Binder030718

VOL 11 No. 10

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

‘History, mystery and wonder’ feed curiosity at HMNS

By SESHADRI KUMAR Curiosity may kill the cat, sometimes; but there is no cure for curiosity, especially at the Houston Museum of Natural Science in Sugar Land which has just opened a new section “Collection of History, Mystery and Wonder.”

Breaking the stereotype of a museum as a display of stuffed animals, old skeletons, bones, and stones, where you read a brief description of each exhibit, the new exhibition challenges every visitor to touch and wonder. There is no ready summary of what you see. Naturally, you wonder: what is it? Why is it here? This curiosity will lead you to think, research and unearth the answer.

Lest you think a visit to the museum will be a difficult exercise or a taxing test of knowledge, the items on display here are things you have not seen before and they are bound to lead you to the path of further queries and exploration.

Treasure growth from the sea, mechanical measures, mineral treasures, animal kingdom, antiquities and ethnographic arts are some of the sections in this exhibit.

The random collections are replete with rich history. How many of you know what Horology means and the hundreds of vials with fine sand as in ‘sands

Kavita Self, left, Program Manager, and Adrienne Barker, director, HMNS at Sugar Land stand in front of the latest exhibit. The modern museum grew out of privately-owned collections of extraordinary objects. Imagine you are visiting one of these early displays as you visit the eight small galleries dedicated to the curious, the strange and the inexplicable! A different theme in each chamber tells the story of the curious gatherings of Madame Curious who may have purchased exotica from sailors returning to port or from commissioned travelers who brought specimens from far-off places. of time’? and $3 for members.

Spring 2018 Hours: A different theme in each Monday–Wednesday: chamber tells the story of the CLOSED eccentric gatherings of Madame Thursday–Friday: Curious (a fictional character) 9 a.m.–3 p.m. who may have purchased exotSaturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ica from sailors returning to port Sunday: 12 p.m.–5 p.m. or from commissioned travelers http://www.hmns.org/hmns- who brought specimens from far at-sugar-land/visit/ or off places. call (281) 313-2277.

Each visitor, young and old alike, can become a hands-on HMNS at Sugar Land explorer.

13016 University Blvd.

Tickets for this exhibit are Sugar Land, Texas 77479 $15 for adults, $12 for children

Stevenson and Osagie named 2018 Principals of the Year in Lamar CISD

A section of the exhibits in “Collection of History, Mystery and Wonder.”

Sugar Land launches 311 Contact Center The city of Sugar Land answers citizens’ questions from its newly created 311 Contact Center.

311 is a single, one-stop point of contact designed to make it easier for residents to know who to contact for assistance with non-emergency, city-related questions, and requests for services and also provides the

ability for residents to track the progress of their requests.

311 is staffed by customer service ambassadors who are trained in customer service and are equipped with a comprehensive knowledge of city services.

The ambassadors aim to identify the best way to assist with general questions or service requests during residents’ first in-

teraction with the city.

Customer service has continually ranked among the community’s top priorities in its recurring Citizen Satisfaction Survey. An organizational emphasis on customer service and communications resulted in some of the largest percentage increases in satisfaction levels See 311, Page 3

Missouri City’s Citizens’ University begins March 12

Terry High School Principal Dr. Andree Osagie is the 2018 Secondary Principal of the Year in Lamar CISD. Prior to becoming Terry’s principal in 2016, Osagie was the associate principal at Alief Taylor High School. His career includes time as an assistant principal in Alief, dean of students in Houston ISD and as a science teacher in both Fort Bend and Houston schools. Thomas Elementary Principal Vickie Stevenson is the 2018 Elementary Principal of the Year in Lamar CISD. Stevenson first became a principal in Lamar CISD at Long Elementary in 1999, then opening Thomas Elementary in 2009. She was also a teacher and assistant principal in Houston ISD before coming to Lamar. Both the Elementary and Secondary Principals are chosen by their peers.

Visit fbindependent.com to find out the results of March 6 party primary elections. In early voting, 14,208 Democrats and 17,008 Republicans have voted in Fort Bend County. Also, 2,321 Democrats and 3,112 Republicans have voted by mail.

In the 2016 Presidential primary election, 14,609 Democrats and 29,320 Republicans voted early.

The 4th annual Citizens’ University class in their graduation ceremony at Paint Party Place in the Township.

To keep in line with commuDuring the 10-session program, hoods safe. Previous classes have nity engagement and outreach participants will receive an “inside included interactive tours of City initiatives, Missouri City invites look” into “Show Me City” mu- facilities, equipment and vehicles; residents to participate in the Fifth nicipal operations and an opportu- case studies based on current and Annual Citizens’ University class, nity to work with Staff members previous challenges that staff have which begins on Monday, March who build budgets, construct cap- faced; and scripted mock trials 12. For this session, classes will ital projects, plan for growth, help and permit processing scenarios. be scheduled the second Monday the City remain green, emphasize To apply, visit the City Website of the month at 7 p.m. fitness first and keep neighbor- or call 281.403.8500.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 7, 2018

Johnson Development names new Marketing Director Johnson Development has hired Carrie Roehling as Marketing Director for its Cross Creek Ranch community in Fulshear.

In her new role, Roehling will oversee all marketing activities for the 3,200-acre development, which is ranked among the nation’s 50 topselling master-planned communities.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Johnson Development,” Roehling said.

