Fort Bend Independent 12/12/18 by Fort Bend Independent

email: editor@ independent.com

VOL 11 No. 50

Phone: 281-980-6745 50 cents

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Yolanda Ford elected Missouri City mayor

Staﬀord MSD joins holiday food drive

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Yolanda Ford, a five-year council member beat long-time Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen in the Dec. 8 runoff election. Ford got 5,015 votes or 51.93% to his 4,642 votes for 48.07%. In the Nov. 6 primary race Owen beat Ford 8,136 votes to her 7,886 when there were three candidates running for the major’s seat. The third candidate was Fred Taylor who received almost 29 % of the vote. Two other Missouri City candidates vied for the at-large position 2 and the incumbent, Chris Preston, kept his seat with 6,050 votes. Susan Soto received 3,377 votes in that race. A total of 9,657 citizens voted in the mayoral race and 9,427 voted in the at-large position 2 race. Missouri City has 49,331 registered voters. Yolanda Ford said she is “so proud that the residents of Missouri City have elected me as their mayor. After having served on city council for the past five years and as a lifelong resident, I am deeply invested in the wellbeing and growth of Missouri City and I look forward to working

with citizens, the city council and others toward its betterment.” During her campaign she said, “There’s a need for a new vision and direction for our city.” She said the city’s immediate needs are to increase revenue, repair infrastructure, address public safety and redevelop major corridors. She added that she also wants to implement a comprehensive plan that addresses the city’s challenges, needs to start to assume municipal utilities and improve the aesthetics of the major corridors. The newly elected mayor was born in and grew up in Fort Preston was re-elected for a Bend. She is a product of the third term. Fort Bend Independent School to spend more time with my District where she graduated from family, play more golf, and sleep John Foster Dulles High School. better at night. I have not gone From there she earned a bachelor away, I am just starting another of science degree in psychology chapter in my life. I think God still from the University of Houston has other plans for me.” Owen was the 10th mayor of and got her master’s degree in Missouri City, where he and his architecture at Prairie View A&M wife have lived for 36 years. He The Stafford Municipal School District participated in the ABC Channel 13 Share Your Holidays University. She has worked as a Food Drive, in partnership with the Houston Food Bank, last week. Stafford MSD’s Maintenance land planner for Missouri City was elected mayor in 1994 and and Operations delivered the donations – which were collected at campuses throughout the District and now does land planning for prior to that was a member of over the past month -- to the Ismaili Jamatkhana Center in Sugar Land where there was a Share Houston. She will take her oath of the city’s planning and zoning Your Holidays Celebration. Fort Bend County Judge-Elect K.P. George, right, Stafford MSD Board commission for five years. In office as mayor on Dec. 17. 1986 he ran for and won a seat Vice President Xavier Herrera and Stafford High Principal Raymond Root volunteered alongside About the election results, Fort Bend County Commissioner-Elect Ken DeMerchant at the event. The Stafford Cheer Team Owen said, “I am proud of what on city council that he kept for 8 and the Stafford Sensations Dance Team performed at Friday’s celebration event. I have helped the city accomplish years. During Owen’s tenure as mayor this past 39 years. When I began he has seen his community grow this journey we were a sleepy from 24,000 people to 70,000 and little bedroom community of counting. Thanks to his knowledge 24,000 people. Today we are a and know how he has played a thriving multi purpose city of major role in building a strong nearly 80,000. economy of quality residential “I am glad to have just been a and commercial developments. part of that growth. In elections Owen is a retired senior vice there are always winners and president and Texas government losers. The citizens have spoken and said they are ready for liaison for Wells Fargo Bank someone else to take the reins. I of Texas. He participates in wish the new mayor and council numerous community activities the best and I will now go back to that include numerous volunteer being the normal citizen I was 39 hours. years ago. “It will give me the opportunity See INSIDE TRACK, Page 4

Fort Bend ISD joined the nation in mourning the passing of President George H. W. Bush. At Bush High School, students honored the life of their school’s namesake, recalling how he modeled student leadership. “I can say for everyone at our school that we are proud to be a Bush Bronco because of our school’s namesake and the life he led,” said Student Council member Valeria Pineda. Pineda worked with her fellow Student Council members to coordinate week-long activities and tributes to honor President Bush. They began the week with a moment of silence and viewing of a video titled, “Remembering our Namesake, George H. W. Bush.” Students also wrapped ribbon in patriotic colors around outside columns and placed a ﬂoral arrangement donated by Flowers by Adela near the dedication wall at the front of the school. During a concert on Tuesday night, Dec. 4, the school’s varsity orchestra performed two pieces in honor of President Bush – Rhosymedre by British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, and a brief setting of America the Beautiful, arranged by BHS Orchestra Director Brian Runnels. Orchestra members also stepped out of their uniform dress code and wore colorful

socks in honor of the president, who was a self-proclaimed sock man. All BHS students and staﬀ wore patriotic colors and crazy socks mid-week, continuing their tribute to President Bush. On Dec. 5, the National Day of Mourning, 22 of the school’s Navy JROTC cadets took part in the Arrival Ceremony at Ellington Field, where they were among guests to welcome the president’s family as they returned from Washington, D.C. on Air Force One. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be selected to attend the ceremony,” said NJROTC Commanding Oﬃcer Aresha Sheikh. “I’ve never done anything like this before. I get emotional thinking about it.”

