Fort Bend Independent

VOL 4 No. 27

Phone: 281-980-6745

www.fbindependent.com .fbindependent.com ww

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2011

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

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

AHS Navy JROTC are the champs

Shawn Cleary, left, Team Captain, Michael Brand, Robert Nguyen, and Aaron Callegari with Edwin R. Sellards.

The Stephen F. Austin High School Navy Junior ROTC participated in the College Options Foundation 2011 JROTC Academic Championship, June 24-28, at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.

More than 330 Navy JROTC teams competed nationwide online and only four teams advanced to the championship round with SFA NJROTC winning the 2011 Navy JROTC College Options Foundation Academic Bowl Championship.

The SFA team members were Shawn Cleary - Team Captain, Michael Brand, Robert Nguyen, and Aaron Callegari.

The SFA Team competed against the top teams from all over the United States as well as Department of Defense school teams located worldwide.

The JROTC Academic Challenge is a nationally rec-

ognized academic competition created exclusively for JROTC students.

By participating, cadets learn the values of citizenship, academic competition, and college opportunity.

The competition creates tremendous opportunities for JROTC and its cadets by demonstrating the academic abilities of JROTC students.

JROTC curriculum is reinforced through the content of the questions, but general high school math, science and language arts are also included.

National Finalists will receive software, books, scholarships and professional coaching concerning advanced education.

Other benefits of participating in this Academic Bowl including: improve SAT/ACT scores, increase interest in college admissions, demonstrate academic strength of JROTC program, and boost team and unit spirit.

Edwin R. Sellards, Senior Naval Science Instructor, had this to say about the competition, “Many thanks to the NJROTC Program and College Options Foundation for sponsoring this forum in which the academic excellence of my cadets could be showcased. I could not be more proud of the dedication demonstrated by the entire team.

They never gave up and never caved in. All of the schools present exhibited outstanding esprit-de-corps and displayed matchless sportsmanship. My goal-oriented young men rose to the occasion and persevered to the end. Understanding that their future is founded upon an outstanding education, each of them stood up and accepted the mental challenge that will make them more successful as citizens of our great nation. They all bring great credit upon themselves and families, their school, and their Unit.”

Metro builds new park and ride in Missouri City An interim Park and Ride on property adjacent to the Kroger Parking lot on Highway 6 and the Fort Bend Toll Road is under construction.

“The site should be operational by the end of summer,” Missorui City Mayor Allen Owen said. “Non-stop bus service will be provided from Missouri City to the Medical Center and the lot will include parking for 200 vehicles.”

Search for a permanent site is currently in progress.

Delivering his annual “State of the City” report at a luncheon hosted by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce on June 23, Owen emphasized the continuous commercial growth in the “Show Me City.”

His address was titled “Smart Growth—A Balancing Act.” Owen recently announced that Warren Alloy will move to Lakeview Business Park, joining a respected list of companies already based in the cen-

ter.

Owen said: “This is great news for us; the company is the nation’s oldest distributor of stainless steel and nickel alloy, pipe, tube fittings and flanges.”

In the past five years, the commercial tax base in Missouri City “has grown from 15 percent to 23 percent.”

The growth is promising and complements Council’s vision to ensure strong business gains not only to diversify the tax base but to increase jobs for residents.

Plans for the reconstruction of US90A and expansion of the Fort Bend Toll Road across the City’s eastern boundary through Sienna Plantation will drive additional commercial and industrial development.

In the past three years, more than 800 jobs, 500 of them non-retail, have been added to the City’s workforce and commercial square footage

has increased by 2 million.

The growth can be primarily attributed to a number of wellknown companies such as Ben E. Keith, Lufkin Automation and Charming Charlie’s setting up shop in Lakeview Business Park and the Beltway Crossing complex on the North side of the City, Owen said.

Highway 6 continues to draw businesses, with Star Cinema Grill, an upscale movie theater, and La Quinta Inn & Suites, the City’s first hotel, set to open this year.

Road improvements to corridors citywide will improve safety and traffic flow for residents. Projects in motion include: The revitalization of two gateways — Gessner Road and Texas Parkway. South Gessner from Beltway 8 to Cravens Road was fully replaced, mosaic tile City monuments were strategically placed along the

Union Pacific plays down fears on double tracking

By BARBARA FULENWIDER While a UP civil engineer has begun pursuing information regarding double tracking through Stafford, and Sugar Land is “hearing some preliminary reports from UP” regarding a second track down the U.S. 90A rail corridor, Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen says he’s “had no conversation with UP about a second track.”

Union Pacific’s inquiries to Stafford regarding a second track through their downtown raised Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella’s ire and got the attention of Joe Adams, chairman’s special representative for Union Pacific Railroad.

On June 30 Adams wrote Scarcella an e-mail regarding last week’s article in the Independent on double tracking down U.S. 90A.

Adams wrote that “no final plans have been made” and no construction will start until at least the end of the year.

“No additional trains will be rerouted to the line as a result of this project.”

Adams also told Scarcella that a second track “would improve throughput for existing trains and accommodate future growth in the markets it serves.

We will provide you with a full accounting of our plans when they are finalized for your review and any comment.”

Adams also included UP’s “Rail Expansion Project Study Update” as an attachment to his “rail expansion” e-mail to Scarcella.

It said, “Union Pacific Railroad is studying how it can run trains more efficiently from Houston through the Fort Bend

Sign of the times...

By SESHADRI KUMAR Can someone have an election campaign sign in private property anytime?

According to one Texas Department of Transportation official, no one can have a political campaign sign, even in private property within certain distance of a state highway, 90 days before the election date.

Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Craig Brady, who has announced his intention to run for sheriff next year, has used giant bill boards as well as smaller signs to promote his political advertising.

“Vote Brady for Sheriff” sign can be seen along FM 359 and FM 723.

For quite sometime questions have been raised about these signs and Brady has so far successfully prevailed.

The latest salvo was fired last week by Gus Cannon of Texas Department of Transportation, Right of Way division.

In a June 22 letter addressed to Brady, Cannon cites outdoor sign control regulations under the Highway beautification program. He quotes chapter 391 of the Texas Transportation Code and Chapter 21 of the Texas Administrative Code.

Under the Texas Administrative Code, the sign should be erected no sooner than the 90th day before the election and removed the tenth day after the election.

A copy of the letter was also emailed to Fort Bend County Election Administrator John Oldham, but Brady said he had not received the letter.

He heard about it through this writer on June 30.

Oldham said his office had no jurisdiction over the issue and it is between TxDOT and the person placing the sign.

After reviewing the copy of the TxDOT letter, Brady cited the same Texas Transportation

Code Chapter 391 and said his signs were legal and they were on commercial or industrial property.

Brady also said his attorney would send a response to TxDOT this week, defending the signs.

If what TxDOT claims is true, the signs by Fort Bend County Pct. 4 Constable Troy Nehls, who also has announced his intention to run for sheriff, would be illegal, Brady said.

Under the Texas Transportation Code Sec. 391.031.

UNLAWFUL OUTDOOR ADVERTISING; OFFENSE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person erects or maintains outdoor advertising, or allows outdoor advertising to be erected or maintained on property owned by the person:(1) within 660 feet of the nearest edge of a right-of-way if the advertising is visible from the main-traveled way of the interstate or primary system; A person does not commit an offense if the person erects or maintains in an area described by Subsection (a): (4) outdoor advertising located within 660 feet of the nearest edge of a right-of-way in an area in which the land use:(A) is designated industrial or commercial under authority of law; (B) is not designated industrial or commercial under authority of law but the land use is consistent with an area designated industrial or com-

area. Plans include the construction of additional trackage on railroad property that is located next to the existing rail line that parallels U.S. Highway 90A. We are trying to determine if a second line will be built for most of the distance, or if limited segments of track will be added at points along the route.

