VOL 10 No. 18
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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, 2017
Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City
It’s Fashion, It’s Glitz and It’s a Great Cause Commissioners divided on sharing sales tax in new CADs
Thank you to Couture for the Cause Past Chairs, now working as the 2017 Advisory Board: Scott & KK West, Doug & Susie Goff, Dave & Christen Johnson, Marvin & Debbie Marcell, Molly & Michael Cooper, Marji Strohmer, Cari Middaugh, Jim & Jill Gibson, Dan & Amy Johnson, Amy West, and Julissa Duran. Back in 2009, The American Cancer Society was looking for a way to bring a different funding event to Fort Bend County. They already had a ball and a golf tournament, this one needed to be more community driven. Behind the leadership of chairs Scott & KK West, Couture for the Cause was born. Truly community driven, Couture for the Cause takes a village. The highlight of every event is the fashion show, featuring couture models--many of whom are cancer patients or survivors--seizing their own opportunity to give back. This fashion show has been selflessly produced by Lenny Matuszewski with hair by Mark Anthony, his sister Eunice and team of Milagro Salons, makeup by LaDonna Marie of Sugar Land Face & Body, and clothing
by Dillards for many years. The location for the event is key. Most years the event has been held at a private residence. That means months of measuring and preparation, building a fashion show usually over your swimming pool, and then a party of 300-400 at your house. So many have donated their beautiful homes to host Couture for the Cause, as well as Johnson Development allowing it to be held at the Sienna Plantation Resort Lagoon in 2010 when the theme was Escape to Treasure Island. It’s the theme that keeps Couture for the Cause fresh each year. Past themes have included La Dolce Vita--a fabulous Italian theme, A Night in Versaille-a fun masquerade party, and A White Haute Affair--an all white, elegant party. And each
year, Lenny does a fantastic job creating the fashion show and connecting it to the theme. It’s really a can’t miss! This year’s event will be just as fabulous. The theme is “Garden Glitz,” and the event will be held at the Farmhouse in Richmond’s Harvest Green--Houston’s first farm-centric community by Johnson Development. Time honored favorites, including the fashion show and food stations from area restaurants are part of the plan. Plus a wine pull (make a donation, draw a cork, win a bottle of wine!), Big Board Auction, and “Baubles & Bubbles” raffle sponsored by Marlene and Samir Dharia of Plaza Jewelers. Visit the Couture for the Cause Facebook page and vote for your favorite 3D image of a custom Bauble to be made and
City council gets a briefing on the use of social media
By BARBARA FULENWIDER Just about all large and small towns today have a page dedicated to their city on Facebook and other social media sites. When it comes to the elected officials of those towns and what they can say on social media, it’s another story because of the open meetings and public information acts. In an effort not to discourage or alarm council members regarding their use or non-use of social media, Meredith Riede, Sugar Land’s attorney, provided information on some do’s and don’ts at council’s April 18 meeting. She said she was “just trying to lay out a few of the ground rules.” Riede explained that a traditional city council meeting is posted 72 hours in advance and tells where, and when. Social media meetings aren’t advertised in advance but just happen so a council member can’t tell citizens to go to their
Facebook page on Tuesday at 4 p.m. “It’s just an aspect about social media – there isn’t just one place,” Riede said. A social media meeting, she said, “can be spontaneous and is all over the place -- post, repost, reply, like, share, text, tweet, forward, comment, etc.” -- and can take five minutes, a week, a month, or more. The city’s lawyer told council members they can participate in a discussion with their peers that “is all fun and games until you have that fourth person.” Four council members are a quorum so what they say becomes official city business and is open to the public. The Texas Public Information Act provides the public with access to information used in the transaction of official business. Since many elected officials have public and private conversations via e-mail, tweets, various social media sites, etc., Riede cautioned council about
the use of each. When a city gets a request from the public about any city business, the city must provide any existing information regarding the transaction of official business that was shared on social media or someone authorized by the city to share possible issues. The city secretary must monitor every social media platform, be able to access all social media accounts and get complete copies of information posted, including deleted posts. In other words, it’s nearly impossible. Riede said, “If Glenda (Gundermann, city secretary) gets an open records request she is obligated to provide the citizen who asked for it the entire conversation. A citizen may or may not realize that it is open to the public. We do not have the ability to cut out just your conversation so a citizen may make a comment and their comment See SOCIAL MEDIA, Page 3
raffled off the night of the event. The 2017 chairs are Monique Bossett, Susan Ley-Novosad, Debbie Marcell, Michelle Royster, Margot Sayre and Gina Pizzini. The themes and the venues have changed over the years, but the cause remains the same: to raise funds to eradicate cancer. The American Cancer Society Couture for the Cause,“Garden Glitz,” will be held on October 14, 2017 at The Farmhouse at Harvest Green, a Johnson Development Community in Richmond. Event tickets are $125. 100% of the proceeds benefit The American Cancer Society and their mission. For more information contact Hannah Hogan at 713-706-5635 or hannah.hogan@cancer.org.
By SESHADRI KUMAR Early voting is now in progress for the creation of five new County Assistance Districts and Fort Bend County Commissioners Court on April 25 made changes to the boundaries of the proposed County Assistance Districts because all the members of the court are not in agreement with the areas included in the districts. County Assistance District (CAD), which is authorized to collect a sales/use tax, can be created only in the unincorporated areas of a county. County Commissioners Court authorizes a vote of the citizens within the CAD boundaries to create the CAD. There are currently five CADs in Fort Bend County. Under state statute, municipalities and special districts are authorized to collect up to 2 cent sales/use tax. The five existing CADs are authorized to collect a 1 cent sales/use tax. The county authorized a vote to create five additional CAD’s in the May 2017 Election. Four of the CADs, two in Houston’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction and one each in Fulshear’s ETJ and in Simonton’s ETJ are authorized to collect a 2 cent sales/use tax, leaving no sales tax for a city or special district within the boundaries of those CADs. One CAD in Houston’s ETJ is authorized to collect a 1 cent sales tax, as the other 1 cent is already being collected by Houston or a special district. Commissioner Andy Meyers has proposed the collection of entire two cents of available sales tax for the CADs, instead
of sharing it with the city of Houston in the new districts. Also, Meyers has reached an agreement with Fulshear and Simonton on levying a “use tax” on building material used by builders in the CAD and share it with the cities. Currently, builders pay the sales tax elsewhere (Houston) from where they buy the material. Meyers says other commissioners are not agreeing to his proposal. County Judge Bob Hebert responded to questions from this newspaper. Asked why Commissioners Court removed some areas that were originally included in proposed County Assistance District (CAD) # 11, which would be able to levy a 2¢ sales tax and is in Houston’s ETJ, Hebert said: “The Court amended the proposed boundaries of FBCAD 11 to remove many areas that are already currently located in FBCAD 2, except for the area at SH 99 and Peek Road. The proposed CAD 11 map originally included areas in FBCAD 2 which would be eligible for a full 2¢ sales tax levy, but the commissioners court determined that such a large movement of property from one CAD to another would be inappropriate.” Commissioner James Patterson said: “The only de-annexation that occurred was a very small portion of CAD #2 up in the Peek road area as that area is being developed as one large tract and it would be in two different CADs at that intersection. See CAD, Page 3
Missouri City reviews of status of “Sidewalks” By BARBARA FULENWIDER The sidewalk issue was the most discussed item on the Missouri City City Council’s April 17 special meeting agenda. Concrete sidewalks have been a problem in Houston and the surrounding area since they began being built. The soil shifts often so sidewalks constantly lift, buckle, crack, break apart. A city survey of them found numerous need repair. Missouri City’s council in 2010 agreed the city would repair residential sidewalks. To begin, the city works department did a survey of all the city’s sidewalks and are currently still two to three years away from getting all in need either repaired or re-poured. Scott Elmer, assistant city manager, gave council facts and figures about where the city stands on sidewalks.
