Fort Bend Independent

Phone: 281-980-6745

www.fbindependent.com ww .fbindependent.com

VOL 4 No 15

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2011

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County, Missouri City & Sugar Land

Ceremonial home plate installed at StarTex Power Field

The ceremonial installation of home plate at the future site of StarTex Power Field marked an historic milestone for professional baseball in Sugar Land.

Joining Sugar Land City Council at the event were the Sugar Land Skeeters, Opening Day Partners, the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, StarTex Power, Johnson Development and other spe-

cial guests, including baseball greats Bob Watson, Gary Gaetti and Deacon Jones.

Sugar Land’s $27.9 million minor league baseball stadium is expected to be ready for opening day in April 2012.

The stadium will be funded with a portion of sales tax revenues that may only be used for economic development purposes. No general fund tax dollars will be spent on the sta-

dium.

In addition to the stadium serving as a community amenity, a conservative costbenefit analysis performed by Conventions, Sports & Leisure International conservatively estimates the project will generate economic activity annually of approximately $7.7 million or a net return of $169 million over 30 years on the investment of the City and ODP.

Pictured installing home plate are Opening Day Partners Chairman Peter Kirk and Mayor James Thompon. They were joined by (L-R) Greg Wine, of Huitt-Zollars; Shay Shafie, Doug Goff and Larry Johnson, of Johnson Development Corp.; Deacon Jones and Chris Hill, of Opening Day Partners; Jeff Gerber, of PGAL; Matt O’Brien, of the Sugar Land Skeeters; Jon Da-

nos, of Opening Day Partners; Keith Schnetzer, of Tetra Tech; Frank Boulton, of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball; Tim Webster, of Barton Malow; Sugar Land Councilmembers Russell Jones, Michael Schiff, Jacqueline Baly Chaumette and Thomas Abraham (mayor pro tem); Chuck Greco, of Linbeck; Sugar Land Councilmembers Donald G. Olson and Donald L. Smith-

ers; Sugar Land City Manager Allen Bogard; Bill Bailey, of Linbeck; Sugar Land Director of Economic Development Regina Morales; Sugar Land Project Manager Mike Hobbs; Sugar Land Director of Community Development Jim Callaway; Marcie and Bob Zlotnik, of StarTex Power; and Sugar Land Assistant City Managers Karen Glynn, Steve Griffith and Karen Daly.

Court clears way for levee district to proceed

SURF’S UP SCHOOL’S OUT. The azaleas are in bloom, the wild flowers are out, the cold weather is gone. Time to hit the beach, because “Surf’s Up!” OakBend Medical Center is the title sponsor for the 2011 Surf’s Up School’s Out, with the Triumphs, benefitting the Lamar Educational Awards foundation (L.E.A.F.). The dinner, dance and auction will be May 6 at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds. Dinner is served from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with a live dessert auction following immediately. The dance starts at 8:30 p.m. with entertainment by Fort Bend County’s favorite party band, The Triumphs. Funds raised at Surf’s Up go to underwrite grants for Lamar CISD teachers. More than $193,000 was awarded by the L.E.A.F. “Grant Express” in 2010.

Since 2000, L.E.A.F has awarded more than $1.25 million dollars in grants for innovative classroom projects. Individual tickets are $25, which includes a chicken-fried steak dinner catered by Vincek’s. Tables for groups of 10 can be reserved for $250. For ticket information or to reserve tables for Surf’s Up, contact Janice Knight at 832-223-0334. OakBend Medical Center’s Chief Executive Officer Joe Freudenberg and Sue McCarty, right, front row: Jody Jones Noirot, and Susan Carruth and Dr. Douglas Thibodeaux, rear.

By SESHADRI KUMAR Fort Bend County District Judge Brady Elliott on Friday denied a motion of injunction filed on behalf of owners of seven properties in Oyster Point, Sugar Land, against Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No.2 and its chairman Andre McDonald.

The property owners have placed fences over the flood control easement belonging to the LID and the district could not access the area on the banks of Oyster Creek to maintain the levee.

After the LID threatened to remove the encroachments, including fences and landscaping, the Oyster Point plaintiffs obtained a temporary restraining order against the LID last month and a hearing on the motion for injunction was heard on April 8.

Since 1990, the Oyster Point plaintiffs claimed ownership of the disputed property and they claimed ownership of the

disputed easement because of what is known as “adverse possession” for over 10 years.

In June 1979, Sugarland Properties conveyed an easement to the levee district and the LID has constructed and maintained the levee since then.

The plaintiffs said the LID did not use all the easement and use only a part of the easement.

The plaintiffs have openly fenced the property, and developed it including planting mature trees. Since the adverse possession continued for more than 10 years and since the plaintiffs have used and enjoyed the properties, the full title now belonged to them, the plaintiffs said.

The LID had attempted to remove the fences and landscapes since last year, and gave an ultimatum to the Oyster Point residents that by April 4, the fences should be removed.

To prevent the LID from re-

moving the fences, the Oyster Point plaintiffs filed the lawsuit.

After hearing the arguments from both sides, Judge Elliott denied the Oyster Point plaintiff’s motion for an injunction against the LID. McDonald said the LID had planned to improve the levee before the hurricane season and had begun the process. Because of the litigation, the contract had to be cancelled and the bid process has to begin again. Because of the delay, the levee maintenance work will continue through the middle of the hurricane season, which is not an ideal situation. Also, the taxpayers had to pay huge costs for the litigation and the delay, McDonald said.

No comment has been received at press time from plaintiffs’ attorneys Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP of Dallas. Joyce, McFarland & McFarland of Houston and Russell Jones represented FBCLID No.2.

Ninth graders stun school with new Apple ‘App’

Students and staff at Travis High School are beaming with pride with the launch of their school’s new Apple App, iTigers. THS students Nathan Constance, William O’Rosky, and Cordero Silva created the free App specifically for Travis to allow users access to homework assignments, campus news, sports information, fine arts, faculty, and clubs and organizations from either an Apple iPhone or iTouch.

The three ninth graders who saw the need for such a tool took the initiative to make it happen. Constance, O’Rosky iTigers App creators (from left) Nathan Constance, Cordero and Silva are all self-taught registered Apple App developers, Silva and William O’Rosky.

having studied and purchased the needed Xcode software to design their school’s App. “We actually thought of creating an App last year in middle school,” said Constance. “but we were leaning more toward a game App.” It wasn’t until the three entered high school and began downloading homework assignments from their personal computers that they decided to create iTigers.

In October 2010, the trio approached their school’s Instructional Technology Specialist, Jackie McMahon, with the idea.

She immediately offered her support, knowing that an App

would be a great benefit to students. McMahon contacted her supervisor, Tanya Heard, who gave the “green light” to have the students proceed with creat-

ing iTigers. Constance, O’Rosky and Silva are still working on fine tuning the iTigers App and are receiving continued support from administrators and staff.

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

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

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

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

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 13, 2011

benefitting

ENTER TO WIN A DAY IN DESIGN INSPIRATION at the Houston Design Center. go to siennaplantation.com for more information and to buy tickets on line.

20 American Society of Interior Designers have come together to create a one-of-a-kind show home in Sienna Plantation.

Fully furnished and loaded with new ideas, design and state-of-the-art appliances and technology features.

Tickets are $15 at the door or www.siennaplantation.com Open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10 am to 4pm and Sunday from noon to 4pm.

Private group tours and mini seminars featuring the ASID designer team are available. Check the website for details.

When you are in Sienna to see the ASID show home—stay and tour 11 more beautifully furnished model homes. Maps will be available.

Downtown

Greenway Galleria

Med Center

siennaplantation.com

Fort Bend Parkway

from the $170s-Millions

facebook.com/siennaplantation Sienna Parkway at Hwy. 6 . 281-778-7777

Ashton Woods . Coventry . Custom Classics . Darling Homes . DR Horton . Fairmont Custom Homes . Fedrick, Harris Estate Homes . Highland . Huntington Homes . J Kyle Estate Homes Meritage . Newmark . Partners in Building . Perry . Plantation . Pulte . Regan Custom Homes . Ryland . Sterling Classic Custom Homes . Trendmaker . Triumph . Westport

PERRYHOMES

A TџѢѠѡђё TђѥюѠ BѢіљёђџ ѓќџ Oѣђџ 43 YђюџѠ

BѢіљёіћє QѢюљіѡѦ HќњђѠ ѓџќњ ѡѕђ $140s Ѣѝ ѡќ ѡѕђ $850s VіѠіѡ OѢџ Fќџѡ Bђћё CќњњѢћіѡіђѠ!

10

1 Cross Creek Ranch

6

1463

W

1

2,200 - 2,900 sq. ft.

2,900 - 3,300 sq. ft.

