Fort Bend Independent 070815

VOL 8 No. 27

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

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

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

‘Mattress Mack’ promotes capitalism with a cause

Sweets & treats bake off marks Fourth of July

OakBend Medical Center employees celebrated July 4th early with a Sweets & Treats Bake Off held on July 2nd. The Sweets & Treats Bake Off included a dazzling display of cakes, cookies, cobblers, and other delicious desserts. Entries were judged based on taste, creativity and presentation. The volunteer judges were Collin Cook, Janell Kucera, Cathey Oleneck, and Bobbie Scott. The employee’s entries were impressive; the following were the top three winners: •Felipa Velasquez from Radiology took both first place and the Employee Choice awards, left. •Kelley Drabek from Physical Therapy took second place, above. •Jessica Hickman and Cathryn Oliver from the Senior Behavioral Health Unit took third place. The winners received gift baskets in appreciation for their entries. And, while the entries were devoured by the dayside employees, Old Main Street Bakery generously donated tasty treats for OakBend’s night staff.

Sugar Land increases homestead exemption

Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, addresses a press conference Sugar Land City Council at the new Gallery Furniture store atrium, at 7227 West Grand Parkway South in Fort Bend County, with the Living Green Wall recently approved an 8 percent residential homestead exempas the backdrop on July 1. tion, effective Jan. 1, 2015 to pleted in Houston-based WhirlBy SESHADRI KUMAR help offset rising residential More than selling furniture, wind Steel Building Systems property appraisals set by the the main message of Gallery Inc.’s 60 year history.

Fort Bend Central Appraisal In addition to the store’s huge Furniture icon Mattress Mack District. The City has no coninventory of made in America is ‘capitalism with a cause.’ trol over appraisals.

While providing a great furniture, the showroom offers The increased exemption shopping experience, the third new collections including an represents an estimated cityGallery Furniture was opened exclusive William Stubbs Colwide savings to residents of to provide jobs to Americans, lection designed by acclaimed $229,000 or $11 per year on he said. The new shop helped designer Bill Stubbs, named the average home value of one of Architectural Digest’s hire at least 150 people. $350,000. The savings are “We provide great products Top Designers and Architects based on the City’s current tax and great jobs for Americans,” for years. rate of 31.595 cents.

To further Mack’s philosoJim McIngvale said. Also, the “We remain most proud of new shop proved that all things phy of capitalism with a cause, the fact that we are consistently are possible since McIngvale one of the main beneficiaries of able to successfully deliver maand his wife Linda started sell- Gallery Furniture Grand Parking furniture out of tents, de- way is The Brookwood Community, a non-profit residential cades ago.

Gallery Furniture, one of facility and vocational program Missouri City Green board Houston’s most recognized for adults with disabilities. The members display several presretailers, officially opened its McIngvales have donated an tigious awards the organizathird store on Wednesday, July entire section of the store to the tion received at the recent Keep 1, at 7227 West Grand Parkway Brookwood citizens to sell their Texas Beautiful conference in personally crafted products.

South in Fort Bend County.

Fort Worth: Gold Star Affiliate The featured amenities inOwner Jim “Mattress Mack” status; Governor’s CommuMcIngvale and his wife Linda clude: nity Achievement Award: 2nd •20,000 sq. ft. atrium with McIngvale worked closely with place in State (Category 8: pop. architects to translate his de- monkeys, birds, ever changing 65,001-90,000); Ebby Halliday cades of retail experience into a floral masterpieces initially deand Maurice Acers Business design that will delight and sur- signed and installed by world Award: 3rd place in Texas for a prise customers, giving them renowned floral designer Jeff report on Ben E. Keith’s Gold a shopping experience like no Leatham and the largest indoor rated LEED facility in Missouri living wall in Texas with more other.

City. Missouri City Green is At 165,000 square feet, the than 11,000 plants a completely volunteer-run •30,000 gallon salt-water Grand Parkway store is not only 501(c)3 non-profit organizathe largest Gallery Furniture aquarium featuring a variety of tion. For information, visit misshowroom, it’s also the largest See GALLERY, Page2 souricitygreen.org steel building project ever com-

jor projects and quality-of-life improvements while having one of the lowest tax rates in the state of Texas,” said City Manager Allen Bogard.

“It is this emphasis on value for tax dollars that may just be our greatest accomplishment of all.”

In 2007, the homestead exemption was increased from 1 to 5 percent and then to 7 percent in 2008 in response to rising appraisals. There is a minimum exemption of $5,000 per homeowner.

The City has made significant strides in the last few years toward diversifying revenues between sales tax and prop-

erty tax collections. The City has recognized that over reliance on sales tax to fund governmental operations should be avoided since sales tax can be a volatile and elastic revenue stream.

The fiscal year 2015-16 budget and five-year forecast are being prepared with conservative estimates in tax revenues -- based on a flat tax rate and 3 percent growth in values -- with voter-approved increases in the tax rate anticipated in fiscal year 2017 and fiscal year 2019 to support bond projects.

The use of the homestead exemption to manage residential tax bill growth allows the

City Council to target the tax breaks to homeowners in the City while maintaining revenue streams from commercial properties that would be lost if the tax rate were adjusted. Additional value growth over the estimates provides an opportunity to offset the tax rate increase needed to implement the bond projects or an option to accelerate other projects in the CIP. “By increasing the homestead exemption, the City Council can target tax relief to homeowners who have seen significant increases in valuation from the Central Appraisal District during the last two years,” said Bogard.

