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Sgt. Edwin Aldredge recognized as SLPD Officer of the Year

EXCHANGE CLUB. Ezra really enjoyed the Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s 26th Annual Spaghetti Dinner hosted by the Exchange Club of Sugar Land. Thanks to the generosity of the Fort Bend Community, The Exchange Club of Sugar Land Spaghetti Dinner will be providing over $105,000 to local charities this year. . — Photo by Larry Pullen

Contested races in school board, city elections

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Numerous new candidates along with some familiar faces have filed to run for positions on city councils and school boards. Only Sugar Land and Stafford won’t hold elections because no opponents filed to run against the incumbents who did file for re-election in those towns.

Missouri City, Meadows Place, Fort Bend ISD, Stafford ISD and Lamar CISD will all hold elections on May 11. In Missouri City, incumbent District A councilman, Bobby Marshall is running against Yolanda Ford and Rodney Griffin.

Marshall, 54, is a business owner who has lived in Missouri City and District A for 20 years.

One of Marshall’s opponents is Ford, a former Missouri City employee who quit prior to city council having recently adopted a policy that states an employee may not work for the city if they win election to city council.

Ford is an architectural designer/urban planner who has lived in Texas for 39 years, in Missouri City for 35 years and in District A for seven years.

Marshall’s other opponent is Rodney Griffin. He is a retired Realtor who is 66 years old and has lived in Missouri City and in District A for 32 years.

District B Councilman Don Smith, 70, has filed for re-election and will oppose Henderson James Hunter Jr. Smith is retired and has lived in Missouri City and District B for 35 years. Hunter, 61, is a chauffeur who has lived in Missouri City for 32 years and in District B for 20 years.

District C Councilman Robin J. Elackatt and District D Councilman Floyd Emery are running for re-election and are unopposed.

In Meadows Place long-time Position 4 Alderman Terry Henley, 70, is an incumbent running for re-election. Prior to retiring, he worked in sales and is running

unopposed.

Meadows Place Position 5 Alderman John C. Whiteman is running for re-election against Kelle K. Mills. Whiteman, 69, is a general manager. Mills, 54, works as a bookkeeper.

Fort Bend ISD has six people vying for two board seats. Jim Rice, the Position 3 incumbent, is running for re-election and is opposed by Vanesia Johnson.

The FBISD Position 7 board seat has three hopefuls running against the incumbent, Dave Rosenthal. He is being opposed

by Cynthia Gary, Rodrigo Carreon and Enaohwo Keciana.

There are five people vying for three positions on the Stafford Municipal School District board.

Two are incumbents Ed Castillo, 57, who works as a consultant and has lived in Stafford and its school district boundaries for 25 years, and Greg Holsapple, a systems administrator, who has been a resident of Stafford and SMSD for 34 years.

Hopefuls for the SMSD board are Christopher Caldwell, 42, and a college professor who has lived in Stafford for 14 years; Rosemary Garcia, 57, a housewife and Stafford/SMSD resident for 24 years, and Auturo Dwayne Jackson, 46, who works as a director of senior care customized services and has lived in Stafford/ SMSD for 16 years.

In Rosenberg, Lamar Consolidated ISD has nine candidates running for four seats.

Incumbent Karen Mendoza is running for re-election to the District 1 seat. She works for AT&T and is opposed by Kathryn Kaminski, the owner of a day care center, and Michelle Suzanne Pineda, an employee who is with AIG. Two hopefuls have filed to run for the District 2 board seat. They are Mary Beth Horstman, retired, and Kay T. Danziger, a retired

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

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

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

The Sugar Land Police Department’s 2012 Officer of the Year Award went to a sergeant who leads by example.

“Sgt. Aldredge is one of the pillars of my shift and a go-to sergeant for me and my officers,” said Lt. Chris Thompson. “When scenes get hectic, we can always count on Ed to lead the charge and solve the problem. He knows how to treat others, even when the situation is uncomfortable ... a characteristic that has earned the respect and trust of everyone in the department.”

Officers explain that Unit 33 (Aldredge’s radio designation), is often heard pitching in to help with heavy call volume, including basic traffic stops and other routine calls typically handled by patrol officers.

“He’ll catch and clean a situation just like the rest of us,” said one of Aldrege’s subordinates.

The 2012 Officer of the Year trophy, a replica of the Guardian statue in front of SLPD, was presented to Aldredge at Churrasco’s Restaurant on Feb. 20 during the SLPD Employee Awards Banquet, an event attended by more than 250

people. The SLPD Meritorious Conduct Board selected Aldredge based on his dedication to public safety and tremendous work ethic throughout 2012.

Aldredge’s perseverance, leadership and commitment were highlighted during his recognition as the 2012 Officer of the Year.

Others honored during the awards banquet included Civilian of the Year Rebecca Eackles, a clerk in the police department’s records division.

Supervisors say she assists others without hesitation, provides a high level of customer service and works around the clock to ensure assignments are complete and thorough.

Pictured with Eackles is Police Chief Doug Brinkley. Photos are courtesy of Ran DeBord Photography.

Co-workers and citizens zen’s Police Academy Alumni routinely compliment Eackles Association, the Sugar Land for her unwavering profession- Police Officer’s Association alism and customer service. and the Sugar Land Police DeAs an example, Eackles often partment Banquet Committee,” receives requests for accident said Sugar Land Police Capt. reports. Instead of just provid- Michelle Allen.

“The department would also ing the reports to citizens, she patiently explains the form and like to thank its many corporate sponsors, such as Minute Maid, answers questions.

“Our awards banquet would Ran DeBord Photography and not be possible without the Sugar Creek Baptist Church.” efforts of the Sugar Land Citi-

‘Sequestration’ hits Sugar Land airport, FBISD

By SESHADRI KUMAR The air traffic control tower at the Sugar Land Regional Airport, operated by the Federal Aviation Administration, faces potential closure in May. According to the Department of Transportation, sequestration would necessitate some $600 million in budget cuts for the FAA over the remainder of the fiscal year.

The DOT has warned that the cuts could result in a number of changes that could impact operations throughout the air transportation system, including the possible closure of 195 contract towers and 43 FAA-staffed towers.

Sugar Land Airport’s control tower figures in this list. The airport receives about $600,000 a year for air traffic controllers.

Doug Adolph, spokesman for the city of Sugar Land, said the proposed cuts would eliminate school teacher. District 3 drew the incumbent, Frank Torres, who is self-employed, and his opponent Gennaro D’Onofrio Jr., who works for Fort Bend Transit. Norma Cavazos, a business owner, and Anna Gonzales filed to run for the District 7 LCISD board seat.

In Sugar Land incumbents in that city’s three districts will return to their seats as they filed and no opponents did. The incumbents are Harish Jajoo, Amy Mitchell, Bridget Yeung. Steve Porter is elected unopposed in Dist. 1.

Incumber Don Smithers is not seeking re-election..

Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella and three incumbent council members will return to their elected positions as each filed for re-election and has no opponent. The returning council members are Wen Guerra, Freddie Woolridge and Felecia EvansSmith.

the six air traffic controllers who operated the tower. If the tower is closed, safety of air traffic will be compromised, Adolph said.

The daily take-off and landing at the airport is about 250. Corporate aviation is a significant part of business at the airport.

For example, during the recent NBA All-Star game in Houston, Sugar Land airport was completely filled with aircraft, Adolph said.

