Fort Bend Independent 110916

VOL 9 No. 45

email: editor@ independent.com

www.fbindependent.com ww .fbindependent.com

Phone: 281-980-6745

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Republicans retain control in Santa’s Exchange: Toys for Tots Fort Bend ; One Democrat defeated

By SESHADRI KUMAR Though Donlad Trump won Texas, he lost Fort Bend County to Hillary Clinton; yet Republicans retained their countywide offices.

Countywide, Trump polled 6 percentage points less than Clinton, who got 51 percent of the votes cast.

Statewide, Trump won by 52 percent to Clinton’s 44 percent.

The only incumbent to lose the election in Fort Bend County is Precinct 1 county commissioner, Richard Morrison,a Democrat.

Morales polled 30,057 votes to Morrison’s 27,092.

Republican challenger Vincent Morales won the seat, leaving the county commissioners court with a lone Democrat in Pct. 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage.

Of the 408,793 registered voters in Fort Bend county, 266,857 cast their ballots marking a voter turnout of 65.28 percent.

In straight party votes, Democrats outnumbered Republicans. While, 96,020 (48) voted straight Republican, 103,630 people voted straight Democrat, (51%).

In Fort Bend, 1,560 voted Libertarian and the Green Party

Vincent Morales (R) defeated incumbent Pct. 1 County Commissioner Richard Morrison had 636 straight votes.

In the past, Republicans and Democrats used to be in the ratio of 60-40.

Republican judges won the race with a narrow margin.

In judicial races, incumbent 240th District Court Judge Chad Bridges (R) retains his seat, defeating his Democratic rival Frank Fraley.

Incumbent Maggie Jaramillo, 400th District Court Judge, retains her seat, defeating Democrat Teana Watson.

Both Bridges and Jaramillo won on a 2 point margin.

In County Court-at-Law Judge No. 5 race, an open seat,

Ron Cohen (R), won defeating Brian Middleton (D). Cohen won with a 1 point margin.

Republican Sheriff Troy Nehls won his re-election, defeating Michael Ellison (D).

In the Congressional race Dist. 22 Republican incumbent Pete Olson is re-elected. He defeated Democrat Mark Gibson.

In the State Rep. 26 race incumbent Republican Rick Miller won re-election,(58%) defeating Democrat Sarah DeMerchant (42%).

In State Rep. Dist.27 race, incumbent Democrat Ron Reynolds retains his seat, defeating Republican challenger Ken Bryant.

In State Rep. Dist.85 race, incumbent Republican Phil Stephenson retains his seat, defeating Democrat John Davis.

State Sen. Dist.18 Lois Kolkhorst (R) has been re-elected.

In other contested local races, in Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Pos.1, incumbent Republican Gary Janssen polled 35,556 votes. His rival Jacob Balders got 140 votes.

In the open Pct. 1 Constable race Mike Beard (R) won with 31,085 (55 percent) votes against Mark Salinas (D), who got 25,909 votes (45 percent).

Missouri City man found guilty of murdering his wife

By SESHADRI KUMAR A Fort Bend County returned a guilty verdict in the murder trial of Daniel Politte of Missouri City.

Politte was accused of shooting his wife Stephanie in the back of the head inside their Missouri City home in the 4600 block of Green Cottage Lane in 2013.

Punishment phase of the trial is set to begin Wednesday.

Prosecutors said she was likely asleep in their bed when she was shot. They showed the jury a photo they believe Politte took of her on her phone in that very position on the bed about 20 minutes before she was shot.

The prosecution found inconsistencies in Politte’s version of what happened after Stephanie’s death.

He said he couldn’t remember what happened, saying he sort of blacked out. Later he claimed he had struggled with his wife over the gun, that he was afraid she was going to hurt herself.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with her but she’s drowning in her own blood.”

That’s one of the first things Daniel Politte said to dispatchers after calling 911 on March 11, 2014.

He asked for an ambulance to be sent to the Missouri City home. He said she was vomiting blood.

“I gotta keep her elevated.

I’m afraid she’s gonna die,” he

Daniel Politte; Stephankie Politte hear Dan Politte making highly told the dispatcher.

“We are in the bedroom, in unusual statements, such as saywhat looks like a murder scene,” ing how gross the blood was, or Politte said when asked where how beautiful his wife was.

“Hey! You know, you’re so they were in the home. “(She) was lying in her bed, pretty. Very pretty. You’re a very maybe even asleep, face down pretty girl,” he said during that on the pillow as she was shot in 911 call.

Officers said as they spoke the back of the head,” said Fort Bend County Assistant District with him that night Politte’s demeanor ranged from calm, to Attorney Amanda Bolin.

Dan Politte never mentioned joking, to crying and screaming.

Stephanie Politte was 29 a gun or a gunshot wound during the nearly 15-minute phone years old, and a teacher at the call to 911, which was played in Monarch Institute, helping kids Judge Maggie Jaramillo’s court with autism.

The defense claimed she during testimony at the Fort struggled with depression and Bend County Justice Center.

Before help arrived, dispatch- was drunk at the time of her ers guided him through CPR death, with three times the legal and mouth-to-mouth, not know- limit for alcohol in her system.

Dan Politte’s attorneys said ing his wife had been mortally wounded. In the audio you can the couple wrestled over a gun hear Stephanie Politte strug- that night, and that she somehow was shot in the back of the gling to breathe.

Prosecutors said one could head and it was an accident.

Santa’s Exchange has been providing toys for less fortunate families since 1995. It began with Carolyn Tarver’s Project S.M.I.L.E. (Stan’s Memory Includes Loving Everyone) after her teenage son Stan was killed in an accident. Exchange and Rotary have been working together with Ms. Tarver since 1995. The recent partnership with Toys for Tots and Second Mile Mission will help provide over 15,000 toys for underprivileged children in Fort Bend County this holiday season. Toy donation boxes will be located at local businesses, churches and FBISD schools. U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program was created in 1947. The mission of the program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December and distribute those toys to needy children in the community. You can bring joy to a child by dropping a toy in a donation box or donating at www.toysfortots.org.

In the picture above are Front Row L/R Carlos Perez, Carolyn Tarver, Gina Huber, SSGT Andrade Back Row L/R Rick Smith, SGT Seth Meade, SSGT Johnathan McCoy and Jack Molho.

FBISD names Veronica Sopher as Chief Communications Officer The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees named Veronica Sopher, as the new Chief Communications Officer for the Fort Bend Independent School District.

In February 2017, Sopher will replace Nancy Porter, who is retiring from the District.

Porter served six years as Fort Bend ISD Chief Communications Officer.

Veronica Sopher is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Community and Governmental Relations, a position she has held for the past seven years in Leander ISD. During her tenure there, she led an award-winning team that successfully launched innovative social media campaigns, grassroots community and parent engagement campaigns, and image and branding campaigns.

In her role in Leander ISD, Sopher supervised three major functions of the school/community relations department – communications and marketing, volunteer and community relations and governmental relations. She is the spokesperson for the District and primarily responsible for designing the District’s communication strategy and vision.

