Fort Bend Independent by Fort Bend Independent

VOL 3 No. 19

Phone: 281-980-6745 PRSRT STD

www.fbindependent.com

U.S. POSTAGE PAID STAFFORD, TX PERMIT NO.10

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2010

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

Owen, Wyatt, and Nguyen register big wins in Missouri City By BARBARA FULENWIDER Missouri City voters on Saturday said they definitely approve of the direction Mayor Allen Owen is taking their town because they overwhelmingly returned him to the job he’s held since 1994. Owen received 3,012 early votes or 57.70 percent to challenger and former council member Cynthia LentonGary’s 2,208 votes (42.30 percent). Again, early voting showed nearly the same results with Owen receiving 1,567 early votes or 59.65 percent to Gary’s 1, 060 early votes for 40.35 percent of the total votes cast. Missouri City incumbent Councilman Jerry Wyatt was also overwhelmingly returned to his at-large position 1 seat with 3,179 votes or 65.08 percent of the vote total to challenger Anthony Maroulis’s 1,706 votes or 34.92 percent of the total votes. It’s rare that when four candidates run for the same office one candidate is able to poll more than 50 percent of the vote totals over the other three. Such races usually end up no candidate receiving more than 50 percent of the total votes cast so it puts the top two vote getters in a run-off. That was not the case in Mis-

souri City’s at large position 2 race. First time candidate Danny Nguyen put away the pack by finishing with 55 percent of the votes. Nguyen received 2,776 votes (55.33 percent) to Yolanda Ford’s 1,407 (28.04 percent), Kevin Tunstall’s 697 (13.89 percent) and Judith Neil Dupre’s 137 votes (2.73 percent). Missouri City voters by a wide margin approved a proposition banning smoking in public places. The vote total was 4,257 (82.34 percent) for and 913 (17.66 percent) against. By a much more narrow margin, Missouri City voters also approved adopting an ordinance to require all home owners to participate in a city-wide consolidated municipal trash collection program with the exception of those who currently have a sole source contract until their rate is no lower than the city’s base rate. The proposition received a total of 2,718 votes (54.57 percent) in favor and 2,263 (45.43 percent) opposed.

371 votes (25.12 percent) and ShaMekka S. Pratt-Simmons, also an incumbent trustee, who received 351 votes (23.76 percent). Challenger Kim Gibson got 326 votes (22.07 percent).

Meadows Place

Owen

Wyatt

Mathew

Sorbet

Ken Mathew polled 618 total votes for 36.70 percent of the total votes cast; Cecil Willis received 493 votes (29.28 percent), and Robert Sorbet won with 368 votes (21.85 percent). The challenger, Mike Guer-

ra, a former Stafford Municipal School District trustee, lost. He polled 205 votes (12.17 percent).

Vote of confidence or indifference?

FBISD to freeze salaries

Despite the abysmally low level of participation of voters in local city and school board elections, the democratic process worked as it should. Surprises were few, if any, and incumbents easily won. While the winners would call it a vote of confidence, voters’ indifference and apathy to civic matters cannot be ignored. This May election cycle was devoid of any real campaigning, or debates on issues, but, surprisingly the number of contested elections helped increase the voter participation, at least marginally. In the 2008 Missouri City mayoral election, 4,044 people out of the 32,454 registered voters participated. This year, 5313 people voted. In last year’s FBISD election, out of 181,338 registered voters only 5,620 voted. This year, 8,454 people voted. That is not a bad sign because the school board election had no incumbent on the ballot and the election was not a referendum on the existing board or trustees. The most keenly watched election has been in Missouri City where Mayor Allen Owen won his ninth term. He has served as council member for eight years prior to that. Days before the election, Owen said, in response to some critics, “I can’t make everyone happy and don’t try to. I do what people elected me to do and what they expect me to do. Guess that is why

Stafford

In Stafford four candidates sought three city council seats and all three incumbents won re-election.

Inside Track By Seshadri Kumar they have kept electing me for 24 years now. I have always said, that we have term limits in Missouri City. Every two years people have an opportunity to vote people out of office. They also have the ability to keep those they think represents their interests.” Owen was right and people endorsed his performance by keeping him in office for another term. Owen’s opponent Cynthia Lenton-Gary’s platform was that some parts of the city were neglected and she would like to see all parts of the city improved. She was an alternative voice on the city council, if and when she chose to air her views publicly, but she gave up her council seat in her ambitious mayoral bid. Barely three years in office, she probably took a premature step, instead of staying on the council and trying to make a difference. As I had noted before, Missouri City has distinctly different neighborhoods, with varied demands or interests and consequently, it is hard to

Seconds can save lives

win citywide support for any issue that does not affect the city as a whole. The voting reflects this trend as only in about half-a-dozen precincts, Gary could beat Owen, showing her strength is confined to certain neighborhoods. Similarly, Councilman Jerry Wyatt lost to challenger Anthony Maroulis heavily in just two or three neighborhoods. The most interesting outcome in Missouri City has been the straight victory posted by Danny Nguyen. In an open seat, vacated by Buddy Jimerson, Nguyen garnered support citywide and handily defeated three others. Clearly, the negative publicity against Nguyen, on issues totally unrelated to the city, worked to his advantage. Perhaps, a section of the Vietnamese community members did a great favor to Nguyen, by holding demonstrations against him and thus, enhancing his profile. A lesson here is that immigrant communities should think twice before introducing their “domestic squabbles” in a local election. The issue should be relevant and legitimate. Often, some personal rivalry or professional rivalry, takes the form of a legitimate election campaign for or against a candidate hailing from the immigrant community. In Nguyen’s case that seems to be the case. Send your comments to editor@fbindependent.com.

SMSD

In the Stafford Municipal School District trustee election four candidates vied for three

By SESHADRI KUMAR Fort Bend ISD is planning to freeze the salary of all its employees at the current level for the next academic year. Chief Financial Officer Tracy Hoke made the proposal at a budget workshop on Monday. The starting salary for a teacher will remain at $44,500. The salary freeze is, however, subject to a legal opinion from Texas Attorney General. According to one interpretation of the state law, teachers’ salaries cannot be frozen. If that view is valid, then the district may opt to freeze the salaries of non-teaching employees. The school board also adopted a proposed tax rate of $1.04, keeping at the current level. The debt service tax rate, however, will be increased by 3.5 cents to 30 cents per $100 valuation. Hoake pointed out that the debt service tax rate increase is within the 11-cent increase, originally anticipated during the bond election. The school board will hold a public hearing on the proposed tax rates at its next meeting on May 26. In the proposed $511 million budget, the anticipated shortfall is $22.8 million of which $19.8 million will be saved by the “reduction in force.” Other savings come from transportation, UIL student insurance coverage and 4-day work week in summer.

In Meadows Place the only contested race was for City Alderman, Place No. 2. Candidate Shirley Isbell received 159 votes (53.36 percent) to beat opponent Scott Holland, who got 139 votes Nguyen (46.64 percent). Other Meadows Place incumbents who ran for reelection and had no opponent are Mayor Charlie Jessup and city council members Heidi Case and David Wilkens. Meadows Place voters also overwhelmingly approved a proposition to dissolve the 4A Meadows Economic Development Corp., and replace it with a 4B EDC with a sales and use tax at a total rate of one percent. Half of one percent will be used “for the reasonable exWillis pansion of the property and seats. Voters elected one new- investment within the city and comer and two incumbents to improvement of municipal infrastructure to expand busithe three open positions. Newcomer Ed Castillo ness enterprises and develop polled the most votes with new business enterprises for a total of 429 (29.05 per- the city” and the other half cent) followed by incumbent will be used to reduce propTrustee Greg Holsapple with erty tax rates.

Rice, Babb elected FBISD trustees

Babb Rice Voters decided the two newcomers they want to serve on the Fort Bend ISD board of trustees are Jim Rice and Jim Babb. Rice received 4,311 (66.08 percent of total votes) and his opponent for trustee position 3, Clay Alumbaugh, got 2,215 or 33.94 percent. Jim Babb easily beat his opponent Gerald Hawkins to win the trustee position 7 on the FBISD board. Babb won with a total of 4,331 votes for 63.59 percent of the total votes cast. Hawkins received 2,480 (36.41 percent) of the votes. Early voting showed Babb and Rice winning by a margin of 2 to 1. Rice and Babb will take the positions of Bob Broxon and David Reitz, who decided not to seek re-election at the end of their first term in office.