“The rail route through Fort Bend County is used by Union Pacific, BNSF, Kansas City Southern and Amtrak.

The goal of the project is to provide an additional lane, similar to adding a lane to the highway, to reduce the need for trains to stop for each other in sidings. This will allow trains to get through the HoustonFort Bend area faster and more See TRAIN, Page 3

mercial; While TxDOT seems to have control over outdoor signs within certain distance of the state highway, can TxDOT control the message on the advertising sign is a question that needs to be answered.

Can the TxDOT official invoke the Texas Administrative Code on an issue that falls under the purview of the transportation code is another question.

Brady claims that his advertising is on a commercial site and is exempt. Interestingly, the transportation code while exempting signs on commercial or industrial sites, does not specify what kind of advertising is allowed. In other words, there is no specific guideline on the content of a sign board pertaining to a commercial site.

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

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

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

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

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Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 6, 2011

Restaurant Review: Sorelle

Fort Bend Chamber wins at the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executive Conference

By DIANE PARKS A neighborhood deli sounds like something you would certainly find in a big city like New York or Chicago, but, if you’re lucky enough to live in Missouri City, you’ll find Sorelle Italian Deli right in your Quail Valley neighborhood.

Located on Cartwright Road at Cypress Point in the former Foodarama center, Sorelle Deli opened just five weeks ago, and features a variety of salads, subs and desserts, all using the freshest ingredients available.

Owner Bennie Gonzales has been in the restaurant business most of his adult life. Through the years, he operated several restaurants in San Antonio, including steak houses and Mexican. He opened the first Sorelle Deli there in 2004.

“I’m married to an Italian woman,” he explains. “The restaurant’s name means ‘sister’ and my wife is one of three sisters who all love cooking and sharing recipes. They passed their recipes on to me and put me to work.”

When Bennie’s wife was transferred to Houston, they settled in Missouri City and he worked as general manager for the Skyline Restaurant on the 24th floor of the downtown Hilton. “The long way to the Hilton was killing me,” he said.

“We agreed ‘it’s time to open up something here’. The deli was successful in San Antonio and there was nothing like it here.”

Freshness is the name of the game at Sorelle Deli. All subs and salads are made to order, and not made until you order.

“There are no subs or salads sitting around premade,” he says, adding, “There’s nothing better than fresh food.”

In fact, an herb garden in front of the store supplies the basil, oregano and other spices for the restaurant. Benny visits Farmers Market in Houston and Richmond to find the freshest produce available.

“We like to get as many local products as we can,” he says.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce staff: Shauna Williams, left, David Crowl, Gail Best, Jan-Michael Jenkins, Farrah Gandhi and Keri Schmidt. Photo by LARRY PULLEN. The Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) held its 105th annual conference in Las Colinas, Texas, June 25 to 28.

The TCCE is the oldest and most prestigious organization committed to providing relevant professional development for the Chamber of Commerce profession.

Texas Chamber of Commerce executives gathered to attend educational sessions, meet their peers in the industry and to represent their communities.

President and CEO, Keri Schmidt represented the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.

The conference included a media contest.

This was the first time the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce participated in the competition. They were up against the largest chambers in the State of Texas.

The Chamber took two top awards for Marketing Campaigns and Social Media Marketing.

“We were extremely excited to be recognized at the conference. This is a reflection of the talent and enthusiasm represented by our Fort Bend Chamber team,” says Schmidt.

Additionally, Schmidt was recognized with a distinguished service award for her ten years of tenure at the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce was established in 1972 to provide an important resource for all types of businesses in Fort Bend County. www.FortBendChamber.com

To advertise in these columns, call 281- 980-6745 or email sales@ fbindependent.com

This fall, he hopes to have a garden behind the restaurant, where he can grow tomatoes, spinach, peppers and other ingredients for his subs and salads.

Sorelle subs begin with bread made using fresh Italian herbs and olive oil, along with cold cuts, cheeses and fresh vegetables.

Three of the subs on the Sorelle Deli menu are named for the sisters who plan to compile a cookbook in the near future. The Sorella Anna contains avocado, tomatoes, provolone cheese and arugula.

The Sorella Vicky features prosciutto, mortadella, provolone cheese and pepper. The Sorella Dina includes salami, mortadella, mozzarella cheese, lettuce and tomatoes.

Bennie’s favorite menu item? The Meatball Parmagiana, with provolone cheese.

“We are coming to be known as the best little meatball in Texas,” he says. “Our meatball parmesan sub is out of this world.” Other sub choices include Americana, made with roast beef; Patriota, made with Virginia ham; Americana Falsa made with Scotia smoked salmon and Stefania, a chicken sub.

Salads include Caesar, with smoked salmon; the Patrician, with hearts of palm, avocado and watercress; the Greca, with cucumber, tomatoes, black olives and feta cheese; Caprese, with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil; Spinach, with red onions, Portobello mushrooms, gorgonzola and

almonds; Gustosa, tuna with cherubs and roasted peppers; Mista, with cherubs, red onion and prosciutto; and Rustica, salami, provolone, roasted peppers and black olives.

Bennie has just added a Friday-Saturday special to the food lineup. Last weekend, it was lasagne, with a small Caesar salad for just $5.99.

For drinks, enjoy Snapple tea or OJ, San Pellegrino sodas or the fabulous coffee, made from beans roasted on site.

“We get the beans in here and roast them in the restaurant,” says Bennie.

Wine is not available for sale at the present time, but customers are invited to BYOB. “I have the glasses and the opener,” says Bennie. Wine tastings featuring wines from Italy and Texas are planned in the near future. Call the restaurant for dates. Bennie and his staff can also cater your next function.

“We can cater to your needs,” he said. “We can do special catering if there’s a certain dish you want.”

So far, business is steady.

“People are finding out about us through word of mouth and adding comments to our Facebook wall,” he said. “That’s what I hoped would happen.”

Sorelle Italian Deli 2601 Cartwright, Suite E Missouri City TX 77459 Hours: 10-8 M-F; 10-3 Sat. Closed Sundays Visa, MC, AmEx accepted 281-208-9999 phone 281-208-9009 fax www.sorelledeli.net

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JULY 6, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

News Smart From Page 1 strategically placed along the roadway and sidewalks were added.

Upgrades to Texas Parkway feature a prominent City monument at the intersection of US90A, drainage improvements and the addition of sidewalks. Phase Two of work on the thoroughfare will add landscape and signage.

Raised medians being built along Highway 6 from just south of Settlers Way in Sugar Land continuing through Missouri City to just south of the Fort Bend Toll Road will improve traffic patterns. To allow motorists convenient access to businesses, pathways will exist between some of the medians.

Depending on the width of the raised medians, they will have a concrete surface, a brick looking surface or grass.

Dynamic Message Signs will soon be posted along

Train From Page 1 efficiently. The new track will reduce the amount of wait time for drivers at grade crossings.

“A single freight train can take up to 300 trucks off of already congested highways, which benefits drivers along Highway 90A and elsewhere.

