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VOL 6 No. 15

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10 , 2013

Child Advocates of Fort Bend hosts Light of Hope ceremony

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

Crime down in Missouri City

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The good news Missouri City councilmen heard from Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald at their April 1 meeting was no April Fool’s joke.

Crime in their town dipped from 2011 to 2012 and a lot compared to the city’s crime statistics in 2010.

In the spring of every year, police chiefs compile their town’s crime statistics because they must be submitted to the FBI annually. The stats are compiled for the uniform crime report (UCR) and shows how many major offenses have been committed in the past year.

Major offenses are murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft and arson.

Fitzgerald said his department uses the “hierarchy method” to Girl Scouts Gloria Moore, Maddie Welly, Ammanya Dorelling and Carey Rodriguez were compile its UCR, which means among the 300+ Girl Scouts who participated in Friday’s Light of Hope Ceremony to kick off they count only the most serious April Child Abuse Prevention Month. PHOTO BY PERRY & FURMAN Guests at Friday night’s If you are driving around Fort exhibit honoring all of the victims Bend County, you might notice of child abuse and inspirational ceremony were encouraged to a lot of blue in the landscape songs by local recording artist stop by the Child Advocates of Fort Bend table to get a blue Debbie Fancher. these days.

Ex-Judge Robert Kern and friendship bracelet and blue Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Exchange Club of Sugar Land Doug Earle from Exchange Club ribbons to tie around the the trees Sugar Land police shot and and the Child Welfare Board of Sugar Land read two of the at their homes. killed a 31-year-old man April 7 Although child abuse knows after he threatened officers with have joined forces to blanket stories from the exhibit. The the County in blue this April for historical story of the meaning no season, April is designated as a loaded rifle.

Child Abuse Prevention Month. of the blue ribbon was recited by National Child Abuse Prevention The incident occurred after On Friday, April 5, Child Child Advocates of Fort Bend Month. police responded to the 3300 Some of the ways to participate block of Lakefield for family Advocates of Fort Bend kicked Board President Mark Magee.

More than 300 area Girl Scouts in Child Abuse Prevention Month disturbance at 9 p.m. The off April National Child Abuse Prevention Month with their participated in the ceremony by include wearing a blue ribbon, man's father told police his son annual Light of Hope Ceremony creating a human blue ribbon helping to pass out blue ribbons, threatened him with a hatchet with help from Sugar Land on the steps of City Hall. The posting child abuse prevention and a rock during a heated Exchange Club, Friends of Child Scouts created thousands of materials in your office or place argument.

Advocates of Fort Bend, the Child blue friendship bracelets for the of business and inviting Child Police arrived and found the Welfare Board and Cameron and ceremony. They kept some to Advocates of Fort Bend to talk man and his wife waiting outside distribute to their friends and to your group about child abuse. and the man's son barricaded Nicole Hill.

U.S. Rep. Pete Olson made brought the rest to be distributed For more information, call inside the house. Police set up the opening remarks for the at the ceremony and throughout 281-341-9955 or go to www. a perimeter and ordered the ceremony which featured an the month of April. cafb.org.

31-year-old man to exit the house. A short time later, the suspect chambered a round, then exited the house and pointed the Fort Bend ISD has named rifle toward officers. its 2013 Principals of the Year.

Officer Greg Suter fired his Deirdre Holloway, principal of service weapon, striking the Blue Ridge Elementary (BRE), suspect twice. Sean Isensee died is the Elementary Principal of at the scene. Sugar Land police the Year, and Vonda Washington, have responded to the same principal of Christa McAuliffe house for similar incidents in the Middle School (CMMS) is past involving Isensee.

Secondary Principal of the Year.

Per policy, Suter has been Each year, District principals placed on three days of leave select an elementary and pending the outcome of a routine secondary honoree based on administrative investigation of their leadership, service and the incident. dedication to students, faculty and staff.

In her six years as BRE principal, Holloway has improved test scores, state Deirdre Holloway (left) and Vonda Washington (right). rankings and overall student achievement, and she commends s t u d e n t s a n d c o m m u n i t y I come in contact with, and I her staff for going the “extra stakeholders know that she has expect my students and teachers a genuine concern for them. to do the same,” said Washington. mile” for their students.

Holloway comes from a Washington will finish her “As the principal of McAuliffe, family of educators and grew doctorate degree in educational I commit to implementing the change necessary for building up learning the importance of leadership in May. “I make a conscious effort to critical thinkers and problem education. This is her second always be a model for anyone solvers.” time to be named FBISD’s Principal of the Year.

“I became a principal because I love working with teachers and students,” Holloway said.

“I greet students every morning 10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 as they walk in the building and Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 visit classrooms weekly, often www.fbindependent.com Seshadri Kumar asking students to explain what Publisher & Editor 281-980-6745 they are learning. I also try to build positive relationships with Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every parents that visit the school.”

Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Washington has been the Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas principal at CMMS for three 77477. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas. years and strives each day POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, to ensure all of her teachers, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.

offense in any one incident even though one incident may have multiple offenses.

In 2012 violent crimes in Missouri City totaled 44 aggravated assaults, 34 robberies, nine rapes and no murders. In 2011 there were 45 aggravated assaults, 35 robberies, 10 rapes and no murders but 2010 was another story. Two years ago Missouri City had 122 aggravated assaults, 41 robberies, 13 rapes and five murders. Violent crimes dipped again in 2009 but were higher in 2008.

Crimes against property followed the same pattern.

Burglaries in Missouri City in 2012 numbered 217 compared to 278 in 2011 and 293 in 2010.

The most burglaries during the five-year period the chief showed council figures for were in 2009 when there were 354.

Thefts numbered 179 in 2012

compared to 241 in 2011 and 227 in 2010. Theft from motor vehicles came in at 211 reported last year. The number compares to 284 in 2011 and 294 in 2010.

In 2009 there were 409 thefts from vehicles. The theft of vehicles was also down in 2012 to 34 compared to 43 in 2011 and 95 in 2010.

Pick pocket theft, purse snatching and shoplifting crimes were also down in 2012 compared to 2011 in Missouri City. Shoplifting came in at 138 incidents last year and 87 arrests compared to 162 incidents in 2011 and 85 arrests.

Non-violent burglaries in Missouri City for 2012 were also down to 217 compared to 292 in 2011, 297 in 2010, 366 in 2009 and 304 in 2008. Larceny (crimes of property) dropped to 617 in 2012 compared to 830 in 2011, 818 in 2010, 872 in 2009 and 808 in 2008.

See CRIME, Page 3

Man killed after armed Local student aces in IBM mainframe contest confrontation

FBISD names principals of the year

Sushain Cherivirala, 15, of Sugar Land, a student at Dulles High School and a winner of IBM’s Master the Mainframe competition takes a tour at IBM’s facility in the Town of Poughkeepsie.

Sushain Cherivirala is the youngest winner ever in IBM’s Master the mainframe contest 2012. These contests have been organized by IBM for the past eight years. This year, more than 4,600 students from North America participated and 13,813 globally, from 33 countries.Sushain, third place winner, was invited to visit IBM’s plant in Poughkeepsie, NY and was recognized amongst the executives of the plant. Miles Nosler of Texas State University in San Marcos, took first place in the contest.

The mainframe contest is part of IBM’s Academic Initiative. No experience is needed, just an aptitude. The contest is self-guided test that asks the students to solve computer problems using a mainframe. For IBM, this is not about games.

“This is really about building skills for IBM customers,” says Michael Todd, who has run the contest for all of its eight years.

The idea is to keep the pipeline of tech talent filled so that the big companies, agencies and universities that buy these “enterprise class” computers can hire help who know what to do with them.

It’s not games for the students, either, as they consider careers.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 10, 2013

Frost Bank marks grand opening with community service A Sincere Thanks to Those Businesses and Individuals Who Sponsored and Played in the Community Challenge Volleyball Tournament! This Inaugural Event was a Success Because of You! Thank You For Helping Us to Provide Quality and Affordable Healthcare Services to our Community!