The Air Traffiic Control tower has helped Sugar Land expand its corporate aviation significantly and the regional economy would suffer unspecified damage, if the control tower is closed, he said.

It is difficult to estimate the loss to the regional economy, Adolph said.

In the absence of the tower,

aircraft would take-off and land using the conventional, visual method.

The U.S. Contract Tower Association has renewed its call on Congress and the Administration to reach an agreement to avert impending cuts to the FAA’s budget for control towers and other vital programs.

The USCTA is concerned about the impact such closures could have on safety and efficiency; military and emergency response operations; and local economies in affected communities throughout the country.

Sugar Land is also the largest general aviation reliever airport in the state and its ability to help relieve other major airports would be in jeopardy, Adolph said.

The airport is operated by

enterprise fund, meaning it is entirely funded by its own revenue and the city’s general fund is not used for airport operations.

Unlike the federal government, the city, in times of financial constraints, cuts its budget carefully, avoiding any impact on public safety, Adolph pointed out.

Fort Bend ISD’s Chief Finance Officer Tracy Hoake said the district would lose $1.5 million in funding for at-risk children and special ed programs.

The district would meet the gap with “roll over” funds this year and if the cut continue next year, some programs may have to be cut.

FBISD receives a little more than $10 million for the atrisk children and special ed children.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 6, 2013

Hands and Hearts 2013 Golf Tournament

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Hands and Hearts Foundation of Sugar Land, Texas, will host its 12th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament at Sugar Creek Country Club on Monday, April 29, 2013.

Stan Wilkening serves as Hands and Hearts board president as well as chair of the golf committee. Sponsorships range from a Tournament Co-Sponsor at $5,000 to Hole Sponsor levels of $2,000, $1,000 or $500. Individual player fee is $125 for registrations received prior to April 21; the cost per player increases to $150 on April 22.

Silent auction chair and board member Evelyn Martin promises a large selection of items, including rounds at local golf courses, as well as gifts which will make Mother’s Day and Father’s Day shopping a breeze. Hands and

Hands and Hearts Foundation Board Members feature their motto “Serving Fort Bend and Beyond�. Shown, from left, are Evelyn Martin, secretary, Meadows Place; Stan Wilkening, president, Greatwood; Chuck Adams, treasurer, and Mike Baker, board members, River Park. Not shown, Marilyn Turner, board member, New Territory.

Hearts Foundation (“HHF�) was at golf@handsandheartsfoundaformed in April, 2002, as a Chris- tion.org or visit www.handsandtian-based, nonprofit corporation. heartsfoundation.org. Call Stan For additional information, email Wilkening at 713-304-3247.

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

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5 Westheimer Lakes (281) 693-4677 (281) 693-0150 (281) 693-4692 (281) 693-4692 (281) 693-4502

6 The Reserve at Brazos Town Center from the $240s - 330s 2,500 - 3,900 sq. ft.

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News University Boulevard expansion completed

Residents and City Officials at the University Boulevard Sneak Peek event for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

A new 1.8-mile stretch of divided by a median, three elled State Highway 6 corridor. the extension of Lexington The newly expanded road- Boulevard are important to University Boulevard from bridges and traffic signals at Commonwealth Boulevard to the intersections of University way provides additional ac- current plans for the future the Riverstone Development Boulevard at Commonwealth cess for vehicles, bicyclists Performing Arts Center that and University Boulevard and and pedestrians to enjoy the will continue to build on sucopened on Feb. 28.

Brazos River where the City cessful venues that are making The new roadway is a sig- Elkins Road.

“University Boulevard is is planning extensive parkland Sugar Land one of the region’s nificant corridor in the completion of the “University Loop” another example of the City expansions including a festival premier destination locations.

The City hosted a “Sneak for the Fort Bend County area. of Sugar Land’s efforts to- site for events.

The University Boulevard Peek” event to give residents Construction for the project ward the City’s goal of ‘Supebegan in February 2011 with rior Mobility,’” said Director extension was also an impor- a preview of the finished road. funding from Fort Bend Coun- of Transportation and Long- tant factor for new businesses Residents gathered at Elkins ty Mobility Bonds and the City Range Planning Patrick Walsh. like Texas Instruments, Fluor Road and joined City officials The project improves mobil- and Costco that recently relo- for a short walk on the Univerof Sugar Land’s capital imsity Boulevard expansion. provement program. The new ity by allowing motorists to cated to the area.

University Boulevard and roadway includes four lanes avoid the more heavily trav-

Bones recovered nine years after murder; cold case ends with conviction of the killer Richard Mendoza, Jr. was sentenced to 50 years in prison and a $10,000 fine on February 11, after a jury convicted him of a murder he committed over 10 years ago.

The 28-year-old Fresno man was charged with shooting Christopher Daigle to death in 2002 when both men were only 17.

According to Assistant District Attorney Lorretta Owen, Mendoza picked up Daigle on November 7, 2002 along with a 14-year-old friend and Mendoza’s 15-year-old cousin. He took them to a rural area near Missouri City supposedly to pick mushrooms.

After exiting their truck, and when Daigle looked away from the defendant, he shot him in the back of the head with a shotgun. The friend and cousin ran back to the truck and the defendant followed.

The next day, Mendoza took the two boys back out to the

field and they dragged Daigle’s body from the open field where he was shot into an area with high grass and shrubs where he was less likely to be seen. With that, Christopher Daigle simply “disappeared.”

The Missouri City Police Department investigated numerous false leads over the next nine years – many of which were provided by the victim’s family grasping at any information they heard.

In 2009, the police department received a statement from a friend of Daigle’s indicating that Mendoza and his cousin were the last people to be seen with the victim.

They also received a statement from a friend of Mendoza’s stating the defendant had admitted to her a couple of months after Daigle’s disappearance that he, Mendoza, had shot and killed Daigle.

On July 28, 2011, Missouri City detectives attempted to in-

terview Mendoza’s friend, who was 14 at the time of the crime.

The police had information that this friend had information pertinent to the investigation.

The friend told the detectives that he had been present at the scene of the murder and led them to the field where the murder occurred.

Detectives later interviewed Mendoza’s cousin who confirmed the friend’s information.

The Missouri City Police Department and Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office searched the area and recovered two bones which were ultimately determined to match the familial DNA of Christopher Daigle.

“The victim’s family suffered nine long years not knowing what had happened to their loved one while the defendant enjoyed years of freedom he did not deserve,” said Owen, “but in the end, justice was finally served.”

Evidence was developed that

prior to the murder, Mendoza was angry with Daigle because he believed Daigle was flirting with the defendant’s then 14-year-old girlfriend.

“We want to thank the jury for their diligence and careful attention, which lead to a just verdict for Christopher Daigle,” added prosecutor Sherry Robinson.

Mendoza was tried in the 400th District Court before Presiding Judge Clifford Vacek.

Murder is a first-degree felony with a punishment range of 5-99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Under Texas law, Mendoza will serve half of his sentence before he can be considered for parole. He was eligible to receive probation.

Assistant District Attorneys Lorretta Owen and Sherry Robinson prosecuted the case.

Attorneys Craig Hughes and Zachary Maloney represented the defendant.

Sienna Plantation announces top-producing Realtors A veteran real estate team and a rising star have been named Sienna Plantation’s topproducing Realtors for 2012.

For the tenth time, the team of Linda and Todd Riddle of ReMax Fine Properties topped all Realtors for new home sales in Sienna Plantation during the year.

