Fort Bend Independent

VOL 5 No. 40

Phone: 281-980-6745

www.fbindependent.com

FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

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

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

Seniors Quilt for a Cause Sugar Land declines demand for special ballot on apartments issue

The Quilting Group at the Shriners Hospital in Galveston includes (Back Row, L-R) Cheryl DiCamillo, Barbara Patterson, Connie Guyton, Pushpa Damle, Cheri Love (Front Row) Jyoti Shah and Shirley Gargiulo.

The quilting group at the Sug- are able to challenge our creativeSince most quilters do not get ar Land Senior Center gathers ness, while providing quilts that the opportunity to meet the retogether every Tuesday to trans- comfort children,” said Sugar cipients face to face, it was a rare form donated fabrics into patch- Land resident Cheryl DiCamillo, and emotional moment for the work quilts for the charitable or- one of the first members of the quilting group to see the thankful ganization Quilts for Kids.

Sugar Land Senior Center quilt- smiles of the children at the Shiners Hospital.

The charity donates hand- ing group. made comfort quilts to children The Senior Center quilting The group made donations to in need. The organization focuses group had only three core mem- families affected by the Bastrop on children with cancer, life- bers when they decided to join wildfires and is currently workthreatening illnesses and children Quilts for Kids. Today, the group ing on quilts for the children at of abuse. Due to certain health consists of 15 quilters who found The University of Texas MD Anrisks, hospitals do not allow chil- a new reason to love and share derson Cancer Center. Members dren to have stuffed animals as their passion for quilting. also found a need for comfort comfort objects. However, quilts “We’ve donated to the Shri- quilts at local nursing homes for are a comforting and more sani- ners Hospital, and we actually seniors who do not receive many tary alternative. got to personally deliver the visitors.

“Through Quilts for Kids, we quilts,” said DiCamillo.

“The people are the best part of Tuesday,” said DiCamillo about the Sugar Land quilting group. “I am blessed by the relationships Fort Bend Independent 9-28-012 0 2 5 5 7 2 that have formed during our quiltWeekly $20 52 ing time.”

S. Kumar It is easy to see what a reward10701 Corporate Dr. #282, Stafford, TX 77477 ing experience it is to bring hope 281-799-9459 to families and children with each 10701 Coporate Dr. #282, Stafford, Texas 77477 stitch from the quilters at the Sugar Land Senior Center.

Seshadri Kumar, 10701 Corporate Dr. #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Fabric donations are always needed and can be made at the Seshadri Kumar, 10701, Corporate Dr. #282, Stafford, Tx 77477 T.E. Harman Center at 226 MatNone lage Way. The quilting group welcomes anyone who would like to learn to quilt and be a part of the Quilts for Kids program.

4018 West Hollow Pkwy. Houston, Tx 77082

Vijay Pallod

4807 Welford Dr., Bellaire, TX 77401

G.V. Krishnan Pankaj Assar

3514 Autumbend Dr. Sugar Land,Tx77479 3902 East Wisteria,Sugar Land, Tx77479

Mark Elam Seshadri Kumar

2623 Stonebury Lane, Sugar Land, Tx 77479 x

x

13. Publication Title

14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below

Fort Bend Independent 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation

General a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run)

Sept. 26,2012 Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS (2) Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser's proof copies, and exchange copies) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales (3) Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS® (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail®)

c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County (1) Copies included on PS Form 3541 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail)

(2)

Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541

(3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail) (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means)

e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)) f.

Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e)

g. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3)) h. Total (Sum of 15f and g) i.

300

300

Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541(Include paid distribution above nomi(1) nal rate, advertiser's proof copies, and exchange copies) b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail)

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100)

28

28

99

99

105

105

3

3

235

235

4

4

0

0

0

0 0

0

4

4

239

239

61

61

300

300

98.33

98.33

16. Publication of Statement of Ownership

x

If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed

Oct. 3, 2012 in the ________________________ issue of this publication.

17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner

(signed) S. Kumar , Publisher

Publication not required.

Date

9/28/12

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

PS Form 3526, September 2007 (Page 2 of 3)

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Even though Diana Miller, Sugar Land activist, broker/ owner of Fort Bend Homes, got 700 signatures on a petition that was aimed at halting the building of more apartments in Sugar Land’s newer developments, it wasn’t enough.

Even if she had gotten the required 1,479 signatures the city would have declined putting an amendment on the ballot for such even though Miller said the amendment was written to “create distance buffers to zoning areas” rather than change zoning.

In regard to the Miller’s petition initiative, which never was given to Sugar Land’s city secretary, the initiative sought amending the city’s code of ordinances regarding multi-family housing.

A city reply to Miller says “even with the required number of signatures, a legal review determined the city is prohibited from taking the proposed amendment to voters as it violates state law and the language of the city charter.”

The letter from Sugar Land further states that “the proposed initiative ordinance is a zoning ordinance because it would regulate land use. State law speci-

fies procedural requirements for zoning that must be utilized to address change to land use regulations.”

The letter also explains that Sugar Land was developed with great master planned areas.

“City council, staff and commissioners have worked diligently to limit multi-family development and influence the quality and standards expected in Sugar Land, even in areas outside the city limits where Sugar Land cannot regulate land use through zoning.”

City Manager Allen Bogard is quoted in the city’s reply to Miller and all who signed the initiative petition as saying that in 2000 approximately eight percent of the total number of housing units in Sugar Land were apartments and that they will total just a bit over eight percent when those in Telfair, Imperial and Riverstone are built.

The letter also points out that “development agreements have been negotiated with the developers of Riverstone, a project outside of the city limits; Telfair, a state-owned project outside of the city limits at the time; and Imperial, a project with 50 percent state owner-

ship.”

Bogard also said in the letter that “The city does not take getting 700-plus citizen signatures lightly.”

He added that he wants to work with these individuals as well as others to develop the city’s future land use plan.

A responding headline to the letter on a Facebook page says “Sugar Land WON’T put it on a ballot for a public vote. Denying your right to vote.”

Further, a page on Miller’s website, SustainableSugarLand.com, says that the “petition language was carefully crafted so as to avoid being a ‘zoning’ amendment. It does not change any zoning. It merely creates distance buffers to zoning areas.”

The website page continues with “The language was prepared by the law firm of Wilson, Cribbs & Goren.”

It identifies Wilson as being board certified in commercial real estate law and being affiliated with and a leader of the Urban land Institute, Houston District Council.

