Fort Bend Independent by Fort Bend Independent

VOL 3 No. 40

Phone: 281-980-6745

www.fbindependent.com .fbindependent.com ww

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2010

news

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Sugar Land

The Apple Tree

The Kempner Fine Arts Department will present their fall musical, The Apple Tree, at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday Oct. 27 to 30 in the Kempner High School Auditorium. Advance tickets are $6 for students (with an ID) and $8 for adults, and they can be purchased in the KHS cafeteria 11:15 a.m. -- 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20 through Friday, Oct. 30th. Tickets are also available at the door: $8 for students and $10 for adults. Created by the songwriting team of “Fiddler on the Roof” and “She Loves Me,” The Apple Tree examines the dynamics of love through the ages with three one-act musicals about men, women and a little thing called temptation. The first, “The Diary of Adam and Eve,” is a quirky, touching spin on the tale of the world’s first couple adapted from Mark Twain’s “Extracts From Adam’s Diary.” The second, “The Lady or the Tiger?” explores the fickleness of love in a rock-and-roll fable set in a mythical queendom. Finally, “Passionella” is based on Jules Feiffer’s offbeat Cinderella-story about a chimney sweep whose dreams of being a “glamorous movie star” nearly sabotage her one chance for true love.

New Democratic candidate challenges veteran county clerk By BARBARA FULENWIDER A Republican veteran office holder is being challenged this year for her job of 27 years by a new Democrat hopeful who believes she can change lives for the better by serving the public. The Democrat hopeful is Korinthia Miller who is running against veteran County Clerk Dianne Wilson. It is Miller’s first time to run for public office and she said she decided to “because I noticed how many people don’t vote and I looked up who was supposed to be responsible for voting and decided to get involved.” The 33-year-old lawyer, who is in private practice, said, “Voting is my No. 1 issue. I really want to get high school kids to start voting and I want the county clerk to be responsible for voting.” She said, “In every other county the county clerk is responsible for voting. Fort Bend has a board who elects a central person to be over voting – the elections administrator. Very few counties have such. It’s

Miller

Wilson usually the county clerk who handles the elections.” Along with getting voters to the polls, Miller also wants to pair college juniors, seniors and college graduates with small business owners so young people can get business experience and the small business owner can get help inexpensively. “It would serve everyone’s purpose,” said Miller, who noted that the county clerk has access to all DBA’s in a county. She said she would send out

Election 2010 letters to small business owners to see if they would like to participate. On her resume, Miller says her job objective is a “position that presents new challenges daily and requires multi-tasking. A position that requires me to use my business savvy, legal mind and creativity would be an ideal fit.” Miller grew up moving about because her father was See COUNTY, Page 5

Incumbent district clerk faces former county clerk official

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Ne m wH

Su Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage, left, Gene Reed, Dick Phillips, Betty McCrohan, Sugar Land Mayor James Thompson, UH Regent Jarvis Hollingsworth, UH Chancellor Dr. Renu Khator, County Judge Bob Hebert, Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, Ray Bailey, Library Director Clara Russell, and Precinct 4 Commissioner James Patterson. at the ground breaking ceremony for the University branch library. See story on Page 3.

Artist’s rendering of the proposed county branch library at the University of Houston System Sugar Land and Wharton County Junior College campus.

Elliott ple. Some people love helping people and truly want to help those in their town and county,” Torres said. “County government has always been my No. 1 choice. I like working in the legal field. My original goal was to work in the legal field.” Torres said she married young and then worked and raised her four daughters alone. While being everything to her daughters she also put herself through college -- attending Wharton County Junior College and graduating with an associates

Torres degree in clerical studies. While her family history prompted Torres to run, she said that after she had her daughters “I thought a lot about what I wanted for my life and to do things differently than I had. I found myself raising them alone and realized I needed an education beyond public school in order to give my girls a better life and be a good example to them,” the candidate said. When Torres ran for the See DISTRICT, Page 5

!! rry ese Hu hin aul ll C - P Ca boy w Co

pe s cia l! !

Robin Hood (Giulio Riccio) and his merry-folk (L-R: Rachel Spooner, Neil Daniels and Katie Hyde) surround the evil Sheriff of Nottingham (Michael Hill) while his courtiers (L-R: Waylon O’Day, Beth Zimmerman, Katherine Harger, and Spencer Hankins) watch from a distance in award-winning Fort Bend Theatre’s production of Robin Hood to be performed Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. on October 1-10 at 281 N. Main in Stafford. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit the FBT website at www.fortbendtheatre.com or call 281-208-3333.

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Democrat Veronica Torres is hoping to oust one-term Republican Fort Bend County District Court Clerk Annie Rebecca Elliott. The two will be on the Nov. 2 ballot vying for the threeyear long position. This is Torres’ second time to run for the job. Her first time out was in 2006. Before that Torres had been in public service for 11 years working in the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office. When Torres left in 2008 to join an oil and gas firm she was the county clerk’s top legal process specialist. Torres said her running for public office is a way she wants “to enhance my career and because my family -- dad, uncle and a cousin – are also in politics.” When the position of district clerk opened up in 2006, running for it seemed like the appropriate thing to do, she said, “in regard to the values my family taught me. “They all enjoy assisting the public and I did too. I enjoyed working with the public because I like working with peo-

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 6, 2010

FBJSL introduces Sugar Plum Market preview

16535 Lexington Boulevard • Suite 150 • Sugar Land

281.240.WINE (9463) Check our website for upcoming special events and tastings. www.topshelfsugarland.com

Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) is pleased to announce the debut of Preview Night at the 2010 FBJSL Sugar Plum Market presented by Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. In honor of the 10th anniversary of both the Market and FBJSL, the League is excited to add Preview Night on Thursday, November 4th, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Patrons will be given a unique opportunity to be among the first to shop the Market while enjoying cocktails, light hors d’oeuvres provided by a variety of local restaurants and a festive holiday atmosphere. Preview Night tickets are $50 and can be purchased by contacting tickets@sugarplummarket.com. “We are really excited to add a Preview Night to the SPM Co-Chair Cindy Dempster, left, SPM Co-Chair Katharine Market this year. It will be a Hunton, SPM Preview Night Chair Monica Neely, FBJSL special way for our patrons to President Pam Spencer, SPM Co-Chair Jana Baumann celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Sugar Plum Market and ping!” said Monica Neely, vember 6th from 10:00 a.m. spread holiday cheer. Some 2010 Preview Night Chair- to 5:00 p.m. at the beautiful Stafford Centre Performing surprises are being planned to man. Arts Theatre and Convention Shopping for this year’s “A make the evening even more Center. In addition to PreHolly Jolly Christmas” themed memorable. Attending Preview Night, this three-day event will continue on Friday, view Night is the perfect girls’ shopping extravaganza will November 5th from 10:00 a.m. night out complete with food, feature a fabulous fashion to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, Nodrinks and, of course, shopshow and luncheon on Friday and Saturday, an exciting Friday evening fashion show and dinner, a large raffle showcase and more than PROUDLY SERVING FORT BEND 85 vendors. SINCE 1981 Last year’s Market was a huge success with an estiRussell C. Jones mated 6,000 visitors in attendance. As a result, the Fort Thelma Holoway Jones Bend Junior Service League was able to donate $136,000 Lewis W. “Chip” Smith IV to help several worthy chari● Real Estate ● Landlord/Tenant ● table organizations. Proceeds ● Banking ● Creditors' Rights ● Collections ● from this year’s Market will ● Business and Corporate Law ● Immigration ● once again benefit charities ● Business Litigation ● Mergers and Acquisitions ● serving Fort Bend County. ● Estate Planning ● Probate ● For more information ● Property Owners' Associations ● about this event, please visIn the Sugar Land Industrial Park it www.sugarplummarket. 407 Julie Rivers Drive, Sugar Land, Tx. 77478 com, call 281-636-6272 or 281-242-8100 rjones@jonesattorneys.com e-mail info@fbjsl.com. www.jonesattorneys.com

AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

VOTE Republican on November 2nd Vote for Integrity Vote for Excellence Vote for Accountability Vote for A Strong Economy VOTE REPUBLICAN !!!!!! State Officials Governor - Rick Perry Lt. Governor - David Dewhurst Attorney General - Greg Abbott Comptroller - Susan Combs Land Office Commissioner Jerry Patterson Ag Commissioner - Todd Staples Railroad Commissioner David Porter Supreme Court Justice Pl. 3 Debra Lehrmann Supreme Court Justice Pl. 5 Paul Green Supreme Court Justice Pl. 9 Eva Guzman Criminal Court of Appeals Pl. 2 Larry Meyers Criminal Court of Appeals Pl. 5 Cheryl Johnson Criminal Court of Appeals Pl. 6 -

Michael Keasler State Board of EducationMarsha Farney State Senator Dist. 17 Joan Huffman State Senator Dist. 18 - Glen Hegar State Rep. District 26 Charlie Howard State Rep. District 28 - John Zerwas Chief Justice, 1st Court of Appeals Sherry Radack 1st Court of Appeals, Pl. 4 Evelyn Keyes 1st Court of Appeals, Pl. 8 Michael Massengale 14th Court of Appeals, Pl. 2 Sharon McCally 14th Court of Appeals, Pl. 5 Martha Jamison 14th Court of Appeals, Pl. 9 Tracy E. Christopher

Ad. Courtesy of County Commissioner Andy Meyers

Fort Bend County Officials

240th District Judge - Thomas R. Culver For Information on the election: www.fbcgop.org 269th District Judge - Brady Elliott

For information on the election,

visit www.fbcgop.org Political ad paid for by Andy Meyers Campaign

County Judge - Robert E. (Bob) Hebert County Court at Law #1 Ben W. (Bud) Childers

County Court at Law #2 - Jeff McMeans District Clerk - Annie Rebecca Elliott County Clerk - Dianne Wilson County Treasurer - Jeff Council Justice of the Peace - Pct. 1 - Pl. 2 Mary Ward (Only candidates are listed) (Onlycontested Contested Candidates Listed)

OCTOBER 6, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

Community news

Suzette Peoples Broker /Owner 21 years of experience!

Ground breaking ceremony held for University branch library Land and Wharton County Junior College; and renovations at George Memorial Library in Richmond.

Democrats open satellite office in East Fort Bend

In recognition of breast cancer awareness month, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in partnership with St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital, invites the community to attend a free luncheon on October 28 from 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event focuses on genetics as they relate to cancer risk, and why it’s important to understand how your family history might affect your risk of breast cancer. Guests have an opportunity to partake in an open discussion with a panel of experts in the fields of medical oncology, genetic counseling and radiology, as well as with a breast cancer survivor and former genetic counseling patient. Attendees will be treated to a complimentary lunch from Post Oak Grill. This event will take place at St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital, 1317 Lake Pointe Parkway, in The MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land conference room. To reserve your space, call 832-3554343 by Oct. 25.

The Fort Bend County Democratic Party has opened an office in Missouri City. This is the second office FBCDP will utilize for the 2010 election cycle. The office located at 1308 Turtle Creek, Missouri City will help serve as a base for volunteers who live on the east side of Fort Bend County. FBCDP currently has an office in Richmond. The office will be open seven days a week and will be operated by the Fort Bend County Democratic Party, but will be open for all FBCDP coordinated campaign candidates, statewide democratic candidates, and candidates with a district that falls in or includes Fort Bend County. Fort Bend County Democratic Party Chairman Steve Brown said, “We are significantly stronger than where we were just six months ago. We now have the ability and resources to support a second Fort Bend office that we help us to better engage our base of voters. I ran on a pledge to make this party more accessible so that Democrats countywide could share in the experience of turning Fort Bend blue. The opening of this office, and potentially another in Katy, affirms that I remain committed to that pledge.” The Fort Bend County Democratic Party will be hosting a grand opening Saturday, Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Following the grand opening party, volunteers will block walk surrounding neighborhoods in an effort to turnout Democratic voters to the polls in November. Sugar Land Democrats Club October meeting will be held Oct. 9 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ms. Cynthia Ginyard’s home. Call Deron Patterson, Co-chair SLDC at 281-841-0829, for more information.

showing that they are at the forefront of the economic development profession and are using innovative and effective practices that can be replicated in other communities.” On Oct. 3, 2009, the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land opened its doors, providing the Houston area new opportunities to participate in unique educational activities and cultural arts while preserving a building with an important place in Sugar Land’s history. The museum facility is located in the residential community of Telfair in a renovated historic Central State Farm prison building that was originally built in 1939. The 43,000-square-foot building and the surrounding 5.5 acres of land offer opportunities for a variety of permanent and traveling exhibitions.

The project is the result of an innovative public-private partnership between the City, the Sugar Land 4B Corporation, the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Telfair developer Newland Communities. This public-private partnership invested $11.5 million into the project. Newland Communities performed external renovations to the building -- investing $2.5 million -- then conveyed the site and building to Sugar Land. The City performed extensive site and building improvements through $6 million in funding provided by the Sugar Land 4B Corporation. The Houston Museum of Natural Science completed the final exhibit build-out and manages the museum operations – contributions valued at $3 million. The Excellence in Economic Awards Program an-

nually recognizes the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. The program honors organizations and individuals in 28 categories for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Serving more than 4,500 members, IEDC represents the largest network of economic development professionals in the world.

Suzette Peoples

ABR, GRI , E-Pro, 2 STORY OVER 3600 SQFT! 21 years Professional Paradise pool! Updated and up- Realtor; Owner of Peoples grades galore! Over $90K! 4/5 Properties, a Real Estate bedrooms 3.5 bath. Hardwoods & Property Management thru-out. Zoned to Clements Co.; American Business Women’s Association. high school. REDUCED to go low $300’s.