Mayor-elect Yolanda Ford

FBISD’s Bush High School students pay tribute to President George H. W. Bush

“The students are so deserving of this honor,” said BHS Principal Felicia James. “They are about to be part of a historical moment that they will remember always.” To ﬁnish out the week’s events, the Student Council arranged 41 tea lights down a hallway leading to a tribute table where students can pay their respects. Students decorated pillars in the school’s Commons with scrolls of President Bush’s accomplishments. Thursday morning, BHS’ Fellowship of Christian Athletes held a prayer vigil, and on Friday, the activities concluded with a campus-wide parade featuring the BHS drumline.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 12, 2018

NEWS

Fort Bend County Alumnae Panhellenic Santa visits OakBend Medical Center announces recruitment Workshop Santa took time out of his busy

Fort Bend County Alumnae Panhellenic will host their Annual Recruitment Sign-up on Saturday February 2, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event held at Parkway United Methodist Church, 5801 New Territory Boulevard, is for young women who are high school seniors or collegians, along with their parents that wish to know more about the recruitment process or are planning to participate in sorority recruitment in the Fall of 2019/Spring 2020 school year. Attendees will learn about participating in Recruitment and membership in the 26 National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) Sororities. RSVP is not required to attend the event. For more information about the workshop please go to www.fortbendpanhellenic.org. Pictured representing their individual chapters are Left to Right: Lauren Schultz, Delta Delta Delta Texas A&M Corpus Christi; Lauren Dean, Kappa Delta, Texas Tech University; Kate Hartman, Zeta Tau Alpha, Texas Christian University; Kathryn Dzierzanowski, Kappa Kappa Gamma, University of Texas; Blair Morgan, Pi Beta Phi, University of Texas, Mary Kate Ryan, Chi Omega, Texas Tech University and Madison Shook, Delta Gamma, University of Mississippi.

schedule to visit OakBend Medical Center in Richmond on Thursday night to see who has been naughty or nice. For the past three years, OakBend employees and their families have been treated to cookies and punch and a chance to tell Santa exactly what they want for Christmas. After a little one-to-one Santa time, everyone took the opportunity to enjoy refreshments, visit with one another and watch their children and grandchildren make new friends. Santa could only visit the hospital for a couple of hours before he had to get back to the North Pole to oversee Santa’s workshop. But one thing is for sure, these children made sure Santa knew exactly what they want for Christmas. Below, OakBends’s cardiopulmonary teams takes care of Santa.

Nikita, goddaughter with Santa.

Sienna Plantation hosts Picture-Perfect Selfie Contest

and fun definitely ups your chances of winning.” Photos posted to Sienna’s Facebook page Nov. 23 through Dec. 31 are eligible. Other requirements include tagging four friends and mentioning the name of the model home builder. Winners will be announced Thursdays, through Jan. 3. “What’s really fun about this event is that it starts over every week, so if you didn’t win the first week, just go visit more model homes the following weeks and try again,” Bond said. “We think you’ll love our beautiful models. Plus, the contest reflects the fun Sienna lifestyle our residents enjoy. I wouldn’t be surprised if people visiting Sienna for the contest decide to make the move here permanently.” Rebecca Carter brought along her children and a dinosaur to Maps of model homes can win one of the Sienna Claus Selfie prizes last year in Sienna be picked up at the Sienna Plantation. This year’s contest is going on now. Homefinder Center, 5777 Participants can head to duo of winners announced Sienna Parkway, or online at https://www.siennaplantation. Sienna Plantation’s 25 model Jan. 3, 2019. “We had the most creative com/siennaclaus. homes in search of “Sienna Claus” to pose with the jolly elf photos posted during last and then post the photos on the year’s contest,” said Allison Sienna Plantation Facebook Bond, marketing director for page in hopes of winning Sienna Plantation. “We had $500. Two cash prizes will everything from families in be awarded weekly, with the holiday pajamas to super contest resetting each week. It heroes. We even had a is going on now, with the final dinosaur! A bit of craziness

Clements High School Chorus

Let it snow! Each year at the CHS Choir Winter Show, we get some flurries! The Clements High School Choir presents its annual WINTER SHOW ON FRIDAY, DEC. 14 at 7 P.M in the Clements Auditorium at 4200 Elkins Dr. in Sugar Land. There is no cost of admission for the concert - come out and enjoy!

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 • DECEMBER 12, 2018 • Page 3

Find your future in

NEWS Fort Bend ISD hosts community sessions Fulshear on attendance boundary planning Fort Bend ISD will engage with the community to review possible options for attendance boundaries associated with the opening of Elementary 51, and balancing high school enrollment in the southeast portion of the District. The attendance boundary process is aligned with the recommendations that resulted from the 2018 Facilites Master Planning process, as well as the projects included in the 2018 Bond Program approved by voters in November. Following recent focus groups held in November, three options to attend community information meetings are

Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, (from left to right) Terry Crockett (Chairman), Tricia Wright (Vice Chairman), Tricia Turner, Andrew Van Chau, Randy Stacy (Secretary), Kristine Thomason, David Melanson, Hugh Durlam, Collette Horton. The Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Breakfast on Friday, December 7th at Safari Texas. Keynote Speaker Mayor Aaron Groﬀ shared a vision of Fulshear’s future that embraced growth and opportunity. NewFirst National Bank was the Presenting Sponsor for the sixth consecutive year. Special thanks to Underwriters: Fulshear Run, CenterPoint Energy, Memorial Hermann Medical Group Mayor Aaron Groﬀ and Terry Crockett, Vice President and Urgent Care, Costello, NewFirst National Bank and FKACC Chairman of the Board. Inc. and Olson for Congress Committee. Fulshear’s population is rapidly expanding, and the US Census Bureau’s 2016 population estimates for Texas released in July 2017 revealed Fulshear as the fastest growth city in the State. From July 2015 to July 2016, Fulshear’s population grew by 35.3%, from 5,855 to 7,925 residents. The budding municipality 35 miles west of Downtown Houston had only 1,134 residents in 2010. The growth in Fulshear is projected to accelerate as more Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce members Rachel quality schools open and future Durham (Membership Services), Don McCoy (President), master-planned communities Amy Norvell (Executive Assistant). begin construction.

More than 2 dozen cars burglarized; female teen confesses On Dec. 5, 2018, Fort Bend County Sheriﬀ’s Ofﬁce deputies took multiple Burglary of a Motor Vehicle reports in Sienna Plantation. The cases had occurred Dec 4 and into the early morning hours of Dec 5. More than 20 vehicles had been burglarized. A female suspect was observed through security footage. Deputies then canvassed

the area and spoke to several citizens and victims. Multiple residents said the female suspect looked similar to a local teen. Deputies were able to locate the teen’s home, get a confession, consent to search, and recovered almost all of the property. The 17-year-old female suspect confessed to burglarizing 20 to 30 vehicles with

her 15-year-old brother and another male student from a local high school. Charges are being pursued against all three suspects. “I want to thank Sgt. Matthew Hricko and his team of deputies in Sienna Plantation for their incredibly quick and thorough work and continued eﬀorts to serve the community,” said Sheriﬀ Troy Nehls.

