VOL 2 No. 39
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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
Free flu shots to benefit Santa’s Exchange
School board rejects land swap plan
Amy Saenz, left, Leena Taneja; Back Row: Eva Short; Jackie Freeman, Kaelyn Stolhand. Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, in collaboration with Fort Bend and Sugar Land Exchange Club and the Sugar Land Rotary, will provide free flu shots on Saturday, Nov. 14 to community members who participate in Santa’s Gift Exchange. Fort Bend residents can bring a new, unwrapped toy or clothing item to Methodist Sugar Land Hospital from 8 a.m. to noon in exchange for a flu shot. The toys and clothing will benefit local children in the Fort Bend area. “We are proud to partner with the local exchange clubs to provide this community offering. This is a great way for the community to stay healthy while also putting smiles on children’s faces during the
holiday season,” said Chris Siebenaler, CEO of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. In 2008, Santa’s Gift Exchange provided toys and clothing to more than 3,000 economically disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County. Organizers of Santa’s Gift Exchange 2009 are anticipating an increase of qualifying families due to recent economic downturns. “The statistics are showing that donations are down 20 percent overall this year, and everyone’s help is needed to meet the challenge of providing toys for our children who will not have toys this year without our help,” said Lydia Bourg, Chair of Santa’s Gift Exchange 2009. “Our community is well known for its philanthropic
values so we encourage you to participate by dropping off toys or clothing even if you have already had your flu shot,” Siebenaler said. If you would like to participate in this community event, please bring an unwrapped, new toy or clothing item to the main lobby of the new Methodist Sugar Land Hospital between the times of 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Saturday, November 14th. Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will be distributing a limited supply of the seasonal influenza vaccine to persons age 18 and over with no history of egg and/or latex allergy. Those individuals wishing to receive the H1N1 vaccine should contact their primary care physician.
SMSD drops the tax rate By BARBARA FULENWIDER Certified tax values for Stafford finally came in from the county appraisal district and on Sept. 23 Stafford Municipal School District trustees and city council members unanimously approved the total tax rate of $1.23 per $100 valuation for Stafford property owners. The maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate stayed the same at $1.04005 per $100 valuation and the interest and sinking (I&S) rate was cut by half a cent. This is the third year that the SMSD tax rate has decreased. Two years ago the total tax rate was $1.25, last year it was $1.235 and this year it’s $1.23 per $100 valuation for a $50.49 tax reduction on a residential property valued at $142,532. This year Stafford MSD Superintendent H.D. Chambers got his first unanimous vote from council on his budget and tax rate. It was 13-0 with Councilman Robert Sorbet absent.
Chambers said, “I think the vote says that the citizens of Stafford are pleased with what we’re doing.” He also said, “In April we got our preliminary (property) values and by the time we got the certified rolls the values were reduced by 12 percent. Residential valuations went down three percent and commercial went up seven percent, which amounted to almost a $300-million reduction. Total property valuations went from $2.4 billion to $2.1 billion. “The district was able to drop the tax rate for the third time in as many years because of how we positioned ourselves over the past two years with very conservative budgets,” Chambers said. “When you have as big a reduction in valuations as this, it doesn’t impact you as greatly” with conservative budgets. The superintendent also said the two ways he was able to cut the budget considerably
P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623
was with a reduction in force and “streamlining a lot of our instructional programs. We have also competitively bid almost every cost this district has – whether it’s insurance, electricity, etc, We’ve looked at every expense and gotten the best value for every one. “We are working as efficiently as we can and we respect that this isn’t our money. I’m really proud we’re able to cut the tax rate, forecast a surplus budget and not cut a single program when you consider today’s economic climate. Many school districts are in the hole today and having to cut positions and raise taxes and we’re doing just the opposite. We’re doing very well,” Chambers said. Usually the board and city council vote on the budget and tax rate in late August but since the county appraisal district (CAD) had so many property owners protesting their valuations this year the final figures weren’t available until September.
By SESHADRI KUMAR Fort Bend ISD board of trustees in a 3-4 split vote rejected a proposal to swap a 30-acre tract of land adjacent to the Elementary School site No. 45 in Rosharon, near FM 521 and Highway 6. The district purchased the land from Hannover Estates Ltd. in Glendale Lake Estates and the site can accommodate a middle school. The district had also purchased a 65-acre tract of land that fronts FM521. “To provide enhanced opportunity and flexibility for the use of the land,” the administration proposed an exchange of the original 30 acres in Glendale Lake Estates for 30 acres adjoining the southern property line of the district’s 65-acre tract. Though the exchange would not cost anything to the district, it would split the elementary and middle school campuses. Trustee David Reitz opposed the swap because he felt that having a middle school and elementary school next to each other is more advantageous. In the 65-acre tract, the district may build an alternative education center and no specific plans have been made yet for the remaining available space. The swap would help the developer because the 30acre land near the elementary school would enable the developer to build more highend homes, while the land near FM 521 would not be as beneficial to the owner. On Monday night, Board president Bob Broxson and Trustees Susan Hohnbaum
and Laurie Caldwell voted in favor of the swap, while Trustees Sonal Bhuchar, Daniel Menendez, Reitz and Marilyn Glover opposed it. In another split vote, the board decided to appoint Jim Kij, a Sugar Land resident, to represent the school district on the board of Fort Bend County Central Appraisal District. The vacancy was caused by the resignation of Tom Shirley. The other nominee under consideration was Ricardo Garcia, Director of Research & Advanced Technologies for The Methodist Hospital System. Bhuchar proposed Kij’s name and cited his extensive community involvement as a reason for nomination. Reitz suggested that Garcia too is well qualified for the job. Kij’s appointment was approved with Reitz and Glover voting against the motion. In other actions, the board approved an inter-local agreement with the Texas Association of School Boards to study district staffing levels in preparation for the 2010/11 budget process for a fee of $70,000, plus incidental expenses. FBISD has adopted a deficit budget for the 2009/10 year. This deficit is projected to grow in the future under current budgetary allocations. Since more than 85 percent of the budget is comprised of salary and benefits, it is necessary to study the staffing levels at all areas of the organization closely as the district begins the budget process. Later, the board held a workshop to consider zoning proposals for the Elemen-
tary School No. 45 and High School No. 11 in the Sienna Plantation area which are set to open next year. The board reached a consensus on the plan of moving students east of Sienna Crossing Elementary and south of Jan Schiff Elementary to ES# 45 and moving Waterbrook students to Sienna Crossing. In the process, the new school will have 532 students in the first year, while Schiff’s population will reduce from 816 to 631. Scanlan Oaks Elementary will have 947 students. It has 958 now. Sienna Crossing student population will slightly decrease from 964 to 922. The zoning proposal for High School # 11 turned out to be more complicated and no easy solution was available. What started as zoning for one high school is now affecting at least six other high schools. Contrary to the projection that Clements High School population would decline, it has 2,800 students now and the school principal says he is happy with that number. The proposed plan recommends distributing students to high schools with lower population. Willowridge and Marshall High Schools will get more students from Elkins and Hightower zones. Dulles also needs some more students. In this rezoning process, the school board does not want to shift the same student population again and again. The board has asked the administration to refine the proposal to ensure minimal disruption to those already zoned many times.
