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VOL 11 No. 9

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Governor commutes Sugar Land George Memorial Library presents History of Women in Aviation man’s death sentence

By SESHADRI KUMAR Texas Gov. Greg Abbott last week commuted the execution of Bart Whitaker, convicted in the 2003 murders of his mother and brother in Sugar Land..

Abbott’s reprieve came 40 minutes before the scheduled execution on Feb. 22.

Earlier, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles had recommended clemency in this case.

Kent Whitaker, father of Bart, has been pleading for mercy during the trial and after the jury sentenced his son to death.

Bart now will spend the rest of his life in prison, without the possibility of parole.

Kent Whitaker threw kisses and embraced friends outside the Walls Unit in Huntsville after recalling the moment he learned his son’s life had been spared, according to media reports.

“At that point I put it on speaker and let everybody hear it, and the whole room erupted.

It was overpowering. So grateful. So grateful,” Whitaker told

reporters. “I want to thank everyone. In particular, I want to thank the governor.”

Bart Whitaker told prison officials: “I’m thankful for this decision, not for me but for my dad. Whatever punishment I might have received or will receive will be just. I deserve any punishment for my crimes, but my dad did nothing wrong. The system worked for him today and I will do my best to uphold my end of the bargain.”

Abbott’s decision to commute the death sentence was not welcomed by everybody.

One of the jurors reportedly said that “Death was the correct decision.”

Fort Bend County District Attorney John Healey told Eyewitness News, “I know the sentence of death was the appropriate decision, but I do respect the Governor’s authority.”

Whitaker has been moved to an inmate processing center for re-classification within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The governor’s office issued the following statement: “As a former trial court judge, Texas Supreme Court Justice and Attorney General involved in prosecuting some of the most notorious criminals in Texas, I have the utmost regard for the role that juries and judges play in our legal system. The role of the Governor is not to secondguess the court process or reevaluate the law and evidence.

Instead, the Governor’s role under the Constitution is distinct from the judicial function. The Governor’s role is to consider recommendations by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, and view matters through a lens broader than the facts and law applied to a single case. That is particularly important in death penalty cases.

“In just over three years as Governor, I have allowed 30 executions. I have not granted a commutation of a death sentence until now, for reasons I here explain.

See CLEMENCY, Page 3

FBEF’s Schlumberger Bike Ride

2018 Bike Ride Committee: First Row (l-r): Student from Ridge Point HS Student Council, Vivian Nguyen; second Row (l-r): Tina Hood, Marion Pope, Co-Ride Director Charles Borsos, Ron Williams, Bill Dillon, Ronnie Escobar, Kennedy Gerard; third Row (l-r): Jonathan Yuan, Tonya Samuels, Beverly Scott, Matthew Doan, Lisa Kulhanek, Amelia Schroeder, fourth Row (l-r): Carrie Diaz, Janice Holley, Brittany Leach, Brandon Wang, Amber Boston, FBEF Past President John Wantuch, Keith Burkart. On Saturday, April 7, the Fort Bend Education Foundation will host its 15th annual bike ride. Riders take off at 7:30 a.m from Ken Hall Stadium (located at Hightower High School in Missouri City) to wind through the quiet streets and countryside of Fort Bend and Brazoria Counties before looping back home. Riders have the option of three routes; 31, 51, and 77 miles. Rest stops are themed and staffed by FBISD high school students vying for the “Best Rest Stop” award. SAG wagon and motorcycle support will be on the course to assist with any needs. This ride is a BP MS 150 Recommended Ride and all proceeds benefit the Education Foundation. The Fort Bend Education Foundation provides opportunities to enrich and enhance the quality of education for all Fort Bend ISD students through its Grants to Teachers and Schools programs. Register online at https://thedriven.ne t/2018SchlumbergerEducationExpedition before the event day to prevent any distractions for on the ride morning. Visit www.fortbendisd.com/foundation.

Faces, Spaces and Places of India at Sugar Land Heritage Museum

Indo American Forum of Fort Bend will collaborate with City of Sugar Land in FotoFest 2018 Biennial Participating Space to kick off the 6-week-long FotoFest exhibits around Houston, with theme INDIA. To kick off the FotoFest exhibits highlighting India, the Indo American Forum has come together to curate an evening to experience the multifaceted culture of India—through the camera lens—as well as a first-ever exhibit in Sugar Land of the enchanting fabrics of India entitled Fabrics of India.

The glorious fabrics will accompany the ongoing exhibition of community photographs entitled Faces, Spaces and Places of India. The opening reception featuring photography, fabrics and performance will be on Wednesday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m, at the new Sugar Land Heritage Museum & Visitor Center (198 Kemper Street, Building B, 2nd Floor, Sugar Land, Texas 77498).

In addition to the Fabrics of India exhibit, the event will feature instrumental Indian classical music, dance and food, and photographs by local community members. The free event is open to the community.

In recognition of Women’s History Month in March, Fort Bend County Libraries will present a special program, “The History of Women in Aviation,” on Thursday, March 22, at 7 p.m, in the Meeting Room of George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview, Richmond. In her presentation, local author and aviation historian Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail will showcase some of the famous (and not-so-famous) women from around the world who have made an impact in the aviation industry in times of peace and of war. Metcalfe-Chenail, who shares her love for aviation history in her books For the Love of Flying, Polar Winds, and the forthcoming picture book, Alis the Aviator: The ABCs of Flight, is the former Historian Laureate of Edmonton, Alberta, and the former president of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society. Above, Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail with son Andre at a friend’s fly-in in Alberta, Canada.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Two Lamar CISD students recognized for decorating skills

Two Lamar CISD 3rd-graders were selected as winners in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Western Heritage Community Challenge decorating contest.

Ray Elementary School’s Isabella Serrano and Long Elementary School’s Iliana Valdez were both rewarded for their skills. The students received a blue ribbon and four tickets to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Winning entries will be displayed in the NRG Center, Hall B, near Miss Moo’s Barn, March 9-18.

Isabella, right; Iliana, far right.

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INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 28, 2018 • Page 3

NEWS

Marked improvements make Missouri City Animal Center better

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Numerous changes have occurred for the better at the Missouri City Animal Center..

The city has instigated numerous improvements at the shelter, the animals are being properly cared for and more and more are being adopted out.