“I am thrilled to be joining such an innovative, diverse and accomplished school district where learning and student growth is at the core of everyone’s focus,” said Sopher. “ It is a privilege to support teachers and staff, administrators and the community as we all work together to make Fort Bend ISD a premier school district that inspires our future leaders.”

Sopher will report directly to Superintendent Charles Du-

Sopher pre and serve on the Executive Leadership Team.

“Veronica is a dynamic and innovative communications leader, which makes her perfect to lead our communications team to a new level,” said Dr. Charles Dupre, Superintendent.

“She is also committed to making sure our communications are transparent, timely and that they engage all Fort Bend ISD stakeholders.”

As Chief Communications Officer, Sopher will oversee 12 employees in the Communications Division who are responsible for Media and External Relations, Internal Relations, Graphics Design and Brand Management, Campus Zone Communications, Bond Communications, Printing/Graphics Services, Video Storytelling, and other communications to support students and teachers.

Before joining Leander ISD, Sopher was the Director of Public Information for Arlington ISD. Prior to that, she worked as the Senior Public Relations Coordinator for JPS Health Network and as a Marketing Officer for Texas Bank.

Sopher is bilingual and has

Porter a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism/Public Relations with minors in English and Spanish from the University of North Texas. She also attended the Institute of Political Journalism at Georgetown University.

Porter, is retiring at the end of the school year in June 2017, after serving in the Fort Bend ISD communications office for 17 years. As part of the District’s succession plan, she will be changing from her current role in February 2017 to serve as a Senior Public Affairs Advisor.

“Nancy has been an invaluable advisor and communications leader. As part of our transition plan, we are excited that she will bring her experience and knowledge to serve as a legislative and public affairs advisor, especially as we approach the upcoming Texas legislative session,” said Dr. Charles Dupre, Superintendent. Porter began her tenure in FBISD in 2000 as the School Business Partnership Coordinator. She later became Coordinator and then Director of Communications, and in 2011, she was named Chief Communications Officer.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 9, 2016

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS

Toni Mamula, the wheelchair chic

By CAROLYN BOWDEN Many people overcome life’s challenges. Some with perseverance and others with a positive attitude or just by just being stubborn. As an educator, Toni Mamula used her gift of love toward thousands of children at Quail Valley Elementary in Missouri City, Texas. Her primary focus was her students, teachers and staff.

Toni’s family lived in a western Pennsylvania steel

town of Aliquippa in the 1950’s. Back then, everyone knew everybody in this small town. It was a time when as a child or teenager, if you did something wrong, there was someone to let you know about it and also tell your parents.

The family had two boys and two girls. The parents were Italian and focused their time and energy on the wellbeing of their four children.

Eating and college degrees

Toni Mamula were a priority which meant the children were never hungry and they all had advanced degrees.

Toni was the oldest and the “smart one.” Her sister, Louise, was the pretty one and the athletic one. Both brothers, Tommy and Phillip, viewed her as the big sister who was always the one in charge when their parents were not home.

By the time Toni entered middle school she and her best friend, Laurie, knew all the current trends and were asked to model at local department stores. Fashion and makeup had become the center of Toni’s life. From her first day in middle school she has never been seen in public without nail polish or makeup.

While in elementary school, Toni discovered fashion. She was known to hide her socks under a rock on her way to school. She felt that her mother’s selection of socks for her was not fashion-

able and she always wanted to “look good.” She developed her own styles of hair, makeup and clothes, topped off with a beautiful smile.

Toni began to have visual problems at age 17 just when she was entering college and looking forward to the freedom of being on her own. In spite of occasional hospital stays and various medications there was no diagnosis.

Was she going blind or was it nerves? Then the summer after her sophomore year, a strange thing happened.

Numbness crept into her legs and feet along with strange “pins and needles” sensations.

At this point in time, doctors suspected it might be multiple sclerosis that was causing these problems.

But Toni felt great and thus she moved ahead with her education, completing her undergraduate degree. She returned to Pennsylvania and began teaching full time along with completing her first graduate degree before she was twentythree. There was no sign of a slowdown and her energy level never subsided. Toni determined if it was MS, it would not stop her future plans and maybe, after all, this MS thing may not be real?

Toni was diagnosed with MS at the age of twenty-four.

However, she continued to move forward to begin her career as an elementary school teacher. As walking became more difficult she realized that in order to do her job effectively she would need to be seated in a wheelchair.

But, she agonized with the question: “How would I be perceived by my young students? Would they take me seriously as their teacher?

Could I still do what I wanted to do which was to teach?”

Her Italian father helped her move beyond these doubts with a simple statement of fact. “You don’t need legs to teach--just do it.” And she did!

(To be continued) NEXT COLUMN: Nov. 23 Resources for this column are from Toni’s book: “WHEELCHAIR CHIC.” To Order her book: “WHEELCHAIR CHIC” In Hardback, Paperback or Ebook: orders@Xlibris.com OR www.Xlibris.com

Refugee Resettlement

Spirit of Freedom Republican Women will feature Lt. Col. Roy White who will speak on“Refugee Resettlement” on November 18, 2016, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Sugar Creek Baptist LYF Center, 13444 SW Frwy, Sugar Land, Tx 77478 Lt. Col. Roy White is an Air Force veteran of Desert Storm and Operation Southern Watch. Calling the Hill Country surrounding San Antonio home, he has been involved with nearly a dozen military non-profit organizations since 2006 helping wounded warriors, families of military fallen heroes and specifically children of military fallen heroes when he served as the President/Chairman of Snowball Express which brings children of military fallen heroes to-

gether each year for a 5 day all-expense paid gathering of healing. Join us to hear Lt. Col. White discuss defending America and The Constitution! A Catered Lunch is available for a $10 donation to SFRW PAC. Please RSVP to President Phyllis Worsham by calling or texting 281-7552063 or email at info@spiritoffreedomwomen.com.

AccessHealth Appoints Chief Strategy Officer

After serving four years in various leadership positions with AccessHealth, Janice Suchyta has been promoted to Chief Strategy Officer at the organization.

A licensed attorney for 25 years, her expertise in health care law, with an emphasis on corporate transactions, regulatory compliance, and security issues, is a tremendous asset to the nonprofit health center.

Prior to joining AccessHealth, Suchyta worked in private practice focusing on health care clients including hospitals, surgical centers, physician groups and long term care facilities.

She earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and J.D. from University of Detroit-Mercy. Suchyta helped develop the healthcare committee for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.

“As Chief Strategy Officer, Janice will help navigate the unique challenges faced by Federally Qualified Health Cen-

Suchyta ters,” said AccessHealth CEO Carol Edwards.

“I know she will continue to serve our agency and this community well in this new role.

Together with our board of directors and executive team, we will continue making quality affordable health care accessible to all.”

AccessHealth provides integrated health care services without regard to income or circumstance to improve the quality of life in Fort Bend County.

PLANTATION at Quail Valley Active Senior Living; Embracing the lives of Seniors 55 and Better

2815 Cypress Point Dr, Missouri City, TX 77459 www. plantationqv.com

Phone: (281) 208-4470

INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 9, 2016 • Page 3

News New ‘nutraceutical’ company planned in Rosenberg

By SESHADRI KUMAR Sugar Land resident Santosh Cividi is establishing a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Fort Bend County.

