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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011

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

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

Mamie George Community Center opens

Left to Right: Bonna Kol, Catholic Charities President/CEO, Roland Adamson, executive director of The George Foundation, Mike Wells, chairman of The George Foundation, Bill Jameson, trustee, The George Foundation, His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Pat McDonald, trustee, The George Foundation, The Most Reverend Joseph A. Fiorenza, Archbishop Emeritus, Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston, John Null, trustee, The George Foundation and Dee Koch, The George Foundation.

The Catholic Charities of entertainment by the Salvation motes health and well-being through a fitness area, activity the Archdiocese of Galveston- Army Harbor Light Choir.

Located at 1111 Collins rooms and health checks.

Houston officially opened the Mamie George Community Road, the 26,000-square-foot •Senior Social Work Services Center in Fort Bend County on community center is a hub for – promotes independence by Catholic Charities services in providing comprehensive asJan. 12.

His Eminence Daniel Car- Fort Bend County. The Cen- sessments and access to redinal DiNardo performed a ter provides much needed ser- sources.

Blessing Ceremony and im- vices, with an emphasis on low •Gracious Gifts – gift shop providing economical, dignimediately following, His Emi- income residents and seniors.

The Center features the fol- fied gift-giving opportunities nence along with the trustees for seniors. of The George Foundation and lowing programs: Catholic Charities board mem- •Trini’s Corner Market – an in- •Learning Library – with edubers and president, participated novative, self-select food pan- cational and computer classes for seniors. in the ceremonial ribbon cut- try for low-income families.

•Patty’s Café – offers special •Financial Assistance Counselting.

The momentous occasion meals to low-income seniors ing was celebrated by approxi- and an indoor/outdoor dining Raye G. White Children & Family Services: mately 350 guests who enjoyed for the entire community. delicious refreshments and live •Senior Wellness Center – pro- •Pregnancy and Parenting Services •Immigrant Legal Services – to help children and adult victims of violence.

•Financial Assistance Counsel10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 ing Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 •Foster care and Adoption Funding and volunteer comwww.fbindependent.com Seshadri Kumar mitments from the community Publisher & Editor 281-980-6745 are vital to sustaining programs Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every that will help people facing Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend numerous challenges move Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas towards self-sufficiency. For 77477. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas. more information visit www.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, MamieGeorgeCommunityCenP.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487. ter.org or call 281-202-6200.

‘Virtual’ science center is part of district’s goal

By SESHADRI KUMAR The future of Fort Bend ISD’s “virtual” science and technology center is buried inside an amendment to the superintendent’s contract under the Superintendnet/Board Goals (SBG) 2011.

Superintendent Tim Jenney recently made an announcement that the concept of the proposed global science and technology center has changed from a brick and mortar building to a virtual center.

The announcement was surprising because the school board stood firm on building the center after a “citizens committee” headed by former Mayor David Wallace presented a report touting its feasibility in 2009.

The school board brushed

aside concerns expressed by critics and authorized the superintendent to proceed with the plan, subject to the condition that at least $4 million will be raised in private funds to build the center. Again, Wallace was appointed to chair the fundraising committee.

Other than a reported $1 million matching donation from The George Foundation, no other fund was raised and last year, Jenney said the building of the center will be “delayed” by a year. This year the whole idea has been quietly abandoned.

Obviously, the school board made its momentous decision to drop the idea of the multi-million dollar science and technology center, behind closed doors, in an unortho-

dox method, while discussing superintendent/board goals, which is a part of the superintendent’s contract extension.

The contract, obtained by The Independent, through an open records request lists five “goals” to be achieved by the superintendent for receiving a bonus of $36,000 and the third goal reads “Building on the concept of the Science and Technology Center to improve science achievement, develop a plan to utilize technology to bring daily lessons to K-8 students at their home school site—$9,000.”

The deliverables under this goal are: Create a model of virtual teaching as an alternative to a “brick and mortar” concept—$2,000; Develop a See VIRTUAL, Page 3

Stafford, water district at loggerheads

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The Feb. 2 meeting of Stafford City Council and Water Control & Improvement District No. 2 didn’t happen so Mayor Leonard Scarcella and council members used part of their meeting to discuss why they think such is of paramount importance to the future of their city.

While the mayor said the water district cancelled the meeting Board President Jimmy Williams says it was only postponed and will be on a later date.

Having enough water and sewer capacity for Stafford residents and businesses “in the near term and as far out as 50 years” is the goal council wants the water district to achieve and at an affordable price.

Scarcella led the charge and said he was “very disappointed” about not having the meeting with WCID on Feb. 2 “because we had hoped to get the true status on provisions of our water. As the population of this area grows,” he said, “and

there’s more demand for water, there’s also a shrinking supply, so the situation will continue to get more difficult. As a council we’ve recognized the critical importance of being pro active to protect the citizens and businesses and vitality and vibrancy of Stafford through the next half century.”

The mayor said what triggered council’s attention were legal actions by Sugar Land to claim “the water rights over the entire area” now in WCID No. 1 and filing a declaratory judgment action, “which will impact the access to water in Oyster Creek. We’re watching what Sugar Land is doing because both could have negative impacts on Stafford.”

Scarcella also said that Sugar Land is now trying to “buy or lease water from WCID No. 2, which could jeopardize Stafford’s future water supply.”

Also, Stafford makes up 66 percent of all the acreage in the water district. The district gets 81 percent of its property

taxing value from Stafford, according to Scarcella.

Then the mayor went on to slam dunk figures the district’s bond experts publicized regarding the district’s failed Nov. 2 $39.7 million bond referendum.

Scarcella said while they claimed the tax rate could go from the current 18 cents per $100 valuation to 21 cents, at an assessed value growth of 6.41 percent annually for five years, the mayor said such a projected value growth was off the charts in the current economy.

“The estimated growth rate of 6.41 percent is totally out of the realm of what any economist in this country is predicting,” Scarcella said.

What a smaller annual growth rate would mean to citizens, the mayor said, is having to pay “anywhere from 25 cents to 30 cents” per $100 valuation to retire the $39.7 million bond referendum indebtedness. He said the figures the district used when discussing last year’s See WATER, Page 3

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 9, 2011

Health for Humanity Yogathon draws wide support from Sugar Land area

American Red Cross offers free classes on First Aid, Babysitting Learn American Red Cross Community First Aid with CPR Adult, Child and Infant on Thursday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m.10:30 p.m.

American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training class geared for ages 11-15. Saturday, Feb. 26, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Learn American Red Cross Community First Aid with CPR Adult, Child and Infant on, Monday, Feb. 21, and, Wednesday, Feb. 23, 6 p.m.10:30 p.m.

Pre-registration is required at www.houstonredcross.org or contact Shia at 281-3429480.

Participants in “Health for Humanity Yogathon,” perform Yoga at the Telfair community center in Sugar Land.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh participated in this unique bers emphasizing values such USA held its annual “Health yogathon performing nearly as self-discipline, self-confifor Humanity Yogathon” or one million Surya Namaskar. dence and a spirit of selfless “Surya Namaskar Yajna” by Community leaders and many service for humanity.

HSS is inspired by the idea offering one million Sun Sal- elected officials across the nautations, known as Surya Na- tion have appreciated this ini- that the whole world is one maskar, from Jan. 15 to Jan. tiative and encouraged their family and conducts activi30. The 16-day event aimed to residents to participate and ties across the United States create awareness about Yoga gain the benefits of an overall in order to spread this message widely. HSS in the Unitand its advantages in achiev- healthy life style.

HSS invited community ed States started in 1989 and ing a healthy body, mind and spirit. Surya Namaskar inte- groups, Yoga centers, stu- today has over 140 weekly grates simple Yoga postures dents, and people of all ages to meeting centers across the in 10-steps that, along with learn and participate in Health country.