10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 www.fbindependent.com Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor 281-980-6745 Fort Bend Independent is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Periodical postage application pending. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.

Fort Bend County’s only accredited Chest Pain Center. Visit memorialhermann.org or call 713.222.CARE to learn more about our heart and vascular screenings.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 12, 2010

BACK PAIN? NECK PAIN? The Spine Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the comprehensive, coordinated option for you in Fort Bend County. For back and neck pain, there’s only one premier choice – Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Spine Center. Whether you’ve had pain for just a few days or several long years, you’ll ﬁnd everything you need to diagnose and treat your condition in a convenient location, with access to premier spine specialists and a complete range of treatment options. Getting started is easy. We will guide you through a customized treatment plan, with expedited access to world-class neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons and interventional pain specialists. Plus, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and the most advanced imaging and surgical technologies in the world are available on-site.

Stop enduring pain. Call today and begin your personal treatment plan. 281-313-BACK (2225).

Spine Center 16655 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-274-7000 • MethodistSugarLand.com

LEADING MEDICINE®

Building homes of quality and distinction for over 40 years.

Plans, prices and availability are subject to change without notice. (10/08)

MAY 12, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ INDEPENDENT â&#x20AC;˘ Page 3

Community news

Suzette Peoples Broker /Owner 21 years of experience!

Grand Slam For Youth Baseball: Scholarship for High School Seniors

Direct: 281-980-3322 www.peoplesproperties.com

Tax hike unlikely in Missouri City budget By BARBARA FULENWIDER The 2011 preliminary budget Missouri City Manager Frank Simpson presented to council at their May 3 special meeting is $2 million less than the 2010 original budget and slightly more than the 2009 original budget with no increase in the property tax rate. In fact, council will be asked to adopt whichever tax rate is lower: the current tax rate of 52.84 cents per $100 valuation or the effective tax rate. The 2011 preliminary budget is $31 million or 6.1 percent less than the 2010 original budget. Simpson told council that the 2011 â&#x20AC;&#x153;preliminary budget is very tight.â&#x20AC;? He said department directors were asked to scrutinize their budgets closely and eliminate items that would not affect the delivery of current city services. Department chiefs were also asked to look at their staff vacancies and the result of that will be a net reduction of 16 vacant positions that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be funded in 2011. The hiring of seven more police officers will save money on nine unfunded positions.

The reduction will decrease full time employees from 320 this fiscal year to 311 in 2011. Total personnel expenditures with the exception of the seven additional police officers are $21,319,432 in the 2011 preliminary budget. The amount was $22,574,704 in the 2010 original budget. The budget does include the addition of seven police officers because city council members decided not to include a property tax homestead exemption as a referendum item on the May 8 ballot and use those funds the exemption would have cost to add seven police officers. Some existing key vacancies that are funded in the proposed 2011 budget are parks director, street superintendent, community development coordinator/code enforcement, PC/LAN IT specialist, IT help desk assistant and communications manager (HOA volunteer liaison). A major reduction to the general fund budget for fiscal year 2011 is solid waste contracted collections, which will save the city $738,000, Simpson said. As for revenues, Simpson

is projecting $30,390,639 for fiscal year 2011. The total amount is a decrease of $1 million or 6.22 percent less than the $32,405,274 revenues projected for the 2010 original budget. General fund total ad valorem taxes budgeted for 2011 are $14.82 million versus $15.94 million budgeted for 2010. As of July 1, 2010, Simpson expects the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fund balance to be $6,893,018. Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adopted policy is to have the fund balance between 15 and 25 percent of the budgeted revenues. The proposed 2011 budget includes using $778,471 of the fund balance, which leaves a fund balance of $6.1 million or 20.12 percent. Budget workshops are scheduled for May 11 and 13. The proposed budget will be submitted to council on or before June 1 and at membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; June 7 meeting an overview and summary will be presented. The budget will be considered for final adoption at councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s June 21 meeting after a public hearing is held. The 2011 budget becomes effective on July 1, the beginning of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fiscal year.

REDUCED

Suzette Peoples

ABR, GRI , E-Pro, 21 years Professional Realtor; Owner of Peoples Properties, a Real Estate & Property Management Co.; American Business Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association. SUGAR LAND! Almost 2400sqft. 4 bedrooms 2.5 bath. Study and sitting/gameroom up. Owner spent over $62K on upgrades/improvements. Gourmet kitchen, tile/pergo thru-out no carpet. Priced in $200â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

SUGAR LAND REDUCED FIRST COLONY

SUGAR CREEK Great 1 story on huge corner lot. 3 bedrooms & study. Seller has updated carpet, tile paint in and out and roof replaced. Shows great and POOL/SPA & WATERFALL! 2 story 4 bedrooms! price already reduced to go fast in the low $200â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Master down. All tile/real wood thru-out, no carpet. All located on culdesac street. Clements high school! Priced to go fast!

RE DU CE D

Members of the Fort Bend Junior Service League and representatives of St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sugar Land Hospital, presented Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels with a check for $10,000 at the Leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s May meeting. The money was raised from sales of the Leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new cookbook, Treasures from the Bend, Rich in History and Flavor. Cookbooks can be purchased online at www.fbjsl.com or at a number of Fort Bend retailers. Standing: Shayne Newell, FBJSL

FIRST COLONY CE

FBJSL Cookbook raises $10,000 for seniors

TELFAIR 1 story Village Builder home over 3100 sqft! Built in 2007. 3 bedrooms & study. Gourmet oversized island kitchen with granite.T ile and Hardwoods thru-out. Upgrades galore! Priced to go fast!

outreach program designed to make it easier for boys and girls to play, learn about and experience baseball. The program, which seeks to foster self-confidence, involvement, teamwork and fun among area children, is composed of four key components: 1.) sponsorship of Houston Parks and Recreation Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Youth Baseball Program; 2.) refurbishment of one youth ball field a year; 3.) a college scholarship program benefiting youth baseball/softball players; and 4.) a fundraising opportunity for youth baseball/softball teams and leagues. For more information, log on to the Web site at www. gsfyb.com. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coca-Colaâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Minute Maidâ&#x20AC;? are registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company.

softball program in or around Houston. The students must graduate from a public or private high school by June 18, 2010 and live in the greater Houston area. Students who have been recruited as a prospective student-athlete of an NCAA collegiate institution, as defined by NCAA By-Law 13.02.10.1., are ineligible to apply. Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, May 17. Eligible high school seniors are invited to submit applications, which can be downloaded from the GSFYB web site at www.gsfyb.com. Applicants must provide evidence of admission to a post-secondary college or university, including, but not limited to, a junior or community college in the United States or a U.S. territory, as well as acceptance of that admission. The application must also include

two written recommendations by adults, such as a teacher, a counselor, employer, coach or religious leader. Students who are selected as semifinalists will be interviewed in person by the scholarship award selection committee in early June. Finalists will be notified of their scholarships in mid-June. Twenty-five winning students will each receive a $2,500 scholarship and be honored on the field at Minute Maid Park before the Astros play the Cincinnati Reds on July 24. The Grand Slam for Youth Baseball program is a community outreach effort that seeks to foster self-confidence, involvement, teamwork and fun among area children. Youth Baseball Minute Maid and the Houston Astros teamed up in August 2002 to create Grand Slam for Youth Baseball, a community

As the school year winds down, graduating high school seniors have visions of college campuses, dorm rooms and most of all, tuition, in their heads. A higher education is crucial in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s society. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the difference from just rounding first base to making it to home plate. However, not all students are able to pursue their dreams without the aid of scholarships. Minute Maid, Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;hometown juice brand,â&#x20AC;? and the Houston Astros are doing their part to help students realize their dreams of college by easing their financial burdens through the 6th Annual Grand Slam for Youth Baseball (GSFYB) Scholarships for high school seniors. The GSFYB Scholarship Program is open to all high school seniors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both male and female â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who have participated in youth baseball or a

REDUCED

Built in 2006. Popular Perry 1 story home. 4 bedrooms and both formals or study. 16â&#x20AC;&#x2122; tile and hardwood floors. Garage/game room. Covered over size patio. Playground & shed stays. Private Levee lot. Priced to go at $220,000.

