VOL 2 No. 40
Phone: 281-980-6745
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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2009
From frogs to fossils: Tales of the living and the dead
By SESHADRI KUMAR Sugar Land has a new landmark and point of destination. The former prison building built in 1939, which turned into a shell of a world class museum operated by the Houston Museum of Natural Science, opened to the public in on Oct. 3. The museum has four galleries reflecting the most popular exhibit areas of the main campus and covering the required science topics for Texas schools. With exhibitions ranging from state-of-the-art technology to the wonders of outer space, the museum presents compelling exhibitions and fascinating learning experiences. The giant animated globe explains complex environmental processes. Science on a Sphere uses high-speed computers, projectors and advanced imaging techniques to create the illusion of a planet, Sun, moon or any other celestial body rotat-
ing in space. Budding scientists will be delighted to dig for dinosaurs. Massive amethyst and citrine geodes taller than a person, jammed with gleaming purple and golden crystals, are displayed among an array of huge mineral specimens, intricately crystallized slices of petrified wood, and an incredible collection of fossils. Then, climb into the Planetarium for a virtual ride straight into outer space. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition open at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land until Jan. 18 provides education via entertainment and inspires youngsters to learn topics such as climate change, time travel, archaeology and literature, to name a few. Based on the blockbuster film series and C. S. Lewis’ beloved fictional books, the 10,000-square-foot, stateof-the-art entertainment and educational experience offers visitors the opportunity
P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623
Hope & Inspiration
David Temple, assistant curator of paleontology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science in Sugar Land points to the skull of a 65-millionyear-old, Stan, the Tyrannosaurus (T-rex) and says the exhibit is one of the top five of its kind in the world and its skull is the best in the world with the complete details of the anatomy. The smaller, ostrich-like Struthiomimus, next to it is the food for TRex. The commanding exhibits welcome visitors to the new museum at 13016 University Blvd. (at the corner of University and New Territory Blvds.) in the Telfair subdivision of Sugar Land. Left, Temple holds a Marine Toad, considered one of the worst invasive species. Some frogs are poisonous and animals which eat them die. How do tadpoles turn into Bullfrogs? Visit of the Hall of Life Science at the museum.
Just in time for National Breast Cancer Awareness month, the Seventh Annual Hope and Inspiration Surviving Mothers of Breast Cancer calendar was launched last week. Nationally renowned photographer Alisa Murray is behind this project in honor of her close friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago. “Our girls were only three and when I got the news of her diagnosis I felt compelled to call her and give her my gift of an image – a photograph - of her and her daughter,” Murray says. “I needed to know that her daughter would have, in the event that her mother did not
to tour scenes from the famed literary world of Narnia. Through authentic costumes, props and set dressings from the magical Narnia films, visitors will enter a three dimensional world that combines the wonders of science with aspects of fantasy. “The prison system and this building were major parts of this community years ago, and they certainly have an important role in our area’s history,” said Mayor James A. Thompson during a ribbon cutting ceremony. “Now we have the opportunity to preserve this building and turn it into a world class museum, which will undoubtedly have a lasting impact not only on Sugar Land, but the entire Fort Bend County community.” The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.hmns.org for more information.
By SESHADRI KUMAR The Texas Highway Commission has authorized the Texas Department of Transportation to enter into an agreement with Fort Bend County for a pass-through financing of $36.7 million for widening FM 1093 from Highway 99 to Fulshear, along the Westpark Toll Road. Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers who attended the Texas Highway Commission meeting on Sept. 24 said the financing agreement would help the county build about 8.5 miles of two feeder lanes on both sides of Westpark Toll Road Pass-through financing allows local municipalities or private entities to pay for costs to build a transportation project and get reimbursed from the state as the transportation project becomes operational. It lets local officials accelerate projects important to the region. Fort Bend County’s project was ranked no. 1 because the county would contribute
survive, a collection of memories - who her mother was, who they were…” Years later, with the success of having survived the journey of cancer, Murray asked her friend to help her round up enough mothers to fill up a calendar. In just a few weeks the first calendar was born and it has been the project closest to Murray’s heart since. The calendar features twelve women, all breast cancer survivors, each one with her children – her legacy. Murray asks each mother this question: “What has it meant for you to have survived as a Mother?” The response over the years has been a remarkable collection of inspiration, strength, faith,
bravery and always hope. This year, Memorial Hermann Hospital sponsored the printing and production of the calendar and the Memorial Hermann Breast Care centers are the beneficiaries. Alisa Murray is recognized for her prenatal and pregnancy portraits. Several of her public works of art can be found in Memorial Hermann’s Sugar Land hospital in the Labor & Delivery wing. The photos in the calendar are all shot in Murray’s home studio and are the treasured memories for the featured families. Murray’s Hope & Inspiration calendar sells for $25 and can be purchased on her website at www.AlisaMurray. com.
TxDOT approves $36.7 million for FM 1093 expansion on Westpark corridor nearly 74 percent of the total project cost. As a part of the deal, the county will have to acquire the right of way for the feeder lanes and pay for utility relocation. The Houston District of TxDOT has agreed to provide another $9 million for engineering design, Meyers said The county has to sign the agreement with TxDOT by Oct. 23 to accept the passthrough financing, he said. Meyers said the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority will conduct a feasibility study and plan for the extension of the Westpark Toll Road, through a separate financing mechanism. The preliminary estimates show that the toll road and the feeder lanes would cost about $137 million. The county and the toll road authority would initially provide the funding and get the state’s share back over the years as the projects are completed. No time line has been yet
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set for conducting the feasibility study for the Westpark Toll Road. The toll road authority has also to decide on the funding mechanism. The toll road authority will pay for the acquisition of right of way for the toll road segment. The pass-through financing agreement with the state implies that the county will extend the toll road and build the feeder lanes, but at the county’s own time table, Meyers said. The Texas Transportation Commission approved a list of 10 projects, estimated at $273 million, under the passthrough financing program. TxDOT issued a program call earlier this year, which led to this final selection of projects. Pass-through financing is a tool created to stretch limited transportation funds that would allow local communities to fund up-front costs for constructing a state highway project. The state then reimburses a portion of the project costs to the community.
Page 10 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 7, 2009
SIMPLE ORGANIZATION Need to get organized? We can help you de-clutter and get organized. Organization for any room in your home or small office. A Time and Place for Everything. Lisa Giesler 832 277-1745
PUMPKIN PATCH. Sugar Land First Methodist Church simpleorganization announces the opening of their annual Pumpkin Patch on Monday, Oct. 12. The patch is located at the corner of El@comcast.net dridge Road and Seventh Street and will be open to the pubAmbit Energy: lic every day until Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. until dark. There are pumpkins in all shapes and sizes. Prices start as low as AN INCOME OPPORTUNITY LIKE $.50 and are based on the size of pumpkin you choose. All NO OTHER ! proceeds from the Pumpkin Patch benefit the mission and 3-Minute Recorded Message ministry of One Voice Student Choir. 281-903-1953
CLEMENTS CHOIR GREENERY FUNDRAISER. Decorate your home with fresh holiday greenery or ship directly to friends and family and support the Clements Choir. Submit orders for garland, wreaths, centerpieces and other items between October 19th and October 30th. Direct delivery items will be shipped within two weeks after Thanksgiving. Orders for pick up will arrive the first week of December. Order forms will be available at the front office, and in an envelope outside the choir room. The fundraiser is a great way to show your appreciation to those special people in your lives, as well as, get your home in the “holiday spirit”!!
DULLES SWIM TEAM. Ready to cheer their Vikings to a victory against the Clements Rangers, members of the Dulles swim team rode their decorated antique fire truck homecoming float to the pep rally.
Luxury within reach
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Page 2 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 7, 2009
High School Musical 2 Upon arrival at her daddy’s Country Club, Sharpay (Riley Branning) is greeted by her fan club, The Sharpettes (Samantha Sweed, Anna Smith, Courntey Crews, and Sara Denton) in award winning Fort Bend Theatre’s production of Disney’s High School Musical 2 to be performed at 2815 N. Main St. Sept. 25 – Oct. 25, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit our website www.fortbendtheatre.com or call 281208-3333.
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HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH at 1510 Fifth St., Missouri City, TX 77459 will hold its annual Fall Festival on Sunday, October 11, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be lots of games, variety of foods (Barbeque, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Nachos, Filipino Food, etc), music, silent auction, garage and book sale, bingo, petting zoo, face painting, and a lot of fun for the entire family. Raffle tickets are still available for $2 each or a book of 6 for $10 and you could win one of the exciting prizes. For more information or to purchase Raffle tickets, contact Holy Family Catholic Church 281-499-9688, Mr. Fred Tan, 281-704-4619 or Mrs. Connie Govea 281-438-2629 . Parking is free.
Texian Market Days
Blue Ridge Elementary School Principal, Deirdre Holloway, promised students at her school that she would perform as a “mime” if their school received a rating of “Recognized” by the Texas Education Agency as a result of students’ performance on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test. Fort Bend ISD received its 2009 district and campus accountability ratings in July, confirming that Blue Ridge was among the “Recognized” campuses. Holloway is shown posing with students (from left) Kayla Bolah and Deaveon McDaniel.