TexPharma, LLC, will locate a new pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution facility in the Rosenberg Business Park.

TexPharma will be a “Nutraceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturing facility,” the company’s CEO Santosh Cividi said.

Nutraceutical is a portmanteau of the words “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical.” The term is applied to products that range from isolated nutrients, dietary supplements and herbal products, specific diets and processed foods such as cereals, soups, and beverages.

The proposed facility would be 200,000 square feet with a minimum improved value of

Santosh Cividi $16,500,000, Cividi said.

TexPharma would employ 80 people upon opening, later growing to approximately 300, Cividi said.

The improvements will be substantially completed before December 31, 2017.

The Rosenberg Business Park became the preferred site

after Tex Pharma conducted a property search in the Southwest Houston Region, Cividi said.

As an incentive to select the Rosenberg site, the Economic Development staff of the City and Fort Bend County have recommended a 60 percent property tax abatement over seven years.

The Rosenberg City Council at its last meeting voted to offer a tax break to the pharmaceutical company.

The council unanimously voted on Tuesday in favor of authorizing a tax abatement agreement between the city and Tex Pharma.

The company’s largest operation to date is in Miami, according to Rosenberg Development Corp. Executive Director Randall Malik.

The company plans to consolidate its existing operations now in California.

Riverstone ushers in annual Holiday Market

Shoppers will find original gifts for everyone on their holiday shopping list at Riverstone’s Holiday Market, 5-9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 18.

The annual gala, located at The Club at Riverstone, 18353 University Boulevard, ushers in the season with dozens of vendors displaying a range of festive items including fall and holiday décor, jewelry, candles, clothing,

gourmet food and more.

“The Holiday Market is a fun, festive and unique experience that everyone looks forward to,” said Nick Deacon, Lifestyle Director for Riverstone. “It’s not like going to a mall where there is canned music and all of the gift items look the same. We have live music, a signature cocktail and vendors offering gift items that you don’t see

Stafford police changes crime statistics reporting format

By BARBARA FULENWIDER At Stafford City Council’s Nov. 2 meeting, Police Chief Richard Ramirez presented the city’s crime statistics for October this year compared to September.

The biggest change was how the Stafford Police Department will be reporting crimes to council from now on. Some types of reported crimes have been expanded to be more specific and others have been eliminated.

For many years entities have had to submit an annual Uniform Crime Report (UCR) to the FBI. This year the FBI required all police departments to use NIBRS (National Incident Based Reporting System), which includes many more types of crimes than the UCR stats did.

Ramirez noted that the Missouri City Police Department has been using NIBRS for 15 years.

For instance the new system now being used by the Stafford PD doesn’t just list burglaries.

In September last year five categories of burglaries were listed and this October, 10 were. They included forced entry of buildings during days

and nights and also when no forced entry was used in the burglary of a building and whether the burglary occurred day or night. The same categories also go for burglaries of homes.

There’s also burglary of vehicle, which numbered 43 for October this year compared to 33 in September. There were 10 different categories of assaults in September and eight in October.

There were a total of nine in three categories: bodily injury, bodily injury to family member and simple assault to a family member. In September there were five assaults that resulted in bodily injuries, 13 bodily injury assaults to a family member and three simple assaults to a family member.

People driving while intoxicated numbered three in September and six in October.

Public intoxication doubled from two incidents in September to four in October. With the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays just weeks away that total will likely increase.

In September the SPD had nine incidents of found property and increased that number to 10 in October.

In September the SPD got

Sugar Land Great Harvest Bread launches National Bread Challenge A local bakery is accepting Loaf Trade-Ins to improve U.S. bread diet.

On a mission to improve daily bread diets in the United States, Great Harvest Bread Co. has launched its National Bread Challenge. The goal of this campaign is to increase awareness of the nation’s need for fresh, made-fromscratch bread in daily diets, rather than generic, processed supermarket bread that most consume.

Each customer who walks into the Sugar Land store can trade a loaf bread that is processed or not from Great Harvest Bread—even if it has already been opened—and exchange it for a loaf of fresh, high-quality, hand-made bread from Great Harvest Bread. They want consumers to experience Bread. The Way it Ought To Be™.

Since its inception 40 years ago, Great Harvest Bread has continued to use the same stone-milling process to make bread. This milling is what sets its bread apart from the processed products Sugar Land residents have grown accustomed to. Each morning, every location uses wheat berries from the Golden Triangle in Montana and simple ingredients—such as whole-wheat flour, water, yeast, salt and honey—to create its wide array of bread options.

Each loaf that is traded in as well as all unused Great Harvest Bread will be donated to local food banks and charities, including Fort Bend Food Pantry.

WHEN: November, 10, 11 and 12, 2016 WHERE: Great Harvest Bread Co. 3344 Hwy 6 Sugar Land, TX 77479

seven calls to help those with mental health disorders and only two in October.

All of the theft categories in October totalled 67, which were high when compared to September.

Ramirez said, “It’s high because burglary of a motor vehicle is included in the theft category now and not in the burglary category.” Also, in September there were 55 motor vehicle accidents in Stafford and 67 in October.

Ramirez told council some of the patrol division crime categories are fewer because some have been removed.

In September, for instance, traffic contacts are shown but are not in October when citations and warnings were listed.

“In October we issued 1,142 citations and in September it just shows contacts of 783 cars stopped,” Ramirez said.

“The October report is what y’all will be seeing monthly from here on out,” he told council.

When asked what the difference is between a warning and a citation, the police chief said a warning comes if for instance someone’s license plate light is out and is replaced soon. Someone who runs a

stop sign gets a citation.”

The chief pointed to the 67 vehicle accidents in October, and said, “to me that is extremely high for this month.

We’d seen a reduction in past months of car accidents.”

He went on to say that unlike most other police departments, Stafford police still work traffic accidents and are routinely thanked by citizens for doing it.

“We’ll work the accident if a car accident occurs in a parking lot. Citizens are appreciative of this. It doesn’t happen in other towns,” Ramirez said.

anywhere else.”

This year, holiday shoppers will be serenaded by musician Jaime Casco while they sip Gingerbread Martinis and nibble festive treats.

Shoppers will find items to deck the halls from Tutti Bello, which will feature the Round Top collection, and Liz Silk Creations and Claire’s Floral Arrangements, both of which will offer fall and holiday wreaths. Husbands and boyfriends can pick up one-ofa-kind presents for the ladies in their lives such as Swarovski crystals from Jewels by Parklane/Touchstone Crystals and handmade items from Passaro Jewelry and PS Design Studio. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming will have treats for four-legged family members.

Foodies will savor Blueberry Bacon Salsa from 1893 Salsa, candied jalapenos from Briggs True and fresh cupcakes from Smallcakes. Poinsettia purchases will add some holiday color and support Elkins High School’s ProGrad program.

The Holiday Market is open to the public. Admission is one can of food, which will be donated to Second Mile, a non-profit organization that provides food, counseling and health care to disadvantaged residents of Fort Bend County.