District A is the oldest area in Missouri City and has 1,779 sidewalk repairs at a cost of $2,223,750. The district has 68 open work orders at a cost of $85,000. District B has 1,497 sidewalks in need of repair at a cost of $1,871,250. This district has 135 work orders yet to be done at a total price of $168,750. Residents of District C need 1,916 sidewalk repairs made at a total cost of $2,395,000. Work orders yet to be completed in this district are 219 at a cost of $273,750. District D sidewalk repairs total 1,485 at a price tag of $1,856,250. Open work orders in this district are 110 at a cost of $137,500. Elmer told council all repairs currently needed “roughly amount to the $2 million range” and that “about $1 million” is from bonds.
Councilman At-Large No. 1 Jerry Wyatt asked, “How long will it take to finish this?” Elmer said as soon as all that need it get repaired, the process will need to begin again. Then Wyatt asked, “How long will it take us to complete this whole process?” and Elmer said, “Years. We will continue to have (sidewalk) failures thanks to ground movement. We can mitigate some of that but it will cost us more.” District A Council Member Yolanda Ford asked if the city has always repaired sidewalks and Elmer said no. Mayor Allen Owen said citizens primarily on the west side of the city worked to get the city to agree to repair all residential sidewalks in need. “In 2007 council said we’ll allocate such dollars for side-
See SIDEWALK, Page 3
Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 3, 2017
Re-elect Jason Burdine for FBISD Trustee Early Voting: April 24 - May 2 Election Day: May 6
Re-E Elect
My Key Priorities ...
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Promote Safe and Secure Schools by supporting a comprehensive approach to addressing school safety focusing on prevention through education. Our FBISD Police department just became a Recognized Law Enforcement Agency and the process provided a review that can assure our community that they are conforming to current best practices in law enforcement.
“As a mother of three school-aged children, one with special needs, Kristin is caring and understands the needs of all students. She has the experience and knowledge to deal with the diverse educational needs of the Fort Bend community.” Allen Owen, Missouri City Mayor
Innovative
Strong Advocate
“Under the leadership of Board President Kristin Tassin, we have seen innovations in our low performing schools that are encouraging struggling students and their parents, giving them hope for improvement because they are getting needed help in ways they have not seen before. We need to keep this leadership and innovative thinking in FBISD.”
“Kristin and I are residents of the same community and I have witnessed firsthand her unwavering advocacy for all children in FBISD, regardless of where they live. She has worked tirelessly advocating in Austin and at home for our children. We need her continued leadership on the board.” Grady Prestage, Fort Bend County Commissioner
Arthur Pace, Former FBISD Trustee
Proven Leader “Kristin’s thorough understanding of school finance and the current grading system will allow her to advocate for both school finance reform AND a strong public education system. She has proven her ability to work with the board and community to strengthen our public school system.” Joe Zimmerman, Sugar Land Mayor
Knowledgeable “Kristin Tassin is known throughout the state as being knowledgeable about school funding and highly capable of sharing that knowledge with those in Austin who make decisions affecting local schools.” James Patterson, Fort Bend County Commissioner, Former FBISD High School Principal
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Recruit and Retain Highly Qualified Teachers by remaining competitive in teacher salary and helping create and support a culture that allows our teachers to succeed. I will continue to communicate to our legislators the issues our teachers face every day in our schools. As a board we will continue to consider our teachers in every decision made from construction to policy along with supporting policy that includes teachers in the present and future long term planning process in FBISD. Demonstrate Fiscal and Resource Responsibility by continuing to advocate for efficiency and transparency in distribution of funds from past bond elections; and supporting longterm utilization of facilities.
INDEPENDENT • MAY 3, 2017 • Page 3
NEWS Arrive Alive event at Smart Financial includes free ‘Hands-Free Driving Devices’ The Sugar Land Police Department will distribute free hands-free devices during an “Arrive Alive” event on May 6 to educate motorists about the City’s new distracted driving law. During the educational event at the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors will have an opportunity to learn different ways to utilize their mobile devices in a hands-free mode while driving. Representatives from area car dealerships will help participants pair their phones to their vehicles via Bluetooth. No
Bluetooth? No problem! This event will also help educate people without Bluetooth capability in their vehicles on other “hands-free” ways to use a mobile device while driving. The event will also showcase the newly opened plaza with fun attractions, food trucks and more. The “Arrive Alive” event is free to the public, with food and drink available for purchase. Sugar Land’s new distracted driving law was approved on Feb. 21. It prohibits the use of portable electronic devices while driving a vehicle in Sugar Land unless the device is in
hands-free mode or being used for an emergency. Portable electronic devices include mobile phones, personal digital assistants, MP3s or other hand-held music players, electronic reading devices, laptop computers, pagers, electronic game devices and more. “Wireless Communication Devices” are defined in Texas Transportation Code section 545.425. Warnings are being issued during a grace period that ends on June 20. Any person found guilty of violating the ordinance after the grace period will be fined up to $200 for each offense.
Public Plaza opens next to Smart Financial Centre The city of Sugar Land has opened a new public plaza . Located next to the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, 18111 Lexington Blvd., the plaza features a vibrant mix of amenities for visitors, including an interactive water fountain, tree-covered grove, large lawn area with lighting and streetscape enhancements. Sugar Land’s state-ofthe-art venue and adjacent public plaza anchors a mixed-used, destination center that includes a future 50-acre business site for Fluor, the Texas Instruments campus, the future expansion of Class A office space and plans for a hotel/
conference center and other amenities. The office and entertainment-centric development is intended to increase tourism, provide unique destination activities for local and regional visitors, promote capital investment and create new jobs. The grand opening of the plaza included live music, a variety of food vendor options and much more. Visitors can enjoy the fountain Splash Pad from noon to 4 p.m. on Mondays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. After 4 p.m. the fountain transforms into hourly water shows, currently planned for 5:30 p.m., 6:30
p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., provided that there is no event at the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land. Parking will be available at the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land. All activities are free and open to the public. Food and drink options will be available for purchase. For more event information, contact the Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 2752885. For more about the plaza, contact Visit Sugar Land Convention and Visitors Services at (281) 275-2045.