Miller says her initiative petition signing will continue on Saturday, Oct, 6 on the steps of Sugar Land City Hall in Town Square from noon to 4 p.m.

Replacement voter registration certificates will soon be mailed to all active registered voters in two areas of Fort Bend County.

The new cards will be yellow and white in color and are valid until December 31, 2013. They will also have the word “Replacement” imprinted below the voter signature line.

Cards were mailed to all Fort Bend voters in April;

however, approximately half of those mailed two voters in two zip codes were not delivered. The affected zip codes are 77406 and 77494.

Voters should sign and retain their new certificate, and are encouraged to check the information for accuracy.

Registered voters who have moved, or had a name change, should notify the Elections Department, in writing, to update their records.

A current Voters certificate, a Texas Drivers License, or other form of identification is required to vote in Texas.

The deadline to register to vote, or for a voter to update an existing registration, in order to be eligible to participate in the November 6, 2012 General Election is October, 2012.

In order to vote in the November 6 election, a voter must be registered by October 9, 2012.

“Replacement” voter registration cards to be mailed

Name that cow...

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Prior to 2000, it would have been most unusual to see a lifesize cow grazing in a city hall but since the cow parades began, cows are everywhere these days including city halls.

So it was entirely appropriate for Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen to agree to have such in the Missouri City Hall where all could admire it, have fun with it, and now, name it.

The idea to move the artsy bovine from the Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau to Missouri City Hall came from a resident who contacted the mayor about the opportunity to put the cow out to pasture in a somewhat rural setting. The cow had spent a great deal of her life in the confines of downtown Houston’s bricks and mortar and wore a few nicks and scratches to prove it.

With the deal done, the handsome cow got her artistic black and colored circles refurbished and is now grazing on a bed of greenery in city hall. This cow doesn’t just graze but also works with the touch of a button. All those colored moons on her body contain little brass buttons that when pushed provide a slide show of Missouri City inside the cow.

“The buttons are on all parts of her body,” said Barbara Brescian, Missouri City director of communications. “So children as well as adults can push them and

see such sights of the city as our parks, Quail Valley Golf Course, the Founders statue at public safety headquarters, Lakeview Business Park, etc.” The city needs the public’s help in choosing one

by Friday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. Put your thinking caps on and email suggestions to swalker@missouricitytx.gov, and join the Twitter conversation #ClassyCow. See COW, Page 2

10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.

HRBACEK & GANDHI, P.C.

ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW

IRS Problems ∙ Litigation ∙ Business Law ∙ Collections Real Estate ∙ Contracts ∙ Estate Planning ∙ Probate ∙ Bankruptcy 130 Industrial Blvd., Ste. 110 Sugar Land, Texas 77478

Telephone (281) 240-2424 Fax (281) 240-7089

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 3 , 2012

ARC’S ANNUAL BEST IN THE WEST. Mark your calendars for Saturday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. when the Arc of Fort Bend County’s Best in the West Dinner, Dance and Auction returns to the George Ranch Historical Park Arena in Richmond. This 34th edition of the fun fundraiser again features the music of The Triumphs, sumptuous barbecue from The Swinging Door, fantastic items in both live and “Ace in the Hole” auctions and a silent auction that meets the Texas definition of “big.” Pictured accepting the ceremonial check of presenting sponsor Prosperity Bank from Jenny Gortney, second from left, are event co-chairs, from left, James Patterson, Ann Smith and Jo Ann Stevens. Tickets for the Best in the West are $50/individual and $500/ table. For sponsorship information or tickets, please contact Jo Ann Stevens at 713-829-1827 or Ann Smith at 281-240-1313. For up-to-date highlights about the event, join us on Facebook at Arc of Fort Bend County. The Arc of Fort Bend County provides programs and services to support individuals with intellectual and related developmental disabilities and their families.

Cow from Page 1

It’s something to talk about and something different.”

Cows that have been in the various cow parades are generally sold to raise funds for nonprofit organization and so far the artsy cows have raised more than $20 million worldwide. The life-size cows start at $5,000 and the most expensive one sold for $146,000 in Dublin, Ireland.

CowParade events have been staged in 50 cities worldwide since its start in Chicago in 1999.

Since the Chicago parade there have been art cow parades in Houston, (2001), London, Tokyo, Brussels, Prague, Stockholm, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Boston, Paris, Milan and Istanbul from 2000 to 2007.

It is estimated that more than 100 million people around the

world have seen one of the now numerous famous cows. More than 5,000 artists worldwide have participated in CowParade, which is owned by CowParade Holdings Corp.

Why cows is a popular question. The cow is a universally beloved animal that represents different things to different people.

To some she’s sacred, to others she’s historical. She connects us to our past but the common feeling is one of affection. There is something magical about the cow that transcends throughout the world because she makes people smile.

As an art canvas, there is no other animal or object that provides the form, flexibility and contiguous breadth of a cow. The three shapes (standing, grazing, reclining) provide artists with subtle, yet interesting angles and curves to create unique works of

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art. The basic cow form is also benign so that it can be altered, transformed, and morphed into completely other animals, people or objects. Incredibly, more than 2,500 art cows have been created worldwide and no two are alike.

The cows are painted by local artists from the amateur and unknown to the professional and famous. The event maintains a portfolio of the design submissions from which event sponsors select. Large and small companies and individuals from the cow parade host city sponsor a single or herds of cows.

CowParades range in size from 32 cows in Auckland, New Zealand to 450 cows in New York City. The average event has 75 to 150 cows.

The cow sculptures are made of flame-retardant fiberglass and have within them steel rebar for reinforcement.

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OCTOBER 3, 2012 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

News

Stafford MSD enrollment hits historical peak

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The secret about Stafford Municipal School District (SMSD) has evidently been told enough that it’s no longer a secret because this year the district has more students enrolled than ever before in its 30-year history.

“We broke the record the first day of school this year with 2,264 kids enrolled,” said SMSD Superintendence Lance Hindt. As of Monday, Oct. 1, SMSD had 3,369 students enrolled or 250 more than were enrolled at the same time last year.

“From the first day I got here, it was like Stafford was Fort Bend’s best kept secret.

I started pushing to get the word out about how good this district is,” said the superintendent who is now in his second year with the district.

Teachers, administrators, parents and volunteers began spreading the word by knocking on doors, and the district mailed flyers touting SMSD to the homes of children who were zoned to the district but not attending its schools.