Freight trains also are one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation. They are almost four times more fuel-efficient than over-the-road trucks and have less impact on greenhouse gas emissions than trucks.

“Railroads can move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of diesel and help businesses transport their goods in an efficient and cost effective manner.”

When Owen was asked about double tracking down U.S. 90A he said, “Union Pacific has made it very clear from day one that they are not interested in cooperating with METRO on any of their right of way. UP does want Missouri City to close the Cravens Road crossing to allow them to stack rail cars along that line and we are aware that they want that,” Owen said.

“If METRO were to use that corridor, they would be purchasing their own right of way inside the Union Pacific right of way and could do that regardless of what UP wants.”

The mayor went on to say that “I along with (Stafford) Mayor (Leonard) Scarcella and (Rosenberg) Mayor (Joe) Gurecky have been trying to get commuter rail moving down 90A for 12 plus years now. The line was approved by voters in 2003 but nothing

Highway 6, Murphy Road, Cartwright Road and Texas Parkway to alert motorists to important traffic information, emergency messages and special events.

Following guidelines from the Council-approved Traffic Management Plan, the City is “preparing to implement our Intelligent Transportation System and Traffic Management Center, through which staff will be able to monitor traffic and synchronize traffic signals at different times of the day and on different days of the week.”

Black poles installed along major travel routes are an integral part of the ITS; closed-circuit monitors will be placed on the poles to help staff remotely monitor traffic movement and to improve emergency response times.

On the financial front, Owen said the City is “exercising expenditure controls and conservative budgeting to meet citizens’ needs.” He highlighted

Council’s recent approval of the $32.1 million Fiscal Year 2012 General Fund Budget, which takes effect July 1. The budget is based on the tax rate remaining at 52.84 cents. Later this summer, the city will receive the final tax rolls and will review and approve the property tax rate at that time.

The property tax, sales tax and franchise fee income is estimated to remain virtually flat at $14.74 million, $6 million, and $3.27 million, respectively.

Owen explained that bids have been received for the new Community Center and Golf Pro Shop as well as the Recreation and Tennis Center on Cypress Point, with construction expected to begin on both projects later this summer.

The Quail Valley Golf Course hosted almost 54,000 rounds this past year and is expected to “slightly exceed the break even point for operations in the 2011 fiscal year,” Owen said. The courses hosted 86

outside tournaments in the past year—more than one per week and a 20 percent increase from the previous year.

Owen also mentioned the Surface Water Treatment Plant construction, a unique partnership among government and private sectors, involving 30 well users, including 19 Municipal Utility Districts and property owners in the City and in areas outside the City limits.

“The plant is 60 percent complete and on target for delivering 10 million gallons of water per day in the first quarter of 2012. The cost will be paid by water users and not with direct taxpayer dollars,” Owen said, adding that he looks forward to this MUD-Missouri City partnership leading to future joint initiatives.

Owen commended “the talented and dedicated City employees who make all of the Council policy decisions a reality for our citizens.”

really got moving on it until Congressman Al Green got involved.

“Because it is in his congressional district, he became instrumental in getting things back on top of METRO’s drawing board. The last thing the former METRO board did before being replaced by (Houston) Mayor (Annise) Parker, was to formally adopt the 90A rail plan and appropriate $500,000 to begin the environmental study and engineering plans,” Owen said.

While the final route has not been decided, Owen said at Missouri City’s METRO public meeting on June 28, he “saw another route that has strong possibilities. It would use the CenterPoint right of way their power lines are in from the Hiram Clarke area all the way to Missouri City and to the existing METRO park and ride lot on Fondren.

If that route were chosen for commuter rail it would be close to Missouri City’s Buffalo Run Park, adjacent to Lakeview Business Park and within the Gessner Road Commerce Park adjacent to the UP tracks.

“So it still fits within our future plans for a transit center there,” the mayor said, “and on to Stafford, Sugar Land, Richmond and Rosenberg.”

At the METRO meeting on June 28, George Greanias, METRO president and CEO, said the board is currently committed to the design and engineering work for the U.S. 90A/Southwest rail corridor extending to Beltway 8 in Missouri City.

Patrick Walsh, Sugar Land’s transportation director, said city officials are “supportive”

and see it “as a long-term goal that we’d like to pursue when the time is right.”

Walsh said the right time would be when the city “has a need, when we have the ridership demand and also to serve to drive economic development. That could be a benefit and something we’re interested in when the time is right.”

As for it a second rail line going along the 90A corridor for commuter rail, Walsh said, “We need to look at that more carefully. We need to decide if it makes more sense to take it down 90A or 59. There are a lot more residences and businesses down 59 now than there are along 90A. “Another factor that needs to be considered,” Walsh said, “is METRO is doing an alternative analysis for taking passenger rail from the U.S. 90A corridor out to Beltway 8, which is just four miles from Sugar Land.”

He noted that Sugar Land

City Council passed a resolution supporting the extension of commuter rail to Missouri City, and this past May adopted a long-range comprehensive mobility plan for the city that included commuter rail.

He also said Sugar Land “is hearing some preliminary reports from UP that they will double track down the 90A corridor including the Sugar Land area. We plan to work with them closely on what those impacts might be. UP has indicated to us that having double tracts will increase the fluidity of trains through Sugar Land, reduce the number of slow trains and allow for two-way traffic down the 90A corridor.

“If there are grade separation crossings that are appropriate and can be funded, then we will pursue them. We have no specific information on the double tracking right now,” Walsh said.

Water treatment plant expanded The expansion of the Steep Bank/Flat Bank Wastewater Treatment Plant from 1.5 million gallons a day to 6 million gallons a day was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the plant on Oilfield Road Tuesday, June 28. The partnership and cooperation of Missouri City and half a dozen Municipal Utility Districts was cited as the impetus for the year-long project.

According to City officials, that cooperation also resulted in a nearly $3 million cost savings. “The plant was built in 1998 and treated 1.5 million gallons of water a day,” Assistant City Manager Scott Elmer said at the ceremony. “The plant originally included a partnership among Missouri City, First Colony MUD Number 9 and Fort Bend MUD Number 42. Now, the plant has been expanded and can treat six million gallons of water a day and includes the City, First Colony MUD Number 9, and Fort Bend County MUDs Number 42, Number 46, Number 115, Number 129 and Number 149.”

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE HOSTS RED HOT BLOCK PARTY WEEKEND. Sugar Land Town Square is kicking off Red Hot Block Party Weekend with a free concert on Friday, July 22. Local Blues favorite The Mighty Orq will perform from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. and there will be a variety of craft beer on hand for sampling. The Red Hot Block Party continues Saturday, July 23 from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. in the Plaza, where visitors can purchase samples of a variety of craft beer and wine, as well as food samplings from Sugar Land Town Square restaurants. There will also be live music and a vendor village. Tickets for Saturday’s event are on sale for $15, which includes sliders, five tasting tickets, brew knowledge, people watching and fun! Tickets may be purchased online at www.redhotblockparty.com or at the door.

Notice of Public Hearing Release for Public Review and Comment City of Sugar Land Annual Action Plan For Use of CDBG Funds A public hearing will be held to give all Sugar Land residents an opportunity to voice opinions on the Annual Action Plan for the use of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and proposed projects for next year. The City would like to hear your comments on how to prioritize programs for the coming year and to provide how we plan to spend our CDBG funding in 2011-2012.