Each chapter of HSS holds easy breathing technique, can for Humanity Yogathon. This provide immense health ben- program was open to people a weekly program for the enefits to both the body and the of all ages, gender, and races. tire family. While the kids enHSS USA is a voluntary, joy learning in early childhood mind.

HSS initiated this health non-profit, social and cultural classes, youth and adults also awareness project in 2006. organization. It aims to orga- participate in activities such Since its inception, various nize the Hindu community in as games, songs, discussions, Yoga Centers, community or- order to preserve, practice and and lectures on Hindu culture. ganizations, schools and col- promote Hindu ideals and val- Visit www.hssus.org/sny. leges regardless of individual ues. HSS conducts structured Below, adults participate faiths and beliefs, have par- programs of regular athletic ticipated all across the United and academic activities to in the weekly HSS program States. Last year, close to develop strong character and in Sugar Land.

9,000 people from 40 states leadership skills in its mem-

Quail Valley Proud hosts candidates’ forum for HOA board QV Proud, the community based volunteer organization, will again sponsor this event which provides members of the Quail Valley Fund HOA an opportunity to meet those candidates seeking a position on the Fund’s Executive Board.

Quail Valley Fund represents over 3,000 homes.

This event will be held at the QV Golf Course facility on Feb. 17, beginning at 7 p.m. and scheduled to conclude at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Invitations to participate in this event have been sent to all 7 candidates vying for the 4 open positions and all are xpected to be present.

The format of the meeting will begin with a statement from each candidate cover-

ing their plans for the Fund if elected and any other relevant statements or topics of discussion that they would like to convey.

This would be followed immediately by a Q & A opportunity from the floor again in a limited time allotment.

QV Proud and the current Fund’s Board request that members of the HOA get involved in this important election process.

The actions or inactions of the Fund board is important to the overall health and vitality of those neighborhoods represented and therefore needs the involvement of the community.

Questions can be directed to the QV Proud hotline at QVPROUD@AOL.COM

Del Webb Sweetgrass announces new floor plans, grand opening on Feb. 12 Active adult homebuyers wanting to live in the Greater Houston area now have even more home choices available in the new Del Webb Sweetgrass community with the introduction of 12 new floor plans.

With all these new floor plans, Del Webb Sweetgrass meets the diverse housing needs of the fastest-growing buying segment in the country, the Baby Boomer who was born between 1946-1964, and the oldest turning 65 in 2011.

“Variety is what these floor plans offer, whether you’re downsizing from your existing residence or wishing for a spacious home great for entertaining with a large chef kitchen,” said Kimberly Paulus, general manager for Del Webb Sweetgrass. “There are many options to suit your active lifestyle.

“We developed these great

floor plans based on what the active adult buyer told us they wanted in a Del Webb home,” added Paulus. “For Baby Boomers specifically, they don’t need as much square footage dedicated to bedrooms compared to the years they were rearing a family. With these open, spacious floor plans, there is a perfect home to fit the lifestyle needs of Baby Boomers.”

At the heart of the 1,500unit community is Del Webb Sweetgrass’ social hub. This much-anticipated 27,000-square-foot, multimillion dollar, state-of-the-art amenity center will feature indoor and outdoor pools and spa, fitness center, new walking trails, outdoor pavilion with fishing pier, amphitheatre, and other amenities.

The 8,000-square-foot sales pavilion along with a new model park will feature nine designer-decorated homes,

and will grand open Saturday, February 12.

The new single-story floor plans range in size from 1,137-2,648 square feet with at least two bedrooms and two bathrooms (and up to three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms).

All the homes also feature a covered patio, a two-car garage, with a large master suite, and plenty of room for entertaining or facilitating current interests and hobbies, like scrapbooking, playing poker or entertaining grandchildren.

Homes start in the $130s.

Floor plans at Del Webb Sweetgrass include three series, the Garden Series, Classic Series and Estate Series.

The grand opening event is on Saturday, February 12 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information about Del Webb Sweetgrass, visit delwebb.com/Sweetgrass or call toll free at call 1-877-6959338.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

News In response to a question about why board members of the Fort Bend County Water Control & Improvement District No. 2 did not meet with Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella and council members on Feb. 2, a WCID spokesman said, the board only postponed the meeting.

At their Jan. 19 monthly meeting, board members “discussed the joint meeting and prepared a response to the city, postponing the meeting and appointing two directors to a committee to meet with a city committee to open communication on the issues involved and to develop a joint agenda to address the mayor’s concerns,� according to a district spokesperson.

As for who did what when regarding the proposed meeting and agenda, the district says “Board President Jimmy Williams and Mayor Scarcella met to discuss a joint meeting between the two governmental entities. Feb. 2 was agreed to tentatively. Williams met with the board of directors on Jan. 5 and agreed to the meeting pending a joint agenda approved by both entities.

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Call Suzette or email: Speoplesrealtor@aol.com trict’s ability to provide for Stafford’s water needs. The district replied that it “has been providing for the areas’ water supply needs since 1946, nearly 10 years before the cities were incorporated and through prior planning and timely bond elections has never had to deny the development of any business or subdivision. “The district has secured sufficient water supply for

the ultimate build out of the district, including the undeveloped areas of Stafford, Missouri City and their ETJ’s.

The District is proud to hold the most senior municipal surface water rights in Fort Bend County insuring the district’s residents have their water before any other city or water purveyor in Fort Bend County obtains their water from the Brazos River.�

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Virtual From Page 1 technology system capable of the delivery of “on demand� instruction $4,000; Develop a cost estimate for the complete system $2,000 Develop a time line of implementation $1,000.

Goal No. 1 is to “Continue to increase my accessibility in the school community with the improvement of communication —$7,000.�

Deliverables under this goal are: Utilize the School Messenger system at least once per month, $1,000; Investigate additional electronic methods of communication with staff/public $2,000; Communicate with all staff at least once per month, while continuing the current methods of outreach $2000; Develop a customer training program $1,000; Develop standards of expectations to promote a positive work environment $1,000.

Other goals are: Complete a “Baldrige National Quality Program� application and submit. Also, seek other recognitions, including the Magna Awards $5,000; Optimize Resources for this year’s budget by creating a Graduated List of reductions based upon staffing, program and facility reviews —$7,000; Review and update the FBISD Design and Construction Standards $3,000 Increase number of Historically Underutilized Businesses as vendors for the district $5,000.

Visit fbindependent.com to read the complete goals.

“The district requested a draft agenda for the proposed joint meeting on Feb. 2 from the city by letter dated Jan. 10.

The district received the draft agenda on Jan. 13. The mayor sent a letter on Jan. 14th requesting the district’s comments on the agenda. “District staff reviewed and prepared comments on the draft agenda on Jan. 14 for board review on Jan. 19. On Jan. 18, the district received a second, very large public information request from the city’s Austin law firm. “On January 20 the city newsletter was sent out announcing the meeting and the agenda, with no regard for any input from the district, although the mayor’s Jan. 14 letter to the district requested comment.�

Regarding Mayor Scarcella’s remarks about Sugar Land’s legislative and courtroom moves concerning future water supplies, the district says it “is not leasing or selling any water capacity to Sugar Land or Missouri City. “A few years ago, a Sugar Land representative inquired whether the district would consider a lease of capacity to Sugar Land for water the district will not use until 2025, and that’s as far as it went.

