Fort Bend Independent

VOL 3 No. 21

Phone: 281-980-6745 PRSRT STD

www.fbindependent.com .fbindependent.com ww

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

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2010

Missouri City pays $7.375 million for the golf course

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Missouri City council members have agreed to pay $7.375 million for the 400acre Quail Valley Country Club property.

The vote came at a special meeting on Monday, May 24, after officials representing Quail Valley Country Club L.P. and Missouri City reached agreement on the sale price a week before they were to go to trial.

In light of the agreement, the lawsuit in the court of County Court-at-Law Judge Sandy Bielstein will be settled and there will be no further proceedings in the case.

The $7.375 million, Mayor Allen Owen said, will be paid with one check. That will include the $3.10 million that Missouri City put in the court registry on June 24, 2008, after three commissioners decided $3.10 million was a fair price for the property.

Quail Valley Country Club, L.P. had two appraisers of the

property.

Deal Sikes & Associates said it was worth $13.18 million and Integra Realty Resources appraised it for $14.05 million.

Missouri City appraisers Alan Dominy & Associates said the property was worth $3.1 million and The Gerald A. Teel Company, Inc. put the value at $3.55 million.

The process to acquire the property began 26 months ago on March 3, 2008, when council passed a resolution to initiate eminent domain proceedings.

Reasons The city decided to intervene as the golf course owners contemplated the closure of the golf course or to sell it to developers for building more roof tops.

At least two other similar golf course communities in the greater Houston area have met with such a fate.

The reasons for the taking were to add a huge amount

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

Classic Chevrolet sponsors Sugar Land Little League

Classic Chverolet of Sugar Land is the official sponsor of the Sugar Land Little League.

Classic Chevrolet owner Don Kerstetter last week presented a check to the SLLL president Bob Berry.

Chevrolet has expanded the support of Major League Baseball down to youth baseball players in communities across the country through a community outreach program called Chevy Youth Baseball.

Participating youth baseball leagues receive equipment and monetary donations, unique major and minor league baseball experiences including tickets to games and invitations to exclusive instructional clinics, as well as the opportunity to raise up to $10,000 through a fundraising opportunity.

Under this program, ClasImpact felt sic Chevrolet has donated “A year and a half ago,” Equipment Kits to the league Owen said, “there were more that include Equipment Bags, than 100 homes for sale in Baseball Buckets, Dry-Erase Coach’s Clipboards and CYB See GOLF, page 3 T-shirts.

of green space to the city for public use and to shore up values on houses in Quail Valley before the plummet spread to nearby communities.

House values in the community had been falling because owners of the golf club were not maintaining the acreage and closing parts of it and allowing those areas to fall into unsightly disrepair.

Owen said, “The citizens from every single part of the city have supported this effort because they realized it was critical to the future of our city and our tax base to preserve this 400 acres of parkland. We already see the fruits of our labor in the property values increasing, people taking their homes off the market and others deciding to remodel and stay.

“Blast” has a perfect softball season

Don Kerestetter, left, and Bob Berry.

The Chevy Youth Baseball At the end of the fundraiser, Fundraiser is an opportunity four Grand Prize winners will for leagues to raise additional be able to select their choice funds for their private use. of either a Chevrolet Malibu The SLLL has received or Chevrolet Equinox, there 2,000 fundraiser entry tickets will be one winner from each to distribute for a suggested region. For more information, donation of $5 per ticket, and visit http://youthsportswired. the league will keep 100 percom/baseball. cent of proceeds raised.

The Sugar Land Girls Softball Association 10U division (10 years and under) team “Blast” went undefeated (13-0) through the regular season and then swept the playoffs, ending with a perfect season on May 13. The girls, led by Head Coach Joseph Lesak and assisted by David Kuffel, Lee Treichel, Holly Lesak, John Kvinta and team mom Jennifer Salge, played a lot of games against tough opponents in this division, but the girls just took each game one step at a time, not worrying about what was ahead of them. The team sponsor was Pro- Surv).

What does UH want?

The ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday applies only to the following appliances and household equipment, as listed in the state tax code: * Refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less * Clothes washers * Dishwashers

Seconds can save lives

What are the conditions to be met for the city of Sugar Land to build its stadium in the University of Houston System-Sugar Land campus?

Though the city says UHSSL site is still under consideration, what is the position of the UH? In response to these queries, a spokesman for the University of Houston said: “The university is continuing negotiations with the city.

“Please note that the statute and the ground lease specify that under the requirements of the university’s deed from the state, the agreement must include a provision designating a ‘higher education purpose.’

“A facilities development agreement is required for each facility that would be built.

This document would also have to recognize the higher education purpose.”

Obviously, if the city wants to build the proposed baseball stadium at the UHSSL site, first an agreement has to be reached with the university and the process could take some time.

Apart from the process, the requirement that the city’s project should meet “higher education purpose” could place some onerous financial burden on the city (like building classrooms).

Seeing the obvious bumps on the road to the stadium development, the city has sent letters to four landowners, including the university, soliciting their interest in housing the stadium.

Thus the university is still

Inside Track By Seshadri Kumar on the mix. But, a plain reading of the “statute” and “ground leasing” agreements suggest that the city may have to pay a substantial price, both literally and metaphorically, to build the stadium on the 52-acre land the city has leased from the university.

House Bill 1961 passed by the Texas Legislature in 1997 donating the state land to the university stipulates that the Board of Regents should use the property “only for higher education purposes.”

The other allowed purpose is providing right of way for the expansion of U.S. 59 and a bypass for Highway 6.

If the land is used for any other purpose, the ownership of the property will automati-

cally revert to the Texas Department of Transportation.

Sugar Land has paid $3.5 million to the university as a part of initial construction cost of $11 million for the campus.

Under the ground lease agreement signed between the city and the university in 2005, prior to the construction of any facility, the Lessor and the Lessee shall enter into a Facility Development Agreement. The Lessee, the city, shall submit a preliminary conceptual plan for the facility to the Lessor, the university, for consideration and comment.

Also, the university will allow the city to make joint use of parking lots in the university premises for people using the city’s adjoining property.

Further, the city and university have agreed to provide for other cooperative uses of the university property and the city’s adjoining property, including recreational uses, on mutually agreeable terms.

If and when the UH and the city will reach an agreement remains an open question.

10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 Seshadri Kumar www.fbindependent.com 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.

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Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 26, 2010

Sugar Land 101 Class of 2010 Graduates Sugar Land City Council recently recognized 27 graduates of Sugar Land 101.

The 10-week course offers residents an in-depth look at how Sugar Land operates and better prepares participants for leadership roles in the community.

Many graduates of Sugar Land 101 later serve on boards or commissions or become more involved in local homeowners associations. “Having each of the department heads take their time to tell us about their departments really shows the commitment to the city and support to the volunteers,�

said Sugar Land 101 class member Sue Yund.

The course is intended to provide an understanding of the structure and functioning of Sugar Land governance.