Under the leadership of City Manager Anthony Snipes, it has turned out to be a win/win for the animals, the volunteers and the city.

The volunteers spotted various problems, demanded change and got it.

In late February Snipes, along with some staff members, met with shelter volunteers to get input and feedback from them and they received it.

Eight of nine volunteers attended Snipes meeting and verbally and in writing outlined a wide range of their observations.

Some of the areas the group urged the city to consider included putting more emphasis on adoptions, fosters and rescue groups and less on euthanasia.

The city’s euthanasia rate for the past five years beginning in 2013 was 65 percent or 580 animals out of 886 taken in. In 2014 572 animals or 48 percent of the 1,159 taken in were euthanized and it was 600 out of l,155 animals for another 48 percent in 2015.

Thanks to shelter volunteers

Clemency From Page 1

“The murders of Mr. Whitaker’s mother and brother are reprehensible. The crime deserves severe punishment for the criminals who killed them.

The recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, and my action on it, ensures Mr. Whitaker will never be released from prison.

“The decision of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles is supported by the totality of circumstances in this case. The person who fired the gun that killed the victims did not receive the death penalty, but Mr. Whitaker, who did not fire the gun, did get the death penalty.

That factor alone may not warrant commutation for someone

the rate has continued to decrease.

In 2016 a total of 369 animals or 36 percent were euthanized, and in 2017 366 animals or 32 percent of the 1,140 animals taken in that year were euthanized.

What the volunteers also told Snipes is they wanted more quarantine space for the animals, expanded standard operating procedures to emphasize interoffice communications and ensure that information is shared with volunteers, use more traps, have ongoing care for the animals and expectations for animal service officers and municipal volunteers.

The volunteers also suggested to Snipes that the city establish a standard adoption fee, adopt a new contract that would record the names of adopted dogs, maintain the shelter’s washer/ dryer, install sanitizer dispensers between shelter enclosures, schedule exercise for animals on Sundays when possible so people can visit the shelter and see and possibly adopt a pet.

More ideas the volunteers provided included monitoring and cleaning the shelter and having a feeding time for the animals -- especially those who need special care.

Also, address the shelter’s building and landscaping issues inside and out, determine how quarantines

will be managed, research grant options for a mobile veterinarian, improve interactions between staff and the volunteers and clarify how budgeting works for the city’s Animal Services.

When all was noted, staff asked the volunteers for their ideas on developing a new mission for Animal Services, and Valerie Tolman, who strongly urged the city to improve the shelter, offered a valuable laundry list. She said the city needs to incorporate standards of care such as helping citizens find animal companions, assure that all animals in the city’s care are treated with compassion and reduce the euthanasia rate.

Tolman also wants vaccinations, placements, adoptions and reuniting animals with their owners to be priorities.

Other volunteers who commented said staff should always accompany visitors who come to the shelter to see and interact with animals; make sure cats that come in and are acting wild or seem feral get proper handling and that “hiring a shelter manager will be a huge step and negate many complaints.”

The volunteers also thanked Snipes and staff for giving them the opportunity “to share their thoughts,” help solidify the new standard operating procedures and “help mitigate future issues.”

like Mr. Whitaker who recruited others to commit murder.

Additional factors make the decision more complex.

“Mr. Whitaker’s father, who survived the attempt on his life, passionately opposes the execution of his son. Mr. Whitaker’s father insists that he would be victimized again if the state put to death his last remaining immediate family member. Also, Mr. Whitaker voluntarily and forever waived any and all claims to parole in exchange for a commutation of his sentence from death to life without the possibility of parole. Moreover, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles unanimously voted for commutation. The totality of these factors warrants a commuta-

tion of Mr. Whitaker’s death sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Mr. Whitaker must spend the remainder of his life behind bars as punishment for this heinous crime.”

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When all was heard from the volunteers, Snipes reviewed ongoing measures that included recent visits to other shelters in the area to learn about their best practices, have a training plan for shelter staff and volunteers, contract with a veterinarian to visit the shelter on a regular basis, review staffing needs such as shelter manager and review the monetary impact to the current year and future city budgets.

Positive changes the city has already made are reinforcing

staff at the shelter and making sure it is open to the public during business hours. The city has also launched an adoptable pet of the week.

Staff has also been trained on the handling of drugs/ medications by the Texas health services and are working to contract with a vet to give medications or train animal service officers on the procedures.

All dogs and cats at the shelter are put on a 72-hour hold and after three days, a licensed veterinarian gives the

dogs a Bordetella vaccine and then heartworm testing.

As for needs, there are always those at an animal shelter and for Missouri City’s they include feeding bowls, cat and dog food, pet blankets and cleaning supplies.

For more information about adopting a pet or becoming involved in Missouri City’s Animal Services, call 281 403 8707.

Volunteer applications are on the city’s website at http:// bit.ly/2BOmeNI.

Cultural Kite Festival Set for March 3

Escape for a moment to witness vibrant kites ride the wind and decorate the sky at the annual Cultural Kite Festival on Saturday, March 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Brazos River Park and the newly named The Crown Festival Park at Sugar Land, 18427 Southwest Freeway.

Activities will include a 24-foot rock wall, spring-free trampoline, face painting, henna tattoos, community booths and much more for your entire family to enjoy. Stilt walkers will roam the park enticing the crowd with their visual artistry and movement. The main stage will come to life with cultural performances from local area groups.

Throughout the event, children will be able to create their own kites at the kite-making workshop, enjoy kite flying lessons and participate in several kite competitions for all ages.

There is no cost to enter the kite competition. Registration may be completed at www. sugarlandtx.gov/specialevents or onsite at the times listed below. First-, second- and third-place trophies will be awarded for each category.

Get a team together and show creativity and spirit at the chalk art competition. The chalk art competition is free and open to all. Beat the lines by registering online at www.sugarlandtx.gov/ specialevents.

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 28, 2018

MIKE’S MONOLOGUE

INSURANCE

An inquisition of the Holy Trinity

The town where I grew up was a blue-collar, working class town. There were a couple of steel mills, a shovel plant, and a locomotive plant, and most kids’ dads worked in one of them. The people were mostly Italian, Polish, and Irish, with a few Germans thrown in, and some White Anglo-Saxon Protestants.

