VOL 9 No. 48
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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016
P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623
Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City
Local officials and state legislators at odds over property tax reform
County Judge Bob Hebert, left, address the 2016 Legislative Conference. Others are State Senators and Representatives Lois Kolkhorst, Joan Huffman, John Zerwas, Ron Reynolds, Rick Miller and Phil Stephens. By SESHADRI KUMAR logue would be beneficial for helath care, according to ZerSome form of property tax both the parties. The legislators was. He does not believe that reform is bound to occur in the also pointed out the concerns Medicaid will be expanded. next session of the Texas Legis- expressed by their constituents, “I have a sense of optimism lature even as Lt. Governor Dan which are not always compat- in this (new) administration. Patrick and Senator Paul Bet- ible with what the local elected Block grants are more likely,” tencourt are carrying the torch officials say. Zerwas said. with a proposed 4 percent revLegalization of marijuana is There is a big divide, espeenue cap on property taxes lev- cially on the issue of property not going to happen, while no ied by local cities and counties. taxes, appraisal values and the smoking zones may be expandThis proposal has met with functioning of the Appraisal ed to include state supported arvehement opposition from the Review Board. eas, he said. cities and counties and the local Reynolds, a Democrat, said Kolkhorst gave a brief outgovernments have launched a line of the legislative agenda. public education is a non-partino holds barred attack on Pat- In the next session, a lot of san issue like healthcare. Good rick and Bettencourt, as their regulations are likely to be re- public schools are imperative proposal is “short-sighted and moved, she said. for producing a good workbased on misleading data.” The low oil and gas prices force, he said. School finance The staunch difference of have been a drag on the state should be a top priority and opinion between mayors and budget and the revenue is go- the supreme court need not tell county commissioners and ing to be tight. The biennial the legislature how to fund the Texas legislators came out revenue estimate is expected schools, Reynolds said. in the open during the 2016 in January. Indications are that The state budget presuppFort Bend County Legislative there will no extra money and poses a 4 percent cut across Conference, hosted by County the state should live within its the board. “We are already lean Judge Bob Hebert and facili- means, Kolkhorst said. and mean in school financing,” tated by the Greater Economic One big challenge the state Reynolds said. Development Council. Miller said Child Protective faces is in the entitlement proThis is the eighth confer- gram and the state is hoping for Services is “truly screwed up” ence of its kind , held every two a wholesale change. However, and a comprehensive reform is years ahead of the legislative the legislators are not looking needed. CPS is the only agency session ever since Hebert was forward to ‘fun session.” which has not been asked to cut elected county judge. Huffman in her remarks said 4 percent of its budget, Miller The conference provides a the legislature will tackle pen- said. platform for the local govern- sion reform and voter ID bills, Miller said Texas Veterans ments to present their issues besides property tax reform. need more help and they should and concerns directly to their “Many constituents are feel- have easy access to alternative elected representatives so that ing that they are drowning in therapy. Miller has also been they can make an informed de- rising property taxes,” Huffman active on pursuing state sovercision on the bills coming up said. eignty issue with fiscal responbefore the legislature. No one wants to tie the hands sibility and term limits as guidThe conference held at Lost of the local elected officials and ing principles. Pines in Bastrop, outside of there is no attempt to say that Stephenson said the state Austin, from Nov. 16 to 18, was they can only spend so much. should fix the problem of unattended by State Senators Lois But, political reality is differ- funded mandates faced by local Kolkhorst and Joan Huffman ent and there is a groundswell entities. He also believed that and State Reps. Rick Miller, of grassroot unhappiness over the ARB members should be Ron Reynolds, John Zerwas property taxes, Huffman said. elected. and Phil Stephenson. County Judge Hebert in his She urged the local officials to City mayors in Fort Bend be part of the solution. remarks highlighted the probCounty, school district board Zerwas echoed a similar sen- lems faced by senior citizens of trustees and superintendents timent when he said appraisal is in deferred taxes and exorbitant and county commissioners at- a major issue. interest rates they paid on them. tended the conference besides The proponents of revenue “The Appraisal Review the corporate members of the Board upsets people,” Zerwas caps and rollback elections are EDC. said and added that people feel not considering the potentially Kolkhorst and other legis- they can’t sell the property for unforeseen impacts of such prolators listened to the local of- its appraisal amount. See TAX, Page 3 ficials attentively and the diaThe big, looming issue is
CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR DEC. 9 and 10. Gearing up for the 25th Anniversary Child Advocates of Fort Bend Christmas Home Tour and the wreath raffle L to R are: Lauren Jordin, Carol Thesing, Casey Davis, Aly Tomasello and Lisa Moore. For more information on the Christmas Home Tour or the wreath raffle go to www.cafb.org or contact Lisa Moore at lmoore@cafb.org or 281-344-5108. Proceeds from the tour benefit Child Advocates of Fort Bend and its programs for abused and neglected children. The 2016 Tour will feature five distinctive homes in Sugar Creek, Belknap Brookside, Riverstone and Telfair beautifully decorated for the holidays with the help of professional decorators and designers. Tour guests will be treated to a rare glimpse of these lovely homes, and will enjoy festive entertainment, beautiful holiday decorations, tasty home-made cookies and refreshments. The event runs Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. with a special candlelight tour on Friday night from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. One ticket provides admission to all five homes and can be used at any time during the tour. Directions to the homes are on the back of the ticket.
Congratulations! Melissa B. Ridling, daughter of Sgt. Stephan Ridling, left, and police officer Elizabeth Scardino Ridling (not pictured) received a Sheriff’s Association of Texas Scholarship for $500 for the Fall 2016 semester. Melissa is a Nursing major at Stephan F. Austin State University. Sheriff Troy Nehls made the presentation.
Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 30, 2016
KCAM receives Third Annual End of the Year Donation from Commissioner Andy Meyers
On Friday, November 18, Fort Bend Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers attended the Opening Reception of “For the Love of Paper”, KCAM’s first international art exhibition showcasing the large works on paper by Mexican artist Alfredo Gisholt. On this occasion, Commissioner Meyers presented Museum Director, Ana Villaronga-Roman with a $2,500 donation from Fort Bend Charities, a charity he founded to help non profits in his precinct. “Commissioner Meyers understands the importance of supporting the arts and Fort
Bend County’s only art museum. He realizes the benefits the arts bring to the economic development of our area, the future of our community as well as the significance the arts have on our Children’s education,” says VillarongaRoman. She adds “Meyers has been supporting KCAM since its opening in 2013 and is the only elected official in our area to verbalize and commit to the importance of arts support”. Meyers founded the Literary Fine Arts Show and Parade almost at the same time as Villaronga-Roman found-
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May God Bless our Men and Women in the Military
ed the KCAM Contemporary Art Museum Fort Bend. “Not every child will grow up to be an athlete. Some are born with innate artistic talents that must be fostered and strengthened”, comments Commissioner Meyers. He adds, “our community should recognize that and help support it. I urge others, residents and businesses as a whole, to consider giving to our many art organizations during this time. KCAM is there for us to enjoy, visit and learn. We owe them our thanks and support.” From left to right: Commissioner Andy Meyers, Ana Villaronga-Roman, Artist Alfredo Gisholt in front of his Untitled painting on paper. — Photo credit: Debi Beauregard
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INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 30, 2016 • Page 3
Missouri City delays action on Obama assures Trump’s election re-naming street after Ruben Davis
COMMENTARY By RUSSELL C. JONES (First in a Series) As the election season began in the fall of 2015, Hillary remained as coy and shy as a schoolgirl on the question of whether she would run for the office which, as was known to all, was the goal of her entire life, the fantasy to which she had aspired since her days at Wellesley. Yet the national pundits were convinced that, if ever there would again be a Republican in the White House, this was the year. Obama had done his best to assure American decline, and the voters would rebel. Any Republican–any of the 13 announced candidates–except that “buffoon” Trump–could and would defeat any Democrat, even Hillary, who had spent Obama’s years as the First Woman President in Waiting. It is now hard to remember those heady times for Republicans, so many prospects having gone down to defeat– Bush, Cruz, Rubio, Kasich and all the rest. So many months have passed since Trump stomped, slandered, mauled and maligned the last survivors of the “serious” candidates. Yet, here we are, Republicans revived, Democrats discouraged, just as predicted in 2015, with the sole deviation that even Trump could win over the only candidate the Democratic establishment could muster. How could that be? How did American politics collapse into such a sinkhole? The answer is simple: Obama. Obama advanced his plan for hope and change in early 2008. Of course few voters knew what he was hoping for or what changes he wanted. Most who followed his siren song failed to understand his real goals to be that America should not lead the free world, but that instead it should be just one of many mediocre nations, should not be richer than other countries, and should provide no more to its citizens than any of dozens of socialist states around the world. His foreign policy was intended to be a retrenchment from America’s status as the world’s sole super power. His first tour of foreign governments became known as the “apology tour” as he explained to world leaders how sorry he was for all the bad things that America had done and bowed to numerous unelected heads of state along the way. It was a bizarre start and early warning as to what would be coming in the following years. Within days Obama made it clear that bipartisanship was not part of his game. He had won the White House. The Republicans had lost, and he told them so during the first meeting after his 2009 elec-
tion. He really did not care what the other side had to say and has maintained that attitude through today, despite the fact that his party has not held both houses of Congress since 2011. Obama’s arrogant attitude toward those whom he deemed as lesser persons was legend. That group pretty much included everyone who did not agree with him on everything. He mocked those who “cling to their religion.” He insisted on having his socalled “affordable care act” passed at any cost, without a single Republican vote. He scolded members of the Supreme Court for a decision upholding the First Amendment’s right of free speech even as they paid respect by attending his state of the union address. He declined to have Congress approve his treaty with Iran because it would have defeated the agreement; who needs the mandate of the constitution? It would be his legacy, he said. The American decline in foreign policy continued as Obama “led from behind.” He became the laughingstock of foreign leaders when it became clear that his scornful words would not be enforced with action. Remember the red line which would be crossed if Syria used gas on its own people. Remember the tough words on the Ukraine, where all of Crimea and substantial portions of the Eastern half of the country were ripped away by Putin because of Obama’s timidity, cowardice, or perhaps his preference that America abandon its role of world leader. He has strong words for international friends and foes alike, with virtually no action to follow. For eight years, he has ignored separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches. When Congress would not give him what he wanted in foreign policy, in immigration policy, in budgetary matters, in trade caps, in appointments to positions requiring congressional approval, to name a few, he went around Congress and did what he wanted anyway. He unrelentingly favored union organizers over the rights of the very same Amer-
At their Monday, Nov. 7 Regular Meeting, Missouri City Council Members unanimously approved two ordinances related to Code Enforcement policies and procedures; the actions are aimed at assisting officers in the field and streamlining the violation reporting process. The first ordinance gives Code Enforcement Officers the ability to wear body cameras and to issue a notice to appear in Missouri City Municipal Court to any person who violates a City ordinance. This notice will require recipients to appear on the date indicated, and recipients will be asked
to provide personal identifiers such as name, address, date of birth and a driver’s license. In the event an individual fails to appear in court, a warrant can be secured for his or her arrest. “With Code Enforcement Officers now able to issue Notices to Appear and issue the notice directly to the violator, we will employ body-worn cameras, such as the ones our officers use, for the purposes of safety, to record for whom the notice is written, and provide further identification in the field,” Police Chief Mike Berezin said. “We have already seen the benefits of body-worn cameras in
Jones
ican businesses that made the country the richest in the world. Remember the Chrysler bankruptcy settlement, when he violated existing law, telling creditors to take a hike while he divvied up the remaining corporate offal among the unions. Where, exactly, did he get off personally firing the chairman of General Motors? For eight years he has allowed the Justice Department to run amok, selectively enforcing laws favoring against political enemies failing to do so for his friends. Where was the DOJ when it was time to prosecute the Black Panthers intimidating voters outside an election poll or to shine the light on the Clinton Foundation? How is it that the Secretary of Justice has the authority to tell Americans who should go to which public bathroom? He has been as divisive as any President in a generation, siding with those who cause violence in the street and blaming those whose jobs are to make the streets safe. Regardless of the problem, don’t blame Obama; it was Bush’s fault. He has refused to acknowledge the honest concern of Americans about terrorist activities in the United States and abroad, instead denying the root cause of the problem. He has allowed the IRS to make decisions according to the political leanings of the Americans with whom it dealt. Political enemies were selectively audited. Conservative organizations were denied 401 C-4 status. When the IRS came under heat, he encouraged the FEC to investigate conservative candidates with the intent of discouraging donors. He pushed for new regulations by the SEC with the intent to discourage political donations to causes favorable to businesses and, usually, unfavorable to unions. The list goes on and on. However unpopular Hillary was, she might still have stood a chance of being elected, except that she seized upon the misguided notion that her first term would essentially be Obama’s third term. That was the tipping point for many Americans. Eight years of Obama was eight too many. Obama Redux was not to be America’s fate. (To be continued) (Mr. Jones is a local businessman and attorney. He served as a Sugar Land City Councilman from 2003 to 2011 and currently serves as President of the Gulf Coast Water Authority. He has an advanced degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Advance International Studies and a law degree from the University of Houston Bates School of Law.)
Stiffer penalties for code violation
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maintaining the trust of our community in our police force. They also protect the City and our officers from false claims of misconduct.” The second ordinance establishes graduated minimum penalties for certain violations, such as high grass, building code violations, solid waste and recycling receptacle screening and junked vehicles. Approved violations are as follows: •Chapter 14 International Code violations (i.e. Building Code) and environmental nuisances (i.e. high grass) – A minimum fine of $100 for a first conviction; $250 for the second conviction; $500 for three or more convictions. •Chapter 30 Junked Vehicles violation – A minimum fine of $100 for a first conviction; $125 for the second conviction; $150 for three or more convictions. Solid Waste Receptacle Placement – A minimum fine of $50
By BARBARA FULENWIDER Two weeks ago when renaming Orchard Street to Ruben Davis Drive came up things didn’t go smoothly then and they didn’t again at Missouri City’s Nov. 21 council meeting. At council’s Nov. 7 meeting, Mayor Allen Owen presented the item by telling his fellow members and the audience why he believed council should honor the former Precinct 2 constable who served Missouri City and Houston residents for 22 years. At-Large Councilman Jerry Wyatt was adamant about the city having a policy regarding the renaming of anything in the city and tagged the item. His tagging of the item stops speaking about it and voting on it. With Wyatt’s tag the item was closed until the next council meeting. At the next one, three of Missouri City’s female residents each strongly urged council to change the name of Orchard Drive to Ruben Davis Drive. The first speaker was Roseline Cash who said Davis did a lot for the community for the past 20 years. She said she knew his family and they would “really appreciate renaming the street for him. I plead with you tonight to rename Orchard Lane to Ruben Davis Drive.” The next speaker was Cynthia Banning who said she has been a resident of Missouri City for 27 years and owns 10 properties in the city. When comments were made (by Wyatt) in the “Fort Bend Independent” saying he hadn’t done anything for Missouri City, “that just wasn’t true. “If you say he wasn’t a resident, we bought our property and fought not being annexed (by Houston.) This man has gone through so much. You need to not say what he hasn’t
