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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2017
Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City
Austin High senior named Fort Bend County Fair Queen
2016 Fair Queen, Katie Koerth passes on the 2017 title to Marissa Salazar, right. The 2017 Fort Bend County Bend County. I am just happy Bethany Garcia, a Senior at CleFair Queen is Marissa Salazar. to be here. I am having an awe- ments High School, Marissa Charcas, a Senior at Lamar ConMarissa is a senior at Austin some time,” said Marissa. Marissa will be serving as an solidated High School, Shauna High School and was among 11 young ladies who competed for ambassador during the fair’s run Pack, a Junior at George Ranch the crown, scholarships, and all at several different auctions and High School, Krystal Negrete, a Senior at Needville High the other awards that come with events. The competition is based on School, Kelsey Lattin, a Junior the title. 2016 Fair Queen, Katie Ko- a personal interview, an essay, at Hightower High School, and erth passed on the title to Ma- a networking event, commu- Kennedy Johnson, a Senior at rissa in the Queen Coronation nity service, and participation. Ridgepoint High School. Tori Reeh was named first Ceremony held on opening day The Fair Queen candidates were Skylar Higginbotham, a Fresh- runner-up and Jenna Marler was of the Fair. Marissa was named Queen, man at George Ranch High awarded Miss Congeniality. Marissa will take part in in front of her parents, extended School, Jenna Marler, a Senior family, the Queen Committee, at Tompkins High School, Tori several Fair related activities Reeh, a Senior at Needville throughout the year. For more board members and guest. “It feels absolutely amazing; High School, Marissa Salazar, information on the fair’s schedit wasn’t anticipated at all to a Senior at Austin High School, ule call the Fair Office at 281win, I just feel, I feel truly hon- Samantha Mae, a Senior at La- 342-6171 or visit fortbendcounored to be able to represent Fort mar Consolidated High School, tyfair.com.
FBISD Board President Kristin Tassin to seek Republican nomination for Texas Senate
Kristin Tassin has announced she will be running for the Republican nomination for State Senate District 17 which covers portions of Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Harris counties. The announcement was made on Sept. 29. Now in her second term, Kristin serves as the President of the Fort Bend ISD School Board, the 7th largest school district in the state of Texas. “I have spoken with people from across the 17th District who agree we deserve new leadership who can deliver actual results on the conservative reforms we need to strengthen our communities and serve our families,” Kristin said. “I am a solutions-driven conservative, who has a proven record of getting things done that make a real and positive difference for the families and children I serve. During my time as an involved parent and serving on the School Board, we have cut taxes for our hard-working families, increased teacher salaries by $2,500, and delivered reforms to increase school performance and accountability so we have more Texans who are independent, self-reliant, productive taxpayers for our state.” Kristin has been a vocal advocate on behalf of public education and the State meeting its
Tassin Constitutional responsibility to fully fund our schools with the taxes we are paying. “Austin politicians are neither following through on their Constitutional responsibilities nor their promises of limited government. Instead, we are left with a shell game where the taxes our families pay for education are used for special interests and unintended purposes,” Kristin noted. “Put simply, the State Legislature is not getting the job done on many of the most important issues facing our families: public school funding, fixing the school finance issue, real property tax reform that helps
homeowners, investment in infrastructure, and transparent budgeting that no longer steals tax dollars from our state’s key responsibilities.” “I have the background to help fix these issues and the courage to take on any special interest that threatens the success of our children, our communities, and the future of our great state of Texas.” Prior to serving on the FBISD Board, Kristin was managing member of her law firm, Dry & Tassin, PLLC, where she practiced Intellectual Property and Special Education Law. In 2011, she was recognized as a Texas Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers Magazine. In 2003, Kristin and her husband, Shannon, co-founded Father’s Joy, a charitable organization that supports children with disabilities and their families. Through Father’s Joy, they have organized conferences for educators, medical professionals, and parents; spoken at various conferences on special education law, inclusive education and ethics in special education; given educational lectures to pediatric interns at Texas Children’s Hospital. Kristin and Shannon, are 21-year residents of Missouri City. They currently have three daughters attending FBISD schools.
Fort Bend Education Foundation Hosts Sugar Shindig. Enjoy a sweet time at the Fort Bend Education Foundation’s third Annual Sugar Shindig on Friday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m. to raise funds for classrooms and campuses affected by Hurricane Harvey. Shimmy over to Safari Texas for a casual evening of fun and frolic, including a fajita dinner, a dessert auction and dancing to the music of Password. This is camaraderie at its finest as staff from schools and community members vie for the best cakes made by local bakers. The event is hosted by the Angels of Education Auxiliary, whose mission is to create community awareness for the Foundation’s Grants to Teachers and Schools programs. Have your cake Mayor Allen Owen, center, on Sept. 18 presented a proclamation declaring Sept. 17-23 as and eat it too at this shindig! To purchase tickets, adults $27/person, or make donations, visit www. fortbendisd.com/foundation. “Constitution Week” to the Missouri City Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 4, 2017
NEWS Autism Advocates applauds The George Foundation
Sugar Land Garden Club. The Sugar Land Garden Club, established in 1932 by its local residents with Mrs. W.T. Eldridge as the first President, has grown exponentially in the past 85 years. SLGC donates funds every year to the Brazos Bend State Park, Sugar Land Garden Scholarship Fund, Brookwood Community Volunteer Program, Habitat For Humanity and Fort Bend’s Women Center, to name a few. The club meets every third Tuesday. There are Field Trips and Workshops to enjoy. This October 17th, David Heinicke will be speaking about Fort Bend Native Plants. He will be sharing his knowledge of the local plants used by the Native Americans and early settlers. The meeting will be at St. Basils Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land for a 9:30 a.m. social with the speaker following at 10 a.m. Please visit the Facebook page or www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.