Each year, the City of Sugar Land produces an Annual Action Plan that prioritizes the use of CDBG funds. A draft of the Annual Action Plan will be available for public review and comment beginning June 27, 2011 through July 26, 2011. The draft plan may be found on the City website www.sugarlandtx.gov and in the City Secretary Office, City of Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479.

In addition, the City will host a public meeting to further explain the CDBG process and solicit comments and feedback from residents concerning the proposed activities. Comments will be taken into consideration for any changes to the draft plan before submittal to HUD. All attendees are invited to speak on the subject of CDBG at the public hearing on: Monday, July 11, 2011 6:00 PM Sugar Land Community Center 226 Matlage Way Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Residents may also send comments to the City of Sugar Land Community & Environmental Services Department, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas 77479 or P.O. Box 110, Sugar Land, Texas 77487-0110. Residents may fax their comments to the City at (281) 275-2771. All comments must be received by the end of the comment period on July 26, 2011 in order to be considered and referenced within the City’s Annual Action Plan.

CDBG Program Background The national objective of the CDBG program is to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities principally for low and moderate-income persons. Not less than 70% of CDBG funds must be used for activities that benefit low and moderate-income persons. CDBG goals include: 1. Improving the urban environment in low and moderate income areas; 2. Eliminating blighting influences and the deterioration of property, neighborhoods and public facilities in low and moderate-income areas; and 3. Ensuring decent, safe, sanitary housing for low and moderateincome residents.

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

Fair Housing Issues The Public Hearing will also be a forum regarding input on fair housing and related issues. Citizens with suggestions and/or concerns will be provided opportunity to voice those issues during the last portion of the public hearing.

Note: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this facility is wheelchair accessible and accessible parking spaces are available. Requests for special accommodations or interpretive services must be made at least 72 hours prior to this meeting. Please contact Stacie Henderson at 281275-2170 or by FAX at 281-275-2771.

Girl scouts send care packages to the troops

(281)277-7800 Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc Rainbow Stars Service Unit Girl Scout Troop 147, consisting of 13 girls in the 10th and 11th grade, wanted to do something special for the men and women who are serving overseas. By way of a friendship with Command Sergeant Major John Ivy of 204th TAOG, they found the opportunity. The Girl Scout Troop gathered two boxes worth of goodies and added a healthy dose of moral support in the form of personal written and typed letters for the Troops to read. Included in the boxes waere wipes, beef jerky, soup mixes, floss, drink mix packets, cheese crackers, cookies and more. Mrs. Lisa Rickert, assistant leader of Troop 147, said, “Sending the packets to the men and woman overseas seemed like a small thing but the girls realized what a tremendous impact it had on the soldiers, especially the handwritten notes and messages.” Scouts of San Jacinto and the Rainbow Stars Service Unit serve nearly 800 registered girls and adults in New Territory- Sugar Land, Texas. Above, 204th TAOG – after opening the packages.

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Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 6, 2011

Opinion The View from Sugar Land A new look at the left

By RUSSELL JONES Whatever else one can say about Ann Coulter, she is consistent in her conservative beliefs. Again and again she has gone after liberals as if they are the enemy.

Even the titles of her books reflect that attitude: If Democrats Had Any Brains, They’d Be Republicans; How to Talk to a Liberal (If You Must); and Guilty: Liberal “Victims” and Their Assault on America.

This columnist frequently finds Coulter’s commentary grating in its unrelenting tone, if not in its substance. Clearly, she enjoys stirring the pot as much as pushing the conservative line.

While taking extreme positions to demonstrate the validity of an underlying concept, Coulter must be taken seriously as a spokesperson for modern conservatism.

Holding a history degree from Cornell and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, she draws examples from the real world to demonstrate the foibles of liberalism.

Coulter’s latest book, Demonic: How the Liberal Mob Is Endangering America, intertwines scholarly research with acerbic humor.

Reaching back to the liberalism of the French revolution, Coulter traces the simplistic underpinnings of liberal thought to the mob psychology that popularized the guillotine.

The creation of images easily passed among crowds in the form of slogans substitutes for analytical thought. The acceptance of contradictory myths as truth substitutes for objective observations of facts.

Coulter argues that the peculiarities of liberals can be explained by an analysis of

The lead headline was actually a question. The next article speculated on how much money Rick Perry might have to raise if he decides to run for president. The third was complete fluff.

Along the bottom of the page was a Kroger ad. Congratulations to the Fort Bend Independent! Any given edition has more news on the front page than the Houston Chronicle.

Class warfare redux Jones the mob. Exhibiting standard groupthink behavior, liberals can be understood by understanding the mob.

As the heirs of the French Revolution, Democrats have a history that consists of pandering to mobs, time and again, while Republicans, heirs to the American Revolution, have regularly stood for peaceable order.

Coulter is able to couple historical events with modern equivalents using compelling evidence. The end result provides a firm basis for conservative convictions.

No news is no news Last Sunday’s Houston Chronicle was another reminder why the family subscription to that newspaper should be terminated on the grounds that is nothing but a waste of money.

The entire front page contained not a single news story.

Above the masthead was an advertisement and a reference to some sports event.

Below was a series of six blurbs referring to articles inside the paper, not a single one of which can be described as news.

Last week Obama renewed his efforts to incite class warfare by demanding that socalled tax loopholes allowing deductibility of expenditures for corporate jets be ended as a part of any debt ceiling deal.

The fact that Obama’s stimulus program two years ago implemented this particular loophole apparently does not impair his ability to claim that Republicans are pro-rich and anti-poor in their opposition to his proposal.

Oh, and let us not forget that Obama’s proposal will adversely impact an industry which provides tens of thousands of jobs during the economic downturn.

Finally, the fact that the amount of additional taxes raised by this proposal would pay off one year’s budget deficit in approximately 200 years brings home just how immaterial this proposal is to the greater picture.

Maybe, but it does stir class divisions among Democrats.

Jones served as a member of the Sugar Land City Council from 2003 through June, 2011. He owns a law firm and a title insurance company in Sugar Land.

Musings: Big

By JANICE SCANLAN If you read “Lonesome Dove” by Larry McMurtry or watched the mini-series adaptation of it, you’re familiar with the characters who formed the first full service cattle drives including the chuck wagon, scouting, guiding and moving.

The main characters of “Lonesome Dove” were inspired by Charles Goodnight, Oliver Loving and Bose Ikard of Weatherford, Texas.

These men were big in every way. Pioneers. Brave.

Tough, but not mean—they were generous of spirit, but did not demure of doing something tough when it was required. They didn’t throw it off to someone else.

They had a code of right and wrong—and you did “right” even when it was personally hard.

Thanks to the Fort Bend library, I listened as I drove to Oklahoma recently to McMurtry’s first book “Horseman, Pass By” on audio disk.

You may remember it as the movie “Hud.” So I not only found the abandoned cemetery of some of my ancestors in Weatherford, but also discovered many connections of how this entire part of the country fits together in my family’s past.

Goodnight, Loving and Ikard made big footprints on Weatherford, Texas. It was rodeo week and the memory

Scanlan of these men is prominently featured in town history and establishments.

About mid-way between Weatherford and my home town in Oklahoma is McMurtry’s home town, Archer City, Texas. I always enjoy seeing how many more buildings McMurtry has taken over for his antiquarian book business . . . it’s now four, with number four being on the same block as The Royal—the movie theater in “The Last Picture Show. “ The Royal is no more than a front now like on a movie set. Most of the building has collapsed, and it’s painted red, white and blue.

