Fort Bend Independent by Fort Bend Independent

VOL 3 No. 27

Phone: 281-980-6745

www.fbindependent.com

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2010

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

Star liable to pay $48,000 in libel lawsuit

Four-year-old Taylor Brown of Meadows Place is all smiles after winning first place in the 4 & under non-motorized decoration contest of the city’s 20th annual 4th of July parade celebration.

By SESHADRI KUMAR Judge Thomas Culver of the 240th State District Court on July 1 affirmed the award of about $48,000 in court costs and attorney fees in an appeal pertaining to a defamation lawsuit filed against a local newspaper, the Fort Bend Star. Wade Brady, son of Chief Deputy Craig Brady in Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office filed the lawsuit against Fort Bend Star Publisher Bev Carter and Reporter LeAnn Klentzman. The Star initially sought a summary judgment dismissing the lawsuit filed by Brady and Culver rejected the motion. The Star then filed an appeal in The Court of Appeals for the First District of Texas. The appeals court rejected all seven complaints made by the Star against the denial of summary judgment by the district court and remanded the case back to the same court. The appeals court also ruled that the Star should pay Brady the court costs and the attorney fees incurred in connection with the appeal. After a long hearing, the judge awarded the court costs and attorney fees as requested and the judge did not cut any of the requested amount, John Zavitsanos, attorney for Brady said. The judge, in effect, endorsed the number of hours claimed and rejected the suggestion of the attorney for the Star that the attorney has billed for an unreasonable number of hours. The obligation to pay the amount does not arise until the end of the trial, set to begin on Oct. 5. “The lawsuit was filed eight years ago. Another four months would not make any difference. Time has come for the jury to evaluate the lawsuit,” Zavitsanos said. Attorney John Edwards, representing Carter, Klentzman, and the Star said, “We respect the court’s decision, but continue to believe that nearly 50K to file a brief and argue for 30 minutes is unreasonable. However, we are pleased the Judge agreed with us that payment shouldn’t be required until after trial, and if Brady loses, we will be entitled to our costs from Brady.” The court rejected Star’s plea that Wade Brady should be treated as a “limited-purpose public figure” and hence need not show actual malice on the part of the Star to prove that he was defamed or libeled. On Jan. 15, 2003, the Star published an article, written by Klentzman entitled, “Deputy Brady’s tape collecting called ‘Roadside Suppression.’ This article is the subject of the lawsuit. Wade alleged that appellants published a writing that injured his reputation by “omitt[ing] material facts and therefore creating a misleading presentation of the factual circumstances regarding [his] trial and the unrelated stop by the DPS trooper.” He asserted that many of the statements in the articles were lies.

Parade Marshal, State Representative Charlie Howard, and his wife are excited for the parade to begin!

Meadows Place brims with July4th celebration The singing of the national anthem! What better way to start the 4th of July festivities in Meadows Place for its 20th annual celebration. Fort Bend Theatre lead vocalist Katie Harrison did the honors that triggered the parade start with State Rep. Charlie Howard serving as the 2010 Parade Marshal.

Among the parade dignitaries was U.S. Congressman Pete Olson along with Mayor Charles Jessup and councilmembers, who rode in horse drawn carriages and wagons passing out candy. Clutch the Rockets Bear, Gulf Coast Sound Drum and Bugle Corps, and a music van provided by DJ’s Unlim-

ited delighted those alongside Dorrance and Mulholland streets as did the other entertaining parade entries. McGrath Park was the scene of excitement where the Independence Day party continued after the parade. A giant white rapids water slide was a cool treat for the kids and concessions sold by Meadows

Place All Play Baseball was all about things “Americana.” One of the highlights in Meadows Place on the 4th was the static military display whose attention became focal with the landing of an A-4 Apache helicopter flown by co-pilots Bob Stolting and Scott Nicholas.

Missouri City is looking to link up with the Metro commuter rail system in the near future, which will benefit 60,000 people who work in the Texas Medical Center and live in a cone extending from Pearland to Katy. Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen made this remark in his “state of the City” address, sponsored by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. Missouri City is conservatively moving forward in these challenging economic times, Owen told an audience of 200 on June 24 at the Sugar Creek Country Club. “We recently approved the 2011 fiscal year budget which set the City on a fiscally sound track to continue conservatively operating and meeting the citizens’ needs,” Owen said. He further explained that “we have no plans to raise taxes, which will be challenging.” Owen also pointed out the City’s commitment to safety, noting that “fifty cents of every dollar raised in the City goes toward public safety.” City Council recently approved a $31.2 million budget

blueprint for fiscal year 2011. The plan, which goes into effect July 1, reduces spending by 6.1 percent ($2.02 million) from the previous year. Credit ratings are stellar. Emphasizing their importance to the local economy, Owen recognized some of the City’s new business “partners,” including Lufkin Automation, Global Geophysical, Professional Packaging Systems, Ben E. Keith, Trammell Crow, Wallace-Bajjali Development Group, The LaSalle Group of Dallas and Charming Charlie. “Their presence here is important to the stability of our local economy and strengthens our City overall,” Owen said. He anticipates this new business growth on the North side of the City will spur development along the Texas Parkway/Cartwright Road corridor. The Highway 6 commercial corridor continues to prosper, with the addition of new food and retail businesses and two new medical facilities—Excel Urgent Care and UT Physicians. Owen cited a number of po-

lice and fire initiatives under way, including a partnership with Sienna Plantation in the development of Fire Station Number 5, strong police attendance at HOA meetings, the addition of seven police positions that are funded in the 2011 budget, the implementation of a ban on texting for drivers and the City’s recent purchase of a low-power AM radio station to inform and update residents in times of crises. “We understand citizens’ need to know what’s going on in their City during an emergency and will be meeting that need soon,” he said. Missouri City has a number of significant ongoing projects. Capital improvement projects on tap now, include: The revitalization of the Texas Parkway/Cartwright Road corridor, mobility projects on Highway 6 intersections and medians, traffic signal improvements and upgrades, construction of a new surface water treatment plant to meet state water mandates, plans to build a new community center and golf course club house at Quail Valley Golf Course, the

development of a tennis and recreation center and creating a park on the former Executive Nine site. “We are extremely proud of the Quail Valley Parks Project. We finally own this outstanding property. Now, we look forward to planning and developing recreation and community center facilities that will be destination places,” Owen said. Residents can view the Mayor’s State of the City speech on the City’s website: www.missouricitytx.gov.