CAD From Page 1
that would otherwise require property tax money to provide. Taking sales tax from our cities doesn’t meet the definition of “capturing unused sales tax”, Hebert said. Commissioner Meyers, on the other hand, has his own reasoning for not sharing the sales tax with Houston and for levying the “use tax.” Currently the city of Houston collects approximately $12 million per year in its (ETJ) in the unincorporated area of Fort Bend County through its Strategic Partnership Agreements with Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs), Meyers says. Houston shares the sales tax revenue with the MUDs 50/50. In addition, Houston and Metro together collect approximately $10 million in sales taxes on the taxable materials used to construct residential homes in the unincorporated area of Fort Bend County, since the majority of that material is purchased from the large construction materials suppliers located in Houston. “Houston provides no services to the Fort Bend County residents in Houston’s ETJ who pay the sales taxes to the city,” Meyers says. Also, there are a number of Improvements/Management Districts in Fort Bend County that also levy a sales tax. Revenue from this sales tax mainly is used to help fund the development of the commercial property’s infrastructure. None of the sales tax revenue is used to provide any services to the residents paying the tax, Meyers says. “A sales tax is a general tax paid by the general public and I believe sales taxes revenues should be used to benefit the residents paying the tax. That is not currently happening with the sales taxes collected by Houston or the special districts. Hence, my advocacy for CAD’s since they collect a sales tax that can only be spent to benefit the residents paying the tax,” Meyers says. “I believe Houston should not receive any more sales tax
revenue since it is already taking $10-$12 million per year from Fort Bend County residents in its ETJ and provides them no services,” he says. Others believe Houston should be allowed to collect its one half to one cent sales tax in all of its ETJ in Fort Bend County. Through a structured agreement with a developer/builder the city of Fulshear collects a “ 2 cent use tax” on the construction material used to build homes within its city limits. Normally the developer/ builder would pay a 2 cent sales tax to Houston or other city when the material is purchased from a supplier located in Houston or other city. “Several years ago the city of Sugar Land had a similar arrangement where it captured a “2 cent use tax” on taxable materials used to build homes within its city limits,” Meyers says. “Since the buyers of the homes in the unincorporated area of Fort Bend County are essentially paying the sales/use tax when they purchase a home I believe the revenue from the “use tax” should be used to benefit the residents paying the tax,” Meyers says. “Others disagree and are opposed to the county or CADs approving agreements to collect the “2 cent use tax”. I have an understanding with the cities of Fulshear and Simonton, which are in my Precinct, that I would agree for any CADs created within their ETJs in Fort Bend County to share the “2 cent use tax” equally. I would like to keep my agreement with both cities, but it appears that may not happen,” Meyers says. Meyers also provided a notice to the city of Houston and the city did not object to the creation of the CAD. Consequently, Meyers believes the CAD is not legally obligated to share the sales tax with Houston. The issue will be resolved when commissioners court formally approves agreements with the cities, if and when voters approve the creation of CADs.
It will make for better communication for the developer and the administration of the CAD. “I believe the CAD legislation allows us a very simple method to collect a sales tax and use those funds within the boundaries of the CAD to build and repair roads, build facilities such as the new multipurpose building in the 4 corners area to make a positive difference in the community.” Commenting on the agreement with Fulshear and Simonton on sharing “use tax,” Hebert said: “These agreements were negotiated between the county and the respective cities to gain their approval of the creation of the proposed CADs. By law, we must notify the city of jurisdiction of our intent to create a CAD. If the city objects we must negotiate a contract with the city that meets their approval in order to call an election. We must collect taxes and share revenue in accordance with those contracts. “Where a city contract mandates a “use tax” (which is just a sales tax reallocated from the city of collection to the city in which the purchased items are actually used), we must collect the use tax through the CAD. “Where a city contract is moot on a “use tax”, it is my understanding that the county will not unilaterally collect a “use tax”. In no case will the sales or “use” tax exceed the 2¢ municipal sales tax authorized by the state.” Hebert also said that he personally does not favor the collection of a “use tax” by a CAD unless it is required by contract with the city of jurisdiction. “Applying a “use tax” for the sole benefit of the county’s CAD would deprive our cities of sales tax they would otherwise collect. In my view, our CAD’s are intended to capture unused sales tax in the unincorporated areas of the county and use that money to fund infrastructure within the CAD
Woman convicted for theft from employer
A jury convicted Samia Alam Quddusi of felony theft on April 21, 2017 after a weeklong trial. The 24 year-old Sugar Land woman stole over $40,000 from her employer in 2014. Quddusi requested the court to determine her punishment and the case was reset to June 9, 2017 for the judge to consider a pre-sentence investigation report. According to Assistant District Attorney Abdul Farukhi, Samia Alam Quddusi was hired by a Stafford area company to work as an administrative assistant in June of 2014. Within two months, Quddusi had stolen $42,500 in company funds by writing checks to herself. When confronted by the company president, the defendant admitted to committing the offense and explained she needed the money for school loans and to pay her brother’s bail bonds. The State presented evidence showing the defendant did attend school, but that her tuition was paid through financial aid grants. Other evidence and testimony revealed that Quddusi purchased a luxury vehicle and used the stolen money to
dine out and patronize nail and hair salons. Court records show the defendant’s family members Safi Alam Quddusi, Sarmad Alam Quddusi, and Sarosh Alam Quddusi were charged with multiple first-degree felony drug crimes shortly before the defendant’s employment. Bonding records introduced at trial proved the defendant’s family did make bond payments which would have put financial pressure on the family. The defense claimed the money Quddusi took was given as a gift, or a loan; however, there was no testimony to support their theory. The State called multiple expert witnesses to rebut the defendant’s theory that the funds were gifted. Matt Cardenas, an investigator with experience investigating white-collar crimes, summarized the movement of money after the defendant cashed the checks, showing a series of withdrawals and redeposits into multiple bank accounts. Michael Rios, a computer forensics expert with the Fort Bend Independent School District, examined an email that was purportedly sent by
the employer and found evidence that helped show Quddusi not only had access to the company checkbook, but also likely covered her tracks by accessing and forging an email from the employer’s account. In closing arguments, the State highlighted the suspicious nature of the checks, the circumstances surrounding the cashing of the checks, and the lack of reasonable doubt in the case. After an evening of deliberations, the jury agreed and rendered a guilty verdict. “Employee theft is an ongoing problem in Fort Bend County and I’m proud of the jury for helping put a dent in crime,” said Abdul Farukhi, lead prosecutor on the case. The case was tried in the 434th District Court before Presiding Judge James H. Shoemake. Theft in this case is a thirddegree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Quddusi is probation eligible. Assistant District Attorneys Abdul Farukhi and Grayson Miller prosecuted the case. Attorneys Eddrea McKnight and Alfonso Anderson represented the defendant.
Sidewalk From Page 1
sidewalks, and Elmer said 2 percent for maintenance and 4 percent to do good maintenance. “Looking at the sidewalk system that’s $30 million plus.” She said, “We don’t have a plan to keep up.” Elmer said the plan has always been funded by what the city can afford. Owen said he hates that the city ever agreed to maintain sidewalks. “It’s a mistake we are fixing to eat. In the city of Houston when a sidewalk goes bad the property owner has to fix it.” He said council should change the policy to say a homeowner has to contribute half the price to fix their sidewalk. Either that or we go out to the voters and tell them we don’t have the money.” The mayor went on to say that every street in the old part of Missouri City (District A) needs to be replaced. “Let’s get everyone with an open work order and spend the remaining money on that.” Owen said his biggest concern is redoing all the city’s streets. “I think people want streets
improved more than they want sidewalks.” Elmer said the city is approaching the end of what was authorized to be sold via the bonds citizens approved in 2014. “Another $9 or $10 million and we won’t have funds.” Ford kept reminding council that the city doesn’t have a plan and needs one for keeping up. Wyatt said, “Either we talk to voters or float another bond issue.” Elmer suggested to council that they get all the current open work orders done and said it can be completed in two to three months. “We can do it by district or however you like it.” Owen said do the work orders first, and Smith agreed. Elmer said some of the work orders “go as far back as four years.” Owen said, “Work orders have to be separated out. If district council people want to work on it individually, we can do that.” And with that said, the sidewalk discussion ended ... for now.