Hindt said, “We went out this year and did a dropout recovery walk and also did a SMSD zoned recovery walk.

We’d go to the homes of kids zoned to SMSD and leave some information. We had more volunteers doing the walks than we had kids we were looking for.”

He said, “There are about 500 kids out there who are zoned to SMSD, so I think we’re about half way there in getting them all back. The dis-

Hindt trict’s schools can accommodate up to 3,600 so we could take another 250 kids.”

What turned parents around to enroll their children in SMSD, Hindt believes, is seeing the board and administration and city council working well together, the improving of the district’s facilities via a recent bond referendum and the small class sizes.

“We keep our class sizes real small. We have not and will not submit a waiver to the state for larger class sizes,” Hindt said, of the 22 to 1 ratio SMSD adheres to.

“In pre-k (kindergarten) we have 18 students to one teacher and from kindergarten to eighth grade the ratio is 22 students to one teacher.

“We staff all of our campuses at the 22 to 1 ratio. At the high school level we may have an elective class with a few more than 22 students in it and also possibly a core class or AP (advanced placement) class but there aren’t many,” the superintendent said.

The average public school

Fort Bend Panhellenic seeks to expand membership

has 28 to 30 kids per class, according to the superintendent.

The student to teacher ratio climbed when the state cut public school funding, which resulted in numerous teachers losing their job because districts had no way to pay them.

“Fortunately, through the budgeting process in Stafford, we are committed to a small learning environment for our kids. We think this is the single biggest factor in educating kids – providing an environment where teachers can teach instead of having to manage the whole time,” Hindt explained.

As for the limited enrollment (LOE) students from other districts, Hindt said there are 12 more enrolled this year than last year, which brings that total to 562. What that tells him is “either we have new kids to the district or kids are coming back to the district. The information I’m getting is they are primarily

Stafford students. I’d say we have about 400 kids from surrounding school districts who are LOE kids attending our schools.”

The superintendent also said, “Right now we’re loaded to the gills with students” and the ongoing construction, which will increase the number of classrooms, etc., is now limiting space. Hindt also explained that Stafford wants to “stay a 3A district but just grow to where we can continue to maintain everything and accommodate every SMSD kid zoned to us.”

He said the 3A cutoff is 1,100 to 1,200 kids in high school. Right now, SMSD has 970 high school students. The heaviest enrollment growth this year was in the elementary and primary grades.

“I truly believe that the culture of my staff is making this growth happen. They are people who have a keen interest in kids,” Hindt said.

Join the Vintner’s Celebration and Wine Tasting on Friday, October 12. Fine French wines will be served along with hors d’oeuvres. Contact the Fort Bend County Museum Association to purchase your tickets (281)342-1256 or email sponsors@fortbendmuseum.org. In photo from left to right: Anita Harris, Karen McCarter and Steve Metzenthin.

Retired Educators Meet

The Fort Bend Harris Retired Educators will meet at 1 p.m. on October 4 at the Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, 77478. The meeting will be held in the Venue room. Program speakers are Vy Nguyen, Congressional candidate for District 26, and Louise Harris whose topic is “Brain Growth and Repair at Any Age.” All retired educators are encouraged to attend.

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Levelprohomeservice.com 281-397-2299 920 Murphy Rd. Suite C, Stafford, Tx 77477

Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc 101 Southwestern Blvd, Ste 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478-3535 PH (281)277-7800 FAX (281)277-7801 basil@texansinsure.com

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

The 2012-2013 Officers for Fort Bend Panhellenic include (LR) Vice-President Cherie Roche (Delta Zeta), Treasurer Kathy Schultz (Kappa Alpha Theta), President Lisa Seward (Delta Gamma) and Secretary Terri Nieser (Gamma Phi Beta).

Fort Bend Panhellenic is thrilled about its plans for the upcoming year and extends an invitation to all National Panhellenic Conference sorority women in the Fort Bend area to join and be a part of the excitement.

Its 2012-2013 upcoming events include a November 3, 2012 trip to the Sugar Land Farmers Market, a January 24, 2013 event with a registered dietician, a March 18, 2013 meeting at Fabulously You in Town Center and a May Bunco Party.

Fort Bend Panhellenic hosts two very special events each year; a Scholarship Program for active collegiate sorority members and a Spring Recruitment Information Workshop for high school senior and collegiate girls and their parents. Both are beneficial events which support girls in our community.

Membership in Fort Bend Panhellenic is open to initiated alumnae of any of the 26 national sororities that make up National Panhellenic Conference. (www.npcwomen. org).

For more information about Fort Bend Panhellenic, visit our website at www.fortbendpanhellenic.org To keep up to date on the Fort Bend Panhellenic’s activities please join our Facebook group under Fort Bend Alumnae Panhellenic, follow us on Twitter at FB Panhellenic or email us your name, sorority and email address to fortbendpanhellenic@hotmail.com.

October 3, 2012 City of Sugar Land 2700 Town Center Blvd. North Sugar Land, Texas 77479 (281) 275-2700 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Sugar Land.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about October 19, 2012 the City of Sugar Land will submit a request to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant program funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project for the purpose of providing minor housing rehabilitation. The housing rehabilitation will be conducted by Fort Bend CORPS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, at the cost of $77,300. The project will occur in locations throughout the city. Examples of minor housing rehabilitation include but are not limited to: roof repair; window and roof replacement; and bathroom repairs and accessibility.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

GIVE ENGINES ADDED BOOST

In an effort to wring the most efficiency from engines, automakers are generally following the path of downsizing, in terms of both displacement and cylinder count. In order to harness the most power from these smaller engines, auto manufacturers turn to either “turbochargers” or “superchargers.”. Both work off the engine exhaust, which means their added power comes free. However, there is usually a slight delay from the time that the accelerator pedal is pressed to the time that the turbo generates boost, known as “turbo lag.”

Although superchargers siphon energy off an engine-driven belt, their effect is immediate. Both increase mileage by roughly 10%.

Regardless of the age and model of your vehicle, its engine is a critical component and the most costly to repair when something goes wrong. Please call AUTO CENTRAL at 281-499-9684 to schedule a maintenance check that includes inspection of the oil level, filters, alternators, belts and hoses, and battery. Courtesy rides and free loaner cars are available. We are located at 2526 5th Street, Stafford.

Do you have a car care question? Visit our discussion board on Facebook-Auto Central.