Memorial Hermann Health System named one of nation’s “Most Wired” Health Systems” Memorial Hermann Health System once again earned a spot on the HealthCares’ Most Wired list, achieving the recognition for the 14th consecutive year based on a survey of hospitals across the nation. The list, compiled from a survey conducted by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), annually recognizes hospitals and other healthcare facilities that adopt the latest in technological solutions and strategically apply them to improve population health and operate more eﬃciently. “Embracing emerging technology is vital to improving and better managing the care of our patients. Not only does it support the delivery of safe, high-quality healthcare, it also helps lower costs and provide a more seamless experience,” said Amanda Hammel, Senior

Vice President and Chief Information Oﬃcer at Memorial Hermann. The annual Most Wired survey, now in its 20th year, traditionally tracked the adoption of healthcare IT in hospitals and health systems. This year, CHIME took control over the Most Wired program and revised the questions and methodology to highlight strengths and gaps in the industry. The goal is to identify best practices and promote the strategic use of healthcare IT to elevate the health and care of communities around the world. The report found two key areas that emerged in 2018: the use of foundational technologies such as integration, interoperability, security and disaster recovery; and the use of transformational technologies to support population health management, valuebased care, patient engage-

ment and telehealth. These foundational pieces need to be in place for an organization to leverage tools to eﬀectively transform healthcare. “The healthcare industry is facing a signiﬁcant transformation opportunity. The more we embrace the rapidly evolving world of technology, the better we can care for people in a manner that is convenient and more consumer centric. We strive to use technology in a way that is both thoughtful and innovative and aligns with our commitment to help patients improve their overall health,” said Chuck Stokes, President and CEO of Memorial Hermann. Learn more about Memorial Hermann’s http://www.memorialhermann.org/everydaywell/virtual care innovations and the use of digital tools to improve patient health.

planned for December. December 11 Marshall High School 1220 Buﬀalo Run Missouri City, TX 77489 7-9 p.m. December 12 Travis High School 11111 Harlem Road Richmond, TX 77406 7-9 p.m. December 13 Elkins High School 7007 Knights Court Missouri City, TX 77459 7-9 p.m. During

each

meeting,

the same information will be shared about proposed boundary options. Following the meetings, an online survey will be shared for feedback. The administration will consider feedback from the community and input from recent focus group meetings to reﬁne boundary options and make ﬁnal recommendations to the Board of Trustees for consideration during the spring semester. To learn more about the areas to be addressed in the fall of 2018 for implementation in the 2019-20 school year, visit the attendance boundary planning webpage.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers Caregivers, people who take on the selﬂess role of caring for a loved one, have the great responsibility of making sure their loved one’s basic needs are met, which requires work and dedication. But sometimes, it is the caregiver who needs help. By taking care of their own needs, caregivers can better care for those who depend on them. Powerful Tools for Caregivers® is an educational program oﬀered at Houston Methodist Sugar Land

Hospital to help family and friends caring for adults with long-term health conditions. The free course consists of six weekly classes, each focusing on diﬀerent tools that help guide them through the caregiving journey. Caregivers will learn about setting goals, staying motivated and dealing with feelings of anger, guilt and depression, building conﬁdence and ability to cope with the demands of caregiving. The six-week course begins

Tuesday, Jan. 22 and runs through Tuesday, March 26. Classes are held every Tuesday from 3–4:30 p.m. in the Brazos Pavilion Chapel, ﬁrst ﬂoor, at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Registration is required. For more information or to register, contact the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Spiritual Care & Values Integration Department at snbowman@ houstonmethodist.org or 281.274.7164. Seating is limited.

OakBend Medical Center receives an ‘A’ for hospital safety OakBend Medical Center has received an “A” rating from The Leapfrog Group for its hospital safety. The Mission of The Leapfrog Group is to trigger giant leaps forward in the safety, quality and aﬀordability of U.S. health care by using transparency to support informed health care decisions and promote highvalue care. “OakBend Medical Center is honored to receive an ‘A’ rating for its hard work and eﬀorts to make the hospital safe for our patients and their families,” stated VP and Administrator Sue McCarty. “We consider our patients’ safety a key factor in the healing process, and strive to make sure that they get the best quality of care.” The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only

hospital rating focused exclusively on hospital safety. Its A, B, C, D or F letter grades are a quick way for consumers to choose the safest hospital to seek care. These grades are updated twice a year. The information on hospital performance collected through the Leapfrog Hospital Survey is unique and unavailable anywhere else. Unlike many other data sources, Leapfrog’s data is available by individual bricks-and-mortar facility, providing a robust data set unlike any other. The Leapfrog Hospital Survey uses 28 measures to assign the grades to more than 2,600 hospitals throughout the country. A sample of the survey includes: •Practices for safer health care, including nursing workforce, hand hygiene policies, culture of safety,

leadership pertaining to safety and teamwork training •Computerized physician order entry implementation and eﬀectiveness •ICU staﬃng to reduce mortality •Infection rates for hospitalacquired infections •Hospitals’ Never Events policies •Use of bar code technology to reduce medication errors “Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Grades recognizes hospitals like OakBend Medical System that focus on advancing patient safety. This ranking provides an important resource for patients, and a benchmark for hospitals, to determine how care at one hospital compares to others in a region,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group.