“I know their reputation for creating well-developed lifestyle communities from working with various Houston builders, so to be part of such a prestigious, forward-thinking team is an honor.”

Roehling has extensive marketing experience within the Houston residential real estate market, starting her career in 2000 with Newmark Homes. She served in varying positions at Ashton Woods Homes for 13 years, during

Roehling which time she was named Texas Star Marketing Professional of the Year and a National Silver Award winner for Marketing Professional of the Year. She most recently was Vice President of Account Services for a Houston-area advertising agency, managing the firm’s extensive real estate clientele.

“With her background in

real estate and extensive marketing experience, Carrie is a complete package,” said Christen Johnson, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Johnson Development.

“She is, and will continue to be, a valuable asset to our marketing program in Cross Creek Ranch, one of our largest award-winning communities. We are so pleased to have her on our team.”

Celebrating 10 years of development this year, Cross Creek Ranch is one of five Johnson Development communities currently ranked among the nation’s 50 bestselling communities.

Johnson Development has more communities included on the list than any other developer.

In all, the Houston-based firm has 17 active developments, including 14 in the greater Houston area.

Learn more at www.johnsondevelopment.com.

be to sponsor the Car Wash for Kids, gain some great exposure, and make a difference in the lives for local families!

For more information, visit hopeforthree.org or call 281-

245-0640. Photo: Teen Huddle members Grace Buckle, Yasmin Safian, and Dahlia Moreno (left to right) gather up supplies for the 7th Annual Car Wash for Kids.

Hope For Three Teen Huddle Hosts Car Wash for Kids

One in 64 children are now diagnosed with autism and over 3,000 students in Fort Bend ISD are currently enrolled. That’s just public schools! Join Hope For Three on Sunday, April 8th from 10:00 a.m until 2:00 p.m for the 7th Annual “Car Wash for Kids.” Over 100 teen volunteers from local high schools raise autism awareness for their differently-able peers.

This eco-friendly car wash is FREE, but donations are welcome. Sugar Land Baptist Church is DOUBLING THE IMPACT by matching donations up to $3,500. Become a major supporter by becoming a partner with Hope For Three. A great first step would

Again!

Visit Our Beautiful NEW Model Homes!

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From US-59 in Sugar Land, take Hwy 6 south 3 miles . 281.499.8700 EASY ACCESS to US-59 and FORT BEND PARKWAY Darling . Emerald . Highland . Lespreance Construction . Meritage . Newmark . Perry . Peterson . Sims Luxury . Sitterle . Sterling Classic . Taylor Morrison . Westin . Westport

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 7, 2018 • Page 3

NEWS Dulles High School Academic Decathlon team wins state championship The Dulles High School Academic Decathlon team earned its second consecutive state championship this weekend, taking the top prize in the Large School category.

The team earned 27 medals, including several individual medals: Logan House – 1 Medal Leighton Nylander – 4 Medals Samuel Louis SteinmanFriedman – 7 Medals Moeez Tariq – 6 Medals

Vani Vellore – 1 Medal Sophie Yangyi – 5 Medals Jeffrey Zhang – 2 Medals Samuel Louis SteinmanFriedman won first place overall and holds the record for the 3rd best Scholastic score in Texas history.

The team earned the eighth highest score in the 35-year history of the Texas Academic Decathlon program, breaking records for Dulles High School and Fort Bend ISD.

The Dulles High School Academic Decathlon team has a history of success at competition, but the feeling does not grow old, even since last year.

“It feels surreal but amazing,” says coach Kelsey Halfen.

“They are such a fun, silly, quirky group of kids who inspire me with their determination and dedication.”

The winning team includes (l-r, f-b): Sophie Yangyi, Samuel Louis Steinman-Friedman, Matthew Gabino, Logan House, and Coach Kelsey Halfen; Coach Andrew Hartman, Moeez Tariq, Leighton Nylander, Tejas Tuppera, Jeffrey Zhang, and Vani Vellore.

311 From Page 1

RIDGE POINT HIGH SCHOOL MARINE CORPS JROTC. This past weekend the Ridge Point High School Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard and Drill Teams earned a spot at the upcoming drill team nationals. Only 15 schools nationwide compete each year and this will be the first time a Fort Bend ISD school participates. The team of 34 students will travel to Tennessee for the April 21st competition. They competed in Dayton, TX for regionals and came in 3rd place out of 26 teams. The national competition will be held in Tennessee on April 21. Ridge Point cadets from the armed and unarmed drill teams, as well as the color guard will be competing for the national title.

Music Magic for Six-and Seven Year Old Boys

Young boys who love music and singing should take Music Magic, an eight-week music enrichment program for six- and seven-year old boys. The Fort Bend Boys Choir offers this special class which bring music alive through movement, musical games, singing and other activities. Boys learn about rhythm awareness and pitch matching in addition to developing large muscle coordination, better musicianship and increase focus. The best part is that there are no auditions for this class! Serving as Music Magic director is Sean Jackson a music specialist in Katy ISD. For this 21st season of the Music Magic program, the class will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., beginning March 20th and ending May 8th at the First United Methodist Church Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City. Music Magic will then sing at the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s Spring Concert on Saturday, May 12th! The cost for this course is only $100 and boys will receive a free Music Magic t-shirt once classes start.

