Fort Bend Independent

ww www.fbindependent.com .fbindependent.com

Phone: 281-980-6745

VOL 6 No. 49

FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

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

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

Restored courthouse ready for occupation

The long awaited Fort Bend County Courthouse restoration is substantially complete.

The newly restored courthouse will house the offices of the Fort Bend County Judge and County Attorney; and will also be the location of Commissioners Court meetings every first, second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

The original building with its distinctive three story rotunda was designed by C. H. Page and Brothers in 1908 and features a mix of brick and stone,

with turrets and a copper dome, mosaic-tile flooring and green glazed-tile wainscoting. Two additions were made to the original structure-one in 1935 and the other in 1957.

This process began in May of 2011 when Fort Bend County applied to the Texas Historical Commission for a planning grant. The County was awarded $296,362 to cover the costs for the design plans for the restoration.

The construction phase of the rehabilitation began in Jan-

uary of 2013 and included the removal of the 1957 addition of the two one story additions on either side of the Liberty Street entrance and will restore the building to its 1935 appearance. Great care has been taken to preserve the original beauty of the landmark including the restoration of original paint colors and the refurbishing of the original windows that shed light from all sides of the building. The original terrazzo floors have been carefully restored wherever possible.

Construction to update the functionality of the courthouse included updating the heating and cooling systems, installing fire control sprinklers, and replacing old roofing systems.

The copper cladding on the dome was found to be in good shape, requiring only the sealing of joints and an acid wash to recondition the patina. The building was also updated for modern wiring and electrical components and data to support county operations.

The total cost of the project is $5.8 million. Outside of the small planning grant awarded by the State, The George Foundation generously contributed $2 million to the restoration and will be recognized in the foyer of the landmark for their longstanding support and contribution to Fort Bend County and its rich history.

The County Judge and County Attorney are scheduled to move in during the first week of December. The traditional employee Christmas Tree lighting will once again take place in the Courthouse on the 13th. An official grand opening will be scheduled for early January.

“Many Faces of Autism” Calendar

Hope for Three, a Fort Bendbased nonprofit whose mission is to raise community awareness and provide financial support to families with children on the autism spectrum, released it’s highly popular 2014 calendar “Many Faces of Autism.”

“We’re ringing in the new year by celebrating the incredible diversity of children on the autism spectrum,” says Angie Wierzbicki, Hope for Three Development Director. “The calendar represents an extraordinary sample of the uniqueness of these children and is a

terrific way to help raise awareness for autism, which now affects 1 in 50 school-age children.”

The 2014 cover girl is 3-year-old Sara Jane, daughter of Rachel and Carlton Eschete of Pearland. The winners were chosen by a panel of student judges from Clements High School in Sugar Land.

The cost for one calendar is a tax-deductible donation of $10, 100% of which will be used to help a child with autism receive therapy or services their families could not otherwise afford.

Purchase online: http://hopeforthree.org/shop43/#calendar To learn more about the programs and services provided

by Hope for Three, call 1-800317-0787.

Above, Hope for Three supporter Gail Parker, left, Rosa Coward and Hope for Three Family Assistance Coordinator Mary Ann Hibbeler prepare to stuff stockings with the Many Faces of Autism 2014 calendar. Six year old Bailee Coward, who has autism, is featured as Ms. September in the calendar.

CASA Christmas Home Tour

Take Me Out Tuesdays to benefit Fort Bend Education Foundation

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the Fort Bend Education Foundation will kick off its “Take Me Out Tuesdays” event at eight participating Sugar Land restaurants (including Berryhill Baja Grill, Corelli’s Italian Café, Fadi’s Mediterranean Grill, La Escondida Mexican Grill, Outback Steakhouse, Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza, Ruggles Green, and Tucanos Brazilian Grill).

When patrons dine at any of the participating restaurants on Dec. 10 and mention the Foundation, a portion of the sales will be given to the FBEF.

Beginning in 2014, the second Tuesday of each month will be designated “Take Me Out Tuesdays” and will feature a special promotion from one of the eight participating restaurants.

The featured restaurant and promotion will be available on the Foundation’s website at the beginning of each month.

For more information and promotional offers on the “Take Me Out Tuesdays” event on December 10, visit the FBEF website at www.fortbendisd.com/foundation.

Set for Dec. 13 and 14, the CASA Christmas Home Tour will feature seven distinctive homes Sienna Plantation, Riverstone, First Colony, Lakes of Williams Ranch and Foster Creek Estates. Tickets are available for $25 at Fort Bend County Kroger and Randalls stores and online at www.cafb. org. Tickets can also be purchased during the event at the Sweetwater Guardhouse on Sweetwater Boulevard and Palm Royale.

The tour is underwritten by the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Pictured (front row, from Foundation and benefits Child left) are: Wendy Brooks, Berryhill Baja Grill; Fred Mankarious, Fadi’s Mediterranean Grill; Brenna Smelley, FBEF A recent study showed Executive Director; Doris Sugar Land’s Constellation Funderburk, La Escondida Field has exceeded attendance Mexican Grill; Jose Reyes, expectations by 55 percent.

Tucanos Brazilian Grill and The $36 million 7,500-seat (back row) Federico Marques, stadium offers the commuRuggles Green; Trent Thom- nity more than the opportunity as, Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ to attend professional minor Bake Pizza and Sean Kenne- league baseball. dy, Corelli’s Italian Cafe. (Not The venue is a year-round shown is the representative community amenity that also from Outback Steakhouse.) offers concerts and communi[photo, FBEF TakeOut] ty, corporate, private and spe-

Advocates of Fort Bend. Tour hours are Dec. 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a special candlelight tour on Friday night from 6 p.m to 9 p.m.

Tour guests will be treated to a rare glimpse of the featured homes and their creative holiday decorations.

In addition, guests will enjoy festive entertainment by local artists and tasty home-made cookies, refreshments and a candy bar. One ticket provides admission to all seven homes and can be used at any time during the tour. Directions to the homes are on the back of

the ticket. A special tour lunch is available from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on event days at Sweetwater Country Club for $15. Pay at the door – no reservation is necessary. For more information call 281-344-5108 or visit www.cafb.org.

Busy making plans for a Sponsor Preview Party on Dec. 8 (L to R) are: Child Advocates of Fort Bend Events Specialist Lisa Moore and Executive Director Ruthanne Mefford with Chef Soren Pedersen and Jennifer Keefe of Sweetwater Country Club and Sponsor Party Chair Pam Collins.

Constellation Field exceeds attendance projections

cial events. A feasibility study

performed in 2009 projected average annual attendance for ballgames and non-baseball events of 300,000 visitors.

Using this benchmark study data, City planners forecast an annual benefit to the City of $7.7 million or a return of $169 million to the economy over 30 years.

Baseball attendance has exceeded projections and is the highest in the Atlantic League. Constellation Field

realized a significant increase in usage for special events in 2013 with more than 88,000 attendees for non-baseball events that included festivals, charity events, sports tournaments, company events and corporate meetings.

In 2013, attendance for baseball and non-baseball events was 55 percent higher than originally projected.

See FIELD, Page 5

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 4, 2013

NEWS Third Annual Holiday Wassail at DeWalt Heritage Center

On Sunday December 8, the DeWalt Heritage Center (the historic Dew House) is hosting its third Annual Wassail. The Dew House will be open to the Community free of charge from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Scanlin Oaks Recorder Ensemble, the “Whistlestops” and the Elkins Knightbeats, as well as other area performers will be entertaining with songs of the season. The past two years Santa Claus also dropped in so kids of every age could whisper their wishes in his ear.