Tax From Page 1 -posals, Hebert said. Such caps would create uncertainty in spending during the rollback election period. The bond rates are likely to increase with the decreased revenue stream. Hebert asked the legislators if they had an open mind for real reform other than the 4 percent revenue cap. City mayors uniformly denounced the proposed 4 percent cap on property tax rate increase and the automatic election for increasing the tax rate by more than 4 percent. Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen said the local government should have ownership of local issues and he supported steps to preserve local control and funding mechanism. Besides unfunded mandates, the city spent 55 percent of its revenue on public safety and any artificial restraint on revenue would adversely affect the city’s ability to provide essential services, Owen said. By placing the cap, the state is pursuing the cities to raise taxes, he said. Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman, gave an example of how the city, with local voter participation, already managed funding for projects, thus obviating the need for an artificial cap and roll back election. Zimmerman cited the examfor a first conviction; $250 for the second conviction; $500 for three or more convictions. As part of this new City Council initiative, staff will also begin publishing updates on the Top 5 Violations in the City. Currently, updates are being shared on the following addresses: 2115 South Fountain Valley Drive ; 2123 Masters Lane; 2211 Glenn Lakes Lane; 2203 Victoria Court ; 511 Reecewood Lane . These ordinances were passed based on recommendations from
done but what he has done. It’s very, very, very important to me.” Then Mary Ross who lived in Fort Bend Pct. 2 in the Houston/Fort Bend neighborhood said she also knew Constable Davis for 20 years. She said even though they sometimes disagreed on politics “it was never personal.” “He’s one of the few elected officials I’ve grown to know. We’d have a big disagreement but when I needed something he was the first one there. His home was in Houston, Fort Bend but his office was in Missouri city, Fort Bend so he served portions of Houston and Missouri City and he did a great job as constable. “I don’t know anyone who will refute that. What endeared him to everyone was what he did for so many people and he did it consistently all the time. I think it rises to at least a street being named after him,” Ross concluded. Then the mayor invited Fort Bend Rep. Ron Reynolds to step to the podium. Reynolds said he was at the council meeting to support changing the Orchard Street name to Ruben Davis Drive. “I don’t understand why it’s a problem not to name this street after him considering for over 20 years he dedicated his life to public service. “When it came to Missouri City Ruben Davis was there. He had back to school drives so kids would have backpacks and school supplies. He did a Thanksgiving dinner for senior citizens and the same at Christmas time. He also did fingerprints on kids so that could be identified and he’d be there during Halloween. “He was a family man very active in his church who served his community with distinction. This is not to be politicized. It’s to honor a past community servant. I urgently
ask you to please make sure we leave his legacy intact and rename Orchard Street to Ruben Davis Boulevard.” With the public speaker part of the item done, it was council members’ turn to speak and only Wyatt did. He began by saying, “I still object to changing the name of the street even though Ruben was all those things everyone said, he did not perform a service to Missouri City. He didn’t enforce traffic or anything like that. He may have performed services to individuals.” Then the at-large councilman talk about how honoring Fort Bend County’s first African-American sheriff after Reconstruction came about. Wyatt said he first talked to Pct. 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage about it and then to council in a workshop. “That is different from what the mayor did. I object to how the mayor treated us at the last meeting on this. I think we need a policy to make these decisions. Elkins (Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Lawrence E.) was to be named for a park but it didn’t happen. It was StaMo Park. It didn’t get named for Elkins for the same reason I objected to this change in name. We had some preview in oversight.” Wyatt went on to say, “Ruben was a lot of people’s friends but the other problem was I have a real problem when people threaten to sue the city. I’m going to stop short on that. I’m simply going to tag this item until the policy on renaming streets is made.” Councilman Don Smith said, “If it’s tagged we don’t need any more discussion on it. If it’s tagged we can no longer discuss it.” With that the mayor moved on to the next agenda item.
ple of the three park bond propositions in Sugar Land recently, of which two were approved. Though voters approved a debt tax rate of 3.1 cents for $100 valuation on a $30 million bond issue, the city only used 7/10th of a cent tax rate for debt service. “We would not tax, unless we have to,” Zimmerman said. In the latest budget year, the initial anticipated growth in revenue was 7 to 8 percent, but the final appraised value ended up with a 3.6 percent increase. Yet, the city managed to give back taxes to taxpayers and by increased homestead exemption returned about $500,000, Zimmerman said. “People elected us to make these decisions. You allow us to make the decisions we are elected to make,” he told the legislators. Meadows Place Mayor Charles Jessup said among those making decisions on property tax reform, only a few have municipal experience. Mayors know how to run the city, but those in Austin making the decisions affecting the cities do not know what they are talking about, Jessup said. In the concluding session, Hebert said property tax reform can radically affect local entities. In the past, the issue did not gain much traction, but with Lt. Governor Patrick, the bill
will get out of the senate and there is a threat, Hebert said. The house and senate should come together and fix the property tax reform, but any appraisal or revenue cap will fail, Hebert said. “Senior citizens need relief. We need to revisit appraisals and the Appraisal Review Board,” Hebert said.
the newly created Nuisance Abatement Team, which consists of members of Code Enforcement, the Police Department, Development Services, the City Manager’s Office and the Legal Department. The committee, which began meeting regularly in August 2016, is charged with developing the philosophy, processes, communications and means to measure the outcomes and reporting out on code enforcement initiatives.
STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: ROBERT ROSS PULLMAN JR and to all whom it may concern, Respondent(s), You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday next following the expiration of 20 days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building. The petition of LINDA SCOTT; JIMMY SCOTT, Petitioner, was filed in the 505TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas ON THIS THE 17TH DAY OF JUNE, 2016 against ROBERT ROSS PULLMAN, JR, Respondent(s), numbered 16-DCV233216, and entitled IN THE INTEREST OF DEREON PAUL SCOTT A CHILD. The suit request TO TERMINATE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP as is more fully shown by Petition on file in this suit. The date and place of birth of the child(ren) who is/are the subject of the suit: JUNE 05, 2014 FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS The Court has authority in this suit to render an order in the child(ren)’s interest which will be binding on you, including the termination of the parentchild relationship, the determination of paternity and the appointment of a conservator with authority to consent to the child(ren)’s adoption. Issued and given under my hand and seal of said Court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 18th day of November, 2016. ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER: JACQUELINE Y. MILLER 7322 SW FREEWAY #1015 HOUSTON TX 77074 713-522-8242 DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas Deputy District Clerk Lyndi D. Turner 281-633-7620
Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 30, 2016
FINANCE & INVESTMENT
Should I own bonds?
Many clients come to us having never invested in bonds, with little understanding of how bonds work and the advantages/disadvantages of owning this asset class. After stocks, bonds are typically the second largest asset class in a portfolio. Bonds serve two functions in an investment portfolio. First, they provide income and a return of principal at a speciďŹ c point in time. Second, they dampen the volatility of an all- stock portfolio. When comparing bonds to stocks, we must consider real returns (returns after ination). What is most critical to the long-term investor is the growth of purchasing power. Since ďŹ nancial assets are ultimately used to purchase “things,â€? the ability to achieve real returns is important. If we compare the longterm real returns of stocks vs. bonds, there is no question which asset class performs best to achieve this goal. During the past two centuries, stocks have provided nearly a 7 percent return after ination. Bonds, in contrast, have provided a markedly declining real return over time. In fact, since World War II, bonds have returned little over ination. If this is the case, then why invest in bonds? Why not simply own only stocks? To reiterate from above, bonds can provide a guaranteed principal return (assuming no default of the issuer) at a speciďŹ c point in time. For example, if you are
Brandon Arns, left, Jared Jameson, and Bill Jameson. saving for college for your child and you need the money in exactly ďŹ ve years, you can purchase a bond that matures in ďŹ ve years. Bonds also are less volatile than stocks and provide a damper to an aggressive stock portfolio. The last several years of high volatility and stock market declines have demonstrated the beneďŹ ts of owning bonds in a portfolio. If we decide to add bonds to a portfolio (which we strongly suggest in most cases), the work has just begun. Several decisions must be made. First, should you own individuals bonds or bond mutual funds? If we are buying bonds for a speciďŹ c goal and must have the money on a speciďŹ c date, individual bonds may be the answer. If, however, bonds are a portion of a long-term investment portfolio, then a bond mutual fund may be more appropriate. The second decision involves the types of bonds
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LETTER: Local elections To the Editor: The Fort Bend Democratic Chair says, the county “turned blue� because the Democratic top of the ticket won. The Houston Chronicle says, Fort Bend turned “purple because the DEMS won the top race and lost the down ballot races. Others argue the county turned “ redder� because an incumbent Democratic county commissioner lost. Whatever your take, one thing is certain, every African Ameri-
can running county wide lost on the Democratic ticket - a ticket that won by 6 points over its Republican rival. No Fort Bend County African American candidate running county wide won in a diverse county with an electorate evenly divided between African Americans, Anglos, Asians, and Latinos. Every county wide African American ran on the Democratic ticket. Where were the African American community’s “friends� - or, Is it “just us�
FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.