Mayor shines light on ‘Show Me City’

Park for free, get a gift too Sasha Millice was the lucky winner of a $25 Sugar Land Town Square Gift Card. Throughout this summer, the management company at Sugar Land Town Square will award $25 gift cards randomly to visitors who park in one of the three free parking garages. Park your vehicle in the garage for your chance to win, plus beat the summer heat and keep your vehicle cool in the shade!

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.

Children’s Emergency Center Now Open.

childrensmemorialhermann.org

•

71 3 . 2 2 2 . C A R E

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 7, 2010

ving

L side r e t Wa end ious Fort B r u in Lux

a n i W o L t L r I e t R s i G g Re E GAS E R F

om c . e on. 8 7 0 0 t s r e Riv 1 . 4 9 9

k in wee ﬁrst the ld e eh to b ing Draw

e Priz ust. Aug

t ed a laim be c may

the

nd ter a Cen ion t a rm Info

be not can

. ered deliv

u nd yo a , e n ersto time with v i R in in no s mes

D ow le Gal

ri a 721

nt o

end Pk wy

Ft. B

s liam . Wil e Blvd c Tra

e nt

illin’ for steak h C ur ’& 0 o Tour Grillin d $25 gister at o e an re nth can b grill mply g the mo . i S a newburgers! Center durinntered to wines from and Information d you’ll be e tion of hom easy ful ho

auti ur be

s r u o H e m m o p H 4 n 1 e . p n O ri.-Su F

, an ill be selec fo July h a great lions, it w e! om mil wit And, 0s to the r dream h ou 20 the $ to ﬁnd y

JULY 7, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

Community news

Suzette Peoples Broker /Owner 21 years of experience!

FBJSL invites applications for grants

Direct: 281-980-3322 www.peoplesproperties.com “Suzette is very competent and knows her stuff!!! She’s punctual, professional, responsive, and seems to always keep the best interest of the client in mind. I can’t imagine using any other realtor for anyplace in the greater Fort Bend area. “ — S. MC. Past client twice.

FIRST COLONY RE DU CE D

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!

SO L

The Fort Bend Junior Service League is currently accepting applications from charitable organizations interested in benefiting from an FBJSL event to be held in 2011 – 2012. Event Beneficiary applications must be received by the FBJSL Beneficiary Review Committee on or before October 1, 2010. The Event Beneficiary application and accompanying instructions can be found on FBJSL’s website, www.fbjsl.com. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and provide services within Fort Bend County. FBJSL selects beneficiaries that demonstrate a hisMembers of the FBJSL Beneficiary Review Committee will be reviewing applications. (L-R) tory of support within their Front row: Terri Stuart, Lori Bramlett, Brooke Livingston, Ashley Grubbs, Susie Bakus, Sharon own organizations, match the Dimicelli. Back row: Sarah Boyd, Jenny Nelson, Rebecca Starling-Klatt, Catherine Kubala. League’s vision for Fort Bend County and encompass one or Author, Glitter & Gloss, Pan- Fort Bend, East Fort Bend tion of women committed to more of the League’s position cakes & Pajamas, Charity Human Needs Ministry, Fort promoting volunteerism, to Golf Tournament, and “Ed- Bend Community Partners developing the potential of statements. Since its inception in 2001, ible Heirlooms” and “Trea- Rainbow Room, Fort Bend women and to improving the FBJSL has raised over $1.4 sures from the Bend, Rich in County Women’s Center, Fort Bend County community million for local charities History & Flavor” cookbook Fort Bend Lawyers Care, through the effective action Fort Bend Seniors Meals on and leadership of trained volacross Fort Bend County sales. Wheels and Literacy Council unteers. Event Benefi ciaries for the through projects such as the Visit www.fbjsl.com for of Fort Bend County. 2009-2010 League year inCharity Ball, Sugar Plum more information. FBJSL is an organizacluded: Child Advocates of Market, Children’s Book &

REDUCED

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 $200,000.

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.

FIRST COLONY

SIENNA

SUGAR LAND! Over 3300sqft! 4 bedrooms 3.5 baths master and study down. Gameroom up. Gourmet island kitchen with granite and stainless steel appliances. Tile & wood. Priced to go $280’s.

Trendmaker home built in 2007. Over 4000sqft! 4 bedrooms 3.5 baths. master & study down & gameroom up. 3+ car & portechere! Upgrades galore! Close to Elem. & parks Priced to go fast $400’s

Sexual predator gets 48 years in prison Donny Chad Curry was sentenced to 48 years in prison on four counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, on June 30, after pleading guilty to the indictments. He was sentenced to another 20 years in prison on two additional sexual sssault of a child charges and an indecency with child charge. The 35-year old Rosenberg man had been charged with sexually abusing four children over the course of several years. Evidence presented by child abuse prosecutor Lisa Gregg and Suzy Morton, Chief of the District Attorney’s Office Child Abuse Division, revealed that Curry engaged in sexual contact with the

children at various residences between approximately 2000 and 2008. Although Curry pled guilty to seven indictments, the evidence indicated he had committed numerous additional offenses against the victims. The abuse came to light in August 2008 when one of the children revealed the abuse to her mother. The case was investigated by Officers Kayla Dowdy and Tommy Pausewang, both formerly of the Rosenberg Police Department, and current Rosenberg Detective Randy Weisheimer. “Holding Curry accountable for his crimes, and keeping him away from the public, would never have been pos-

sible without the remarkable courage of the children who reported the abuse. We are very proud of all these children for revealing what happened to them,” said Lisa Gregg. Gregg says that the majority of times, child victims do not tell right away, especially when they have been sexually abused by someone they know. “Unfortunately, all too often, children hide what has happened to them. We want children to know that it is never their fault when they are abused and there is help when they come forward.” As of September 1, 2007, there is no longer a statute of limitations in Texas for sex

Lone Star Exchange Club of Richmond hosts charter banquet The Lone Star Exchange Club of Richmond held its charter banquet celebration on the evening of Friday, June 18, at Safari Texas in Richmond. Over 50 attendees joined in the inaugural event, and heard a series of tremendous speakers including past Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast District President Richard Flicker, National Exchange Executive Vice President Jim Hartley, Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast District President Marc Schwartz, and Sugar Land Exchange Club President Betty Baitland. Club Builder awards were given out to Marc and Susan Schwartz, Betty Baitland and Amy Mitchell from Sugar Land Exchange Club, and Tony Ackerman, President of the Memorial Exchange Club. A special moment in the evening occurred when Lone Star Exchange Charter President Tracey Shaw presented the Club’s first award to one of its members. The Blue & Gold Wounded in Service Award represents the Exchange Club’s highest tribute to the men and women of our police and firefighter forces.