Missouri City Green earns awards at Keep Texas Beautiful Conference

MISSOURI CITY GREEN BOARD MEMBERS. L to R: Ginny Grant, Pam Allan, Lynn Ellis, Margo Webb, Paul Wierzbicki, Don Johnson, Pam Andrews, Diane Giltner and Nancy Schoepf; Not shown: Eric Barbour

www.hrbacek.com

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 8, 2015

Gallery From Page 1

fish, including blacktip and zebra sharks •Brick & Mortar Kitchen, a full-service restaurant, bar and bakeshop with a separate entrance and outdoor seating. “This store has been a dream come true for my family and me,” McIngvale says. “I couldn’t think of a better community to be joining and the entire Gallery Furniture team looks forward to serving the outstanding families of Fort Bend County.”

GSky® Plant Systems, Inc., the industry leader in Living Green Wall technology, has unveiled its latest creation – a four-and-half-story Living Green Wall at the new Gallery Furniture store in Fort Bend County. The Living Green Wall, designed by GSky® Director of Horticultural Design Deborah Kotalic, is 48 feet high, 42 feet long (1,822 square feet) and features 12,000 plants.

Jeff Leatham, the “floral artist to the stars,’’ was commissioned by Gallery Furniture to design the open atrium space in the store.

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JULY 8, 2015 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

NEWS Remembering Donald Leonetti Boy Scouts build fence for AccessHealth

By LISA GLENN A year ago on July 17, 2014, the life of Missouri City businessman and T-shirt Icon Donald Leonetti was cut short in a tragic senseless way and an entire community went into mourning along with his family.

For over 25 years, his company, Leonetti Graphics, has served Fort Bend Schools, a myriad of charitable organizations and countless local businesses by creating designs that shouted the adage “a picture is worth a thousand words.”

As the anniversary of his passing approaches, his family wanted people to remember the day and Donald by actively doing something good for someone else because that was the kind of person he was!

Literally thousands of people waited in lines to walk through the doors of

Leonetti River Pointe Community Church the night of the family visitation and the day of his memorial service last year.

Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen summed up the core of Donald when he remarked, “He was a special and giving person and will be sorely missed. There are few people like him that want nothing in

return for what they do.”

Mayor Owen plans to issue a proclamation in Leonetti’s honor next week.

River Pointe’s Pastor Patrick Kelley laughingly told the gathering last July that Donald was his kind of guy: “someone who put real hands and feet” on God’s message.

He encouraged everyone to embrace the way Donald lived and not let guilt or anger take the place of forgiveness and reaching out.

Living in a world where movies, the media, and social networking seem to highlight war, violence and misdeeds, Donald’s family wants everyone to think about the potential for good and then go out there and actually do something good for someone else in memory of Donald, an every-day guy who epitomized being a “cheerful giver.”

Stafford hires consultant to evaluate Limited Open Enrollment

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The pros and cons of Limited Open Enrollment (LOE) at Stafford Municipal School District (SMSD) has been debated since it started in the mid-2000s under a former superintendent, Lloyd Graham.

Limited Open Enrollment allows students from other school districts to transfer to districts that have such a program. The LOE students are usually low performing and the districts that enroll them do so to increase enrollment so they can collect more state money. More students mean more state support.

Stafford MSD is considered a wealthy school district so has to send money to the state to help support school districts that are not considered such. In the mid-2000’s SMSD’s goal was more money, since the Robin Hood money sent to the state by SMSD, was punching a hole in the district’s budget.

Graham thought the LOE program would be a way to fill the hole.

In an effort to finally see the expense versus return of the program, Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella, at city council’s July 1 meeting, proposed hiring John Pitts and the Texas Star Alliance. He wants Pitts to “analyze and evaluate the legality, practicality and expenses of the LOE program at SMSD” and present available options on it to council and school board members.

What brought this about is questions regarding such have never been asked, Scarella said at council’s meeting, and there are now more than 800 LOE students attending SMSD schools. In his opening remarks to council, the mayor said the program began with fewer than 100 students and has grown to 23 percent of the student body.

“In spite of a substantial impact on all aspects of SMSD, a thorough and comprehensive assessment of the program is unavailable,” Scarcella said. He also said the program requires 35 teachers to educate the 800 LOE students and that other school district costs that have not been analyzed include police staging expenses.

The mayor also said, SMSD receives the per student allocation the state sends but costs exceeding that remittance are borne by Stafford taxpayers. He said there has been no determination on those exact costs and no effort made by SMSD to recapture costs from other school districts or those that exceed the amount the state remits.

He also said, “The LOE student contingency appears to be composed mainly from ‘failing’ and ‘faulty’ schools of the surrounding districts. Consequently, SMSD has become a santuary for the children in these districts which fail to pro-

vide them the educational quality to which they are entitled.

“This program is currently the most widely debated and divisive issue surrounding SMSD,” Scarcella said. Information to city council shows that Pitts would charge $4,000 for his services and that the city’s funding would come from a $25,000 line item in the budget.

In another memo to council on June 26, Scarcella said Pitts has served as the city’s lobbyist for SMSD for the past three legislative sessions and is extremely knowledgeable in regard to SMSD’s educational, financial and legal aspects. He has just completed a contract with the district so Scarcella was asking council to extend and expand it and authorize Pitts to provide answers to council members’ questions.

The mayor said he’s hoping Pitts will be able to apprise council of his findings before they are asked to vote on the district’s budget and tax rate so council can consider the information before they vote.

Councilman A. J. Honore said he fears that if 2,000 kids from Stafford are attending schools in other districts, trying to collect money from the other districts to educate their kids, may backfire because they will begin trying to collect money from SMSD. Scarcella said he didn’t see any way SMSD would be disadvantaged as most of the kids who live in Stafford and don’t go to SMSD schools attend private schools. “This has a direct tie-in to the budget we’ll be asked to adopt. The costs

are related to 23 percent of our student body and that’s what we’re asking for and wanting to get. I just want the facts about what it costs related to (LOE) students and teachers.”