The curriculum includes presentations by City department heads and field trips to several sites, such as a water treatment plant, a fire station, the Sugar Land Regional Airport and the traffic center.

During 2010, class members participated in a mock City Council meeting with Mayor James Thompson. “This definitely increased my civic pride,� said recent graduate Jennifer Chiang. “I didn’t think I could be

more proud of my hometown but I definitely am now.�

The next class is scheduled for February 2011. Applications will be available in August.

For more information or to register, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov -- select “City Services,� then “Sugar Land 101.�

Applications will also be available at City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North.

Left, pictured with Mayor James Thompson (front row, far right) are graduates of Sugar Land 101.

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Building homes of quality and distinction for over 40 years.

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

MAY 26, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

Community news

Suzette Peoples Broker /Owner

Founders Bank has named Fort Bend businessman Thomas J. Petrosewicz to its board of directors. He will serve as an advisory member.

Petrosewicz is a certified public accountant who manages his own practice, Petrosewicz & Company, in Richmond. His firm specializes in individual and business taxation, small business consulting and forensic accounting.

“Tom brings a wealth of business experience to our board,” said Jim Sturgeon, Founders Bank CEO. “He has owned his own firm for close to 20 years and has helped countless other businesses achieve success via proper business, tax and financial planning. In addition, he is well-connected to the business community in Richmond and Rosenberg and that is a definite plus. We are pleased and proud to have him join our board of directors.”

Golf From Page 1 Quail Valley alone. Today there are maybe a few more than 30, and I’m told they are not on the market for very long. This is how we measure our success.”

Thanks to the city now owning 400 more acres of parkland, the mayor said, the city “can now begin to plan on values going back up, city revenues from property taxes going back up and with a turn around in the economy, we will look back 10 years from now and realize that what we did to save our future was the right thing to do.

“We now can move forward with plans to develop our tennis and recreation center facility as well as the Executive Park and hopefully the First Tee program for the old Par 3 property,” Owen said.

Since Missouri City took QVCC over via eminent domain, the city has spent “about $6 million on the improvements,” according to the mayor.

Those improvements include completely rebuilding the 18-hole El Dorado golf course, completely replacing the irrigation system for the El Dorado and LaQuinta golf courses, making repairs to the existing building to accommodate the pro shop and grill, buying all new equipment and fixtures for the grill, maintaining the property, leasing golf carts for rent and making repairs and cleaning up after Hurricane Ike. Owen, who has worked all along to get a settlement on the property, said he believes the former owners of QVCC agreed to settle rather than go to trial “to prevent any more legal fees and any future appeals from the sellers or us regarding the right to take or the amount that a jury would award.”

Petrosewicz Prior to forming his accounting practice in 1991, Petrosewicz managed the financial and administrative activities of a multi-million-dollar manufacturing/wholesale distribution business in Houston.

He began his career with the international public accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The company recently lost a similar battle in Houston, which, Owen said, “had them thinking that juries are not sympathetic when people try to shove things down property owners’ throats. I think they also see that people respect individual property owners’ rights.”

He also said, “Once citizens bought into our doing this project to begin with and then the overwhelming approval of the $17.5 million bond issue, we have continued to garner not only local but statewide support for it.

“I look back on House Bill 3232 as the start of this whole story. Legislators voted unanimously to approve the bill, which basically said that people who buy property that has an amenity running through it pay a premium for that property and so it becomes part of that community.”

As for the $$7.375 million it took to buy the property, Owen said, “I think the price is in the best interest of the city so we can move forward with our plans and not worry about what may or may not happen down the road.

Knowing what the property was on the tax roles for when we took it and seeing what they could have been asking for during a trial, I think we made a deal that is acceptable to both parties.”

The property was worth $6 million on the county tax rolls.

Councilman Jerry Wyatt said by the acquisition, “In a downturn in economy, we are stabilizing property values across the city, not only in Quail valley.”

John Hightower with Olson & Olson, Missouri City Attorney Caroline Kelley and other city staff members negotiated on the price with QVCC. J. Mark Breeding, attorney with Andrews Kurth, represented the Quail Vaklley Country Club, L.P.

Club house, community center project design ordered

By BARBARA FULENWIDER This month Missouri City council members made major progress on the 400 acres located in the middle of their town.

At their May 17 meeting city council proved architectural/ engineering services for the renovation of the golf course pro shop and community center and design services for the tennis and recreation center.

The city’s ad for requests of qualifications for design services on the club house and community center got 43 replies from firms who wanted the job.

Last February, staff met with the consultant selection committee members and recommended five firms for interviews: Kirksey, STG, HKS, Robert McKinney and Freese Nichols.

In March staff interviewed five firms and recommended Freese Nichols because of their experience in municipal golf course facility design, hospitality facility design, commitment to stakeholder input and feedback, responsiveness to client direction and the firm’s in-house ability to provide almost all aspects of professional design.

The phase one design work is expected to take three months and cost $151,717. What the city will get for their money are two Charrettes with stakeholders, landscape, food service, 3D renderings of the exterior of the building to show the architectural character and style of the new community center and a schematic design package.

The agreement for professional design services for the tennis and recreation center was also let after 36 firms applied. The five firms interviewed are Freese Nichols, STG, Meriman Holt, PBS&J and Joiner. Staff chose PBS&J because of their experience with municipalities, commitment to stakeholder input and feedback, ability to provide almost all aspects of the design from within the firm and responsiveness to client direction.

They will provide phase one design services only and those include town meetings, staff programming meetings, facility and site assessments, cost-benefit analysis, draft programming document, conceptual plan and cost estimates and presentation to staff and council.

The initial design work will cost $72,000 and take approximately two months.

Direct: 281-980-3322 www.peoplesproperties.com TELFAIR 1 story Village Builder home over 3100 sqft! Built in 2007. 3 bedrooms & study.

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FIRST COLONY D

before classes fill.

Unlike a loan, a Federal Pell Grant does not require repayment. In 2010-11, the maximum Pell Grant rises to $5,550.

The amount awarded is dependent on financial need, but also on the cost to attend school, status as full-time or part-time student, and plans to attend school for a full academic year or less. Students whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001 receive the maximum award.

For additional information about the summer Pell Grants, contact the WCJC Financial Aid Office at 979.532.6345 or 1-800-561-9252, ext. 6345.

REDUCED

Suzette Peoples

ABR, GRI , E-Pro, 21 years Professional Realtor; Owner of Peoples Properties, a Real Estate & Property Management Co.; American Business Women’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 $200’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 $200’s.

Master down. All tile/real wood thru-out, no carpet. All located on culdesac street. Clements high school! Priced to go fast!

REDUCED

RE DU CE D

Petrosewicz named to Founders Bank board

for summer school is $5,350, the same as for the fall and spring semesters combined.