Come One, Come All...And Deck the Halls of Dew House!!!!

Cookies and Wassail will be served courtesy of HEB-Sienna Market and co-sponsored by Leonetti Graphics. Dew House is East Fort Bend County’s only museum and is located at the back of Kitty Hollow Park~going South on Highway 6, the park entrance is just past the Sienna/HEB entrance on the left.

FORT BEND SPOTLIGHT

Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital welcomes quadruplets On October 8, 2013, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital joyfully celebrated the births of four healthy brothers to Sugar Land’s Aggour Family.

According to the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Club (NOMOTC), in 2011 there were a total of 3,953,590 births, 239 of which were quadruplet births.

With so few quadruplet births, the Aggour identical triplets Deen, Kareem and Omar along with singleton Saif definitely beat the odds.

“Hearing that we were having quadruplets was definitely a shocking surprise,” said Tamir Aggour, father.

“But, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital’s clinical staff carefully guided our family through to the safe arrival of these blessings.

“Dr. Gei is supremely competent and also takes his time with his patients, and his medical expertise combined with his supportive approach and genu-

ine concern for the wellbeing of my wife and our babies helped guide us through the pregnancy.”

Pictured here (L to R) is Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital/UTHealth OB/GYN Alfredo Gei, M.D., dad Tamir Aggour holding Omar Aggour and Kareem Aggour, big sister Tamara Aggour , mom Marwa Farrag holding Saif Aggour and Deen Aggour, and CMHH Women’s Center maternal fetal medicine navigator Sandra Uribe, RN, BSN.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, Portfolio & Commercial Loans Rates Posted Daily at

www.HomeWayMortgage.com

Secure Online Application: Call Today: www.HomeWayMortgage.com (281) 565-8500 414 W. Grand Pkwy. S., Ste. 116, Katy, TX 77494 NMLS # 214884

Ѣіљёіћєȱ ѢюљіѡѦȱ ќњђѠȱѓџќњȱѡѕђȱǞŗŞŖ ȱѢѝȱѡќȱѡѕђȱ$700s 5 Westheimer Lakes

1 Firethorne from the $210s - $550s 1,600 - 3,000 sq. ft.

2,700 - 3,900 sq. ft.

2,500 - 4,100 sq. ft.

3,000 - 4,900 sq. ft.

3,400 - 5,600 sq. ft.

2

(281) 693-4677 (281) 693-0150 (281) 347-1020 (281) 693-4692 (281) 693-4502

from the $220s - $260s 2,100 - 2,800 sq. ft.

(832) 222-2120

6 The Reserve at Brazos Town Center from the $260s - $350s 2,500 - 3,900 sq. ft.

(281) 238-0770

7 RiverPark West

Pine Mill Ranch from the $280s - $540s 2,200 - 4,100 sq. ft.

2,500 - 4,300 sq. ft.

2,900 - 4,900 sq. ft.

3,400 - 5,600 sq. ft.

(281) 391-7171 (281) 347-7771 (281) 347-2121 (281) 392-4322

from the $240s - $350s 2,100 - 3,100 sq. ft.

(281) 344-0258 2,500 - 3,600 sq. ft.

(832) 222-2804

8 Aliana from the $270s - $370s 2,100 - 2,800 sq. ft.

(281) 207-9002 2,500 - 3,100 sq. ft.

(281) 207-6656

3 Cinco Ranch from the $320s - $440s 2,500 - 3,000 sq. ft.

(281) 395-3010 2,500 - 3,500 sq. ft.

(281) 693-0022

4

9 Riverstone from the $330s - $520s 2,200 - 3,400 sq. ft.

(281) 778-2100 3,000 - 4,200 sq. ft.

(281) 778-3840

Cross Creek Ranch from the $320s - $460s 2,500 - 3,400 sq. ft.

(281) 633-2555 2,800 - 3,800 sq. ft.

(281) 238-0919 3,000 - 4,200 sq. ft.

(281) 633-8500

10 Sienna Plantation

PERRY OMES.com

from the $340s - $670s 2,500 - 3,900 sq. ft.

(281) 778-1544 3,400 - 5,600 sq. ft.

(281) 778-7800

11 Creekmont from the $180s - $330s 1,600 - 3,100 sq. ft.

(281) 431-8600 2,500 - 3,900 sq. ft.

(281) 972-9210

12 Southlake from the $260s - $700s 2,500 - 3,900 sq. ft.

(713) 340-0141 3,000 - 4,200 sq. ft.

(713) 340-2019 4,200 - 5,300 sq. ft.

(713) 340-2019

10 1 1463

4

2 3

6 W

1093 1464

99

13 Southern Trails

8

723

14 Shadow Creek Ranch

6 59

59

90 521

90

from the $210s - $450s 1,800 - 3,000 sq. ft.

(713) 436-7880 2,400 - 3,600 sq. ft.

(713) 436-8751 3,000 - 4,900 sq. ft.

(713) 436-1550

Over 20 Communities in the Houston Area!

610

5

from the $270s - $400s 2,500 - 4,100 sq. ft.

(713) 413-8882 3,000 - 4,200 sq. ft.

(713) 413-8882

T PAR ES K

7

RT BEND FO

14 12 13 518

9 6 10 11

288

Apple, the Apple logo and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Offers, plans, prices and availability are subject to change without notice. (10/13)

DECEMBER 4, 2013 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

NEWS

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever

Toys for Tots Day

believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert declared Dec. 7, 2013 as Toys for Tots Fort Bend County Day. Each year Fort Bend County Toys for Tots asks the community to donate new/unwrapped toys to help provide gifts to less fortunate children during the Holiday Season. The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office will place collection bins at the Justice Center, the Travis Building and the Gus George Training academy for donations. For more information about Toys for Tots, visit toysfortots.org. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert, left; Jack Molho, Fort Bend CountyToys for Tots; Sergeant Daniel Hennelly, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines; 1st Sgt Mack Grimmett 1st Bn 23rd Marines.

www.bibleliterature.com Foundation Repair Remodeling & More

A Happy Home Begins with a Solid Foundation!

281.397.2299 LevelProHomeService.com

Lonestar Chevrolet New & Used Vehicles Sale & Trade Special Rebates for all vehicles Call 832-289-7786, ask for Orban Reed Send text or email obreed48@gmail.com

Businessman seeks aid from city council

By BARBARA FULENWIDER It was a first. A wannabe Stafford businessman stood before city council and asked to borrow $24,000 from the city in order to start a $3 million business there.

As manager of what is to be a large facility for 10 indoor badminton and pick ball courts, Tuyen Van, of Missouri City, asked Stafford council to waive his construction fees ($10,000) and assist with his water and tap fees ($14,000). In return he would repay the city $24,000 over four years out of the sales taxes he collects. If he could not meet that obligation, he said he would write a personal check to cover what he owes the city.

Van told council that his facility is unique in Texas. He said there are only 41 such facilities in the U.S. and this would be the first in Texas. “We plan to buy two acres of land in Stafford at West Airport at Murphy Road, across from Luby’s. It will be a tilt wall building with 22,000 square feet.”

Along with badminton and pick ball courts the business would also offer table tennis. “It will be like a gym with membership but everyone can pay a fee and come in and play.”

Van said he is now preparing an application for a bank loan of $2 million for the $3-million project. He said he has more than 20 investors who have put in a total of $1 million. “I envision this as a community center,

a recreation center for the city of Stafford. We want to grow the sport of badminton and pick ball into a family oriented sport rather than the profession sport that it is now.”