I was raised Catholic: I went to Holy Trinity Church, under the tutelage of Father Valerio Bernardo. This guy was a former Master Sergeant in the Italian Army. Actually, he looked a bit like Benito Mussolini, and some of us wondered if he had fought against our GIs in World War Two. He was short by American standards, but very powerfully built. Had a jaw like a granite outcropping, and a chest like some massive cliff.

Most of us kids were sure he could break us in two, then devour the remains. He had the kind of voice like you’d expect a Master Sergeant to have, and he used it frequently. When he did, there was no doubt that you were hearing an ITALIAN Master Sergeant, who was reminding all of us of our Italian heritage.

Father Bernardo had a disconcerting habit of approaching some hapless kid like me after mass, whose parents had not attended mass. He’d look down through the glasses perched near the end of his nose, lay a ham-sized hand on my shoulder, and smile. Being a kid on the receiving end of this smile was a singularly terrifying experience. Don’t forget, that smile came from the same jaws we were certain would devour us.

Then, in his best slightly overdone Italian accent, he’d thunder (I’m sure that to him, it was simple conversational speech; to me it was thunder) “WHES-a you MATH-a an’ you FATH-a?” Naturally, there was absolutely nothing I could say.

He would continue, “Whena you get HOME, you TELL them Father Ber-NAR-do want to SEE them at MASS next SUN-day.”

“Yes, Father,” was the only reply I could make, of course.

Telling my folks when I got home was not likely to get instant results. Dad would nod, and sip his coffee, and continue reading the Sunday paper. Mom would tell me to get washed up for lunch.

Although as Catholic kids we knew what a bible was, after all, Father Bernardo would quote from it, we never referred to it during mass, and no one I knew ever brought one to church. If their houses were like my house, they didn’t even have a bible.

We were supposed to refer frequently to the Sunday Missal, which was very confusingly written, and which I think was more or less supposed to be a guide through the services. If that’s the case, it failed with me; following that missal, with its different typefaces, and directions to refer to some other place in the book before going to the next paragraph.

Most of us kids thought it was designed as a way to keep us all confused about just where in this book we were supposed to be, giving us yet another reason to feel guilty about not measuring up. I believe that the sons and grandsons of the guys who wrote the missal are now the guys who write computer instructions.

Now all of that is background. It doesn’t seem to me that Catholics think about grace the way non-Catholics do. For us, growing up in Holy Trinity church under Father Bernardo, you could get grace, MAYBE, if you did whatever you were told to do; then maybe Father Bernardo would put in a good word with Jesus,

Granto or God, or the Holy Ghost, or someone, (we were convinced he could do that, but we weren’t sure which entity he communicated with) and somehow pixie dust or something would fall from Heaven, and you’d feel more holy.

I never felt much different day-to-day, so I figured I still had a ton of work to do before Father Bernardo would send the pixie dust. Listening to him, most of us felt that, more or less, we’d never measure up to whatever Father Bernardo’s Golden Yardstick was measuring, and after we grew older, most of us just didn’t care.

That was where I first learned that if you make religion seem more like threecard Monte than about whatever it was you were trying to teach me, or show me, I would simply check out. Literally.

If you were supposed to be teaching me about grace, or prayers, and what I heard was you chewing me out for not being good enough, I quit listening. I could get all of that I needed at home.

I go to a Methodist church now, and I note there are similarities and the differences. I started going simply because my wife and daughter are Methodists. There are more similarities than I would have thought; growing up where and when I did, none of us had any idea at all about what went on inside Protestant churches.

Now, I’ve noticed that Methodists sing a whole lot more than Catholics do. That is, the whole congregation actually sings. I never sang a note in any Catholic service I ever attended. Methodists seem to sing at least four hymns per service, and they never sing one verse where three or four will do. I think they have a quota or something.

Methodists have a choir, and they use it heavily, every single service. At our church, when the choir sings, everyone sings, although sometimes the choir is singing when the congregation is not singing.

Also, the choir is large; there are three dozen people, half of them men. You can tell Methodists take their singing seriously; the choir director has a Master of Fine Arts degree.

At Holy Trinity, there was a choir only sometimes, and it was all women, and there always seemed to be a dozen or less. I think they had trouble recruiting for the choir. At my current Methodist church, the choir is right up there behind the altar, in front of God and everybody, so to say. We not only sing with them, we can watch them.

At Holy Trinity church, what choir there was occupied a sort of choir loft, above and behind the congregation, out of sight.

Methodists are also a lot easier on behavior before the service starts. They greet each other, chat with one another, and chuckle, while waiting for the service to start.

At Holy Trinity, you kept your mouth shut while sitting in the pew, and you’d better not ever let Father Bernardo catch you gabbing, because you knew he’d call up your mom and dad. Although back then, if anybody’s mom or dad gave you a “look,” you’d take that as coming from your own mom and dad.

Methodists say the “Apostle’s Creed” same as Catholics, although they do not capitalize the “C” in “Catholic.”

Well, no mystery there.

Methodists say the “Our Father,” Which they call “The Lord’s Prayer,” although they add a little bit at the end, which, at Holy Trinity, we thought would send us to hell, or at least purgatory, if we did it. Never did find out why the difference.

I don’t know about all Protestant churches, but the ones I have been in have another difference: No cross behind the altar. You may see a stained glass window, with a representation of a biblical scene, but no cross. I don’t mean a crucifix, a cross with Christ hanging on it; I get that there were wars fought over that, and nobody won. I mean even just a plain, unadorned cross.

Holy Trinity was the Italian church; if you lived in the town I lived in, and you were Italian, that’s where you went to church.

About two blocks north of that was Sacred Heart, the German church; about six blocks west was Saint Mary’s, the Irish church; several blocks north and east were the Polish churches, Saint Hedwig’s and Saint Hyacinth’s.

The Methodist church, which I thought was for White Anglo-Saxon Protestants only, was about two blocks west and two blocks south of my house.

They had the most beautifulsounding bells that rang at vespers (obviously a protestant word; Father Bernardo never used it.) The sound was so beautiful, the music they made so poignant, and I could hear it so clearly from my house, the tones made me want to cry.

I never went inside any of the non-Catholic churches, when I was young, because the word was “You can’t do that! It’s a sin!” There must have been some point where a priest or a nun told us that, but I cannot recall that exact point.

Of course, I didn’t go inside any of the other Catholic churches, either. About that, I remember my own mom said, “You’re not supposed to.”

