VOL 10 No. 14
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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017
Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City
Dulles High has three Semi-finalists for the US Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Olympiad teams
Shreyas Balaji, Andrew Liu and Shree Mohan. Shreyas Balaji is a senior at Dulles High School and a semi-finalist for all three exams in physics, chemistry, and biology. Andrew Liu, a sophomore at Dulles High School, is a semi-finalist for two exams in physics, and chemistry. Shree Mohan is a sophomore at Dulles High School and is a semi-finalist for biology. Approximately 400 top scorers out of 10,000 in the United States take the first test to advance to the USA Physics Olympiad Exam as semifinalists. The USA Physics Olympiad Exam is used as the basis for selection of the 20 members of the U.S. Physics Team. These students, if finalists, would then travel to the University of Maryland-College Park at the end of May for the annual U.S. Physics Team Training Camp. There they would engage in ten days of intense studying, testing and problem solving. The International Physics Olympiad will be in Indonesia. Approximately 1000 in the country will compete for a positions of 1 through 20 in chemistry. These 20 top scoring students from the National Exam will spend two weeks at a study camp to undergo rigorous training. Based on their performance, four students are chosen to represent the International Chemistry Olympiad held in Pathon, Thailand. Approximately 10,000 students take the premier exam in biology to narrow the competition down for the semifinalist round. These students then go through another round of testing so the pool will be narrowed to 20 students world-wide, and then to four students where the 2017 International Biology Olympiad will be held at the University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
Judge Sandy Bielstein passes away
Bielstein Fort Bend County Court-atLaw #4 Judge R. H. “Sandy” Bielstein passed away peacefully on April 2, according to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office. He was first elected to County Court at Law No. 4 in 2001. In his last re-election bid in 2014, Bielstein held off the challenge of Fort Bend County resident Warren Diepraam, who worked as a Montgomery County special prosecutor since 2009. Bielstein was a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam and earned three Presidential Unit Citations for unit combat action. He also served 20 years with the Houston Police Department before retiring as a lieutenant in the Homicide Division. Bielstein graduated with honors from the South Texas College of Law in 1989 while working full-time with HPD as a homicide lieutenant. He operated a private practice as a trial lawyer in both criminal and civil matters. Bielstein established the first therapeutic DWI/drug court in Texas, graduating 235 probationers from an intensive treatment and supervision program with a recidivism rate of less than 10 percent. He was married with three children and multiple grandchildren.
Appeals court reverses trial court order, rules in favor of FCCA
By SESHADRI KUMAR The Court of Appeals, First District of Texas, has reversed an order of the 268th District Court, presided by Judge Brady Elliott, in the First Colony Community Association versus Arthur J. Valentz and Lynn Valentz. The litigation was over a gate installed by the residents in a landscape area,which the association deemed an easement open to the public. The district court had earlier awarded a summary judgment in favor of the Valentz family, allowing the landscape area to be gated and locked. The panel of justices comprising Michael Massingale, Harvey G. Brown and Rebeca A. Huddle ruled that “The Declaration expressly provides that all First Colony owners have an easement of enjoyment in the Association’s Common Areas, including Reserve E. Because
the easement is unequivocally “non-exclusive” and the Declaration provides that all First Colony owners have an easement of enjoyment in and to Reserve E, we conclude that the use of a locked gate on Reserve E to exclude the Association’s members violates the express non-exclusive grant. Accordingly, we conclude that the trial court erred in granting summary judgment in favor of the Valentzes on the Association’s breach of easement claim and that the Association is entitled to summary judgment on its claim that the Valentzes breached the terms of the easement by using a locked gate to restrict other First Colony property owners’ access to Reserve E.” The Association filed suit against Arthur J. Valentz and Lynn Valentz on October 1, 2012, seeking declarations from the Court that Reserve
“E” (the “Landscape Easement”) is and continues to be Common Area; and that as a Common Area, owners in First Colony have the right to use and enjoy Reserve “E”; and that the Landscape Easement does not authorize Defendants to enclose Reserve “E” with fences or locked gates for their exclusive use or for the purpose of preventing other owners in First Colony from going on to Reserve “E.” On October 16, 2015, the 268th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Judge Brady Elliott held a hearing to consider Defendants’ Motion for No-Evidence Summary Judgment. Following the hearing, the Court granted Defendants’ Motion for No-Evidence Summary Judgement. On Nov. 15, the association filed a motion to reconsider the summary judgment and requestSee FCCA, Page 3
Commerce secretary presents National Award to Memorial Hermann Sugar Land
Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Senior Vice President and CEO Greg Haralson accepts the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award from Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross during the annual Quest for Excellence Conference in Baltimore, MD, on April 2.From left to right: Kent Rochford, Acting Undersecretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Acting Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology; Dr. George Benson, Chairman, Foundation for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award; Malisha Patel, Vice President of Operations, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital; Greg Haralson, Senior Vice President and CEO, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital; and Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Commerce. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross presented Senior Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Greg Haralson with the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award during the annual Quest for Excellence Conference in Baltimore, Md., on April 2. Memorial Hermann Sugar Land is the first Houston healthcare organization, and only the third in Texas, to receive the award which is the nation’s highest
Presidential honor for performance excellence. “This recognition is the culmination of six years of hard work, dedication and a constant pursuit of excellence from each and every physician, employee and volunteer at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land,” said Haralson. “Each member of our team played a role in this accomplishment and I am so proud of what we’ve achieved. Our journey will continue with an unwaver-
ing commitment to provide exceptional care and service to everyone who walks through our doors every day.” Memorial Hermann Sugar Land was one of four recipients of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award this year. To date, 113 Baldrige Awards have been given to 106 organizations, including seven two time winners; Memorial Hermann Sugar Land is one of just 22 recipients in the healthcare category.
Jacey Jetton appointed Fort Bend County Republican Party Chair By SESHADRI KUMAR After nearly five yers as chairman of the Fort Bend County Republican Party, Mike Gibson stepped down last week. The party executive committee appointed Jacey Jetton to succeed Gibson. Gibson cited both personal as well as political reasons for his decision to step down. “I was upfront during my reelection that I would not seek another term as Chairman. I decided that it would be best for the party to not have a free for all by serving out my term. I wanted the EC to have the opportunity to have input into who would be the next chairman so I stepped down early. This allows the new chairman, Jacey Jetton the opportunity to learn the job. I was thrown into the middle of the primary when I was appointed by the EC and that was not fun” Gibson said. Gibson said he had been been consulting for McDermott for 6 months and has now accepted a full time job offer. “I will be based here but will be traveling around the world with my new position. This was another significant influence on
Outgoing FBCGOP chair Mike Gibson displays a memento as the incoming chairman Jacey Jetton looks on. my decision to resign early,” he diversity of the county with EC members from all ethnic and said. “I achieved the goals I had age groups,” Gibson said. “I am leaving on my terms set out when I took office 5 years ago. The first and most not because anyone defeated important was to make the party me or drove me out. My time look more like the county. ParSee GOP, Page 3 ty events now reflect better the
Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 5, 2017
REAL ESTATE Second Annual Farm & Vineyard Faire Sunday, April 30
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Organic food, wine and a countryside bursting with flavor will be featured at the second annual Farm & Vineyard Faire hosted in the prestigious Fulshear Run community, Sunday, April 30 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Proceeds from this farm-tofork outdoor foodie festival will benefit the Friends of Fort Bend County Historical Commission. “Our inaugural event attracted 450 guests and was a huge success,” says Doug Konopka, event host and president of DHK Development, developer of Fulshear Run. “Fulshear Run’s natural landscape is the perfect backdrop for food and wine lovers to relish savory fare as they spend the afternoon sipping and strolling under a canopy of oaks and century-old pecan trees.” The family-friendly outdoor festival features an afternoon of gourmet “farm-to- fork” bites prepared by top chefs, award-winning wine pairings, locally crafted beer, cooking demonstrations, and entertainment for all ages.
