Fort Bend Independent

Family Practice of Fort Bend A TRADITION OF CARING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Brent W. Galloway, M.D.

Now accepting new patients; Most major insurance plans accepted

281-265-3456

14825 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478

VOL 4 No.5

Robert L. McClendon, M.D. Phone: 281-980-6745

www.fbindependent.com ww .fbindependent.com

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2011

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

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

Sugar Land Rotary honors teachers from private schools

Sugar Land Rotary honored exceptional teachers from private schools in Sugar Land at a special recognition program held at a recent Rotary meeting. For more than 14 years, Sugar Land Rotary has been honoring the teaching profession through this recognition program.

Dr. Timothy Jenney, FBISD Superintendent and Sugar Land Rotarian, welcomed the teachers and campus administrators and expressed appreciate to them from the entire community. The teachers that

were honored are: Fort Bend Baptist Academy •Kristie Pearson, a third-grade teacher (Elementary) •Pam Bell, Arts teacher (Middle School).

•Ron Sanders, Fine Arts teacher (High School) St. Laurence Catholic School •Chris Jonas, a Pre-Kindergarten teacher •ShaLa Kiolbassa, first-grade teacher •Lily Feagin, fourth-grade teacher •Renee Ranalli, fifth-grade teacher

•Terry Boyer, seventh-grade teacher “These teachers work every day to provide the best educational opportunities for students and Sugar Land Rotary is pleased to recognize them for their service to the community,” said Dr. Jenney.

Pictured at the teacher recognition are Dr. Timothy Jenney, left, Lily Feagin, Sugar Land Rotary President Bouche Mickey, ShaLa Kiolbassa, Terry Boyer, Renee Ranalli, Julia Janz, Chris Jonas, and Robert Sanders.

Stafford mayor sticks to ‘winning formula’

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella delivered his annual state of the city address on Jan. 26 and it wasn’t as bleak a picture for 2011 as the one he painted a year ago for 2010.

The reason for that was the financial crisis the country endured in 2009 impacted Stafford negatively too.

Sales taxes, which primarily pay the city’s bills, were down, so the mayor and city council put in an austerity plan more severe than what the city normally lives with.

For the first time in 20 years the salaries of city employees were frozen, an absolute prohibition was put on adding staff and a “firm line” was held on equipment purchases.

While the total payroll and benefits added up to a total of just under $10 million, there were no city layoffs in Stafford.

At the same time severe belt tightening was taking place last year, Stafford, without borrowing a dime, made “substantial infrastructure improvements consisting of expansive landscaping on U.S. 90A and U.S. 59,” paid for the construction of Stafford/Staffordshire roads, rehabilitated Kirkwood, made

Zoning plan includes “repurposing” campuses

By SESHADRI KUMAR Fort Bend ISD will study “repurposing” of Colony Bend Elementary into a Charter School.

This is one of the zoning recommendations made by FBISD Superintendent Tim Jenney to the school board at its last workshop on Jan. 21.

“We recommend studying the value of repurposing Colony Bend Elementary School as a Charter School for 2012-13,” Jenney said.

“We recommend continued study of repurposing Marshall High School as an Academy High School to include the Career &

Technology Education program.

“We recommend further study on the efficient use of capacity for the 10th to 12th grade use of Willowridge High School, consolidating the current attendance zone of Marshall and Willowridge. In conjunction with 10th to 12th grade consolidation, we recommend Missouri City Middle School and McAuliffe Middle School be 7th to 9th grades (in 2012-13).

“Finally, we recommend the study of a building addition at Cornerstone Elementary School no later than the opening of school in 2013,” Jenney said.

The proposed Elementary Zoning includes moving 15 students from Department of Corrections to Oakland Elementary in Sugar Land, 121 students of Orchard Lake Estates from Cornerstone to Oyster Creek Elementary, 198 students of Chelsea Harbour & Landmark at Sugar Land Apartments from Cornerstone to Lakeview and 54 students of Brookside, Hall Lake, and Venetian Estates from Lakeview to Highlands Elementary.

The Middle School zoning includes moving 107 students of Kingsbridge Apartments, Dover, Keegans Wood, and Kings-

bridge Park from Sugar Land MS to Hodges Bend; 55 students of Hall Lake, Lake Point, Sugar Lakes, Alkire Lake, Venetian Estates and Brookside from Sugar Land MS to Dulles MS; 92 students of Dept. of Corrections and future “Cloisters“ Chelsea Harbour & Landmark at SL Apts from Garcia MS to the new MS #14 and 606 students of Pecan Grove Plantation, Waterview, Fieldstone Long Meadow Farms, Aliana, Waterside Village, Waterside Estates, and South Grand Apartments from Crockett MS to MS#14.

From Baines MS, 214 stu-

Scarcella repairs to streets and sidewalks throughout town and installed emergency generators.

The combined price tag for all these projections cost more than $9 million, which all came from current and reserve funds, Scarcella said.

The gem of the city, Scarcella said, continues to be the Stafford Centre.

“For the nearly seven years of its operations,” he said, “a million and a half people have attended events there.”

As usual, the mayor thanked the city’s department heads for their continued work, which earned the city national and local accolades in 2010. Scarcella ended his presentation with a dents living in Stonebrook, Oakwick Forest, Village of Anderson Springs, and Gateway Apartments will be moved to First

list of goals for 2011.

Topping the list is the city will live within its means. The No. 1 was followed by refraining from incurring debt, growing Stafford’s economy, continuing the city’s strong emergency services, complete the infrastructure program, including the quiet zone along the U.S. 90A railroad tracks and advance diversity.

Also, continue to promote the Stafford Centre, enact nonconforming zoning downtown and on FM 1092, insure future water needs, transform Stafford Municipal School District into “a superior, highly respected district” via a $50 million or more bond election and maintain zero property taxes.

In concluding his state of the city message for 2011 the mayor said, “Times are indeed tough, especially for municipalities.”

While they are difficult for Stafford, Scarcella said, “We have planned well for the rainy day.” Still, he said, the city “will have to cut costs” in 2011 and “strive to enhance revenues.

“We have a winning formula,” Scarcella said. “This is no time to change our approach.

Instead, now is the time to refine and elevate it.”

Colony MS. Visit, http://www.fortbend. k12.tx.us/ for more details.

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

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 2, 2011

Lincoln-Reagan Dinner

Democrats regroup in Fort Bend

Lynda Mixon of Sugar Land, a long time Republican and conservative party activist in Fort Bend was recognized for her contributions to the local party with the Jim Adolphus Award at the 2011 Lincoln-Reagan Dinner.

Right, Mixon, after receiving the award, is congratulated by keynote speaker Karl Rove, senior advisor to former president George W. Bush. Rove’s riveting speech, peppered with his critical remarks of President Barack Obama’s administration received a standing ovation and party loyalists stood in a long line to get his autographed book “Courage and Consequence: My Life as a Conservative.”

Pamela McKinney leads Democrats in brainstorming session.

Close to 70 Fort Bend Democrats gathered at the Eldridge Park Conference Center in Sugar Land to collectively set goals for the 2012 election cycle.

“I’m encouraged that Democrats chose not to run back into a corner to lick our wounds. Instead, we are plotting a path to better identify, mobilize and turnout Democrats in November 2012,” stated Fort Bend County Democratic Party Chair Steve Brown.

A number of local Demo-

cratic party officials and elected officials were on hand to provide support and offer resources to the Party.

Themed “A Path Forward,” the retreat accomplished its goal of setting concrete expectations around messaging and message delivery, fundraising and candidate development.

A distinguished panel of veteran activists, young democrats and labor leaders framed the Party’s challenges.

A variety of group activities then addressed each challenge and recommended opportuni-

ties to grow local Democratic support.

Sugar Land Democrats Co-chair Deron Patterson remarked, “We really got a lot done. I look forward to giving Fort Bend voters a better understanding of our core values. I think many Fort Bend residents will recognize that they actually share our beliefs.” “We all agreed that in order to win elections in 2012 we must begin creating an apparatus that will turnout the Democratic vote today,” commented Brown.

The Lincoln Reagan Dinner of the Republican Party of Fort Bend County on Jan. 28 featured former Bush aide, author and columnist Karl Rove, and it also brought back nostalgia to many young and old LRD attendees with the Big Band sounds of The Blue Skies Orchestra.

Sugar Land resident and recording artist Debbie Fancher joined Blue Skies as well as adding a few patriotic tunes to the mix.

The Blue Skies Orchestra is a full big band made up of 16 musicians from along the upper Texas/Louisiana Gulf coast.

