Fort Bend Independent

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VOL 2 No. 46

Phone: 281-980-6745

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009

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

Festival of Lights at Telfair Nikita Kanora earns Telfair Indian American Cultural Association organized the Indian American Festival of Lights in Telfair, a Sugar Land community, on Oct. 31 at Cornerstone Elementary School. The festival was inaugurated by D. K. Sharma, Deputy Consul General of India-Houston and special guests included Sugar Land Police Chief Doug Brinkley, Cornerstone Elementary School Principal Chris Winans and Sugar Land Assistant City Manager for Public Safety Steve Griffith. A crowd of more than 900 took part in the festivities. A high wattage cultural show followed the inauguration and was a huge hit with the audience. One of the highlights of the show was the Michael Jackson song “We are the World” performed by more than 40 kids from Cornerstone Elementary Choir under the direction of Mrs. Mosher. This well-known song speaks to the children of the world as the hope and future of the World. The children perform in the choir, left; and, below, they pose for a picture after the show.

Perfect SAT Score

Fort Bend ISD’s Travis High School junior, Nikita Kanora, earned a perfect score of 2400 on her SAT Reasoning Test, scoring 800 points in all three sections of the test (including math, critical reading, and writing). This was her first attempt at taking the test. Nikita serves as a Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Ambassador, a tutor for the Fort Bend Literacy Council, vice president of her school’s Spanish National Honor Society and of the Debate Club, a member of Youth Expanding Services and the Science Olympiad Team, and

Kanora treasurer of the math honor society, Mu Alpha Theta.

FBISD students win Concerto Competition

FBISD flunks “grading” test By SESHADRI KUMAR When and where does a zero equal 50? This mathematical puzzle can occur in the progress report of a student in Fort Bend ISD if the student scores 49 or less in a given grading period. The revised school board policy under the topic Academic achievement — Grading/progress reports to parents reads: The district shall record a 50 in the permanent cumulative record for any average numerical grade that is lower than 50. As desired by the school board, the administration has reinstated language requiring a minimum grade of 50 as a permanent grade in the grading policy, though it is contrary to the Texas Association of School Board’s recommendation and is in defiance of Senate Bill 2033 adopted in the 81st Texas Legislature. Fort Bend ISD board of trustees last week authorized the district to join in litigation regarding Senate Bill 2033 which prohibits the policy of awarding a minimum grade of 50 even if the student scores less. Since the conclusion of the legislative session, the impact of this bill has been under dispute. Some argue that the bill prohibits districts from requiring teachers to assign a minimum grade only for daily assignments and exams and not for report cards. That seems to be the position of FBISD as well. The author of the bill, State Sen. Jane Nelson, and the Texas Education Agency, on

the other hand, say that the prohibition applies to an entire grading period (i.e., teachers cannot be required to award a minimum six weeks grade, irrespective of the quality of the student’s work).

TEA Letter TEA Commissioner Robert Scott on Oct. 16 sent an advisory to school districts with his interpretation of SB 2033. The letter said: “A district grading policy must require a classroom teacher to assign a grade that reflects the student’s relative mastery of an assignment; may not require a classroom teacher to assign a minimum grade for an assignment without regard to the student’s quality of work; and may allow a student a reasonable opportunity to make up or redo a class assignment or examination for which the student received a failing grade. “TEA understands this legislation to also require honest grades for each grading period including six weeks, nine weeks, or semester grades for two reasons. “First, if actual grades on assignments are not used in determining a six weeks grade, the purpose of the legislation has been defeated. “Second, since 1995, Texas Education Code, §28.021, has required decisions on promotion or course credit to be based on “academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency.” “If the six weeks grades do not reflect the actual assignment grades, they would not

reflect academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency. “By allowing students to make up work, a district would ensure six weeks grades reflect relative mastery of assignments, even if making up a prior deficit, rather than awarding an automatic grade to a student who has received a failing grade.” The Texas Senate unanimously approved SB 2033 with the support of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, the Association of Texas Professional Educators, American Federated Teachers, Texas State Teachers Association and the Texas Association of Business. “As the author of this new law, let me clarify my intent. We always envisioned this bill applying to grades on tests, assignments and report cards. More to the point, it is never appropriate for teachers to be forced to pass students who have not been performing passing work. Doing so is tantamount to fraud,” State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Lewisville, told The Dallas Morning News recenlty. A TEA spokeswoman was quoted as saying “Districts need to give accurate grades to students, and that includes report card grades. It’s pretty simple, give the grade students earned and stick with that.” Supporters of the minimum grade insist a “zero” will place a student so far behind that he or she will have no chance to bring up the overall grade to passing. Failing classes will lead more students to quit school and be demotivating.

The goal is give as many kids Arvin Soepriatna, right, of Clements High School and Cher as possible every reason to Liu, left, of Quail Valley Middle School – were named winners stay in school. of the Houston Music Teachers’ Association and Houston Young Artists Concert Concerto Competition. As winners of the competition, they received the opportunity to perform with Questions This correspondent asked the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra at a recent concert at the FBISD the following ques- Stafford Centre. Arvin, a senior at Clements, won 1st place tions regarding the district’s in the senior division of the competition. In eighth grade, he decision to join the litigation won 1st place in the HMTA Concerto Competition and had the privilege of playing with the Fort Bend Symphony. He against TEA: Could you please give the also won 3rd place in the Houston Symphony Competition. rationale behind this deci- Although he plans to be a doctor, Arvin enjoys playing the piano and will pursue it as a life-long hobby. sion? Is the decision of the board unanimous in litigating the policy change? Why is the district retaining the policy, namely The District shall record a 50 in the permanent cumulative record for any average numerical grade that is lower than 50? Where is the lawsuit filed? When will FBISD join it? What is the main objection to SB 2033? Who first filed the lawsuit?

Response In response, FBISD issued the following statement: At the Nov. 9 Fort Bend ISD Board Meeting, the Board of Trustees authorized Fort Bend ISD to join other districts in litigation regarding the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner’s interpretation of Senate Bill 2033. Fort Bend ISD is complying with the law in regard to Senate Bill 2033. However, the district does not agree with the TEA’s interpretation of the law, and the Board authorized the district to join in litigation regarding the TEA Commissioner’s interpretation of Senate Bill 2033. The district has no further comment at this time.

LONGHORNS DRAFT FBBA PLAYER. Surrounded by teammates, coaches, and family, Fort Bend Baptist Academy softball player Rachel Fox signed a National Letter of Intent to attend and play softball in the fall of 2010 for the Division I University of Texas Longhorns. The 5-foot-4 senior pitcher led the FBBA Eagles (33-3) to the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools Class 4A state title in 2009. Kelly Ferguson, head softball coach, said, “We are very excited for Rachel. She has shown the dedication and hard work needed in the classroom and on the field to be an outstanding studentathlete at UT.”Rachel is the daughter of Meleesa and Russell Fox of Sugar Land. Above, FBBA Coach Kelly Ferguson is flanked by Melessa and Russell Fox; (seated) Rachel Fox.