Free luncheon on breast cancer

Sugar Land gets award for Excellence in Economic Development The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has recognized the City of Sugar Land with an Excellence in Economic Development award for the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land project. The award, earned in the category of Public-Private Partnerships for communities with populations of 25,000 to 200,000, was presented during a ceremony on Sept. 28 at the IEDC Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio. “We recognize the City of Sugar Land for providing successful strategies to promote new paradigms in economic development in this period of global recovery,” said William Best, IEDC chair. “Our awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in communities. The City of Sugar Land is

SUGAR LAND/COMMONWEALTH

FIRST COLONY/SUGAR LAND REDUCED

C U T

projects: the Sienna Branch Library in partnership with Houston Community College; the University Branch Library in partnership with the University of Houston campus in Sugar

PR IC E

square feet in size. The library is part of a $130-million bond referendum approved by voters in May 2006, which included $24.5 million for three county library

BI G

Community leaders gathered on Wednesday, September 29, for the official groundbreaking ceremonies of Fort Bend County library system’s newest addition – the University Branch Library – which will be located at 14010 University Blvd. in Sugar Land, on the campus of the University of Houston System at Sugar Land. The library is a county partnership with the University of Houston System at Sugar Land, and will be the second joint-use facility in the Fort Bend County library system. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert and Precinct 4 Commissioner James Patterson officiated at the ceremonies. Officials from Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, the University of Houston, Wharton County Junior College, City Council members from Sugar Land, and members of the library board were also on hand to celebrate the start of construction among numerous other Community Leaders and interested Citizens. Designed by Bailey Architects of Houston, the two-story building will be about 40,193

Direct: 281-980-3322 www.peoplesproperties.com

Built in 2006 Perry home. 1 story 4 bedrooms and study. Seller paying 1% towards buyer’s closing costs and reduced to $185,000. Culdesac CUSTOM SHOW CASE HOME! Over 4300sqft 5 bedrooms 4 baths & 1/2 bath. Study and gameroom. Private on private lot. culdesac lot. Thousands in upgrades! Designer Decor thru out the home. Gourmet island kitchen & more! Rare find! Hurry priced to go fast under $475K.

REDUCED FIRST COLONY/SUGAR LAND! Adorable 1-story home on cul de sac street. No neighbors behind you! 3 bedrooms & study or formal living. Open floor plan. Detached garage! Priced below market at $205,000.

NEW LISTING Riverstone. Pool, Spa, Waterfall. Built 2003. Trendmaker beauty. Over 4,700 sqft. 5 BR 4.5 baths. 3 car, 2 masters. Rare find on huge oversized cul de sac lot. No neighbors next to you. Upgrades galore. Zoned to Clements. Priced in the $500’s.

REDUCED/QUAIL VALLEY Updated 1 story 4 bedrooms 2.5 bath with new roof and carpet July 2010. Interior all repainted and new fixtures too. Great location on landscaped reserve. Priced to go $120,000!!

Mortgage Banker can do loans in less than 30 days! Call Suzette or email: Speoplesrealtor@aol.com

How about a worry-free insurance plan especially for people age 45 and over?* State Auto’s new Prime of LifeSM Plan provides expanded insurance coverages and substantial premium discounts on auto and homeowners insurance for qualifying customers age 45 and over*! As part of the Prime of Life Plan, you’ll enjoy enhanced coverages for when you travel, anywhere in the U.S.A. or Canada. Call your State Auto agent today for more information. Texans Insurance &enhancements/discounts Financial Group, *Qualifying age and coverage vary byInc state. 101 Southwestern Blvd, Ste 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478-3535 PH (281)277-7800 FAX (281)277-7801 basil@texansinsure.com Your best insurance is a good agent. “Friends you can depend on”

CITY OF SUGAR LAND UTILITIES OPERATOR – Utilities Department The Utilities Department has an opening for a Utility Operator. The primary responsibility of the Utility Operator is to conduct daily inspection, operation and minor repairs at the water and wastewater facilities. In addition the Utility Operator will also will assist the Pump and Motor Crew Chief with repairs and preventative maintenance as needed. Qualifications include: •High school graduate, GED or equivalent •Three (3) years of experience in utility operations, maintenance, and repair of water and wastewater facilities is required or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. •Valid Class “C” Texas Drivers License •Valid Texas Commercial driver license or the ability to obtain within one year of employment or promotion. •C Ground Water License and Class II Wastewater desired or should be obtained within 2 years of employment. Starting salary: $15.12 - $18.52 per hour DOQ. The deadline date for applying for this vacancy is Friday October 8, 2010 by 5:00 p.m. Resumes submitted without a City of Sugar Land application or applications submitted after the deadline date will not be considered. Please visit our website at www.sugarlandtx.gov for more information and to apply online. FAX: 281-275-2712.

Explore Del Webb With well over 6,000 individuals and couples already expressing interest in the first Del Webb community in Houston, the company has announced plans for its information sessions that allow potential homebuyers to fully Explore Del Webb. These two-hour sessions will focus on the community, floor plan offering and unique lifestyle at Del Webb in Houston and will be held several times throughout the day Nov. 10 and Nov. 11 and Nov. 17 and Nov. 18 at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. “The response from prospective homebuyers has been overwhelming,” said Kimberly Paulus, vice president of sales for Houston’s Del Webb. “There continues to be strong interest for a Del Webb community in Houston. We have

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

only begun the process of personally reaching out to interested buyers on our list, and have already had to add more sessions to accommodate the high level of interest to attend the Explore Del Webb events. We highly encourage anyone interested to sign-up early to ensure they have a spot.” Those already registered with Del Webb in Houston have earned “first opportunity” status. By attending the seminars, prospective buyers will be able to receive information before it is released to the general public. “The seminars are informative as well as fun,” added Paulus. “It’s a chance for prospective buyers to meet each other, learn all about the community, the history of Del Webb, and especially about

our unique lifestyle.” Those interested in signing up for this first opportunity chance, or in registering for the first seminar, can call 877267-7103. www.delwebb. com/houston. Del Webb, located in the city of Richmond off U.S. 59 and Thompson Road, will include approximately 1,500 homes on more than 500 acres. A grand opening, celebrating the first phase of development, is planned for February 2011. Amenities at Del Webb in Houston will feature approximately a 28,000-square-foot, multi-million dollar, state-ofthe-art amenity center with indoor and outdoor pools and spa, fitness center, new walking trails, outdoor pavilion with fishing pier, and other amenities.

Directory Directory Directory Directory Directory Lawn& Landscape AT Renovations, Inc. 101 Southwestern Blvd. Ste.230 Sugar Land, TX 77478 lawn@texansfp..com (281) 787-4302

Insurance Texans Insurance & Financial Group, 101 Southwestern Blvd., Suite 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.texansinsure.com (281) 277-7800 Basil Housewright, President

Accountant Sandersen & Knox LLP , Accountants 130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 130 Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.SKBTexas.com (281) 242-3232

Attorney

Physician

Hrbacek & Associates,P.C.