Classes are limited in size so please call the choir office at (281) 240-3800 to pre-register or visit their website at www.fbbctx.org. Be sure to stop by their Facebook page for the latest on the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s Music Magic class and the organization’s public performances.

Discover 100 Years of Technology at George Ranch Historical Park

This spring break, visit the George Ranch Historical Park to explore 100 years of inventions and technological advancements.

From the cotton gin to the sewing machine to the tractor, technology forever changed how we lived in each progressive generation.

•Use a cotton gin in the 1830s and learn how this important invention changed history, for better (and for worse).

•Explore laundry from multiple sites and trace how it evolved from backbreaking labor in the 1860s to the introduction of newfangled 1930s appliances that made life easier.

•Help patch barbed wire at the 1890s Line Camp while

exploring how this simple invention changed ranching forever.

•Plus, a whole host of other exciting and unique activities will be featured all week long, including an 1860s chuckwagon lunch every day at 12:30 p.m.

Enjoy a Vintage Easter Celebration on March 31 On Saturday, March 31, travel back in time for the 23rd annual Old-Fashioned Easter at the George Ranch Historical Park!

Easter Egg Hunts will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.

•Celebrate Easter like a pioneer with a rousing game of basket egg toss at the 1830s Jones Stock Farm; • a Victorian Easter card at the

1890s Davis Victorian Mansion; •Craft a period egg doll at the 1930s George Ranch Home; •Enjoy a historic Easter luncheon at 12:30 p.m. on the lawn of the 1890s Davis Victorian Mansion.

Reservations for the luncheon are required; all other activities are included with general admission.

The Park is located at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond. General admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $5 for children ages five to 15. Children four and under are free.

Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.georgeranch.org or call 281-343-0218.

Lions Club

The Sugar Land Lions club and Russo’s Italian restaurant on Hwy 6 in front of Sam’s in Sugar Land, joined forces and took part in White Cane Day drive for the Texas Eye Bank. All the money raised went directly to the eye bank where many will benefit in their eye care. This drive was such a success that the Lions will be holding another eye drive in October of 2018.

To thank Mike Patel, the owner of Russo’s support of the drive, the club presented him with a plaque for a life membership in the Eye Bank.

above the national average in the most recent survey.

311 is the result of the city’s customer service strategic project that began in 2013 and tasked city staff members from across the city organization with analyzing the city’s customer service practices, as well as industry best practices. The effort led to a recommendation that the city create the 311 Contact Center to focus on continuous improvement of the city’s customer service delivery.

“311 builds upon the city of Sugar Land’s long-standing reputation of providing superior service to our residents,” said City Manager Allen Bogard.

“The consolidation of existing technology and resources into 311 allows the program to deliver a cost-effective enhancement to our citizens, which is in line with our city’s mission to enhance the quality of life in the

community through a commitment to excellence in the delivery of public service.”

Residents can call 311 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding city holidays.

An after-hours answering service assists with and dispatches urgent calls to city staff members in the evenings and on the weekends, allowing residents to reach a live person 24/7.

Residents have the option to submit questions and requests to 311 day and night using a variety of communication technology: *By phone, call 3-1-1 or 281275-2900 (the 10-digit number for outside of the city’s corporate limits). *Email 311@sugarlandtx. gov. *Submit a request via MySugarLand, the city mobile app that can be downloaded at http:// www.sugarlandtx.gov/80/Mobile-App-Download. *Visit the 311 Contact Center webpage at www.sugarlandtx.gov/311.

Lion President Ray Lehrmann, left, Mike Patel, and Lion Angels Rankin.

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 7, 2018

MIKE’S MONOLOGUE

A family legend

By MICHAEL GRANTO Sometimes, family legends are useful; they provide a structured framework that helps folks, especially kids, figure out where they fit in the scheme of things. For instance, there are some families in which the naming of children has rules, policies, and procedures. This is done to avoid the kind of hurt feelings that lead to emotional vendettas if a child is named after the wrong relative.

It doesn’t work, but it enables both sides to the vendetta to claim they are right, which, of course, only further exacerbates the situation. I use the word “vendetta” advisedly. It’s a common Sicilian word. Roughly translated, it means, “I am going to slit your throat (or shoot you, or poison you, or whatever) because of this thing I believe you have done to me.”

To a true Sicilian, what matters most is that he believes you have slighted or wronged him, not so much that you actually did slight or wrong him.

We Sicilians may even have invented the concept. If not, we certainly refined its practice; it has been practiced in Sicily since time immemorial.

Back in the “old country” there was a whole vendetta protocol. If you wanted to declare a vendetta, and do it like a proper, tradition-observing, Sicilian, then what you did was stand on your porch after supper, and you loudly addressed the neighborhood, like a mini-emperor.

First: You had to name the low-down, yellow-bellied scalawag against whom you were declaring this vendetta: This is important; you can’t just be flying off the handle or going off half-cocked. If you don’t name a definite individual, then two (or more) men could think it was themselves whose demise you were plotting, and you would then have two (or more) men plotting your demise. Demises are a

Granto very big part of vendettas.

Second: You had to give the reason for this vendetta: Did he steal your pig? Did his grandfather steal your grandfather’s pig? (Sicilians are not big on forgetting even minor slights, no matter if they are a few generations old.) Did he make your daughter pregnant?

