Fort Bend Independent

VOL 3 No. 50

Phone: 281-980-6745

www.fbindependent.com ww .fbindependent.com

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2010

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

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

Birds of Fort Bend Northern Cardinal

Re-zoning spawns ‘Don’t mess with my neighborhood school’ groups

By SESHADRI KUMAR Fort Bend ISD board of trustees on Monday heard myriad proposals affecting elementary, middle and high school attendance zones toward equalizing the number of students in each campus and further refined them.

But, hundreds of parents from one end of the district to the other, with different agendas filled the board room, the lobby and spilled into the parking lot.

A group of community members have come together to “save” Colony Bend Elementary, while another group wants to preserve Willowridge High School.

Some others like those in Avalon, Telfair, New Territory, Chelsea Harbor, and Orchard Lake Estates want to keep their neighborhoods intact and don’t want their children to be moved to any new school campus.

Supporters of various groups wore specially-designed Tshirts to advocate their position.

As the board discussed how to “re-purpose” the underutilized school campuses during a workshop, board members took pains to explain that the idea was not to “close” a school, but to optimize its use to save costs due to the financial crunch.

Board members have been receiving emails and letters

from agitated parents and some of them impugned the motives of the board of trustees.

One of them alleged that the administration upgraded the Colony Bend Elementary only to sell it.

The rumor seems to have started with an idea that the campus could be used to start a charter school.

The board and the administration categorically denied that there was ever an idea to sell the Colony Bend campus to St. Laurence Catholic High School.

There was no such discussion in the past, present or (in

the future), Superintendent Tim Jenney said.

Some of the proposed ideas for “re-purposing” Colony Bend Elementary including consolidating special education classes, or Pre-K classes from other elementary campuses, adding district administrative offices, or keeping the current elementary classes and bring a Grade 3 to 5 ‘Gifted and Talented’ program.

The administration has been asked to work out the cost implication of having a GT school within Colony Bend.

See ZONE, Page 3

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

The Northern Cardinal is not just associated with Christmas because of its beautiful red plumage and crest. Northern Cardinals don’t migrate . . . and live year round in a good portion of the United States (excluding the Rocky Mountains and some of the Northern Plains states). So the striking photos of Cardinals in the snow are not “photoshopped”. These birds come to feeders and love black oiled Sunflower seeds. They also enjoy the water sprinkler and birdbaths. Mostly seen in pairs, the mature female has the lovely red bill but gray feathers with red splotches that can make her appear burnt orange. These birds are ideally suited for back yards and enjoy feeders. 80 percent mate for life, but in the late winter early spring in woodsy areas, you may see Cardinals flocking with young birds and those randy 20 percent finding new mates. Visit http://traction. typepad.com/birds for more photos by Margaret Sloan.

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., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

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

Clements Stars Dance Team spreads Holiday Happiness Clements High School Stars Dance Team (below) sold hundreds of poinsettia plants to help fund their competition season next semester, while spreading Holiday happiness around Sugar Land. Last Month, the team

Stars Dance Team members shown below are: Front row; Claire Perry, Kacey Eichen, Brea Moffett, Rasia Frederik, Lena Brown, Raquel Roulin, Katherine Arias, and Valerie Jalomo. Middle row; Desha Dike, Lana Advincula, Michelle Kuo, Mercedes Garza, Megan Cross, Jessica Withrow, Isabelle Hwang, Anisha Mathur, and Kelsey Carpenter. Back row: Anuva Kachru, Kaylen Parker, Amanda Adams, Alexia Posey, Alyssa Murphy, Chloe Knight, Kelly Cheney, Christina Triggs, Kelsey Key, and Jessie Pople.

members contacted local businesses and residents throughout the Sugar Land area to sell poinsettias and get as many orders as possible. Their efforts were met with great success evident by many of the plants all over town. The girls look forward to this fund raiser each year because it helps Sugar Land dress for the Holiday Season, while also supplementing the team’s competition season expenses.

Beginning early in 2011, the award winning FBISD Clements Stars Dance Team will compete in four major events including Fort Bend District, Greater Houston, Regional, and National Levels. Star members are working hard to put their best foot forward. Directors, Ms. Waite, and Ms. Barth are very grateful to the community for all of the support, and wish everybody a happy holiday season.

Christmas arrived early at the Fort Bend County Women’s Center shelter. Around 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 9, the smell of turkey, stuffing, warm rolls, mashed potatoes and green beans wafted through the air as the women and children were treated to a catered Christmas dinner generously donated by Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Following dinner, the children were whisked away to the shelter’s Rainforest Room that had been converted into the latest boutique housing purses, clothes, perfume, scarves, jewelry and more - all donated by Stars and Fort Bend Juniors Services League members. The children shopped the “Rainforest Boutique” for the perfect gifts for their mothers, and volunteers helped wrap the gifts complete with bows and smiles. One shelter resident commented that this would be the first time she received a Christmas gift from her children.

Due to financial restraints, it had never been possible before.

The children then began making various crafts to decorate their rooms and the shelter hallways when suddenly a “Ho! Ho! Ho!” was heard coming down the hall…

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 15, 2010

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, operating rooms expand

John Boon, M.D.; Guillermo Ponce de Leon, M.D.; Timothy Sitter, M.D.; Margaret Condit, M.D.; Sundara Kulkarni, M.D. and Ali Mahmood, M.D. Twice in the last two years, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has expanded their operating rooms, and are now expanding again to meet the community’s demand. The hospital will open two new operating rooms in the Main Pavilion on December 6, in addition to the current twelve.

This will bring the number of operating rooms in the new building to 14, which will greatly expand patient capacity.

“We’re trying to keep pace with the expansion in service lines and the number of new procedures the hospital is performing,” said Becky Chalupa, Associate Chief Nursing Officer. “This latest operating room expansion will allow us to handle a greater number of patients and provide more flexibility in scheduling for our surgeons and patients.”

“I am excited to continue to increase my surgical time in Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s operating rooms as they are state-of-the-art which allows me to perform groundbreaking procedures,” says John Boon, M.D., urologist on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, and the first in

Fort Bend County to perform a robotic nephrectomy surgery, with Henry Pham, M.D. In the last couple of years, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital physicians and operating room staff have successfully performed services once only available in the medical center – abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, first angioplasty with stents, awake craniotomy, brain surgery, carotid artery stenting, gastric LAP-BAND® surgery & laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, open heart surgery, minimally invasive aortic valve replacement, minimally invasive coronary artery bypass graft surgery, MRI-guided biopsy, robotic surgery, single-puncture laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, urinary bladder reconstruction, video-assisted esophagomyotomy, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and 3T Breast MRI. Each of these procedures was performed for the first time in Fort Bend County at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

“Our operating room staff and physicians should be commended for their innovation and dedication to Lead-

ing Medicine at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital,” adds Chalupa.

Ali Mahmood, M.D., colorectal surgeon on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital adds, “I am looking forward to having more OR time in Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s state-of-the-art operating rooms and providing our patients with services close to home at a hospital that is known for excellence.”

Sales associates needed Fort Bend Independent immediately needs motivated advertising sales personnel with a passion for success.

Call 281-980-6745 or email editor@ fbindependent.com

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DECEMBER 15, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

News

Suzette Peoples Broker /Owner

Final design for Missouri City community center & pro shop begins key elements in the design is acoustical design for all the community and food service spaces, audio visual design for the community center and event venue spaces and technological design that includes wireless Internet, specialized audio and visual systems and infrastructure and equipment that enhance this type of event spaces and venues.

The price for FNI’s services is $609,000, which is 15 percent less than the original proposal of $701,230. The Phase II design should be completed

by April 2011, and construction is expected to start sometime in the summer.

In other council business the property in disrepair at 2219 Long Barrel Lane is being repaired per the city’s mandate and the work is expected to be completed within the 120 days council allowed the owners to correct the deficiencies.

On Aug. 17, 2009 the structure was declared substandard and the property owners were given 225 days to bring the house into compliance with city code or demolish it.

Council and the city have continued to work with the owners so as of Nov. 6 this year, the owner’s husband, Treachor Sandles, and Doris Washington, a professional engineer, met with Lalo Flores, building official.