Shijimon Jacob of Everest Realty, having just completed his first year in residential real estate, finished 2012 as its second-highest producing Realtor. Jacob also is a resident of Sienna Plantation.

Last year, the two top producers combined to generate close to $10 million in sales of new homes in the Fort Bend County master-planned community.

“We’re thrilled to recognize both a long-time real estate team and a fantastic newcomer,” says Susie Goff of The Johnson Development Corp.

“The amenities, quality of life and selection of new homes in Sienna Plantation continue to sell very well.”

Goff adds new home sales in Sienna Plantation in 2012 were up 46 percent from 2011 which places the community #16 on the list of the nation’s top-selling master-planned

A project of Johnson Development, the community offers homes from the 170s to the millions with purchase incentives available from all Sienna Plantation builders.

Visit the Sienna Home Finder Center, 5777 Sienna Parkway, for maps, information on builders, amenities, schools and more. The center is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Sunday from noon – 5:00 p.m.

For more information, go to www.siennaplantation.com.

Susie Goff of The Johnson Development Corp. (left) con- Families also can follow the gratulates Todd and Linda Riddle of Re/Max Fine Properties community on Facebook, as Sienna Plantation’s top-producing Realtor team for 2012. www.facebook.com/siennaest private water adventure plantation. communities.

As top producer, the Riddles park with 200 feet of twisting FREE Family Law were presented with a home slides, the all-new Sienna Workshop March 13, 2013 security and entertainment Springs Resort Pool, 36 parks Fort Bend Lawyers CARE package from Connect One and playgrounds, the Camp (FBLC) Family Law Workshop similar to the one offered to Sienna Sports Complex, the residents of another John- Sienna Plantation Golf Club, welcomes low-income residents son Development community, a 6,000-square-foot fitness of Fort Bend County with famCross Creek Ranch. In 2012, center, eight lighted tennis ily law questions and is an open the Riddles sold 115 proper- courts and lakes for fishing and forum. Veterans who are lowincome residents of Fort Bend ties totaling over $30 million kayaking.

County are especially invited Families in the community in sales making them one of to attend.

Please bring to the the top 25 producing Realtor attend schools in the renowned workshop any prior court orders Fort Bend Independent School teams in Texas. or documents that you have Now celebrating its 15th District. Last year, Sienna prepared.

Call Fort Bend Lawyear, Sienna Plantation is Plantation welcomed its first yers CARE at 281-239-0015 to home to three water parks private school, Sienna Lupre-qualify. including the south’s larg- theran Academy.

MARCH 6, 2013 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

Spirit of Freedom Republican Women’s Club hosts Texas Right to Life Director Elizabeth Graham

Clockwise, Greaham, Miller, Zerwas and Stephenson.

The Spirit of Freedom Republican Women’s Club will host Elizabeth Graham, director of Texas Right To Life on Friday March 15 at Sugar Creek Baptist Church Chapel at 13213 SW Freeway, Sugar Land from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m..

The club has also invited Texas State Representatives Rick Miller (Dist. 26), Phil Stephenson (Dist. 85) and John Zerwas (Dist. 28).

They will address budget and healthcare matters from the 83rd Legislative session.

A light lunch will be served courtesy of community leaders Bridget Yeung, Himesh Gandhi and Joe Zimmerman. An RSVP is requested for those who plan to eat or just attend the meeting.

Meet and greet starts at 11 a.m. and the meeting will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. To RSVP email President Debbie Fancher at info@ spiritoffreedomwomen.com or call or text her at 281-543-3195 .

Elizabeth Graham was born in Kansas City, Missouri and is the director for Texas Right To Life. She graduated from Rockhurst College there with a degree in philosophy and sociology. In 1994, Elizabeth moved to Houston, TX to pursue graduate studies in philosophy at the Center for Thomistic Studies at the University of St. Thomas. While in graduate school, she volunteered for Texas Right to Life and developed a sense of urgency about the mission to protect innocent human life. She married Jim Graham in 1997 and temporarily returned to her background of retail management before accepting full time employment with Texas Right to Life in 1998. With her husband Jim, they have grown Texas Right to Life into the largest prolife organization in Texas with a staff of 25 and a membership of over 250,000 Texas households.

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Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 6, 2013

FILM REVIEW: Quartet

Opinion Sequestration — fiscal policy turned into political ploy After tackling the fiscal cliff, now we are dangling with sequestration.

The much-feared apocalypse did not materialize, and the impact of sequestration may come to stay as the new norm.

The term sequestration may be new to Washington, but living with constant budget shortfalls is not new to many households, cities, local governments and even the state government.

Year after year, local school districts and cities, counties and the state legislature struggle to balance the budget. Some do it prudently and some others, with higher taxes.

But, the principle of living within one’s means is followed everywhere except in the federal government.

The irony is after the sequester, this fiscal year’s federal budget of $3.553 trillion will still be larger than last year’s $3.538 trillion.

How can it be called a cut?

It is in Washington-speak.

The state of Texas has endured sequestration-like budget cuts in federal transportation funding as the state sends more and more to the federal government in taxes and levies, but gets less and less for building roads.

So, the fear of state agencies that the sequestration could result in an additional layer of cuts in federal funding is real.

Fortunately, the initial impact of the sequestration does not appear to be serious, at least locally.

As reported elsewhere, the Sugar Land airport, like many others in the country, may lose its air traffic control tower.

The closure of the tower will not mean the airport will be shut down. It means the airport will become less efficient than before.

The lesson here is that one should not build something today because the federal government is giving something

Inside Track By Seshadri Kumar free, because the local government may be forced to pay for its future operations.

The city of Sugar Land wisely included the airport under its enterprise fund, whereby the airport should be self-supporting. The city may find some innovative revenue generating methods to keep the control tower open, if that becomes a necessity.

On the school front, fortunately, the damage is minimal. That is because the local school district is not banking heavily on federal funds.

Fort Bend ISD, for example, with a $400 million to million $500 million operational budget, can and will find a couple of million dollars to fill the gap.

But, the federal government cannot find $85 billion in a $3.6 trillion budget.

Sequestration is a fiscal philosophy, but Washington has turned it into a political game.

The dire consequences of sequestration have been repeatedly aired to put the blame on the Republican Party.

Will the president and the Democratic Party gain from the sequestration game is an open question.

It is also possible that the impact is limited to a relatively small group of federal workers, defense contractors, service providers who depend on government grants.

If that happens, President Barack Obama would have little leverage to use against Republicans, says an article in RealClear Politics.

If severe economic pain ultimately fails to materialize, Obama could be blamed for

hyping the situation.

David Axelrod, a former top adviser to Obama, said in an interview that the danger of sounding the alarm on the sequester is that “you can so magnify the impact of it so that it becomes an even bigger self-fulfilling kind of mess.”

Karl Rove, writing in The Wall Street Journal, says: “Take the Department of Transportation. Its budget last year was $75 billion; this year it is $89 billion. If Mr. LaHood believes he should start accumulating his $600 million in sequester savings by furloughing air-traffic controllers, the House Transportation Committee can ask why he didn’t begin by cutting expenditures like Alaska sightseeing trains ($72 million), oldfashioned trolleys in Missouri ($22 million plus) and sidewalks to nowhere in Florida ($1.1 million)? These were all Department of Transportation outlays identified by Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn last October. Or consider the Federal Communications Commission. News reports suggest that the FCC will achieve its required $28 million in savings by laying off employees and delaying equipment purchases. If it does, the House Commerce Committee can ask the FCC chairman to explain why he’s not cutting the waste in the $2.2 billiona-year program the FCC runs to provide free cellphones for low-income individuals.