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Page 2 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 18, 2009

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The Quail Valley November Yard of the Month goes to Tanya and Edwin Chovanetz of 2402 Glenn Lakes. The Chovanetzes received a lovely plant from Flowers by Adela to grace their eclectic and colorful corner lot. The Castor Bean Trees are in bloom as well as a variety of annuals, perennials and flowering shrubs. In the back yard from Masters Lane side you can see a Persimmon tree loaded with fruit that so fits the fall season. Drive by and enjoy a garden that the owners shower with tender loving care. RETIREMENT. Left, Fort Bend Dental Associates Doctors Randal Glenn, Jim Condrey, Tony Singletary and Brian Machart surround retiring employee Helen Arnold, who has been the “voice” of the practice for the past twelve years calling and “re-calling” patients.

Youth of the Month

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Sneha Raju of Clements High School was honored Nov. 4 by The Exchange Club of Sugar Land as Youth of the Month. She is a National Merit Semifinalist who is taking all honors classes and has a 3.9 GPA. She is a member of the Stars Dance Team and Director of Development for the Fort Bend Teen Service League. She plans to pursue a degree in medicine at either Vanderbilt University, Duke University or the University of Chicago. The Exchange Club of Sugar Land meets every Wednesday morning at 7 at the Sweetwater Country Club. -Photo by Ed Lee

Sneha Raju

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NOVEMBER 18, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • Page 3

Community news

Suzette Peoples Broker /Owner 21 years of experience!

Sales tax revenue shortfall forces Stafford to scrutinize spending over $1,000 By BARBARA FULENWIDER Belt tightening is something Stafford’s city government is known for and has served residents and businesses well – i.e. zero property tax. So with the current economy negatively impacting the Houston area, Stafford is also feeling the pinch and at council’s Nov. 11 meeting, they discussed temporarily changing some purchasing policies. The change would require council to approve all purchase requests of $1,000 or more as long as sales tax revenues are five percent or more below budgeted amounts. The current requirement is for council to approve all purchases that are $5,000 or more. Council took no final action on the item but Mayor Leonard Scarcella is meeting with depart-

ment heads and the city’s audit committee will meet after that. The mayor stressed that the meetings are to “let people know we need to tighten the belt even more than we normally do – to do anything we can to trim costs without impacting services.� He also said, “There are serious economic circumstances out there. We’re Main Street and the guy with the frowns. We’ve been saving $30 million for a while to make sure we can ride out a tough period and this is obviously going to be a tough period. “I’m hopeful we’ll soon see some of these businesses – distributing, warehousing, manufacturing – come back because that’s where we’re being hit very hard. Generally, these businesses are experiencing some very difficult times and that’s being reflected in our sales tax receipts.

“To be down (in sales tax collections) $350,000 in two months – multiply that out over 12 months and it equals $2.1 million,� Scarcella said after the meeting. “That cannot be ignored so we’re not running from it, hiding it or glossing it over. We’re going to deal with it and very effectively.� The mayor continued: “I don’t consider Stafford to be in dire straights or anything like that. We’ve expected it for some time. We hoped it wouldn’t occur but it has occurred so we have to do what we are doing now. We have to put a plan into effect that gives us the best opportunity for riding out this tough period.� While some on council have suggested borrowing money to ride out the deficit, Scarcella said the thing about debt is people only consider the percentage

Fort Bend ABWA announces 2010 executive board

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

charged for the money borrowed and don’t include all of the legal fees, financial advisor expenses, escrow expenses, etc. that go along with it. “We’ve got the money in the bank. It’s in the budget. I don’t see any need to borrow money. It’s not like if we use some of the $30 million we’ll be in severe financial straights,� Scarcella said. “We have these major road projects we’re going to do and we have the money to do them so we don’t need to go into debt to do them. We don’t need to waste a lot of resources on interest and other expenses related to debt.� The mayor said, “I don’t see the city’s current financial picture as bleak but I do see it as factual. Our revenues are less and that’s the simple fact of the matter. In view of that we’ll try as best we can to make those match our expenditures and whatever difference there is we have cash on hand to make it up. We’re going to narrow the difference as much as we possibly can.� Stafford Finance Director Karen Austin said that sales tax revenues “year to date are down about 14.2 percent or $352,000. The city is not in a state of emergency by any stretch of the imagination but we’re definitely going to keep our eyes on it and stay cognizant of it on a daily basis.�

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SUGAR LAND/COMMON- Suzette Peoples WEALTH. Over 4000sqft! 5 ABR, GRI , E-Pro, bedrooms 3.5 baths, game 21 years Professional room, study/formal and extra Realtor; Owner of room. Seller has updated Peoples Properties, a carpet, tile granite counters, Real Estate & Property Management Co.; & more in 2009. Roof replaced American Business too. Big yard. Price reduced Women’s Association. to go $300’s.

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SUGAR LAND REDUCED

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Popular David Weekly home! 2 story with master down. 3 bedrooms, study, gameroom, both formals and computer area. updated kitchen with granite. Wood and tile floors thru-out. New roof 2009 and new exterior paint and fencing. Priced to go fast at $200,000! Hurry don’t miss this one!

SUGAR CREEK Great 1 story on huge corner lot. 3 bedrooms & study. Seller has updated carpet, tile paint in and out and roof replaced. Shows great and price already reduced to go fast in the low $200’s.

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CITY OF SUGAR LAND ETJ! PERRY 2 story with master down and gameroom up. Huge cul de sac lot! Built in 2003. Tile and wood laminate floors thru out. 3 car dettached garage! Priced to go at $190,000.

First Colony/Sugar Land! Over 3100 sqft 4 bedrooms 3 full baths. Master down and bedroom/bath down. Game room up. All new interior/exterior paint 2009! New carpet and tile 2009! Priced to go in the $200’s Seller spent over $32K getting house ready to sell.

Mortgage Banker can do loans in less than 30 days! Call Suzette for more info!

Houston Community Bank, N.A. Stafford Branch The Fort Bend American Business Women’s Association elected their 2010 Executive Board and Committee Chairs. Pictured are Bee Franks Walker, Woman of Excellence Gala Chair, Sherri Parrack, past National ABWA Vice President who performed the Installation of the Fort Bend Chapter Board, Loan Mansy, Scholarship Chair, Julia Mercer, President and Programs Chair, Marilyn Nelson, Vice President, Cheri Pemble,

Corresponding Secretary and Membership Co-Chair, Ursula Chester, Recording Secretary and Networking Chair, Julia Dean, Treasurer and Michele Barnes, Membership Chair and Newsletter. Not pictured: Melissa Lewandowski, Hospitality Chair; Tara L. Cook, Education Chair and Judy Gulgun, Publicity Chair. The ABWA Fort Bend Chapter meets monthly at Sugar Creek Country Club.

Regular meetings are held the first Thursday evening of each month and consist of dinner, program or speaker, and a business meeting. Guests are always welcome. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 3. Networking starts at 6 p.m., followed by a holiday dinner at 6:30 p.m. Festive holiday attire encouraged. Toy donations to be collected. Visit www.abwafortbend.org for more details.

Former Austin High School soccer player gets recognition University of Dallas Freshman forward Melissa Carpenter (Sugar Land/Stephen F. Austin H.S.) was selected to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association’s Honorable Mention All-American Soccer Team. Carpenter finished second on the team in scoring with 4 goals and 4 assists while starting all 19 games she played in. Melissa is the daughter of attorneys Brent and Kathy Carpenter.