They agreed that the work will include re-wiring the entire house, a plumbing riser diagram for any new water lines installed, a new A/C duct system, furnace and compressor on plans, energy report submitted with plans and the structural items to be repaired.

Flores reported that considerable work has been done on the chimney and that when he talked to Washington she said she’s completed 85 percent of the plans and all will be done in the next two weeks so the owner can then apply for a building permit.

Flores told council, “I think they’re on the right track right now. They’ll go out for bids on the subcontractors who will be doing the work.”

No action on the agenda item was necessary and none was taken.

“I love this city just like you do. It was 20 years ago when my husband and I chose Sugar Land as the place we wanted to live, work and raise our children. Giving back to the community has always been important to me and my family. Seeking to represent District 4 on the City Council is another way of giving back to the community that has been so good to us,” she said in a statement.

“Michael Schiff has been an outstanding City Councilman for District 4, but term limits will not allow him to run for re-election. I’d like to continue his dedication to public service by seeking that office.

“As you know, our city offers many wonderful amenities. This has contributed to the city’s rapid growth over

Ahmed the past 20 years. Issues such as mobility and the economy are a priority. I’ve been fortunate to travel internationally extensively and I see the wisdom in making Sugar Land a national and international destination for visitors and businesses. One of my strengths is building consensus on issues and developing creative, innovative ideas to promote an invigorated business environ-

liberating less than two hours on Dec. 9. The 434th District Court Judge James Shoemake then sentenced Polley to ten years in prison.

According to prosecutor Jeff Strange, Polley got into an altercation with his neigh-

bor in the Quail Run subdivision of Missouri City in April 2009.

Robert Brown, paralyzed below the waist and with only one leg, was confined to a wheelchair. During the argument, Polley returned to

Zone From Page 1

posed the idea of establishing a full-fledged technical education center, where students will have a whole day program, instead of visiting the campus for a few hours from another campus, as far away as Bush High School.

In other words, McAuliffe will be another high school campus, with a concentration of tech ed programs.

In this process, Marshall High School will absorb the students from Willowridge.

Missouri City Middle School and Quail Valley Middle School will absorb the McAuliffe students.

This will save an estimated $1.2 million a year in staffing costs.

Caldwell raised the point that if Colony Bend is saved with a GT program, people would demand a similar treatment for Willowridge.

Willowridge was slated to have academy programs and it got one, but the program has not yet succeeded.

In this context, the race factor figured again when Glover said the reality is some parents do not want to send their children to Willowridge, even if academies are established there.

Also, the age of the building is one of the reasons to move the students to the newer Marshall High School.

But, supporters of Willowridge point to the history of the school and “preserve” it.

The estimated saving from the closure of Willowridge, built in 1979, is $2 million.

The idea of temporarily moving 8th graders from Baines Middle School in Sienna Plantation to the new Ridgepoint High School or the plan to convert elementary school campuses from K-5 to K-6 campuses did not find much favor because of the huge costs involved in the transition.

Similarly, adding temporary buildings worked out to be more expensive than transporting students from a distant neighborhood.

The board will have more workshops next month and after the board picks a rezoning plan, it will be open to public comments.

Jenney expected to have the plan for final adoption in February. Earlier, he said in response to a question from the board: “I don’t think there will be any consensus on any model.”

The board also heard that consolidation of Colony Bend Elementary with two other neighboring campuses will save over $1 million in staffing costs.

Closing of Lakeview Elementary is “more complicated” as it would involve moving students from six or seven other campuses, according to the administration.

During discussions on middle school campuses involving Baines in Sienna, Missouri City Middle School, Quail Valley Middle School and Christa McAuliffe Middle School, Trustee Marilynn Glover vented her frustration over accusations that the district is moving children based on race.

“It is a bunch of BS to say that we are doing it based on race. We are not penalizing people based on ethnicity,” Glover said.

Trustee Laurie Caldwell said “We have a desire to make every campus as strong as possible. I would not hesitate to send my children to any school in FBISD.” The administration pro-

ABR, GRI , E-Pro, 21 years Professional Realtor; Owner of Peoples Properties, a Real Estate & Property Management Co.; American Business Women’s Association.

NEW LISTING Riverstone. Pool, Spa, Waterfall. Built 2003. Trendmaker beauty. Over 4,700 sqft. 5 BR 4.5 baths.

3 car, 2 masters. Rare find on huge oversized cul de sac lot. No neighbors next to you. Upgrades galore. Zoned to Clements. Priced in the $500’s.

REDUCED FIRST COLONY/SUGAR LAND! Adorable 1-story home on cul de sac street. No neighbors behind you!

3 bedrooms & study or formal living. Open floor plan.

Detached garage! Upgraded Kitchen! $210,000.

QUAIL VALLEY Updated 1 story 4 bedrooms 2.5 bath with new roof and carpet July 2010. Interior all repainted and new fixtures too. Great location on landscaped reserve. Priced to go $120,000!!

Mortgage Banker can do loans in less than 30 days!

ment. Additionally, I want to work with community leaders to find the solutions to our mobility issues and keep our families safe.

“I am proud to have served the citizens for four years on the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission, representing your interests on the First Colony Community Association and many other committees and organizations.

There are many key issues that are unique to District 4.

We have beautiful neighborhoods that we want to protect and improve their quality and value. We need a fiscally responsible and vigilant representative in District 4. I hope you will agree I am the right candidate for our district and city. Together we can keep Sugar Land the City that we want it to be,” Ahmed said.

10 years for causing injury to man in wheel chair A 34-year old Missouri City man who ran over a man who was confined to a wheelchair will spend ten years in prison for his crime.

A jury convicted James Arvis Polley of causing injury to a disabled person after de-

FIRST COLONY/SUGAR LAND! 1/4 ACRE ON OYSTER CREEK! Over 4100sqft! CUSTOM home on culdesac lot. RARE find! Built in 2000! Over $80K in improvements too. 4/5 bedrooms, both formals & study. Priced to go fast!

Call Suzette or email: Speoplesrealtor@aol.com

Farha Ahmed runs for Sugar Land Dist. 4 Farha Ahmed recenlty announced her intention to seek the office of Sugar Land City Council District 4.

Active in the community through service on the Sugar Land Planning and Zoning Commission, First Colony Community Association, Child Advocates Advisory Council, Fort Bend County Judge Advisory Council, Sugar Land Exchange Club and many other community associations and committees, Farha Ahmed is also a member of the prestigious Texas Lyceum, a non-partisan leadership organization.

“I am a consensus builder and I want to develop creative, innovative ideas for promoting an invigorated business environment, improved mobility and increased safety,” she said.

Suzette Peoples

NEW LISTING

R ED U C ED

ter, provide a catering facility, 37th hole grill, golf clubhouse and full service pro shop as well as golf cart repair and storage. The structure will be the centerpiece of the community and a recreational retreat for citizens.

Background information to city council, from Scott R. Elmer, P.E. director of public works, said, “It is imperative that the design be a balance of useable areas, amenities and durable materials to not only create an impressive environment but be smart with spending resources. It is FNI’s goal to focus” the spending where it best serves public spaces rather than staff or utilitarian spaces.

The building will be built of stucco, stone and brick and have a tile roof to “create a California Spanish style that resembles the resort/country club style atmosphere and will solidify an architectural theme for the community.”

Key elements of the community and recreation center are an outdoor plaza area, parking areas, landscaping and intersection upgrades. Other

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

R ED U C ED

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Missouri City Council members at their Dec. 6 meeting authorized City Manager Frank Simpson to negotiate and execute an agreement for the second phase of the design of the city’s new community center and pro shop on Quail Valley Golf Course and they got a follow-up report on a property in disrepair in their town.

Last May council members authorized Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI) to design phase one of the two buildings. In doing so designers worked with city staff and residents to develop a facility program and schematic design, which includes what residents said they want.

During Phase II FNI will develop full construction documents and provide construction administration services to protect the city’s interest.

They will provide complete architectural, landscape architectural, engineering and specialty discipline for the project.

The community center will include a new conference cen-

21 years of experience!

his van that was parked on the street – with his twin 9 month old daughters inside.

He then backed up before pulling into Brown’s driveway; striking him and his 73 year old mother, who suffered only a minor injury.