“The Last Picture Show” played in Archer City, July 1, courtesy of Texas Monthly and Alamo Drafthouse Movie Theaters. According to the Wichita Falls Times Record, McMurtry spoke about the book and film. John and I at-

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tended the movie shortly after we moved to Houston in the early 70’s. He had never seen me so emotional at a movie. I was re-naming the characters as individuals I knew-- many of them moving through life much like the tumbleweeds blowing down the desolate, cold streets in winter. Lonely, no purpose.

McMurtry has thankfully captured many of the stories about the West I heard as a child and made them live through memorable characters.

As I was driving west out of Archer City, “Horseman, Pass By” is nearing the end, with protagonist Homer Bannon’s funeral. It speaks of the big sky and the big horsemen that made the West including Charles Goodnight, their code disappearing to the likes of Hud and the unscrupulous.

And there before me was the cloudless big sky stretching as far as I could see in this stark and unforgiving country.

It was 110 with little shade, dry as a bone.

I felt very small, insignificant, and soft compared with the accomplishments settling this “wild territory” that was home land to the Kiowa, Apache and Comanche Indians. Toward the end of his life, Charles Goodnight saved one of the last herds of buffalo, which was slaughtered indiscriminately for sport alone, had gone from millions and sustaining a way of life, to almost extinct.

Like I said, Charles Goodnight was a big man in many ways.

To see images of this journey and Weatherford, visit http://traction.typepad.com/ musings or write to janicescanlan@clear.net

Texas Straight Talk How should government treat energy producers?

By RON PAUL As the economy continues in its downward spiral and talks in Congress about reducing spending have only amounted to political theater, the subject of how the tax code treats energy has become a topic of controversy.

Specifically, should we subsidize, enforce mandates, or give tax credits and deductions to industries like ethanol and natural gas? Having a thriving energy market domestically is a good thing and something the government should not hinder.

Not only would decreasing our dependence on foreign oil simplify our foreign policy, but it would greatly enhance our anemic economy at home.

Of course, the government should neither inhibit nor subsidize any particular type of energy.

While many people agree with that statement, there is much confusion over the difference between government subsidies and tax credits or deductions.

The difference is night and day, yet so many times they are all lumped together as evil government handouts. A subsidy IS a government handout. It amounts to the government taking money from the people and giving it to a favored interest. It is the worst sort of market manipulation and it is something I can never support.

This kind of government mischief is anathema to the Constitution and the principles of freedom and the free market.

By contrast, with tax credits and deductions, industries, business, and individuals simply get to keep more of the money

Paul they have earned. Ideally, the tax code should not be used for social engineering, but, until we have true tax reform, I will always support tax credits and deductions that keep more dollars in the private sector where they are spent, saved, or invested.

This means I will support tax credits and deductions for energy producers, farmers, homeschoolers, family child care expenditures, expenses of evacuees from disaster areas, and even adoption expenses.

I’ve almost never met a tax cut, deduction, or credit I didn’t like. Any measure that keeps money in the private sector to spend, save or invest, rather than allowing the government to waste or misallocate is a win for the economy.

Inequities in the tax code dealing with tax credits should be solved by giving all participants equal treatment. Removing tax credits is nothing more than a tax increase.

I oppose ethanol mandates because I do not think anyone should be forced to use or buy ethanol.

Ethanol mandates often serve as corporate welfare

for big agriculture ethanol producers.

The marketplace should decide whether or not to use ethanol, and producers of ethanol have to discover if they can produce it at a price that makes good business sense. No industry should be allowed to use legislation to create a “market” for its products.

The real reason ethanol mandates continue to surface in federal legislation is that agribusiness continues to have one of the most powerful lobbies in Washington.

Furthermore, while I do not support providing federal grants to any industry, I do support the tax credits contained in the NAT Gas Act, HR 1380.

These credits reduce taxes for the production or purchase of vehicles that run on American-made natural gas. These credits are not subsidies.

Of course, we should repeal federal barriers to energy production and reduce taxes on all forms of energy.

Therefore, I have also introduced the Affordable Gas Price Act HR 1102 which would remove governmental barriers to offshore drilling, encourage private investment in new refineries and suspend taxes on gasoline when the price at the pump reaches a certain threshold.

Lowering taxes to encourage the domestic production of energy and getting government out of the way of the American energy market is not a government giveaway; it is the way it should be in a free country.

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

China and the U.S. : It’s complicated

By JARED & BILL JAMESON It is common knowledge that China holds significant US government debt. Our trade deficit has allowed China to build up a huge stake in treasuries; around $900 billion today. This has made them the second largest owner of US debt, behind only our own Federal Reserve.

Some have cited this fact to make doomsday forecasts of our future inability to cover our debt payments, and have warned that we will eventually be financially enslaved to our trading partners. But the truth is our relationship with China is more complicated than meets the eye.

Let’s assume that tomorrow China decides to no longer own American debt and attempts to sell some or all of its US treasuries on the open market. Obviously, this act would substantially hurt the value of the bonds, as supply would overwhelm demand.

Interest rates on the debt would skyrocket, since interest rates move inverse to prices. Before China could sell even a portion of its position, the existing holdings would fall far below the estimated $900 billion. Thus, China’s actions would only hurt itself.

Bill and Jared Jameson Another consequence would be the change in the relationship between the dollar and China’s currency, the Renminbi (RMB). A weakening dollar would mean a strengthening RMB. Ordinarily, a strengthening currency would be a good thing for an economy; however, in this case, China would suffer. A stronger RMB would mean all the goods we buy

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

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from China would cost significantly more. The demand for Chinese goods would go down, and American producers would benefit from increased domestic sales.

The US cannot continue to run a trade deficit with China forever. At some point, the US must fix this imbalance or risk instability in its own economy. But for now, neither of us can live without the other.

WJ Interests is a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm in Sugar Land. For more information, please contact us at wj@wjinterests.com or 281634-9400.

JULY 6, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

News Help for hurting hands Hand pain can affect anyone but is particularly common among baby boomers.

Traumatic injury accounts for some pain, but arthritis is a factor for many people. It’s estimated that one out of every five people in the U.S. has at least one joint with arthritis symptoms.

Because of their complex structure and the high demands we place on our hands, they are vulnerable to injury.

And some sports, activities, hobbies and jobs (including hair stylist, dental hygienist and musician) are particularly hard on them. “Chronic, or every day, hand pain can make it difficult to perform ordinary tasks,� says Peggy Boineau, certified hand therapist. “However, specialized hand therapy can help you protect and strengthen your hands so that you can use them for those tasks that are so important to you, with less pain and for longer periods of time.�

Most people wouldn’t think of going on a long walk without wearing proper shoes, yet we often fail to protect our hands when we participate in hand-intensive activities.

To protect your hands, be conscious of ergonomics (the way things are arranged so that you can move more efficiently and safely) at home and in the office. Remember to use good posture and proper positioning, and avoid overly using one hand in activities that require repetitive motion. Protective gloves and tools can help you complete

• Fluidotherapy (dry whirlpool), paraffin treatments, ultrasound and/or electrical stimulation.

To schedule an appointment with a hand therapist at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s two state-of-the-art Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab locations, call 281-201-0405.

Who can take a sunrise, sprinkle it with dew, cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two? Fort Bend Theater’s Willy Wonka can, July 2nd – 21st on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, which features the songs from the classic family film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. . Tickets are only $8 and available online on the FBT website www.fortbendtheatre.com. For more information or group sales, please call 281-208-3333.

