to rehire as many staff members as possible as other positions became available through attrition or retirement. We are pleased that we were able to rehire about 75 percent of those staff members whose positions were eliminated. Today, with a looming budget cut from the state that could be as much as $74 million a year this biennium, we will face even tougher challenges and make even harder decisions. Coupled with that, there will be the introduction of the new state assessment system, STAAR, which will require

(Sonal Bhuchar is the current president of Fort Bend ISD.)

Boomerang children’s privacy rights

Salem International Christian Center

Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

Bhuchar

focused academic effort in terms of new curricula, teaching methods and professional development. It will become incumbent upon all the stakeholders to take time to learn the facts and understand the processes that will be put into place to ensure our continued academic success in spite of draconian cuts and new mandates. The Board of Trustees will take a leadership role in providing as much information as possible. Just as elected Board members are the voice ‘OF’ the community, they are also responsible for being the voice ‘TO’ the community, by disseminating correct and factual information. I encourage you to access this reliable and constantly updated information on the district website at fortbendisd.com and other methods of outreach in the form of e-news, and newsletters. Efforts to undermine the hard work being done, will always coexist and I urge you to seek us out for any clarification or concerns you might have. As president of the FBISD board, I call upon the community to support us in our common goal to make Education a priority and provide the best opportunities possible for our children. After all, we are your school district.

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Parr tices and policies to patients. It is one of those forms you must sign when you go to a new doctor. It has become so routine that people almost never even read the disclosure statement before signing them any more. Under the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) passed in March, 2010, you now can have your adult child on your health insurance policy until age 26; but the healthcare reform act did not override HIPAA’s privacy rights. Just because your adult child is on the health insurance policy does not give you, the parent, any rights to discuss health care matters with your adult child’s doctor’s office HIPAA does allow doctors, pharmacists, therapists, and other health care providers the right to discuss a patient’s health conditions and health needs without first having to get a patient’s permission. Otherwise, doctors could not provide continuity of care for their patients. However, the law does not allow discussions about any patient’s medical condition beyond the “medical need to know” without the patient giving specific permission to talk to others first. If your 19-year-old son or daughter totals your car, you certainly can discuss the accident with your own automobile insurance company. But without permission from your adult child, you will not be able to discuss medical details with the doctors at the hospital. If your child is unable

to give permission because he or she is too severely injured, parent frustration is the natural reaction. Taking that frustration out on the medical staff, however, will not help and could get you removed from the hospital altogether by security. Every adult, from age 18 to age 118, should have a Medical Power of Attorney. You can download that blank document from the Texas Medical Association’s web site at http://www.texmed.org/ template.aspx?id=65#Power . This will not give you open access to an adult child’s medical information as long as your child is capable of making his or her own medical decisions, but it will enable you to be involved if your adult child is too severely injured. While your family members are preparing their Medical Power of Attorney documents, you can ask your adult children who are still in the family payroll to also sign a “permission slip” for you to discuss their medical matters with their doctors. They do have the legal right to say no, and do not be surprised if they refuse. Upon a number of occasions over the years, we have had 18-year-old high school students tell us that we may not discuss an injury with a parent. While we suspect the parent will probably notice the cast or the crutches, we thus cannot talk to the parent about the medical condition. The point is that when you are dealing with the details of your boomerang child’s health, you may feel like you are getting the run-around, but you are not. The concepts of “as long as you are living under my roof” or “as long as I am paying the bills” absolutely do not override a patient’s privacy rights under HIPAA. (Parr has a BS Degree in Business and Finance and a Masters Degree in Federal Tax Law and has worked in the Medical accounting industry for more than 20 years. )

JANUARY 26, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

News Missouri City’s crime rate drops By BARBARA FULENWIDER While Missouri City’s population continues to grow, crime continues to decrease, according to statistics the city’s police department compiles annually for the FBI’s national crime report. In 2010 crimes dropped by 333 incidents from the 4,588 in 2009 to 4,255. Overall, Part 1 crimes, which are the most serious and include theft, arson, rape, robbery, burglary, murder, aggravated assault and vehicle theft, dropped by 26 – from 1,429 in 2009 to 1,403 in 2010. Murders increased from one to four, aggravated assaults went from 61 incidents to 79, vehicle thefts increased from 57 in 2009 to 71 last year and thefts climbed from 872 in 2009 to 888 in 2010. Part 1 crimes that decreased were rape, which went from 15 in 2009 to 10 in 2010; robberies were down minimally from 46 to 42, burglaries dropped by 61 from 366 in 2009 to 305 in 2010 and arsons went from 11 two years