To be a recipient of this award the officer or firefighter must be in good standing within the law enforcement agency or fire department and have been injured in the line of duty. Shaw gave a Blue & Gold Award to Constable Sgt. Jason McDaniel, a Lone Star Exchange Charter member who had recently been injured by a gunshot in the line of duty with the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office. Sgt. McDaniel’s captain said that he was “an outstanding individuals and he wished he had 100 more like him” The 2010-2011 Board of the

Lone Star Exchange Club of Richmond is led by President Tracey Shaw, President-Elect George Holmes, Secretary Mandi Bronsell, Treasurer Jake Messinger, and its Board of Directors are Manuela Arroyos, Chris Elam, Ed Gaskill, Dee Holmes, Mike Gibson, and Rebecca Starling-Klatt. The Lone Star Exchange Club of Richmond meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday evening at 6:30pm. Please come and join us and see what great things the district’s newest club is accomplishing! For more information, contact Tracey Shaw, Club President at 281-239-1311.

offenses committed against children. Following victim statements by the victims and members of their families, Thomas R. Culver, III, Presiding Judge of the 240th District Court, addressed the family present in the courtroom. “The children are the true heroes in this case. If they had not come forward to tell what happened to them, this ‘hidden crime’ would never have been stopped.” Aggravated sexual assault of a child is a first degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child are second degree felonies punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The seven sentences will run concurrently. Assistant District Attorney Lisa Gregg prosecuted the case. Attorney David Disher represented the defendant.

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. Texans Insurance &enhancements/discounts Financial Group, *Qualifying age and coverage vary byInc state. 101 Southwestern Blvd, Ste 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478-3535 PH (281)277-7800 FAX (281)277-7801 basil@texansinsure.com Your best insurance is a good agent. “Friends you can depend on”

Providing fee-only services to individuals, families and businesses since 1996. (281) 634-9400 www.wjinterests.com

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

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 7, 2010

Opinion The View from Sugar Land

Interviewing the new judge By RUSSELL C. JONES Last week the Senate Judiciary Committee dedicated itself to hearings on the nomination of Elena Kagan to be Obama’s second appointee to the United States Supreme Court. As could have been predicted, Democrats fawned over the candidate and Republicans railed. At the time of her nomination little was publicly known about Kagan. She had never been a judge and never formally authored a judicial opinion. Kagan’s career began as a law clerk for a supreme court justice and was followed by decades as an attorney in academia and government bureaucracy. Democrats tried to set aside Republican concerns by casting her as a moderate who would be acceptable to all. A little research and a week of hearings have revealed much that needs to be known. Her career and a few key comments during the hearings provide enough information for moderates and conservatives to be worried. Kagan’s senior thesis at Princeton, “To the Final Conflict: Socialism in New York City, 19001933” shows an early sympathy with leftist causes. She studied the early socialist movement in New York City and concluded that “through its own internal feuding, the Socialist Party exhausted itself forever. . . . The story is a sad . . . one for those who, more than half a century after socialism’s decline, still wish to change America.” Kagan’s choice to work for Justice Thurgood Marshall similarly does not seem to anticipate moderation in judicial tenor. Although Marshall should be admired for his struggles for civil rights, it is difficult to forget that he was one of the most activist members of the Supreme Court of his generation. The job of law clerk requires assisting the judge in researching

Jones issues before the court and in actually writing opinions ultimately issued over the judge’s signature. Clerks contribute to the formation of case law through their influence on judge’s opinions. Kagan likely learned everything about how to be a judge from her mentor. Neither does Kagan’s history working for two Democratic presidents, including her current role as Obama’s solicitor general, suggest moderation. She assured Senators that she would keep her admittedly “generally progressive” politics “completely separate from my judging,” but she later reversed herself when she admitted that it is “difficult to take off the advocate’s hat and put on the judge’s hat.” It seems unlikely that the two can ever be independent. Kagan openly disagreed with a recent decision that struck down parts of the McCain Feingold campaign finance act, recalling that embarrassing moment when Obama chastised the members of the Supreme Court during his State of the Union address. She proudly defended her refusal as a Harvard Law School dean to permit military recruiters on campus because of her political ideology, although she attempted to lay blame elsewhere for her decision. While working on the White

House counsel staff during the Clinton administration, Kagan seems to have always been supportive of her boss. No records revealed to date suggest that she ever challenged the wisdom of any liberal policy. She supported Clinton’s efforts to postpone the Paula Jones trial, advocated Clinton’s position on partial birth abortion, and played a role in the White House’s response to the Whitewater investigation of the Clinton’s financial dealings. At least once Kagan jumped into a topic currently in active litigation. She suggested that the requirement of Obamacare that most Americans must purchase health insurance has a legal basis. That very question is now pending in a Florida district court in a suit brought by the attorneys general of eighteen states, including Texas. It is certain that the case will end up in the Supreme Court, and before the new Justice Kagan, in short order. Under questioning designed to elicit an opinion on whether any topic would be beyond the authority of government to involve itself, the nominee was at a loss. “To be honest with you, I don’t have a view of what are natural rights independent of the Constitution.” Such a statement would have shocked Thomas Jefferson who, in authoring the Declaration of Independence, found numerous “truths to be self-evident, that all men are . . . endowed . . . with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Apparently there are no “unalienable rights” to be found in Elena Kagan’s world which would not be subject to government’s interference. Jones is a member of the Sugar Land City Council, having been first elected in 2003. He owns a law firm and a title insurance company in Sugar Land.