Students who were eligible for Pell Grants in the fall and spring, and who have maintained satisfactory progress as defined in the WCJC college catalog, may be eligible for additional summer funding. The same is true for high school graduates who have received notification of Pell eligibility based on their 2009-10 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Hyde strongly suggests that students talk with a WCJC financial aid officer to see if they qualify. He also anticipates a higher demand for summer classes so encourages students to sign up soon

CE

Another source of confusion is the requirement that students who have received a full Pell Grant in the fall and spring semesters take six hours each summer semester – what the government calls halftime – in order to receive the summer funding.

“Most college catalogs, ours included, will say that three hours per summer semester is halftime,” he said.

“For the Pell Grant, the government defines halftime as six hours per semester.”

As a result, many students have scrambled to add an additional class for each summer semester.

“It’s no money versus some money,” said Hyde, adding that the maximum Pell Grant

DU

For the first time in the history of the Federal Pell Grant, students who have used all of their Pell Grant eligibility in the fall and spring semesters can receive additional Pell Grant funding for summer school.

The change, legislated by the 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), is designed to encourage students to enroll in summer school so they can graduate sooner.

Richard Hyde, Wharton County Junior College’s director of financial aid, said a program name change by the federal government has confused students. It is now called “Two Pell Grants in One Award Year.”

RE

Pell Grants available for summer at WCJC

21 years of experience!

Built in 2006. Popular Perry 1 story home. 4 bedrooms and both formals or study. 16’ 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 $500’s.

Mortgage Banker can do loans in less than 30 days!

Call Suzette or email: Speoplesrealtor@aol.com

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.

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“Friends you can depend on”

Bargain Book Sale Friends of First Colony ranch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway at Grants Lake, Sugar Land, will hold their monthly bargain book sale on Saturday, June 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Good condition books, CD’s, DVD’s (no magazines/encyclopedias) may be donated during regular library hours or at the sale and are tax deductible. Children’s items are especially needed.

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REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER 1 TERM: Register NOW through June 7.

Classes begin June 7.

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Classes begin July 12.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE or contact the Admissions and Registration Office for times, locations, and requirements.

W Wharton County CJC Junior College

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 26, 2010

Opinion The View From Sugar Land What is Plan B?

By RUSSELL C. JONES On May 17 Congressman Pete Olson held a town hall meeting at Lakeview Auditorium to speak to Sugar Land residents. Compared to town hall meetings last fall, the crowd was smaller and less hostile.

Olson has earned a reputation among his fellow House members greater than would be expected for a junior member of the minority party in a term when the majority makes all decisions without consideration of dissenting views. His prior service as a staffer for Senators Gramm and Cornyn has served him well, providing experience beyond the typical freshman member. Olson has also become a vital part of the effort to push back Obama’s plan to kill America’s space program.

Partially responding to a question at the town hall meeting, Olson called on Congress to reverse the Democrat program of ever-increasing expenditures on government programs during a time of economic distress. He repeated the often cited Republican plan for tax reductions for small business and called for reductions in government spending.

He failed to answer the second part of the question: What is Plan B? Optimism among politicians is to be expected, and Olson is no different. He is convinced, as are many other Republicans and tea partiers, that public dissatisfaction with Obamacare, the growing deficit, expectations of an unprecedented tax increase, and looming inflation will assure that conservatives will take over Congress in November.

Once the “good guys” are in charge in the legislature, goes the theory, Obama will come to his senses and negotiate sound

Jones economic policies reflecting the will of the people and Republican principles, along the lines of Bill Clinton’s transformation during the second half of his first term.

Let’s not hold our communal breath.

The harsh reality is that Obama grew up in the Chicago hard knuckle political tradition. His career as a “community organizer” reflects his fundamental disbelief in the American tradition of free enterprise, reward for hard work and belief in equal opportunity for all. A committed “progressive,” Obama is dedicated to equal results for all, regardless of one’s work ethic, skill level or contribution to society.

Obama’s term has already seen huge successes in his quest for big government at the expense of the private sector. The partial nationalization of General Motors and Chrysler, which punished secured creditors and rewarded the auto workers’ union against all precedent under bankruptcy law; the imposition of TARP on the largest banks, whether they wanted it or not; and the government takeover of health care were each greater grabs of government power from the private sector than has occurred under any previous president.

Between December

2007 and December 2009, the private sector lost more than 7.3 million jobs, yet the number of government jobs actually increased by about 100,000. A boon for government employee unions, each action of this president seems to be an effort to increase the political power of the Democrats without regard to conservative values.

Even if Republicans regain Congress in November, an uncertain prospect for sure, no reason exists for an Obama compromise.

He has reminded Republicans on several occasions that he won and they lost the 2008 elections. His idea of bipartisanship is Republican capitulation to his goals.

Obama will be in office until January 2013, regardless of Republican gains this year. By then the damage will be done. Indeed, the damage has already been done. Conservative delusions about revoking Obamacare and avoiding growing taxes on America’s producers are pipe dreams.

A majority in Congress alone will not sustain a veto. Trillions of dollars are already committed for questionable expenditures, and all must be paid with higher taxes or, even worse, inflated dollars.

So, the question remains.

What is Plan B? Neither the Republicans nor the tea parties have the answer.

Readers are encouraged to offer their suggestions to editor@fbindependent. com.

(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.)

LETTER: Using the strength of diversity To the Editor: I appreciated Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen’s remarks after this past election indicating that the Missouri City Council’s ethnic makeup was now much more in line with the City’s population.

Indeed, Missouri City’s diversity is probably its biggest strength.

In fact, the City Council reflects some of the same attributes and strengths that the City as a whole demonstrates or it should.

What does the City really need to do to take advantage of and make best use of its diversity?

My first recommendation is that the city needs to start with its own City Council.

Give them a chance, an opportunity to shine.

In Councilmembers Robin Elackatt and Danny Nguyen we have a good representation of the Asian community.

Why not give them an opportunity to bring some members of their ethnic groups in to help the City deal with some of its issues?

The City could hold a mini-

convention of area Asian business leaders to help the City deal with a particular issue or a range of issues.

What new ideas might these leaders have to help the City?

More importantly, these groups could then have real input into how the City functions.

For instance, what do those business leaders think that the City should do about the City’s finances, which could obviously use a shot in the arm?

How would they deal with a Golf Course?

How do we unite the residents of First Colony, Quail Valley, Texas Parkway, and others and make Missouri City function smoothly?

How do we deal with the lack of business interest in Texas Parkway development?

These are real issues that the City could use innovative ideas and good advice to deal with effectively.

I believe that the mayor said that he was proud that the City Council makeup represented all ethnic groups of

Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

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

the City. The challenge is to use the City’s diverse population to help us become a great city.

Howard Moline Missouri City

First Colony Farmers Market The First Colony Community Association has rescheduled its farmer’s market due to the heavy storms this past weekend.

The market is now scheduled for Saturday, June 19. from 8 a.m. to Noon at First Colony Community Association 4350 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479.

Vendors will be offering an array of fresh produce and handmade products at the farmer’s market.