Custom home in gated acreage community. Over 4000 sq.ft! One story with bonus room. Upgrades galore with hand scraped hardwoods thru-out. Gourmet island kitchen with granite and custom cabinets. Built-ins, 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths. Huge covered patio and 3-car garage. Price to go in the $500â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

Mortgage Banker can do loans in less than 30 days! Call Suzette or email: Speoplesrealtor@aol.com Cookbook Committee Co-Chair, Jim Levermann, CEO, St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sugar Land Hospital, Kimberly Kramer, FBJSL Member and Director of Critical Care Services, St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sugar Land Hospital, Sharon Galloway, Director of Marketing and Physician Relations, St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sugar Land Hospital, Brigit Engleman FBJSL President, and

Shannon Bloesch, FBJSL Cookbook Committee Co-Chair; Seated: Kristin Weiss, FBJSL Member and Director of Development, Fort Bend Seniors, David Vasquez Chairman, Fort Bend Seniors Board of Directors, and Manuela Arroyos (FBJSL Member and CEO, Fort Bend Seniors).

;OL .YHUK :SHT -VY @V\[O )HZLIHSS :JOVSHYZOPW 7YVNYHT (ZZPZ[Z /PNO :JOVVS :LUPVYZ ^P[O 0UP[PHS *VSSLNL ,_WLUZLZ :JOVSHYZOPW 0UMVYTH[PVU HUK (WWSPJH[PVU TH` IL (JJLZZLK 6USPUL! ^^^ .:-@) JVT HUK JSPJR VU /\U[LY 7LUJLÂťZ 7PJ[\YL

$33/< 72'$< $33/,&$7,21 '($'/,1( (;7(1(' 72 0$<

Directory Directory Directory Directory Directory Lawn& Landscape AT Renovations, Inc. 101 Southwestern Blvd. Ste.230 Sugar Land, TX 77478 lawn@texansfp..com (281) 787-4302

Insurance

Accountant

Attorney

Texans Insurance & Financial Group,

Sandersen & Knox LLP , Accountants

Hrbacek & Associates,P.C.

101 Southwestern Blvd., Suite 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.texansinsure.com (281) 277-7800 Basil Housewright, President

130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 130 Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.SKBTexas.com (281) 242-3232

130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 110 Sugar Land, TX 77478 lawfirm@Hrbacek.com 281-240-2424

Physician Nik Nikam, MD Sugar Land Heart Center 16659 S.W. FWY, #361 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-265-7567 www.sugarlandheartcenter.com

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 12, 2010

Opinion The View From Sugar Land Voting in local elections By RUSSELL C. JONES Everybody voted in the presidential elections in 2008. At least that’s how it seems. There were exit polls, constant television coverage from six in the morning until midnight, and charts showing red and blue states. Everybody was paying attention, and record numbers of voters participated. No one voted in the local elections this past Saturday. At least that’s how it seems. There were no televised debates, no last-minute campaign ads, and virtually no publicity other than yard signs and local print ads. Those who cared found the results on the Fort Bend County clerk’s website, but media coverage was essentially nonexistent. Sunday’s Chronicle may have carried the results, but this writer could not find them. The biggest day for local elections in Texas each year is the second Saturday in May. Every city in the state (except Houston, which lives by some other rule), every school district, and every utility district conducts its elections that day. November elections are reserved for federal, state and county races which involve choices between the major party candidates. So few vote in these nonpartisan local elections that most residents do not know that they occur. Yet, in many ways, each vote is more important, or at least more influential, than individual votes in the national and statewide elections. In this age of extreme voter apathy, the importance of participation in local races cannot be overstated. First, the candidates and issues affect your daily life. The winners of local races make decisions affecting your property taxes, spending on public safety and roads,

Jones and on policies affecting economic development and zoning. Those decisions in turn affect your wallet, your quality of life and whether your community keeps up with the future. And don’t forget that school board elections directly impact what your children learn and who influences them throughout their early lives. Second, each vote counts for more in local elections. A few years ago, a candidate for city council in Sugar Land lost by only two votes. A few years before that, an incumbent councilman in Missouri City lost his office by a single vote. Your vote in a national or state election is one among millions. In a local race, it is one among a few hundred or a few thousand. Third, you are more likely to have a good understanding of local issues than those which are decided by national candidates. Everyone experiences the problems of traffic, water and sewer service, and the quantity and quality of their children’s homework assignments. Few of us truly appreciate the intricacies of the impact of trading derivatives on Wall Street and its impact on the national economic crisis. Finally, you are more likely to know and be able to evaluate local candidates than state

or national candidates. City councils and school boards are closer to the voters than presidents, senators, governors or congressman. You are much more likely to know your local candidate or official. He is more likely to be in your Rotary club or go to your church than state or national officials. Because you know the local candidates, you can actually make good choices among them. The corollary to voter apathy in local races is the frequent dearth of candidates to fill those roles. In Sugar Land this year, the mayor and two incumbent council members had no opposition. As a result, the city election was canceled. Perhaps this is a sign that the voters are satisfied with the current council. Perhaps it is a sign that not enough people are willing to step up to serve their community. Most local officials are volunteers or semi-volunteers, who serve their communities on a part-time or extracurricular basis. Usually the motivation for their service is altruistic, but sometimes candidates have an agenda to impose or are simply building a resume. It is important that voters pay attention to the candidates to determine their real motivation as well as their positions on issues. Good voter choices come with knowledge of the candidates and the issues. Knowledge is most readily developed in the local races. Too few voters actually use the opportunity to make the good choices for their community. (Jones is the Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Sugar Land and serves as Councilman for District 3. He was first elected to the City Council in 2003. He owns a law firm and a title insurance company in Sugar Land.)

Musings: What is it? By JANICE SCANLAN I thought I’d been transported back to Anchorage, Alaska. But in Anchorage it would have had a name like The Doll House, The Red Door, or Green Shutters. And it would have been one of the many “coffee boxes” that entrepreneurs run outside of strip shopping centers . . . it might have had a picket fence with picnic tables and a drive-through that serves all kinds of coffee, tea and other drinks as well as sweets or the “house specialty.” A place to meet friends and neighbors and talk, then, go on about one’s day. In our all-look-alike strip shopping centers, it would add some identity . . . and a way to remember where in the heck such and such store is located. Particularly those merchants you only frequent every so often—and sometimes can’t find because our speeding traffic makes it hard to read signs. What am I talking about? It’s the adorable white play house with the red door and green shutters that’s sitting on Highway 6 and Glenn Lakes in the “Smack Guitar” Center. While it won’t become a permanent fixture or a coffee box, it can become the dream house for that child or grand-

Scanlan child to make memories for years to come. Or for someone, like me, who would love to have a potting shed . . . what a way to grow! Donated by Steve Fuqua Homes to the SW 59 Sunrise Rotary, you can not only bid on the play house, but also sixty eight other equally desirable items. And it will be a day of fun . . . with plenty to eat and drink furnished by Missouri City merchants including Candelari’s Pizzeria, Kroger’s and HEB. For $5 you can have a terrific meal, listen to music and have fun meeting old and new friends. And bid on the silent auction.

Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

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

Higher Education

What did you say? By DICK PHILLIPS Acronyms, trade lingo, jargon... higher education is full of it (no pun intended). It’s not limited to higher education of course. Any member of a certain “group” can lose you with their unique communications. In higher education, financial aid may be the worst. Fill out that FAFSA if you want a GSL. If you need help, go to the NAFSAA web site. You might need a PIN. If you want scholarships, check out FastWeb. Try Sallie Mae, check out the PLUS loans. Okay, you get the idea. What is UHSCR and UHSSL? Short answer is that the University of Houston System at Cinco Ranch (UHSCR) and the University of Houston System at Sugar Land (UHSSL) are teaching centers. I run two of them, thought I knew what they were, but to be sure I looked up the definition on the THECB web site. Here’s what it says: “An Off-Campus Educational Unit is defined in Chapter 5, §5.73(9) of Board rules as: A subdivision under the management and control of an existing public university, university system, health-related institution or a combination of these units, hereinafter referred to as the parent institution(s), in a geographic setting separate from the parent institution(s). Offcampus education units include teaching sites, higher education centers, university system centers, Multi-Institutional Teaching Centers,

Phillips regional academic health centers, branch campuses, and all other off-campus educational endeavors.” Clear as mud? You can look up the details of all the off-campus configurations if you want at http://www.thecb. state.tx.us Let’s see if I can help clarify what your teaching centers are. Why teaching centers? UHSCR and UHSSL were both established to bring higher education to their respective communities. According to the CB web site, the intent is “to extend education to students not located within reasonable driving distance of existing institutions.” Reasonable is a term best defined by the individual commuter. It would likely vary on the time of day you are trying to go downtown on 59 or I-10. What’s the advantage? The primary advantage is probably the fact that over 30 degrees could be made avail-

able at the sites almost overnight. Establishing a self-standing new institution is an arduous task and very expensive. By partnering, the University of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake and the University of Houston-Victoria provide those 30 degrees as part of their current and ongoing operation and accreditation. You get more and you get it now. Perhaps even more advantageous are the partnerships with community and junior colleges. They provide lower level course work at much lower tuition rates than the universities can, and through agreements, the credits are guaranteed to transfer. In a previous article I provided data that shows a student can save between $18,000 and $33,000 in tuition and fees alone for a degree in the comparison. What’s next? Both teaching centers are developing campus master plans and both have either an advisory council or task force to help identify program needs and business models for implementation. In my next article, I’ll elaborate on the planning process for both campuses. As always, email me with questions or suggestions for future articles at dickphillips@uh.edu Dick Phillips, associate vice-chancellor of the University of Houston System, is in charge of the Sugar Land and Katy - Cinco Ranch campuses.