Musings: Vision to jobs By JANICE SCANLAN I asked my friend, What do you think the median age is in Dubuque, Iowa? His answer was late 40’s or early 50’s. This is no idle conversation, but with someone who was intimately involved in planning and execution for Sugar Land Town Square. It was a good guess knowing that most rural and agricultural areas are declining in population. When that happens, the average age goes up. And that was Dubuque’s problem. It was a “rust bucket” Midwest town that despite its location on the Mississippi River and John Deere plant was not bringing good jobs to Dubuque so its college educated young people were not returning to work much less raise families. Its trend was a declining standard of living. It was not a commuter city with Chicago, 200 miles away; Milwaukee, 172; and Des Moines, 215. So how did a place like Dubuque in a remote location with its 56,000 population get named as the Number 1, Forbes Best Small City to live? It’s called a plan and tough, measurable goals with a serious commitment to execute them. And yes, there are plans that have walruses in the Gulf of Mexico and don’t account for

Scanlan hurricanes. I’m talking a plan that is used and followed— and strategic, not tactical. Not some generic spew that we’ve heard it all before, but don’t commit the resources or will to make the plan reality. It set out twenty-five years ago to make Dubuque a “destination of opportunity” by concentrating on revitalizing downtown, building a worldclass riverfront, and nurturing a proud, renewed sense of community that included the entire county. The City of Dubuque concentrates on infrastructure and making it a place “you don’t need a car.” They are designing and building a city where people can walk or bike to work, get groceries, live and play within 15 minutes of home. They turned a declining

Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

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

downtown into lofts attractive to young professionals and have encouraged “downtown” events that appeal to young and young-thinking people. Oh, and IBM located 1300 high tech jobs in Dubuque in downtown. Where they really shine is their public/private economic development council with a tough five year plan countywide that includes strong measurable goals. Dubuque realizes retention is part of this so their economic council’s make up is very different from our Fort Bend Council and includes work development educational skills and “Newcomer Relations Coordinator, who understands challenges in relocating to a new community and can help you make a smooth transition.” In addition, they have three dedicated positions. Each focus on different aspects of business: existing business, recruiting new business and coordinating with state and local government—in a city of 56,000 and county of less than 100,000. My friend was wrong on population age. In Dubuque, it’s 38; but it took 25 years of work to reverse their aging trend and make Dubuque a place young people want to live, work and play. Our resources are different and much greater. But Dubuque is worth a look, because the current economic climate is nothing new to them. We better be sure we’re not resting on our laurels by using our resources in ways that build the future and get young people invested in it. Write janicescanlan@earthlink.net

Debate: Electronic medical recrods I read Ms. Parr’s opinion piece (Catch 22: Electronic Medical Records, June 30, 2010) with a great deal of dismay. While I don’t believe that she wrote a deliberately misleading article, I do believe the content does not at all represent the reality of electronic prescribing or electronic medical records (EMRs). I would like to start with a fact: patients die from medical errors every day in this country. Lots of patients. Medication errors account for a significant number of these. Medication errors can take many forms: the physician may write a prescription, unaware that the patient is allergic to that medication. The prescribed medication may interact with a medication the patient is already on. The written prescription may not be legible, leading the pharmacist to fill the prescription in a different way from how the physician intended it. One of the major driving forces in pushing physicians to use electronic prescribing and electronic medical records is to minimize these errors. Let me explain the process: Full-featured EMRs have automatic drug interaction checking, as well as checking for previous allergic reactions. Once the physician determines what medication he or she wants to prescribe, this prescription is sent electronically to a clearinghouse, which Ms. Parr correctly identified as SureScripts. SureScripts uses the information sent from the physician to determine which insurance plan the patient has, and then communicates electronically with that insurance plan’s computer system. The insurance company computer verifies that the patient has prescription drug benefits, and also indicates whether the prescribed medication is covered by the patient’s insurance. Any patient who experienced the frustration of arriving at the pharmacy only to find the medication isn’t covered, knows what a benefit this would be! Once the insurance company confirms the above, the

prescription is transmitted to the pharmacy specified by the patient. There the prescription appears in clear, legible form (unlike most written prescriptions) where it can be filled by the pharmacist. Now to address Ms. Parr’s statements: 1. “SureScripts becomes the ‘middle man’ controlling communication between your doctor and your pharmacist.” There is no control whatsoever. The physician chooses to send the prescription this way. He or she still can handwrite a prescription, fax it, call the pharmacy, etc. This is an additional option, not a replacement method of communication. Speaking as a physician who has used this system for 2 years, I have found it a far more effective method than any other. 2. “…SureScripts maintaining a comprehensive database on every person in the United States of America.” I believe I have addressed this above. SureScripts doesn’t maintain the database, they communicate with existing databases. Surely Ms. Parr realizes that the insurance companies already maintain a database of patients covered by them. To make this a bit clearer, consider the use of ATM machines. Do I worry that Wells Fargo maintains a database on me just because I use their ATM? No, Wells Fargo simply transmits my request to my bank, and sends back the answer. 3. “…medical privacy is being so compromised.” I would argue the exact opposite. By sending information using highly secure, encrypted processes (just like ATMs), patients’ privacy is protected. There is extensive testing that takes place before a physician’s office can use e-prescribing for this very reason. 4. “But is it really the Federal Government’s business to know how often you renew each of your medications?” The Federal Government is not involved in this process whatsoever. As I explained above, information goes from the phy-

sician’s office to SureScripts (which is NOT a government entity), to the insurance company, back to SureScripts, and then to the pharmacy. 5. “Another concern is the ownership of SureScripts.” Ms. Parr suggests that the owners have a comfortable relationship with the government. I have no direct knowledge of that, but would suggest that all of the entities involved in nonelectronic prescribing do too (insurance companies and pharmacies). I don’t see how the point is relevant. 6. “…all future prescriptions must be done through the e_Rx system.” There is absolutely no truth to this whatsoever. I greatly prefer to use electronic prescribing, and so do my patients. However, there are times when I call the pharmacy or fax a prescription. There is absolutely no barrier to my sending prescriptions any way I choose. In summary, I believe that electronic prescribing is one of those rare situations where everyone wins. For the patient there is not only increased safety, but the opportunity to spend less (a warning about a non-covered medication can result in a less expensive prescription). For the employer (remember that employers provide insurance for many people in this country) can reduce costs by increasing the number of their employees on generic medications (which almost always are just as effective as the expensive, highly advertised brands), and the physician wins by saving time and knowing that he or she has taken positive steps to improve patient safety. We have many challenges facing us in this country in regard to health care, but electronic prescribing and electronic medical records are not one of them. They are part (only part) of the solution. David W. Bauer, MD Family Physician Physicians at Sugar Creek, 14023 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land

Parr: Patient’s privacy right is at stake Dr. Bauer apparently did not understand that the point of my article is protecting Patients’ PRIVACY RIGHTS in future years, not whether or not EMRs help protect against medical errors. Furthermore, Dr. Bauer is talking about what exists today. I am concerned about what is going to be Federally mandated in 2013 for e-Rx and in 2015 for EMR. The new mandates will have some pretty serious changes in how personal, private data is handled. To be honest, for Dr. Bauer to use what exists today to defend what the Federal Government is about to force all physicians to do in the next two to five years helps explain how this all could happen to potentially compromise patient privacy before anyone realizes what has happened. I agree with Dr. Bauer that there are a number of electronic systems currently in use which are helpful in providing quality health care. Today’s EMR systems are not currently operating through a nationally centralized, third-party system, acting on behalf of the Federal Government. Today’s systems are self-contained by local medical entities. They are not available for outsiders, such as Federal bureaucrats, to use for “research,” including the one Dr. Bauer is currently using. This is going to change unless the American voters become very involved. Just last month (June, 2010), the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced it plans to amend its rules on the handling of certain controlled substances, such as