Tickets are now on sale for the 26th Annual Texian Market Days Festival to be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 at the George Ranch Historical Park. For the past 25 years, Texian Market Days has showcased Texas’ rich history by presenting a vivid picture of the early 1830s through the 1940s. Costumed interpreters and volunteers will be stationed throughout the Park demonstrating what life was like in a time before running water and electricity. This year’s celebration will include music, children’s activities, live entertainment, food, arts and crafts vendors and the Texian Time Machine—a handson, role-playing educational outreach program of the Fort Bend Museum. For information, visit www.texianmarketdays.com or call 281-343-0218.
Join the Fort Bend Education Foundation Angels of Education Auxiliary for our annual membership luncheon at the Houston Museum of Natural Science – Sugar Land at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. Admission is free. Pictured L-R; Robin Jordan, FBEF VP Community Affairs, Lisa Kulhanek, FBEF Events Coordinator, Lola Daves-Balogun; Betsy de Vega, VP Volunteer Recruitment, Angels Auxiliary. Visit our website @ www.fortbendisd.com\foundation.
Building homes of quality and distinction for over 40 years.
Plans, prices and availability are subject to change without notice. (10/08)
OCTOBER 7, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • Page 3
Community news PAWS memorial service celebrates pets PAWS Memorial Service, a family owned and operated funeral home for beloved pets, will host an Open House on Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at its new facility at 601 Pitts Road in Richmond. Founded by long time Fort Bend County resident Catherine Dalrymple, PAWS Memorial offers accessible, compassionate and dignified aftercare services for pets. Having formerly owned and operated a local boarding kennel offering grooming and training, Dalrymple has been involved in the pet care industy professionally for many years. Personally, she loves animals. “Our pets are our partners and
best friends. They are there for us with unconditional love and support throughout their life,” said Dalrymple, owner. “So we know they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect when it comes to end-oflife care.” PAWS Memorial Service focuses on the pet owners by providing personal attention and service. “We built a comfortable facility and maintain a welcoming open door environment for the pet owner. Our commitment is to help one family at a time in dealing with their loss, fulfilling their wishes and preserving their memories. That personal touch is of utmost importance to us,” said
Dalrymple. PAWS Memorial provides free cremation services to working dogs in law enforcement, search and rescue, and disability assistance. Additionally, it supports several animal rescue organizations as a way to honor its clients. “Veterinarians, their staff and all animal lovers are invited to the Open House and to walk the grounds and meet us, as well as some of the rescue organizations we support,” said Dalrymple. “We want the community to know we are here for them.” For more information, call 281-342-PAWS (7297) or visit www.pawsmemorialservice.com.
Spinal tumor removal at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital restores patient’s mobility A first-of-its kind surgery at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has restored a patient’s ability to walk. Dr. Rajesh Bindal, neurosurgeon on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, performed the surgery on a patient who was suffering from a benign tumor on her spinal cord that caused paralysis in her legs. The delicate, three-hour surgery was the first spinal tumor removal ever performed in Fort Bend County, another in a line of “medical firsts” for Dr. Bindal and Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. He used specially designed micro-surgical equipment to remove the large tumor that was growing from the dura mater, the membrane that forms the outer layer of the spinal cord and nerve roots. “The tumor had grown large enough to press on the spinal cord itself, which was causing the paralysis,” Dr. Bindal said.
Bindal “Of course, surgery of this kind must be very precise. We are fortunate here at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital to have the necessary technology and the skilled nursing staff to undertake these types of procedures.” The patient was referred to Dr. Bindal by neurologist Dr. Todd Lynn, who made the original diagnosis. “Dr. Lynn was instrumental in
the treatment of the patient,” says Dr. Bindal. Following her surgery, the patient recovered quickly and was able to begin rehabilitation within days. After three months of physical therapy, she was walking on her own. “It’s amazing to see the patient go from being paralyzed to walking in a few short months,” says Dr. Bindal. Dr. Bindal also performed Fort Bend’s first brain surgery last year at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and earlier this year he performed emergency neurosurgery on a new mom who had just given birth to a baby girl. Dr. Bindal’s expertise allowed the new mom and baby to stay together here at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. At other local hospitals the pair would have been separated because the mother would have been transferred to the Medical Center.
Suzette Peoples Broker /Owner
Genealogy Society The Fort Bend Genealogical Society will meet on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held in the genealogy research room at the George Memorial Library, 1000 Golfview in Richmond. Anyone interested in genealogy is invited to attend. For more information, call Frances at 281-762-8029.
A shot in the arm at Quail Valley Elementary Quail Valley Elementary is offering the influenza vaccinations at school on Oct. 8 from 3:45-6:45 p.m. Portions of the proceeds go directly to the school as a ‘painless’ fundraiser. Over the past 8 years, Texas Vaccine Institute has been providing services to FBISD families. No appointments are necessary. Cash and checks will be accepted. The regular vaccine is $20 and the nasal vaccine is $30. QVE is located near the intersection of Quail Village Drive and Cartwright Road at 3500 Quail Village Drive, Missouri City. Call 281-634-5040.
Peoples Peoples always tries to raise the bar in her services and her experience. “I want my clients to know that she takes their investment seriously and will always negotiate in their best interest,” she says. Starting her own Company will enable her to continue with the level of service everyone should receive in their Real Estate transactions.
Walk to cure Huntington’s Disease set for Saturday The 8th Annual Run to Cure Huntington’s Disease presented by HCSS and Team Hope Walk for HD is scheduled to take place Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Oyster Creek Park in Sugar Land. The 5K Run will start at 8:30 a.m. followed by a 5K walk-athon at 9 a.m. and a Kids K event at 9:30 a.m. Registration is open at http://www.RuntoCureHD. com and will also be available on race day. The Houston Huntington’s Disease Run/Walk is set to be the largest of 35 HDSA run/ walk events occurring across the country, in both participants and money raised. With the help of community sponsors, families and individuals, the run/walk has already surpassed last year’s record setting fund raising totals of $49,000, with this year’s current total already at more than $65,000.
With a big turnout Saturday, the total amount raised is expected to be even higher. One of the Houston Area’s most competitive 5K runs, the Run to Cure HD will once again award the top male and female finishers of the race with The Shirley Whitley Memorial championship prize of an expense paid trip for each winner to the Carlsbad Marathon in sunny San Diego, CA. in January, 2010. The race will be electronic chip timed so all competitive runners will have the advantage of knowing their exact finishing time. Awards will also be presented to the top fundraising Run and Walk Teams. Serving as Masters of Ceremony for this year’s event will be Sugar Land City Councilwoman Jacquie Chaumette and KPRCTV Local 2 Sports Anchor Randy Mcllvoy.
Peoples says she has a wonderful support team of lenders, title companies, inspectors and Licensed Assistant to ensure she continues to give the best service to her clients. “I focus on the quality of each deal and not on the quantity. I will always continue to give my personal attention to every client,” Peoples says. She uses all the technology and marketing ideas that will help her clients get the best price and in the shortest time possible. Her marketing expertise and use of technology has put her in the top 1 percent of her field for many years. She prides herself in helping buyers find the right home in the right location at the right price. “I treat every transaction as if it is my own personal deal. If you expect the best, then contact Suzette Peoples with Peoples Properties.” Visit www.PeoplesProperties. com for more information.
Fort Bend GOP hosts annual picnic on Oct. 18 The Republican Party of Fort Bend County will be holding its annual Grand Old Picnic at Duhacsek Park, 17034 Old Richmond Road (in Sugar Land at the intersection of Voss and Old Richmond Road )on Sunday, October 18,from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This event is family oriented with many activities including music, games, a live auction, barbeque, ice cream and lots of good old fashioned political grandstanding. It is a great place to enjoy family fun while getting to meet those that currently represent you and those that wish to. For more information on attending and/or how to become a sponsor contact Tina Gibson 281491-6599 mdgaggie@aol.com.
Suzette Peoples
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Suzette Peoples now owns Peoples Properties Suzette Peoples has created her own Real Estate Company called Peoples Properties. A full service Real Estate Company, its also offers property management services. After 21 years working for several franchises, she decided it was time to promote her own brand and her own reputation. Peoples prides herself on customer service and her motto is “Putting People First” as she has lived by this philosophy for over 21 years. By putting the needs of her clients above all else it has proved to be very successful. Nearly 80 percent of her business is past clients and referral. Peoples says: “What better compliment and proof of success than that of past clients. If you treat your clients with the Best Service and knowledge that you can possible give, then your clients will tell their friends, family and neighbors how competent you are as a Professional Realtor”.
Direct: 281-980-3322 www.peoplesproperties.com
The Bank That Listens JEFF SMITH President 18-year-Stafford Resident
TERRY CROCKETT Senior Vice President
281-208-2111 Member
13811 Murphy Road, Stafford, Texas 77477 www.houstoncommunitybank.com
Join Kelley and Leslie for
World’s Largest Cruise Night! October 14, 2009 6:00PM – 8:00PM Special guest: Lisa Presley, ACC Texas Business Development Manager Royal Caribbean International Special offers, prizes, fun and more for attendees! Don’t miss this opportunity! Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd Sugar Land, TX 77478
Seating is limited. Please RSVP: Kelley – 713-931-0052 or kaustin@cruiseplanners.com Leslie – 713-491-4989 or leslie@jetsetterscruises.com
Page 4 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 7, 2009
Opinion Texas Straight Talk Bombs and bribes By RON PAUL What if tomorrow morning you woke up to headlines that yet another Chinese drone bombing on U.S. soil killed several dozen ranchers in a rural community while they were sleeping? That a drone aircraft had come across the Canadian border in the middle of the night and carried out the latest of many attacks? What if it was claimed that many of the victims harbored antiChinese sentiments, but most of the dead were innocent women and children? And what if the Chinese administration, in an effort to improve its public image in the U.S., had approved an aid package to send funds to help with American roads and schools and promote Chinese values here? Most Americans would not stand for it. Yet the above hypothetical events are similar to what our government is doing in Pakistan. Last week, Congress did approve an aid package for Pakistan for the stated purposes of improving our image and promoting democracy. I again made the point on the floor of the House that still no one seems to hear: What if this happened on U.S. soil? What if innocent Americans were being killed in repeated drone attacks carried out by some foreign force who was trying to fix our problems for us? Would sending money help their image?