There have been no further discussions about a lease of water capacity. “If there were a request for a lease of capacity, the matter would be on a district meeting agenda and any member of the public is welcome to attend the meeting and hear about the request and give comments to the board.�

Another item of concern for the mayor was the dis-

R ED U C ED

WCID responds

LD

proposed referendum “were very misleading.�

Scarcella then told council that while 2010 valuations in Stafford increased “considerably,� WCID No. 2’s went down about $141 million. “They’ve continually done these annexations saying it will add to their (taxable) value, yet they’ve lost $150 million in value,� the mayor said. “Had it not been for the $50 million increase in Stafford (taxable value) they’d have lost over $200 million last year over this year.�

The mayor also said the district put its current debt at $52 million when the real figure is $84 million because the larger figure includes interest and fees, which are always part of debt service. He pointed out that if the district’s previous bond referendum had passed, the district’s debt would now be $150 million – “three times what they said in their press releases.�

Then he went on to say that the deal Texas Instruments (TI) wants to do with the district regarding treating their sewage is not in the best interest of the district’s other users.

The deal is if the district’s next bond referendum passes, it will reimburse TI for the cost of the necessary (pipe) expansion from TI’s plant to a district lift station. The construction is estimated to cost $1.267 million.

The mayor went on to say that “TI currently has more than $1 billion in the bank but wants the taxpayers of Stafford to reimburse them for their trunk line.� He pointed out that TI has reduced its taxable operation in Stafford from $119 million in 2007 to the current $63.4 million with no plans for future expansion. “Another thing that gives me pause,� Scarcella said, “is if the district does this how much capacity will be left for new businesses that come into Stafford.�

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Water From Page 1

He went on to say that since the district didn’t get the $39.7 million referendum passed last year “they’ve been looking at the possibility of issuing bonds in 2011‌that don’t have to be voted on by the public.â€? He said the total amount would be $21.5 million.

Long-time Councilman Cecil Willis spoke next and began by saying he’d served as a board member for the water district for three years beginning in 1976, a year after he moved to Stafford. He called the current board members his friends and said a total of $150 million indebtedness “is a tremendous amount of money to me. If that bond issue had passed and SMSD passes one we’d have well over $200 million of debt in principal and interest. Let’s just say it’s $210 million. In seven square miles, that’s $30 million a mile at best in Stafford.�

He also pointed out that “we are dumping millions of gallons of sewage today in Stafford Run and then it’s flowing to the Gulf of Mexico.

It’s called gray water and can be used for various purposes.� He said nearby cities are now using gray water and that Stafford also needs to do that.

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Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 9, 2011

Opinion

The View from Sugar Land American Middle East policy in doubt

By RUSSELL C. JONES During the first few days of the street protests in Cairo, the Obama administration was criticized for not offering a clear response.

First, the Secretary of State seem to indicate that America’s ally of the past 30 years would be supported during this apparently minor crisis.

Then, she seemed to retreat.

Finally, it became clear that the administration hoped to ease Mubarak out of his position in favor of a more popular government.

Although no official word exists on what actually happened during those first few days, readers of Dinesh D’Souza’s The Roots of Obama’s Rage were not surprised that the decision to drop Mubarak into the grease and to let events play out on the streets became the official policy of the US Government.

In the larger sense, there is no doubt that a popular revolution to change the government is an appropriate policy for America.

One need look no further than this country’s own history to appreciate that popular revolution is inherent in the blood of Americans, and that sympathy for the majority’s position should win out when the old guard has finally run out of gas.

In theory, popular elections in the selection of a new government is appealing to the American ideal. But the reality may be entirely different.

One can imagine the debate in the White House. On the one hand, State Department functionaries were arguing for the necessity of the Mubarak regime to defend American interests in the Middle East.

Realpolitik, as played by the United States, Europe, and every other international player over the past hundred years, would have demanded standing by our man in Cairo.

Like him or not, Mubarak is

Jones the one Arab leader who has acquiesced to American policy in Israel over the past three decades.

On the other hand, D’Souza would argue that Obama’s first instinct is to free the oppressed peoples from the local oppressor, who in turn is kept in power by the American oppressor.

In the end, the president’s position won out, and American Middle East policy, such as it was, collapsed and became unknowable among its allies.

By the end of the week, Obama was calling for Mubarak to think of his legacy and to step down as a meaningful way of preserving it.

Obama’s abandonment of Mubarak has led to a rift with America’s allies in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and others.

If America will so quickly abandon its friends in Egypt, will it not also abandon its friends elsewhere?

What about Israel itself?

Israeli has never believed in promoting democracy in the Arab world. America’s “freedom agenda” is an anathema to the Israelis.

For Israel, it is not a question of the theoretical blessings of democracy. It is simply an idea that, if successful, would require the Israelis to

pay a very high price.

For Israel, the collapse of Mubarak could mean the collapse of the Camp David Accords, the loss of 40% of its natural gas, the disappearance of a major trading partner, and the evaporation of the only “friendly” Arab state in the region.

With a hostile Egypt on its borders, Israel could be looking at border terrorism an order of magnitude greater that what it currently experiences with Palestine.

If D’Souza is right, look for Obama’s abandonment of all of America’s allies in the Arab states as street protests spread from one country to another.

Whether Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Yemen or any other government which America has cultivated over the years, the Obama philosophy should play into the hands of all of those groups who view America as historically having supported oppressive governments against its people.

Palestine offers a key example. Elections have gone forward, and Hamas controls the government there. Hezbollah, essentially a puppet of Iran, has already taking control of Lebanon.

It is not inconceivable that an election in Egypt could result in the legitimization of the Muslim Brotherhood as the leader of the government there. That is the same organization which assassinated Anwar Sadat prior to Mubarak coming to power and advocates the destruction of Israel.

Allies, take note! American foreign policy in the Middle East may be on the brink of a major revision, and old acquaintances may well be forgotten.

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: Iceman

By JANICE SCANLAN Who left the “North Door” open? And then all we got was ice, not the promised snow.

I’m not a big fan of snow, but I had hoped the kids (and that includes the kid in all of us) would get the experience of a snow that would actually stick. Making snowmen, angels and whatever is fun . . . and with a day out of school.

Those “snow days” were always fun growing up, but with so many working households, it may be really difficult for many parents, especially those in “essential jobs.” And we all know about those essential paychecks.

My mom and I would go into full gear on snow days, making snacks for the birds.

We’d slather peanut butter on pinecones, corn cobs, and one year, on graham crackers to coat them in seeds and then hang them outdoors for the birds. Then we’d watch the birds. I put out extra bird food this year . . . and we sat and enjoyed the birds feeding and jockeying for position at the feeders.

The many varieties of warblers, chickadees, finches, wrens, starlings, and sparrows, as well as Whitewinged Doves and Cardinals

Scanlan kept us entertained. Watching their pleasure as water in the birdbath became life-giving liquid again and the waterfall was restored to the pond— simple pleasures.

Ironically the only bird we lost was a Wilson’s Warbler, which was our Bird of Fort Bend in January . . . with his pretty yellow breast and jaunty black beret. But I thankfully saw many more.

Watching the ice pelt off the magnolia in the courtyard through the morning sun was beautiful. And the “poofs” as the ice breaks free with the sun shining through was a light show in itself.

After four days of severe cold I was not certain how well those sheets, towels, blankets,

Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

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

comforters and whatever from “sheets of bedrooms past” would provide enough protection. I was pleasantly surprised. Now, I have a very protected garden and lots of trees, which provide a layer of insulation as well.

And you have to use judgment . . . the annual plants that like the cold, did great with just a sheet. Without covers, Pansies and Cyclamens may look drooped for a bit, then perk right up.

The brick walls provide some warmth and protection, but some things only had a single layer of sheets. They didn’t fare as well as those with more protection . . . and the thermal cloth from the garden stores gives you a couple more degrees of warmth as well as lets in sunlight and a bit of air circulation.

All the new seeds remind us of the circle of life. And yes, it’s a great time to plant trees.

As my neighbors said on Sunday, we’re getting it all out, only to have to cover again this week, but some sunshine and outdoors on Saturday and Sunday were welcome to us and the musings were cheerful! Now you may hear me complaining mid week!