OxyContin, Ritalin, and Xanax. This change is being made because the previous rules did not permit e-prescribing for such drugs. So yes, today, physicians can, and in certain cases must, communicate with patients’ pharmacies in a variety of ways, as Dr. Bauer suggests. However, by 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will start imposing financial penalties on any physician who is not using an e-Rx system certified by SureScripts. At that point, doctors will loose such options, if they remain Medicare and Medicaid providers. According to a report released earlier this year by SureScripts, only about 25% of office-based physicians in America had adopted e-prescribing by the end of 2009, with about 85% of the pharmacies having done so. Thus, even SureScripts admits that doctors are putting up some resistance to adopting their certified systems. Unfortunately, this resistance has more to do with the costs of buying and using those systems rather than a realization that a much better explanation is needed about how SureScripts is actually handling Americans’ personal prescription information. Furthermore, no electronic medical records system currently in use meets the certification requirements Federally mandated for 2015 -- including Dr. Bauer’s. That is because Health and Human Services (HHS), on March 2, 2010, just released its rules on how it will roll out an EMR certification program for 25 additional “meaningful use standards” which must be included by 2015. These

added standards will convert today’s EMR systems to ones where they can all continually share data without anyone in your doctors’ offices first making sure the person receiving your information has an honest, medical need to know. I stand by my concern that the American public needs to have a much better understanding of how their personal, PRIVATE information will be handled once the Federal Government forces all physicians onto the system the bureaucrats at Health and Human Services (HHS) are currently creating. America’s physicians and their professional organizations, such as the Texas Medical Association, must become more engaged in this debate about what the Federal government is planning to do, just what the Federal government needs to know out of personal medical records, and how their bureaucrats will be able to get that information. I also remain very concerned that while this Federal system is being mandated for physicians’ use, the legal obligation upon physicians to protect the privacy of patients’ medical and other personal information is going to be just as strict as ever under HIPAA. All physicians, including Dr. Bauer, could find themselves in a very difficult, legal Catch-22 if the new Federal system should ever be breached. Joannie Parr (Parr has a BS Degree in Business and Finance and a Masters Degree in Federal Tax Law and has worked in the Medical accounting industry for more than 20 years.. )

JULY 7, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

Community news BSA Troop 731 recognizes Alan Harkins

Martha Harkins, Alan Harkins, and Brian Harkins, holding the plaque and knife presented during the Eagle Court of Honor. Troop 731 announced recently that Alan Harkins has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Harkins was recognized in a special Eagle Court of Honor ceremony held on June 12 at Southminster Presbyterian Church. Alan, son of Brian and Martha Harkins of Missouri City, started scouting in 2000 with Cub Scout Pack 820. He progressed through the Cub Scout ranks, achieving the Arrow of Light, the highest award in Cub Scouting. He joined BSA Troop 731 in 2003. He advanced through the ranks completing merit badges, serving the community with numerous service hours, and serving in a number of leadership positions in the troop. Harkins was also selected for the Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouting’s Honor

Society. To reach the rank of Eagle, a scout has to first earn all of the lower ranks, accumulate at least 21 merit badges, including 12 required badges, and plan, develop, and give leadership to a service project for a non-BSA organization. Alan’s Eagle project was designing, coordinating, and building a 50-foot-diameter labyrinth with pavers on the grounds of Southminster Presbyterian Church where he and his family are members. Harkins graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dulles High School in June 2010. He will attend Rice University beginning this fall, with the intent of majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Troop 731 is affiliated with the Sam Houston Area Council (Houston), the largest BSA Council in the U.S.

KSLB gets $10,000 grant from UPS Foundation Keep Sugar Land Beautiful has been named a recipient of a $10,000 community improvement grant from The UPS Foundation. Nationwide, 16 Keep America Beautiful (KAB) affiliates received the meritbased grants supporting programs with outstanding litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, beautification and community greening programs. Keep Sugar Land Beautiful will use this grant to provide six Planet Earth Carts to local schools. The Planet Earth Cart, developed by KSLB, is a mobile cart stocked with over 400 fiction and non-fiction books, games, DVDs, and hands-on activities. This environmental education resource may be incorporated into lesson plans by educators in K-5 classrooms. The goal of the Planet Earth Cart program is to increase student awareness and to help students develop habits that will improve and protect our environment. Keep Sugar Land Beautiful is honored to be chosen to receive funding for this very important effort to enhance the quality of life in our community,” said Vicki Gist, Executive Director. “We are extremely thankful to The UPS Foundation for their generous support.” “This financial contribution supports the overall commitment of UPS employees in the Sugar Land community,” said The UPS Foundation President Ken Sternad. “They

KSLB Planet Earth Cart see the needs and are dedicated to improving the local environment.” The UPS Foundation awards were presented to

KAB affiliates in recognition of their volunteer initiatives with local UPS locations throughout the United States. UPS employee volunteers will

actively support the programs nationwide. Founded in 1951, The UPS Foundation has a tradition of providing support through grant programs and initiatives that help improve the quality of life in communities where UPS employees live and work. In 2009, The UPS Foundation donated more than $43 million to charitable organizations worldwide. For more information on the UPS Foundation visit www.community. ups.com. Keep Sugar Land Beautiful is a non-profit affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful dedicated to educating and engaging everyone to take responsibility for the environmental health of our community. Please visit www.kslb.org for more information. Keep America Beautiful, Inc., established in 1953, is the nation’s largest volunteerbased community action and education organization. With a network of nearly 1,200 affiliate and participating organizations, Keep America Beautiful forms public-private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments. For additional information, visit www.kab.org.

Sugar Land Chick-fil-A Supports Marine Moms The Chick-fil-A® of Sugar Land restaurant at Hwy 6 and Lexington will give a free Chick-fil-A® Spicy Chicken Sandwich to customers who donate razors, T-shirts, tube socks and other supplies on July 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Houston Marine Moms will distribute the donated items to Marines serving in Afghanistan. Houston Marine Moms request the following donations: • Packages of Gillette

Mach3 razors • Packages of dark colored T-shirts (M-XL) • Packages of dark colored cotton tube socks • Packages of cotton boxer shorts (M-XL) • Gold Bond Medicated Powder (small size) • High protein individual drink packets and bars from GNC Houston Marine Moms is a support group for family and friends of those serving in the U.S. Marines. Chick-fil-A of Sugar Land

will donate 20 percent of its sales from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 16 to the group. “Our entire community felt the loss of Sugar Land’s own Garrett Gamble who was killed earlier this year serving with the Marines in Afghanistan,” said restaurant Operator Brent Kubala. “These moms know more than anyone about the amazing sacrifices the men and women like Garrett are making and we are proud to support the work they’re doing for our troops.”