Johnson Development’s Paula Moss named salesperson of the year The Greater Houston Builders Association named Paula Moss Salesperson of the Year/ Developer during the organization’s 2009 Houston’s Best Awards. Formerly known as PRISM, the awards honor the real estate industry’s finest sales and marketing professionals in the Houston area. Moss, who is part of Johnson Development’s custom home sales team serving the Fort Bend communities of Riverstone and Sienna Plantation, has been nominated twice before. “It is a great honor to win the award,” Moss said. “It has been a challenging year for the housing market, but we have managed to do well this year. It’s very gratifying to be recognized for that effort.” Moss may add to her awards shelf Oct. 30 during the Texas Association of Builders’ Star Awards in Dallas. She is again
Paula Moss, Salesperson of the Year nominated for Salesperson of the Year. A long-time Fort Bend resident, Moss has 15 years of experience in new-home sales. She has been awarded a Graduate Realtors Institute (GRI) designation by the National Association of Re-
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altors and has won several awards for her performance, including being listed as one of Houston’s top five newhome sales associates in 2003 by the GHBA. The previous year, Moss won a prestigious Star award from the Texas Association of Builders. In February, she was recognized as the GHBA’s top salesperson by its Sales and Marketing Council. Moss also has been active in the community. She serves on the board of Fort Bend Lawyers Care, which provides free legal aid, and works to raise money each year for Fort Bend Women’s Center. She is incoming president of the Women’s Council of Realtors, Fort Bend Chapter. A 3,700-acre community, Riverstone is slated for 6,000 homes during the next eight years. For more information, visit www.riverstone.com.
Page 2 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
Community happenings
Exchange Club of Sugar Land members attended the Fort Bend County Fair parade.
Hundreds of people lined up Friday to watch the annual Fort Bend County Fair Parade in the Richmond-Rosenberg area. The fair, open until Oct. 3, features livestock shows, arts and crafts, Texas country concerts. The Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s “Give a kid a flag to wave” project placed flags in the hands of people who wanted to show their love for their country at the Fort Bend County Fair Parade Friday. Above, Exchange Club’s Ray Wathen distributes the flags. For more information on the fair, visit www.fbcfa.org.
Above, Jenna Ramirez and Alanna Pitre were given flags to wave at the passing bands and floats by Exchange Club Member Mary Cook.
AMBIT ENERGY
Friends of the library
RECESSION PROOF YOUR INCOME !!
Friends of First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway, at Grants Lake, Sugar Land, will hold their monthly bargain book sale Sat. Oct. 3, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Books, CD’s, DVD’s (no magazines or encyclopedias) may be donated during regular library hours and are tax deductible. Children’s items are especially needed. Call 281-416-0936.
www.krobison. whyambitworks.com Cub Scouts of America Pack 1880 participated in the parade with a float.
Building homes of quality and distinction for over 40 years.
Plans, prices and availability are subject to change without notice. (10/08)
SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • Page 3
Community news Sales tax figures bring no cheer to cities By BARBARA FULENWIDER July sales tax figures are in and can’t be bringing much joy to the elected officials of east Fort Bend County towns. Perhaps the national economy is now impacting the greater Houston area more negatively but more than likely it was record setting heat. This past July the high of 100 degrees tied one record and 101 and 102-degree highs set two records. Who shops when the car steering wheel is too hot to touch? Whatever the reason none of the six largest towns in the county collected more in July this year than in July 2008. Stafford, which has zero
property tax so pays its bills primarily with sales taxes, took the biggest hit thanks to a drop in manufacturing. The city’s sales tax collections in July totaled $949,184 compared to $1,404,035 July a year ago for a whopping 32.39 percent plunge. Sugar Land’s totals also dipped. July sales tax receipts to the city totaled $2,945,279 this year compared to $3,791,802 last July and is 22.32 percent less. Missouri City’s is also down by 1.16 percent – from $477,971 last July to $472,409 July 2009. Meadows Place sales tax collections in July dropped
23.06 percent – from $88,948 in July 2008 to $68,431 this July. Richmond’s dropped 6.86 percent and Rosenberg’s fell 11.01 percent. Year to date, Stafford, Sugar Land, Rosenberg and Meadows Place are behind last year’s total sales tax collection rates through July. Only Missouri City and Richmond have increases and Richmond’s is huge at 19.60 percent. Missouri City’s total collection rate for the first seven months of this year shows a 4.58 percent increase. Sugar Land’s total sales tax collections for the first
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seven months of this year are $29,896,679 compared to $30,041,242 in 2008. Stafford’s last year through July sales tax collections totaled $10,893,940 and this year are $10,561,811 for a 3.04 decrease. Meadows Place is down 0.31 percent and Rosenberg is down 0.81 percent for the seven months of 2009, which are now paid. Sales tax receipts are always two months behind so September figures are for July, October’s for August, etc. Receipts may edge up a bit for August because even though it was hot enough no records were set.
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The Fort Bend Aggie Mom’s Club will meet at the Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12. Joel McGee, Director of the Student Learning Center at TAMU, will be the speaker. For more information, visit www.fortbendaggiemoms.org
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The Clements High School Choir invites you to enjoy an evening of beautiful music in the Clements High School Auditorium, Thursday, Oct. 22,7 p.m. Admission is free.
Missouri City mails over 100 trash can violation warnings
By BARBARA FULENWIDER Since Aug. 18 when Missouri City Council members directed the code enforcement staff to stop issuing citations and begin mailing courtesy warning letters to residents who weren’t complying with the city’s code regarding trash cans, 119 letters have gone out, according to Ornita Green, director of planning. She said 119 warning letters mailed in a little more than a month’s time “is more on the high side. Since we started issuing the notice letters I haven’t gotten complaints or phone calls from residents who are reporting someone violating it.” In an effort to get the city cleaned up after Hurricane Ike came through a year ago, city council last spring directed code enforcement staff to cite six code violations directly to municipal court.
The violations were for grass or weeds higher than nine inches, abandoned or junked vehicles, vehicles parked on grass, storm damaged structures, pools not properly maintained and trash containers and bagged yard debris put out before or after designated trash or trash collection times. Residents leaving their garbage cans at the curb generated the most citations – at least 81 from May 18 to June 20. After a number of residents protested, city council asked staff to revisit the ordinance and make suggestions to them about what could be done to achieve the desired results without being too punitive. “The standard policy is to send a warning notice but only one,” Green said. “If a second violation is reported, then we issue a citation.” Fines starts at $1 and
climb to $500 plus court costs with the average cost now at $114, according to Missouri City Attorney Caroline Kelley. If a resident is cited for a violation and corrects the offense, Kelley said the prosecutor was recommending a $50 fine plus court costs. Green said, “It seems we are close, if not at the end of people who received citations paying fines for the violations. From the number of phone calls I received, I think there are a great number of citizens who did appreciate the citations going out. “The purpose of this,” Green said, “is to get people in compliance with city code in order to maintain property values. We want the neighborhoods to be neat and clean just as most residents do. We want people to be proud of their neighborhoods and where they live.”
WCJC posts record enrollment Based on preliminary figures, Wharton County Junior College has enrolled 6,657 students for fall 2009, the largest enrollment in the history of the college. This unduplicated headcount is a nine percent increase over last fall’s enrollment. Distance education classes experienced the largest growth – 28 percent – from fall 2008 to fall 2009. Individual campuses with double digit growth over the past year include Bay City with a 23 percent increase and Sugar Land with a 22 percent increase. The Wharton campus increased enrollments by nine percent and the Richmond campus increased enrollments by four percent. President Betty McCrohan credits WCJC’s personnel in helping foster and accommodate the growth. “This enrollment increase in part stems from increased course offerings, new enrollment man-
agement practices, and a multimedia marketing campaign implemented for individual campuses and the college as a whole. We appreciate our faculty for taking on increased assignments and for increasing their maximum enrollment numbers to accommodate
students’ needs. Everybody from our receptionists to counselors to our registration and business office staffs, as well as our instructors, has stepped up to work with the larger numbers of students. It has been a team effort that makes me proud,” said McCrohan.