Honorary Event Chairs are Evalyn Moore, Carole McCann, Robert Crosser, and Ken Stubbe. Event chairs are April and Doug Konopka. Event sponsors are CAMBRIA, Trendmaker Homes, Fulshear Run, Momentum Southwest Land Rover, Fairmont Homes, Sapphire Homes, NewFirst National Bank, Prime Living Magazine,
Avenu Rombauer Vineyards, Topo Chico and Red Potato. Tickets for the Faire are $50 in advance and $60 at the gate. Children 12 and under are free. Advance VIP Tickets are $100 and $125 at the gate. VIP tickets include VIP tent access, with premium food, wine tasting and valet parking. Fulshear Run is one of Fulshear’s newest master-planned
acreage communities and is located at 9035 Bois D’Arc Lane, at FM 1093. The Friends of the Fort Bend Historical Commission is a non-profit organization that supports projects to preserve the county’s historical and cultural heritage. For tickets and information visit www.farmandvineyardfaire.com.
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INDEPENDENT • APRIL 5, 2017 • Page 3
NEWS
County judge lobbies Congress for ood protection measures
County Judge Bob Hebert with U.S. Rep. Pete Olson in Washington, D.C. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert traveled to Washington DC in the month of March to discuss the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Flood Recovery Funding, the Brazos River- Erosion Mitigation Project, and the TX99-LID 17 Emergency River Bank Repair and Protection Project with the U.S. Corps of Engineers, Congressmen Pete Olson and Al Green, sta members of Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, and the sta of the House Committee on Finance Services. The NFIP program is heav-
ily burdened with expenditures due to recent hurricanes and river ooding across the nation. Congress is searching for ways to repay the deďŹ cits and move forward with an actuarially sound insurance program. Currently all property behind levees are exempt from the program. One consideration is to mandate insurance premiums for ood insurance for those that live in areas prone to ooding, without consideration of the quality and eectiveness of levee systems. Fort Bend County maintains more than 20 Levee Improvement Districts (LID)
protecting more than $20 billion in development throughout the County. These districts are built and maintained to a standard that meets or exceeds 44CFR65.10, which is the federal regulation promulgated by FEMA to deďŹ ne a fully protective levee. These levees were built without federal funding and are maintained to FEMA standards. The Fort Bend County Drainage District inspects to ensure compliance. The May 2016 Brazos River ood event put these levees to the test, proving them successful in protecting the infrastructure within. Judge Hebert’s message to Congress is that while the NFIP program needs reform, they should use 44CFR65.10 as the benchmark for certifying a protective levee in the NFIP. Without that protection, mandated premiums will unfairly fall on our citizens in Fort Bend County. Judge Hebert said “The message is simple and logical, but we will need to keep repeating it at regular intervals until Congress reauthorizes NFIP because complex and illogical decisions can be made in any legislative process. Fortunately, we have Congressmen like Pete Olson and Al Green,and Senators Cornyn and Cruz who fully support our eorts.â€?
Fort Bend ISD students, sta and administrators enjoy their time in China. The group visited Beijing, Hong Kong and Guanzhou/Foshan.
FBISD students and sta visit China
Organized in partnership with the Fort Bend County Global Initiative, the District’s annual trip to China is meant to give high school students an academic and cultural experience abroad. The two-week trip, held in January, is part of an annual student exchange that partners FBISD students with students from one of the District’s sister schools, Foshan #2 High School, in China. The students are immersed in local culture and they return with expanded perspectives of themselves and the world. The trip, now in its third year, is a great example of how the District’s partnerships enhance the education of its students. The students who participated in the 2017 trip were, by high
school: Austin – Shea Davis Clements – Madison Taylor, and Ross Trivisonno Dulles – Marina Baez, Jessica Chambers, Ashley Clopton, Nicole Quintero and Taylor Zylicz Elkins – Raegan Cruse, Abraham Pazhoor, and Lindsey Strickler Hightower – Elijah Hughes, William Johnson and Navneet Venugopal Kempner – Cierra Farris Ridge Point – Natalie Bassett, Seth Brotherton, and Megan Van der Walt Willowridge – Terrian Spurs The group began the trip in Beijing, spending two days sightseeing and visiting historical landmarks including the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen
Square. After that, they traveled to Guanzhou/Foshan, where the group remained for the duration of the trip, in addition to a quick trip to Hong Kong. The students, high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, were accompanied by District administrators, board members and educators. They were: FBISD Board Trustees KP George and Grayle James; Steve Bassett, FBISD Chief Financial OďŹƒcer; Dr. Anthony Indelicato, Assistant Superintendent; Lorelei Thorp, ESL Teacher at Kempner High School; and Meng-Yu Wang, Dulles High School Chinese teacher. Ms. Thorp and Ms. Wang have helped lead and facilitate the cultural exchange with China for the last three years.
Harlem Road Ribbon-Cutting. County oďŹƒcials gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, March 13 to celebrate the completion of Harlem Road from Owens Road (James Bowie Middle School) to Travis High School. The 1.7- mile project produced an improved 4-lane, divided asphalt roadway. Fort Bend County Road & Bridge, Aranda Brothers Construction Company, Harvest Green (Johnson Development), and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice were all contributing partners. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert said, “This final stretch of Harlem Road now gives us another North-South major thoroughfare link between US 90A and Westpark Toll Road-FM 1093.â€? Pictured Left to Right: Richard Stolleis, Fort Bend County Engineer; Wesely Crawford, FBC Engineering; Marc Grant, Fort Bend County Road Commissioner; Larance Twner, Kelly R. Kaluza & Associates; Andy Meyers, County Commissioner Precinct 3; Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert; OďŹƒcer Wasbington, TDCJ; Senior Warden Simpson, TDCJ; Assistant Warden Hines, TDCJ; James Patterson, County Commissioner Precinct 4; Stacy Slawinski, FBC Engineering; Roby Tate, FBC Road & Bridge Superintendent.
FCCA From Page 1 quested the court to vacate the summary judgment order, saying that the court ruled on certain issues which were not even addressed by the defendant’s motion. Defendants, the Valentz family, own a property on Pipers Walk in Sweetwater, Section One. The rear property line of the lot is adjacent to a portion of the Sweetwater Country Club Golf Course. Defendants also own a small portion of land adjacent to the lot which was part of Reserve “D� of the Sweetwater Country Club Golf Course, as well as a small portion of Reserve “E�, which is a landscape reserve adjacent to the lot (on the east side). The remainder of Reserve “E� is owned and/or controlled by the Association. In 2000, the Association granted to Defendants a nonexclusive landscape easement on and across the Landscape Easement, a community access point, for the purpose of installing, constructing, maintaining and replacing landscaping and appurtenances only. The Landscape Easement did not grant Defendants the authority to block or prevent First Colony’s members’ access through the Landscape Easement, which was created for the purpose of providing a walkway for members within the community, according to the association.