The band consists of some

First Presbyterian Church gets new Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Sugar Land has called Reverend Dr. Frederick Newsome Seay, as Pastor/Head of Staff. The congregation will welcome Fred , as he is more comfortably known, to their pulpit on Sunday, February 13, at both the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services.

Reverend Seay is a native of Mississippi. He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Seay and grew up in Pascagoula,

MS, where his family still resides. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Southern Mississippi in May, 1985. After attending Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi from 1985 to 1987, he received his Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1989. In 1998, he returned to Austin Seminary in Austin, Texas, and completed

his Doctor of Ministry with a concentration in Bible and Proclamation.

It was during his early mission work that Seay met his future wife, Ruth, a daughter and a granddaughter of Presbyterian ministers.

Fred and Ruth have three children: Daniel, who graduated high school in Lake Charles; Aaron and Hannah, who will attend Fort Bend schools.

of the finest players in the music business with vast musical backgrounds ranging from Stan Kenton alumni, Dizzy Gillespie, and Tito Puente bands as well as area music teachers.

Debbie Fancher joined the group as a vocalist this year but they also feature superb vocalist Penny May, who has also sung professionally for many years.

The group’s leader, Dean McCarty, is a trombonist with many years of professional experience. He has been involved with two Grammy nominated recordings, one Grammy winning recording, as well as performing on the

Rocky IV Soundtrack.

For more information about the Blue Skies Orchestra or to book an event contact Dean McCarty at deanmccartybassbone@yahoo.com or 409- 466-8317.

Pictured L/R Front Row: Patrick Todd, Tommy Juarez, Rick Condit, Jimmy Lingenfelter, Debbie Fancher, Karl Rove, Rick Miller, Fort Bend County GOP Chairman; Back Row: Mike Smith, Jordan Randolph, Nan Broussard, Larry Shelton, Dean McCarty, Samantha McCarty, Gail Labath, Mike Custer, Terrence Harrington, James Parsley, Ray Gonzalez, Lou Ellis.

PERRYHOMES

A TџѢѠѡђё TђѥюѠ BѢіљёђџ ѓќџ Oѣђџ 43 YђюџѠ

BѢіљёіћє QѢюљіѡѦ HќњђѠ ѓџќњ ѡѕђ $140s Ѣѝ ѡќ ѡѕђ $850s VіѠіѡ OѢџ Fќџѡ Bђћё CќњњѢћіѡіђѠ!

10

1 Cross Creek Ranch

6

1463

2,200 - 2,900 sq. ft.

2,900 - 3,300 sq. ft.

2,900 - 3,700 sq. ft.

T PAR ES K W

1

1093

610

2

90 59

59

3

723

1,600 - 3,100 sq. ft.

6 5

1,900 - 4,000 sq. ft.

2,600 - 4,400 sq. ft.

RT BEND FO

10

7 6

521

4

Plans, prices and availability are subject to change without notice. (11/10)

8

9

(832) 222-2120

288

2,100 - 3,300 sq. ft.

6 Telfair

(281) 277-1800 (281) 265-4555

3,400 - 7,000 sq. ft.

1,900 - 3,500 sq. ft.

10 (281) 778-0050

(281) 778-7800

9 Creekmont

(832) 222-2804

7 Riverstone 2,200 - 2,900 sq. ft.

2,600 - 4,100 sq. ft.

8 Sienna Plantation

(281) 633-9366

5 River Park West 3,800 - 5,400 sq. ft.

3 Old Orchard

90

4 The Oaks of Rosenberg 2,200 - 3,300 sq. ft.

2 Westheimer Lakes

1464

99

(281) 633-2555 (281) 238-0919 (281) 238-0919

(281) 431-8600

Shadow Creek Ranch 1,600 - 2,900 sq. ft.

1,900 - 3,300 sq. ft.

2,500 - 3,300 sq. ft.

(281) 778-2100 (281) 778-3840

Oѣђџ 20 CќњњѢћіѡіђѠ іћ ѡѕђ HќѢѠѡќћ Aџђю!

VіѠіѡ ќѢџ WђяѠіѡђ Fќџ ю Cќњѝљђѡђ LіѠѡіћє!

PERRYHOMES .com

(713) 436-8751 (713) 436-9370 (713) 436-8751

FEBRUARY 2, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

News

Mitchell services including police and fire departments, protecting our citizens and addressing mobility issues related to increased population.

“Additionally, the potential sale of the prison land, the impact of the new baseball stadium, and continuing to work with our partners such as the Fort Bend Independent School District are all necessary steps in ensuring the economic strength of our community and the quality of life we have and appreciate.”

Mitchell continued, “As a 17 year resident, I’ve grown a deep and abiding love and pride of Sugar Land. My chief desire on Council will be to ensure the future stability and growth of our city. I have the experience and fortitude necessary to lead this city into the future through hard work, dedication and fiscally responsible economic decisions. I stand committed to open lines of communication, and covet the input of more citizens in our decision making process.”

Mitchell has an accomplished record of civic and volunteer involvement. She has been involved with numerous leadership roles and organizations including: Sugar Land 101 (President of class); Sugar Land Citizens Police Academy (president of Class), Sugar Land Community Assistance Support Team (CAST), Sugar Land Citizens Fire Academy, Sugar Land Exchange Club - Current President and on Board of Directors, Charter member of the Lone Star Exchange Club of Richmond, Vice president of Child Abuse Prevention for the Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast District, and Sugar Land Rotary (past member).

Her other activities include volunteering for city in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, Working with public schools for years, volunteering at Colony Bend Elementary and helping to teach fifth grade class, Active with the school district - Partners in Education - Career day presenter at Clements and George Bush High Schools, presenting awards for Academic recognition, on committee to keep Colony Bend Elementary open and spoke to Board regarding same; co-chairing Santa’s Exchange, Wine and Music for Literature for Fort Bend Literacy and Groovy Party for Fort Bend Seniors and supported numerous area service organizations such as the Fort Bend Women’s Center, Child Advocates, the American Red Cross, Literacy Council, Fort Bend Seniors, Asians Against Domestic Abuse and ARC;

Rose-Rich Chamber of Commerce.

Mitchell has earned the highest rating by judges and lawyers for her ethical and legal work. Additionally, she was appointed by the State Bar of Texas to serve on the 5A Grievance Committee of the State Bar to oversee lawyers’ conduct in Fort Bend and surrounding areas and help uphold the highest standards in the legal profession.

The 5A committee elected her the maximum term of chair of the committee for a two year period.

Mitchell is engaged to Jake Messinger who also is very active in the community and currently is serving on the WCID #1. Her son, William Loose-Mitchell attended Colony Bend Elementary, First Colony Middle School and then the engineering academy at Hightower High School.

She is a tireless supporter of the Fort Bend Independent School District, to which she credits the excellent education which enabled her son to attend the University of Texas at Austin where he is currently majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

“My son beams with pride when he says he is from Sugar Land. My fiancée’s daughter attends Colony Bend Elementary and has told us how much she loves it. I want the same pride from all of our children and grandchildren not only now, but twenty years from now, and I will work hard to preserve and protect the future of our community and families.”

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

NEW LISTING FIRST COLONY/SUGAR LAND! 1/4 ACRE ON OYSTER CREEK! Over 4100sqft! CUSTOM home on culdesac lot. RARE find! Built in 2000! Over $80K in improvements too. 4/5 bedrooms, both formals & study. Priced to go fast!

ABR, GRI , E-Pro, 21 years Professional Realtor; Owner of Peoples Properties, a Real Estate & Property Management Co.; American Business Women’s Association.

NEW LISTING Riverstone. Pool, Spa, Waterfall. Built 2003. Trendmaker beauty. Over 4,700 sqft. 5 BR 4.5 baths.

3 car, 2 masters. Rare find on huge oversized cul de sac lot. No neighbors next to you. Upgrades galore. Zoned to Clements. Priced in the $500’s.

R ED U C ED

Amy Mitchell, a Sugar Land resident since 1994, has announced her candidacy for Sugar Land City Council, District 3 in the May 14 election.

The District 3 seat is currently held by Councilman Russell Jones, who is stepping down due to term limits.

Mitchell, a founding partner in the law firm of Mitchell & Duff, LLC, has been a very active community leader in Sugar Land for many years.

“I look forward to continue serving Sugar Land and adding another voice of leadership and expertise to City Council,” said Mitchell.

“I am a fiscal conservative, and am ready to immediately start working on maintaining the strength and policies that are necessary to maintain the economic condition and future of our city. With a weak national economy, and a multi-billion budget shortfall in the Texas Legislature, now is the time to craft intelligent solutions to protect Sugar Land’s future. It is imperative that we elect strong leaders to guide us through these times of uncertainty and preserve this foundation of strength we enjoy in Sugar Land, especially in light of the many departures this year on City Council.