So you should know the drill almost as well as for hurricanes now. Protect pets, plants and pipes. And turn off and drain sprinklers and fountains . . .

Write to janicescanlan@ earthlink.net.

Weight loss: It’s a journey; Enjoy the ride

By ASHLEY DONNELL It’s February. Have you already failed at your attempts to keep your New Year’s resolutions -- especially if they pertained to weight loss, eating right, and exercising more?

Hey, we’re Americans! We want the quick solution. We want the ‘Easy’ button. We don’t actually want to change our life-style, even though we know that’s the only answer.

As an Orthopedic Physician Assistant, I deal with it all the time. Our patients come in complaining of their aching knees, hips, and back. When we start breaking down their lifestyle choices, I get similar responses: ‘If I only lost 1520 lbs, I know it would be better.’

You would be surprised by the responses I get when asking about physical activity: ‘I walk to get the mail,’ ‘I walk the dog’ (How far--to the front yard?), or ‘I walk from the couch to the kitchen.’ That is not nearly enough physical activity.

When walking, every extra pound that you are overweight is an increase in force of three to six times across your knees.

To put that in other terms, for every 10 pounds overweight it increases the force to your knees by 30-60 pounds!

Americans also need to learn when to stop consuming calories. Restaurant meals are 2-3 times the healthy portion size, but how many people actually ask for a ‘doggy bag?’

On my journey, I started tracking everything I consumed. I was amazed to learn that some of my favorite meals, which I thought were healthy choices, were instead half of my daily allowance of calories. Be very careful with restaurant salads, fruit smoothies, and deli sandwiches. Even if labeled as healthy choices, they may be no better than a cheeseburger, with some containing 1200-1500 calories.

Fad diets all promise quick weight loss. They come in many forms, including taking a pill four times daily, drinking a “magic” powdery substance, or only eating cabbage.

Yes, you will lose weight, but some of these quick weight-

loss gimmick diets can cause muscle loss instead of just fat.

They also can deprive your body of very necessary nutrition, compromising your health, and weakening your bones and cartilage.

Unless you plan to spend the rest of your life just ordering special diet meals or just eating cabbage, the weight will come back when you stop the fad diet, and sometimes with a vengeance.

To maintain your New Year’s Resolution past January, first: involve others.

Chances are you have friends and family who have the same resolutions you do. When you have a weight loss buddy, you will find going to the gym together, swapping healthy recipes, and otherwise keeping you both motivated to stay on track will be easier.

Secondly, do everything in moderation. Drastic changes don’t work. If the first thing you did was cut out everything you enjoy, as soon as you have a hard day, you will not only have one piece of pie, but maybe the whole pie!

Allow for flexibility in your diet so you don’t get sick of eating the same healthy plate every day.

Allow yourself pizza for dinner; but just make sure that you have salad for lunch and

skip dessert.

Find exercise you enjoy, whether it is walking in the park, riding a bike, or joining a group exercise, swim, or dance class. Remember, if you don’t enjoy it, you won’t keep doing it.

Lastly, don’t give up! You will hit plateaus where your results stop becoming so apparent, but that’s just part of the journey.

Life might get in the way of your regular schedule, your diet may be ruined by a special occasion, or you can’t make it to the park due to weather.

The best thing you can do is forget about the ‘bad day’ and start again tomorrow.

There is no “Easy” button.

Trust me, I’ve tried! It took me a year and a half to do, but I have finally reached my weight loss goal of losing 50 pounds. I did it the old fashioned way by watching what I ate, allowing myself the flexibility to enjoy treats, and by getting off the couch and exercising. It was a journey, but it was worth it every step.

Ashley Donnell, PA-C, is a Physician Assistant with Thomas J. Parr, MD, PA. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Denver, and a Master’s of Science as a Physician Assistant from Stoney Brook University in New York.

FBISD ignores zoning “guiding principles” To the Editor: I agree very much with your article published last week about FBISD and their problems communicating with the public. These same issues are present as FBISD communicates their “Guiding Principles” for rezoning on their website home page.

One of the “Guiding Principles” is to give residents, “an opportunity to provide feedback.”

So, why are the Board of Trustees scheduled to not be present at the Townhall Meeting at Elkins High School on February 10th?

Are the Board Members really too busy to hear timely and actual complaints from their constituents?

I thought that was one of the main obligations and duties of their office. The purpose of this gathering is specifically for the residents to present their opinions about the rezoning. But, to whom? This rather unreal scenario speaks volumes about the Board, their willingness to communicate, and the “townhall meeting” process, a process without purpose.

One of the other “Guiding Principles” communicated by FBISD is to “Plan for Future Growth.” Such a plan should obviously include building schools where growth is occurring. Over the past five years, the District has built two new high schools, Mar-

shall and Ridgepoint, which are now between 1/2 to 2/3 of capacity. There exists another under capacity high school, Willowridge which was to be closed but now apparently will stay open.

FBISD currently has two overcrowded high schools, Clements and Elkins in areas where population growth is already abundantly evident.

I personally feel that FBISD’s faulty planning is linked to its lack of communication with the residents in the area. Clear communication is rooted in reality and the reality is we should be building schools in locations where overcrowding is present right now. Splitting neighborhoods is clearly prohibited by the FBISD’s “Guiding Principles” and with good reason.

Children in the same neighborhood should have a reasonable expectation to continue their schooling (through high school) with friends in their own neighborhood.

This creates friendships, teacher relationships, community links, parental links, etc., which help to build strong, effective schools.

So, why is FBISD choosing to split the Lake Colony subdivision by zoning 1/3 of its residents to Clements and the rest to Elkins?

Another “Guiding Principle” behind rezoning is “To minimize rezoning neighborhoods.”

Two large First Colony subdivisions which are scheduled to be rezoned to Elkins from Clements are Heritage Colony and (most of) Lake Colony, where I reside.

These subdivisions comprise about 950 homes and have been rezoned three times in the last ten years. We were rezoned from Clements to Elkins in 2003, back to Clements in 2007, and the current rezoning proposal is that we go back to Elkins.

Now, I’m thoroughly convinced that parental involvement makes a school great but how does a parent, much less a teenager, stay effective and focused when their friends, contacts, programs, and schedules are continuously changing?

My understanding is that to “minimize” is to decrease the amount. This isn’t just faulty communication by FBISD, this is ridiculous communication.

In most organizations, implementing a plan without regard to self-imposed guidelines would probably be seen as inconsistent, reckless and disorganized.

Let us all hope that the school district approaches the budget cuts of next year with careful thought, objectivity, and a genuine concern for students and parents of the district.

Howard Moline Missouri City

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

LETTER

Time for action in FBISD Dr. Jenney got just what he wanted from you, a new contract. And with the budget shortfall, I believe this is how things will unfold! Other academies will close as well!

Additionally, new schools built will not open as planned.

Don’t even consider that neighborhoods promised schools will ever see their promises come to fruition.

Board members seeking reelection will be voted out!

Then, and only then, mounting pressure, against the board and Dr. Jenney, from the community in which they serve will force the board to offer a buyout deal to Dr. Jenney!!

Dr. Jenney will leisurely look for new employment while the board of trustees scrambles to fix the financial crisis that Fort Bend is in!

We all know change must come, but when will the changes be fair and equitable?

The East side has carried the burden of the woes of this district far too long! Over the years, Willowridge has been strategically stripped of what made Willowridge strong, both academically as well as athletically.

The current board is not

being held responsible for the injustices of the past, but FBISD residents do expect current decisions to be made with a true sense of integrity and to demonstrate that within them lies desires to be just and fair to all! Is that too much to expect?

We all share in the burden as taxpayers! We will groan, but our groans will be lighter if every community realizes that we all are suffering, not just somebody else’s neighborhood!

Please, scrap all of your options, go back to the drawing board, take a few months if need be, and then come back to the public, not with options decided upon by who can scream the loudest or who can send the most t-shirts to a board meeting, but with one single plan that equalizes the weight across the district.