This New Year, you resolved to end your struggle with obesity and begin living a healthier, better quality life. Let OakBend Medical Center help you keep your resolution and lose the weight.

solution NEW YEAR’S resolution.

A WEIGHT LOSS for your

Come enjoy the day, bring the kids and benefit others. Proceeds benefit local veterans through the Impact a Hero program as well as Tackle Autism Foundation, which helps families with the intense therapy needed for autism. Join Sugar Land Medical Associations, Family Practice & Sports Medicine and Southwest Water Company in bringing this event to east Fort Bend. Missouri City’s finest will be there with some surprises and to fingerprint the kids. This won’t be the only fundraiser in the area. The Missouri City Fire Department will be “filling the boot” for Muscular Dystrophy during May. The Fill the Boot Campaign involves firefighters across the country who have raised more than $200 million for MDA’s fight against neuromuscular diseases since 1954. The MDA is a voluntary health organization working to defeat more than 40 diseases worldwide. The firefighters will be at Foodarama, Wal-Mart and the Kroger’s at Highway 6 and Knight’s Court Road weekends during May. Donations are also being accepted at any of Missouri City’s fire stations. Impact a Hero and Tackling Autism silent auction and lunch by the 59 SW Sunrise Rotary, Saturday, May 15 from 10-3 at 6302 Highway 6 at Glenn Lakes. Contact David Hamner at 281 261-5007 for more information . . . or just look for the playhouse and tent. Write to janicescanlan@ earthlink.net about your event.

At OakBend Medical Center, Dr. Brian Mirza,

M.D., F.A.C.S. and our staff are changing the lives of many by offering comprehensive weight loss solutions in a caring and compassionate environment. If you are overweight and seeking a weight loss solution that’s right for you, we invite you to attend one of our life-changing seminars.

Bariatric Program Seminars Bariatric Program

March 16, 2010pm December 15, 2009 -66pm Seminar January 19,20102010 - 6 6pm April 20, pm May 18, 2010 - 6 p.m. February 20106- 6pm May 18,16, 2010pm OakBend Medical Center - Conference Room 1705 Jackson Street, Richmond, TX 77469 Some of the solutions we offer: - Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding - Sleeve Gastrectomy - Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Before Award-Winning Care

To RSVP, please call 281.341.2860. If you would like more information, please contact us today. 1705 Jackson Street, Richmond, TX 77469 www.oakbendmedcenter.org www.drbrianmirza.com

MAY 12, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5 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, MAY 20, 2010 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. 1.RFP 10-091 – TRAILER MOUNTED GENERATORS; 2.RFP 10-093 – TAIP FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE FOR CSCD; 3.RFP 10-094 – DRUG TESTING SYSTEMS FOR CSCD; 4.RFP 10-095 – SUBSTANCE ABUSE HAIR ANALYSIS TESTING FOR CSCD. Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are not required. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids 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, MAY 20, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. BID 10-089 – IMPROVEMENTS TO GREENBUSCH ROAD FROM MILLS MANOR DRIVE TO FALCON LANDING BOULEVARD. A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 10:00AM (CST). The pre-bid 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. Unit 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 bids. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 12TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-172988 in favor of the Plaintiff - FORT BEND COUNTY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT & ET-AL Plaintiff, for the sum of $2,690.73 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 20TH day of APRIL 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 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 Defedant(s) - STANLEY L. CRAWFORD had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: LOT NINE (9), BLOCK FIFTEEN (15) OF BRIARGATE, SECTION FIVE (5), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 16, PAGE 7 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (ACCOUNT NUMBER 2150050150090907) ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $103,500.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, TX77478 (281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 16TH day of MARCH 2010 by the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #06-DCV-151368 in favor of the Plaintiff - QUAIL VALLEY EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $2,141.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 30TH day of APRIL 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 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 Defedant(s) - JIMMIE MOYE had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 12TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #06-DCV-152832 in favor of the Plaintiff - FORT BEND COUNTY & ET-AL Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,880.75 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 20TH day of APRIL 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 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 Defedant(s) - PAULETTE HASKIN FREEMAN & ET AL had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: LOT30, IN BLOCK FIVE (5) OF QUAIL GREEN, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 24, PAGE 12 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (ACCOUNT NUMBER 5862010050300907)

Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, TX77478 (281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $84,780.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, TX77478 (281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 25TH day of MARCH 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #07-DCV-158945 in favor of the Plaintiff - CANYON GATE AT CINCO RANCH HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $7,139.43 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 4TH day of MAY 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 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 Defedant(s) - EUGENE DMITH JR AND PETRA R. SMITH had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT TWENTYFOUR (24), IN BLOCK ONE (1) OF CANYON GATE, CINCO RANCH, SECTION THREE (3), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 1779/B AND 1780/A OF THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (”THE PROPERTY”) ALSO KNOWN AS 19762 TWIN CANYON COURT, KATY, TEXAS 77450 ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $151,270.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, TX77478 (281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 13TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-164247 in favor of the Plaintiff - GRAYSON LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,448.04 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 23RD day of APRIL 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 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 Defedant(s) - STEVEN JOHN BLACKMON had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT THIRTEEN (13), IN BLOCK ONE (1) OF COUNTRY LAKES, SECTION THREE (3), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO.2199/A & B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2039 BROKEN BRANCH DRIVE, KATY, TEXAS 77494 ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $370,650.00

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 26TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-169215 in favor of the Plaintiff - GRAYSON LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,889.45 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 4TH day of MAY 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 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 Defedant(s) - MARTIN J. GOTTFRIED had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT THIRTEEN (13), IN BLOCK THREE (3) OF COUNTRY LAKES, SECTION TWO (2), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO.2117/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1210 LONGDRAW DRIVE, KATY, TEXAS 77494

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 13TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-167739 in favor of the Plaintiff - GRAYSON LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,136.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 23RD day of APRIL 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 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 Defedant(s) - MARK ANTHONY ALVARADO had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT TEN (10), IN BLOCK THREE (3) OF COUNTRY LAKES AT GRAYSON LAKES, SECTION SIX (6), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20060197 OF THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1611 CRYSTAL MEADOW PL, KATY, TEXAS 77494

ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $248,920.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, TX77478 (281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $266,560.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, TX77478 (281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CITATION BY PUBLICATION STATE OF TEXAS TO: DARREN LEE STANLEY ADDRESS UNKNOWN and to all whom it may concern, Respondent(s), You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do (does) not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday next following the expiration of 20 days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. The petition of PHILLIPS, CHARLENE, Petitioner, was filed in the 387TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas on the December 04, 2009 against DARREN LEE STANLEY, Respondent(s), numbered 09-DCV176893, and entitled In the Interest of Kelcey Fonda Elizabeth Phillips, a Minor Child. The suit request SUIT AFFECTING THE PARENT- CHILD RELATIONSHIP as is more fully shown by Petition on file in this suit. The date and place of birth of the child(ren) who is/are the subject of the suit DATE OF BIRTH: 06/26/1996 PLACE OF BIRTH: FORT BEND The Court has authority in this suit to render an order in the child(ren)’s interest which will be binding on you, including the termination of the parentchild relationship, the determination of paternity and the appointment of a conservator with authority to consent to the child(ren)’s adoption. Issued and given under my hand and seal of said Court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 6th day of May, 2010. ATIORNEY FOR PETITIONER OR RESPONDENT: ROBERT L THOMAS, JR THE THOMAS LAW FIRM 807 HOUSTON STREET RICHMOND TX 77469 281-238-4366 DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Deputy District Herlinda Nanez Telephone: 281 633 7626