U.S. Rep. Ron Paul If another nation committed this type of violence and destruction on our homeland, would we be at all interested in adopting their values? Sadly, one thing that has entirely escaped modern American foreign policy is empathy. Without much humility or regard for human life, our foreign policy has been reduced to alternately bribing and bombing other nations, all with the stated goal of “promoting democracy”. But if a country democratically elects a leader who is not sufficiently pro-American, our government will refuse to recognize them, will impose sanctions on them, and will possibly even support covert efforts to remove them. Democracy is obviously not what we are interested in. It is more likely that our government is interested in imposing its will on other governments.
This policy of endless intervention in the affairs of others is very damaging to American liberty and security. If we were really interested in democracy, peace, prosperity and safety, we would pursue more free trade with other countries. Free and abundant trade is much more conducive to peace because it is generally bad business to kill your customers. When one’s livelihood is on the line, and the business agreements are mutually beneficial, it is in everyone’s best interests to maintain cooperative and friendly relations and not kill each other. But instead, to force other countries to bend to our will, we impose trade barriers and sanctions. If our government really wanted to promote freedom, Americans would be free to travel and trade with whoever they wished. And, if we would simply look at our own policies around the world through the eyes of others, we would understand how these actions make us more targeted and therefore less safe from terrorism. The only answer is get back to free trade with all and entangling alliances with none. It is our bombs and sanctions and condescending aid packages that isolate us. (Ron Paul represents the 14th Congressional District in Texas.)
Musings: Atonement By JANICE SCANLAN You know there is something different when you enter a courtyard with a statue of Abraham Lincoln seated among children, his arms outstretched with the phrase, “to heal our wounds.” So why would my high school reunion make me think of the American Civil War Museum at Tredegar on the James River in Richmond, Virginia? My class was the first class to have “voluntary” school integration –and two young, African American women, Mary Adams and Billie Nolan, came to Frederick (OK) High School starting in 1962, until we graduated, in 1965. They were treated often with hostility. They were rarely included. During our reunion, integration was not a first-time conversation. I’ve been a part of it with classmates since college. Our lament does not lessen with time. We regret we were not kinder to those brave women. As one classmate wrote in 2001 upon Mary Adams’ death, “It must have been incredibly difficult to take that big step. Little did she know that this act would be the beginning of a whole new era. She was such a lady during those trying years. . . . To me she was like an astronaut taking that first giant step for
Scanlan mankind.” More came into the circle of conversation during our reunion . . . and we honored the lives and courage of Mary and Billie. What I find moving is the small and continuing ways each of us finds to atone for our sins of omission and commission toward the isolation of Mary and Billie. The various ways we continue to apologize for racism. The “Tredegar” Museum tells the Civil War story from North, South, and African American viewpoints. Its website says, “The Center’s interpretive approach comes from a Center-sponsored symposium in which Pulitzer Prize-winning historian James McPherson was asked why the Confederates fought. ‘The central tragedy, the
great irony of the war,’ he observed, ‘is that all three groups were fighting for the legacy of the American Revolution, but they profoundly disagreed about what that legacy was.’ The war was a matter of honor and principle for all three as each acted to uphold its own vision of America. Each remembered the war differently as well, and to this day the war means different things to different people.” We were still fighting the Civil War in my high school and still possibly fighting it today in different ways. The screaming and passion drown out thought. As a result, we are still healing our wounds. Still grappling with what “all men created equal” really means in our United States Constitution. We face so many great issues today. And we still have the challenge of reconciling differing viewpoints and ideas on the best way to proceed. I hope we’re not feeling the need to find ways to atone for actions or inactions today years from now—still having to heal wounds because we were not wise enough to listen to and have empathy for others with differing viewpoints and circumstances, whatever the issue. Write to Janice at open. space@earthlink.net
Letter 10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487
281-980-6745 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor David Hamner Sales Associate
Diane Parks Graphic Artist
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To the Editor: If we have learned anything from the recent devastating financial crisis it’s this-allowing financial institutions to become too big to fail, regulate or manage is a failed policy. And if we are to create lasting reform of our financial system, the corporate giants that almost wrecked our economy must be held accountable. Fortunately, there are a number of reforms we can implement to help protect
The View From Sugar Land New opportunities for recreation By RUSSELL C. JONES Many thanks to the publisher of this newspaper for giving me the opportunity to speak directly to the people of Sugar Land and Fort Bend County. As a member of the Sugar Land City Council, I will comment upon the politics and events happening in our city which directly affect the lives of our residents. This column will also look at issues affecting Greatwood, New Territory, and other areas of eastern Fort Bend County. I also expect that I will venture out of our immediate area, perhaps looking to state, national and world issues, with an emphasis on how those issues affect Sugar Land residents. New museum opens One of the most exciting new adventures for Sugar Land families ever is the opening of the new Houston Museum of Natural Science-Sugar Land last Saturday. Housed in a former dormitory of the Central State Prison, the Sugar Land facility is the first permanent branch of the museum outside of Hermann Park. The new museum is located at the corner of University Blvd. and New Territory Blvd. It is the result of years of cooperation among the City, the board of directors of the museum, and Newland Communities, the developer of Telfair. The museum’s exhibits include dinosaurs, minerals, and a planetarium. The first traveling exhibit is The Chronicles of Narnia, a celebration of the Disney movie and the books
Jones by C.S. Lewis. Displays include props from the movie and personal items belonging to the author. The Sugar Land museum was chosen for the display because the Narnia exhibit is simply too big for the main museum in Houston. Before the museum even opened, the Narnia exhibit sold more advance tickets than all but four other traveling exhibits in the history of the Houston museum. Sugar Land Memorial Park Next Saturday will be a big day at Sugar Land Memorial Park when two new major recreational activities open. The Pawm Springs Dog Park will be one of the largest such facilities in the Houston area. The city has received many requests for a place where dog owners can take their animals to run, sniff and play. The Sugar Land facility will feature water sprays, tropical landscaping, and acres of land just for playing with your dog. The City Council has received some less than enthu-
siastic comments about opening a dog park. The truth is, though, a dog park is really a people park, a place where residents can go to relax, enjoy the day and have fun. It is essentially the same as a ball park, a hiking trail or a swimming pool. The only difference is that the residents can bring their dogs to a place where both the humans and the dogs are welcome. The other new parks facility is the Brindley Mountain Bike Trail, which was donated by the family of Justin P. Brindley, a Sugar Land resident, in his memory. The trail includes several wooden technical features for riders at the beginner and intermediate level. Swine Flu is here Like every other city in America, Sugar Land has seen the arrival of swine flu. Fortunately the new vaccine will be here shortly as well. The city’s first responders, including police, firemen and paramedics, will be among the first to be inoculated so that they are protected while they are providing lifesaving services to our residents. Watch the city’s website, www.sugarlandtx.gov, and television station (Comcast Ch. 16) for more information on protecting yourself from this continuing pandemic. Jones is the Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Sugar Land and serves as Councilman for District 3. He was first elected to the City Council in 1993. He owns a law firm and a title insurance company in Sugar Land.
Narcotics team lands big haul During the past several months the Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force which is a Houston HIDTA Initiative (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) completed two narcotic investigations targeting the illegal possession and distribution of large amounts of marijuana and cocaine in Fort Bend County, according to a statement released by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office. The first investigation followed leads of suspicious activities near Needville. Detective B. Baker, a member of the Fort Bend County Task Force positively identified the primary suspect involved in orchestrating the delivery of 3.5 tons of marijuana. Members of the Fort Bend County Task Force subsequently seized 3.5 tons of marijuana, with a street value of $3.5 million, allegedly in the possession of the suspect, Juan Manuel Garza of the 6600 block of Beard Road. Garza was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana (over 2000 lbs.) Judge Pedro Ruiz set the bail at $800,000. In addition to the marijuana, narcotic agents seized a tanker trailer valued at $75,000.
The second investigation began when Fort Bend County Task Force Agent, J. Eder targeted two suspects who allegedly transported and distributed cocaine in Fort Bend and Wharton counties. Members of the Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force conducted surveillance and the suspects were observed leaving their home. They were arrested in Richmond, while allegedly transporting one pound of Cocaine. The two suspects were identified as George Limas Jr. and Sylvia Alcalar, both of Wharton. Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force provided the
Narcotics Division of the Houston Police Department this information and an additional 9 pounds of Cocaine was seized. The estimated street value of the cocaine seized is $400,000. George Limas was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance over 200 grams, a first degree felony. Sylvia Alcalar was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance over 200 grams, a first degree felony. Bonds were set by Judge Pedro Ruiz on each suspect at $60,000.
Fairness and accountability protect all of us against the risks these megainstitutions pose to our economy. Legislation pending in Congress would require the nation’s largest banks to pay higher premiums to the FDIC to compensate for the increased risk of insuring them at a time when deposit insurance is a critical safeguard for bank customers. This additional premium would provide the FDIC with greater resources to protect both depositors and taxpayers.