ago to three last year. Four out of the eight Part 1 crimes likely dropped this past year because the police department used more strategic stings, patrols and community education programs. One result of all this was more adults were arrested for all offenses. The total went from 1,575 in 2009 to 1,951 in 2010, according to Missouri City Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald, who made the crime analysis presentation to city council at their Jan. 18 meeting. The chief’s total arrest data for major and minor crimes shows that in 2008 Missouri City police arrested 1,360 adults, 91 juveniles and 338 were either released or “other” for a total of 1,789 total arrests. In 2009 there were 1,575 adults arrested along with 72 juveniles and 307 others for a total of 1,654. This past year Missouri City police arrested 1,951 adults, 97 juveniles and 394 others for a total of 2,442 arrests. The chief also reported that

the department’s response time to emergency calls remained just less than four minutes – the same as in 2009. Also, the police department received 400 fewer calls for service last year, Fitzgerald said, and credits the police community outreach programs for that. He said it allows “us to mitigate some problems we encounter” because officers regularly attend homeowner association meetings to directly answer residents questions and offer ways to address problems. This educates citizens so there are fewer times citizens need to call 911 for non-emergencies. Fitizgerald told council that another way the department succeeded in decreasing crime last year was using strategic stings to arrest motor vehicle thieves, reduce gang violence and narcotics sales and distribution. Motor vehicle thefts went from 449 in 2009 to 323 in 2010. Last year the Missouri City Police Department rejoined the Fort Bend County Narcot-

ics Task Force and initiated a total of 195 investigations last year compared to 107 in 2009. Police also facilitated crime watch training and gang awareness programs for citizens. Fitzgerald pointed out that last year citizens could use RAIDS online, a free, crime mapping national database that allows citywide crime tracking. This year Fitzgerald is urging citizens to use an email/ text message component that allows them to join citizens on patrol and share information about crimes they may witness with police and their neighbors. To Join Citizens on Patrol and/or send anonymous tips, residents should go to www. missouricitytx.gov, and click on Tracking Crime. Under Quick Links choose “Crime Mapping” and once the map loads, residents can either Join Citizens on Patrol or submit an anonymous tip regarding a crime.

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Missouri City considers code enforcement on multi-family homes By BARBARA FULENWIDER During a staff report to city council it became quite clear that a neighborhood’s first defense against something they don’t want in their midst is most often neighbors reporting it to the right authorities. A report to update council on the city’s authority to enforce code regulations on certain types of multi-resident single-family homes was presented at the Missouri City Council’s Jan. 18 meeting after background information on it was discussed in an earlier closed executive session. It became clear that in order for the city to be able to regulate all group homes, assisted living facilities and halfway houses in Missouri City’s limits, it needs the help of citizens reporting them to the city. City Manager Frank Simpson gave council the update, which was primarily on group homes for the elderly and/or

disabled, assisted living facilities and halfway houses for people with drug addictions and those who need rehabilitation or correctional programs. He began by saying that the city has “had a lot of citizens calling about group homes, assisted living facilities and halfway houses” to ask what is allowed and what isn’t. “There’s not a simple response when people call and ask ‘can they do that?’ It’s a complex area of the law,” Simpson said. “There are many restrictions and requirements on how these facilities operate as well as what we can do to regulate them. We want people to know that we’ll do all we can to make sure they are operating within the law and have the proper licenses.” Simpson went on to tell councilmen that he doesn’t think that the citizens calling the city “are asking us

to completely prohibit them. When done in the right manner they serve a purpose and besides the law doesn’t allow us to prohibit such.” The city manager went on to say that the city is asking citizens to do two things. Number 1 is “if there’s any concern about any type of criminal activity, call the police, rather than the city.” Number 2 is know that the city does not know where all these homes are. “We are most likely to know where a home is when it is licensed by the state and is operating within the law. We’re less likely to know about those that aren’t,” Simpson said. Quite often, he said, “they look like any other homes in the neighborhood and may even be better kept than other homes in the neighborhood. If someone believes there’s a group home that isn’t operating according to the law, call us and we’ll look into it.

“We want to make sure everything is operating legally but we have to do our part by following federal and state law. We want to do all we can but we do need citizens cooperating with us” – contacting either the police or city if they see any suspicious activity, Simpson said. The city manager said that if the city doesn’t do its part to follow the law “we could make the matter worse by not going through the right channels. We have been successful. There was one on Cypress Point. It took a bit of time but we did everything we could and finally that facility is closed and the house is back for rent. “We want to do all we can but we do need citizens cooperating with us and reporting what they can when they can and we’ll follow up and keep communication open,” Simpson said.