Presenting Sponsors

At the recent ribbon-cutting, Richard de la Paz , left, Market Teller Manager, Sugar Land Councilman Himesh Gandhi, Jonathan Pursch, Assistant Vice President, David Lepori, Houston Regional President, Richard Foster, Market President, Sugar Land Councilwoman Bridget Yeung, Laura Richard, Executive Director of Fort Bend Cares, Shelby Campbell, Vice President and Group Manager, and Keri Schmidt, President and CEO of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.

Frost Bank recently moved its Sugar Land financial center to a new location at 606 Highway 6 @ University Blvd.

The bank has adopted a new concept giving a new meaning to conventional banking.

The bank lobby, named Frost Room, looks like a hotel lobby. Visitors can read papers, browse the Internet, check their bank accounts on line, while enjoying cookies, coffee or bottled water.

Another unique feature of the bank is the community room, which is made avail- Jonathan Pursch, left, presents a check to Laura Richard of able free of charge for indi- Fort Bend Cares. viduals or organizations to Frost Bank here is a “one insurance needs met in house. hold small business meet- stop” center and anybody who To mark the grand opening, ings. The room has built-in, walks in will be able to use the Frost honored the work of computer and video display services offered, Pursch says. local foundation Fort Bend system. Non-profit groups or It is more than a bank be- Cares, which serves the needs small businesses can book the cause the financial center deals of disadvantaged children and room for two or three hours. with investment and insurance youth in Fort Bend County.

“It is a neat way to give as well. Wealth advisors assist Laura Richard, the foundation’s back to the community,” says in personal banking. Business- executive director, accepted a Jonathan Pursch, Assistant es which procure financing $3,000 donation from Frost as Vice President at the bank. from the bank, can get their part of the event.

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APRIL 10, 2013 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

News Cash registers rang all year in area stores

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The sales tax totals for 2012 are in and by most accounts cash registers in Fort Bend County rang all year.

Sugar Land, Missouri City and Rosenberg each brought in the most sales tax revenues in their history of collecting such while Stafford, Meadows Place and Richmond took in more this year than last year but got no cigar.

Sugar Land set a new sales tax collection record by taking in a whopping $43,557,020 in 2012 from the state comptroller. As of March this year the city collected $3,204,890 of its share compared to $3,189,798 last year in March.

The result of Christmas sales taxes deposited in February this year, was $5,066,630 compared to $5,168,289 deposited in February 2012.

Missouri City had an equally impressive collection rate, which set a record for that town thanks to the surge in new business openings. Missouri City brought in $6,566,631 last year from sales taxes collected in its city limits, and this past March got a check for $508,954 compared to the $439,835 received in March 2012. March checks reflect January sales because sales tax calculations run two months behind.

The $6.5 million Missouri City collected in 2012 was almost half a million dollars more than was collected in 2011 or 2010.

Sales tax collections for December 2012 were $769,126 compared to $678,578 collected in December 2011.

Rosenberg also set a new record by bringing in a total of $12,816,054 in sales taxes last year. In March this year the city collected $957,514 compared to $879,791 paid in March a

Crime

From Page 1 Fitzgerald showed council the total top five big box store chain larceny figures by year.

Total larceny was 617 in 2012 and 830 in 2011. The total top five box store larceny was 101 in 2012 and 156 in 2011 with the percent of box store larceny of total larceny 18.80 percent in 2011 and 16.37 percent in 2012.

Larceny totals for 2012 at the five box stores in Missouri City had Walmart with the most for 2012 with 37.

Last year Kohls had 25 larceny incidents, Target, 13, Krogers Sienna, 4 and Home Depot, 8. In 2011 larceny at Walmart was 71 incidents, 32 at Kohls, 24 at Target, 16 at Krogers Sienna and 13 at Home Depot.

Family violence incidents were down but total assaults increased in 2012 to 783 from 699 in 2011. Family violence reports totaled 238 in 2011 compared to 196 in 2012.

Citywide all UCR crimes that involved people increased to 53 in 2012 from 46 in 2011.

Property crimes for those two years totaled 916 incidents in 2012 and 1,126 in 2011. In 2010 there were 97 crimes against people citywide 1,160 against property and a total of 1,510 Part II UCR crimes citywide.

Part II UCR crimes are theft from motor vehicle, theft of a motor vehicle, pocket picking, purse snatching, shoplifting and theft of vehicle parts/accessories.

For 2011, Missouri City had 1,172 Part 1 UCR crimes and 1,506 Part II UCR crimes for a total of 2,678. This past year the citywide statistics showed 969 Part 1 crimes were committed and 1,313 Part II for a total of 2,282 crimes and a 14.79 percent decrease in overall crime in the city compared to 2011.

year ago. Total sales tax collections for Rosenberg in 2011 were $11,408,105 and in 2010 were $11,115,621.

The town’s 2012 Christmas sales brought in $1,423,767 in its February sales tax check compared to $1,363,389 collected for Christmas sales in 2011.

Stafford, which pays all city bills with sales taxes since it collects no property taxes, brought in a total of $14,591,700 in 2012 sales taxes and in March increased its bank account by $1,128,027. That amount compared to $1,025,306 Stafford got in sales taxes in 2012.

The last time Stafford collected more than $14 million in total sales taxes was 2008 when it was reimbursed $14,613,782 by the state comptroller. Sales tax receipts for December 2012 totaled $1,438,797 compared to $1,362,826 for December 2011.

Meadows Place fared well also in 2012 by collecting a total of $1,043,312 in sales taxes.

In March the city collected $82,145 compared to $72,593 in March 2012.

In 2007, 2008 and 2009 Meadows Place collected more than the total of $1 million in sales taxes each of those years.

Richmond collected $4,067,934 in sales taxes in 2012 compared to $3,915,827 in 2011 and $4,085,384 in 2010.

In March this year, Richmond collected $661,649 for January sales compared to last year’s sales tax receipts in March of $270,170. December sales tax receipts totaled $404,447 in 2012 and $96,025 in 2013.

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Whole Foods Market in Sugar Land has selected Keep Sugar Land Beautiful as the recipient of a Whole Foods Market Community Giving Day on Wednesday, April 24. Keep Sugar Land Beautiful will receive 5 percent of the net sales on this day.

Keep Sugar Land Beautiful would like to encourage everyone to shop at Whole Foods Market in Sugar Land on Wednesday, April 24, to support KSLB’s environmental programs and events that address recycling, reuse, waste reduction, litter prevention, beautification, reforestation, clean water, and water conservation.

Keep Sugar Land Beautiful will also be in the store from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. so shoppers may learn more about local environmental programs.

The mission of Keep Sugar Land Beautiful is to educate and engage everyone to take responsibility for the environmental health of our community. To learn more about Keep Sugar Land Beautiful programs, please visit www.kslb.org.

The Fort Bend Chapter of the Czech Heritage Society will be holding their meeting and social at Old South Plantation in Richmond on Saturday April 13th at 10:00. Come and join your fellow Czech friends and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Roger Adamson appointed George Foundation’s CEO The George Foundation Trustees last week announced the retirement, effective May 1, 2013, of longtime Executive Director, Roland Adamson, who served the Foundation for 35 years.

“After interviewing the top three candidates, the Foundation Trustees have recruited Roger Adamson to fill the open position of Chief Executive Officer of The George Foundation,” said Pat McDonald, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Adamson, the Foundation’s newly appointed CEO, is a 1999 graduate of the United States Military Academy, receiving a BS degree in Systems Engineering. From West Point, he went on to fulfill his military obligations from 1999-2004, training at Fort Hood, Texas and a tour in Iraq.

While in Iraq, Adamson served as the Company Executive Officer of the 1st Bat-

his only begotten Son, that whosoever

comes to the Foundation with seven years of experience in management and marketing with a Fortune 500 Company, Caesars Entertainment, where his last position was Vice President of marketing.

Adamson stated, “I am very happy to be returning to the community where I grew up and graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School, and to bring with me my family, my wife Jennie and two children, who will now get to experience the richness of growing up in Fort Roger Adamson Bend County.” talion’s 67th Armor Regiment McDonald stated, “The Founin Ba’qubah and as Operations dation Trustees feel that they Officer at Headquarters of the have found the right candidate 4th Infantry Division in Tikrit. to make this transition in leaderFollowing his military ser- ship, to carry on the work begun vice, Adamson received a MBA by Mamie and Albert George in from the Kellogg School of 1945. We welcome Roger and Management at Northwestern his family and look forward to University in 2006, majoring working with him to fulfill the in Marketing, Finance, and mission of The George FoundaManagement & Strategy. He tion.”