Every Tuesday afternoon, Catholic kids would get out of public school early, so we could attend Religious Instruction. This was held in the church hall, which was right across the street from the church. I remember there were classrooms on the below ground floor; they all had dark paneling, and a blackboard that covered one whole wall.

They smelled musty, and the seats were not comfortable.

Sometimes the instructors were priests, sometimes they were nuns, and sometimes they were priests-in-training from the local seminary.

I remember a Brother Michael, who was studying at the seminary. He was a big, balding, burly guy, definitely ‘way younger than Father Bernardo. He wore plaid lumberjack shirts, jeans, and a tan-colored, heavy duty work coat.

We thought that was neat, as it was a change from the standard black-and-white of the priests and nuns. I remember we liked him.

Then one day, he didn’t show up. Father Moriarty, a real priest who replaced Brother Michael, said that Brother Michael had found the vocation was not for him.

We never heard another word about him.

I remember Father Moriarty because he was my first contact with an Irish priest; all the other priests I had ever seen were Italian.

He was the one that told us that the primary reason a man becomes a priest was to save his own soul. That was an eyeopener for me, since the way they acted it seemed that their primary mission was to keep us in line so that we’d go to heaven.

Or so they said. I think they just liked bossing kids around.

Water heater life expectancy

By BASIL HOUSEWRIGHT A very large source of homeowners insurance claims are caused by water leaks inside the home often from appliance failures.

In many of the 2-story homes being built in our area the water heater(s) are installed in the attic, out of sight and out of mind. This can lead to a future major water damage event if the water heater is allowed to remain too long.

Depending on hot-water usage, preventive maintenance and the amount of water impurities, the life expectancy of water heaters is 10 to 15 years.

That’s approximately 3,650 to 5,475 days in a row the waterheating system is “on” – heating, reheating and storing hot water.

When a water heater fails, many times it is a catastrophic failure and the tank ruptures and dumps hundreds of gallons of water into the home before being detected and repaired.

We recommend an annual preventative maintenance visit from a local plumber

I don’t remember much about the nuns. They didn’t show up often, they all wore black and white, they all wore frowns, they didn’t seem to like us much, and I got the feeling that if we were their students on a full-time basis, they’d be rapping our knuckles with rulers frequently. I am sure they liked bossing kids around.

Father Moriarty was also the first person I ever heard use the word “Godhead.” Having never heard or read it before, I tried to ask a question, but he was on a roll and didn’t even notice me.

That was unfortunate, because I had seen a science fiction move the previous weekend, and while I can’t remember the name of the movie, I do remember one scene: Two more or less anthropomorphic, green, beings were carrying a clear plastic globe about three feet in diameter. Inside the globe was the head, neck, and shoulders of some green man-like being, with tentacles growing out of its shoulders. Godhead. That was when I started slipping away from the Church, and by extension, from organized religion; I wanted nothing to do with a group that had this to offer as an icon.

I needed some clarification, and Father Moriarty just rolled on; I wanted nothing to do with guys who just rolled over me.

I don’t think I can say I loved Holy Trinity church; I just knew I had to go, even when Mom and Dad did not go, sometimes shepherding my little sisters.

I remember that we used to hear how fortunate we were to have Jesus to believe in, rather than being like the savages who lived in the jungles of Africa and South America, for whom God was a tree or something.

Then, one day, I heard about Saint Blaise, introduced to me as “The Patron Saint of The Throat,” whom, we were told, watched over little boys and girls (and presumably adults, too) so they didn’t choke to death on fish bones, or something of the sort. There was a ceremony connected with the blessing of the throats that involved me kneeling at the altar rail while a priest held two crossed candles up to my throat, and muttered some sort of blessing.

So, let me get this straight: I should look down my nose at some witch doctor or shaman who waves a giraffe tail over an ailing person, but crossed candles in front of my throat is enlightened?

Housewright to inspect your home and all the appliances and plumbing including the water heater to determine if repair and/or replacement are advised.

Depending on the size and quality of the replacement water heater you choose, the total cost typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,000 which is usually much less than the homeowners insurance deductible you will incur if the water heater tank fails, causing a major water leak.

Also you will avoid the inconvenience of the restoration required to clean up the mess if this happens.

A home is just like your automobile. It needs frequent preventative maintenance in several areas and replacement

Why? Why is it my instructors would snicker up their sleeves at the mention of a witch doctor waving a giraffe tail over someone to cure a fever, and more or less indicate that I should do the same, but they seemed to accept without question that waving beef tallow candles in front of my throat would ward off the dreaded Fishbone of Choking.

This was one of the times I thought, “If you want me to believe in God so badly, why are you making it either so difficult or so ridiculous?”

Another memory I have of Holy Trinity Church is the smell, which I always found absorbing and intriguing. It was the incense, and sometimes, though I was never sure when it would happen, the priest would wave an incense censer during mass, out of which would pour the most wonderful-smelling smoke.

I don’t know why, but there was something very comforting about that smoke. I’m thinking that the reason it was done so rarely is the cost of the frankincense burned in the censer.

My most salient recollections of Holy Trinity church are that there was a great weight pressing down, that simply did not allow for any questions, any time, period; when Father Bernardo wanted your opinion, he would give it to you; that, and always feeling like I just didn’t measure up, and probably never would.

As I got older, I found that it seemed to matter a very lot to some folks, not merely that you believe in God, but that you believe in God in a very specific way, which of course varied depending on the religion.

If you didn’t believe in that very specific way, you might well find yourself a target. I learned that there were wars fought over things like whether or not you had a cross or a crucifix around your neck. So, let’s understand this: You say you believe in God, and I say I believe in God, yet here we

of appliances and components at certain intervals to assure proper and efficient operations.

Many appliances are on 24/7, 365 days a year and the stress and wear add up over the years. You wouldn’t expect to drive your automobile for 500,000 miles without performing numerous maintenance and repairs and your home has similar functioning devices running with moving parts everyday all year long.

Appliances were not meant to be permanent fixtures in a home. They have an expected life span and should be replaced when they have reached their expected life to avoid mishaps.