“This is unarguably, a crucial moment in our city’s history. Over the next months and years, Sugar Land must address many critical issues, including: aging infrastructure, continuing with economic development and redevelopment, supporting city

21 years of experience!

REDUCED FIRST COLONY/SUGAR LAND! Adorable 1-story home on cul de sac street. No neighbors behind you!

3 bedrooms & study or formal living. Open floor plan.

Detached garage! Upgraded Kitchen! $210,000.

R ED U C ED

Amy Mitchell to run for Sugar Land City Council Dist. 3

Suzette Peoples Broker /Owner

QUAIL VALLEY Updated 1 story 4 bedrooms 2.5 bath with new roof and carpet July 2010. Interior all repainted and new fixtures too. Great location on landscaped reserve. Priced to go $120,000!!

Mortgage Banker can do loans in less than 30 days!

Call Suzette or email: Speoplesrealtor@aol.com

18-year-old gets 99 years for murder An 18 year-old Katy man was sentenced to 99 years in prison for the murder and 20 years for the aggravated assault in Fort Bend County for crimes committed when he was 15.

A jury convicted Miguel Angel Navarro of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in less than two hours on January 21, 2011.Thereafter, the same jury heard punishment evidence before sentencing.

Navarro was certified to be tried as an adult in 2008.

Chief Juvenile Prosecutor Tyra McCollum said that on December 27, 2007, Navarro, his brother and friends arrived at a party held by Matthew Haltom at Haltom’s house in Katy.

Haltom was home from college on Christmas break and was celebrating the holidays with friends.

After Navarro was asked to leave, a verbal confrontation occurred followed by a fight.

Navarro fatally stabbed Matthew Haltom, 20, and critically injured Joe Eodice, 21, who was hospitalized for a week after the attack.

Despite the fact that neither Matthew Haltom nor Joe Eodice used a weapon, Miguel Navarro claimed he stabbed his victims out of self defense and defense of his brother – also involved in the fight.

In the punishment phase of trial, Navarro pled for mercy because of his young age; however, his long history of behavior led the jury to sentence him to the maximum punishments allowed by law.

“We are pleased with the verdicts and the jury’s apparent message that regardless as to the age of the offender, the punishment will fit the crime,” said McCollum.

Fort Bend County District Attorney John Healey said “the lives of many people were forever changed by virtue of a lack of restraint and thought. Tragically, the Haltoms lost a son to murder and the Navarros forever lost a son to the penitentiary. I hope that the pain Miguel Navarro inflicted on both families may make other children think twice about carrying weapons.”

Navarro was tried in the 240th District Court before Presiding Judge Thomas R. Culver, III. Murder in this case is a first-degree felony punishable from 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Aggravated assault with a deadly Weapon is a seconddegree felony punishable by 2-20 years in prison and a maximum fine up to $10,000.

By law, the two sentences will run concurrently.

A certification hearing is the legal process for removing a juvenile from the juvenile justice system in order to prosecute him as an adult.

Navarro was certified as an adult in 2008 in County Court at Law #2, sitting as a juvenile court, before now-retired Judge Walter S. McMeans.

The court found that there was probable cause the crimes were committed and that Navarro’s personal circumstances warranted his removal to the adult offender system.

Once certified as an adult, Navarro was entitled to a trial by jury and was also presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Assistant District Attorneys Tyra McCollum and Amanda Bolin prosecuted the case.

Attorney Maggie Perez Jaramillo represented the juvenile respondent.

(281)277-7800 Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc 101 Southwestern Blvd, Ste 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478-3535 basil@texansinsure.com

Stafford wants to be debt free by 2015

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Stafford’s general fund balance was down almost $2 million in 2010 from 2009, yet it was still $7.4 million and up by almost $2 million from the $5.5 million fund balance 10 years ago.

Karen Austin, Stafford’s finance director, presented the city’s current financial picture at the Jan. 26 town meeting, saying while money is still tight, the economic picture is looking up.

Sales taxes, the city’s primary revenue source, were down $1.3 million in 2010 compared to 2009 but this year’s January sales tax collections are almost 25 percent more than they were a year ago January.

Over the past decade Stafford’s sales tax collections went from $11.55 million in 2000 to a high of $14.42 million in 2008. Sales tax receipts collected by Stafford in 2010

totaled $12.96 million Austin then showed her audience amounts in the city’s excess sales tax fund, which was created in 1996 when the city eliminated property taxes.

She said, “Because of the zero property tax rate, Stafford is one of few cities and could be the only city in Texas that has the benefit of such a fund.

“This fund represents amounts over and above what the city pays in debt payments,” Austin said.

“The amount of sales tax received in this account for 2010 was slightly more than $3 million and brought the total receipts collected in this fund from 1996 to 2010 to just over $19 million.”

When the fund started in 1996, total collections were $417,000.

Franchise fees paid by utility companies for use of city rights of way are another significant city revenue stream.

In 2010 the fees totaled $1.68 million compared to $1.55 million in 2009. Since 2005 franchise fees the city collected have been in the $1.6-million-a-year range.

Austin said, “Cash balances for the city continue to remain strong. The total cash for the city and the Stafford Economic Development Corp. at the end of September was more than $24 million. Included in that amount are the Hotel Occupancy Tax, which had a cash balance of just over $3 million and the Debt Service Fund with a cash balance of $750,000.”

The city has plans to be debt free as of 2015 so adopted a debt payment schedule to get it there.

In 1995 the city’s total outstanding debt was $15.5 million. It will pay out combined principle and interest of $1,202,593 this year; $684,480 in 2012; $460,330

in 2013, and $228,580 in 2014.

“As the payments for the debt service continue to decrease the amount that will be added to the municipal sales tax fund will increase,” Austin said.

Austin concluded her presentation by saying that the city is looking at ways to continue to provide services and maintain a zero property tax.

Some of the ideas are to add a sales tax for residential natural gas and electricity usage and a local sales tax for all telecommunication services.

Another idea is to increase the local hotel occupancy tax rate.

Currently Stafford’s rate is six percent compared to Houston’s 17 percent rate.

After the meeting, Mayor Leonard Scarcella said, “We’ve considered taxing the natural gas and electricity usage for about 10 years and

never put it in. It would probably cost a couple of dollars a month on a residence. The local sales tax on telecommunication services would cost about the same amount.”

As for raising the hotel/ motel occupancy tax rate, Scarcella said, “The range

for raising it could probably go to about 10 cents instead of 17 cents. It can go up to about 10 cents without going through elections to raise it.”

The mayor also pointed out that because Stafford’s motel occupancy tax rate is low, it attracts business.

Suzette Peoples speaks at Aggie Moms’ meeting Fort Bend Aggie Moms is hosting a meeting on Monday, Feb. 7 and the featured speaker is Suzette Peoples, motivational speaker and author of “It’s All about you, you, you! Love what you see in the mirror.”

The meeting will be held at the Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way and begin at 7 p.m. with refreshments, social time and boutique shopping. The program and business meeting will follow.

For more information visit our website www.fortbendaggiemoms.org or contact Debbie Cortez at holyspirit55@hotmail. com.

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 2, 2011

Opinion

The View from Sugar Land

Guest Commentary

Watching the FBI in action

By RUSSELL C. JONES This columnist recently attended a reunion of the Houston FBI Citizens Academy.

Highlights of the Academy include the opportunity to shoot live ammunition in simulations of extraordinarily dangerous situations and to observe live training of agents.

The featured Academy alumna was Elyse Lanier, wife of former Houston mayor Bob Lanier, and writer of some note. She and Bob led the questioning of our guest speaker, Joe Pistone, more famously known as Donnie Brasco. Pistone discussed the history of his undercover operation, stretching over a period of six years, the longest stint of any undercover FBI agent.

During that time, he infiltrated the New York Mafia, including the Bonano and Gambino families and other mobster groups who have become legendary in the United States. (If you catch this columnist in the right mood sometime, he will tell you about his own affiliation with Chicago’s Gambinos.)

As a result of Pistone’s testimony after coming in from the cold, over 200 Mafia members were indicted for crimes ranging from larceny to murder.

Now an aging consultant for the FBI, bald, somewhat out of shape, short, and still Italian, Pistone attempted to set the record straight on several misconceptions contained in the movie starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. Although he denies that he actually killed anyone, it is clear enough that he had to participate in a wide array of illegal activities in order to maintain his secret identity with his Mafia bosses.