People, well, Sicilians at least, will object much less to your killing someone if they know why you have killed him; they’ll probably even applaud your efforts. To Sicilians, the old Texas phrase, “He needed killin’,” makes perfect sense.

Third: You had to state what form this retribution will take: Will you shoot him? (This was a very popular method, and would traditionally be using the “lupara,” a sawed-off shotgun used for killing wolves that attack your sheep; or perhaps for killing the object of your vendetta.) Will you stab him? Will you curse him with boils? Will you make him impotent with a different curse?

(That’s popular in cases where the offender has made a daughter pregnant.) There are lots of options, and some are actually quite creative.

Well, according to my father, a keeper and possible originator of our family legends, there was a protocol for naming the first sons in our line. It went more or less like this: the first son’s first name will be the first name of the paternal grandfather; the first son’s middle name will be the first name of the father. Hence, my first name is Michael, after my dad’s dad, and my middle name is Joseph, after my dad.

There were no formal, codified protocols that I was aware

of for naming daughters, or second and subsequent sons, but in many ways, that figures; these are, after all, Sicilian rules; daughters were expected to grow up, get married, then make lasagna and babies. Second and subsequent sons were relegated to the priesthood or the military.

Now, at some point growing up (I was probably ten or eleven years old,) I asked my mother about this naming protocol, curious about why it existed. It might not have been her family line, but when it came to family legends, she had authority because of her stature. Sicilian mothers have lots of stature. Don’t ever think otherwise.

She said that on dad’s side of the family, for something like nine generations, there had either been only one son, or only one son that lived past infancy.

Well, that provides some background. Of course, sometimes a kid has to notice that family legends have gaps, so to speak. For instance, my father’s middle name is Salvatore, which is great. Think of the possibilities for nicknames: Sal; Sally Boy; Threefinger Sally, part-time mob hit-man. He’s part-time, of course, because he only has three fingers.

Okay, scratch the last one; you can’t get much further from the Mafia than my grandpa and my dad, and still stay in the right ethnic group.

Anyway, best as I can find out, we didn’t even have a Salvatore in our family. Besides, there are some in the family that dispute his middle name being Salvatore; they say it’s Samuel, and we didn’t have one of those, either. I never did ask dad; it just wouldn’t do to have dad feel like he was having to answer unwanted questions. Not a happinessgenerating plan.

Then I got married. Our first child was a boy, and we more or less followed pro-

tocol. My son’s first name was Joseph, after his paternal grandfather’s, (my father’s) first name. Now, Joseph is a revered Italian name for sons.

I’ve heard it said that if there were twenty Italian guys sitting in the bleachers, and someone hollered, “Hey, Joe,” ten of them would turn around and yell, “What?”

His middle name was Richard, after his maternal grandfather’s (my wife’s father’s) first name. Mother and baby doing fine, protocol more or less adhered to; but after Salvatore/Samuel, I didn’t figure Richard was exactly stepping on the Statue of Liberty’s toes.

The older relatives, of course, were not familiar with a Saint Richard in the Catholic hierarchy. Indeed, there was a Saint Richard, but he was English, and Anglican, and therefore didn’t count. They mostly just ignored my naming fault, since, after all, I had married a non-Italian girl, so what the heck can they expect, right?

A couple of years later, we had another child. This one was also a bouncing baby boy.

Since I had never received instructions about naming second sons, we got creative. He was Mark David; Mark after someone I knew in the Marine Corps, and David after a cousin of my wife’s, of whom she was especially fond.

Here’s what got my attention: suddenly, we started getting visits from ancient relatives, mostly old women with wispy mustaches, mostly dressed in long black dresses and fringed shawls, and frequently carrying long, ornate, ostentatious rosaries, or old men with bushy white walrus mustaches, wearing old black suits, and old black hats.

Both the men and the women seemed to want to be around at diaper-changing time. I was reminded of Yul Brynner in the movie, “Taras Bulba,” who, when his wife handed him his newborn son, immediately undid the baby’s swaddling clothes to personally check the kid’s plumbing.

They never raised a question about Mark’s name; they knew the carved-in-stone naming protocols as well as anyone, after all. Besides, Mark was an apostle, wasn’t he? An author of one of the biblical books, right? Must be an okay name. And David was a king of Israel, right?

These were not just the usual relatives that lived in town, and who we’d see every couple of months anyway. No, these were old Sicilians that, up until now, had existed only as grainy old photographs in pewter frames on an ancient sideboard in my grandmother’s dining room. Some of these relatives I had thought were only rumored to exist.

Does that mean that the nine generations with only one son legend was true? Well, these old Sicilians weren’t the sort to drive or fly long distances without good reason, but I really can’t say for sure, and probably won’t ever be able to.

Still, it does make an interesting sort of family legend, doesn’t it?

(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.)

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Houston’s Coolest Crawfish Boil Returns to Riverstone April 21 Crunchy crustaceans will star at Houston’s Coolest Crawfish Boil, returning to Riverstone on Saturday, April 21, from noon4 p.m. The Fort Bend community is getting its Cajun on, and the public is invited to enjoy 5,000 pounds of spicy crawfish with all the fixins’ at The Club at Riverstone, 18353 University Boulevard. Rounding out the party will be live music, food trucks, activities for the kids and more! The event is free.