When the question arose about looking at LOE teacher salaries and if council has any say over that budget item, Council Member Virginia Rosas, a former school board member, said most if not all teacher contracts are signed by now.

Scarccella told council that SMSD Supt. Robert Bostic has requested the city pay for half of the staging costs the school has thanks to more LOE students and the policemen needed to direct all the increased traffic that brings LOE students to the campus.

What Scarcella said started the most recent churning in his head to get the costs of SMSD’s LOE program was when former Supt. Lance Hindt told council that SMSD had 796 kids in open enrollment. “It blew me out of the tub. I was too stunned to say anything. I had no idea we have that many kids in LOE from the time Graham instituted it and Hindt left here. We had the first discussion about LOE’s during the late years of Dr. Hindt’s superintendency.”

After the mayor finished, Councilman Robert Sorbet said he thinks council needs to articulate their position on LOE to the public – “what we’re trying to accomplish and understand and not add to the confusion and conflict.”

Scarcella replied: “I want the information. I want the details

Local boy scouts volunteered their time and energy to construct a privacy fence last month for AccessHealth’s main Center in Richmond. Scouts from troop #801 from Richmond showed up ready to work at 8 a.m. each of three work days in June. AccessHealth’s Chief Medical Officer, David Krusleski, MD, serves as the troop’s Scoutmaster. AccessHealth and the Boy Scouts share a commitment to serving their communities. For more information, contact Sharonda DeBose at (281) 633-3144 or sdebose@myaccesshealth.org. Above, Scoutmaster David Krusleski, MD, left, Beau Arbour, Brent Redding, Daniel Arbour, Austin Didas, Hunter Didas, Ryan Dockum, Seth Buckner, Travis Redding, Nick Dockum and Todd Lirkpatrick.

HCC Board of Trustees approves plan to help homeowners save money The Board of Trustees at Houston Community College (HCC) has approved an increased local property tax exemption for 2015 designed to provide tax relief to those over 65 and disabled homeowners in the HCC taxing district.

“This move will make an appreciable difference for many in our community,” said Zeph Capo, board chair.

HCC administration considered several options and chose to raise the over 65/disabled homeowner exemption from $90,000 to $120,000. This, along with the homestead exemption of $5,000 or $10% of the appraised value (whichever is greater) will allow many homeowners on fixed or lower incomes a more substantial savings on their taxes.

and we will disseminate it to the public as clearly as we can and use it to evaluate the SMSD budget that has to be adopted before the end of August. I want the LOE information in order to evaluate the budget. There is so much misinformation about the LOE budget. We need to get as much information about it as we can and then decide what is an appropriate approach.”

With that said, Sorbet made the motion to approve, Rosas seconded and council voted to hire Pitts.

This exemption change should impact over 87,000 homeowners in the College’s taxing district. Approximately 45,000 homeowners in this group will now be completely exempt from payment of taxes to HCC, and the remaining households will save an additional amount of $32 per year, on average.

“Our board members have voiced the concerns of our community about the tax rates and we wanted to find a way to help provide some relief,” said Dr. Cesar Maldonado, chancellor at HCC. “Administration and the Board believe this is a great start.”

Robert Glaser, board vice chair who was among several to bring this issue to the board’s attention said, “In the

past few years, we have seen a large appreciation in the home values in Harris County, so focusing on helping those who need a break the most is certainly moving in the right direction. I’d like to thank the Board of Trustees at HCC for taking this action.”

Annually in June, HCC is prompted to review the tax rate.

Knowing that this date was coming, the HCC financial operations departments worked to define a rate that would help tax payers and still allow the college to meet its budgetary commitments.

“This is an efficient way to help those who need the tax relief,” said Teri Zamora, vice chancellor of Finance and Administration.

City of Missouri City

Legal Notice THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE *******NEW CLOSING DATE OF JULY 23, 2015 AT 2:00 pm.******* Sealed BIDS for the provision of Janitorial Services to the City of Missouri City, RFP # 16-001 Janitorial Services Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the RFP name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Bids must be delivered to the attention of the Sealed Bid Box, City of Missouri City Purchasing Office, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489, prior to the acceptance deadline. Bids marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Bids are opened in public in the City Hall Council Chambers on July 23, 2015 at 2:00 pm.

A pre-bid conference was held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, City of Missouri City, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489, on June 30, 2015 at 9:00 AM. Until final award of the Contract, the OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the Work otherwise when in the best interests of the OWNER. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

City of Missouri City

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THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE *******NEW CLOSING DATE OF JULY 23, 2015 AT 2:00 pm.******* Sealed BIDS for the provision of Petroleum Products to the City of Missouri City, Bid # 16-002 Petroleum Products for City-Wide Use Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the Bid name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Bids must be delivered to the attention of the Sealed Bid Box, City of Missouri City Purchasing Office, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489, prior to the acceptance deadline. Bids marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Bids are opened in public in the City Hall Council Chambers on July 23, 2015 at 2:00 pm.

There is not a pre-bid conference.

Until final award of the Contract, the OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the Work otherwise when in the best interests of the OWNER. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

City of Missouri City

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THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE *******NEW CLOSING DATE OF JULY 23, 2015 AT 2:00 pm.******* Sealed BIDS for the provision of Design Build Services to the City of Missouri City, RFP # 16-005 Design Build Services for Community Center Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the RFP name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Bids must be delivered to the attention of the Sealed Bid Box, City of Missouri City Purchasing Office, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489, prior to the acceptance deadline. Bids marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Responses are opened in public in the City Hall Council Chambers on July 23, 2015 at 2:00 pm.