Fort Bend Symphony announces 2010-11 season Halloween, Christmas and movie nights are always popular with children. Now they will be even more anticipated as the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra announces its 2010-2011 season that includes a liberal dose of pops music and fun activities tied to these occasions, plus a limited-time offer of buyone-get-one free for season subscribers. This family-friendly series is sure to get even the youngest concert-goers tapping their toes so reserve your seats now for these concerts: Hauntcert on Oct. 17, 2010 Enjoy Halloween tunes and lots of treats including a Halloween costume contest for all ages. Deck the Halls on Dec. 5, 2010 Capture the magic of the

season with all your favorite tunes and a visit by a jolly old man. Viva Italia! on Feb. 20, 2011 Enjoy a veritable fiesta of Italian music that will have you dreaming of gondola rides and more! Special Spring Concert on March 26, 2011 Enjoy an intimate evening of music from some of the world’s greatest classical composers. Night at the Movies on May 22, 2011 From drama to horror to comedy, you’ll enjoy wonderful songs from the world’s greatest movies. All concerts are at the Stafford Centre, except the one on March 26. It will be held at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in

Southwest Area Professional Organization The SWAPEN will meet on Tuesday, July 20, 11:00 am 11:30 am - Networking; 11:30 am - 1p.m. at the Terrace Assisted Living Center, 16900 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land. Free Vendor Tables for Members Plus Raffle Tickets For a stay at the Victorian in Galveston Silent Auction and more.... SWAPEN is a business networking group whose goal is to bring together business women of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others to grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition. SWAPEN meets the third Tuesday of every month. For more information on SW Area Professional Organization visit www.swapen.org

Katy. The upcoming season is the 19th for the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra and the third year under the musical direction of Dr. Héctor Agüero, Jr. Season tickets to the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra’s 2010-2011 five-concert series are priced at $50, $70 and $100 and are available at fbso.org or by calling 281276-9642. Discounts are provided for seniors over 55, military with I.D., and students. Children 12 and under are free, but must have reserved seats. For a limited time, the FBSO is offering buy-oneget-one free to promote affordable family fun.

Registration for Ridge Point HS Registration for Fort Bend ISD’s newest high school, Ridge Point High School, will be held at Baines Middle School starting July 13 – August 4th by appointment only. Baines Middle School is located at 9000 Sienna Ranch Road, Missouri City. Open Enrollment will take place at Baines Middle School on Aug. 9 and 10th with no appointment necessary from 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM. Registration will be completed on a first-come first-served basis.

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 7, 2010 LEGAL NOTICE REQUESTS FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS Sealed Qualification Statements 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 15, 2010 AT 1:30 P.M. (CST). Q10-108 – DESIGN BUILD JUVENILE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all qualification statements received. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 for River Forest Estates, Section 1, Replat No. 1, Pct. 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, William B. Travis Bldg., 309 S. Fourth St., Rm. 700, Richmond, Texas. Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Mary Villareal with The Interfield Group at 713-780-0909 for information prior to the hearing. Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION FORT BEND COUNTY The County Purchasing Agent of Fort Bend County will conduct a PUBLIC AUCTION for SURPLUS AND SALVAGE PROPERTY on SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2010 AT 10:00 AM. The auction will be held at the Fort Bend County Needville Purchasing satellite office located at 9110 Long Street, Needville, Texas. Vehicles to be sold: 2003 Chevrolet 3/4 ton truck, 2001 Ford Ranger 1/2 ton truck, 1992 Chevy 1/2 ton truck, 1995 Mercury Mystique, 2000 Laredo Grand Cherokee Jeep, 2000 Nissan Frontier 1/2 ton truck, 2000 Buick Park Avenue, and a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. Additional items to be sold: computers, laptops, office furniture, microwaves, televisions, office supplies, printers, fax machines, weight equipment, heavy duty stove and other miscellaneous items. Registration and viewing of all items will begin Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 8:00 AM. The auction will begin at 10:00 AM. All items must be removed from auction site by 4:00 PM on auction day. All sales are final. All purchases must be paid in full on the day of sale by credit card (Master Card and Visa only), cash, personal check with a bank letter of guarantee, cashier’s check with a bank letter of guarantee, or company check with a bank letter of guarantee. Absolutely no checks accepted without a bank letter of guarantee. Fort Bend County reserves the right to add or delete items from the auction. Items offered for sale are sold as is where is and without warranty. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent

CITATION BY PUBLICATION STATE OF TEXAS TO: QUINCY JONES ADDRESS UNKNOWN and to all whom it may concern, Respondent(s), You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do (does) not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday next following the expiration of 20 days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. The petition of PYATT, RANDOLPH AND PYATT, KAY, Petitioners, was filed in the 387TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas on the June 25, 2010 against QUINCY JONES, Respondent(s), numbered 10-DCV-181905, and entitled In the Interest of Christopher Isiah Pyatt, Minor Child/ren. The suit request FOR TERMINATION AND ADOPTION OF CHILD AND FOR TEMPORARY ORDERS 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 PLACE OF BIRTH: FORT BEND COUNTY DATE OF BIRTH: 08/19/2005 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 28th day of June, 2010. ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER OR RESPONDENT:

KATHY J JOHNSON ATTORNEY AT LAW 8303 SOUTHWEST FREEWAY SUITE 718 HOUSTON TX 77074 (713) 272-7533 DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT

Fort Bend County, Texas Deputy District Clerk Herlinda Nanez Telephone: 281-633-7626 LEGAL NOTICE SEALED BID SALE OF SALVAGE PROPERTY FORT BEND COUNTY 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, Texas 77471 for the sale of salvage property as described herein until THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2010 at 1:30 PM (CST). All bids will be publicly opened and read in the Office of the County Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, Texas. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Bid 10-110 - Sale of five (5) 1998 – 2001 Dump Trucks. Engines must be permanently destroyed per H-GAC guidelines. Vendor must be an approved H-GAC vendor. Equipment is offered as is, where is. Successful bidder will be responsible for the removal of the equipment from County property within 3 calendar days after acceptance of bid. Successful bidder assumes all liability associated with removal. To schedule a time for viewing contact Don Massey, Road and Bridge, 281-342-4513. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