2,900 - 3,700 sq. ft.

T PAR ES K

1093

610

2

90 59

59

3

723

1,600 - 3,100 sq. ft.

6 5

1,900 - 4,000 sq. ft.

2,600 - 4,400 sq. ft.

RT BEND FO

10

7 6

521

4

Plans, prices and availability are subject to change without notice. (11/10)

8

9

(832) 222-2120

288

2,100 - 3,300 sq. ft.

6 Telfair

(281) 277-1800 (281) 265-4555

3,400 - 7,000 sq. ft.

1,900 - 3,500 sq. ft.

10 (281) 778-0050

(281) 778-7800

9 Creekmont

(832) 222-2804

7 Riverstone 2,200 - 2,900 sq. ft.

2,600 - 4,100 sq. ft.

8 Sienna Plantation

(281) 633-9366

5 River Park West 3,800 - 5,400 sq. ft.

3 Old Orchard

90

4 The Oaks of Rosenberg 2,200 - 3,300 sq. ft.

2 Westheimer Lakes

1464

99

(281) 633-2555 (281) 238-0919 (281) 238-0919

(281) 431-8600

Shadow Creek Ranch 1,600 - 2,900 sq. ft.

1,900 - 3,300 sq. ft.

2,500 - 3,300 sq. ft.

(281) 778-2100 (281) 778-3840

Oѣђџ 20 CќњњѢћіѡіђѠ іћ ѡѕђ HќѢѠѡќћ Aџђю!

VіѠіѡ ќѢџ WђяѠіѡђ Fќџ ю Cќњѝљђѡђ LіѠѡіћє!

PERRYHOMES .com

(713) 436-8751 (713) 436-9370 (713) 436-8751

APRIL 13, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

News

PUBLIC NOTICE

Key Zoning Ordinances Missouri City set for review on April 13 upgrades On Wednesday, April 13 at 7 p.m. in the Council Cham- trash services bers, the Missouri City Planning and Zoning Commission is set to review and receive public input on three key zoning ordinances: *Outside placement of materials, merchandise, equipment; Outside sales and services for commercial businesses *Architectural Standards *Public Utilities Residents and business owners are encouraged to attend the meeting and share feedback. The nine-member Commission is analyzing the laws to help ensure the City continues to maintain its high-quality standards for community regulations and development. Staff is also contacting local businesses for comment and has advertised a public notice on the issues and upcoming meeting in local newspapers.

“The visual appearance of our community is a priority with City officials and residents,” said Director of Development Services Gary Smith. “We regularly examine our development requirements to assure they produce the aesthetics our citizens and businesses expect.”

Missouri City is respected state- and nationwide for its adherence to superior codes by utilizing strict ordinances and regulations. For its commitment to premium development requirements for public spaces such as roadways, parks and open expanses, the City earned a bronze designation from the Scenic City Certification Program. Scenic City, a project started in 2010 to combine a comprehensive set of model standards into one program, awarded inaugural certificates to 14 cities, including the “Show Me City”.

Following the public hearing by the Planning and Zoning Commission, a final report will be submitted to City Council for approval and adoption. The Council meetings will also include public hearings for individuals who want to comment on the issues.

For updates, watch the City’s website, www.missouricitytx. gov, and Missouri City Television (Channel 16 on Comcast and Channel 99 on AT&T U-verse.)

Baitland to carry on the bond issue

By BARBARA FULENWIDER One of Stafford Municipal School District’s most successful superintendents, H.D. Chambers, has gone on down the road to head the Alief Independent School District. He has left SMSD in the hands of Interim Superintendent Betty Baitland, former Fort Bend ISD superintendent.

Baitland started with SMSD the week of March 31 and her first full week on the job began April 4.

Baitland, who recently completely retired, said she was enjoying it and “is absolutely not” going to apply for the job of SMSD superintendent.

But that doesn’t mean she hasn’t “really enjoyed this stint with SMSD. It’s been extremely positive to learn about Stafford and the things they are doing educationally and meet the people who are part of the staff here. Clearly Stafford faces the same challenges every school district does now with the state’s financial picture.

“I do have the bond referendum and board election in May, however H.D. Chambers has been addressing the financial issues for some years here in Stafford, so the district appears to be prepared to tackle the problems and committed to meeting the needs of its students,” Baitland said.

Even though Chambers is now working for Alief ISD, he will return to Stafford to present the school district’s proposed $49.9 million bond issue to voters at two town hall meetings.

Both meetings will be at Stafford Centre at 7 p.m. One is Monday, April 18, and the other Thursday, April 28. Early voting starts May 2 and ends May 10.

If Chambers is not able to make the presentations, Baitland will. She will stay on the job through the bond and board election on May 14, graduation on June 2 and until the newly hired superintendent has arrived.

The superintendent search began in March.

The deadline for applications is Friday, April 15, with the first round of interviews to begin April 20.

The board’s decision is to be announced May 2 along with the newly hired superintendent’s start date.

LEGAL NOTICE Vicksburg Estates, Ltd. is now issuing an Invitation for Bids for the following: IFB #194-11 CONSTRUCTION OF STORM SEWERS, SANITARY SEWERS, WATER LINES, FORCEMAIN AND LIFT STATION NO. 3 TO SERVE LAKE SHORE HARBOUR SECTION FOUR. Scope: Vicksburg Estates, Ltd., in accordance with the requirements of City of Missouri City Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #2, will contract to construct the following: 1.

Approximately 3,500 LF of water lines (size varies).

2.

Approximately 2,800 LF of 24-inch R.C.P storm sewer 3.

Approximately 5,900 LF of gravity sanitary sewer.

4.

Sanitary Sewer Lift Station No. 3 with a 6-foot dia. wet well and associated piping, pumps, and electrical system.

5.

Approximately 200 LF of 4-inch force main.

The Project will be constructed per the design plans provided with the bid package at the pre-bid. The successful contractor shall provide labor, materials, equipment and transportation necessary to perform under this contract per specifications.

There will be a non-mandatory pre-bid conference at 10:00 A.M. local time on Thursday April 21, 2011 in the office of R. G. Miller Engineers, Inc. at 12121 Wickchester Lane, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77079.

Bid responses will be accepted until 2:00 P.M. local time on Monday May 2, 2011 and then opened.

Bid packages are available at the pre-bid from the office of R. G. Miller Engineers, Inc., at 12121 Wickchester Lane, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77079. Plans, specifications, and bid documents may be purchased for $50.00 non-refundable (cash or cashier’s check only). Make the checks payable to R. G. Miller Engineers, Inc. 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.

Bids are opened in public in the City Hall Council Chambers.

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Missouri City councilmen at April 4 meeting added two more services when they approved an upgrade to the city’s municipal trash contract with Republic Services.

Customers can choose the Level 5 and get solid waste collection and bulky waste collection two days a month rather than just one. Residents can put up to four items out for bulk waste pickup. Recyclable material will be collected once a week in a container not to exceed 18 gallons.

The second option available is Level 6. It’s the automated solid waste service two days a week when residents can put out a 96-gallon poly cart. Also at that level residents will get two bulky waste collection days a month and may put up to four items out for pick up.

To implement a $1 fee for the new services, councilmen also approved an amendment to the schedule of rates and fees to reflect the increase per month per customer for those with automated service. They also approved a $$9 quarterly administrative fee charge and a $125 late fee for failure to pay the quarterly collection and administration fee. The deadline for homeowner associations and municipal utility districts currently with automated service to choose the expanded service is Aug. 31.

In other council business they gave final approval to a request from the Mara-Natha Full Gospel Church of Dallas for a specific use permit to occupy a building located north of the Asian American Baptist Church of Houston, south of Quail Valley Town Center, east of Cornerstone Baptist Church of Missouri City and west of the Missouri City Tennis and Recreation Center as 2714A and 2716 Cypress Point Drive.

Also on second and final reading, councilmen approved locating a 140-foot high TMobile cell tower for Global Geophysical Services southeast of the intersection of South Gessner and Pike Road and north of Industrial Drive.

Fort Bend County WC&ID No. 2 Board of Directors will hold a public meeting April 20th at 5:30 p.m. at the District office, 2331 South Main, Stafford, Texas, 77477, on the upcoming $31.9 million bond election. The meeting will be recorded and will be televised beginning the following day on S.M.E. TV – 16 and M.C. TV – 16.

La Junta Directiva de WC&ID No. 2 llevará a cabo una asamblea pública el día 20 de abril a las 5:30 p.m. en la oficina del Distrito, ubicada en 2331 South Main, Stafford, Texas, 77477, sobre la elección de bonos de $31.9 millones. La asamblea será grabada y será transmitida por televisión el día siguiente en S.M.E. TV – 16 y en M.C. TV – 16.