Visitors can expect to find a wide variety of offerings, including seasonal produce, organic produce, spices, fresh flowers and more.

FCCA is still accepting vendors. Anyone interested in becoming a vendor can call 281-634-9555 for information.

For more information on the farmer’s market or other First Colony Community Association events, visit www. firstcolony.org.

Texas Straight Talk More blank checks to the military industrial complex

By RON PAUL Congress, with its insatiable appetite for spending, is set to pass yet another “supplemental” appropriations bill in the next two weeks. So-called supplemental bills allow Congress to spend beyond even the 13 annual appropriations bills that fund the federal government. These are akin to a family that consistently outspends its budget, and therefore needs to use a credit card to make it through the end of the month.

If the American people want Congress to spend less, putting an end to supplemental appropriations bills would be a start. The 13 “regular” appropriations bills fund every branch, department, agency, and program of the federal government. Congress should place every dollar in plain view among those 13 bills.

Instead, supplemental spending bills serve as a sneaky way for Congress to spend extra money that was not projected in budget forecasts. Once rare, they have become commonplace vehicles for deficit spending.

The latest supplemental bill is touted as an “emergency” war spending bill, needed to fund our ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The emergencies never seem to end, however, and Congress passes one military supplemental bill after another as the wars in

Paul Iraq and Afghanistan drag on.

Many of my colleagues argue that Congress cannot put a price on our sacred national security, and I agree that the strong, unequivocal defense of our country is a top priority.

There comes a time, however, when we must take stock of what our blank checks to the military industrial complex accomplish for us, and where the true threats to American citizens lie.

The smokescreen debate over earmarks demonstrates how we have lost perspective when it comes to military spending. Earmarks constitute about $11 billion of the latest budget. This sounds like a lot of money, and it is, but it is a drop in the bucket compared to the $708 billion spent by the Pentagon this year to expand our worldwide military presence. The total

expenditures to maintain our world empire is approximately $1 trillion annually, which is roughly what the entire federal budget was in 1990!

We spend more on defense than the rest of the world combined, and far more than we spent during the Cold War. These expenditures in many cases foment resentment that does not make us safer, but instead makes us a target. We referee and arm conflicts the world over, and have troops in some 140 countries with over 700 military bases.

With this enormous amount of money and energy spent on efforts that have nothing to do with the security of the United States, when the time comes to defend American soil, we will be too involved in other adventures to do so.

There is nothing conservative about spending money we don’t have simply because that spending is for defense.

No enemy can harm us in the way we are harming ourselves, namely bankrupting the nation and destroying our own currency. The former Soviet Union did not implode because it was attacked; it imploded because it was broke.

We cannot improve our economy if we refuse to examine all major outlays, including so-called defense spending.

(Ron Paul represents the 14th Congressional District in Texas.)

Musings: A Hero’s Impact –Tony Workman

By JANICE SCANLAN I first met Tony Workman a couple of years ago. I was helping with the Missouri City Impact a Hero fundraiser for helping local veterans.

Tony was an easy guy to remember, mainly because of the genuine interest he took in others.

And that very quality is unfortunately what often makes people like Tony easy to forget. They aren’t self-promoting, They devote themselves to a purpose and helping others.

Tony served his country as a decorated Marine aviator in Viet Nam. However, he and most of the Viet Nam vets did not come home to a hero’s welcome.

Rather than honoring those who served in Viet Nam and did their duties, America wanted to put behind her what was considered, at the time, an ugly chapter in our history.

So it seems, we wrote a new ugly chapter in our treatment of Viet Nam Veterans.

Coming home to Missouri City after serving, like most vets, Tony became busy with work, friends and family; but stayed active with veteran’s issues.

Tony kept seeing the need that many vets would enjoy a place where they could get together and talk about their experiences, do some good for the community, and have a little fun and camaraderie as well.

So Tony founded the New Missouri City American Legion Post 294 and became its first Commander. He remained active until health issues that plagued him after the war contributed to his death Feb. 19, 2010.

Unfortunately our quiet heroes don’t always get the notoriety their work deserves.

I didn’t learn about Tony’s death until two weeks ago.

Ironically at the same place I originally met him--working with the Impact a Hero Missouri City event sponsored by the Southwest 59 Sunrise

Rotary.

Not seeing Tony left an empty place, but other quiet heroes carried on and will continue to champion veterans’ causes and provide veterans, who have given so much, a place to meet and carry on good works.

But that’s only part of the story. The veterans of the New Missouri City American Legion Post 294 have renamed Post 294 in Tony’s honor as the William Tony Workman American Legion Post 294.

To further honor his memory Post 294 asked his widow, Dee Workman, to present its first scholarship award. On March 20, Dee presented Elkins High School senior and Air Force ROTC Cadet Melissa Gasataya with a scholarship. So others continue the work that Tony helped begin.

Please remember our Veterans not only this Memorial Day, but also through your Write to janicescanlan@ earthlink.net.

2008 Missouri City Impact a Hero Fundraiser for American Legion Post 294 pictured l to r 2010 Commander Larry Faust, Founding Commander Tony Workman, and Missouri City PD Community Liaison Officer Dan Flagg.

MAY 26, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

Youth of the year Kyle Krueger accepts Youth of The Year Award from Betty Baitland, left, President of the Sugar Land Exchange Club. Krueger has also been chosen as the District Youth of the Year.

Kyle Krueger of Clements High School was honored May 12 by the Exchange Club of Sugar Land as youth of the year. She will attend Harvard University in the fall. Her essay will be presented at the Texas Louisiana District Exchange Convention representing the Exchange Club of Sugar Land. The Exchange Club of Sugar Land meets every Wednesday morning at 7 at the Sweetwater Country Club.

— Photo by Allan McDonald

Board member Kelly Orth presents the award to Eric Yu, right.

The Exchange Club of Fort Bend recently presented the Youth of the Year Award and scholarship to Eric Yu. Yu, a senior from Elkins High School, is the son of Christina and James Yu of Missouri City. The Exchange Club of Fort Bend meets weekly on Wednesdays at 11:45 a.m. at Sweetwater Country Club. For more information on the club contact Candace Cagle at 281-2399967, candace.cagle@yahoo.

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

CAUSE NO. 10-CPR-022875 THE STATE OF TEXAS ESTATE OF BENJAMIN DIAO SOMERA, DECEASED YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED TO SUMMON THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF Benjamin Diao Somera, all of whose names, residences, and whereabouts are unknown to Plaintiff(s), Nenita Villena Somera by publication of this Citation once, at least ten (10) days previous to the return day hereof, in some newspaper published in your County, to appear at the next regular term of the County Court at Law setting as the Probate Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, Honorable R. H. “Sandy” Bielstein presiding, after service has been perfected, to be held in the William B. Travis Annex thereof in Richmond, Texas, the same being Monday, the 7th day of June, 2010, then and there to file a written consent or answer to the Petition filed in said Court on the 14th day of May, 2010, in a probate action now pending in said Court in the above numbered and styled Estate on the Probate Docket of said Court, wherein, Nenita Villena Somera is Plaintiff and the UNKNOWN HEIRS of said Deceased are the defendants; allegations as shown in said petition now on file in the Fort Bend County Clerk’s Office.