The bill, introduced in June by Representative Luis Gutierrez (0-111.), also would require these financial giants to pay their fair share of depositinsurance dues by basing fees on total assets, not deposits. This would more fairly fund the deposit-insurance system and more appropriately account for an institution’s risk to the FDIC. Community bankers like me are focused on holding deposits and making loans in our
communities, not taking dangerous risks on Wall Street. Congressional passage of the Bank Accountability and Risk Assessment Act of 2009 (H.R. 2897) is important to help put our country and our economy back on track to restore common sense, balance and confidence to our financial system. Jim Sturgeon CEO & President Founders Bank Sugar Land
FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 7, 2009 • Page 5
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION (AVISO DE ELECCIÓN ESPECIAL)
To the registered voters of the County of Fort Bend, Texas: (A los votantes registrados del Condado de Fort Bend, Texas:) Notice is hereby given that the polling places listed below will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., November 3, 2009 for voting in a special election to adopt or reject the proposed Constitutional Amendments as submitted by the 81st Legislature, Regular Session, of the State of Texas. (Notifíquese, por las presente, que las casillas electorales sitados abajo se abrirán desde las 7:00 a.m. hasta las 7:00 p.m. el 3 de Noviembre de 2009 para votar en una elección especial para adoptar o rechazar las enmiendas propuestas constitucionales así como fueron sometidas por la 81 Legislatura, Sesión Regular, del Estado de Texas.)
LOCATIONS OF POLLING PLACES: (DIRECCIONES DE LAS CASILLAS ELECTORALES:) PRECINCT (Precinto)
POLLING PLACE (Casilla Electoral)
ADDRESS (Dirección)
CITY (Ciudad)
1001
George Memorial Library
1001 Golfview Dr
Richmond
ZIP CODE (Código Postal) 77469
1002
Kendleton Church of God
619 FM 2919
Kendleton
77451
1003
Mustang Community Center
4525 FM 521
Fresno
77545
1007
Williams Elementary School
5111 FM 762
Richmond
77469
1008
Orchard City Hall
9714 Kibler
Orchard
77464
1010
Old Needville Fire House
3115 Richmond St
Needville
77461
1012
Fellowship Church of Fort Bend
1110 Bamore Rd
Rosenberg
77471
1013
Calvary Baptist Church
4111 Airport Ave
Rosenberg
77471
1015
Frieden's United Church of Christ
7526 Avenue I
Beasley
77417
1016
Travis Elementary School
2700 Avenue K
Rosenberg
77471
1018
Fairchilds Volunteer Fire Dept
8715 Fairchilds Rd
Fairchilds
77469
1021
Brazos Bend Home & Ranch
22930 FM 1462
Needville
77461
1024
Frieden’s United Church of Christ
7526 Avenue I
Beasley
77417
1025
Agriculture Extension Building
1402 Band Rd
Rosenberg
77471
1037
Travis Elementary School
2700 Avenue K
Rosenberg
77471
1039
Fellowship Church of Fort Bend
1110 Bamore Rd
Rosenberg
77471
1040
T L Pink Elementary School
1001 Collins Rd
Richmond
77469
1048
Fort Bend County Rosenberg Annex 4520 Reading Rd
Rosenberg
77471
1054
Fellowship Church of Fort Bend
1110 Bamore Rd
Rosenberg
77471
1058
Mustang Community Center
4525 FM 521
Fresno
77545
1067
Williams Elementary School
5111 FM 762
Richmond
77469
1068
Schultz Trucking Company
18602 Highway 36
Guy
77444
1072
Fort Bend County Rosenberg Annex 4520 Reading Rd
Rosenberg
77471
1073
George Memorial Library
1001 Golfview Dr
Richmond
77469
1074
Calvary Baptist Church
4111 Airport Ave
Rosenberg
77471
1076
River Pointe Community Church
5000 Ranson Road
Richmond
77469
1085
Williams Elementary School
5111 FM 762
Richmond
77469
1087
Dickinson Elementary School
7110 Greatwood Parkway
Sugar Land
77479
1103
Pecan Grove Baptist Church
1727 FM 359
Richmond
77469
1114
FBC MUD23/M.R. Massey Admin B 1570 Raab Road
Fresno
77489
1118
Houston Community College-Sienna 5855 Sienna Springs Way
Missouri City
77459
1120
Dickinson Elementary School
7110 Greatwood Parkway
Sugar Land
77479
1128
Dickinson Elementary School
7110 Greatwood Parkway
Sugar Land
77479
1134
Mustang Community Center
13222 Highway 6
Fresno
77545
2017
Briargate Elementary School
15817 Blue Ridge Rd
Missouri City
77489
2023
Ridgemont Elementary School
4910 Raven Ridge Rd
Houston
77053
2027
Houston Community College
10141 Cash Rd
Stafford
77477
2028
Quail Valley Elementary School
3500 Quail Village Dr
Missouri City
77459
2030
Quail Valley Middle School
3019 FM 1092
Missouri City
77459
2031
Ridgegate Elementary School
6015 West Ridgecreek Dr
Houston
77053
2033
Lantern Lane Elementary School
3323 Mission Valley Dr
Missouri City
77459
2034
Elkins High School
7007 Knights Court
Missouri City
77459
2036
Missouri City Baptist Church
16816 Quail Park Dr
Missouri City
77489
2050
Hunters Glen Elementary School
8295 Independence Blvd
Missouri City
77459
2051
Chasewood Clubhouse
7622 Chasewood Dr
Missouri City
77489
2052
Briarchase Missionary Bapt. Church 16000 Blue Ridge Rd
Missouri City
77489
2055
Willowridge High School
16301 Chimney Rock Rd
Houston
77053
2056
Mayfair Park Civic Center
6006 Arthington Ave
Houston
77053
2059
Missouri City Community Center
1522 Texas Parkway
Missouri City
77459
2060
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
631 Avenue E
Stafford
77477
2061
Elkins High School
7007 Knights Court
Missouri City
77459
2070
Houston Community College
10141 Cash Rd
Stafford
77477
2071
Missouri City Community Center
1522 Texas Parkway
Missouri City
77489
2075
Missouri City Community Center
1522 Texas Parkway
Missouri City
77489
2077
Glover Elementary School
1510 Columbia Blue Dr
Missouri City
77489
2078
Fifth Street Community Center
3110 Fifth St
Stafford
77477
2079
East End Annex Building
303 Texas Parkway
Missouri City
77459
2081
East End Annex Building
303 Texas Parkway
Missouri City
77459
2088
Stafford Civic Center
1415 Constitution Ave
Stafford
77477
2089
Hunters Glen Elementary School
8295 Independence Blvd
Missouri City
77489
2090
Lantern Lane Elementary School
3323 Mission Valley Dr
Missouri City
77459
2091
Lantern Lane Elementary School
3323 Mission Valley Dr
Missouri City
77459
2092
Meadowcreek Clubhouse
2410 LaQuinta Dr
Missouri City
77459
2093
Meadowcreek Clubhouse
2410 LaQuinta Dr
Missouri City
77459
2096
Houston Community College
10141 Cash Rd
Stafford
77477
2112
Fifth Street Community Center
3110 Fifth St
Stafford
77477
2115
Lantern Lane Elementary School
3323 Mission Valley Dr
Missouri City
77459
2116
Missouri City Baptist Church
16816 Quail Park Dr
Missouri City
77489
2117
Meadows Place City Hall
One Troyan Dr
Meadows
77477
2123
Blue Ridge Elementary School
6241 McHard
Houston
77053
LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2009 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. RFP 09-107 – LEASE OF ROOF SPACE ON WILLIAM B TRAVIS ANNEX Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas
LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2009 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters testamentary for the Estate of David Joseph Stone, Deceased, were issued on September 28,2009, in Cause No. 09-CPR-022178, pending in the County Court at law No. 4, Fort bend County, Texas to Gail R. Stone. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. DATED the 29th day of September, 2009. Russell C. Jones Attorney for Gail R. Stone State Bar No. 10954300 407 Julie Rivers Drive Sugar Land, Tx 77478 Telephone: 281-242-8100 Facsimile 281-242-7474
BID 10-029 – TIRES AND TUBES Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas
PUBLIC NOTICE OF TEST OF AUTOMATIC TABULATING EQUIPMENT AVISO PUBLICO DE PROBAR EL EQUIPO TABULAR AUTOMATICAMENTE
CITATION BY PUBLICATION DIVORCE The State of Texas TO: Ana Lidia Michel Ramon, and to all whom it may concern, Respondent GREETINGS: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 AM on the Monday next following the expiration of twenty (20) days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. The Original Petition For Divorce of Raul Alejandro Avila, Petitioner, was filed in the 387th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on September 28, 2009 against Ana Lidia Michel Ramon, Respondent, being numbered 09-DCV175249, and entitled In The Matter Of The Marriage Of Raul Alejandro Avila And Ana Lidia Michel Ramon. The suit requests to dissolve the bonds of matrimony. The court has authority in this suit to enter any judgment or decree dissolving the marriage and providing for the division of property which will be binding on you. Issued and given under my hand and seal of the said Court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 29th day of September, 2009. Petitioner’s Attorney: RAUL ALEJANDRO AVILA 2721 PARROTT AVE ROSENBERG TX 77471 DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT, Fort Bend County, Deputy District Clerk Rosemary C. Hernandez Telephone: 281-633-7620
Notice is hereby given that the automatic tabulating equipment that will be used in the election to be held on November 3, 2009, will be tested on October 16, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Fort Bend County Elections Department, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg Texas to ascertain that it will accurately count the votes cast for all offices and on all measures. Por lo presente se da aviso que el equipo para tabular automaticamente que se usará en la elección el 3 de Noviembre del 2009 se probara el 16 de Octubre del 2009 a las dos p.m. en el Departamento de Elecciones del Condado de Fort Bend, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg Texas para determinar si el equipo contara con exactitud los votos para todos los puestos oficiales y sobre todos los proyectos de ley. /s/ John Oldham Fort Bend County Elections Administrator Administrador de Elecciones del Condado de Fort Bend