(281)277-7800 Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc 101 Southwestern Blvd, Ste 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478-3535 basil@texansinsure.com

Sugar Land to hold Fourth of July Celebration at Constellation Field The City of Sugar Land’s new Fourth of July celebration - the Star Spangled Celebration at Constellation Field - provides a fan-friendly, family venue that continues a rich holiday tradition. The event is scheduled for July 4 from 6-10 p.m.

“Our new location provides an opportunity to showcase state-of-the-art entertainment, including fireworks, a hightech multimedia show and a few new surprises that will make families feel more immersed in the festivities,” said Sugar Land Event Production Manager Teresa Preza.

The Star Spangled Celebration at Constellation Field will include traditional patriotic entertainment along the stadium concourse, and families

may bring blankets to spread along the outfield for an ideal view of entertainment on dual stages. The fireworks finale will include new entertainment features especially designed to complement the stadium atmosphere.

The stadium accommodates a capacity of 10,500 and provides a safe alternative to Oyster Creek Park that lacks adequate infrastructure to host what has become a large-scale community event.

Constellation Field provides adequate parking, restroom facilities and multiple entry points, amongst other advantages.

Due to stadium capacity requirements, free tickets will be distributed for the Star Spangled Celebration at Con-

stellation Field on a first-come, first-served basis. Sugar Land residents may request six tickets per household from April 6 through June 1 by providing a Driver’s license at Imperial Park Recreation Center, 234 Matlage Way, or Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive.

Tickets remaining after June 3 will be made available to the general public. There will be a limit of six tickets per address. Requests for more than six tickets will be placed on a waiting list. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses interested in being a part of the event.

For more information, contact the Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 275-2885 or visit www.sugarlandtx.gov.

Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc 101 Southwestern Blvd, Ste 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478-3535 PH (281)277-7800 FAX (281)277-7801 basil@texansinsure.com

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 10, 2013

Opinion AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS: Sports for ‘young’ Quail Valley men

By CAROLYN BOWDEN When we told our friends and neighbors that we were moving to a subdivision called “Quail Valley” they were concerned. The “talk on the street” was that this area was a “senior citizen development”.

However, that did not deter us and when we moved to Quail Valley, we discovered most of the residents were our age or just a “little” older.

DO NOT UNDER ESTIMATE TEENAGERS: The teenagers in Quail Valley were concerned that the only activity for them was the pool in front of the club house. They organized and approached the owner of the development and requested that he build a recreation center for the youth.

He explained that he was involved with developing the subdivision and that this was not in his plans at this time.

Well, the youth decided to move ahead with their plans and do a fund raiser to build a rec center. They had no idea what it would cost and did not care. They organized a “bake sale” and set it up in front of the club house. At the end of the day they counted their money and were pleased that they had raised $50. Unfortunately, the $50 disappeared before they “broke camp” that day. When the owner of the QV Development heard of this he was incensed and as a result,he determined that a “simple” pavilion would be built with a roof, concrete floor and basketball goals of various heights.

RECREATION CENTER: By the mid 70’s there was a small building (with “inside” games) behind the large pavilion and parents took turns volunteering to “man the door” and make sure everyone who came were members of the Quail Valley Club.

YOUNG MEN THEN BEGAN TO JOIN THE REC CENTER: Suddenly the importance of “men’s” sports within Quail Valley became quite popular and or-

Bowden ganized teams evolved from the Rec Center . The players were young athletes (those who were natural athletes and had never played “organized” sports and others were college players and professionals.)

All needed an “outlet” to play the sports they enjoyed. The first year teams picked their own players but the next year teams drafted players and it was the start of Quail Valley Men’s sports. The teams played on Sunday afternoons and the attendance to watch and support grew. Everyone drove golf carts to the softball field and brought ”adult” beverages because there was no concession stand. After each game the players went to a team player’s home that had a pool. But not before they stopped at the drivein grocery to replenish their coolers. The fact that these QV sports players would plan their vacations around the sports schedules, illustrated the importance placed upon “recreational” sports in Quail Valley.

FLAG FOOTBALL: This sport did not last as long because many teams became very competitive. Younger teams came along and “father-time” put an end to Flag football—not enough ace bandages!

BASKETBALL: Every Thursday night at the Rec Center the men gathered.

One player had never played basketball , but he wanted to

be on the team with his buddies. They agreed he could be on the team but all he got to do was throw the basketball in OR when the team got so far ahead he could go in “garbage time”.

THEN QUAIL VALLEY DEMOGRAPHICS BEGAN TO CHANGE: The young men began to “live” through their sons who were now old enough to play sports.

At that time in Quail Valley there were no concerns about safety and boys would go to the Rec Center and stay all day in the summer. Finally Moms would call at 9 p.m. when it was getting dark and tell the director of the Rec Center to send their sons home.

“Some” of the “sports professionals” who lived in Quail Valley, include: BASKETBALL: Rick Berry NBA FOOTBALL NFL: Bobby Maples (Oilers & Denver Broncos) Don Trull (Baylor) Lawrence Taylor (New York Giants) Bob Talamini (Oilers) Gregg Bingham (Oilers) Alonzo Highsmith (Oilers) Willy Germany (Oilers) BASEBALL: Jimmy Stewart (Astros) Fess Parker (TV’s Davy Crockett) Claude Osteen (Astros & Dodgers) Randy Kerbow (Rice) Football coaches who lived in Quail Valley: Bum Phillips (Oilers) Andy Bourgeois (Oilers) Ed Biles (Oilers) June Sheldon Jones III (Oilers & Houston Cougars) Women’s Softballteams: The young women also formed several softball teams but they did not have the “numbers” like the Men’s teams. Therefore, their teams only played a few years.

Next column: (April 24th) “Saving the old Oak Tree.”

Write to: CVBNeighbors@ aol.com about this column.

Umbrella Liability Insurance

By BASIL HOUSWRIGHT, JR. Stop for a moment to reflect on everything you’ve worked hard for in your life – your home, your vehicles, and your family’s security. You may even have a recreational vehicle, a boat, or a place on the lake or in the country for family getaways. You probably already purchase an insurance policy to protect these assets and the potential liability their use may involve you or your family in.

But have you ever stopped and thought about why you buy liability insurance and how much is enough? In today’s society, no one is exempt from large liability losses.

Let’s face it, people are growing more willing to sue every day and it could happen to you.

Your base insurance policies covering your autos, home, recreational vehicle or boats may not be enough to protect you. If you or your family are involved in a serious accident and at fault and someone is seriously injured or killed, how much insurance is enough? Remember you don’t need to be a millionaire to be sued like one.

A Personal Umbrella Liability Insurance policy would be a method to protect everything for which you have worked so hard. It can give you additional liability insurance over the limits of your auto, homeowners, recreational vehicle and boat liability policy limits in $1,000,000 increments. Many insurance companies will sell up to $5,000,000 limits without specialized underwriting

Housewright requirements. The cost of an umbrella policy is typically inexpensive in comparison to the amount of coverage offered.

There is a catch though.

The insurance company will require you insure all the underlying liability exposures to a specified minimum liability limit in order to qualify for an umbrella policy. The umbrella policy may also have exclusions and limitations, such as business related activities and exposures related to jet skis, jet sleds or other recreational vehicles. It is suggested you check the specific limitations with the company you propose to do business with.

The Personal Umbrella Liability Insurance policy should provide coverage for legal costs, including representation by insurance company appointed attorneys, court costs, interest on judgments and premiums for necessary bonds.

The chances of being sued for more than your automobile, homeowners, recreational vehicle or boat liability insurance polices may be small but if this

were to happen it could prove to be a financial ruin for the rest of your life. Your current insurance coverage may not protect you against charges of defamation of character, invasion of privacy, libel or slander, but a personal umbrella insurance policy could by making sure your personal liability and umbrella insurance policy include Personal Injury Coverage to cover these exposures.