At the same time that Pistone was addressing the Houston group, the FBI was making its largest bust ever, arresting 117 “wise guys” in New York, Chicago and elsewhere. Members of the Bonano, Gambino

Jones and Colombo families were picked up, apparently as a result of being ratted out by fellow mobsters, rather than by an inside agent like Pistone.

If Joe Pistone knew anything about the big bust, he kept the secret from our group, just as he had to keep his own identity secret for over 6 years.

Obama’s State of the Union The excitement of his campaign rhetoric, the smooth, authoritative tone of his voice, the enticement to believe, the longing for hope, and the desire for change were all again brought to life. It was Obama’s third State of the Union address, delivered to both houses of Congress and the American people last week. But, was there any hope for real solutions?

Let’s see. There was talk of high-speed rail as in investment project for America.

There was talk of a budget freeze on a small part of nonentitlement to expenditures of the federal government. No, nothing significant to address the government’s runaway spending or to reverse the socialist path on which the country travels.

Obama claimed to care a great deal about the deficit, but he failed to offer any specific proposals. Maybe there will be more clarity in a few weeks when he proposes a new bud-

get, but no specifics were mentioned in his speech.

He once again use the Democrat euphemism of “investments” to talk about increased government spending. Even when agreeing that some expenditures should be cut, what he suggested amounted to a quarter of the cuts proposed by his own deficit-reduction commission.

Sarah Palin got it right when she observed that “When the president talks about simplifying the tax code, he’s made it clear that he’s not looking to cut your taxes; he’s looking for additional tax revenue from you.”

Karl Rove in Fort Bend Congratulations are in order to the Fort Bend Republican Party, which conducted the second largest Lincoln Reagan Day Dinner in the state for the umpteenth consecutive year.

Special guest Karl Rove, former chief adviser to President Bush and now consultant to the Obama administration’s least favorite cable television network, addressed the problems created by deficit spending by the Obama administration, the administration’s failure to understand basic macro economics, and the imperative of reversing the trend of an ever-expanding government.

Drawing on a heartfelt experience of interacting with the human side of American combatants in Iraq and Afghanistan, Rove told of the 3000 or so individual interviews which Bush conducted with surviving families. Of particular inspiration was the 61-year-old Nevada doctor who, after meeting with Bush, took an assignment as a medic with the troops in Afghanistan.

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: Replace hate with greatness

By JANICE SCANLAN Last week was No Name Calling at Quail Valley Elementary with a special campaign of Replace Hate with Greatness. And name calling does lead to hate . . . but starts with fear. And that’s fear of anyone or anything “different.”

Bullying ridicules and excludes individuals and groups.

Quail Valley Elementary as well as Baines Middle School are on the right track. Last week Baines was featured on Channel 11 News for a program to be more welcoming of new kids at school as well as more open conversations about race and other differences. Both programs are centered on respecting others as well as learning to deal with uncertainty, tolerance to other viewpoints, and empathy for others.

Kids who feel part of things don’t need to form gangs, hurt others, or act out with vandalism.

When my niece Abigail started her new school, the entire school had a welcoming ceremony where every student knew her name . . . she was so enthusiastic about school and that interest has remained.

Such a simple gesture. Such an impact.

The best thing about the program at Quail Valley (and I would expect this is true at Baines) is the parental involvement with murals, pep rallies--a helicopter getting aerial photos of a giant QVE Re-

Scanlan spect with students making a human word chain.

But I would imagine that faculty and leadership at each campus have played a large role as well.

And these events and ideas grew from celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday.

I was pleased to see that instead of emphasizing and continuing with the Global Science and Technology Center that FBISD is going to invest in daily science curriculum at all schools. I bet the program costs less than the “studies” done for Global Science and Technology—which was a huge ego trip.

I’ve never seen a building teach a student or have an emotional and lasting impact of a welcoming ceremony or school memories.

What does impact is feeling

excluded and different. Exclusion can lead to gangs . . . tied to a philosophy that preaches hate, it can lead to terrorism and movements such as the Neo-Nazi’s, which are rearing their ugly heads. Or social exclusion that can make worse mental impairment, delusions, and acting out.

How does respect lead to greatness that builds?

Leadership research has shown that CEOs known for making relatively quick and high quality decisions that build organizations, also possess the ability to be comfortable in other cultures and with other beliefs. They are globally savvy—and our world is certainly a global village—distance doesn’t have the force it used to have, but hate does. I’d like to challenge adults to a no name calling year to replace hate with greatness. Just think if we actually addressed the issues with listening and the will to achieve something, not the fun of attacking people and creating distractions. Imagine what could happen.

Write to janicescanlan@earthlink.net. I’d also like to mention all the people who wrote or commented last week about getting the junk out of our lives and technical obsolescence . . . yes, engineers do love to hold on to their slide rules!

Quail Valley Proud

By FLOYD EMERY Nestled in the center of Missouri City lies the development of Quail Valley.

The dream and perspiration of developer Jim MacNaughton, Quail Valley was carved out of rice fields and stands of pecan trees and today is the home of approximately 6000 families and two premier golf courses.

Quail Valley has transitioned through many phases of acceptance and prestige since its beginning in 1969.

In the 70’s and 80’s it was the country place outside of Houston and the home of two Houston Open golf tournaments and many of Houston’s finest.

As it grew in the 90’s it was recognized as the place to live and raise a family and with the “Luv You Blue” mania it became the home of many players and coaches of the Houston Oilers. It was in the later period of the 90’s and early to mid 2000’s that it began to experience a down turn in stature and home buyers appeal. Only recently with the purchase of the golf courses by Missouri City and its plans to remake them into a draw rather than a negative factor have we seen a reversal of this trend.

I provide this background to make the point that just as there is pride in being a Longhorn, Aggie, Cougar or other school moniker there have been many periods where when asked “where do you live” one would proudly reply “in Quail Valley.”

This transition through time and prestige swings is not a condition that just happened.

To borrow a phrase “it takes a village” it has taken the combined efforts of many organizations and individuals to promote and make Quail Valley a proud place to live.

Among these organizations is the community based volunteer organization of “Quail Valley Proud.”

For those not familiar with this organization it has been in existence since 1991. Its primary goal is to forward the positive aspects of Quail Valley and where possible to affect conditions and events that move QV forward, all accomplished through volunteers and voluntary membership dues and donations. Among the many successes of Quail Valley Proud I would point

To the Editor: It is not usual that I’m in agreement with Sugar Land City Council Member Russell Jones’ column, but it appears that we were “figuratively” sitting next to one another when he wrote his column on the issue of the term period for Sugar Land City Council members.

If Congressman Pete Olson and State Rep. Charlie Howard must stand for election each 2 years, then so should our City

www.fbindependent.com Email: Editor@fbindependent.com

Council members and Mayor.

I encourage my City Council member Don Smithers of District One and the entire Council and Mayor to maintain the current 2 year terms for City of Sugar Land.

I’m also in agreement on the issue of term limits. I’m against term limits. The term should be limited by the voters will. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt served our country well and was elected

by the people four times. That was the will of the people.

Lastly, I encourage all citizens of Sugar Land to begin thinking about the City Council elections to be held Saturday, May 14th. What visions and ideas do you have for our city? Let your elected officials and candidates for City Council know what’s on your mind.

Deron Patterson Sugar Land

FCCA should reserve seat for Missouri City To the Editor: Isn’t it time that Missouri City residents were given a voice on the FCCA Board of Directors?

I would very much like to see one place on the board reserved for a Missouri City resident.

The present election process

Come and Experience the Difference!

Services: Sunday 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday 7 p.m.

(Floyd Emery is a Quail Valley resident and President of Quail Valley Proud.)

Keep 2-year term for Sugar Land City Council

Salem International Christian Center

Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

Emery you to several of their accomplishments: Through our “Crime Watch Program,” as identified by the signs located at the entrances of Quail Valley, we field a number of teams that daily drive through our neighborhoods and alert our MCPD of any suspicious activities.

As noted by MCPD Chief Joel Fitzgerald Jr. this program presents a deterrent and is one of the factors that allow our Police Force to keep crime in Quail Valley at a very low level.

Also promoting safety and allowing our police to have a presence in other needed areas and activities is the speed alert sign on Glenn Lakes Lane which was purchased by Quail Valley Proud.

We provide a Q & A capability addressing Quail Valley topics through our “Hot Line.” Using our Web Page, newsprint articles and hotline phone access we are able to provide residents and prospective residents with information concerning the QV neighborhoods.

As you pass the Quail Valley Middle School on FM 1092 please know that QV Proud funded the initial landscaping and ongoing maintenance around its marquee.