MEP Engineering
Commissioning
“Every storm has a silver lining” and in Fort Bend County, that was, and is, undoubtedly true. In the aftermath of Harvey, neighborly support and fellowship are thriving and now, with the generosity of a caring and kind community, Hope For Three Autism Advocates can make a significant difference in the lives of many, including those affected by Hurricane Harvey. “We applaud The George Foundation for presenting Hope For Three with a $ 25,000 check to provide relief and assistance to Fort Bend families living with autism affected or displaced by Hurricane Harvey,” Darla Farmer, Hope For Three Executive Director, said. “The kindness continued, as Timewise generously provided a limited match for gas card donations,” said Farmer. “Unfortunately, the needs
Program Management
Quynh-Anh McMahan, left, The George Foundation Grant Officer delivers a $25,000 to Hope For Three Executive Director, Darla Farmer, to provide relief and assistance to Fort Bend families living with autism, affected or displaced by Hurricane Harvey. for children with autism have not changed and Hope For Three and our caring community must continue to raise funds and awareness for individuals challenged with autism. Hope For Three’s dedication and commitment is to aid local families and provide helpful resources to communities.” For autism families in Fort Bend County to receive assistance, please call or text the Hope For Three Harvey Relief Assistance Hotline, 346-774-7770 or www.hopeforthree.org/harvey Hope For Three Autism Advocates. Providing Help. Creating Hope.
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INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 4, 2017 • Page 3
NEWS
Staord adopts budget on 4-3 vote By BARBARA FULENWIDER After the Staord City Council got through adding $2.2 million more in expenses to Mayor Leonard Scarcella’s original 2017-18 ďŹ scal year budget, it came to $36.2 million and passed by a vote of 4-3. The three councilmen who voted against it are Cecil Willis, Wen Guerra and A. J. Honore. Those who voted for the budget are Virginia Rosas, Don Jones, Ken Mathew and Scarcella. After council’s Sept. 27 special meeting, Scarcella said his proposed budget was going to have a general fund balance of $2.5 million. “Then they (council) wanted to put that property we bought for $838,00 (for the city) and the $575,000 from FEMA for Harvey into the general fund. “So if you put those together with $2.5 million in the general fund balance that would have made the fund balance $4 million. They cut it down to $1.8 million so that’s roughly $2.2 million in expenditures that I had to add to my budget,â€? Scarcella said. The major additions, the mayor said, were two more police oďŹƒcers, another fulltime ďŹ reman, another ďŹ re marshal, “a lot of equipmentâ€? that included a cement truck, a $260,000 server and backup server. “You add all that up and it comes to $2.2 million,â€? the mayor said. After council voted to adopt the larger budget, Willis said he voted against adoption because “for the second straight year they are depleting the fund balance. If we have a fund balance that includes three budget amendments like last year we will only have $298,000 left in it. Our fund balances in the past have been in the $5 millions and above, which allowed us exibility to do things when emergencies and disasters occurred. “The one thing we can do,â€? Willis said at the meeting, “is control the spending.â€? He said he’s been with many organizations that for various reasons had to stop all extra spending “and live with what we had. We couldn’t do anything but we made it through it. Live within your means and don’t spend more than you have. “There’s absolutely no way you can run your life or this city on a credit card. Look at the amount of revenue that’s there and look at the amount
of spending and then look at the fund balance. Sometimes in life you’ve got to hit bottom before you realize it’s not there. It just can’t function like this any longer,â€? Willis concluded. Long before the three plus hour meeting adjourned, Councilman Don Jones urged council to “look forward and be optimistic when we approach this new budget. I think most important for our city is to look at our options. Let’s not take anything o the table. We’re not thinking about ourselves. We’re thinking about the city as a whole.â€? The ďŹ rst item council talked about was employee salary increases. Rosas said she wanted a 2 percent increase for all full time employees and Scarcella said while some people were “maxed outâ€? on raises they will still get a 2 percent raise. “There is a 2 percent raise for everyone.â€? Scarcella said, “Any positions open we will go forward on. We are not in any way going to eliminate positions. Those we have we need to try to get the most productivity out of, the best revenues, savings and cost eectiveness.â€? The mayor then made a recommendation to vote on the agenda and proceeded to make the “motion to adopt as presented with all the recommendations, which are substantial from what I recommended.â€? The motion was seconded and then Guerra said, “This city needs to diversify to ďŹ nd other venues and resources to raise that extra amount of money and not necessarily so we can spend it. I’m not saying we’ll get everything on the wish list but if we keep going the way we’re going it’s a downward spiral. “I’m just glad we’re not in the position Houston’s in,â€? Guerra continued. “Can you imagine if we had that kind of situation here in Staord? We don’t have the resources. We need to look into a dierent matrix and provide the city what it needs. There are precarious and expensive things we’ll have to look at. We don’t have enough money in escrow to balance a bond‌ don’t have the money for the capital improvements coming up. “At the end of the day we have a large population that only brings 6 percent to this
budget. We keep dumping money into the school district because we don’t have the population to sustain it. We need to ďŹ nd ways to perpetuate this city. It’s time to look at other venues to make other revenues,â€? Guerra said. Mathew spoke next and said he agrees with Guerra. “If you don’t have it, we cannot spend it. The ďŹ rst thing is to go after revenues of 60 percent and not six percent. That won’t be achieved tomorrow.â€? Honore said, “We are being led with blinders. Until we take them o we won’t solve this problem. When we start these workshops the blinders will come o and start talking and considering other options. I’m not hopeful that we’ll be able to do it quick enough to take care of the problems we have with this budget. Depending on how our discussions go that moratorium might never be lifted. “The bottom line is we have to look at our home rule charter and clean up some of the ambiguity. The mayor didn’t have to present a budget at all because we have a zero tax rate,â€? Honore said. “That’s something we have to ďŹ x in the charter. “I was hopeful maybe we’d talk about this budget and ďŹ nd a group of capital expenditures we could roll into a short term debt issue to restore our fund balance. I won’t be able to vote for the budget for those reasons. I am going to stay very hopeful but $800,000 isn’t going to come back into the fund balance.â€? Guerra then said, “This year our budget regressed. Last year we gave employees a 3 percent raise, this year 2 percent. This budget didn’t grow, revenue didn’t grow and it’s not going to grow. I’m looking at the future.â€? Then Scarcella spoke and said, “I was told and it’s been suggested to me to have work sessions and put everything on the table. I’m suggesting that’s what we do. I’m not throwing in the towel. “We’re still in the game for Amazon to come to the old TI property. I realize it’s like trying to throw sevens nine times in a row but we’re under consideration, we’re in the ballpark. Look at how many homes ooded in Staord. We are here and we have tremendous opportunity. I think we can talk about anything and discuss it.â€?