Ban Giaùm Ñoác Cô Quan Fort Bend County WC&ID No. 2 seõ toå chöùc moät cuoäc hoïp coâng khai vaøo luùc 5 giôø 30 chieàu ngaøy 20 thaùng Tö, taïi vaên phoøng Cô Quan, 2331 South Main, Stafford, Texas, 77477, ñeå baøn veà cuoäc baàu cöû traùi phieáu trò giaù $31.9 trieäu saép tôùi. Buoåi hoïp seõ ñöôïc ghi hình vaø phaùt soùng truyeàn hình baét ñaàu töø ngaøy hoâm sau treân ñaøi S.M.E. TV – 16 vaø M.C. TV – 16.

Quail Valley Fund gets 2011 board of trustees The Quail Valley Fund held its annual meeting and election on Monday, March 14, 2011.

Previous to the annual election, membership had voted to increase the size of the Board from 5 positions to 7 positions.

Two existing positions were up for election as well as the electing of the two new positions.

Charlie Butera, Fred Grates and George Everitt were not up for re-election. Toni Mamula was re-elected along with the following new trustees: Janet Calvin, Donna Haselow and Andrew Kayes.

The Board met on April 5, 2011 to certify the election and elected officers: Charles Butera, President, Fred Grates, Vice President, George Everitt, Treasurer and Janet Calvin, Secretary.

Quail Valley Fund represents the 3,047 homes in and around the Quail Valley Golf Courses. For additional information, visit www.quailvalley. com or call 281-499-8371.

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

Notice of Public Hearing & Public Comment Period for Community Development Block Grant Funding On Wednesday, April 27, 2011 the City of Missouri City will release a draft of its PY 2011 Annual Action Plan for the HUD Community Development Block Grant Program. Residents will have 30 days to review and submit comments before the Annual Action Plan is sent to HUD for approval. In addition, the City will hold a public hearing to explain the Community Development Block Grant Program and give all Missouri City residents an opportunity to voice opinions on the City’s Annual Action Plan. The Action Plan outlines how we plan to spend our PY 2011 funds. We would like to hear your comments on the Action Plan and the CDBG program.

All attendees are invited to speak on the subject of CDBG at the public hearing on: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 6:00 PM City Council Chambers 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, Texas Residents may also send comments on or before May 13, 2011 to the City of Missouri City’s Development Services Department at 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX 77489 (Attention: Nancy Desobry). Residents may fax their comments to the City at (281) 208-5551.

CDBG Program Background The national objective of the CDBG program is to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities principally for low and moderate-income persons. At least 71% of CDBG funds must be used for activities that benefit low and moderate-income persons. CDBG goals include: 1.

Improving the urban environment in low and moderate income areas; 2.

Eliminating blighting influences and the deterioration of property, neighborhoods and public facilities in low and moderate-income areas; and 3.

Ensuring decent, safe, sanitary housing for low and moderate-income residents.

Eligible activities include but are not limited to: public facility construction and improvements; handicapped accessibility; operational funding for nonprofit agencies servicing primarily low income persons; rehabilitation of owneroccupied housing; housing development assistance, enforcement of City codes; clearance and demolition; infrastructure improvements; business development and job creation activities.

Fair Housing Issues The Public Hearing will also be a forum to discuss fair housing and related issues.

Residents with suggestions and/or concerns will be provided opportunity to voice those issues during the Fair Housing portion of the public hearing.

Note:

In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, this facility is wheelchair accessible and accessible parking spaces are available. Re quests for special accommodations or interpretive services must be made at least 48 hours prior to this meeting. Please contact the Plan ning Department at 281-403-8541 or by FAX 281-208-5551.

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

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 13, 2011

Opinion Lowering blood pressure without medication — II

The View from Sugar Land Breaking ground for baseball

By RUSSELL C. JONES Last week 150 baseball fans gathered about 500 yards behind the Nalco plant on U.S. 90-A to break ground on Sugar Land’s new minor league baseball park. The ceremony took place on the exact location of the stadium’s future infield.

At the event were members of the Sugar Land City Council, representatives of the Sugar Land Skeeters and the team’s owner, Opening Day Partners, the president of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, and executives of Johnson Development, which provided the land for the stadium.

Bob and Marcie Zlotnik, owners of StarTex Power Co., were also on hand to celebrate the naming of the stadium as StarTex Power Field. Special guests included former Astros Bob Watson and Gary Gaetti, as well as former Astros coach Deacon Jones.

The stadium is expected to be ready for opening day in April 2012. It will be funded with sales tax revenues dedicated to economic development purposes. No property tax dollars will be spent on the stadium.

Mayor Thompson and ODP Chairman Peter Kirk shared the honors of placing home plate in its new location.

GCWA representation passes first hurdle This column has previously reported on legislation endorsed by the City of Sugar Land which would provide for representation on the board of directors of the Gulf Coast Water Authority for Fort Bend and Brazoria counties. In its first major hurdle, the legislation sponsored by Sen. Huffman passed the Senate on a 31-0 vote.

The GCWA owns surface

Jones water rights and operates canals, including a portion of Oyster Creek, which flow through Sugar Land and is leased by the city to the GCWA. The canals provide surface water in Galveston, Fort Bend and Brazoria counties. The management and control of the authority is vested in its Board of seven directors, who are appointed entirely by the commissioners court of Galveston County.

Over 40% of the authority’s total water volume is under contract and available to be sold to private and governmental entities located in Brazoria and Fort Bend. The new legislation would allow the commissioners court’s of Fort Bend and Brazoria counties to appoint one member each to the GCWA Board.

Despite written assurances made to Fort Bend and Brazoria counties back in the mid1990s, the GCWA Board now opposes the legislation, and has hired a lobbyist to defeat it. Additionally, the Galveston County commissioners court has passed a resolution opposing the legislation.

Shutdown averted For all of the whooping and hollering that we heard from

the media over the past several weeks, you would have thought that the final compromise over the current year’s federal government budget would have been the biggest decision made in the history of mankind. In reality, the Republicans were only able to come up with an agreement for a $38.5 billion cut in expenditures for the remaining portion of the current fiscal year.

To put that into context, one only need remember that the government’s expenditure deficit in the month of February 2011 alone exceeded $222.5 billion. The Democrats fought, whined, and insisted that the sky was falling as Republicans attempted to shave off a mere 17% of one month’s deficit. Note that is not 17% of one month’s expenditures, but only 17% of the excess of one month’s expenditures over one month’s revenues. We are talking about a minuscule amount of reduction in federal expenditures.

One supposes that the Republicans should be congratulated for doing as much as they did, but it is a little difficult to get excited in the overall context of Federal expenditures. It might have been possible to do even better if Republicans had not insisted on implementing their social program as a part of these minor reductions.

On the positive side, in the past week, the debate turned to how much to cut, not how much to spend. That is a refreshing concept for Washington to consider.

Jones is a member of the Sugar Land City Council, having been first elected in 2003.

He owns a law firm and a title insurance company in Sugar Land.

Musings: Inspiration

By JANICE SCANLAN Some days it’s a little harder to get started than others. Even though the garden project I was dreading turned out not to be nearly as bad as I anticipated, I needed some inspiration to get started. As an excuse I needed to stop by gardens on the April 30, Quail Valley Backyard Tour anyway . . . so I visited gardens.

They all are beautiful, but keep maintenance reasonable—and more puttering than back breaking.

Inspiration I got—these are gardens that every time I stop

by I see something new . . . and many what’s that? One garden is brimming with blooming vines, flowers, and vegetables. It’s a new picture every time you visit whether the newly blooming plants are wildflowers or exotics.

Another garden features roses. It inspires the senses on all fronts—fragrance, color and texture. With 8 varieties of climbing roses on a lattice trellis entering the garden, the perfume was wonderful . . .and the color. This home features easy-care roses and is a mixture of formal and informal design elements.

When I want to learn new plants, I visit the garden that has been simplified from a hard-tomaintain English Cottage garden to one that mixes plants you’d never think would go together.

For example, a huge Century plants combined with roses, perennials and a new Asiatic Jasmine called Salsa—it has yellow,

Scanlan and red variegated with deep green. What a beauty.

With gardens that feature kids and adults play areas, another that is made for a party—even if it rains, and another “old fashioned” garden that you just want to go barefoot in the lush lawn to see all the spots of color . . . how could one fail to be inspired?

There is no lack of inspiration this spring. The Sugar Land Garden Club Tour is May 7—the day before Mother’s Day and an event you’ll want to take your mom.

Sugar Land Gardens, Then and Now, is centered in the historic areas of “old Sugar Land” near the old Imperial Sugar Mill.

It features “the flats and hill” of Sugar Land, which are a whopping 6 feet different in elevation.