He went on to say that it would be a fitness center for Stafford’s families and their friends and that he was asking the city to partner with him to help get the loan. He said he hopes to leverage his experience in finance into running the facility and is prepared to commit one year of unpaid work to the venture.

Van also said that badminton is a growing sport in the U.S. and “a great way for me to stay in shape and to get kids involved. Pick ball is generally played by seniors and it’s also a growing sport. Currently there’s no dedicated place to play it.”

He also said, “I like Stafford a lot because of its location. A lot of our players are of Asian descent. Around 80 or 90 percent are Asian and by being in southwest Houston, it’s a good place to be. We can introduce the sport to the overall community,” Van said.

After providing council with numerous reasons why they should agree to his proposal to set aside fees, he told them he had reached out to the Stafford Economic Development Corp. for help and they had turned him down because he’ll only be creating three jobs and that

doesn’t meet their criteria, and WCID No. 2 had also told him they weren’t interested in foregoing water and tap fees.

Councilman Cecil Willis asked Van how he happened to come up with such a proposal and Van replied that he thought it would be a possible incentive to the community. Willis then asked Van how council would be able to turn down people standing before them next CITY COweek asking for help to build a bowling alley. Van replied that there are already numerous bowling alleys whereas this would be the first badminton center in Texas.

“The facility is very capital intensive. It costs about $1,000 a day to open the doors. Because of the risky nature of the business, it’s something to consider,” Van said.

Then Mayor Leonard Scarcella stepped in and said he’s never been an advocate of giving away the city’s money, and told Van that if he were paying property tax to Missouri City on his building, he’d save more money by being in Stafford – just from that than what you are asking us to give you. Your savings is in Stafford because in two years it will be more than anything you’ll get from Missouri City, Houston or Sugar Land.”

The mayor went on to tell Van that in Texas when you are relying on somebody to pay you

back based on sales taxes, they not only get an agreement but they also get a lien on the property. “Then we would take the property. We wouldn’t just get $4,000 but I’m not interested in taking your property.”

Then Scarcella asked, “How do we as public officials explain to Wal-mart that we’ve given you special consideration but we’ve never given them a penny. It is very difficult to justify this in order to get people to play badminton. If we (council) are going to set some things in motion, we need to be certain we do it on a level playing field that everyone is entitled to.”

The mayor said what Van was talking about is $30,000 or one percent of the $3 million the business startup would cost.

He said, “The $24,000 is 5/6 or 83 percent of that. You are telling us that this whole thing may revolve around less than one percent in terms of these fees with the biggest part being WCID No. 2 for the water.

“You are asking us to set this (a loan) into motion with a promise from you to pay back X number of dollars each year on the equivalent of $24,000 based on what your sales taxes trigger. There are just a lot of aspects that I have reservations about,” the mayor said.

Evidently all council members had some of those same reservations because they took no action on the item.

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

Sugar Land soldier killed in South Korea The 2nd Infantry Division held a memorial ceremony recenlty at Camp Casey to honor two fallen soldiers, who died Nov. 21 when the military vehicle they were driving entered a river in the vicinity of the Rodriguez Live Fire Complex in Yeoncheon.

Spc. Justin Adams, 21, of North Redington, Fla., and Maj. Evans Hanson, 35, of Sugar Land, Texas, both assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team headquartered at Camp Hovey in Dongducheon, went missing while conducting reconnaissance for future training events.

“On Nov. 21st the 2nd Infantry Division lost two exceptional soldiers in the service of the United States of America,” said Lt. Col. Jeremy McGuire, 1st Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment commander.

“Maj. Hanson and Spc. Adams possessed a sense of responsibility for a personal contribution to the United

States Army, demonstrated by their acts of dedicated effort, reliability and thoroughness.

“There are many differences and similarities between this major and this specialist, but the similarity that drew them together and held them with a united sense of purpose was their duty,” said McGuire.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

Toy drive at sheriff’s office The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Kids & Cops Annual Toy Drive will commence on Friday, Dec. 6.

Kids & Cops will hold the first portion of the drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 at the Walmart at 345 Highway 6 in Sugar Land.

The second effort will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 at the Walmart at 5330 FM 1640 in Richmond.

New toys and monetary donations will be accepted.

Toys collected will benefit the Santa Behind the Badge and Headstart programs.

Notice of Release for Public Review and Comment City of Sugar Land Program Year 2012 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) Community Development Block Grant Program The City of Sugar Land, Texas has prepared the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for the period of October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013.

Pursuant to 24 CFR 91.520, the City will submit the CAPER to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by December 27, 2013. The purpose of the CAPER is to provide the City of Sugar Land with an opportunity to annually evaluate overall progress in carrying out priorities and objectives identified in the City HUD-approved Consolidated Plan and to report the progress to HUD and the citizens of Sugar Land.

The City of Sugar Land actively encourages ongoing citizen participation and feedback. All residents are invited to comment on the CAPER by mail or fax during the period of December 5, 2013 through December 19, 2013. A draft of the CAPER may be found on the City website at www.sugarlandtx.gov and in the Office of the City Secretary, City of Sugar Land, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas 77479. Residents may send comments to the City of Sugar Land Community Development Department, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas 77479 or P.O. Box 110, Sugar Land, Texas 77487 0110.

Residents may also fax comments to the City, at (281) 275 2771. Any comments received will be forwarded to the regional HUD office.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City Hall is wheelchair accessible and accessible parking spaces are available. The City of Sugar Land will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities needing auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation. For more information concerning the CAPER report, the CDBG program, or to request special accommodations, please contact the City of Sugar Land Community Development Department, (281) 275-2170.

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

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 4, 2013

Opinion Red light cameras: Heart rules over the mind A task force set up by the Sugar Land City Council to decide the future of red light cameras recently recommended that the red light cameras should be continued and that city council might consider some modifications to the program, if necessary.

Nine out of 10 members present at the last meeting of the task force voted to retain the red light cameras and one member recommended ending the program.

The overwhelming support for the red light cameras may be a convincing tool for the city administration and elected officials to justify the cameras, though questions over their effectiveness in reducing accidents at intersections remain.

It is reasonable to assume that the task force examined a wealth of information, analyzed the data, and debated the pros and cons of the program. But, the deliberations and remarks of the committee members, while deciding to continue the program, left an impression that the supporters of the red light cameras voted with their “heart,” while the lone dissenting member used his “mind” to make his case.

The committee was unanimous in agreeing with the dissenting member that the Sugar Land Police Department did not provide conclusive evidence, supported by data, to show that red light cameras CITATION BY PUBLICATION The State of Texas TO: FELIPE DE JESUS SANCHEZ 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 THOMAS CALVIN LEE and KAY RHONDA LEE, Petitioner, was filed in the 328TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas ON THIS THE 5TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2013 against FELIPE DE JESUS SANCHEZ, Respondent(s), numbered 13-DCV-208327, and entitled IN THE INTEREST OF EVALIN ESPERANZA DE JESUS MARTINEZ SANCHEZ, A CHILD. The suit request TO TERMINATE THE 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: OCTOBER 18, 2008 SACRAMENTO, SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA The Court has authority in this suit to render an order 10 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, 2013.

ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER OR RESPONDENT. JAMES E HANDY ATTORNEY AT LAW P 0 BOX 970 DRIPPING SPRINGS TX 78620 512-829-5238 DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas

By Deputy District Clerk Michele Olguin 281-341-7649

Inside Track By Seshadri Kumar reduced accidents at intersections.

The SLPD’s data did not provide accident numbers before and after the installation of red light cameras at a given intersection.