Open house on Sugar land’s Land Use Plan A citizen-led Land Use Advisory Committee (LUAC) has scheduled a public open house on Oct. 11, at 6 p.m., at Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North, to share a proposed update to the city’s Land Use Plan. The Land Use Plan, also known as Chapter 6 of the city’s Comprehensive Plan: outlines policy direction and guidance for land-use decisions; establishes a vision for land use; and identiďŹ es a work plan of projects to accomplish land-use goals. The plan guides proactive responses to long-term market shifts and demographic trends -- with the goal of protecting single-family residential neighborhoods and ensuring Sugar Land continues to be a premier place to live, work, shop and play in the region. City residents who served on LUAC guided work to update the plan. Recommendations were based on a four-year process that included extensive eorts to engage the community and gather input. Public participation included meetings, Online Town Halls, an educational forum series and more. The Land Use Plan is not zoning or a regulatory document; however, the city’s zoning regulations are guided by and must
be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. In fact, the city is required to have a Comprehensive Plan if it has zoning. LUAC’s plan to share their plan with the community will precede a presentation and recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The draft Land Use Plan is available online at www.sugarlandtx.gov/LandUsePlan. Feedback can be provided
at www.sugarlandtx.gov/onlinetownhall beginning Oct. 2 through Oct. 23 or at a public hearing during the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Oct. 26. Following the hearing, the commission will make a recommendation to City Council. The Council will hold a workshop, public hearing and consider adoption of the plan by ordinance later this year.
ADVANCE NOTICE PUBLIC LIVE AUCTION FORT BEND COUNTY 9110 LONG ST., NEEDVILLE, TX. SAT. – OCT. 21 – 10 A.M. PREVIEW: FRI., Oct. 20th, 10 am-3pm & Sat., Sale Day from 8 am. FEATURED (Approx.100) VEHICLES, EQUIPMENT, TRACTORS, SPECIALTY TRUCKS, FORKLIFT, AMBULANCES & GENERAL MERCHANDISE (Approx. 100) Pickups & Cars: Dodge Chargers, Lg. Qty. Ford & Chev. Pickups, Ford Fusions, Crown Victoria’s, Chev. Tahoe’s, Ford Five Hundred, Ford Expedition, Ford Ambulances, Chev. Cargo Van, Chev. Caprice, Chev. Pass. Van, 2011 Freightliner Dump Truck, Dump Bed, Ford 9000 Cab & Chassis, CAT D8R Crawler/Tractor Dozer, John Deere Tractors, Implements, 2011 Freightliner Dump Truck, Dump Bed, TCM Forklift,Asphalt Laydown Machine, Enclosed Trailer, Portable Traffic Signal Trailer, Dura Tank,Livestock Panels, Golf Cart, Pews, Office Furniture, Copiers, & More. Website Terms, Conditions, & Information Removal Deadline: Mon., 10/23/17 by 3 p.m. www.fortbendcountyauction.com www.lemonsauctioneers.com
Lori Lemons-Campbell #7341 (281)357-4977
Quail Valley BBQ - Country & Western Dance - October 7 Missouri City Exchange Club Plans Annual CW Dance The Missouri City Exchange Club announces the annual BBQ - Country & Western Dance, “Fist Full Of Dollars,â€? will be held on October 7, 2017, at the Quail Valley City Center. The previously incorrect announcement stated that the event was planned for the Missouri City Community Center. The event kicks o at 6:00 p.m and ends at 11:00 p.m, in Quail Valley City Center. Wade Andrew Smith and Driftwood will be the headlining as musical guests.