Many parents think first of lowering their automobile liability limits when their children first start to drive due to the increased costs associated with this new exposure. The reason for the substantial premium increase for insuring youthful drivers is the tendency for new, inexperienced drivers to have accidents, many of which result in serious damages and injuries. It would be advisable for parents to consider higher limits of automobile liability coverage and a personal umbrella policy when they have youthful drivers in their household to protect against this period of higher exposure.

The more you own the more you have to lose. Consider a personal umbrella policy to give you and your family extra piece of mind.

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

Money matters in education, says attorney

By SESHADRI KUMAR Does money matter in education?

The answer is yes, with the caveat that it is possible to spend a lot of money and yet not get good results, says J. David Thompson of Thompson and Horton, LLP, attorney for the plaintiff FBISD and others in the lawsuit against the state.

Thompson gave an update on the lawsuit dealing with school financing in Texas at a luncheon hosted by the education division of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce in Sugar Land on April 4.

FBISD board president Jim Rice is the chairman of the chamber’s education division.

There is a strong correlation between various performance standards of students and the funding provided to that school,as per evidence presented to the court in the lawsuit, Thompson said.

Comparing the percentage of low income students versus average revenue, it has been shown that more low income kids, meant a decline in academic performance.

In 2004 dollars, education revenue provided per student in Texas was $7,128, excluding money spent on food services and facilities.

The revenue per student in 2008 rose to $7,400 and in 2011 it fell to $6,293.

That is at the heart of the lawsuit filed by Fort Bend ISD and other school districts and the Taxpayers and Students Fairness Coalition against the State of Texas for failing to provide adequate funds, as

Thompson stipulated in the Texas Constitution.

In the past, the state used to conduct a variety of studies to ascertain the cost of providing or meeting the educational requirements.

“The state has stopped doing these studies because it did not like answers. We don’t know the actual costs of education today,” Thompson said.

The only place where the Constitution mentions the word “duty” of the state is in the article requiring the state to provide suitable resources for efficient, free public schools. Of course, no state property tax can be levied to fund schools.

If local tax is co-opted, it amounts to a state tax, according to the Texas Supreme Court. It is possible to do indirectly, what is prohibited directly, the court has said.

Once the state sets the standards, it must provide the necessary means to meet the standards, Thompson said.

Every year about 80,000 students are added to public

schools in Texas and Texas is not only a “growing” state, but a “changing” state as well.

Low income population in Texas public schools account for 60 percent of the total enrollment and their annual growth rate is one percent.

This population exceeds the total growth in population.

The socio-economic status of a household has a strong relationship to educational standards. The primary language spoken at home, mobility during the year and quality of class room teachers are the other factors affecting the educational standards, Thompson said.

After a 12-week trial, Judge John Dietz agreed with schools that the current funding mechanism violates the state Constitution.

The judge, “predicted a drift toward Constitutional violation.”

In other words, the state should ensure that every community is provided the necessary resources to meet the educational requirements.

The district judge is expected to give his written judgement in April. If the state directly appeals to the Texas Supreme Court, it will come up for hearing in the spring of 2014.

The current Legislature is doing good work. There has been a significant restoration of funds to education, not seen ever before, Thompson said. There is a significant response from the legislators and it is positive. They are working productively this session, he said.

Facts about Red Light Cameras in Sugar Land

By RAY PATEL I have been walking door to door morning and evening since December 2012 to collect signatures on a petition to amend the City Charter language to remove Red Light Camera Systems from the City Limit. The goal is to collect 2,600 and now we have over 2,400 signatures. Countywide officials, State Reps., U.S. Rep., Ex-City Leaders together with their spouses all alike have endorsed this petition drive and encouraged me not to give up on this issue.

I moved to Sugar Land 37 years ago with my family from Connecticut when the Sugar Land population was only 1,418 and not incorporated. City Hall started as a trailer.

The present city hall is the fourth building to be ours.

Our population is now 84,511.

Having Architectural/Town Planning back ground, I volunteered to serve in various public service capacities in Fort Bend County, the City of Sugar Land and Fort Bend ISD. As a Secretary of the Planning and Zoning Commission I contributed my knowledge for the feasibility and master plan for today’s city.

Had I been serving at the time I would have voted against the chosen site for today’s City Hall because it has created a serious traffic bottle neck. No thought was given to means of egress especially in case of fire or hurricane.

Unfortunately the city has kept issuing permits to high density projects such as a multi bed hotel and apartments in very close proximity.

High density projects attract a low income population together with drugs and other crimes. Instead of giving birth to a red light camera system the city should have a crime prevention camera system.

The city is misleading the news media on a national level

that we now have crime prevention cameras.

As a matter of fact a bid invitation just went out on March 6, 2013 when two teenagers broke in to the police chief’s house.

We live in a very fast world and technology has changed every aspect of our behavior. I obtained a copy of the minutes of the meetings and agreements to study facts about red light cameras and found the following: 1.

February 27, 2007: Our Police Department presented a Garland, Texas Red Light Camera enforcement model at the workshop to convince the Mayor and Council, how smartly Garland is in collecting civil penalties of $75.

No public input was ever encouraged.

2.

May 22, 2007: Mayor introduced the RLC system ordinance. Texas Senate Bill 1119 prohibits local authorities from providing information about civil penalties to any Credit Bureau.

Texas counties may refuse to register a vehicle for not paying $ 75 civil fine (Thanks to our legislature), but since 2010 this refusal is no longer practiced by the Fort Bend Tax office.

3.

June 19, 2007: the birth of Ordinance 1628. Approved on first consideration and adopted upon Second consideration on July 03, 2007.

4.

July 20, 2007: agreement was signed between the City and American Traffic Solution of Arizona for $ 570,000 per year maximum with automatically renewal clause for successive one-year terms with no termination cost should either party decide to terminate this agreement.

5.

To meet this cost the agreement allows contractor to rotate camera locations – to high traffic intersections in order to issue more violation notices (to generate more revenue). Initially there were eight

cameras at four locations x $ 4,750 per month for the camera company. Until December 5, 2012, a total of 87,569 violation notices ($75/violation fine + $25 late charge) were issued. You do the math.

Is this for our citizen’s traffic safety concerns expressed by our Mayor in that workshop or is it a successful business promise fulfilled?

6. Violation notices have misleading threats to collect money. The success rate is over 70 percent. Victims of the systems are senior citizens, students and visitors from outside the city limits who really bring revenue to our malls and businesses.

CONCLUSION: As I meet people for signatures on our petition to amend the charter, all speak overwhelmingly one language.

There are many other issues here to solve than just rotating RLCs in the City and if the City Council is so concerned about the traffic safety then there are many national studies available to consider such as: increasing yellow time by 1 to 1.5 seconds as other parts of the nation have done. Install bigger and better visible warning signs rather than existing small signs.

Provide count down timers to indicate when the yellow light will change to red.

Install strong flash warning lights to bring vehicle operator’s attention. Educate our people. Issue first time violators at least one warning.

We are the concerned citizens of this City of Sugar Land and humbly request to our Honarable Mayor and the Council to please listen to your concerned constituents rather than ruling with your personal emotions and let us decide what is good and what is bad for us.

Here I rest my case and appeal to my fellow citizens that let us be united on this issue.

Thank you!

INDEPENDENT • APRIL 10, 2013 • Page 5

News Ending senior hunger in Fort Bend County Over 75 community leaders and elected officials gathered at Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels’ headquarters recently to deliver meals to the homebound, to see first-hand the needs of the elderly in our community.

This annual event, March for Meals, provides an upclose and personal look at those who face hunger every day.

“Senior hunger continues in our community, and if it was not for our homebound program, we are not sure what would become of those we serve, over 1,100 elderly a day. We know they would have an empty plate, and we know being hungry creates other health and emotional problems.

“Bottom line, hunger hurts, especially when one is frail. These senior citizens did not plan for their golden years to turn out this way, but life threw them a curve ball.

Now these folks are trying to live on only their social security checks, which do not stretch far enough to cover basic needs,” said Manuela Arroyos, CEO, Fort Bend

Richmond Police Chief Whitworth and Tony Masraff of Masraff’s Restaurant-Houston. liver meals to shut-ins.”

Seniors Meals on Wheels.