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WINTER MINI-TERM and SPRING SEMESTER 2011 REGISTRATION

Winter Mini-Term begins December 20 (Register November 1 through December 16)

Spring semester classes begin January 18, 2011 (Register November 1 through January 16)

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Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 15, 2010

Opinion

The View from Sugar Land Just about tax reform

By RUSSELL C. JONES Republicans continue to disappoint. Fine, they get an agreement to avoid the expiration of the Bush tax cuts for two years. Of course, most savvy economists agree that a mere temporary extension of the tax cuts will have little effect on business investment decisions, since such decisions are made over a much longer time period. But what do Democrats get in exchange?

1. $5 billion to continue the ethanol subsidy to Iowa farmers. (See this column two weeks ago, when even Al Gore admitted that the use of ethanol as an alternate to gasoline was a mistake.)

2. Continue unemployment compensation for another twelve months. (See this column of March 10, 2010, when the point was made that unemployment compensation discourages recipients from looking for a job.)

3. Increase the inheritance tax from the current 0% (yes, that is zero percent) to 35%.

4. Authorize another huge stimulus package which would not have been acceptable in any other circumstance.

Let’s put it this way: if Bill Clinton says that Democrats should go along with the tax plan, you can be sure that it is bad for Republicans.

And a great show of deceit

by Democrats it was. Obama’s announcement of the compromise was couched in terms of Republicans “taking hostages” and forcing him to come to terms. “I have not been able to budge them...and in the meantime, there are a whole bunch of people being hurt” by the political stalemate, according to Obama. Yeah, right!

Democrat leaders, including Pelosi and Schumer, complained that Obama had given away the store. Yet the truth is that the compromise was a net

Jones win for Democrats.

Forgive my cynicism.

Charles Krauthammer gets credit for being the first conservative commentator to recognize the scam by Democrats.

He understood that, despite a very weak post-election hand, Obama got the Republicans to offer to increase spending and cut taxes by $990 billion over two years. Two-thirds of that is above and beyond extension of the Bush tax cuts but includes such urgent national necessities as windmill subsidies.

These are the same Republicans who spent 2010 running on limited government, reducing debt, and eliminating earmarks. This budget busting occurs less than a week after the president’s deficit commission had supposedly signaled a new national consensus of austerity and frugality.

Good grief! Who won the election? What was the mandate of the voters? Apparently no one in Washington can remember that long ago.

Cheering the Skeeters Probably the most controversial topic to concern Sugar Land residents over the past decade has been the name of the new minor league team to play in the new ballpark on Highway 6. This column has discussed the name and the

secrecy surrounding its announcement on several occasions. The only agreement to be reached is disagreement on the final name.

Two weeks ago, Opening Day Partners announced the winner at a wild and crazy press conference held at Lakeview Auditorium. Over two hundred students participated, whooping and hollering as each class was introduced.

Former Astros’ coach Deacon Jones and Sugar Land’s mayor led the mayhem as another class of students was revealed wearing the team’s new logo shirts and caps. Most excited of all was the couple who submitted the winning name and received lifetime season tickets for their efforts.

Some of the reaction to the name has been backhanded compliments, such as “Well, it was better than the other finalist names.” In other cases, the response was not that positive.

Here’s the real deal: a month from now, everyone will hear the name and know that the subject is Sugar Land baseball.

Whether your favorite was the Imperials, the Gators, the Nutria, or the Feral Hogs, the “buzz” will be about the Skeeters, the fans will “swarm” to the stadium, and everyone will know when the opposing pitcher has had an “Off” night. When the home team knocks one out of the park, his “swat” will definitely have hit its mark.

The owners promise that the team will never be known as the Bloodsuckers.

On the day that this column is published, the name of the new stadium will be announced. Stay tuned.

Jones is a member of the Sugar Land City Council, having been first elected in 2003. He owns a law firm and a title insurance company in Sugar Land.

Musings: Great girls

By JANICE SCANLAN We had another Great Girls Weekend. Last year friends I have known my entire life and their granddaughters made our first holiday trip to Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. The girls range from 8 to 14 so you can imagine how lively they keep things being spontaneous and curious.

This year we went to San Antonio. For the two trips, none of the under 14 girls had been to either destination . . . and I love seeing places I love through newcomers’ eyes—and with young people, wow.

San Antonio was beautiful.

The lights on the river, which have always been spectacular, have been upgraded with LED versions, but are still multi-colored and hanging over the river.

They now twinkle.

The huge Christmas tree in front of the Alamo is in ice blue lights and a very striking contrast.

And the Carolers on the barges were representing their churches, scout groups and other organizations with songs of joy, peace and hope. Friday night the River was busy . . . it was packed Saturday, but in a way that increased the holiday cheer, not your blood pressure.

This was the first time I had been on the northern “river reach.”

I was not disappointed and

Scanlan neither were the “girls.” The river now extends to the Museum of Fine Arts in the old JAX brewery and to the Pearl Brewery as well. It is beautifully landscaped and maintained as the original River Walk.

What is different is now San Antonio has incorporated its city into the River Walk, with more access to downtown parks, condos and new hotels along the way, and river taxis stop for passengers.

There is also one set of locks to raise or lower the boats, which were very efficient and interesting. So was the bridge art.

And on Saturday with 60 and 70 degree weather . . . what a way to travel!

You can also walk even north beyond the “breweries.” While there aren’t bikers on the downtown River Walk, bike clubs were very active beyond . . .

Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

www.fbindependent.com Email: Editor@fbindependent.com

there was even a “bike valet.”

The Pearl Brewery contains a Farmers Market and the San Antonio Culinary Institute, where chefs train.

This particular weekend there was a tamale tasting festival . . . and you could vote for your favorite. Besides the meat and spinach tamales, there were sweet tamales of pumpkin and pecan as well as bananas for a few I saw.

No way to taste them all so we went to La Glorias which features Mexican street food.

Warning, it is quite spicy. My shrimp and avocado Torta was delicious, but I needed two glasses of Limonada to tame the spicy Chipotle chili sauce.

Café des Artistes is also on the River Walk and at the Museum of Fine Arts . . . I’ll try it next trip because I know John would enjoy all the changes to the River Walk.

Our hotel, The Emily Morgan, who was the Yellow Rose of Texas, appropriately sits next to the Alamo. It’s a 14 story beaux arts former office building built in the 20’s and 30’s.

Gorgeous spire on top that was lighted like a jewel for the holidays. I’d keep it year round.

Happy Holidays! janicescanlan@earthlink.net.

Vitamin D: From rickets to osteoporosis

By THOMAS J. PARR, M.D. How many times have you heard -- or said yourself -- “You need to drink your milk?” There are some things Mothers just know.

A proper balance between Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) and calcium is critical in managing or preventing a number of diseases from rickets to osteoporosis, and may also help prevent cancers, heart conditions, diabetes, neuropsychological conditions, and balance (related to falls). At this point, however, medical science is still working to define what that precise relationship is.

At the request of both the Canadian and American governments, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reviewed more than 1,000 scientific studies, reports, and testimonies regarding the role of Vitamin D and of calcium for proper health.

Their conclusion, released on Nov. 30, 2010, is that the collective information from all this scientific data is mixed and inconclusive; however, a strong body of evidence does substantiate the importance of Vitamin D and calcium in promoting bone growth and maintenance.

At about the same time, The “British Medical Journal” reported a study from New Zealand indicating an apparent link between calcium supplement intake and a 30% increased in risk of heart attack in patients over 40 years of age.

This is an extremely high risk, but the study involved only 12,000 people from a relatively homogenous ethnic mix in a single geographic area. Most importantly, it did not include the use of Vitamin D supplements, and is inconclusive in this regard.

This report has shown that not enough information is known about how calcium

Parr alone affects the heart, and will now lead to more extensive research in the next few years.

Vitamin D is contained naturally in fatty fish (catfish, salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna), whole eggs, and meat (especially beef liver).

Mushrooms and hemp are the only vegan natural food sources for Vitamin D. In both the United States and Canada, milk, baby formula, cereal, and tofu are generally fortified with Vitamin D; however many other dairy products are not. Interestingly, Vitamin D is not required to be listed on nutritional food labels unless it has been fortified with Vitamin D. Seeing a potential increase in rickets for exclusively breastfed infants, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reviewed its position on the supplemental Vitamin D, and in October, 2008, the AAP doubled its recommendation to 400 mg a day for breastfed infants.