12551 Emily Court, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor
www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745
Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 12551, Emily Court, Texas 77478. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.
African Americans support every ethnic group’s candidates Black, White, Latino, and Asian. Reciprocity is required, especially in a time when the Republicans espouse White Supremacist, White Nationalist rhetoric and policies, that threaten all citizens of color - Muslim and Indian alike, national and local interests in every hamlet. All politics is local. The Fort Bend Independent and election data support the following claim: Over 10,000 Muslim and Indian voters voted for the Democratic top and then switched over and voted the Republican down ballot, missing the opportunity to elect persons who share many of the same values and interests. I believe communities of color are natural allies. Can we talk very soon? Rodney GriďŹƒn Fort Bend County Democratic Executive Committee
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INSURANCE
Keep your home safe from burglars
By BASIL HOUSEWRIGHT You should at least make it diďŹƒcult for a burglar to break into your home. Amazingly, 30% of home burglaries involve entry through an unlocked window or door. In the United States, nearly four burglaries happen every minute. Over 70% of burglaries happen in residential communities. The average burglary loss was over $2,000. Over 80% of police oďŹƒcials believe that a home security system deters burglars from attempting to rob someone. They move on to the house without the security system. Here are some home security tips: 1. Make sure locks on all sliding glass doors are sturdy. Cut an appropriate length of a strong solid piece of wood or old broom handle and place in the closed door’s track to prevent it being opened for additional reinforcement. 2. Make certain that the sliding glass door can’t easily be removed from its rollers or glide path. 3. Install secondary window locks on all ďŹ rst oor windows and any second oor ones that
Housewright have access to a porch, patio, or garage roof. You can position the locks to allow for limited opening for fresh air while not making enough space for a person to ďŹ t through the window. 4. If your front door is a hollow-core type door replace it with a metal or solid-core front door. 5. Replace front doors that have decorative glass windows or panels, or at least install break resistant plastic panes in those types of doors. Installing a decorative grille over the glass is another good security feature for a front door. 6. Install a security system and utilize a 24/7 monitoring service and make sure you set
it any time you are not home even for short periods of absence. Post a sign out in front of your home informing you have a security system. A sign by itself even if you do not have a system is a good deterrent but not as eective. 7. Don’t advertise you are leaving for a trip/vacation on places like social media sites. Post and tell your friends after you get home so you do not let others know your home is going to be empty for a few days. 8. Report any strange activities you notice in your neighborhood to police authorities. 9. Do not allow door-todoor salespeople in your home. They may be casing your home out. 10. Use timers to turn small lamps on in the home when you are traveling so it appears the home is occupied. Housewright is manager of Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc a local Independent Insurance Agency operating in Sugar Land since 1991. He can be reached at (281) 277-7800, Fax (281) 277-7801, E-Mail – basil@texansinsure.com. Visit www.texansinsure.com.
Fort Bend ISD prepares for new state accountability system
Fort Bend ISD is preparing for the new statewide accountability system that is set to go into eect in 2018, even as FBISD trustees and administrators ask legislators to implement a more meaningful accountability system. The Board of Trustees conducted their November Board workshop at Bush High School on November 7, 2016, inviting parents and community members to speak to Board members and District leaders during the ďŹ rst half of the evening. Following the dialogues, the workshop included an informational presentation on accountability from Dr. Megan Evans, FBISD Director of Innovation and Continuous Improvement. Beginning in 2018, the state will transition from a four index system to a ďŹ ve domain system, with each campus and the District receiving six A-F letter grades: one grade in the ďŹ ve domains, as well as an overall grade. Although the state has not yet released exactly how the letter grades will be calculated, approximately 55 percent of the campus and Districts’ overall grade will be based on the ďŹ rst three domains, which Board members noted are largely based on standardized tests. Trustee Jim Rice questioned the rationale for the new system, believing it may have an adverse eect. “This will help make sure that we teach to the test,â€? said Rice. “I ďŹ nd that very disheartening and disturbing because I think, especially FBISD, as we are the most diverse district in the state of Texas, to say one
letter grade is going to explain the whole story behind one of our schools is ridiculous,â€? said Board Member Grayle James. “If our students are making progress year to year, I think that is a better measure of how well we’re doing.â€? The set of indicators will be used to measure and evaluate school districts and campuses by December 1, 2016. School districts across the state will receive provisional grades in the new system in January 2017. These grades will be given to schools and the District, as if the system were already in place. The oďŹƒcial start of the new accountability system will be the summer of 2018.
Priority Schools
During the Board workshop, Dr. Mark Foust, FBISD Chief of Schools, explained that Fort Bend ISD has proactively identiďŹ ed ďŹ fteen Priority Schools that are receiving additional support and resources based on student performance data from the current accountability system. These schools are also at risk of receiving lower grades when preliminary letter grades are announced. There are ten elementary Priority Schools: Briargate, Ridgemont, Armstrong, Burton, Jones, Blue Ridge, Goodman, Lantern Lane, Mission West and Hunters Glen. There are ďŹ ve secondary Priority Schools: McAulie, Missouri City, and Lake Olympia Middle Schools, and Willowridge and Marshall High Schools. “For the priority campuses, we have focused our attention on providing signiďŹ cant additional resources that are
intended to speciďŹ cally support and improve classroom instructional practices and ensure positive campus climate and culture to meet the needs of each student,â€? said Dr. Foust.
Legislative Priorities
Earlier this fall, the District’s Board of Trustees adopted a resolution speciďŹ c to the accountability system, urging state legislators to revise the system so that it looks beyond high-stakes, multiplechoice tests to meaningful assessments that have value for students, parents, and teachers, as well as measures what each community deems important in promoting college and career readiness. In the meantime, the District’s Department of Innovation and Continuous Improvement is working with principals to help them understand the new A-F system, even before the indicators that will be used to calculate the ratings are known. This is in addition to the department’s ongoing eorts to identify ways that all campuses can improve their instruction efforts. “As 2016 comes to a close, we will know more about the speciďŹ c data that will be used to calculate the ratings, marking a signiďŹ cant change for Fort Bend ISD and Districts across the state,â€? said Evans. “What has not changed is our commitment to ensuring that all campuses have the support and resources they need in order to meet their students’ needs. We believe in continuous improvement at all of our schools throughout the District. There is always room for growth.â€?
Family thanks Staord police oďŹƒcer Steve & Meg Dzik and their new puppy Izzo, want to extend their thanks and Great Appreciation to OďŹƒcer Butler! “On Nov. 19 we were driving back home from the Animal Rescue Center “Friends for Lifeâ€? in the Heights to our house in Sugar Land. We got to Hwy 59 & I-90 when we ran out of gas. Still being approx. 5 miles from our house and couple miles from the closest gas station, I was in a panic. I was dead stuck in the middle of Hwy 59 feeder, with my wife and our just adopted 10 week old baby Puppy.
In less than a couple minutes OďŹƒce Butler pulled up behind us. I was so embarrassed (as I am 60 and had not run out of gas since I was a teenager, but with the excitement of picking up our new puppy I forgot to get gas before the trip). I explained the situation to him, asking if he could drive me to a gas station. He explained, they usually can’t do that, but saw how worried we all were. He called in and told the station what he was doing. He took me to the gas station to get a can of gas, returned and stayed with us until we were able to drive o home.