Polar Express headlines Riverstone Bite Nite The movie “Polar Express” will headline the ﬁnal Riverstone Bite Nite Friday, 6:309:30 p.m. Dec. 14. The dinner and movie combination will take place at The Club at Riverstone, 18353 University Boulevard. The movie starts at 6:30 and will be shown on a giant 25-foot screen on the community’s event lawn. Five food trucks will serve up everything from chickenfried chicken skewers to bistro sliders, which can be enjoyed al fresco while the movie plays. “This is our last Bite Nite of the year and we wanted to do something festive,” said Shanelle Channell, lifestyle director for Riverstone. “‘Polar Express’ is a fantastic holiday movie and we are excited the public has the opportunity to enjoy something our residents do all of the time.” Diners in the mood for Asian fusion should line up in front of Wokker. The food truck specializes in chicken-fried chicken skewers and spicy tamarind ribs. Anna’s Gourmet Greek will oﬀer a taste of the Mediterranean with a menu that includes gyros, souvlaki and Greek salad. Churrasco will return with Brazilian delicacies such as gaucho fries, chimichurri lamb

and beef picanha. Renegade Kitchen & Catering also returns with a seasonal menu including the “Cranky Burger” featuring cheese, jalapenos and a spicy cilantro crema. Mary Had A Little Party will be serving up hot fudge sundaes and other sweet treats. Admission is free. A stop at the ATM is recommended as not all trucks accept debit or credit cards. Trucks are subject to change. Riverstone is located southwest of Houston in the Sugar Land area. Visit www.riverstone.com CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on December 10, 2018 by the 268th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17-DCV-239708 in favor of the plaintiff- PROPEL FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $75,924.33++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/ or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on December 10, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of January 3, 2019 at the County Court house 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) - Wilbert & Tonya Shorts had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT SIXTY-ONE (61), IN BLOCK FIVE (5), FINAL PLAT VICKSBURG, THE VILLAGE OF CUMBERLAND, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER COUNTY CLERK’S SLIDE NOS. 644/B, 645/A, & 645/B, PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1 sr FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469. Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on October 11, 2018 by the 268th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County,Texas in Cause # 17-DCV-246361 in favor of the plaintiff - WINDFIELD LAKES N HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $9,083.68++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on October 11, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of January 8, 2019 at the County Court house 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)- Gerlyn Washington and Shannon Lee had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT 9, IN BLOCK 3 OF WINDFIELD LAKES SEC. 9, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20060006, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2106 HAWTHORNE BROOK LANE, FRESNO TEXAS 77545. TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1 sr FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469. Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 12, 2018

OPINION

Partisan politics shape Missouri City elections

Missouri City’s mayoral election last week garnered attention mainly because the incumbent mayor of 24 years, Allen Owen, was defeated by a councilmember of five years, Yolanda Ford. No wonder news reports highlighted the fact that Ford is the first woman and the first African American mayor of the city, though it sounded like a cliche. Having covered Missouri City City Council since 1997 and watched the city council and issues that touched the community closely, Owen’s defeat cannot be explained away by saying that the better candidate won. It is more complicated than that. Ford was first elected to the City Council in 2013. Owen previously spent five years on the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission and eight years as a City Council member, before his election as mayor in 1994. Owen has chaired the 14 Metro Multi-City Coalition since 1994 and during that time the alliance renegotiated its contract with Metro three times; one of which allows Missouri City to receive half of its penny sales tax back to do mobility projects instead of having to apply for funding. Owen also tackled the controversial acquisition of Quail Valley Golf Club, after the deal was approved by Missouri City voters. Owen led the legislative lobbying efforts to prevent the golf course from becoming a breeding ground for apartment units. However, critics in other parts of the city (mis) characterized him as “Quail Valley’s mayor,” implying that he ignored development of other areas, especially the Texas Parkway corridor. No mayor can bring a Walmart, HEB or Kroger to Texas Parkway, however much the city may provide incentives. Also, a mayor or the city cannot stop the closure of businesses or the empty shopping centers. Thus, a campaign platform that the change of mayor is needed for transforming Texas Parkway into an economic paradise does not hold water. Also, the ouster of Owen should not be construed as a

Inside Track By Seshadri Kumar vote of no confidence or that his leadership was lacking in any way in shepherding the city. So, what caused Owen’s defeat? Deliberate political partisanship would be the first answer. Never before was the local city election fought on the basis of party affiliation. It used to be issues like potholes, trash pickup, water service, police and fire service and so on. The Texas Democratic Party has launched the Project LIFT (Local Investment in the Future of Texas) program endorsing progressive candidates in city elections. Project LIFT worked with local party leaders and progressive partners to recruit, train, and support candidates – with a special focus on winning local, non-partisan races. The Fort Bend County Democratic Party also endorsed its two African American candidates. Missouri City voters received robo calls from the state Democratic Party. The Republican Party seemed to have missed this big elephant in the room and stayed out of the local race since it is ‘non-partisan.’ Ironically, Allen Owen was endorsed by both the local Congressmen, Al Green, Democrat and Pete Olson, Republican. Former Missouri City Councilman,Don Smith, an African American, also endorsed Owen. Owen’s affinity to the African American community in Missouri City earned him the humorous honorific that he was a black mayor who was too white. All that was of no avail to Owen. In addition to the Democratic Party making the city election partisan, the Nov. 6 general election to county

offices became a referendum on President Donald Trump and turned local races into a national election. Democrats in Missouri City got the city election date changed from May to November, for the first time this year, ostensibly to increase voter turnout. And it worked. Now, looking at the voting figures, 22,560 people voted in the Nov. 6 mayoral race, with three candidates and only 9,657 people voted in the Dec. 8 runoff election. On Nov. 6, Allen Owen got the highest number 8,136 votes, followed by Yolanda Ford’s 7,886 votes and Fred Taylor with 6,538 votes. It looks as though Taylor’s supporters stayed home and a sizeable number of those who voted for Owen Nov. 6 failed to turn up on Dec. 8. There is a drop in Ford’s voters as well, though not to the same extent as that of Owen. Take Hunters Glen (Pct. 2050), for example. Yolanda got 742 votes in November and 564 in December. Owen got 206 in November and 72 in December. Taylor got 639 votes in November. Take Pct. 4028 (Quail Valley Townhomes), where Owen got 836 votes in November, but 622 in December. Yolanda’s tally dropped from 277 to 167. In Riverstone, Lake Colony, Colony Lakes (Pct. 4065) Owen’s tally significantly dropped from 750 votes in November to 261 in December. Just voters in this precinct alone could have cost Owen’s re-election as he lost to Ford by only 373 votes in all. Same story is repeated in most places. In Pct. 4049 (Lexinton Colony, Lexington Point, The Enclave) Owen got 550 votes in November and only 182 in the runoff. Ford got 548 votes in November and 250 now. In Brightwater and Oyster Creek Plantation (Pct. 4127), Owen’s votes dropped from 578 to 210 and Ford’s from 384 to 192. Taylor got 311 votes in November in this precinct. Odds were against Owen since Nov. 6. And people who did not vote may not have desired this result, but they deserve it.

Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy egistration The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications to attend the Citizens Police Academy sessions this spring. The program had 31 participants in the fall session, which concluded in November. Sheriff Troy Nehls has decided to increase the Spring sessions to accommodate two groups, one meeting on Tuesdays and the other meeting on Thursdays. The initial sessions will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 22 and Thursday, Jan. 24. Both classes conclude on April 18. The program consists of 11 2 ½-hour courses held consecutively on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m.8:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 18, 2019 and concluding on April 12, 2019. Everything needed for the course is supplied free of charge and will take place at the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy, 1521 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, directly across the street from the main complex of the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office. The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy is intended for members of the community seeking to become more informed on law enforcement issues as well as those contemplating a career in the field. The dead-

line to register is Dec. 31 and participants must indicate on the application which day they will start. The focus of the program is to provide an overview through course work and practical hands-on experience of the criminal justice system and the operations and various functions of the Sheriff’s Office from top to bottom. Participants will have an opportunity to tour the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office in its entirety as well as learn the workings of each of the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Divisions, including Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Detention, 911 Emergency Communications Center, Law Enforcement Training and Narcotics and dangerous drug enforcement. Graduates will be able to participate in a ride-along session with a patrol deputy. To apply, applicants must be 18 years of age and must not have a criminal arrest record. Those interested in enrolling in the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy may download an application available by utilizing the link below: Registration form is available online and must submit it via email, if at all possible, to SOCP@fortbendcountytx.

gov. Here is the link to the registration form (https://www. fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/administration-of-justice/sheriﬀ-s-oﬃce/ community-services/citizenspolice-academy). Applications should be emailed or faxed to Deputy Gerard Argao: socp@fortbendcountytx.gov, or 281-238-1532. For additional information, contact Deputy Gerard Argao at 281-238-1536.

MIKE’S MONOLOGUE

Christmas magic By MICHAEL GRANTO Around Christmas time, my mind (and heart) frequently harken back to some of the Christmases of my yesteryears. Today’s Christmases are just not the same. The biggest difference is the “getting and spending” aspect of Christmas today. Some of the magic has gone out of Christmas. The worst aspect of that is television; there is SO MUCH “Christmas” advertising, that it almost makes me dislike Christmas. And all of it simply says, “Hey! Look at this shiny new thing. Give us some money and we will send it to you. Shipping is free.” Some of the ads are so slanted it seems like they are trying to guilt you into buying what they are selling, and if you don’t, you’re some kind of undesirable specimen. And there are so many ways folks try to sell you things. My golly, there’s not just the evening newspaper, and the radio, (yes, I go back that far) there’s television, of course, and now, social media. I know there are programs besides Facebook, but that’s the only one I’ll do. They insist on sending me ads for stuff I wouldn’t buy with someone else’s money. And if I tell them to delete the ad, they want to know WHY I don’t want to see it. Like, I have to justify not wanting to see it. That makes me angry. And when you DO delete it, you find that the ad is “closed by Google.” They sneak ads into everything, even videos. “Video will continue after ad.” Why? I’ll tell ya, that just makes the magic go out of it. I have noticed that people are not especially nice at Christmas time. In the stores, and on the roads, they are hurried, they are rushed, they are in a time crunch, and if they can beat you to the cash register line, or the next traffic light, they will surely do it. Of course, there are also the trees. Now, today ‘most everybody has an artificial tree, frequently with lights already built in. Really neat technology. In olden times (that’s like, maybe seventy years ago) everybody had a REAL Christmas tree, one that the whole family piled into the car to go to a place where they grew trees, and if you wanted to, you could even cut your own. And Dad had to tie it on the roof of the car for the drive home, and the windows couldn’t close all the way because the rope ran through them, and the wind coming in was cold, but it brought with it the smell of that tree, our very own tree, and that was almost magic. Of course, when we got it home, and inside the house, we’d sometimes find that the trunk was too fat to fit into the ring on the tree stand, so we’d have to drag it outside, and Dad would get the bucksaw, and we’d cut off a few inches. Of course, once we got it inside, there would have to be the interminable discussions (among the adults) about which side had to face the wall, and which was

Granto the good side. Now, of course, there is no “bad” side, but some of the magic has gone out of it. Us kids got to decorate the tree, except, of course, for the lights. They were electric, and we might kill ourselves, or set the house on ﬁre. (That’s what the adults thought. We thought they were making a federal case of it.) The lights, sometimes, were not the sort that stay lit if one goes out, so you had to get a known good bulb, and start at one end of the cord, take out the bulb in the cords, put in the known good bulb, see if the lights worked, and if not, repeat that process until the lights DID work. One of the neat things about decorating the tree was the tinsel. Now, nobody uses tinsel any more. What a shame. It looked like icicles hanging from the branches of the tree. The adults use to constantly tell us to not put it all in one place ‘cause it didn’t look realistic. But the neatest thing about the tinsel was that it was real metal foil. You could roll it up into tiny, hard balls, and shoot it through a straw, like a peashooter, or launch it with a rubber band. Yeah, I know; that could put you on the “naughty” list. Then they started making tinsel out of some sort of wimpy plastic, and the magic just went out of it. Once the adults had the lights on the tree, there was a favorite set of lights I always looked for. The lights had a squat base, and a glass tube going straight up out of the base. There was colored ﬂuid in the tube, and when the bulb had been on long

enough, bubbles used to rise up from the base. Even as a kid, I knew it wasn’t magic, but the eﬀect was magical, for me. Sometimes, on Christmas, some of the relatives would be over for dinner. A couple of aunts and uncles would join Mom and Dad to complete the adults component. Dad, who didn’t drink, kept a bottle of Old Overholt rye whiskey for one of my uncles. The men would be in the living room, a couple of them smoking cigars, and they’d be talking boxing, or baseball, or politics, in rumbling tones, with cigar smoke filling the room, and Uncle Joe sipping his rye whiskey. Evidently, all the subjects discussed were very serious, because the men didn’t laugh much. The women would be in the kitchen, laughing and talking, and clearing up the dinner dishes. We kids could hear them from our corner with the tree. Their talking and laughter were like the backdrop for our lives. We were in pajamas, ‘cause it was near bedtime, our Christmas presents around us, dozing on the living room ﬂoor, smelling the ham in the kitchen, being sliced and divided among the women, and the cigar smoke in the living room, hearing the adults that made up our world talking, and laughing, their words and laughter like walls around us, protecting us from the world. And though I didn’t know it then, that was the magic of Christmas. (Granto is a United States Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam, awarded the Purple Heart. For over 24 years, he worked for the University of Miami Medical Campus Security Department, and retired in 2014. He moved to Missouri City, with his wife to be closer to her daughter. He can be reached at mikegranto@hotmail.com.)