HEREIN FAIL NOT, but have you before said Court, at the time aforesaid, this Writ, with your return thereon showing that you have executed the same.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF SAID COURT, at office in Richmond, Texas, this the 17th day of May 2010 DIANNE WISLON, COUNTY CLERK FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 301 JACKSON, SUITE 101 RICHMOND, TX 77469-3108

By Holly Clemons, Deputy

com or visit www.fortbendexchange.org.

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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 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

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, JUNE 10, 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.

RFP 10-099 – DRUG COURT SUBSTANCE ABUSE OUTPATIENT COUNSELING 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 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, JUNE 10, 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.

RFP 10-101 – SECURITY SYSTEM FOR JANE LONG ANNEX 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 proposals.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas CITATION BY PUBLICATION DIVORCE The State of Texas TO: Latonja Evette Latson, Address Unknown, and to all whom it may concern, Respondent GREETINGS: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 AM on the Monday next following the expiration of twenty (20) days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. The Original Petition for Divorce of Ugochukwu O. Nkwocha, Petitioners, was filed in the 328th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on the January 27, 2010 against Latonja Evette Latson, Respondent, being numbered 10DCV178104, and entitled In the Matter of the Marriage of Ugochukwu O. Nkwocha and Latonja Evette Latson The suit requests DIVORCE. The court has authority in this suit to enter any judgment or decree dissolving the marriage and providing for the division of property which will be binding on you.

Issued and given under my hand and seal of the said Court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 20th day of May, 2010.

Petitioner’s Attorney: Ike N A Waobikeze, ESQ WAOBIKEZE LAW FIRM PC 9950 Westpark Drive Suite 424 Houston TX 77036-5271 713-771-1331 DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas Deputy District Clerk Amanda Morales Telephone: 281-238-3282 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 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

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, JUNE 17, 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 10-097 – BRIDGE REPLACE FOR OLD RICHMOND ROAD OVER RED GULLY A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, June 3, 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.

BID 10-098 – EXTENSION OF SOUTH POST OAK BLVD AND RECONSTRUCTION OF MCKEEVER ROAD A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 11:00AM (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

CITATION BY PUBLICATION STATE OF TEXAS TO: DARREN LEE STANLEY 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 CHARLENE PHILLIPS, 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 09DCV-176893, and entitled In the Interest of Kelcey Fonda Elizabeth Phillips, a Minor Child.

The suit request FIRST AMENDED PETITION IN 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: June 26,1996 Fort Bend County, Texas 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 18th day of May, 2010.

ATTORNEY 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 ELLIOT Deputy District Clerk Rosalinda Salinas Telephone: 281-633-7649

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, JUNE 3, 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.

RFP 10-096 – ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM 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, JUNE 10, 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 10-100 – TERM CONTRACT FOR CONCRETE CURBS AND GUTTERS 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 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 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 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

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 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.

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 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

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

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)

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 26, 2010

Automobile: Chevrolet Malibu

By BARBARA FULENWIDER I see more and more Chevrolet Malibu sedans on Houston area streets these days and after a test drive now I understand why. It’s another General Motors’ winner.

The Chevrolet Malibu LT four-door sedan provides a most comfortable ride and plenty of room for passengers and cargo.

The Malibu is offered in four models: LS, LT, LTZ and hybrid. The standard engine on the LS and LT models is the 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder motor.

A 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 is standard on the 2LT and optional on the 1LT. Both engines are mated to a fourspeed automatic transmission

horsepower and 251 lbs.-ft. torque and gets 17/22 mpg and 22/33 with the six-speed transmission. The Hybrid Malibu gets 26 and 34 mpg.

All run on regular unleaded fuel.

Standard equipment on all models of the sedan includes traction control, power door locks, windows and mirrors, A/C, stability control system with panic brake assist, dualstage frontal air bags, OnStar, LATCH child safety seat anchors, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, 17-inch wheels and XM Satellite Radio.

The Malibu LT model gets a three-spoke steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, a chrome exhaust tip, power outside folding mirrors, tour-

or the optional six-speed automatic.

New standard equipment on the Chevrolet Malibu includes a six speed automatic transmission on the 2LT and LTZ models and available on the 1LT. Also, 17-inch chrome aluminum wheels are standard on the 2LT with the fourcylinder engine; driver power adjustable lumbar replaces manual lumbar on all models and the 2.4-liter engine is now E85 capable, which means it can run on 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

Gas mileage on the LS with the four-cylinder that makes 169 horsepower and 160 lb.ft. torque, is 22 in town and 30 on the highway.

The V-6 engine makes 252

ing tires, rear reading lights, power trunk release, AM/FM stereo with CD player, rear window defogger, rear split folding seat, driver information center, tilt and telescopic leather wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry, remote vehicle start and inside review mirror with auto dimming and compass.

The LTZ models adds 18inch aluminum ultra-bright finish wheels, fog lamps, LED taillamps, manual shift on the six speed automatic transmission, Bluetooth for phone, heated driver and front passenger seats and two-tone trim combinations.

The Malibu LS retails for $21,395, the LT with the fourcylinder motor at $22,295 and

for $25,175 with the V-6. The LTZ with the V-6 retails for $26,670 and the hybrid for $25,345.

Options on the test drive Malibu 2LT added $1,175 to the bottom line and included a Boss premium audio system.

I’m partial to the Chevy Malibu because this car con-

jures up pleasant memories.

When they were first introduced in the mid to late 1960s, one got me to Pikes Peak and back with nary a problem.

I suspect the 2010 versions are just as reliable and I know they provide just as an enjoyable and comfortable ride.

FILM REVIEW: How to Train the Dragon I saw this movie on a late Saturday afternoon at my local AMC with about 100 parents and small children. If you are prone to complain and/or become annoyed about the crying and outbursts of small children in a theatre, then don’t see “Dragon.”

I’ve never seen a dragon, but I’ve known some people who had dragon breath.

PUBLIC NOTICE FORT BEND COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FY 2010-2015 CONSOLIDATED PLAN DRAFT To build and strengthen new partnerships with State and local governments and the private sector, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires a single consolidated submission for the planning and application aspects of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Programs.

The overall goals of the community development and planning programs covered by the Consolidated Plan are to strengthen partnerships with jurisdictions and to extend and strengthen partnerships among all levels of government and the private sector including for-profit and nonprofit organizations, to enable them: * * * persons.

to provide decent housing; to establish and maintain a suitable living environment, and, to expand economic opportunities for every American, particularly for very low-income and low-income

The purpose of the Consolidated Plan is to require the County to state in one document its plan to pursue these goals for all the community planning and development programs, as well as for housing programs. The FY 2010 Consolidated Plan will serve the following functions: 1.

2.