With the current climate of everyone being stressed from racial relations and negativism towards police, it was extremely gratifying to meet someone who went out of his way to help. This act of human decency of just helping your fellow human being, is a lesson for all of us. Everyone needs to try and get along, by going out of your way to be friendly and help each other, as we are all in this together. We cannot thank OďŹƒcer Butler and the Staord Police Department enough.
INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 30, 2016 • Page 5
2016 Bowl for a Cause set for Dec. 3 AUTOMOBILE: FIAT 500 In alignment with the City’s commitment to proactive community partnerships, Missouri City Council Members recently approved City staff’s request to partner with the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) to host the 2016 Bowl for a Cause event. The event will be held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Main Event Entertainment Center, Fountains on the Lake, 12626 Fountain Lake Circle, Stafford, TX 77477. This is a fundraising event that will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Boys and Girls Club, American Diabetes Association, Ruth Fox
Scholarship Fund and the NFBPA Center for Leadership Development. As part of the fundraising event, NFBPA will host two forums for youth ages 13 – 18 entitled “Let’s Talk: A candid open discuss with police” and “Speak Up! Understanding what kind of community our youth would like to see in the future”, which will provide input and feedback for the Comprehensive Plan Update. Participants from the Missouri City Mayor’s Youth Commission, area Boys and Girls Clubs, and other local youth associations will be represented. “Each year, the annual Bowl for a Cause event brings together donors and bowl-
THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: E RYON and UNKNOWN HEIRS NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being January 02, 2017 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building. The case is presently pending before the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was fi led on February 04, 2010. It bears cause number 10-DCV-178347 and is styled: Denise Randle vs E Ryon and Unknown Heirs The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: PATRICIA TSAI LONE STAR LEGAL AID 1415 FANNIN 2ND FLOOR HOUSTON TX 77002 713-652-0077 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows towit: LOTS TWO (2) AND FIVE (5) IN BLOCK A OF LADWIG ADDITION, A SUBDIVISION IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORD IN VOLUME 1, PAGE 586 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY,TEXAS. If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 15th day of November, 2016. DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas By Deputy District Clerk Debra Elizondo Fort Bend County,Texas Telephone: (281) 344-3959
THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: RUBEN TRINIDAD CHARLES 707 ROBIN CIRCLE PASADENA TX 77502 NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being January 02, 2017 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building. The case is presently pending before the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on October 05, 2015. It bears cause number 15-DCV-226885 and is styled: Maria Deleon vs. Ruben Trinidad Charles The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: DAVID WINDLIN BERGQUIST BERGQUIST LAW FIRM 1333 WEST LOOPS SUITE 1700 HOUSTON TX 77027 713-655-8000 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows towit: ON OCTOBER 31 , 2014, PLAINTIFF WAS TRAVELING IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS WHEN DEFENDANT CAUSED A COLLISION WITH PLAINTIFF. AS A RESULT OF THE COLLISION, PLAINTIFF SUFFERED SERIOUS BODILY INJURIES. If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 16th day of November, 2016. DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas By Deputy District Clerk Layla Helton Fort Bend County,Texas Telephone: (281) 633-7635 THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF EUSTACE ARMSTRONG NO KNOWN ADDRESS NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being January 02, 2017 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building. The case is presently pending before the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on September 14, 2016. It bears cause number 16-DCV-235412 and is styled: Heirloom Investments, LLC vs Nigel Armstrong and the Unknown Heirs at Law of Eustace E. Armstrong In Re: 16523 Monte Carlo Lane Houston, TX 77053 The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: SYLVESTER WILLIAMS WILLIAMS REFUGE & MICKEY PLLC 5151 KATY FREEWAY SUITE 205 HOUSTON TX 77007 832-364-5999 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: PLAINTIFF HEIRLOOM INVESTMENTS, LLC, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS BY AND THROUGH ITS ATTORNEY OF RECORD, SYLVESTER WILLIAMS OF WILLIAMS REFUGE & MICKEY, PLLC, 5151 KATY FREEWAY, SUITE 205, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77007, 832-364-5999, BROUGHT SUIT AGAINST DEFENDANTS NIGEL ARMSTRONG AND THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF EUSTACE E. ARMSTRONG TO ENFORCE THE LOAN AGREEMENT ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 16523 MONTE CARLO LANE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77053 AND LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS: TRACT 13B, BLOCK 2, N 1/2 OF LOT 13, ALSO LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS THE NORTH HALF OF LOT 13, IN BLOCK 2, OF QUAIL BRIDGE, SECTION 1, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 25, PAGE 14, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY. If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 16th day of November, 2016. DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas By Deputy District Clerk Layla Helton Fort Bend County,Texas Telephone: (281) 633-7635
ers to raise money to support community agencies, which this year include the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, the Boys and Girls Club of America, and the NFBPA Center for Leadership Development,” City Manager Anthony Snipes said. “Through this new partnership, NFBPA Houston Chapter President Michael Moore will coordinate with Missouri City Development Services staff to host one interactive forum on the Comprehensive Plan update, and with Missouri City Police Department personnel to host an open dialogue with youth attendees on law enforcement and police relations with the public.” Communications staff will attend to photograph the event. NFBPA will present this event to the community in partnership with CIGNA, ICMA-RC, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and other sponsors. Attendees will also be able to access information and resources from local community organizations and much more. NFBPA and its partners will also give away exciting prizes and gifts throughout the event. Engaging youth in local planning offers a number of benefits to the community and to young people themselves. These benefits include: Exposure to careers in local government. Through their engagement, young people learn about local planning and related professions and positions, and may consider careers in local government. Improved plans. The participation of young people provides local officials with perspectives and input that can improve plans, especially (but not only) with regard to the needs and issues most relevant to youth. Better use of youth-serving resources. Better information about the needs and interests of young residents helps local agencies make the best use of financial and staff resources directed to youth programs and services. Leadership opportunities. Participating in the planning process offers young people an opportunity to acquire new knowledge and skills, learn responsibility and accountability, and develop meaningful relationships with other youth and adults. It also gives youth the opportunity to identify and address issues or challenges that directly affect their lives. Citizenship and service. Involvement in local planning allows young people to better understand their local government and community, to address community issues, and to develop habits of participation and good citizenship. The event’s agenda is as follows: •8:30 – 9 a.m.: Youth Forum Check-in •9 – 11 a.m.: Youth Forums •11 – 11:30 a.m.: Bowler Registration & Check-In •11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Lunch •12:30 – 2:30 p.m.: Bowling Area youth ages 13 – 18 can RSVP for the event here: http://bit.ly/2fGtuQa. For updates, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter and Instagram—@MissouriCityTX, and watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T Uverse).