NO. 09-CCV-039685 FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS § V MILDRED ARLENE WEATHERS, § UNKNOWN HEIRS OF RAMONA § IN THE COUNTY COURT MORROW JANES, UNKNOWN § AT LAW NUMBER ONE (1) HEIRS OF MARY MORROW, § OF FORT BEND COUNTY, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF PAUL JANES, § TEXAS UNKNOWN HEIRS OF CLAIRE § WALTER MORROW, UNKNOWN § HEIRS OF GILBERT MORROW, § UNKNOWN HEIRS OF WALTER § MARROW, UNKNOWN PROPERTY § OWNERS OF 5.425 ACRES, 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: The Unknown Heirs of Mary Morrow, Ramona Morrow Janes, Paul Janes, Claire Walter Morrow, Walter Morrow, Gilbert Morrow, and all other unknown property owners of 5.425 acres whose residence, address and whereabouts are unknown, and if deceased, legally incapacitated or dissolved, the unknown heirs, devisees, successors and legal representatives, and unknown spouse or spouses, each and all of whose residences, addresses and whereabouts are unknown, and if they are deceased, legally incapacitated or dissolved, their unknown heirs, devisees, successors and legal representatives. You are commanded to appear before the Special Commissioners appointed by the Judge of the Fort Bend County Civil Court at Law Number One (1) on November 12, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in the Fort Bend County 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. 09-CCV-039685 styled Fort Bend County, Texas v. Mildred Arlene Weathers, Unknown Heirs of Ramona Morrow Janes, Unknown Heirs of Mary Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Paul Janes, Unknown Heirs of Claire Walter Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Walter Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Gilbert Morrow, Unknown Property Owners of 5.425 Acres, et al.; In the County Court at Law Number One (1) of Fort Bend County, Texas, in which Fort Bend County is Plaintiff, and Mildred Arlene Weathers, Unknown Heirs of Ramona Morrow Janes, Unknown Heirs of Mary Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Paul Janes, Unknown Heirs of Claire Walter Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Walter Morrow, Unknown Property Owners of 5.425 Acres, Katy Independent School District, Fort Bend County General Fund, Fort Bend County Drainage District, Fort Bend County LFRC, and Fort Bend County ESD2 are Defendants. The Original Statement and First Amended Petition for Condemnation filed on August 28, 2009 discloses that the nature of the suit is a condemnation case. Plaintiff seeks fee title to 5.425 acres of land more particularly described in the attached Exhibit A of the Original Statement and First Amended Petition in condemnation Cause No. 09-CCV-039685. Attorneys for Plaintiff are Fort Bend County Assistant County Attorneys, William H. “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 14th day of September 2009. Dianne Wilson Clerk of Fort Bend County, Texas Richmond, Texas 301 Jackson Street Richmond, Texas 77469 By Lydia Esparza, Deputy
Page 6 • OCTOBER 7, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT
PRECINCT (Precinto)
POLLING PLACE (Casilla Electoral)
ADDRESS (Dirección)
CITY (Ciudad)
ZIP CODE (Código Postal) 77459
2136
Lantern Lane Elementary School
3323 Mission Valley Dr
Missouri City
2137
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
631 Avenue E
Stafford
77477
2138
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
631 Avenue E
Stafford
77477
2139
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
631 Avenue E
Stafford
77477
2140
Houston Community College
10141 Cash Rd
Stafford
77477
2141
Glover Elementary School
1510 Columbia Blue Dr
Missouri City
77489
3004
McMeans Junior High
21000 Westheimer Pkwy
Katy
77450
3005
Swinging Door Restaurant
3818 FM 359
Richmond
77469
3006
Huggins Elementary School
One Huggins Dr
Fulshear
77441
3009
Sugar Creek Country Club
420 Sugar Creek Blvd
Sugar Land
77478
3014
Katy ISD Administration Bldg
6301 S Stadium Ln
Katy
77494
3019
Simonton City Hall
35011 FM 1093
Simonton
77476
3020
Sugar Land Church of God
1715 Eldridge Rd
Sugar Land
77478
3022
Meadows Place City Hall
One Troyan Dr
Meadows
77477
3032
Townewest Town Hall
10322 Old Towne Ln
Sugar Land
77478
3035
Sugar Land Church of God
1715 Eldridge Rd
Sugar Land
77478
3038
Cinco Ranch High School
23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd
Katy
77494
3041
Austin Elementary School
1630 Pitts Rd
Richmond
77469
3043
Southwest Calvary Baptist Church
12910 West Belfort Dr
Houston
77099
3053
Barrington Place Homeownrs Assn
13318 Rosstown Ct
Sugar Land
77478
3057
Swinging Door Restaurant
3818 FM 359
Richmond
77469
3063
Austin Elementary School
1630 Pitts Rd
Richmond
77469
3066
Mission Glen Elementary School
16053 Mission Glen Dr
Houston
77083
3069
Sugar Creek Country Club
420 Sugar Creek Blvd
Sugar Land
77478
3082
Oakland Elementary School
4455 Waterside Estates Dr.
Richmond
77469
3083
Crockett Middle School
19001 Beechnut
Richmond
77469
3086 3098
Townewest Town Hall Townewest Town Hall
10322 Old Towne Ln 10322 Old Towne Ln
Sugar Land Sugar Land
77478 77478
3099
Mission Glen Elementary School
16053 Mission Glen Dr
Houston
77083
3100
George Bush High School
6707 FM 1464
Richmond
77469
3101
George Bush High School
6707 FM 1464
Richmond
77469
3104
Pecan Grove Elementary School
3330 Old South Dr
Richmond
77469
3106
George Bush High School
6707 FM 1464
Richmond
77469
3113
Mission Glen Elementary School
16053 Mission Glen Dr
Houston
77083
3122
McMeans Junior High
21000 Westheimer Pkwy
Katy
77494
3130
Cinco Ranch High School
23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd
Katy
77494
3132
U of Houston Cinco Ranch
4242 S. Mason Rd
Katy
77494
3133
U of Houston Cinco Ranch
4242 S. Mason Rd
Katy
77450
4011
Colony Bend Elementary School
2720 Planters St
Sugar Land
77479
4026
Walker Station Elementary
6200 Homeward Way Blvd
Sugar Land
77478
4029
Knights of Columbus Hall
702 Burney Rd
Sugar Land
77478
4042
Sugar Land Community Center
226 Matlage Way
Sugar Land
77478
4044
Austin Parkway Elementary School
4400 Austin Parkway
Sugar Land
77479
4045
Garcia Middle School
18550 Old Richmond Rd
Sugar Land
77478
4046
Highlands Elementary School
2022 Colonist Park
Sugar Land
77478
4047
Colony Meadows Elementary Sch
4510 Sweetwater Blvd
Sugar Land
77479
4049
Lexington Creek Elementary School 2335 Dulles Ave
Missouri City
77459
4062
Palmer Elementary School
4208 Crow Valley Dr
Missouri City
77459
4064
Settlers Way Elementary School
3015 Settlers Way Blvd
Sugar Land
77479
4065
Austin Parkway Elementary School
4400 Austin Parkway
Sugar Land
77479
4080
First Colony Church of Christ
2140 First Colony Blvd
Sugar Land
77479
4083
Lost Creek Park
3703 Lost Creek Blvd
Sugar Land
77479
4084
Colony Meadows Elementary School 4510 Sweetwater Blvd
Sugar Land
77479
4094
Palmer Elementary School
4208 Crow Valley Dr
Missouri City
77459
4102
Commonwealth Clubhouse
4330 Knightsbridge Blvd
Sugar Land
77479
4105
Knights of Columbus Hall
702 Burney Rd
Sugar Land
77478
4107
Sugar Lakes Clubhouse
930 Sugar Lakes Dr
Sugar Land
77478
4109
Highlands Elementary School
2022 Colonist Park Dr
Sugar Land
77478
4110
Sugar Land City Hall - Lakeview
2700 Town Center Blvd
Sugar Land
77479
4111
Settlers Way Elementary School
3015 Settlers Way Blvd
Sugar Land
77479
4119
Clements High School
4200 Elkins Dr
Sugar Land
77479
4121
Highlands Elementary School
2022 Colonist Park
Sugar Land
77478
4124
Brazos Bend Elementary School
621 Cunningham Creek Blvd Sugar Land
77479
4125
Garcia Middle School
18550 Old Richmond Rd
Sugar Land
77478
4126
Garcia Middle School
18550 Old Richmond Rd
Sugar Land
77478
4127
Lexington Creek Elementary School 2335 Dulles Ave
Missouri City
77459
4129
Commonwealth Clubhouse
4330 Knightsbridge Blvd
Sugar Land
77479
4131
Austin Parkway Elementary School
4400 Austin Parkway
Sugar Land
4135
Walker Station Elementary
6200 Homeward Way Blvd
Sugar Land
77479 ) 77479
Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted at the: (La votación adelantada en persona se llevará a cabo en el:) $ Fort Bend County Rosenberg Annex Building - 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, Texas $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Missouri City Community Center - 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas Garcia Middle School - 18550 Old Richmond Road, Sugar Land, Texas Irene Stern Fulshear Community Center – 6920 Fulshear-Katy Road, Fulshear, Texas Hightower High School - 3333 Hurricane Lane, Missouri City, Texas Beasley City Hall - 319 S. 3rd Street, Beasley, Texas Cinco Ranch Library - 2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy, Texas Meadows Place City Hall – One Troyan Dr, Meadows Place, Texas Pecan Grove Baptist Church - 1727 FM 359, Richmond, Texas Days (Días)
Dates (Fechas)
Hours (Horas)
Monday - Friday (Lunes - Viernes)
October 19 - 23, 2009 (Octubre 19 - 23, 2009)
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday (Sábado)
October 24, 2009 (Octubre 24, 2009)
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday (Domingo)
October 25, 2009 (Octubre 25, 2009)
CLOSED (CERRADO)
Monday - Wednesday (Lunes - Miércoles)
October 26 - 28, 2009 (Octubre 26 - 28, 2009)
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday - Friday (Jueves - Viernes)
October 29 - 30, 2009 (Octubre 29 - 30, 2009)
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted at the: (La votación adelantada en persona se llevará a cabo en el:) $ $
Chasewood Clubhouse - 7622 Chasewood Drive, Houston, Texas First Colony Conference Center - 3232 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, Texas Houston Community College – Sienna – 5855 Sienna Springs Way, Missouri City, TX Old Needville Fire House - 3115 Richmond Street, Needville, Texas Sugar Land Methodist Church – 431 Eldridge, Sugar Land, Texas U of H at Cinco Ranch - 4242 South Mason, Katy, Texas