One home and garden was built in 1918-19 and features some of the original bulbs that one of the executives and a founding member of Sugar Land Garden Club

Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

www.fbindependent.com Email: Editor@fbindependent.com

planted in the garden.

You’ll learn about and see gardens in “the flats” or the Teacherage for the sugar mill as well as one garden that has a view of the sugar mill and is set in a grove of 50 year old pecan trees. It’s newly constructed in 2006, but retains a southern colonial style.

Of course, water is a big part of Sugar Land and Venetian Estates was a pioneer in using Oyster Creek, lakes and gardens that enhance the beauty of the water . . . or one that brings its own in a 5000 gallon Koi pond with a magnificent waterfall.

Talk about then and now, the mixture of homes from the turn of the century, updated colonials to the popular 1950 ranch and 1960 contemporary all demonstrate how a garden enhances and makes a home no matter the design. You’ll get all kinds of inspiration!

Both tours sell tickets at each garden location and are held rain or shine. Both are contained in a smaller geographic area to make attendance more leisure. For the April 30 Quail Valley Tour call 281 261-2320 or visit the website, http://traction.typepad.com/ QVTour for pictures, descriptions and a map to the gardens.

For the May 7 Sugar Land Garden Tour call 281 494-1946 or visit www.sugarlandgardenclub. org for a print out of garden locations.

Or write janicescanlan@earthlink.net for more information.

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

(John 3:16) freebibleliterature @comcast.com

By BRENT W. GALLOWAY, M.D. Two weeks ago I wrote about how cardiovascular exercise can lower the blood pressure, “naturally,” without medications.

I am touching on this topic again today because there are many people who would prefer to explore other options that do not come in the form of another pill.

It is well known in the medical field that when weight increases, so does blood pressure. Did you know that losing just ten pounds can help to bring it down?

Maybe you are already on a pill, or are taking more than one pill to help manage your blood pressure.

Do you want to avoid starting more medications because your blood pressure is higher than it should be?

Sometimes losing weight can make the pills you are taking more effective. I have seen people lose weight and come off of their blood pressure medicines.

As I said last time, it is always more enjoyable to see people stop medicines because they don’t need them anymore than to start a new one.

High blood pressure is also known by a more sinister name, “the silent killer,” and it should be taken very seriously.

There are definitely times when I do have to start people on medicines.

The reason I do this is to protect the inside part of their body that they cannot see or feel. Then, later on, if lifestyle changes are made, sometimes the dose of the medicine can be lowered or the pill eliminated entirely.

There is another important thing to mention, and, to tell you the truth, it is just

Galloway about as unpopular as talking about weight loss!

I am talking about watching your waist-line. Have

you heard of a ‘dunlop?’

This is not a medical term per se, it is more a Texan term. It is what you call it when you belly done lopped over your belt.

Men should keep it below forty inches and women should keep it less than 35 inches. In fact, the waist line should be smaller in the Asian population: about 36 for men and 32 for women.

This is yet another way to avoid medication.

Feel free to make an appointment to discuss your blood pressure control.

Just call Family Practice of Fort Bend in Sugar Land at 281-265-3456 and ask to see Dr. Galloway.

The 60th Annual National Day of Prayer May 5, 2011 “A Mighty Fortress is our God”

Sugar Land Town Square 12:00 noon Missouri City - City Hall 10:00 am Meadows Place City Hall 10:00 am Sienna Brushy Lake Pavillion 10:00 am Simonton City Hall 12:00 noon Arcola City Hall 3:00 pm Fulsher City Hall 7:00 pm Stafford City Hall 7:00 pm Katy Merrell Center 7:00 pm Fort Bend County Courthouse 7:00 pm Richmond-Rosenberg

Contact Mary Cook 832-651-7771 maryhuntcook@comcast.net http://www.ndptf.org

The 60th Annual National Day of Prayer May 5, 2011 “A Mighty Fortress is our God”

April 7, 2011

Sugar Land Town Square 12:00 noon Missouri City - City Hall 10:00 am Dear Residents and Concerned Citizens: Meadows Place City Hall 10:00 am In an April 5, 2011 posting on a public blog entitled “Developers Courting City10 Council and Sienna Brushy Lake Pavillion :00 am Planning Department”, Sugar Land City Council candidate for District 1, Diana Miller, has Simonton CitytoHall 12:00 noon made statements surrounding recent events related the Imperial Redevelopment project in Sugar Land. Without any attempt to verify the facts with Johnson Development, Ms. Miller Arcola City 3:00 pmpark incorrectly stated that Johnson Development “heldHall an invitation only VIP event at the ball for City Council members”. In actuality, it was the City of Sugar Land’s official groundbreaking Fulsher City Hall 7:00 pm ceremony for their new Star Tex Power Field (see attached copy of the official invitation) where not only city officials and staff were present but manyHall long time Sugar Land residents Stafford City 7:00and pmother interested parties. Representatives from Johnson Development were present as invited guests Katy Merrell Center :00 pm to the event which was held on land owned by the City of Sugar Land within the 7 Imperial project.

Fort Bend County Courthouse 7:00 pm

Additionally, Ms Miller states in her April 5, 2011 posting that “On Monday, Johnson hosted the Richmond-Rosenberg City of Sugar Land Planning Department on a trip to see high density, high end apartments.”

While we did invite city staff members and Planning & Zoning commissioners to tour two multiContact Mary Cook 832-651-7771 maryhuntcook@comcast.net family properties developed by Sueba USA, we feel that http://www.ndptf.org Ms Miller is negatively implying that Johnson was “courting” city officials. To our knowledge, it has been a standard practice for city staff, P&Z Commissioners, City Council members, the Mayor and City Manager to participate in tours of comparable properties being proposed for development within the city. We believe participating with city officials in open discussions regarding our plans for the future provides us with the direction needed to develop the Imperial community in a manner that is compatible with the vision our leaders have for the City of Sugar Land.

Please visit our website at www.imperialsugarland.com for more details and information about the entire Imperial development plans or contact me at shay@imperialsugarland.com if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Shay Shafie General Manager Imperial

198 Kempner Street, Sugar Land, Texas 77478 y 281-494-0200p 281-494-0240f y www.imperialsugarland.com

APRIL 13, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

News FBJSL presents donation to Memorial Clements High School Junior earns Perfect SAT score Hermann Sugar Land Hospital

Jennifer Mendenhall, left, (FBJSL Volunteer), Marcie Payne (FBJSL Director of Development), and Ann Kingrey (MHSL) FBJSL is an organization The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) re- of women committed to procently presented Memorial moting volunteerism to develHermann Sugar Land Hospi- oping the potential of women tal with newborn and infant and to improving the Fort The Sugar Land Demobeanie hats received by the Bend Community through the crats Club will hold a forum League as a gift from Shan- effective action and leaderon Education on Saturday, non and Scott Nichols. Me- ship of trained volunteers. Its April 16 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 morial Hermann Sugar Land, purpose is exclusively educap.m. at Sugar Land Branch Lia full-service acute-care hos- tional and charitable as well brary located at 550 Eldridge / pital, was added as a new core as providing an atmosphere Sugar Land, Texas.

All FBISD placement for FBJSL’s 2010- of friendliness, goodwill and 2011 year. FBJSL members camaraderie for all members. School Board candidates are For additional information invited and will be given a few give their time volunteering in various areas at the hospi- about FBJSL and our upcom- minutes to introduce themtal including assisting at the ing membership information selves and answer questions front lobby information desk meetings, please contact the from the audience and paneland waiting rooms, working Director of Provisionals at ists. For more information in the gift shop, and helping provisionaldirector@fbjsl. contact Co-Chair Deron Patin Patient and Family Ser- com, call 281-636-6272, or terson, 281 841 0829 or antonioargote1780@gmail.com visit www.fbjsl.com. vices.

FBISD candidates forum

Kristen Pownell, a junior at Clements High School, received a perfect score of 2400 on the SAT test. A well-rounded student, Kristen is a member of the National Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society, and her school’s Red Cross Club. She also plays the oboe for the Clements Concert Band and was selected as an All-State Alternate for the past two years. Oustide of school, she is an active Girl Scout, currently working on her Gold Award, and is active in her church’s youth group. After high school, she wants to attend college and major in chemical engineering.

Region’s premier Epicurean Escape: The Grand Wine & Food Affair 2011 Are you ready for some festivity, fun and frivolity?

This is an event that brings together internationally acclaimed wineries and chefs with Texas’s regional superstars to create an unbelievable series of dining, wine tastings, an exciting bartending contest, an elegant grand tasting, a decadent outdoor Sienna Sip and Stroll, and an around the world Bistro Brunch.

Join on Wednesday, April 27 – Sunday, May 1, 2011 to enjoy five unforgettable days of celebration.