Proper re-zoning will evenly utilize every existing campus and save time and money.

It’s a tough decision to make, but if it is not made now, FBISD will lose the name it has worked so hard to gain!

The time for playing games is over! It is time for action!

FINANCE & INVESTMENT Is Roth 401k a viable option for employees?

Fort Bend Democrats host Mardi Gras Ball

After researching, compiling my findings, and generating comments regarding the Gaming Academy at Willowridge, I learned that on 2-2-11, the Gaming Academy students at Willowridge were told their academy would be terminated at the end of this school year.

Knowing this, I decided it was still important to send my findings and previously formulated comments to various entities that may be interested.

Closing the academy at Willowridge after only months of operation means the money spent to start up the academy has been wasted.

I am not knowledgeable about what is required to run an academy such as this one, so I did a bit of research. I found that Toon Boom is the world’s leading supplier of animation software and that is what Willowridge had.

To run it successfully, the following configuration is recommended: 1. Dual Core Intel or AMD processor 2. Microsoft Windows 7 3. 2 GB RAM (Minimum 1 GB) 4. Monitor Supporting 1280

X 1024 Resolution 5. Video card supporting Direct 3D or Open GL with 256 MB RAM (Minimum 128 MB RAM) 6. WACOM Digital Drawing Tablet 7. Quicktime Player 8. Adobe Reader This equipment is expensive to purchase, run, and maintain! Did anyone review the cost before putting this academy into Willowridge?

That alone should have made the program prohibitive. And the kids they profess to care so much about are once again the victims of substandard planning! This is an example of poor management!

Additionally, it validates that what the Board President, Sonal Bhuchar, said at the December 13th meeting (the Gaming Academy at Willowridge is a very successful academy) was an out-right fabrication. If it were so “successful,” why close it only months after it was instituted?

Did Mrs. Bhuchar even once visit the academy and talk to its students?

Finally, to the Fort Bend Board of Trustees, with the exception of Babb, you have been duped.

B y JARED & BILL JAMESON With the recent legislation from congress allowing employees to rollover 401k balances into Roth 401k accounts, many employers have responded by adding Roth 401k accounts as part of their retirement benefits.

Like a Roth IRA, Roth 401k accounts allow employees to make after-tax contributions toward retirement. The account grows tax-free, and at retirement the beneficiary can take tax free distributions.

However, unlike the Roth version of the IRA, you can make contributions to Roth 401ks regardless of what your income level is.

A maximum annual contribution of $16,500 ($22,000 if age 50 or older) can be made to a 401k, whether Roth, traditional or a combination of both.

So does it make sense for you to contribute to your Roth instead of the traditional taxdeferred vehicle? It depends on what tax bracket you are in, and where you believe tax rates will be in the future.

If you are currently in the top marginal bracket (35 percent) and believe you will be in a lower bracket in retirement, you should consider

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 11TH day of JANUARY 2011 by the COUNTY COURT of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #10-CCV-041994 in favor of the Plaintiff – MISSION BEND SOUTH CIVIC IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC Plaintiff, for the sum of $6,028.41++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 13TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) – LARRY MURRAY had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT NINE (9), IN BLOCK SIX (6), OF MISSION BEND SOUTH, SECTION TWO (2), ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 21, PAGE 29 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ( ‘’ THE PROPERTY ‘’) ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: 108,150.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

Bill and Jared Jameson making tax-deferred contri- from a tax-efficiency viewbutions to your 401k. If you point.

Roth 401ks provide tax are in one of the lower brackets (15 percent), it may make flexibility in retirement and sense for you to pay the tax can be a great wealth transfer now (Roth), and reap the ben- tool. Talk to your financial efit of tax-free distributions at advisor to see if you should make Roth 401k contriburetirement.

Projecting tax rates into the tions.

WJ Interests is a fee-only future is very difficult. However, one thing we do know financial planning and inis current rates are close to vestment management firm in historical lows, so it is more Sugar Land. For more inforlikely for taxes to go up than mation, please contact us at down from here. This makes wj@wjinterests.com or 281the Roth 401k very appealing 634-9400.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 16TH day of DECEMBER 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-165278 in favor of the Plaintiff -THE VICKSBURG COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $7,204.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on the 26TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant(s)- RODNEY PEARSON AND HALIMAN AQUIL had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT FOURTEEN (14), BLOCK SEVEN(07), REPLAT OF VICKSBURG, THE VILLAGE OF SHILOH, SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NOS. 843/B AND 844/A OF PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF, 3335 BEDFORD FOREST DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459.

Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.

Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2

By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 22ND day of DECEMBER 2010 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-161688 in favor of the Plaintiff -QUAIL BRIDGE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,132.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on the 12TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant(s)- SILVESTINA S. DECOTEAU had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT FOURTEEN (14), BLOCK ONE (1), QUAIL BRIDGE SUBDIVISION, SECTION ONE (1), FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, BEING A REPLAT OF RIDGEMONT SUBDIVISION, SECTION FIVE (5), AS RECORDED IN VOLUME 25, PAGE 25, PAGE 14 OF THE FORT BEND COUNTY MAP RECORDS (“THE PROPERTY”) ALSO KNOWN AS 5418 RIDGEMONT PLACE, HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77053.

Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.

Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2

By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

Audrey Williams

The Fort Bend County Democratic Party will host its first major fundraiser of the year on Feb. 18.

Themed “Chairman’s First Annual Mardi Gras Ball,” this fundraiser will be rich in South Louisiana food and culture. Guests will enjoy light Creole cuisine while partying the night away to a live New Orleans Brass Band.

Headlining the event will be U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA). Named one of Time Magazine’s “40 under 40 New Civic Leaders,” Rep. Richmond has distinguished himself as a rising star within the Democratic Party.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that Rep. Richmond has agreed to join us,” remarked Chairman Steve Brown.

“Fort Bend is known for its tremendous diversity, as many Louisianans now call Fort Bend County their home.

“This event will serve to celebrate that diversity, while raising needed funds to help grow Democratic support countywide,” he said.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For questions or to RSVP, please contact Tiffany Thomas at tiffany@themavengrouponline. com. All funds solicited in connection with this event are

by Fort Bend County Democratic Party, and not by Congressman Cedric Richmond.

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 11TH day of JANUARY, 2011 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #08-DCV-167658 in favor of the Plaintiff – ROYAL LAKE ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,303.76 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 25TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) – MARIA MARTIN AND DAMON MARTIN had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 12, BLOCK 5, OF ROYAL LAKES ESTATES SUBDIVISION, SECTION 1, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT SLIDE 1685A, CLERK’S FILE NO. 1999043736 AND SLIDE 1854B IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $430,720.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

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

Loving Friends is a social group for widow and widowers in the area. The next meeting is Feb.15. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of the month at Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land beginning at 5:30 p.m. with social time and meal at 6 p.m. Entertainment follows with The Ivory Touch. Yearly dues are $24 and dinner each month is $17. For more information and a reservation by Feb. 10th,call Georgia at 281-4385224.

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of DECEMBER 2010 by the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #09DCV-170197 in favor of the Plaintiff – WATERSIDE ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,183.40++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 3RD day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) –– STEVEN D ALLEN AND CHERI ALLEN had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT THIRTYTHREE (33), BLOCK ONE (1) OF WATERSIDE ESTATES, SECTION FIVE (5), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 2069/A OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY DESCRIBED AS 1506 LAKE HOLBROOK LANE, RICHMOND, TEXAS, 77469.

ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: 418,160 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE SERGEANT J.M. HUTSON Deputy Constable #1310 NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 10TH day of JANUARY, 2011 by the COUNTY Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #10-CCV-041447 in favor of the Plaintiff – MISSION BEND SOUTH CIVIC IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC Plaintiff, for the sum of $7,177.56 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 13TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) – OHN ROGELIO SUBIA AND WANDA SUE SUBIA, JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT NINETY-ONE ( 91 ), IN BLOCK FOUR ( 4 ), OF MISSION BEND SOUTH, SECTION FOUR ( 4 ), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 22, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ( ‘’ THE PROPERTY ‘’) ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $88,580.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 12TH day of JANUARY 2011 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #10-DCV-178998 in favor of the Plaintiff -CREEKMONT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $2,600.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on the 25TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant(s)- JOE E. BARRERA had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT FOURTEEN (14), BLOCK THREE(3), OF CREEKMONT, SECTION ONE (1), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20060058, OF THE MAP/ PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY DESCRIBED AS 4414 KIRK MANOR COURT, FRESNO, TEXAS, 77545.

Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.

Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2

By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 by the 4OOTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #07-DCV-160401 in favor of the Plaintiff – CHASEWOOD COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,355.00 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 14TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) – LARRY MURRAY had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 6, BLOCK 9, OF WILLOW PARK SUBDIVISION, SECTION 3, SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT VOLUME 21, PAGE 4 IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: 107,090.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 29TH day of DECEMBER 2010 by the HONORABLE COUNTY COURT AT LAW 3 of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #02-CCV-020887 in favor of the Plaintiff -FIRST SELECT INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $10,529.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on the 18TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant(s)SILVESTINA S. DECOTEAU had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: HUNTERS GLEN SECTION 4, BLOCK 4, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2532 MORNING MEADOW DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, 77489.

Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2 Terms: Cash

By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.

Deputy Constable

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 9, 2011 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

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 14TH day of JANUARY, 2011 by the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #09-DCV-169997 in favor of the Plaintiff – FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT & ET-AL Plaintiff, for the sum of $39,029.89 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 24TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) – TRENTON LEWIN & ET-AL had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: GEO: 5020060280110907, 5020060280110 / CPC: R84227, 03060280110/ LOT ELEVEN (11) IN BLOCK TWENTY EIGHT (28) OF MISSION BEND, SECTION SIX (6), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 264, PAGE 97 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, AND IN VOLUME 21, PAGE 26 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $103,100.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 14TH day of JANUARY, 2011 by the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #07-DCV-160657 in favor of the Plaintiff – FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT & ET-AL Plaintiff, for the sum of $37,502.29 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 24TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) – PETER JUSTIN & ET-AL had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: GEO: 8032010020170907 / CPC: R153877 / LOT SEVENTEEN (17), IN BLOCK TWO (2) OF SANDERS RIDGE, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 1094/A OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ( ACCOUNT NUMBER 8032010020170 / 8032010020170907 ).

ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $230,800.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306 NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 14TH day of JANUARY, 2011 by the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #06-DCV-152243 in favor of the Plaintiff – FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT & ET-AL Plaintiff, for the sum of $15,941.66++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 24TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) – ALICE ANNA SANFORD , & ET-AL had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: GEO: 8000000020500907 / CPC: R12327 / LOT 5, BLOCK 2, OF TELEVIEW TERRACE ADDITION, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 326, PAGE 465 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $125,820.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the revised traffic control plan for Woods Edge Estates Subdivision to establish a multiway stop at the intersection of Bridal Wreath and Mimosa Lane, 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

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 14TH day of JANUARY, 2011 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #06-DCV-153122 in favor of the Plaintiff – FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT & ETAL Plaintiff, for the sum of $17,020.84 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 24TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) – CARLOS NOE ARGUETA AKA CARLOS NOE ARGUETA ROMERO, & ET-AL had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: GEO: 6254020141300907 / CPC; R107051 / TRACT 13, IN BLOCK 14, OUT OF RESERVE ‘G’ OF RIDGEMONT, SECTION 2, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY AND HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 10, PAGE 11, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AND VOLUME 187, PAGE 97, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS; THIS TRACT LYING IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS: BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS IN THE GENERAL WARRANTY DEED FROM BENJAMIN J. GIBSON TO NAVIGATOR PROPERTIES, INC., DATED SEPTEMBER 13,2000 AND RECORDED UNDER CLERK’S FILE NO.2000078654, IN THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF REAL PROPERTY OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (ACCOUNT NUMBER 6254020141300907 / 1938004215013 ).

ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $58,180.00

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 14TH day of JANUARY, 2011 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #08-DCV-167864 in favor of the Plaintiff – FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT & ET-AL Plaintiff, for the sum of $9,576.10 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 24TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) – WATPA BUDDHAYEN MEDITATION CENTER INC., & ET-AL had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: GEO: 0175000000900907 / CPC: R42719 / A TRACT OF LAND LOCATED IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, SITUATED IN THE BENJAMIN GEORGE SURVEY, ABSTRACT NO. 175, BEING THE REMAINDER OF THAT CERTAIN CALLED 7.2215-ACRE TRACT AS RECORDED UNDER CLERK’S FILE NO. 9875670 OF THE SAID COUNTY REAL PROPERTY RECORDS OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CALLED 13.8-ACRE TRACT NO.8, OUT OF THE CALLED 120-ACRE TRACT AS RECORDED IN VOLUME 230, PAGE 411, OF THE SAID COUNTY DEED RECORDS, SAID TRACT BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS IN THE ATTACHED EXHIBIT “A.” ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $374,180.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 14TH day of JANUARY, 2011 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #06-DCV-152932 in favor of the Plaintiff – FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT & ET-AL Plaintiff, for the sum of $5,551.32 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 24TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) – OMER GARZA AKA HOMER ANTHONY GARZA,JR., & ET-AL had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: GEO: 3150000070105907 / CPC: R64630 / ALL THAT CERTAIN TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND CONTAINING .435 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, LOCATED IN THE CHARLES HEYWOOD SURVEY, ABSTRACT 203, IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED

BY METES AND BOUNDS IN THE DEED FROM LINDA RUTH BOYCE TO OTHA DELBERT DAVIS, ET UX DATED DECEMBER 31,1985 AND RECORDED UNDER CLERK’S FILE NO. 8562151 IN THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF REAL PROPERTY FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $66,520.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306 NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 14TH day of JANUARY, 2011 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #09-DCV-175593 in favor of the Plaintiff – FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT & ET-AL Plaintiff, for the sum of $11,795.98++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 24TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) – KKU PROPERTIES, INC., & ET-AL had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: GEO: 8700150011020, 8700150011020907 / CPC: 8700150011020, R309890 / TEAL RUN SECTION 15, BLOCK 1, LOT 102 ABSTRACT / SUBDIVISION ID 870015 LOCATED IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $121,210.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 14TH day of JANUARY, 2011 by the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #07-DCV-160289 in favor of the Plaintiff – FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT & ET-AL Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,706.70 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 24TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) – SHARON JACKSON & ET-AL had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: GEO: 0064000004062907 / CPC: R174699 / ALL THAT CERTAIN TRACT OR PARCEL OF AND CONTAINING 0.158 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, LOCATED IN THE WILLIAM NEAL SURVEY, ABSTRACT 64, IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS: BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED

BY METES AND BOUNDS IN THE WARRANTY DEED FROM LYDIA PICKETT TO SHARON JACKSON DATED SEPTEMBER 30,1993 AND RECORDED UNDER CLERK’S FILE NO. 9406249 IN THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF REAL PROEPRTY OF FORT BEND COUNTY. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $21,050.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

NOTICE TO BIDDERS 24” SURFACE WATER LINE TO LAKEVIEW WATER PLANT The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME:

24” Surface Water Line Along Burney Road, Ditch A22, Eldridge Road and Lakeview Drive from Voss Road to Lakeview Water Plant.