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The Bank That Listens JEFF SMITH President 18-year-Stafford Resident

TERRY CROCKETT Senior Vice President

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1970s Sugar Land home gets Green Certification When you think of “green homes,� you may think of new construction, but the recent energy savings makeover of a Sugar Land home proves that even old homes can turn green. The home, located at 2822 Cotton Stock Drive and owned by a family who once struggled to pay utility bills, has been certified Silver to the National Green Building Standard by the National Association of Green Home Builders. The three green certification levels available are Bronze, Silver, and Gold. This house was the first in the Houston area to receive a Silver certification and the second to receive this type of certification. The Sugar Land home, owned by the Jones family, was chosen for the makeover by Green Building Expert Dennis Celsor and Indoor Environmental Comfort Expert Gary Parr who hosted a contest to find a family that

needed help paying their energy bills. Like many Houston area residents, the Jones family lives in a 1970s home that had an older Heating and AC system and deteriorating insulation. Dennis and Gary took the following steps and were able to lower the Jones’ energy bills by more than 50%: replaced AC and heating system; renovated the attic; installed a radiant barrier, new insulation and a special attic door color; installed a tankless water heater; and replaced 1970s windows with energy efficiency windows. The Jones family’s August 2008 electric bill was $749.70. In August 2009 after completing the Energy Savings Makeover, the electric bill was $333.71. That’s a reduction of 55.5%! The actual kilowatt hours used was 4903 in August 2008. It was 3018 in August 2009, a reduction of 38.4%.

The Jones family is estimated to save $3000 a year as a result of this makeover. The 1978 home went from an energy hog to one of the most energy efficient homes in the Houston area with a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rating below the average new home built today. (HERS is a scoring system established by the Residential Energy Services Network [RESNET] in which a home built to the specifications of the HERS Reference Home [based on the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code] scores a HERS Index of 100, while a net zero energy home scores a HERS Index of 0.) Green Building Expert Dennis Celsor and Indoor Environmental Comfort Expert Gary Parr are the co-hosts of the Thirty Green Radio Show, a call-in show based on Thirty Ways to Cut Energy Costs 30%. It airs each Saturday on KSEV 700AM.

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Page 4 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 18, 2009

Opinion Texas Straight Talk Competition with the government? By RON PAUL Last Saturday many concerned Americans watched in horror as the House passed the healthcare reform bill. If this bill makes it through the Senate, it would massively overhaul the way healthcare is delivered in this country. Today, obviously, we don’t have a perfect system, but this legislation takes all the mistakes we are making with healthcare and makes them worse. Most of what is wrong with healthcare stems from decades of government intervention and the resulting unintended consequences. But the government’s prescription for the ills caused by intervention is always more intervention. We see this not only in healthcare policy, but also in foreign policy, in economic policy, and in monetary policy - basically, in all areas of public policy. It was even claimed that the House bill would increase competition in healthcare, and thereby improve the private sector’s business model for insurance. It is fascinating that politicians would use the language of the free market in this way to justify more corporatism. This demonstrates a couple of things. One, that politicians truly do not understand the very basic tenets of a free market. By definition, a free market is free from government intervention. But once a little intervention is accepted as legitimate,

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul politicians will blame the problems created by their intervention on the free market and present themselves as saviors that must intervene even more. It also demonstrates that politicians know that Americans still believe the free market is a good thing. People know and understand that competition among businesses is better for the consumer than a monopoly. However, competition between a private business and a government or government-favored entity is not real competition. In real competition, your competitor can go bankrupt if they do a bad job. Everyone knows a government program is forever, no matter how poorly it performs. In real competition, efficiency is necessary for survival. In government programs, waste is rewarded as budgets are often determined by how much money a department is able to consume in a year. In real competition, one business

does not have regulatory or taxation authority over its competitors. In real competition, businesses get sued and punished for breaking contracts and defrauding people, and are kept accountable in this way. But just try to sue the government when you are unjustly harmed by it! The reason real competition is a good thing is because good businesses get bad ones out of the consumer’s way. Can the government put someone out of business? Most certainly! But it will have the opposite effect: an otherwise good business will be replaced by a poorly performing government agency, or a governmentfavored monolithic business that behaves almost like a government agency. If Washington really wanted to give consumers more choices they would remove legislative and regulatory barriers to competition across state lines for health insurers. They would remove barriers for new and innovative models of healthcare and tort reform. They wouldn’t have run so many church and charitable hospitals out of business. Washington is keenly interested in healthcare reform, but it is certainly not going to increase competition or to expand your options for healthcare. (Ron Paul represents the 14th Congressional District in Texas.)

Musings: A tool or a sword? By JANICE SCANLAN In looking at how you keep neighborhoods nice for people and retain property values, I’ve been looking at how various legal devices can be used as tools that support the public good . . . or swords that literally “stick it” to individuals likely under-equipped to fight back. How do you balance between commercial and homeowner interests? For example, our master-planned sub-divisions contain “common property” that is used to entice the homeowner, who pays a higher price because of these amenities, whether they are lakes, golf courses, or just common space such as impressive entry gates into and open space throughout a community. But what if a business entity years down the road decides the land is more valuable in another use? Let’s say that the commercial property owner who has purchased Riverstone years down the road decides to try and re-zone the land where the now beautiful entry gates are located to put up a convenience store. After all, with the traffic into the subdivision, the land is worth more commercially.

Scanlan Did the Riverstone homeowners pay a premium price for a classy subdivision, to have a convenience store located where their marquee is now? What would that do to homeowners’ property values? Or let’s fill in a lake to build more homes or businesses. Just because an entity calls itself a business does not mean it’s necessarily good or bad. It’s how the business treats its customers, employees, pays its debts, and yes, even pays its taxes. Because Missouri City has some of the older subdivisions in Fort Bend, we’ve seen the extreme of this—particularly in Quail Valley. And the business entity that

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

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is contesting the taking of the Quail Valley Properties is certainly a business entity that understands how to use the law as a sword . . . and literally told the residents of Quail Valley that their property would “become a ghetto.” See, a hedge fund in New Jersey backing real estate speculation in Texas, doesn’t really care what happens to our communities, homes or anything else. In fact, the entity is like the three faces of Eve depending on the audience, but there’s always a shared theme. The owner is just a misunderstood businessman who is trying to do the best with a lousy set of circumstances. Of course, these circumstances have nothing to do with his actions . . . and “it’s just business to make money.” So whether this entity is the Dr. Kervorkian of golf and merely taking a dying club out of its misery; a “converter” just trying to liberate an uneconomic piece of property “to a higher use”; or merely someone who is so evolved in business acumen, he can ignore quaint business practices like property appraisals to borrow money from the hedge fund. Never mind homeowner’s rights or whether a city’s tax base is destroyed, a beautiful piece of open space is threatened, and people are afraid to keep, fix up or buy a home there. It’s using the law as a sword, not a tool for the common good. Balancing the rights of everyone is not easy. In future articles we’ll write about abuse of a number of laws that impact neighborhoods. Write to open.space@earthlink.net.