With Fort Bend Seniors Todd Staples, commissioner, Department of Agriculture providing meals to over 1,100 noted in January, “For every daily and close to 2,000 annusenior that receives home de- ally, the organization is saving livered meals saves Texas tax Texas taxpayers over $70 milpayers over $38,000 per se- lion a year in taxes.

The cost to provide meals to nior, per year in elderly care.

We encourage communities one senior per year is $2,250, to get involved with Meals on which is much more economiWheels programs, to help de- cal, according to Arroyos.

Sugar Land Recycling Convenience Centers to Close Sugar Land’s drop-off recycling centers at 113 Gillingham Lane and 4802 Scenic Rivers Drive will close on June 1.

The City now contracts with Republic Services to provide recycling for all residents and businesses. With the addition of the commercial franchise, Republic Services is contacting businesses to discuss service levels for solid waste and recycling.

Residents currently receive automated curbside recycling collection once per week utilizing a City-issued recycling cart.

Sugar Land’s curbside recycling program was expanded last year to include all colors of glass bottles and jars. The addition of a green waste program ensures all green waste -- grass clippings, leaves, brush, tree limbs, etc. -- will be recycled rather than sent to a landfill.

To locate a regional recycling center, visit www.recycleinfo. org.

“Rustic Moon” Loving Friends will meet for dinner and entertainment on Tuesday, April 16, at the Sweetwater Country Club located at 4400 Palm Royale Blvd., Sugar Land. The event starts at 5 p.m. for registration and dinner. The group will be entertained by Larry Glass and Jon Ingram of Rustic Moon Entertainment. Loving Friends are men and women who lost their spouses, whose goal is to move on with their lives in a social environment. For membership information, call (281) 4385224. The cost for dinner and entertainment is $17 inclusive and complimentary valet parking is available.

Audition now with PennyWise Open House the Fort Bend Boys Choir The Fort Bend County Women’s Center is inviting the community to learn more about the PennyWise Pennies volunteer opportunity at PennyWise Resale Centers. Three Open Houses will be held on April 11 and 12. Attendees can learn more about the various volunteer opportunities offered at PennyWise while enjoying refreshments. Open Houses will be held at the following times: •Thursday, April 11 from 11:30 a.m – 1:00 p.m at PennyWise Richmond, 1120 Hwy 90A, Richmond 77406 •Thursday, April 11 from 4:30 p.m – 6:30 p.m at PennyWise Stafford, 13945 Murphy Rd., Stafford 77477 •Friday, April 12, 11:30 a.m – 1:00 p.m at PennyWise Mission Bend, 6808 Hwy 6S, Houston 77083 Please RSVP to Liz Moreno (lmoreno@fortbendwomenscenter.org or 832-274-4542).

Last July, the Women’s Center introduced this new way for the community to make a difference in the lives of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault through the PennyWise “Pennies” Volunteer Program.

“Pennies” earn different recognition levels based on how many hours of service they complete during the year.

Copper Pennies donate 60 service hours per year; Silver Pennies donate 144 hours and Gold Pennies donate 288 service hours per year. Pennies work a minimum of 3-hour shifts. Pennies receive a recognition pin denoting their level of service and are recognized on the Pennies Wall of Fame at each PennyWise location.

Visit www.fortbendwomenscenter.org or contact Amber Paaso (apaaso@fortbendwomenscenter.org or 281-3445759.

AUTOMOBILE: Buick Encore

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The 2013 Buick Encore crossover delivers Buick’s style, has improved acoustics and plenty of luxury amenities in a versatile package.

With room for five and up to 48.4 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seat folded, Encore offers substantial cargo capacity along with a higher driving position, available all-wheel drive and crossover design. Buick’s QuietTuning is standard, and features Buick’s first use of Bose Active Noise Cancellation technology, which reduces sounds at their source, blocks sounds from entering the cabin and absorbs remaining sounds.

Additional standard features include 10 air bags, StabiliTrak and a 138-horsepower Ecotec 1.4L turbo fourcylinder/six-speed automatic powertrain. The engine makes 138 horsepower and 148 lb.ft. torque.

Encore has the highest fuel economy of any crossover from a domestic automaker and uses regular gasoline. It gets better fuel economy with 25 in the city and 33 on the highway than direct competitors such as the Mini Countryman S (EPA-estimated 25 city / 32 highway with the automatic transmission) and the Volkswagen Tiguan (EPAestimated 21 / 26). It also beats the combined EPA fuel economy of Ford’s most efficient version of the Escape crossover (26), as well as the Jeep Compass (24).

A Hydra-Matic 6T40 sixspeed automatic transmission backs the Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine. The Hydra-Matic 6T40 six speed automatic transmission offers a steep first gear and a tall overdrive

top gear, which allows the Encore to achieve robust acceleration, fuel efficiency and less engine noise at highway cruising speeds.

Encore is offered in frontwheel and available allwheel-drive configurations in four trim levels: Encore (1SB), Encore Convenience (1SD), Encore Leather (1SL) and Encore Premium (1SN).

The Encore’s signature cues include a waterfall grille, chrome accents and surrounds, portholes on the hood and painted lower panels. Eighteen-inch, five-spoke painted aluminum wheels are standard. Seven-spoke chromed aluminum wheels are available.

It has 18.8 cubic feet of storage behind the split-folding rear seat and 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. With the rear seat in place, there is room for at least six full grocery bags. When the rear seat is folded, there’s room for golf clubs and overnight bags for a weekend getaway. The front passenger seat folds flat to extend the cargo length.

Standard equipment on the Encore includes heated outside rearview mirrors, sixway, power-adjustable driv-

er’s seat with power lumbar adjustment, power windows with driver express up/down and front/rear passenger express down, seven-inch, highresolution, full-color display radio, AM/FM/Sirius XM (three months of service) SiriusXM Travel Link and Tune Select (requires subscription), stereo with CD player, auxiliary input jack and six speakers.

Also, leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel with locking feature to deter theft, rear cargo cover, roofmounted luggage rails, dual gloveboxes, theft-deterrent system, variable-effort electric power steering, compact spare tire with mechanical jack.

Encore trim levels progressively add standard equipment with packages available in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive models. The convenience package adds an electrochromic inside rearview mirror, remote start, dual automatic climate control, 120V outlet and fog lamps.

The leather package adds leather seats, heated steering wheel, power passenger seat, heated seats, driver memory package that includes driver

Tour Choirboys John Garrido and Kent Mohr at their winter vocal camp this past January 2013 Where can a boy with vocal talent get the opportunity to sing for U.S. Presidents, collaborate with famous entertainers and sing high profile performances like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo?

The answer is … the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas! Open auditions for the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s 32nd concert season will be Saturday, April 27, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church of Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd. Times will be from 9 a.m. – 12 Noon.

Boys with unchanged voices should be 8 years old or going into the third grade for the 2013-2014 school year. Scholarships and payment plans are available in addition to carpool assistance. Call the Fort Bend Boys Choir office for more audition details and/or if you need to schedule an alternate date. Also, ask about Music Magic, their music enrichment program for 6 and 7 year old boys!

Boys learn so much more than music as a member of the Fort Bend Boys Choir. They become leaders and develop time management skills, self-confidence, self-esteem and citizenship.

There are no benchwarmers or substitutes in choir! Each boy plays an integral role in the organization’s success.

Find out more about the Fort Bend Boys Choir and how they have been making a difference in the lives of boys for over three decades by visiting their website at www.fbbctx.org and their Facebook fan page; or, call the choir office at (281) 240-3800 to learn about their various music programs, concerts or to schedule an audition.

Sugar Land AARP Chapter 4075 meets Wednesday April 24 at 1 p.m. in The T E Harman Center, 234 Matlage Way.Our program will be Meet Troy Nehls, sheriff Fort Bend County and Trevor Nehls, Constable Precinct 4, who are our newly elected law enforcement officials. For more info call 281494-2600.

Public Notice

Cole Foundation Inc., announces its intent to provide

presets for seat position, outside mirrors and climate control.

The Encore premium adds rainsense wipers, premium Bose seven-speaker audio system, front and rear park assist, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, cargo net and cargo mat.

The Encore’s 100.6-inch (2,555 mm) wheelbase and wide stance – 60.6-inch (1,539 mm) front and rear tracks – contribute to a more confident-feeling driving experience, while a strong structure enables greater suspension precision and a quieter ride.