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: THE UNKNOWN OWNER OF $26,100.00 US CURRENCY SEIZED FROM A FEDEX FACILITY ON MARCH 4, 2009 IN FORT BEND COUNTY ADDRESS UNKNOWN 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 May 31, 2010 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 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on March 27, 2009. It bears cause number 09-DCV-170663 and is styled: State of Texas VS. $26,100.00 U.S. Currency The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: CELENA VINSON ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY WILLIAM B TRAVIS ANNEX 309 S 4TH STREET RICHMOND TX 77469 281-341-4496 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: $26,100.00 U.S. CURRENCY IS CONTRABAND AS DEFINED IN THE TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, ARTICLE 59.01 (2) AND THAT THE COURT ALLOW FORFEITURE OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY TO THE STATE OF TEXAS BY AND THROUGH THE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AS AGENT FOR THE STATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS LOCAL AGREEMENTS, SUBJECT ONLY TO ANY INTEREST OF THE BONA FIDE HOLDER OF THE PERFECTED LIEN OR PERFECTED SECURITY INTEREST ON SAID CONTRABAND AND THAT THE PROPERTY BE DISPOSED OF PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 59.06 OF THE TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND THAT ALL COSTS BY TAXED AGAINST CLAIMANT IN THIS CAUSE AND FOR SUCH OTHER RELIEF AT LAW AND IN EQUITY AS THE PLAINTIFF SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE. 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 14th day of April, 2010. DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas By: Deputy District Clerk DIANE C. WOODS Telephone: 281.341.3787

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS, ADDRESS UNKNOWN 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 June 07, 2010 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 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on April 01, 2010. It bears cause number 10-DCV-179785 and is styled: Diogu Kalu Diogu, II, LL.M vs Dave Woods, Deceased, Will Woods, Deceased, Cora McCloud, Deceased and Idella Cockrell, Deceased and All persons Owning Having, or Claiming any Interest or Lien in the Property Described in this Petition, as well as the Unknown heirs and Legal Representatives of all Defendants. The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: DIOGU KALU(II) DIOGU ATTORNEY AT LAW 8299 CAMBRIDGE DR SUITE 1301 HOUSTON TX 77054-0000 (713) 797-6555 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: ORIGINAL PETITION TO QUIET TITLE CONCERNING REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS (A) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 72, ACRES 1.59, (B) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 74, ACRES 1.75, (C) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 51, ACRES 10.2, AND (D) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 75, ACRES 0.65 THESE LAND ABUT (E) 0079 N F ROBERTS, ACRES 4.963, THE PIECE OF LAND AT ISSUE TOTALS APPROXIMATELY, 19.153 ACRES. 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 19th day of April, 2010. DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT District Clerk TENTRA ALLEN Telephone: 281-633-7616

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: IDELLA COKCRELL, ADDRESS UNKNOWN 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 June 07, 2010 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 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on April 01, 2010. It bears cause number 10-DCV-179785 and is styled: Diogu Kalu Diogu, II, LL.M vs Dave Woods, Deceased, Will Woods, Deceased, Cora McCloud, Deceased and Idella Cockrell, Deceased and All persons Owning Having, or Claiming any Interest or Lien in the Property Described in this Petition, as well as the Unknown heirs and Legal Representatives of all Defendants. The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: DIOGU KALU(II) DIOGU ATTORNEY AT LAW 8299 CAMBRIDGE DR SUITE 1301 HOUSTON TX 77054-0000 (713) 797-6555 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: ORIGINAL PETITION TO QUIET TITLE CONCERNING REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS (A) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 72, ACRES 1.59, (B) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 74, ACRES 1.75, (C) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 51, ACRES 10.2, AND (D) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 75, ACRES 0.65 THESE LAND ABUT (E) 0079 N F ROBERTS, ACRES 4.963, THE PIECE OF LAND AT ISSUE TOTALS APPROXIMATELY, 19.153 ACRES. 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 19th day of April, 2010. DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT District Clerk TENTRA ALLEN Telephone: 281-633-7616

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: DAVE WOODS, ADDRESS UNKNOWN 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 June 07, 2010 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 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on April 01, 2010. It bears cause number 10-DCV-179785 and is styled: Diogu Kalu Diogu, II, LL.M vs Dave Woods, Deceased, Will Woods, Deceased, Cora McCloud, Deceased and Idella Cockrell, Deceased and All persons Owning Having, or Claiming any Interest or Lien in the Property Described in this Petition, as well as the Unknown heirs and Legal Representatives of all Defendants. The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: DIOGU KALU(II) DIOGU ATTORNEY AT LAW 8299 CAMBRIDGE DR SUITE 1301 HOUSTON TX 77054-0000 (713) 797-6555 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: ORIGINAL PETITION TO QUIET TITLE CONCERNING REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS (A) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 72, ACRES 1.59, (B) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 74, ACRES 1.75, (C) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 51, ACRES 10.2, AND (D) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 75, ACRES 0.65 THESE LAND ABUT (E) 0079 N F ROBERTS, ACRES 4.963, THE PIECE OF LAND AT ISSUE TOTALS APPROXIMATELY, 19.153 ACRES. 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 19th day of April, 2010. DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT District Clerk TENTRA ALLEN Telephone: 281-633-7616

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: CORA MCCLOUD, ADDRESS UNKNOWN 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 June 07, 2010 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 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on April 01, 2010. It bears cause number 10-DCV-179785 and is styled: Diogu Kalu Diogu, II, LL.M vs Dave Woods, Deceased, Will Woods, Deceased, Cora McCloud, Deceased and Idella Cockrell, Deceased and All persons Owning Having, or Claiming any Interest or Lien in the Property Described in this Petition, as well as the Unknown heirs and Legal Representatives of all Defendants. The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: DIOGU KALU(II) DIOGU ATTORNEY AT LAW 8299 CAMBRIDGE DR SUITE 1301 HOUSTON TX 77054-0000 (713) 797-6555 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: ORIGINAL PETITION TO QUIET TITLE CONCERNING REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS (A) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 72, ACRES 1.59, (B) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 74, ACRES 1.75, (C) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 51, ACRES 10.2, AND (D) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 75, ACRES 0.65 THESE LAND ABUT (E) 0079 N F ROBERTS, ACRES 4.963, THE PIECE OF LAND AT ISSUE TOTALS APPROXIMATELY, 19.153 ACRES. 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 19th day of April, 2010. DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT District Clerk TENTRA ALLEN Telephone: 281-633-7616

Legal Notices CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 7TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09DCV-174676 in favor of the Plaintiff - WINDFIELD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $5,094.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 8TH day of APRIL 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 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 Defedant(s) - ROBERT E. JAMES, had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 11, IN BLOCK 1 OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION THREE (3), A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NOS.2438/B IN THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ALSO KNOWN AS 3403 BECKER GLEN STREET, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545. ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $ Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse. 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 12TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-171553 in favor of the Plaintiff - SEVEN MEADOWS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,844.64 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 21ST day of APRIL 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 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 Defedant(s) - RACHIT B. PESQUERA had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT FOUR (4), IN BLOCK ONE (1) OF SEVEN MEADOWS, SECTION THREE (3), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO.2469/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS COMMONLY KNOWN AS 7315 STARRY NIGHT, KATY, TEXAS 77494 ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $221,790.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, TX77478 (281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT EIGHT (8), IN BLOCK 23 OF QUAIL VALLEY EAST, SECTION FOUR, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT VOLUME 12, PAGE 3 IN THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $82,480.00

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for West Bellfort from FM 1464 to Martinez Street, Pct. 4. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 12TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-170623 in favor of the Plaintiff - FORT BEND COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT #23 & ET AL, Plaintiff, for the sum of $7,765.01 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 20TH day of APRIL 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 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 Defedant(s) - LATOYA K. NIGHTINGALE & ET AL had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: LOT FORTY-SEVEN (47), IN BLOCK THREE (3) OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION FOUR (4), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO.2477/A OF THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (ACCOUNT NUMBER 8944040030471907/8944040030471) ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $117,240.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, TX77478 (281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

Become a Dental Assistant! 10 Week Course Starting Soon Saturdays Only (281) 794-7944 www.Become-A-DA.com