The View From Sugar Land Politics as not so usual By RUSSELL C. JONES The statewide political class was getting nervous as Kay Bailey Hutchison continued to postpone her resignation from the United States Senate. Bill White could not decide whether to run for governor or senator. David Dewhurst and Greg Abbott have been unable to decide whether to run for senate or stay where they are. Rick Perry was waiting to decide whether to face Hutchison in the Republican primary for governor or just appoint himself to the senate seat. The truth is that Hutchison needs to stay in the Senate, where she provides seniority in the upper chamber. It is seniority among the minority; there is no question about that. But it is better than no seniority on either side of the aisle. Hutchison’s desire to come home to Texas is understandable, but probably not a good enough reason for her to risk her party’s loss of the Senate seat. The situation in Washington is simply too dangerous to have half of the Texas delegation in the Senate be supportive of the policies of the current administration. A Rasmussen poll released on Friday bought more uncertainty for Hutchison, but some stability for the others. It showed Perry leading her 46% to 35%. Even though the primary is still months away, this is clearly bad news for the Senator who was even two months ago. Now Hutchison has announced that she will not resign until after the primary. White dodged the question of his interest in the governorship in a Sept. 14 interview by expressing confidence that

Jones Hutchison would resign before the end of the year. But with Hutchison’s delay, White may rather jump to the governor’s race than wait until 2012. White seems to be having an identity crisis. His positions on the economy, energy and health care are innocuous comments difficult to criticize from the right or the left. Even if he were to campaign on a conservative platform, White, or any Democrat for that matter, will be under severe pressure to continue the current administration’s expansion of government and program of redistribution of your wealth and mine. Hutchison’s decision temporarily settled issues for Dewhurst and Abbott, who must also run in the primary to preserve their current positions. If Hutchison wins the governor’s primary and then resigns, the Republicans will need to settle on a single candidate or risk handing the Senate seat over to the Democrats. Oh, what a week! This week’s headlines out of Washington were historic: Obama bows before Japan’s

Emperor. Congress will Increase $12.1 Trillion Debt Ceiling. 9/11 Plotters Face Trial in New York Immigrant Bill Back on the Table. Casey: Loss of Diversity Worse than Shootings. The President’s campaign pledge of cooperation with our allies is reasonable on its face. However, bowing to foreign leaders, first to the Saudi king and now to the Japanese emperor, is obeisance, not cooperation. The United States has very little to apologize for to the world. Creativity and leadership born of capitalistic ideals have resulted in a nation and society which is the envy of the world. To bow to the leaders of countries and to apologize repeatedly for success is not the type of change which most Americans wanted at last year’s election. This President is already viewed as weak by our friends as well as our enemies. Symbolic gestures of subordination will not encourage cooperation, but will result in the continuing decline of American influence worldwide. Each of those other headlines mentioned above merits comment and concern. Sometimes it is just too difficult to decide what to write about. Unfortunately, each of the headlines is shocking enough to speak for itself. Jones is the Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Sugar Land and serves as Councilman for District 3. He was first elected to the City Council in 2003. He owns a law firm and a title insurance company in Sugar Land.

Problems with antibiotic abuse By THOMAS J. PARR, M.D. One of the world’s growing health problems is the ongoing problem of bacterial infections becoming resistant to antibiotics. This problem has greatly increased in recent years. There are a number of reasons for this. In the United States where antibiotic medications are tightly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), antibiotic resistance occurs because of misuse of medications. In many other countries around the world, antibiotics are available over-the-counter, meaning without a prescription. And sometimes what is being sold is poor quality and counterfeit. In communities like ours where worldwide travel is common, knowing how to protect yourself and those around you to the extent possible becomes extremely important. A person’s body does not become resistant to an antibiotic. It is the bacterial microbes existing within the body that actually become resistant. Our bodies always possess bacteria. Some are actually good for us, such as certain bacteria in the digestive tract which help us process our food. What we are concerned about is pathologic bacteria, which can do our bodies harm. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that “Almost every type of bacteria has become stronger and less responsive to antibiotic treatment when it is really needed. “These antibiotic-resistant bacteria can quickly spread to family members, schoolmates, and coworkers - threatening the community with a new strain of infectious disease

Thomas Parr that is more difficult to cure and more expensive to treat.” When a patient becomes infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, finding ways to treat the patient becomes much more difficult. At the same time, this same antibiotic-resistant bacterium is likely to spread to others who come in contact with that patient. The more antibioticresistant a “bug” is, the greater the likelihood for the illness to lead to serious disability or even death. Proper treatment cannot be a guessing game. Your doctor has a variety of tests, from a simple swab to extensive blood tests, which can help identify exactly the type of infectious bacterium and which antibiotic is best for it. Some tests can be done in the office in a matter of minutes. Others must be sent to laboratories for more extensive study, and the results may take several days or longer to be sent back to your doctor. You can take positive steps to protect yourself and your family by understanding that antibiotics do not work on viruses, including runny noses and colds, most coughs, bronchitis, sore throats (other than strep), and flu. You should not expect your doctor to give you antibiotics for these illnesses.

Because we are so close to Mexico, some people in Texas think it is OK to buy penicillin in Mexico to use for two or three days any time someone shows signs of a cold. This is a dangerous habit. It is commonly done, because the patient gets over his or her viral illness within a couple of days anyway, leading to the impression that the antibiotic was why the illness improved “so quickly.” Even if you start to feel better, you should ALWAYS take the entire course of a prescribed antibiotic according to your doctor’s instructions, and don’t skip doses. The only exception is if your doctor tells you to stop. Any time a patient does not complete a prescribed antibiotic according to instructions, there will be some bacteria still remaining in the body. As these remaining microbes multiply, they may be able to create a new strain of bacteria resistant to drugs. The commonly used antibiotics have few side effects. As organisms become resistant to the “first line” antibiotics, your doctor will be forced to use progressively more toxic drugs to fight the infection. NEVER share your antibiotic with others, nor save any unused antibiotic for another time. If you have a bacterial infection and partially treat it with something you found in the cabinet, you might temporarily weaken the organism just enough that your doctor will not be able to isolate it and identify the best agent to treat it. If you have done this during a serious infection, your doctor may be forced to use a combination of potentially toxic agents to fight the infection blindly. See ABUSE, Page 5

FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 18, 2009 • Page 5

Community news Million Med March follows Tea Parties Bill Moore, a noted Real Estate agent in Sugar Land recently returned from Washington D.C. where he attended a rally opposing the Health Care bill. He is now active in organizing grass root protest through the “Tea Party” movement. “It was great being at the rally and just a few steps away from the Capital building,” Moore says. Thousands of protesters arrived by bus for the rally against the Democrats’ health care legislation Nov. 5. The event drew the conservative “tea party” activists . “I joined up with six other people from Houston that I met on the plane. It was crazy trying to get into the Cannon building afterwards (one of I think 3 buildings where the representatives have their individual offices). There were so many people trying to get in. We almost gave up, but found an entrance that was not so overwhelmed with people, on another side of the building. “We targeted the representatives from Texas that are on the fence. We also visited Gene Green’s office. He was

not there, but we signed in and asked his office to please consider the far reaching and disastrous consequences to our country of this 2,000 page, so called Healthcare bill, and the permanent loss to our individual freedoms and liberty that will ensue, if passed. “Unfortunately the bill passed by 3 votes. It still has to be approved by the Senate. I met five people on the plane going to D.C. from Houston. One lady I met on the plane, Kristin, does home remodeling and asked her boss for the day off to come to the rally. Another man I met, Dale, works in baggage handling for an airline and took his day off to come. It was a long day; all six of us went up and came back the same day. Despite losing the house vote on Saturday evening, I believe it was very much worth the time and effort,” Moore says. “We are witnessing an attempt by our current administration and congress to take over control of our free market system. The tax burden and debt the current congress is creating is no less than bondage for our children and grandchildren,” he says.