Additional research hopefully will help us understand if the problem is more nursing mothers not having enough Vitamin D in their own systems, Vitamin D just not being well included in the otherwise very nutritious breastmilk, infants not being in the sunlight during the day, or a combination of all three.

The IOM did say that determining proper “intake levels for Vitamin D is somewhat

complicated. Vitamin D levels in the body may come from not only Vitamin D in the diet but also from synthesis in the skin through sunlight exposure.”

Your ability to get Vitamin D from sunlight is diminished the further north you are and by the darkness of your skin pigmentation, adding to the problem of setting National Vitamin D guidelines.

Currently, testing for Vitamin D levels in the blood is not frequently done, and the meaning of the test results vary from laboratory to laboratory. More consistent measurement standards need to be established.

As a result of its review, however, the IOM is now recommending 500 mg of calcium per day for children, ages 1-3, and 800 mg of calcium per day for ages 4-8. Adolescents need 1,300 mg of calcium each day to support their higher levels of bone growth.

The IOM also recommends 800 mg of calcium per day for women between the ages of 19 and 50 and for men up to age 71. After that, they need 1,000 mg of calcium daily.

Americans should avoid the thinking that more is better. Consult your doctor to be sure you are taking the proper amount of calcium and Vitamin D. Kidney stones have been associated with too much supplemental calcium, and very high levels of Vitamin D can be associated with kidney and other body tissue damage.

Fortunately, just by starting each day with a bowl of cereal and milk, and taking a 30-minute walk during daylight hours, you are able to make important improvements in your overall health.

Dr. Thomas Parr, an orthopedic surgeon in Sugar Land, can be reached at 281-4917111.Visit www.tomparrmd. net for more information.

School district needs a close watch To the Editor: A few weeks ago I attended and spoke at a FBISD school board meeting about my budget concerns for the district and a comment that had been made by the superintendent regarding the inability of the district to fund any further operations budgets for new schools.

The implication being that we had plenty of money for building new campuses but not money to run them. I questioned the board about this asking if they don’t have money to operate new schools then why are they seeking to fund the “Global Science Museum” at the central office that will divert almost a million a year in operations costs from current campus needs.

No answer was forth-coming. Associated with this is talk by the superintendent of yet another bond election coming in 2011, which seems to run counter to his comments at that board meeting.

Why would he say we have plenty of funding to build new schools, that we may not need, and then begin to work on proposing another bond debt election?

Currently FBISD ranks in the top 10 percent of the state for bond debt and it is this debt that has helped cause several of the last property tax rate increases (3) to service the debt load, with potentially another one coming this year along with more teacher cuts.

He likes to point the finger at the state for this but the current state funding formula has been in place now for several decades.

As a matter of fact, the first 3 ever record budget deficits in our history have come under Mr. Jenney’s leadership since the ‘07 record bond debt election.

Can we afford more leadership like this or another unneeded bond?

Two weeks ago I contacted the board and Mr. Jenney to ask for the process on how I could seek an appointment to the bond steering committee in order to represent these concerns.

After a long wait, I finally received a reply from one of his many assistants at the central office.

Having followed the 2007 bond process and knowing several of the members who

Quail Valley Quails Quail Valley Quails is celebrating 40 years of friendship on Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. at the Quail Valley Grill for a social hour followed by a presentation by Diane Ware, Special Projects Manager & Historian for the Fort Bend Museum Association. She will be speaking about the Dew House, the Dew family who owned the land that became Quail Valley and how they helped found Missouri City.

For luncheon reservations contact Terry Colley via phone or email: 281-438-6234; t.colley@sbcglobal.net.

served, I knew the information provided to me about the use of a “random type lotto” to assign community members is the same misleading information that was publicized leading up to the 2007 bond election.

Interestingly enough, key contractors, politicians, board members and pro-bond debt vendors were appointed to the last steering committee and not by some random chance.

I’m asking the press and other local media to please help shine the light on this process as it moves forward.

In the response I received from the superintendent, they claimed they had not begun the selection process but I know one board member and another newly elected state representative that claim to already have a spot on this “steering committee”.

With so much mismanagement of the current budget and debt problems with the district, can we afford not to keep a close eye on this process? Please help!

Joseph Garland FBISD resident

Come and Experience the Difference!

Salem International Christian Center

Services: Sunday 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday 7 p.m.

14056 Southwest Fwy #118 (In the FedEx Bldg. in front of Holiday Inn Express) Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.salemic.org

DECEMBER 15, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

News Karl Rove to speak at Fort Bend County’s 2011 Lincoln-Reagan Dinner Fort Bend County’s 2011 Lincoln-Reagan Dinner will be held on Friday, January 28, 2011 at the Texas Safari in Richmond.

This year’s event features Karl Rove, Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush from 2000 - 2007 and Deputy Chief of Staff from 2004 - 2007. He is an author, whose latest book is entitled “Courage and Consequence.”

Rove is also a Fox News Contributor, and a columnist for both the Wall Street Journal and Newsweek.

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 Rick Miller states, “Our Republican Party of Fort Bend County is very excited about this great event and having Karl Rove with us.

We expect a capacity turnout following the General Election in 2010 to meet and hear not only Karl, but also many of our State officials and all of our County and local officials.

“The proceeds from this event will fund our Party’s activities and will provide resources to directly support our candidates in the General Election in 2012. This will be a grand evening to spend with the Republican family of Fort Bend County!”

The evening includes VIP and general receptions, dinner, patriotic music and a live

and silent auction. Seating is allotted on a first come, first served basis and table sponsorships are currently being taken.

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 January 10, 2011.

If you have any questions, contact Mandi Bronsell at 281-282-7476 or via email at campaignlogistics@yahoo. com or Rick Miller at 281494-7471 or via email at rickmiller@fbgop.org

Students take part in the University of Houston-Victoria School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony, held Saturday at the Leonard E. Merrell Center in Katy following UHV’s fall commencement ceremonies in which 400 students received degrees. Students graduating from the Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Registered Nurse to BSN, and the Master of Science in Nursing programs had special pins placed on their outfits. Steve Brockman-Weber, chief nursing officer and chief operating officer at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, was guest speaker.

Ragtime comes to Austin High Ragtime, the Musical, is an epic tale of a young America played out in song and dance.

It paints a nostalgic portrait of life at the turn of the twentieth century.

The musical melds three distinct stories that poignantly illustrate history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and

love and hate. Ragtime plays the Austin High School Auditorium on Jan 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29. Showtime is 7 p.m. all nights.

The production features Blake McCardell as Coalhouse Walker Jr., Mimi Ijir as Sarah, Laura Norby as Mother, Jordan Moore as Father, Justin Green as Tateh, Marika Karastamatis as Emma Goldman,

and Zhenya Andryeyeva as Evelyn Nesbit.

According to Mark Booher, Ragtime is a classic American story that puts into a powerful musical form the great forces of American culture, the grandeur of the American spirit, and the epic scale of the human struggle.

For ticket information, call 281 634-2071.

Outpatient facility opens at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus Texas Children’s Hospital announced that the outpatient clinic building is open at its new West Campus, I-10 and Barker Cypress, and that the pediatric emergency center and hospital services are on target to open in spring 2011.

“We are excited to begin offering outpatient services at West Campus as the first step in providing expanded access to the unsurpassed care of Texas Children’s Hospital,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, vice president of Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus.

“As we celebrate this first milestone, we also look forward to spring 2011, when we will open our pediatric emergency center and hospital services.”

The newly built 220,809-square-foot outpatient clinic building at West Campus offers the most current diagnostic and treatment services in a cheerful, familyfocused and welcoming environment.

The facility is designed to provide a comprehensive array of specialized pediatric services delivered by a dedicated team of board-certified pediatric specialists and experts including nurses, rehabilitation specialists and child life specialists.

To ensure the smoothest possible opening experience for patient families, RileyBrown noted that the outpatient clinic facility is opening in two phases.