The Grand Wine & Food Affair is so joyously over the top, you will swear you never had so much fun!

Wednesday, April 27 Dining in the Heart of Sugar Land 16730 Creek Bend Drive – Sugar Land 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Reserved table for eight $1,200; Individual tickets $150 Dine alfresco in the heart of Sugar Land overlooking the horseshoe shaped Brooks Lake. Gourmet fare prepared by a collaboration of award winning chefs, overseen by the famed culinary genius of Joe Abuso, will be paired with the finest wines. Cigars and post dinner cocktails will complete this memorable experience.

Thursday, April 28 On the Rocks Bartenders Contest presented by Top Shelf M-Lounge - 16305 Kensington Drive - Sugar Land 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. $35 Top Shelf presents On the Rocks Bartenders Contest featuring Double Gold Award winning AGV 400 Reposado Tequila.

Rock star bartenders will compete for the top prize.

Guests will enjoy samplings of the winning recipes, cocktail fare, and great fun!

The winning recipe will be named the Official Cocktail of the Grand Food and Wine Affair. David Alan, AKA the

Tipsy Texan, will serve as the host.

Friday, April 29 Cabernets of Napa Valley with Guy Stout, MS Sugar Land Marriott Town Square - Cane Room - 16090 City Walk – Sugar Land 5:15 p.m. – 6:35 p.m. $45 Guy Stout, Master Sommelier, presents a tasting of some of the greatest Cabernets of Napa Valley as a part of the Fred Parks Wine Series. The tasting will include wines from the different Mountain vineyards of Howell Mountain, Mt. Veeder, Spring Mountain, Atlas Peak, as well as the appellations of Oakville, Rutherford and Calistoga.

The Grand Tasting Sugar Land Marriott Town Square – 16090 City Walk – Sugar Land 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. - $125 The hottest ticket in town is set for the elegant ballroom of the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. It will host some of the most sought out wines in the world to be paired with the talents and creations of some of the country’s most highly recommended culinary superstars.

Top chefs include Philippe Schmit of the newly opened Philippe Restaurant + Lounge, Randy Evans of Haven, Trevor White of The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Josh Watkins of The Carillon in Austin, and Jason Dady of The Lodge Restaurant in San Antonio.

Chefs Shanna and Brian O’Hea of Academe Maine Brasserie and Tavern at the Kennebunk Inn will return this year after their recent showcase on Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate.” The Grand Auction will include large format wine bottles, dining experiences and other wine related goodies and benefits The Grand Wine & Food Affair Scholarship Endowment for students attending the Conrad N. Hilton College of Restaurant and Hotel Management at the University of Houston.

Saturday, April 30 Sienna Sip & Stroll Sienna Springs Resort – 7102 Sienna Ranch Road – Missouri City 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. - $60 Stroll through the “street festival” atmosphere as you enjoy culinary delights and over 100 featured wines. The event will be filled with cooking demonstrations by award winning chefs like Efisio Farris of Arcodoro, fine artisans, and scrumptious samplings from restaurants like Ouisie’s Table, Branch Water Tavern, Fish City Grill and Mint Spice. Bernie’s Burger Bus will also make an appearance with samplings of their gourmet burgers and homemade fries. Live island sounds by the Tropical Steel Tones Band and Salsa Cubana Orchestra add to this tropical party.

Don’t miss the Havana style bar where you can enjoy Zacapa rum and fine cigars.

Sunday, May 1 Bistro Brunch at Town Square Sugar Land Town Square 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.- $50 An around the world bistro brunch that will feature specialty dishes, international ales and wines from major wine regions of the world such as Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, South Africa, California, and many more! The eclectic mix of Flamenco, Middle Eastern, Spanish, and Western sounds of Moodafaruka will complete this experience.

Plan your weekend and enjoy a stay at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square or the Hyatt Place.

The three day VIP Grand Pass includes The Grand Tasting, Friday, April 29th; the Sienna Sip & Stroll, Saturday, April 30th; and the around the world Bistro Brunch on Sunday, May 1st.

For more information about The Grand Wine & Food Affair visit www.TheGrandWineAndFoodAffair.com or phone 713-SIP-WINE.

Rahul Nagvekar, a seventh-grade Quail Valley GT Academy student, won second place in the Texas State Geography Bee. The state competition is open to students in grades 4-8. To reach the state competition, students must win their individual school bees. Then they are eligible to take a written test. The top 100 scorers on the written test become state contestants.

Rahul has finished higher each year he has competed at the bee. In 2008, he was the first fourth-grader to make the state bee. He was also one of three finalists in last year’s bee. This year, Rahul and the other two finalists aced a long tie-breaker round that forced state coordinator Marci Smith Deal to track down questions from previous championship competitions, a first in the history of the bee.

The 2011 National Geographic Bee finals will be aired live on the National Geographic Channel on May 24-25 and later on public television.

Rahul is pictured with Marci Smith Deal, Texas State Coordinator of the National Geographic Bee following the competition.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on February 25th, 2011 by the District Court of Dallas County, Texas in Cause #DC-1002947- J in favor of the plaintiff - Southern Star Concrete, Inc., plaintiff, for the sum of $ 20,713.00++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on March 7TH 2011 and will offer for sale on the 3rd day of May 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - New Life Baptist Church had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: Legal Description: BEING a 4.4226 acre ( 192,650 square feet) tract of land and being out of that called 5.2665 acre tract in F.B.C.C.F. # 9352131, SAVE AND EXCEPT that called 0.8439 acre tract in F.B.C.C.F. #9754170, located in the John Lafayette Survey, Abstract No. 280, Fort Bend County, Texas and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: (Based of Bearing were derived by RTK GPS Observation based on Texas State Plane Coordinates Texas South Central Zone NAD 83 GEOID 03); COMMENCING at the Northeast comer of Lot 21 Block of Briargate Section 9 as recorded in Volume 22, Page 34 of the Fort Bend County Plat Records on the Northwesterly line of West Fuqua (100’ R.O.W.) same being the Southerly comer of said SAVE AND EXCEPT 0.8439 acre tract; THENCE North 40° 31’ 37” East, along said Northwesterly line of West Fuqua Drive, a distance of 50.54 feet to a 5/8 inch iron rod with cap set for the common East comer of said 0.8439 acre tract and the POINT OF BEGINNING of the herein described tract; THENCE North 57° 51’ 37” West, along said Northerly line of 0.8439 acre tract and the herein described tract, and through a 75’ wide United Texas Transmission Pipeline Easement as describe in instruments recorded in Volume 277, Page 305 and volume 316, Page 383 of the Fort Bend County Deed Records a distance of703.11 feet to a 5/8 inch iron rod with cap set for the common West comer of said 0.8439 acre tract and the herein described in Deed recorded in Volume 4509, Page 360 of the Fort Bend County Deed Records; THENCE North 87° 11’ 02” East, along said South line of200’ Drainage Easement, distance of956.45 feet to a 5/8 inch iron rod with cap set on said Northwesterly line of West Fuqua Drive, for the East comer of the herein described tract; THENCE South 40° 31’ 37” West, along said Northwesterly line of West Fuqua Drive, a distance of 553.92 feet to the Point of Beginning and containing 4.4226 acres of land TERMS: CASH TIME: Sale to be held at or about 11:00 A.M. Ruben Davis, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant J. Lawrence Deputy Constable

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 14TH DAY OF MARCH, 2010 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #10-DCV-178297 in favor of the Plaintiff – LAKESHORE HARBOUR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $10,046.77++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 26TH DAY of MARCH, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 3RD day of MAY, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) – JOHNNY SHUFFORD AND JANICE SHUFFORD had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 14, BLOCK 04, OF LAKE SHORE HARBOUR, SECTION ONE (1), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY; TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, UNDER SLIDE NOS. 2573A AND 2573B, AS MODIFIED BY ANY ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS, REPLATS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO. Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2

By Sergeant J. Lawrence Deputy Constable

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 8TH day of MARCH, 2011 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #07-DCV-160111 in favor of the Plaintiff – THE VICKSBURG COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $6,737.57++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on the 22ND day of MARCH, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 3RD day of MAY, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) – ARIC T. BARNETT had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 8, BLOCK 3, OF SEDONA CREEK, SECTION 3, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NOS.2360/A AND 2360/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR PLATS THEREOF COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3203 CHINO VALLEY DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459.

Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2

By Lieutenant G. Majors #74 Deputy Constable CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 10TH day of MARCH, 2011 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #10DCV-179935 in favor of the Plaintiff – THE VICKSBURG COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,503.23++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 2ND day of MARCH, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 3RD day of MAY, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) – WILLIAM LEE had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 13, BLOCK 06 OF VICKSBURG, THE VILLAGE OF CUMBERLAND, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO.644/B AND 645/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF, SAID PROPERTY MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3606 CORBETT COURT, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459.

Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2

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 8TH day of FEBRUARY, 2011 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #08DCV-166442 in favor of the Plaintiff – HUNTER’S PARK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $,3343.54++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on the 25TH day of FEBRUARY, 2011 and will offer for sale on the 3RD day of MAY, 2011 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) – JESUS SALINAS had of, in or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT TWENTY TWO (22), BLOCK one (1), OF HUNTER’S PARK, SECTION TW0 (2), (PATIO HOMES) A N ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 28, PAGE 5, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS SAID PROPERTY MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1319 MIMOSA ROAD, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77489.

Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2

By Sergeant J. Lawrence Deputy Constable

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 13, 2011

ADVERTISEMENT FOR SEALED PROPOSALS JE Dunn Construction (serving Fort Bend County as Construction Managers at Risk) is accepting Sealed Proposals for labor, material, equipment and other necessary items to complete the Fort Bend County Courts and Office Complex Paving & Drainage for Eugene Heimann Circle Project located in Fort Bend County, Richmond, TX. Scopes of work include (but are not limited to) Site Utilities, Site Grading, Concrete Paving, Asphalt Paving, Striping & Signage, Sod & Seeding.

The Project consists of approximately 1540 If of 44’-49’ wide roadway concrete paving, 24”-42” storm sewer, asphalt milling and overlay, sidewalks and associated improvements.

Proposals will be received until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday April 28, 2011 @ JE Dunn Construction’s Fort Bend County Justice Center jobsite office - 1421 Eugene Heimann Circle Richmond, Texas 77469. Proposals may also be faxed to (713) 3536299, but must be received prior to due date & time. All late Proposals will be marked late and/or returned unopened.

A pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 21, 2011 @ 10:00 a.m. at the Gus George Training Academy Lecture Hall - 1521 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, TX 77469. Proposal Documents may be viewed at the following plan rooms: National Association of Minority Contractors NAMe, Inc. (713) 834-3791; ABC (832) 613-0201; AGC (713) 843-3700 and McGrawHili Construction Dodge (713) 3169411. Proposal documents may be purchased at A&E Products (713) 579-1234.

For more information, please contact Kenny Eldridge @ JE Dunn’s Fort Bend County Justice Center jobsite office at 713-353-6244. Fort Bend County and/or JE Dunn South Central, Inc. reserve the right to waive formalities, or to accept or reject any or all Proposals, in the best interest of the County. No proposer shall withdraw its Proposal within ninety (90) days after the actual date of opening thereof.

C0NSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 268th District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on March 3, 2011 in cause numbered 07cv157821 styled Village of Oak Lakes Homeowners Assoc vs.

Michael Anderson & Nicole Cheek, in which a judgment was rendered on December 20, 2007 in favor of Village of Oak Lakes Homeowners Assoc for the sum of FIVE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED THIRTY DOLLARS AND SEVENTEEN CENTS ($5930.17); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on March 15, 2011 and will on May 3rd, 2011, Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest Michael Anderson & Nicole Cheek to and in the following described Real Property: Lot (4), in Block (2) of Oak Lake Estates, Section (3), a subdivision in Fort Bend County, Texas, according to the plat thereof recorded in slide number 1460/B 0f the map/plat records of Fort Bend County, Texas together with all improvements located thereon, also known as 15322 Cobblestone Point Court, Sugar Land, Texas The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of Village of Oak Lakes Homeowners Assoc, Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: May 3rd, 2011 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 a.m.

BY: DEPUTY S. STEELE TROY NEHLS CONSTABLE FORT BEND COUNTY

NOTICE OF C0NSTABLE SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 434TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 16th day of March, 2011 by the Clerk thereof, in the case of of FORT BEND COUNTY VS, HUMBERTO A. GALLEGOS, AKA HUMBERTO AGUILAR GALLEGOS in Cause # 10-DCV -180252 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 3rd day of May, 2011, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the Official door of the Courthouse of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: 4600003162000907.

CPC: R78351 A TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND OF 316 OF MAGNOLIA A SUBDIVISION IN FORT COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 2, PAGE 6 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; BEING ONLY THAT PORTION LYING WITHIN BOUNDARIES OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; AND BEING 2.5 AND IDENTIFIED AS ACCOUNT NO. 4600-00-316-2000-907.

Levied on the 21ST day of March, 2011 as the property of Humberto A. Gallegos AKA Humberto Aguilar Gallegos to satisfy a judgment amounting to $4,216.55, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT; AND CITY OF HOUSTON. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 JOHN HUTSON #1310 Deputy constable

NOTICE OF C0NSTABLE SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 11TH day of FEBRUARY, 2011 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause # 09-DCV-175313 in favor of the Plaintiff - PARK AT MISSION GLEN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, for the sum of $5,397.77 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. Therefore, on the 2ND day of MARCH, 2011, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s) - PEARL LIVINGSTON had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 3RD day of MAY, 2011 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 above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; VIZ: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 32, BLOCK 02, OF PARK AT MISSION GLEN, SECTION THREE (3), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NOS. 2397A AND 2397B OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $122,820.00 Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check, or Money Order Sale to be held at or about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 J. MORALES, #1317 Deputy constable

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY REAL PROPERTY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 14th day of MARCH, 2011 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause # 09DCV-171379 in favor of the Plaintiff NORTH MISSION GLEN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,668.51++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

Therefore, on the 15TH day of MARCH, 2011, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s) WILFREDO CHAURAN AND INES CHAURAN, JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 3RD day of MAY, 2011 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 above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT TWENTY EIGHT (28), IN BLOCK ONE (1), OF MISSION GLEN ESTATES, SECTION SEVEN (7), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ALSO KNOWN AS 16211 APRIL RIDGE DRIVE, HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED UNDER SLIDE 1405/B, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVEMENTS THEREON. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: 154,950.00 Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check, or Money Order Sale to be held at or Precinct Three about 10:00 AM. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy constable J. MORALES, #1317

NOTICE OF C0NSTABLE SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 268TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 8th day of March, 2011 by the Clerk thereof, in the case of of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT VS. JOSE YALDEZ AKA JOE YALDEZ, ET AL in Cause # 10DCV -181271 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 3rd day of May, 2011, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the Official door of the Courthouse of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: 6250020183400907 I CPC: R104862 I THE SOUTHEAST 54 FEET (54’) OF LOT THIRTY FOUR (34), AND THE NORTHWEST 6 FEET (6’) OF LOT THIRTY-THREE (33), IN BLOCK EIGHTEEN (18), OF RIDGEMONT, SECTION TWO (2), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 10, PAGE 11 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. TRACT 2: GEO: 62540200304009071 CPC: R106829 I LOT 4, IN BLOCK 3, OF RESERVE “D” AND RESERVE “G”, IN RIDGEMONT, SECTION 2, A SUBDIVISION OF 130.7372 ACRES OF LAND OUT OF THE 1. POITEVENT SURVEY NUMBER 3, ABSTRACT 305, THE E. FRIEDENHAUS SURVEY, ABSTRACT 513, AND THE MOSES MERRITT SURVEY, ABSTRACT 286, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AND THE MOSES MERRITT SURVEY, ABSTRACT 1747, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN VOLUME 589, PAGE 459 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Levied on the 15 th day of March, 2011 as the property of JOSE VALDEZ AKA JOE VALDEZ MARIA BARRAGAN to satisfy a judgment amounting to $6,298.27, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT; AND CITY OF HOUSTON. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. March, 2011.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 JOHN MORALES #1317 Deputy constable

NOTICE OF C0NSTABLE SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 11TH day of FEBRUARY, 2011 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause # 08DCV-162468 in favor of the Plaintiff - WESTPARK LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,161.49++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

Therefore, on the 14th day of MARCH, 2011, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s) - COTTRELL MARSHALL AND SHAWN MARSHALL had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 3RD day of MAY, 2011 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 above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; VIZ: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 10, BLOCK 3, OF WESTPARK LAKES, SECTION 1, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OF PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT SLIDE NOS. 858A AND 858B IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $126,420.00 Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check, or Money Order Sale to be held at or about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 J.MORALES, #1317 Deputy constable

NOTICE OF C0NSTABLE SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 400TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 21st day of March by the Clerk thereof, in the case of FORT BEND COUNTY VS. KUDIRAT DOCAPO ADELAKEN, ET AL in Cause # 09-DCV -169822 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 3rd day of May, 2011, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the Official door of the Courthouse of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT I: GEO: 3850040060110/ 3850040060110907 LOT 11 IN BLOCK 6 OF HUNTERS GLEN, SECTION 4, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 26 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND, TEXAS. Levied on the 30th day of March, 2011 as the property of KUDIRAT DO CAPO ADELAKEN HUNTERS GLEN SECTION IV ASSOCIATION A TEXAS NON-PROFIT CORPORATION to satisfy a judgment amounting to $5,692.27, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT; BLUE RIDGE WEST MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT FORT BEND COUNTY. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. March, 2011.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Sergeant J. Hutson, #1310 Deputy constable

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, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 at 1:30 P.M. CST).