Defendants constructed or installed landscaping and appurtenances, including a brick walkway and wrought iron fencing, in the reserve. However, from 2002 until 2011, the reserve and walkway remained open, meaning that other members of First Colony were able to walk across the reserve from the front of the reserve adjacent to Pipers Walk through to the golf course at the rear of the reserve. In the ďŹ rst half of 2011, gates at the front of the reserve were unilaterally closed and locked by Defendants, thereby preventing a person from entering the reserve. The Association requested that Defendants remove the lock and leave the gates open. Although Defendants initially complied with this request; later in 2011, the gates were again closed and locked. In summary, the locked gates, together with the other fencing erected by Defendants on the reserve, intentionally and wrongfully deny other owners’ access to the Common Area, owned by the Association for the beneďŹ t of all homeowners, the association said in its motion. The Valentz family claimed that the association had approved the fence, the gate is part of the fence, and hence legal. Dustin C. Fessler of the law ďŹ rm Roberts Markel Weinberg Butler Hailey PC represents the First Colony Community Association. The association appealed
the trial court’s summary judgment in favor of the Valentz family. In the appeals court, the Valentzes contend that the Association failed to provide a reasonable explanation for untimely ďŹ ling the notice of appeal as required by Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure, depriving this Court of jurisdiction. “Our review of the record leads us to conclude we have jurisdiction. Based on its veriďŹ cation that its late ďŹ ling was not the result of conscious indierence and its later explanation that it had mistakenly calendared the deadline for ďŹ ling the notice of appeal, we conclude that the Association has stated facts reasonably explaining its need for an extension and that its conduct was not deliberate or intentional,â€? the appeals court said. In its sole issue, the Association contended that the trial court erred in granting the Valentzes’ no-evidence motion for summary judgment. The justices concluded: “We sustain the Association’s sole issue. We reverse the trial court’s order granting the Valentzes’ motion for summary judgment, and render judgment granting the Association’s motion for summary judgment on its breach of easement claim. We remand the case to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion, deny the Valentzes’ motion to dismiss, and dismiss the Association’s motion to strike as moot.â€?
GOP From Page 1 in oďŹƒce was focused around the party, not Mike Gibson. I am not leaving to run for another oďŹƒce. I enjoy what I do in the Oil & Gas industry and will continue my career in the private sector.â€? After assuming the oďŹƒce, Jetton in an email message to the party membership, said: “Over the years, I have developed a deep admiration for Fort
Bend County and my neighbors throughout this growing community. The strong work ethic, family bonds, and the rich diversity makes this a great place to raise children, earn a living, and enjoy life. “What makes the foundation of our county great, are the conservative-minded voters and activists ensuring we have like-minded Republicans in ofďŹ ce. The heartbeat of our county reects the passion of hard working republicans like you,
who make sure they get out and vote and that their neighbors vote for the right candidates. “It was a true honor to be selected by the executive committee on Monday night to serve as your new County Republican Party Chairman. I do not take it for granted that you have entrusted me to serve in this capacity and it will be my mission to support you and our eort to strengthen and grow our Republican Party.â€?
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Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 5, 2017
Sen. Joan Huffman defends her action on SB 3
GUEST COLUMN
Senator Joan Huffman’s ‘Yes’ vote saves the Voucher Bill By KRISTIN TASSIN Normally, we can look at a legislator’s vote on a bill and easily determine if they were for or against it. Simply put, constituents think a “yes” vote means the legislator supported the legislation and a “no” vote means they opposed it. But, at times our complicated political process is not that transparent. That’s what happened on Senate Bill 3 (SB3), the voucher bill. Three Republicans voted against SB3 on the final vote – Senators Seliger, Nichols, and Huffman. However, only one of those three Republican Senators, Joan Huffman, voted “yes” on the preceding vote to suspend the regular order of business and allow SB3 to proceed. This was actually the critical vote that allowed SB3 to survive. No bill may move forward for a final vote unless 19 senators agree to “suspend the order of business” and advance the bill. The same 18 senators who voted for SB3 in the final vote also voted to “suspend the order of business.” Senator Huffman was the 19th necessary and, ultimately, deciding vote to save SB3 and allow it to move forward for a final vote. What is most troubling about this is that Senator Huffman stated she was against SB3 and admitted it is not good for the school districts she represents. Didn’t she know SB3 had the votes to pass if brought to a final vote? If so, why would she vote to advance the bill? Senators Seliger and Nichols stood firmly on their positions, voting against suspending the order of business and against SB3. Why didn’t Senator Huffman? The impact on Senator Huffman’s students and constituents in Fort Bend ISD and Houston ISD is this: More money will be taken away from students in an already underfunded system. School districts spend money whether the student is in the seat or not because they must plan and make assumptions based on demographic data, just like the state does. Senator Taylor and Lt. Gov. Patrick are ignoring the fact that schools have fixed costs but, more importantly, they are
Tassin ignoring the fact that they already do not provide enough money to cover the millions of dollars in unfunded mandates they pass on to local taxpayers. FBISD alone pays an estimated $60 million per year in unfunded mandates. In addition, experts have estimated that, in order for all students to meet the rigorous state academic standards, Texas will have to increase funding by $8 billion per year. Instead, the senate wants to take up to $8,156 per student out of the already stretched public education budget. To say the state will “save” money as a result of vouchers is disingenuous. The state actually makes money off the backs of local taxpayers through the school funding formulas. The state currently gains over $3.4 billion each biennium by taking your property tax dollars from your local schools (called “recapture”). This is estimated to increase to $5 billion in the current budget. The $5 billion will go into the state’s general fund and is not required to be spent on education. What the state is really doing through SB3 is not saving but taking even more of your property tax dollars while continuing to leave students in your local schools without adequate funding. Finally, arguably, the hardest and most expensive student population to educate is students receiving special education services. SB3 allows for more money to be taken out of public education funding and given to individual students to attend expensive, segregated private school. SB3 does nothing to
solve the problems in the special education system but, in fact, sets Texas back 50 years in the fight for inclusion of people with disabilities in our schools and society. Vouchers will only segregate them in disability-only private schools and leave those left in public school to continue without adequate funding or services. Texas is ranked 49th in inclusive practices by the United Cerebral Palsy “The Case for Inclusion” study. SB3 puts us on the road to being dead last. Now that SB3 has passed the senate it moves on to the House and will likely be added this week as a budget amendment. If that happens, representatives will vote on Thursday, April 6. Please ask your representatives to vote against the voucher amendment and put taxpayer dollars back into your local schools. The time for political game playing must end. Republicans are supposed to be the party of small government and less regulation, but the public education system is built on excessive regulation that usurps local governance. Now is the time to demand that our legislators put what’s best for their constituents first and start working with local officials to offer viable solutions for all students. Now is the time to take a stand and demand better for our children and for Texas. Kristin Tassin serves as President of the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees and is a mother of three daughters, one who has a disability. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Quantitative Business Analysis (Computer Science option). She also earned her Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University Law School. She is managing partner of a law firm practicing intellectual property and special education law, and she is co-founder and director of a charitable organization that supports children with disabilities and their families. Mrs. Tassin was founding PTO President at a Title 1 school and is currently chair of a local legislative District Advisory Team that makes recommendations on education policy.