Basil Housewright is manager of Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc a local Independent Insurance Agency operating in Sugar Land since 1991. He can be reached at (281) 277-7800, Fax (281) 277-7801, E-Mail – basil@ texansinsure.com. Visit www. texansinsure.com.

stand, on the plains of Armageddon, armed to the teeth, and ready to carve out each other’s liver and lights? That idea is repulsive.

In reading a treatise on early American history, I came across a conversation between an American Indian chief and a missionary of some denomination or other.

The missionary said something along the lines of, “I want to teach you about God.” The chief said, “No! What you want is to teach us how to argue about God, like your Catholics and Protestants do.”

That’s such a great response. It illustrates the utter futility of playing what I call “The God Game.” And it IS a game; the game where you tell me or I tell you that one of us knows the real God, and the other had better get on board; and because neither of us will be able to think of ways or reasons to not destroy the other, it’s all downhill, and a fast ride all the way to hell for both of us.

Sometimes, your life may take you to places where you might see things that you will never be able to unsee, or hear things you will never be able to unhear. Sometimes, those things might make you question even the idea of a God, let alone a loving God. You may be angry at God; you may rage at Him; you might even hate the idea of Him. Of course, at some point, if you’re lucky, you will voluntarily give up anger, rage, and hate, find a quiet place, and ask yourself what else there is besides the anger, rage, and hate.

(Granto is a United States Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam, awarded the Purple Heart. For over 24 years, he worked for the University of Miami Medical Campus Security Department, and retired in 2014. He moved to Missouri City, with his wife to be closer to her daughter.

He can be reached at mikegranto@hotmail.com.)

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

12551 Emily Court, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

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Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 12551, Emily Court, Texas 77478.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

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

INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 28, 2018 • Page 5

NEWS

Free income-tax help at Fort Bend County Libraries

Fort Bend County Libraries will again host representatives from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), who will provide free income-tax-preparation assistance for low-income taxpayers at several locations in the Fort Bend County library system through April 17.

Income-tax forms will no longer be available at the libraries, but patrons may use the libraries’ computers and printers to download and print out the forms from the IRS website, www.irs.gov, during regular library hours.

A library card is needed to use the printers, and the cost to print is 10¢ per black-andwhite page.

Patrons should bring the following information to the session if possible: a photo ID; Social Security card(s) for self, spouse, and all dependents; last year’s tax return; W-2, 1099s, and any other compensation received in 2017; unemployment compensation statements; and any other documents that are necessary to complete your return.

March’s schedules are as follows:

•Bob Lutts Fulshear/ Simonton Branch Library, 8100 FM 359 South, Fulshear; Meeting Room: Fridays, March 2, 9, 16, 23; 1:00 to 4:00 pm. This will NOT take place on March 30; the library will be closed for the holiday.

•Cinco Ranch Branch Library, 2620 Commercial Center Boulevard, Katy; Meeting Room 1: Mondays, March 5, 12, 19, 26; 1:00 to 5:00 pm.

•First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land; Conference Room: Tuesdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27; 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28; 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

•George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview, Richmond: Mondays, March 5, 12, 19, 26; 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Thursdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 10:00 am to 1:00 p.m.

Saturdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24; 10:00 am to 1:00 p.m.

This will NOT take place on March 31; the library will be closed for the holiday.

•Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge; Meeting Room:

Mondays, March 5, 12, 19, 26; 1:00 to 4:00 p.m Thursdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

•University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd, Sugar Land; Conference Room 1: Saturdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 ONLY; 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This will NOT take place on March 31; the library will be closed for the holiday.

•Houston Community College (HCC) SouthwestMissouri City Campus, 1600 Texas Parkway, Missouri City; Room 118: (This site is offered as an alternative to the Missouri City Branch Library, which is closed for renovations) Tuesdays, March 6, 20, 27; 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm.

Thursdays, March 1, 8, 22, 29; 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm.

This will NOT take place on March 13 and 15; the building will be closed for Spring Break.

The income-tax-preparation assistance is free and open to the public on a firstcome, first-served basis.

For more information, call the library system’s Communications Office at 281-6334734.

Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club conducts annual raffle drive The Fort Bend Aggie Moms’ Club is conducting its Annual Raffle, which raises funds to provide scholarships to deserving Fort Bend Students attending Texas A&M University, College Station or Galveston campuses and Texas A&M-Blinn TEAM students. Purchase your raffle ticket for only $20.

This year’s Grand Prize is a trip for two to the Big Island of Hawaii for six days and five nights.

Stay at the AAA Four Diamond Fairmont Orchid. Plus, the winner will receive one day Oceanfront Cabana Experience for two and a $1,500 travel gift card.

Blackout dates may apply.

Must be booked within 12 months and traveled within 18 months of certificate issue date, valued at $5,000.

The First Place prize is a Lexus Loaner Weekend plus a Lexus golf bag and a round of golf for two at Sugar Creek Country Club.

The prize is compliments of Sterling McCall Lexus, valued at $1,300.

The Second Place prize is a Charles Garnier Sterling Silver Diamond (.10 ct) pave bracelet cuff donated by Loggins Jewelers, valued at $895.

The Third Place prize is a weekend getaway to Galveston Historic District with a three-day and two-night weekend retreat in a 1 bed/1 bath loft in the historic Strand District.

This unique loft can sleep two adults and three children.

Washer, linens and towels are included. No housekeeping fee, no smoking and pets are welcome.

Blackout dates may apply. A $100 restaurant gift certificate is also included.

The loft is donated by Diana and Randall Miller, valued at $600.

The Fourth Place prize is COTA Branded Package: Bluetooth Smart Watch, backpack, Bluetooth headphones, travel mug set of two, umbrella, race car mini helmet and baseball hat set of two.

This prize is donated by Suzette Peoples Broker/Owner, valued at $495.

Only 800 tickets will be sold. Winners need not be present to win, and drawing will be held on Saturday, April 14th at the Texas A&M University – College Station.

For more details, email Carol Gaas at ftbaggiemoms@ gmail.com or call 832-7467739.

Former Lamar Consolidated High School faculty and staff plan reunion Former and current faculty/ staff of Lamar Consolidated High School (Rosenberg) will gather on Saturday, April 7, to celebrate memories and friendships of their days spent working at LCHS. The reunion will be from 3-7 p.m. at The Swinging Door Restaurant in Richmond.