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Peggy Boineau, certified hand therapist, with patient. tasks while lessening impact on your hands. “Hand therapists receive specialized training that enables them to teach patients how to perform activities in ways to help decrease pain and protect their hands,� Boineau shares. “Hand therapists also help patients use better ergonomics, including repositioning hands and arms to reduce strain and repetitive-motion injuries.�

OTHER HAND TREATMENT/THERAPIES • Daily exercises to

Toll Brothers open luxury model home in Riverstone Toll Brothers, the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes,have unveiled a professionally decorated model home located in Silver Grove, a newly opened neighborhood in the Riverstone master-planned community in Sugar Land.

The luxurious single-family home designs in Silver Grove are priced from the upper $400,000s and range between 4,000 to over 5,600 square feet.

Once complete, the community will feature 24 luxurious Toll Brothers homes. New home buyers are invited to tour the decorated model and learn about this premier neighborhood.

The model is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

The Vallagio model home boasts an impressive stone and brick façade with well-appointed metal turret.

Upon entering, the grand two-story foyer uncovers an elegant curved staircase and spacious study.

The two-story family room features a welcoming fireplace which is framed by radiant windows.

An open gourmet kitchen offers a large island, breakfast bar, walk-in pantry adjacent sunlit breakfast area and stainless steel KitchenAidÂŽ appliances.

Bordering the kitchen is the secondary curved staircase followed by a wine cellar and guest bedroom.

The notable master bedroom suite includes an immense walk-in closet and opulent master bath.

The second-floor showcases three bedrooms, a game room, and media room. All bedrooms include walk-in closet and bath access.

Riverstone is a 3,700-acre master-planned community offering residents attractive resort-style amenities and is conveniently located just 30 minutes from downtown Houston.

The Fort Bend County development features recreational and swimming complexes, 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, expansive playgrounds, tennis courts and over 250 acres of planned lakes. For more details call Sally Olivas, Sales Manager, today at (832) 642-4200.

Learn more about Toll Brothers’ 7 Houston communities including Barrington Kingwood and Vintage Lakes, the latest additions to the Company’s community list, at http://tollbrothers.com/Houston.

Toll Brothers, Inc. is the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes. The Company began business in 1967 and became a public company in 1986. Its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TOL.� The Company serves move-up, empty-nester, active-adult, and second-home buyers and operates nationwide.

Toll Brothers builds luxury single-family detached and attached home communities; master planned luxury residential, resort-style golf communities; and urban low-, mid-, and highrise communities, principally on land it develops and improves.

The Company operates its own architectural, engineering, mortgage, title, land development and land sale, golf course development and management, home security, and landscape subsidiaries. The Company also operates its own lumber distribution, and house component assembly and manufacturing operations.

Toll Brothers recently received the #1 ranking in FORTUNE Magazine’s 2010 World’s Most Admired Companies Survey among home building companies, and is honored to have won the three most coveted awards in the home building industry: America’s Best Builder, the National Housing Quality Award, and National Builder of the Year.

For more information, visit TollBrothers.com.

strengthen and maintain the range of motion in hands, and heat therapy for improving circulation and mobility. • Customized splinting to protect and rest injured tendons and joints and to stretch joints that have become stiff. • Biofeedback, which measures a muscle’s electrical activity and may help pinpoint which muscles contribute to pain and stress. • Iontophoresis, which delivers an anti-inflammatory medication through the skin using electrical current.

A magical performance awaits you as Larry Gatlin and his harmony singing brothers, Rudy and Steve, take the stage to deliver their smooth country tones and easygoing style. With 33 Top 40 hits, including four No. 1 singles, the Grammy Award-winning Gatlin Brothers are back to give you a memorable evening ďŹ lled with new music, old favorites and at-out fun.

Aggie moms Free ice cream sundaes for incoming freshmen and current Aggie students of Fort Bend on Sunday, July 17, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the First Colony Conference Center, 3232 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land. Meet the members of the class of 2015 and other Aggies. Moms of New Aggies, will hold first meeting of the 2011-2012 school year on Monday, August 15 at 7 p.m. at the Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way. For more information contact Stephanie Rammrath at 281-265-9026 or srammrath@comcast.net

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Net proceeds from this event beneďŹ t The Wharton County Junior College Foundation’s endowment which funds student scholarships, faculty development, and academic programs.

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Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 6, 2011

82nd Legislative Wrap-Up Walk to End Alzheimer’s with Huffman & Hegar The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce will host an 82nd Legislative Session Wrap-Up on Monday, July 11, 2011. Both Senator Joan Huffman from District 17 and Senator Glenn Hegar from District 18 will review the past session.

The luncheon will be held at The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Sugar Land, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Governmental Relations Division continues to provide Chamber members with access to local and state government officials, to promote understanding of current legislative issues, and to provide the business community with an opportunity for input on these issues.

Details of upcoming seminars can be found at www.FortBendChamber.com.

Individual Member Reservation available for $25 - NonMember Reservation available for $35 – At the door for $40.

Register today at www.FortBendChamber.com or contact Farrah Gandhi at 281-566-2152 or Farrah@fortbendcc.org.

LGI Homes

Chloe Rushing, left, Outreach Coordinator for Alzheimer’s Association, Diane Nevotti, Exchange Club of Sugar Land Representatives, Dave Kiger and Amy Mitchell.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held Saturday October 29, 2011 at the First Colony AMC Theatres in Sugar Land. Fort Bend Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be a 5K (3.1 mile) walk with a family and pet friendly 1K. This fundraising event provides the means to accomplish the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association which is: To eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; To provide and enhance care and support for all affected; And to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Participants who raise $ 100 or more will receive an event t-shirt. To register and help raise funds, visit our website at alztex.org/walk.

In 2010 over $ 88,000 was raised by 800 plus participants.

The Fort Bend Committee is already in the planning stages but would welcome volunteers to help in this great cause. To learn more, join the committee or sponsor the event please contact Chloe Rushing of the Alzheimer’s Association at 713314-1313.

Fort Bend Toyota Donor Blood Drive The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance recently conducted a ribbon cutting at LGI Homes – Sunrise Meadow (6938 Garnet Trail Lane, Richmond). Pictured: Brian Lee, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance; Linda McHaney, Linko’s Little Print Shop; Tom Wilson, Reading Road Storage; Chuck Bertrand; Angie Sanders, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance; Lisa Matthews, Servpro of West Fort Bend County; Brad Huxford, LGI Homes; Rocky Lane, Lane Real Estate; Nelson Konrad, LGI Homes; Sara Bedekar, LGI Homes; Mike Valdez, LGI Homes; Kimber Miller, LGI Homes; Alicia Casias, Alicia Casias Agency; Derek Patterson, LGI Homes; Tony Stawarz, LGI Homes.

Fort Bend Toyota will be hosting a donor blood drive benefiting the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Bank on July 15, 2011 from 1:30 - 5:00 p.m. at 20465 Southwest Freeway, Richmond (Hwy 59 & Hwy 99). All donors will receive a patriotic Commit for Life t-shirt from Gulf Coast Regional Blood Bank.

PUBLIC HEARING EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED USES OF THE EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT. THE PURPOSE OF THE GRANT IS TO SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS BY FUNDING LOCAL INITIATIVES, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, TRAINING, PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, CONTRACTUAL SUPPORT, AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THIS FUNDING BE USED TO PURCHASE TASERS, TASER CARTRIDGES, TASER BATTERIES, AND TASER HOLSTERS.