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Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 4 , 2017
WHEN MY DADDY WENT TO WAR... WWII – June 1944, Part I Written by Carolyn Bowden “This A.M. I received your letter of May 15th (Now it is June 2, 1944). Yes, I am so proud of your lovely picture and you are a very sweet girl to favor me with them. I regret you did not put my honey’s picture in the nicest leather frame that you could buy. Nice to know that you suspect that I like you. Seems as if the heat is on me for a picture now. I received Martin’s letter. (Martin was their young nephew) I explained to him that I was paid in lire and could not send him any money. I am thinking you could help there. I would say, if I was home, that you could arrange to have your grass cut as often as you would like to have it but, you should have received a box of Whitman’s Samplers every week. Your husband is doing just fine as District Commander and is well pleased to have a command again. He has the responsibility of maintaining law and order over about 400,000 civilians and Allied personnel.” (Summer 1944) “Dear Daddy, your letter to me came yesterday. I was the only one that got a letter. I read it all by myself. School was out and now I am in the second grade. I love you, Carolyn” “Dear Carolyn, you are a smart girl to read and be in the second grade. Daddy.” “Your husband loves you more and is more interested in your personal welfare and future than any other person in the whole world. I am enjoying my work just fine and love it because it seems so impossible at times and yet I marvel at the Government entrusting a mere milk man with so much responsibility. You people are judged by the way we carry out
Bowden the laws. Your husband tries to be fair and square with the very worst criminals. We also have to look at things from the humane point of view.” “I am thinking a lot about your house that you are going to buy. Just remember to be very careful in your selection so as you will be sure to get the right one. I think it would be of great satisfaction to me to know that you had a home all of your own and that I had helped in my insignificant simple way. Get in there and fight and I will back you up when I can come home to you. I trust your judgment and want you to have whatever is necessary to make you happy.” (June 11, 1944) “You will note that your husband has been given the most important and most responsible job in the District Military Police of the City. In two months worked from 8th place and now is so very grateful for the opportunity to serve in the third highest office of All Military Police of the City. Again I say I am proud of the confidence shown me.” (In a future column, I will write the history of the Peninsular Base Section, which was the main Army Service Force City of Missouri City
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING On Monday, October 16, 2017, there will be held, during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, City of Missouri City City Hall, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas, a public hearing relating to the creation of Reinvestment Zone No. 16 for tax abatement purposes. The proposed Reinvestment Zone No. 16 is located north of Buffalo Run Park, south of Highway 90A, east of Cravens Road, and west of the Sam Houston Parkway. The proposed Reinvestment Zone No. 16 consists of Reserves 8 and 9 of the Park 8Ninety subdivision plat, filed under Instrument Number 20160020 of the real property records of Fort Bend County and is depicted below. Any interested person is entitled to speak and present evidence for or against the creation of Reinvestment Zone No. 16.
Notice to Creditors Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of DAVID EUGENE HAGLER, Deceased, were issued on September 25, 2017, under Docket Number 17-CPR-030720 in County Court At Law No. 4 of Fort Bend County, Texas to: CONNIE ELAINE HAGLER. Claims may be presented to the attorney for the Executor, addressed as follows: Patton H. Breland, Jr. Breland & Breland 2207 Hermann Drive Houston, Texas 77004 All persons having claims against the Estate, which is being currently administered, are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. Dated this 29 day of September, 2017 Patton H. Breland, Jr. Attorney for the Executor Texas Bar: 02947800 2207 Hermann Drive Houston, Texas 77004 Tel: (713) 526-0541 Fax: (713) 526-0564 E-mail: attorneys@brelandlaw.com
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in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations that furnished the tools of war to American soldiers and some of their Allies in Italy.) “You are so kind to accept my feelings in the poems.” (He would cut poems out of the Army Newspaper. Then he would change some of the names/words to reflect how the poem was similar to their relationship. Mother saved all the poems and I placed them in the scrapbooks I created about my Daddy’s service in WWII.) “I do not have much to do in the way of cleaning my basket as my executive does all the work and I just have to check on him and sign. I am so sorry that you have been financially embarrassed for so long. Trust it is better now. Yes, I agree that Gus (Daddy’s oldest brother who was running Daddy’s Milk Plant business)) is doing a swell job. Just your luck not to get a successful husband. We have been away 14 months today.” “Went through a hospital this A.M. that is part of my Command and I should say it was very interesting.” “Will send Johnnie (small son of Gus) some gum and if his mother wants to take gum from a baby then I guess it will be okay. Seems as if it would be normal for a man to step over a chair and run up the stairs.” (My little brother must have done this and gotten in trouble. I remember one time, after breakfast, Jerry and I saw some left over biscuits sitting on the top of the stove. We each took one and ran upstairs with it. I don’t know why we didn’t ask Aunt Myrtis if we could have one. I’m sure she would have said yes.) “Reckon the milk man can build a gate now? I have ten carpenters working in my headquarters fixing up the building. Wish you had just one husband working in yours. Tell me something about your new home.” “Had a letter of thanks from Joe Valentour yesterday. I asked him to write to me often. Regret that he could not get into the U.S. Navy. (Evidently the Navy was his first choice. They would not take him due to a scar on the white part of his eye. This was caused by a stick that was thrown by another boy when they were kids. I assume the Navy thought it would affect his eye sight?) “I believe he will work hard and do his best.” (Hard to realize that by the time you receive this letter 15 months will have passed.” This was Uncle Gus’s eldest son. He graduated from high school and enlisted in the Army. He had eight weeks basic training and was sent to the Front lines as a member of America’s Elite Special Forces: the WWII Famed Rangers that tackled some of the toughest missions of World War II and became combat legends. The history of the Rangers in America stretches back to the 17th Century. They were disbanded at the end of WWII and the Korean War. To learn more about the Rangers read the Forgotten Epic Story of WWII’s most dramatic rescue mission. My cousin, Joe, who was like an older brother to me, survived the war, put himself through four years of college on the GI Bill and then, weeks before his college graduation ceremony he was killed. He was to begin his new sales job with Gates Rubber Company in Denver, Colorado. He had purchased his first new car. It was night and he was driving on country roads outside Oxford, Mississippi. As he topped a hill and his car lights dropped down to the pavement there stood a mule in the middle of the road. Skid marks showed he had no time to serve. He was killed instantly... (TO BE CONTINUED). NEXT COLUMN: Part Two of WWII – June 1944