CIP PROJECT NUMBER:

SW0981

LOCATION OF WORK:

Burney Road, Ditch A22, Eldridge Road and Lakeview Drive, Sugar Land, Texas

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from the following location with payment of $50.00 for compact disc media: Lockwood, Andrews, and Newnam, Incorporated, 2925 Briarpark Drive, Third Floor, Houston, Texas, 77042. Contact: Kerri Burton (713) 821-0406.

Sealed bids, one original and two copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land City Secretary Office, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 03, 2011, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 1:30 p.m., Thursday, February 17, 2011, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Cane Room 161, Sugar Land, Texas 77479.

The City Council will award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder that complies with all requirements of the Request for Bids. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within ninety (90) calendar days after the bid opening date and time.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAE City Secretary

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REZONING .862 ACRES AUSTIN PARKWAY AND AUTUMN LAKES PERMANENT ZONING .862 ACRES, LAKEFIELD SECTION TWO, RESERVE C, FROM STANDARD SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) TO NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS (B-1) DISTRICT, BEING FURTHER IDENTIFIED AS THE EXISTING COMMERCIAL CENTER WEST OF AUSTIN PARKWAY AND SOUTH OF THE INTERSECTION OF AUSTIN PARKWAY AND STATE HIGHWAY 6 PURPOSE:

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

WHERE:

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

WHEN:

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING 6:30 P.M., FEBRUARY 14, 2011

DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED ZONING 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:

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 3RD day of DECEMBER 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #09-DCV-173090 in favor of the Plaintiff – QUAIL VALLEY EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $1,641.00++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 11TH day of JANUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of MARCH, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) –– MARIO HIGHTOWER had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LOT 12, BLOCK 5, OF QUAIL VALLEY EAST SUBDIVISION, SECTION 1, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT VOLUME 10, PAGE 7 IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS..

ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $92,360 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE SERGEANT J.M. HUTSON Deputy Constable #1310 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 24, 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 11-043 – 15’ SHREDDERS; 2. BID 11-044 – FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE RUBBER TIRED TRACTORS. 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 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 24, 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 11-041 – INTERNET SERVICE FOR TWO COUNTY FACILITIES 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, MARCH 3, 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

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO INTRODUCE A BILL IN THE LEGISLATURE OF TEXAS Notice is hereby given of the intention to introduce in the Regular Session of the 82nd Legislature of Texas a bill relating to the powers and authority of the Imperial Redevelopment District.

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 24, 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 11-042 – 60 TON TRAILER Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are not 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 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

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 400TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on DEC 28, 2010 in cause numbered 09-DCV-173445 styled COLONY LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. vs. MAY NGOZI. IHEZUKWUAND VICTOR C. IHEZUKWU AKA VICTOR C. VICTOR in which a judgment was rendered on AUG 30, 2010 in favor of COLONY LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC, for the sum of EIGHTTHOUSAND-EIGHT-HUNDRED-FORTYTWO DOLLARS AND FOURTEEN-CENTS (8842.14)Dollars; plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on JAN 27, 2011 and will on MAR 1, 2011, Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Rights, Title, and Interest of VICTOR C IHEZUKWU AKA VICTOR C. VICTOR AND MAY NGOZI IHEZUKWU in the following described Real Property LOT TWENTY –EIGHT (28) , BLOCK TWO( 2), OF FINAL PLAT OF COLONY LAKES, SECTION EIGHT(8) A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 2390/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY,TX, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3619 SHOREVIEW , MISSOURI CITY , FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77459 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of COLONY LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: MAR 1, 2011 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 am BY: SGT. M KUTACH TROY E. NEHLS, Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

FORT BEND COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FY 2011 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PLAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING To build and strengthen new planning and administration, public partnerships with State and local facilities, public services, senior governments and the private sector, programs, youth programs; and other the U.S. Department of Housing and nonhousing community development Urban Development (HUD) requires needs. The public is encouraged to a single consolidated submission for attend and to submit comments the planning and application aspects to Marilynn Kindell, Community of the Community Development Development Director, 4520 Reading Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, Texas 77471.

Shelter Grant (ESG), HOME Investment Comments will be incorporated Partnerships (HOME), and Housing into the draft FY 2011 Consolidated Opportunities for Persons With AIDS Annual Plan, as appropriate. Persons (HOPWA) Programs. Fort Bend County with vision or hearing impairments is in the process of developing its FY or other individuals with disabilities 2011 Consolidated Annual Plan. requiring auxiliary aids and services may contact the department at (281) A public meeting will be held 341-4410 regarding reasonable on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, accommodations for the meeting.

10:00 a.m., at the Fort Bend County Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, The Fort Bend County CDBG, Rosenberg, Texas to receive comments HOME, and ESG Programs Request from the public regarding the housing for Proposals (RFPs) will be available and community development on Monday, February 14, 2011. An needs of low- and moderate-income information session for applicants will persons such as homeless individuals be held on Wednesday, February 23, and families; persons with special 2011, 10:00 a.m. at Fort Bend County needs (the elderly, frail elderly, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, severely mentally ill, developmentally Rosenberg, Texas. disabled, physically disabled, persons Questions from applicants will be with alcohol/other drug addictions, answered at this meeting. Proposals and persons with HIV/AIDS); the must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. Friday, housing needs of renters and owners; March 18, 2011. For more information, community needs such as anti-crime, please call Carol Borrego at (281) 341economic development, infrastructure, 4410.

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital named official sponsor of National Fusion Soccer Club National Fusion Soccer Club is proud to announce Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital as its official sponsor. The hospital will support National Fusion Soccer Club with its expertise in sports medical treatment, performance training and education.

With the partnership, players and their families receive expedited access to the Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Emergency Center, rehabilitation services at Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation and preferential scheduling with Memorial Hermann Sugar Land-affiliated physicians. Additionally, athletic training services will be made available at club events, with off-site injury clinics to be mutually agreed upon by both parties. Competitive players will also have the option to utilize the ImPACT concussion testing offered by Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine.

“With this new sponsorship, we can help players recover from injuries and give them more opportunities to excel in their sport,” said Jim Brown, CEO of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land. “The sponsorship underscores our commitment to providing quality care to those in our community.”

National Fusion Soccer Club is a premier youth competitive soccer club servicing the Houston, West Houston, Katy, Richmond, and Sugar Land areas. The club provides trainer-led teams that play at the highest levels of youth play, as well as recreational options for players who want to develop their soccer skills.

The Club emphasizes development of soccer players and positive citizens of the community with a focus on providing a safe, enjoyable soccer development program.

Practice facilities are located in New Territory and George Bush Park.

“We are excited that Memorial Hermann Sugar Land will enhance our mission to offer a safe and enjoyable competitive soccer program that develops players both on the field and in the communities,” said Keith Weber,

president of National Fusion Soccer Club.

The partnership with Memorial Hermann Sugar Land will provide the club with the quality resources necessary to help players reach their full potential.

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital CEO Jim Brown, front right, knocks knuckles with a Fusion soccer player to celebrate the new partnership between Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital and National Fusion Soccer Club. Joining the celebration from back left are Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Sports Medicine Coordinator Steven Ramirez, other Fusion players and National Fusion Soccer Club President Keith Weber. Photo by Larry Pullen.

Suzette Peoples ranked #2 in sales of new homes in Riverstone!

Congratulations to Suzette Peoples Broker Owner of Peoples Properties for selling so many new homes in the Master Planned Community of Riverstone. Suzette says: “Selling Riverstone is easy because they have great builders, location is fabulous, amenities are amazing and the Community is superb. When location is important on the resale then this is what I look for when buying a new home. Riverstone offers lots Peoples of choices and is close to everything. It is one of my Top Selling Master Planned Communities for my new home buyers. Selling new homes is very popular when you look at all the technology and energy saving that is going on with the Builders. Now is the time to buy, Builders are anxious to sell. I love representing my client’s best interest and working with the Builders in Riverstone makes that job go smoother and the are all very professional to work with. After all, a satisfied client is what my Business is all about.” Putting People First” it why my 22 years of service has made me successful in the community.