Derek Finley earns CFP designation WJ Interests, LLC, is pleased to announce that J. Derek Finley has completed the requirements and is now a Certified Financial Planner, as designated by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. CFP® designation is one of the most difficult certifications financial planners can earn, and denotes such planners as having achieved the highest levels of education and fiduciary responsibility. WJ Interests president Bill Jameson was certified in 1999; chief investment officer Jared Jameson earned his certification in 2000. “Derek has worked hard

during the past three years to meet the stringent requirements of this designation,” said Jared Jameson. Finley joined WJ Interests in December 2007 and is the first associate to be added since the company was founded in 1996. He is a 2007 graduate of the financial planning program at Texas Tech University, one of the few financial planning college programs in the country. CFP® professionals must develop their theoretical and practical financial planning knowledge by completing a comprehensive course of study at a college or university offering a financial plan-

Legislative committee recommends closure of prison in Sugar Land As a result of State Rep. Charlie Howard’s continued efforts, the Texas House Appropriations Committee has included a budget recommendation to close the central prison unit in Fort Bend County. “This budget recommendation is a win-win for all Texans. It will help assist in balancing our state budget, while at the same time creating economic opportunity for the great people of District 26,” stated Howard. “If passed, this will provide additional business and industrial property for development which will bring more jobs and economic growth to Fort Bend County.” Last March, the Texas General Land Office estimated the 325plus acres that the prison occupies are worth more than $33 million. The prison also sits on land that is zoned, in part, for the expansion of the Sugar Land Regional Airport. As development continues to expand toward the land area of the prison, and our state faces a multi-billion dollar shortfall, it is both economically practical as well as governmentally efficient to move the operations of the prison elsewhere. “This is an issue that I have been passionately working on with the city of Sugar Land for quite some time,” said Rep. Howard. “It is in the best interest of our state and my district to close the central prison unit and transfer its operations to another location. I am pleased to see our state’s leaders address this important matter.”

ning curriculum approved by CFP Board. They then must pass a comprehensive twoday, 10-hour CFP® certification examination that tests their ability to apply financial planning knowledge in an integrated format. Based on regular research of what planners do, the exam covers the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance. WJ Interests provides financial planning and investment services to an array of clients, including individuals, families, businesses and

foundations. Headquartered in Sugar Land, the firm works with clients from across Texas and the US. “We work to assist clients in realizing their financial goals,” said Bill Jameson, “by providing fee-only, objective financial planning and investment management with a focus on personalized service and open communication. We want to understand each client’s unique financial goals and keep those goals at the forefront of each financial recommendation.” For more information, ontact WJ Interests at 281-6349400 or wj@wjinterests.com.

Quail Valley Exchange Club hosts St. Patrick’s Day Golf Tournament The Quail Valley Exchange Club will be hosting their 31st annual Golf Tournament on Friday, March 25th at the Quail Valley Golf Courses. “This event is our largest fundraising effort every year, and provides us with the monies to support The Escape Center, Fort Bend Literacy Council, Fort Bend CASA as well as many other charities in Fort Bend County,” said Bob Dimmitt, Exchange Club Past President. “We consistently raise approximately $100,000, all which is donated back into the community.” The highlight of this annual tournament is the raffling of a golf cart and a custom fitted set of Titleist Irons.

Raffle tickets are available from Exchange Club members and at the Quail Valley Golf Courses for $5.00. Entry fees for the tournament include green fees and cart, lunch, complimentary beer while on course and a buffet dinner afterwards along with a silent auction. Lunch is served at 10:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 12 noon. Cost is only $150 per person/$750 for a team of five golfers. Entry forms are available at the Quail Valley Golf Courses or from any Quail Valley Exchange Club member. For additional information, contact Bob Dimmitt at 281-4168499.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, addressed to the City Secretary Office of the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, February 10, 2011, for: ON-CALL PUMP REPAIR SERVICES Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows: ITB NO. 2011-11: ON-CALL PUMP REPAIR SERVICES BIDDER NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE Bidder shall sign and date the bid. Bids that are not signed and dated will be rejected. Signed and sealed bids shall be delivered to the City Secretary Office, on or before 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, February 10, 2011, City of Sugar Land City Hall, Suite 122, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. All bids received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened. Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within thirty (30) days following the date for the opening of bids. The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifications prior to the date set for opening of bids. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifications. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not affect the bid opening date. The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder. ITB documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land City Secretary Office, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at https://www.bidsync.com. Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments, and other information relating to the bid will be posted on this site. For questions regarding this bid, please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contract Administrator, Telephone (281) 275-2302 or email jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov. Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAE City Secretary

Notice of Public Hearing & CDBG Pre-Application Workshop City of Missouri City will hold a public hearing to give all Missouri City residents an opportunity to voice opinions on the City’s HUD Community Development Block Grant program. We will soon be developing an Annual Action Plan to tell HUD and residents how we plan to spend our PY 2011 funds. We would like to hear your comments on how the funds should be spent. A pre-application workshop for potential CDBG subrecipient agencies will be held in conjunction with the public hearing. All non-profit agencies that will be requesting CDBG funds should attend this workshop. All attendees are invited to speak on the subject of CDBG at the public hearing on:

Wednesday, February 2, 2011 2:00 PM City Council Chambers 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, Texas Residents may also send comments before March 1, 2011 to the City of Missouri City’s Planning Department at 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX 77489 (Attention: Betty Collins). Residents may fax their comments to the City at (281) 208-5551. CDBG Program Background The national objective of the CDBG program is to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities principally for low and moderate-income persons. At least 71% of CDBG funds must be used for activities that benefit low and moderate-income persons. CDBG goals include: 1.Improving the urban environment in low and moderate income areas; 2.Eliminating blighting influences and the deterioration of property, neighborhoods and public facilities in low and moderate-income areas; and 3.Ensuring decent, safe, sanitary housing for low and moderate-income residents. Eligible activities include but are not limited to: public facility construction and improvements; handicapped accessibility; operational funding for nonprofit agencies servicing primarily low income persons; rehabilitation of owneroccupied housing; housing development assistance, enforcement of City codes; clearance and demolition; infrastructure improvements; business development and job creation activities. Fair Housing Issues The Public Hearing will also be a forum to discuss fair housing and related issues. Residents with suggestions and/or concerns will be provided opportunity to voice those issues during the Fair Housing portion of the public hearing.

Note:

In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, this facility is wheelchair accessible and accessible parking spaces are available. Re quests for special accommodations or interpretive services must be made at least 48 hours prior to this meeting. Please contact the Plan ning Department at 281-403-8541 or by FAX 281-208-5551.

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 26, 2011

Free income-tax preparation Fort Bend County Libraries will host representatives from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), who will provide free income-tax-preparation assistance for lowincome taxpayers at several locations in the Fort Bend County library system. Patrons should bring last year’s tax return, W-2, 1099s, unemployment compensation statements, and any other documents that are necessary to complete the return to the session. February’s schedules are as follows: George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview, Richmond: Thursdays, February 3, 10, 17, 24; 10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, February 5, 12, 19, 26; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cinco Ranch Branch, 2620 Commercial Center Boulevard, Katy; Meeting Room 1: Mondays, February 7, 14, 21, 28; 1 to 5p.m. Sugar Land Branch, 550 Eldridge; Conference Room: Wednesdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23; 10 a.m to 1 p.m. First Colony Branch, 2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land; Conference Room: Tuesdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22; 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, February 2, 9, 16; 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 23, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch, 8100 FM 359 South, Fulshear; Meeting Room: Saturdays, February 5, 12, 19, 26; 1 to 4 p.m. Income-tax forms may be obtained at any of the branch libraries in the Fort Bend County library system during regular library hours. This service is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677.

Pottery class On Sunday, February 6, Pottery Barn at First Colony Mall will offer a complimentary class entitled How To Accessorize Your Home. The class begins at 3:00 p.m. and during the session, Pottery Barn professionals will share some simple and affordable ways to refresh a home with new accessories. Pottery Barn Decorating Classes are complimentary. Class size is limited and reservations can be made by calling 281- 325-0200. Pottery Barn is located in Center Court across from The Apple Store.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 4TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-170579 in favor of the Plaintiff - QUAIL GREEN WEST HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,935.14 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 20TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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)- WILLIS N. WHYTE had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 09, IN BLOCK 02 OF QUAIL GREEN WEST, SECTION ONE, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 56 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF (THE PROPERTY) ALSO KNOWN AS 1835 FRESHMEADOW DR., MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459. Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m. Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2 By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #10-DCV-178921 in favor of the Plaintiff - SIENNA PLANTATION RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,935.14 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 20TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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)- TIFFANY HICKS had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 22, IN BLOCK 01 OF SIENNA VILLAGE OF ANDERSON SPRINGS, SECTION THREE A (3A), AN ADDITION IN IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20040030 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, (THE PROPERTY) ALSO KNOWN AS 5907 BUFFALO GAP, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459. Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m. Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2 By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

Job hunters networking Job-hunters who are interested in networking are invited to attend the ICAN Center Mix & Mingle at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Missouri City Branch Library, 1530 Texas Parkway, on Wednesday, February 9, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Special guess speaker, Sanjay Mundle, will discuss “The Job-Search Process Today.” Mundle is an advisor at the Houston Technology Center. He holds undergraduate degrees in Economics and Business and Informa-