council members have to do it on their private computer. “We can’t possibly capture all that is on social media. We have to keep in mind that we have to move with it and have different ways to comply. When talking be aware which hat you are wearing – public or private. “Use caution when you are posting or responding to posts. Take in who all are in the conversation and keep it to three council members. It’s a moving target so it may take multiple screen shots.” City Manager Allen Bogard said he had advised council not to use social media and “that was a terrible, terrible decision. It used to be real simple for council members: don’t get on social media and talk about city business because of the Open Records Act. “I have been going through a realization that the active involvement of our elected officials communicating with their constituents on an ongoing basis, in whatever way, to be in the public’s best interest. I believe we need to be encouraging you to do it,” Bo-
gard said. “I realize it creates a number of issues we need to deal with. This is just the beginning of some conversations we are going to be having. I hope we can get to a point on what the city can do to help you conduct your political role. The city needs our elected officials to be engaged in the community and social media is a key part of doing this now,” Bogard said. Council Member Amy Mitchell said, “It’s not a detriment, it’s definitely a plus. I think it’s very valuable. We place ourselves in a barrel that can be easily shot but I also think it’s critical to always be in constant communications with the public. I’m glad you are seeing the value of seeing our public’s opinions and beliefs.” Riede closed the workshop by saying there are currently several bills pending now in the Texas legislature regarding the opening records and open meetings acts. “There has got to be a reality to it. This will be an ongoing conversation.”
walks. Commercial sites must repair theirs. Streets and sidewalks all need to be repaired.” Ford asked how often does the city need to come up with money for sidewalk repairs. Elmer said in the older areas of the city sidewalks were not made as well as they are now. “We no longer allow wire mesh in sidewalks. It has to be rebar. Stuff that’s been built since then is improved. We’re working out of the hole from a standards standpoint.” “You’ve got three to four years of work to do now,” Elmer said, and so far it’s cost the city $8 million total. District B Councilman Don Smith asked if the city could get a partner to pay for some of the sidewalks and Elmer said he has “never had a single MUD step up and do their part.” He added that a lot of MUDS don’t have the ability to do so. Then Ford asked how much does the city need per year to maintain residential
Social media From Page 1 remains public.” She told council when they are on their private email accounts on their private server they will have to download conversations because it has been requested. She said sometimes a text is public or private but if they have talked about anything that is city business it is public record. Regarding a request to the city secretary, council members may have to download information such from their private server. If subpoenaed or court ordered the entire account will be searched, Riede said. Riede cautioned council members to make sure three other council members have not already engaged in a post or responded to a post before they do because four makes a quorum. She also urged them to take and keep screenshots of social media posts and comments they make, including deleted comments. She also said the city has the “backup to go in to social media and pull up answers to a requests” but
Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 3, 2017
OPINION
WHEN MY DADDY WENT TO WAR... Excerpts from Daddy’s V-Mails – June to July, 1943 By CAROLYN BOWDEN APRIL 1943: Daddy was deployed from New York City at age of 33. JUNE 1943: “Be sure you do not pinch pennies as I want you to have everything you so desire. Remember I glory in your happiness. I am getting the v-mail from the Red Cross but don’t know how long it will last.” JULY 1943: “I have received 19 plain letters and 40 V-mail letters from you dated up to June 25th. I have written one to three every day since I was restricted. (I assume “restricted” means when he had time to write?) “ I am glad you received the $65 check and you still have a M.O. for $50 more and another check like the one you received coming for $35, a total of $85. Please accept them and spend them as you see fit by buying something you have been wanting and treat my little boy and girl for me.” “Will send gum and pennies in my next plain letter.” (During the War most of the gum and candy went to soldiers. There was a very limited supply of sugar available to civilians in the STATES. It was rationed. This meant you had a certain number of “stamps” to use when shopping and when they were used up, you had to wait until you received more. The “stamps” were colored to designate which month they could be used. For additional information, Google about the rationing during WWII.
“I bet if you will show them on the map they will remember where I am. Remember how they (Carolyn & Jerry) could show us on Jerry’s map of the world where the Japanese and Ger-
Bowden mans lived. Tell Carolyn I am anxiously awaiting the picture of her in pig tails.” “I hope fate is kind enough to let me come back to you. We stand retreat at 6:30 pm and when I salute I always think: “Let me come back to my little family who are safe in America.” Wish you would show Carolyn and Jerry the good old faithful North Star and explain to them that we always depend on it for guidance in the night in addition to our compass.” “I had a letter from Dorothy and Edward.” “Dorothy said she was still weak and had lost 10 pounds. Edward wants to go to duty but she does not want him to. I advised him to get into an Officer or Tech grade.” (Tech grade was a form of administration duties which would make it unlikely that you would be sent to the front to fight. However, some times “everyone fights”—the cooks, supply records, mail clerk, etc. In other words, your unit would be in a situation where everyone needed to fight in order for everyone to survive.) A Close brush with death: (This must have happened in July when he was on the front line. But he did not write my mother about it until August. Daddy was with some of his Company, standing under a tree. ) The soldier manning the 2-way radio, their mode of communication, called out: “Captain, you have a call.” Daddy left the tree and walked back to the tent. As he picked up the phone a shell hit the very spot where he had been
standing. All the men still standing under that tree were killed. In a July 10th V-mail he wrote my Mother: “Everything is ready for the “last” fight for some of us. My prayer is that God will again, nod in my favor, and let me live to come home to my darling wife and babies. Please love one another for me.” (When reading this V-mail you sense how afraid he was because he was seeing, each day, some of his men dying as they went out to fight. He could be next!) This had to be divine intervention because he was not injured. Next Column: May 17. Readers’ questions answered: ( Resources for my answers were from military pilots & Google) What 4 basic instruments would glider pilots find “unreliable” on the glider control panel? ANSWER: There are basic needs for a glider * to be able to turn and bank * altimeter * air speed * rate of climb * a compass When a glider is in tow, vortexes are created by the tow plane which render these Basic instruments on the glider control panel, UNRELIABLE, for use by the pilots because the gliders were subjected to air pockets and 40 mph winds. NOTE: Definition of “vortexes”: a whirling mass of air that spins around very fast and pulls objects into its empty center. For example, such as in the funnel cloud of a tornado. Clarification about fuel tanks on B-17 planes: (Mystery about NO explosion?) Why were there no sparks to cause an explosion when the 20 mm shells hit the B-17 fuel tanks? ANSWER: It is possible that this B-17 plane had “aluminum” fuel tanks. “Aluminum” fuel tanks were used to help eliminate the chance of an explosion from a spark if the tanks were hit.