That program is riddled with fraud.”

The sequestration battle should serve as an eye-opener and people should try to look at their county, city and school districts with an enlightened perspective. By and large, the local bodies do a good job of managing the money. Should they fail to do so, an alert watchdog can raise questions during the budget public hearing.

The reality is that usually no one turns up to speak at budget public hearing.

And I’ve could’ve seen “Jack the Giant Slayer” or “21 and Over” but noooooo, I had to see “Quartet” because I had to see the directorial debut of Dustin Huffman. Dusty, keep your day job. In a little over two months this film has grossed a little under $9 million. Somebody has taken a big hit on this project. Let me see it I can say something positive about the movie; it was “sweet.”

The storyline is Jean (Maggie Smith) coming to live at the retirement home for retired musicians where everyone is happy and enjoying the aging process and does not need a diva coming to the beautiful retirement home and wrecking the delicate balance struck among these egomaniacs with inferiority complexes. And to make matters worse, Jean was once married to one of the singers who plans to perform in a quartet to celebrate the birthday of Verdi. How sweet is that? They need a fourth person; a female.

The other three finally get the guts to ask Jean, who can

still sing even though it’s been a long time, to join them. She tells them to “F” off and the indignation rises to a level of hatred and desperation. Hoffman allows his aging characters (Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay, Michael “Professor Dumbledore” Gambon, and the “sweet” Pauline Collins) to express their craft without too much restraint from a first-time director, but the film had a strained script that harnessed the action and intrigue; there was none.

Maggie Smith and Billy Connolly were charming and charismatic after all these years, and the audience was

blessed with a short course on growing old and coping with the challenges of having a body that does not want to cooperate even though the heart is in first gear.

If I had a tea at my home, I would make sure these folks made the invitation list as I would love to hear their formula for living life to the fullest and swiping any hints they would be willing to share, but I would not recommend a movie about this subject without a better script. Nice try Hoffman, don’t give up.

Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 79. Larry H. sugarlaw@larryharrison.com

Fort Bend Democrats welcome Battleground Texas In a capacity filled room at the T.E. Harman Center (formerly the Sugar Land Community Center), over 200 political activists from throughout the region spent five hours on Saturday, February 23, learning “best practices’’ from a diverse group of political experts, including the new Executive Director of Battleground Texas.

Sponsored by the Fort Bend County Democratic Party, the 2013 Winter Retreat delivered on its theme: “Fort Bend Democrats: Building. Organizing. Expanding. Winning.”

Democratic activists, who had spent the 2012 campaign season registering voters, making phone calls, and knocking on doors were thrilled for the opportunity to learn, have fun, and be among people as committed and passionate as they are.

Fort Bend County Democratic Party Chair, Steve Brown, remarked on why this year’s winter retreat was unique. “After the 2008

Presidential Election, we were all euphoric and exhausted.

Many of us felt we deserved a rest. But, because we stopped registering new voters and engaging people who don’t realize how important their vote is we allowed Congress and the State Legislature to be overtaken by Tea Party zealots. We believe the 2014 elections must mark the return of a Democratic majority and the election of Progressives at every level of government.”

The activists heard from both successful political consultants and political veterans representing the AFLCIO, Annie’s List, MoveOn. org, Obama for America, and Progress Texas.

Kate Mitchell, chair of the Winter Retreat’s Planning Committee, stated, “Our guest speakers and panelists were given one mission: Share with us your best practices, so we can hit the ground running.”

She compared the excitement at the retreat to what she experienced as a national del-

egate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

Speaker after speaker energized and wooed the crowd with cutting-edged strategies and personal insights.

The 2013 FBCDP Winter Retreat culminated with a special presentation from Battleground Texas’ Executive Director, Jenn Brown.

Jenn worked as President Obama’s Ohio Field Director and helped carry that state for the Obama/Biden ticket. This was Jenn’s first public appearance in Texas as Executive Director.

Deron Patterson, co-chair of the Sugar Land Democrats Club, remarked, “What a great surprise and a great privilege!

“We knew Fort Bend County would play a crucial role in turning Texas blue.

But, having the new Executive Director of Battleground Texas make her first political appearance at our event really validated Fort Bend’s importance.”

— Steve Brown, Chair, FBCDP

stantly monitors the distance to vehicles ahead and is capable of operating at any speed.

The system can bring the vehicle to a complete stop, and accelerate away once the road ahead is clear.

An upgraded, optional Lane-Keep Assist system (LKA) helps the driver stay in the intended lane. New to the LS is the Blind Spot Monitor, which uses rear millimeterwave radar to monitor the vehicle rear side blind spots at 10 miles per hour or more. This feature includes Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) which automatically operates when the vehicle is in reverse, alerting drivers to the approach of other vehicles when backing out of a parking place.

The Available Automatic High Beam system features a camera located in the inner mirror that detects light sources in front of the vehicle — including the headlamps of oncoming vehicles, the tail lamps of a vehicle ahead and street lighting - to automatically switch the high beams on and off accordingly.

Lexus has always had such a quiet cabin that it’s difficult to believe that 2013 models are the quietest yet thanks to the addition of even more sound insulation. Redesigned front seats minimize pressure peaks and increase support.

Both front seats feature larger heating and cooling areas and reduced heating and cooling times.

All AWD models feature

a heated steering wheel and Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heating elements, which warm the front cabin area quickly after vehicle start-up.

The LS features a standard Lexus Premium Audio System with a nine channel amplifier, 10 speakers, CD / DVD player changer, DVD audio and video compatibility, MP3 sound enhancement, HD Radio™ with iTunes tagging, and a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio. Standard entertainment and connectivity advancements include enhanced Bluetooth® capability with automatic phonebook download and streaming audio.

The optional Mark Levinson Reference Surround System provides a 5.1 home theatre surround with 7.1 architecture, discrete circuitry,

15 channel, ML3-16 Processor Power Amplifier covering a frequency range of 20Hz20kHz, and 450 watts with less than 0.1% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

LS 460 F SPORT features a unique front fascia with an enhanced three-dimensional mesh grille, larger cooling openings, black grille surround, and round fog lamps.

A chrome-plated bar running along the bottom edge of the rear bumper accentuates the lowered center of gravity. F SPORT exterior badging completes the look.

The LS 460 F sport is one fine, fun, luxurious fourdoor sedan. It is quiet, quick and powerful and retails for $71,990. Optional packages increased the price to $85,739 and made it an even smarter and more comfortable drive and ride

AUTOMOBILE : Lexus LS 460 F Sport

By BARBARA FULENWIDER In the past when Lexus introduced a new sport model it was too Lexus and not enough sport. This year they got it right. The LS 460 F Sport has major torque and acceleration along with dynamic handling and a new design.

The all-new LS 460 F SPORT combines a more aggressive exterior with a sporty interior featuring F Sport seats with larger bolsters, a leatherwrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters and aluminum trim. With a sport tuned air suspension that has been lowered 0.4 inches, a Torsen® limited slip rear differential (RWD model), Brembo sixpiston caliper brakes and 19inch forged wheels with summer or all-season tires, the LS F Sport is Lexus most engaging LS ever.