More importantly it is what is happening inside the walls of our schools. Through the efforts of Quail Valley Proud’s “Education Committee” we have actively and aggressively pursued the improvement of educational standards while promoting an atmosphere of safety for our kids that attend QV schools. As “Schools” is an integral factor for current and prospective residents when choosing the place to raise their families, QV Proud will continue to direct its activities and resources towards

this important endeavor.

Community appearance is also an activity where QV Proud is deeply involved. For those residents which are new to QV or residents that were not aware of QV Proud’s many activities in this area I would point to several accomplishments.

Funds to plant the Ivy that now covers the “ugly” wall on Cartwright and FM 1092, landscaping at key visual points observed by the general public, the cleaning of our Lakes prior to the City’s purchase of the Quail Valley golf courses and many smaller projects that promote an appealing appearance while in Quail Valley.

Finally, QV Proud provides funds that support our kids. From the Swim Team to the Memorial Day parade and other selected activities, we are committed to look for and support activities that are of value to our kids.

Having outlined the numerous and varied activities of QV Proud one might ask how do we fund and staff these endeavors.

QV Proud has a budget only funded by voluntary annual membership dues ($20/family) and donations provided by involved residents. Staffing of the QV Proud Board and its various Committees is strictly voluntary and relies on residents that have a QV Proud attitude and commitment to our neighborhoods.

QV Proud prides itself on being good stewards of the funds provided through these generous donations and voluntary membership dues and acknowledges that the funds provided are owned by our members and are to be used on projects that forward a positive image of all Quail Valley neighborhoods.

In summary, if this message resonates with you and you would like to become involved in QV Proud either as a volunteer, member or both please contact us through our web page at quailvalleyproud. com .

If you could not tell, be assured that all involved in the QV Proud organization are “proud” to call “Quail Valley” our home.

14056 Southwest Fwy #118 (In the FedEx Bldg. in front of Holiday Inn Express) Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.salemic.org

allows for the candidates with the most votes to be elected but because Missouri City residents only comprise about 25% of the First Colony voting population, they are never elected.

The only recent member of the board from Missouri City was Anthony Maroulis, who was appointed for two months to replace a board member who moved. In the past election Maroulis and I garnered a large number of votes but were easily beat by several Sugar Land residents.

The present board is composed completely of Sugar Land residents, so where is the objectivity about decisions made that impact Missouri City residents?

Proposed construction of new

amenities by FCCA will greatly impact the home values, recreational activities, and lives of Missouri City’s FCCA residents but we have no vote or voice on the board to affect these decisions.

During this past election several candidates used as a platform the tenet that commercial members of FCCA should have a reserved seat on the board to ensure those commercial members of FCCA have a voice on the Board of Directors.

I vigorously support it just as I support the idea of having a reserved seat for Missouri City residents..

Howard Moline Missouri City

FEBRUARY 2, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

Opinion District needs schooling on communication They “cried wolf” and chided the state on a regular basis for not providing enough money for education.

Fort Bend ISD is no exception where pointing fingers at the state has become a rule than an exception.

During school budget discussions every year, the state’s dwindling share in funding for public education has been cited as a cause for the financial crisis.

Now, that the “wolf” is really there at the door step, the cry of the school board may fall on deaf ears, figuratively speaking.

Ironically, The Aesop’s fable, “The boy who cried wolf,” has been used as a tool for teaching to tell the truth.

The moral of the story is “Even when liars tell the truth, they are never believed.

The liar will lie once, twice, and then perish when he tells the truth.”

FBISD board did not lie, but could have exaggerated the problem in the past. Now, the problem is real and big.

So much so, the local school board need not fear public apathy.

People will understand the real problem especially because they are inundated with the doom and gloom story by the media on a daily basis.

Will the world come to an end because of the state budget gap? Not really.

The daily dosage of the catastrophe that is going to befall on education, health, and infrastructure borders on melodrama.

I can’t really believe the genuine fear because we live in a country where a $14 trillion national debt is treated like pocket change.

Perhaps, the phrase “Living within one’s means” may

Inside Track By Seshadri Kumar gain some currency or at least, it should.

The budget gap is a blessing in disguise that may force everyone, even the school districts, to make an attempt to live within the available means.

Taking a break from the past, FBISD Board President Sonal Bhuchar, last week sent out an open letter to all the local media.

“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.”

While the school board could claim that it is the voice of the community, it had not been truly a voice to the community. Hopefully, now the administration will change its tactics and become a “credible” voice to the community.

The school district routinely treats media requests for information as an open records request and subjects them to

the bureaucratic delay.

The latest case in point is the superintendent’s contract.

I had three simple queries on the contract, after it was approved by the board. I was not interested in reading the whole 20-page document.

But, my questions were referred to the Open Record department.

After eight days, I was informed that the document is ready and the cost was $2.40.

I did pick up the document, for whatever it is worth.

I read in the Facebook page of Trustee Jim Babb that he had asked for some information and he did not get it for a long time. He was going to make yet another open records request. By this time, the superintendent realized the gaffe and agreed to provide the information.

Do you need any more illustration than this to show why the public perceive the district as hiding information, even when they are not doing so?

Added to that perception is the school board members’ remaining insulated by the administration and their reluctance to candidly communicating with the public.

In fact this culture has given rise to the popularity of a Facebook page by a school board trustee.

It remains to be seen how many people will visit the school district web page set up specially for “educating the public” and how many visit Babb’s Facebook.

Whether one agrees with him or not, Babb has launched a communication coup, despite legal hurdles.

(Send your comments to editor@fbindependent.com.)

Food drive honors Rabbi Roy A. Walter’s community service

FBISD holds public hearing on school zones FBISD is conducting three Public Hearings on zoning to listen to community comments regarding proposed changes to district attendance boundaries that will take effect at the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year.

All meetings will take place from 7:00 – 8:30 pm in the cafeterias of the campuses listed below.

The FBISD Board of Trustees plans to take action on the proposed zones at the March 7 Board meeting.

Thursday - Feb. 3, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Crockett Middle School 19001 Beechnut, Richmond 77407 Wednesday – Feb. 9, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Kempner High School 14777 Voss Road, Sugar Land 77498 Thursday – Feb. 10, 7:00-8:30 pm Elkins High School 7007 Knights Court, Missouri City 77459

Talk on suicide prevention The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Fort Bend County will present a program on Suicide Prevention on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church of Missouri City’s Fellowship Hall.

The public is invited and there is no charge. Light refreshments will be served.

Principle speaker will be Dr. Thomas E. Ellis, Director of Psychology at the Menninger Clinic and Professor of Psychology at Baylor College of Medicine.

Dr. Ellis is author of several books including “Suicide Risk: Assessment and Response Guidelines”, “Choosing to Live: How to Defeat Suicide through Cognitive Therapy”, and “Cognition and Suicide: Theory, Research and Practice”.

Suicide sadly is one of the leading causes of death in young adults.

Don’t miss this important meeting. First United Methodist Church is located at 3900 Lexington Blvd, Missouri City, 77459, the corner of Lexington and FM 1960 (Murphy Road). Please use the Lexington Blvd.entrance.

Fort Bend DAR meets Feb.9

Rabbi Roy A. Walter (center) works with volunteers Hal Zimmerman (far left), Ralph Berkman, David Livitz and Jerry Waldman to prepare lunches for Kids’ Meals, a communitybased meals on wheels program that daily serves more than 1,200 children under the age of five. It is just one of many projects Emanu El congregants support to feed the hungry. The synagogue is hosting “Food for 40, Congregation Emanu El’s Tribute Food Drive Honoring Rabbi Roy A. Walter’s 40 Years of Feeding Souls,” April 8-17 — Photo by Rafte Photography As part of a tribute hon- Emanu El — that provides the tribute event with his wife, oring Rabbi Roy A. Walter, food and clothing to low-in- Barbara, and congregants the long-time senior rabbi come people in Harris CounThe food drive is just one at Houston’s Congregation ty. Chairing the food drive component of Love, Liturgy Emanu El, the synagogue is are Sheila and Jerry Kaplan, & Laughter — A Celebrahosting “Food for 40, Con- Adam Brackman and Kathy tion of the Words and Deeds gregation Emanu El’s Tribute Parven. of Rabbi Roy A. Walter. Most Food Drive Honoring Rabbi For more information about tribute events will happen Roy A. Walter’s 40 Years of Food for 40, contact Parven, May 20 and 21.

Feeding Souls.” kkpmom@gmail.com or 713A permanent endowment The official kickoff of the 726-1497. fund — The Rabbi Roy A. food drive is April 8 and the “A past board member of Walter Legacy Fund for Spiridrive will continue until April Houston Metropolitan Minis- tual and Cultural Enrichment 17, the day before Passover. tries, the Jewish Federation of — has been established. It Donations can be made at the Greater Houston and the In- will be used for creative relitemple, 1500 Sunset Boule- terfaith Ministries for Greater gious services, programming vard.