Advocate of Healthy Mind
By ADAM HARRIS Stop the stigma and raise the awareness. That’s the message Evelyn Traylor spreads when discussing one of the biggest issues facing mental health in our nation. Advocates of Healthy Minds in Ft. Bend County is making strides to inform the unaffected and encourage the diagnosed to understand and face the issues with acceptance. Starting on the Fort Bend County level, Traylor’s nonprofit organization is stepping up in a big way to promote the awareness which seems to be lacking in the minds of many who view mental health as an embarrassing topic of conversation. “We’re dedicated to promoting mental health. Our goal is achieving victory over mental illness through
awareness, advocacy, educational programs, and activities which support a well-balanced life.” Traylor’s dedication to the cause of mental illness began about six years ago, as she decided to make a change in the way people feel about mental illness. In a study from the National Institute of Mental Health, statistics show that in 2015, about 18% of all US adults are affected by mental illness. These can range from depression to all kinds of anxiety and also include obsessive compulsive disorder. Another study by NIMH shows that 13.1% of children and adolescents (ages 8-15) are affected by mental illness as well. This is where a big problem begins, in Traylor’s eyes, as these children aren’t sure what to do about it, or FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.
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that there’s anything wrong in the first place. “We believe that all minds matter and that we must stop the stigma of mental illness,” she said. “We all must step up, speak up and make a difference in other’s lives.” When people start to realize an issue exists (whether it is mental health issues or addiction issues), there isn’t a clear action plan set out to deal with it. So she decided to change that. “We must all achieve victory over mental health issues through education, awareness, and advocacy programs,” said Traylor. “This is what will help all of our mental health professionals in this community and the individuals affected. By having speakers on different topics, and mental and physical activities which will include classes in several areas, we’ll be one step closer to raising a collective awareness in Fort Bend County.” Advocates of Healthy Minds has been picking up steam lately, but Evelyn says the best part of the organization is that she’s working with a great group. She says that she has a phenomenal team with common goals and great hearts and that their goal is to remind others that this is a movement which belongs to everyone.
The Book that made America By DR. DANIEL L. DREISBACH When asked to identify the “founding fathers,” Americans typically name a few prominent political leaders and military heroes—figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton. A more difficult question is: Who are America’s intellectual founding fathers? That is, whose ideas informed the American founding principles in republican self-government and liberty under law? The standard history books report that the American founders in the last third of the 18th century drew on diverse intellectual sources, most prominently British constitutionalism, classical and civic republicanism, and Enlightenment liberalism. One could fill the shelves of a substantial library with all the books written on how John Locke and Baron de Montesquieu, the authors of the influential “Two Treatises of Government” and “The Spirit of the Laws,” respectively, “founded” America. Strangely missing from this list, however, is the Bible, the text sacred to the Christian faith and the most venerated, authoritative, and accessible book in 17th and 18th century America. It is a remarkable omission, indeed, given that several of the colonies were founded as Bible commonwealths. And even as late as the founding era, the Bible continued to hold a place of reverence in American culture. Most Americans of the age were intimately familiar with the Bible not only because of its place in religious life but also because it had been critical in their general education. Many Americans of this generation learned to read with a Bible opened in front of them. The Bible, in short, shaped significant aspects of American public culture, including language, letters, arts, education, and law. Drawing attention to the Bible’s vital contributions to the founding is not meant to diminish, much less dismiss, the substantial contributions of Locke, Montesquieu, and other secular theorists who influenced the founders’ political pursuits. Rather, acknowledging the Bible’s often ignored role in the founding enriches one’s appreciation of the multiple, diverse influencShe’s also looking for more great minds to join the team and says volunteer opportunities are always available if you want to spread the message close to home. The group is planning a huge event this year at Constellation Field on August 26th. The day will kick off at 7 a.m with a 5k fun run, followed by the return of a huge summer Family Fun Day from 2 p.m- 8 p.m. “This event is a Summer Family Festival which will include live music and entertainment all day, 80 vendors, chili and gumbo cook offs, vintage car show, military displays, mental health educational booths, children’s activities, and much more!” Traylor said. The event is sure to be a big one, with 6 hours of activities for all ages and a great host in the Sugar Land Skeeters providing their beautiful venue. There are still many sponsorship and vendor booth opportunities available for the businesses of Fort Bend County, and Traylor looks forward to hearing back from those who want to get involved. To volunteer, sponsor or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, you can reach Evelyn Traylor via email at: advocatesofhealthyminds@ gmail.com
es that informed the ambitious enterprise of securing political independence and establishing new constitutional republics committed to political liberty and self-government constrained by the rule of law. The founders, as I document in my new book “Reading the Bible with the Founding Fathers,” lived in a biblically literate society. Their many quotations from and allusions to both familiar and obscure biblical texts confirm that they knew the Bible from cover to cover. Biblical language and themes liberally seasoned their rhetoric. The phrases and intonations of the King James Bible, especially, influenced their written and spoken words. Its ideas shaped their habits of mind. The Bible left its mark on their political culture. Legislative debates, pamphlets, and political sermons of the age are replete with quotations from and allusions to the Bible. Following an extensive survey of American political literature from 1760 to 1805, political scientist Donald S. Lutz reported that the Bible was cited more frequently than any European writer or even any European school of thought, such as Enlightenment liberalism. Approximately one-third of all citations in the literature he surveyed were to the Bible. The book of Deuteronomy alone was the most frequently cited work, followed by Montesquieu’s “The Spirit of the Laws.” In fact, Deuteronomy was referenced nearly twice as often as Locke’s writings, and the Apostle Paul was mentioned about as frequently as Montesquieu. Many in the founding generation regarded the Bible as indispensable to their political experiment. This should not surprise us because 98 percent or more of Americans in the founding era were affiliated with Protestant Christianity, which has traditionally viewed Scripture as authority in all aspects of life. Although the founders held a wide range of theological views and some even doubted the Bible’s divine origins, there was broad agreement that the Bible offered valuable insights into human nature, civic virtue, social order, political authority, and other concepts essential to the establishment of a new political society. The Bible, many believed, provided guidance on selecting righteous political leaders and the rights and responsibilities of citizens, including the right to resist a tyrannical ruler. Many founders thought the Bible was essential for nurturing the civic virtues that give citizens the capacity for selfgovernment. Many also saw in the Bible political and legal models—such as republicanism, separation of powers, and due process of law—that they believed enjoyed divine favor and were worthy of emulation in their polities. Despite this evidence of the Bible’s influence, both scholarly and popular works give little attention to the Bible and its impact on the founding generation. Not content to simply ignore the Bible’s substantial contributions to late18th century political culture, some historians contend that the founding era, sandwiched between two great spiritual awakenings, was an enlightened age when rationalism was in the ascendancy and the Bible was, if not rejected outright, relegated to the sidelines. Why has so much modern scholarship missed or dismissed the Bible’s role in the founding? Often the most important things in life, like the air we breathe, do not receive the attention they merit because they are so pervasive