Autocentralautomotive.com HINT: So-called “twin scroll” turbo chargers reduce turbo lag, while such refinements as helical rotors and coasting bypass systems have increased supercharger efficiency.

The City of Sugar Land has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required.

Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the City Secretary Office, City of Sugar Land, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas 77479 where the ERR can be reviewed and copied weekdays 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to the City of Sugar Land Planning & Environmental Services Department which is responsible for receiving and responding to comments. All comments received by October 18, 2012 will be considered by the City of Sugar Land prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

(281)277-7800

The City of Sugar Land certifies to HUD that Allen Bogard in his capacity as City Manager consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows the City of Sugar Land to use Program funds.

Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

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HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Sugar Land’s certification for a period of no less than fifteen days (October 22 - November 5, 2012) following the anticipated submission date (October 19, 2012) or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Sugar Land; (b) the City of Sugar Land has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Houston Field Office, Region 6, 1301 Fannin, Suite 2200, Houston, Texas 77002. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Allen Bogard, City Manager U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20410 Telephone: (202) 708-1112

Sugar Land, TX 77478-3535 basil@texansinsure.com

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 3, 2012

Opinion

The View from Sugar Land

Surprise! Al-Qaeda lives

By RUSSELL JONES The administration’s response to the attack on the consulate in Benghazi remains inexplicable. As discussed here last week, for eight days it refused to even acknowledge the possibility that a pre-planned terrorist attack was responsible for the deaths of the American ambassador, two navy SEALs and a state department information officer.

The overwhelming evidence was that the bombing was a terrorist action. The coincidence of its occurrence on September 11, the use of RPGs and other advanced terrorist weapons, the coordinated attack on a state department “safe house,” prior reports by the Ambassador to the State Department of security concerns, an admission by the nascent Libyan government, and reports of many observers on the ground were all ignored.

The administration’s story was that the attack was the result of Moslem offense to a video farce on Mohammed made by an Egyptian Coptic Christian living in the United States.

The attack was, according to the administration’s story, “spontaneous.” It was all a lie, and the administration knew it.

Obama and company at first denied that the attack was planned by a former Guantanamo Bay detainee who had been released, and is now leader of a splinter group of al-Qaeda operating in Lybia and Mali in the northern Sahara. Finally, more than a week after the attack, Clinton admitted what everyone else already knew, acknowledging that the Americans were victims of a terrorist attack. Carney then repeated her version of the story.

But Obama never seemed

Jones very clear on the point. On Thursday last week, he appeared before the United Nations, giving a speech warmly eulogizing the murdered Ambassador. He recalled the vile video again and again, emphasizing its role in recent Middle East violence. Only once did he mention al-Qaeda, and that was to brag that it had been weakened during his administration.

Not once did he mention terrorist support of the attack on the consulate.

The only reasonable explanation of such a bizarre response to the Benghazi attack is that Obama believes he must rely on his foreign policy as the highlight of his first term as he seeks re-election. With utter failure in wildly misguided economic ploys designed to “redistribute” economic wealth, a euphemism for taking some people’s money and giving it to a more favored class, and widespread opposition to his medical payment program, the only visible sign of success in his first term was the death of bin Laden. If alQaeda could be kept quiet until the election, he could claim success in his foreign policy.

Benghazi interfered with that

plan. But never mind, Obama will just talk about the freedom of Americans to make offensive videos.

Rally ‘round Obama, boys!

The world’s socialist leaders seem to be circling the wagons in their support for Obama in the upcoming election. This past weekend, Russia’s Putin apparently supported Obama by criticizing Romney’s energy plan. Using logic that would make an Economics 101 student’s head hurt, Putin claimed that higher oil supplies mean higher prices. By giving incentives to drill offshore, produce oil from shale and invest in more efficient oil production, Romney’s energy plan will cause oil prices to rise, according to the leader of the communist world.

Raul Castro’s daughter, recently touring the United States for reasons uncertain, used the opportunity to announce her father’s desire to see Obama reelected. She tossed in her own support as well.

Finally, Venezuela’s Chavez, running in a campaign for his own re-election, weighed in on the U.S. presidential race. If he were American, he would vote for Obama, he announced.

Calling Obama “a good guy,” he predicted that if the American president were a Venezuelan, “I think ... he’d vote for Chavez.”

With Obama having support like that, as well as 47% of Americans receiving monthly checks from the government, it looks like a tough race for Romney.

Jones served as a member of the Sugar Land City Council from 2003 through June, 2011. He owns a law firm and a title insurance company in Sugar Land.

City of Missouri City NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON AMENDMENT OF IMPACT FEES On Monday, November 5, 2012, a public hearing will be held during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the City Hall of the City of Missouri City, located at 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas, for the purpose of considering the amendment of the land use assumptions and capital improvements plan and the imposition of an impact fee for new or expanded services in the Northeast Oyster Creek Service Area.

Any member of the public has the right to appear at the hearing and present evidence for or against the update of the land use assumptions and capital improvements plan.

Gold is Good Money

By RON PAUL Last year the Chairman of the Federal Reserve told me that gold is not money, a position which central banks, governments, and mainstream economists have claimed is the consensus for decades.

But lately there have been some high-profile defections from that consensus.

As Forbes recently reported, the president of the Bundesbank (Germany’s central bank) and two highly-respected analysts at Deutsche Bank have praised gold as good money.

Why is gold good money?

Because it possesses all the monetary properties that the market demands: it is divisible, portable, recognizable and, most importantly, scarce - making it a stable store of value. It is all things the market needs good money to be and has been recognized as such throughout history. Gold rose to nearly $1800 an ounce after the Fed’s most recent round of quantitative easing because the people know that gold is money when fiat money fails.

Central bankers recognize this too, even if they officially deny it. Some analysts have speculated that the International Monetary Fund’s real clout is due to its large holdings of gold. And central banks around the world have increased their gold holdings

Paul over the last year, especially in emerging market economies trying to protect themselves from the collapse of Western fiat currencies.

Fiat money is not good money because it can be issued without limit and therefore cannot act as a stable store of value. A fiat monetary system gives complete discretion to those who run the printing press, allowing governments to spend money without having to suffer the political consequences of raising taxes. Fiat money benefits those who create it and receive it first, enriching government and its cronies.

And the negative effects of fiat money are disguised so that people do not realize that money the Fed creates today is the reason for the busts, ris-

Rick

MILLER

ing prices and unemployment, and diminished standard of living tomorrow.