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #10-DCV-180977 in favor of the Plaintiff -RIDGEMONT PUD HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,284.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 16TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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)- JUAN A. MONTEZ and MIRNA MONTEZ had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 9, IN BLOCK 3, OF AN UNRECORDED SUBDIVISION OUT OF RESERVE “D” AND “G” OF RIDGEMONT, SECTION TWO, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF WHICH RIDGEMONT, SECTION TWO IF RECORDED IN VOLUME 10, PAGE 11, IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ALSO KNOWN AS 15841 RIDGEROE LN., HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77053. Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m. Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2 By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-169910 in favor of the Plaintiff -RIDGEMONT PUD HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,013.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 16TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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)- JUAN MANUEL HERNANDEZ AND ALICIA HERNANDEZ had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 10, IN BLOCK 15 OUT OF RESERVE “G” OF RIDGEMONT, SECTION 2, A SUBDIVISION IN HARRIS COUNTY AND FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 10, PAGE 11 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY ,METES AND BOUNDS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART THEREOF (THE PROPERTY) ALSO KNOWN AS 4925 E. RIDGECREEK DR., HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77053. Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m. Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2 By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

Dad and Daughter Dance Young ladies ages 4-to 12-years-old can be prepared to make an elegant impression at Missouri City’s Dad and Daughter Dance by enrolling in a new “Classy Girl” workshop being held on Tuesday, Feb. 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center, 1522 Texas Parkway. “The class is designed to bring out the poise and confidence of the girls who attend any special event, including the Dad and Daughter Dance,” said Recreation Specialist Kyle Frye. The workshop offers expertise on entering and exiting a room, gliding through the crowd, standing with poise and style, sitting properly, making small talk, and ending the evening on a proper note. The cost is $20 if purchased with Dad and Daughter advance tickets. Otherwise, the workshop registration fee is $25 per girl with a sibling discount available. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 281-4038637 or visit the Community Center during business hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays. tion Technology, and received his MBA in 2009 from Texas Tech University. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the branch library at 281-238-2100.

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain WRIT OF EXECUTION issued by the clerk of the 190TH District Court of HARRIS County, Texas on NOV 10, 2010 in cause numbered 2009- 63908 styled AMERICAN BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS SUPPLY CO, INC. vs. CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION CO, INC AND LONG T. CHAU JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY, in which a judgment was rendered on MAR 9, 2010 in favor of AMERICAN BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS SUPPLY, CO. INC, for the sum of ONEHUNDRED-FIFTY-THREE THOUSAND SIXHUNDRED-TWENTY- SIX DOLLARS AND NINE CENTS (153626.09)Dollars; plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ. I have levied upon the below listed property on DEC 20 , 2010 and will on FEB 1, 2011, Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Rights, Title, and Interest of LONG T. CHAU in the following described Real Property THE SURFACE ESTATE ONLY OF A 9.5205 ACRES,BEING LOTS THIRTY-SIX (36),THIRTY-EIGHT(38), AND FORTYTWO (42) OF OYSTER CREEK FARMS, AN UNRECORDED SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS AND RECORDED UNDER FILE NUMBER 9681585 OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. , The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of AMERICAN BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS SUPPLY,. INC. .Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: FEB 1, 2011 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 am BY: SGT. M KUTACH CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-176741 in favor of the Plaintiff -RIDGEMONT PUD HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,793.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 16TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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)- GERALDINE L. COTTON had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: BEING A TRACT OR PARCEL CONTAINING 0.1703 ACRE OF LAND BEING TRACT 10, BLOCK 14 OF RESERVE “G” OF RIDGEMONT, SECTION 2, A SUBDIVISION OF RECORD IN VOLUME 10, PAGE 11 OF THE FORT BEND COUNTY PLAT RECORDS, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AS BEING THAT SAME TRACT OF RECORD IN VOLUME 1353, PAGE 695 OF THE FORT BEND COUNTY DEED RECORDS (F.B.C.D.R.) FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, (THE PROPERTY) ALSO KNOWN AS 4845 E. RIDGECREEK DR., HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77053. Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m. Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2 By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

Bargain Book Sale Friends of First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway at Grants Lake, Sugar Land, will hold their monthly bargain book sale Sat. Feb. 5, 9 a.m to 2 p.m. GOOD CONDITION ONLY books, CD’s, DVD’s may be donated during regular library hours or at the sale and are tax deductible. Children’s items are especially needed. Call 281-416-0936 for more information.