M. D. Anderson Clinical Care Center in Sugar Land will host a free nutritional seminar at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Sugar Land, Tuesday, December 1 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about healthy eating, maintaining a healthy weight and balancing caloric intake, as well as the link between obesity and cancer. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille is located on 2115 Town Square Place in Sugar Land Town Square. Appetizers will be served and seminar attendees that stay receive a special price on a healthy three-course dinner. To attend, call 713-745-9776.

Do You Need Help Finding… Bill Moore of Sugar Land attended the Washington D.C. Rally against the Healthcare Bill on Nov. 5. Meanwhile healthcare industry personnel are organizing a a “Million Med March” in Houston on Nov. 21, 1 p.m. at the Westside Tennis and Fitness Club, 1200 Wilcrest, Houston. Doctors, nurses, other healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical reps and their families and friends are expected to join the march to let people know that they are against the government takeover of healthcare.

“We need doctors and patients to give input-- we need reform, but not the 2000 page bill before Congress,” organizers of Million Med March says. An organization of physicians out of Georgia has been getting doctors to speak out, and they are organizing rallies across the United States on that day. They are calling this the Million Med March. Go to millionmedmarch. com for more information.

Toys for Tots collection sites announced First Colony Mall will be a collection site for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. First Colony Mall will collect new, unwrapped toys during the months of November and December so Toys for Tots can distribute Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. Shoppers are asked to look for the Toys for Tots boxes and “shop and drop” often during the holiday season. “First Colony Mall is proud to make the holidays a little brighter for area families. With today’s economic environment, it’s especially important to partner with organizations such as Toys for Tots

to ensure children in our community experience the magic of the season,” says Donna Molho, general manager for the shopping center. “It has been a longstanding tradition for First Colony Mall to join with other Fort Bend organizations in support of our county’s Toys for Tots program. I hope we can count on everyone to donate generously again this year.” There are two collection boxes at First Colony Mall. One is near the Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Splash! play area and the second is near Santa’s Rudolph Studio in the Dillards court. Additional drop-off locations in Fort Bend County, include:

Santa, Sugar Land Mayor to light Christmas Tree The 7th annual Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for Dec. 3, from 5-8 p.m., at Sugar Land Town Square. Mayor James Thompson and Santa Claus will light a 40foot Christmas tree to kick off the new holiday season during an event that typically draws a crowd of thousands. This event will include holiday-themed celebrations for the whole family, with the highlight being the grand entrance of Santa Claus. Prior to his grand entrance, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for free professional pictures. Local retailers and organizations will offer children’s activities, which include face painting, holiday photos with Santa, make-up sessions for young girls, bean bag tosses and much more. There will also be a booth selling 50th anniversary t-shirts commemorating the City’s incorporation on Dec. 29, 1959. Main stage performances

Abuse From Page 4 For example, according to a recent study, about 13 percent of all liver damage in the U.S. is caused by drugs, and 45 percent of drug induced liver damage was caused by antibiotics. Seventy-three percent of the time, the damage was caused by a single course of

will include Sugar Land Super Star winner Nathaniel De Jesus, local school choirs and the Sugar Land Express Singers. There will also be stilt walkers and festive characters like snowmen to enhance the evening’s entertainment. To help Santa make his grand entrance and avoid traffic congestion, a free shuttle service will run from Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd., to Town Square from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Parking will also be available in the Texas and Lone Star Garages located in Town Square. The performance schedule and other useful information are available at www.sugarlandtx. gov. All activities are free, with the tree lighting tentatively set for 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department at 281-275-2885.

the antibiotics. Only your physician can determine if you or your family member should be taking an antibiotic, and if so, which one. Dr. Thomas Parr, an orthopedic surgeon in Sugar Land, can be reached at 281-4917111. Dr. Parr and his wife, Joannie, have been a team for well over 40 years and she has contributed to this article. Visit www.tomparrmd.net for more information.

M. D. Anderson hosts free nutritional seminar

* Casa Ole restaurant, 12203 Murphy Road in Stafford; * Kids r Kids, 21955 Westheimer Parkway at Mason Road; * Legacy Ford Lincoln 27225 Southwest Freeway, Richmond, and * Republic Harley-Davidson, 12707 Southwest Freeway, Stafford. In addition to the drop boxes at First Colony Mall, Fort Bend Holiday Bowl on Saturday, December 5 will benefit Toys for Tots. The fun, community football game pits the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Enforcers against the Sugar Land Police Chargers. The game kicks off at 2:00

p.m. at the Old Kempner Stadium, 321 7th Street in Sugar Land. Admission is the donation of one, new unwrapped toy for a child aged newborn to 12 years. One toy per person. The gates open at 12:00 noon, with interactive activities for kids including a moon walk, face painting and more. Toys for Tots began in 1947 with 5,000 toys collected and last year local campaigns were conducted in 657 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Marines and volunteers have distributed over 16.2 million toys to 7.6 million children.

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Automobile: Buick LaCrosse By BARBARA FULENWIDER The 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan is a well designed, eye catching sedan that is also a comfortable ride in luxurious surroundings and has a responsive powertrain propelling it. The completely redesigned LaCrosse is offered in allwheel drive and with a new, efficient four-cylinder engine. The Buick LaCrosse comes in three models: CX, CXL and CXS. The CX comes with a new 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder that replaces the 3.0-liter as the standard engine. Fuel economy for this engine is estimated to be 20 in town and 30 on the highway. The Buick LaCrosse CXL is powered by the new 3.0-liter direct injection V6 and standard equipment includes leather, heated seats, dual zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside review mirrors with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps and 18-inch alloy wheels. The engine makes 255 horsepower and 217 lb.-ft. of torque. It is paired with a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy with front wheel drive is 17/26 and with all-wheel drive is 16/25. The CXS is equipped with a 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 with perforated, leather, heated and ventilated seats, chrome-plated 18-inch alloy wheels and 19-inch are optional. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and makes 280 horsepower and 259 lb.-ft. of

torque. Estimated fuel economy is at 17/26. The Buick LaCrosse is beautifully sculpted and includes Buick’s signature “sweep spear” body-side styling, portholes on the hood and a waterfall grille, so there’s no mistaking that it’s a Buick. The interior continues the flowing, detailed aesthetic of the exterior with ice-blue ambient lighting throughout the cabin. The 2010 LaCrosse got more damping materials added to keep wind and road noise at bay. The contemporary cabin of the LaCrosse is accented with

available digital connectivity and personal technology that includes in-dash navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and a USB port. Rear seat passengers have the luxury of viewing a DVD entertainment system that is offered as an option. Safety standards and options include a head-up instrument display, rearview camera system, a collapsible brake pedal system and OnStar. In March, J.D. Power and Associates announced that Buick tied for the highest ranking in vehicle dependabil-

ity for three-year-old models. The previous LaCrosse ranked first in the midsize segment, beating the Toyota Camry. For the seventh year in a row, Buick ranked in the Top 10 brands in the J.D. Power and Associates dependability study, which evaluates more than 200 problem areas. All Buick models come standard with stability control, traction control, brake assist, tire pressure monitoring, XM Radio, OnStar, power locks, windows and steering, manual rake and telescoping steering column, remote keyless entry, automatic HVAC, cruise control, AM/FM/CD with auxiliary jack, electric park brake and ambient lighting. The CXL model adds auto dual zone A/C, Bluetooth, heated, leather seats, power driver lumbar, remote start and power seats. The top-of-the-line Buick LaCrosse CXS retails for $33,015 with all standard equipment. It has everything that’s been mentioned plus a power rear sunshade, a heated, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, universal home remote, driver information center with compass and trip computer. Also, a Harman/Kardon 384-watt, 11-speaker system, memory seats and mirrors, eight-way power adjustment for driver’s and passenger seats, ultrasonic rear park assist and power heated outside rear view mirrors with automatic dimming.