Nik Nikam, MD

130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 110 Sugar Land, TX 77478 lawfirm@Hrbacek.com 281-240-2424

Sugar Land Heart Center 16659 S.W. FWY, #361 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-265-7567 www.sugarlandheartcenter.com

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 6, 2010

Opinion The View from Sugar Land Saving NASA... for now By RUSSELL C. JONES Not a minute too soon as the government’s fiscal year was coming to an end, the House of Representatives last week finally gave NASA a long delayed reprieve from its uncertain future after an earlier announced re-orientation proposed by the Obama administration. In a last minute move, the House adopted the Senate version of an authorization bill that would keep the space agency going for a while, but in a direction not perfectly clear. Republican Bart Gordon called the bill “flawed” and described it as “better than no bill at all.” Others described the bill as lacking financial discipline and worse. Gordon had offered an alternate bill which would have reinstated the Constellation program for new rockets and craft to land on the moon. It would have effectively eliminated funding to spur development of private launch capabilities to the International Space Station. As Congress was on the verge of recess in the lead-up to election day on November 2, time ran out. The House ended up passing the Senate bill just to get something of a NASA authorization done before the postelection lame duck session. The new law provides a steadily increasing annual allocation for NASA in each of the next three years. It permits NASA to add one extra shuttle flight to the two final missions already planned before the shuttle fleet is retired in 2011. The additional flight will allow delivery of large

Jones spare parts and cargo to the space station. NASA operations on the space station were extended until 2020. The appropriation permits the start of development of a heavy-lift rocket, perhaps the Aries, on which some work has already been done, in 2011. Overall, the bill begins the transition of NASA’s emphasis from low-earth orbit to deep space projects several years earlier than had been planned by the administration. The new plan calls for long-range manned missions to Mars or near-Earth asteroids. The bill also sets aside $1.3 billion to encourage development of private spacecraft, less than requested by Obama, but apparently geared to the administration’s desire to turn more of the space program over to the private sector. In the process, the previously announced layoffs of 1,400 shuttle technicians, affecting workers in Florida, Alabama and Texas, will not be postponed, but will take effect Friday.

NASA chief Charles Bolden described the bill as an “important change in direction,” which would “help us retool for the industries and jobs of the future.” Still, the engineers at the space center have to be wondering what is going on. After his observation earlier this summer that the agency’s “foremost” goal was to help Muslim nations “feel good about their historic contribution to science,” Bolden arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. It appears that his primary purpose was to further that goal by celebrating the 25th anniversary of the first shuttle flight carrying an Arab astronaut. He also spoke to an aerospace technology conference, but that activity appeared to be secondary. Kudos are due to Sugar Land Congressman Pete Olson, who has earned a reputation among contractors and within NASA as a leading advocate for the space program. As the top Republican on the House committee with jurisdiction over NASA, Olson had favored legislation which would have preserved a greater share of the moon program. The new law should protect Clear Lake’s role as the hub for spacecraft development, home base for the astronaut corps and mission control for manned space operations. Jones is a member of the Sugar Land City Council, having been first elected in 2003. He owns a law firm and a title insurance company in Sugar Land.

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 17 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2010 on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. at the offices of SWWC Services, Inc. located at 12535 Reed Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478. 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: AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

D. Lawrence, J. Scarborough, and D. Gornet (none) (none) (none)

The following table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

Last Year

This Year

$ 0.630 /$100

0.630 /$100 Adopted

Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase 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 decrease in taxes if Proposed tax rate is adopted And percentage of decrease

Proposed

$0.000 /$100 0.0000% $381,513

$376,420

$ 0 $381,513 $ 2,403.53

$ 0 $376,420 $2,371.45 -$32.08 -1.3347%

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.

Exercise-induced compartment syndrome By THOMAS J. PARR, M.D. Over the years, I have had a number of highly trained athletes who gradually started having unexplained, painful cramping of the lower arm or lower leg during exercise. Other symptoms included numbness or tingling, burning, weakness and a sensation of tightness in the limb. A coach might think the athlete is malingering, especially since the pain goes away shortly after stopping the exercise. To an average observer, the complaint of pain also does not seem to be consistent with the degree of exercise being done at the time. For example, a runner may do well for a little while and then will have to quit, unable to finish the run. After having had time to cool down, the problem seems to go away. These symptoms are consistent with a condition called Exercise-Induced Compartment Syndrome, and it can be difficult to diagnose. The condition generally affects athletes under the age of 40, and typically occurs more often in women than men. Usually, the athlete is involved in running, biking, and impact landing sports, such as track, football, soccer, biking, tennis,and gymnastics. The orthopedic surgeon’s first clue will come from taking a good history--listening in detail to the patient’s story. This step can be missed by your doctor--considering that the average patient is interrupted by the physician in

Parr the first 25 seconds of talking about why he or she is in the office! The lower leg has four main muscle group compartments, each encased in a fibrous sheath, known as fascia (think of a sausage...) The gastrocnemius muscles, which are part of the calf, form the superficial posterior compartment. The soleus, which is also part of the calf, combines with the posterior tibialis (commonly involved with shin splints) to form the deep posterior compartment. And the anterior tibialis and peroneal muscles on the outside of the lower leg form the anterior and lateral compartments, respectively. The lower arm similarly has 19 muscle groups between the elbow and the wrist, forming basically two compartments. During exercise, muscles will swell as a natural response to the load placed across them and to the increased blood supply needed to sustain the physical activity. Normally, the fascia surrounding the muscles will expand to accommodate for the

increased size of the muscles. In Exercise-Induced Compartment Syndrome, the fascia does not expand adequately, causing the nerves and blood vessels running in the muscle to become extremely compressed, to the point of cutting off needed blood supply and nerve function. Resting and elevating the limb usually resolves the pain and numbness. A special physical therapy plan to stretch the involved muscle groups, along with deep muscle massage, may help. A skilled trainer also may be able to detect training errors and alter the training program successfully. Sometimes, improving the quality of athlete’s shoes or adding shoe inserts will help. If the problem persists, your orthopedic surgeon can measure the pressure inside the muscle compartments both before and after exercise. Highly elevated pressure measures following exercise, or chronic mild elevation of compartmental pressures at rest are a good indication that the problem can be resolved with a surgical procedure called a fasciotomy, involving actually splitting the fibrous sheath of the involved muscle compartment. This will allow more room for the muscles to expand and allow room for the blood supply and the nerves to function properly. (Dr. Thomas Parr, an orthopedic surgeon in Sugar Land, can be reached at 281-4917111.Visit www.tomparrmd. net for more information.)

Musings: Crossing the lines By JANICE SCANLAN What a beautiful week end. I got plain old physically tired. The good physically tired where you quit thinking about work and day-to-day and concentrate on the physical tasks you’re doing. It was a good and cleansing feeling that refreshes your thinking. Otherwise, you’re like a washing machine stuck on the agitation cycle where you’re doing nothing but working a thought or emotion over and over, but not taking it anywhere. As I was thinking about washing machine cycles, maybe we’re no longer stuck in the agitation cycle where we’re working one thing over and over. Have we crossed the line into the spin cycle, but we can’t stop spinning? After all when spinning doesn’t stop or goes on too long, people get dizzy and lose balance. We all need some time to regain balance and perspective. Anyway that’s what normal people do. The rest go into politics where spin is the name of the game today. Seriously, it’s easy to lose balance and not know when to stop. Not knowing when to stop can be seen in poor judgment such as the Missouri City elected official who has allowed his picture and city title on coupons and ads for a restaurant no less. While it may not be unethical or illegal, it exhibits poor judgment and is unfair to other Missouri City restaurants and businesses. Where do you draw the line? Oops . . . there’s that slippery slope where you hit bottom by storing pay-off cash in a freezer. I overheard a conversation in a restaurant where a welldressed woman was making the case for term limits for these very reasons . . . and what influence does to the people’s business. She was articulate and passionate. Term limits are certainly one answer. Since we don’t

Scanlan have term limits in many offices, I’m using eight years as an arbitrary figure of where to draw the line of length of term for the mid-terms or two terms for the U.S. Senate. I’m excepting judges for now, but some turn-over in those offices might be healthy as well. Friendship and partisanship are the first level that influence numbs judgment. Then, there’s money and power. And there’s people who cross the line from public servant to “I am the U.S. Gov-

ernment.” Where have we heard that before? While I believe most office holders are well-intentioned in the beginning, becoming comfortably numb to how the system works . . . and/or getting really good at gaming it . . . are too often what results when we don’t have citizen legislators. There are notable exceptions. I’m trying to discipline myself this election to look beyond. I’m also avoiding the sound bites and trying to read more; listen to programs where they give different viewpoints ample time to develop their argument; and listen to others. And I’m looking for those rare politicians with a sense of purpose, not ego. That’s why I find New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg refreshing. And he’s term-limiting himself. Write janicescanlan@ earthlink.net.