A MacPherson strut front suspension is used with coil springs, a large stabilizer bar, hydraulic ride bushings and side-load-compensated front strut modules. The rear suspension incorporates a compound crank (torsion beam) design, with a double-wall, tubular V-shape beam profile with gas-charged twin-tube shocks.

Encore is designed with technologies that help avoid crashes. They include fourwheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution, cornering brake control and brake assist, available all-wheel-drive, available forward collision alert and lane departure warning, available front and rear park assist.

The Buick Encore arrived in beautiful ruby red metallic paint with a titanium interior.

With all standard equipment it retails for $29,190. Eighteen-inch chromed aluminum wheels and an audio system with navigation added $1,790.

It’s a honey to drive, a beauty to see and a great size for city driving and hauling.

Temporary Housing Assistance for Women Parolees who have been approved for parole through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Location: 3002 Meadow Bend Circle, Richmond, Texas 77469; Date: Thursday, May 9, 2013, Time: 6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m.

Contact: Terry Cole 832-921-1836 .

PUBLIC NOTICE FORT BEND COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FY 2005 CONSOLIDATED ACTION PLAN AMENDMENT Fort Bend County proposes to amend its approved FY 2005 Consolidated 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 2005 Consolidated Plan Amendment is available for public review and comment. The public is encouraged to submit written comments by Monday, May 13, 2013 to Marilynn Kindell, Community Development Director, at 301 Jackson, Suite 602, Richmond, Texas 77469. Comments will be incorporated into the Consolidated Plan Amendment, as appropriate.

FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS FY 2005 CONSOLIDATED PLAN AMENDMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) Funds are available to be reprogrammed from: FY 2005 Fort Bend County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1 $200,000.00 Total Available To Be Reprogrammed $200,000.00 Projects to be funded are: FY 2005 Arcola Water System Improvements: STAG match Total Reprogrammed Amount

$200,000.00 $200,000.00

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 10, 2013 LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.co.fort-bend.tx.us.

BID 13-055 – CONSTRUCTION OF MUSTANG PARK BATHROOM FACILITY. Lump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check. Bonds are required.

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

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.co.fort-bend.tx.us.

BID 13-057 – TERM CONTRACT FOR BULK DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check. Bonds are not required.

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

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 18TH day of February, 2013, by the Small Claims Court, Precinct 1, Place 2, Harris County, Texas in cause # SC12C0010476 in favor of the Plaintiff -Patrick O’ Connor Associates, , Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,265.29 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on March 11, 2013 and will offer for sale on the 7th day of May, 2013 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours often o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said defendant, Anastacio H. Lopez and Sara S. Lopez, had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 60, BLOCK 4 MISSION WEST, SECTION ONE (1), ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 23, PAGE 17 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ALSO 35 ESPINOSA DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77083.

TERMS: CASH TIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 1.792 ACRES ON CREEK BEND DRIVE REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ESTABLISH NOAH’S (MULTIPURPOSE EVENT CENTER) FACILITY ON A 1.792 ACRE TRACT OF LAND LOCATED ON CREEK BEND DRIVE NEAR THE INTERSECTION WITH FLOUR DANIEL DRIVE IN LAKE POINTE TOWN CENTER, TRACT C, IN THE BUSINESS OFFICE (B-O) DISTRICT. PURPOSE:

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

WHERE:

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

WHEN:

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION 6:30 P.M., APRIL 25, 2013

DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT MAY BE OBTAINED

BY CONTACTING THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING OFFICE (281) 275-2218 OR EMAIL PLANNING@SUGARLANDTX.GOV. THE DEVELOPMENT PLANNING OFFICE IS OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:00 O’CLOCK A.M. TO 5:00 O’CLOCK P.M., AND IS LOCATED IN CITY HALL, 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS. PLEASE CONTACT THE PLANNING OFFICE IF YOU WISH TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO REVIEW ADDITIONAL DETAILS IN PERSON. Vicinity Map:

Ruben Davis, Constable Precinct Two Fort Bend County, Texas

By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 18TH day of February, 2013, by the County Court at Law No. 4 of Harris County, Texas in Cause #887212701 in favor of the Plaintiff -NCO Portfolio Management, Inc., Plaintiff, for the sum of $8,467.61 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on March 11, 2013 and will offer for sale on the 7th day of May, 2013 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours often o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said defendant, Ella B. Blount had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT FOURTEEN,(14), IN BLOCK FOURTEEN (14), SECTION THREE OF RIDGEGATE, AN ADDITION IN HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 6306 CANERIDGE DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77053, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, CLERK’S FILE NO. 9065814, VOLUME 2266, PAGE 939-941.

TERMS: CASH TIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M. Ruben Davis, Constable Precinct Two Fort Bend County, Texas

By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT COMMERCE GREEN BUSINESS PARK RESERVE A REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ESTABLISH A SANDWICH SHOP AT THE COMMERCE GREEN PLAZA LOCATED AT 9722 HIGHWAY 90A, COMMERCE GREEN BUSINESS PARK RESERVE “A” (F.B.C.O.P.R. 20100034), IN THE BUSINESS OFFICE (B-O) ZONING DISTRICT. PURPOSE:

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

WHERE:

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

WHEN:

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION 6:30 P.M., APRIL 25, 2013

DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT MAY BE OBTAINED

BY CONTACTING THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING OFFICE (281) 275-2218 OR EMAIL PLANNING@SUGARLANDTX.GOV. THE DEVELOPMENT PLANNING OFFICE IS OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:00 O’CLOCK A.M. TO 5:00 O’CLOCK P.M., AND IS LOCATED IN CITY HALL, 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS. PLEASE CONTACT THE PLANNING OFFICE IF YOU WISH TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO REVIEW ADDITIONAL DETAILS IN PERSON. Vicinity Map:

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 5TH day of February, 2013, by the 434th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, in Cause #12-DCV-197746 in favor of the Plaintiff - Kingsway Community Improvement Association, Inc., Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,832.91 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on February 13, 2013 and will offer for sale on the 7th day of May, 2013 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours often o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said defendant, Jeffrey A. Williams had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 16, IN BLOCK 2, OF KINGSWAY, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, UNDER VOLUME 22, PAGE 27, AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 334 DUKES BEND, STAFFORD, TEXAS 77477.

TERMS: CASH TIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M. Ruben Davis, Constable Precinct Two Fort Bend County, Texas

By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable CITATION BY PUBLICATION DIVORCE The State of Texas TO: Xingying Hong , and to all whom it may concern, Respondent GREETINGS: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 AM on the Monday next following the expiration of twenty (20) days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you.

The Original Petition for Divorce of Tianming Cui, Petitioners, was filed in the 387th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on the March 25, 2011 against Xingying Hong, Respondent, being numbered 11-DCV-188737, and entitled In the Matter of the Marriage of Tianming Cui and Xingying Hong The suit requests dissolve the bonds of matrimony.

The court has authority in this suit to enter any judgment or decree dissolving the marriage and providing for the division of property which will be binding on you.

Issued and given under my hand and seal of the said Court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 28th day of March, 2013.

Petitioner’s Attorney: Yanpin Yang Law Offices of Yang & Associates PLLC 6689 W Sam Houston Pkwy S Suite 302 Houston TX 77072 713-271-9264 District Clerk Annie Rebecca Elliott Fort Bend County, Texas

By Deputy District Clerk Amanda Morales Telephone: 281-238-3282

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

RFP 13-054 – COMMISSARY MANAGEMENT SERVICES A pre-RFP conference will be conducted on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 11:00AM (CST). The pre-RFP conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Sheriff ’s Office located at 1410 Williams Way Blvd, Richmond, Texas 77469. All respondents are encouraged to attend.

Detailed unit pricing is required. Bonds are not required.

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

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 for replat of Oreilly FM 1464 Subdivision, being a replat of a portion of Restricted Reserve “A” in Twin Oaks Village, Section 15, Precinct 2. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, William B. Travis Bldg., 309 S. Fourth St., Rm. 700, Richmond, Texas.

Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat.

Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing.