It is powered by a 4.8-liter, four cam, 32-valve V8 engine that makes 386 horsepower and 367 lbs.-ft. torque. The motor is paired with an eightspeed sequential automatic transmission with drive mode selections of economy/normal and sport modes.

For 2013 there is more body rigidity, which enhances stability and allows for a more comfortable ride. Pitch and bounce control have been enhanced by adopting new frequency dependent shock absorbers, resulting in an even flatter, road-hugging ride. Revised steering offers improvements in accuracy and turn-in response. The braking system

has been adjusted for more immediate power and pedal feel.

Available safety enhancements include pre-Collision Safety (A-PCS) system with Collision Avoidance Assist.

This system is designed to assist the driver in avoiding or mitigating collisions with vehicles and pedestrians under a wide range of city and highway speeds. At speeds lower than 24 miles per hour, this technology helps the LS avoid accidents by automatically bringing the sedan to a full stop.

The driver-focused interior includes Lexus’ Advanced Illumination System (AIS), an all-LED interior lighting system, which illuminates to greet the approaching occupants and then fades in sequence with the vehicle starting procedure.

The new, available Lexus Climate Concierge offers maximum comfort for every LS occupant. The customiz-

able system uses multiple sensors to automatically regulate not only the temperature of the cabin, but also the climate control seats and the heated steering wheel, quickly bringing each occupant to their preferred temperature.

The standard navigation system is displayed on a 12.3inch, split-screen, high-resolution multi-media display, which is large enough to support simultaneous viewing of a large map display and other vehicle functions.

A next-generation Remote Touch, with one-push confirmation, is standard on all models and enables smooth, intuitive control of many vehicle systems. Remote Touch allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, navigation system and more. The screen menus are selected with a controller conveniently located within easy reach on the center console.

Options include Adaptive Cruise Control, which con-

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

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INDEPENDENT • MARCH 6, 2013 • Page 5

News Civil War historian to speak on Origins of Juneteenth In conjunction with the exhibit, “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War,” which is on display at George Memorial Library from February 23 to April 4, Fort Bend County Libraries will present a special program, “The Generals Behind Juneteenth,” on Sunday, March 24, beginning at 2 p.m, in the Meeting Room at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

The program is presented by Civil War historian, Edward T. Cotham, Jr., who has written numerous award-winning books and articles on Civil War history, emphasizing battles and skirmishes in Texas.

Juneteenth has become one of the most important symbols of the end of the Civil War and the coming of Emancipation, but what do we really know about the events that shaped it? On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 from his headquarters in Galveston. Granger’s order confirmed that the Emancipation Proclamation was in effect in Texas. Celebrated today as the origin of the “Juneteenth” festivities, General Granger’s order that day was actually the result of a long chain of political and military events involving the battles and leaders of the Civil War. A former president of the Houston Civil War Roundtable, Cotham is active in the Civil War preservation movement. He is a life member of the Civil War

Cotham Preservation Trust, and currently serves as president of the Friends of Sabine Pass Battleground. He is also a member of the Company of Military Historians and the Author’s Guild.

Cotham has been widely recognized for his efforts to preserve Civil War history. In 2005, he was awarded the Jefferson Davis Historical Gold Medal by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and he won the Frank C. Vandiver Award of Merit by the Houston Civil War Round Table the following year.

His published works include Battle on the Bay: The Civil War Struggle for Galveston (1998) and Sabine Pass: the Confederacy’s Thermopylae (2004), which was awarded the Dan and Marilyn Laney Prize for Civil War Battlefield Preservation. In 2006, he published the book The Southern Journey of a Civil War Marine: The Illustrated Note-Book of Henry O. Gusley.

The unique nature of this book made it a bestseller and led to an interview on National Public Radio that brought Cotham and his book to the attention of Civil War enthusiasts across the country. He contributed a chapter on “Federal Naval Strategy and Texas” for the book The Seventh Star of the Confederacy: Texas During the Civil War, published in 2009, which won the Fort Worth Civil War Round Table’s A.M. Pate, Jr. Award for excellence in research and writing on the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi.

Cotham currently serves as the president of the Terry Foundation in Houston. Those attending the program are invited to tour the exhibit, which is on display in the Bohachevsky Gallery in the lower level of George Memorial Library. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the library’s Public Information Office at 281341-2677.

Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War, a traveling exhibition for libraries, was organized by the National Constitution Center and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The traveling exhibition has been made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War is based on an exhibition of the same name developed by the National Constitution Center.

Society of women educators learn about healthy heart The Lambda Sigma Chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society of women educators enjoyed a fabulous program, “New Ways to be Heart Healthy!”, presented

by Dr. Kota J. Reddy , cardiologist at the Reddy Cardio office in Sugar Land recently.

Members learned the five unnatural foods that lead to weight gain: salt, sugar, starch, fats (saturated/ trans fat), and caffeine.

Members came away with a better understanding of what a healthy eating plan includes and how it reduces high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, stress, anxiety and depression.

Each DKG program includes an activity/project.

Since smoking remains

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.co.fort-bend.tx.us.

1.BID 13-050 – RENTAL OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT; 2.BID 13-051 – PURCHASE AND HAULING CHEMICAL TYPE ROAD MATERIALS. Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check. Bonds are not require.

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

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 for replat of Auburn Manor at Riverstone, Section 2, being a replat of Restricted Reserve “A” of Lake Riverstone Drive plat, Precinct 4. 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 Jorge DeLaRosa with Costello Inc. at 713-783-7788 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. for the street name change in the Avalon at Pine Mill Ranch Development from Nothingham Bluff Lane to Nottingham Bluff Lane within the Avalon at Pine Mill Ranch, Section 1 plat, FBC plat records instrument #20120188, Precinct 3.

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

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 for River Forest Replat No. 2, being a replat of River Forest Replat No. 1, Precinct 1. 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 Brian Nawara with Texas Engineering and Mapping at 281-491-2525 for information prior to the hearing.

L to R- Mary Ann Dolezal, Dr. Kota J. Reddy and Linda Russell, Lambda Sigma Chapter president of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International the leading most preventable cause of death and there is no safe level of second hand smoke, members completed postcards to their respective state legislators to encourage their support to ban smoking

in all workplaces state wide.

For more information, go to www.smokefreetexas.org. To learn more about The Delta Kappa Gamma Society, go to the chapter website http:// lambdasigma.weebly.com/

Fifth Street residents reach out to neighbors A local resident task force wants Fifth Street neighbors to know they will be knocking on doors inviting them to discuss ways to improve their community’s quality of life. The effort focuses on creating a vision for the community’s future – get involved – you could make a difference!

Surveys will be conducted in English and Spanish from February thru March and will inform a plan led by Fort Bend County Commissioner, Grady Prestage, in partnership with the University of Texas’ Center for Sustainable Development (CSD) to encourage

Legal Notices

small business development, improve access to affordable housing, preserve the community’s heritage, and promote its unique character.

The project is funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To learn more about the survey, contact Survey Coordinator, Luis Guajardo at luis.guajardo@utexas.edu or (956)458-6327.

For more information about how you can get involved in the Fifth Street Project, contact Andrea Roberts, Project Man-

ager at aroberts318@netzero. net or Market Study Manager Andres Galindo at galindoarquitecto@gmail.com.

Fifth Street CDP (Census Designated Place), named after a street of the same name, is a community in east Fort Bend County near Houston.