FBJSL. The Fort Bend Junior Service League presented a $5,000 Community Assistance Fund grant to the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto to fund their “Girl Scouts on the Go” programs and activities held in at-risk elementary schools in Fort Bend County. or additional eligibility requirements or to download an application, visit www.fbjsl.com. Diane Pavey, left, (GSSJC) with FBJSL members Sharon Dimicelli, Sarah Boyd, Susan Bakus, Brooke Livingston and Catherine Kubala.

PURPOSE:

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

WHERE:

SUGAR LAND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH

WHEN:

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6:00 P.M., JULY 19, 2011

DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED USES MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, CITY OF SUGAR LAND, 1200 HIGHWAY 6, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:00 O’CLOCK A.M. TO 5:00 O’CLOCK P.M. OR YOU MAY CALL CAPTAIN ERIC ROBINS AT (281) 275-2508 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

SPECIAL EXCEPTION 3 LEGEND PARK DRIVE

SPECIAL EXCEPTION 2906 NORTH BLUE MEADOW CIRCLE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON A REQUEST FOR SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT, 3 LEGEND PARK DRIVE, LOT 6, BLOCK 1, SWEETWATER SECTION SEVEN, IN THE RESTRICTED SINGLE-FAMILY (R-1R RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON A REQUEST FOR SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT, 2906 NORTH BLUE MEADOW CIRLCE, LOT 12, BLOCK 3, COLONY BEND SECTION TWO, IN THE STANDARD SINGLEFAMILY (R-1) RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT

PURPOSE: ONE (1) PUBLIC HEARING SHALL BE HELD AT WHICH ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE PROPOSED SPECIAL EXCEPTION SHALL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD.

PURPOSE: ONE (1) PUBLIC HEARING SHALL BE HELD AT WHICH ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE PROPOSED SPECIAL EXCEPTION SHALL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD.

WHERE:

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

WHERE:

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT 5:00 P.M., JULY 20, 2011

WHEN:

WHEN:

CITY OF SUGAR LAND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT 5:00 P.M., JULY 20, 2011

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

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

VICINITY MAP:

VICINITY MAP:

Summer book sale at Sienna branch library The Friends of the Sienna Branch Library will host a Summer Book Sale on Saturday, July 16, from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room of the library, at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City.

A special Members-Only Preview Sale will take place on Thursday, July 14, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Membership forms will be available at the door for new members. Numerous items will be available for sale, including books, DVDs, and CDs. People who love books, people who love bargains, and people who need to get rid of some spare change will find a lot in common at the usedbook sale, where they will discover adult and children’s books, music CDs, videos, and audiobooks on CD or on cassette. Prices range from 50¢ to $2.

Donations of used books, DVDs, tapes and CDs are always welcome, and may be taken to the library during regular business hours. For more information, call 281238-2900.

BARGAIN BOOK SALE Friends of First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway at Grants Lake, Sugar Land, will hold its monthly bargain book sale Sat. July 9, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hardbacks $1 and paperbacks $.50 with some upcharged. Lots of children’s books. Good to excellent condition books, CD’s (no magazines or encyclopedias please) may be donated during regular library hours and are tax deductible. A special thanks to the community for over ten years of donating books and then coming to the sales. Call 281-416-0936 for more information.

Legal Notices 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, JULY 21, 2011 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 11-083 – PUBLIC SUPPLY WATER WELL FOR BARKER PARK Lump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are required.

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

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2011 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 11-082 – HVAC REPLACEMENT AT JUVENILE A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 9:00 AM (CST) with site visit to follow. The pre-bid conference will be held at Fort Bend County Juvenile Office located at 122 Golfview Drive, Richmond, TX. All bidders are encouraged to attend. This is the only opportunity for site visit.

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

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

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2011 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 11-080 – TRAFFIC SIGNAL COMPONENTS Lump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are not required.

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

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Fort Bend County, Texas The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas cordially invites the Public to attend public hearings on the topic of county redistricting on the 26th day of July 2011, at 1:00 p.m. in the Fort Bend County Travis Building, 7th Floor, 301 Jackson St, Richmond TX and a second meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Fort Bend County North Annex, JP Courtroom, 22333 Grand Corner Dr., Katy, TX and a third meeting will be held on the 27th day of July, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the Missouri City Annex, JP Courtroom, 303 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX. The Commissioners Court is considering one or more alternate plans for the redistricting of County Commissioners Court precincts. Changes in the existing boundaries of each Commissioners Court precinct will also have an impact on election precincts, polling places, and Justice of the Peace/Constable precincts. Public comment is sincerely solicited.

Submitted by Robert E. Hebert Fort Bend County Judge AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA Condado de Fort Bend La Corte de Comisionados del Condado de Fort Bend en Texas cordialmente invita al público a asistir a las audiencias públicas sobre el tema de la redistribución de distritos del condado el día 26 días de julio de 2011, a las 1:00 pm en el Edificio de Travis, del Condado de Fort Bend, 7 piso, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond TX y una segunda reunión se llevará a cabo a las 6:00 pm en el Condado de Fort Bend anexo norte, Sala JP, 22333 Grand esquina Dr, Katy, Texas, y una tercera reunión se celebrará el día 27 de julio 2011 a las 6:00 pm en el anexo de Missouri City, sala del tribunal JP, 303 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX. La Corte de Comisionados está considerando uno o más planes alternativos para la nueva delimitación de los precintos de la Corte de Comisionados del Condado.

Los cambios en los límites actuales de cada precinto de la Corte de Comisionados también afectarán los precintos electorales, lugares de votación, y precintos de los Jueces de Paz y sus Alguaciles. La opinión del público será de mucha utilidad.

Robert E. Hebert Juez del Condado de Fort Bend

NOTICE TO BIDDERS HIGHWAY 6 MEDIAN IMPROVEMENTS The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: CIP PROJECT NUMBER: LOCATION OF WORK:

Highway 6 Median Improvement TR0804 Intersection of Highway 6 and U.S. 59

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from the following offices and locations with payment of $60: Kudela & Weinheimer 7155 Old Katy Road, Suite 720 Houston, Texas 77024 Sealed bids shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land City Secretary Office, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2011, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 9:00 a.m., Thursday, July 7, 2011, Brazos Room, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479.

The City Council will award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder that complies with all requirements of the Request for Bids. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the bid opening date and time.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAE City Secretary

JULY 6, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

FILM REVIEW: Larry Crowne I had to work Friday afternoon so I missed my noon movie start time.

However, I came home after a long week and proposed dinner and a date to Monique H. and she thought that was a lovely idea. I was so excited I cooked the meal and it was delicious. I go to the movies at least once a week because it’s what I do, but Monique H. only goes to movies that she thinks she will like. A Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts film is hard to turn down.

Hanks co-wrote with Nia “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” Vardalos to ensure that the feminine side was well represented, but it’s his movie as he also directed and produced.

Oh, and he stars as Larry Crowne.

Why do writers routinely use the name “Larry” for characters that are out of work and not fully employed or fully engaged? “Larry” was one of the Three Stooges. I don’t get it; Larry is such a dynamic and

powerful name!

Hanks’ Larry has been fired from U-Mart where he had excelled as a Team Leader, but the goofy managers explain to him that he does not have a college education so he must go.