You may contact Aaron Bourgeois with Lentz Engineering LC at 713-839-8900 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 for replat of Long Meadow Farms Commercial Reserve, Sec 1, Partial Replat No. 2, Precinct 4. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, William B. Travis Bldg., 309 S. Fourth St., Rm. 700, Richmond, Texas.

Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat.

Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing.

You may contact Mary McKenzie with Hovis Surveying Company Inc. at 281-320-9591 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

RFP 13-056 – LEASE OF PROPERTY AT 819 AVENUE H, ROSENBERG, TX Detailed monthly lease price is required.

Bonds are not required.

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

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING THIS NOTICE IS AN ADDENDUM TO THE PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE FOR THE APRIL 9, 2013 PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING. THE APRIL 9, 2013 PUBLIC HEARING HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO APRIL 25, 2013 AND INCLUDES PROPOSED AMENDMENT WITHIN THE RESTRICTED INDUSTRIAL (M-1) DISTRICT. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE-CHAPTER TWO, ARTICLE II, TO REVISE SEC. 2-55 LAND USE MATRIX FOR SPECIFIC COMMERCIAL USES WITHIN THE BUSINESS OFFICE (BO), NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS (B-1), GENERAL BUSINESS (B-2), AND RESTRICTED INDUSTRIAL (M-1) DISTRICTS PURPOSE:

One (1) public hearing shall be held at which all persons interested in the proposed Code Amendment shall be given an opportunity to be heard.

WHERE:

CITY OF SUGAR LAND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER CITY HALL 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH SUGAR LAND, TEXAS

WHEN:

CITY OF SUGAR LAND PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 25, 2013, 6:30 P.M.

DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENT MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND PLANNING OFFICE AT (281) 2752218 OR BY EMAIL AT PLANNING@SUGARLANDTX.GOV. THE PLANNING OFFICE IS OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:00 O’CLOCK A.M. TO 5:00 O’CLOCK P.M., AND IS LOCATED AT CITY HALL, 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS. PLEASE CONTACT THE PLANNING OFFICE IF YOU WISH TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO GO OVER ADDITIONAL DETAILS IN PERSON.

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE The City of Missouri City, Texas is now issuing an Invitation for Bids for the following: IFB # 117-13 Construction of Standby Generator Improvements for Animal Shelter and Traffic Management Facility The City of Missouri City will accept bids for and intends to award a contract for all materials, labor, tools, equipment and facilities required to complete turnkey construction of a standby generator for use by the City’s new Animal Shelter and Traffic Management Facility. The project site is at 1919 Scanlin Road in Missouri City. This project includes, but is not limited to, the following: The scope of work includes replacement of the existing electrical service and electrical panels to convert the building from 120/240V, 3 phase delta hi-leg to a balanced 120/208V, 3 phase electrical service. Also includes providing a new diesel engine standby generator and associated concrete house-keeping pad and automatic transfer switch to provide standby power to the entire building service.

In addition, the scope includes construction of a small closet with lighting and exhaust to house the existing UPS. All construction shall be in conformance with project plans, specifications, City of Missouri City standards, ordinances and comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements where applicable. Bid shall include any freight, fuel surcharge or other miscellaneous charges. The bid shall be lump sum and include the days to completion.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 10 AM, April 12, 2013 in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1522 Texas Parkway, in Missouri City.

Bids will be accepted until 2 PM, April 29, 2013 and then opened. Bids are opened in public in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Bid packages are available by contacting the DemandStar bid service at (800) 711-1712 and requesting the bid name above for the City of Missouri City, Texas.

Bids must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the IFB name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Bids must be delivered to the attention of the Sealed Bid Box, City of Missouri City Purchasing Office, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas, 77489, prior to the acceptance deadline. Bids marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified.

HUD # 493-7810598

TS#13-12732-25

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE WHEREAS, on 06/25/2004, a certain (Deed of Trust) was executed by E J Messarra, AKA Elie J Messarra, AKA Elie John Messarra, Unmarried, as Trustor, in favor of Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation, A Subsidiary of Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB, as beneficiary, and American Title Company, as Trustee and was Recorded on 7/09/2004, as Instrument No. 2004083573, in the office of the Fort Bend County, Texas Recorder, and

THE PLACE OF SALE SHALL BE IN THE AREA DESIGNATED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF SUCH COUNTY PURSUANT TO 51.002 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY CODE, AS THE PLACE WHERE FORECLOSURE SALES TAKE PLACE, (IF NOT SUCH PLACE IS SO DESIGNATED, THE PLACE OF SALE SHALL BE IN THE AREA WHERE THIS NOTICE OF SALE IS POSTED), IN THE CITY OF RICHMOND, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS.

WHEREAS, the Deed of Trust was insured by the UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, (the Secretary) pursuant to the National Housing Act for the purpose of providing single family housing; and

Per The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development the estimated opening bid will be $138,850.48.

WHEREAS, the beneficial interest in the Deed of Trust is now owned by the Secretary, pursuant to an assignment recorded on 5/18/2011, as Instrument # 2011046310 in the office of the Fort Bend County, Texas Recorder, and WHEREAS, a default has been made by reason of failure to pay all sums due under the Deed of Trust, pursuant to Paragraph 9 Subsection (i) of said deed of Trust and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust to be immediately due and payable, NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to power vesting in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, 12 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR part 27, subpart B, and by the Secretary’s designation of us as Foreclosure Commissioner” notice is hereby given that on 6/04/2013 at 1:00 PM, all real and personal property at or used in connection with following described premises (“Property”) will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder: Commonly known as: 11827 Meadow Crest Dr., Stafford, TX 77477 APN: 4966-01-008-0380-907 More thoroughly described as: As more particularly described in said Deed of Trust.

The sale will be held at the following location:

There will be no pro-ration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before the closing, his prorate share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale.

When making a bid, all bidders except the Secretary must submit a deposit totaling ten percent (10%) of the Secretary’s estimated bid amount, in the form of a cashier’s check made payable to the Foreclosure Commissioner Cimarron Trustee Services.

Each oral bid need not be accompanied by a deposit. If the successful bid is an oral, a deposit of $13,885.05 must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within 30 days of the sale or at such time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a cashier’s or certified check. If the Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyancing fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them.

toward the amount due.

If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder may be required to forfeit the cash deposit or, at the election of the Foreclosure Commissioner after consultation with the HUD Field Office representative, will be liable to HUD for any costs incurred as a result of such failure. The Commissioner may, at the direction of HUD Field Office Representative, offer the property to the second highest bidder to an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder.

There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as proved herein HUD does not guarantee that the property will be vacant.

The amount that must be paid by the Mortgagor, to stop the sale prior to the scheduled sale date is $138,700.48 as of 6/03/2013, PLUS all other amounts that are due under the mortgage agreement.

Plus advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner’s attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents. Plus a commission for the Foreclosure commissioner and all other costs incurred in the connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement.

Date: March 20, 2013

The Secretary may grant an extension of time with which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be fore 9-day increments for a fee of $600.00 paid in advance.

The extension fee shall be in the form of certified or cashier’s check made payable to the commissioner. If the high bidder closed the sale prior to the expiration period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied

FORECLOSURE COMMISSIONER: CIMARRON SERVICE CORP, of NEVADA 719 14TH STREET MODESTO, CA 95354 Telephone No. (209) 544-9658 Facsimile No. (209) 544-6119 _______________________________ CATHEY E. LATNER, Vice President

APRIL 10, 2013 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

SKEETERS’ CORNER The Sugar Land Skeeters last week announced the club’s 2013 promotional schedule, highlighted by the Saturday Night Farmers Fireworks Series.

Also included in the promotional schedule are multiple theme nights, exciting giveaways, jersey auctions for charity and concerts, sponsored by Bud Light.

Opening Weekend kicks off on Thursday, April 18 with a magnet schedule giveaway, Opening Night ceremonies include a special introduction of the 2013 Buzz Brigade and postgame fireworks.

On Friday, April 19, the first 2,000 fans will receive a baseball giveaway, courtesy of Wells Fargo, while the Texas Blues Brothers make their first-ever appearance at Constellation Field.

On Saturday, April 20, the Skeeters will join with Christ United Methodist Church of Sugar Land for the first Faith and Family Night of the season, featuring a pregame concert and worship.