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INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 12, 2018 • Page 5

NEWS

Holiday survival guide for families with Autism: Fatty Liver Disease Could soon be the No. 1 reason Tips for taming the chaos Studies estimate 1 in 45 school-age children have autism spectrum disorder, so the chances are, you know, and will celebrate, the holidays with someone affected by autism. The lights, smells, crowds, and all the things we love about holidays, can be overwhelming to someone who is sensory sensitive. “Even under the best of circumstances, holidays end up being nearly equal parts celebration and stress for everyone,” says Darla Farmer, Founder of Hope For Three, a Fort Bend nonproﬁt providing resources and support to children on the spectrum. “For children with autism, and their families, the holidays can be downright chaotic and unpleasant. Loud, crowded gatherings, unfamiliar foods, having company and house guests, even just departure from familiar routines, can send kids into overload; but a little planning can go a long way toward making the holidays merry and bright.” Tips to Minimize Rachel Alexander and son Max, on the autism spectrum, enjoy Meltdowns: the holiday festivities at Sugar Land Town Center. •Plan, plan, plan, Map out the events and experiences that child cope. Check out websites, Stewart cookbook, and make will comprise your family’s such as, www.autismsocial- friends with minimalism. •Know the kiddos. If a child holidays and set expectations stories.com/christmas/. Social with autism is visiting your stories are a great way to prewith your children. home, ask the parents ahead of pare kids for novel experi•Let go of your plan. Yes, time, how to help with their exences in a way that creates real that’s right! Prepare for every perience. Can they come early understanding and minimizes eventuality you can imagine, to familiarize the child with anxiety. and then just trust everything the home? Simply ﬁnding out •Lower your expectations. will work out. Arm yourself if what’s on the menu can help. You and your family WILL with whatever soothes your make it to New Year’s. Somechild – favorite toys, books, Fort Bend Families Share times keeping it together is the snacks, and electronics. What Works for Them best you can do. Close out of •The Internet is full of re“Children with autism tend Pinterest, put down the Martha sources to help your family and

to thrive on consistency and routine; this particularly applies to my son Max. All of this can get tossed out the window whenever a holiday arrives. And while Max gets excited about Halloween, or Christmas or the Easter Bunny, he still finds it difficult to cope with a situation if it is different to his normal schedule/routine. What we do is to talk with him about what is about to happen and try and take it step by step, so he is aware of what comes next. The anxiety that I feel though can be overwhelming. Because no matter how hard we try to prepare him for the event; it could all go wrong in the blink of an eye. The fear of a meltdown is heartbreaking for me. I want him to enjoy the holidays, not be intimidated or scared by them. So; we talk to him and take it step by step and have a solid ‘exit plan’ in place just in case!” Alexander Family (Rachel Alexander) “It takes a lot of patience and best practices to involve our autistic daughter to join in on family festivities and pictures. We struggle with the holidays every year, but we always make the best of it!” David Martinez & Crystal Romine “Since our guy doesn’t talk we don’t even know what to buy him present wise … We still try to make it special and enjoy the time together on the holidays.” Jamie Smith For more valuable tips and resources, or to support local families, by giving a gift this holiday season, visit Hope For Three www.hopeforthree.org or call 281.265.0640.

Chinese books donated to Staﬀord MSD Our kids are competitive, and we want to compete on a national and international level.” Staﬀord MSD Deputy Superintendent Marva Rasberry knows that the donations will have an immediate impact on students. “Our students will be richly blessed and their knowledge will be enhanced, as a result of the donations,” Rasberry said.

for liver transplantation

Kerry Laursen, M.D. More than 100 million Americans have potentially deadly fatty liver disease and most do not even know it. Overeating and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol this holiday season could put someone with the disease on the fast track to liver failure. “There are no symptoms associated with fatty liver disease and no pain, so most people never get checked or treated for it and, over time, if it is not diagnosed the condition can cause severe liver damage,” said Kerry Laursen, M.D., a board certified family medicine physician with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Sienna Plantation. “In fact, the disease is so prevalent that it will soon overtake hepatitis C as the number one reason people need a liver transplant.” Fatty liver disease is fat inside the liver cells. Alcohol, drugs, obesity, lipid disorders and diabetes can all be causes. However, many with this condition suffer from metabolic syndrome, a constellation of factors which includes a large waist circumference (men greater than 40 inches, women greater than 35 inches), high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels and insulin resistance that heighten the risk of heart attack, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Over time, a person might begin to experience fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite. Laursen says even small amounts of binging on alcohol can lead to significant fat in the liver.

“Fatty liver disease, much like type 2 diabetes, will go away with proper diet and exercise. If you lose seven to 10 percent of your current weight, no matter how much you weigh, you can eliminate some fat from your liver,” Laursen said. “I would encourage people this holiday season try to use portion control.” Laursen says avoid supersizing food; use a smaller plate; don’t ﬁll up the entire plate; don’t go back for seconds; limit the amount of sweets and, of course, limit alcohol intake to one or two drinks.” Vigorous exercise, such as weight lifting, swimming, running or aerobics, between 75 and 150 minutes a week with a heart rate of 120 or above during the holiday season and beyond will help you tackle this problem. Laursen suggests eating fruits and vegetables before attending a family function or holiday party will help a person feel full and avoid foods high in fat. Between ﬁve and 20 percent of people with fatty liver will develop serious liver disease. Laursen says that number is likely to grow as the nation’s obesity problem continues to get worse. “If people are concerned about whether or not they have fatty liver disease, they can ask their physician to order liver function testing,” Laursen said. “The good thing is that with a few lifestyle changes this is a disease that is very manageable. Portion control and exercise are the keys to keeping it in check.” To schedule an appointment online with Kerry Laursen, M.D., or another family medicine physician in your area visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southwest or call 281.276.0653. For more information on Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital visit houstonmethodist. org/sugarland or visit fb.com/ methodistsugarland.