Being a quick wit with few options, Larry enrolls in the local community college.

He’s down and out and starts selling his worldly possessions just to stay afloat. His first college class is Speech 217 taught by Mercedes Tainot (Julia Roberts, age 43).

Professor Tainot is equally

down on her luck but she at least has a job that she hates.

She has marital discord, drives a ten year old Ford Taurus, starts drinking at nine in the morning, and does not look or act sexy.

I suppose Hanks wanted Ms. Tainot to be un-cool like his Larry Crowne, but can’t you at least let that Roberts sex appeal seep through just a tad? It is my preference.

The nerdy Larry Crowne (dang it, now this “Larry” also has to be nerdy) wears his polo shirt tucked in.

Double dang it; sometimes I do that. So quit saying “dang it” repeatedly and perhaps you might be less nerdy. Ok; be there or be square and/or get out of town. Let it go, Larry H. The script was unbelievable and the characters were shallow and silly.

Larry Crowne’s school chums rode scooters and claimed to be in a “gang.”

Yeah, a nerd gang.

I had big fun because Monique H. is a fun date, but I might have walked out of this movie if she had not appeared to have liked it.

When I think she is not looking, I take little side glances to gauge her enjoyment factor and my take was that she was delighted with this meaningless love story that was targeted for women.

That’s it; it’s a chick flick!

Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 79. Larry H. sugarlaw@larryharrison.com

Local sisters named young achievers Poonam and Kalpana Vaidya have been selected by International Leadership Network (ILN) as two of 38 students in the United States to receive recognition as a 2011 Young Achiever.

The Young Achievers program promotes community, national and international recognition for the positive accomplishments of young people. This early recognition encourages youth to achieve and helps them recognize their potential to be positive role models, leaders and mentors. Young Achievers are students in grades 5-10.

Poonam is currently a student at Austin High School going into the 10th grade. Kalpana is currently at student at Sartartia Middle School going into the 8th grade. Poonam and Kalpana, nominated by their teachers at their respective schools, are dynamic individuals. Not only are they stellar students but they also participate in a variety of activities. Most recently, Poonam has been involved in the girl planning board for the Girl Scout National Convention to be held in Houston in November. Kalpana has been involved in making the day a little bit brighter for the elderly.

ILN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Its Young Achievers program appears on the National Association of Secondary School Principal’s Advisory List of Contests and Activities. For more information, visit www.llnleadnet.com.

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281-491-7111 FBJSL 2010 - 2011 Volunteer of the Year Shannon Bloesch is joined by her husband, Mike Bloesch, and her children, Sawyer, Simon and Sydney Bloesch, who were on hand to share in the celebration.

The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) is pleased to announce that Shannon Bloesch was recently named as the 2010 - 2011 Volunteer of the Year. Shannon has been a member of the League since 2002, and in that time has served on multiple placements and committees and in various leadership positions within the organization, including two years on the Board of Directors. This past year, she served as a CoChair for the League’s 2011 “Vintage Vegas” Charity Ball, which raised $144,000 to benefit Parks Youth Ranch and the FBJSL Community Assistance Fund.

Over the years, Shannon has demonstrated a sincere commitment and dedication to the League. She has worked tirelessly to support the League’s efforts and has given her time to support

many of the League’s core placements and events. Shannon’s family was on hand at the League’s May meeting to share in the celebration of her commitment and service to the Fort Bend community.

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

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

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 6, 2011

Arc inducts new board of directors More than 100 members of The Arc of Fort Bend County were on hand Monday evening, June 27, when Brenda G. Mullinix, associate judge of the 387th judicial district court, administered the oath of office to the board of directors of The Arc of Fort Bend County at its annual membership and awards meeting.

The new executive team includes Karen Daly as the chair of The Arc board of directors, Himesh Gandhi as vice-chair, Mary Stephney Quinby as secretary and Stewart Jacobson as treasurer.

Karen Daly has been a board member of The Arc since 2008 and is an assistant Sugar Land city manager.

Karen served as Greenville’s

city manager for almost four years before coming to Sugar Land in July 2007.

Daly oversees Sugar Land’s Public Works, Utilities, Parks and Recreation, and Engineering departments.

She has also served the city of Arlington as assistant to the city manager in 1991 before joining the city of Longview as assistant city manager in 1999.

Himesh Gandhi, an attorney with Hrbacek & Associates, serves on the Sugar Land Planning and Zoning Commission, is the incoming Chair of the Indo American Forum of Fort Bend and is a board member for Shape Up Sugar Land.

Mary Stephney Quinby, a

long-time member of The Arc board, is a retired registered nurse who has volunteered with The Arc’s self advocates and Special Olympics programs.

Stewart Jacobson is a past president of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land and has served as a Board member for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Literacy Volunteers of Fort Bend County and National Tax Sheltered Accounts Association.

In addition he has served on the First Colony MUDs 8 & 10, Fort Bend MUD 113 and Fort Bend County Investment Advisory Board. He is the president of Dearborn & Stewart Jacobson, left, Himesh Gandhi, Judge Brenda Mullinex, Karen Daly, and Mary Creggs Financial Services.

Stephney Quinby.

Central Fort Bend Chamber bags awards for technology by a prestigious organization such as TCCE is an honor, but we also see it as a challenge.

We must continue to set the bar high, because when we succeed, our members succeed.”

The Chamber’s newsletter, a monthly, 24-page publication that highlights Chamber events and members, is produced by Marketing Director Jeremy Heath. A limited number are printed each month, and an interactive version is emailed to members and availCentral Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Communications Di- able online at www.cfbca.org.

TCCE, which started in rector Brian Lee and Marketing Director Jeremy Heath.

1906, is an organization of For the second consecu- Website in 2010. chamber executives from Chamber Communications across the state, working totive year, the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives Director Brian Lee maintains gether to improve the busi(TCCE) recognized one of the and updates the Chamber’s ness climate in Texas, while Central Fort Bend Chamber website. developing ways to enhance He was also instrumental in the quality of life in the comAlliance’s technological efincreasing the Chamber’s so- munities that they represent. forts as the best in the state.

The Chamber brought back cial media presence by creat- TCCE provides leadership for two awards from the TCCE’s ing videos of Chamber events chamber employees through Annual Conference, which and posting them to the its many publications and rewas held Sunday, June 26 Chamber’s Facebook page sources. through Tuesday June 28 at and its YouTube channel.

“We are always experithe Four Seasons Las Colinas in Irving, including a first- menting with ways to proour membership place award for Best Social mote Media Campaign. The Cham- through technology, and we ber’s newsletter, the FOCUS, believe we’ve achieved posiwas honored with a second- tive results through our social media marketing campaign,” place award.

The Chamber’s website, Lee said.

“Having our efforts recwww.CFBCA.org, received a first-place award for Best ognized on a statewide level

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-Namita Asthana, President, Verum Solutions “It all adds up. Year after year, Fort Bend Leadership Forum provides consistent return on investment for our participants, businesses and our community.”

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Secure Online Application: Call Today: (281) 565-8500 www.HomeWayMortgage.com 16525 Lexington Blvd., Ste. 250, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Effective 06/06/11. Rate & APR calculated on a 365 day year with normal closing costs & $200,000 loan amount. FHA fixed rate purchase. Must mention ad at time of application. Offer may terminate at any time without notice, applicants must qualify, other restrictions may apply. NMLS # 214884

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For information please contact David Crowl at 281.491.2497 or David@fortbendcc.org