Sunday, April 21 closes out Opening Weekend with Strike Out Autism Night, sponsored

by Rangeland Energy. Players will don unique, striped jerseys to be auctioned at the end of the game and benefit Hope for Three, a local non-profit organization geared toward raising community awareness for children with autism.

New Nights in 2013 Among many fan favorites from the inaugural season such as Pops in the Park, presented by Fort Bend Symphony (June 30), Sugar Land will host an array of new theme nights in 2013.

Cinco de Mayo celebrations will begin early at the ballpark with the second-annual Skeeters Car Show from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Authentic wooden baseball bats will be given as trophies to the winners of the car show categories, while the Corvette Owners Club of Houston will put on a pregame Corvette parade around the warning track at Constellation Field, just prior to the Skeeters 1:35 p.m. game against the Lancaster Barnstormers.

From Wednesday, July 17 - Saturday, July 20, the Skeeters will hold a College Night Series. The series includes college spirit nights for Baylor University (July 17), University of Texas (July 18), Texas A&M University (July 19), and University of Houston (July 20), with a postgame concert on Friday, July 19, immediately following the

Skeeters game vs. the Bridgeport Bluefish.

Several popular theme nights will also return to the 2013 promotional schedule, including Baseball In Education (April 30, May 1), designed to educate and entertain students in an out-ofclassroom environment.

Emergency Responders Night (May 18), presented by Behind the Badge, will bring family and friends together in salute of men and women who work as emergency responders.

Girl Scout Sleepover (May 31) and Boy Scout Sleepover (August 23) will also return and provide a unique, overnight camp stay inside the ballpark, while all scouts in attendance will receive special Skeeters badges and patches.

This year’s Ladies Night, (May 19), brings a very special guest to Constellation Field as Texas Baseball Hall of Famer and original member of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Marie “Red� Mahoney will throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Following the game, ladies are encouraged to participate in a diamond dig around the infield. One lucky lady will walk away with a diamond ring worth $8,000, courtesy of Elegant Jewelers.

Skeeters fans are getting healthy and fit this season with Health and Fitness Night, featuring the second-annual Skeeters Buzz Run on Sunday, August 11, presented by Fort Bend Fit and Memorial Hermann. The morning gets a jump start with a 5K run/walk at Constellation Field. That evening during the Skeeters’ 6:05 p.m. game against Long Island, fans can interact with numerous health and fitness vendors along the concourse promoting healthy living and lifestyle changes.

The club will hold 14 spectacular postgame fireworks shows in 2013. Fans also won’t want to miss out on the abundance of entertainment acts coming to Constellation Field this season, a few of which include: •Texas Blues Brothers (Friday, April 19) •Cowboy Monkey (Thursday, May 16) •Krazy George - Former Oilers Cheerleader, Inventor of “The Waveâ€? (July 12) Along with an impressive line of performing acts this year, the Skeeters will also have a ton of giveaways for fans of all ages, including: •Baseballs, (April 19)

•Youth Jerseys, (June 2) •Recyclable Water Bottles, (June 12) •Baseball Caps,(June 15) •Frisbees, (June 29) •Gary Gaetti Bobblehead, (Sept. 15) To continue the club’s community service efforts in 2013, the Skeeters will hold several jersey auctions benefitting local area charities. Following Opening Weekend’s jersey auction for Strike Out Autism (Rangeland Energy/Hope for Three), the Skeeters will host the following jersey auctions: •May 4 – Strike Out Cancer Night Black Jersey Auction (MD Anderson Cancer Center Regional Care Sugar Land) •August 9 – Houston Buff’s Jersey Auction •September 21 – Alzheimer’s Association Night Jersey Auction For a complete schedule of the Skeeters 2013 theme nights and weekly promos, visit www.sugarlandskeeters. com.

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 10, 2013

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital celebrates National Certified Nurses Day

FILM REVIEW: Evil Dead

Eric H. told me not to go to this movie. “….Dad you don’t like those kind of slasher movies and you’ll just walk out.” I showed him; I stayed for the entire torturous affair.

But before I get too high and mighty about my disdain for this movie, please note that it’s estimated that “Evil Dead” pulled in $26 million on its opening weekend. That’s a lot of folks that don’t mind seeing someone’s arm chopped off

with a chainsaw.

As I was walking out of the theatre, I tried to remember if the title of the film was “Evil Head” or “Evil Dead.” Was it scary? At times I jumped in my seat, and at others I yawned when a bloody-faced starlet was walking around with a nail firmly embedded in her forehead.

Speaking of young actors, I bet it was fun making this movie about five young adults

in a cabin in the woods with all levels of evil and gore. I’m not sure if this gig is good for their careers, but what the heck; it pays and it was a wellproduced, credible film for this genre of movie. Kudos to Director Fede Alvarez for seemingly keeping the action pointed in the right direction and also keeping up with whose body parts were removed and/ or restored and/or died.

I’ve been a little “under the weather” as they say, so I don’t want to waste too much energy on this debacle (apologies to my editors) but we need to at least talk about the touchy subject of gun control.

Lesson: when spending the weekend at a haunted house take a minimum of two shotguns, three pistols, and one AR-15 with about a thousand rounds because some of those zombies are hard to terminate.

Enjoy your week. Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 71. Larry H. sugarlaw@larryharrison.com

Sugar Land Rotary honors ‘Rookie’ teachers

Pictured at the Sugar Land Rotary teacher recognition are (from left to right): Ashley Forde, Jennifer Culberson, Margaret Bennett, Kristin McNeely, Lynsey Wallman, and Alonzo Ford.

Honoring Nurses at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital for National Certified Nurses Day. Methodist Sugar Land Hos“Certification is a formal come increasingly complex. A pital recently celebrated Na- recognition of knowledge Registered Nurse (RN) license tional Certified Nurses Day. and experience in a particular provides entry to general nursThe hospital honored over nursing specialty,” explains ing practice, and the knowl168 certified nurses for their Janet Leatherwood, Chief edge-intensive requirements knowledge, skills and experi- Nursing Officer at Methodist of modern nursing require exence demonstrated by achiev- Sugar Land Hospital. “Certifi- tensive education as well as a ing certification in a nursing cation represents a declaration strong personal commitment specialty to promote optimal of a particular individual’s to excellence by the nurse.

Methodist Sugar Land Hoshealth outcomes for patients. professional competence and March 19th has been de- a commitment to their pro- pital encourages national cerclared National Certified Nurs- fessional development and to tification for all of its nurses. es Day to create a special day the patients they serve. We There are many nursing cerof recognition and celebration applaud those nurses receiv- tification specialties such as for certified nurses around the ing their certification which medical-surgical, pediatric, world. First-declared by the not only fosters professional pain management, cardiovasAmerican Nurses Credential- growth, but also promotes ca- cular, oncology, hospice, case management, neonatal, labor ing Center and endorsed by the reer development.”

American Nurses Association, Certification of nurses plays and delivery, emergency, critimany other nursing certifica- an increasingly important role cal care and many others.

For more information visit tion organizations have signed in the assurance of high stanon to participate in acknowl- dards of care for patients and MethodistSugarLand.com or edging the importance of cer- their loved ones. Nursing, like for a physician referral, call tification to nursing excellence. health care in general, has be- 281-274-7500.

The Sugar Land Rotary honored Fort Bend ISD’s 2013 Rookie Teachers of the Year during a Teacher Appreciation Day recognition program held at a recent Rotary meeting. The Rotary has recognized exceptional first-year teachers through this recognition program for more than 17 years. Sugar Land Rotarians welcomed the teachers and their campus administrators to the event, expressing their gratitude to these young adults as they begin their education careers. Dr. Phillys Hill, FBISD Assistant Superintendent, introduced each honoree. The rookie teachers then shared why they became a teacher and what they have enjoyed most about their first year of teaching.

Honored were: Margaret Bennett, Austin Parkway Elementary; Jennifer Culberson, Highlands Elementary; Ashley Forde, Lakeview Elementary; Kristin McNeely, Baines Middle School; Alonzo Ford, Bowie Middle School; and Lynsey Wallman, McAuliffe Middle School. They each received a gift card from the Rotary in appreciation of their outstanding efforts as first-year teachers.

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