By BARBARA FULENWIDER For 2017 models FIAT has simplified the 2017 500 lineup to three trim levels that provide added value and more flexibility in options. Fiat 500 options can be combined so customers get the features they want. The 500’s Italian styling is combined with functionality, efficient design and innovative technology -- hallmark attributes for the Fiat 500 and which have made it a timeless icon for nearly 60 years. Fiat models are the Pop, Lounge and Abarth. The Fiat 500 starts at the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $14,995. The high-performance Abarth now starts at $19,995 MSRP. All trim levels are available as a 500 Cabrio, which has an open top that folds, for $1,495, making the 500 the most affordable cabrio in its class with a starting MSRP of $16,490. With just the push of a button, the Fiat 500c’s power-operated cloth-top retracts up to the rear spoiler during speeds up to a best-in-class 60 mph. A midway point can be chosen by pressing the button anytime in between. Press the roof button again and it folds all the way open and tucks neatly behind the rear head restraints up to 50 mph. The 2017 Fiat 500 has a simple design and skilled craftsmanship. The Fiat 500 and 500 Cabrio (500c) mod-
els deliver 31 miles per gallon city and 40 mpg highway with manual transmission. The higher performance Abarth models deliver 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with manual transmission. The test drive Fiat was a 500C with an automatic transmission and it got 22 mpg/cityand 31/highway. The 2017 Fiat 500 models are available in up to 15 exterior colors and feature Uconnect 5.0 touchscreen with 5-inch touchscreen radio, Bluetooth connectivity and integrated voice command. All three trim levels are available with an automatic transmission, BeatsAudio premium sound system, navigation and/ or sunroof The 2017 Fiat 500 Pop starts at $14,995 MSRP, a $1,000 less than when it was originally introduced in 2011. The 500 Pop is designed for the driver who wants Italian style, efficiency and is able to personalize the options. The Pop features 15-inch aluminum painted wheels and is available with a Sport Appearance Package. It includes sport fascias, side ground effects, sport spoiler, 16-inch wheels and black-trimmed lights. The Fiat 500 Lounge starts as $18,395 MSRP, a price decrease of $2,000. With premium amenities throughout, the 500 Lounge features as standard a new 15-inch wheel, chrome accents, seven-inch
thin-film transistor cluster display and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. The high-performance, track-ready Fiat 500 Abarth starts at $19,995, a price decrease of $2,580 to start below $20,000 for the first time. The 500 Abarth now features as standard rear park assist and a new 16-inch forged aluminum black wheel. Track-tested, turbocharged and twin-intercooled 1.4-liter engine provides Fiat 500 Abarth models with up to 160 horsepower and 183 lb.-ft. of torque; while Abarth-tuned hardware delivers world-class ride and track-ready durability with a lowered ride height, beefier suspension, larger brakes and wider tires. Since its initial launch in 2007, more than 1 million Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 110 countries around the world. In addition to success on the sales front, the Fiat 500 has earned more than 80 international awards. The test drive model was the Fiat 500c that with optional equipment had a MSRP price tag of $26,530. It arrived in bright yellow exterior paint that gave it a fun, jaunty look and provided a most comfortable ride with plenty of interior space. It also had plenty of power and creature comforts, a very good turning radius easily fits tight parking spaces.
The Sugar Land Development Corporation recently approved an agreement with ABM as the Company relocates its corporate shared services operations to the City of Sugar Land. ABM, a Fortune 500 company and a leading provider of facility solutions, has been serving Texas since 1945 and currently has more than 10,000 employees maintaining over 4,500 buildings throughout the state. “ABM is excited to join the Sugar Land corporate community,” said ABM Industries Incorporated Chief Financial Officer D. Anthony Scaglione. “The City presented itself as a compelling business environment and a prime residential location. We look forward to our partnership with Sugar
Land.” ABM will bring approximately 390 jobs to the City of Sugar Land over the next two years as the Company occupies approximately 62,000 square feet within the Sugar Creek on the Lake office building at 14141 Southwest Freeway. “Sugar Land is thrilled to welcome another Fortune 500 company to our corporate community,” said City Manager Allen Bogard. “Sugar Land’s pro-business attitude continues to attract businesses, bringing with them high quality jobs. We are proud ABM will call Sugar Land home.” An incentive package was created by the City’s Office of Economic Development and approved by the Sugar Land Development Corporation to
secure the Company in Sugar Land. The Office of Economic Development worked with the Greater Houston Partnership to relocate ABM Shared Services division to Sugar Land following a regional search of potential sites. “The Greater Houston Partnership greatly applauds ABM’s selection of Sugar Land as the hub of its corporate shared services operations,” said Greater Houston Partnership Chief Economic Development Officer Bob Pertierra. “ABM demonstrates a commitment to growing its corporate footprint in an area that offers a vast pool of talented and skilled workers, land for future growth, and superior quality of life assets.”
Sugar Land Welcomes ABM, a Fortune 500 Company
Anita Milne
Knowledgeable! Experienced! Hardworking! Competitive! Action Oriented! MilneAnita@yahoo.com
281-413-9732 Beard Realty Group
Meadows Place•Blair Meadow• 4/2/2 Meadows Place • Brighton • 3/2/2
$224,500
$183,000
SOLD
Richmond • Windswept • 4/2/2
$159,000 $159,000
SOLD
Meadows Place • Alston • 3/2.5/2 Meadows Place • River Meadow • 3/2/2 Meadows Place•Meadowdale•4/2/2
REDUCED
$194,500 SOLD
$225,000 REDUCED
$239,490
NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 434TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 21st day of October, 2016 by the Clerk thereof, in the case of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT vs. RAQUEL ROSAS MEJlA, ET AL in Cause# 13-DCV-205989 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 6th day of December, 2016, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469-3108 of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT I: GEO: 2545020050 I 00907 LOT 10, BLOCK 5, CLARKE SPRINGS SUBDIVISION, SECTION 2, AS SHOWN BY THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NUMBER 2505 A AND B, MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Levied on the 21st day of October, 2016, as the property of RAQUEL ROSAS MEJIA SATURNINO MEJIA GRANDE VALLEY HOMES, LLC FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION to satisfy a judgment amounting to $18,140.24, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF HOUSTON AND FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND, FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS 21st day of October, 2016. G. Majors, Constable Precinct Two Fort Bend County CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on September 29th, 2016, by the District Court 268th, of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #14DCV-216075 in favor of the plaintiff – Kingsbridge Community Association, Inc., plaintiff, for the sum of $ 2,281.54++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on October 13th, 2016 and will offer for sale on the 6th day of December, 2016 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) – Geraldine Randal, had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: Legal Description: LOT TEN (10), IN BLOCK (2), OF KINGSBRIDGE PARK, SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION LYING PARTLY IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AND PARTLY IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 1226/B OF PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AND FILM NO. 354145, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 8822 DIAMOND LAKE LANE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77083. TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469. Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sgt. C. McRae Deputy Constable
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Harlem Road between West Airport Blvd./Harvest Garden Blvd. and Plantation Drive, to change the speed limit to 45 mph, Precinct 4. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Pecan Manor Subdivision, to change the speed limit to 30 mph on Manor Drive, Precinct 4. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 for replat of Weston Estates Partial Replat No 1, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Chris Kalkomey with Jones & Carter, Inc at CDKalkomey@ jonescarter.com for information prior to the hearing. Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on September 09th, 2016, by the 240th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause #14-DCV215141 in favor of the plaintiff – QUAIL RUN COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, plaintiff, for the sum of $ 6,741.10++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on October 10th, 2016 and will offer for sale on the 6th day of December, 2016 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 ANN FORD AND ALFRED FORD, had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: Legal Description: LOT THREE (3), BLOCK NINE (9), OF QUAIL RUN SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS THEREOF RECORDED UNDER PAGE NO.14 VOLUME NO. 22 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AND MORE COMMONLY DESCRIBED AS 16614 QUAIL PARK DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY TX 77489-5704
INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 30, 2016 • Page 6
Stafford to host first solar tree lighting and dedication The City of Stafford will add an environmental twist to its annual holiday festivities as the city marks the installation of the first solar tree of its kind in the nation. Stafford city council members unanimously approved installation of the city’s first solar tree in a special council session on Nov. 9, 2016. City officials will celebrate its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 29 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Stafford Performing Arts Theatre and Convention Centre, 10505 Cash Road in Stafford, Texas. This year, the event will kick off with a dedication and lighting ceremony as Santa drops in to magically light the solar tree while the choir sings familiar Christmas songs. The free holiday event also will feature Santa’s Village where fun, refreshments and snacks will be provided. Humble resident, Edwin Love, president/CEO of Alternative Lighting and Power and exclusive North American distributor of the Na3light solar tree, values the opportunity to integrate solar technology into one of the city’s treasured holiday traditions and commended the city for its progressive thinking. “The solar tree speaks to the innovative atmosphere that you have in Stafford; this city is a friend to businesses, a
friend to the entrepreneur and has a great spirit for innovation,” said Love. Manufactured by Mexico City-based Energetika, a solar energy equipment supplier, the tree serves not only as a renewable, clean energy lighting source but also as an aesthetically pleasing environmental art piece. The base surrounding the 17 ft. tree provides ample seating and
City of Missouri City NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE LOCATION/DATE: The City Council of the City of Missouri City will consider an ordinance on the second and final reading, on Monday, December 19, 2016, at the City Council Chambers – 2nd Floor, City Hall Building, 1522 Texas Parkway (FM2234), Missouri City, Texas at 7:00 p.m. PURPOSE: To consider an ordinance to rezone an approximate 95.31 acre tract of land from SD, Suburban district to PD Planned Development district to allow for single family residences and associated amenities; and to the extent such rezoning deviates from the Future Land Use and Character map of the Comprehensive Plan, to provide for an amendment therefrom. SITE LOCATION: The subject site is located north of the Newpoint Estates residential subdivision, south and west of the Creekmont residential subdivision. SITE LEGAL DESCRIPTION: The subject site can be described as being an approximate 95.31 acre tract of land situated in the Moses Shipman League, A-86, Fort Bend County, Texas, being out of that certain called 358.1824 acre tract of land as described in deed and recorded in County Clerk’s file number 9409260 of the Official Public Records of Real Property of Fort Bend County, Texas. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Additional information and a map of the subject site are available for review at City Hall, Missouri City, Texas on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call 281-403-8600 or email the Development Services Department-Planning Division at planning@missouricitytx.gov for further information.
TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.
CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 240TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on OCT 10, 2016 in cause numbered 15-DCV- 228341 styled First Colony Community Services Association, Inc .. vs. JACQUELINE R. CAMACHO, in which a judgment was rendered on MAY 5, 2016 in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. for the sum of Seven Thousand One Hundred Thirty Three Dollars and Thirty Eight Cents ($7133.38); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ. I have levied upon the below listed property on OCT 24, 2016 and will on DEC 6, 2016 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of JACQUELINE R. CAMACHO to and in the following described Real Property LOT THIRTY-FIVE(35), IN BLOCK TW0(2) OF FINAL PLAT OF OYSTER CREEK PLANTATION,SECTION TW0(2) A SUBDIVISION, IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NOS. I665/ A AND I665/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 435I BOBOLINK CIR MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459. The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.
LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: DEC 6, 2016 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH
LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: DEC 6, 2016 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH
TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas
TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. for the street name change in Silver Grove at Riverstone, Section 2, from Manor Road to Manor Drive, FBC plat records instrument #20120007, Precinct 4. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Waters Lake Boulevard Section 1 Street Dedication, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-16-39 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, AMENDING REGULATIONS IN PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 62; REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF PROPERTY WITHIN SUCH PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT; AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY; PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. I, Maria Jackson, City Secretary of the City of Missouri City, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the caption of said Ordinance No. O-16-39 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on November 21, 2016, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Jackson City Secretary
Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sgt. C. McRae Deputy Constable
CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 434TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on SEPT 30, 2016 in cause numbered 14-DCV219793 styled First Colony Community Services Association, Inc.. vs. CECIL A. ROSE, in which a judgment was rendered on MARCH 9, 2016 in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. for the sum of FifteenThousand Eight Hundred Fifty Dollars and Ninety Two Cents ($15850.92); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ. I have levied upon the below listed property on OCT 24, 2016 and will on DEC 6, 2016 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of CECIL A. ROSE to and in the following described Real Property LOT THIRTY-FOUR(34), IN BLOCK ONE(1) REPLAT OF WOODSTREAM,SECTION TWO(2) AN ADDITION, IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 31,PAGE 8 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3306 FALLING BROOK COURT SUGAR LAND, TX 77479 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.
also includes 4 charging ports for cell phones and iPads. “Most of the time when we think about solar power or solar panels, our minds are fixated on those rectangular panels that are put on rooftops.”Functional Art,” as we call it, gives us a place of freedom where creativity comes alive. If you can dream it, it can be done,” said Love. Stafford Councilman A.J.
Honore described the solar tree as a “unique piece of environmental art” and said that the city is honored to be the first in the nation to install the multi-faceted solar tree. “[It] is an affordable and cost-effective solution for lighting with an artistic expression that offers a wonderful opportunity for local communities to enhance public outdoor spaces with functional environmental art,” said Honore. With a projected energy savings of .31 tons of CO2 annually (the equivalent of saving 49 trees annually) and no operational costs, the solar tree is an urban luminaire that combines an innovative design with LED technology and the latest generation of a photovoltaic system to be fully independent from any energy supplier, according to the manufacturer. An optional upgrade to the solar tree allows for the color and lighting levels to be controlled by remote control via a Smartphone. The media and residents in and around Fort Bend County are encouraged to attend this year’s holiday lighting ceremony and solar tree dedication as the city ushers in the holiday season. For more information, contact Ed Love at 832-356-4660.
THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF WILLIAM A. WOODS, DECEASED NO KNOWN ADDRESS NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being December 19, 2016 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building. The case is presently pending before the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on February 05 , 2016. It bears cause number 16-DCV- 229799 and is styled: Laura Monroe vs Derrick B Woods and Gloria Kelly The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF-PETITIONER is: GEORGE M. KUHN, JR II LAW OFFICES OF GEORGE M KUHN JR 1001 WEST LOOP SOUTH STE 700 HOUSTON TX 77027 713-840-017 4 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETlTONER-is-as-follows to-wit: PLAINTIFF IS SEEKING AN EASEMENT ACROSS REAL PROPERTY CONSISTING OF TWO LOTS TOTALING APPROXIMATELY 22 ACRES OF LAND WHICH IS A PART OF A 62 1/2 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF THE C. FULSHEAR, A-29, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, SAID 62 1/2 ACRES BEING DESCRIBED IN A DEED FROM ELSIE WOODS TO WILLIAM A WOODS DATED MAY 20, 1929 AND RECORDED IN VOLUME 126, AT PAGE 397 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AND THE SAID 22.000 ACRES WHICH THE SUBJECT OF THIS DEED BEING LOT 1 (11 .000 ACRES) AND LOT 2 (11 .000 ACRES) AS SHOWN ON A MAP OF A SUBDIVISION OF THE PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED 62 1/2 ACRES, SAID MAP BEING FILED FOR RECORD UNDER INSTRUMENT NUMBER 13979 IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AND SAID MAP BEING RECORDED IN VOLUME 138, AT PAGE 236 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS.
NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY REAL PROPERTY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and I or Order of Sale issued on the 8th day of SEPTEMBER, 2016 by the 434TH DISTRICT Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause# 14-DCV218587 in favor of the PlaintiffWESTHEIMER LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, for the sum of$14,437.86 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and I or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. Therefore, on the 20th day of OCTOBER, 2016, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s) - RENE GUERRERO had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 6TH day of DECEMBER, 2016 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 above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; VIZ: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT SEVENTEEN (17), IN BLOCK FOUR (4), OF CANYON GATE AT WESTHEIMER LAKES, SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED ON PLAT NO. 20050209, OF THE PLAT RECORDS FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 25531 CRESTON MEADOW DRIVE, RICHMOND, TX 77406 (PROPERTY) ADJUDGED/MARKET $329,540.00
VALUE:
If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 3rd day of November, 2016.
Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check, or Money Order Sale to be held at or about 10:00 A.M.
DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT By Deputy District Clerk Vanessa Vasquez Fort Bend County,Texas Telephone: (281) 341-3754
Rob Cook, Constable Precinct Three Fort Bend County BY: SERGEANT JOHN MORALES Deputy Constable #1307
NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY REAL PROPERTY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and I or Order of Sale issued on the 7th day of OCTOBER, 2016 by the 434TH DISTRICT Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause# 12-DCV-199577 in favor of the Plaintiff - TOWNEWEST COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,582.03 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and I or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. Therefore, on the 3RD day of NOVEMBER, 2016, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s)SHIRLEY SHUK-YEE LAO, AKA SHIRLEY CHEN, MAY-YEE LAO, AKA MAY L. LO, SHARON SHUN-YEE LAO, AKA SHARON SHUN-YEE YOONG, LARRY YING-LUM LAO AND PHILIP YING-FUN LAO had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 6TH day of DECEMBER, 2016 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours often o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT FORTY-FIVE (45) IN BLOCK FOUR (04) OF TOWNEWEST, SECTION FIVE (05), REPLAT, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 29, PAGE 1, OF THE PLAT RECORDS FOR FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $89,330.00 Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check, or Money Order Sale to be held at or about 10:00 A.M. Rob Cook, Constable Precinct Three Fort Bend County BY: SERGEANT JOHN MORALES Deputy Constable #1307
INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 30, 2016 • Page 7
COMMUNITY Central Fort Bend Chamber to recognize annual Gala Chair Honorees Jeff and Ann Council The Central Fort Bend Chamber will be hosting our Annual Gala, a Winter Soiree on Friday, December, 2, 2016. The Gala is to be held from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Safari Texas Ranch Texas Ballroom in Richmond. This year, Chair Honorees Jeff and Ann Council will be recognized for their many efforts made within the community and the Chamber. The Councils have been an instrumental part of what makes Fort Bend County home. As longtime residents of Fort Bend County, Jeff and Ann Council have always shared a passion for serving within the community. Jeff and Ann Council have been involved with multiple fundraisers, non-profits and have also served on committees for various entities such as: Salute Fort Bend, Boy Scouts of America, the American Red Cross and many more. Both Jeff and Ann were Steering committee members for the Fort Bend County Sesquicentennial Celebration, and also served on the Fort Bend County Museum’s Lone Star Stomp Honorary Steering Committee for 21 years. In 2006, the OakBend Doctors Center was dedicated to the Councils. Jeff and Ann were the Honorary Chairmen of the 2007 American Red Cross Super Ball, and were both selected for the Volunteer Hall of Fame by the Fort Bend County Women’s Center. Both also served on the first Steering Committee for the Rosenberg-Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce
The Councils are active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Richmond and continue to serve as strong advocates for many programs standing as distinguished leaders of the community where you can still find them attending Chamber networking events. Always greeting you with warm smiles, and known for their at ease demeanor, it is no wonder the Councils are the Chair Honorees for this year’s Annual Gala. Sponsors for the Gala consist of: Legacy Ford as the Jingle Bell Rock Sponsor, Finnegan Auto Group as the Deck the Halls Sponsor, Johnson Development as the Here Comes Santa Claus Sponsor, and Safari Texas Ranch as the Joy to the World Sponsor.
Jeff and Ann Council “Leadership Fort Bend” program which began in 1986. Jeff also served as the President of the Board for the Rosenberg-Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce in 1973, 1986 and 1987, with Ann serving as the first female Board Member since its inception. Ann was also one of the first women to serve on the Fort Bend Regional Council Board and currently serves on the Richmond Historical Commission. Jeff Council has also been very active in youth related activities, taking part as a Board Member of the T.W. Davis YMCA and formerly serving as past President of the Lamar Little League Baseball
Program. He is a Past President of the Fort Bend County Fair Board, has served as Past President of the Board of Trustees of OakBend Medical Center, with more than 25 years of service. Jeff was also the original Steering Committee Member for the Fort Bend Czech and was the Past Director for the Fort Bend County A&M Club, Past Advisory Board Member for the Fort Bend Helping Hands, and Past President for the Parish Council at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He also played an instrumental part in working with Congressman Tom Delay in securing funding for Highway 36 armory and securing a National Guard Unit in Rosenberg, TX.
Sienna Plantation Community Farmers Market Holiday dinners will benefit from the seasonal produce available at Sienna Plantation’s Community Farmers Market, 1-5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18. Dozens of local vendors will be on hand at the train depot parking lot near the amphitheater, 9600 Scanlan Trace, to inspire holiday chefs with farmfresh fruits and vegetables, food items, artisanal gift items and more. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more at www.siennaplantation.com.
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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 30, 2016
COMMUNITY Fort Bend Junior Service League accepts scholarship applications
Allison Damron, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC, Elizabeth Gonzales, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, CCRN, and Amy Sebastian-Deutsch, DNP, RN, CNS, AOCNS
Three nurses from Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital honored with Gold Award
(Left to Right) BRC Members Present Scholarship Awards. Michelle Beeson, BRC member; Kavita Self, BRC member; Laura Taylor, President-Elect; Dana Clement, President; Courtney Kilfoy, Scholarship recipient; Karen Young, Scholarship recipient; Avanthika Mahendrababu, Scholarship recipient; Markisha Venzant-Sampson, BRC member; Kalpana Vaidya, Scholarship recipient; Becky Zachary, BRC member; Audra O’Neal, BRC member. The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) is offering two scholarship programs to assist women in Fort Bend County who desire to further their education. The FBJSL Volunteer Scholarship – The FBJSL Volunteer Scholarship applicant must be an outstanding Fort Bend female high school senior who has completed at least 100 hours of high school community service, has a minimum GPA of 2.5 and desires to pursue higher education in the 2017-2018 school year. The FBJSL New Beginnings Scholarship – The FBJSL New
Beginnings Scholarship applicant must be a Fort Bend woman who has a specific degree or career advancement goal in mind and who has had a significant break in her education following high school graduation, completion of her GED, or last full-time semester at an accredited college, vocational school or university. We award up to four Volunteer Scholarships at a value of $1,000 each and up to one New Beginnings Scholarship will be awarded at a value of $2,000. Qualified scholarship applicants can learn more about these programs and ob-
tain a copy of the application by visiting FBJSL’s website at www.fbjsl.org/scholarshipprograms. All applications and supporting documents must be sent via email to brccom@ fbjsl.com. The deadline to submit applications is February 1, 2017. The Fort Bend Junior Service League is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, to developing the potential of women and to improving the Fort Bend County community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital nurses Allison Damron, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC, Elizabeth Gonzales, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, CCRN, and Amy Sebastian-Deutsch, DNP, RN, CNS, AOCNS, have been named Gold Award winners in the 12th Annual Good Samaritan Foundation’s Excellence in Nursing Awards. Damron was honored in the category of Clinical Practice in a Small Hospital. Inspired to become a nurse by encouragement from her mother, she was nominated by her director after working to ensure that a patient’s husband was able to receive medical care and remain by his dying wife’s side. “To me, that felt simple and just part of my job,” Damron said. “As nurse practitioners, we have a really big impact on families and patients every single day even if it’s in small ways that we may not notice.” Gonzales was nominated in the category of Nursing Administration and Leadership. Her
colleagues recognized her not only for her dedication to the administrative aspect of her role and to the leadership and development of her team members, but also for her passion for going above and beyond to develop relationships with patients and families. “I’m still a clinician at heart,” she said. “I love taking care of patients. Yet, I understand and appreciate the administrative role; I feel that we need to have very strong leadership in the health care arena and the only way to do that is to dive in and take on some of the issues that are in health care today.” Sebastian-Deutsch was awarded in the category of Non-Hospital Based Care. Honored for her expertise and her passion to make a difference for oncology patients, she seizes the opportunity to be a mentor to other nurses and to create new tools to share her knowledge with patients. “I am humbled to receive an award for doing something I am so passionate about,” she said. “God has
been very good to me in allowing me to couple my clinical expertise with my administrative interests.” “I want to congratulate each of these excellent nurses,” said Janet Leatherwood, Chief Nursing Officer. “These women exemplify the quality care and expertise that Houston Methodist Sugar Land is known for, and they are incredibly deserving of this recognition and appreciation.” The Good Samaritan Foundation Excellence in Nursing Awards recognizes nurse leaders offering extraordinary and compassionate care and service, who are nominated by their peers for their passion, leadership, mentorship and service to the Houston community. The Good Samaritan Foundation encourages nursing excellence through a variety of supported programs from education to practice. For more information, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or call 281.274.7500 for a physician referral.
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