Sugar Land endures ‘mutiny’ over tax rate hike Many may have missed the unprecedented discord over rising the property tax rate at the Sugar Land City Council meeting two weeks ago. The usually placid proceedings gave way to strong differences of opinion so much so the council had to vote three times before adopting a tax rate. The problem was confounded by the city charter which requires a super majority of votes, namely 5 out of 7 council votes to adopt the tax rate. Such a measure had been instituted to ensure that a tax hike is not implemented easily by a simple majority. Elections have consequences. More so at national level. Often, in local elections such an impact is rare to come by. Though people are opposed to tax increases, when they vote in city council elections, not many remember the candidate’s position on taxes. Rather, they don’t care about that issue. Instead, they vote based on their perception of the person. Former Councilman Harish Jajoo had in the past few years voted against a tax increase or voted for a tax cut. His was a lone vote. He, however, used to vote for the budget. His fellow councilmembers used to describe his position as motivated by his political ambition to run for mayor. Jajoo did run for mayor, but his tax cut philosophy did not help him in winning the election.. Councilmember Amy Mitchell used to be another voice of dissent, but again she knew she was in a minority. Last year, Mary Joyce was elected to the seat vacated by Mayor Joe Zimmerman. She clearly demonstrated her independent approach and disagreed with the majority establishment view; for example, on the issue of banning texting
Inside Track By Seshadri Kumar while driving and on providing a grant to the Wharton County Junior College she disagreed with the majority. The newcomer Carol McCutcheon, who succeeded Jajoo as Dist.4 council member, joined Joyce and Mitchell in opposing any tax rate hike. If she had stood her ground and if the council failed to get the required five votes, automatically the current tax rate would have continued with no increase. However, to avoid such a fallout, McCutcheon supported a 1.5 percent tax hike instead of the 3 percent hike, placed on the table by the administration. Earlier in the day, the administration sensing that there may not be enough support for the initially proposed tax rate, presented a revised budget based on a 32.2 cent plus 3 percent tax rate. First the 32.2 cent plus a 3 percent rate hike proposed by Zimmeman and seconded by Council member Bridget Yeung failed to garner five votes. Joyce, Mitchell and McCutcheon wanted no change and sought to keep the current 31.595 cent rate. Then, Councilmember Himesh Gandhi introduced a compromise by proposing a 32.2 cent tax rate. That also failed to garner the required five votes. Then, again Gandhi recalibrated the numbers and proposed a 31.76 cent tax rate, a
1.5 percent increase over the current rate. And McCutcheon changed her position and voted with four others to adopt the new tax rate. Joyce and Mitchell stood their ground. All this fight was over a $800,000 projected shortage if there was no tax increase. Joyce hit the nail on the head by asking how the administration could not find $800,000 in a budget of over $200 million. She pointed out travel and overtime amounting to $3 million as an area for cutting down expenditures. The administration wanted to increase the tax rate because the tax revenue has dropped and that amount cannot meet the budget. Normally, in a household when income reduces, the family has to reduce its expenditures if it chooses to live within the means. Some may continue to spend borrowing on the credit card. The administration advocates a tax rate, usually with the doomsday projection that the skies will fall and services will have to be cut if there is no tax increase. There are few elected officials who take the challenge and say, “let us cut the tax rate and see if really the skies fall.” Some elected officials even argue, as did some of the Sugar Land council members, that people wanted quality services and they wanted a tax increase. People’s support on the bond election for parks and trails is often touted as a mandate for tax increase. While selling the bond election to voters, proponents of the bond used to say that for a cup of Starbucks coffee, one could have a $10 million hike and bike trail or for two cups of coffee, a park and a trail. Voters should know that the city is not going to give them a free cup coffee.
Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 10 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at the offices of Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP located at 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 2400, Houston, TX 77027. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. FOR the proposal:
D. Burns, J. Cantu & R. Vannerson
AGAINST the proposal:
(None)
PRESENT and not voting:
(None)
ABSENT:
(None)
The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. Last Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value) Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)
This Year
$ 0.643/$100
$ 0.690/$100
(Adopted)
(Proposed)
$0.047/$100 7.3095% $249,708
$252,846
-$49,942 $199,766 $1,284.50
-$50,569 $202,277 $1,395.71
$111.21 8.6579%
NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code. The district is exceeding the rollback rate due to Hurricane Harvey, emergency repairs and establishing an emergency prepardness reserve. Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.
INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 4, 2017 • Page 5
NEWS
$10,000 reward offered in deadly cold case Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers will pay a $10,000 cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of the perpetrator in a deadly cold case. On Thursday, July 19, 2007, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to Ink Tones Tattoos, located on FM 1092 in the Stafford area concerning a shooting. Deputies found a deceased male victim lying on the floor in front of the door of the business. The man was identified as Richard Vargas. Several other men were involved in the incident. Witnesses said they saw three men enter the tattoo parlor and begin shooting. One witness saw the suspects get into a red/maroon fourdoor passenger car and drive away on FM 1092. The suspect who shot and killed Vargas has been identified as Israel Angel Valdez, who is now 53 years old. Val-
Valdez dez is 6-feet, 5-inches tall and was last reported as weighing more than 300 pounds. “This is a cold case and we recognize that it is difficult to get information on a case that occurred 10 years ago, but the $10,000 reward shows we want to try again,” said Leslie Woods, president of the Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers. “To this day, we have family members who are still grieving due to this deadly in-
cident. Anyone who has information about this case is asked to make that anonymous call to the Crime Stoppers phone number so this family can have closure.” Valdez was arrested and charged in Fort Bend County for this murder. However, he posted bond in November of 2007 and fled in order to avoid prosecution. Valdez has previous ties to Houston and Alma, Michigan. He also has family ties to Mexico and has been known to work as a painter. “Israel Valdez is a dangerous man and he probably carries a weapon,” said Sheriff Troy Nehls. “He has been on our Top 10 Most Wanted list for 10 years. We need someone to step up and send us a tip that leads to his capture.” Anyone who has information on this crime is asked to call Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers, Inc. -Call (281) 342TIPS (8477)
Hansen Tattoo on the upper right hand arm of Valdez -Send a Text Message: Text FBCCS plus your tip to CRIMES (274637) - Submit Online: http:// www.fortbend.crimestoppersweb.com. Information, which leads to the arrest of this suspect could earn you up to $10,000 cash reward.