$ $ $ $
Days (Días)
Dates (Fechas)
Hours (Horas)
Monday - Friday (Lunes - Viernes)
October 19 - 23, 2009 (Octubre 19 - 23, 2009)
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday (Sábado)
October 24, 2009 (Octubre 24, 2009)
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday (Domingo)
October 25, 2009 (Octubre 25, 2009)
CLOSED (CERRADO)
Monday - Wednesday (Lunes - Miércoles)
October 26 - 28, 2009 (Octubre 26 - 28, 2009)
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday - Friday (Jueves - Viernes)
October 29 - 30, 2009 (Octubre 29 - 30, 2009)
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Applications for ballot by mail should be mailed to: (Las solicitudes para boletas que se votarán adelantadas por correo deberán enviarse a:) John Oldham Fort Bend County Elections Administrator 4520 Reading Road Rosenberg, Texas 77471 Phone: (281) 341-8670 Applications for ballot by mail must be received no later than the close of business on October 27, 2009. (Las solicitudes para boletas que se votarán adelantadas por correo deberán recibirse para el fin de las horas de negocio el día 27 de Octubre,2009.) Issued this the 5th day of October, 2009. (Emitida este día 5 de Octubre, 2009.)
NO. 09-CCV-039683 FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS § V CARL WEATHERS, MILDRED ARLENE WEATHERS, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF RAMONA MORROW JANES, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF MARY MORROW, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF PAUL JANES, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF CLAIRE WALTER MORROW, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF GILBERT MARROW, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF WALTER MARROW, UNKNOWN PROPERTY OWNERS OF 5.425 ACRES, et al.
§ § IN THE COUNTY COURT AT § LAW NUMBER ONE (1) OF § FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS § § § § § § § §
AMENDED BRIEF ON CITATION BY PUBLICATION In the name and by the authority of the State of Texas: Notice is hereby given to the following Defendants: TO: The Unknown Heirs of Mary Morrow, Ramona Morrow Janes, Paul Janes, Claire Walter Morrow, Walter Morrow, Gilbert Morrow, and all other unknown property owners of 5.425 acres whose residence, address and whereabouts are unknown, and if deceased, legally incapacitated or dissolved, the unknown heirs, devisees, successors and legal representatives, and unknown spouse or spouses, each and all of whose residences, addresses and whereabouts are unknown, and if they are deceased, legally incapacitated or dissolved, their unknown heirs, devisees, successors and legal representatives. You are commanded to appear before the Special Commissioners appointed by the Judge of the Fort Bend County Civil Court at Law Number One (1) 011 November 12, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the Fort Bend County 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. 09-CCV-039683 styled Fort Bend County, Texas v. Mildred Arlene Weathers, Unknown Heirs of Ramona Morrow Janes, Unknown Heirs of Mary Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Paul Janes, Unknown Heirs of Claire Walter Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Walter Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Gilbert Morrow, Unknown Property Owners of 5.425 Acres, et a/.; In the County Court at Law Number One (1) of Fort Bend County, Texas, in which Fort Bend County is Plaintiff, and Mildred Arlene Weathers, Unknown Heirs of Ramona Morrow Janes, Unknown Heirs of Mary Morrow, Unknown Heirs of Paul Janes, Unknown Heirs of Claire Walter Morrow, Unknown Property Owners of 5.425 Acres, Katy Independent School District, Fort Bend County General Fund, Fort Bend County Drainage District, Fort Bend County LFRC, and Fort Bend County ESD2 are Defendants. The Original Statement and Second Amended Petition for , 2009. Condemnation filed on August 28, 2009 discloses that the nature of the suit is a condemnation case. Plaintiff seeks fee title to 5.425 acres of land more particularly described in the attached Exhibit A of the Original Statement and Second Amended Petition in condemnation Cause No. 09-CCV039683. Attorneys for Plaintiff are Fort Bend County Assistant County Attorneys, William H. “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 the15th day of September 2009. Dianne Wilson Clerk of Fort Bend County, Texas Richmond, Texas 301 Jackson Street Richmond, Texas 77469 By Sandra Nevarez, Deputy
OCTOBER 7, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • Page 7
Community happenings Brewing help for kids in need Texana Center swears in trustees
With a little help from Friends of Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB), abused and neglected children are getting opportunities they never could have imagined. Friends is hosting its annual membership coffee on Oct. 13 from 10 – 11:30a.m. at 9506 Highway 90A in Sugar Land to grow its membership. In addition to coffee and pastries, guests will enjoy informal tea modeling and
informative tips on the year’s latest trends provided by Joann’s Boutique. Sampling coffee, above, to find the perfect brew for the membership coffee (L to R) are: Evelyn Traylor, Peggy Jackson, Cathy Yasilli, and Pam Duggan Gray. Friends of Child Advocates of Fort Bend is an auxiliary group to fund the “extras” like summer camp, a letter jacket, driver’s education, and prom
supplies, among other things, for children served by CAFB. Joining Friends requires a simple $30 annual membership fee that funds a variety of activities which support Child Advocates of Fort Bend and help improve the lives of the small victims served by CAFB. Recently, members of Friends assembled backpacks so that abused and neglected children served by CAFB could start the year with much needed school supplies. Each backpack was filled with the specific school supplies needed for the child’s class. In addition to the backpack drive, Friends assists with child abuse prevention month in April, hosts case closing celebrations to honor volunteers and grants special requests for children through a special needs fund. For more information on Friends and the Fall Coffee, call Linda McLellan at 281265-0487. For more information on Child Advocates of Fort Bend and its volunteer opportunities, please call 281-341-9955 or visit www.cafb.org.
Taste of Sugar Land set for Nov.15
The members of the all volunteer Taste of Sugar Land Committee are already ‘stirring the pot’ and preparing for the 7th Annual Taste of Sugar Land, just around the corner. Mark your calendars now to enjoy one of Fort Bend County’s premier events, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square.
First Presbyterian Church of Sugar Land, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, and Fort Bend Family Promise have joined together in presenting again a most popular local event, that benefits our less fortunate Fort Bend neighbors who are in temporary crisis in our community. Enjoy more than 20 of the best local restaurants who are
participating - live entertainment -and a beautiful holiday auction in the fabulous Marriott Ballroom to get you started on your Christmas shopping. Tickets are still just $25 and may be obtained from any of the presenting partners. Visit www.tasteofsugarland.com, or call 281-2403195 for more information.
Jared Hall presents “Illusion and comedy” ence members float, or finds your chosen card. His performance will appeal to all ages, so bring your kids, your grandkids, your friends and neighbors for an entertaining evening. The concert will be held on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. in the church sanctuary at First United Methodist Church, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City. It is free to the public. Further details, Call 281-499-3502 or e mail fumcmc@flash.net.
The Friends of the Arts Committee, First United Methodist Church, Missouri City will present in concert, illusionist, Jared Hall in its seasonal concert series. Jared Hall will entertain his audience with “Illusion and Comedy”, which he uses to illustrate lessons of the gospel in relevant engaging ways. The FOA committee promises the audience will be kept on the edge of their seats as Jared performs a straight jacket escape, makes audi-
More than 3,000 expected in Sugar Land for Dragon Boat Races Professional and amateur athletes, including some representing Fortune 500 companies, will soon arrive in Sugar Land to compete in one of the world’s fastest growing team water sports – dragon boating. Sugar Land is joining Fluor Corporation, Planned Community Developers and First Colony Community Association to host the Texas Dragon Boat Association’s 6th Annual Gulf Coast International
Dragon Boat Regatta, Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 17-18, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event is scheduled at the calm waters of Brooks Lake at Fluor Corporation, 1 Fluor Daniel Drive. Admission is free to the public, and parking is available in the adjacent Fluor Corporation parking garage. Teams competing from across the country will include two groups of City of Sugar Land employees led by
event co-Chair Mayor James Thompson and other community organizations and corporations. Competitions will include more than 30 teams from Houston, Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, Austin and LaFayette in multiple heats for amateurs and experienced teams, including a number of youth teams. Visit www.texasdragonboat.com for more information.