As of today, the first and second floors of the building are open, which includes outpatient treatment areas for physical/occupational therapy and speech therapy; diabetes/ endocrine; and gastroenterology and nutrition practices.

Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus opened additional outpatient clinic practices Dec. 7, said RileyBrown. These include: audiology, cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, orthopedic surgery, pediatric surgery, pulmonary medicine and urology.

In spring 2011, the hematology/ oncology clinic will open, increasing the number of outpatient clinics at the facility to eleven.

Outpatient services formerly provided at Texas Children’s West Houston Health Center will be offered at the new West Campus facility.

“Texas Children’s has been a part of this community for many years and launching the West Campus outpatient clinic is our promise to continue providing quality, convenient care to West Houston and the

surrounding areas for many years to come,” added RileyBrown.

Those families who have been patients at Texas Children’s main campus or at one of its health center locations will recognize many familiar faces, noted Riley-Brown, since all the pediatric specialists at its West Campus outpatient clinics have previously practiced at one or more of Texas Children’s locations.

In addition to the specialty clinics, the building houses the campus’ primary care pediatric practice, TCPA – Town & Country @ West Campus, which is open and accepting appointments in its new, more spacious location. The practice relocated from 909 Frostwood Dr., Houston, 77024.

In spring 2011 West Campus will open a 12-bed pediatric emergency center, 48 inpatient rooms, three operating rooms, a special procedures suite, advanced diagnostic imaging services including MRI and CT scans, and a neurophysiology sleep laboratory.

For more information about Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus and services available at the outpatient clinic facility, visit www. westcampus.texaschildrens. org.

Riverstone receives award for vibrant resident lifestyle

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened.

BID 11-025 – AUDIO VISUAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATION PROJECT FOR FORT BEND COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 3:00PM (CST). The pre-bid conference will be held at the Office of the Director of Facilities Management and Planning, 1517 Eugene Heimann Circle #500, Richmond, Texas 77469. All vendors are encouraged to attend.

Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are required.

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

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

Fort Bend’s Riverstone recently received a C.A.R.E.S. Award from the Houston chapter of the Community Associations Institute.

The award recognizes Riverstone’s efforts in hosting special events in the community planned by an on-site lifestyle director. After starting work at the beginning of the year, Riverstone lifestyle director Melanie Rushé developed an active events calendar, which ranges from on-site fitness classes to large-scale events that are open to the general public. Response has been strong.

“This year has been amazing,” said Rushé. “And what a difference a few months can make. We had only a handful of residents at our first event, but more than 1,000 at October’s Trail of Treats festival. In

light of increasingly strong response, we have planned even more activities and events for next year.”

With a membership comprising community association volunteers, community managers and association service providers, the Community Associations Institute works to assist community associations in promoting harmony, community and responsible leadership. The C.A.R.E.S. Award is given quarterly to recognize excellence in several categories: special events, beautification, neighborhood projects, conservation and helping hands. For more information, visit www.caihouston.org.

Riverstone is ranked fifth among the 10 top-selling Houston communities by housing consultant Metrostudy,

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 19TH day of OCTOBER 2010 by the 240TH DISTRICT COURT OF FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #06-DCV-151562 in favor of the Plaintiff QUAIL BRIDGE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $6,549.72+++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on the 15TH day of NOVEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of JANUARY 2011 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 KNOX DEVELOPEMENT LLC had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: THE WESTERLY PORTION OF LOT TWO (2) IN BLOCK THREE (3), OF QUAIL BRIDGE, SECTION TW0(2), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 25, PAGE 15, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. (THE PROPERTY) ALSO KNOWN AS 5436 PARKRIDGE DRIVE, HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, 77053.

TERMS : Cash Sale to held at or about 10 a.m.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 22ND day of OCTOBER 2010 by the 400TH DISTRICT COURT OF FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #05-DCV-146282 in favor of the Plaintiff QUAIL BRIDGE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,346.12+++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on the 15TH day of NOVEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of JANUARY 2011 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 KNOX DEVELOPMENT LLC had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: THE WESTERLY PORTION OF LOT TWO (2) IN BLOCK THREE (3), OF QUAIL BRIDGE, SECTION TW0(2), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 25, PAGE 15, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. (THE PROPERTY) ALSO KNOWN AS 5434 PARKRIDGE DRIVE, HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, 77053.

TERMS : Cash Sale to held at or about 10 a.m.

RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 22ND day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 434TH DISTRICT COURT OF FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #10-DCV-179146 in favor of the Plaintiff FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT & ET AL, Plaintiff, for the sum of $7,404.30+++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 6TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of JANUARY 2011 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 RASHARD LEWIS had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed there to. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: GEO: 8110090050530907/ CPC: R314959/ LOT FIFTY-THREE (53) IN BLOCK FIVE (5), OF TWIN OAKS VILLAGE, SECTION NINE (9), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 1527/A& B OF THE PLAT NO. 20040035 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. MARKET VALUE: ADJUDGED/ $148,090.00 TRACT 1

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 8TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-173268 in favor of the Plaintiff COLONY LAKE ESTATE HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $2,289.69 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 19TH day of NOVEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of JANUARY 2011 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 ALBERT C. KHAN had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed there to. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 18, IN BLOCK 4, OF COLONY LAKES ESTATE SUBDIVISION, SECTION 1, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT SLIDE 2452/B,& 2453/A IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. MARKET VALUE: $238,570.00 Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 8TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-174857 in favor of the Plaintiff BRADFORD VILLAGE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,241.28 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 19TH day of NOVEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of JANUARY 2011 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 IBRAHIM NYEI had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed there to. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 1, IN BLOCK FOUR (4), OF BRADFORD VILLAGE, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT SLIDE NO. 2528A, IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. MARKET VALUE: $141,790.00

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 29TH day of OCTOBER 2010 by the 240TH DISTRICT COURT OF FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #06-DCV-148939 in favor of the Plaintiff HUNTER’S GLEN, SECTION IV ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,729.95+++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 19TH day of OCTOBER 2010 by the 268TH DISTRICT COURT OF FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #07-DCV-155960 in favor of the Plaintiff SIENNA PLANTATION RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $5,645.83+++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on the 22ND day of OCTOBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of JANUARY 2011 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 SANDRA L. BOSWELL had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:

Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306 CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 19TH day of OCTOBER 2010 by the 240TH DISTRICT COURT OF FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #10-DCV-178652 in favor of the Plaintiff SIENNA PLANTATION RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $7345.46+++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on the 22ND day of OCTOBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of JANUARY 2011 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 AVATEY SHABAZZ AND TERSHARA SHABAZZ had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT TWENTY SEVEN (27) , BLOCK ONE(1), OF SIENNA VILLAGE OF ANDERSON SPRINGS, SECTION ONE-A, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20040029, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. 5711 HORSESHOE FALLS, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459.

Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 10 a.m.

RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

I have levied on the 1ST day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of JANUARY 2011 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 REGINAL B. WOODS AND CLARISSA E. WOODS had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 10, BLOCK 3, HUNTER’S GLEN, SECTION IV, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 26, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AS MODIFIED

BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF. 2503 DOVERGLEN DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, 774596890.

Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.

RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/ or Order of Sale issued on the 29TH day of AUGUST 2010 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT DENT COUNTY, TEXAS in cause #09-DCV-173117 in favor of the Plaintiff ROYAL LAKES ESTATES HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,090.88 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 6TH day of OCTOBER 2010 and will offer for sale on the 2ND day of NOVEMBER, 2010 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) - KENDALL ROEHE AND ELIZABETH ROEHE had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT FOURTEEN (14), IN BLOCK FIVE (5) OF ROYAL LAKES ESTATES SUBDIVISION SECTION 2, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED AT CLERK’S FILE NO. 2000061741 AND SLIDE 2020B IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $408,480.00 Terms: Cash.

Sale to held at or about 10 a.m.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 44, BLOCK 3, SIENNA VILLAGE OF AN DERSON SPRINGS, SECTION FOUR-A, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20040085, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. 7518 BLUE GAP, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, 77459-6890.

Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 10 a.m.

RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 15, 2010

AUTOMOBILE: Buick Regal

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Looks aren’t everything but they sure help sell cars and the Buick Regal has them.