There was a mandatory pre-bid conference will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, City of Missouri City, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489, on June 24, 2015 at 10:00 AM. Until final award of the Contract, the OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the Work otherwise when in the best interests of the OWNER. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 8, 2015

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS

Heaven on earth — Behind the walls

By CAROLYN BOWDEN In this world, there are beautiful homes of interest to the public, built many years ago by the very wealthy.

Heaven on Earth is exceptional because it was like a “step-child� of a contemporary Lady, Susan Douglas.

At ďŹ rst glance the imposing structure of Southern Colonial architecture is awesome; sprawling majestically across 1-1/2 city blocks and rising three stories.

Most rooms open to broad verandas overlooking the grounds and pool.

There are 5 stairways, 12 ďŹ replace mantels, nearly 100 mirrors, 50 clocks and innumerable architectural embellishments from many American and European homes, buildings and churches.

THE MASTER PLAN: The house was restored and “wings� were added in 1973.

In an effort to conform to the classic architecture of the main house the new additions were built from old timbers.

These came from Missouri City Elementary School and Governor William P. Hobby’s mansion on South Main in Houston along with features such as, doors, windows and staircases found in New Orleans and other parts of our country.

THE ENTRY FOYER: As you enter the home by way of the entry foyer you pass the parlor, study, a very “unusual� powder room and the formal dining room.

These rooms have been decorated with ďŹ ne antique furnishings by Mr. & Mrs. Douglas. Mr. Douglas was recognized before his death in 1983 as one of the most outstanding interior designers in this part of the country.

Photo by Janet Roberts

Near the bar sits a genuine four seater sleigh with curved runners. The sleigh was purchased from a movie prop company. It was used in the movie “Dr. Zhivago,� a 1965 dramaromance film.

None of the furnishings are original to the house but he created an atmosphere of an estate reminiscent of similar ďŹ ne homes around the turn of the century.

THE POWDER ROOM: As leader of a Junior Girl Scout troop we went on a tour in the mid 70’s. When the guide opened a door, introducing the “powder room�, they were immediately interested in taking a peek inside.

They were told that this was a restroom for guests. Confusion about the function of this room caused many questions for the tour guide. Mainly, “where is the commode?�

Mrs. Douglas was particular about the overall look of a room. Everything must follow the same “themeâ€?. Therefore, the commode was ďŹ tted with a

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MAIL YOUR CHECK TO CAROLYN BOWDEN ----------------------------------- &\SUHVV 3RLQW 'ULYH $SDUWPHQW Missouri City, Texas 77 59

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Collection of newspaper columns written by Carolyn Bowden

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. (John 3:16) www.bibleliterature.com

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Bowden custom built chair which was placed over the commode, skirted to the oor.

However, it could still be useful, when needed, because the seat of the chair raised to reveal its true purpose. (It is my understanding that this “feature� has since been changed.)

THE MORNING ROOM: You can greet a new day with the help of red painted woodwork and a fabric of strawberries on the walls which gives a feeling of relaxed, carefree gaiety which was typical of that time when life moved at a more leisurely pace. Here, a kitchen was added, featuring a beautiful stained glass from Brussels, Belgium dated 1910.

THE SALOON ROOM: Down a few steps you enter a room where the oor is from the original Missouri City middle school which was just across the street from the house.

Mr. Douglas personally negotiated with the school district to purchase the oor before it was destroyed.

An authentic mirror and bar-front found in a saloon in New Orleans is featured.

Near the bar sits a genuine four seater sleigh with curved runners.

The sleigh was purchased from a movie prop company.

It was used in the movie “Dr. Zhivago,â€? a 1965 British epic drama-romance ďŹ lm, directed

by David Lean, starring Omar Sharif and Julie Christie.

The setting is in Russia during World War I and the Revolution, and is loosely based on the Boris Pasternak novel of the same name.

The novel was immensely popular in the West, but banned in Russia at that time.

For this reason, the ďŹ lm could not be made there, but mostly in Spain. The ďŹ lm won ďŹ ve Academy Awards.

Stained glass church windows, a large circle-top bay window from Governor Hobby’s mansion and an oldfashioned pump organ lend a nostalgic atmosphere to this unusual room.

As the scouts entered this area, all eyes focused on this huge sleigh. Scouts from the southern states had never seen a “real� sled, much less a Sleigh. They immediately surrounded it and began to plead for permission to “climb aboard.�

Mr. Douglas was there to welcome the scouts and he gave them permission to take turns. A “hallmark moment� and I had no camera. Their excitement over this discovery pleased Mr. Douglas immensely.

To be continued: “ The Romantic Victorian Era�

NEXT COLUMN: July 22.

Write your comments to CarolynVBowden@aol.com

GUEST COMMENTARY

By STANLEY KEEHLWETTER The Manhattan Supreme Court recently heard the case of two chimpanzees named Hercules and Leo, which were apparently caged while undergoing research at Stony Brook University. Represented by the Nonhuman Rights Project, the suit contends that the pair should have a right to “bodily liberty� and that any caging of these primates violates their rights. Steven M. Wise of the Nonhuman Rights Project asserts that the chimpanzees are enough like human beings that they are entitled to a writ of habeas corpus. The petition, being considered by Justice Barbara Jaffe, would have them transferred to a primate sanctuary in southern Florida.

What should we make of this? Do chimpanzees, or other higher order animals such as dolphins and whales, qualify for human rights?