Free seminar — Learn More! Pain management Weight loss seminar will Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is hosting two FREE Pain Management Seminars. Attendees will learn about innovative treatments and the latest technology. Refreshments will be served. Seating is limited; please call 281-274-7500 to register. Wednesday, Nov. 3, Abraham Thomas, M.D., is presenting in conference rooms A-D in the Main Pavilion of the hospital at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, Cheryl White, M.D., is presenting. in medical office building 1, suite 410 at 6 p.m.

be held on October 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, located in Conference Room A&D in the Main Pavilion. The doctors will present the latest information on Lap-Band surgery and answer your questions. Seating is limited. Call 281-274-7500 to reserve your seat.

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Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

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OCTOBER 6, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

Community happenings Narcotics grown inside home

The Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force, which is a Houston High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Initiative, conducted a narcotic investigation at 4500 Creek Point Lane and the 3400 block of Chambers Circle, Missouri City. Authorities received information that the resident had a large scale marijuana growing operation inside a two-story residence. A search warrant was obtained for the residences. At 4500 Creek Point lane, Missouri City, Drug Agents located approximately 850 marijuana plants being grown in the residence. The marijuana commonly re-

ferred to as “Hydro,” a street term short for Hydroponics Marijuana was being grown using artificial lighting, water pumps and timers. The second story portion of the residence had been specially designed to manufacture the marijuana. The resident, Bernard Harry Theriot, white male, 36, was arrested for possession and delivery of Marijuana. In addition to the marijuana; weighing scales, hand written ledgers, plastic packaging and numerous other contraband items were located. A search warrant was also executed at the address of 3400

Chambers Circle, residence of the brother of Bernard Theriot. The resident, identified as Bryan Andrew Theriot AKA: Tow Down, 32, was arrested for delivery of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine and Hydrocodone. Bernard Theriot and Bryan Theriot are currently incarcerated in the Fort Bend County Detention Facility. This large scale Hydroponics operation produced high grade marijuana that is estimated to sell on the street in a one year period for $4 million, said Terriann Carlson, spokeswoman for the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.

FILM REVIEW: The Social Network Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, Justin Timberlake, The Eric H. Generation, Jesse Eisenberg, and Director David Fincher were the big winners. Timberlake was noticeably capable in his character Sean “Napster” Parker and Eisenberg delivered Sorkin’s lines with the proficiency of an accomplished actor. The biggest winner, no doubt, is Aaron “The West Wing” Sorkin who wrote a brilliant screenplay based on the novel by Ben Mezrich entitled “The Accidental Billionaires.” Mezrich graduated from Harvard in 1991 which is also the alma mater of the key players of Facebook. Sorkin’s screenplay was the typical witty, fast-talking chatter that was the hallmark

of “The West Wing” and “Charlie Wilson’s War.” I’m a huge fan of the 49 year old Sorkin, and I’m convinced that his words dominated this movie and made it a box office hit. I have a Facebook account as do 500 million other folks, and this is the story of the creation of Facebook and the in-house fighting among the young Harvard inventors and rival Harvard students who thought the prime creator, Mark Zuckerberg (Eisenberg), stole their idea. Let the lawsuits begin! Most who see this movie will come away with the notion that Zuckerberg (age 26) is an unfeeling jerk with little to no social skills. My impression of Zuckerberg,

the real person, is that he also does not care what we think because currently he is worth north of $5 billion. I’m cool with that. Monique H. and I saw this movie at 10 a.m. on Saturday. I agree; it is very hard to get up on a Saturday morning; watch cartoons, eat breakfast, and hurry to AMC before noon, but we did it. This movie is important because it helps define a generation of people under age 30 who could not attend college without access to their Facebook friends. Now, even older adults like Larry H. know how to “facebook” someone. Thanks Zuckerberg.

County

website, opened a branch office in Missouri City and was the third county clerk in Texas to electronically receive and record property documents. Wilson is a member of the state’s Judicial Committee on Information Technology and was selected as the first county official in Texas to electronically record court records through the official state website. Wilson’s numerous state and national awards include the Sam Seale TrailBlazer Award from the Texas Association of Counties Leadership Foundation. This award goes to only one Texas county official per year out of some 4,500 statewide. She received the award for being “an outstanding governmental leader” who has “paved the way for improvements and enhancements in the delivery of governmental services.” The county clerk has been a leader beyond her official office. She has served as chairman of the board of trustees for Texana Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center and as a past two-term chair of the Richmond State School Volunteer Services Council. In 2006 she was named public elected official of the year by the National Association of Social Workers. She is co-founder of the Literacy Volunteers of Fort Bend County and serves on the board of the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas. She and her husband Bob have bneen married for 41

years and are local leaders in the Boy Scouts, YMCA, foster parents and Republican Party activists. Wilson was also the first female president of a Rotary Club in Fort Bend County and was that group’s 1995 Rotarian of the Year. Wilson has a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from St. Edwards University, is a graduate fellow in court administration of the National Center for State Courts Institute for Court Management and is co-founder of the County & District Clerks Legal Training Program at the University of Texas. She also is on the teaching faculty at the V.G. Young Institute for County Government at Texas A&M University. She frequently writes legislation for the County and District Clerks Association, and in 1996 was named County Clerk of the Year by members of that organization. Wilson often testifies before the Texas House and Senate committees on pending legislative issues and was co-author of the electronic recording law. The county clerk established a Legal Self Help Resource Center at the George Memorial Library in 2003 and there are now such centers at other county branch libraries. In 2005 the Texas Association of Counties Leadership Foundation presented its Superior Innovation Award to Wilson in recognition of these unique public service centers.

From Page 1 in the military. She graduated from Elkins High School and went on to get a bachelor of business administration in accounting from Albany State University in Georgia in 2000. Three years later she completed a master’s of business administration at Houston Baptist University and got a law degree from Texas Southern University in 2007. Since 2000 she has worked for Bank of America, Imperial Sugar Co., the Department of Labor as an MBA Fellow and legislative analyst, Independence Bank, Synergy Law Professionals and is now in private practice in Missouri City where she lives. Miller’s opponent, Dianne Wilson, will be on the ballot running for her eighth consecutive term as Fort Bend County Clerk. While in office, Wilson’s milestones and accomplishments have been numerous. She currently serves as chair of the county’s judicial steering team, which oversees the conversion of the $7 million integrated judicial case management systems. While county clerk Wilson also implemented a property recording system and document imaging system, converted all paper and microfilm records dating from 1838 to digital imaging, placed more than 30 million digitized documents on the county’s

Rock ‘n Roll. Grade 89. Larry H.