Also, the number of accidents at an intersection could have been reduced because of other factors and not necessarily due to the cameras.

Similarly, a collision at an intersection caused by running a red light could not have been prevented by the mere presence of the camera. If a drunken driver is on the street, he or she will not be constrained by the traffic red light or the red light camera.

Supporters of red light cameras in the task force argued that there is no conclusive data to show that the cameras are not effective either.

So the only agreement among members was that there is no conclusion one way or the other and the question remains open.

Based on this factor, one member said the red light cameras should be eliminated because they failed to live up to the main reason for their installation. But, others weighed in with their feelings and cited other reasons furnished by the police department.

Even if one life is saved, it is worth having the camera, was a justification.

Sugar Land is one of the safest cities and the police are doing a great job. They should know better. If the police chief says red light cameras are an effective tool to manage traf-

HARRIS

CARPET/FLOORS SALES •INSTALLATION •CLEANING

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL WOOD, CERAMIC & CARPET All major brands 24-hour Emergency

Flood Extraction Insurance claims welcome

Carpet & Floor cleaning WOOD FLOOR FINISHING Insured & Bonded

Over 20 years experience

www.harriscarpet.Com Free Phone Estimates No hidden cost

713-723-0693 12515 H Fondren, North of Hwy.90

FOUNDATION REPAIR Lifetime Warranty

ROOFING • SIDING • WINDOWS & MORE! FINANCING • 0 DOWN • Low Payments!

Call Today: 713.797.8403

Free Estimates

champion remodeling.net

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

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

Fort Bend Independent is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Stafford, Texas.

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

fic, it must be true, was another sentiment.

The committee pointed out that the red light camera would spare police officers to focus their attention on crime control elsewhere, instead of monitoring traffic.

In fact, the committee was concerned about the consequences of eliminating the red light cameras so much that it would not only increase accidents in Sugar Land, but taxpayers would have to pony up a million dollar or more to pay for the traffic police every year in the absence of cameras.

Thus, went the justification to continue the cameras.

The committee also felt that red light cameras are not money makers, but their elimination might mean more expenditure of tax dollars.

Since 70 percent of the people who got tickets for running red lights are not Sugar Land residents, why should the city be concerned about it, was another line of thinking.

The city of Sugar Land once used to have a slogan, “Sugar Land—There is no equal.”

That sentiment was dominant among committee members when they talked about Houston abandoning the red light camera program. The argument was ‘Sugar Land is not Houston and why should it imitate Houston.’

There were also anecdotal evidence. Two members of the task force, who had received tickets for running a red light, claimed that they have now changed, just as the police department said that red light cameras changed the behavior of drivers, for good, of course.

Another member pointed out how a close friend of hers survived a horrible accident at an intersection.

One member who supported the red light camera program, asked a pertinent question about putting the issue before the public on a referendum.

The idea did not go any further as members thought the elected council is competent enough to make the decision for the people who elected them in the first place.

Some others did not have much confidence in the public as very few turned out to vote and who knows, even the small number which votes, may not have the ability to really understand the pros and cons of the issue.

The feather in the cap of the discussion was when one member asked why the city rejected the petition signed by over 3,000 people calling for an election on red light cameras.

No one in the committee came forward with an answer.

It is ironic that the very existence of this committee was because the petition was rejected by the city on technical grounds.

The committee chair felt that the issue was irrelevant as what happened in the past was immaterial to the discussion at hand. The committee was so “independent” that it did not even care to find out why the petition was rejected.

While the committee chose to rely on every claim made by the police department, it placed little faith in the claims made by the opponents of red light cameras.

The red light camera opponents probably alienated the committee by being very critical of the police department.

It is hard to imagine, the public sentiment among Sugar Land residents would be as lopsided as it was in the task force. Do you believe red light cameras will be approved nine to one if it is placed on the ballot in Sugar Land?

INSURANCE Do you need Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

By BASIL HOUSEWRIGHT, JR. A decision that all drivers must make when buying car insurance for the first time or when changing companies is, Do I need uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage?

Choice should be based on a close examination of the type of coverage you may already have and the kind of coverage you may want.

Texas law requires insurance companies to offer UM/ UIM coverage and to get your rejection in writing if you decline the offer.

UM/UIM pays your losses from an accident caused by a hit-and-run driver or an uninsured motorist, up to your coverage limits.

It also pays if an at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover all your expenses.

This is a high potential for two reasons especially in crowded metropolitan areas: Texas law requires minimum liability limits of $30,000/$60,000 /$25,000 and many accidents in heavy traffic involve multiple vehicles.

If the at-fault driver has only minimum limits the $25,000 limit is coverage for all vehicles, which it caused damage to and $25,000 will not go very far with today’s cost of vehicles and body repair.

Also if the at-fault driver has only minimum limits the $30,000 limit is coverage per person and the $60,000 limit is coverage for all persons injured as a result of the accident in all other vehicles.

In the event of serious injury the minimum limits may not even cover life flight type services much less the ensuing additional medical and rehabilitation costs.

UM/UIM covers you, your family members, passengers in your car and anybody driving your car with your permission. The coverage has two components: Property damage, which pays for auto repairs, a total loss, a rental car and damage

Housewright to personal items carried in your car up to your coverage limit. There is an automatic $250 deductible, the amount you pay from your own pocket Bodily injury, which pays without deductibles for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement and permanent or partial disability up to your coverage limit.

For UM/UIM to pay, it must be established that the other driver was at fault. Your company assumes the role of the other driver’s auto liability insurer and can refuse to pay if it establishes the other driver was not at fault.

If the accident was hit-andrun, you can typically collect on your UM/UIM coverage only if you promptly report the accident to the police.

Because UM/UIM coverage may overlap other coverages you already have, you will need to decide whether UM/UIM is worth the additional expense.

If you and your family have health care coverage, it should pay medical and hospital bills after an accident with an uninsured driver. However, your health care coverage would not be available to a non-family member riding in or driving your car.

Also most health care plans require deductibles and copayments to be met by the injured person prior to benefits being provided, therefore a substantial out-of-pocket expense can be occurred.

Some drivers carry medical payments insurance and/ or personal injury protection

(PIP), which pay medical and funeral expenses arising from auto accidents.

You can’t collect from both your medical payments insurance or PIP and your UM/ UIM coverage for the same medical expense.

Medical payments and PIP coverage amounts usually are less than those of UM/UIM and may prove to be inadequate without UM/UIM coverage in the event of a serious accident.

Like UM/UIM property damage coverage, your collision insurance will pay for damage caused by an uninsured driver.

There are, however, a few differences. UM/UIM coverage pays for damage to personal items carried in your car while collision insurance does not. Your collision deductible may be higher than the $250 deductible built in to your UM/UIM coverage.

Finally, UM/UIM insurance - like liability insurance - pays if you need a rental car while your car undergoes repairs.

Collision insurance does not include coverage for a rental car, however some drivers carry rental car coverage, which can provide a rental car.

My suggestion is if you can afford the additional cost of UM/UIM coverage which is not very significant compared to the other coverage on your policy, purchase it.

You never know who will be riding in your vehicle and what type, if any health care coverage they may have and because they are in your vehicle you may be held responsible even though another driver was the primary cause of the accident.

Basil 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. For additional insurance info visit www.texansinsure.com.

RLC opponents launch pledge drive To the Editor: The Houston Coalition Against Red Light Cameras is launching a pledge drive to put an end to the photo enforcement of traffic lights in Sugar Land.

According to city officials, the Sugar Land Police Department has until January 3, 2014 to respond to the Traffic Safety Task Force recommendation regarding the red light camera enforcement program.