By JOAN HUFFMAN Last week, the Texas Senate voted 18-13 to allow a limited number of Texas families to enroll their children in the public or private school of their choice. To become law, Senate Bill 3 (SB3) must pass the House Public Education Committee, the full House of Representatives, and receive the signature of Governor Greg Abbott. The ability of parents to choose the best school for their children—public or private—has long been a contentious debate in the Texas Legislature. And the debate is far from over. Opponents of school choice argue that allowing parents to utilize their tax dollars to send their children to private schools deprives public schools of much-needed funding.
Huffman Proponents argue that a parent’s ability to provide a quality education for their children should not be limited to the wealthy or privileged. I was one of thirteen senators to vote against SB3. Even so, some argue I should have taken the extreme step of also
voting to prevent the full Senate from debating the merits of school choice. I disagree. While far from perfect, the Texas Legislature has mostly resisted the temptation toward Washington-style gridlock that values special interests over the people and backroom deals over transparent debate in the light of day. No two families are the same, but as all parents can attest, we all want the best for our children. And while I ultimately voted against SB3, I could not in good conscience use my role as a State Senator to prevent the consideration of legislation that many parents support. State Senator Joan Huffman represents Senate District 17 which includes Fort Bend County.
Senate approves slimmed down version of SB 3 (AUSTIN) — The Senate passed on Thursday a narrowed version of the bill intended to let some families use public funds to pay for private school tuition. The version that passed out of the Senate Education Committee would’ve allowed any family to access the program to receive a portion of the yearly cost to educate their children in a public school. The measure that finally passed Thursday would only be open to families that demonstrate financial need or have a child with a disability. Bill author and Friendswood Senator Larry Taylor believes his bill will open opportunities for students for whom traditional public school hasn’t worked. “Because that’s what this is all about, allowing parents and students based on their own individual needs,” he said. Education Committee Chair and Friendswood Senator Larry Taylor passed a school choice bill Thursday that would let some students in parts of the state use public funds for private school tuition. To be eligible for the funds, called education savings accounts, a family must make less than 175 percent of the federal threshold to qualify for free-and-reduced lunch, which
is about $75,000 annually for a family of four. Any family with a child who has a disability can qualify for the accounts regardless of income. It costs the state a little more than $9000 per year on average to educate a child in a public school. Families below the 175 percent threshold that use the program could receive 75 percent of that cost and families with a child with a disability could get 90 percent. That money could go to pay tuition at a private or parochial school that is accredited by the main private school accreditation organization in the state. Taylor told members he estimates that between 35 and 70 thousand school children will access the education savings accounts, based on rates in other states with school choice programs. The bill also creates tuition credit scholarships, where private companies could donate money to a fund to create private tuition scholarships in exchange for a tax break. The fund is capped at $25 million. A family with a child with a disability could apply for and receive both an ESA and a TCS, meaning they could get up to $16,000 per year for private school tuition. Because the amount a public school receives in funding
is dependent on their average daily attendance, the bill includes provisions to lessen any impact from students leaving. Taylor said these schools would receive 12.5 percent of the annual education cost per child for any students lost to private schools for the first year. Because the money for the program will come out of general revenue rather than the dedicated public education fund, Taylor believes that his program won’t harm public education, and in fact will benefit schools who are receiving additional money for students they don’t have to educate. He says the state will benefit too. “We’re actually going to free up money that we can put back into education through this process,” he told colleagues. Taylor says the bill is projected to save the state $9 million in 2020, rising to $55 million in 2022 as the number of student participants increases. The original bill would’ve allowed students in any county to access the program, but the bill passed Thursday is limited to the 17 most populous counties in the state, which account for about two-thirds of state population. The bill passed on a vote of 18-13 and will now head to the House for consideration.
FILM REVIEW: The Shack
INSURANCE
Additional living expense on home insurance policies By BASIL HOUSEWRIGHT Loss of Use coverage also called and more appropriately described as Additional Living Expense (ALE) is included on most homeowners insurance policies. The coverage limit is generally a certain percentage of the amount your home (Dwelling coverage) is insured for. If your home is unlivable due to severe damage and a loss that is covered under your home insurance policy, ALE is designed to help reimburse you for the additional costs to live elsewhere temporarily. Homeowners, condominium, and renter’s insurance policies generally include Loss of Use or ALE coverage. Although specific coverages vary based on your individual policy, the following types of expenses are typically reimbursable under ALE: •Temporary housing (a hotel for short term, or a
Housewright rented furnished apartment or home for longer stays) •Meals (above the cost of your family’s “normal” grocery or restaurant bills) •Storage rental and/or associated moving costs •Pet boarding (if pets are not allowed by the hotel, apartment complex or rental home) The word “additional” is key to understanding this coverage, which is designed to reimburse you for the expenses incurred above and beyond what you usually spend to live in your home (i.e., mortgage, utility bills, and groceries).
It is important to keep all receipts for these additional living expenses, as documentation typically will be required. Carefully review your policy’s ALE limits and options with your insurance agent before disaster strikes, to be sure you are covered. Keep in mind that flood policies through the National Flood Insurance Program do not include ALE or Loss of Use coverage so if you incur flood damage only and have a flood insurance policy the actual damage should be covered but no ALE. Basil Housewright is manager of Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc a local Independent Insurance Agency operating in Sugar Land since 1991. He can be reached at (281) 277-7800, Fax (281) 2777801, E-Mail – basil@texansinsure.com. Visit www. texansinsure.com.