Spooky October Events at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land Second Saturday in October: Shiver Me Timbers! Saturday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Free with Museum admission) Celebrate all things pirate at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, with pirate arts and activities, prizes and more. Children are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite pirate in honor of Real Pirates at the main museum in Hermann Park. Sugar Land Spooktacular Sunday, October 31, 1 - 4 p.m. Members--$5; Nonmembers--Free with Museum admission Children of all ages are invited to Sugar Land’s first annual “Sugar Land Spooktacular,” to discover the spooky side of science. Held on Halloween, this event will feature mad scientists, creepy chemists, terrorizing taxidermists and a mysterious magician! Children are encouraged to come in costume. Story Time Tuesdays, October 5 – 26, 1 p.m. Children’s Art Gallery Discover a world of science through stories for children

preschool and up! Fun crafts for the kids are provided. Activities included with Museum Admission. Museum Tours Tuesdays and Thursdays, October 5 – 28, 2 p.m. HMNS Docents lead museum tours every Tuesday and Thursday at 2:00 pm. Each month, these tours feature a new kind of discovery! Tours start in front of “Stan” the T. rex on the Main Floor at 2 p.m. Tours are included with museum admission. Special tour requests may be booked through the Box Office for a charge. Science Labs in Sugar Land in October $10 person Patrons are encouraged to register online to explore science and nature in our interactive science labs featuring Museum specimens, artifacts and laboratory equipment. Students examine ancient objects, investigate technology, meet live animals and conduct scientific experiments in five different, themed labs. Each lab lasts one hour. Topics include Optical Illusions, Scientific Classifications, Un-

derwater Archaeology, among others. Planning Ahead for Fall Scouting - Boy Scouts Classes fill up fast for this popular program, and include opportunities such as chemistry merit badges and naturalist, scientist, engineer, and geologist activity pins. Visit the Web site for important information before registering.

Face Book for business

The University of Houston Small Business Development Center of Fort Bend County will host, Marketing: Facebook social media, course on Wednesday, Oct. 20. This workshop will address issues involved in Face Book Social Media such as: What is the hottest Social Media tool to emerge today? How will this help my business? Where do I start? The event will be held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the U of H Fort Bend County SBDC, 117 Lane Drive, Suite 31, Rosenberg, Texas 77471. Lunch will be provided. For more information or to register for this event, contact UH Fort Bend County SBDC at 281499-9787.

AT&T opens new retail center in Missouri City As people’s lives become increasingly mobile and fastpaced, and to address the growing demand for advanced wireless and wired products and services, AT&T has updated and relocated its retail store from the 5800 block of Highway 6 to its new location in the 6200 block of Highway 6, Suite 500. The new store features a state-of-the-art, hands-on design to engage customers and provide a “try before you buy” service experience. Trained sales consultants will provide demonstrations of a wide range of products, including AT&T U-verse, AT&T DirecTV and High Speed Internet. Shoppers can also test out various advanced wireless data applications including GPS navigation and driving directions through AT&T Navigator, or AT&T FamilyMap, a family locator service designed to help give parents peace of mind.

AT&T donated $25 to the DeWalt Heritage Center for every customer who upgraded or activated their wireless service account at the store during the grand opening weekend, Oct. 1-3. Fort Bend County has partnered with the Fort Bend Museum to preserve the historic Dew Plantation House in Missouri City. The house is being renovated and developed as the DeWalt Heritage Center. It’s set to open once complete in January 2011. “The DeWalt Heritage Center, when complete, will provide a historic space for community activities and an interactive museum,” said Missouri City Mayor, Allen Owen. “I am very pleased AT&T has included this terrific project in their grand opening activities and encourage our citizens to visit this latest new business to our City.” “Our updated and relocated downtown Missouri City store

redefines the sales experience by showcasing our wide portfolio of advanced voice and data products in an innovative way that lets customers touch and feel today’s exciting new services,” said Chris Penrose, vice president and general manager, AT&T South Texas. “Customers can try out our newest line-up of quick messaging devices and smartphones, as well as AT&T’s Uverse TV services when they visit this location.” The new store is led by store manager Valeria Montgomery and her staff of 11 employees who are trained to assist customers with purchasing decisions, customer service and technical support. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www. att.com

District

and jury management and a fresh approach to technology,” which has enabled her staff to be more productive and improve processes interfacing with county officials. She also said she has made the district clerk’s office “customer centric” and that maintaining service and respect for the public are the “foundation principles” of her office. As district clerk she is the registrar, recorder and custodian of all district court records. Last year she said her office was responsible for filing more than 13,000 new cases and having the information regarding each case readily available. She has also managed more than $5.2 million of the Registry of the Court, which is typically monetary judgments awarded to minors and excess proceeds from sale taxes. She is also responsible for issuing jury summons and calls as many as 8,000 jurors a month. Elliott has a degree in business administration, more than 21 years experience in the legal field and is a member of the National Association of Court Management, County and District Clerks’ Association of Texas, Texas Association of Counties, Texas District Court Alliance and a founding committee member of the Fort Bend Legal Self Help Center.

She said that during her past four years as district clerk she has increased convenience and efficiencies by making all case files and documentation available online while redacting personal identifiers; saved the taxpayers millions by using a shared case management system; can receive filings outside of regular business hours; instituted accurate reporting of the courts’ accountability to the state; has held passport fairs in various parts of the county for increased customer convenience and procured additional revenue for the county by contesting the courts affidavit of inability to pay costs and won 85 percent. Elliott said her if she’s reelected district clerk her future goals include providing jurors the ability to re-schedule online and to check online to see if their jury service has been canceled; expand the passport service to include the photo and streamline the application process; design and implement a system that electronically notifies the attorneys and litigants of hearing dates and appointments in district court cases and making her office a paperless environment. Elliott is married and she and her husband have four children.

From Page 1 public school in order to give my girls a better life and be a good example to them,” the candidate said. When Torres ran for the county district clerk job in 2006 she said she got 47 percent of the vote and “that prompted me to run again although I had already decided to give it a second try. The first time gave me the experience of running and got my name out before the voters,” she said. “I think that everyone should get to know their candidates as much as possible. When I was a young voter I was excited about voting for the president. When I went to work for the county I got to know my elected officials and some people shared their personal stories and personal life with me. That encouraged me to vote for them. “I want people to get to know the candidates because if people want things to change, they must vote,” Torres said. Torres’ opponent is Annie Rebecca Elliott, a Republican who became Fort Bend County district clerk in 2007. While in office she said her accomplishments as a conservative leadership have resulted in “efficient case filing

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 6, 2010 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 21, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. BID 11-013 – OPENING DAY COLLECTION FOR UNIVERSITY BRANCH LIBRARY Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are not required. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