Houston, among many oth- and spiritual and cultural exDonations will go to the ers, Rabbi Walter has devoted pression. food pantry at the Emergency years of service to the HousKeep up-to-date on the Aid Coalition, an interfaith ton community,” said Mark tribute by following JP Pritassociation of congregations Brookner, a past president of chard’s blog, found on the — including Congregation Emanu El who is co-chairing congregation’s website, as

The Fort Bend Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will hold their meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 9:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land.

The program will be “Rediscovering John Fell” and the speaker will be Mr. Peter D. Fenzel.

In December, the Chapter participated in several events, including a visit to the Veterans Hospital in Houston to decorate a tree for Christmas, helped with a Christmas party and presented lap robes, jackets and numerous personal items to the veterans.

Members also participated in the Christmas Wreath project at the Veterans Cemetery in Houston.

Visitors are always welcome.

Call 281-342-4773 for further information. well as Congregation Emanu El’s Facebook page, http:// www.facebook.com/emanuelhouston, and on Twitter, http://twitter.com/#!/RabbiWalterTrib.

Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc 101 Southwestern Blvd, Ste 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478-3535 PH (281)277-7800 FAX (281)277-7801 basil@texansinsure.com

Methodist Sugar Land Cardiology Associates is launched Long-time practicing cardiologist, Dr. Kesavan Shan, has established Methodist Sugar Land Cardiology Associates. The new practice is focused on General and Interventional Cardiology, and is located on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus in Medical Office Building One, Suite 450.

Dr. Shan is board-certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine. He is also certified in Nuclear Cardiology and Echocardiography, and has had extensive training in Coronary Computerized Tomography, Angiography and Cardiovascular MRI. Dr. Shan has assumed the role of Director of Cardiac Imaging at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Dr. Shan completed his Cardiology training at Baylor College of Medicine, and has been practicing in the Sugar Land area for 10 years. He has been elected for inclusion in the Best Doctors in America database since 2003 and has also been selected for inclusion in The Consumer’s Research Council, America’s Guide to America’s Top Physicians and Top Cardiologists.

Furthermore, he has authored over 25 publications and book chapters on cardiac disease and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. He is active in teaching residents and medical students, and has received several teaching awards.

“Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has quickly become the leader in cardiology throughout Fort Bend

Shan by providing state-of-the-art technology, highly trained and experienced nursing staff and vital ancillary resources,” said Dr. Shan. “Opening a practice here enables me to provide better, more flexible care for my existing patients as well as expand outreach to new patients.”

“Methodist Sugar Land is the first hospital in Fort Bend to perform open-heart surgery, coronary angioplasty, abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery, electrophysiology procedures and more,” he said. “I believe Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is on the leading edge of cardiac care and I am looking forward to helping grow the program.”

“Dr. Shan brings a wealth of experience and knowledge with him, and we are thrilled that he is relocating to be a part of the Methodist family,” said Janet Leatherwood, Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “He will play a major role in helping us continue to expand our cardiology offerings here at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Shan, call Methodist Sugar Land Cardiology Associates at 281-275-0330.

County gets comptroller’s Leadership Circle Gold award Fort Bend County was awarded the Texas Comptroller Leadership Circle “Gold” Award for the second year in a row for displaying a high standard of financial transparency online.

“The award spotlights those local governments that are opening their books to the public, providing clear, consistent pictures of spending and sharing information in a user-friendly format that lets taxpayers easily drill down for more information.”

The Texas Comptroller describes transparency as government opening its books to the public so that taxpayers can see exactly where their money is going.

Transparency ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently by ensuring all decisions are made in the open and on the record.

Transparency means that citizens can review and question policymakers’ decisions, examine documents, root out inefficiencies and hold officials accountable for the way tax dollars are spent.

Pamela Gubbels, the Director of Budget and Finance stated, “Financial transparency is an ongoing goal for Fort Bend County. We strive to make all of our information accessible to those that are interested in viewing it and we are proud to receive this recognition.”

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 2, 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.

“Explore Your Garden With Your Camera”

On Tuesday, February 15, the Sugar Land Garden Club will host Kathy Adams Clark presenting “Explore Your Garden With Your Camera.” Kathy has been a professional nature photographer since 1995. She is a past President of the North American Nature Photography Association and teaches photography at local and national events. Her photos appear regularly in the “Nature” section of the Houston Chronicle. The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments start at 9:30 a.m. and the program begins at 10 a.m. in the Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way, in Sugar Land. For more information call 281-937-7075 or visit www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.

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 of 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 tourna-

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.

Free weddings on Valentine’s Day Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace, Pct 1, Place 1, Gary D. Janssen will honor the legacy of his colleague, retired Judge Gary Geick, by continuing Judge Geick’s annual tradition of offering weddings on February 14, of every year, without charge to the participants. For more information about the “free weddings”, call Judge Janssen’s office at 979 793-3403 or 281 3427807.

ment 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.

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.

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.

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 Information 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.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Evergreen and California in the Fresno area, Precinct 1.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

Legal Notices

Notice Public Hearing Stafford Municipal School District will hold a public hearing on the Annual Performance Report and Academic Excellence Indicators at the February 14, 2011 School Board meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Stafford Municipal School District Administration Building in the Boardroom, 1625 Staffordshire, Stafford, Texas, 77477.

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

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Firethorne Section 15 and Section 18, Precinct 3.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Cinco Ranch Southwest Section 34, Precinct 3.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 for Grand Corner Reserves Partial Replat No. 1, Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, William B. Travis Bldg., 309 S. Fourth St., Rm. 700, Richmond, Texas.

Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Gerald Grissom with Brown & Gay Engineers Inc. at 281-558-8700 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids 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 bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened.

1. BID 11-032 – BRIDGE MATERIALS; 2. BID 11-033 – EARTHEN TYPE ROAD MATERIALS; 3. BID 11-034 – CHEMICAL TYPE ROAD MATERIALS; 4. BID 11-035 – HVAC REPAIRS; 5. BID 11-036 – CULVERTS; 6. BID 11-038 – PERIODICAL SUBSCRIPTIONS; 7. BID 11-040 – PURCHASE AND PRINTING OF STATIONARY. Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds not are required.

Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Katy Creek Ranch Section 4, Precinct 3.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION 46 HEATHROW LANE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON A REQUEST FOR SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT, 46 HEATHROW LANE, LOT 4, BLOCK 6, SWEETWATER SECTION 1, IN THE RESTRICTED SINGLE-FAMILY (R-1R) RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT PURPOSE:

ONE (1) PUBLIC HEARING SHALL BE HELD AT WHICH ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE PROPOSED SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST SHALL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD.

WHERE:

CITY OF SUGAR LAND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH

WHEN:

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT 5:00 P.M., FEBRUARY 16, 2011

DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED SPECIAL EXCEPTION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND PLANNING OFFICE, TELEPHONE (281) 275-2218 OR EMAIL PLANNING@SUGARLANDTX.GOV. THE PLANNING OFFICE IS OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:00 O’CLOCK A.M. TO 5:00 O’CLOCK P.M., AND IS LOCATED IN CITY HALL, 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS. PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU WISH TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO GO OVER ADDITIONAL DETAILS IN PERSON. 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/

Vicinity Map:

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic/warrant study for the intersection of Falcon Landing Blvd. at Falcon Knoll Lane within Falcon Ranch Section 4 to add a multiway stop, Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas.

You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CITATION BY PUBLICATION DIVORCE The State of Texas TO: Hung Sheng Chin aka Oliver Chin Address Unknown, and to all whom it may concern, Respondent GREETINGS: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 AM on the Monday next following the expiration of twenty (20) days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. The Original Petition For Divorce of Frances Chenne was filed in the 387th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, on January 20, 2011 against Hung Sheng Chin A/K/A Oliver Chin, being numbered 11-DCV-187083 and entitled In the Matter of the Marriage of Frances Chenne and Hung Sheng Chin A/ KIA Oliver Chin and in the Interest of Remy Ansen Chin Minor Child. The suit requests.

The court has authority in this suit to enter any judgment or decree dissolving the marriage and providing for the division of property which will be binding on you.

The Court has authority in this suit to enter any judgment or decree in the child(ren)’s interest which will be binding upon you, including the termination of the parentchild relationship, the determination of paternity and the appointment of a conservator with authority to consent to the child(ren)’s adoption.

Issued and given under my hand and seal of the said Court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 25th day of January, 2011.