If the SLPD does not recommend that the program be terminated or that it be placed on the ballot for a public vote we will commence legal action to overturn the city’s rejection of our petition of April 19. That petition called for a public vote on the issue.

We are hereby accepting pledges to finance legal action to overturn the city’s unlawful act.

Our initial goal is to raise

pledges of at least $5,000 for the commencement of legal action should the city council fail to act on these demands.

The public can access the online pledge form at: www.houstoncolaition.net We hope that the City will take note of this pledge drive and render it unnecessary.

Helwig F. Van Der Grinten

Toy selection safety tips With so many toys to choose from this holiday season, many parents find themselves wanting to grant their kids’ wishes for the newest, coolest toys. Before you buy, double check that the toy you’re considering meets safe shopping guidelines.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 262,000 toy-related emergency room visits in the United States in 2011. Thirteen of those resulted in deaths among children younger than 15, most from asphyxiation.

Dr. Christopher Kwon, medical director with Emerus, suggests parents keep these tips in mind when choosing toys for small kids: •Is the toy age-appropriate?

Adhere to the age guidelines on toy packaging.

• Are there small, loose parts that your child can swal-

low? Use the toilet paper tube test – anything that can pass through the tube is too small to be given to a child under 3.

Marbles, coins and balls are common culprits.

• Could any part of the toy be bitten off and swallowed?

•Does the toy have a string, ribbon, straps or cord longer than 7 inches? For young children, avoid these toys or remove the strings to prevent strangulation.

• Is your toy non-toxic?

Make sure the toy has a nontoxic, durable finish.

•Could any part cut small hands or fingers?

•Does the toy include magnets? Magnets can be fatal if swallowed.

•Could the toy be a fire hazard? Electrical toys with batteries or plugs pose a burn hazard and should be avoided for kids under eight.

• If you’re purchasing a

ride-on, is it stable? Also, remember safety equipment.

• Does the toy include shooting projectiles that can cause injuries to the eyes?

•Has the product been recalled?

Check product recalls online at the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

“Even one toy-related death is too many, especially when these deaths are preventable,” says Dr. Kwon.

“But, if you do your homework before you go shopping, you can be sure your children will enjoy their gifts safely.”

Emerus 24 HR Emergency Room, located at 16000 Southwest Frwy., Suite 100, features dedicated imaging services such as X-ray, CT scan and ultrasound, and comprehensive laboratory services.

For more information, visit www.emerus.com.

Field from Page 1 With the addition of three full-time special events staff, the Skeeters have increased its special events attendance almost eightfold with an additional 80,000 more than 2012 event attendance. “After only two years of operation, the City of Sugar Land’s Constellation Field has set new standards of quality for a minor league baseball stadium,� said Sugar Land Director of Economic Development Regina Morales. “The stadium is the result of many years of effort by the City of Sugar Land; its citizens; and a public/private partnership between the City, Opening Day Partners and Johnson Development working to create destination attractions.�

No general fund dollars were spent to create the stadium. Constellation Field was funded with a portion of sales tax revenues that may only be used for economic development purposes.

These revenues were funded by the Sugar Land 4B Corporation and are not dependent on ballpark revenues to support the effort. Expenditures by visitors to the stadium generate sales and hotel occupancy taxes that benefit the City and Sugar Land residents.

Sugar Land partnered with Opening Day Partners, LLC in 2010 to bring professional minor league baseball to Sugar Land. ODP – an experienced community-focused operator that emphasizes year-round community events and activities at their stadiums – owns and operates Sugar Land’s baseball team. ODP is the owner of the Sugar Land Skeeters.

Constellation Field opened in April 2012 under budget, and both the ballpark and team quickly gained national recognition. • The stadium was selected for Baseball America’s 2013 Great Parks Calendar via fan vote for amenities such as its unique scoreboard shaped like Texas. • The Skeeters organization was named a runnerup for Baseball Digest’s 2012 Organization of the Year. • Success continued in 2013 as Constellation Field received two 2013 Houston Business Journal Landmark Awards in the Community Impact and Hospitality / Entertainment categories. • The Skeeters were the Atlantic League Freedom Division Champion for both the first and second half of the season and advanced to the Freedom Division playoffs. The Sugar Land Skeeters were not only the “winningestâ€? team in full-season professional baseball in 2013, but they also established an Atlantic League single-season win record with 95 wins. “Constellation Field enhances Sugar Land’s attractiveness as a destination entertainment location and strengthens Sugar Land’s overall economic development sustainability,â€? said Mayor James Thompson. “Its great success benefits all our residents economically and culturally. Our community has embraced the stadium and the rest of the country is doing so, too.â€?

Join the Fort Bend Chapter National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, 10:30 to 12:30 in the chapel of the First United Methodist Church, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City. The program will be “DNA by Leon Anhaiser�.

Contact Natalie Aggarwal Natalie-aggarwal@hotmail. com or Gwen Goldsberry at jbbumdar@hotmail.com for more information. The Fort Bend Chapter website is http://www.texasdar.org/ chapters/FortBend/

INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 4, 2013 • Page 5

AUTOMOBILE : Scion tC

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The 2014 Scion tC sports coupe got sportier thanks to improved looks, an upgraded interior and an enhanced driving experience for the brand’s top-selling vehicle.

The Scion tC accounts for 40 percent of all Scions ever sold over the 10-year history of the brand.

The 2014 Scion tC is defined by more assertive styling, starting with distinctive new headlamps and an all-new hood that extends lower toward a more open, muscular grille with an embedded tC logo. The new upper- and lower-grille treatments are bordered by LED accent lighting.

Beneath the rear bumper, a new black-out valance features an FR-S style, lowercenter trim piece and lower perimeter reflectors; new advanced LED tail lamps complete the picture. New 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tires carry the aggressive character through to the car’s profile. Standard on the tC, the wheels feature a premium dark gray finish, contrasted by machined-spoke surfaces.

The tC will be the first mod-

el in the Scion family to come with the all-new Scion Standard Display Audio, featuring a 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen.

The new audio system comes equipped with Bluetooth compatibility, HD Radio Technology and steering wheelmounted controls.

The new base audio system will be joined by an available, all-new Scion BeSpoke Premium Audio system featuring Aha. This upgraded system includes full navigation, as well as the ability to connect compatible smart phones through Aha to access 30,000 free audio stations, including Scion’s own signature station with 17 music channels.

In addition to audiobook stations, sports, news and entertainment, the Aha service uses location–based services such as Yelp and TripAdvisor, and integrates most of the popular social media applications.

Added convenence features for the 2014 tC include autooff headlamps and an auto-up and down driver’s window.

The interior is upgraded with premium materials and lighter color fabric on the seats and the headliner.

Getting there will be more fun in the 2014 tC thanks to its 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, which makes 179 horsepower at 6,000 RPM, and it is available either with a six-speed manual transmission or an updated six-speed automatic.

The automatic can change gears nearly twice as fast as the previous model for both upshifts and downshifts. The automatic transmission now features Dynamic Rev Management technology, adopted from the FR-S. The technology quickly blips the engine to match its revs to gear ratios

on downshifts, limiting driveline shock and adding to the visceral experience of driving the car.

Handling is enhanced by making modifications to stabilizer bar hardware, optimizing the shock absorbers and increasing the body rigidity with additional spot welds. Driving enthusiasts will also appreciate the retuned electronic power steering that provides a more engaging response.

The Scion tC is a fun twodoor sport coupe to drive.

Folding the seatbacks in the second row down, provides a

roomy cargo area. With the seatbacks up the tC provides room for four adults and cargo. The suggested retail price is $20,210 with all standard equipment.