FILM REVIEW: The Twilight Saga — Eclipse I slipped away from the office on a Wednesday to see this latest “Twilight Saga” that started at 11:50 am. Hint to teenage boys: if you want a date and need to find teenage girls, quit looking and go trolling at a theatre complex near you. The teenage girls started rolling in on this opening day with their cell phone in their left hand and a glint in their eyes that clearly indicated that it was time to get serious about Bella and Edward. Welcome back to Bella 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 15, 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 10-107 – CONSTRUCTION OF EAST END ANNEX ADDITION A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, July 1, 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 vendors are encouraged to attend. Lump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are required. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all 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 22, 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 10-109 – CITY OF KENDLETON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, July 8, 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 vendors are encouraged to attend. Lump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are required. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

Straight to the Heart with

l a t s y Cr e l y a G

Be charmed by her sparkling country ballads. Be dazzled by her brilliant crossover into pop and her jazz-infused, Grammy award winning “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.” Crystal Gayle goes straight to the heart – sharing her strong, rich vocals that have made her one of America’s favorite female country artists.

Friday, August 6, 2010 6:00 p.m. Safari Texas Ballroom 11627 FM 1464 Richmond,Texas

Reception Dinner Live & Silent Auctions Show Individual Tickets: $85

Presented by

Reserve or purchase tickets by July 30 at 979.532.6322 Visit www.wcjc.edu for sponsorship opportunities

979.532.6322 or www.wcjc.edu

Proceeds from this event benefit The Wharton County Junior College Foundation which funds student scholarships, faculty development and academic programs at WCJC’s four campuses in Wharton, Richmond, Sugar Land and Bay City.

Underwritten by The Rosenberg-Richmond Auto Mile

Swan (Kristen Stewart) of Forks, WA, who is in love with the handsome vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). Bella is near high school graduation and must decide if she will continue life as a human or let Edward bite her neck and try it as undead. Tough choice. Or is it? The biggest decision now seems to be how to handle the werewolf situation. Oh yeah, she has this really good friend Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). You know this werewolf; he has the six pack abs and rarely wears a shirt and is clearly hotter than Edward the Vampire, but Edward grabbed Bella’s heart first. And to complicate things, there are some rogue vampires who are “newborns” and consequently still have some “human blood in their tissues” resulting in extraordinary vampire powers and poor judgment. These newbies are out of control and killing folks. They are manipulated by the evil and vengeful Victoria who wants to atone for her mate who was killed by Edward. There is only one thing to do: have a big rumble between good vampires and bad vampires with the involvement of the good werewolves on the side of the good vampires. How did that transpire? Bella! She’s got Edward and Jacob crazy-in-love with her, so she must choose between them and try not to get killed by the bad vampires and convince

her daddy that she’s not fooling around. And all of this must be resolved before commencement. No wonder teenage girls love these books and the movie franchise! I liked the first two movies in the series, but this was dramatically my least favorite. I like all the characters and especially Edward, Jacob, and

Anna Kendrick as Jessica the Vampire. I’ve always thought Jessica was hotter than Bella; I’d had enough of Bella’s silliness and “oh golly gee who do I love?” the most. So choose one of those cute monsters and get on with it. Rock ‘n Roll. Grade 82. Larry H. sugarlaw@larryharrison.com

AUTOMOBILE: Chrysler Town & Country By BARBARA FULENWIDER For 2010 Chrysler’s Town & Country minivan got even more safety and security features. The safety features include multi-stage airbags, the rear-cross path system and blind-spot monitoring, which helps drivers make safer lane changes and also when they are backing out of high-traffic parking situations. Chrysler uses a two-fold safety approach: conventional safety features, such as seatbelt pretensioning, constant-force seat-belt retractors, active head restraints and supplement side-curtain air bags combined with accident-avoidance features that include smart brake and electronic stability control. Security features include anti-theft alarms and engine immobilizer. Chrysler is also offering a new safetytec package on their Town & Country minivan. This package includes blind-spot monitoring (BSM) and rear-cross path (RCP) accident avoidance systems as well as rear-park assist, rearback-up camera, rain-sensing windshield wipers, mirrors with integrated turn-signal lamps and BSM/RCP indicators with an electronic vehicle information center and tire pressure monitor. The safetytec package comes standard on the Town & Country Limited and is available on the Touring and new Touring Plus. With all this safety equipment on the Town & Country it’s not overly surprising that the 2010 model got five stars in both front and side impact tests and got the highest rating in frontal and side occupant

protection from the U.S. Government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Chrysler was the first car manufacturer to design and manufacture a minivan. It came about in 1983 and since then Chrysler has sold more than 12 million minivans worldwide. Chrysler and Dodge minivans command more than 40 percent of the minivan market in the U.S. Chrysler says it has lead in innovation with more than 65 minivan-first features and that its minivans are the most awarded with more than 260 accolades so far. While the first minivan was sold in 1983 the development of it started in 1977 in response to new customer needs identified in the marketplace. In the later 1970s, the baby boomers were starting families in larger number and wanted an economical alternative to automotive transportation. Sedans and wagons got smaller thanks to a public concerned about pollution and fuel economy so full-sized vans were being customized as passenger vehicle. Trouble is the combination resulted in a poor ride quality, large size,

and the rear-wheel drive design didn’t make them ideal for family hauling. Chrysler product planner agreed on a platform that used a flat-load floor with the entire powertrain in front of the passenger compartment and it was a winner that has continued to be a winner. The minivan is my absolute favorite of all of the various types of vehicles on the road. It’s great for carrying up to seven people and cargo, is an easy entry and exit, rides like sedan, loads easily and the seats raise for that long view down the road. The 2010 Chrysler Town & Country Limited is the top of the line and with all standard equipment and some optional retails for $41,205. Without options: a dual screen DVD entertainment system with two nine-inch video screens, wireless headphones and video remote control; a power sunroof; power folding thirdrow sea, and a media center, the base price is $35,575. A minivan fills so many bills in town and on the highway and does a superb job at all of them.