Page 6 • NOVEMBER 18, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT

Stuff the squad car Join the Missouri City Police Department for the first annual Operation Thanksgiving-“Stuff the Squad Car!” on Friday Nov. 20 from 6 a.m. to 12 noon in the parking lot of the Missouri City Police Department at 3849 Cartwright Road in Missouri City. The men and women of the Missouri City Police Department need your help to stuff a squad car with canned food and non-perishable food items all of which will be donated to local area food pantries to help feed those in need during the holiday season.During Operation Thanksgiving“Stuff the Squad Car,” the Missouri City Police Department will also be offering fingerprinting for children and car seat safety inspections/ installations.Visit www.missouricitytx.gov. for more information.

Sugar Creek Garden Club Sugar Creek Garden Club monthly meeting will be held on Nov. 19 at Sugar Creek Country Club beginning at 9:30 a.m for the social hour. Scott Hasty, Proprietor & Floral Artist, will present the program, “Home for the Holidays.” This is one that you don’t want to miss. Call Aileen Flack at 281-242-8488 for additional information.

Convoy of Hope Local businesses, churches, and community agencies will unite to bring food and hope to as many as 5,000 children and adults in Fort Bend County. This all-volunteer outreach will include over 700 community volunteers of all ages who will be on hand to unload over 40,000 pounds of food from the Convoy of Hope truck, distribute food, and facilitate all outreach programs on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds located on Highway 36 in Rosenberg. The site will open at 10 a.m. and continue rain or shine until all of the food has been distributed.

Best in the West The Arc of Fort Bend County’s 31st annual Best in the West Dinner, Dance and Auction where the stillpopular band is the entertainment headliner, will be held at the George Ranch Historical Park Arena in Richmond Saturday, Nov. 21. Sponsored by Prosperity Bank, the annual event with dinner from The Swinging Door begins at 6 p.m. Then the Rosenberg-based band that topped the charts with “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” in 1966 will take the stage for a first set at 7 p.m. As the music plays, guests can shop the popular silent auction, featuring “corrals” of items gathered by groups and organizations. The live auction kicks off at 8 p.m., highlighted by an exotic game hunt for six on the legendary King Ranch and a dream trip for two to the South Pacific paradise of Bali, with a stop in Singapore on the way. Joining presenting sponsor Prosperity Bank are (to date) Scout Master sponsor Sprint Waste Services and Trail Boss sponsor Aliana. For sponsorship information or tickets, contact Jo Ann Stevens at 713-829-1827 or Ann Smith at 281-240-1313. Proceeds from the annual Best in the West benefit The Arc of Fort Bend, helping maintain group homes, funding activity and work centers and providing for training and transportation of our citizens with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.

Community Calendar Christmas Home Tour

Bargain Book Sale Friends of First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway at Grants Lake, Sugar Land, will hold their monthly bargain book sale Sat. Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. GOOD CONDITION ONLY books, CD’s, DVD’s (no magazines or encyclopedias) may be donated during regular library hours and are tax deductible. Children’s items are especially needed. 281-416-0936.

Become a Dental Assistant! 10 Week Course

Starting Soon Saturdays Only (281) 794-7944 www.Become-A-DA.com C. Mark Mann School of Dental Assisting Career Certified by: The Texas Workforce Commission Schools and Colleges Six generous homeowners in First Colony, Pecan Manor and Richmond have opened their doors to benefit young abuse victims in Fort Bend County. When the 18th Annual CASA Christmas Home Tour benefiting Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) begins on December 11th, guests will be delighted by some of the most exquisite holiday décor and home designs, entertained by area musicians and singers and will feast on homemade cookies and hot apple cider. HEB is the presenting sponsor for this year’s event. Volunteers are needed to host shifts at the houses, bake cookies and sell tickets. For more information on volunteer opportunities or to get involved, contact Danelia Argueta at 281-344-5108 or dargueta@cafb.org. Eager to sell tickets for the Tour are (L to R): David Soliz of HEB, Ticket Chair Barbara Benes, Joe Whitworth of HEB, Clarissa Hebert of HEB, Larry Willman of Consolidated Home Health, and Hospitality Chair Joan Berger. Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) is a non-profit agency dedicated to advocating on behalf of abused and neglected children through the use of specially trained community volunteers and staff. These efforts ensure that children who have been abused have a better chance to grow up in a safe, permanent and loving home. For more information about CAFB, visit www.cafb.org or call 281-341-9955.

Brightwater Garden Club The Brightwater Garden Club meets on Monday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Brightwater Clubhouse, 2410 Brightwater Drive at Westshore. Gary Matthews of Brookwood will talk about the Brookwood Community and the beautiful holiday plants they offer. Learn more about this inspiring entrepreneurial community for adults with functional disabilities and their innovative gardening program. The meeting is free and open to anyone interested in gardening. For more information call 281-403-9269.

Journey to Bethlehem Methodist Sugar Land Hospital would like to cordially invite the Fort Bend Community to join us as we usher in the Christmas Advent Season. Through a series of worship events, we will tell the story of the coming of the Christ Child. Join Methodist Sugar Land Hospital on the following days for scripture readings, music and devotional thoughts. •November 30 - “Prepare Ye the Way”— Dr. Lockhart, Dr. Baltazar, Eva Short •December 1 - “Mary’s Story”— Dr. Massar, Maria Socci, Diane Nichols •December 2 - “Joseph’s Challenge”— Dr. Millikan, Dr. Pepper, Dr. Jackson •December 3 - “The Birth of a Savior”— Griff Martin, Dr. Murray, Scott Cameron •December 4 - “The Arrival of the Magi”— Nancy Penney, Janet Leatherwood, Tracie Gray-Jernigan All productions will be held from 12 noon to 12:40 p.m. in the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Sweetwater Pavilion Chapel. For more information about Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Journey to Bethlehem contact Spiritual Care at 281274-7164. For more information on Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit www.MethodistSugarLand.com.