Lakeview Elementary gearing up for Centennial Celebration, March 24 Fort Bend ISD’s Lakeview Elementary is turning 100 this year and the campus is preparing for a huge celebration that will be open to the entire community.

The Centennial Celebration will be taking place at Lakeview Elementary (314 Lakeview Drive, Sugar Land, 77498) on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A formal dedication ceremony will be held in the auditorium from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. There will also be food trucks, carnival games, an antique car show and much more.

Centennial Celebration t-shirts and hoodies are also on sale and can be ordered online.

For more information, visit the Lakeview Elementary PTA’s Facebook page, or the school’s website.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed Bids, in duplicate, addressed to Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 2, Attention: Mr. André McDonald, President, Board of Directors, will be received at the office of Costello, Inc., 9990 Richmond Ave., Suite 450 North, Houston, Texas, 77042, until 2:00 p.m.

Local Time, March 28, 2018, and then publicly opened and read for “West Levee Top Armoring Pilot Project” for Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 2, Fort Bend County, Texas”. Bids received after the closing time will be returned unopened. A MANDATORY pre-bid conference will be held on March 21, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. Local Time, at the office of Costello, Inc. Each Attendee of the pre-bid conference may represent only ONE prospective bidder. ONLY BIDS RECEIVED FROM BIDDERS WHO ATTEND THE PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL BE CONSIDERED. Copies of the bidding documents may be obtained from www.CivcastUSA.com: search West Levee Top Armoring Pilot Project. Bidders must register on this website in order to view and/or download specifications, plans, soils report and environmental reports for this project. There is NO charge to view or download documents. Reproduction charges will apply according to CivCastUSA rates.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids, in duplicate, addressed to Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 2, Attention: Mr. André McDonald, President, Board of Directors, will be received at the office of Costello, Inc., 9990 Richmond Ave., Suite 450 North, Houston, Texas, 77042, until 10:00 a.m. Local Time, March 28, 2018, and then publicly opened and read for “Interior Ditch Rehabilitation - Ditches “B”, “B-1”, “C”, “C-1”, & “E” for Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 2, Fort Bend County, Texas” Scope of Work of the Contract includes the mucking out and regrading of existing ditch bottoms, installation of articulating concrete block in ditch bottoms, removal and replacement of storm sewer outfall pipes, removal and replacement of backslope drain pipes, installation of concrete slope paving, regrading of backslope interceptor swales, and other appurtenant work.

Payments to the contractor for the City of Sugar Land Bid Items will be made by the District from the District’s funds. The City intends to use certificates of obligation to fund the City of Sugar Land Bid Items and will reimburse the District pursuant to an agreement with the District. The successful Bidder must accept payment for the City of Sugar Land Bid Items as provided in this paragraph.

The Contract is being let on a unit price basis. The approximate quantities for the City of Sugar Land Bid Items are shown below: 1. Remove Existing 18-inch CMP Storm Sewer Outfall & Replace with 24-in CMP, Including Band Couplers, & Concrete Apron—1 EA 2. Remove & Replace Existing 24-inch CMP Storm Sewer Outfall, Including Band Couplers, & Concrete Apron—2 EA 3. Remove & Replace Existing 30-inch CMP Storm Sewer Outfall, Including Band Couplers, & Concrete Apron—5 EA 4. Remove & Replace Existing 36-inch CMP Storm Sewer Outfall, Including Band Couplers, & Concrete Apron—4 EA 5. Remove & Replace Existing 42-inch CMP Storm Sewer Outfall, Including Band Couplers, & Concrete Apron—1 EA 6. Remove & Replace Existing 54-inch CMP Storm Sewer Outfall, Including Band Couplers, & Concrete Apron—1 EA 7. Remove & Replace Existing 60-inch CMP Storm Sewer Outfall, Including Band Couplers, & Concrete Apron—3 EA Bids received after the closing time will be returned unopened. A MANDATORY pre-bid conference will be held on March 21, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. Local Time, at the office of Costello, Inc. Attendance by each prospective bidder or its representative at the pre-bid conference is MANDATORY, and no Bid will be opened unless the bidder or representative was present at the pre-bid conference. Each Attendee of the pre-bid conference may represent only ONE prospective bidder.

Each Bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or a certified or cashier’s check, acceptable to the Owner, in an amount not less than 5 percent of the total amount bid, as a guarantee that the successful bidder will enter into the Contract and execute the Bonds on the forms provided and provide the required insurance certificates within 7 days after the date Contract Documents are received by the Contractor.

Copies of the bidding documents may be obtained from www.CivcastUSA. com: search Interior Ditch Rehabilitation_Ditches B_B-1_C_C-1_E_for FBCLID 2. Bidders must register on this website in order to view and/or download specifications, plans, soils report and environmental reports for this project.

There is NO charge to view or download documents. Reproduction charges will apply according to CivCastUSA rates.

Also, copies of the bidding documents are on file with the City’s Director of Public Works at 111 Gillingham Ln, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, and may be viewed there at no charge.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Bids and to waive all defects and irregularities in bidding or bidding process except time of submitting a Bid. The Successful Bidder, if any, will be the responsible Bidder.

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

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

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

TABSE Educator of the Year

Williams Elementary School’s Crystel Ware is the 2018 Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE) Educator of the Year.