This movie has a great message; it’s just not a great movie. The novel of the same name was written by Canadian William P. Young who originally self-published “The Shack” and then the rest is history after selling about a million copies. In an interview, Young explained that the title of the book is a metaphor for “the house you build out of your own pain.” Couldn’t have said it better. Before going to this movie that has been out for several weeks, everyone, and I mean everybody, I spoke to about “The Shack” emphasized that I should “take some Kleenex” because it’s a tear-jerker. And guess what; they were right. Extremely emotional movie about family, death, grief, blame, guilt, sin, arrogance, and redemption, recovery, and trusting God. And not neces-
sarily in that order, but British Director Stuart Hazeldine understood the delicate balance of a the spiritual journey of a father broken by the murder of his child. That father, who was suffering from a shattered soul and a fierce fight with God, was played by Sam Worthington. You remember Sam as Jake Scully who fought the good fight in the 2009 movie “Avatar.” He was perfect in this film as Mack Phillips. And he needed to bring a strong performance because the super-talented Octavia Spencer played “Papa” also known as God. God was actually played by two actors; the other heavenly performance was by none other than 64 year-old Graham Greene who is also Canadian; born on the Six Nations Reserve, Ontario, Canada. Avraham Aviv Alush, an Is-
raeli-born actor, played Jesus and Sumire Matsubara from Japan played the third part of the Holy Trinity. So, let’s summarize: God was played by an African American woman and a male born on a Canadian Indian Reservation; Jesus was an Israeli soldier turned actor, and the Holy Spirit was played by a 27 year-old Japanese woman. I do not know what this means, but it sure is an interesting aspect of movie-making. Does this mean that God is not blond and blue-eyed? Is there a heaven and where is it? The couple in AMC Theatre #22 sitting about four seats to my right were crying and sniffling so loudly that I was having difficulty hearing the movie. God bless ‘em. I did not shed a tear. What’s up with that? Rock ‘n Roll. Grade 85. Larry H. sugarlaw@larryharrison.com
INDEPENDENT • APRIL 5, 2017 • Page 5
NEWS
National Library Week: Transformation of local libraries
Fort Bend County Libraries has seen many changes over the years, including the automation of the card catalog. The old card catalog with drawers and index cards was replaced by an online catalog, which can now be accessed by any mobile device with an Internet connection. Many books are now available in electronic format as well as the traditional paper version. Movies can be streamed from the library’s website, and books and music can be downloaded remotely as well. By adding 3D printers to its In recognition of National technology and online acLibrary Week, April 9-15, cess to digital media such as arsenal of high-tech resources, Fort Bend County Libraries ebooks, music and streamed FBCL joins the ranks of other (FBCL) joins communities movies, while still maintain- libraries around the country around the country in cel- ing their connection to tra- that are assuming a leading ebrating the dynamic changes ditional books and a simpler role in the movement to help people of all ages develop the that are happening in today’s time. Libraries have transformed skills and competencies they libraries. This year’s theme, “Librar- from sedate institutions into need to thrive in a high-tech ies Transform,” captures the creative and engaging com- world. The libraries offer classes evolving role of libraries as munity centers where diverse well as the difference that li- groups of people come to- to instruct people on the use braries are making in the lives gether for common purposes, of the printers, as well as on to share ideas, to collaborate design software and websites of the people they serve. In the past 70 years since using new technologies, or to that are available to create 3D the Fort Bend County library gain information from classes. objects. Librarians are available to This past year, Fort Bend system was founded, libraries have become much more County Libraries continued assist patrons in using increasthan just a selection of books, its goal of staying on the fore- ingly complex technology and a card catalog with drawers front of implementing innova- sorting through the potentially full of index cards, and a quiet tive technology by launching overwhelming mass of inforfour new 3D printers for pub- mation bombarding today’s place of study. digital society. Today’s libraries embrace lic use.
Woman convicted of DWI sentenced to 3 days in jail, $1,000 fine A jury convicted Deanna Kay Clark of Driving While Intoxicated with a Blood Alcohol Content >= .15. The 49-year-old Cypress woman was charged with the crime after being stopped for speeding in Fulshear in 2015. According to Assistant District Attorney Michael Hanson, Clark was stopped by Fulshear Police Sgt. Charlie Scott for speeding during the evening of September 5, 2015. Sgt. Scott noticed Clark’s slurred speech and an odor of alcohol as he spoke to her about the traffic violation. Scott then evaluated the defendant’s ability to drive safely using standardized field sobriety tests. Clark demonstrated several signs of intoxication throughout the evaluation and was subsequently arrested. The defendant admitted to drinking only two glasses of wine, but provided a breath sample that showed her blood alcohol level to be over twice the legal limit.
The State also presented testimony from Fort Bend County Deputy Sheriff Sgt. Beckworth and Department of Public Safety Technical Supervisor Alva Barbosa to provide the jury evidence that Clark’s breath test was administered correctly and that the scientific instrumentation was working properly. The defense presented Clark’s passenger from that night who testified that he believed the defendant looked normal – despite it only being their first date. Clark herself took the stand and testified that she had a fatty liver and was pre-diabetic. She did not believe she failed the standardized field sobriety tests despite Sgt. Scott’s testimony and the scene video introduced to the jury. Ultimately, the jury found Sgt. Scott and the science more credible and convicted the defendant of Driving While Intoxicated with a Blood Alcohol Content >= .15. “It is not our condition that
determines our choices; it’s our choices that determine our condition,” argued lead prosecutor Michael Hanson. “No matter the excuse, it was ultimately the defendant’s choices that determined the condition she was in that night that she was driving on our roadways. She made her choices and the jury made theirs.” Clark was tried in County Court at Law Number 2 before Presiding Judge Jeffrey McMeans. Driving While Intoxicated in this case is a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $4,000 and/or up to a year in jail. On March 27, Clark was sentenced to pay a $1,000 fine plus court costs and to serve three days in jail. Clark was also given jail credit for three days already served. Assistant District Attorneys Michael Hanson and Charann Thompson prosecuted the case. Attorney Todd Dupont represented the defendant.
Five arrested in drug bust The Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force, which is a Houston HIDTA Initiative (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area), concluded a narcotics investigation targeting illegal street level sales of Crack Cocaine, Synthetic Cannabinoids and Phencyclidine (PCP) in the Richmond area. These investigations are the result of numerous complaints from concerned citizens living in the city of Richmond. Five people were arrested. During the early morn-
ing hours of Friday, March 31, 2017, Task Force Agents, with the assistance of the Fort Bend Regional SWAT and the Richmond Police Department, executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 1700 block of George Avenue in Richmond. Agents conducted a search of the residence, locating a substantial amount of Synthetic Cannabinoids, Powder Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Ecstasy (MDMA) and Phencyclidine (PCP). Drug paraphernalia
indicative of manufacturing, packaging and distributing these illicit substances was also located inside the residence. Five people were arrested and booked into the Fort Bend County Jail on the below listed charges: 1. Meegan Robinson, 25, of Richmond, Tx. 2. Delverick Allen, 39, of Richmond, Tx. ON PAROLE 3. Evelyn Hawkins, 36 of Kendleton, Tx. 4. Artela Lighten, 41, of Houston, Tx. 5. Steven Hulett, 38 of Houston, Tx. ON PAROLE .
The original Fort Bend County Library building, which opened in 1949, was located in Richmond by Polly Ryon Hospital (now OakBend Medical Center). Over the years, the library system began to expand and more space was needed for the central library. George Memorial Library opened in 1986 in Richmond, and it became the new central library for the Fort Bend County library system. This is especially crucial when access to reliable and trustworthy data is more important than ever. “The library embraces the entire community, offering unlimited opportunities for personal growth and lifelong learning,” says Library Director Clara Russell. “Libraries level the playing field for people of any age who are seeking information
and access to technologies that will improve their quality of life.” Libraries are many things to many people. By keeping abreast of the needs and interests of the diverse populations in Fort Bend County, FBCL strives to provide books, resources, services and programs that are reflective of the unique and varied communities in the area.
Whether by offering ebooks and technology classes, materials for English-language learners, free Wi-Fi access, programs for job seekers, or homework help, libraries and librarians listen to the people they serve, and they respond. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website, www.fortbend. lib.tx.us, or call or visit the library branch nearest you.