C. Mark Mann School of Dental Assisting 1111 Hwy 6, #220 SugarLand, TX 77478 Certified by: The Texas Workforce Commision Career Schools and Colleges

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the County Civil Court at Law No. 4 of Harris County, Texas on March 22, 2010 in cause numbered 707384702 styled Providian National Bank vs. Minerva Borrego, in which a judgment was rendered on March 26, 1999 in favor of Providian National Bank for the sum of Four Thousands Seven Hundred Sixty Two Dollars and Seventy Cents ($4,762.70); 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 May 5, 2010 and will on June 1, 2010, 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 of Minerva H. Borrego to and in the following described Real Property 0193 Jas HODGE, Block PT 8-B, ACRES 0.96 MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS : 15307 Sam Street, SUGAR LAND, TX 77478 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of ROSEMARY LACY, Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: June 1ST, 2010 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 am BY: DEPUTY S. STEELE

Troy E. Nehls Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 12TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #05-DCV-145601 in favor of the Plaintiff - FORT BEND COUNTY & ET-AL Plaintiff, for the sum of $6,038.25 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 20TH day of APRIL 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 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 Defedant(s) - RUDOLFO ARIAS & ET-AL had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: LOT 20 IN BLOCK 4 OF ROSEDALE ADDITION, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 393, PAGE 86 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (ACCOUNT NUMBER 6600000042000907) TRACT 2: LOT 4 IN BLOCK 5 OF ROSEDALE ADDITION, A SUBDIVIISON IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 393, PAGE 86 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ( ACCOUNT NUMBER 6600000050400907) ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: TRACT 1 $17,600.00 & TRACT 2 $15,000.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, TX77478 (281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: WILL WOODS, ADDRESS UNKNOWN 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 June 07, 2010 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 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on April 01, 2010. It bears cause number 10-DCV-179785 and is styled: Diogu Kalu Diogu, II, LL.M vs Dave Woods, Deceased, Will Woods, Deceased, Cora McCloud, Deceased and Idella Cockrell, Deceased and All persons Owning Having, or Claiming any Interest or Lien in the Property Described in this Petition, as well as the Unknown heirs and Legal Representatives of all Defendants. The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: DIOGU KALU(II) DIOGU ATTORNEY AT LAW 8299 CAMBRIDGE DR SUITE 1301 HOUSTON TX 77054-0000 (713) 797-6555 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: ORIGINAL PETITION TO QUIET TITLE CONCERNING REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS (A) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 72, ACRES 1.59, (B) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 74, ACRES 1.75, (C) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 51, ACRES 10.2, AND (D) 0079 N F ROBERTS, TRACT 75, ACRES 0.65 THESE LAND ABUT (E) 0079 N F ROBERTS, ACRES 4.963, THE PIECE OF LAND AT ISSUE TOTALS APPROXIMATELY, 19.153 ACRES. 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 19th day of April, 2010. DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT District Clerk TENTRA ALLEN Telephone: 281-633-7616

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 12, 2010

FILM REVIEW: Babies

AUTOMOBILE: Cadillac SRX

This is an intriguing documentary about human babies covering the first year of life of four infants from Mongolia, Tokyo, Namibia, and San Francisco. There is no narration or dialogue other than some googooing and occasional parental utterances. Director Thomas Balmes merely points the camera and lets the babies do their thing starring Bayar, Hattie, Mari, and Ponijao. We witness their birth through walking and everything in between.

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover has been redesigned inside and out for 2010 and has more efficient engine choices. The midsize SRX’s V6 engines are the smallest displacement engines Cadillac offers in North America, according to a Cadillac spokesman. The new 3.0-liter direct injection V6 engine is standard and a new 2.8-liter turbocharged V67 is optional. The SRX with the 3.0-liter engine gets an estimated 25 miles to the gallon on the highway, and the turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 gets an estimated 15 mpg in city driving and 22 on the highway. Both engines are mated to the standard six speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. An Aisin Warner six-speed automatic is optional. This engine includes an “eco mode,” which alters transmission shift points to maximize fuel economy. The 3.0-liter engine makes 265 horsepower and 223 lbs.-ft. torque and runs on regular unleaded. The 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 makes 300 horsepower and 295 lbs.-ft. torque and its fuel of choice is premium unleaded. The Cadillac SRX is definitely in the luxury crossover segment so its key competitors are the Lexus RX 350, Audi Q5, BMW X3 and X5 and Mercedes GLK – all heavy hitters. The SRX rides on a wide track designed to deliver a nimble, responsive driving experience. It comes in either all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, can seat five and tow up to 3,500 pounds when so equipped. The exterior of the Cadillac SRX was designed to impart the feeling of movement, even at rest, according to Cadillac’s

I like babies for 30 minutes not 79 minutes. While I was generally bored, I often chuckled and thought - “I’ve seen Eric H. do that; oh yeah, Monique and I were slightly horrified when Eric did that.” Examples of Eric H. that were slightly mirrored in this movie: he put macaroni up his nose and his best friend was our Cairn terrier “Toto.” And Eric was three before we were convinced that he was smarter than Toto. Who should see this movie?

1. Pediatric residents 2. Space Aliens who are researching human origins 3. Newlyweds 4. People who regularly say: “isn’t that cute.” There were only 11 people in my Friday afternoon crowd as I was the only nonaligned. The other folks often felt compelled to speak in a loud voice when saying “...my son did that...isn’t that cute.” Rock ‘n Roll. Grade 73. Larry H. sugarlaw@larryharrison. com

Iron Man 2 When I saw the original “Iron Man” in 2008 starring this same Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark the international weapons industrialist, I made the following comments: “I believe Iron Man exists and is fighting evil at this very moment. I love Iron Man. I want to join Iron Man. I want to be Iron Man. If you have any decency, you too, will stop what you are doing and go see this movie and join us in the fight for Good over Evil. Rock ‘n Roll.” So I was pumped to see “Iron Man 2” of 2010 and made sure that I had secured a date with Monique H. to a special screening on a Tuesday night. These things are set up by PR companies hired by the studios who solicited my email comments; I responded as follows: “Too much palladium and not enough SLJ (Samuel L. Jackson)! I was a huge fan

of #1 and was disappointed with Iron Man 2. I suspect it will be a box office hit, but it lacked a momentous plot and meaningful character development. Story was disjointed; music and special effects were fabulous.” Lightning did not strike twice for Director Jon Favreau in spite of his vast talent; he came close with this Iron Man but lacked an emotional connection with me for this Iron Man’s convoluted struggle for Good over Evil. Heck, I’m not sure that Good and Evil were issues in this flick. Instead, we spent way too much time trying to fix Tony’s failing “ticker” because his blood had become toxic due to the palladium in the arc reactor. I want my Super Heroes to fight on the side of right through might and to be so cool that I want to be that Super Hero; see 2008 comments. I was not particularly enamored with any of the

characters even though the cast was outstanding: Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Sam Rockell, a dark haired Scarlett Johansson, a oneeyed Samuel L. Jackson, and a crazy-eyed Mickey Rourke. And oh yeah, Favreau even cast himself as Happy Hogan. I readily admit that I suffered from expectation syndrome and wanted to be completely overwhelmed by one of my all-time favorite Super Heroes from the Marvel Universe or any other universe. Many in my crowd were in awe, but they obviously had not actually become Iron Man in the past. And most of you will enjoy this movie and it will make a ton of money, but I left the theatre still looking for my Tony Stark. Rock ‘n Roll. Grade 85. Larry H. PS: stay to see a scene after the ending credits. Email sugarlaw@ larryharrison.com

Bigwig Lunchtime Talk of the hospital’s competitor of 90 years, the merger of the two operations and the eventual sale of the combined entity to a forprofit hospital provider. Subsequently, Brown served as chief operating officer of Lea Regional Medical Center in Hobbs, New Mexico. He then stepped into the same position at Doctor’s Hospital of Dallas, rebuilding the entire manageBrown There’s more than BLT – bacon, lettuce and tomato – sandwiches for lunch. There’s Bigwig Lunchtime Talk with high-profile business leaders and it kicks off on Wednesday, May 12 with Jim Brown, CEO of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. The luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. at the hospital. BLT is the brainchild of the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance’s Young Professionals Division. Each lunch provides 25 young professionals, ages 21-39, unparalleled interaction with some of the area’s most successful business professionals. Brown’s introduction to the healthcare industry began in his hometown of Paris, Texas. During a summer internship, the Texas A&M junior shadowed a hospital administrator in the CHRISTUS St. Joseph’s Health System. After earning a master’s degree at Trinity University in San Antonio, Brown returned to the Paris hospital and, within five years, rose from an administrative resident to vice president. While there, he participated in the acquisition LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids 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, MAY 20, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. BID 10-092 – HERBICIDE TRUCKS Lump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are not required. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

ment team and engineering a turnaround to profitability. In June 2007 Brown took the helm at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land. Since then, the facility has enjoyed strong growth and distinguished itself with numerous recognitions for clinical excellence and outstanding patient satisfaction. For more information, call 281-342-5464.