That standard equipment includes ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, independent MacPherson strut front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension, vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brake system, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and smart stop technology. There’s also a panoramic slide/tilt moonroof, power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, leather trimmed tilt/ telescopic three-spoke sport steering wheel with audio controls, power door locks, windows and steering, remote keyless entry, cruise control and 60/40 split reclining rear seats.

While young drivers dominate the demographics of Scion buyers, older folks also buy the Scion, which very likely makes them feel like a kid again.

2013 WINTER MINI-TERM & SPRING 2014 SEMESTER REGISTRATION Winter Mini-Term begins December 16 (Register now through December 15) Spring semester classes begin January 21, 2014 (Register now through January 20)

A Program for Everyone Core classes in English, Math, History, Science, Speech, Humanities, Visual & Performing Arts, Government, Kinesiology, and Social Services "TTPDJBUF PG "SUT EFHSFF t "TTPDJBUF PG "SUT JO 5FBDIJOH EFHSFF t "TTPDJBUF PG "QQMJFE 4DJFODF EFHSFFT $FSUJĂśDBUF $FSUJĂśDBUJPO 1SPHSBNT t %JTUBODF -FBSOJOH $PVSTFT 'JOBODJBM "JE $PVOTFMJOH t %VBM BOE $PODVSSFOU &OSPMMNFOU

"TTPDJBUF PG "SUT %FHSFF with emphasis of study in :

Agriculture Art Behavioral Sciences Biology Business Administration Chemistry Computer Science Criminal Justice Drama Engineering English General Studies Kinesiology Mathematics Music Nursing (Pre-Baccalaureate) Physics Social Sciences Speech

"TTPDJBUF PG "SUT %FHSFF JO 5FBDIJOH

"TTPDJBUF PG "QQMJFE 4DJFODF %FHSFFT $FSUJÜDBUFT Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration & Electrical Technology* Automotive Technology*†Computer Science: t $*4$0 3PVUFS /FUXPSLJOH t $PNQVUFS 1SPHSBNNJOHp t $PNQVUFS 4JNVMBUJPO and Game Development†t %JHJUBM .FEJBp t 1$ 5FDIOJDBM 4VQQPSU t /FUXPSL "ENJOJTUSBUJPOp Cosmetology* Dental Hygiene†Early Childhood*†Electronics Engineering Technology†Emergency Medical Technology*†Engineering Design*†t "SDIJUFDUVSBM %FTJHO t $PNQVUFS "JEFE Drafting* t $POTUSVDUJPO .BOBHFNFOUp Fire Academy* )FBMUI *OGPSNBUJPO 5FDIOPMPHZp

Human Services*†Law Enforcement†Nuclear Power Technology†: t /PO MJDFOTFE 0QFSBUPS Specialty* t &MFDUSJDBM 5FDIOJDJBO Specialty* t *OTUSVNFOUBUJPO BOE Controls Technician Specialty* Nursing: t "TTPDJBUF %FHSFF "%/ p t -7/ "%/ 5SBOTJUJPOp t 7PDBUJPOBM /VSTJOH 0óDF "ENJOJTUSBUJPO p Paralegal Studies†Physical Therapist Assistant†Police Academy* Process Technology†Radiologic Technology†Surgical Technology* Welding Technology* * Certificate program †Associate of Applied Science Degree

8IBSUPO t 4VHBS -BOE t 3JDINPOE t #BZ $JUZ t &M $BNQP t 1BMBDJPT

8$+$ XDKD FEV

W Wharton County CJC Junior College

WCJC is an EOE Institution.

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 4, 2013

FORT BEND REAL ESTATE First Colony SL•$1,499,000•4/31/2/3 38CB

Riverstone SL•$1,199,000•5/5+11/2/3 4CC

Anita Milne

Knowledgeable! Experienced!

Hardworking!

Competitive!

Action Oriented!

MilneAnita@yahoo.com

281-413-9732 Beard Realty Group

Meadows Place • Meadowhollow • 4/2/2 Meadows Place • Dorrance • 4/2/2 Meadows Place•Sturdivant•4/2.5/2

Telfair SL•$1,050,000•5/4 /3 1/2

7514T

Also for Lease

Reduced

$156,000

$154,500 Parkglen • Whittingham • 3/2/2

For All Your Real Estate Needs Call Arlene Rolsen CRS, Realtor (281) 414-8400 www.ArleneRolsen.com

$159,900

Meadows Place • Meadowhollow • 4/2/2 Meadows Place • Brighton • 3/2.5/2

SOLD

SOLD

$99,000

Reduced

$159,900

$157,500

Wedding planning made easy at County libraries Becoming engaged to be married is an exciting time in one’s life, but all the details involved in planning a wedding – learning rules of etiquette, writing invitations, choosing flowers, music, cakes, and fashions – can often be a source of stress, as well. Get tips on how to reduce the stress and enjoy the wedding-planning process at a special program, “Getting Hitched in a Month: How to Plan a Wedding” on Monday, December 16, beginning at

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013 at 1:30 P.M. CST).

All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

RFP 14-026 – CONTINGENCY AMBULANCE TRANSPORT SERVICE Bonds are not required.

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

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: CHE SHING HO and CONNIE HO 206 NEEDLE LEAF LANE SUGAR LAND TX 77479 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 23, 2013 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building.

The case is presently pending before the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on NOVEMBER 01, 2011. It bears cause number 11-DCV- 194098 and is styled: New Territory Residential Community Association, Inc. V. Che Shing Ho and Connie Ho. The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: CHARLES M JORDAN DAUGHTRY & JORDAN PC 17044 EL CAMINO REAL HOUSTON TX 77058-2630 281-480-6888 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: PLAINTIFF SUED DEFENDANTS FOR DEED RESTRICTION VIOLATIONS AND DELINQUENT HOA. ASSESSMENTS AS TO THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN PETITION ON FILE AS IS MORE FULLY SHOWN BY PLAINTIFF’S FIRST AMENDED ORIGINAL PETITION ON FILE IN THIS SUIT. 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 5th day of November, 2013 .

DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas , Deputy District Clerk Erica Castro Telephone: (281) 633-7612

7:00 p.m., in the Large Meeting Room of the University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus.

Professional event planner Liz Pallathumadom will share her insight and experience of planning a wedding, including making a reasonable budget, being flexible, and staying organized – even if you only have a month until the big day!

With a multitude of resources on topics of every

a CD of wedding music. Learn about the history and meaning of flowers. Review travelogue videos and books about honeymoon locales around the world. Intimidated by what to select for the bridal registry?

Consumers Digest offers reviews on the best appliances on the market.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the branch library at 281-633-5100 or the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677.

Sugar Land’s Christian Women’s Connection welcomes Sherry Woodruff

REQUESTS FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS Sealed Qualification Statements will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, William B. Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013 AT 1:30 P.M. (CST). All submissions will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the firms made public. Submissions received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov Q14-027 – TRANSPORTATION PLANNING, ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF ADMINSITRATION AND OPERATIONS FACILITY A Pre-SOQ conference will be conducted on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 9:00AM (CST). The conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Purchasing Department located at 301 Jackson, Suite 201 in Richmond Texas.

All vendors are encouraged to attend.

Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all qualification statements received.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF RANA lDRIS DECEASED ADDRESS UNKNOWN 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 30, 2013 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 November 01,2013. It bears cause number 13-DCV-210474 and is styled: Bank Of America, N.A. vs Mohammed T Mulla, Nadir Mulla, Nailah Mulla, Amna Mulla and,the Unknown Heirs at Law of Rana Idris, Deceased .