Novel mobile app to reduce distracted driving

Stafford resident Alice Chen remembers the day she decided to donate books to Stafford Municipal School District. She was home and heard a loud noise in the middle of the night. It was the collapse of her bookcase, from the multitude of books she had accumulated through the years. Chen soon decided to donate the books to Stafford MSD. “If I donate a book, every-

body can read it, not just myself,” she said. “And also, it promotes Chinese Culture.” On Thursday, Chen and Stafford MSD partnered to host a kickoff event for the District’s first Chinese Book Drive, which runs through Tuesday, Dec. 18. Three Hundred Chinese Books have been donated thus far – something that will boost the District’s Chinese Language Immersion Program. Stafford MSD Superinten-

dent Dr. Robert Bostic said the collaboration between the District and the community shows a great deal of commitment by everyone involved. “Thank you for your donations,” Staﬀord MSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Bostic said. “We can’t do it without you. There’s nowhere in Fort Bend County that you can ﬁnd a community that’s like Stafford. We respond to you, we give the kids what they need.

Memorial Hermann Life Flight® is working with the SAFE 2 SAVE mobile app to reward drivers who put their mobile devices down and keep their eyes on the road. The sponsorship is part of Memorial Hermann Health System’s ongoing educational and targeted prevention eﬀorts to drive change in behaviors and reverse the startling rise in distracted driving motor vehicle collisions in the Greater Houston Area. Deaths related to distracted driving motor vehicle collisions rose 62 percent in Harris County from 2016 to 2017, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. In 2017, more than 19 percent of motor vehicle collisions in Texas involved distracted driving, resulting in 444 deaths and more than 2,800 serious injuries, according to TxDOT. The Houston Chronicle recently labeled the Greater Houston Area’s driving conditions as the country’s most distracted and deadliest, based on its analysis of National Highway Traﬃc Safety Administration data. Many distracted driving motor vehicle collisions are preventable. “Part of our role as trusted providers of high-quality trauma care for our community is to educate and empower people across the region to change behaviors that cause preventable traumas,” said

Tom Flanagan, Vice President of Trauma Service Line and System Integration at Memorial Hermann. “We are tapping into the technology that has become such a large part of people’s lives and coincidentally, a major part of distracted driving.” Memorial Hermann will serve as the presenting sponsor of SAFE 2 SAVE in the Houston market. SAFE 2 SAVE rewards drivers for not using mobile devices while driving. For every minute a driver does not touch their mobile device while driving, they receive points that can be redeemed at select Houston area businesses such as Chickﬁl-A®, Papa John’s Pizza®, Dave & Buster’s® and Rooftop Cinema Club®. “We are thrilled to partner with Memorial Hermann Life Flight® on bringing SAFE 2 SAVE to the Houston market,” said Marci Cory, Owner & Founder of SAFE 2 SAVE. “With this partnership we hope to reach every Houstonian and serve as a driving force in reversing the rising trend of distracted driving impacting the Houston, Harris County and surrounding areas.” On average, one-third of the patients who come to Red Duke Trauma Institute at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, one of the busiest Level I trauma centers in the country, are involved in motor vehicle, auto-pedestrian or

bicycle collisions. Red Duke Trauma Institute has engaged students and adults in the Houston community through distracted driving prevention education programs for nearly a decade, including: •Live Your DREAMS - A safety program tailored for high-school students that uses education and engagement of safe driving behaviors to reduce impaired and distracted driving. •Impaired Driving Simulators - In partnership with the Houston Fire Department, Memorial Hermann oﬀers simulators that are used to give users a ﬁrsthand, virtual reality experience of impaired driving. •Driving Change Pledge - An oath all Houstonians are encouraged to take to reduce distractions while driving. “We see so many patients involved in motor vehicle collisions that are often caused by some distraction or impairment,” said Michelle McNutt, MD, Chief of Trauma at the Red Duke Trauma Institute at Memorial Hermann-TMC and McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. “If we can change the behaviors of Houstonians, we can help reduce the number of friends and families who experience the devastating toll these preventable collisions take on the community.” Learn more about the distracted driving initiatives at Memorial Hermann.

INDEPENDENT â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 12, 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 6

AUTOMOBILE: Kia Stinger

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Ushering in a new dynamic era for Kia Motors is the allnew 2018 Stinger. The ďŹ vepassenger sportback is the highest-performance production vehicle in the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and was designed in Frankfurt, Germany, developed on the Nurburgring and built by the brand ranked highest in initial quality The Stinger exudes a muscular conďŹ dence. The keys to its road presence are the rear-wheel-drive proportions; a long hood and short front overhang, an extended wheelbase to deliver a spacious cabin, and a long rear overhang. The Stingerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stance and visual balance are designed to lend the car an air of elegance and athleticism, rather than boyracer aggression. Front and center of the driver is a thick hand-stitched

multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters. An available color screen between the gauges relays such performance data as cornering G-forces, lap times and engine-oil temperature, and ancillary information such as the trip computer, driver settings, navigation and diagnostics. Kia says its engineers put every development Stinger through a minimum of 480 laps (equivalent to 6,214 miles) of high-stress driving around the Nordschleife for quality, reliability and durability testing. The constant combination of hard acceleration, rapid deceleration, heavy cornering, changing surfaces and camber resulted in nearly 100,000 miles of on-road testing. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, the Stingerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wheelbase is 114.3 inches

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Jordan Ranch, Section 11, Precinct 3.