Ware’s notification letter from TABSE said “The Educator of the Year is bestowed upon teachers whose innovative teaching techniques have led to an increase in student achievement through demonstrating unparalleled commitment and innovation toward enhancing the quality of instruction in the classroom.”

The honor comes approximately one year after Ware earned the title of Educator of the Year from the Houston Area Association of Black School Educators.

She was recognized Feb. 25 at TABSE’s annual conference at the Hyatt Regency in Houston.

Ware is the Math and Science Facilitator at Williams Elementary.

SSLW & ACCG hosted “Tell Them We Are Rising”, The 150+ Years History of the Rise, Evolution, and Influence of America’s Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) via PBS premiere live streaming on the campus of University of Houston at Sugar Land on Feb. 19.

Credit goes to Dr. Jay Neal, Catherine L. Brown, Albert Fang, Maisum Rizvi, and Naushil Parasala! This free project was in collaboration with A Concerned Citizens Group and University of Houston at Sugar Land!

Everyone learned a lot.

Right, High school students from Fort Bend , Katy, Lamar, and Stafford ISD’s attend free and open to the public PBS premiere live streaming of “ Tell Them We Are Rising” at UH Sugar Land.

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 7, 2018 • Page 5

NEWS

SSLW presents “ African Americans in the Arts” A Concerned Citizens Group (ACCG) and Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW) hosted “ African Americans in the Arts” History Program on Feb. 24.

After The Lord’s Prayer Group Recitation, USA Colors was presented by Willowridge High School Marine ROTC Unit (right) comprising Devine Rolling, Cadet Fort Lt., Deontre Jenkins, Cadet Gunnery Sergeant; Alejandro Catanela, Cadet Gunnery Sergeant; and Mina Hinojosa, Cadet Corporal under the outstanding leadership of Luc Cadet, Gunnery Sergeant.

Elise Leaks Harmon, Project Chair welcomed the guests, followed by Group Singing performance: “ Lift Every Voice”; and Spoken Word Piece: The Creation (1922) by James Weldon Johnson.

Two superb Group Dance Performances by Hightower High School African Dance Troupe (Amara Smith, Siani Jones, Christine Okoro & Marilyn Okoro), followed.

Amara Smith recited an inspiring poem, “Generational,” thanks to Ibironke Balogun, Head Sponsor and Demetria Jones, Co-sponsor.

Fort Bend ISD’s Glover Elementary School Artists presented Current Artistic Expressions under the leadership of Rosalind Riggs, Art Instructor.

Student Volunteers: Fort Bend ISD, Hightower High School: Will Johnson, Papa Frimpong Badu, Amber Johnson, and Langston Taylor; Fort Bend ISD – Dulles High School – Oreluna Ogemsanya;

Willowridge High School Marine ROTC Unit

Current Artistic Expressions by FBISD’s Glover Eelmentary students Beautiful Baker, Mayah Cornelious, Miguel Cornelious, Adam Jordan, Kenshell Lilly, Zanilyah McVon, Cora Porter, London Prince, Savannah Redd, Jaylan Sanders, Keonna Shannon, and Laylah Thornton, with Rosalind Riggs, Art Instructor.

Pearland ISD –Pearland Dawson High School – Seth Hogan, who is one badge from Eagle Scout; Stafford MSD – Kahleab Hill; and Wharton County Junior College (WCJC), Ugochi Chuke.

Students received a Certificate of Participation.

Adult volunteers: Gloria Austin, display designer; Mable Scott Austin, photographer; and Mose Austin, audience coordinator.

Elise Leaks Harmon, Project Char and Tomika Lewis, Project Co Chair received appreciation for her exemplary leadership.

The room capacity audience enjoyed non stop educational and entertainment and empowering experiences.

African American History Program Committee: Elise Leaks Harmon, Chair; Donisha Smith; Mose Austin; Mable Scott Austin; Tomika Lewis; and Rosalind Riggs.

JOIN US WEDNESDAY MARCH 14, 2018 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

202 MORTON STREET RICHMOND, TX 77469

JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORS AND YOUR RICHMOND POLICE OFFICERS FOR COFFEE AND CONVERSATION! No agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know your officers.

For More Information Contact: Lieutenant Lowell Neinast 281-342-2849 x15 or LNeinast@richmondtx.gov

Richmond Police Department 600 Preston Street Richmond, TX 77469 “TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE”

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 7, 2018

AUTOMOBILE: Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Out of the three top selling minivans – Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica – like last year and again this year the Chrysler Pacifica is my top choice. It was the best in my book last year and is again this year because it’s everything I want in a minivan and more.

And, yes, I am a minivan fan, especially of the Pacifica, because it fits short and tall people. It can also seat seven or eight passengers, provides plenty of cargo space, handles and rides like a most comfortable sedan, etc. and there’s a lot of et cetera.

For me the best part about the 2018 Pacifica Hybrid are the seats because they are extremely comfortable for short and tall people, and that is unusual.

With the touch of a button the seats fold down and with a slight push they lock in place to provide a level area of 140.5 cubic feet behind the front seats.

With the second row of seats down there is 87.5 cubic feet and behind the third row of seats, 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

Granted, that’s fewer than you’ll get in other minivans but more than is in the maximum cargo capacity of the largest SUVs.