The name and address of the attorney for the petitioner is: DUSTIN C. GEORGE MACKIE WOLF ZIENTZ & MANN PC 14160 NORTH DALLAS PARKWAY SUITE 900 DALLAS TX 75254-4319 214-722-5176 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: PLAINTIFF REQUESTS THAT MOHAMMED MULLA, NADIR MULLA, NAILAH MULLA, AMNA MULLA AND THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF RANA lDRIS BE CITED TO APPEAR AND ANSWER HEREIN AND THAT, UPON FINAL HEARING, PLAINTIFF HAVE AND RECOVER A JUDGMENT AGAINST THEM ALLOWING IT TO PROCEED WITH FORECLOSURE AS PROVIDED BY THE LOAN AGREEMENT AND TEXAS PROPERTY CODE SECTION 51.002, PLUS INTEREST AND ATTORNEY’S FEES AND ALL COSTS OF SUIT. LOT TWENTY (20), IN BLOCK ONE (1), OF THE COLONY BEND, SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 20, PAGE 10, OF THE PLAT 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 12th day of November, 2013.

DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT, Fort Ben d County, Texas

By Deputy District Clerk Layla Helton 281-633-7635

kind, Fort Bend County Libraries can make weddingplanning easier and more affordable. Brides (and grooms) can plan the wedding of their dreams by beginning with one of the many books, magazines, or videos on the subject. From wedding fashions and cultural traditions to how-to guides for cake-decorating and flowerarranging, the library offers resources and ideas for couples planning anything from a simple ceremony to an elaborate extravaganza. Check out

The Sugar Land Christian Women’s Connection will hold its monthly luncheon on Friday, Dec. 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sweetwater Country Club located at 4800 Palm Royale Dr., Sugar Land. The featured speaker will be Sherry Woodruff from Richmond.

Woodruff, a former teacher and graduate of Sam Houston State University will speak on the “Melody of Life” with all its highs and lows. She also is a concert pianist and as a special feature, she will entertain the group with some of her holiday selections. The cost for the luncheon is $20 inclusive with complimentary valet parking available.

Area women are invited to share Christian fellowship, a delightful lunch and inspirational testimony by Sherry Woodruff.

Reservations are necessary and can be made by calling (281) 980-9670 or via email at sw-hou-cwc-@juno.com. The Sugar Land Christian Women’s Connection is affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries (www.stonecroft.org).

Sugar Land spreads hope this holiday season

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: BOBBIE ALDRIDGE WILLIAMS AND THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF DAVID HENRY WILLIAMS JR. AKA JOHNNY WILLIAMS DECEASED ADDRESS UNKNOWN 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 06, 2014 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 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on May 03, 2013. It bears cause number 13-DCV-206187 and is styled: CitiFinancial, Inc. vs Bobbie Williams and The Unknown Heirs at Law of David Henry Williams, Jr. AKA Johnny Williams, Deceased The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF FOR PETITIONER IS: THOMAS LINN BRACKETT BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER TURNER & ENGEL LLP 15000 SURVEYOR BLVD SUITE 100 ADDISON TX 75001 972-386-5040 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: PLAINTIFF CITI FINANCIAL INC, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNED BY AND THROUGH ITS ATTORNEY OF RECORD, THOMAS L BRACKETT OF BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER TURNER & ENGEL, LLP, 1500 SURVEYOR BLVD, ADDISON, TEXAS 75001, 972-386-5040, BROUGHT SUIT AGAINST DEFENDANTS BOBBIE ALDRIDGE WILLIAMS AND THE UKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF DAVID HENRY WILLIAMS JR AKA JOHNNY WILLIAMS DECEASED TO ENFORCE THE LOAN AGREEMENT ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4961 EAST RIDGE CREEK, HOUSTON TEXAS 77053 AND LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS: TRACE FIVE (5), BLOCK THIRTEEN (13) OF THE UNRECORDED RESUBDIVISION OF PART OF RESERVES “D” AND “G” OF RIDGEMONT, SECTION TWO (2) AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY AND HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 187, PAGE 97, MAP RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS AND IN VOLUME 10, PAGE 11, MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS BEING A TRACT OF LAND OUT OF RESERVE G, OF RIDGEMONT SECTION TWO SUBDIVISION ACCORDING TO THE MAP AS RECORDED IN VOLUME 10, PAGE 11 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS SAID TRACT ALSO BEING OUT OF BLOCK THIRTEEN (13) ACCORDING TO THE DEED FROM US HOME CORPORATION OF TEXAS TO THE RIDGEMONT P.U.D., HOME-OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC AS RECORDED IN VOLUME 576, PAGE 93 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID BLOCK 13; 1.) THENCE NORTH 64 DEG 58 MIN 32 SEC WEST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID BLOCK 13, A DISTANCE OF 110.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE TRACT HEREIN DESCRIED; 2.) THENCE SOUTH 25 DEG 01 MIN 28 SEC WEST, A DISTANCE OF 85.00 FEET TO A POINT FOR CORNER; 3.) THENCE NORTH 64 DEG 58 MIN 32 SEC WEST, A DISTANCE OF 65.00 FEET TO A POINT FOR CORNER; 4.) THENCE NORTH 25 DEG 01 MIN 28 SEC EAST, A DISTANCE OF 85.00 FEET TO A POINT FOR CORNER ON THE NORTH LINE OF BLOCK 13; 5.) THENCE SOUTH 64 DEG 58 MIN 32 SEC EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID BLOCK 13, A DISTANCE OF 65.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE TRACT HEREIN DESCRIBED, MORE OR LESS. 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 19th day of November, 2013.

DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County Deputy District Clerk TENTRA ALLEN 281-633-7616

Sugar Land will host its annual food drive at City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd., on Dec. 6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City is partnering with KTRK Channel 13’s Share Your Holidays Food Drive to make sure families in Fort Bend County have a meal this holiday season.

All donations will benefit East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry and St. Vincent de Paul Society. Whether it’s donating one can or 100, it all contributes to spreading the holiday spirit and care.

To ensure nutritious donations, event organizers recommend canned goods, beans, dried fruit, flour, rice, sugar, powdered and canned milk, baby formula and other non-perishable food items. Diapers are also needed. Cash donations or checks made payable to East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry will also be accepted. For more information, contact the Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 275-2885, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov or check for updates at www.facebook.com/SugarLandParks and www.twitter.com/SugarLandParks.

Fort Bend County GOP’s LincolnReagan Dinner set for Jan. 10, 2014 The Republican Party of Fort Bend County’s 2014 LincolnReagan Dinner will be held on Friday, January 10, 2014 at Safari Texas Ranch. United States Senator Ted Cruz is scheduled to be the featured speaker.

The Republican Party of Fort Bend County will again host the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner. The purpose of the event is to maximize the money available to elect conservative Republicans in Fort Bend County.

Chairman Mike Gibson states, “This year will mark the first time since 2000 that the Governors’ race will not include Rick Perry. We will have the most active statewide campaign cycle in over a decade and a number of candidates which are unknown to most voters. Most of them will be at this event. Come and meet Senator Ted Cruz but make time to get to know the other candidates so you can be informed in your support.”

The evening includes VIP and general receptions, dinner, and a live auction. Seating is allotted on a first come, first served basis and table sponsorships are currently being taken.

The VIP Reception includes open bar, hors d’ oeuvres and the opportunity to meet our featured speaker, as well as various local, state and federal elected officials.