and so much a part of our very existence that they are taken for granted. Biblical illiteracy, especially a lack of familiarity with the distinct phrases and cadences of the King James Bible, may explain the failure of some scholars to recognize biblical language in the founders’ political discourse. The founders often quoted the Bible without using quotation marks or citations, which were not necessary for a biblically literate society but the absence of which fail to alert a biblically illiterate modern audience to the Bible’s invocation. Also, scholars trained in the modern academy with its emphasis on the strictly rational and the secular may discount biblical themes because they find them less noteworthy or sophisticated than the intellectual contributions of the Enlightenment. There may even be a discomfort with or (perhaps) hostility toward explicitly religious material and themes. Some fear that the mere acknowledgement of Christianity’s and the Bible’s influence on the American founding will diminish the Enlightenment’s influence and buttress the alleged theocratic impulses of some 21st century citizens. Moreover, some commentators find a focus on the God of the Bible and biblical religion divisive or even offensive to 21st century secular sensibilities. In an admonition seldom mentioned in the scholarly literature, for example, George Washington warned in his “Farewell Address” of September 1796 that one who labors to subvert a public role for religion and morality cannot call oneself a patriot. Such rhetoric, unexceptional in its time, is discordant with the secular ethos of our time. Other founders held views similarly out of step with secular academic and popular sentiments of the 21st century, such as advocating state support for the Christian religion. Does it matter whether the Bible is studied alongside other intellectual influences on the founding fathers who established an independent constitutional republic committed to liberty and representative rule by the consent of the governed? Yes, it matters if one wants to understand the broad range of ideas that shaped the founders’ political thoughts, actions, and deeds. An awareness of the Bible’s contributions to the founding provides insight into the identity of the American people and their experiment in republican selfgovernment. Indeed, the widespread biblical illiteracy of the modern age inevitably distorts the conception Americans have of themselves as a people, their history, and their bold political experiment. The public’s “increasing unfamiliarity with the Bible,” political theorist Wilson Carey McWilliams lamented, “makes it harder and harder for Americans to understand their origins and their mores, or to put words to their experiences. … Lacking knowledge of the Bible, Americans are likely to be literally inarticulate, unable to relate themselves to American life and culture as a whole.” This danger alone should inspire Americans to study the Bible and its role in the life of the nation. —Dr. Daniel L. Dreisbach is a professor at American University in Washington, D.C. He has authored or edited 10 books, including “Reading the Bible with the Founding Fathers” (Oxford University Press, 2017), from which this article is adapted. You can follow him on Twitter @d3bach
INDEPENDENT • MAY 3, 2017 • Page 5
SCHOOLS
Lamar CISD’s Theater design competition winners
Lamar Consolidated High School students ranked among the state’s best at the UIL State Theatrical Design Competition. One student and one group finished in the top six in a competition featuring more than 700 entries. Gwyneth DePass finished 6th in Costume Design. The team of Giovanni Pineda, Raquel Portillo, Isabella Rioux and Isaac Zamorano finished 6th in Team Theatrical Design, in which a team of four competitors designs a play in its entirety with each member designing a different aspect. The four categories they must design are marketing, set, costume and hair and makeup. Claudia McCotter is the Director of Theatre Arts at Lamar Consolidated High School. The event was held April 11-14 in Austin. Above, The students in the group photo are Raquel Portillo, Isaac Zamorano, Giovanni Pineda and Isabella Rioux.
Gwyneth DePass finished 6th in Costume Design.
Texana Project - Eagle Scout awarded Bronze Palm Texana Center was delighted to receive the news that Spencer Reitz had not only earned his Eagle Scout Award but also received the Bronze Palm. To earn this distinction the scout must be active in their troop for at least 3 months after becoming an Eagle Scout and earn five additional merit badges beyond those required for the Eagle Scout Award which requires some 21 merit badges. Spencer Reitz, Troop 1631, chose Texana Center for his Eagle Scout Project. The project was to enhance an existing playground area at the Children’s Center for Autism. He was asked to paint a track around the play area for bicycles and scooters, a basketball semi-circle by the basketball hoop and also to include several games; hopscotch, hangman, tic-tac-toe and four square. Spencer had to use a lot of math to workout distance, size and symmetry. Texana also requested that these be painted in bright primary colors, so he went to Sherwin Williams who donated one gallon of paint for every gallon he purchased and gave him a discount on the paint he bought. He was very grateful for that break. He came to Texana many times, as he first had to power wash the area and fill in several cracks in the concrete before beginning the painting. The weather did not cooperate and he was rained out a couple of times but he persevered and completed the project. When everything was finished he held a Grand Opening for the play area, bringing refreshments for the children
Reitz and presented Ellen Catoe, Senior Manager, Children’s Center for Autism with chalk and bean bags for the games. Children with autism may enjoy playing, but they can find some types of play difficult. It is common for them to have very limited play skills; playing with only a few toys, or playing in a repetitive manner. Play often does not come
naturally to them, so they have to be specifically taught these very important play skills that seem to come easily to most typically developing children. The Children’s Center for Autism uses applied behavior analysis to carefully assess each child’s individual skills and then develop a program to specifically teach these important activities. They are taught to ride bicycles, scooters and play games so the painted playground is perfect for this task. Ellen Catoe said “It was a pleasure working with Spencer and we are delighted with the way playground turned out; it is bright, colorful and very helpful for teaching the children with autism how to play which is often the first place we learn many skills.”
Fort Bend Education Foundation hosts luncheon for volunteers
Smith Elementary cafeteria manager Margarita Medina earned two honors Friday (April 21): winning the “Bright Ideas Award” and graduating from the Region IV Manager’s Academy. The other 43 members in her 9-month-long program chose her based on the innovation and creativity she showed in problem-solving. Guests at the Auxiliary Luncheon. Photos courtesy of Renu Narang.
On April 27th the Fort Bend Education Foundation’s Angels of Education Auxiliary hosted a recruitment luncheon for new volunteers. Guests were invited to learn about the Foundation’s programs and volunteer opportunities. Johnson Development graciously provided lunch and Highland Homes provided their model home in Harvest Green. The Angels of Education Auxiliary supports the Foundation by providing volunteers and creating community awareness. If you are interested in becoming aa volunteer with the Fort Bend Education Foundation, please visit www.fort-
bendisd.com/foundation. The Fort Bend Education Foundation’s mission is to enrich and enhance the quality of education for all Fort Bend ISD students through its grant programs. Programs include Grants for Teachers and Schools, Professional Development Grants and New Teacher Gifts. Above, Auxiliary Officers Syndee Howgate, Nappinnai Natarajan, Tina Hood, Highland Homes, Hiep Nguyen, Auxiliary President Noreen Covey, Executive Director Brenna Cosby, Johnson Development’s Haley Peck and Harvest Green’s Sylvia Morghese. —Photo courtesy of Renu Narang.
Essay contest winner Katie Clack
Foster High School’s Katie Clack won 1st place in the Houston Federal Reserve Bank Essay Contest earning $,1500. In addition to the check and recognition during Houston Money Week, she met NBA great Magic Johnson. A Foster High School student has won the last three essay contests.