The second best part of the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is gas milage and is why folks buy hybrids. Chrysler says its Pacifica Hybrid gets 84 miles to the gallon when using both electricity and gas. While most buyers don’t care how the Pacifica Hybrid gets such great gas mileage, I’m going to tell you anyway.

There is a 3.6 liter V6 engine and a hybrid engine powered by a large lithium-ion battery that is under the second row of seats. The gasoline and battery powered engines work together seamlessly.

The electric motor and gasoline engine automatically switch between electric power and hybrid power and on its own the electric engine can power the Pacifica for up to 33 miles.

The battery self charges via regenerated braking, which captures energy from the brakes when they are applied.

The lithium-ion battery can be charged in two hours with the available 240-volt charger.

The charger is under a limited warranty for 10 years or 150,000 miles or 10 years/100,000 mile limited warranty depending on what state you live in. Now there are also thousands of public charging stations nationwide.

What many buyers want are not only gasoline savings

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Jose F. Hernandez, Deceased, were issued on February 26, 2018, in Cause No. 17-CPR-030542, pending in the County Court at Law No. Four (4), Fort Bend County, Texas, to: Marie Theresa Hernandez. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: JOHN D. PERCHES Attorney at Law 101 West Burleson Street Wharton, Texas 77488 DATED the 28th day of February, 2018.

John D. Perches Attorney for Marie Theresa Hernandez State Bar No.: 00791427 101 West Burleson Street Wharton, Texas 77488 Telephone: (979)532-3871 Facsimile: (979) 532-3508 E-mail: jperches@wphk-law.c PUBLIC NOTICE FORT BEND COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FY 2017 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AMENDMENT Fort Bend County proposes to amend its approved FY 2017 Consolidated Annual Action Plan. The Consolidated Plan regulations at 24 CFR 91.505 state that a jurisdiction shall amend its approved plan whenever it makes one of the following decisions: (1) To make a change in its allocation priorities or a change in the method of distribution of funds; (2) To carry out an activity, using funds from any program covered by the consolidated plan (including program income), not previously described in the action plan; or (3) To change the purpose, scope, location, or beneficiaries of an activity.

In addition, Fort Bend County has identified in its citizen participation plan the criteria it uses for determining what constitutes substantial amendments that are subject to a citizen participation process, in accordance with the County’s citizen participation plan.

The definitions and/or criteria for what constitutes a substantial change for the purpose of amending the consolidated plan are as follows: (1) Purpose: The purpose is substantially changed if the overall purpose for which a project is funded changes. Changing a specific objective without changing the overall purpose of the project will not be considered a substantial change.

(2) Scope: The scope is substantially changed if the original estimated cost of the project is increased by twenty percent or more.

(3) Location: The location is substantially changed if the service area of a project changes from the original service area.

(4) Beneficiaries: The beneficiaries are substantially changed if there is a change in type or the number is increased by twenty percent or more.

The Fort Bend County FY 2017 Consolidated Annual Action Plan Amendment is available for public review and comment. The public is encouraged to submit written comments by Thursday, April 6, 2018 to Marilynn Kindell, Community Development Director, 301 Jackson, Suite 602, Richmond, Texas 77469. Comments will be incorporated into the Consolidated Annual Action Plan Amendment, as appropriate.

FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS FY 2017 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PLAN AMENDMENT EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT (ESG) PROGRAM Funds are available to be reprogrammed from: FY 2017 Rapid ReHousing/Homelessness Prevention/ Stabilization Services $82,758.00 Total Available To Be Reprogrammed $82,758.00 Projects to be funded are: FY 2017 Fort Bend County Behavior Health, Homelessness Prevention, Rapid ReHousing and/or Stabilization Services $53,700.00 FY 2017 Rapid ReHousing/Homelessness Prevention/ Stabilization Services $29,058.00 Total Reprogrammed Amount $82,758.00

but also plenty of features and the Chrysler Hybrid provides that. Standard features include a 12-way adjustable driver’s seat, hands-free power liftgate, remote start, electronic stability control, keyless entry, rear park assist with stop, hands-free power sliding doors, a stow in vac vacuum cleaner for spills and blind spot monitoring.

There are also 13 Alpine speakers, heated front seats and steering wheel, ventilated front seats, easy entry slide second row seats, active noise cancellation, rear backup camera, exterior mirrors with turn signals, 17-inch polished aluminum wheels, and 7-inch full color digital driver information display.

The MSRP on the Pacifica Hybrid Limited is $44,995. Optional equipment added to the test drive minivan increased the price to $48,580. But remember that the gas pump isn’t the only place you will see savings.

When you buy the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, you may qualify for up to a $7,500 federal tax credit. It is the full amount allowed thanks to the full-size battery. You may also qualify for state or city credits.

The Pacifica is a fine looking minivan inside and out.

It’s also chock full of amenities that make the Pacifica Hybrid an extremely comfortable ride and drive.

FILM REVIEW

Charles Bronson (dod: 2003) lives in the form of Bruce Willis (still alive) in this film titled “Death Wish” but is strangely not billed as a sequel. From Bronson’s original “Death Wish” in 1974, here is the cut and paste quick version (with the 2018 Bruce Willis film differences in parenthesis): “A New York City (Chicago) architect (surgeon) becomes a one-man vigilante squad after his wife is murdered by street punks in which he randomly goes out and kills would-be muggers (carjackers) on the mean streets after dark (sometimes daytime).”