3.

4.

A planning document for the jurisdiction, which builds on a participatory process at the lowest levels; An application for federal funds under HUD’s formula grant programs; A strategy to be followed in carrying out HUD programs; and, An action plan that provides a basis for assessing performance.

The Consolidated Plan Final Rule requires that local government jurisdictions submit to HUD five-year Consolidated Plans containing a housing and homeless needs assessment, a housing market analysis, a strategic plan, an action plan, and the required HUD certifications. The 2010-2015 Consolidated Plan includes Fort Bend County’s revised housing and homeless needs assessment and housing market analysis. The 2010 Consolidated Plan includes 2000 Census data, 2008 American Community Survey (ACS) data and 2008 HUD data regarding low-income households. The County’s Strategic Plan has been revised to reflect changes in HUD programs, the population of the County as evidenced by the 2008 data and to provide consistency between the FY 2005-2010 Consolidated Plan’s goals and objectives and the proposed FY 2010-2015 Consolidated Plan’s goals and objectives. The strategic plan sets forth program goals and specific objectives in a manner that helps local governments and citizens keep track of programmatic results.

The FY 2010 Consolidated Action Plan includes the proposed projects to be funded during FY 2010, September 1, 2010 to August 31, 2011. These projects are listed below by program funding source. The recommended amount of funding for each project also is listed.

Community Development Block Grant Program: Amount of Assistance Available for FY 2010: Countywide CDBG Program Administration and Planning Countywide CDBG/HOME Program Housing Rehabilitation Administration Countywide Fort Bend CORPS: Housing Repair Program Arcola Arcola Sanitary Sewer System Improvements Kendleton Twenty Year Growth and Infrastructure Study Needville S anitary Sewer System Rehabilitation, Phase 3 Four Corners FWSD No.2: Sanitary Sewer Improvements Riverwood MUD No. 19 Sanitary Sewer Improvements and, Phase 7 Richmond North Richmond Sanitary Sewer Improvements, Phase 2 Rosenberg North Side Sanitary Sewer Improvements, Phase 6 Countywide ARC of FBC Social and Recreational Programs Countywide Brazos Bend Guardianship Services: Corporate Guardianship Program Countywide Child Advocates of FBC: Forensic Interviewer/Children’s Services Coordinator.

Countywide FBC Women’s Center: Shelter Support Services Countywide Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels Program Countywide Literacy Council of Fort Bend: Literacy Tutoring HOME Investment Partnership Program: Amount of Assistance Available for FY 2010: Countywide HOME Program Administration CHDO Set-Aside Countywide FBC Housing Rehabilitation Program Countywide Fort Bend CORPS: Housing Reconstruction Countywide Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity Emergency Shelter Grant Program: ESG) Amount of Assistance Available for FY 2010: Countywide ESG Program Administration: Countywide FBC Women’s Center: Essential Services Countywide FBC Women’s Center Operations Countywide Parks Youth Ranch, Inc. Operations ________

$2,135,284 $375,000 $95,000 $225,000 $161,040 $40,000 $250,000 $186,374 $99,300 $258,500 $260,700 $27,667 $25,000 $29,113 $29,556 $38,034 $35,000

$556.612 $55,661 $83,492 $257,459 $60,000 $100,000

The dragons in this flick were being challenged and killed by some old-school Vikings. The type of Vikings that wear horns atop their very big heads and swing axes in an attempt to kill their prey.

The head of the Viking tribe is Stoic and he has a young son, Hiccup, who is less than Vikingesque. Let’s just say he’s not like the other Viking boys and girls who are currently taking Dragon-killing classes. Hiccup is soft.

However, Hiccup accidentally makes a lucky shot and

The Fort Bend County FY 2010 Consolidated Plan Draft will be available for public review and comment from Friday, May 28, 2010 to Wednesday, June 30, 2010. The public is encouraged to review this document and submit comments. The Consolidated Plan Executive Summary can be reviewed at all locations of the Fort Bend County Library and the Fort Bend County website: http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us. In addition, copies of the Consolidated Plan are available from the Fort Bend Community Development Department, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, Texas. Please call the department at (281) 341-4410.

A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2005, 10:00 a.m., at the Fort Bend County Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, Texas, to receive comments from the public regarding the draft FY 2010 Consolidated Plan. The public is encouraged to attend and to submit comments to Marilynn Kindell, Community Development Director, at the Fort Bend County Community Development Department, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, Texas, 77471.

Comments will be incorporated into the draft Consolidated Plan document, as appropriate. Persons with vision or hearing impairments or other individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids and services may contact the department at (281) 341-4410 regarding reasonable accommodations for the meeting.

land with Hiccup sitting on his back in a “saddle.” This must be kept a secret since no Viking has ever interacted with a dragon other than to kill them.

My crowd had one big laugh so this is not a comedy.

This is a classic kids’ movie and I encourage children to see it and enjoy it. I, however, was bored even though it was a well done animation.

Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 76. Larry H. sugarlaw@larryharrison.com

Fort Bend County LID No. 2 gets FEMA accreditation Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 2 has received notification from FEMA that its levee system meets FEMA accreditation requirements for flood protection.

The district has focused a significant portion of its maintenance and operation efforts since 2007 on meeting the current FEMA accreditation standards for levee management and failure to meet the latest revised standards would have exposed FBC LID NO. 2 residents to risks of expensive, mandatory flood insurance costs and reduced property values.

In 2006, FEMA requested data and supporting documentation from FBC LID NO. 2 in conjunction with FEMA’s updating of the national “Flood Insurance Rate Map” to determine if the district was, in fact, providing protection to the flood elevation defined by FEMA. FBC LID No. 2 immediately took action to address requirements of FEMA’s revised standards and, upon completion of improvements necessary to meet the latest FEMA requirements, provided FEMA with documentation and the requested data.

Upon review of the documentation and data, FEMA notified the district that Fort Bend County Levee Improve-

Movies at the library

$85,096 $4,254 $25,528 $35,314 $20,000

downs one of the most ferocious and mysterious dragons (Night Fury) who he names “Toothless.”

When Hiccup is about to stab and ultimately kill this dragon, he realizes he can not make the kill. Uh oh, Big Daddy Stoic will not understand this sympathy toward the hated dragons and the Father-Son relationship will suffer.

Meanwhile, the loveable and kind Hiccup befriends Toothless and “trains” him to fly around the Viking’s is-

Fort Bend County Libraries will feature a free Summer Movie Series at George Memorial Library at 1001 Golfview in Richmond, beginning in June. The movies will be shown every other Thursday evening throughout the summer, from June through August. A variety of movie genres, from romantic comedies to thrilling chillers,

Congressman Pete Olson (right) reviews levee infrastructure with FBC LID No. 2 Board President André McDonald (center) and General Manager Chad Essex (left). ment District No. 2 “ . . meets that we have other projects the minimum certification re- that we must finish to mainquirements outlined in Title tain our status. FEMA could 44 of the Code of Federal still make future requests at any time or could change the Regulations, Section 65.10.”