Fort Bend County Fair Crawfish Boil & Fish Fry
Sponsor, Crawfish vendor, board members & fair manager: From Left to Right: Alvaro Ojeda of Texas Hyundai; Marjie Pollard, Fort Bend County Fair Association board member; Bub Krejci of Me & BubbaLeaux, Fair Manager Cindy Schmidt; Keith Krejci of Me & BubbaLeaux; Bobby Poncik, Fort Bend County Fair Association board member; Mike Cole, Julio “Super” Merino, Aaron Rincon, Arturo Ordaz and Luis Torres, all of Texas Hyundai. Photo by Odarius Turner Mudbugs, crawfish, or crawdads, whatever you may call them, will be served up at the 9th Annual Fort Bend County Fair’s Crawfish Boil and Fish Fry on Friday, April 7, 2017. Roll up your sleeves, get ready to dig in and get a little dirty for some fresh, plump, and ready to be peeled crawfish. “Every year our event gets bigger and bigger. As a fair association, it is great to host events that the community can enjoy throughout the year,” said Fair Manager, Cindy Schmidt.
All you can eat or until it runs out… so be sure to get there early. Me & Bubbaleaux’s Crawfish will have pots boiling and the seasoning shaking. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Get your crawfish fix on from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Tickets are $35 before April 4th. A limited number of tickets will be on sale for $45 at the door. Mudbugs, fried fish, corn, taters, and Texas tea will be served. Children 6-11 are $15, and kids 5 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased in the fair office or online at fortbendcountyfair.com.
The Cajun-themed, party band, Bayou Roux, will be returning with their Cajun sounds. Bayou Roux is a fan favorite and helps bring out your inner Cajun! A live auction and raffle will be held to benefit the Fort Bend County Fair Scholarship program. A big thanks to Texan Hyundai for underwriting the evening. Be sure to join us for peeling, eating and dancing at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds Building “C” on April 7. For more information call the Fair Office at 281-3426171.
INDEPENDENT •APRIL 5, 2017 • Page 6
AUTOMOBILE: Toyota Camry
By BARBARA FULENWIDER The 2017 Toyota Camry continues to offer the best combination of roominess, comfort, quality, safety and performance in the midsize segment, as defined by the best judges of such factors: customers. The formula for turning a midsize sedan into America’s best-selling passenger car for 14 consecutive years is phenomenal. The Camry is now in its 35th year and seventh design generaPUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Sienna Plantation, Section 20, Precinct 1. 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, April 25, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Grand Mission Estates Section 8, Section 9 and Section 10, 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
tion and for 2017 adds more value with the XLE and XSE grades now having as standard the Entune Audio Plus multimedia system with Connected Navigation App & JBL Audio. The XLE, XSE four-cylinder and XLE Hybrid come standard with Qi Wireless Smartphone Charging for compatible phones at no added cost to the consumer. The Camry comes in four grades -- LE, XLE, SE, and XSE—and offers three powertrain choices. They include a 178-horsepower 2.5-liter fourcylinder engine; 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and the Hybrid model, which is expected to offer up to a 40 MPG combined rating. The 2.5-liter four and 3.5-liter V6 engines are teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency is estimated at 24 MPG city / 33 MPG highway for the four-cylinder and 21 city / 30 highway for the V6. The Camry PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Kingdom Heights, Section 2 and Kingdom Heights Model Home Lots, Precinct 1. 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, April 25, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Aliana, Section 48 and Aliana Somerled Avenue at Clouston Avenue Street Dedication, 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.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Del Webb-Richmond, Section 14 and Section 15, Precinct 1.
Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
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.
City of Missouri City
Public Notice Regional Assessment of Fair Housing Professional Services Consultant Request for Proposals March 23, 2017 Harris County, City of Missouri City, City of Galveston, Harris County Housing Authority, and Galveston Housing Authority have released the Regional Assessment of Fair Housing Professional Services Consultant Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide professional services in connection with the development and completion of a Regional Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) for the jurisdictions of Harris County, City of Pasadena, City of Missouri City, City of Galveston, Harris County Housing Authority, Galveston Housing Authority, and the Region. The intended role of the Provider is to provide professional services, technical assistance and to develop data and reports to be used in association with the collaborative’s obligation to complete a Regional AFH. The application is posted for download at http://www.csd.hctx.net/ps_rfp.aspx and due by 2:00 pm on April 14, 2017. Proposals should be submitted to Harris County Community Services Department (HCCSD) at 8410 Lantern Point Drive, Houston, Texas 77054. Visit HCCSD’s website at http://www.csd.hctx.net for additional information. No applicant conference will be held. Interested parties should contact Harris County Planning and Development staff by email at rfp@csd.hctx.net for RFP inquiries. For more information on this RFP or requesting special accommodations, please contact the HCCSD at (713) 578‐2000 or rfp@csd.hctx.net for assistance.
Aviso Público Propuestas de Solicitud para Servicios de Asesores Profesionales para la Evaluación Regional de Vivienda Justa Marzo 23, 2017 El Condado de Harris, las ciudades de Missouri y Galveston y además las Autoridades de Vivienda del Condado de Harris y Galveston han lanzado las Propuestas de Solicitud para Servicios de Asesores Profesionales para la Evaluación Regional de Vivienda Justa (RFP) para proveer servicios profesionales en relación con el desarrollo y realización de la Evaluación Regional de Vivienda Justa (AFH) para las siguientes jurisdicciónes, el Condado de Harris, las ciudades de Pasadena, Missouri, Galveston y además las Autoridades de Vivienda del Condado de Harris, Galveston y la region. La función del proveedor es ofrecer servicios profesionales, asistencia técnica y desarrollar datos e informes y utilizarlos en conjunto con sus coloboradores para completar la Evaluación Regional de Vivienda Justa (AFH). La solicitud está publicada para su descarga en http://www.csd.hctx.net/ps_rfp.aspx y debe entregarse para el 14 de Abril del 2017 a las 2:00 pm. Las Propuestas de Solicitud deben presentarse en el Departamento de Servicios Comunitarios del Condado de Harris (HCCSD), localizado en 8410 Lantern Point Dr., Houston, TX 77054. Visite la pagina web de HCCSD en http://www.csd.hctx.net para obtener más información. No se llevará acabo una conferencia para los solicitantes. Para preguntas sobre las Propuestas de Solicitud las personas interesadas deberán ponerse en contacto con el personal de Planificación y Desarrollo del Condado de Harris por correo electrónico a rfp@csd.hctx.net. Para más información sobre las Propuestas de Solicitud o pedir acomodaciones razonables, por favor comuníquese con HCCSD al (713) 578‐2000 o para asistencia rfp@csd.hctx.net.