How about a worry-free insurance plan especially for people age 45 and over?* State Auto’s new Prime of LifeSM Plan provides expanded insurance coverages and substantial premium discounts on auto and homeowners insurance for qualifying customers age 45 and over*! As part of the Prime of Life Plan, you’ll enjoy enhanced coverages for when you travel, anywhere in the U.S.A. or Canada. Call your State Auto agent today for more information. Texans Insurance &enhancements/discounts Financial Group, *Qualifying age and coverage vary byInc state. 101 Southwestern Blvd, Ste 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478-3535 PH (281)277-7800 FAX (281)277-7801 basil@texansinsure.com Your best insurance is a good agent. “Friends you can depend on”

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 7TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-173053 in favor of the Plaintiff - WINDFIELD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $5,399.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 8TH day of APRIL 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 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 Defedant(s) - BENJAMIN E. THOMPSON III, had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:

Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 39, IN BLOCK 5 OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION SIX (6), A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER PLAT FILE NO. 20050039 OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ALSO KNOWN AS 2714 DARBY BROOK DRIVE, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545.

Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2 By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

global design director. The body is tightly wrapped and tapers down at the rear, which gives the crossover a sporty profile. It has a wide stance with minimal overhang and wheels pushed to the corners. An accent line dives across the body side accenting the vehicle’s high waist line and small, angular rear windows. Various electronic systems include a pop-up navigation screen in the dashboard with color and three-dimensional imaging, adaptive forward lighting that swivels the headlamps in synch with vehicle steering, a power liftgate with programmable height setting, hard disc drive for audio storage and a dual-screen system for rear entertainment. Bluetooth compatibility is standard as is OnStar’s turn-by-turn navigation services for buyers who don’t get the optional navigation system. The SRX blends the best of a sport sedan with the safety and traction capability and cargo space of a crossover and SUV. Cargo volume measures 129.8 cubic feet and includes a cargo management system that’s a u-rail track system. The system includes an adjustable cargo fence for containing smaller items and it can be stored under the load floor when not in use. The standard vehicle price

for the Cadillac SRX with the DOHC turbocharged engine is $51,360. The optional entertainment system and red paint increased the price to $53,650. Standard equipment on the SRX includes all-speed traction control, four-wheel independent sport suspension, 20-inch painted aluminum wheels, electronic limited slip differential, AM/FM audio system with CD/DVD player, eight-inch touch screen with 40- GB hard drive, 10 Bose speakers, rearview camera, XM Satellite Radio capability and large sunroof. Also, front leather bucket seats, power seats, outside mirrors, windows, steering and door locks, heated front and rear seats, rear 60/40 split seats with recline feature, driver information center, leather wrapped steering wheel, power adjustable pedals, tri-zone climate control, console with audio and HVAC controls for rear seat passengers, cruise control, heated outside mirrors, rain sensing wipers, power liftgate, remote start and keyless entry. I like this crossover vehicle. It’s an easy, roomy ride and drive with no unpleasant surprises. The seats are comfortable, there’s more than adequate power and lots of creature comforts.

Banking & Finance Regulatory reform aimed at wrong targets By JIM STURGEON As Congress considers wide-scale reform of the financial industry, it is important to remember that traditional community banks are not the ones that caused the recent economic collapse and subsequent recession. Here in Texas, most community banks are financially sound and operate with a healthy sense of fiscal responsibility. It wasn’t Texas community banks that engaged in risky lending practices, or made massive amounts of subprime loans. Instead, Texas community banks – like Founders Bank in Sugar Land – have been the engine behind our recovery by continuing to make credit available to businesses and consumers, even in a very difficult economy. Yet community banks are often erroneously lumped in with investment banks and the types of high-flying broker/ dealer activities that created our economic mess. The current legislation being considered by Congress is yet another example of how those responsible for creating economic disaster duck responsibility while well-managed banks are punished. The bill subjects community banks to numerous new and costly regulatory requirements – often on issues that have nothing to do with improving long-term fiscal responsibility – while ignoring the very investment banks that created the nation’s economic difficulties. Texas bankers are in favor

Sturgeon of sensible regulatory reform that addresses critical issues such as “too big to fail,” adequate regulation of non-bank lenders, revisions in consumer protection rules and the elimination of federal pressure on lenders to ensure that all Americans can own homes, regardless of the ability to afford or repay a loan. But we oppose the Administration’s regulatory reform legislation because it does none of that! What it will do is create a huge new bureaucracy in the form of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This new entity would conflict with safety-and-soundness regulators, and it would not afford the same regulatory scrutiny to non-banks — non-regulated and non-FDIC insured financial institutions. It will strip the Federal Reserve of its regulatory role of state member banks, a costly and unnecessary change for affected banks.

And because of the broad authority granted to the CFPB, its regulatory czar could have the authority to dictate the products and rates banks offer to customers, to the point that a person with excellent credit could be charged the same rate as another with poor credit. We need reform that targets those institutions that operate recklessly. Don’t lump Texas community banks in with the real culprits! Jim Sturgeon is chief executive officer of Founders Bank.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of MARCH 2010 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-174860 In favor of the Plaintiff - BRADFORD VILLAGE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,335.46 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 7TH day of MAY 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 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 Defedant(s) - KHIA HUNT had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 11, IN BLOCK 3 OF BRADFORD VILLAGE, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT SLIDE NO. 2528A 12, PAGE 3 IN THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AND MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1906 PLUM CREEK LN., MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77489-4165. ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $138,820.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, TX77478 (281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

MAY 12, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

Fort Bend Cares golfers board “Golf Karts for Kids”

Four enthusiastic players (L to R) Jim Rice, newly elected FBISD trustee, Michael Nelson, Don Kerstetter, owner of Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land, and Bruce Bain, former FBISD president.— Photo by Mary Favre

Fort Bend Cares annual golf tournament was met with high enthusiasm this year as the Sugar Land sky provided a beautiful day for golf. The event was held at Sweetwater Country Club on April 12 and Richmond Bone and Joint Clinic was again the presenting sponsor. The 144 golfers were treated to a lunch provided by Pepperoni’s Pizza for the fifth year in a row. The friendly competition among the golfers was off as they boarded their “Karts.” Proceeds from the tournament go to grants provided to Fort Bend County area youth charities. Minute Maid donated beverages for the golfers’ enjoyment and Italian Maid Cafe in Richmond prepared delicious lasagna, garlic bread and salad for the awards dinner. Ashcraft European Bakery left their ovens on and prepared delicious desserts for the golfers at both meals. The Fort Bend Cares grant committees are hard at work preparing their recommendations for 2010 awards. If you have any questions or would like to get involved, go to www.fortbendcares.org for more information. The 2011 tournament is scheduled for April 11.

Only one side is worn out and painful.

MAKOplasty® Robotically assisted, partical knee resurfacing of the damaged area without compromising surrounding healthy bone and tissue, and with less pain and faster recovery. Only the damaged part was replaced.

THOMAS J. PARR, M.D. ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON 14090 Southwest Fwy, #130 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Phone: (281) 491-7111 www.tomparrmd.net www.FtBendSportsMedicine.com

SW 59 Sunrise Rotary Club hosts spring benefit kickoff SW 59 Sunrise Rotary Club will hold its Spring Benefit Kickoff on Saturday, May 15, 10 a.m –3 p.m in the parking lot Hwy. 6 @ Glenn Lakes. You can place your bid for this beautiful designer playhouse during the Spring Benefit Kickoff. Sponsored by the SW 59 Sunrise Rotary Club, the day will be filled with fun, games, music, a silent auction and plenty of food. Bring the kids and neighbors for a good-time Saturday afternoon. The Rotary members pictured in the front row are: David Hamner, Robert Schoppe, Laura Schoppe, Yvette Nadeau, Michelle Marshal, Carl Favre, Judy Gardiner, Ami Borovick (president), John Miller, Jeremy Jaramillo, Keith Lovelace (Bellaire SW Houston club), and Elsa Maxey. Back row: Randall Peoples, Jerry Levy, Debbie Guillen, Steve Fuqua (builder), John St. John, Larry Davis and Dana Atkinson.