Two suspects in debit card scam sought Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of the perpetrators involved in a fraud case. On Aug. 7, 2017, suspects used a skimmed (counterfeit) debit card, containing the victim’s account information, to complete several fraudulent transactions. The suspects used the victim’s debit card to purchase approximately $16,600 worth of money orders from United States Post Office locations in Brookshire, Sealy, Columbus, Eagle Lake and Sheridan. The debit card was also used to make an ATM withdrawal for $500 at Citgo gas station, located at 7050 SW Freeway, in Houston. Suspect No. 1, who completed the ATM withdrawal, is described as a Hispanic male, possibly mid- to late20’s, medium build and has short brown hair. He was observed wearing a gray and black t-shirt and blue jeans. Suspect No. 2, who completed the money order transactions, is described as a Hispanic female, possibly mid- to late-20’s, medium build and has brown hair. She was observed wearing a blue jacket and a light-colored dress. “We are hoping someone
Dr. John Hansen elected Secretary of HCC Board of Trustees
The Houston Community College (HCC) Board of Trustees has elected Trustee Dr. John Hansen as board secretary for the remainder of 2017. “I’m honored to be elected by my fellow board members to this position,” Hansen said. “I believe the board is working diligently to make HCC one of the finest community colleges in the nation.” Board Chair Eva Loredo said, “Trustee Hansen has proven to be an invaluable leader who understands how to help HCC expand on its
mission to create student success.” Hansen was elected to the HCC Board of Trustees in 2015 to represent District VI. A college professor and business consultant, Hansen brings decades of experience in education to the board. He served on the Alief ISD Board of Trustees for 22 years, including three terms as board president. “Trustee Hansen’s extensive experience in business and education at multiple levels makes him a perfect fit for leadership on the board,” said HCC Chancellor Dr. Cesar Maldonado. “I have been impressed with Trustee Hansen’s advice and perspective since he joined the board two years ago.” Hansen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama and Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Economics from Rice University.
Sixty-three FBISD students named 2018 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
out there will recognize the male suspect since we have good surveillance video,” said Sheriff Troy E. Nehls. “If you know one of the suspects and want to make some bucks the honest way, call the Crime Stoppers anonymous hotline.”
Anyone who has information on this crime is asked to call Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers, Inc. Call (281) 342-TIPS (8477); Submit Online: http:// www.fortbend.crimestoppersweb.com/
Information, which leads to the apprehension and filing of charges on the suspect(s) involved, could earn you up to $5,000 CASH REWARD . Calls to Crime Stoppers are ANONYMOUS.
Double shooting in Rosenberg On Thursday, September 28, at about 3:57 p.m, the Rosenberg Police Department received a call in reference to a shooting that occurred in the area of Avenue K and James Street in Rosenberg. The two gunshot victims were in the emergency room located at the OakBend Regional Medical Center (22003 Southwest Fwy, Richmond). One of the victims was an 18-year-old male and the second was an 18-year-old female. The male victim was shot 3 times, once in the back,
Harvest Fest A cornucopia of food and fun returns to Harvest Green as the community celebrates nature’s bounty during Harvest Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. The free festivities will take place at the community’s model home park, 618 Vineyard Hollow Court, in Richmond. Families will enjoy music, food trucks, a farmers market, apple bobbing, a pie-eating competition, bouncy houses, a balloon artist, face painters and plenty of harvest-themed activities. All 11 of Harvest Green’s professionally-decorated model homes will be open for touring. For more information, visit www.harvestgreentexas.com.
Vargas
and two shots to the legs. The female victim was shot once in the leg. The victims identified Luis Alonso Vargas as the suspect in the shooting. Luis Vargas is a 21-year-old Hispanic male from Rosenberg. Rosenberg Police Dispatch relayed the suspect information to the patrol division. The suspect’s vehicle was later located and a traffic stop was initiated. The vehicle evaded police, however, a traffic stop was eventually made on the sus-
pect’s vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was the suspect, Luis Vargas. Luis Vargas was placed under arrest at that time for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Evading ArrestVehicle. Vargas was transported to Rosenberg City Jail and later to Fort Bend County Jail with a total bond of $30, 000. Both victims are recovering from their non-life threatening injuries. At this time the motive for the shootings is under investigation.