Andre’ McDonald, FBC rules for design, construction, LID No. 2 Board President operation, and maintenance said, “Achieving the goal of documentation related to flood accreditation means that the management.”

FBC LID No. 2 will continarea covered by the FBC LID No. 2 levee system will cur- ue to actively monitor all Fedrently be shown on the new eral initiatives and regulations FEMA maps as a protected that might impact accreditaarea not subject to expensive tion and ensure that mainteand mandatory flood insur- nance and operations efforts ance. We are very pleased that address any vulnerability that our efforts to receive FEMA could put our levee system at accreditation have been re- risk of losing accreditation, warded. However, we know McDonald said. will be shown.

The series will begin on Thursday, June 10, with “Mamma Mia!” a 2008 musical comedy/romance in which a bride-to-be tries to find her real father. Starring Meryl Streep, the story is told using hit songs by the popular ’70s group ABBA. Showtime is 6 p.m. in Room 2B. This movie is rated PG-13.

The special feature on Thursday, June 24, is “Pirates of the Caribbean,” a 2003 action/adventure film starring Johnny Depp, Orlando

Bloom, Keira Knightley and Geoffrey Rush. In this film, a blacksmith teams up with an eccentric pirate to save his love, the governor’s daughter, from the pirate’s former allies, who are now “un-dead.”

Showtime is 6 p.m. in Room 2B. This movie is rated PG-13.

The movies are free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

For more information about the featured movies, call the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677.

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

Accountant Sandersen & Knox LLP , Accountants 130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 130 Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.SKBTexas.com (281) 242-3232

Attorney

Physician

Hrbacek & Associates,P.C.

Nik Nikam, MD

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

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

FBBA’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Jarjour Fort Bend Baptist Academy has announced Jane Jarjour as the Class of 2010 valedictorian and Kiara Skokan as salutatorian.

Jane Jarjour is the daughter of Laila and Imad Jarjour of Sugar Land. A National Merit Finalist, she will attend Rice University in the fall and plans to major in biochemistry and cell biology. Her career goals include working in the field of pediatric medicine, ultimately serving in impoverished nations as a medical missionary.

Salutatorian Kiara Skokan will also attend Rice University. A National Merit Commended Student, Kaira will major in physics with the goal of becoming a particle physicist. Kiara is the daughter of Morgan Skokan of Sugar Land.

Skokan

Girl Scouts of Troop 28103 earn Bronze The Girl Scout Bronze Award, the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can earn. After working for 2 years on the requirements, which helped the girls improve the community around them while building leadership skills, the final requirement was finished - a Girl Scout Bronze Award Project for Girl Scout Troop 28103. Troop 28103 created and hosted a sports and fitness event for a brownie troop, based on the Brownie Try-it Girls Sports, and the Junior Fun and Fit, badge.

The event was called “Fishing For Fitness”. During the event, they collected food, baby supplies and household supplies for The Second Mile Mission, in Fort Bend County. Our awards ceremony was held in The Sea of Galilee Gardens at Parkway United Methodist Church. Girls Scouts of San Jacinto and the Rainbow Stars Service Unit serve nearly 400 registered girls and adults in New Territory- Sugar Land, Texas.

Girl Scouts is a United Way Agency.

For more information, call Lisa Rickert 281-565-1319 or email lisa@rickert.com.

MAY 26, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

Dell Scholar named at Willowridge High School Amilda Medina, a graduating senior at Willowridge High School, has been named a 2010 Dell Scholar.

She is one of 300 graduating seniors in the U.S. honored in the scholarship program, which is funded by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.

As a Dell Scholar, Medina will receive $20,000 to continue her higher education for the next six years.

The Dell Scholars Program will also provide her with technology, resources and mentoring to ensure she has the support she needs to obtain a college degree.

Most of the Dell Scholars are first-generation college students and are chosen because they participate in an approved college readiness program and maintain at least

Medina a 2.4 grade point average on a 4.0 scale while dealing with personal responsibilities at home or in their communities.

In addition to GPA and college readiness program participation, Dell Scholars requirements also include graduation from an accredited high school,

Colony Bend Elementary Math Masters

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

PROUDLY SERVING FORT BEND SINCE 1981

Russell C. Jones Thelma Holoway Jones Lewis W. “Chip” Smith IV ● Real Estate ● Landlord/Tenant ● ● Banking ● Creditors' Rights ● Collections ● ● Business and Corporate Law ● Immigration ● ● Business Litigation ● Mergers and Acquisitions ● ● Estate Planning ● Probate ● ● Property Owners' Associations ● 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

Not just oil, Pennzoil

Colony Bend Elementary, an FBISD Exemplary campus introduced a new parent run Math program, Math Masters as an after school Math club for students in fourth and fifth grades. Students meet once a month to prepare for Texas Math Science Coaches Association competitions. Students are introduced to high level math concepts in Number Sense, Calculator, General Math and General Science. At a recent TMSCA competition held at Doeree Intermediate School CBE Math Masters students placed fifth among 26 local elementary schools. Students also took the National 2010, 5th grade Math League test and achieved commendable performance.

The fifth grade first place went Baonan Ji with a perfect score followed by Sara Venkataraman, second, and Nandan Marwaha, third. The first place from fourth grade went to Guilherme Voss Messias dos Santos and Uma Sethuraman placed second. Pictured Back Row (L to R) are Uma Sethuraman, Safa Maknojia, Guilherme Voss Messias dos Santos, Nandan Marwaha, Saif Marknojia, Program coordinator Sonal Marwaha, Hayden Price, Kevin Lee, Sara Venkataraman. Front Row (L to R) Regan Jeppesen, Sandra Seijas, Llaran Turner, Alina Mawji and Baonan Ji.

Maddie Siegfried, Bailey Northington, Maddie Menke, Trudy Rogers, Virginia Cheng, Sarika Mohan, Gustaline Samba, Victoria Pride, not pictured Casey Ferniz.

SMSD SEAL gets national certification Stafford Middle and High Schools’ Spartan Engineering Academy Lab (SEAL) recently received the highest level of national certification for its Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program.

SEAL, which began in 2007, gives students in grades 8-12 the opportunity to engage in engineering coursework that prepares them for collegelevel engineering programs.

National certification by PLTW means that Stafford Middle and High Schools have successfully met PLTW’s quality standards in professional development of teachers and counselors; the imple-

demonstrated financial need and intent to enter a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited higher education institution in the fall.

Medina is a participant of the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program at Willowridge. AVID is a college preparatory program that provides students with academic instruction, tutorial support and motivational activities to guide them into a four-year university. More than 70 percent of AVID seniors attend college, and to date, 15 have been Dell Scholars.

Medina will graduate as the valedictorian of Willowridge this year, and plans to attend St. Thomas University in the fall to study biology. Her career goals are to become a pediatrician and someday open her own health clinic.