The Holiday Market is just one of the many festive events Riverstone organizes for residents and the surrounding Fort Bend community. Past events have included a Crawfish Boil, Riverstone’s 15th Birthday Celebration and a Wildlife Expo.

For more information, visit www.riverstone.com.

HONORING OUR LOCAL CONSTABLES, SHERIFFS, & POLICE OFFICERS

M

,D 5, 2016 6:00-9:00 P.M. K E L 1050 K F B R K , TX 77493

x Guest Speaker: Lt. Dr. Donald Savell HSCO Chaplain x Dinner sponsored by Outback Steakhouse x Desserts provided by Sugarfoot’s x Door Prizes

RSVP

.

/LEAD2016-D108

SPONSORED BY MASTERS, WARDENS, & SECRETARIES ASSOCIATION & MASONIC LODGES OF DISTRICT #108

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 9, 2016

NEWS

Higher education deepens stake in Fort Bend County

UHSL George Building.

All four public institutions of higher education found in Fort Bend County are in the process of expanding, investing more than $206 million in capital expenditures, mostly focused on advanced technology, in the county.

Higher education is increasing its footing in Fort Bend County as institutions strive to meet the needs of the county’s local businesses and growing workforce.

All four public institutions of higher education found in Fort Bend County — the University of Houston, Texas State Technical College, Wharton County Junior College and Houston Community College Southwest — are in the process of expanding, investing more than $206 million in capital expenditures, mostly focused on advanced technology, in the county.

Texas State Technical College (TSTC) opened a new facility to students in August after a year of construction that moved its presence from a shared space with Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) to a 126,000-squarefoot building at FM 2218 and State Highway 36 in Rosenberg. It was the largest opening in the college’s history, with 256 students.

“Other locations opened with far fewer students — 4050 in Red Oak in North Texas and about 20 students in Hutto near Austin,” said TSTC Vice Chancellor Randy Wooten.

“We approached this opening differently. Having 256 students enrolled at our start was a big success.”

The first phase of the TSTC expansion was funded through grants by The George Foundation and The Henderson-Wessendorff Foundation, as well as Fort Bend County, the Gulf Coast Medical Foundation, Sprint Waste Services and the cities of Richmond and Rosenberg, for a total of approximately $40 million to purchase 80 acres and construct the first building. A second building on the campus — funded by the state — will open next August.

“The Henderson-Wessendorff Foundation is excited

to partner with these entities to bring world-class technical education to Fort Bend County,” said Pat McDonald, the foundation’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “We are confident that TSTC’s track record of results coupled with industry demand for a skilled workforce in our area makes this project a transformational investment for Fort Bend County and the surrounding region.”

Wooten agrees and says he is impressed by the level of community support.

“The community came together like none other to jumpstart our expansion,” he said.

The grant to TSTC — the largest ever given by The George Foundation — aligned with a priority set by the foundation’s board of trustees to support career readiness.

“We want residents to have the skillset to earn a living wage,” said Roger Adamson, Chief Executive Officer of The George Foundation. “Our mission is focused on education and career readiness, which also translates into workforce development as a second-order benefit to the business community.”

The George Foundation also has been instrumental in the growth of the University of Houston and Wharton County Junior College in Fort Bend County, as well as the relocation of the Houston Community College campus to Stafford.

“Fort Bend students now have a full menu of options for higher education in our backyard — an opportunity for an associate’s degree or a path to a four-year degree at HCC and Wharton County Junior College, a best-in-class technical college at TSTC and a tier-one university at the University of Houston Sugar Land all located within Fort Bend,” Adamson said. “We

TSTC Building rendition.

think that’s a big deal.”

The George Foundation has awarded $36 million to support higher education in Fort Bend County over the past decade, including scholarships and support for SERJobs for Progress workforce development services and CollegeCommunityCareer, which prepares first-generation high school students for admission to and graduation from a four-year university.

In addition to the partnership with TSTC, The Henderson-Wessendorff Foundation also supports education in Fort Bend County through the local school district and nonprofit organizations.

The University of Houston Sugar Land also is expanding in Fort Bend and is now operating at Tier One status.

This fall, the University of Houston Sugar Land became an institution of the University of Houston, meaning the Sugar Land facility is part of the main campus. Located at University Boulevard and the Southwest Freeway, the university had previously served as a multi-institutional learning facility supporting several branch campuses of the university. Two years ago, the university’s board of regents decided the Sugar Land campus would become a singleinstitutional learning center meaning students graduating from University of Houston Sugar Land would have a University of Houston degree, said Dr. Robert McPherson, Interim Associate Provost.

In addition to the new distinction, the 375-acre campus is expanding with a new 150,000-square-foot building that is expected to break ground in 2017. It will complement the current 57,000-square-foot George Building, opened in 2002, and the 145,000-square-foot Brazos Hall, which debuted in 2009. A university library

also is on-site. A student union is proposed for the campus, as well as possible apartments or dormitories, McPherson said.

The city has leased 56 acres for a festival site.

“Much of the reason we are able to expand is because of the generous support of The George Foundation, the parks foundation, the city and the county,” McPherson said.

“You normally don’t see this type of co-operative spirit and support.”

The University of Houston also will be serving north Fort Bend County residents with the construction of a $46 million facility in Katy.

Wharton County Junior College is considering a renovation to the previous TSTC space at its Richmond campus, located at 5333 FM 1640.

Renovations to the existing 9,000-square-foot space, along with the addition of a new 4,000-square-foot area, would allow for a new cosmetology program and more space for the campus’s current process technology program.

The anticipated cost of this renovation is $1.4 million.

“At WCJC, we are motivated to open new and exciting doors to strong career pathways for students of all ages,” said President Betty McCrohan. “We develop these pathways and program offerings with input from our business and industry partners, and then create the physical space for a high-quality learning environment.”

Long term, an expansion and renovation of the WCJC Richmond campus may include a second educational building or new wing, a new central plant and a student pavilion, followed by renovations to the current two-story, 70,000-square-foot building.

Houston Community College is expanding its Stafford campus to include a 57,424-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence that will focus on training qualified professionals in high-demand occupations within the manufacturing sector, as well as investing $21 million to open a second facility in Missouri City. The advanced manufacturing center will include programs in manufacturing engineering technology and machining technology, with state-of-theart industrial technology laboratories, CNC machines and a maker space filled with 3D printers, robotics, mechatronics and machining tools.

“In addition, short-term certificate programs and incumbent upskill worker training will be offered in the areas of electrical, plumbing, welding, pipefitting and industrial maintenance,” said Dr. Madeline Burillo, President of HCC Southwest. “Students will be able to earn both college credentials and industry credentials such as OSHA, National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) and SolidWorks, among others.”

Designing Programs for Fort Bend Wooten said requests from local businesses helped shape the course offerings at the new TSTC campus.

“We received many requests and had to pick where there was the most need,” he said. “Some of the courses we offer are in short supply or non-existent in a 30-mile radius. We also wanted to make sure the jobs were well-salaried.”