This is why it is so important to allow people the freedom to choose stable money.

Earlier this Congress I introduced the Free Competition in Currency Act (H.R. 1098) to permit people to use gold as money again. By eliminating taxes on gold and other precious metals and repealing legal tender laws, people are given the option between using good money or fiat money.

If the government persists in debasing the dollar – as money monopolists have always done – then the people would be able to protect themselves by using alternatives such as gold that are both sound and stable.

As the fiat money pyramid crumbles, gold retains its luster. Rather than being the barbarous relic Keynesians have tried to lead us to believe it is, gold is, as the Bundesbank president put it, “a timeless classic.” The defamation of gold wrought by central banks and governments is because gold exposes the devaluation of fiat currencies and the flawed policies of government. Governments hate gold because the people cannot be fooled by it.

(Ron Paul represents the 14th Congressional District in Texas.)

VOTE FOR OUR NEXT STATE REPRESENTATIVE FROM DISTRICT 26

REPUBLICAN FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

r vote. need you I , S E Y 6 and t more District 2 vernmen izens. e o s : G r u e o e t k H o a v s a m cit ow fight to s for all g for Tex e o in x t Dear Fell n a y t n d t u r a u e c d I’m ght to d I am r Miller an ustin an a business and fi ent.

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Rick Mil

pd pol ad Rick Miller Campaign Bruce Bond, Treasurer

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Vote for

Rick MilleR for State Representative

Election Day is Tuesday November 6. Early Voting is October 22 to November 2.

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

www.fbindependent.com Email: Editor@fbindependent.com

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) www. freebibleliterature. com

Community news

Left, John Papadopoulos, M.D., prostate cancer specialist and surgeon at the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land, speaks with an attendee following the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s 5th annual Prostate Health Conference on Saturday, Sept. 22. Dr. Papadopoulos joined a panel to share expert insight on minimizing harm from prostate cancer treatment, and addressed common misperceptions about the disease and the effects they can have on treatment plans.

Sugar Land Christian Women’s Connection presents Dr. Kelly Dempsey

Dempsey The Sugar Land Christian Women’s Connection will hold its monthly luncheon on October 12 at Sweetwater Country Club located at 4400 Palm Royale Blvd., Sugar Land. Members and guests will hear a very informative talk given by Dr. Kelly

Dempsey, who has dedicated her career to women’s breast health issues.

In addition, the theme will be “Pretty in Pink at the County Fair”, which will feature a silent auction with proceeds benefiting the Stonecroft Ministries. Wear your prettiest pink and do some early Christmas shopping at the auction table that will include baked goods, gift cards, crafts and boutique items.

The luncheon will start at 11 a.m. and valet parking is available. Reservations can be made by calling (281) 9809670 or via email at sw-houcwc-@juno.com. The luncheon is $18 inclusive.

The Sugar Land Christian Women’s Connection is affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries (www.stonecroft.org).

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE The City of Missouri City is now issuing a Request for Proposals for the following: RFP #034-13 DEFIBRILLATORS

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH FALL FESTIVAL Holy Family Church located at 1510 Fifth St., Missouri City, TX 77459 will hold its annual Fall Festival on Sunday, October 14, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Raffle tickets are $2.00 each or a book of 6 for $10.00 and you could win one of 13 exciting prizes. There will be lots of rides and games. A variety of food will be served (breakfast tacos, BBQ, hamburgers, hotdogs, fajitas, Cajun food, Filipino food, turkey legs, nachos, corn-on-the-cob, etc). Come enjoy this fun family event. Parking is free. For more information please contact Fall Festival Chair Red O’Laughlin, cell (281) 687-1188.

October events in Missouri City

On Saturday, Oct. 6, the City will celebrate its First Annual Fire & Rescue Services Open House.

The celebration will be held at Station 1, 3849 Cartwright Rd., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fire prevention and safety will be the event’s focus and activities featured will be: A vehicle extrication presentation, scheduled for 11 a.m.; A simulated smoke house to exhibit hazards associated with a typical home fire; firefighters will share effective evacuation techniques ; Fire extinguisher training for adults; firefighter skills drills for children;

Woman of Excellence

Cheri LaMarque Pemble The Fort Bend Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) selected, by secret ballot, Cheri LaMarque Pemble, PhD, CHt, to receive the Federation of Houston Professional Women’s prestigious “Woman of Excellence” award.

The award is given to women who have made significant contributions to their organizations and community. Cheri, as she is called by her ABWA colleagues, joined the Fort Bend ABWA chapter in 2008 and quickly became involved in all chapter activities and is currently the president. She was feted and congratulated at the FHPW Gala at the Hyatt Regency hotel downtown, along with other professional women honorees.

Cheri says it is her honor and privilege to serve as the Fort Bend Chapter’s Woman of Excellence for the 2012-2013 year. Cheri is a certified clinical hypnotherapist, with offices in Sugar Land and the Galleria area.

She earned her PhD in behavioral sciences, with a hypnotherapy specialty from Alpha University. ABWA, Fort Bend chapter and the Houston Federation of Professional Women congratulate Cheri for receiving this well-deserved award.

Cheri is married to Roy Pemble and has one son, Ryan Raddin and two grandchildren, Collin and Kelly Raddin.

OCTOBER 3, 2012 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

The City of Missouri City is soliciting proposals to provide the City’s Fire Department with new CPR monitor/defibrillators. The proposed units shall meet or exceed all requirements specified in the RFP package.

Proposals will be accepted until 2 PM Local Time, October 22, 2012 and then opened.

The RFP packages may be obtained beginning October 3rd by contacting the Purchasing Office at 1522 Texas Parkway (281) 403-8626 or email charles@ missouricitytx.gov Proposals must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the RFP name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Proposals must be delivered to the attention of the Sealed Bid Box, City of Missouri City Purchasing Office, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas, 77489, prior to the acceptance deadline. Proposal packages marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Proposals are opened in public in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Charles Oberrender, CPPB Purchasing Manager City of Missouri City, Texas

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, addressed to the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 11:00 o'clock a.m.,

Exit drills residents can practice at home; Tours of the firehouse and of a fire truck.

The Open House is a Healthy at H-E-B Community Challenge event.

The Challenge is a statewide health initiative that Missouri City is participating in, which encourages people to be active and live a healthier lifestyle. To join the Challenge, visit the City website: www.missouricitytx.

gov.