Still semi-rural and unincorporated, Fifth Street was once home to self-reliant former slaves, Imperial Sugar Refinery workers, business owners, musicians, activists, and sharecroppers.

The Fifth Street Project will build upon the community’s rich and diverse heritage.

NOTICE OF CHANGING POSTING PLACE FOR NOTICE OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING OF FORT BEND COUNTY LEVEE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 17 To the residents and taxpayers of Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 17 (the “District”), and to all the persons interested in the meetings of the Board of Directors of such District: Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the District, at a meeting held February 14, 2013, changed the posting place for the Notice of Board of Directors meeting within the boundaries of the District to 1631 ½ Whitfield Street, Sugar Land, Texas 77479.

Said posting place is hereby declared to be a public place and open to the public. All residents and taxpayers of the District and all other interested persons are herby invited to attend any meetings of the Board of Directors at the offices of Allen Boone Humphries Robinson and locations previously established by the Board of Directors as meeting places of the District.

/s/David Gornet Secretary, Board of Directors

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. CDs are available in the Purchasing Agent’s Office. All addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.co.fort-bend.tx.us.

BID 13-041 – KROESCHE ROAD OVER COON CREEK/ BUSHNELL ROAD OVER DRAINAGE DITCH A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 9:00 AM (CST). The prebid conference will be held at Fort Bend County Purchasing Department located in the Travis Annex at 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX. All bidders are encouraged to attend.

Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check. Bonds 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 INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. CDs are available in the Purchasing Agent’s Office. All addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.co.fort-bend.tx.us.

BID 13-040 – PARKING LOT EXPANSION AT SUGAR LAND ANNEX A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM (CST). The prebid conference will be held at Fort Bend County Purchasing Department located in the Travis Annex at 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX. All bidders are encouraged to attend.

Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check. Bonds 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, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the proposers made public.

Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. CDs are available in the Purchasing Agent’s Office. Any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.co.fort-bend.tx.us.

RFP 13-047 – CONSTRUCTION OF LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING Two pre-proposal conferences will be conducted; vendors do not have to attend both. First pre-proposal conference is on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 9:30 AM CST at the Fort Bend County Purchasing Department, Fort Bend County Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX. The second pre-proposal conference is on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 10:00 AM CST at the Fort Bend County Purchasing Department, Fort Bend County Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX. Detailed unit pricing is required. Bonds are required by awarded vendor.

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, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.co.fort-bend.tx.us.

1. RFP 13-046 – SOFTWARE TO MONITOR SOCIAL MEDIA INTELLIGENCE. 2. RFP 13-048 – PHASE II TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE FOR SHERIFFS OFFICE EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER A pre-RFP conference FOR 13-048 ONLY will be conducted on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 2:00PM (CST). The pre-RFP conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Sheriffs Office located at 1410 Williams Way Blvd, Richmond, Texas 77469. Following pre-RFP conference a site visit to both locations will commence. All vendors are encouraged to attend. This is only time for site visit.

Detailed unit pricing is required. Bonds are required by awarded vendor.

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, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. CDs are available in the Purchasing Agent’s Office. All addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.co.fort-bend.tx.us.

BID 13-008 – GOLFVIEW DRIVE AND REGIONAL DRAINAGE FACILITIES PHASE I PAVING AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 9:00 AM (CST). The pre-bid conference will be held at Fort Bend County Purchasing Department located in the Travis Annex at 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX. All bidders are encouraged to attend.

Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check. Bonds 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

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: UNKNOWN HERIS OF MAUREEN N OKLIE, DECEASED, ADDRESS UNKNOWN NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being March 25, 2013 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building.

The case is presently pending before the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on SEPTEMBER 13, 2012. It bears cause number 12-DCV-200929 and is styled: Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC And Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, As Trustee Under Pooling And Servicing Agreement Dated As Of July 1, 2004 Morgan Stanley ABS Cpital Inc. Trst 2004-HE5 vs Maurine Oyirianru, Leslie Monye, And The Unknown Heirs Of Maureen N. Okolie The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: BRET D. ALLEN ANGEL REYES & ASSOCIATES PC 5950 BERKSHIRE LANE SUITE 410 DALLAS TX 75225 214-526-7900 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows towit: LOT TWELVE (12), IN BLOCK ONE (1), OF TWIN OAKS VILLAGE, SEC. 5, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 2393/B, OF THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS If this citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand seal of said court in Richmond, Texas on this the 4th day of February, 2013.

District Clerk Annie Rebecca Elliott Fort Bend County Deputy District Clerk Melinda Gonzalez Telephone: 281-633-7635 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, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.co.fort-bend.tx.us.

RFP 13-044 – FACILITIES CAMERA SYSTEM; A pre-RFP conference will be conducted on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 9:30AM (CST). The pre-RFP conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Purchasing Department located in the Travis Annex at 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, Texas 77469. Following pre-RFP conference a site visit to all locations will commence.

All vendors are encouraged to attend.

Detailed unit pricing is 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, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.co.fort-bend.tx.us.

1. RFP 13-042 – TRANSIT VEHICLE CAMERA SYSTEM; 2. RFP 13-043 – AUTOMATED FARE COLLECTION SYSTEM; 3. RFP 13-045 – SOFTWARE FOR MOBILE DATA TERMINALS. Detailed unit pricing is required. 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

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: THE UNKNOWN STOCKHOLDERS OF IMPROVEMENT FINANCE CORPORATION, ADDRESS UNKNOWN NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being April 01, 2013 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office.

Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building.

The case is presently pending before the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on FEBRUARY 12, 2013. It bears cause number 13-DCV-204145 and is styled: Warren D. Hubbert and wife, Brara Hubbert vs Improvement Finance Corporation and the Unknown Stockholders of Improvement Finance Corporation The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: J. MICHAEL LYTLE LYTLE & MOORE LLP 2116 THOMPSON HWY SUITE 116 RICHMOND TX 77469 281-342-9119 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: 40.00 ACRE TRACT OF LAND, BEING OFF OF THE WEST END OF THE ORIGINAL JESSE VINSON CALL 50.0 ACRE TRACT OF LAND BEING THE NORTH ONEHALF (1/2) OF THE CALL 100.0 ACRE TRACT OF LAND (VOLUME 76, PAGE 313; DEED RECORDS), AND BEING IN THE THOMAS WEST. ALL LEAGUE, AB. 92, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, BEING DESCRIBED ON EXHIBIT “A” ATTACHED TO THE PLAINTIFFS’ ORIGINAL PETITION FILED IN THE ABOVE REFERENCED CAUSE AND INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved.

Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 13th day of February, 2013.

District Clerk Annie Rebecca Elliott Fort Bend County, Texas Deputy District Clerk Debra Elizondo 281-344-3959

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 6, 2013

Skeeters FanFest set for April 6 With the thrills and excitement of the baseball season just around the corner, the Sugar Land Skeeters have announced that the club will host the 2013 Skeeters FanFest, sponsored by Papa Murphy’s and Kohinoor Diamonds, at Constellation Field on Saturday, April 6. The event is free to the public and will be held from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. just outside of the main entrance of the ballpark.

The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a free 2013 Skeeters FanFest t-shirt and will have the opportunity to participate in a special meetand-greet from 11-11:30 a.m. with Skeeters Manager Gary Gaetti. Skeeters players including Michael Nix, Josh Pressley, Gary Majewski and new Pitching Coach Jeff Scott will also be eager and ready to join in the fun and meet local fans.