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2011 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. RFP 11-039 – INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM EQUIPMENT AND SERVICE FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FLEET AND OPERATIONS Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are required. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. RFP 11-037 – AUDIO VISUAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION PROJECT FOR FORT BEND COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are required. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF FORT BEND § By virtue of an Order of Sale dated NOV 08, 2010 delivered pursuant to a Judgment issued out of the COUNTY COURT AT LAW 3 of Fort Bend County, Texas, said judgment rendered in favor of THE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, OF THE HIGHLANDS plaintiff, and against ALEEN T. WALKER, defendant, in Cause No. 09-CCV-040237 for the sum of ONETHOUSAND-FIVE-HUNDRED-EIGHTYONEAND 33/100’s ($1581.33), plus fees for posting notices, publishing, and all costs of executing sale. I did on the 6TH day of DEC, 2010, at 11:00 Am, levy upon the following described tract of land in Fort Bend County, Texas, as the property of ALEEN T. WALKER, defendant(s), to-wit: LOT THIRTY (30), (LESS W. 1.5’) AND LOT THIRTY-ONE (31) (W1)IN BLOCK FOUR (4), OF THE HIGHLANDS, SECTION III CITY OF SUGAR LAND, IN THE COUNTY OF FORT BEND, STATE OF TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3026 PECAN POINT DR., SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77478. ( THE PROPERTY) and on FEB 1, 2011, being the first Tuesday of said month, between the hours of 10:00 o’clock a.m. and 4:00 o’clock p.m., at the north entrance of the Fort Bend County Courthouse, in Fort Bend County, Texas, I will offer for sale and sell at public auction for cash, all the right, title and interest of ALEEN T. WALKER, defendant, in and to said property. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE, RICHMOND, TX. 77469 DATE: FEB 1, 2011 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 AM BY: SERGEANT M. KUTACH TROY E. NEHLS, Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 16TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #09-DCV-170767 in favor of the Plaintiff – MISSION BEND NO. 5 HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,590.78 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 28TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY, 2011 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) – ROSA G. SALINAS had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION : LOT NINETEEN (19), IN BLOCK TWENTY SIX (26), OF MISSION BEND, SECTION SIX (6 ), A SUBDIVISION IN HARRIS AND FORT BEND COUNTY COUNTIES, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 264, PAGE 97, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS AND VOLUME 21, PAGE 26 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, SAID LOT LYING WHOLLY WITHIN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AND MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 15610 SIERRA VALLE DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77083 ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $89,720.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M.. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 2NDday of DECEMBER 2010 by the JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRECINCT 1, PLACE 2 HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, in cause #CV12C0103929 in favor of the Plaintiff DONIELLE CLEMONS, Plaintiff, for the sum of $2,261.18 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 3RD day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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)- SERGIO AVILA had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: BRIAR VILLA SOUTH SEC 2, BLOCK 8, LOT 2 ,(52X100) (BLUE RIDGE PARK) 16391 ANGEL ISLAND LANE, HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77053. Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m. Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2 By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 16TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #09-DCV-176564 in favor of the Plaintiff – MISSION BEND NO.5 HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC Plaintiff, for the sum of $2,665.85 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 28TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY, 2011 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) – CARMEN DONIS had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION : LOT TWENTY TWO (22 ), IN BLOCK THIRTY FOUR (34 ) OF MISSION BEND, SECTION EIGHT (8), A SUBDIVISION IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS AND IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 13, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ( PROPERTY LIES WHOLLY WITHIN FORT BEND COUNTY ), MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 15511 RIO DEL SOL DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77083. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $89,290.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306 NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of NOVEMBER, 2010 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #09-DCV-172040 in favor of the Plaintiff – PARK AT MISSION GLEN HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, for the sum of $6,551.77 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 14TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY, 2011 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) – NGOZIKA NGONADI had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 06, BLOCK 02, OF PARK AT MISSION GLEN, SECTION ONE, AMENDING PLAT NO. 1, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NOS. 2164B AND 2165 A&B OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AS MODIFIED BY ANY ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $143,660.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306 CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-170084 in favor of the Plaintiff - SIENNA PLANTATION RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,974.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 20TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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)- LANE OLSON had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT FIVE (5), IN BLOCK TWO (2) OF SIENNA VILLAGE OF ANDERSON SPRINGS, SECTION FIVE A (5A), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 2004, PAGE 84 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.

Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2 By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

LEGAL NOTICE REQUESTS FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS Sealed Qualification Statements will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2011 AT 1:30 P.M. (CST). Q11-029 – COLLECTION SERVICE OF DELIQUENT ACCOUNTS Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all qualification statements received. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

Qualified companies are invited to submit proposals to Stafford Municipal School District for Electricity Services, RFP# 2011-0001, at the Stafford MSD administration building conference room in Stafford, Texas before 10:00am local standard time on the 7th day of February, 2011. Bid document can be found on the District’s website, http://www.stafford. msd.esc4.net/ NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 3RD day of DECEMBER, 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #09-DCV-176748 in favor of the Plaintiff – THE WOODS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC Plaintiff, for the sum of $1,942.50 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 28TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY, 2011 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) – NIKKI MCCRAY had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 26, BLOCK 04, OF THE WOODS SUBDIVISION, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT CLERK’S FILE NO. 1176060, SLIDE NO. 692B IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $106,170.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M.. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 16TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #10-DCV-179010 in favor of the Plaintiff - CREEKMONT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,207.69 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 1ST day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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)- FRANCINA LAUNETTE RUTLEDGE had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 17, IN BLOCK 01 OF CREEKMONT, SEC 3A, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NO. 20070035 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY DESCRIBED AS 4706 LESSER CREEK, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545. Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m. Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2 By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 4TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #07-DCV-155975 in favor of the Plaintiff - QUAIL GREEN WEST HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $7,943.25 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 20TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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)- KWAME OSEI BONSU had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 52, IN BLOCK 11 OF QUAIL GREEN WEST, SECTION ONE, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 56 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF (THE PROPERTY) ALSO KNOWN AS 2006 FEATHER RIDGE DR., MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459. Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m. Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2 By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