The 2009-2010 Texana Center Board of Trustees were sworn in Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by Richard Morrison, Commissioner Precinct 1 (far left). Texana Board Members: Anita Christensen, representing Wharton County; Judge Carolyn Bilski, representing Austin County; Dianne Wilson, Steve McDowell, both representing Fort Bend County; Ann Davis, representing Waller County; Angela Waligura and J.C. Whitten, both representing Fort Bend County. Not pictured are Willie Greer, representing Matagorda County and Ernest A. Kendrick, M.D., representing Fort Bend County. Texana Center is a 501(c) 3 public, not for profit, organization that provides behavioral healthcare and developmental disabilities services to residents of a six county area that includes Austin, Colorado, Fort Bend, Matagorda, Waller and Wharton Counties. Texana Center has its headquarters in Rosenberg in Fort Bend County. Texana serves about 4,000 clients per month in its array of service programs that are located in each of the six counties, covering about 6,000 square miles.
Grammy award winner Steve Wariner headlines WCJC gala Three-time Grammy Award winner, country music singer and songwriter Steve Wariner will headline for The Wharton County Junior College Foundation Gala on Friday, Oct. 16 at Safari Texas Ballroom in Richmond. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and Wariner takes the stage at 9 p.m. following dinner. Underwriters for the event are The Rosenberg-Richmond Auto Mile. Participating dealerships include The Finnegan Auto Group, Fort Bend Toyota, Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury, and Gillman Honda Nissan. Wariner is best known for his No. 1 hits like “Your Memory,” “Holes in the Floor of Heaven,” “The Weekend,” “Small Town Girl,” “Some Fools Never Learn,” “Tips of My Fingers,” “I Should Be With You” and “Where Did I Go Wrong.” He received his first Grammy in 1992 for Best Country Vocal Collaboration on “Restless” with Mark O’Connor
Wariner and the New Nashville Cats. In 2000, Wariner received three Grammy nominations and won a Grammy for his contribution to Asleep at the Wheel’s “Ride with Bob.” In 2009, Wariner won Best Country Instrumental Performance for “Cluster Pluck” with Brad Paisley and friends. Wariner is the songwriting genius behind many hit songs recorded by country music giants including “Longneck Bottle” by Garth Brooks, “Where the Blacktop
Ends” by Keith Urban, and “Nothin’ By the Taillights” by Clint Black. Wariner’s formidable songwriting skills have earned him 16 BMI Country Awards and 11 BMI-MillionAir Awards for songs that top one-million on-air plays. In 1996, Wariner was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and in 2008 he was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame. Proceeds from the gala will benefit student scholarships, faculty development, and academic programs at Wharton County Junior College. Gold Sponsor tables seating 10 are available for $5000. Silver Sponsor tables are $2500 and Bronze Sponsor tables for $1500. Individual tickets are $85. For more information about the gala or to purchase sponsor tables or individual tickets, call 979-532-6322 or 1-800-561-9252, ext. 6322. Information is also available online at www.wcjc.edu by linking to the Foundation.
Fort Bend County 4-H makes a difference in one day - Oct.10 October 10, 2009 is the day 4-H is going to change Texas and Fort Bend County. National 4-H week is being recognized Oct. 4-10; and, on this day, Oct. 10, 4-H clubs all over Texas will be going out in their communities to lend a helping hand and make a difference. Fort Bend County 4-H members will be helping out county animal shelters by collecting much needed supplies for shelters in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, Rosenberg, and Fort Bend
Sugar Creek Garden Club Sugar Creek Garden Club monthly meeting will be held on Oct. 15 at Sugar Creek Country Club beginning at 9:30 a.m. for the social hour. George Page, past director of Houston Bromeliad Society will speak on “Bromeliads/Cacti/Succulents” (Plus, Getting Rid of Garden Pests). Please call Aileen Flack at 281-242-8488 for additional information.
County Animal Control. 4-H members will also be showing their support for local animal shelters by participating in the Oct. 10th “Paws for a Cause” dog walk at Sugar Land’s Memorial Park. Fort Bend County 4-H members are now collecting donations that will be delivered to the animal shelters on October 10. This one day is an unprecedented opportunity for outreach and for our youth to show Texas, our country and the world why 4-H is the fu-
ture. For more information on making a donation and items being collected for the shelters call 281-342-3034, ext. 7036 or visit fortbend-tx.tamu.edu for a complete list and more about One Day 4-H. *Items being collected at the Extension Office are kong toys, plastic & rubber toys, pet brushes & combs, dog biscuits, kitten & cat treats, canned food, fleece blankets, breed & pet care books, canned food lids, stuffed animals, rawhides, and nylabones.
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Page 8 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 7, 2009
Business Stafford firm airlifts heavy cargo World Express Cargo, Inc., a small family-owned business based in Stafford beat out significantly larger freight companies last month to win a shipping contract for a massive 279,000 pounds of steel drill pipe from Houston to Singapore. Founder and President of World Express Cargo, Fouad Alameddin, credits winning this job to superior customer service, creativity and persistence. Typically, an order of this magnitude is shipped by ocean freight. But due to the urgency of the shipment, Alameddin suggested moving the 349 joints of 32-foot long steel drill pipe in five shipments by air. Several internationallyknown freight companies bid on the job, but the dramatic savings Alameddin was able to offer by dividing up the order and shipping it by air won his company the job. The steel drill pipe came from a Houston-based company and was destined for installation halfway around the world, on the island of Balikpapan, near Singapore.
World Express Cargo arranged for the logistics from the supplier’s warehouse, packed it for export, and delivered it to Singapore Airlines, where it was loaded into a “nose-loader” 747 freight aircraft to Singapore. Founded in 1983, World Express Cargo is an international freight forwarding company
based in Stafford. Fouad Alameddin and his company of seven employees have built a reputation worldwide for providing superior customer service. World Express Cargo is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and by the International Air Transportation Association (IATA). The company
typically moves three-quarters of its business by ocean freight, with 80 percent out of the Port of Houston. World Express Cargo, Inc. is located at 12613 Executive Drive # 700, Stafford, Texas 77477, Tel: 281-240-2700, Fax: 281-240-2766, www. worldexpresscargo.com
Founders Bank offers free checking for charities Founders Bank has created a new interest-bearing checking account specifically for not-for-profit organizations. The Not-For-Profit Interest Checking Account is free to all organizations with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4 ) status. The account has no monthly service charges or other fees and earns above market-rate interest on the available balance. “Founders Bank is deeply involved in the Fort Bend community and we recognize the important role that non-profit organizations play in improving the quality of life here,” said Jim Sturgeon, CEO. “The recent economic climate has been difficult for non-profits and this new checking account offer is one way that we can help.” Founders Bank supports a wide range of non-profit organizations including Fort Bend County Women’s Center, Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Fort Bend Cares and the Fort Bend Education Foundation. “For non-profits working to serve the community, every additional dollar earned or saved makes a difference,” said Treasury Management Officer Shanna Sturgeon. “By paying a higher rate of interest and eliminating all fees on the Not-For-Profit Interest Checking Account, Founders Bank can expand its support of Fort Bend area charities.” To learn more about the Not-For-Profit Interest Checking Account or to open an account for your organization, contact Founders Bank at 281-325-5000. Or stop by the bank at 4690 Sweetwater Blvd (corner of Sweetwater and Lexington) in Sugar Land. Founders Bank is the only locally owned and managed bank, in Fort Bend County. The bank takes its name from a “founders group” of Fort Bend business people and community leaders who served as the driving force behind the institution’s organization. Founders Bank is focused on serving the Fort Bend community, with a special emphasis on small business, medical and professional/executive needs. Learn more at www.foundersbanktx.com.
Locally produced film wins inspirational competition “Changing a Mind,” by local independent filmmaker Sondra Martin-Hicks won first place in the documentary category of the Bayou City Inspirational Film Festival held in August in downtown Houston. The festival showcased exceptional educational, inspirational and positive films and videos from around the world. The story of “Changing a
Mind” follows the progress of Richmond-resident Teresa Cody in developing treatment for children with Down syndrome, including her son Neal Cashion. Martin-Hicks captured the story of seven children with Down syndrome over the course of two years to document each child’s progress with Down syndrome treatment. The documentary was re-
leased late last year by MartinHicks, through her production company called Winds of Fire Entertainment, and helped to propel Changing Minds Foundation. The Foundation is a non-profit organization formed by Cody and dedicated to improving the mental ability of persons with Down syndrome through available treatment, education, support and research. The treatment developed by Cody is help-
Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The FORT BEND CO. L.I.D. #2 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2009 on October 14,2009 8:30 AM at Sugar Land Marriott Town Square, 16090 City Walk, The Burning Pear Restaurant, Sugar Land, Texas 77479. 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, Glen Gill AGAINST the proposal: None PRESENT and not voting: None ABSENT: Gilbert Saenz 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)
Last Year
This Year
$ .14500/$100
$ .13400/$100
Adopted
proposed
Difference in rates per $100 of value
$ .01100/$100
Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-)
-7.58%
Average appraised value
$274,162
$ 284,313
General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions)
$0
$0
Average taxable value
$274,162
$284,313
Tax on average residence homestead
$ 397.53
$380.97
Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-)
$-16.56
and percentage of increase (+/-)
-4.16%
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. Bob Leared, Tax Assessor-Collector 713-932-9011
ing hundreds of persons with Down syndrome around the country. “It is so rewarding for this film to be recognized for its positive message,” said Martin-Hicks, who resides in Richmond. “I have made a lot of films for different Christian ministries and there are many good, positive stories that need to be told. Winds of Fire Entertainment was created to tell true
stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” There were 121 projects entered in the festival including some of the best works from independent filmmakers and artists from throughout the United States as well as countries such as England, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and India to name a few. “We all want to feel like our life counts, makes a difference,” said Martin-Hicks.