Also, on Oct. 6, the Buffalo Battle Adventure Race will take place at 10 a.m. at Buffalo Run Park; 1122 Buffalo Run Blvd.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this race, which includes exercise challenges designed to push participants physically and mentally.

Teams of three will compete against one another and contestants can expect to run about two

to three miles, canoe up to 1 mile, climb a rock wall, and participate in several mystery contests.

Snacks will be provided and prizes for First, Second and Third place will be awarded. Participants will receive T-shirts and goodie bags. This event is being co-sponsored by the Rice University community.

To sign up, visit the City website.

Greater Houston Partnership announces support of HCC bond proposal The Greater Houston Partnership’s Board of Directors approved a resolution Thursday, Sept. 20 supporting the bond package proposed by Houston Community College.

Houston voters will have their say on the proposal in November.

“The vote is the culmination of thorough reviews and thoughtful discussions by our Board and Executive Committee,” said GHP Board Chairman Tony Chase.

“We carefully reviewed the HCC bond proposal, including how the money would be spent. Then, we weighed the total impact on the region.

If the voters approve HCC’s bond request, they will allow Houston to advance in key areas, including education and quality of life.”

Among the plans included in HCC’s bond package are upgrades to campus technologies and addressing capacity and space needs throughout the college’s campuses.

Former GHP Chairman, Larry Kellner, who currently heads up GHP’s Education Committee said, “An educated workforce is key to the short and long-term economic growth of our region and state.

Education is a top priority for GHP and, if the voters sup-

Providing fee-only services to individuals, families and businesses since 1996.

(281) 634-9400 www.wjinterests.com

port HCC’s bond, it will allow HCC’s facilities to grow as its mission grows.”

“The passage of this important resolution is a continued testament to the leadership GHP provides the region,” said newly-appointed GHP President & CEO Bob Harvey.

“During deliberation, GHP’s leadership was acutely focused on the merits of HCC’s proposal and the impact on the region.”

For more information on the HCC resolution passed

by GHP’s Board of Directors contact Erik Noriega, (713) 844-3663 or Heather Browne, 713-844-3642.

Thursday, October 18, 2012, for: MULTIPOLYMER PAVEMENT MARKING PROJECT Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows: BID NO. 2013-01 MULTIPOLYMER PAVEMENT MARKING PROJECT BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE Bidder shall sign and date the bid. Bids that are not signed and dated will be rejected.

Signed and sealed bids shall be delivered to the City Secretary Office, on or before 11:00 o'clock a.m., Thursday, October 18, 2012 , City of Sugar Land, City Hall, 1st Floor, Suite 122, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. All bids received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened. Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within thirty (30) days following the date for the opening of bids.

The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifications prior to the date set for opening of bids. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifications. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not affect the bid opening date.

The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder.

ITB documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at www.publicpurchase.com or https://www.bidsync.com . Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments and other information relating to the bid will be posted at this site.

For questions regarding this bid, please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contracts Manager, at telephone number (281) 275-2302 or email at jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov .

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAE City Secretary

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION 3807 HOGAN COURT REQUEST FOR SPECIAL EXCEPTION TO THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT, 3807 HOGAN COURT, LOT 4, BLOCK 1, FIRST COLONY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 5 PARCEL ‘I’ IN THE STANDARD SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) DISTRICT PURPOSE:

ONE (1) PUBLIC HEARING SHALL BE HELD AT WHICH ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE PROPOSED SPECIAL EXCEPTION SHALL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD.

WHERE:

SUGAR LAND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH

WHEN:

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT 5:00 P.M., OCTOBER 17, 2012

DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED SPECIAL EXCEPTION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING OFFICE, TELEPHONE (281) 275-2218 OR EMAIL PLANNING@SUGARLANDTX.GOV. THE DEVELOPMENT PLANNING OFFICE IS OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:00 O’CLOCK A.M. TO 5:00 O’CLOCK P.M., AND LOCATED IN CITY HALL, 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS. PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU WISH TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO REVIEW ADDITIONAL DETAILS IN PERSON. Vicinity Map:

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 3, 2012

News

Obstacle race promises fun for all Normally known for its pristine landscape, Riverstone invites area residents to get down and dirty during the Oct. 27 Toro Loco Challenge.

The obstacle race offers two events, the 10K Raging Bull, which is designed to test physical strength and endurance and includes a 200-foot zip line, and the Leisurely Longhorn course, a less competitive — but still muddy — challenge for families — and dogs. Supporters can watch the action from Toro Town, a festival that includes concessions, a mechanical bull, dunk tank and other activities. The Riverstone race is one of just two planned this fall in Texas and the only Toro Loco Challenge in the Houston area.

Registration is $75 for individuals and $140 to $1,250 for teams of two to 25, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting local charities. Plus, children’s entry fees are just $20 with a full-priced adult registration.

For more information and to Riverstone hosts the Toro Loco Challenge obstacle race Oct. 27. Event-goers can choose from register, visit www.torolocochal- a competitive 10K event or the Leisurely Longhorn course. Registration is open now at www. torolocochallenge.com. lenge.com.

Five FBISD students named Semifinalists for the 2013 National Achievement Scholarship Program Fort Bend Independent School District is proud to announce the names of five students selected as semifinalists in the 2013 National Achievement Scholarship Program. The students are: Zachary Amorin – Hightower High School; Desha Dike – Clements High School; Sydnee Landry – Dulles High School; Candice Minter – Clements High School; and James Richard – Ridge Point High School. Semifinalists are designated within geographic regions and are the highestscoring program entrants in

the states that make up each region.

These students represent more than 160,000 high school juniors from all parts of the United States who requested consideration in the 2013 National Achievement Program when they took the 2011 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

From the approximately 1,600 semifinalists, about 1,300 are expected to advance to the finalist level and compete for one of 700 one-time National Achievement $2,500 scholarships, as well as about 100 corporate and business-sponsored Sugar Land Democrats Club Achievement Scholarship Fall Educational Dinner Event awards. The winners will be features “Faith / Religion announced in early April.

and Politics ,” by Dr. Harold Recinos, Professor of Church and Society, Perkins School of Theology, SMU Dallas, TX. Recently he edited Wading Through Many Voices: Toward a Theology of Public Conversation, 2011.