The Regal sedan’s modern, sleek exterior is a sweeping silhouette with the proportions of a coupe that make it appear to be in motion. Along with its good looks, General Motors engineers added a European inspired ride and handling.

The results are a good looking sedan with a firm, Europeantuned chassis that rivals some of the best import sport sedans in the segment.

New for 2011 is a driverselectable interactive drive control system, available with 2.0- liter turbocharged engine, leather and heated front seats, XM Satellite Radio, USB port, MP3 auxiliary jack, Bluetooth for phone and OnStar.

The four-door Buick Regal CXL sedan is powered by a 2.4-liter dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The four makes 182 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. torque and gets a highly respectable 19/30 miles to the gallon in city/highway driving.

The Buick Regal rides on 18-inch wheels, which are also new standard equipment for 2011, seats four adults comfortably and has 14.25 cubic feet of trunk space.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 8TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-168009 in favor of the Plaintiff - WESTPARK LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $2,6O5.61 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 6TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of JANUARY 2011 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 WILLIAM TIMOTHY PARKER AND MELISSA ANN PARKER had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed there to. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 16, IN BLOCK TWO (2), OF WESTPARK LAKES, SECTION ONE (1) A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT SLIDE NO.858/A AND 858/B IN THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. MARKET VALUE: $134,610.00 Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m.

At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

taillamps and their intricate lighting elements reinforcing Regal’s attention to detail.

The sweeping design motif carries over to the interior, where the side panels flow uninterrupted into the instrument panel. Features such as a thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel and firm, highly bolstered and leather-covered seats also support the sportoriented driving experience.

With all standard equipment the Buick Regal retails for $26,245. With optional equipment that included the comfort and convenience package and a power sunroof the total came to $28,090.

Buick engineers and designers have ditched the brand’s yesteryear look, put more fun into driving a Buick and made it a top value.

Buick was the biggest sales gainer from 2009 to 2010 and that says everything.

Buick went from having sold 72,389 vehicles in 2009 to selling almost twice that number in 2010 -- 114,000 for a 57 percent increase.General Motors in general is cranking.

The company’s Cadillac and GMC divisions came in second and fourth as biggest sales gainers this year. A total of 73,024 Cadillacs were sold in 2009 and 105,013 in 2010.

GMC sold 176,423 vehicles in 2009 and 230,502 this year.

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 22ND day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 400TH DISTRICT COURT OF FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-167664 in favor of the Plaintiff FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT & ET AL, Plaintiff, for the sum of $13,029.41+++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 6TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of JANUARY 2011 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 ROBIN JONES had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed there to. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: GEO: 6015340010430907/ CPC: R203786/ LOT FORTY-THREE (43) IN BLOCK ONE (1), OF REPLAT OF NEW TERRITORY, PARCEL SF-34, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 1527/A& B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS. (ACCOUNT NO. 6015340010430907/ 6015340010430) ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $214,150.00 TRACT 1 Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m.

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 8TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-167390 in favor of the Plaintiff THE WOODS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $1,942.50 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 19TH day of NOVEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of JANUARY 2011 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 JOSEPH A. JACKSON had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed there to. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 19, IN BLOCK 2, OF THE WOODS SUBDIVISION, SECTION 1, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT CLERK’S FILE NO. 2276060, SLIDE NO. 692B IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. MARKET VALUE: $122,590.00 Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

The Regal is the next chapter in Buick’s portfolio expansion which now includes a modern sport sedan. The new Regal takes on competitors such as the Acura TSX and Volvo S60.

For 2011, Regal is offered in premium CXL trim only, with additional trim levels to be offered in the 2012 model year.

The well-equipped Regal CXL includes the following as standard or available equipment: Standard 2.4L direct injected engine, available 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at an estimated 220 horsepower, sixspeed automatic transmission with driver shifting control, six speed manual transmission available with turbocharged engine, MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension,

four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking system.

Also, brake assist and electronic parking brake, stability control system and fullfunction traction control are standard, standard dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain air bags and pedal-release system; rear-seat thorax air bags available, available navigation system, harman kardon sound system, internal flash drive (1GB), hard drive with 10GB for music and USB port and 19-inch alloy wheels standard with interactive drive control.

The car’s spirit is conveyed in sleek, sculpted body-side detail and aggressive headlamps that further suggest motion.

At the rear, an abbreviated deck and tucked-in body panels are the hallmarks of a contemporary sport sedan, with bold

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #07-DCV-160547 in favor of the Plaintiff -THE WOODS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $1,793.97 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 6TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of JANUARY 2011 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 KERVIN ELI had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed there to. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 21, IN BLOCK TWO (2), OF THE WOODS SUBDIVISION, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT CLERK’S FILE NO. 1176060, SLIDE NO.692/B IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. MARKET VALUE: $112,660.00 Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m.

At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 5TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-174144 in favor of the Plaintiff -THE ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $1,973.96 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 19TH day of NOVEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of JANUARY 2011 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 RUSSELL L. COSSEY AND GLORIA J. COSSEY had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed there to. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 36, IN BLOCK THREE (3), OF HUNTERSPOINT POINT ESTATES, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT VOLUME 32, PAGE 23 IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. MARKET VALUE: $75,740.00 Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m.

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 8TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-166009 in favor of the Plaintiff -THE ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, for the sum of $1,971.16 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 19TH day of NOVEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 4TH day of JANUARY 2011 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 NINA WHITE had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed there to. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 75, IN BLOCK THREE (3), OF HUNTERSPOINT POINT ESTATES, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT VOLUME 32, PAGE 23 IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. MARKET VALUE: $87,990.00 Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check or Money Order; Sale to held at or about 10 a.m.

Sealed bids shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land City Secretary Office, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 30, 2010, at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 16, 2010, Fire Administration Building, Room No. 250, 10405 Corporate Drive, Sugar Land, Texas, 77487.

CITY OF MISSOURI CITY ORDINANCE NO. O-10-48 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 78, SOLID WASTE, OF THE MISSOURI CITY CODE; AMENDING THE RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATED TO THE UNLAWFUL DISPOSAL OF WASTE AND AMENDING THE RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATED TO CITY RESIDENTIAL SOLID WASTE SERVICE LEVELS; PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY. I, Patrice Fogarty, 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-1048 approved on the second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on December 6, 2010, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Patrice Fogarty, TRMC City Secretary

NOTICE TO BIDDERS STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME:

City of Sugar Land Street Improvement Projects CIP PROJECT NUMBER: TR1002 Intersection of Williams Trace LOCATION OF WORK: Boulevard and Lexington Boulevard, Williams Trace and Englewood Place, State Highway 99 and U.S. 59 U-Turn, University Boulevard and U.S. 59 Southbound Frontage Road Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from Landtech Consultants, 2525 North Loop West, Suite 300, Houston, Texas, 77008, Telephone (713) 861-7068 with payment of $75.00.

The City Council will award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder that complies with all requirements of the Request for Bids. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the bid opening date and time.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING December 15, 2010

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING December 15, 2010

LOCATION/DATE: The City Council of the City of Missouri City will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 3, 2010, at the City Council Chambers – 2nd Floor, City Hall Building, 1522 Texas Parkway (FM-2234), Missouri City, Texas at 7:00 p.m.

LOCATION/DATE: The City Council of the City of Missouri City will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 3, 2010, at the City Council Chambers – 2nd Floor, City Hall Building, 1522 Texas Parkway (FM-2234), Missouri City, Texas at 7:00 p.m.

PURPOSE: To receive comments for or against a request by Ismail Urfi of N & N Associates on behalf of A-S 91 Fort Bend Parkway – Hwy 6, L.P. and Kroger, Texas, L.P. to amend Planned Development District #62 (Ordinance O-09-26) to allow for deviations to the City’s Zoning Ordinance for the development of a Popeye’s Restaurant.

PURPOSE: To receive comments for or against a request by Ismail Urfi of N & N Associates on behalf of A-S 91 Fort Bend Parkway – Hwy 6, L.P. and Kroger, Texas, L.P. to amend Planned Development District #62 (Ordinance O-09-26) to allow for deviations to the City’s Zoning Ordinance for the development of a Popeye’s Restaurant.