Hybrid’s net power plant puts out 200 hp. The 2016 model year Camry earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s top safety pick when equipped with the precollision system that includes automatic emergency braking. The system carried over to the 2017 Camry as part of the optional technology package that includes dynamic cruise control and lane departure alert and with auto high beam. The 2017 Camry also offers a blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert on XLE and XSE grades for $500. The available safety connect telematics system on XLE covers automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, emergency assistance button and roadside assistance and adds $515 to the bottom line. Like all 2017 Toyota vehicles, the Camry comes with standard vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. The test drive Camry was the hybrid XLE sedan that delivers 0-60 in 7.6 seconds and high fuel efficiency. The Hybrid gets an estimated 42 city/38 highway/40 combined fuel economy. When driving the Camry Hybrid, one is aware only of the seamlessness with which Hybrid Synergy Drive combines output from the 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and a high-torque electric motor through its unique transaxle. The system varies power between the gas engine and electric motor, or combines both, as needed. When drivers brake it converts the electric motor to a generator that captures kinetic energy from the wheels and stores it in the hybrid battery pack. The Camry offers available LED low- and high beams with automatic leveling, and front turn signal indicators and LED daytime running lights. Depending on model grade, the Camry has either a 6.1-inch or 7-inch touch-screen displays. The screen’s color animation displays vehicle functions and coordinates with the multimedia system to display audio, navigation, warnings and communications. It’s also networked with the optional tire pressure monitoring system, which tells you how much air is in each tire. Bluetooth wireless is standard for compatible hands-free phone calls and audio streaming. It’s accessible in all models from the steering wheel, as is the audio system. The 7-inch touch screen display serves as a portal for Entune, Toyota’s multimedia system with access to the subscriptionfree App Suite turns a compatible smartphone into a source of information and entertainment with access to popular mobile applications and data services. Toyota and hybrids go together in people’s minds. It’s because this manufacturer offers more hybrids than any other and they only continue to improve in looks, power and, yes, even torque. Numerous safety, convenience and entertainment options are available on all Toyota models and each continues to improve. Of course, that includes their Camry Hybrid, which is a joy and pleasure to drive. The 2017 Toyota Hybrid tester retails for $30,140 and numerous optional equipment brought the total to $37,501, including delivery.
Fort Bend ISD trustees approve Local Innovation Plan The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved a Local Innovation Plan that designates Fort Bend ISD as a District of Innovation on March 27. The District of Innovation concept, established by the 84th Texas Legislature, gives local communities the opportunity to decide how they can best deliver the District’s goals by accessing most of the flexibilities that are already available to Texas’ open-enrollment charter schools. In order to become a District of Innovation, districts must adopt a Local Innovation Plan that identifies innovative ways the District can better serve its students by exempting itself from certain state mandates. Fort Bend ISD’s Local Innovation Plan was drafted and developed by a Local Innovation Committee, which was made up of community members, students, teachers, and administrators. Beginning in late 2016, the committee began meeting to explore ways FBISD could benefit from the District of Innovation concept. Ultimately, the committee identified three areas that FBISD could better meet student needs by having more local control in the decisionmaking process. The three areas identified in Fort Bend ISD’s Local Innovation Plan include: •School Calendar •Teacher Certification •Minimum Attendance for Class Credit or Final Grade – 90 percent rule
“We appreciate the Local Innovation Committee’s work and are proud of the members’ outside-of-the- box thinking to help us better serve students,” said FBISD Chief of Staff and Strategic Planning Beth Martinez. According to Martinez, of the exemptions outlined in the Local Innovation Plan, the only exemptions that would be implemented in time for the 2017-18 school year are in relation to the school calendar. “Other innovations will involve significantly more planning, as well as revisions to policy. We look forward to continuing the dialogue with stakeholders in the coming months as we develop plans to implement,” said Martinez.
2017-18 School Calendar
During the March 27 Board meeting, the FBISD Board of Trustees also adopted a 201718 calendar, which was created with increased flexibility afforded by the Local Innovation Plan. The final calendar option was created by a calendar committee comprised of District, campus and community members, and also includes an August 22 start date, rather than the state-mandated August 28 start date. Highlights of the 2017-18 calendar also include: •174 days of instruction, starting Tuesday, August 22 and ending May 31. •A break for students each month •A better balance between the fall and spring semesters, with
more days of instruction in the first grading period. •Professional learning and planning days for teachers in October, January and April •A week-long Thanksgiving break •A two-week Winter break •President’s Day holiday for students and staff •A 187-day teacher contract, which includes three days of paid summer professional learning •Sufficient minutes to cover two bad weather days, in case of inclement weather “The development of the 2017-18 calendar involved a tremendous group effort, involving the work of two separate committees,” said Dr. Christie Whitbeck, FBISD Deputy Superintendent. Whitbeck led the work of the calendar committee, which faced many challenges from the very beginning – most notably due to the late statemandated start date. “I am proud of the collaborative process that ultimately resulted in the 2017-18 calendar, as we believe it is both student and teacher friendly, allowing us to maximize student instruction time, balance necessary breaks for children, and provide more time for our teachers to adequately plan for instruction,” said Whitbeck. The last day of instruction will be May 31, 2018. The complete calendar can be viewed at fortbendisd.com. To view Fort Bend ISD’s Local Innovation Plan, visit www.FortBendISD.com/innovation.
Arts Fulshear announces summer class schedule Children in the Katy/Fulshear/Richmond area can register now for the 2017 summer session of visual and performing arts classes with Arts Fulshear. Classes are designed for children ages 5-16 and include art, theater, and dance. Each camp has a unique theme – from pirates to campfire stories to super heroes and more. Camps focus on fun, creativity, and confidence building through creative expression. The Summer Theater Production is the musical Into the Woods Jr., rehearsing June 12 through June 29 at Leaman Junior High School. Also back by popular demand is our Comic Creations art class, where students design their own comics and characters. Classes start at $125 per student. Members of Arts Fulshear receive a 10% discount on all classes. To register, visit www.artsfulshear.org. Summer Camps Join for 7 sessions of stellar summer fun! All camps have been designed to incorporate components of art and theater through exciting themes. During each five-day session, your child will explore drawing, painting, mixed media and more. Emphasis will be on creative exploration, selfdiscovery, and artistic techniques. Each child will create his or her own unique artwork, and some projects will start one day and carry over into the next day. This camp is designed for all skill levels – beginners are welcome! Parents are invited to enjoy a short performance on the last day of each camp. Wonderful & Wacky Summer Fun, June 5-9 School’s out! Come join us for a wonderful and wacky week full of art and theater summer fun! We’ll have a blast painting funky flowers, creating tie dye shirts, and much, much more. We are going to move and groove to fun songs from yesterday and today in our smashing “Fun in the Sun” revue show! •Cross Creek Ranch Community Center, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. •ages 5-11 •$215
Pirate Island, June 12-16 Ahoy Maties! Enjoy a swashbuckling, fun-filled week of art and theater adventures. Our crew will visit mermaids down at the lagoon, seek buried treasure, learn songs all good pirates should know, and even a dance a jig or two. But beware... we seek only the most fearsome scallywags to join our crew! •Irene Stern Community Center, Fulshear, •1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. •ages 5-11 •$215 Summer Theater Production Into the Woods, June 12-29 Be careful what you wish for as Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s cockeyed fairytale comes to life in this adaptation of their groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical. Into the Woods Jr. features all of your favorite characters: Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and the Witch in this lyrically-rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables. The musical centers on a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse and wind up changed forever. •Leaman Junior High School •10:00 am – 1:00 pm •ages 8-16 •$400 Around the Campfire June 19-23 Campers will explore nature during and walk on the wild side in our art and theater camp. The use of natural elements will be partnered with other media as we design unique works. Get ready to act out spooky campfire stories and maybe even come up with your own haunting tall tale! With fun music such as “The Marshmallow Song,” this camp will have little ants marching along through this fun-filled week that brings the outdoors in! •Irene Stern Community Center •1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. •ages 5-11 •$215
Caped Crusaders, June 26-30 Attention super heroes and crime fighters everywhere – you are needed at our art and theater camp this week! Discover your super hero powers, design your shield, and create your story. We’ll take our cues from super heroes and crime fighters everywhere to go on adventures, defeat villains, solve mysteries, and have a blast together! •Irene Stern Community Center •1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. •ages 5-11 •$215 Comic Creations, July 5-7 Back by popular demand! Dive into the world of comics with this five-day class geared towards 8-12 year olds! Students will create their own characters, learn the process of making comics, and even create their own comic strips! •Cross Creek Ranch Community Center •1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. •ages 8-12 •$125 Urban Jungle July 31-August 4 Campers enter the world of street art and will be given the opportunity to create graffitiinfluenced pieces. Using the work of nationally-recognized artists like Kenny Scharf for inspiration, we’ll learn about graffiti culture and the significance of public art. Students will use materials such as chalk, pastels, paint, stencils, and markers to create our masterpieces and a collaborative mural. Come ready to wear out your favorite high tops as we dance to high-energy hiphop hits from today: no leotards or tights required! •Irene Stern Community Center •1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. •ages 7-14 •$215 Arts Fulshear is a non-profit organization that values the creative growth of our community and families, and believes that exposure to the arts contributes to our overall well-being. Arts Fulshear’s vision is to foster creative growth by providing access to and opportunities for participation in the arts. Visit us online at www.artsfulshear.org.