All proceeds from the event will be used to fund Party activities for the sole purpose of electing Republicans and to growing the Republican Party in this area.

In order for your name to be listed as a sponsor in the commemorative program, your check must be received by Dec. 23, 2013. If you have any questions, contact Kial Vidic at 832-5351923 or via email at rsvpcampaign@gmail.com or Mike Gibson 832-876-7013 or via email at chairman@fbcgop.org

INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 4, 2013 • Page 7

Spotlight

FILM REVIEW: The Book Thief This is yet another movie with a story set with the “Winds of War” gusting in pre-war Nazism.

It’s 1938 and a young girl (Liesel) is frantically adopted by two non-Jew Germans who have no children and barely scratching out an existence; soup is the primary meal.

If this German couple had the revered, Aryan blood, what’s the problem? This film

by Director Brian Percival attempts to peel back the façade of the common citizens in Nazi Germany who were caught in Hitler’s oppressive world that operated on strict authority and intimidation.

“It’s not too late to join the party…” The was the warning given to Papa/Hans (Geoffrey Rush – age 62) and Mama/Rosa (Emily Watson – age 47). This brave and scared husband and wife were not only willing to raise Liesel (Sophie Nelisse), but they secretly hid a young Jewish man in their basement. Their house was on the street in the middle of a typical, German neighborhood where everybody knew your name. And all of your business.

If you didn’t fly the Swastika flag, then you were not a good German, and bad things could happen. Hans and Rosa displayed the flag.

The narrator of the film is also known as “Death” so that gives you some idea of the atmosphere of this story. Young Liesel is very sad and misses

and Nazism?

The acting was shockingly good; Emily Watson as the complicated and multi-layered Rosa was my favorite. Ms. Watson has been nominated twice for Best Actress in the 1990’s, but she still has the luster. Geoffrey Rush’s Papa was charming, terrified, meek and valiant.

Not bad for a kid from Queensland, Australia, who won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of David Helfgott in “Shine” (1996).

There are a lot of hot movies in theatres now, so I’d choose this one if you are a big fan of one of the actors and/or of War World II. Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 79. Larry H. larryhmoviereviews.com

her mother even though she attempts to be a good child for the sake of her new parents; especially her “Papa.”

The child learns to read rapidly and courageously rescues a book after a bookburning in the town square.

Her Papa supports her loved of books and fosters her reading. The basement dweller, Max (Ben Schnetzer), also helps Liesel see the world “…

Wedding

as though your eyes were talking.” She has an obvious gift for literature.

But all of this love and support for each other is also subject to the cruelty and unfairness of war and a dictatorship.

The movie is based on the best-selling novel by Markus Zusak.

This screenplay is by Michael Petroni who also wrote “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.”

I have not read Zusak’s novel, but I suspect that it must have been more entertaining than this picture. I’m not sure if the director or screenwriter dropped the ball or both, but I did not enjoy this movie. It was not fun, barely interesting, and at times boring. How do you botch-up such a sweet, intriguing story about Liesel

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

(281) 634-9400 www.wjinterests.com

Rice & Gardner Consultants Engineer Buildings that Lower Energy Costs!

Building’s

Sugar Land City Councilman Harish Jajjoo and his wife Sashi, hosted a reception on the occasion of their son Rishi Jajoo’s marriage with Zeba Wunderlich. The reception at the Sugar Land Marriott in Town Square on Nov. 23 was well attended by a cross section of the community. Rishi and Zeba are pursuing their Ph.D. degree at Harvard.

Above, Sashi, left, Rishi, Zeba and Harish Jajoo at the reception. Rishi’s red socks drew his brother Sid’s attention and was an object of his humorous toast. Sugar Land Mayor Jimmy Thompson picked up the thread and defended Rishi’s choice of color, red socks, that matched his wife’s dress. That is the right thing to do, Thompson said in jest.

Today most people spend the majority of their day indoors at home, at school or at the office. It is important then that our homes, our schools, our office buildings, and the many other buildings we frequent provide a good indoor environment for the people who live and work in them. A good indoor environment is one that addresses the quality of the air we breathe, appropriate temperature and humidity levels, appropriate lighting levels, and in general promotes good indoor occupant comfort, health and well-being.

Jim Rice & Kevin Gardner

Visit Santa in Quail Valley

Because building operations account for over half of all U.S. electricity consumption and contributes a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, it is important that they be engineered and designed correctly to minimize electrical consumption, reduce their carbon footprint and still provide a good indoor environment for building occupants.

Designing, installing and utilizing efficient lighting and HVAC systems with properly designed building automation control systems is the first step in reducing building energy consumption, lowering utility costs and providing a good indoor environment.

In today’s economy, property owners and managers must demonstrate the value of their property to their tenants, both existing and future, while finding ways to reduce costs without negatively impacting occupant comfort or owner services. It is a delicate balancing act.

Rice & Gardner Consultants provided engineering services for the Fort Bend County North Annex.

Proper engineering design and installation can provide owners with a ten to fifteen percent decrease in their energy bills and a corresponding improvement in tenant satisfaction.

Rice & Gardner Consultants has a highly trained staff of Engineers, Project Managers and Commissioning Agents to assist you. To find out how you can lower your building’s electric bills and provide improved occupant comfort contact Rice & Gardner Consultants today.

To learn more call us at 713-482-2300 or visit our website at www.ricegardner.com.

Abbie, Emma and Elizabeth Childs, daughters of former Quail Valley resident, Gretchen Daugherty Childs and Michael Childs with Santa Claus. Santa will be available for a picture with children in Quail Valley on Dec. 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 and 23, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Follow the lights on Kiamesha to Boca Court and bring your camera.

Rice & Gardner Consultants continues to provide engineering services for various projects at Fluor’s Lake Pointe Plaza Campus.

MEP Engineering – Commissioning - Program Management 6161 Savoy Suite 1212 Houston, TX 77036 713-482-2300

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 4, 2013

RIVERSTONE Interest rates have been very good this year!

HO, HO, HOmes!

He’s Making a List and Checking it Twice for a New Home for the Holidays!

Located in the heart of Fort Bend, Riverstone offers a diverse selection of homes priced from the $280s to the millions. A home in Riverstone is the perfect gift for the holidays... and with NEW BUILDERS, NEW MODELS and NEW NEIGHBORHOODS you’ll have a stocking filled with choices.

wy

From US-59 in Sugar Land, take Hwy 6 south 3 miles 281.499.8700

Ft.

Pk

LJ

i Un B

v l v ersit y d.

Be n

59 6

$280s-Millions

8 d Pk

Williams Trace

90

also com

Luxurious Waterside Living in Fort Bend

Ashton Woods . Christopher Sims . Coventry . Darling Fedrick, Harris . Highland . Lespreance Construction . Meritage . Newmark Partners in Building . Perry . Sitterle . Sterling Classic . Taylor Morrison Teramor . Toll Brothers . Trendmaker . Westin . Westport

F For more iinfo f go tto cafb.org fb Tickets available online or at the Riverstone Information Center

wy.

UNIVERSITY U NIVE BLVD. and SIENNA CONNECTION NOW OPEN!

Join us for the 2013 CASA Christmas Home Tour—Dec. 13-14

Developer of Developer of the the Year Year

+2: &$1 :( +(/3" $SSRLQWPHQWV 2QOLQH 6FKHGXOLQJ +RXVWRQ 0HWKRGLVW 6XJDU /DQG 'RFWRUV 6HQG DQ ( JUHHWLQJ

9LVLW WKH :HE 1XUVHU\ 0DSV 'LUHFWLRQV 1HZV (YHQWV