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

long so longer than the Audi A5 Sportback, InďŹ niti Q50, Lexus IS, BMW 4 Gran Coupe and the Lexus GS. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also longer overall (190.2 inches) and wider (73.6 inches) and provides 23.3 cu.-ft. of cargo space. Riding on a chassis of 55 percent high-strength steel, the Stinger provides an ultrastiďŹ&#x20AC; foundation for the rideand-handling and provides a quieter cabin. The MacPherson front setup features large diameter shock absorbers, high-strength wheel bearings, and an aluminum strut brace, while the reinforced ďŹ ve-link rear suspension is mounted to a stiďŹ&#x20AC;ened rear subframe. The base Stinger rides on a passive suspension that offers a balance of handling and ride comfort, while the GT trim is available with Kiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst continuously damping electronically controlled suspension. Depending on road conditions and driving style the suspension can be tuned to respond with more agility through corners as the system softens the front shocks and ďŹ rms up the rear. Conversely, improved high-speed stability is achieved when the system stiďŹ&#x20AC;ens the front shocks and softens the rear. Two turbocharged engines are available. The 2.0-liter

twin-scroll turbocharged fourcylinder engine produces 255 horsepower at 6,200 rpm with 260 lb.-ft. of maximum torque available from 1,400 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4,000 rpm. It propels the Stinger from 0-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. It was the test drive Stinger and gets an average of 25 miles to the gallon. The second motor available is the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, which produces 365 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and makes 376 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,350 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4,500 rpm. It accelerates to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Pushing the twin turbocharged V6 to its full potential allows the Stinger GT to achieve a governed top speed of 167 mph. The Stinger is Kiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst sedan available with rear- or all-wheel drive. The advanced AWD system is engineered to enhance turn-in and reduce understeer by applying braking force to the inner wheels.

The system also freely distributes torque between the front and rear wheels, depending on driving conditions. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder models ride on 225/45R-18 performance allseason tires while the 3.3-liter V6 is shod with staggered ultra-high performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires that have been speciďŹ cally engineered and tuned for the Stinger; 225/40R-19 in front and 255/35R-19 at the rear. Optional equipment on the Kia Stinger includes a new driver attention warning system to help combat distracted or drowsy driving, forward collision avoidance, cruise control with stop & go, lane keeping and assist blind spot collision warning with rear cross traďŹ&#x192;c collision warning. The Stingerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest infotainment systems include an available height-adjustable color head-up display, turn-

by-turn navigation, and audio and cruise control settings. Bluetooth hands-free is standard. The base audio system for the 2.0-liter turbo Stinger features six speakers and a seven-inch touchscreen. The standard system in the 3.3-liter twin turbo ups the speaker count to nine and includes an external ampliďŹ er. The available premium Harman/Kardon audio system pumps out 720 watts through an external ampliďŹ er. Is the Kia Stinger a fun car to drive? Absolutely. It runs great whether full bore or slowly. The Stingerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MSRP is $31,900 with optional equipment increasing that by $2,000. It is not only a hot four-door sedan with great style but is beautifully appointed inside and is also most comfortable and roomy.

Ridge Point High School Fine Arts Department presents Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Original High School Musical. January 24, 25, 26, 31 and February 1, 2 Showtime: 7 p.m. Tickets Available at: www.rphstheatrebooster.com. Tickets will also be available at the door $15 Adults and $10 students. Pre-sale online $12 Adults and $8 students. The show will take place at the Ridge Point Auditorium.

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INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 12, 2018 • Page 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Super Scarecrow Fest Raises $20,000 for Texana Center

Rowena’s Design and Family took home the grand prize for their “Infinity Scarecrows” during this fall’s Scarecrow Fest in Cross Creek Ranch. Fulshear, TX The forces of good triumphed in Cross Creek Ranch where this year’s superhero-themed Scarecrow Fest raised $20,000 for Texana Center. A little rain couldn’t dampen the spirts of the more than 9,000 fans coming out to see a Justice League full of super scarecrows, vying to be named the most “ex-straw-dinary.” First place and $1,000 was awarded to Rowena’s Design and Family for their “Inﬁnity Scarecrows” display featuring a seated Thanos from “Avengers: Inﬁnity War” surrounded by pumpkins, Spiderman and Iron Man. The victory was especially sweet for mom Rowena Vicerra Laine whose two youngest sons have attended classes at Texana.

Winning third place in the scarecrow-decorating contest at Scarecrow Fest were the Occupational Therapy Assistant Class of 2020.

Thompkins High School Robotics took home $500 for “Steel Talons.” The Occupational Therapy Assistant Class of 2020 received third place and the $250 prize. “Despite the weather, this was our best Scarecrow Fest ever,” said Rob Bamford, General Manager of Cross Creek Ranch. “The scarecrows were so imaginative and detailed, it was tough to pick a winner. We’d like to thank our sponsors and everyone else who came out to have fun and support Texana. ” Presented by Smart Financial, the festival also included a live band, pumpkin patch, face painting, performances by Houston Disc Dogs, photo opportunities with a capuchin monkey and midway merchants. Sky King Falconry introduced guests to hawks, owls, falcons, vultures and other raptors.

Brazos Bend Start Park brought out snakes and reptiles for a meet and greet. The funds raised for Texana Center will go toward a new Fulshear facility that will house a retail training center, the organization’s nationally recognized autism program and a new college-like program for adults with autism and/or intellectual disabilities. The Scarecrow Fest is one of several highly anticipated Fulshear-area events that are held in Cross Creek Ranch. Homes in the community are priced from the $200,000s. For more information on Cross Creek Ranch, visit https:// www.crosscreektexas.com.

The Houston Disc Dogs were on hand to entertain crowds at Scarecrow Fest with their feats of agility.

Hampton Bonnete, left, and Zariah Alexander were among the 9,000 people attending the 2018 Scarecrow Fest.

Sky King Falconry introduced guests to hawks, owls, falcons, vultures and other raptors during last month’s Scarecrow Fest in Cross Creek Ranch.

Area beauty pageant winners of varying ages made an appearance at Scarecrow Fest to meet the crowd and enjoy the fun.

Kenzie, left, and Areri Preston enjoyed face painting and other fall-themed activities at Scarecrow Fest in Cross Creek Ranch.

Festival-goers take a moment for a quick selfie before a carnival ride gets underway at the Scarecrow Fest in Cross Creek Ranch.

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT •

DECEMBER 12, 2018

17 AMAZING

At Johnson Development, we make more than just places to live; we create amazing communities for what you enjoy most. Whether you’re seasoning dinner with herbs from our Harvest Green community garden, hitting the trails in Grand Central Park or splashing at our huge waterparks in Sienna Plantation, you’re sure to find that life is special in a Johnson Development community.

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