INDEPENDENT •MAY 3, 2017 • Page 6
AUTOMOBILE: KIA Soul
By BARBARA FULENWIDER For the 2017 model year Kia’s funky, original compact crossover gains a whole lot more urban attitude with a package of styling, powertrain, connectivity and equipment revisions. Heading the pack is a new Soul Sport model powered by a 201 hp 1.6-liter T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct-injection) engine driving through a seven-speed dual-clutch (7-DCT) automatic transmission. This year the exterior and interior got facelifts, 18-inch alloy wheels, larger brakes, the latest connectivity, navigation and multimedia systems and advanced driver assistance aids. The Soul model range has been trimmed from seven versions to three. They are now badged 1, 2 and 3 and are powered by either a 1.6-liter GDi gas engine or a 1.6-liter CRDi turbo diesel. All versions of the compact Soul SUV are frontwheel-drive, five-door, five passenger crossovers. The engine drives through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that lets the driver choose among Sport for more driving fun, Eco to minimize fuel consumption and Normal. Switching is via a steering wheel-mounted button. The Soul Sport comes standard with blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and high beam assist systems. It also has the full connectivity package of Kia connected services and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
compatibility. This is also fitted to grades 2 and 3. The 1.6-liter CRDi engine goes from 0-60 mph in 10.8 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox and a top speed of 112 mph. The figures with the seven-speed DCT gearbox are 10.7 seconds and 113 mph. Manual versions have combined fuel consumption of 58.8 mpg while the figures for the DCT have improved to 56.5 mpg. The Sport may be the performance model of the Soul range, but it also contributes towards Kia’s goal of improving fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions thanks to its small 1.6-liter capacity, direct injection and exhaustdriven turbocharging. The combined fuel consumption is 40.9 mpg. The Soul 1.6 T-GDi is differentiated from conventional models in the Soul range with a series of exterior modifications, including a bolder front bumper and air intake grille design, twin exhaust pipes at the rear, and its own 10-spoke 18-inch aluminium alloy wheel design. The model features the T-GDi engine badge on the tailgate, as well as a unique red Soul model logo. Completing the sportier appearance of the T-GDi model are red highlights to the front bumper and side sills. Kia also made changes to the interior of the Soul 1.6 T-GDi. The powerful new model features its own distinctive cabin colour scheme, with black cloth and leather upholstery paired with orange stitching. A D-shaped
St. Theresa’s Church Bazaar The Annual St. Theresa Church Bazaar Garage Sale will be held Saturday, May 6, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and Sunday, May 7, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Church Community Center, located at 705 St. Theresa Blvd, Sugar Land. Treasures to purchase include, toys, housewares, appliances, knickknacks, sports equipment, tools, electronics and MUCH MORE! No clothing. PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for West Bellfort and Sam Brookins Street for the addition of “No Parking, Stopping, or Standing” signs, Precinct 4. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Waterview Town Center, Section 2, Precinct 4. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE OPENING DATE OF June 6, 2017 AT 2:00 pm. IFB # 17-205 Reconstruction of Glenn Lakes Bridge over Oyster Creek IFB’s may be obtained from the State of Texas Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) at http://esbd.cpa.state.tx.us/ or Onvia/Demandstar at http://www.demandstar.com/. Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the Bid name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of: Purchasing Manager City of Missouri City 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, TX 77489 prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Responses will be opened on June 6, 2017 at 2:00 pm. PRE-BID CONFERENCE: A non-mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for May 24, 2017 at 10:00 am in the Council Chambers at the street location noted above. Until final award of the Contract, the OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Responses, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the Work otherwise when in the best interests of the OWNER. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.
COMMUNITY Healthy competition at AccessHealth’s Community Challenge Tournament
steering wheel and orange highlights throughout the cabin add more to the interior of the Soul 1.6 T-GDi. The Soul 1.6 T-GDi is available with larger optional brakes than the standard Soul. As standard, the car is fitted with 300 mm ventilated front discs, and is available with 320 mm discs. The solid rear discs remain the same size, at 262 mm in diameter. The revised brakes reduce the stopping distance of the Turbo model slightly to 35.3 yards down from 35.5 yards. The changes were made primarily to ensure fade-free braking power under consistent use. Standard features include USB and AUX ports, variable power-assisted steering and a tire pressure monitoring system with manual transmission. Also, a high-gloss black grille with chrome surround, keyless entry, air conditioning, electric windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors, steering wheel-mounted controls, tilt and telescopic steering, luggage area cover, hooks and light and a trip computer. The Soul has an UVO eServices Infotainment System with Android auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. SIRIUS SXM comes free for three months and Bluetooth wireless technology is also on board. The Soul Exclaim was the test drive vehicle and came with all standard equipment and a retail price tag of $23,620, including freight and handling charges. The jaunty little crossover was equipped with anti-lock brakes, brake assist, traction control, electronic stability, vehicle stability management and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Soul is definitely a fun vehicle to drive, has more interior space than you might imagine and it’s interior and exterior definitely make a statement. For the second year in a row the J.D. Power ranking of vehicles named the Soul the “highest ranked multi-purpose vehicle in initial quality.” It definitely offers a lot of bang for the buck and is a very cool ride. PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Cambridge Falls, Section 7, Precinct 2.
U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, left, Brenda Patton, Michael Dotson, Jacqueline Stump, Dr. Michael Lawson and Lionel Martin. More than 100 softball and Sponsor; M.D. Anderson Can- AccessHealth Interim Chief kickball players fought hard cer Center and Health South Executive Officer, Michael R. for championship titles at Rehabilitation as “Umpire” Dotson. AccessHealth’s 5TH Annual Sponsors; and Schramme “We truly appreciate all the Community Challenge Tour- Construction and Frost Bank players who came out to comnament last Saturday. Six soft- as “Dugout” Sponsors. pete and the generous sponIn addition to softball and sors and volunteers who made ball teams and four kickball kickball games, attractions it possible.” teams competed. Taking top honors in their included food trucks and chilAccessHealth provides inbrackets were: The City of dren’s activities. Proceeds will tegrated health care services Richmond in softball and help AccessHealth provide without regard to income or Houston Methodist Sugar health care to families and circumstance to improve the individuals who would oth- quality of life in Fort Bend Land Hospital in kickball. The event, held at Mis- erwise likely go without the County. souri City’s Community Park, medical care they need. AccessHealth is a United “Congratulations to Hous- Way agency, and the main raised funds to provide integrated health services for the ton Methodist Sugar Land and Center in Richmond is reclow-income and uninsured in the City of Richmond,” said ognized as a Patient-Centered Fort Bend County and sur- AccessHealth Chief Develop- Medical Home by the Nationment Officer, Cindy Reaves. al Committee for Quality Asrounding areas. Sponsors included Houston “Thank you to all who came surance. Methodist Sugar Land Hospi- out for what turned out to For more about Actal as the “Challenge Champs be a beautiful day for a little cessHealth services or upUnderwriter” and the City of healthy competition!” coming event sponsorship “Our 2017 Community opportunities, please contact Missouri City as the “Grand Challenge sponsors showed Sharonda DeBose at (281) Slam” Sponsor. Also supporting the event strong support for Ac- 633-3144 or sdebose@myacwere Community Health cessHealth and the patients cesshealth.org. Choice as a “Home Run” and families we serve,” said
Back Row: Nick Hardin, Lindsey Pierce, Cruz Ibarguen and Devon Medlin; Front Row: Ryan Gonzales , Jenny Dinh, Sam Alam, Christy Medlin, Lilly Guerrero and Dora Mendez.