Petitioner’s Attorney: C. Michael Black Attorney At Law One Sugar Creek Center Blvd,Ste 1080 Sugar Land TX 77478 713-522-5999 DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas Deputy District Clerk Beatrice Padilla Telephone: 281-341-4522

5 ACRES ALSTON ROAD

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:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON A REQUEST FOR VARIANCE TO THE MINIMUM LOT DEPTH REQUIREMENT FOR FUTURE SUBDIVISION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12430 ALSTON ROAD, IN THE STANDARD SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R1) DISTRICT, BEING FIVE ACRES IN THE BROWN AND BELKNAP LEAGUE. PURPOSE:

ONE (1) PUBLIC HEARING SHALL BE HELD AT WHICH ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE PROPOSED VARIANCE REQUEST SHALL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD.

WHERE:

CITY OF SUGAR LAND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH SUGAR LAND, TEXAS

WHEN:

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT 5:00 PM, FEBRUARY 16 , 2011

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

DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED ZONING VARIANCE MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND PLANNING OFFICE, TELEPHONE (281) 275-2218 OR EMAIL PLANNING@SUGARLANDTX.GOV. THE PLANNING OFFICE IS OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:00 O’CLOCK A.M. TO 5:00 O’CLOCK P.M., AND IS LOCATED IN CITY HALL, 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS. PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU WISH TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO GO OVER ADDITIONAL DETAILS IN PERSON. Vicinity Map:

FEBRUARY 2, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

Boogie with PCCA and Fort Bend County Women’s Center!

Girls, unpack those poodle skirts and saddle shoes. Guys, find your leather jackets, white t-shirts and jeans. Boogie 2011 “Sock Hop at the Soda Shop” is just two short months away.

Title Sponsor, PCCA, and the Fort Bend County Women’s Center invite you to get involved and support the Women’s Center’s annual fundraiser celebrating the best of the ’50’s and ’60’s.

There is still time to register as a sponsor or join the steering committee.

Sponsors and steering committee members will be invited to the Boogie sponsor party at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille - Sugar Land Town Square on Thursday, March 3, at 6:30 p.m. Perry’s exquisite food and drinks always make this a night to remember!

Boogie will be held at the Stafford Centre on Saturday, March 26, from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Guests can twist and shout to the sounds of Rotel

and the Hot Tomatoes; participate in dance, hula hoop and costume contests; enjoy a remarkable dinner catered by Safari Texas Ranch and bid on fabulous items ranging from signed sports memorabilia, theater tickets and an assortment of baskets to a private party for 30 at Sandy McGee’s Restaurant in the live and silent auctions. Individual tickets are $75. Companies and individuals can purchase an advertisement in the event program.

For information, please call Annette Howe at 281344-5757 or email boogie@ fortbendwomenscenter.org.

Tickets can be bought online at www.fortbendwomenscenter.org.

Boogie 2011 Title sponsor is PCCA. Platinum sponsors include Chevron, The Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, Roberts Markel PC and Safari Texas Ranch.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend announces Magic Carpet Gala Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) invites you to join them for a Magic Carpet Ride on April 2 at Safari Texas Ranch.

Presented by Sysco Corporation, Exchange Club of Sugar Land and the Indo-American Forum of Fort Bend, the evening promises to be glamorous and exotic while helping children whose lives have been torn apart by abuse and neglect.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available and range from $1,500 to $8,500.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, donating an auction item or attending the event, please call 281-344-5106 or visit www.cafb.org for more details.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend serves children in Fort Bend County whose lives have been torn apart by abuse or neglect through its Court Appointed Special Advocates Program and Children’s Advocacy Center.

With a force of more than 200 trained community volunteer advocates, Child Advocates

Boogie and the Women’s Center thank Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille and Roberts Markel for returning for the fourth year as the Sponsor and Steering Committee Party sponsor. L-R Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Sugar Land Town Square General Manager Jeff Halford, PCCA President Jim Smith, Carl Favre of Roberts Markel, Boogie Co-Chair Alina Gonzalez, PCCA and Boogie Decorations Chair Judy Turpie, Cyndi Hicks of PCCA and Boogie Co-Chair Nancy Colmenares Left, Boogie loyalists Celia Olson and Edna Matamoros are ready to Boogie!

Gold level sponsors in- free and confidential emergenclude OYO Geospace and ZK cy shelter, counseling, crisis Homes. Silver sponsors in- intervention, and other supclude Bud Light/Silver Eagle portive services.

In more than 30 years of Distributors; Consolidated Home Health; Early, McClin- serving the community, the tic & McMillan, LLP; Found- Fort Bend County Women’s ers Bank; Hardee Investment Center has helped more than Group; Indo-American Chari- 30,000 women and children ty Foundation; Linens by Lisa; achieve violence-free lifeRoberta K. Randall Charitable styles. Our mission is to assist Foundation; Rotary Club of survivors of domestic violence Sugar Land; Wells Fargo and and sexual assault and their WJ Interests, LLC. children while striving to preAll proceeds raised from vent violence against women.

Boogie are used to provide

REPUTATION DOES MATTER Top Orthopedic Surgeon (National Level) One of only 23 named in the Houston area by the “Consumers’ Checkbook Guide to Top Doctors”

Texas Super Doctor (State Level)

by “Texas Monthly” Magazine for the past 6 years

Outstanding Orthopedic Surgeon of Texas as seen in "Sports Illustrated" Mar. 22, 2010

Houston’s Top Doctors (Local Level) by “H Texas Magazine” 2010

Getting into the theme of the Magic Carpet Gala are (L to R): Harish Jajoo, Chair of IndoAmerican Forum of Fort Bend, Amy Mitchell, President of Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Child Advocates of Fort Bend Executive Director Ruthanne Mefford, and Al Gaylor, Vice President Industry Relations and Diversity of Sysco. touches the lives of more than Advocate or Children’s Advoca- January 31.

400 children each month. cy Center Volunteer, your chance For more information contact If you are interested in becom- is just around the corner.

Volunteer Services at 281-344ing a Court Appointed Special Volunteer Training begins 5171 or go to www.cafb.org.

THOMAS J. PARR, M.D. ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON 14090 Southwest Fwy, #130 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Phone: (281) 491-7111 www.tomparrmd.net www.FtBendSportsMedicine.com

SUGAR AWARDS by Larry H. This is the 14th Annual Sugar Awards as presented by Larry H. These are my choices which are not necessarily who I think will win the Oscar; just merely my favorites. Thanks to all of you for reading my reviews and giving me feedback and support.

– True Grit

Best Picture:

5. Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger – Restrepo

2. Tom Hooper - The King’s Speech

3. Noomi Rapace – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

4. Hailee Steinfeld – True Grit

4. Jennifer Lawrence – Winter’s Bone

5. Amy Adams – The Fighter

Best Screenplay:

3. Danny Boyle – 127 Hours 5. Diane Lane – Secretariat 4. Debra Granik – Winter’s Bone

Best Supporting Actor: 1. True Grit 2. The King’s Speech 3. 127 Hours

Best Actor: 1. Colin Firth – The King’s Speech

4. Burlesque

1. Geoffrey Rush – The King’s Speech 2. Andrew Garfield – Never Let Me Go 3. Vincent Cassel – Black Swan

2. James Franco – 127 Hours 5. Winter’s Bone 3. Jeff Bridges – True Grit

4. Joseph Gordon-Levitt – Inception

4. Edward Norton – Stone

5. Robert De Niro – Stone

1. Joel Coen and Ethan Coen – True Grit 2. David Seidler – The King’s Speech 3. Alex Garland – Never Let Me Go

THE HOLOWAY JONES LAW FIRM, P.L.L.C.

4. Aaron Sorkin – The Social Network

J Ä® W. Sç «ùã

5.

Angus MacLachlan – Stone

6. Restrepro 7. Black Swan

Worst Movies: 1. The Last Airbender

5. Robert Duvall – Get Low

Best Supporting Actress: 2. The Tourist

8. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Best Actress: 9. Stone

1. Natalie Portman – Black Swan

10. Kick Ass

Best Director:

2. Carey Mulligan – Never Let Me Go

1. Christina Aguilara – Burlesque

Not just oil, Pennzoil

3. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

2. Keira Knightly – Never Let Me Go

4. I’m Still Here

3. Mila Kunis – Black Swan

5. Clash of the Titans

is pleased to announce that

has joined the Firm concentraƟng in bringing health care providers and small businesses into compliance with the new health care laws.

RçÝÝ ½½ C. JÊÄ Ý T« ½Ã HʽÊó ù JÊÄ Ý and

L ó®Ý W. “C«®Ö” Sî㫠IV conƟnue their pracƟce in Banking, Real Estate, Small Business and Employment, Estate Planning and Probate, and Homeowners AssociaƟons.