All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 and the names of the proposers made public.

Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened.

RFP 11-060 – GENERAL CONTRACTOR SERVICES-FORT BEND COUNTY PAVING, WATER AND GRADING IMPROVEMENT FOR FORT BEND COUNTY PARK AND RIDE ON HIGHWAY 36 IN THE CITY OF ROSENBERG, TEXAS A Pre-RFP conference with site visits will be conducted on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 9:00 AM (CST). The Pre-RFP conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Purchasing Department located in the Rosenberg Annex at 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg Texas 77471. All bidders are encouraged to attend.

Lump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are required.

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

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS OF SISSIERETTA J WOOTEN DECEASED AND ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THIS LAND NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being April 25, 2011 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 401 Jackson Street. We are located on the first floor of the courthouse building.

The case is presently pending before the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on March 08, 2011.

It bears cause number 11-DCV-188250 and is styled: Jose Serrano and Rosa M. Serrano vs All Unknown Heirs of Sissieretta J Wooten, Deceased and any and all Unknown Persons Claiming an Interest in this Land.

The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: BRENT A LANE BEARD & LANE PC 12841 JONES ROAD SUITE 100 HOUSTON TX 77070 281-897-8848 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER; PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: 1. A BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE NATURE OF THE SUIT - TRCP 114 “THIS IS A SUIT BY PLAINTIFF TO ESTABLISH OWNERSHIP TO THE PROPERTY BY ADVERSE POSSESSION.” 2. A DESCRIPTION OF ANY PROPERTY INVOLVED - TRCP 114 & 115” LOT TWENTY (20), BLOCK THIRTY-ONE (31) OF RIDGEWOOD ESTATES, SOUTHWEST SECTION, STREET ADDRESS: 519 DOGWOOD AVE, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545.”

3. 42 DAYS TO ANSWER LAWSUIT INSTEAD OF THE NORMAL 20 DAYS -TRCP 114 If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 10th day of March, 2011.

DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas Deputy District Clerk Kimberly Coker Telephone: 281-633-7617

LEGAL NOTICE Of PUBLIC AUCTION The City of Missouri City, Texas will sell at PUBLIC AUCTION surplus and salvage property on Saturday, April 16, 2011. The auction will be conducted at the Missouri City Community Center at 1522 Texas Parkway in Missouri City. The gates will open at 8:00 AM and the auction will begin at 10:00 AM. The City will be selling to the highest bidder numerous vehicles, tree spade, equipment, household items, office furniture, office equipment, bicycles, unclaimed personal property, personal computers, printers and various other items. The city reserves the right to add or remove items prior to the sale. All sales are final and items are “as-is”, “where-is”, with no warranties expressed or implied. The City does not provide loading assistance. Payment must be made on the day of the auction before any property can be removed.

Vehicles will be released when payment is made. All property must be removed within one hour after conclusion of the auction. The City reserves the right to reject any bid or no-sale any item. Payment shall be by credit card, cash, or check with proper identification. No checks accepted unless accompanied by a bank letter of guarantee.

Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 for Aliana West Airport Boulevard, State Highway 99 to FM 1464 STD, Replat No. 1, 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 Warren Escovy with LJA Engineering Inc. at 713-953-5200 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Vance Kambersky, Deceased, were issued on March 31, 2011, in Cause No. 11-CPR023410 pending in the County Court at Law No.1, Fort Bend County, Texas, to: Dean A. Hrbacek.

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Dean A. Hrbacek Attorney at Law 130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 110 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 DATED the 5th day of April, 2011.

Dean A. Hrbacek Attorney for Philip Kent Moody, Ind. Executor State Bar No.: 10128800 130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 110 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Telephone: (281) 240-2424 Facsimile: (281) 240-7829

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Proposed Base Flood Elevation Determination for Unincorporated Areas of Fort Bend County, Texas, Case No. 11-06-1803P. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency solicits technical information or comments on the proposed Base (1-percent-annual-chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs) shown in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and/or on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for your community. These proposed BFEs are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

For a detailed listing of the proposed BFEs and information on the statutory period provided for appeals, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/Scripts/bfe_main.asp, or call the FEMA Map Information eXchange toll free at 1-877FEMA MAP.

City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-11- 08 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 78, SOLID WASTE, OF THE MISSOURI CITY CODE; AMENDING THE RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATED TO CITY RESIDENTIAL SOLID WASTE SERVICE LEVELS; PROVIDING FOR A CHANGE IN ELECTION OF SERVICE LEVEL, PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY. I, Maria Gonzalez, Interim City Secretary of the City of Missouri City, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the caption of said Ordinance No. O-11-08 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on April 4, 2011, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Gonzalez Interim City Secretary

CITY OF MISSOURI CITY Public Hearing will be held by the City of Missouri City to receive comments for or against proposed amendments to the following sections contained in the Zoning Ordinance: 1.Section 7, Use Districts, and Section 4, Definitions, contained in the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to the use of private, onsite water and waste water treatment and disposal systems (Private Utilities).

2.Section 7, Use Districts; Section 4, Definitions contained in the Zoning Ordinance; and Section 9, Supplementary District Regulations, contained in the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to the regulations for the outside placement of materials, merchandise, equipment and sales and services.

3.Section 4, Definitions; Section 7A, Architectural Design Standards; and Section 14, Fence Regulations contained in the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to architectural design standards – primary materials and trademark or brand colors.

The following public hearing is scheduled: CITY COUNCIL: Date: Monday, May 2, 2011 Time: 7:00 p.m.

Place: City Council Chambers (2nd Floor of City Hall) 1522 Texas Parkway (FM 2234) Missouri City, Texas Specific information is available at City Hall, Missouri City, Texas, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or you may call 281-403-8541 or email planninginfo@missouricitytx.gov for additional information.

For more information, contact Ernie Croucher Auctioneers at 281.341.9169.

Charles Oberrender, CPPB Purchasing Manager City of Missouri City, Texas

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS Sealed submittals (1) one original and (3) three copies, addressed to the City Secretary Office of the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, April 28, 2011, for: REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS 2011-12 INVESTMENT BROKER DEALER SERVICES Submissions shall be appropriately marked in the upper left hand corner as follows:

LEGAL NOTICE The City of Missouri City, Texas is now issuing an Invitation for Bids for the following: IFB #118-11 Term Contract for Firefighter Bunker Gear Scope: The City of Missouri City is soliciting bids for a contractor to supply firefighter bunker gear for use by the City’s Fire Department. All prices bid are to be FOB Missouri City. The City intends to contract with one (1) or more vendor(s) who will provide all materials, equipment and labor necessary to perform in accordance with the specifications.

Bids will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. local time May 2, 2011 and then opened.

The bid packages may be obtained beginning April 13th by requesting the document name and number listed above by either contacting the Purchasing Office at (281) 403-8626 or sending an email to charles@missouricitytx.gov 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.

Bids are opened in public in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Charles Oberrender, CPPB Purchasing Manager City of Missouri City, Texas

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS 2011-12 INVESTMENT BROKER DEALER SERVICES Signed and sealed submittals shall be delivered to the City Secretary Office, on or before 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, April 28, 2011, City of Sugar Land, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. All submissions received after the appointed time shall be returned to submitter unopened.

Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within one hundred and twenty (120) days following the date for the opening of submittals.

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

The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all submissions and to waive informalities in submittals received. The award will be made based on a panel evaluation of submittals received.

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

For questions regarding this request for qualification, please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contract Administrator, Telephone (281) 275-2302 or Email jposcovsky@ sugarlandtx.gov.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAE City Secretary

April 13, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

COMMUNITY NEWS Fort Bend Junior Service League celebrates a Decade of Women Making a Difference The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL), established in 2001, is celebrating its 10th year of serving and donating back to the Fort Bend County community throughout the 2010 – 2011 League year.

Events include the 10th annual Sugar Plum Market in November 2010 and the recent Charity Ball ~ Vintage Vegas, held in March. The capstone of the yearlong celebration will be an anniversary party held for the members at Fernando’s Latin Cuisine on April 28th, 2011.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital (MSLH), a long-time supporter of FBJSL through its sponsorship of past League events including the Sugar Plum Market, Charity Ball and Glitter & Gloss, is generously underwriting the event.