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Page 4 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
Opinion The “Star” of Plagiarism
Texas Straight Talk Real reasons behind federal secrecy By RON PAUL Last week I was very pleased that the Financial Services Committee held a hearing on the Federal Reserve Transparency Act, HR 1207. The bill has 295 cosponsors and there is also strong support for the companion bill in the Senate. This hearing was a major step forward in getting the bill passed. I was pleased that the hearing was well-attended, especially considering that it was held on a Friday at nine o’clock in the morning! I have been talking about the immense, unchecked power of the Federal Reserve for many years, while the attention of Congress was always on other things. It was gratifying to see my colleagues asking probing questions and demonstrating genuine concern about this important issue as well. The witness testifying in favor of HR 1207 made some very strong points, which was no surprise considering the bill is simply common sense. It was also no surprise that the witness testifying against the bill had no good arguments as to why a full audit should not be conducted promptly. He attempted to make the case that the Fed is already sufficiently accountable to Congress and that the current auditing policy is adequate. The fact is that the Fed comes to Congress and talks about only what it wants to talk about, and the GAO audits only what the current laws al-
U.S. Rep. Ron Paul low to be audited. The really important things however, are off limits. There are no convincing arguments that it is in the best interests of the American people for anything the Fed does to be off limits. It has been argued that full disclosure of details of funding facilities like TALF and PDCF that enabled massive bailouts of Wall Street would damage the financial position of those firms and destabilize the economy. In other words, if the American people knew how rotten the books were at those banks and how terribly they messed up, they would never willingly invest in them, and they would fail. Failure is not an option for friends of the Fed. Therefore, the funds must be stolen from the people in the dark of night. This is not how a free country works. This is not how free markets work.
That is crony corporatism and instead of being a force for economic stabilization, it totally undermines it. If the Fed gave its actual arguments against a full audit, they would not have mentioned anything about political independence or economic stability. Instead they would admit they don’t want to be audited because they enjoy their current situation too much. Under the guise of currency control, they are able to help out powerful allies on Wall Street, in exchange for lucrative jobs or who-knows-what favors later on. An audit would expose the Fed as a massive fraud perpetrated on this country, enriching a privileged few bankers at the top of our economic food chain, and leaving the rest of us with massively devalued dollars which we are forced to use by law. An audit would make people realize that, while Bernie Madoff defrauded a lot of investors for a lot of money, the Fed has defrauded every one of us by destroying the value of our money. An honest and full accounting of how the money system really works in this country would mean there is not much of a chance the American people would stand for it anymore. (Ron Paul represents the 14th Congressional District in Texas.)
Musings
Standing out... Winters
By JANICE SCANLAN It’s hard to stand out from the crowd—particularly in our franchise-oriented, retail economy. This past weekend I attended my high school reunion in southwestern Oklahoma. If it wasn’t far enough to drive already, I picked up my cousin in Menard, which is on the edge of the plains and Texas Hill Country near Junction, Texas. And the last bit of interstate highway. So about 50% of the 1400 mile round trip was rural west Texas roads—and the 11 miles into Oklahoma was no different. Small town America is declining. Most towns that aren’t bypassed by highways are predominated by vacant, dilapidated buildings. Many are dirty, “junked up” and display nothing more than highway signs saying who they are. So how did Winters, Texas, population 2,619, stand out? Its downtown area is 75% occupied and extremely appealing. Winters’ sidewalks have benches and attractive wrought iron light posts with bright blue “Welcome to Winters” banners. The posts and banners visually tie the small town together. And they beckon you, along with attractive shop fronts, to stop and shop.
Winters stands out, even in 700 miles of rural West Texas Roads. When I called the Chamber of Commerce, Amanda Collum gave me a capsule about Winters, but encouraged me to call their City Manager, who she called R.F. So I was a little surprised when I reached Dr. Aref Hassan, who is a native of Afghanistan and was a Finance Minister in that country. Dr. Hassan is a story himself, but developing an enviable downtown with sidewalk amenities and business occupancy is the topic today. The sidewalk project was part of
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an 11 million dollar TxDOT improvement project—in fact 9% of it. When I asked how he got the Mayor and Council on board, he said, “oh, they wanted to do the sidewalk project first, and we could never have gotten funding without their active support.” And they were right—I wouldn’t have noticed the new storm sewers or other infrastructure improvements. But it’s not just city government, Winters has a history of improvements through its Winters Area Business and Industrial Corporation (WABIC) headed by Randall Conner. The initial way to get downtown occupied involved fixing all the buildings’ roofs so they could be occupied. WABIC found grant money and contributed to those funds, but so did the Winters’ residents—to the tune of $7.80 per person. The next step was the sidewalk project to encourage passerbys to stop and shop. And it’s been a success. It’s not just the downtown. Establishments and homes all along the highway are up-todate and well kept. It’s clean and not junked up. A banner across the highway proclaimed the Winters’ Dove Festival. So it’s creating community identity and pride throughout the entire community that according to Dr. Hassan “keeps up morale and sustainability.” Ms. Collum volunteered she returned to Winters so her kids would have a safe place to go to school. Constantly responding to community needs keeps Winters viable. By working together on multiple fronts, Winters stands out. For ideas to help Missouri City and Fort Bend stand out, contact Janice at open.space@ earthlink.net. Please include what you do personally to do your part.
Sugar Land’s “official” newspaper has yet another feather in its cap — Plagiarist’s paradise. Along with that the star writer may be also be entitled to a moniker “Dumb reporter.” Houston Chronicle’s Zen Zheng in his blog has elaborately explained how he found his clone in the Star newspaper, published by Bev Carter. “For years, my stories that appear in the Houston Chronicle both in print and online have found their mirror images in a community newspaper out of Stafford that’s thrown to your front yard every week,” Zheng says. This newspaper also has a Stafford address, but his story clearly provides a link to the Star’s website. When the Chronicle reporter did a story on the school district budget, he inadvertently mistyped and called Trustee Daniel Menendez as “David” Menendez. Zheng’s Aug. 27 story reads as follows: Before the vote on the budget, trustee David Menendez moved to strike the $10 increase. “It would disproportionately affect the lowestpaid employees,” he said. The Star’s Sept. 2 story read thus: Board member David Menendez made a motion to remove the $10 increase, saying it would impact the lowest paid employees in a negative way. What are the odds that two great minds make exactly the same mistake? FBISD spokeswoman Mary Ann Simpson sent a correction to both the reporters. Zheng obviously admitted his mistake, but the other reporter had this to say: “When I wrote down the name in my notes, Board member Daniel Menendez turned into ‘David’ Menen-
Inside Track By Seshadri Kumar
dez.” Simpson had this to say: “Taking notes? She wasn’t even at the board meeting that night.” “My review of her story, which ran in that weekly on Sept. 2, confirmed my suspicion. The “David” typo that appeared in two completely different publications in stories about the same topic was no accident,” Zheng said. This is where the erring reporter compounded her mistake. The only logical conclusion is that the reporter copied the words from the Chronicle and pasted it. Simpson’s testimony corroborates this theory. I am reminded of a story. A student was trying to cheat in a test. He was copying word for word from a neighboring student. A fly was annoying the neighboring student and he promptly swatted the fly and it fell on the paper. The copying student was so dumb that he too caught a fly and slapped it on the answer sheet. Of course, here the reporter was caught off guard. The story may not demand much attention if this was a lone and the first incident of its kind. The same writer was accused of similarly plagiarizing a report from a Chronicle reporter a few years ago. The reporter was not working with the Star at that time, but was employed in another local community newspaper. Ironically, the plagiarized
story was also related to Fort Bend ISD. The story had a quote from Simpson. At that time too Simpson said the reporter did not speak to her about that story. The reporter did not last long in that paper and she went back to the Star. One would have thought that the reporter would have become wiser. Obviously, she has not. Should we assume that Carter does not know the habit of her own reporter who has worked with her for decades? Does Carter condone such behavior? If that is the case the paper’s already battered credentials would suffer another blow. Last week, the same reporter was waxing eloquent about how a certain newspaper was likely to be sued. The reporter wrote: Just a week or so ago Bev Carter, alias “the boss,” was predicting that one of these days the county will be sued by a vendor or citizen because of how they pick and choose the newspapers that become “the official county newspaper.” I’ve mentioned several times that the commissioners seem to choose newspapers that do not go anywhere or are not well read in the community. Now, who is likely to be sued? A new phenomenon which is a service or a disservice , depending on what you do with it, is the streaming video of the school board meetings and the commissioners court meetings. This technology should be a tool to enhance the quality of reporting. It should not be misused. Finally, Carter called this paper a “shoddy product” a few days ago. Now, she may try to put a fair amount of lipstick on her own newspaper, but it will still be...