LEGAL NOTICE REQUESTS FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS Sealed Qualification Statements will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2010 AT 1:30 P.M. (CST). Q11-015 – DESIGN BUILD GEORGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY RENOVATIONS A pre-SOQ conference will be conducted on Monday, October 18, 2010 at 9:00AM (CST). The conference will be held at the site located at 1001 Golfview, Richmond, Texas. All vendors are encouraged to attend. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all qualification statements received. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas 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 21, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. BID 11-014 – ROOF REPLACEMENT FOR ROAD AND BRIDGE DAIRY ASHFORD FACILITY A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 9:00AM (CST). The pre-bid conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Dairy Ashford Road and Bridge Facility located at 12919 ½ Dairy Ashford in Sugar Land. All vendors are encouraged to attend. Lump sum and unit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are required. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

Fort Bend Symphony announces 2010-11 season PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the revised traffic control plan for University Boulevard at Manor Drive and Cabrera Drive at Scenic Rivers, Pct. 4. 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

CITATION BY PUBLICATION To JOHN DOE, and to all whom it may concern, Respondent. STATE OF TEXAS 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 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 Amanda Renee Idol, Co-Petitioner, was filed in the Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, on the 16th day of August, 2010, regarding the minor child Anthony Michael Idol, numbered 10-DCV-183168, and entitled ‘In the Interest of Anthony Michael Idol, a child.’ The suit requests that Christopher Ryan Idol be granted sole conservatorship of the minor child formerly known as Anthony Michael Algiere. The date and place of birth of the child who is the subject of this suit: 10/22/1997 Wichita Falls, TX. The Court has authority in this suit to render an order in the child’s interest that will be binding on you, including the termination of the parent-child relationship, the determination of paternity, and the appointment of a conservator with authority to consent to the child’s adoption. Issued and given under my hand and seal of the Court at Fort Bend County, Texas, this the 29th day of September. DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County Texas Deputy Clerk Herlinda Nanez Telephone: 281-633-7609

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 for replat of Long Meadow Farms Commercial Reserve Section 4, Partial Replat No. 1, Pct. 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, William B. Travis Bldg., 309 S. Fourth St., Rm. 700, Richmond, Texas. Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Jorge De La Rosa with Costello Inc. at 713-783-7788 for information prior to the hearing. Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2010-2011 season that includes a liberal dose of pops music and fun activities tied to festive occasions, plus a limited-time offer of buy-oneget-one free for season subscribers. This family-friendly series is sure to get even the youngest concert-goers tapping their toes so reserve your seats now for these concerts: Hauntcert on Oct. 17, 2010 Enjoy Halloween tunes and lots of treats including a Halloween costume contest for all ages. Deck the Halls on Dec. 5, 2010 Capture the magic of the season with all your favorite

Nearly 4,000 amateur and professional athletes are expected to converge in Sugar Land to compete in the upcoming 7th annual Gulf Coast International Dragon Boat Regatta. The City of Sugar Land joins First Colony Community Association to host the competitive and fun event, Saturday, October 16, 2010, on Brooks Lake at Fluor Corporation, 1 Fluor Daniel Drive. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. and goes through 4:30 p.m. Admission is free to the public, and parking is available in the adjacent Fluor Corporation parking garage. This year’s Regatta will be the fourth race festival to take place in Sugar Land. Honorary Co-Chairs of the event are Sugar Land City Councilmember Jacquie Chaumette, Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert, along with Betty Baitland, Jim Leavermann and Matt McSorley. Honorary Co-Chair Chau-

The BURNEY ROAD MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2010 on October 25, 2010 at 3:00 pm at Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77478. 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: RICK FORLANO, STEVE PORTER, MIKE WILKINSON, JOE J. SILHAVY AND RANDY FRICK 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.

Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates (+/-)

This Year

$___0.2425_/$100 $__0.2675_/$100 Adopted Proposed $__+0.025_/$100 _+10.309_ _%

Average appraised value

$___240,029___

$____223,861__

General Exemptions Available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead

$ _____-0-_____ $ ___240,029___ $____582.07 _

$______-0-_____ $____223,861__ $_____598.83___

Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)

St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Katy. The upcoming season is the 19th for the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra and the third year under the musical direction of Dr. Héctor Agüero, Jr. Season tickets to the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra’s 2010-2011 five-concert series are priced at $50, $70 and $100 and are available at fbso. org or by calling 281-2769642. Discounts are provided for seniors over 55, military with I.D., and students. Children 12 and under are free, but must have reserved seats. For a limited time, the FBSO is offering buy-one-getone free to promote affordable family fun.

Sugar Land expects thousands for multicultural Dragon Boat Races

WATER DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE

Last Year

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

+16.76

$__-16.76_ ___-2.879_% +2.879

mette said, “We are thrilled to have one of the most exciting events come to Sugar Land once again. Pure Dragon Boat racing at its finest on the calm waters of Brooks Lake at Fluor Corporation. Not only will this event showcase the City’s cultural awareness, but we will also focus on breast cancer survivors and youth teams. We hope everyone will join us.” The one-day festival will offer live cultural performances, a variety of on-site cuisine and activities, as well as an exciting day of dragon boat racing. 45 teams consisting of at least twenty paddlers and one drummer are scheduled to compete in the fast-paced boat racing which is again attracting participants from all over the U.S. This year’s Regatta focus is on Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS). Races will feature divisions for amateur and experienced teams of men’s, women’s, mixed, BCS and junior

crews. The association’s goal is to promote cross-cultural understanding, a good fit for Sugar Land, one of the state’s most diverse cities. One of the world’s fastest growing team water sports, the Texas Dragon Boating Association established the event ten years ago to promote the tradition and sport of dragon boating, to increase awareness of Asian and Asian American cultures and to enhance crosscultural understanding. Visit www.texasdragonboat. com for more information.

No.10-CCV-042391 IN THE COUNTY COURT AT LAW NUMBER TWO (2) OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS V WILLIE M. FLORA, PAMELA EDWARDS, RACHAEL EDWARDS, MARY E. JACKSON, VERNA THOMPSON, VICKIE GREEN, MICHAEL ROBBINS, KENNETH PITTMAN, LONNIE JONES, CLIFFORD THOMAS, LAWRENCE J. KELLEY, JR., CARLA THOMAS, BEVERLY J. THOMAS a/k/a BEVERLY CHILDS, BEATRICE KELLEY, ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF GEORGE AND HARRIET SMITH, AND ALL UNKNOWN PROPERTY OWNERS/OR LIEN HOLDERS, et al. 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: All Unknown Heirs of the Estate of George and Harriet Smith and all unknown property owners and/or lien holders, hereafter called Defendants 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 Two (2) on October 20, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. in the Fort Bend County Attorney’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. 10-CCV-042391 styled Fort Bend County, Texas v. Willie M. Flora, Pamela Edwards, Mary E. Jackson, Verna Thompson, Vickie Green, Michael Robbins, Kenneth Pittman, Lonnie Jones, Clifford Thomas, Lawrence J. Kelley, Jr., Carla Thomas, Beverly J. Thomas a/k/a Beverly Childs, Beatrice Kelley, All Unknown Heirs of the Estate of George and Harriet Smith, and All Unknown Property Owners and/or Lien Holders, Fort Bend County, Lamar Consolidated Independent School District and City of Richmond are Defendants. The First Amended Original Statement and Petition for Condemnation filed on July 30, 2010 discloses that the nature of the suit is a condemnation case. Plaintiff seeks fee title to 0.145 acre of land more particularly described in the attached Exhibit A of Plaintiff ’s First Amended Original Statement. Attorneys for Plaintiff are Fort Bend County Assistant County Attorneys, William H. “Bill” 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 8th day of September, 2010. Dianne Wilson, Clerk of Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas 301 Jackson Street, Richmond, Texas 77469.