God and science A secular society that has embraced a worldview based on the premises of naturalism would seem to think so.

If human beings are simply the product of eons of evolutionary progress, then are not all species simply of a lower order and thus—in terms of rights—entitled to the same liberties as all animals, including humans?

According to its website, the Nonhuman Rights Project’s mission is “to change the common law status of at least some nonhuman animals from mere ‘things,’ which lack the capacity to possess any legal right, to ‘persons,’ who possess such fundamental rights as bodily integrity and bodily liberty, and those other legal rights to which evolving standards of morality, scientiďŹ c discovery, and human experience entitle them.â€? The case of Hercules and Leo is one of

the ďŹ rst cases that has actually been granted a hearing in a municipal court in the United States.

Imagine the slippery slope upon which society may embark should the court grant “personhoodâ€? status to the chimps. Who will deďŹ ne “higher order?â€? Will animals be permitted to own property and get married? Might they be eligible for government sponsored health care from their veterinarian? Could a dog sue his owner because the owner failed to walk him properly? Sure, these scenarios seem absurd, but society has recently embraced a “new normalâ€? where traditional values are now deďŹ ned—by the loudest voices—as being “weird.â€? If the deďŹ nition of personhood is deconstructed then the value attributed to the fact that humans bear the image of God is undermined.

As this suit progresses, no doubt to higher courts in New York, it will be interesting to see if any reference is made to the “Covenant of Creationâ€? as recorded in the ďŹ rst chapter of the Bible. After the creation account, which includes references to the making of human beings in the image of God, a creation mandate is articulated in Genesis 1:28. God blessed them (the humans) and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; ďŹ ll the earth and subdue it. Rule over the ďŹ sh in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.â€?

Theologians over the centuries have pointed to this passage as clear indication that human beings are different than members of the animal world. In relating to the animal kingdom, humans are to exercise dominion thus serving as God’s agents in giving oversight to their well-being.

Animals do not share the same

category in creation as humans. In Genesis 2 all the animals were brought to Adam and the passage relates that “no suitable helper was found� (v. 20). There were none in the animal kingdom that shared Adam’s divinely created soul.

The passage then goes on to describe the creation of a female, Eve, a human who did bear God’s image as well.

Exercising “rule� or “dominion� involves compassion and an appreciation for the higher orders of God’s creation. Though chimpanzees do not qualify for human rights within the Biblical economy, humans should exercise wisdom and be good stewards of the created order. In so doing, perhaps attention needs to be given to the fact that higher order species like chimps and dolphins and whales need to be cared for in ways that enhance their health and physical happiness. That may mean that they should not be caged but rather experience some degree of “bodily liberty� in an appropriate habitat.

The way that human beings best demonstrate the fact that they bear the image of God and are mandated to serve as his representatives within creation is to exercise wisdom, concern, and compassion in caring for all of God’s creatures, acknowledging that only men and women are persons created in God’s image entitled to the rights of personhood. That is one of the distinguishing characteristics that makes human beings the epitome of God’s creation.

Dr. F. Stanley Keehlwetter is the dean of the chapel at Grove City College and a member of the public persuasion and media working group of The Center for Vision & Values.

FILM REVIEW: Inside Out Animation is not my strong suit, and Inside Out is a highclass animation by Disney and Pixar.

Director and co-writer Pete Doctor, who earned his stripes on the “Toy Story� franchise among other super-successful animations, explained to my AMC audience a little about the animation team and its creation before the opening credits rolled. Thanks Director Doctor.

My theatre was packed on a recent sleepy Friday afternoon at one o’clock. That’s two weeks after its premier on June 19th and the money is still rolling in; sales should top $300 million soon. Since I didn’t screen this ick before opening weekend, then I think ticket sales are more indicative of the enjoyment factor of this movie rather than my comments.

Of course, that won’t stop me from sharing my takes, but money talks and Inside Out is killing.

Our heroine is a sweet young child named Riley. She has recently been uprooted from her home in Minnesota with her parents in a move to San Francisco. Her emotions of Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness have a running conict in how best for Riley to “navigate a new city, house, and school.â€?

Well, isn’t that special. We get the opportunity to watch the committee in her head push and

shove in their race to tweak her tears and triumphs.

My audience was not only large, it was wide ranging in ages and had a strong presence of teenagers. I think I saw some teenage boys getting in touch with their feelings. Is that possible?

Since animation does not have humans performing, it certainly utilizes the talented voices of our actors. This cast of voices was marvelous and seemed to be having fun in delivering their lines with just the right amount of passion, reaction, and sentiment. Standouts were: Amy Poehler as Joy; Phyllis Smith

– Sadness; Bill Hader – Fear; Mindy Kaling – Disgust and the no-brainer choice for Anger – comedian Lewis Black.

It appears to me that a good animator and actor work together and have the ability to mold the sound of the voice with the animated feature on the screen and the match is near perfect when done properly. Director Doctor and Pixar are magical animators.

Who should see this movie? Heck, most of you already have. It’s better than Magic Mike XXL. Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 85. Larry H. sugarlaw@larryharrison.com

JULY 8, 2015 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

NEWS

Fort Bend Theatre presents Legally Blonde

SHOW TO BENEFIT FORT BEND FAMILY PROMISE. Tidelanders will present their popular Sugar Land Good Time Show on Aug. 1 at Christ United Methodist Church. With a history spanning more than sixty years, The Houston Tidelanders Chorus is an all male championship a cappella 4-part harmony chorus that has warmed the hearts of audiences across Houston and the United States. The Tidelanders’ performances will benefit Fort Bend Family Promise, a local nonprofit that provides shelter, meals and comprehensive support to homeless families.