The Fort Bend school currently offers seven programs — diesel equipment technology, HVAC technology, precision machining technology, telecommunications convergence technology, welding technology, industrial maintenance technology and cy-

ber security. Wooten said welding is the most popular course, with nearly 100 students enrolled. Cyber security also has drawn a large enrollment.

Houston’s strength as a top manufacturing city — and with Stafford as a hub for much of that industry — prompted the expansion of HCC in Fort Bend County.

“Stafford is one of the cities with the largest concentration of pipe, valve and fitting manufacturing in the United States, and is a strong logistics and distribution region,” Burillo said. “Because of this, Stafford was identified as the ideal location for the programs we will be offering at our Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence.”

The University of Houston also reached out to the community regarding its course make-up.

“We asked businesses and industries what kind of graduates they are looking for,” McPherson said.

The new building will primarily be a college of technology, with such programs

as digital media, bio technology and industrial management construction. The current facility also houses a nursing program and a college of education, which in the spring will offer a master’s degree program for principals — being developed with the Fort Bend Independent School District — and in the fall a doctorate degree of education.

Houston Community College, TSTC and the University of Houston have various outreach programs in place in high schools and business sectors. “We want to make our front door more accessible to everyone in Fort Bend,” Wooten said.

McPherson describes the Sugar Land campus as an “outward-facing” institution.

“We are wanting to form public-private partnerships with local businesses such as Fluor — which will have a new campus across the street — Texas Instruments and others that would allow our faculty and students to do research and work for them at our college of technology,” he said.

2016 Tax statements for flooded properties Patsy Schultz, Fort Bend County Tax Assessor Collector, says the 2016 tax statements will be mailed during the week of November 7-11, 2016.

“This year we had an unusual event affect our tax statements” says Schultz. She is referring to the impacts of the Memorial Day Flood. Schultz goes on to say “The Fort Bend Central Appraisal District has identified approximately 900 properties that were damaged in the Memorial Day Floods. Those accounts will have a special insert included with their tax bill informing them that they are eligible for the quarterly payment program.

Once the CAD certifies the disaster adjusted values to the Tax Office, a corrected tax bill will be sent by my office.”

Ms. Schultz encourages anyone who has questions about the tax statements for their flooded property to visit the Tax Assessor-Collector website at www.fortbendcountytx.gov or call the Tax Office at 281-341-3710.

Brightwater Garden Club Fort Bend Master Gardener Kathy Gilmore will talk about “Creative Container Gardening” on Monday, Nov. 28 at 6:40 p.m at Brightwater Clubhouse, 2410 Brightwater Dr, 77459 All are welcome. Visit www.brightwatergardenclub. com or call 281-499-9942.

Kempner’s Catwalk Theatrical Company presents “The Woman In Black” Kempner High School’s Catwalk Theatrical Company will soon unveil the mystery of The Woman In Black in four electrifying performances. The play runs on Nov. 10, 11 and 12 at 7:00 p.m., with a matinee performance on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 2:00 p.m., in the school’s auditorium (14777 Voss Rd., Sugar Land 77498). Directed by Bobby Ramirez, The Woman In Black is based on Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost novel. A lawyer, obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a woman in black, engages a skeptical young actor to help tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. This production is staged a bit differently to bring the audience closer to the action in a more intimate space than the KHS auditorium usually provides. All seating will be on the stage just mere inches from the actors, and the woman in black. Therefore, seating is very limited for all performances. Please purchase tickets early to guarantee seating Advance ticket prices are $5 through Nov. 9. Tickets can be purchased at http://catwalktheatrical.com/tickets. Tickets at the door are $8 (students) and $10 (adults).

WANT TO ADVERTISE? Call Russ at 281-948-6034 Or email Russ@ fbindependent. com FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

12551 Emily Court, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77478 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., 12551, Emily Court, Texas 77478.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

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

INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 9, 2016 • Page 5

News Sewell debuts Audi Sugar Land dealership

Audi Sugar Land, a new dealership from Sewell Automotive Companies, opened along U.S. Highway 90 at Highway 59/Interstate 69 in Fort Bend County on Nov. 1.

Family-owned Sewell is an award-winning company with a 105-year legacy of providing exceptional customer service.

Audi Sugar Land is located within one of the nation’s fastest growing metropolitan areas and will create more than 100 jobs in the greater Sugar Land area. Customers will enjoy Sewell’s long-standing commitment to providing a professional and caring customer experience at Audi Sugar Land.

“We are proud to open a dealership that will deliver the high standards of excellence that Texans expect from Sewell and Audi,” said Carl Sewell, chairman at Sewell.

“Audi Sugar Land will be a place that customers are always treated with the utmost respect and will be an important member of the Sugar Land and Fort Bend County communities.”

The new Audi dealership will offer more than 375 new

and pre-owned Audi vehicles, including the new, technologically advanced 2017 Audi Q7. Honoring its centurylong commitment to the communities it serves throughout Texas, Sewell also announced partnerships with Fort Bend Rainbow Room, Fort Bend ISD, Fort Bend Education Foundation, Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Fort Bend Junior Service League, and Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation.

Designed by architecture firm Gensler, the four-story, 259,000-square-foot Audi Sugar Land features an eight vehicle showroom and a 250-vehicle indoor display area. As a benefit to Sewell customers in Fort Bend County and Houston, Audi Sugar Land is able to offer as many as 1,000 complimentary car washes each day.

“When Audi selected Sewell to bring a new dealership to Sugar Land, we took very careful steps to ensure the design at Audi Sugar Land would serve not only as an amazing showcase for the quality vehicles that Audi makes, but also as a place that is welcoming and comfort-

Bay City ISD honors Film critic Larry H

Larry Harrison waves to the crowd.

Fort Bend Independent’s film critic known to us as Larry H (and Larry W. Harrison) was honored on November 4, as one of the Distinguished Alumni of Bay City ISD. The festivities began with a ceremony for the eleven honorees at the Administration Building and then a presentation at halftime of the football game between the Bay City Blackcats and El Campo Ricebirds.

Harrison, as a graduate of Bay City High School Class of 1968, was acknowledged for his professional, community, and educational accomplishments. He was President of the Student Body, President of his Freshman and Junior class, and chosen as Mr. Bay City High School while a student at BCHS. Later, he graduated from Lamar University with a BBA degree in accounting and earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence at St. Mary’s University.

He is the owner of Harrison Law Firm in Sugar Land and has taught at the University of Houston Victoria as an Adjunct Professor for ten years. He is an active member of the Houston Film Critics Society and his reviews are published in several newspapers and magazines as well as regularly appearing as a Film Critic on the Rio & Reyes Internet Radio Show stationed in San Antonio and RadioBrave.com in Houston.

Harrison is active at Christ UMC in Sugar Land and has served on two committees appointed by the Mayor and City Council of Sugar Land.He also was the President of Commonwealth M.U.D. when it was annexed into the city.

“I’m truly blessed and honored to be a ‘Distinguished Alumni’ of my hometown of Bay City.” His accolades and accomplishments are lengthy and include serving as the Founding President of Fort Bend Lawyers Care and President of the Fort Bend County Bar Association.