Fort Bend ISD is proud to announce that 63 Fort Bend ISD seniors are Semifinalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program, sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The FBISD students are among approximately 16,000 Semifinalists named in the 63rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program, based on their junior year performance on the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which is an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. FBISD’s 2018 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists include: Kadriye Almus (Dulles), Sara Armendariz (Dulles), Nishant Aranke (Clements), Ryan Bethke (Austin), Nikitha Bhavani (Dulles), Angela Chang (Clements), Anthony Chang (Clements), Muskaan Chaturvedi (Clements), Eric Chen (Clements), Matthew Chen (Clements), Elsbeth Chow (Dulles), Isha Dhawan (Clements), Palak Diwanji (Dulles), Ruchika Dongre (Clements), Swetha Gangu (Clements), Nikhil Gattu (Dulles), Mahija Ginjupalli (Clements), Indhusri Gunda (Clements), Alicia Guo (Clements), Stephanie Guo (Clements), Brenner Hohl (Clements), Alice Hu (Dulles), Jason Huang (Clements), Christina Ji, (Austin), Amsal Kassam (Dulles), Victor Li (Austin), Drake Liang (Clements), Candice Ma (Dulles), Jaanita Mehrani (Dulles), Kenneth Mitra (Dulles), Zamann Momin (Travis), Swara Mukkamala (Dulles), Brittany Nguyen (Dulles), Star Ni (Dulles), Lakshmi Paluri (Austin), Amy Patel (Austin), Keshav Ram (Clements), Elizabeth Roberts (Clements), Abigail Sackett (Dulles), Suravi Sarkar (Hightower), Sahil Shah (Elkins), Ashish Singh (Elkins), Daniel Tan (Austin), Shreya Thipireddy (Dulles), Andy Sang Trinh (Austin), Tejas Tuppera (Dulles), Brandon Wang (Clements), Faye Wang (Clements), Nicole Wang (Clements), Warren Wang (Clements), Andrew Xu (Clements), Rena Yan (Clements), Sally Yan (Clements), Renee Yu (Hightower), Henry Zhang (Elkins), Jeffrey Zhang (Dulles), Jenny Zhang (Clements), Michael Zhang (Clements), Stephen Zheng (Clements), Erika Zhou (Clements), Joy Zhu (Clements), Michelle Zhu (Clements) and Alisha Zute (Elkins). From the approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, about 15,000 (or 90 percent) are expected to advance to the Finalist level where they will compete for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Finalists will learn of their designation in February.
Jade Esteban Estrada to entertain Loving Friends Loving Friends will meet for dinner and entertainment on Tuesday, October 17, arrival time 5 p.m, at Quail Valley City Cr., 2880 La Quinta Dr., Missouri City. Jade Esteban Estrada, “master entertainer” who headlined concerts, theatres and comedy clubs will entertain the group. Estrada has been seen in feature films, on Comedy Central’s “The Graham Norton Effect”, “In the Life” on PBS,“Friday Night Lights”, “30 Rock on NBC” and many other venues. Cost for dinner and entertainment is $22 inclusive ....reservations required by calling 281-208-3124, Loving Friends is a social group of men and women who lost their spouses but want to
move on with their lives, not Estrada a grief support group. Other monthly activities, include luncheons, pokeno, book club and bridge. Join us for a fun evening and an opportunity to make new friends.
Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 4, 2017
AUTOMOBILE: Hyundai Santa Fe
Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 19 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. at the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, One Fluor Daniel Drive, Lakepoint Plaza, Building D, Conference Room, Sugar Land, Texas. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.
By BARBARA FULENWIDER The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe line-up continues to offer frontor all-wheel drive and seating options for five, six or seven passengers. Highlights for the 2018 Santa Fe Sport model with the value package include heated dual power side mirrors with turn signal indicators, power windows with front auto-up/down, proximity key with push-button start, seven-inch display audio with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay & SiriusXM. Building upon major 2017 enhancements such as fresh exterior design and LED lighting signatures to additional infotainment, safety features and new Drive Mode selection, an all-new value package on the Santa Fe Sport delivers even more popular features. Also, dual automatic temperature control with clean air ionizer, Hyundai Blue Link Connected Car System, power driver PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for (Katy ISD) Creech Elementary School temporary location at UH-Cinco Ranch campus due to Hurricane Harvey, for the creation of school zone and addition of “No Left Turn” and “No U-turn” signs on Mason Road, University Park Drive and Camden Bend Lane, Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights and roof side rails. Inside premium wood finish trim is now standard on leatherequipped Santa Fe/Santa Fe Sports and the Blue Link-equipped Santa Fe Sports now include all services standard for a full three years. The Sport is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder direct-injected engine that is highly efficient and makes 185 horsepower. The more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 240 horsepower and the three row 2018 Santa Fe is powered by a 3.3-liter Lambda II V6 engine, with 290 horsepower. The Santa Fe Sport with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine gets 23 miles to the gallon in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds and provides a spacious cargo area of 80 feet with the rear seats folded flat. All Santa Fe engines use highpressure direct injection and dual continuously variable valve timPUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Aliana, Section 40, Precinct 4. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
ing, A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models. Active Cornering Control and a windshield wiper de-icer are standard on AWD Santa Fe models. Santa Fe’s comprehensive list of standard features include a rearview camera, automatic on/off headlights, remote keyless entry with alarm, bodycolor power side mirrors with driver’s blind spot mirror, LED headlight accents, daytime running lights, steeringwheel-mounted audio and cruise control and Bluetooth hands-free smartphone system. Premium features available are HID Xenon headlights, panoramic sunroof, navigation and an updated 12-speaker Infinity Logic7 audio system which features QuantumLogic Surround and Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology. Hyundai’s handsfree liftgate with auto open makes it easier for owners to gain access to the cargo area whenever their hands are full. It opens effortlessly if the key fob is near. The test drive model was the Sport 2.0T Ultimate SUV. With front wheel drive it retails for $35,650 and with AWD goes for $37,200. I got to drive it for two weeks rather than one because of Harvey. It rides very well, is great on gas mileage and having a turbo there when you need, it is not only fun but a big helpmate in certain circumstances. The Hyundai Santa Fe sport is stylish inside and out and has numerous creature comforts. It’s also impressive.
Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The FORT BEND COUNTY L.I.D. #2 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on October 18, 2017 at 8:30 AM at Sugar Land Marriott Town Square, 16090 City Walk, Burning Pear Restaurant, Sugar Land, Texas. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. FOR the proposal:
Andre McDonald, and Bryan Chapline
AGAINST the proposal:
None
PRESENT and not voting:
None
ABSENT: Glen Gill The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. Last Year
This Year
FOR the proposal:
R. Walters & K. Curtice
AGAINST the proposal:
(None)
PRESENT and not voting:
(None)
ABSENT:
R. Thompson
The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. Last Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value) Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)
This Year
$ 0.680/$100
$ 0.680/$100
(Adopted)
(Proposed)
$0.000/$100 0.0000% $396,077
$389,373
$0 $396,077 $2,693.32
$0 $389,373 $2,647.74
- $45.58 -1.6923%
NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.
Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.
Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 149 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on Monday, October 23, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at the offices of The Muller Law Group, PLLC,16555 Southwest Freeway, Suite 200, Sugar Land, Texas. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. FOR the proposal:
S. Winters, L. Thompson & K. McLeod
AGAINST the proposal:
(None)
PRESENT and not voting:
(None)
ABSENT:
R. Aguilar & R. Herbst
The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. Last Year
Total tax rate (per $100 of value)
$ .10670/$100
$ .11100/$100
Adopted Difference in rates per $100 of value
Average appraised residence homestead value
Proposed $ .00430/$100
Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-)
Total tax rate (per $100 of value)
4.02% $384,851
$391,833
General homestead exemptions available (excluding 65 years of age or older or disabled person’s exemptions)
$0
$0
Average residence homestead taxable value
$384,851
$391,833
Tax on average residence homestead
$410.63
$434.93
Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-)
$24.30
and percentage of increase (+/-)
5.91%
Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)
This Year
$ 0.500/$100
$ 0.500/$100
(Adopted)
(Proposed)
$0.000/$100 0.0000% $417,004
$409,346
$0 $417,044 $2,085.02
$0 $409,346 $2,046.73
- $38.29 -1.8364%
NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.
qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine
Bob Leared, Tax Assessor-Collector 713-932-9011
Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.
whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.
INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 4, 2017 • Page 7
COMMUNTIY Salute to America the Beautiful
access is
affordable health care near me Because others depend on you, we make women’s health care affordable to all. Medicaid, Chip and private insurance is accepted. A sliding fee scale is also available for those who qualify. 281-342-4530 myaccesshealth.org Front: Patricia Kelley, left, Andrea Cope, Katherine Leskin; Back: Dan Patterson, left, Elyssa Munden. — Photo by Susan Lynch The Fort Bend Symphony returns for its 26th season Sunday, October 8, 2017 with a concert celebrating the richness of the American cultural experience. With the addition of the Fort Bend Symphony Chorus (now in its second season), FBSO offers a depth of musical sound that makes for a truly enjoyable concert experience. The 2017-2018 season, “Of Liberty and Justice for All”, is designed around our American musical heritage, celebrating American composers of all ages and backgrounds. The opening concert, “America the Beautiful”, features selections from ten works written by an array of American composers, including Jesse Ayer’s “Stirrin”, an inspiring new arrangement
of spirituals for orchestra and chorus. Patrons will hear familiar patriotic themes, including Stravinsky’s re-harmonization of the “Star-Spangled Banner” and Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America”. Also on the program is the soaring finale from Aaron Copland’s 1954 opera, A Tender Land, entitled “The Promise of Living.” This song of thanksgiving and harvest gives praise to the American value of honest, hard work and its benefits to the community. New composers are also included, such as Tan Dun’s “Internet Symphony” that was commissioned for Google. The FBSO Chorus is an integral part of this entertaining performance that celebrates America, Americans and the
rich diversity of our land. Concertgoers will enjoy a free one-day pop-up art show in the Stafford Centre lobby featuring works from local artists painted to celebrate the American experience. This family-friendly art show is made possible through a partnership with Gallery Baroness and the Art League of Fort Bend. More information about special season ticket pricing and performances is online at www.fbso.org. Single tickets begin at $15 for adults. Children 12 and under are $5 each, and teens are $10 per ticket. Discounts are available for college students, seniors 55 and over, military personnel, and groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available online at www.fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642.
HOUSTON METHODIST UROLOGY ASSOCIATES WELCOMES DR. MARTINEZ AND DR. SRIKISHEN Houston Methodist Urology Associates is pleased to welcome Laura Martinez, MD, and Neel Srikishen, MD, to the new practice located on the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus. Houston Methodist Urology Associates is a group of physicians dedicated to the treatment of the entire genital and urinary tract. Combining clinical expertise with advanced technology, the practice treats the following conditions: t #MBEEFS EJTFBTF
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To schedule an appointment, call 281.746.6611 or visit houstonmethodist.org/spg to learn more about the practice. Dr. Laura Martinez
Dr. Neel Srikishen
16659 Southwest Fwy. Medical Office Building 2 Suite 265 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.746.6611
houstonmethodist.org/spg
Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 4, 2017
THE CITY OF FULSHEAR PRESENTS 8 h annual
scarecrow fest Benefiting
sat urday oct 21
free admission L Ive music • food trucks
Enter to win our Famous
s carecrow Contest 2 nd
1 st Place: $1000 Place: $500 • 3 rd Place: $250
Cross
creek ranch
p umpkin decorating r i d e s and g a m e s
There’ll be tons of fun for the whole family at Scarecrow Fest in Cross Creek Ranch. Enjoy carnival rides + games, food trucks, live music, and more! All day carnival ride wristbands are just $10, plus enter the “Scarecrowlympics” Scarecrow Contest for cash prizes!
Carnival wristbands and scarecrow contest registration available online at www.CrossCreekTexas.com/scarecrowfest In Fulshear on 1093 just west of 1463 • Katy ISD & Lamar Consolidated ISD • From the $220s – Million+