The Sugar Land Goodtime Shows will be held on Saturday, August 1st at Christ United Methodist Church, 3300 Austin Parkway. During these cabaret-style shows, the Tidelanders get up close and personal and serve as your waiters for the afternoon or evening. Tickets for the 6 p.m. show are $25 and include a light dinner and soft drinks. There will also be a matinee at 1 p.m. with $12.50 tickets. Tickets may be purchased online at www.houstontidelanders.org or by calling 281-467-3096.

The award-winning Fort Bend Theatre is tickled pink to present Legally Blonde: The Musical.

Having won over audiences across the nation, Elle, Bruiser and company will perform at the state-ofthe-art Stafford Centre on July 31 through August 2.

“The Stafford Centre is thrilled to be working again with Fort Bend Theatre on their production of Legally Blonde: The Musical. Fort Bend Theatre has hosted numerous performances at our Centre and they have all been impressive productions from the quality of actors, sets and the music.

We are highly anticipating this upcoming production,” says Bryan Blaum, President of FM Squared, managing company of the Stafford Centre.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is first in Southeast Texas to offer new best-in-class CT scanner Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the first in Southeast Texas to install the new Revolution CT scanner, a breakthrough advancement in computed tomography (CT) scanning that delivers 4D image quality, speed and enhanced clinical capabilities – all with less radiation.

CT machines, one of the most widely used imaging technologies in medicine, use a rotating X-ray source that collects a series of rapid images. Those images are then constructed via computer software to create an extremely high resolution, multi-dimensional and full view of organs, soft tissues, vascular structures and bones.

The new Revolution CT provides a number of advantages to patients, said Robert Malone, M.D., board-certified raidiologist and the hospital’s Medical Director of Imaging

Services. The Revolution CT captures the highest resolution images accurately while reducing the radiation dose by as much as 82 percent. It is quieter and more comfortable than traditional units, and it can easily accommodate patients weighing up to 500 pounds.

The wide coverage of Revolution CT allows Houston Methodist Sugar Land radiologists to scan entire organs such as the brain, heart, liver or pancreas in a single 0.28 second rotation, reducing breath hold times for patients.

Also, the speed of the new technology enables physicians to gather information about function, such as blood flow, as well as anatomy. The speed of the CT scanner is ideal for pediatric patients who will not have to hold their breath and stay still for extended periods of time, which in turn does not

necessitate sedation as a traditional CT might.

“The installation of the Revolution CT is a major step forward for Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and the patients we serve,” Malone said. “This is truly best-in-class technology that will have an important impact on the care we provide. For example, the Revolution CT can capture the heart’s motion in just one heartbeat at any heart rate – without sacrificing image quality and without the need for beta blockers or other medications to slow the heart. That enables us to visualize the heart more clearly than ever before with a noninvasive test, and accurately diagnose more patients with erratic or high heart beats.”

B. Keith Ellis, M.D., Medical Director of the Chest Pain Center at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, said the

new technology makes it possible to obtain high-resolution scans for even the most challenging cardiac applications.

“With Revolution CT, we can clearly see specific areas of the heart that were previously compromised either by a patient’s movement, high heart rate or inability to hold his or her breath,” Ellis said.

“And because we can acquire both functional and anatomical information from a single exam, we can more quickly respond to patients who have chest pain or other coronary implications.”

The Revolution CT system is manufactured by GE Healthcare.

For more information visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or to schedule an outpatient imaging appointment call 281.274.7170.

Legally Blonde: The Musical is the season finale for Fort Bend Theatre, which is celebrating its 26th anniversary of serving the community with inspiring theatrical performances and professional education in the arts.

This delightful production is directed by Tarra McCain, Executive Artistic Director of Fort Bend Theatre. Together they have produced over 500 shows and entertained more than 500,000 patrons since their inception in 1989.

Tarra McCain remarked, “We are overjoyed to have our talented choreographer, Sarah Sneesby, assisted in the production. You may remember her talents from our last performance at the Stafford Centre in Les Miserables and she is ready to bring her vision to our production unlike any you have seen before.”

Audiences will enjoy the hysterical and charming musical with all of the excitement of the original hit movie combined with the non-stop thrilling musical numbers.

Legally Blonde is a musical based on the novel Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown and

Process Technology and EMS Programs Coming to Richmond Now it’s more convenient than ever to train for a career in which there is high demand for employees.

WCJC will expand two highly successful programs to its Richmond/Fort Bend Technical Center this fall: Process Technology This two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program prepares students to work in plant operations in the petrochemical, refining and pharmaceutical industries.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median salary of a chemical plant operator as $55,900. College officials report that 80 percent of program graduates find employment within 90 days of graduation.

Register Now!

Fall Classes Begin August 31 To register, visit wcjc.edu or call 800.561.9252

Emergency Medical Services The two-year AAS degree qualifies graduates to work as an EMT. The one-year certificate program provides paramedic training. Salaries vary widely, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics placing the average salary of a paramedic at just over $31,000. The majority of WCJC students have job offers before they graduate, or they have been employed and seek additional certification.

Wharton | Sugar Land | Richmond | Bay City 800.561.WCJC (9252) Learn about more than 40 other programs of study at WCJC by visiting wcjc.edu.

the 2001 film of the same name that starred Reese Witherspoon.

Elle Woods, a sorority girl, enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend, Warner.

Elle puts down the credit cards and hits the books.

Throughout the show, no one has faith in her abilities, but she manages to surprise them when she defies expectations.

Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

This high-energy pop musical’s fun and catchy score features music and lyrics

by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and a hysterical book by Heather Hach.