“I want to tell true stories of what God is doing in peoples’ lives. I believe most people are like me and do not like all the nasty films that saturate the entertainment venues.” A trailer to the documentary “Changing a Mind” can be viewed at www.changingmindsfoundation.org. Copies can be ordered from the web site and all proceeds support the Changing Minds Foundation.
Methodist Sugar Land, FBJSL join hands for Sugar Plum market After a successful partnership last year, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has generously agreed to return as the title sponsor of the Fort Bend Junior Service League’s Sugar Plum Market. This year’s “A Magical Holiday” themed event will be held on Friday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theatre and Convention Center. Another sponsor returning to cast a magical spell over the two-day shopping extravaganza is Pamela Printing Company. “We believe in caring for the community and helping our neighbors,” said owner Ann Smith. “We have been located in Fort Bend County for over 40 years and are delighted to team up once again with FBJSL to make the Sugar Plum Market one of the year’s most exciting events.” Additional sponsors include Linens by Lisa, Republic Beverage, Industrial Security Services Corporation, Trustmark Bank, The Hunton Group, Raquel and Christopher Smith, M.D., M.B.A., Stewart Title Fort Bend, Shayne and David Newell, Don Dulin.com, LP, Gurecky Manufacturing Service Inc., and Sugar Land OB/GYN Associates. The 9th annual Sugar Plum Market will benefit five charitable organizations in the Fort Bend community: Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Fort Bend Community Partners Rainbow Room, Fort Bend County Women’s Center, Literacy Council of Fort Bend County and FBJSL Community Assistance Fund. Last year, FBJSL’s Sugar Plum
SPM Co-chair Rebekah Pickering, Jamie Hill, David Smith and Ann Smith of Pamela Printing, and SPM Co-chair Katharine Hunton. Market raised $111,000 for lo- for purchase in the fall. General admission tickets cal charities with an estimated will be $10 each. Fashion 6,000 patrons in attendance. Sponsorships are still avail- Show tickets will be $65 each. able with opportunities rang- For more information visit ing from $250 to $5,000. Indi- www.sugarplummarket.com vidual tickets will be available or call 281-636-6272.
Community garage sale on Nov. 7 For all the budget-conscious shoppers in Missouri City, we’ve got a bargain for you! Missouri City’s Sixth Annual Community Wide Garage Sale is taking place on Sat., Nov. 7, at the City Hall Complex, 1522 Texas Parkway. Approximately 100 booths will be stocked with all types of items for the bargain-hunting crowd. The sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., allowing plenty of time for residents to “shop ‘til they drop.” No entrance fee is required. “Clothes, furniture, decorative fixtures, appliances, computers, afghans, handmade jewelry, toys, arts and crafts, along with many other items can be found at this year’s sale,” states Jennifer Milam, Recreation Specialist. “A large crowd is expected, so you may want to come early to get the best bargains. Make reservations in person at the Community Center at the City Hall Complex, 1522 Texas Parkway, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The deadline to purchase a booth is Fri., Oct. 30. For more information, call 281-403-8500 or visit www. missouricitytx.gov.
OCTOBER 7, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • Page 9
Film :The Invention of Lying Ricky Gervais is my new hero; I’ve always thought he was funny and clever and one need not look further than his creativity and writing for “The Office” to see much of his genius, but this script is off-the-charts golden and I predict will become a minor classic. The story is set in an alternate world where everyone always tells the truth even if they have to tell you to your face that you are fat and ugly and especially if, in their opinion, you are a loser. Mark Bellison (Gervais) is that guy because he is pudgy with a “snub nose” that is fired from his job and does not have enough money to pay his rent. He has a date with the beautiful Anna (Jennifer Garner) who promptly explains to him that he has no chance with her because he is “out of her league” and that she
plans to get drunk just to get through the evening. Anna much prefers someone more genetically compatible such as the hand-
some Brad (Rob Lowe.) Things take a dramatic turn when Mark comforts his dying mother by telling her that she will have a won-
derful afterlife and there is a “man in the sky” who will provide everyone with a mansion and you will see all of your loved ones and feel no pain. Problem: the doctor and nurses hear this “lie” and soon the whole world thinks Mark knows things about the afterlife because obviously he is telling the truth because in this world everyone tells the truth. This skillful, thought-provoking, and dare I say “original” screenplay is pure genius and the cast is perfect. And the “hangout” factor is very high. I not only liked all the characters but I would like to hangout with them. Especially Mark and Anna. Gervais the Brit (age 48) co-wrote and directed this film with Matthew Robinson who is only 31 and from California. Who the heck is Matthew
Robinson? Well, we will all get to know him better when he is nominated alongside RG for Best Original Screenplay. My Sunday afternoon audience in Theatre #5 at AMC First Colony was mesmerized
by this movie and laughed in all the right places; this is a must see. Rock ‘n Roll. Grade 91. Larry H. Email sugarlaw@ larryharrison.com
PROUDLY SERVING FORT BEND SINCE 1981
Russell C. Jones Thelma Holoway Jones Lewis W. “Chip” Smith IV ● Real Estate ● Landlord/Tenant ● ● Banking ● Creditors' Rights ● Collections ● ● Business and Corporate Law ● ● Business Litigation ● Mergers and Acquisitions ● ● Estate Planning ● Probate ● ● Property Owners' Associations ● In the Sugar Land Industrial Park 407 Julie Rivers Drive, Sugar Land 281-242-8100 rjones@jonesattorneys.com www.jonesattorneys.com AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Bridal delight sets the scene at International Festival of Fort Bend
Here’s a peek of the spectacular fashions that will be on display at the Brides of the World fashion show during the Third Annual International Festival of Fort Bend on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Stafford Performing Arts Centre, 10505 Cash Road. For more information, www.if-fb.org
Here come the brides! And at this “wedding” few are dressed in white. Instead, they are swirling about in a sea of red, gold, silver and myriad of other bright
shades. What’s this colorful celebration and where is it taking place? It’s the “Brides of the World Fashion Show” at the Third Annual International Festival of Fort Bend.
In this extravaganza, models will sashay down the runway draped in elaborate wedding gowns from throughout the world. The festivity will be narrated with historical information about the glamorous gowns to take viewers inside the cultures that created each dress. The bridal display will be followed by another fashion show featuring native costumes worn by children ages 7 to 12. The outfits will represent many cultures of the world. Some children will be joined by adults dressed in traditional costumes representing different regions or countries around the world. “Once again, the International Festival of Fort Bend will bring you the melting pot of cultural harmony,” said Nazy Khadivian, president of the festival.
technology, society and life. •What: Each thought-leader will speak for 20 quick and powerful minutes on their domain expertise including topics on the economy, technology, medicine, transportation, social issues and more. Attendees will then have the chance to meet with each thought-leader up close and personal. The complete schedule is at http://www.theupexperience.com/up-this-year.html. •Who: Speakers include Einstein’s prodigy, the neuroscientist redefining how we perceive the world, inventor of the Sixth Sense, the man who discovered the Titanic and more.
Not just oil, Pennzoil
Nerve & Tendon Disorders Arthritis of the Fingers & Hand Congenital Problems of the Hand Congential
CHARLOTTE ALEXANDER, M.D. ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON specializing in
HAND & UPPER EXTREMITY 14090 Southwest Fwy, #130 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Phone: (281)265-4263
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Texas Rheumatology Center
The UP Experience presents Einstein Prodigy, Sixth Sense Inventor Imagine having the opportunity to spend one day with the top thinkers and innovators of our time. Now you can. Meet modernday revolutionary thinkers whose accomplishments are on par with the likes of Einstein, Newton, and more, all in one room, at one time, just for you. When: On Oct. 15, 2009, Houston will welcome The UP Experience™, a one-day meeting of 16 of the world’s most powerful minds—and you. •Where: Held at the Stafford Centre, The UP Experience™ offers mind-blowing ideas to challenge the way you think about business,
“This is a celebration of kaleidoscope color and a gift to the community that has given us all a warm welcome.” Now in its 3rd year, the International Festival of Fort Bend is a celebration of the diversity of communities in Fort Bend County. There will be a parade of nations, multiethnic performances, authentic ethnic cuisine, vendors and much more at the free event on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Stafford Performing Arts Centre, 10505 Cash Road. Missouri City, Stafford and Sugar Land are helping to sponsor this annual event, along with numerous businesses and organizations. For more information about the International Festival of Fort Bend, log on to www.if-fb.org.
16659 Southwest Fwy Ste 235 Sugar Land, TX 77479
Angela McCain, MD & Nkechinyere Emejuaiwe, MD welcome
JusƟn Chavez, MD
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