T« HʽÊó ù JÊÄ Ý L ó F®ÙÃ, P.L.L.C. 407 Jç½® R®ò ÙÝ DÙ®ò Sç¦ Ù L Ä , T ø Ý 77478 281-242-8100

1. Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

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.

THE TIME IS NOW, THE WAIT IS OVER www.RemaxFine.com 281-265-5533 281-2655533 Highway 6 & Austin Parkway We Can Show You ANY House Listed!

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 2, 2011

Community news Fort Bend County Alumnae Panhellenic accepts scholarship applications

Breast cancer survivors offer support Since October 2010, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Spiritual Care Department has partnered with the group – Survivors Offering Support – to offer survivors a forum for assistance and communication at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Survivors Offering Support at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is flourishing in its combined form and welcomes new members. Any woman who has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, who is currently undergoing treatment or who has completed treatment is invited to participate.

The support group helps women understand that breast cancer affects them emotionally and spiritually as well as physically, and provides a roadmap for achieving a happier, healthier future after cancer. By encouraging women to share their own experiences and support one another, the group instills a belief in the power of healing and encourages women to reach toward their future with hope.

“Partnering with Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Spiritual Care Department has enabled us to provide our current survivors and new members the increased opportunity to learn, meet other survivors, find support and share experiences,” said Rosemary Herron, facilitator for Survivors Offering Support. “The merging of these two groups allows us to reach more women in need of support within the Fort Bend community.”

The support groups’ current curriculum series, “Navigating Life’s Roadmap After Breast Cancer” was written by Dr. Jennie M. Bennett, breast

Pictured in the front row are the 2010 Fort Bend Panhellenic Scholarship Recipients (L to R) Michelle Roche (Delta Delta Delta, Texas A&M University), Mallory Curtice (Gamma Phi Beta, Texas Christian University); Pictured in the back row are Fort Bend Panhellenic Scholarship Committee members, (L to R) Debbie Jacobson, Donna Kent, Melissa Dixon.

The Fort Bend County Alumnae Panhellenic is pleased to announce our new Scholarship Program for 2011. The 2011 program will offer a $500 scholarship to two collegiates who are residents of Fort Bend County and graduates of Fort Bend ISD, Lamar CISD, Stafford MSD or Needville ISD or residents within these school districts’ boundaries who are graduates of a private school or home school. The applicants must also be active in one of the 26 National Panhellenic Conference Sororities (NPC), represent scholastic achievement, campus and community involvement and leadership in their sorority.

Scholarship funds will be awarded to defray the recipients’ sorority expenses.

Recipients will be announced at the Fort Bend County Alumnae Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment Workshop on Saturday, March 26, 2011. Applications are available at www.fortbendpanhellenic.org or Facebook Group, Fort Bend Alumnae Panhellenic. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, March 4, 2011.

Fort Bend County Alumnae Panhellenic, is a non-profit, community-based organization, affiliated with the 26 sorority member National Panhellenic Conference (NPC). Membership is open to all alumnae of NPC sororities who reside in the The American Cancer SoFort Bend County area. ciety Relay For Life of Sugar would like to invite all Exchange Club recognizes exceptional Land cancer survivors and their student of First Colony Middle School guest to a luncheon celebrating Samuel Mays, a student at their fight against cancer.

First Colony Middle School, This year’s Survivor Lunwas honored January 25 cheon will be held at Noon,

by The Exchange Club of Saturday, Feb. 26 at Christ Sugar Land as Citizen of the United Methodist Church FelMonth. Samuel is an athletic lowship Hall at 3300 Austin leader at FCMS excelling in Parkway, Sugar Land.

Basketball and Football. He Every year the America is also in the Honors Band Cancer Society gathers surviand Honor Roll. Broadcast vors, care givers, and family journalism and volunteerand friends to share support ism are his other strong inand understanding of the chalterests. Joe Mays, father, lenges that unfortunately affect Gwen Mays, mother, and loved ones.

Marie Mays, sister, proudly The lunch is one of multiple watched on as Samuel was events leading up to the orgarecognized as citizen of the nization’s signature activity, Mays month. The Exchange Club Sweetwater Country Club.

Relay For Life of Sugar Land. of Sugar Land meets every —Photo by Debra Galmiche Relay is made up of fundraisWednesday at 7 a.m. at the ing teams, which on the day

Seated left - right: Jenny Hrbacek, RN, Reconstruction of a Survivor and Survivors Offering Support; Melanie Frederick, Survivors Offering Support; Dr. Jennie M. Bennett, founder and director of Reconstruction of a Survivor; Rosemary Herron, facilitator for Methodist Survivors Offering Support; Joanna Waits, Survivors Offering Support and Bill Bross, Director of Spiritual Care and Values Integration at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Standing left – right: Julia Kerner, Survivors Offering Support; Ann Daniel, Methodist Sugar Land Cancer Center RN and facilitator for Methodist Survivors Offering Support; Karen Platt, Chaplain at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and facilitator for Methodist Survivors Offering Support; Janet Ely, founder of Survivors Offering Support; Marilyn Seiler, Survivors Offering Support and Marsha Yeager, Survivors Offering Support.

Join Survivors Offering cancer survivor of 14 years hospital’s involvement is an and founder and director of important component of its Support at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital on February Reconstruction of a Survivor. community outreach.

“The mission of the group- 24, March 17, April 21, May We are thankful to have this curriculum for our group. The Survivors Offering Support 26, June 16, July 21, August mission of this curriculum - aligns perfectly with the vi- 25, September 15, October is to fill the gap to serve all sion and mission of Method- 20, November 15 and Dewomen diagnosed with breast ist Sugar Land Hospital – we cember 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 cancer as they find the power promise to cultivate a safe, p.m., located at Methodist within themselves, surround spiritual and healing environ- Sugar Land Hospital in the themselves with similar sur- ment, and patient support is a Main Pavilion conference vivors, feel that nothing has key element of that promise,” rooms BC. For more information, been taken from them, and Bross said.

“We believe that anyone please contact the Spiritual understand that deep down they long to explore all that is can overcome the challeng- Care Department at 281-274ing diagnosis of breast cancer 7164. purposed for their life.

For more information on Bill Bross, Director of to have hope, possess healing Spiritual Care and Values In- and transform their lives for a Methodist Sugar Land Hospitegration at Methodist Sugar more fulfilling life and better tal, please visit www.MethodistSugarLand.com.

Land Hospital, believes the future.”

American Cancer Society celebrates survivors of the event, gather to camp out at Oyster Creek Park and take turns walking or running around the path.

Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event.

Because cancer never sleeps, Relay is an overnight event.

Relays are different every year but tradition stands that there is always a Survivor Lap, The Luminaria Ceremony, and the Fight Back Ceremony.

“We are extremely excited to be able to hold the Survivor’s Luncheon to celebrate the courage and tenacity survivors and their caregivers have shown,” said Helen Curd, 2011 Event Chair. “And it is a great way to meet other people from your community that have traveled a similar journey to your own. The immediate camaraderie is amazing.”

Relay allows communities to celebrate the lives of those who have survived their personal battle with cancer.

Whether you or a loved one have been newly diagnosed,

currently fighting, or are cancer free, Relay welcomes and encourages participation in the luncheon and of course, the main event, Relay For Life of Sugar Land on April 29, 2011 at Oyster Creek Park.

It is requested that luncheon

reservations be made by Feb. 15 to ensure that an accurate head count is gathered.

For more information, or to make a reservation, call Joanne Rein-Heedles at 713894-2333 or email her at sugarlandsurvivors@gmail.com

Purchase, Refinance & Cash-Out Loans!!!

4.25%ȱ ȱ4.44%ȱ 30ȱyrȱFixedȱ4.875%ȱ ȱ4.99%ȱ 15ȱyrȱFixedȱ

RATEȱ

RATE

Call Today:

APR

ȱ

APR

ȱ

Secure Online Application:

(281) 565-8500 www.HomeWayMortgage.com 16525 Lexington Blvd., Ste. 250, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Effective 01/12/10. Offer may terminate at any time without notice. Rate and APR calculated on a 365 day year with typical/normal closing costs and $200,000 loan amount. Conventional rate/term refinance . Applicants must qualify-other restrictions may apply. NMLS # 214884

Dining & Entertainment

Introducing New Sandwiches

Providing fee-only services to individuals, families and businesses since 1996.

(281) 634-9400 www.wjinterests.com

Murphy’s Deli 13134 Dairy Ashford Sugar Land 281-494-1960 Fax: 281-494-1967