JANUARY 26, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

FILM REVIEW: No Strings Attached

“We’re just sex buddies…. it’s not possible.” So goes the exchange between Adam (Ashton Kutcher) and his neighbor. His sex buddy is Emma (Natalie Portman) who he has known since middle school. They are both single and in their late 20’s and having a purely physical relationship with “no strings attached” seemed like a win/win. Yeah right, if you live in Never, Never Land. But good ole Adam who works as an assistant on a TV show that smacks of “Glee” and the neurotic Emma who is in her medical residency attempt to pull off the ultimate good deal. I think Jerry and Elaine tried this in the 90’s and they had their challenges as I remember.

Jerry and Elaine set up some ground rules as did Adam and Emma. We all know that at the bottom of all healthy relationships are the dreaded ground rules. What are ground rules and how do you implement them? Where’s the love? Ah, the ground rules take

the place of love. And Jerry/ Adam said “…now we’re getting somewhere.” And George Constanza would say “…who do you think you’re fooling?” And Adam and Emma’s friends would say “…are you crazy… it’ll never work.” But Emma and Adam

have quick sex in the car, storage rooms, bedrooms, and various other places. And the noose starts to tighten. Who will break the ground rules first and stagger into love? Will it be Adam? Emma? Much to the credit of a cleverly written and spirited screenplay by Elizabeth Meriwether, I actually liked these two crazy kids and thought it was a very skillfully produced movie about nothing. Kutcher proved that he can act in spite of being viewed as just a hunk of meat for most of his career; the poor schmuck. And Natalie Portman already has proven that she is Oscarworthy (Black Swan) but she was charming in this film that

Riverstone offers new neighborhoods, model homes, builders The housing market is thriving in Riverstone, with the Fort Bend community opening new neighborhoods, new models and introducing new builders. Newmark Homes and Perry Homes just debuted model homes in Sweetbriar, a new neighborhood of 55-foot homesites with prices from the $250,000s. In addition to the new models, both builders also have completed homes available. Nearby, Trendmaker Homes and David Weekley Homes are building on 80foot wooded homesites in The Orchard neighborhood, with model homes slated to open this spring. Prices start in the $400,000s in the neighborhood, which will have only 24 homesites in the first section. Additional homesites are available in Riverstone’s Nandina neighborhood. Darling Homes is the exclusive builder in the section, which features patio homes on 65foot homesites and pricing from the $410,000s. The builder plans to open a model home in March. Wooded homesites are

is aimed at the lowest common denominator of our sexual best. But as my grandmother use to say “…that girl’s too skinny; we need to fatten her up.” Ms. Portman lost 20 pounds to play the contorted ballerina in “Black Swan” and she obviously had not re-gained that weight when playing Emma. I know: you can’t be too thin or too rich but I’m telling you that Natalie needed a little more meat on her bones. Director Ivan Reitman made this movie in his own image which means it was superbly edited and funny. My audience laughed often and loud. Reitman has done some great work (“Animal House 1978 “Ghostbusters 1984”) over the years and it was good to see that he can still direct and produce hilarious pictures with a new crop

of talented actors. One of the Executive Producers is Natalie Portman; is she hot or what? She will be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress on January 25th for “Black Swan” at a time when this whimsical love story is making it big at the box office. Two big winners besides Kutcher and Portman: Ludacris as Adam’s cool, sage friend and Lake Bell as the klutzy co-worker who has a crush on Adam. If you are seeking a mindless flick that will cause Cary Grant and Doris Day to turn over in their graves, then this is the movie for you. Note: Doris Day is not dead; age 88. Rock ‘n Roll. Grade 88. Larry H. sugarlaw@larryharrison.com

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Indo-American Forum donates $10,000 to Child Advocates Harish Jajoo, second from right, former chairman of the Indo American Forum of Fort Bend, presents Ruthanne Mefford, Executive Director of Child Advocates of Fort Bend, a $10,000 check since the Indo American Forum of Fort Bend (“IAF”) is a title sponsor of the Magic Carpet Gala on April 2, 2011 at Safari Texas Ranch. Also in the picture from left to right, are former IAF chair, K.C. Mehta, current IAF Chairman, Himesh Gandhi, and IAF Trustee Sunny Sharma. “We are looking forward to working with Child Advocates, and IAF is proud to support such an important cause,” says Himesh Gandhi, chairman of the Indo American Forum of Fort Bend.