SITE LOCATION: The subject site is located southeast of the intersection of State Highway 6 and Vicksburg Boulevard, southwest of the intersection of State Highway 6 and the Fort Bend Toll Road, and east of the Oakwick Forest Estates Residential Subdivision.

SITE LOCATION: The subject site is located southeast of the intersection of State Highway 6 and Vicksburg Boulevard, southwest of the intersection of State Highway 6 and the Fort Bend Toll Road, and east of the Oakwick Forest Estates Residential Subdivision.

SITE LEGAL DESCRIPTION: The subject site can be described as being all of the Fort Bend Town Center subdivision as recorded in Instrument No. 20080015 of the Plat Records of Fort Bend County, Texas; and all of the Fort Bend Town Center Reserve “A” Replat as recorded in Instrument No. 20090064 of the Plat Records of Fort Bend County, Texas; as well as Public Access and Utility Easement No. 2 as recorded in Fort Bend County Clerk File No. 2007024530 of the Plat Records of Fort Bend County, Texas; and Public Access and Utility Easement No. 3 as recorded in Fort Bend County Clerk File No. 2007024530 of the Plat Records 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 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may call 281-4038600 or email the Planning Department at planninginfo@missouricitytx.gov for further information.

SITE LEGAL DESCRIPTION: The subject site can be described as being all of the Fort Bend Town Center subdivision as recorded in Instrument No. 20080015 of the Plat Records of Fort Bend County, Texas; and all of the Fort Bend Town Center Reserve “A” Replat as recorded in Instrument No. 20090064 of the Plat Records of Fort Bend County, Texas; as well as Public Access and Utility Easement No. 2 as recorded in Fort Bend County Clerk File No. 2007024530 of the Plat Records of Fort Bend County, Texas; and Public Access and Utility Easement No. 3 as recorded in Fort Bend County Clerk File No. 2007024530 of the Plat Records 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 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may call 281-4038600 or email the Planning Department at planninginfo@missouricitytx.gov for further information.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAE City Secretary

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, addressed to the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, December 30, 2010, for: PARKS LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows: BID NO. 2011-08 PARKS LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE BIDDER NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE Bidder shall sign and date the bid. Bids that are not signed and dated will be rejected.

Signed and sealed bids shall be delivered to the City Secretary Office, on or before 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, December 30, 2010 , City of Sugar Land City Hall, Suite 122, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. All bids received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened. Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the City within thirty (30) days following the date for the opening of bids.

The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifications prior to the date set for opening of bids. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifications. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not affect the bid opening date.

The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held on 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 22, 2010, City Hall, Brazos Room Numbers 154 and 155, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479.

ITB documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land City Secretary Office, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering on https://www.bidsync.com. Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments and other information relating to the bid will be posted at this site.

For questions regarding this bid, please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contract Administrator, Telephone (281) 275-2302 or email jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC, AAE City Secretary

DECEMBER 15, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

COMMUNITY NEWS “Check It Out” program allows students to check out computers for home use

Pictured at Jones Elementary School are: (seated from left) Ore Ogunsanya and Destiny Torres; (second row) Derek Ledet, Gabrielle Broadnax, Nathaniel Juarez, Michael Delgado; and (back) Bob Arena, Principal at Jones Elementary School and Robert Calvert, FBISD Chief Information Officer.

The FBISD Educational be checked out through the approved applications for stuTechnology Department wants library. Students will be able dent use, inclusive of filtered to bring technology into the to take the netbook home web browsing through Interhomes of students for several overnight to complete assign- net Explorer.

Although the netbooks will Fort Bend Schools through a ments, work on technology litproject aptly named “Check It eracy skills or access provided be managed by the Library Services Department on each tutorial content.

Out.” “This is a wonderful op- participating campus, each This program, named by the Chief Information Officer, portunity for children who do school administration team Robert Calvert, and funded not have access to a computer has outlined building specific through Title II Part D, allows at home,” said Bob Arena, policies and procedures relatstudents in seven FBISD cam- Principal at Jones Elementary ing to netbook checkout by students. Students will also puses to check out a netbook School.

“The program will allow have to have parents sign an laptop computer for home them to extend the technol- additional Acceptable Use use.

The seven schools, Arm- ogy and academic skills they Policy prior to checkout.

Parents who want to know strong Elementary, Blue Ridge learn in the classroom to their Elementary, Hunters Glen El- home and community. The more information about this ementary, Jones Elementary, Check It Out program will program should contact LyMcAuliffe Middle School, help open doors that have pre- nette Meyer, Director of EduMissouri City Middle School, viously been closed for some cational Technology or a participating school’s building and Willowridge High School students.”

The laptops, which are able administrator. were chosen based on technolAll media inquiries should ogy literacy assessment scores to be used on any wired or wireless network, are highly be directed to FBISD Comalong with economic need.

Each school will receive portable, and are equipped munity Relations at 281-634twelve netbooks which will with a full suite of District 1100 or cr@fortbendisd.com.

Elkins High School YIP students earn first place in Canned Food Sculpting Competition

Elkins High School’s YIP (Youth in Philanthropy) members and sponsor, Jade Love, have won top honors in the Fort Bend Countywide Food Drive and Canned Food Sculpting Competition, sponsored by H-E-B. The contest, held at the Sugar Land Town Center, invited YIP students from area high schools to bring canned food items and create a medieval themed sculpture using 200 cans of food items.

The Elkins team designed a sculpture of a knight holding a shield and sword on a horse.

The team completed the sculpture in three hours and earned a $750 cash prize and other prizes valued at approximately $150.

Elkins YIP students Natalie Clingensmith and Corretta Dickens led their team in the competition. Other participating members included: Raven

Youth of the month

Being the clown of the family and pulling some hard time in the joint can be redeeming and even charming, but I didn’t care if Bale’s character lived or died and I sure didn’t want him involved in my movie.

What about Wahlberg?

Completely the opposite of Bale and I’m sure that was the intention of Director Russell.

But Wahlberg was so understated that he reminded me of his very small role in “Date Night” as Halbrooke Grant. Just another hunky guy that doesn’t have much to offer the world other than a good squeeze for his favorite squeeze.

Any big winners?

Well, there were some small winners but I will limit the award to Amy Adams who played Micky’s love interest.

Biggest loser is Scott Silver and the other five credited writers. I wanted to pull for The Fighter and his struggle to make it to the title fight but ultimately I couldn’t have cared less if he won or lost.

But the choreography of the fights was very well done; isn’t that interesting.

This movie was decidedly mediocre.

Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 79. Larry H. larryhmoviereviews.com

Willowridge High Schools.

All non-perishable food items and proceeds from the competition will directly benefit the following non-profit organizations: the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Katy Christian Ministries, the Mamie George Community Center, Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands, and the Second Mile Mission Center.

REPUTATION DOES MATTER Top Orthopedic Surgeon (National Level) One of only 23 named in the Houston area by the “Consumers’ Checkbook Guide to Top Doctors”

Texas Super Doctor (State Level)

by “Texas Monthly” Magazine for the past 6 years

Outstanding Orthopedic Surgeon of Texas as seen in "Sports Illustrated" Mar. 22, 2010

Houston’s Top Doctors (Local Level) by “H Texas Magazine” 2010

THOMAS J. PARR, M.D. ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON 14090 Southwest Fwy, #130 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Phone: (281) 491-7111 www.tomparrmd.net www.FtBendSportsMedicine.com

FILM REVIEW: The Fighter Rocky Light! What do you mean Larry H.?

This flick had the makings for the classic “everyman makes good as a downtrodden prize fighter,” like Rocky Balboa, but this hero was more like Rocky Raccoon or maybe Bullwinkle.

Ok,that’s a little harsh, but I was so disappointed in this show because I had great expectations for Marky Mark Wahlberg as The Fighter.

The real Wahlberg has a lot in common with his character Irish Micky Ward:both born in Boston/Lowell Massachusetts, and a member of a very largefamily with that strong Yankee accent and Irish loyalty. Micky (aka Mickey)had a crazy chainsmoking mother as business manager and a crack head older brother as a trainer as the three of them try to save Micky’s boxing career in the 1990’s.