His professional awards include being named as a Texas Super Lawyer and a rating of Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Specialization.

able for our customers and our Sewell associates alike,” said Sewell. “Sewell associates are carefully selected and developed to provide an extraordinary experience that helps us create customers for life.”

Audi Sugar Land will be open for sales from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. The service and parts departments will be open 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Audi Sugar Land will be closed on Sunday. To contact Audi Sugar Land, please call (281) 269-8800.

In addition to opening Audi Sugar Land, Sewell is completing a renovation and expansion which will result in a 100,000-square-foot facility at its Audi North Houston location. Sewell also will open its first Mercedes-Benz dealership in Houston, located at the northwest corner of I-10 and Highway 6 next to Top Golf, in December.

For more information on Sewell, visit sewell.com.

Fort Bend Regional Council to fete CEO Lisa Poynor Lisa Poynor will be honored at a private 30-year Anniversary Luncheon to be held at Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse on November 16.

Ms. Poynor has committed her life’s work to assisting, counseling and advocating on behalf of individuals and families dealing with substance abuse. Under her leadership as the Chief Executive Officer of the Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse, Inc. (FBRC), the organization has grown from a small Fort Bend County agency to an organization that is widely-regarded. FBRC touches the lives of 15,000 people annually.

2016-17 Board President Linda Schoonmaker says, “FBRC has been blessed to have both excellence and continuity in Lisa’s service to and leadership of our agency. I cannot think of another Fort Bend or Houston agency that has been equally blessed with this length of tenure. We are looking forward to celebrating her 30th FBRC anniversary with Lisa and enjoying barbeque from the Witt Pit with her, the FBRC staff, and many other supporters of the agency and its mission!”

Early in her career, Lisa provided substance abuse counseling and education services to youth and families. She worked to help design programs and implement school and community based interventions and enrichment activities. Through her guidance, numerous Fort Bend County young people found hope in leading drug-free lives.

Lisa realized that though prevention efforts were successful for many, others did not have access to them and became involved in substance abuse. She saw a growing need for a local treatment facility in Fort Bend County to serve anyone, regardless of their financial situation.

Lisa’s devotion to Fort Bend County families was recognized and she was promoted to

MEP Engineering

Poynor FBRC’s Executive Director. Her mission was to build the Council so that thousands more could receive the hope offered through its programs.

In 1992 FBRC Board President Helen Cordes said, “Lisa has served as the Programs Director for one year and Director of Youth Services for four years prior to this promotion. Lisa’s areas of expertise are program development, grant acquisition, planning and implementation, and community relations.”

Over the last 30 years, Lisa has expanded the Council’s youth programs from two school-based counselors to 12. They provide research-based, prevention education, small group and one-onone counseling, and summer camp leadership programs to students in Fort Bend Independent School District, Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, and Stafford Municipal School District.

Today FBRC’s outpatient treatment department serves hundreds of individuals facing substance abuse challenges each year. FBRC is the primary substance abuse treatment provider for the County’s six diversion

Commissioning

court programs.

Poynor’s higher education includes concentrations of studies in social science and in business management. She spent eight years working in the corporate sector, developing leadership skills and business acumen. Lisa’s life changed course when she decided to pursue addiction studies and received her Certification and License as a Chemical Dependency Counselor in Texas.

She began working for Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse, providing hope to families in need. Her management abilities were realized, and Lisa was promoted to Executive Director (now CEO) of the agency.

Lisa is recognized statewide for her dedicated leadership and devotion to substance abuse prevention and treatment, and her work through the years has changed the scope of substance abuse treatment in Texas. She has spent months traveling between her Fort Bend County home to Austin, sharing information with colleagues and garnering support. These efforts were rewarded when the 2009 Texas Legislature authorized a substance abuse benefit for adults in Medicaid that should include detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient detoxification, medication assisted treatment, specialized residential services for women, and outpatient chemical dependency counseling.

The Substance Use Disorder benefits began on September 1, 2010. In recognition of her service, Lisa Poynor received the 2010 Spectrum Distinguished Advocate Award by Houston Chapter of the Texas Association of Addiction.

Lisa Poynor is a native Texan, born and raised in Houston, Texas. She has one adult son, and survives her husband of 20 years, Rick Poynor, who passed away earlier this year.

Program Management

When you need experience, we have it covered.

Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary professional engineering firm that focuses on MEP Engineering, Commissioning, and Program Management. We act as an extension to our clients, providing total engineering services from project inception to completion. With our deep bench of high skilled and experienced staff and innovative technology Rice & Gardner can plan, lead, and complete projects on time and within budget.

6161 Savoy Drive, Suite 1212 Houston, TX 77036 | 713-482-2300 | www.ricegardner.com

INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 9, 2016 • Page 6

AUTOMOBILE: Toyota 86

FILM REVIEW: Doctor Strange

This is a fun movie and Marvel has done it again. As in, they are producing 3-4 outstanding movies each year and it appears that the hits will keep on coming for years. Bravo to Stan Lee, who turns 94 in December.

He’s the genius and the living creator of most of Marvel’s stash of successes. He served as Executive Producer on this ďŹ lm. He’s been married to Joan since 1947; I wanna be Stan Lee when I grow up.

Benedict Cumberbatch plays the title character – the talented and arrogant surgeon who is in a horriďŹ c wreck which crushes his delicate hands and seemingly ends his medical career.

After many repair surgeries and rehabilitation in his beloved medical world, the dejected and angry Doctor Strange turns to the world of mystic arts for a Hail Mary

cure.

He is advised by Mordo, exquisitely played by Chiwetel “12 Years a Slave� Ejiofor, to forget everything he knows and take a huge leap of faith. That suggestion does not compute with the famed neurosurgeon who thinks he knows everything. But our hero is desperate to reclaim his dexterity and go back to his medical world which opens his mind just enough so that The Ancient One can start him on a journey of healing and ultimately a mission to save the world from evildoers.

So here’s what we have so far: Dr. Strange is broken, a guy named Mordo tells him to get over his egotistical self, and he becomes a student of The Ancient One who teaches him the “secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions‌to protect the Mar-

vel Cinematic Universe.� And that my friends is how you create a Super Hero worthy of The Avengers.

A beautifully bald-headed Tilda Swinton is glorious as the mystical and mysterious The Ancient One. She took one for the team by shaving her head and she will be richly rewarded as her Hollywood resume just took another big boost as she exhibited again her wide range of talented performances. She won’t win an Oscar as she did in “Michael Clayton� but she will be remembered for this performance.

Cumberbatch is the big winner among many winners as he was spectacular and riveting as the extremely complicated and pious Doctor Stephen Strange.

His character is slated to appear in future Marvel movies with Thor and The Avengers in the next two years. These young leading men (Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, Cumberbatch, Ejiofor and others) who had the vision to star in one of Marvel’s masterpieces look like geniuses for making a career move that could provide a lifetime of opportunity. There is no limit in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and apparently Stan Lee will live forever.