Sugar Land Democrats Club Sugar Land Democrats Club in collaboration with Tejano Democrats Club of Fort Bend County will hold a forum on immigration: “Why Should We Care?” on Saturday, Feb. 12 at the First Colony Library, 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. The speakers are Gordon Quan, Immigration Attorney Specialist and Founder of FosterQuan LLP and State Rep. Ron Reynolds Texas House District 27.

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 26, 2011

Community news Memorial Hermann Sugar Land and Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospitals present Red Wine & Dark Chocolate for Heart Health

Sugar Land Helps Families in Need, Including Wounded Warriors. A gingerbread house on display in the foyer of Sugar Land City Hall helped ensure that three needy families had a merry Christmas. Sugar Land’s mayor, City Council and city manager individually purchased the holiday decoration – a rendition of Sugar Land’s future minor league baseball stadium – during a special event held by Minute Maid at Sugar Land’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Event in Town Square. Each year, three families are adopted during Christmas as part of the Minute Maid 3-Family Fund. Sugar Land’s purchase of the gingerbread house helped ensure that assistance was provided to families from the Fort Bend Rainbow Room, The United Way and The Wounded Warrior and Family Support Center at Brooke Army Medical Center. The gingerbread house is available for public viewing Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A glass of red wine, some dark chocolate and plenty of insights into living heart healthy lifestyles is a great way to usher in American Heart Month. It’s all available at the Red Wine & Dark Chocolate Event, hosted by Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital and Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, on Thursday, Feb. 10, 6 until 8 p.m. at the new Hyatt Place Sugar Land. Memorial Hermann affiliated physicians will share the keys to heart health and help participants understand how easy it is to start making small lifestyle changes. Free blood pressure screenings will also be offered. Free registration for this social and informative evening is available by calling 713-222-ARE (2273). Hyatt Place is located at 16730 Creek Bend Drive in Sugar Land’s Lake Pointe Town Center just north of U.S. Highway 59.

Career day

On Friday Jan. 21 Dulles Middle School hosted its 10th Annual Career Day. The event “Today’s students, Tomorrow’s Professionals” hosted over 30 guest speakers addressing approximately 120 students. Among the speakers was a Police officer from the Missouri City Police Department, a Nurse, TV Producers, Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers and General Electric’s Healthcare division featured an X-ray Field Service Engineer. Each speaker presented the featured career by introducing the name of his company and describing his/her job function. Speakers focused on the level of education required for the chosen career path and any special training required for the job. Recommendations were given on which high school courses, activities, and/or volunteer efforts students should pursue in order to help prepare them for the highlighted career. GE Healthcare partnered with Methodist Hospital in Sugar Land and provided

For free listing of community events, send email to editor@ fbindependent.com

a mobile X-ray machine on site to demonstrate biomedical electronics and diagnostic imaging equipment. “This career day was exciting,” said Anthony Maroulis, a parent volunteer. “The students were dressed in business casual, took notes and asked great questions. It is important that parents participate in these events so that careers begin after the students graduate high school and thereby leading them to a more productive future.”

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Delta Kappa Gamma Society Progressive Dinner. Members of the Lambda Sigma Chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International enjoyed a holiday progressive dinner at members’ homes. Pat Schroyer hosted the 30 attendees for appetizers in her lovely home. Members were then assigned one of two homes for the main course at the homes of Harriet Mantini and Mary Ann Dolezal. To find their tablemates, members were given a card with the words of different Christmas carols to sing. Those singing the same song sat together with centerpieces illustrating that particular carol. To end this special evening, everyone enjoyed desserts at Debbie Reynolds’ beautifully decorated home. For more information on this honorary women educators’ society, go to the chapter website http://lambdasigma.weebly.com .

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Award-winning Fort Bend Theatre presents Seussical to be performed Jan. 15 – Feb. 13 Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. at 2815 N. Main Street in Stafford. Based on the delightful stories by Dr. Seuss, Seussical brings all of our favorite characters to life, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, and those wacky Whos. The powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant in a story that makes you laugh and cry. Tickets are available online at the FBT website www.fortbendtheatre. com and are only $8. For more information, please call 281208-3333. Above, Gertrude McFuzz (Adina Owen) is embarrassed by her insignificant tail feather while the Cat in the Hat (Mark C. Connelly) looks on in dismay in award winning Fort Bend Theatre’s production of Seussical, Jan. 15 – Feb. 13, Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. at 2815 N. Main Street in Stafford.

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