A group of retirees from Lamar CHS organized a reunion in 2010 and because many had such a good time reminiscing about their Lamar years together, they wanted to do it once again. Serving on the reunion committee are Veta Buzek, Kay Dawes, Dixie Moore, Penny Morris, Muffy O’Pry, Sharon Patterson, Maxine Phelan, and Pat Wynne.

Cost to attend is $25 per person, paid by March 15, by check or money order made payable to Lamar Staff Reunion. Payment should be mailed to Lamar Staff Reunion, 1400 Carlisle, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Spouse/ guest of attendee is also invited at $25/person. The ticket price includes a barbecue buffet dinner. Included with the payment should be the name of the attendee and spouse/ guest, as well as a phone number and e-mail address. Attendees should also include the years worked at Lamar, i.e., 1975-1982.

“Our biggest challenge is notifying everyone. While we have used regular mail, e-mail, and social media to reach our colleagues, we know we have missed some. We want to ensure we reach as many LCHS employees as we possibly can,” commented Veta Buzek, former Lamar business/office education teacher (19762004).

“Anyone who has ever worked at Lamar Consoli-

Edible Earth Fest Saturday March 3, 2018 9 a.m to 12 noon Edible Arbor Trail along Oyster Creek FREE, fun earth-friendly activities for all ages!

Free parking at The Y (4433 Cartwright Rd) or Southminister Church (4200 Cartwright Rd) Join Earth Day celebrations

Veta Buzek, left, Pat Wynne, Maxine Phelan, Penny Morris, Muffy O’Pry, Sharon Patterson, and Dixie Moore, all former Lamar Cons. High School faculty/staff, have planned a reunion for all former and current employees of LCHS. dated High School as a fac- about our days at Lamar and ulty or staff member who has the pride and fun we had in not received an invitation can working together.”

Part of what has made call 281-610-2386 or e-mail lchsstaffreunion@gmail.com Lamar High’s staff special through the years is the fact for more details.”

Maxine Phelan, former that many Lamar graduates reLCHS English teacher (1971- turn to teach and work at their 2003), stated, “Those who alma mater, including many have worked at Lamar High on the current staff. Four of for the last 50 years felt a spe- the reunion committee memcial bond of friendship which bers are graduates of LCHS: for many has continued into Veta (Williams) Buzek, class our retirement years. We of ’67; Kay (Boucher) Dawes, were good personal friends as class of ’66; Sharon (Penkert) well as colleagues. We shared Patterson, class of ’62; and a love of striving for excel- Maxine (Cegelski) Phelan, lence in our work with our class of ’61. One could say students. Mustang Pride mo- these ladies are “true blue”!

“In many ways, this retivated the staff as well as the students. We felt it a privilege union will be like a family reand joy to work at Lamar, so union with lots of Lamar spirit it is no surprise we still want and love to go around,” noted to come together to reminisce Phelan. along the award-winning Edible Arbor Trail in Missouri City. As you stroll along the trail bordering Oyster Creek, stop by different booths hosted by volunteers from Missouri City Green where you’ll learn: •How composting works •Fun ways to recycle •Ways to save water, one of our most precious resources •Beneficial bugs that help

keep plants healthy •Native plants for your garden Giveaways!

Get to know the Edible Arbor Trail, one of Missouri City’s finest treasures, featuring 200 trees and shrubs that produce edible fruits and nuts.

The event is hosted by Missouri City Green in partnership with Missouri City Parks & Rec. Department.

Local author brings out a collection of short stories My name is Sandra Moreno. I was born and raised in Houston and moved to Fort Bend County in 1990.

My Dad left my mom when I was six years old. That was the beginning of many years of struggle for my mom as she had three girls to raise.

My grandmother lived with us from time to time which was a true lifesaver for us.

By the time I was twelve both of my sisters had gotten married and moved away.

My mom worked two jobs and would also go out dancing every chance she could, which meant I hardly got to see her.

Luckily, my grandmother took care of me. I don’t know what would have happened to me if she wouldn’t have been there.

When I was seventeen, I married a mysterious man of few words. We had fun times but he didn’t communicate with me very well. Many times, he wouldn’t talk to me at all. Sometimes this would go on for days. If I asked him what was wrong, he would ignore me. If I pushed the subject, he would get angry. He controlled me simply by his presence.

Honestly, growing up without a father figure in our home, I never knew how a husband was supposed to treat his wife.

I spoke to my mother a few times about my marriage con-

cerns and she always told me that as a wife, I had to keep my mouth shut and only speak when I was asked.

I was not to question or be upset with my husband.

I was very young and remained silent about many hurtful events.

One day, I began writing my thoughts, feelings and experiences down on paper.

Before I knew it, I had large plastic bags filled with these notes.

Years into the marriage, I developed my own voice and began standing up for myself.

Even though I was scared, I told my husband that I was tired of this sad lifestyle and wanted out.

At first, he was angry.

The next day, he said he didn’t want to lose me and promised me that he would become the man that I deserve.

I didn’t believe he could or would do this.

He absolutely did.

As he began to do many wonderful things to make me happy, I fell in love with him deeper than ever before.

My husband began to respect me once I started to respect myself. Although we don’t always agree, I have the strength to speak my mind in all situations. Our marriage is stronger than ever and it feels wonderful to not hold any

emotions or thoughts in. We communicate very well.

We’ve been married over thirty-three years and have two daughters and two grand-

children. We make time for each other even though we’re both busy with our demanding careers and a busy family life.

Something that I’ve learned

is that if you don’t respect yourself, nobody else will.

I’ve blossomed beautifully into the woman that I was destined to be.

I wanted other women to hear my story, so, I pulled out all the notes that I had written all those years ago.

In 2010, I began blogging my stories and other stories that I would hear about.

Each of my stories is based on a true event and/or statement.

I changed the character names and created the endings that suited me, so, that makes my stories fictional.

In 2016 my blog became a book. Since then, I’ve almost completed my second book and have written numerous articles on this topic.

I’ve spoken in front of a group of battered and abused women. I’ve also donated books to a local organization that helps abused women.

I was featured in the April Issue of Latin Connection Magazine in 2017 as a, “Latina in Action.” I’ve also been in a few local newspapers.

Bringing awareness to this sensitive subject is very important to me. This is a common lifestyle that should not be ignored.

I’m hoping that all women will read my book and never allow a man to control them

ever again.

When you’re married, you should respect and love one another. See the beauty in your spouse.