Director and Co-Writer Scott Derrickson captured the essence of a mystical world of shuing buildings in Greenwich Village and laser-like lights that icker and jump in tune with a well-choregraphed cast of combative good and bad guys. Props to Rachel McAdams as the surgeon buddy of Doctor Strange and Benedict Wong as one of the good guys with a sense of humor. My audience laughed heartily 15-20 times. As technically advanced as this movie is, it was able to repeatedly make subtle humor a hallmark. Wow. Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 90.

Larry H. #1001 www.larryhmoviereviews.com

2YDULDQ &DQFHU" ,I \RX RU D ORYHG RQH KDV EHHQ GLDJQRVHG ZLWK 2YDULDQ &DQFHU DIWHU UHJXODUO\ XVLQJ talcum powder products \RX FRXOG EH HOLJLEOH IRU ILQDQFLDO FRPSHQVDWLRQ 5HFHQWO\ D 6W /RXLV MXU\ IRXQG -RKQVRQ -RKQVRQ JXLOW\ RI QHJOLJHQFH DQG FRQVSLUDF\ DQG DZDUGHG WKH SODLQWLII PLOOLRQ )RU D QR FRVW QR REOLJDWLRQ FRQVXOWDWLRQ SOHDVH FDOO

/DUU\ : +DUULVRQ DW

%RDUG &HUWLILHG LQ 3HUVRQDO ,QMXU\ 7ULDO /DZ E\ WKH 7H[DV %RDUG RI /HJDO 6SHFLDOL]DWLRQ

+DUULVRQ /DZ )LUP 2QH 6XJDU &UHHN &HQWHU %OYG 6XLWH 6XJDU /DQG 7; ZZZ ODUU\KDUULVRQ FRP

Anita Milne

Knowledgeable! Experienced!

Hardworking!

Competitive!

Action Oriented!

MilneAnita@yahoo.com

281-413-9732 Beard Realty Group

Meadows Place•Blair Meadow• 4/2/2 Meadows Place • Brighton • 3/2/2

$224,500

$183,000

Richmond • Windswept • 4/2/2

$159,000 $159,000

Meadows Place • Alston • 3/2.5/2 Meadows Place • River Meadow • 3/2/2 Meadows Place•Meadowdale•4/2/2

REDUCED

$194,500 SOLD

$225,000

$244,500

By BARBARA FULENWIDER It was welcomed as the return of the fundamental, aordable rear-wheel drive sports car when it arrived a few years back. Now for 2017 it has a new name, a new look and higher performance. The Scion FR-S adopts the Toyota 86 identity as Scion models become the Toyota brand.

The nameplate, 86, came from the AE86, which was the global name for the Toyota Corolla GT-S that sold stateside in the mid-1980s. It was an aordable, rear-drive sports coupe with a high-revving 1.6-liter engine and in Japan was known as “hachiroku,â€? meaning 8-6.

For 2017 the Toyota 86 stick shift model got a performance boost, while all 86s got a revised suspension tuning for greater agility and an updated interior.

Enhanced control and agile performance are the result of revised shock tuning and a spring rate change. On the manual version of the car the horsepower increased by ďŹ ve to 205 and the torque to 156 lb.-ft.

The 2.0-liter aluminum

boxer engine delivers 205 hp at 7,000 rpm and 156 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 6,400 rpm. The automatic version makes 200 hp at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. at 6,400 rpm. Fuel economy is EPA estimated at 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with the six-speed automatic transmission and 21/28 with the sixspeed manual.

The 86’s standard sixspeed manual transmission has a short-throw shifter and easy-eort clutch while the automatic comes with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Driving in the sport mode and with rev management technology blips the throttle on downshifts.

The Toyota 86 chassis is a specially developed reardrive sports car platform using a MacPherson strut front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension. Electric power-assist steering is quick, with just 2.48 turns lock to lock, and with a 36.1-ft. turning circle.

The 17 x 7-inch alloy wheels wear 215/45R17 summer performance or all-season tires. For track driving and autocross competition,

vehicle stability control can be put in track mode or shut o completely.

The Toyota 86 comes standard with display audio, which features a seven-inch touchscreen display and also which integrates the rearview camera. The eight-speaker Pioneer audio system includes Bluetooth for hands-free phone capability and music streaming, HD Radio, iPod connectivity and AUX and USB inputs.

The optional 86 display audio with navigation system features push-to-talk voice navigation and geo-located points of interest. Both audio systems come standard with Aha. Available on iTunes and Google Play, Aha provides access to 100,000 free audio stations.

The 2017 Toyota 86 comes standard with anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, traction control, brake assist, vehicle stability control and smart stop technology.

The Toyota 86 can be your hotrod for $26,255. It handles well, is a charmer and the stick-shift version is especially fun driving.

Fort Bend Academy of Arts and Dance wins Pinnacle Award Fort Bend Academy of Arts and Dance (FBAAD) is excited to be Celebrating its 10th Year of “Educating and Empowering Through the Arts� providing Performance based Dance instruction in: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, and more to children and Adults ages 3 and up.

Located at 1959 Texas Parkway in Missouri City, Texas 77489, FBAAD continues to provide quality Dance instruction to over 100 young dancers annually oering each one the opportunity to express themselves through the art of dance.

On Saturday, October 22, 2016 Mrs. Charity Carter, Founder/Artistic Director and Fort Bend Academy of Arts and Dance was a Winner of the 2016 22nd African American Business Achieve-

ment Annual Pinnacle Award by the Greater Houston Black Chamber(GHBC).

The Greater Houston Black Chamber has hosted the Pinnacle Awards honoring excellence, tenacity and dedication of the entrepreneurial spirit within the African-American business community.

Mrs. Carter said, “Receiving such a prestigious award from a great historic organization like the Greater Houston Black Chamber is always gratifying; but for me it says more about Missouri City, Fort Bend County and the people living here in the area we serve.

I am forever grateful for their support for the past 10 years to make this award possible.

People embraced the arts, performance based professional dance instruction, and all of

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being December 12, 2016 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building.

The case is presently pending before the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on October 14, 2016. It bears cause number 16-DCV-236301 and is styled: Gloria Garcia and Misael Duenez vs.

John Doe, Et AI. The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: WILLIAM MADISON COLGIN, IV ATTORNEY AT LAW 2512 FIRST STREET HWY 36 ROSENBERG TX 77471 The nature of the demands of said Plaintiff/Petitioner is-as-follows to-wit: TO QUIET TITLE ON REAL PROPERTY, HEREAFTER REFERRED TO AS “THE PROPERTY�

FOR FURTHER CLARIFICATION, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: TRACT ONE PROPERTY ADDRESS: SOUTH POST OAK BOULEVARD, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 16 IN THE NORTH 1/2 OF BLOCK 37 OF MAGNOLIA PLACE, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 2, PAGE 6 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS’ BEING MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS IN A DEED FROM DOROTHY E SORRELLS TO MRS. H. P. RUSSELL, DATED MARCH 7, 1942 AND RECORDED IN VOLUME 202, PAGE 200 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; BEING THE SAME PROPERTY IDENTIFIED ON FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS TAX ROLLS AS ACCOUNT NO. 4600-00-037-1160-90 TRACT TWO PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1040 EVERGREEN STREET, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545-7674 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: OIL CENTER SEC 1, SECTION 1, BLOCK C, LOT 12-12A MH ONLY REFER TO #1200, SERIAL #SV4050424, LABEL # RAD1208687 If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 26th day of October, 2016.

DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT

By Deputy District Clerk Erica Rodriguez Fort Bend County,Texas Telephone: (281) 633-7612

our many programs. And that speaks volumes! In addition, this award for me recognizes the hard work and commitment a small business owner has to put in to even get to this point. You have to remember we opened August 2007 just one year before the recession of 2008. We experienced a drop in enrollment and income, but we were able to adjust our business model and add new services such as our After School Dance Pickup and our AnDance Junior Company. For the business, the recognition goes to our outstanding sta, teachers, and parent volunteers who pour excellence into the lives of our young dancers each dayseason after season. We strive for quality and great customer service! “Moving forward the award should make us better at everything we do: From oering more options in dance classes and styles for youth and adults, to expanding our Academy to cover dance costs for children who just can’t aord it but want the experience,to adding theatre art and music.â€?

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Long Meadow Farms, Section 41, and Section 42, Precinct 4.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Camp Sienna Trail west of Scanlan Trace in Sienna Village of Waters Lake Scanlan Traces West Reserves (Scanlan Oaks Elementary School) to add “No Parking� signs, Precinct 1.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

News

INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 9, 2016 • Page 7

New retail destination in Missouri City bustles with activity

By SESHADRI KUMAR A new retail destination center has emerged in Missouri City, on the border of the city of Sugar Land on Dulles Avenue, between Highway 6 and Cartwright Road.

The shopping center , which wore a deserted look for years, is now bustling with activity, thanks to an enterprising businessman and communityconscious city council and administration, for their mutual assistance and cooperation in making the project happen.

Nikil Shah, managing partner of SGRE Capital, and a Sugar Land resident, saw a business opportunity in the Pecan Plaza at 2801 Dulles Avenue, at the intersection of Cartwright Road.

The shopping center, owned by a national chain, was less than half occupied and the tenants did not receive much attention as would be the case if there is a local owner of the property.

Shah managed to acquire the shopping center from the national chain at a competitive price and decided to renovate the 54,000 square-foot center.

In 2015, only 40 percent of the center was leased. Today, it is 90 percent leased and the rest will be occupied in weeks.

While providing good service and affordable accommodation for small business owners, Shah scouted for a variety of businesses to make Pecan Plaza, with easy access and ample parking space, an attractive retail destination for the area.

The center took on a new image with an Indian grocery taking a major share, adding to the outstanding eating places, plus a dentist, a chiropractor,

nail salon, day care and martial arts, to name a few among the tenants.

Shah says the center will soon have a unique business cum entertainment venue, called the Escape Room. It is a game room where a couple of people will be locked in and with team effort and skills use thematic clues to get out of the room. What is normally used as a team building tool in corporations, is now becoming a fun-filled activity.

If there is a Fit Body Boot Camp for exercise, next to it is the Brain Balance to build the brain power of the young. After a day’s hard work, want to relax

with your favorite beverage, there is Soto’s Kitchen, Off the Vine Bistro and Bogie’s Pub & Grill.

Shah also pointed out a unique feature of the shopping center in that almost all the businesses are woman-owned, not to mention the diversity of people hailing from a variety of countries.

What is the city’s interest in the project?

A lackluster strip center would be an eyesore. Now, it has turned into a bustling business hub and the more money people spend, more sales tax revenue goes to the city for executing service projects.

Building Quality Homes from the $220s – $860s OVER 30 COMMUNITIES IN THE HOUSTON AREA! PERRYHOMES.com

1.800.247.3779

All trademarks, product names, brands and logos remain property of their respective holders, and are used only to directly describe the products offered. Their use in no way indicates any relationship, endorsement, or sponsorship between Perry Homes and the holders of said trademarks. Offers, plans, prices and availability are subject to change without notice. (06/16)

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 9, 2016

A Veterans Day Message: If God is for us

By JEROME ILTIS “If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31.

It is obvious that God has been for us. Our country has been blessed with much wealth and prosperity. It has been a bastion of liberty, especially religious liberty that so many immigrants came here to enjoy as they fled religious persecution in their homelands.

During wartime, the United States defeated the foes who threatened our God-given inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The fact that this nation has become the greatest nation in the world couldn’t have happened without the hand of God. I’m convinced that our founding fathers understood that God would be for our country if our country would be for God. Granted, God is not mentioned in the Constitution, but He is mentioned in every major document leading up to the final wording of the Constitution.

Tex Browning wrote an introspective article entitled Was the United States Founded as a Christian Nation? in which he concluded, “To say that this nation was not founded as a Christian nation or that the Constitution was not founded on Christian principles is totally at odds with the facts of history.”

Supporting Mr. Browning’s conclusion are a myriad of quotes from our founding fathers relating Divine principles to the governance of our country.

For example, Ben Franklin, at the Constitutional Convention, said: “... God governs

pd pol ad • Rick Miller Campaign, Bruce Bond, Treasurer

in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?”

John Adams proclaimed, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

Mr. Adams’ proclamation was based upon his assertion that “we have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion.”

Adams’ words were prophetic for Germany, a country that fell into the abyss of evil early last century because their human passions were unbridled by morality and religion. The horrid atrocities that occurred during the height of Nazism and Hitler’s reign are the manifestations of his prophecy.

In a book entitled Defeating the Totalitarian Lie: A Former Hitler Youth Warns America, written by former Nazi Hilmar von Campe, the author admitted, “We paid a high price for the moral perversions of a German government, which excluded God and His Commandments from their policies.

America must not continue following the same path to destruction, but instead heed the lessons of history and the warning I am giving.”

Like the founding fathers of our nation, the U.S. World War I veterans who founded The American Legion in 1919 must have understood that God would be for our country if our country would be for

God. That’s probably why the preamble to the constitution of The American Legion begins, “For God and Country”. This is the overarching purpose of The American Legion. One of the specific purposes of The American Legion is “To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.”

These are some of the main reasons why military veterans join The American Legion, the largest military veterans organization in the country.

They feel an obligation to continue serving our country on civilian active duty with the same faith and patriotism that they defended our country on military active duty.

As we celebrate Veterans Day this year, let us thank God that He has been for us.

And let us thank all military veterans past and present, who have been and continue to be for God by defending His principles upon which this greatest nation was founded.

Also, pray that our government leaders are for God, in the same Spirit that our founding fathers were, because when we are for God, then God is for us and no one can be against us.

Otherwise, it would be regarded as one of the worst tragedies in modern history if our active duty military men and women were ordered to defend an ungodly nation.

(Jerome Iltis is Commander, 3rd Division,The American Legion. The 3rd Division is a 58 county region of South Texas.

Approximately 20,000 Legionnaires are members of the 147 American Legion Posts in the Division.)

Fort Bend County Pct. 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers

Your Goals are our Blueprint Fee-Only financial advice, based on your financial needs and goals when you succeed, we succeed.

Financial Planning and Investment Management since 1996 Building Your Financial Security

wjinterests.com || 281-634-9400