To kick off the event, fans will have the rare opportunity to dunk Gary Gaetti, as well as other Skeeters players and staff, in a FanFest dunk tank for $1 per throw.

Among other fun-filled activities, children can create numerous crafts including sand art and spin art, as well as enjoy quality time with Skeeters mascots Swatson,

Moe and other mascot friends.

Young fans won’t want to miss the chance to challenge their favorite Skeeters players to one of multiple activities during FanFest.

Each of the players in attendance will be available to interact with kids of all ages on inflatables, obstacle courses and even a custom pizza-making station, sponsored by Papa Murphy’s.

Fans are also invited to enjoy live music and food samplings, with a special performance by local music artists “In Memory Of”, last year’s winner of Battle of the Bands at Constellation Field.

For a look at new Skeeters merchandise, FanFest attendees are invited to swing by the Buzzzz Stop cart during the festival. Several hats, tshirts and novelty items will be available for fans wanting a first grab at the very latest in Skeeters gear, including NIKE apparel.

Select items will also be 40% off inside the team store at the stadium, giving fans

options for sporting the best Skeeters gear in 2013.

For those interested in becoming a part of the festivities, vendor tables are available for $150 per 10x10 space, with tables provided by the Sugar Land Skeeters. Interactive stations, games and children’s activities are preferred for the event. For more information, please call 281.240.4487 to speak with a Skeeters representative.

SINGLE GAME TICKETS ON SALE In conjunction with the FanFest activities, single game tickets for the 2013 season will officially go on sale beginning Saturday, April 6 via the Constellation Field box office and online at www. sugarlandskeeters.com.

Season ticket holders and eight-game plan holders will also be able to pick up their ticket packages during the event.

Fans are encouraged to stop by the ticket office early on April 6 as a limited number of tickets are still available for Opening Weekend at Constellation Field (April 18-21).

Those who arrive first will receive the best seats and the first chance to secure their spot in joining the Skeeters for the 2013 Home Opener.

COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE This year, the Skeeters will join with Christ United Methodist Church of Sugar Land in hosting a community food drive, benefiting East Fort Bend Human Needs, which will launch on Saturday, April 6 during FanFest. The canned food drive will conclude on Saturday, April 20 when the Skeeters host the first Faith Night of the 2013 season, presented by Christ United Methodist of Sugar Land.

Canned foods may be dropped off at the Constellation Field box office or the East Fort Bend Human Needs table during FanFest.

Those who donate five or more canned foods will receive a voucher for $2 off any Monday-Thursday Skeeters home game during the 2013 season.

Opening Day for the Sugar Land Skeeters is set for Thursday, April 18 against the 2012 Atlantic League Champion Long Island Ducks.

For more information on how to purchase tickets and be a part of Season 2 with the Skeeters, please call 281.240.4487 or visit the team website at www.sugarlandskeeters.com.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Six (6) sealed proposals, one (1) original and five (5) copies, addressed to the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 2:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013, for: WATER METER READING SERVICES Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows: RFP NO. 2013-10: WATER METER READING SERVICES BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE. Respondent shall sign and date the proposal. Proposals that are not signed and dated will be rejected.

Signed and sealed proposals shall be delivered to the Office of the City Secretary, on or before 2:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013, City of Sugar Land, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479.

All proposals received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened. Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within ninety (90) days following the date for the opening of bids.

The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifications prior to the date set for opening of proposals. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifications. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not affect the bid opening date.

The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all proposal and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder based on the evaluation criteria provided in the RFP. Proposal documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at www.publicpurchase.com. Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments and other information relating to the bid will be posted at this site.

Questions regarding this request for proposal must be received by Thursday, March 14, 2013 on or before 3:00 P.M. Please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contracts Manager, telephone number (281) 275-2302 or email jposcovsky@ sugarlandtx.gov.

Robin Hicks, Acting City Secretary

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Six (6) sealed proposals, one (1) original and five (5) copies, addressed to the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 2:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013, for: METER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Six (6) sealed proposals, one (1) original and five (5) copies, addressed to the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 2:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013, for:

Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, addressed to the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 2:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013, for:

CLEANING/ TELEVISING INSPECTION AND VACTOR SERVICE

LARGE METER TESTING SERVICES

Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows: RFP NO. 2013-12: METER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE. Respondent shall sign and date the proposal. Proposals that are not signed and dated will be rejected.

Signed and sealed proposals shall be delivered to the Office of the City Secretary, on or before 2:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013, City of Sugar Land, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard, North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479.

All proposals received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened. Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within ninety (90) days following the date for the opening of bids.

The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifications prior to the date set for opening of proposals. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifications. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not affect the bid opening date.

The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all proposal and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder based on the evaluation criteria provided in the RFP. Proposal documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at www.publicpurchase.com. Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments and other information relating to the bid will be posted at this site.

Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows:

Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows: RFP NO. 2013-13: CLEANING/ TELEVISING INSPECTION AND VACTOR SERVICE BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE.

BID NO. 2013-14: LARGE METER TESTING SERVICES BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE

Respondent shall sign and date the proposal. Proposals that are not signed and dated will be rejected.

Bidder shall sign and date the bid. Bids that are not signed and dated will be rejected.

Signed and sealed proposals shall be delivered to the Office of the City Secretary, on or before 2:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013, City of Sugar Land, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. All proposals received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened.

Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within ninety (90) days following the date for the opening of bids.

Signed and sealed bids shall be delivered to the City Secretary Office, on or before 2:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013, City of Sugar Land, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. All bids received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened.

Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within thirty (30) days following the date for the opening of bids.

The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifications prior to the date set for opening of bids. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifications. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not affect the bid opening date.

The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder.

ITB documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at www.publicpurchase.com or https://www.bidsync. com . Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments and other information relating to the bid will be posted at this site.

Questions regarding this request for proposal must be received by Thursday, March 14, 2013 on or before 3:00 P.M. Please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contracts Manager, telephone number (281) 275-2302 or email jposcovsky@ sugarlandtx.gov.

Questions regarding this invitation to bid must be received by Thursday, March 14, 2013 on or before 3:00 P.M. Please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contracts Manager, telephone number (281) 275-2302 or email jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov.

Robin Hicks Acting City Secretary

Robin Hicks Acting City Secretary

The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifications prior to the date set for opening of proposals. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifications. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not affect the bid opening date.

The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all proposal and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder based on the evaluation criteria provided in the RFP. Proposal documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at www.publicpurchase.com. Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments and other information relating to the bid will be posted at this site.

Questions regarding this request for proposal must be received by Thursday, March 14, 2013 on or before 3:00 P.M. Please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contracts Manager, telephone number (281) 275-2302 or email jposcovsky@ sugarlandtx.gov .

Robin Hicks Acting City Secretary

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Six (6) sealed proposals, one (1) original and five (5) copies, addressed to the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 2:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013, for: SCHEDULED BACKHOE REPAIR SERVICES Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows: RFP NO. 2013-15: SCHEDULED BACKHOE REPAIR SERVICES BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE. Respondent shall sign and date the proposal. Proposals that are not signed and dated will be rejected.

Signed and sealed proposals shall be delivered to the Office of the City Secretary, on or before 2:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013, City of Sugar Land, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479.

All proposals received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened. Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within ninety (90) days following the date for the opening of bids.

The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifications prior to the date set for opening of proposals. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifications. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not affect the bid opening date.