Enjoy life’s beautiful blessings together while sharing and communicating. Only seek each other for love, lust and companionship.

There is no perfect marriage but if you’re disrespected, abused and cheated on by your husband, you should find the strength to speak up.

You deserve better than that.

If he doesn’t want to change, you may want to think about ending the relationship. We should all talk to our daughters, sisters, nieces, mothers and girlfriends about this subject.

Women, you should be able to wake up every day and be exactly who you want to be.

Be strong, be beautiful, be you.

— Sandra Moreno To order the book, go to: www.thewivesofmachismo.net You can also follow me on my social media: Instagram: sandramoreno. author Twitter: @wivesofmachismo SnapChat: sandramoreno515

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Fort Bend Interfaith Community issues statement on school shootings

AUTOMOBILE: BMW X3

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The all new BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is in its third generation and it still great joy to drive. The test drive 30i model goes from 0-60 in six seconds and has a top speed of 130.

It also has improved aerodynamics, underbody cladding, roof spoiler, full color and a 75 percent larger head-up display on a 10.25-inch touchscreen.

The X3 comes standard with a pre-crash accident detection system, standard sport seats, three-zone automatic climate control, rear seatback reclining and more.

The BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is the third generation of the premium compact SAV. The wheelbase has been extended by 2.2-inches and its long hood, extremely short front overhang with finely balanced proportions, emphasize the 50:50 weight distribution between the front and rear axle.

The lighting accents on the BMW X model are outstanding.

The tail light housings whose three-dimensional look with the optional Adaptive LED and Icon Adaptive Full LED Headlights, give them considerable visual impact. A downward-sloping roof spoiler and twin exhaust tailpipes add to the muscular appearance.

The all-new BMW X3 will be the first BMW SAV in the US to feature a factory-installed trailer hitch. The new 2-inch receiver will enable customers to use a broad range of BMW accessories.

The standard xLine design stands out with numerous trim elements in satin aluminum, silver matte, and 18-inch Y-spoke wheels with all-season run flat tires. Nineteen-inch V-spoke wheels with all-season run flat tires are available. On the interior are standard sport seats with power adjustable side bolsters and an Anthracite headliner.

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 240TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on May 11, 2017 in cause numbered 17-DCV239726 styled WATERSIDE ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. vs.

Domenick Demasi, in which a judgment was rendered on June 4, 2015 in favor of WATERSIDE ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. for the sum of One Thousand Four Hundred One Dollars and Ninety Six Cents ($1,401.96); 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 January 31, 2018 and will on March 6, 2018 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 Right, Title, and Interest of Domenick Demasi to and in the following described Real Property LOT 37, IN BLOCK 02, OF WATERSIDE ESTATES, SECTION 3, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, UNDER Slide No. 1951/B, AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of WATERSIDE ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLOOR EETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND TX 77469 DATE: MARCH 6, 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: Dep. Steele TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

We, the undersigned members of The Fort Bend Interfaith Community, deplore the violence that has wracked our society as manifest in recent mass shootings across the country. So many communities have been ravaged by grief, fear, anger, and discord as lives have been senselessly taken by violence and hate. As leaders of a diverse community of faith, we come together in prayerful accord with those of all ages who believe that our schools and places of worship should offer safe and positive environments free of animosity, intolerance and fear. We stand united in the belief: - That all people are of sacred worth.

-That all people have the right to learn, work, and worship in safety and peace.

-That all people have a common calling to support and protect our neighbor.

-That we have a moral imperative to confront evil and to seek justice.

-That love is stronger than hate, and our efforts can effect great and positive change.

The all-new BMW X3 comes standard with several new, comfort enhancing features that include being able to individually adjust the rear seat backrests to increase cargo function. This feature also allows the backrests to be released remotely from the load compartment, which expands the standard load capacity of 28.7 ft. to 62.7 ft.

Newly available convenient functions include front ventilated seats for driver and front passenger and passengers also get more room with the 9.8inch longer panoramic glass moonroof.

The handling qualities of the all-new BMW X3 are directly linked to its ideal 50:50 weight distribution. The system is networked with the dynamic stability control which allows the power split between all four wheels to be constantly varied.

In its basic specification, the all-new BMW X3 comes with 18-inch light-alloy wheels while wheels up to 21 inches in diameter are available. The BMW X3 also comes standard with stability control, antilock braking system, traction control, automatic differential brake, cornering brake control, dynamic brake control, start-off assistant, performance control, and hill descent control.

The BMW X3 is powered by a 2.0-liter twin power turbo 4-cylinder gasoline engine and has an output of 248 hp (8 hp more than the outgoing BMW X3 xDrive28i). Maximum torque 258 lb-ft is between 1,450 and 4,800 rpm. All models come standard with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with shift paddles. I The X3 clears the ground by eight inches and has an approach angle of 23.1° and departure angle of 21.4° with a breakover angle of 17.4°. The fording depth is 19.6 inches.

The digital services from the

BMW Connected app, available on both iOS and Android, bring intelligent connectivity to the all-new BMW X3 and convenience for the driver.

With the Open Mobility Cloud platform, the digital services connect to the BMW X3 via devices such as smartphones or smartwatches, resulting in seamless connectivity.

The all new BMW X3 xDrive 30i retails for $42,450. Options hiked the price to $57,470. If this sporty hauler turns your head you will be buying a highly stylish, most comfortable, fun Accordingly, we stand toand pleasure to drive SAV that gether in taking the following can go anywhere, any time. actions: - We call upon the leadership

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 240TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on DEC 18, 2017 in cause numbered 15-DCV227164 styled THE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF THE HIGHLANDS vs. JOSEPH C. SCHMITTGENS, in which a judgment was rendered on NOV 14, 2017 in favor of THE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF THE HIGHLANDS for the sum of Ten Thousand Four Hundred Twenty Eight Dollars and Eighty Four Cents ($10428.84); 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 18, 2018 and will on Mar 6, 2018 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 Right, Title, and Interest of JOSEPH C. SCHMITTGENS to and in the following described Real Property LOT FIFTY-EIGHT(58),LESS THE EAST FIVE FEET BLOCK SEVEN (7) OF THE HIGHLANDS,SECTION THREE(3) A SUBDIVISION, IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 23, PAGE 15 THE PLAT RECORDS FOR FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF. The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of THE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF THE HIGHLANDS. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