Location: Vietnamese Buddhist Center Banquet Hall, 10002 Synott Road / Sugar Land, TX dore the University of Illinois; and 77478. Saturday, Oct. 13, 7 Call Deron Patterson • High School String Larry Livingston, Professor p.m.

Orchestra – Austin High of conducting and orchestra at 281-841-5920 for more info.

Mark of Excellence Project winners named Six Fort Bend ISD school music organizations (representing Austin, Clements and Dulles High Schools; and Fort Settlement and Sartartia Middle Schools) have been named winners in the 2012 Mark of Excellence project.

The Mark of Excellence is a competition, entered by recordings, in which the top quarter is selected as National Winners, and the second quarter receives Commended Honors. The project consists of the National Wind Band Honors, the National Choral Honors, National Orchestra Honors, National Jazz Honors, and National Percussion Ensemble Honors. This year, 184 of the finest musical ensembles in the nation entered

the competition.

The FBISD 2012 Mark of Excellence winners won in the following categories: National Awards • High School String Orchestra – Dulles High School Honors Symphony Orchestra, directed by Michael Alan Isadore • Middle School String Orchestra – Sartartia Middle School Symphony Orchestra, directed by Ann Victor and Sophia Hsieh • Wind Band Honors, Class 5A – Dulles High School Honor Band, directed

by Joe Pruitt Commended Winners • High School Full Orchestra – Dulles High School Honors Symphony Orchestra, directed by Michael Alan Isa-

School Symphony String Or- at the University of Southern chestra, directed by Carolyn California.

Vandiver PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE • Middle School String The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend Orchestra – Fort Settlement County, Texas has set a public hearing Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 1:00 Middle School Orchestra, di- on p.m. for acceptance of the traffic /safety rected by Angela Peugnet study for Katy ISD, Griffin Elementary Road), to extend the school zone on • Wind Band Honors, (Fry to Courtney Manor Lane, Precinct 3.

Class 5A – Clements High The hearing will be held in the Courtroom, 309 South School Symphonic Band, di- Commissioners Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis rected by Daniel Galloway Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited attend and state your approval or The Orchestra adjudicator to objection on this matter. for the project was Profesby, sor Anthony Maiello, Direc- Submitted Dianne Wilson tor of Instrumental Studies Fort Bend County Clerk at George Mason University.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The band adjudicators were: The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend Gary Garner, former Director County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 1:00 of Bands at West Texas A&M p.m. for acceptance of the traffic /safety University; James Keene, study for Katy ISD, Griffin Elementary (Fry Road), to extend the school zone on Band Director Emeritus at to Courtney Manor Lane, Precinct 3.

Chocolate Holiday Fancy Tour

Eleven brand-new model homes, each decorated for the holidays with samples of endless chocolate delights, will be unveiled in Cross Creek Ranch during the masterplanned community’s Chocolate Holiday Fantasy Tour on October 6-7, 13-24 and 20-21.

Visitors to the Chocolate Holiday Fantasy Tour also will enjoy chef demonstrations and receive recipes for the eleven chocolate indulgences served in each home.

Hours for the tour, including chef demonstrations and chocolate servings, are 11 a.m – 4 p.m.

Located by the Cross Creek Ranch entry at Fry Road and FM 1463 just minutes west of the Grand Parkway, the community’s model home collection is the largest in the Houston area with fully furnished residences from Highland Homes, Ashton Woods Homes, Newmark Homes, Perry Homes, Plantation Homes, Trendmaker Homes and Village Builders.

Lennar Homes will join Cross Creek Ranch and open its model home in November.

As an additional incentive, families who purchase a new home in Cross Creek Ranch in October will receive a free outdoor kitchen.

Cross Creek Ranch, one of PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic /safety study for Katy ISD No. 17, Roosevelt Alexander Elementary (South Fry Road at Peek Road), to prohibit turning at the median cut between the driveway on the west side of the school at Center Village Drive, Precinct 3. 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

the top 20 best-selling masterplanned communities in the United States, is home to miles of hike-and-bike trails, a fitness center and sports complex

with tennis courts, basketball court, sand volleyball court and playgrounds for all ages.

For information, go to www.crosscreektexas.com.

Sugar Creek Women’s Association

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 LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.co.fort-bend.tx.us.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic /safety study for Katy ISD No. 31, (Holland Elementary at Seven Meadows Parkway), to extend the school zone on Seven Meadows Parkway east to past Windhurst Road, Precinct 3. 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

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Rehabilitation of the Fort Bend County Courthouse – Phase II. Proposal documents may be ordered at the office of Phoenix I Restoration and Construction, Ltd. at 9411 Hargrove Drive, Dallas, Texas 75220, (214) 902-0111, kmoncrief@phoenix1. org. Upon written request and payment of a non-refundable fee that includes overnight shipping and handling, drawings and specifications in either full size, half size, 11” x 17” or CD will be mailed. Additional Proposal Documents are posted to PIRC ftp site and are accessible by logging on as follows: Web Address: ftp.phoenix1.org User Name: phoenix\fortbendsub Password: courthouse Phoenix I Restoration and Construction, Ltd. (“Construction Manager”), on behalf of Fort Bend County (“Owner”), will accept subcontractor proposals for the following proposal packages: PHASE II SCOPES: 1. Penetrations Systems 2. Structural Steel Fabrication 3. Structural Steel Installation 4. Concrete 5. Asphalt Concrete Pavement 6. Pavement Markings 7. Masonry Restoration 8. Doors, Frames, & Hardware Supply Only 9. Window Supply Only 10. Window Treatments 11. Signage 12. Toilet Compartments & Accessories 13. Fire Protection Specialties 14. Hydraulic Elevators 15. Wet Pipe Fire Suppression System 16. Lath & Gypsum Plaster

17. Gypsum Drywall 18. Acoustical Ceiling Systems 19. Tiling 20. Terrazzo 21. Flooring 22. Plumbing 23. Site Utilities 24. Excavation 25. Termite Control 26. Electrical 27. Fire Alarm 28. H.V.A.C. 29. Window Restoration 30. Finish Carpentry 31. Rough Carpentry 32. Paint

Pre-Proposal Conferences: Thursday, the 11th day of October, 2012, and Thursday, the 18th day of October, 2012 at 9:00 AM at the William Travis Building, 301 Jackson Street, Suite 201, Richmond, Texas 77469. The courthouse, located at 401 Jackson (across the street from the Travis Building), will be open for inspections at the conclusion of the pre-proposal meeting until 3:00 PM both days. If you are submitting a proposal for this project, please note that attendance of one of the pre-proposal meetings will be worth 5% in the scoring system used to evaluate proposals.