Only one side is worn out and painful.

mentation of curriculum using required equipment and software; and the formation of a Partnership Team with a local college or university. SEAL students benefit from national certification through its innovative, hands-on curriculum and the opportunity to earn college credit for some of the engineering courses.

Since implementation of the SEAL program, Stafford High School math and science assessment scores have significantly increased. In place of traditional instruction, 144 students learn engineering applications by applying math and science to design and de-

velop projects.

The Partnership Team includes teachers, parents, administrators, and business and community representatives from Fluor Daniel, Texas Instruments, and City of Stafford. SEAL instructors are Nathanial Joseph, Frank Hoang, and John Williams at the high school and Jerry Stevens and Byron Thompson at the middle school. Stafford High School counselor, Jilla Peasley, serves as the liaison between SEAL and Houston Community College.

For more information, contact Dr. Jon Gray, at 281-2619232.

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 26, 2010

Indo American Forum of Fort Bend

Naren Patel, left, past chairman of IAF, Showri Nandagiri, member, board of trustees, Rick Pal, treasurer, K.C. Mehta, past chairman, Himesh Gandhi, vice-chairman, Harish Jajoo, chairman, trustees Anil Shah, Jasmine Patel and Tanaz Choudhary, at the IAF social. Shefali Jhaveri, secretary, is not in the picture.

The Indo American Forum dian community to the main- ity and service; To encourage of Fort Bend recently hosted stream America is the primary involvement, on a bipartisan a membership social at the goal of IAF. Indo American basis, in the policy making Comfort Suites- Techniplex Forum is an association of of the local community, and Center in Stafford to appreci- like-minded people that val- to improve the quality of life ate IAF members and invite ues the strength of unity and for all citizens; To provide a emphasizes community spirit forum for Indo Americans new members. and possibly a center for it’s Indo American Forum of over individualism.

The organizations objec- members to socialize and to Fort Bend (IAF) represents perform useful community the growing Indo American tives include: To promote secularism and services; To support humanicommunity in Fort Bend County. “Together, We Can multiculturalism in America, tarian causes, where possible; Make a Difference” is the reflecting the inherent rich and To promote youth parvalues of the Indo American ticipation in sociocultural and motto of IAF. Creating and continuing a community; To foster good- civic activities. positive awareness of the In- will through civic responsibil-

The Wall That Heals comes to Sugar Land For those who haven’t ex- the Memorial to be remem- morial Fund, the organization perienced Maya Lin’s Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Washington, D.C., Sugar Land is bringing the half scale-replica, The Wall That Heals, to Sugar Land Memorial Park, 15300 University Blvd.

The traveling exhibition is scheduled to be displayed at the park from Friday-Monday, May 28 through May 31, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Bringing The Wall to communities throughout the country allows those enshrined on

Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury will be the lead sponsor for the Texana Trumps Autism Crawfish Boil on Saturday, June 5, to be held in park area of Texana Center’s headquarters in Rosenberg on Airport Avenue from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Other sponsors include McCoy Workplace Solutions and DJ 2G Entertainment who will provide music for the event.

The proceeds will benefit Texana’s Autism Program for young children.

George Patterson, Texana CEO said, “This promises to be a fun-filled family event with good eats, great entertainment and raising money for a worthy cause.”

The diagnosis rate of autism is staggering; one in every 100 children is affected, and one in 58 boys will be diagnosed with autism. There will be more children diagnosed with autism this year than pediatric AIDS,

Ron Ewer, Owner of Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury and Eloise Lucas, Business Relations Manager at Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury.

cancer and diabetes combined.

“The treatment provided at Texana can help a child with autism to become virtually indistinguishable from their peers, allowing them to lead a normal life, but the treatment

is very costly which is why we are having this fundraising event,” Patterson said. Tickets are $20 each or $30 for two, children $5 and can be purchased by calling Andi Wallis on at 281-239 1427.

Amitabh Shukla named medical director of Methodist Sugar Land Stroke Center Amitabh Shukla, M.D., has been named Medical Director of the Methodist Sugar Land Stroke Center.

Dr. Shukla is board-certified in neurology, psychiatry, electrodiagnostic medicine and sleep medicine. He was recently named a diplomat in vascular neurology, the only physician currently working in the Fort Bend area with this background.

Dr. Shukla is leading the hospital’s efforts toward certification as a Primary Stroke Center through the Joint Commission. Methodist Sug-

Shukla

ar Land Hospital is also participating in the “Get with the Guidelines” program through the American Stroke Association, which will allow the hospital to track its performance on key stroke indicators.

“A major area of focus for the Center will be stroke prevention through education,” says Dr. Shukla.

“The Center will provide community training and host awareness events to help improve area residents’ knowledge about the causes of stroke and how strokes can be prevented.”

FBJSL and St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital proud of award-winning Cookbook

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FBJSL President-Elect Pam Spencer, FBJSL President Brigit Engleman, St. Luke’s Business Development Manager Emily Garrison, and St. Luke’s Sugar Land CEO Jim Levermann tout the award-winning Treasures from the Bend, Rich in History and Flavor cookbook.

Fort Bend Junior Service League and presenting sponsor St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital are extremely pleased with how the community has embraced the League’s newest cookbook, Treasures from the Bend, Rich in History and Flavor.

Recently named the 2009 Southwest Regional Tabasco Award Winner, Treasures from the Bend is quickly becoming a must-have in southern kitchens across Fort Bend County and beyond.

With more than 275 delicious and taste-tested recipes, GOLDEN TREE AWARDS. Apache Corporation and CenterPoint Energy are recipients of Missouri City’s “Golden Tree” awards for their significant “green” contributions to the City. Urban Forester Paul Wierzbicki presented the awards during the May 17 City Council meeting. CenterPoint Energy partnered with Missouri City to create “Right Tree Trail” in Ridgeview Park, the first of its kind in the area.

Apache Corporation received a Golden Tree Award for its contribution of 670 tree seedlings to the City over a threeyear period.

this cookbook also features beautiful photography and interesting historical facts about various landmarks within Fort Bend County.

Proceeds from the sale of this book benefit Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, a worthy charitable organization that strives to provide a hot meal for every Fort Bend County senior in need.

Cookbooks may be purchased for $27.95 each through the FBJSL website, www.fbjsl.com, or at a number of retail outlets throughout the county, including:

Another Time Soda Fountain and Café, Brazos River Provisions, Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, Hawkins Furniture, Magnolia House, Magpies Gifts, NewFirst Bank, Planned Community Developers, The Cottage, Treasure Hunters, Vineyard on the Square and Vogelsang’s Antiques.

For more information, visit www.fbjsl.com or contact Cookbook Committee CoChairs Shannon Bloesch and Shayne Newell at cookbook@ fbjsl.com.

Bottom left: Ken Lindsey, Diane Hasell and Ron Britt, of CenterPoint Energy; Top, Obie O’Brien, of Apache Corp., and Missouri City Urban Forester Paul Wierzbicki following the presentation of the Golden Tree