The diabetic athlete By THOMAS J. PARR, M.D. It is often thought that diabetic patients cannot be athletes, but this is not true. Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and three-time USA Olympian Swimmer Gary Hall, Jr. are only two of many well known athletes who have not let their diabetes take them away from their sports. Being an athlete under any circumstances does require a lot of self-discipline to maintain appropriate physical conditioning for sports. In order for a diabetic athlete to be successful, there are additional aspects of training which require careful, continuous attention. In April, 2005 the American Diabetes Association’s “Diabetes Spectrum” explained that “the energy demands of training for a particular sport can be quite different depending on the age of the athlete, the level of competition, and the specific metabolic goals of training.” Because some sports are very aerobic and others are more dependent upon sudden bursts of power for a relatively short period of time, developing such an effective, safe program must be based upon the specific athlete and the specific sport. In order for a diabetic athlete to train and to compete at his or her top level of performance, it is important for the athlete, the coach, the athletic trainers, the physician, and the parent to work together to develop a program where
Thomas Parr the athlete’s physical training can achieve appropriate goals while carefully monitoring the athlete’s blood sugar levels. Gary Hall, Jr. has a post on his message board, dated September 24, 2003 which explains this challenge well. “You have to test your blood glucose levels often, the more the better. Well, the more you test the better control... Nerves will send levels sky high... When I broke the American record, I tested ten minutes before my race. I was at 140. Ten minutes after the race I tested again. I was at 388. The race lasted 21 seconds. So, adrenaline will raise your levels. You should have enough time in between games or sets to test...” According to “Diabetes Spectrum,” an athlete’s routine “must consider the typical demands of training and competition, the goals of the athlete, factors related to sports participation that may affect glucose homeostasis, safety of athletic participation, adequate monitoring of blood glucose, and possible
adjustments to diet and insulin to allow safe and effective athletic performance.” The diabetic athlete needs to keep a diabetes kit close by at all times, making it more convenient to test during training and competition. It is also important for those closely connected to the athlete during training and competition, including a few close teammates, to be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, and to be prepared to help provide medical assistance, if needed. When traveling with the team, the athlete should have a medic alert tag on his or her person at all times. It is equally important for the diabetic athlete to understand how an improper diet, energy drinks, and nutritional “body building” supplements will do more harm than good, even if their friends and teammates are encouraging such risky behaviors. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association has a detailed PDF list of suggested guidelines to consider in developing a diabetic athlete’s training plan, which can be found by searching “diabetes” at http://www.nata.org/ Dr. Thomas Parr, an orthopedic surgeon in Sugar Land, can be reached at 281-4917111. Dr. Parr and his wife, Joannie, have been a team for well over 40 years and she has contributed to this article. Visit www.tomparrmd.net for more information.
FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 • Page 5
Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra reschedules free concert to Oct. 3 Threatening rain may have forced the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra to reschedule its free outdoor concert to Oct. 3, but members are still eager to share their musical gifts with the community. So bring your lawn chair and get ready to enjoy Disney tunes, show pieces and rousing patriotic songs as the Orchestra presents “When You Wish Upon A Star” on Saturday, Oct. 3 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Sugar Land Town Square This outdoor concert is the Orchestra’s free gift to the community. With Disney tunes from The Lion King, Aladdin and both
Band Night Fort Bend ISD will present an evening of competitive marching exhibitions during its annual Band Night, on Monday, Oct. 5 at Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd. in Sugar Land. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and conclude by 8:30 p.m. Seating will be on the home side only. Admission is free and concessions will be served. Band Night allows parents and patrons to enjoy the outstanding talents of some of FBISD’s finest young musicians, and gives them the opportunity to see and hear the high caliber of the district’s band program. Band Night will feature the district’s 10 high school band and dance teams performing their competition shows for University Interscholastic League Marching Contest, which will be held on Oct. 15.
Fantasia movies, it makes a great family outing. The evening also includes a salute to members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Tickets are still available for the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra’s 18th season, which includes four concerts – October through May – at the Stafford Centre. In light of the rescheduled outdoor concert, the Orchestra has extended its Buy One, Get One Free ticket offer for season subscriptions through Oct. 7. Individual ticket prices for adults range from $10 to $25 per concert. Senior and student prices start at just $5. Children 12 and under are free, but must have a reserved ticket. PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Sienna Village of Anderson Springs, Section 7, Sienna Village of Anderson Springs, Section 9, Sienna Village of Anderson Springs, Section 21 and Fort Bend Independent School District Elementary School No. 43, Pct. 2. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for River’s Edge, Section 5 and River’s Edge, Section 6, Pct. 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. to receive public comments on Fort Bend County District Clerk’s request to adopt a District Court records archive fee of not more than $5 in accordance with Senate Bill 1685. (Senate Bill 1685 provides that the District Clerk of Fort Bend County may begin collecting a fee of $5.00 upon approval by Commissioner’s Court for filing of all civil suits in the District Civil Courts of Fort Bend County. This fund becomes effective with the fiscal budget for Fort Bend County, October 20, 2009, at which time the District Clerk will begin collecting this fee. All monies collected will be placed in a line item in the budget labeled District Court Technology Fund to be used for the restoration and preservation of records in the District Clerk’s Office.) The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC NOTICE Parties in interest and citizens of Fort Bend County comprised of the 240th, 268th, 328th, 387th, 400th and 434th Judicial Districts of Texas. Subject: Pursuant to Local Government Code Sec. 152.905, notice is hereby given to all parties in interest and citizens that a public hearing will be held for the purpose of setting the annual compensation for the Court Reporters, County Auditor and Assistant County Auditors serving Fort Bend County comprised of the 240th, 268th, 328th, 387th, 400th, and 434th Judicial Districts of Texas. Date: October 14th, 2009 @ 3:30 P.M. Where: 240th District Courtroom, 401 Jackson 2nd Floor, Richmond, Texas. Signed: Thomas R. Culver, III, Judge 240th Judicial District. CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 21st day of JULY 2009 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #07-DCV159853 in favor of the Plaintiff - CANYON GATE AT CINCO RANCH HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,488.48++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 10TH day of AUGUST, 2009 and will offer for sale on the 6th day of OCTOBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) -HANNA E. FRANCIS had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:
To learn more, visit www. fbso.org or call 281-2769642. PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Sienna Village of Waters Lake, Section 12B, Sienna Village of Waters Lake, Section 13A, Sienna Village of Waters Lake, Section 13B, Sienna Village of Waters Lake, Section 16, Sienna Village of Waters Lake, Section 19, Sienna Village of Waters Lake, Section 27, Sienna Steep Bank Village, Section 16, and Sienna Portion of Scanlan Trace and Sequoia Pass Street Dedication, Pct. 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk NOTICE OF UPDATE AND ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL OUT-OFDISTRICT MEETING PLACES To the residents and taxpayers of Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 2 (the “District”) and to all the persons interested in the meetings of the Board of Directors of such District: Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors, at a meeting held August 19, 2009, updated and established additional out-of-district meeting places at: (1) the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management, 307 Fort Street, Richmond, Texas 77469; and (2) the offices of Professional Project Management Services, 7002 Riverbrook Drive, Suite 700, Sugar Land, TX 77479. All residents and taxpayers of the District and other interested persons are hereby invited to attend any meetings of the Board of Directors at such location. /s/ Andre D. McDonald President, Board of Directors
CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 7th day of JULY 2009 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #08-DCV-162450 in favor of the Plaintiff - WESTPARK LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $2,135++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 21st day of AUGUST, 2009 and will offer for sale on the 6th day of OCTOBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) - LYLINDER GBADAMOSI had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 5, BLOCK B-4 OF WESTPARK LAKES, SECTION 1, ASUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED AT SLIDE NOS. 858A AND 858B IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Any properties sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the property or their interest therein if allowed, within the time and in the manner provided by law. ALL SALES SHALL BE BY CONSTABLE’S DEED AND ARE WITHOUT WARRANTY AS TO TITLE OR CONDITION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS EVIDENCED BY CONSTABLE’S DEED. MARKET VALUE: $127,060.00 Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, Tx 77478 (281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306
CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 26th day of AUGUST 2009 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-162451 in favor of the Plaintiff - WESTPARK LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,384.00++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 4TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2009 and will offer for sale on the 6th day of OCTOBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) - CHARLES JACK AND EGUMA W. JACK had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 25, BLOCK B-5 OF WESTPARK LAKES, SECTION 1, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED AT SLIDE NOS. 858A AND 858B IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Any properties sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the property or their interest therein if allowed, within the time and in the manner provided by law.
CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 26th day of AUGUST 2009 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-167497 in favor of the Plaintiff - COLONY LAKE ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,294.00++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 4TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2009 and will offer for sale on the 6th day of OCTOBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) -XIULAN LI had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 19, BLOCK 1 OF COLONY LAKE ESTATES, SECTION 4, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED AT CLERK’S FILE NO. 20060009 IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Any properties sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the property or their interest therein if allowed, within the time and in the manner provided by law.
MARKET VALUE: $240,770
ALL SALES SHALL BE BY CONSTABLE’S DEED AND ARE WITHOUT WARRANTY AS TO TITLE OR CONDITION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS EVIDENCED BY CONSTABLE’S DEED.
ALL SALES SHALL BE BY CONSTABLE’S DEED AND ARE WITHOUT WARRANTY AS TO TITLE OR CONDITION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS EVIDENCED BY CONSTABLE’S DEED.
Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, Tx 77478 (281) 491-7226 SERGEANT J.M. HUTSON Deputy CONSTABLE, #1310
MARKET VALUE: $126,670.00 Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, Tx 77478 (281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306
MARKET VALUE: $221,220.00 Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, Tx 77478 (281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT ONE (1), IN BLOCK ONE (1) OF CANYON GATE CINCO RANCH, SECTION SEVEN (7), A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, 1953/A AND 1953/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ALSO KNOWN AS 6302 CANYON PARK DR., KATY, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77450. Any properties sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the property or their interest therein if allowed, within the time and in the manner provided by law.
LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2009 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. RFP 09-107 – LEASE OF ROOF SPACE ON WILLIAM B TRAVIS ANNEX Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 26th day of AUGUST 2009 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #06-DCV-152945 in favor of the Plaintiff - FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT & ET AL, Plaintiff, for the sum of $9,884.72++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 3rd day of SEPTEMBER, 2009 and will offer for sale on the 6th day of OCTOBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, inte- rests and claims which the said Defendant(s) - TARA CROSS BATTLE & ET AL had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1, LOT 29 IN BLOCK 3 OF HERITAGE COLONY, SECTION 1, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NOS. 1437/A AND 1437/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. (ACCOUNT NUMBER 4006010030290907/ 4006010030290) Any properties sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the property or their interest therein if allowed, within the time and in the manner provided by law. ALL SALES SHALL BE BY CONSTABLE’S DEED AND ARE WITHOUT WARRANTY AS TO TITLE OR CONDITION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS EVIDENCED BY CONSTABLE’S DEED. MARKET VALUE: $248,450,.00 Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, Tx 77478 (281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306 NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 400th District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on JULY 21, 2009 in cause numbered 08DCV162149 styled NEW TERRITORY RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. vs. JOHN R. JONES AND CECLIA M. JONES, in which a judgment was rendered on APRIL 15, 2008 in favor of NEW TERRITORY RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. for the sum of THREE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY FIVE DOLLARS AND TWO CENTS ($3895.02); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ. I have levied upon the below listed property on AUG 18, 2009 and will on OCT 6 ,2009 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest JOHN R. JONES AND CECLIA M. JONES to and in the following described Real Property LOT TWENTY (20), BLOCK ONE (1) REPLAT OF STONEHAVEN A SUBDIVISION, IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 1346/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, (THE PROPERTY) ALSO KNOWN AS : 5402 FONTANNA DRIVE, SUGAR LAND, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77479 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of NEW TERRITORY RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: OCT 6 2009 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 am BY: SHANE STEELE TROY E NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas
CITATION BY PUBLICATION STATE OF TEXAS TO: SHAWN MICHAEL BATES 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 KRISTINA M. LAWLESS AND MICHAEL JAMES LAWLESS, Petitioners, was filed in the 328TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas on the August 21,2009 against SHAWN MICHAEL BATES, Respondent(s), numbered 09-DCV-174270, and entitled In the Interest of Anthony Michael Bates, a Child. The suit request TO TERMINATE THE PARENT/CHILD RELATIONSHIP as is more fully shown by Petition on file in this suit. The date of the child(ren) who is/are the subject of the suit: October 14, 1998 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 21st day of September, 2009. ATIORNEY FOR PETITIONER OR RESPONDENT: JUSTIN HODGE ELLIS & IRWIN PC 302 JACKSON STREET RICHMOND TX 77469 832-595-1242 DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT, Fort Bend County, Deputy District Clerk Rosalinda Salinas Telephone: 281-633-7649
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, OCTOBER 15, 2009 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 10-029 – TIRES AND TUBES Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas
CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 21st day of JULY 2009 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-162458 in favor of the Plaintiff - WESTPARK LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., PLAINTIFF, for the sum of $384.15++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 24TH day of AUGUST, 2009 and will offer for sale on the 6th day of OCTOBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) -JOSE BARILLAS had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 3, BLOCK 3, OF WESTPARK LAKES, SECTION 1, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED AT SLIDE NOS. 858a/A AND 858/B IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Any properties sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the property or their interest therein if allowed, within the time and in the manner provided by law. MARKET VALUE: $126,400 Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, Tx 77478 (281) 491-7226 SERGEANT J.M. HUTSON Deputy CONSTABLE, #1310 CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 240TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on AUGUST , 11, 2009 in cause numbered 08-DCV-167507 styled FIRST COLONY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. vs. IMRAN M. SHEIKH, in which a judgment was rendered on MAY, 6, 2009 in favor of FIRST COLONY COMMUNITY SERVICES ASSOCIATION, INC, for the sum of FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED ONE DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS (4901.50)Dollars; plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ. I have levied upon the below listed property on AUG 28, 2009 and will on OCT 6, 2009, Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Rights, Title, and Interest of IMRAN M SHEIKH in the following described Real Property LOT SIXTEEN (16)IN BLOCK FOUR (4) OF RIVERBEND NORTH, (2) AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO S 675/B AND 676/A OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, SUCH PROPERTY HAVING A COMMON ADDRESS OF 1606 S. GABRIEL RIVER CIRCLE, SUGAR LAND , TEXAS 77478 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of FIRST COLONY COMMUNITY SERVICES ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: OCTOBER 6, 2009 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 am BY SERGEANT M KUTACH TROY E. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: COREY JAMES SUDDS 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 October 12, 2009 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 401 Jackson Street, Suite105. We are located on the first floor of the courthouse building. The case is presently pending before the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on August 11, 2008. It bears cause number 08-DCV-165905 and is styled: MARY RAMIREZ VS COREY SUDDS, TAMERIA KELLY AND FRANCISCO J. PENA The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: THOMAS F. BICKHAM, JR. BICKAM LAW PC 3120 SOUTHWEST FREEWAY STE 650 HOUSTON TX 77098 713-526-4969 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: JUDGMENT AGAINST DEFENDANTS IN AN AMOUNT WHICH AT THIS TIME IS IN EXCESS OF THE MINIMUM JURISDICTIONAL LIMITS OF THIS COURT TOGETHER WITH COSTS OF COURT, ALL LEGAL INTEREST, BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER THE DATE OF JUDGMENT 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 27th day of August, 2009. DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas Deputy District Clerk DEBRA ELIZANDO Telephone: 281-341-3754
CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 268TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on JULY , 20, 2009 in cause numbered 08-DCV-167459 styled FIRST COLONY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. vs. JACQUELINE. R. CAMACHO, in which a judgment was rendered on MARCH, 6, 2009 in favor of FIRST COLONY COMMUNITY SERVICES ASSOCIATION, INC, for the sum of FIVE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED TWENTY SIX DOLLARS AND FOURTY THREE CENTS (5526.43)Dollars; plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ. I have levied upon the below listed property on AUG 28, 2009 and will on OCT 6, 2009, Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Rights, Title, and Interest of JACQUELINE R. CAMACHO in the following described Real Property LOT THIRTY FIVE (35)IN BLOCK TWO (2) OF FINAL PLAT OF OYSTER CREEK PLANTATION SECTION TWO, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO S 1665/A AND 1665/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, SUCH PROPERTY HAVING A COMMON ADDRESS OF 4351. BOBOLINK CIRCLE, MISSOURI CITY , TEXAS 77459 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of FIRST COLONY COMMUNITY SERVICES ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: OCTOBER 6, 2009 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 am BY SERGEANT M KUTACH TROY E. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on JULY 13, 2009 by the 240TH DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #06-DCV-151261 in favor of the Plaintiff - HUNTERS GLEN SECTION V HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $6,600.00++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the AUGUST 12TH 2009 and will offer for sale on the 6th day of OCTOBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) -DONZIE FLETCHER had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 29, IN BLOCK 01, OF SECOND REPLAT OF HUNTERS GLEN, SECTION FIVED-B2, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN SLIDE NOS. 1742/a AND 1742/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2215 HEATHERWOOD DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77489. Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE, Precinct 2 Fort Bend County , Texas By Gary Majors #73 CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on JULY 22, 2009 by the 240TH DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #07-DCV-156014in favor of the Plaintiff QUAIL RUN COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,100.00++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the AUGUST 12TH 2009 and will offer for sale on the 6th day of OCTOBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) -WILLIE SELLS AND TANGELA SELLS AND SEVERALLY had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 10, IN BLOCK 11 SECTION ONE (1)OF QUAIL RUN, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 202 PAGE 14 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 16527 LOST QUAIL DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77489. Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE, Precinct 2 Fort Bend County , Texas By Gary Majors #73 CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on August 4th, 2009 by the 434TH DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #06-DCV148944 in favor of the Plaintiff - HUNTERS GLEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,500++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the AUGUST 18TH 2009 and will offer for sale on the 6th day of OCTOBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) -LA JAN FRANKLIN had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 17, IN BLOCK 11 OF HUNTERS GLEN, SECTION III, AND ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 20, PAGE 8 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1411 NEW TREE LANE, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77489. Terms: Cash, Sale to held at or about 11 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE, Precinct 2 Fort Bend County , Texas By Gary Majors #73
Page 6 โ ข SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 โ ข FORT BEND INDEPENDENT
HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH at 1510 Fifth St., Missouri City, TX 77459 will hold its annual Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Purchase a Raffle ticket for $2.00 each or a book of 6 for $10.00 and you could win one of the exciting prizes including a $3,000.00 Shopping spree; Pre-paid VISA cards, etc. There will be lots of games, variety of food (Barbeque, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Nachos, Filipino Food, etc), music and a lot of fun for the entire family. Parking is free. For more information or to purchase Raffle tickets, please contact Holy Family Catholic Church 281-499-9688, Fred Tan, 281-704-4619 or Connie Govea 281-438-2629 .
Recycle for reuse on Oct.10 Keep Sugar Land Beautiful is spearheading our 6th Annual Recycle for Reuse Event in partnership with the Fort Bend Education Foundation, the Sugar Land Lions Club and the Fort Bend County Womenโ s Center. Plan to donate your unwanted gently used items for reuse on Saturday, Oct. 10. Items to be collected include: Books Eyeglasses Games Hearing aids Puzzles
Hearing aid batteries Flash Cards Clothing Videos Furniture DVDs Household Items CDs Classroom items will be donated to Fort Bend ISD teachers. Eyeglasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries will be donated to the Lions Club. Furniture, clothing and household items will be donated to the Fort Bend Womenโ s Center.
Donors are asked to bring clean, gently used items to the Fort Bend ISD Administration Parking Lot at 16431 Lexington Blvd, Sugar Land from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. 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. For more information, visit www.kslb.org.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON PROPOSED 2010 BUDGET FOR FORT BEND COUNTY The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County will conduct two public hearings on the Proposed 2010 Budget for Fort Bend County. The Public Hearings will be held before the Commissioners Court at:
TIME/DATE: 6:00 PM MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2009 AND 1:00 PM TUESDAY OCTOBER 20, 2009 PLACE: COMMISSIONERS COURTROOM WILLIAM B. TRAVIS BUILDING 309 SOUTH FOURTH STREET, 7TH FLOOR, RICHMOND, TEXAS All interested persons have the right to give written and oral comments and to ask questions about the proposed budgets. The proposed budgets will be filed for public inspection at the Office of the County Clerk (Research Dept.), 301 Jackson Street, Richmond, Texas between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday and Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday beginning Tuesday, October 13, 2009. The proposed budget will also be posted on the Countyโ s website at www. co.fort-bend.tx.us beginning Tuesday, October 13, 2009.
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Commissioner on your corner Fort Bend County Commissioner Richard Morrison, Precinct 1, will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting in Arcola on Oct. 8 at the Arcola City Hall, 13222 Hwy 6 from 6:30 p.m. till 8 p.m. He will be discussing any concerns that the residents may have. There will also be a free Workshop on โ How to Live Within Your Means & Still Finance Your Dreams.โ
Free Seminar on Lap-Band Come and meet Dr. Ponce de Leon on the third Wednesday of the month, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, located in Conference Rooms A, B, C and D off the main atrium. He will present the latest information on Lap-Band surgery and address any questions you may have. Seating is limited; call 281-274-7500 to reserve your seat.
NO. 09-CCV-039683 FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ยง V CARL WEATHERS, MILDRED ARLENE WEATHERS, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF RAMONA MORROW JANES, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF MARY MORROW, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF PAUL JANES, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF CLAIRE WALTER MORROW, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF GILBERT MARROW, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF WALTER MARROW, UNKNOWN PROPERTY OWNERS OF 5.425 ACRES, et al.