Submission Deadline: Proposals will be received at Phoenix I Restoration and Construction, Ltd., 9411 Hargrove Drive, Dallas, Texas 75220, on Thursday, October 25, 2012 until 1:30 PM, local time (CST).

The courthouse can also be made available for inspection (if arrangements are made in advance) any day (M – F) between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM starting October 3 until October 22 (the day before proposals are due). Arrangements for courthouse inspection need to be made (in advance) through David McClung, Site Superintendent, at 214-415-1205 or dmcclung@phoenix1.org.

RFP 13-009 – CONTINGENCY AMBULANCE TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Bonds are not required.

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

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

FLOODS ARE

LIKE HIGHWAYS.

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012 at Floods are America’s most common natural disaster, 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the so everyone is at risk. In fact, 1 in 4 flood claims Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX are filed in low-to-moderate flood risk areas.

77469 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after Don’t risk your home. Call me for flood insurance today. the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at ( AGENT AREA ) www.co.fort-bend.tx.us.

RFP 13-010 – WATER TREATMENTSOFTENER FOR JUSTICE CENTER A pre-proposal conference will be conducted on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 9:00AM (CST). The preproposal conference will be held at 101 Southwestern Blvd., Suite 230 the Fort Bend County Justice Center mechanical yard located in the rear of Sugar Land, TX 77478 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle (facing Williams Way Blvd), Richmond Texas 77469. All bidders are encouraged to attend.

Bonds are required.

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

FEMA_News_4x5_08.indd 3 9/10/08 Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., www.texansinsure.com Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

THEY RUN THROUGH ALL 50 STATES.

From October through December is holiday time. Need a hand in making the events more festive for family and friends? Well, 2250 Interiors is bringing their vision and style to the guests at the Thursday, Oct. 4 Sugar Creek Women’s Association luncheon and program. Based in their product showroom and design studio in Sugar Land Town Square at 2250 Lone Star Drive, 2250 Interiors has a history of helping Fort Bend County residents. No matter the size of your home or holiday activities, Lauren Caldwell will be offering tips on what will make your holiday happenings more special for all. The event begins at 11 a.m. at Sugar Creek Country Club, 420 Sugar Creek Blvd. in Sugar Land. For information, call 281-494-1338. Above, Sugar Creek Women’s Association President Marilyn Davis (left) and Program Vice President Shirley Gordon pick out their favorite Halloween decorations.

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OCTOBER 3, 2012 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

FILM REVIEW: Looper

Don’t let the seemingly benign name “Looper” fool you.

A “looper” is an assassin in the year 2044. It gets even trickier; in the year 2074, the art of Time Travel has been developed and is used by the mob by sending their intended targets back to the year 2044 to be murdered while cuffed and blindfolded.

Young Joe (Joseph GordonLevitt) is one of the most trusted loopers and he is very efficient in shooting the helpless victim in the chest with a futuristic shotgun and then taking the silver strapped to the dead man’s back as his payola. Joe the Looper lives a lonely and isolated life even though he seems to have reconciled that killing a human from the future is not a guilt-rid-

the value of human life is not worth much. One of Johnson’s best-known works is the 2005 movie “Brick” which also starred Gordon-Levitt; hence the collaboration.

This is an extremely wellmade movie and the music, cinematography, costumes, and acting are outstanding; more about the actors later. But I need to be able to relate to or support or empathize with at least one character or I don’t care about the ending or how we get there. The screenplay by Johnson is superb from a clever, thought-provoking standpoint; Old Joe (Bruce Willis) comes back from the future and meets Young Joe because the mob wants to “close the loop” and on and on. The plot is very complicated and layered and will leave you in bewilderment if you doze.

Let’s talk about one of the hallmarks of “Looper.” Gordon-Levitt and Willis as old and young Joe are exceptional and memorable. In almost every scene for young Joe, I’d marvel at the per-

den act. Our hero also becomes we are to believe that the needle a drug addict by putting drops in will be replaced with eye drops. his eyes. Evidently, in the future, Here’s the problem for me with this movie: the hero is a drug-addict murderer. Not that The third-annual Taste of Town Square tasting event is scheduled there’s anything wrong with that. for Saturday, Oct. 13 from 5-7 p.m. in Sugar Land Town Square. Pro- That’s the old Seinfeld joke, but ceeds from the event will benefit the Fort Bend Junior Service League. the subject matter kept me from Visitors will stroll through the Plaza and sample dishes from Town liking anybody in the movie and Square restaurants while enjoying a live concert by Robert Hartye I mean not one single human. If Band performing a mix of country hits. Tickets are available for ad- we are to believe the future world vance purchase at SugarLandTownSquare.com. General Admission of writer-director Rian Johnson, “Sous Chef” tickets are available for $10 and include five drink-sampling coupons for beer and wine and five food-sampling coupons. “Executive Chef” VIP tickets cost $20 and include reserved seating, eight drink-sampling coupons for beer and wine, and unlimited food, while quantities last.

SERVING FORT BEND SINCE 1981 The Taste of Town Square kicks off Sugar Land Town Square Restaurant Week, which runs from October 14 to 20. Participating Town Square restaurants will offer three-course meals for $25, with $5 from RUSSELL C. JONES the purchase of each meal going directly to the Fort Bend Junior SerTHELMA HOLOWAY JONES vice League. Visit SugarLandTownSquare.com for a full list of menus.

STEPHANIE STIGANT

Taste of Town Square

formance of Gordon-Levitt; he’s super talented and has taken his game to another level. Willis has been a pro in my book for a long time.

Jeff Daniels was haunting and believable as a futuristic mobster who has come back to 2044 to manage the loopers; he might be the big winner even though he appears in only about five brief scenes. Emily Blunt as the shotgun-wheeling mother of young Cid was scary, sexy, and sorrow-

ful. Pierce Gagnon plays the 10 year-old Cid and is so good as the proverbial “child actor’ that we might think back to this movie and say “remember when.”

There might be a time in the future when I am able to get my emotional arms around this sadly, contrived story, but I did not enjoy this movie. I respected it; I admired it. I did not like it.

Grade 86.

Larry H. sugarlaw@larryharrison.com

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 3, 2012

for Your Favorite

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