To list community events, email editor@ fbindependent.com

Hannah Giles speaks at Republican women meet Hannah Giles was a key player in an undercover video exposé showing employee misconduct within The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) earlier this year. She will bring her story to the Houston area on Saturday, Nov. 21 at a 6:30 p.m. dinner sponsored by The Spirit of Freedom Republican Women at Sugar Creek Country Club in Sugar Land. A 20-year-old journalism student interested in what she describes as “exposing social injustice and abuse of power,” Giles helped accomplish what some of the most powerful in Washington, D.C. had been trying unsuccessfully to do for years – bring ACORN corruption to light. ACORN has been the subject of numerous other public controversies in the past involving embezzlement, management fights, and voter registration fraud committed by its workers. The organization’s vast and shadowy web of affiliates and associated groups comprise what has been termed the largest radical group in America. It claims more than 400,000 members and more than 1,200 neighborhood chapters involved in housing and wage issues for the poor, public education, voter registration, and other “social justice” issues supported by liberal and labororiented causes. In 2009, Giles collaborated with James O’Keefe, an independent film maker, in a series of undercover videotapes that found several ACORN employees willing to foster illegal or immoral activities. Their efforts initially went viral on the web and then became a national and international news story. To date, videos have been released from six ACORN of-

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on October 23RD, 2009 by the 240TH DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-165176 in favor of the Plaintiff - BRIARVILLA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $2,987.05++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the NOVEMBER 5TH 2009 and will offer for sale on the 1STday of DECEMBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) -PATRICIA SMITH had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 4, BLOCK 26 OF BRIAR VILLA, SECTION ONE(1), MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 16015 BECK RIDGE DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77053. Terms: Cash, Sale to held at or about 11 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE, Precinct 2 Fort Bend County , Texas By Gary Majors #73

Giles fices: Baltimore; Washington, DC; Brooklyn; San Bernardino; San Diego; and Philadelphia. As a direct consequence of their work, ACORN’s relationship with the U.S. Census Bureau and IRS were terminated. In addition, bipartisan legislative action passed to bar ACORN from receiving funds from the U.S. government and at least one criminal probe has been launched. In September 2009, ACORN announced that it had suspended advising new clients pending an audit of its activities. Giles is currently studying journalism at Florida International University and was an intern at the National Journalism Center in Washington, D.C. She is also a columnist for BigGovernment.com and for Townhall.com. To reserve tickets to hear Giles speak, call Judy Bayliss at 281-980-8594 or e-mail Babs Miller at bmillergop@ gmail.com. Individual tickets are $45; sponsor tables of 10 are available for $750. Checks should be made payable to SFRW PAC and mailed to: 4303 Oak Trail Court, Sugar Land, TX 77479. Seating is limited; receipt of payment will secure your reservation. Corporate checks are not accepted.

Breakfast with Santa in Once Upon a Time… Remember far, far away and once upon a time, when Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Prince Charming and Robin Hood enchanted us and brought such joy into our young lives? Relive those endearing moments with your youngsters at “Breakfast with Santa in Once Upon a Time” with your favorite storybook characters on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Kona Grill, 16535 SW Fwy, Sugar Land. For breakfast Kona Grill will be featuring ‘Kids Breakfast Tacos’ and their pancakes from their Sunday Brunch which just won ‘Best Place for Brunch’ in Fort Bend Lifestyles & Homes magazine. This fundraising event for FBT is sure to provide a wonderful holiday experience. Tickets for adults are $25 and children 11 and under are $15 at www.fortbendtheatre.com!

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on October 23rd, 2009 by the 240TH DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #07-DCV172937 in favor of the Plaintiff - BRIARVILLA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,144.44++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the NOVEMBER 5TH 2009 and will offer for sale on the 1STday of DECEMBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) -STEVE RILEY JR., had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 54, BLOCK 2 OF BRIAR VILLA, SECTION TWO (2), MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 6010 BERKRIDGE DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77053. Terms: Cash, Sale to held at or about 11 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE, Precinct 2 Fort Bend County , Texas By Gary Majors #73 CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on October 26TH, 2009 by the 268TH DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #06-DCV-149052 in favor of the Plaintiff - BRIARVILLA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,029.00++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the NOVEMBER 5TH 2009 and will offer for sale on the 1STday of DECEMBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) -GLORIA OSORIO had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 76, BLOCK 2 OF BRIAR VILLA, SECTION ONE(1), MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 16119 NECORIDGE DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77053. Terms: Cash, Sale to held at or about 11 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE, Precinct 2 Fort Bend County , Texas By Gary Majors #73

Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. 1. BID 10-034 – PICKUP TRUCKS; 2. BID 10-035 – PAUPER BURIALS, TRANSPORTS AND RELATED SERVICES; 3. BID 10-036 – TIRES; 4.BID10-037–ON-SITE CLEARING, GRUBBING, AND DEBRIS REMOVAL SERVICES FOR VARIOUS ROAD PROJECTS; 5. BID 10-038 – WINDOW WASHING OF VARIOUS COUNTY BUILDINGS. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 14th day of OCTOBER 2009 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-166460 in favor of the Plaintiff - FORT BEND COUNTY & ET-AL Plaintiff, for the sum of $2,367.36++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 21stday of OCTOBER, 2009 and will offer for sale on the 1STday of DECEMBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) -HOGGART MONROE III had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: LOT 8 IN BLOCK 2 OF RIDGEWOOD ESTATES A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT OR THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 5, PAGE 20 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (6400000020800907) TRCAT 2: LOT 9 IN BLOCK 2 OF RIDGEWOOD ESTATES, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF IN VOLUME 5, PAGE 29 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (6400000020900907) Any properties sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the property or their interest therein if allowed, within the time and in the manner provided by law. ALL SALES SHALL BE BY CONSTABLE’S DEED AND ARE WITHOUT WARRANTY AS TO TITLE OR CONDITION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS EVIDENCED BY CONSTABLE’S DEED. MARKET VALUE: $15,500 Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, Tx 77478 (281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306 CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 28TH day of SEPTEMBER 2009 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-167141 in favor of the Plaintiff - CHASEWOOD COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $2,367.36++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 9TH day of OCTOBER, 2009 and will offer for sale on the 1STday of DECEMBER, 2009 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) -ELIZABETH CORMIER had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 15, BLOCK 10, OF WILLOW PARK SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT VOLUME 21, PAGE 4 IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Any properties sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the property or their interest therein if allowed, within the time and in the manner provided by law. ALL SALES SHALL BE BY CONSTABLE’S DEED AND ARE WITHOUT WARRANTY AS TO TITLE OR CONDITION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS EVIDENCED BY CONSTABLE’S DEED. MARKET VALUE: $91,720 Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 12550 Emily Court, Ste 200 Sugar Land, Tx 77478 (281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

Fort Bend County DBE Goal Fort Bend County has completed their review of the federally funded contracting opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) for fiscal year 2010. Pursuant to US DOT regulations 49 CFR PART 26, the County is required to establish a Race Neutral / Race Conscious Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal program. This goal is based upon projected contracting / procurement opportunities, the availability of eligible ready, willing and able to work Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, and past contracting achievement. An overall agency goal of 3% is proposed for contracting / procurement opportunities for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. Comments on the proposed overall goals are encouraged and will be used for informational purposes to develop the final established goals. The methodology used to determine the goal will be available for public inspection during normal working hours, Monday through Friday at the Fort Bend County Purchasing Department until January 4, 2010. The address for the Purchasing Department is Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg TX 77471. Fort Bend County will accept comments on the goals until 4:00 p.m. on January 4, 2010. Comments must be submitted in writing to the following address: County Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County Purchasing Department 4520 Reading Road, Suite A Rosenberg TX 77471 If the County receives any comments from individuals or organizations a response to each will be prepared.

NOVEMBER 18, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • Page 7

Community happenings

If you like freckles, you’ll love Jasmine, Missouri City’s Pet of the Week. This nearly one-yearold Springer Spaniel mix has beautiful markings that set her apart from the rest! This darling dog needs a loving family and a place to call home. She enjoys long walks and learning new tricks. To adopt Jasmine or other pets at the Missouri City Animal Shelter, please call to make an appointment at 281-403-8970. The shelter is located at 1923 Scanlin Road, behind the City Hall complex. For information, visit our website, www.missouricitytx.gov/ Government/Public-Works/ Animal-Control and click on the “Adopt-A-Pet” link.

Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez! The Fort Bend Education Foundation Gala committee co-chairs Jacquie Chaumette and Mary Ahner are proud to present the 17th annual Education Foundation Gala entitled “Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez,” This magnifique event will be held February 27, 2010, at the Sugar Land Marriott Hotel. Let the corner street lamps light your way as you stroll through the streets of the French Quarter. Experience the sensational sights, sounds and flavors that make the French Quarter unique. Savor fine dining, dancing and live entertainment while supporting the live and silent auctions. Si’l vous plais! Save the date! A fantastique evening awaits you when you laissez les bon temps roulez. For more information visit our website at www.fortbendisd.com/foundation

20% off Lunch Buffet Pictured back row l to r: Violet Robertson; Kim Loya; Pam Reynolds; Shaelyn Neal; Robin Jordan; Kendra Moseley. Middle row: Tracey Lisse; Terrie Gorney; Donna Murray; Jessica Kij; Ann Schmitt; Lynn Halford; Yolanda Humphrey; and FBEF Executive Director, Brenna Smelley; front row: Sue Chiang; Lilly Monroe; Laura Winters; Gala Co-Chair, Jacquie Chaumette, Gala Co-Chair, Mary Ahner; Monica Neely; Gabriella Cone; and Sonal Bhuchar. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of John Foster Dulles High School, the school's Band & Dance Team Booster Club has recently published Dulles Dines, a collection of nearly 225 family-favorite recipes submitted by the school's alumni, faculty, students, and parents from the past 50 years. Recipes are divided into five sections, Appetizers/Beverages, Soups/ Breads, Salads/Side Dishes, Main Dishes, and Desserts. Each of the section dividers is a collage of pictures from one of the school's five decades. In 1959 when the

Cook book

former Missouri City Consolidated School District and the Sugar Land Independent School District joined together to create the Fort Bend Independent School District, Dulles High School was designated the district's first high school. Temporarily housed at the former Missouri City High School campus, construction of Dulles High School at its present location was completed in 1961. The school has continued to provide a benchmark for excellence and tradition in the district. Thousands of local residents proudly claim

Dulles as their alma mater. For them, as well as the Viking alumni on your holiday list, a copy of Dulles Dines will make the ideal gift. Books are $12 each and can be ordered from any band or dance team member. They can also be ordered online at www.dbdtbc.org/cookbook/order-form.pdf. Those purchasing 10 cookbooks will receive an additional 2 books at no charge. Email cookbook@dbdtbc.org. All proceeds from the sale of Dulles Dines will benefit the activities of Viking Band and Dolls Dance Team.

Film Review : The Box I saw this alleged suspense thriller on a Sunday afternoon and the crowd at AMC Loew’s First Colony was over 100. I don’t identify with non-Friday noon crowds but I think this portends that it will gross well at the box office. Not if I can help it. Please don’t see this movie which I have renamed “The Boring Box.” Things started off good enough. I had been depressed earlier in the day because the Texans had just suffered yet another heartbreaking loss so I had to go to the movies to massage my emotions. Does that mean I’m addicted? Back to my story. I asked Monique H. if she wanted to go to go the flicks, but when I told her that I was not going to a comedy she decided to pass. Pretty trusting of her since she knows that I’m sweet on Cameron Diaz who is the lead actress in this film. This movie is so bad that Cameron Diaz didn’t even look good. This is the movie

that involves a mysterious, yet simple box and if someone pushes the button on the box, then they will get a million dollars cash but someone else who they do not know will die. Classic greed and hypocrisy as themes with some bizarre twists and obligatory sadness and meaningless meanderings about Mars, NASA, and the FBI. The story was progressing so leisurely that the audience became restless and

started going to the concession stand and then coming back to their seats and eating their candy very loudly. I started looking around to get a feel for audience reactions when I spotted a guy about 40 in the row behind me and he was out like a light. Must have slept for over 30 minutes. His wife was sitting next to him and did not seem to mind; at least he wasn’t snoring or drooling. I respect a man that’s in touch with his emotions.

14025 Southwest Freeway, Suite 501, Sugar Land, TX 77478

281-242-4242

Not just oil, Pennzoil

PROUDLY SERVING FORT BEND SINCE 1981

Russell C. Jones Thelma Holoway Jones Lewis W. “Chip” Smith IV

I was determined not to walk out and I’m not sure why. I think I’m losing my courage in my old age. I had a comfortable seat in Theatre 22 which allowed me to put my feet on a railing which was good. But I was fighting sleep most of the time and was yawning so big that my jaws hurt. I hate it when that happens. Yet I stayed to the bitter end. Or should I say the pitiful, sad, unfulfilling end? Director Richard Kelly also wrote the screenplay so he needs to be banned to Hollywood Purgatory. Kelly’s adaptation came from the short story “Button, Button” by Richard Matheson. And therein lies Kelly’s mistake: should have made a “short” movie of say 15 minutes and he might have created something worthwhile, but the runtime on this stinker was 115 minutes. Missed it by a mere 100 minutes. Rock ‘n Roll. Grade 69. Larry H. Email sugarlaw @larryharrison.com

● Real Estate ● Landlord/Tenant ● ● Banking ● Creditors' Rights ● Collections ● ● Business and Corporate Law ● ● Business Litigation ● Mergers and Acquisitions ● ● Estate Planning ● Probate ● ● Property Owners' Associations ● In the Sugar Land Industrial Park 407 Julie Rivers Drive, Sugar Land 281-242-8100 rjones@jonesattorneys.com www.jonesattorneys.com AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Nerve & Tendon Disorders Arthritis of the Fingers & Hand Congenital Congential Problems of the Hand

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HAND & UPPER EXTREMITY 14090 Southwest Fwy, #130 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Phone: (281)265-4263

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Page 8 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 18, 2009

For ALL Your Vehicle Needs!

9 14 $ 95 $ 95 79 24 $ 95 $ 95 39 39 $ 95 10% $ off95 39 149 $ 95

Vehicle Wash & Vacuum s Hand wash

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M5

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Front Wheel Alignment s )MPROVES FUEL ECONOMY s )NCREASES TIRE LIFE s )MPROVES VEHICLE HANDLING s 3AFER DRIVING s 2ECOMMENDED EVERY 12 months / 12,000 miles s -OST VEHICLES

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on any collision Save repair over $1,500.*

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Air Conditioning System Check s A/C performance test

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M1

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Wiper Blade Replacement

Methodist Hospital’s Leena Taneja, Leala Hall, Chris Siebenaler, Kaelyn Stolhand and Monica Ramirez Fort Bend Junior Service League’s ninth annual Sugar Plum Market, presented by Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, held on Friday, Nov. 6 and Nov. 7 at the Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theatre and Convention Center was the ultimate shop ‘til you drop extravaganza. This year’s theme was “A Magical Holiday.� Proceeds from the 2009 Sugar Plum Market will benefit Child Advocates Amy Saenz, Correna Terrell, M.D. and Julie Hung, M.D. of Fort Bend, Fort Bend Community Partners Rain- Assistance Fund. bow Room, Fort Bend CounThree fashion shows by ty Women’s Center, Literacy noted community members Council of Fort Bend Coun- were a highlight of the ty, and FBJSL’s Community two-day event.

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Sugar Land Town Square

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FM 1092

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