Fort Bend’s largest Pumpkin Patch begins Oct. 11

Fort Bend County’s largest Pumpkin Patch will be back on Oct. 11 when thousands of pumpkins of all sizes will arrive for the fourth annual Pumpkin Patch at Holy Cross Episcopal Church. The patch will be open seven days a week where Fort Bend families will be able to use the patch as the perfect backdrop for Fall family photos. Pumpkins, ornamental gourds, and Indian corn will be available to purchase for holiday decorating. This Fort Bend family tradition features free weekend entertainment with appearances by award-winning Texas musical artists, and performances by such local dance groups as Cookie Joe’s Dance Companies, directed by Cookie Joe and Tran Pham Rich. Activities for kids will include face painting and a hayride. Even animals will be able to participate on Saturday, Oct. 16, when the church will carry on the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi with a Blessing of the Animals at 6 p.m. Concessions and food will also be available for purchase on weekends. The Patch will open daily at the church’s location at 5653 West River Park Drive at the Grand Parkway beginning Monday, Oct. 11 through Sunday, Oct. 31. Hours will be 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sundays-Fridays and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays. Holy Cross Church’s Pumpkin Patch is one of more than 1,300 held across the U.S. each year in cooperation with Pumpkin Patch Fundraisers, Inc., which grows pumpkins in northwestern New Mexico in agreement with the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry. For more information, visit www.holycrosschurch.com or call 281-633-2000.

A feat for football fans Are you a football fan? If so, get ready to hit the playing field. Missouri City is hosting a Punt, Pass and Kick Competition on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 10 a.m. at Roane Park, 1440 Turtle Creek Dr. The contest will be a chance for girls and boys to demonstrate their best skills with the pigskin. The free event is open to children ages 6 to 15 and registration will take place on the day of the event. Winners will advance to the regional competition on Oct. 16th in Texas City. Participants will compete for distance/accuracy in punting, passing and kicking. For more information contact Kyle Frye at 281-403-8635 or kfrye@missouricitytx.gov. CITATION BY PUBLICATION STATE OF TEXAS TO: DANIELLE JEANETTE CUNNINGHAM 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 CUNNINGHAM, CORTNEY; CUNNINGHAM, KAREN, Petitioners, was filed in the 387TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas on the May 28, 2009 against DANIELLE JEANETTE CUNNINGHAM, Respondent(s), numbered 09-DCV-172193, and entitled In the Interest of Caden Carlos Cunningham, a Minor Child. The suit request FOR TERMINATION AND ADOPTION OF STEPCHILD as is more fully shown by Petition on file in this suit. The date and place of birth of the child(ren) who is/are the subject of the suit: February 11, 2003 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 29th day of September, 2010. ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER OR RESPONDENT: ROBERT L (JR) THOMAS 807 HOUSTON ST RICHMOND TX 77469 (281) 238-4366 DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County Texas Deputy Clerk Herlinda Nanez Telephone: 281-633-7609

OCTOBER 6, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

Difference in a day FBJSL members Stephanie Martin, Lindsey Kirk and Laura Thompson selling popcorn and drinks at Movies under the Moon presented by Minute Maid. Proceeds from concession sales benefit FBJSL core placement agencies.

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On any given day, volunteers from the Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) can be found across the community, giving their time and talents to benefit the community and helping to raise funds for other community organizations. This year, FBJSL is excited to announce its new “Difference in a Day” program, which will provide FBJSL volunteers to assist other organizations with one-day projects that help address needs in our community. “Our new Difference in a Day program will enable the League to expand its reach and provide hands-on volunteer service to our Fort Bend neighbors in need. This program provides us with opportunities to partner with organizations where we do not regularly place volunteers, and we have received an overwhelmingly positive response so far,” remarked FBJSL President Pam Spencer. Charitable organizations interested in partnering with FBJSL through the Difference in a Day program should contact committee chair Megan Harraman at mharraman@comcast. net. Organizations will be asked to complete a brief application for consideration by the Difference in a Day committee. The application is also available online at www.fbjsl.com. DEADLINE EXTENDED. The FBJSL has extended the deadline for charitable organizations interested in applying to become a 2011 – 2012 FBJSL event beneficiary. Event Beneficiary applications must be received by the FBJSL Beneficiary Review Committee on or before Jan. 7, 2011. The Event Beneficiary application and accompanying instructions can be found on FBJSL’s website, www.fbjsl.com. FBJSL selects beneficiaries that demonstrate a history of support within their own organizations, match the League’s vision for Fort Bend County and encompass one or more of the League’s position statements.

‘Awake craniotomy’

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Dr. John Park, neurosurgeon on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital recently performed the first “awake craniotomy” in Fort Bend County. The awake craniotomy procedure enables neurosurgeons to more accurately remove tumors located near sensitive speech and motor function portions of the brain. During an awake craniotomy, the surgeon utilizes conscious sedation in the initial phase of the operation, but once the brain has been exposed, the level of general anesthesia is lowered and the patient is brought back to a level of consciousness. This allows the surgeon to perform functional mapping of the brain and identify the critical areas to avoid in order to minimize neurological damage. During the awake portion of the procedure, the patient feels no pain but is conscious and can hear and respond to commands and questions. While electronically stimulating the cerebral cortex, the patient is asked to move certain body parts, such as toes and fingers, and to speak out loud, either by stating their name or counting to 10. By monitoring the portions of the brain that respond to these questions and commands, doctors accurately ‘map’ the areas of the brain that control these functions, which enhances the ability to remove tumors without causing post-operative deficits. This innovative surgery was originally conceived in the 1950s. It received a good deal of public attention when the late Sen. Ted Kennedy underwent the procedure to treat his brain cancer at Duke University. “This is another first for Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and an example of how we are bringing the most advanced surgical techniques to Fort Bend County,” said CEO Chris Siebenaler.

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any of our clients are unaware that we offer a full range of legal services to individuals, families and businesses. Some key areas where we can help you are automobile and other accidents, planning your estate, buying or selling a home or other real estate, family law matters, and business matters. We want you to think of us as your law firm. When you need legal help in any area of law, please call us. We have over 21 years experience and have helped many clients. We focus on your objectives, with the goal being to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 6, 2010

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Fort Bend Goes to the Fall Design Market Houston Design Center Wed., Oct. 13 l 9:30am-1:30pm Bus Tours l $40

Vineyard Style Special Guest: Torie Halbert, Season 4 of HGTV’s Design Star Fri., Oct. 15 l 11:30am-1:30pm l $40

International Risotto Festival Houston Design Center Sun., Oct. 17 l 2-6pm l $65

Art Gallery Showing with Kathy Womack in Riverstone Mon., Oct. 18 l 4-6pm l $15

Women & Wine art dinner with Kathy Womack Aura Restaurant Mon., Oct. 18 l 6:30pm l $75

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Fire & Ice Post Oak Grill—Sugar Land Thurs., Oct. 21 l 6:30pm l $150

Mix It Up at the M Lounge Bartender’s Challenge Wed., Oct. 27 l 6:30pm l $40