ยง ยง IN THE COUNTY COURT AT ยง LAW NUMBER ONE (1) OF ยง FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ยง ยง ยง ยง ยง ยง ยง ยง
AMENDED BRIEF ON CITATION BY PUBLICATION In the name and by the authority of the State of Texas: Notice is hereby given to the following Defendants: TO: The Unknown Heirs of Mary Morrow, Ramona Morrow Janes, Paul Janes, Claire Walter Morrow, Walter Morrow, Gilbert Morrow, and all other unknown property owners of 5.425 acres whose residence, address and whereabouts are unknown, and if deceased, legally incapacitated or dissolved, the unknown heirs, devisees, successors and legal representatives, and unknown spouse or spouses, each and all of whose residences, addresses and whereabouts are unknown, and if they are deceased, legally incapacitated or dissolved, their unknown heirs, devisees, successors and legal representatives. You are commanded to appear before the Special Commissioners appointed by the Judge of the Fort Bend County Civil Court at Law Number One (1) 011 November 12, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the Fort Bend County Attorneyโ s Conference Room, 301 Jackson St., Suite 728, Richmond, Texas 77469, who shall then and there assess the value of the property belonging to Defendants which are sought to be condemned by Plaintiff, Cause No. 09-CCV-039683 styled Fort Bend County, Texas v. Mildred Arlene Weathers, Unknown Heirs of Ramona Morrow Janes, Unknown Heirs of Mary Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Paul Janes, Unknown Heirs of Claire Walter Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Walter Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Gilbert Morrow, Unknown Property Owners of 5.425 Acres, et a/.; In the County Court at Law Number One (1) of Fort Bend County, Texas, in which Fort Bend County is Plaintiff, and Mildred Arlene Weathers, Unknown Heirs of Ramona Morrow Janes, Unknown Heirs of Mary Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Paul Janes, Unknown Heirs of Claire Walter Morrow, Unknown Property Owners of 5.425 Acres, Katy Independent School District, Fort Bend County General Fund, Fort Bend County Drainage District, Fort Bend County LFRC, and Fort Bend County ESD2 are Defendants. The Original Statement and Second Amended Petition for , 2009. Condemnation filed on August 28, 2009 discloses that the nature of the suit is a condemnation case. Plaintiff seeks fee title to 5.425 acres of land more particularly described in the attached Exhibit A of the Original Statement and Second Amended Petition in condemnation Cause No. 09-CCV039683. Attorneys for Plaintiff are Fort Bend County Assistant County Attorneys, William H. โ Billโ Vidor and Joe W. Cox, 301 Jackson Street, Suite 728, Richmond, Texas 77469. Issued and given under my hand and seal of said Court in the City of Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas, on the15th day of September 2009. Dianne Wilson Clerk of Fort Bend County, Texas Richmond, Texas 301 Jackson Street Richmond, Texas 77469 By Sandra Nevarez, Deputy NO. 09-CCV-039685 FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ยง V MILDRED ARLENE WEATHERS, ยง UNKNOWN HEIRS OF RAMONA ยง IN THE COUNTY COURT MORROW JANES, UNKNOWN ยง AT LAW NUMBER ONE (1) HEIRS OF MARY MORROW, ยง OF FORT BEND COUNTY, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF PAUL JANES, ยง TEXAS UNKNOWN HEIRS OF CLAIRE ยง WALTER MORROW, UNKNOWN ยง HEIRS OF GILBERT MORROW, ยง UNKNOWN HEIRS OF WALTER ยง MARROW, UNKNOWN PROPERTY ยง OWNERS OF 5.425 ACRES, et al. ยง BRIEF ON CITATION BY PUBLICATION In the name and by the authority of the State of Texas: Notice is hereby given to the following Defendants: TO: The Unknown Heirs of Mary Morrow, Ramona Morrow Janes, Paul Janes, Claire Walter Morrow, Walter Morrow, Gilbert Morrow, and all other unknown property owners of 5.425 acres whose residence, address and whereabouts are unknown, and if deceased, legally incapacitated or dissolved, the unknown heirs, devisees, successors and legal representatives, and unknown spouse or spouses, each and all of whose residences, addresses and whereabouts are unknown, and if they are deceased, legally incapacitated or dissolved, their unknown heirs, devisees, successors and legal representatives. You are commanded to appear before the Special Commissioners appointed by the Judge of the Fort Bend County Civil Court at Law Number One (1) on November 12, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in the Fort Bend County Attorneyโ s Conference Room, 301 Jackson St., Suite 728, Richmond, Texas 77469, who shall then and there assess the value of the property belonging to Defendants which are sought to be condemned by Plaintiff, Cause No. 09-CCV-039685 styled Fort Bend County, Texas v. Mildred Arlene Weathers, Unknown Heirs of Ramona Morrow Janes, Unknown Heirs of Mary Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Paul Janes, Unknown Heirs of Claire Walter Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Walter Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Gilbert Morrow, Unknown Property Owners of 5.425 Acres, et al.; In the County Court at Law Number One (1) of Fort Bend County, Texas, in which Fort Bend County is Plaintiff, and Mildred Arlene Weathers, Unknown Heirs of Ramona Morrow Janes, Unknown Heirs of Mary Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Paul Janes, Unknown Heirs of Claire Walter Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Walter Morrow, Unknown Property Owners of 5.425 Acres, Katy Independent School District, Fort Bend County General Fund, Fort Bend County Drainage District, Fort Bend County LFRC, and Fort Bend County ESD2 are Defendants. The Original Statement and First Amended Petition for Condemnation filed on August 28, 2009 discloses that the nature of the suit is a condemnation case. Plaintiff seeks fee title to 5.425 acres of land more particularly described in the attached Exhibit A of the Original Statement and First Amended Petition in condemnation Cause No. 09-CCV-039685. Attorneys for Plaintiff are Fort Bend County Assistant County Attorneys, William H. โ Billโ Vidor and Joe W. Cox, 301 Jackson Street, Suite 728, Richmond, Texas 77469. Issued and given under my hand and seal of said Court in the City of Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas, on the 14th day of September 2009. Dianne Wilson Clerk of Fort Bend County, Texas Richmond, Texas 301 Jackson Street Richmond, Texas 77469 By Lydia Esparza, Deputy
SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • Page 7
AUTOMOBILE : 2010 Mazda3 By BARBARA FULENWIDER The all new second generation 2010 Mazda3, like all Mazdas, has the soul of a sports car and ensures that driving enjoyment is a top priority. This second-generation Mazda3 offers a new design, body, chassis and powertrain enhancements, safety and environmental upgrades and upgraded standard and optional equipment. The second generation offers two bodystyles, three trim levels, and four separate powertrain options. The zoom-zoom driving experience rose to the forefront as the Mazda3’s standout attribute. So automative engineers focused on improving the body structure, powertrain, and chassis to the extent that it would be immediately apparent to a driver and passengers. On the design side they concentrated on a sedan that flows from grille to taillights and throughout the cabin. Flow lines are evident in the hood, down the sides of the car, and in the center of the decklid. The front-to-rear rise of the beltline gives the Mazda3 an expectant look and provides improved outward visibility. The elevated decklid surface is an aerodynamic aid and maximizes trunk space. The Mazda3’s cockpit is configured to support the driver. Two large instrument clusters are positioned and
marked to deliver engine and road speed information. Key controls are located in the steering wheel spokes and a new multi-information display screen containing navigation, audio, and trip information is positioned high on the instrument panel to avoid the need for the driver to refocus vision off the road ahead. A second screen slightly to the right provides station frequency and climate control setting information.The front seat cushions extend more for thigh support and the seat moves eight ways and has memory as an option. Dual-zone automatic temperature control, heated seats, and a Bose audio system are other new features. The 5.1-channel surround sound system engineered with Bose® experts includes digital amplifier, noise can-
cellation technology, and 10 speakers. The addition of Bluetooth® capability in the new Mazda3 provides wireless mobile phone and audio player connections and hands-free operation. Instrument panel and steering wheel switches can be used to sort through music selections. Another appreciated feature is the advanced keyless entry, which allows a Mazda3 driver to unlock the doors and start the engine with the key fob carried in a pocket or purse. A small door handle button and a start button on the dash are used in lieu of a key. On the safety front, disc brakes, ABS and electro-hydraulic power steering are standard equipment. Dynamic stability control and traction control are standard on most models. The Mazda3 now offers an optional adap-
tive front-lighting system with self-leveling bi-xenon (high and low beam) headlamps. It is standard equipment in the top Grand Touring trim level. Mazda3 i models are propelled by the 2.0-liter engine, which makes 148 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque. Variable intake valve timing provides quick low-rpm performance and strong high rpm pull, all the way to the 6500 rpm redline. Two transmissions are offered in the Mazda3 i: a manual box or electronically controlled automatic with a manual-shift mode. Both are fitted with five forward speeds. Estimated fuel economy with the automatic is 24 in the city and 33 on the highway. (25 city, 33 highway) Unibody bending stiffness has been increased. A stiffer structure provides a quieter ride, improved suspension response to steering and cornering loads, and more stable cruising and braking performance. The savings in weight attributable to the new unibody construction is significant at 24 pounds. Thanks to the Mazda3’s zoom zoom attitude it was fun and a pleasure to drive and ride. This compact has new modern lines inside and out, is roomy and has excellent road manners. The fourdoor, five passenger Mazda3 retails for $18,350.