Legally Blonde: The Musical received seven Tony nominations, ten Drama Desk nominations and a Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

Tickets for Legally Blonde: The Musical are on sale now. Performances are July 31 through August 2.

Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m with a matinee performance on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. For tickets, call 281-208-3333 or visit www.fortbendtheatre.com .

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 8, 2015

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LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2015 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. All addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www. fortbendcountytx.gov.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS No. 15-CPR-027784 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTRIX ESTATE OF CHARLES WAYNE HARREL, DECEASED Notice is hereby given that on the 22nd dya of June 2015, Letters Testamentary upon the Estate of Charles Wayne Harrel, Deceased, were issued to Sharon K. Harrel by Honorable County Court at Law No. 4, of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause No. 15-CPR-027884, pending upon the Docket of said court.

All persons having claims against the said are hereby required to present the same within the time prescribed by law. The residence of SHARON K. HARREL, executrix, being in Katy, Fort Bend County, Texas, and the post office address of the said executor being as shown below: 28626 Wing Elm Drive Katy, Texas 77478 DATED the 29th day of June, 2015.

Jeffrey J. Messock, Attorney 17171 Park Row, Suit 25 Houston, Texas 77084

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

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO SHIREEN DHARANI 10350 LANDS END DRIVE #1208 HOUSTON TX 77099 NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being August 10, 2015 a default judgment may be taken against you.

Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building.

The case is presently pending before the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on April 16, 2015. It bears cause number 15-DCV-222774 and is styled: Leroy Greer vs. LMS, Inc. D/B/A Landscape Management Services, LMS-1, L.L.C., Jose Eligio, Shireen Dharani, and Rejesh Agarwal The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: RONALD K. LOVETT LOVETT LAW FIRM 440 COBIA DRIVE SUITE 602 KA TY TX 77 494 281-391-5400 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: WHEREFORE, PREMISES, CONSIDERED, PLAINTIFF, LEROY GREER, PRAYS THAT DEFENDANT BE CITED TO APPEAR AND ANSWER HEREIN, AND THAT UPON TRIAL OR HEARING OF THIS MATTER, THAT JUDGMENT BE ENTERED FOR PLAINTIFF, INCLUDING ACTUAL DAMAGES, PUNITIVE DAMAGES, PREJUDGMENT AND POST-JUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED

BY LAW, COSTS OF COURT, AND ALL SUCH OTHER AND FURTHER RELIEF, AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, TO WHICH HE MAY BE JUSTLY ENTITLED. If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 25th day of June, 2015.

DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County Deputy District Clerk Vanessa Vasquez Telephone: (281) 341-3754

Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for the Unincorporated Areas of Fort Bend and Waller Counties, Texas, and Case No. 14-06-2647P. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) solicits technical information or comments on proposed flood hazard determinations for Insurance Study (FIS) report for your community. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. The FIRM and, if applicable, the FIS report have been revised to reflect these flood hazard determinations through issuance of a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), in accordance with Title 44, Part 65 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. For more information on the proposed flood hazard determinations and information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, please visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/bfe, or call the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).

NOTICE OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS VACANCIES AND RECRUITMENT APPLICATION DEADLINE JULY 20, 2015 The City of Sugar Land relies on specialized boards and commissions, made up of residents living within the corporate city limits, to assist with community decisionmaking processes.

City Council has opened the recruitment process for two commissions and one board with vacancies: Planning and Zoning Commission; Building Standards Commission; and PARCS (Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture, and Streetscapes and Tree Advisory Board).

Applications are being accepted up to 5:00 p.m., July 20, 2015. All applications must be submitted electronically through the city website “Serve Sugar Land Volunteer Opportunities”. https://volunteer.sugarlandtx.gov/be-a-volunteer.

It is recommended that you SAVE your application responses in a word-type document and cut and paste the responses into the application.

Application Review Process City Council in August will review all applications submitted for board and commission openings or reappointment consideration. From the applicant pool, City Council will select nominees for further consideration. Due to the number of applicants, only nominees are contacted.

Nominees will be invited to participate in a brief in-person interview with City Council and will be asked to briefly respond to questions. If you are notified of an interview schedule, please review your response to the questionnaires prior to your interview, as City Council will be interested in your thoughts.

Appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions will be made September 2015.

Boards and Commissions Planning and Zoning Commission

Known Vacancies June 2015 1

Building Standards Commission

1

PARCS (Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture, and Streetscapes and Tree Advisory Board)

1

For more information on the board and commission application, nomination, interview and appointment process, please contact the Office of City Secretary, 281-275-2730 or e-mail ggundermann@sugarlandtx.gov.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC City Secretary

Houston • Parkglen • 3/2/2

$89,900

Meadows Place•Valencia• 3/2.5/2

$194,500

SOLD

Meadows Place • Dorrance • 5/2/2 Meadows Place • Level Run • 4/2/2 Meadows Place•Amblewood•3/2/2

Dulles High Class of 1965 reunion

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 for Minamax Automotive and Commercial Center Replat No. 1, Precinct 2. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, 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 Brian Nawara with Texas Engineering and Mapping Co. at 281-491-2525 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 9:00AM (CST). The pre-bid conference will be held at the Fort Bend County George Memorial Library located at 1001 Golfview, Richmond, Texas 77469. All bidders are encouraged to attend.

Payment will be by check. Bonds are required.

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

SOLD

$196,500

Sale Pending

BID 15-082 –LED DISPLAY SIGN for GEORGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Meadows Place • Kangaroo • 5/3/0

The Dulles High School’s Class of ‘65 is celebrating its 50th anniversary in August.

Here are the details. Spread the word and send contact information for ‘lost’ classmates.