And I’m okay with these copy-cat plots. In 1974, Charles Bronson, as Paul Kersey the architect, was the quiet, tough guy and was even a bigger star after his first “Death Wish.”

There were also Death Wish II (1982) and Death Wish 3 (1985). All four of these movies from the Death Wish genre are credited to the 1974 Novel

by Brian Garfield.

Ever since “Die Hard,” (1988), Bruce Willis, as Officer John McClane, became the modern-day Charles Bronson.

Hollywood needs a Charles Bronson and Bruce Willis has worn the mantle well.

The surgeon (Willis) version of the vigilante who gets to shoot the bad guys and take the law into his own hands resonates with a public who believes that bad guys too often win the battles because law enforcement is overworked and restrained by civil liberties.

This screenplay is aptly updated by Joe Carnahan who is also known for his script

for “The A-Team” and some episodes of “The Blacklist.”

Once the money-boys had a good script, then hiring Bruce Willis to play Paul Kersey, was a no-brainer.

This movie will be a success at the box office, but it’s still just an early March, pre-Oscars movie that has a simple goal to entertain and make money.

Not there’s anything wrong with that.

The rest of the cast of Vincent D’Onofrio, an actor’s actor, Elisabeth Shue, Camila

Morrone, age 20, and Dean “Breaking Bad” Norris made the plot workable and almost believable.

If someone asks about the plot to this “Death Wish,” simply explain that Bruce Willis’ wife gets murdered by bad guys and he is really upset, so he goes to his local Carter’s Country and buys some Second Amendment weapons and shoots the bad guys where it hurts. Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 87. Larry H. www.larryhmmoviereviews.com

Join Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s March of Dimes Walk for Babies

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Sendero Tract, Section 3 and Section 4, Precinct 3.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Aliana, Section 32, Precinct 4.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Lakes of Bella Terra West, Section 1, Precinct 3.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Sienna Village of Anderson Springs, Section 15A, Sienna Village of Anderson Springs Section 15A Partial Replat No. 1, Sienna Village of Anderson Springs, Section 15B, Sienna Village of Bees Creek, Section 19, Sienna Village of Bees Creek, Section 27, and Sienna Plantation Section 13A & 13B Partial Replat No. 1, Precinct 2.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Romain, Maria, Chloe and Isabella Videl-Michel.

Chloé and Isabella were born at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital four weeks early to first-time parents Maria and Romain Vidal-Michel.

After birth, Chloé went to an incubator in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Isabella went to the well-baby nursery.

“Having our babies separated was hard,” remembers Maria.

“But we managed to make the best of it, with help and support from the Houston Methodist Sugar Land staff.”

While Romain spent time in the NICU learning how to feed and take care of Chloé, Maria was learning how to breastfeed and care for Isabella.

Despite the separation, Maria says she knew that her babies had the best possible care at every moment.

Today, Chloé and Isabella are nine months old and are happy and healthy.

As her way of saying thank you to the hospital staff that took such great care of her babies, Maria is serving as the 2018 Houston Methodist Sugar

Land Hospital’s Patient Ambassador for the March of Dimes Walk for Babies.

The Fort Bend Walk for Babies is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 21 at Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive in Sugar Land.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land employees are teaming up once again to walk in support of the many valuable services that March of Dimes funds.

Fort Bend residents are invited to join the hospital’s team and participate in the 3.2-mile walk to raise funds that support healthy childbirth and babies.

Easily sign up at marchforbabies.org/team/HoustonMethodistSugarLandHospital and click on the purple “Join This Team” button on the right.

Or, you can donate to our team by clicking on the pink “Donate” button.

“March of Dimes does a fantastic job of working to support healthy lives for newborns,” said Chris Siebenaler, chief executive officer at Houston Methodist Sugar Land.

“Proceeds from the annual

Walk for Babies are used to fund research into understanding premature births and how to prevent them, as well as actually supporting families like the Vidal-Michel family who are struggling with the stress and difficulty of having a premature baby. Participating in the walk is our way of giving back and working toward reducing or eliminating premature births here in Fort Bend.”

The Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at Sugar Land offers moms-to-be from Fort Bend and surrounding areas a convenient, comfortable, caring environment for their labor and delivery.

With state-of-the-art technology, an experienced, highly skilled staff and a Level II NICU, the Childbirth Center offers medical center quality close to home.

To learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/ sugarland or our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 7, 2018 • Page 7

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PROTECT YOUR HEALTH. Learn how at our colorectal cancer awareness event.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. If you are 50 or older and/or have a family history of intestinal polyps or any type of cancer, you are at higher risk.

COLORECTAL CANCER SEMINAR THURSDAY, MARCH 22 | 6 P.M.

At the seminar, two of our leading specialists will discuss: • Who is at risk

• Treatment options

• Diagnosis

• Proactive screenings and prevention

Dr. Ali Mahmood Colorectal Surgeon

REGISTRATION REQUIRED Register online at events.houstonmethodist.org/colorectal-sl or call 281.274.7500.

16655 Southwest Fwy. Brazos Pavilion Conference Center Sugar Land, TX 77479

Attendees will receive a free colorectal cancer screening kit to take home.

Dr. Nitesh Vachhani Gastroenterologist

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 7, 2018

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