Fort Bend Drug Symposium The Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition held its second annual, Fort Bend Drug Symposium at the Missouri City Community Center on April 20, or “4/20” a date that both marijuana smokers and non-smokers recognize as a national holiday for the cannabis culture. FBCPC wanted to put a positive spin on this day by convening national speakers to address marijuana, synthetic drugs, and cutting edge prevention strategies. The symposium welcomed and appreciated opening remarks from, US Congressman Pete Olson. He shared the
need for community collaboration to effectively prevent substance abuse. Mr. Ed Shemelya, Coordinator – National Marijuana Initiative, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), presented on the impacts of marijuana legalization on public health and safety. Dr. Arlo Weltge, Clinical Professor at the University of Texas Medical School Houston, spoke about the medical and psychological effects of synthetic drugs. Sierra Castedo-Rogers, The University of Texas at Austin, discussed prevention science and community solutions. The event was hosted by
the FBCPC, a program of Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse (FBRC) and co-sponsored by the Houston High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Coalition Coordinator Payal Patani said, “The FBCPC serves a vital role in protecting the health and welfare of all people in our larger community. Our volunteers are dedicated to reducing substance use among youth.” The FBCPC seeks to build capacity for community-level changes that result in fewer young people becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol. www. fortbendcpc.org
The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Williams Ranch Section 4, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
John Robson, left, COO of Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse, Payal Patani, Coalition Coordinator, Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition, Lauren Ibekwe, Coalition Specialist, Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition, Andrea Ortiz, Chair for Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition, and Congressman Pete Olson, District 22.
INDEPENDENT • MAY 3, 2017 • Page 7
SPOTLIGHT
Record-breaking sales sprout new neighborhoods in Harvest Green Harvest Green Entry Harvest Green is releasing 254 homesites in the coming months to keep up with buyer demand. First-quarter home sales are up 46 percent over the previous year.
the opportunity to be part of a community with a lifestyle that encourages health and sustainability — and the response has been overwhelming.� Homes sales in the unique community, which is centered on a working farm, have always been strong. Builders sold 85 homes within three months of beginning presales when Harvest Green opened nearly two years ago. An additional 262 properties were released when the community was less than a year old. Eleven builders oer homes in Harvest Green with designs priced from the $240,000s. Builders include D.R. Horton, Darling Homes, David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes, Lennar, Meritage Homes, Newmark Homes, Perry Homes, Plantation
Japanese flower arrangement
In recognition of Asian-PaciďŹ c American Heritage Month, Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sienna Branch Library will have a special demonstration, “Ikebana – The Enchantment of Japanese Flower Arranging,â€? on Saturday, May 6, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m, in the Multipurpose Room of the library, located at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City. Unlike simple ower arranging, ikebana is a disciplined Japanese art form in which nature and humanity are brought together and represented with the use of living branches, leaves, grasses, and blossoms. An asymmetrical form and the use of empty space are essential features of the composition, and a sense of harmony among the materials, the container, and the setting is crucial. YuMei Montalvo, First Jonin Somu (professor) of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, will provide a short history of ikebana, the Japanese art and philosophy of ower arranging. As she demonstrates the creation and composition of several arrangements, she will explain the relationship of the materials being used and the importance of their placement within the arrangements. Montalvo began studying Sogetsu in Singapore in 1992 and spent 17 years teaching it in Ecuador. She now resides in Houston, where she is the chair of the Sogetsu Study Group of Houston. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Sienna Branch Library at 281-238-2900 or the library system’s Public Information OďŹƒce at 281-633-4734.
PLANTATION at Quail Valley Active Senior Living; Embracing the lives of Seniors 55 and Better
2815 Cypress Point Dr, Missouri City, TX 77459 www. plantationqv.com
Phone: (281) 208-4470
Homes, Trendmaker Homes and Westin Homes. In addition to opening up new neighborhoods, Harvest Green is putting the ďŹ nishing touches on its suite of amenities including The Farmhouse, a recreation center featuring a pool, ďŹ tness center, splash pad, event lawn, playground and lakeside amphitheater. Residents also enjoy a weekly on-site farmers market and a community service agriculture program by Loam Agronomics that delivers farmfresh produce to their doors. A new school, James C. Neill Elementary, will join on-site Bowie Middle School and Travis High School in August. For more information about Harvest Green, visit www. harvestgreentexas.com.
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New neighborhoods are sprouting up in Harvest Green as the community prepares to release 254 homesites in response to record-breaking home sales. The Fort Bend community will release the ďŹ rst 71 homesites in May with an additional 183 to follow in the summer. The new neighborhoods will feature 50-, 60- and 65-foot properties. The release is in response to a 46 percent increase in Harvest Green home sales this year, with 98 homes sold during the ďŹ rst quarter of 2017. “The continued success of our community has been gratifying,â€? said Shay ShaďŹ e general manager of Harvest Green. “From the beginning we have oered prospective buyers something unique —
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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 3, 2017
COMMUNITY
La Cocina’s Cinco de Mayo celebration benefits Fort Bend Seniors
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Top row: Andres Novoa, Kelli Walleck and Hector Vasquez; Seated: Lori Dunaway, Manuela Arroyos, Angela Vasquez, Linda Nolty and Norma. (Not pictured: Joe and Loretta Rodriguez)
Linda Nolty, Manuela Arroyos, Lori Dunaway, Rachel Novoa, Andres Novoa, Ray Aguilar, Kelli Walleck and Norma Gonzales (Not pictured: Joe and Loretta Rodriguez & Hector and Angela Vasquez) La Cocina Mexican Restaurant and Catering, located at 515 FM 359 in Richmond, Texas, hosted the committee meeting for their 12th Annual Cinco de Mayo fundraising event which benefits Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels (FBS). The event will be held at La Cocina on Saturday, May 6 from 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. The committee made up of some new and returning members, as well as our hosts, Andres and Rachel Novoa, got off to a strong start. Fundraiser originator, Andres Novoa led the meeting and inspired everyone. Fort Bend Seniors CEO, Manuela Arroyos said, “For the past eleven years, the Cinco de Mayo fundraiser has contributed more than $300,000 towards feeding and caring for our seniors. Fort Bend Seniors is able to feed an abundance of senior citizens in need each year with the help of La Cocina Restaurant and its owners, Andres and Rachel Novoa.” Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels provides more than 1,300 hot, nutritious, home-delivered meals to seniors who typically live alone and are unable to prepare their own meals. In addition, Fort Bend Seniors offers older adults congregate meals from eleven site locations, transportation to and from the center, health screenings, recreational activities, and other health-giving programs. . “We are blessed to live in a community that is so giving,” said Andres Novoa. “Not only are we raising money needed to feed our seniors, but we are also reaching volunteers and creating awareness right here in our back yard as we help crush hunger among our elderly!” Event activities will include a live band, live and silent auctions, raffle drawings, drink specials and great Tex-Mex cuisine. Everyone is invited to join the fun and support a worthy cause. VIP tickets and tables are sold out but direct donations are welcomed and appreciated. Donatios can be made online at www.fortbendeniors.org/Donations.html.
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On Tuesday, April 25, Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert presented a proclamation to Bruce Mercer, President of Fort Bend County Women’s Center, and several of the center’s employees, proclaiming the month of April as ‘Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention’ month. During the month of April, citizens are asked to support and encourage creating awareness that sexual assault can be prevented if all citizens work jointly to create a culture of mutual respect and consent. For more information, please visit www.fbwc.org. Pictured: Judge Hebert presents proclamation to Bruce Mercer, President of Fort Bend County Women’s Center, and several of the center’s employees .
Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary professional engineering firm that focuses on MEP Engineering, Commissioning, and Program Management. We act as an extension to our clients, providing total engineering services from project inception to completion. With our deep bench of high skilled and experienced staff and innovative technology Rice & Gardner can plan, lead, and complete projects on time and within budget.
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