The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all proposal and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder based on the evaluation criteria provided in the RFP. Proposal documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at www.publicpurchase.com. Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments and other information relating to the bid will be posted at this site.

Questions regarding this request for proposal must be received by Thursday, March 14, 2013 on or before 3:00 P.M. Please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contracts Manager, telephone number (281) 275-2302 or email jposcovsky@ sugarlandtx.gov.

Robin Hicks Acting City Secretary

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS Six (6) sealed proposals, one (1) original and five (5) copies, addressed to the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 2:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013, for: ON-CALL EMERGENCY BACKHOE REPAIR SERVICES Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows: RFP NO. 2013-16: ON-CALL EMERGENCY BACKHOE REPAIR SERVICES BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE.

CONSTRUCTION OF UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD NORTH BRIDGE EXTENSION OF UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD FROM ITS CURRENT TERMINUS BEHIND SAM’S WHOLESALE CLUB TO U. S. HIGHWAY 90A 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. Only TxDOT prequalified contractors may submit bids : CIP PROJECT NAME: CIP PROJECT NUMBER: LOCATION OF WORK:

University Boulevard North Bridge ST0901 US 90A at University Boulevard (Behind Sam’s Wholesale Club)

Respondent shall sign and date the proposal. Proposals that are not signed and dated will be rejected.

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained at the following offices and location with payment of $200.00:

Signed and sealed proposals shall be delivered to the Office of the City Secretary, on or before 2:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013, City of Sugar Land, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479.

All proposals received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened. Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within ninety (90) days following the date for the opening of bids.

Thomas R. Munson, P.E. TranSystems 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 1350 Houston, TX 77027 Main: 713-807-0600 Direct: 713-807-4420

The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifications prior to the date set for opening of proposals. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifications. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not affect the bid opening date.

Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Note that there is a “DBE” percentage requirement in the contract. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered and electronic bids are not allowed.

The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all proposal and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder based on the evaluation criteria provided in the RFP.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, 2013, Brazos Room, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, TX 77479.

Proposal documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at www.publicpurchase.com. Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments and other information relating to the bid will be posted at this site.

Questions regarding this bid must be received by Thursday, March 14, 2013 on or before 3:00 P.M. Please contact Thomas R. Munson, P. E. via email trmunson@transystems.com

Questions regarding this request for proposal must be received by Thursday, March 14, 2013 on or before 3:00 P.M. Please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contracts Manager, telephone number (281) 275-2302 or email jposcovsky@ sugarlandtx.gov.

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 sixty (60) calendar days after the bid opening date and time.

Robin Hicks Acting City Secretary

Robin Hicks Acting City Secretary

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 6, 2013 • Page 7

COMMUNTIY NEWS It’s time for the 10th Annual Schlumberger Education Expedition.

The Education Expedition is a cycling event benefiting the Fort Bend Education Foundation.

On Saturday, March 23rd, the Fort Bend Education Foundation will host its 10th annual bike ride. Whether you are training for the allimportant BP MS 150 or just

wanting a great day with friends, we provide you with a quality ride!

Riders take off at 7:30 a.m. from Ken Hall Stadium (located at Hightower High School in Missouri City) to wind through quiet streets and into the countryside before looping back home. There are 3 routes to choose from ranging from 11 to 79 miles.

Rest stops are themed and

Fort Bend Chamber presents Partner Appreciation Award

staffed by students & teacher volunteers from FBISD high schools vying for the “Best Rest Stop” award. You will be entertained along this ride!

SAG wagons are on the course to assist you with any needs.

Stay and enjoy a scrumptious lunch with your friends after the ride.

The ride is a BP MS150 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 FBISD students through its Grants to Teachers and Schools programs.

The FBEF recommends registering online at Active. com or http://www.fortbendisd.com/foundation before the event day to prevent any distractions for you on the ride morning. For more information, go to www.fortbendisd.com/foundation

Annual Schlumberger Education Expedition set for March 23

2013 Bike Ride Committee Members: back row l to r: Ronnie Williams, Ron Bailey, Janice Holey, John Wantach, Geir Bentzen, Scott Maddox and Allan Holley Front row l to r: Valerie Chang, Kelly Metzger; FBEF Event Coordinator, Charles Borsos and Meghan Herbst; Co-Ride Directors, Cruz Coria Ronnie Escobar.

u l t a a t r i o g ns n o C

A WARDED 2011 B ROKER / /O WNERS OF THE Y EAR F OR T EXAS Stewart Jacobson, left,Nancy Colmenares, Todd Tauzin and Keri Schmidt.

On Tuesday, Feb. 26, the Fort Bend Chamber Partners met at Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse to celebrate the success of this past year. Fort Bend Chamber Chairman Stewart Jacobson thanked the volunteers for their support of the Chamber, “We are successful because of volunteers like you. We believe this program has a huge potential in shaping the chamber membership for decades to come.”

The Fort Bend Chamber Partners mentor the chamber’s new members and assist with membership retention. Jacobson then presented the Founders Award to Nancy Colmenares who was the catalyst for the Chamber Partner program. Todd Tauzin had the honor of receiving the first ever Chamber Partner of the Year Award.

As Jacobson stated, “Through his tireless efforts of volunteering, sponsoring and giving of his resources, Todd Tauzin is most deserving of this unique distinction.”

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 6, 2013

Clements High theatre student wins Houston-area Shakespeare Competition We er pp o c buy o o t

The only TCEQ approved gold refinery in town is now open to the public.

Work directly with a refinery, no middleman.

Want to get the most money out of your gold?

We pay up to 98.5 percent of the value.

No one can can pay higher than us.

Come to us and you will find the difference.

Special on Class rings- We pay up to $18 per gram on all class rings with stone weight.

Onsite laboratory will provide FREE assessment.

3599 Highway 6 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 (By Kroger at Settlers Way)

Gold & Silver Refinery 281.313.9999

Clements High School theatre student Ryan Brophy won first place in the EnglishSpeaking Union’s regional Shakespeare Competition held recently at Main Street Theatre in Houston.

Brophy will represent the Houston area as a semi-finalist at the National Shakespeare Competition, which will be held on April 22 at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Brophy impressed the judges and captivated the audience with his performance from Macbeth and his recitation of Sonnet #130. Brophy is the student of Paul Shaffer, CHS Theatre Director.

Brophy’s all-expenses paid trip to New York City will include an acting workshop at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, tours of the city, and participation in the final stage of the competition.

The first-place winner of the final competition will receive a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art’s Young Actors Summer School in London.

Twenty-five Fort Bend ISD students, parents, teachers and staff, sponsored by the UnitedHealthcare Activate for Kids program, finished the As One Foundation’s Darling Dash 5K/1K on Feb. 24 in Sugar Land. Some of the students are also participants in JOIN for ME– a first-of-itskind, whole-family program to fight childhood obesity. JOIN for ME is a partnership between UnitedHealthcare and the Fort Bend ISD. From Left: Miriam Dickey and Rebecca Fernandez, Fort Bend ISD students in the JOIN for ME program, celebrate their Darling Dash victory with Stephanie Kellam, the UnitedHealthcare Activate for Kids School District Wellness Coordinator, and Mason Taylor, also a JOIN for ME participant.

Ryan Brophy, 2013 winner of the Houston Branch event of the English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition, with judges Rebecca Udden and Kate Pogue.

FBISD Childhood Obesity Program students finish the Darling Dash

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