SPRING INTO ACTING WITH FBT’S CLASSES Award-winning Fort Bend Theatre launches its Spring Acting classes for ages eight through eighteen. Classes will be held on Saturday mornings beginning March 26 and ending May 21.

Each session teaches stage acting techniques, including pantomime, improvisation, vocalizations, and characterization and culminates with a performance for family and friends. The cost is $200, payable by a $50 non-refundable deposit to hold your child’s place, with the remaining balance due by March18. For more information or to register, call 281-208-3333. Fort Bend Theatre is located at 2815 N. Main, Stafford, Texas.

Thomas J. Parr, M.D. We understand athletes.

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Call us first directly from the field!

You may be able to save both time & money.

Physician Assistant, Ashley Donnell (#25), played defense for the University of Denver on an athletic scholarship.

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Eclipse 98 White (U13 girls) came in second place in the 14th annual Eclipse Invitational Tournament which was held over the weekend of January 29 – 30. First row , from left – Joan Griffin, Caroline Aldrete, Lauren Byrne, Brianna Rodriguez, Alisa Shimmel, Allyson Demehl, Sarah Fletcher; Second row starting from left – Ishani Sahu, Colleen Carpenter, Laurel Theriot, Lilli Peters, Macie Vizier, Sydney Heikkila, Leah Guerrero, Shreya Desai. Coach - Angie Rigsby; Manager - Marcel Theriot.

FILM REVIEW: Sanctum Dear Movie Fans, we must be patient until after the Oscars on February 27th.

The second and third tier movies fill the void while we wait for the Academy Awards to be announced.

Then the public rushes out to see the newly crowned Best Picture and the other winners. That process takes most of March and April and then things heat up again in May. The “Sanctums” of the movie world meanwhile trudge along until help arrives.

Now here’s the catch; occasionally there are really great movies that slip through the clouds and shine brightly because the Hollywood gurus didn’t realize that they had a blockbuster and/or a piece of art.

We know that we could help them cull the losers and pick the winners if only “they” would show us the movies and put us in their focus groups.

But, noooooooooo, they show new movies to the crazies that live in Hollywood studios and don’t know us.

We need to form our own focus group and charge a huge fee for watching movies.

We would be glad to tell them that their movies stink.

(Please don’t forget about the independent films) Let’s get down to business.

“Sanctum” is a Tier Two movie unlike the University of Houston which is Tier One.

I know the Aggies and Horns are also Tier One but I want to give props to the Coogs. Even mentioning colleges is risky business because now the Red Raiders and Bears are miffed.

I attended “Sanctum” by driving slowly to First Colony AMC on Snow Day, but there was no snow.

I’ve heard the explanations by the meteorologists about the warm air blah, blah, blah, but I wanted snow. You said that there would be 1-3 inches of snow; I didn’t see any snow.

I stayed up late and left the lights on so I could marvel at the little flakes falling gently in the night. No snow.

So I went to the movies

on Snow Day; did I mention that there was no snow? I saw “Sanctum” in IMAX 3D; ooh ah, how exciting! Not. The screen had areas that were fuzzy and out of focus and nothing jumped off the screen.

The stage for this movie is an extremely deep cave and water and diving and treachery and …who cares.

“Sanctum” is ok for Tier Two and a pretty good Tier Three movie, but I want to see Tier One every time I go to the movies. But that’s why I’m paid the big bucks; I go to the movies as a sacrifice for you people.

Geez, I just re-read this piece and it sounds like Andy Rooney wrote it.

Rock ‘n Roll. Grade 79.

Larry H. www.larryhmvoiereviews. com

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 9, 2011

Community news Fort Bend Chamber 2011 Chairman’s Ball “International Soiree”

Left to Right: Jim Shaw, Tracey Shaw, Larry Street, Lucia Street, Sue Lockwood, Jim Lockwood, Celia Olson, Don Olson at the chamber’s gala.

New Board Members of the Fort Bend Chamber with 2011 Chair, Chris Breaux, Left, Kelly Harris, Zeenat Mitha, Bob Brown, Rose Herbst, Mary Nan Holley and Ray Aguilar.

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and Safari Texas Ranch had a memorable event on Saturday, Feb. 5 at the 2011 Annual Chairman’s Ball “International Soiree.”

The event honored the retired officers and welcomed the 2011 Board of Directors.

2010 Chairman Bridget Yeung passed the torch to the incoming Chairman Chris Breaux.

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce had a great showing of community supporters, dignitaries, and an army of hard working Chamber members who received recognition for their great volunteer efforts in 2010.

Each year, at this event, the Chairman has the honor of recognizing someone who has been a special friend, resource and asset to the Chamber. The award, formerly the “Chairman’s Award” was established years ago to honor a volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding service.

The recipient of this year’s “Ursula Coates Chairman’s Award” was the first female chairman of the board who has brought in over 100 new

members, earning the title of “lifetime member.”

This year’s award went to Mary Gayle Brindley of Amegy Bank.

The chamber also recognized a Chamber volunteer who exemplifies outstanding community spirit and caring.

This year’s honoree exudes the essence of commitment, energy and caring.

The “2011 Community Service Award” went to a true champion of Fort Bend County and a community diamond known for her community spirit and willingness to always give and offer help, Ann Patterson Smith of Pamela Printing.

To celebrate Chinese New Year, an authentic Chinese Dragon greeted the guests during the cocktail reception.

Throughout dinner, the ATA Houston Turkish Folklore Dancers and the Brazilian wonders of the LD Dance Company graced us with their cultural expressions.

As the grand finale surprise, a brave team of chamber members presented a bollywood style flash mob led by

choreographer Mahesh Samskripi. The dance floor was wall-to-wall for the rest of the night.

President Keri Schmidt said, “We are so grateful to this year’s event sponsors: Safari Texas Ranch, Brown & Gay Engineers, Inc., Champion Technologies, Inc., City of Missouri City, City of Sugar land, Granite Properties, Inc., Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, Jamail & Smith Construction, Minute Maid, Nalco Company, NullLairson, PC, Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc., Riverstone Development~Sienna~John son Development~Imperial, St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital, and Sugar Land Surgical Hospital.

“For the past 39 years, the Fort Bend Chamber has diligently fulfilled its mission to create, enhance, and promote a thriving economic environment.

“Driven to expanding employment opportunities and being an advocate and partner to our members, we create solutions for business and community issues.

Sashi Jajoo, left, Sugar Land Mayor Jimmy Thompson, FBISD Trustee Marilynn Glover and Harish Jajoo at the chamber gala.

“The unique diversity of our community and ability to merge cultures, ideas, and values represents our strength.

As we work together and support the efforts of all, we make things happen! If you’re not

10 Presidential Scholars named in FBISD Ten Fort Bend ISD students have been selected by the United States Department of Education as candidates for the United States Presidential Scholars Program.The following outstanding Fort Bend ISD students have been selected as candidates for the United States Presidential Scholars Program: Hersh Agrawal, Travis High School Steven Dao, Hightower High School Kevin Fu, Clements High School Rachel Hatton, Austin High School Nikita Kansra, Travis High School Sirui Lu, Clements High School Shrinidhi Rao, Travis High School Karthik Sethuraman, Clements High School Grant Yuan, Elkins High School Yuxi Zhou, Clements High School

a member, why not, we have a place for you. Please come and join us today. Your involvement will pay big dividends in many different ways as we work together making our Fort Bend County the

best place to live, work, and play. Call on us, we’re here to help.”

Visit www.fortbendchamber.com, or call 281-4910800.

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Dining & Entertainment

Introducing New Sandwiches

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