FBJSL is an organization of

(L to R) Beth Butler (FBJSL Director of Community Relations), Kaelyn Stolhand (MSLH Marketing Coordinator), Leena Taneja (MSLH Director, Physician Relations and Marketing), Kimberly Sprague (MSLH) and Pam Spencer (FBJSL President 2010-2011). women committed to promot- ing the potential of women and vide direct service to various ing volunteerism, to develop- to improving the Fort Bend Fort Bend County charities County community through through its core placements.

These include Child Advothe effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. cates of Fort Bend, East Fort Its purpose is exclusively edu- Bend Human Needs Ministry, cational and charitable as well Fort Bend Community Partas providing an atmosphere of ners Rainbow Room, Fort friendliness, goodwill and ca- Bend County Women’s Center, Fort Bend Seniors, Houston maraderie for all members.

Along with planning and Museum of Natural Scienceorganizing fundraising events Sugar Land, Literacy Council such as Sugar Plum Market and of Fort Bend County and MeCharity Ball, FBJSL members morial Hermann Sugar Land have the opportunity to pro- Hospital.

Volunteer keeps going

Kevin Kline with an entourage of friends, family, volunteers and families who have benefited from Kevin’s foundation.

In-home service for SENIORS

by Seniors

Companionship. Light Housekeeping. House Maintenance and Small Repairs. Meal Preparation.

Overnight stays. Transportation. Doctor Appointments.

Shopping. Pet Care. Yard Work. Mobility Assistance.

SENIORS Helping SENIORS .... a way to give ands to receive.

281-261-8107(O)

281-797-3511(C)

www.seniorshelpingseniors.com

Thomas J. Parr, M.D. We understand athletes.

Orthopedic Surgeon

to Soccer Elites, World Cup Players, & International Professionals

281-491-7111 Dr. Tom Parr plays on a recreational, over 30, co-ed soccer team.

Kevin Kline of Sugar Land, Texas received quite a celebration today from a group of his friends and family – accompanied by the Energizer Bunny® on April 7.

This event kicked off Kevin’s campaign as a top 10 Finalist in the 2011 Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame, a program celebrating the positive impact everyday people make in their communities with the spirit of the Energizer Bunny®.

Kline will be campaigning for a lot more – a spot next to Cal Ripken, Jr. in the Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame, a $10,000 cash prize and an additional $5,000 donation to his favorite charity.

Kline, inspired by the resilience he sees in the pediatric cancer patients at Texas Children’s Cancer Center, founded the Snowdrop Foundation to raise funds for research to eliminate childhood cancer and provide scholarships for college-bound pediatric cancer patients and survivors.

He needs Houston’s votes to earn a place in the Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame. To vote for Kevin, visit www.energizer.com/halloffame from now through May 13. You may vote once per day. The Finalist who receives the most votes will be named the 2011 Inductee into the Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame. Kline is now one of 10 Finalists from across the country and needs Houston’s help to earn the top spot. From now through May 13, people can go online to www.energizer.com/halloffame to cast a vote for one of the 10 Finalists.

Call us first directly from the field!

You may be able to save both time & money.

Not just oil, Pennzoil

www.tomparrmd.net www.FtBendSportsMedicine.com

Don Smithers

14090 Southwest Fwy, #130, Sugar Land, TX 77478

Sugar Land City Councilman District 1

PROUDLY SERVING FORT BEND SINCE 1981

VOTE on May 14th Keep A Strong Councilman Experience Counts . . .

RE-ELECT

Don Smithers

Better Mobility Lower Taxes Safety Community Services Political Ad Paid by Don Smithers Campaign

Physician Assistant, Ashley Donnell (#25), played defense for the University of Denver on an athletic scholarship.

RUSSELL C. JONES THELMA HOLOWAY JONES JANICE W. SUCHYTA ● Real Estate ● Health Care Law ● ● Business and Corporate Law ● ● Banking ● Creditors' Rights ● Collections ● ● Business Litigation ● Mergers and Acquisitions ● ● Estate Planning ● Probate ● In the Sugar Land Industrial Park 407 Julie Rivers Drive, Sugar Land, Tx. 77478 281-242-8100 rjones@jonesattorneys.com www.jonesattorneys.com AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

THE TIME IS NOW, THE WAIT IS OVER www.RemaxFine.com 281-265-5533 281-2655533 Highway 6 & Austin Parkway We Can Show You ANY House Listed!

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • APRIL 13, 2011

Women’s Center Boogie raises $175,000 The evening of March 26 was more than just a Sock Hop at the Soda Shop for the more than 700 Boogie 2011 attendees.

While they all danced to the sounds of Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes; participated in costume, dance and hula hoop contests and ate a delicious 50’s-style dinner catered by Safari Texas, they also came together to raise $175,000 to assist survivors of domestic

violence and sexual assault and their children achieve self-sufficiency.

In addition, during a reverse live auction, attendees raised an additional $35,000 to purchase a new transportation van for shelter residents. “Every year I am brought to tears when I see the outpouring of generosity by our supporters,� commented Vita Goodell, Women’s Center executive director. “These

women and children come to us with so little and through the selflessness of our community, we are able to give them the hand up they need to get back on their feet.�

The reverse live auction was a new item in the Boogie Live Auction line-up. The Women’s Center’s current shelter transportation van is seven years old with more than 168,000 miles on the odometer.

The transportation van is vital in assisting the women and their children with transportation to and from numerous appointments such as protective order hearings, doctors’ offices, job interviews, and various other activities.

The women staying at the shelter rely on the van, as Costume Contest Winners Laura and Claude Gail and Randy Parker are ready for the most do not have their own Leatherwood remember the days of Sock Hops Sock Hop! transportation. The total cost and Soda Shops! of a new van is $35,000.

Auctioneer Jeff Council “We Are Family� is the started the bidding at $10,000 theme of the 19th annual and lowered the bids in pre- auction benefiting St. Laudetermined increments. Each rence Catholic School. The bidder contributed the amount fun-filled evening will take of his or her bid, which was place at 5:45 p.m. on May combined with all other bid- 7th, at the Marriott Town Center in Sugar Land. The ders’ contributions.

Thanks to generous bids event’s activities include from Gary Owens of OYO dinner, dancing, a live and Geospace, Michael Hrebe- silent auction, and the “Big nar, Lanie Alvarez of Italian Boardâ€?, which serves as a Maid CafĂŠ, Don Kerstetter of mini-live auction with an Classic Chevrolet and many interactive form of bidding. others, the Women’s Center A four-night Alaskan advenreached their goal and will be ture awaits the highest bidder, and their guest, among buying a new van.

All proceeds from Boogie other fabulous items. Join will be used to help the Wom- us at the auction... you don’t en’s Center continue to provide want to let this one get away. services such as emergency Companies and individuals and transitional shelter, crisis can purchase tables, tickets intervention, counseling, edu- and advertisements in the cational outreach, advocacy, auction catalog. For more case management and learn- information, contact Laurel ing resources to the women Keller at 281-980-0500 or 19th annual auction co-chairpersons (l-r): Jenifer Martin, and children in the shelter and visit us on the web at www. Tammy Noe and Suzanne Byrne slcsauction.org. aftercare programs.

We Are Family

Denise Thompson of Silver sponsor Emerus poses with the puppy from the Live Auction.

BILL LITTLE GIVES IMPERIAL “THUMBS UP�

OUR MISSION: 1. PRESERVE THE PAST. CREATE THE FUTURE. 2. DEVELOP A PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY AND LIVABLE COMMUNITY

3. &5($7( $ 0,;('ÄĽ86( ,17(*5$7(' LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENT WITH SUPERIOR AESTHETIC AND ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY

4. CREATE AN ECONOMICALLY SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT TO BE THE DESTINATION POINT FOR ALL

FORT BEND RESIDENTS

5. (67$%/,6+ $ 5(*,21$/ $5(1$ )25 7+( +,6725< 2) 68*$5 /$1'

FOR

IMPERIALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROOTS IN OUR CITY ARE DEEPâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; AND Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;M PROUD TO SAY SO ARE MINE. I have lived in Sugar Land since 1957, and in 1961, I was honored to serve as Mayor. For 36 years, I worked at Imperial Sugar and no one wants to see its rich heritage preserved more than I do. Imperial is important to Sugar Land, and now, it will be with us in a bigger and better capacity for many, many years to come. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve met with Johnson Development, DQG ,ÂśYH VHHQ WKHLU YLVLRQ IRU D ÂżUVWÄĽFODVV EXVLQHVV UHWDLO DQG HQWHUWDLQPHQW PHFFDħULJKW KHUH LQ 6XJDU /DQG The redevelopment of Imperial will help our city grow and prosper for the next generation and provide our citizens more options than ever before.

MORE INFORMATION AND TO BE ON OUR CONTACT LIST VISIT

IMPERIALSUGARLAND.COM