The class reunion is scheduled for August 22, 2015 at Cafe Adobe second floor banquet room. Stairway access only. The time is 6:30 till 11.

Classmates should contact Frank DeLaro at 832715-9308 or fdelaro@outlook.com or Diane Lundell at 713-213-3447 or dianebroughton47@yahoo.com. $35 at the door per person which includes buffet meal, tea, coffee, or water.

Cash bar available.

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2015 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the proposers made public.

Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

RFP 16-006 – PAUPER BURIAL, TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES

FUMC presents Rob Landes in concert Come and enjoy an afternoon at the movies with Lon Chaney and Rob Landes. The Friends of the Arts Committee, First United Methodist Church, Missouri City invites Rob Landes to entertain the audience with his presentation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, starring Lon Chaney. Rob will improvise music as he watches the film.

Bring your family and friends for an entertaining afternoon on Sunday, July 19 beginning at 4 p.m. The concert will be held in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City, cross street Murphy road.The concert is free to the public, thanks to the generosity of patrons, al-

Landes though love donations graciously accepted.

For more information, please call 281-499-3502 or e mail: FriendsoftheArts@ comcast.net.

Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 for Aliana Section 11 Amending Plat No 1, Precinct 4. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, 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 Warren Escovy with LJA Engineering, Inc. at 713-953-5200 for information prior to the hearing.

Detailed unit pricing is required.

Bonds are not required.

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

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

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 28, 2015 for Avalon at Riverstone, Section Six Amending Plat No 1 Precinct 4. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, 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 Jorge L. De La Rosa with Costello Engineering & Surveying at 713-783-7788 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

CITATION BY PUBLICATION DIVORCE TO: BEATRIZ MARISOL MENDEZ UNKNOWN ADRESS, and to all whom it may concern, Respondent GREETINGS: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 AM on the Monday next following the expiration of twenty (20) days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building. The FIRST AMENDED PETITION FOR DIVORCE of CESAR A ORELLANA, Petitioner, was filed in the 434th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on March 04, 2015 against BEATRIZ MARISOL MENDEZ, Respondent, being numbered 15-DCV-220428, and entitled In the Matter of the Marriage of Cesar A Orellana and Beatriz Marisol Mendez and in the Interest of Cesar Ivan Orellana and Antonio Alexander Orellana, Children. The suit requests to dissolve the bonds of matrimony.

The court has authority in this suit to enter any judgment or decree dissolving the marriage and providing for the division of property which will be binding on you.

Issued and given under my hand and seal of the said Court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 26th day of June, 2015.

Petitioner’s Attorney: GODSON C. ONYEDIRI LAW FIRM OF GODSON C ONYEDIRI 6655 HILLCROFT STE 225 HOUSTON TX 77081 713-266-2223 DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County Deputy District Clerk Herlinda Nanez Telephone: (281) 633-7626

$138,500

$149,900

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2015 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the proposers made public.

Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

RFP 15-084 – ROOF REPLACEMENTS FOR 2 LOCATIONS AT JAIL Pre-proposal conference will be conducted on Thursday, July 16, 2015 at 9:00 AM at the Fort Bend County Jail located at 1410 Williams Way Boulevard, Richmond, Texas. A site visit will commence immediately following the preproposal conference. All respondents are encouraged to attend. This is the only date and time respondents will be permitted to complete a site visit and job measurements.

Detailed pricing is required. Bonds are required.

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

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

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2015 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. All addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www. fortbendcountytx.gov.

BID 15-085 – PRESSURE-WASHING AND SEALING VARIOUS COUNTY BUILDINGS A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, July 16, 2015 at 1:00PM (CST). The pre-bid conference will be held at the Fort Bend County EMS Medic 1 location, 4332 Hwy 36, Rosenberg, Texas 77471. Site visits to each location will commence following pre-bid. All bidders are encouraged to attend.

This is the only date and time vendors will be permitted to complete a site visit.

Payment will be by check. 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 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, William B. Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2015 AT 1:30 P.M. (CST). All submissions will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the firms made public. Submissions received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx. gov 1. Q15-080 – DESIGN/BUILD WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM-EVALUATION AND REHABILITATION FOR CITY OF KENDLETON; 2. Q15-081 – DESIGN/BUILD LUM ROAD LIFT STATION #3 REHABILITATION, RECONSTRUCTION OR REPLACEMENT FOR CITY OF KENDLETON. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all qualification statements received. Bonds required by successful vendor.

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

INDEPENDENT • JULY 8, 2015 • Page 7

Emerald Elite Winner and Texas Monthly Top Agent Award 2014 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene

RE/MAX Southwest Bill Moore Team

Jason Moore 281-207-5114

Debbie Marcell 281-782-2101

Diana Miller 713-724-3113

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Christina C. Daw 713-818-2865

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Jeanne Gregory 713-854-0923

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Realtor®/ Owner Benevides & Associates

Nancy Benevides 713-203-9975

RE/MAX Fine Properties CDPE, GRI, PMN, SRES

Pam Shockey 281-435-9808

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For more information about Fort Bend Independent All-Stars, call Becky at 713-291-8190 or e:mail sales@fbindependent.com

(and #4 in the US) RCLCO,

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 8, 2015

Watercrest at Sugar Land is the premier community where active adults like you can enjoy, embrace, and experience an individually tailored retirement lifestyle.

With customized living options that fit your unique needs, budget, and desires, you won't have to settle for a one-size-fits-all lifestyle.

Enjoy engaging experiences in our COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES CENTER

Experience renewed energy in our FITNESS CENTER

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Rejuvenate and look your best in our SALON AND SPA

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