Marketing: Social media course

The University of Houston Small Business Development Center of Fort Bend County will host, MARKETING: SOCIAL MEDIA, course on Wednesday, July 21. If you own a business or are preparing to start one you cannot afford to miss this event. This workshop will address issues involved in Social Media such as:

What is Social Media? What is the hottest Social Media tool to emerge today? What are the top social media resources? How will this help my business? Where do I start? And much more! If you are trying to grow your profits you must attend this class in Social Media and

find out how it will help your business grow! The event will be held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the U of H Fort Bend County SBDC, 117 Lane Drive, Suite 31, Rosenberg, Texas 77471. Registration is free. Lunch will be provided. For more information, call 281-499-9787 or visit www.fortbend.sbdcnetwork.net.

JULY 7, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

Sugar Creek Gator Girls Medley Winners

The Sugar Creek Gators’ 9-10 girls glided against their Covington Woods opponents to take the blue ribbon in the medley relay. The winning team members are from l-r: Allie Housewright (freestyle), Katie Groth (butterfly), Kelsey Jones (breaststroke), and Hannah Moore (backstroke).

Richard’s Not just oil, Pennzoil

Space available for parties

Special Spaniel!

Sun & Mon Night — KIDS EAT FREE 2 Kids Free with an Adult Purhcase after 5 p.m. Tues Night — FREE CHIPS& QUESO OR GUACAMOLE With an adult purchase after 5 p.m., Wed Night — FAJITAS X 2 $14.95 1lb of meat with all the trimmings & chip and salsa after 5 p.m, Meet us after the game! KIDS IN UNIFORM EAT FREE WITH ADULT PURCHASE

One look at the beautiful eyes of Molly, and it will be hard to resist taking her home. This 8-month-old Spaniel mix is a little bundle of energy! She should grow up to be about 12 pounds, so she won’t need much room. But, if you can make room in your heart for Molly, please call the Missouri City Animal Shelter at 281-403-8970 to make an appointment to see her. The shelter is located behind the City Hall complex at 1923 Scanlin Rd. The City’s website also features an Adopt-APet listing with information about adoption fees and requirements for adopting a pet. For more information, visit www.missouricitytx.gov/ Government/Public-Works/ Animal-Control and click on the “Adopt-A-Pet” link.

281-499-4682

3424 FM 1092 Township Center Missouri City

FHA ɿ VA ɿ USDA ɿ Conventional ɿ Jumbo InȬHouseȱUnderwritingȱ FreeȱPreȬApprovalsȱȱ GreatȱRates Call Today:

Secure Online Application:

(281) 565-8500 www.HomeWayMortgage.com 16525 Lexington Blvd., Ste. 250, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Effective 6/17/10. Texas Mortgage Broker 75511

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

FtBendSportsMedicine.com Enjoy your Sport - Decrease your Chances of Getting Hurt While I enjoy doing surgery, I have always believed the best approach to Sports Medicine is teaching my patients how to take care of themselves so they are less likely to get hurt in the first place. Why have surgery if you can avoid it? The off-season is the time to prepare, and one size does not fit all. Let me evaluate your current physical conditioning and workout routine to help you develop a personalized training program to maximize your fitness for your sport.

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

THE TIME IS NOW, THE WAIT IS OVER WWW.RemaxFine.Com 281-265281-265-5533 5533 Highway 6 & Austin Parkway We Can Show You ANY House Listed!

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 7, 2010

Mint Spice Bistro & M Lounge 16305 Kensington Dr., Sugar Land, TX 77479

281-242-1212; mintspice.com A refreshing take on the Sugar Land culinary and nightlife scene debuts on July 8, 2010 with the grand opening of Mint Spice Bistro and M Lounge. Located in the heart of Sugar Land, at the intersection of Highway 59 and Highway 6, behind the Super Target, Mint Spice Bistro and M Lounge offer guests a truly memorable dining and entertaining experience. Mint Spice Bistro offers fresh, irresistible ModernAmerican Cuisine, including a resourceful blend of Pan-Asian, South-Asian, North American, and European flavors. With a focus on good, fresh and simple food, Executive Chef Milind Patil offers diners only the best ingredients melded together to create classic dishes with a twist at an affordable price. Chef Patil began his culinary training at an early age, and honed his craft in some of the finest kitchens in Houston. His passion for fresh and flavorful food is reflected in his menu. Sample dishes from the menu include: Lamb Ossobucco with Garlic and Roasted Potatoes; Crispy Rice Flour Wrapped Shrimp with Tangy Sweet and Sour Sauce; Coriander and Cumin Roasted Salmon with Ginger and Cranberry Chutney; Chilean Sea Bass with Mango Chutney; Roasted Quail Stuffed with Apricots and Pine Nuts; and Mint Paneer Tikka. While the bistro will definitely add some spice to your life, Chef Patil says one can choose the level of spices one needs and

he will prepare the food accordingly. To compliment the menu, guests can enjoy an array of delicious cocktails, or choose a drink from the wine list, comprised of well-known names designed to pair well with the menu selections. Catering services, delivery, and outdoor dining under a covered patio are also available. For those guests seeking the perfect spot to socialize, unwind after a hectic day, entertain corporate clients, or host special events and parties up to 450 people, head upstairs to M Lounge. With its high-end design and sensual opulence, M Lounge is a 5,000 squarefoot modern ode to decadence, where revelers can dance to live DJ music playing a variety of hiphop, house, and rock n’ roll music nightly, and onlookers can enjoy a full-service bar and lounge menu. Bottle service is also available. M Lounge’s full-service bar is managed by Clint Elder, a veteran with more than 25 years of experience in managing top notch bars including Saba Bluewater Cafe and Ibiza. Despite the top range products, “our wine and spirits are reasonably priced,” says Elder. Elder is shy of calling himself a “mixologist,” but he promises creativity in making fresh drinks and cocktails. The lounge also boasts a VIP room and a 2,800 square-foot outdoor deck, providing guests the perfect space to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view of a city

Stop in and taste our M Lounge Appetizers.

Buy One, Get One Free. (Equal or lesser value) Valid through July 31, 2010 with coupon.

that loves to celebrate. Adjacent to Mint Spice Bistro and M Lounge is Sugar Land Social Club. Sugar Land Social Club, a private membership Club, is the ideal space for your next banquet or special event. The East Room can accommodate up to 350 guests, or try our more intimate West Room for smaller parties (seats up to 150 guests). No matter what venue you choose — Mint Spice Bistro, M Lounge, or Sugar Land Social Club — our skilled staff will ensure your dining and entertaining experience is memorable. Mint Spice Bistro will be open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Catering is now available. M Lounge is open 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Soon the bistro and the bar will be open for lunch as well. Sugar Land Social Club is currently taking reservations. For more information, event inquiries, special packages, and bookings, contact us at (281) 2421212.