Not just oil, Pennzoil

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital welcomes Dr. Mickey Bush Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is proud to announce a new affiliation with Mickey Bush, M.D. Dr. Bush has been in Family Medicine in the Missouri City area for 30 years and in the last three years she has added cosmetic medicine to her practice. She has now joined the Methodist Physician Organization and her practice, now named Methodist Primary Care Associates, will remain in her current location in Missouri City. “We are very pleased to have Dr. Bush join The Methodist Hospital System,” said Ayse McCracken, Senior Vice President of The Methodist Hospital System and COO of The Methodist Hospital Physician Organization. “She shares the valuesbased, personal approach to quality patient care that makes Methodist unique and this relationship such a great fit. Her patients will benefit from Methodist’s state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technology, all right here in Fort Bend County.” Dr. Bush graduated medi-

Mickey Bush, M.D. cal school from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and completed her residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center. She is board-certified in Family Medicine, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a member of International Association of Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Bush has been awarded numerous honors such as America’s Top Family Physician and Best Doctors in America and Inside Houston Magazine named her Out-

standing Family Physician for three years. Dr. Bush enjoys the outdoors, hunting, fishing, gardening, ranching and is an active member in the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. “My affiliation with Methodist is significant because it provides real value to my patients,” she said. “From enhanced access to Methodist expertise and technology to enhanced coordination of care, my new partnership will be a cornerstone of the practice. It’s a natural fit for me and it strengthens my ability to serve my patients.” “The family doctor is often the first person to recognize symptoms of disease or illness that need further diagnosis,” Dr. Bush said. “My affiliation with Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will strengthen my ability to quickly, conveniently and accurately identify a course of treatment and stay involved in the care of my patients.” To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bush call 281-2083322.

CLEMENTS CHOIR SPRING SHOW. The Clements Choir will present an evening of entertainment featuring “Big Screen Melodies” from your favorite movies on May 21st and 22nd at 7 p.m. in the Clements High School Auditorium, 4200 Elkins Drive, Sugar Land. This will be great entertainment for the entire family.

Page 8 â&#x20AC;˘ INDEPENDENT â&#x20AC;˘ MAY 12, 2010

Support wounded heroes during Impact a Hero weekend

Paid for by the Republican Party of Fort Bend County, P.O. Box 17973, Sugar Land, Texas, 77496. (281) 494-7471

Fort Bend

for 60 months

$500 $500 customer

UNPRECEDENTED OFFERS We want to thank you with our BIGGEST offer EVER!

years free

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great time to buy a Toyota!

maintenance

The Sixth Annual Impact a Hero Weekend will be held from June 5 to June 7. On Saturday, June 5,at 7:30 a.m Impact a Hero and KPRCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports Director Randy McIlvoy will host a 5k Walk, Run and Wheel at Mercer Stadium, Sugar Land. This year, Impact A Hero anticipates more than 2,000

runners, including 50 wounded heroes and their families. Expected special guests include Houston Texans Head football Coach Gary Kubiak and several of his coaches and players will participate with our wounded heroes. KTRH-AM will help support the event. KKBQ-FM and KTHT-FM crews will en-

cash CAMRY

COROLLA

Toyota is thanking YOU with their BIGGEST offer ever and Fort Bend Toyota wants to thank you also! Right now enjoy 0% interest for 60 months on ten 6 models and unprecedented incentives and rebates on many others PLUS giant Fort Bend discounts, like $5,000.00 additional dollars off all Tundra Crew Max's!

0% for 60 months on 610 different models.* Camry and Corolla add an ADDI$500 customer cash OutstandTIONAL $1000 ing lease deals, including $159 Corolla; $199 Camry $3000 customer cash on 2010 Avalon 0%/60 on 2009 Venza 2.9% APR Ă˘for â&#x20AC;&#x153; 60 months on Corolla/Camry used vehicles Two year pre-paid maintenance .for Toyota owners** Remember, if Fort Bend Toyota cannot give you 130% of Kelly Blue Book value for your trade, we will give you 1 year of FREE gas. Hurry and call 281.633.3300, or stop by today.

Sincerely,

Customer Cash*

$3,000 2010 Avalon FHA â&#x2014;? VA â&#x2014;? USDA â&#x2014;? Conventional â&#x2014;? Jumbo

Outstanding Lease deal

$199 month

2010 Camry

Secure Online Application:

16525 Lexington Blvd., Ste. 250, Sugar Land, TX 77479

Musical celebration of Spain

Amazing Lease deal

$159 month

General Manager Direct: 281.633.3300

PROUDLY SERVING FORT BEND SINCE 1981

Russell C. Jones Thelma Holoway Jones Lewis W. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chipâ&#x20AC;? Smith IV â&#x2014;? Real Estate â&#x2014;? Landlord/Tenant â&#x2014;? â&#x2014;? Banking â&#x2014;? Creditors' Rights â&#x2014;? Collections â&#x2014;? â&#x2014;? Business and Corporate Law â&#x2014;? Immigration â&#x2014;? â&#x2014;? Business Litigation â&#x2014;? Mergers and Acquisitions â&#x2014;? â&#x2014;? Estate Planning â&#x2014;? Probate â&#x2014;? â&#x2014;? Property Owners' Associations â&#x2014;?

FORT BEND TOYOTA 20465 Southwest Freeway Richmond, TX 77469

HOURS: Store Hours: M-S 8:30-8:30, Closed Sunday

Sales Phone: 281.633.3300 Service Phone: 281.633.3486 Parts Phone: 281.633.3443

Call Today:

(281) 565-8500 www.HomeWayMortgage.com Effective 3/18/10. Texas Mortgage Broker 75511

2010 Corolla

3DW *ROGZDLW

Free Pre-Approvals Personal Service Great Rates

tertain the crowd with music and games for the patrons and participants. On Sunday, June 6., at 5 p.m. Impact a Hero, Hall of Fame Gala Dinner will be held at Sugar Land Marriott Hotel. On Monday, June 7, 10 a.m. Impact a Hero, Golf Challenge at Champions Golf Club will be held with Honorary Chairman Jackie Burke and Peter Jacobsen. Impact a Hero Weekend gives Houstonians an opportunity to join national celebrities in thanking our severely wounded servicemen and women for sacrificing their minds, bodies and sometimes their lives. Visit www. impactahero.org for more details. Impact a Hero is a nonpartisan 501(c) (3) organization consisting of individuals and corporations dedicated to providing emotional and financial support for our severely wounded or disabled veterans returning home from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and their families.

Service Hours: M-F 7-7, SAT 7-4, Closed Sunday Parts Hours: M-F 7-7, SAT 7-4, Closed Sunday

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

Join the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, May 23 for EspaĂąa, a musical celebration of Spain that includes traditional folk tunes, marches and dances. The concert, under the direction of HĂŠctor AgĂźero, Jr., begins at 2 p.m. at the Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Rd. in Stafford. Along with famous works such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;MalagueĂąaâ&#x20AC;? and Manuel de Fallaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Three Cornered Hat, Suite No. 2,â&#x20AC;? the orchestra will perform â&#x20AC;&#x153;Laredo Paso Dobleâ&#x20AC;? and Ravelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beloved â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bolero.â&#x20AC;? Tickets to EspaĂąa begin at $5 each and children 12 and under are free. Purchase tickets online at http://www.fbso.org or call 281-276-9642.

)HDWXUHG DV RQH RI Â´5( 0$; ,QWHUQDWLRQDOÂˇV *UHDWHVW 2IILFHVÂľ RI WKH :RUOG

1HZ &RQVWUXFWLRQ Â&#x2021; 5HVDOH +RPHV 7RZQKRXVHV &RQGRV Â&#x2021; 5HQWDOV 5HORFDWLRQ Â&#x2021; &RPPHUFLDO $FUHDJH )DUP 5DQFK +LJKZD\ LQIR#)RUW%HQG+RPHV2QOLQH FRP

7OV[VNYHWO JV\Y[LZ` VM :[LYSPUN *SHZZPJ /VTLZ

9LVLW WKH 1(: ZZZ 5(0$;),1( FRP