INDEPENDENT • APRIL 5, 2017 • Page 7
FBEF raises $311,000
access is
providing your family with great health care Because every child deserves it, we make quality health care affordable to all parents. Medicaid, Chip and private a insurance is accepted. A sliding fee scale is also available for those who qualify. The 24th Annual Fort Bend Education Foundation “O to Oz . ..the Emerald City Awaitsâ€? Gala was held at the Sugar Land Marriott Hotel on March 4. This event, presented by Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott LLP, set a new record netting over $311,000 for grants to teachers and schools. Close to 900 people were in attendance, and every school in FBISD participated by providing a Silent Auction basket. (Last week’s headline to this story in the print edition incorrectly stated that $31,000 was raised.) Above, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land & Southwest CEO Greg Haralson, left, with his wife Alison, and Memorial Hermann Health System Senior Vice president & CEO Jim Brown and his wife Heather were among those who attended the FBEF gala.
281-342-4530 myaccesshealth.org
RESTAURANT WEEK. OakBend Medical Center is pleased to announce the First Annual Restaurant Week taking place from May 19 through May 29. For the 11 days of Restaurant Week, participating restaurants will oer a special 3-course Restaurant Week menu. The restaurants will make a donation to OakBend Medical Center for every meal ordered o these menus during regular business hours and the proceeds will support the hospital’s Vision 2020 campaign. “We are excited to kick o a new fundraising event for Fort Bend County,â€? stated Joe Freudenberger, CEO of OakBend Medical Center. “ Visit: www. oakbendmedcenter.org/restaurant-week or call 281-341-3094. Front row: Jimmy Cantu, Pier 26 and Andres Novoa, La Cocina Back Row: Steve Onstead, Swinging Door and Zhou Zhong, Ninja Japanese Cuisine.
YOUR BACK OR NECK PAIN IS UNIQUE TO YOU. SHOULDN’T YOUR TREATMENT BE, TOO? BACK AND NECK PAIN SEMINAR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19 | 6 P.M. Stop enduring pain! Whether you’ve had back and/or neck pain for a few days or several years, we are here to help. At this seminar, our spine specialist will discuss: t $BVTFT BOE QSFWFOUJPO t -FBEJOH FEHF JNBHJOH UFDIOPMPHZ t 5SFBUNFOU BOE SFIBCJMJUBUJPO UFDIOPMPHJFT t 1SPBDUJWF TDSFFOJOHT BOE QSFWFOUJPO Dr. Karl Vega-Lelkes Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
REGISTRATION REQUIRED Register online at events.houstonmethodist.org/sl-backandneck or call 281.274.7500.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Brazos Pavilion Conference Center 16655 Southwest Frwy. | Sugar Land, TX 77479
Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 5, 2017
SPOTLIGHT Dancing with the Horns! Lariettes earn National Championships
Do you suffer from constipation? The Houston Center for Clinical Research is now accepting patients for a new clinical trial for patients with constipation. You must be 18 years or older to participate and have less than 3 bowel movements per week. Qualified participants will receive all study drug and procedures at no charge and compensation for participation will be provided. Call us at
832-929-6221 or
VISIT www.Houstonclinicalresearch.com
to see if you qualify.
MEP Engineering
Commissioning
Competing against 1,200 dancers and 175 teams, the George Ranch High School Lariettes are National Champions on their hip hop, novelty and military routines. George Ranch High School’s Lariettes earned these titles as they ended their competition season March 25 at the M.A. National Championship in Fort Worth. M.A. Nationals is the one of the largest and most competitive competitions featuring teams from all over the country. The dance team also made the prestigious Winners Circle for being one of the top scoring teams in the entire competition and were awarded National Champions in the medium team division. The National Championship not only earned the team an impressive trophy, but also national champion jackets awarded only to a few teams. The Lariette officers also competed and received National Champion for their hip hop routine and were 2nd runner-up for their novelty routine.
Foster High School wrestler Nkechinyere “ChiChi” Nwankwo added to her championship credentials, winning the U.S. Marine Corps Girls Junior Folkstyle Nationals at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. Nwankwo is also a two-time state champion, winning at 205 lbs. in 2016 and in the 185lb. division in 2017. Her national title came March 25 at 180 lbs. Collegiate wrestling, sometimes known in the United States as
folkstyle wrestling, is a style of amateur wrestling practiced at the college and university level in the United States. Collegiate wrestling emerged from the folk wrestling styles practiced in the early history of the United States.
Program Management
When you need experience, we have it covered.
Charlton’s Body Repair Local Family business since 1957 1131 Staffordshire@ 5th Street • Stafford
www.CharltonsBodyrepair.com
281-499-1126
Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary professional engineering firm that focuses on MEP Engineering, Commissioning, and Program Management. We act as an extension to our clients, providing total engineering services from project inception to completion. With our deep bench of high skilled and experienced staff and innovative technology Rice & Gardner can plan, lead, and complete projects on time and within budget.
Q: If the insurance companies estimate is lower than the repair shops, do I have to pay the difference? A: According to state law, your insurance carrier must negotiate in good faith with your choice of shop to arrive at an agreed price for repairs. It is the role of the professional collision repair specialist to be an advocate for their customer by working with an insurer to document and identify physical damage. You are only responsible for your deductible. When additional damage becomes evident as the repair progresses, a claim can be reopened and a supplemental payment issued. In fact, most large collision repairs require at least one supplement to the original estimate. An estimate is exactly that - an estimate!
6161 Savoy Drive, Suite 1212 Houston, TX 77036 | 713-482-2300 | www.ricegardner.com
May God Bless our Men and Women in the Military