Film review: Fame “Remember, remember, remember, remember... remember my name... Fame!” We all know the song that was originally made famous in the 1980 version of “Fame.” This film is billed as an “update” rather than a sequel, prequel or some such concoction. I am now prepared to declare a new maxim: “... it is twice as hard to make a meaningful update of a movie after twenty five years when your subject matter has spread throughout your target nation.” There is a High School for the Performing Arts in most major cities in 2009; not true in 1980 when Debbie Allen and the original gang brought these kids to the big screen and showered us with hope and talent. This “Fame” is still full of fresh faces ready to learn all you can learn about music, arts, and performance in New York City, but it lacked the wow factor that makes a good movie. This is not a bad movie and those of you that are still hanging onto the notion that you will someday be a famous actor, dancer, or musician should see this movie and take your parents and grandparents... or grandchildren. And those of you
who almost made it on the stage if only you could have caught a break should see this movie. The movie opens on Audition Day and continues through the students’ Senior Year. We learn soon that only 200 of the 10,000 applicants are accepted so “you better be willing to work hard... yada, yada” or you will not make it. The auditions feature some hilarious attempts by these young teenagers doing things like a DeNiro in “Taxi” and a song from “All That Jazz.” The first half of this flick was painful for me, then about midway through the kids’ junior year I started liking some of them and understanding their struggles and classically dysfunctional parental relationships that comes with the zaniness of performers. The script is not particularly well written or imaginative but somehow it limps to the end with some semblance of success. Of course, I’m a sucker for a musical and the kids’ performances dramatically improved as they got older. And their love lives and personal ambitions got twisted just like other teenagers. The big winners will be Kay
Riverstone Opens Homes for Weekend Tours
16 Canaveral Creek in Riverstone. More than a dozen new homes will be open weekends in Riverstone through October.
More than a dozen new homes will be open weekends in Riverstone, a water-themed community in Fort Bend County near U.S. 59 and Highway 6. The open house, which features homes priced into the millions, will run through October. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. “Riverstone is doing quite well right now,” said Tom Wilcox, the community’s general manager. “We have added more new builders, new models and new neighborhoods and are located in one of the nation’s strongest housing markets — Fort Bend County. Now is a good time to buy and we want to highlight our existing inventory while first-time home buyers can still take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit, which is due to expire at the end of November.” Dozens of homes are either ready or under construction in Riverstone, which features homes in both Missouri City and Sugar Land’s extra-territorial jurisdiction. Prices range from the $200,000s into the millions. Builders include Ashton Woods Homes, Coventry Homes, Darling Homes, David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes, Meritage Homes, Newmark Homes, Perry Homes, Plantation Homes, Trendmaker Homes, Westin Homes and Wilshire Homes. Custom builders are Bayou Bend Homes, Christopher Sims Homes, Peterson Homebuilders, Sterling Classic and Westport. Westport also builds The Manors townhomes, located in Riverstone. A 3,700-acre community, Riverstone is slated for 6,000 homes during the next eight years. Residents enjoy an interesting mix of amenities, with a resort-style swimming complex, a second recreation center opened in 2008, the area’s first “bark park,” and more than 250 acres of lakes and waterways that give Riverstone its name. Riverstone is conveniently located at Highway 6, three miles south of U.S. 59, and offers easy access to several major thoroughfares, including the Fort Bend Parkway. Abundant dining and shopping choices are just minutes away, including First Colony’s booming Town Center. For more information, visit www.riverstone.com.
Nerve & Tendon Disorders Arthritis of the Fingers & Hand Congenital Congential Problems of the Hand
Larry H. is all set to watch the movie. Panabaker (Jenny) and Col- but could not carry this movlins Pennie (Malik) who stood ie about aspiring teenagers. I out among the other young, want to be famous. talented actors. It was good to see Kelsey Grammar, Bebe Rock ‘n Roll. Neuwirth, Charles S. Dutton, Grade 81. Larry H. and Megan Mullally as teach- Email ers; each of them can still act sugarlaw@larryharrison.com
Merit scholar
Jarjour
Jane Jarjour, a senior at Fort Bend Baptist Academy in Sugar Land, is one of the students named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist. She will compete for some 8,200 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $36 million, that will be offered next spring. The daughter of Imad and Laila Jarjour of Sugar Land, Jane is considering attending several top colleges and universities at this time.
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Page 8 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
“Spook-tacular� Halloween It’s time to get out that special Halloween costume and get ready to kick up your heels at Missouri City’s Halloween Senior Dance on Fri., Oct. 16. This event for all those ages 55 and older will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Community Center in the City Hall complex, 1522 Texas Parkway. Johnny Dyson and his band will perform at this “spook-tacular� afternoon of toe-tapping and twirling on the dance floor. Tickets are $5 per person, which includes admission, food, dancing, door prizes and plenty of fun! For more information, call 281403-8637 or visit www.missouricitytx.gov.
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BOUNTIFUL HARVEST. Fourteen recent Fort Bend ISD high school graduates were honored by members of Bountiful Harvest, Inc. (BH) at the organization’s Academic Achievers luncheon held at the Quail Run Community Center. Selected by their individual high schools,
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the honorees were recognized for having maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and for planning to further their education at an accredited college or university after completing high school. Honored were Alma Buena, Willowridge HS; Shawn Dreka Clemons, Willowridge HS; Diana Escareno, Willowridge HS; Esperanza Garcia, Willowridge HS; Taloria Gillespie, Marshall HS; Niyati Hariyani, Hightower HS; Ronald Johnson,
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Free checking No monthly fees No minimum balance Free online banking & bill pay VISA debit card Always receive free checking with no minimum balance. To get the additional beneďŹ ts above, just do these simple things each month: make a minimum of 10 debit card transactions, have 1 direct deposit or ACH auto debit, receive your monthly account statement electronically and access your account online. A checking account that actually pays you. We can also assist with other personal banking needs, like auto loans, home improvement loans and more!
FoundersBanktx.com
281-325-5000 s Sweetwater & Lexington in Sugar Land *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of 9/25/2009. Minimum to open account is $100. Rate tiers are as follows: 5.01% APY applies to balances of $0.01 - $10,000 and 2.25% APY applies to balances over $10,000 as long as qualiďŹ cations are met each statement cycle. 0.05% APY applies to all balances if qualiďŹ cations are not met. All accounts will earn 2.25% - 5.01% on all balances as long as qualiďŹ cations are met. Rates may change after the account is opened. Fees may reduce earnings.
Marshall HS; Matthew Lee, Hightower HS; Jibi Mathew, Hightower HS; Chi Nguyen, Hightower HS; Angel Ostorva, Willowridge HS; Ana Rios, Willowridge HS; Daniel Thompson, Marshall HS; and Gilbert Tumaliuan, Marshall HS. Pictured (from left to right) are: Merriah Wilhite, Mark St. Rose, Jibi Mathew, Mathew Lee, Niyati Hariyani, Daniel Thompson, Taloria Gillespie, Ronald Johnson, Esperanza Garcia, Shawn Clemons, and Alma Buena.