Until final award of the Contract, the OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Responses, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the Work otherwise when in the best interests of the OWNER. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON , RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: MARCH 6 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Cause No. 17-CPR-030847 Notice of Appointment of Rosemary K. laird Notice is hereby given that on the 12th day of February, 2018 Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Johnny J. Konvica, Deceased, were issued to Rosemary K. Laird, Independent Executor of the Estate of Johnny J. Konvica III, Deceased, by the Honorable the County Court at Law No. THREE (3), Fort Bend County, Texas, in Cause No. 17-CPR-030847, pending upon the Docket of said court. All persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time prescribed by law, the residence of Rosemary K. Laird, being 1226 Cardinal Ave., Sugar Land, Texas 77478, and the address of the said Rosemary K. Laird, Independent Executor, being shown below: Rosemary K. Laird, 1226 Cardinal Ave.,Sugar Land, TEXAS 77478 DATED the 21st day of February, 2018.

Raymond W. Greer 13313 Southwest Freeway, Suite 160 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Telephone: (281) 494-0100 Facsimile: (281) 494-0101 City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE ******* OPENING DATE OF March 13, 2018 AT 2:00 p.m. ******* Request for Proposal for the provision of Veterinarian Services for City Animal Control Center RFP # 18-167 Veterinarian Services for City Animal Control Center Commodity Code: 961-86 Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the IFB name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of the Sealed Bid Box, City of Missouri City Purchasing Office, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489, prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Responses are opened in public in the City Hall Council Chambers on March 13, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on August 17, 2017 by the 400th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause # 16-DCV-236815 in favor of the plaintiff- HUNTERS PARK HOMEONERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 6,710.92 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on December 28th, 2017 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday March 6, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- DAMIAN GUILLEN had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT SIX (6), IN BLOCK SIX (6), OF HUNTERS PARK, SECTION ONE (1), PATIO HOMES, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 26, PAGE 17 OF THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1455 WILLOW WISP DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY, TX 77489 (PROPERTY).

TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

of our communities and nation to enact and enforce common sense gun laws and policies that limit the access to weapons for those who may pose a threat to others due to criminal backgrounds or mental instability.

- We call upon the leaders of our communities and nation to increase access to mental health services, and to provide education for those who may lack understanding of mental health concerns.

- We offer ourselves and our faith communities as a resource for any and all who are seeking counsel or help to deal with mental health concerns or the traumatic effects of violence committed by others.

-We commit ourselves to pray and work for the day when violence shall be no more and peace shall rule our land.

We are convinced that people of faith have a moral imperative to stand together in times of crisis, fear, and pain, and as leaders in the faith communities of Fort Bend County, we join our voices to all who cry out for an end to violence and terror. United by our common convictions and seeking after the highest ideals of our respective faiths, our greatest hope is to help to create a safer and stronger nation for all.

Signed: Rabbi Joshua Lobel Congregation Beth El Missouri City Dr. C. Chappell Temple Christ Church (United Methodist) Sugar Land Rev. William Starkweather St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Sugar Land Father Drew Wood St. Laurence Catholic Church Sugar Land

Rev. Martin Nicholas Sugar Land Methodist Church, Sugar Land Rev. Christian Michaelis New Hope Lutheran Church Missouri City Rev. Dr. Dan King Thoreau/Stafford Campus Minister The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston Imam Tauqeer Shah Maryam Islamic Center Islamic Society of Greater Houston Sugar Land Rev. Dan Conway Pastor of Discipleship & Outreach Christ Church (United Methodist) Sugar Land Rev. Ed Hilliard First United Methodist Church Missouri City Rev. Andrew Hook Associate Pastor Christ Church (United Methodist) Sugar Land Javed B Malik Director Islamic Society of Greater Houston South Zone Farha Ahmed Outreach and Interfaith Chair Brand Land Mosque – Islamic Society of Greater Houston, Stafford Jim Ushkrat New Hope Lutheran Church Missouri City Pushpa Desai Hindu Community Representative Pearland

Reap the bargains at Harvest Green Garage Sale March 3

Treasure hunters will reap bargains galore at the Harvest Green community-wide garage sale 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 3.

Residents are clearing out their garages and attics for the community’s first multi-family yard sale. Sales will be held at individual homes throughout Harvest Green.

“Spring is a great time to make a clean sweep of gently used items,” said Shay Shafie, general manager of Harvest Green.

“There are going to be all sorts of great pieces, including baby clothes, furniture, books and toys.”

Maps of participating homes will be available at The Farmhouse, 3400 Harvest Corner Drive.

Harvest Green is located at Harlem Road and the Grand Parkway in Richmond. In addition to numerous public events, residents of the community enjoy access to the community’s Village Farm, a recreation center with a resort-style pool and opportunities to rent growing plots. Homes are priced from the $240,000s.

For more information about Harvest Green, visit https:// www.harvestgreentexas.com.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on June 30, 2016 by the 240th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 15-DCV-228415 in favor of the plaintiff- HUNTERS PARK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 8,060.16 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on December 28TH, 2017 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday March 6, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant ( s) - BRIAN E. OVERSTREET had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT 10, IN BLOCK 4, OF HUNTERS PARK, SECTION 1, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 26, PAGE 17 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1438 HUNTERS PARK DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY, TX 77489 (PROPERTY).

TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on July 17, 2017 by the 400th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17 -DCV -241495 in favor of the plaintiff- MISSION BEND N0.5 HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of 7,207.4 7++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/ or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on February 2”d, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday March 6, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of en O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- PAMELA S. HICKS had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT 39, IN BLOCK 29, OF MISSION BEND, SECTION SIX (6), A SUBDIVISION LOCATED IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, AND FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 269, PAGE 97 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 7302 LA GRANADA DRIVE, HOUSTON, TX 77083 (PROPERTY) TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on July 03, 2017 by the 400th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17-DCV-238563 in favor of the plaintiff- PARK AT MISSION GLEN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of 8,777.74 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on February 2nd, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday March 6, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)-MARY QUASHIE had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT 07, BLOCK 02, OF PARK AT MISSION GLEN, SECTION TWO (2), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDE No. 2286B AND 2287 A OF THE MAP OF RECORDS FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF. TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 28, 2018 • Page 7

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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