That brother (Dicky Eklund) was played by Christian Bale who reached the peak of his pitiful boxing career when he “knocked” down Sugar Ray Leonard long ago in a disputed fight. It was a running joke that Sugar Ray actually slipped rather than take a punch from Dicky.

Dicky had the morals of a snake but Micky loved his older brother and continued to allow Dicky to serve as his trainer even when doing so was toxic to his love life and boxing career.

Director David O. Russell allowed both of his stars to lose focus. Bale’s portrayal of the loser older brother was over the top and a caricature of some misguided has-been fighter that was destined to screw up his life and everyone near and dear to him.

Occasionally, Bale’s performance was brilliant, but only for fleeting moments before returning to a meaningless combination of buffoonery and disbelief.

Alston, Akilah Breland, Laura Elias, Kyana Grice, Cydnee Hamilton, Audrey Henderson, Dari Hester, Victor Ihezukuwu, Jeshwin James, Courtney Penry, Brandon Raziano, Urian Schimmeyer, Alexus Spragg, Shantel Streete, Jennifer Valdes, Leeza Wiley, and Dylan Zambrano.

Other participating FBISD schools included Austin, Bush, Clements, Hightower, and

Tina Joseph was honored on Dec. 8 by The Exchange Club of Sugar Land as Youth of the Month. Tina is a member of the National Honor Society, the English Honor Society, National Technical Society, Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the South Asian Student Association.

She has received awards from the National Forensic League and Academic Excellence.

She is in the top 5% of her class and has been accepted at UH, HBU, and UT. She hopes to pursue a career in biomedical science. Exchange Club of Sugar Land meets every Wednesday morning at 7 at the Sweetwater Country Club.

— Photo by Ed Lee

To advertise in these pages, call 281-980-6745 or email sales@ fbindependent.com

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Community news

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 15, 2010

Let It Bead For all Your Beading and jewelry Needs Including the Largest selection of Beading Supplies, Body Jewelry, Custom Jewelry and Gifts.

3613 Hwy 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478

10%

let_it_bead@windstream.net

Discount with this ad

(281)265-0140 Discount not applicable to classes, parties or repairs.

Beauty Supply & Sale

open to the public

Buy 1, Get 1 of lesser value, 1/2 off on Remi. Human Hair Wigs, Pony Tails

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off with membership Expires 12/31/10

Weaving & Braiding Hair, Cosmetics, Perfumes, Jewelry, Shoes and Skin care Products

sHINE bEAUTY sUPPLY

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Maui Nail & Skin

Facial, Waxing (total body), Solar nails, Pedicure & Manicure; For the ultimate nail and skin care 6302 Highway 6, Suite N Missouri City, Texas 77459 281-403-1939 Come visit us

15% off any service with this ad.

Valid Nov. 17 to Dec. 31, 2010.

Gift certificates available.

Sylvia’s Hair Salon where beauty and style begin Keratin complex smoothing system Keratin Express — Brazilian smoothing treatment;

Shampoo & Conditioner Free with either treatment (a $30 value)

Call Sylvia 281-435-5046 1945 Lakeside Plaza Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77479

Styles Cuts Master Colorist

Hours Tues- Fri 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m. 4 p.m.

Spectrum Nails & Salon

Step into our Spa Experience, you’ll Love it!

Grand Re-opening in new location Eyelash Waxing, Next to the Goodwill Store on Hwy 6 extension, Diamond peel, Brow tinting Microderm Skincare treatments abrasion, Nail services 20% discount with this ad; (Excludes Mon-Sat 9 - 7 facials, expires 1.31.11 Gift certificates Sun 11 - 6 5011 S HWY 6, 281-499-5458 Suite 105, Missouri City, TX 77459 available

American Red Cross Super Ball X prepares for 10th anniversary event featuring food, football and fun!

The American Red Cross Super Ball X scheduled for Saturday, January 22 at Safari Texas in Richmond, promises to be the biggest – and best – indoor tailgate party in town!

Celebrating their tenth anniversary, Super Ball X benefits the American Red Cross Southwestern Branch located in and serving Fort Bend County, and this year’s proceeds will support program operations, service delivery to our community and general operating needs.

The event features a tailgate-themed buffet full of football food favorites, a HalfTime Dance with music by The Spiffington’s and a midway with games for guests to compete in. New to the midway this year are two games: Best Buy Raceway sponsored

by Best Buy and Air Mail sponsored by Lifestyles at OakBend. Guests will have the opportunity to race in the Mario Race Car Wii game to win a Wii game system, along with trying their hand at landing airplane mail to win a year membership to Lifestyles at OakBend.

Long-time midway favorites are also back: two Basketball Shoot-Outs, sponsored

by DonDulin.com and the Rotary Club of Richmond, and the Football Toss sponsored

by Stan and Edie Speer. Finals will be held for the high scorers in each competition and winners of these events will receive basketball goals or a sporting goods gift certificate.

The American Red Cross Super Ball X’s auctions are always a crowd-pleaser, and this year’s live auction features an exclusive item courtesy of Super Ball X’s Honorary Chairmen Ron and Juliana Ewer, owners of Legacy Ford.

The Ewers have donated the use of a new car each month for an entire year to kick off the live auction. Other live auction items include a Botox

M

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In January the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land will celebrate Second Saturday with Motion Commotion. This day will feature the Museum’s popular outreach program, Science on Stage. Daniel Burch will be present to discuss HMNS’ new energy club. Children will have a pictorial scavenger hunt of the physical science exhibits in Discovery Works. This will help the children learn about different and unique kinds of energy. They will also make pinwheels, paper rockets, wind boats and moonwinders, a popular toy in the 1800’s that is also called a button spinner. Story time will feature books about energy. Free with Museum Admission.

party, a San Marcos shopping trip, a golf package filled with foursomes at fabulous courses along with a custom-made putter and various sports and entertainment packages.

With over 100 lots, the silent auction has something for everyone to enjoy and returning to the silent auction this year is the High Rollers area sponsored by Brad and Cindy Reaves.

The Sky Box VIP area features items including a ladies night for two at the rodeo featuring spa services, food and beverages at the rodeo along with two tickets to the Sugarland performance, a birthday party for 16 at Iron Cross Gymnastics including t-shirts and a birthday cake and a night on the town featuring accommodations at the Sugar Land Marriott along with Imperial Theatre tickets.

Leading the Super Ball

team to victory for this year are returning Head Coaches Cindy Reaves, May W. Tape, DDS and Carol Whileyman.

“Our tenth anniversary event is shaping up to be our best ever,” said Sandra Startz, Managing Director Branch Operations for the American Red Cross.

“Because of the generous support of our committee members, sponsors and our community, we are looking forward to celebrating the American Red Cross Super Ball’s tenth anniversary with a fantastic evening of football fun!”

Sponsorships are currently available for the tenth anniversary event, and they range from $1,000 to $10,000.

Sponsorship opportunities include tickets to the event, recognition in the program and invitations, and on-site recognition at the event.

Heading up various committees and serving as Coaches for the American Red Cross Super Ball X are: Dana Benoit, Mandi Bronsell, Mark Gobert, Lisa GonzalezSalceda, Katie Higgins, Janet Hilton, Kristie Jones, Cynthia Liska, Kayla Matthews, Kathleen Mires, Katrina Nutt, Ernest and Debra Sharp, Karen Slavinski, and Terri Stuart.

Serving as Head Coach Elects are Eileen Akerson, Goldie Leinweber and Terri Stuart.

The Head Coach Elects will be leading the team for Super Ball XI in 2012.

Tickets to Super Ball X are $75 per person or $130 per couple and are available by contacting the American Red Cross Southwestern Branch at 281.342.9480.

For more information visit www.houstonredcross.org/ super-ball.

Sugar Land SWEET ADELINES, left, will be performing for the Holidays at the CASA Tour of Homes and again on Sunday Dec.19 at Sugar Land Town Square, from 3 to 4 p.m.

Come join the music, along with Santa, for a joyful afternoon, barbershop style. For fun that lasts all year long the CRADLE OF TEXAS CHORUS invites women of any age who love to sing to come join us every Monday evening from 7-9 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land in room 201. For more information, call Charlene at 713-774-3975.

We Can Help You In Many Areas Of Law any of our clients are unaware that we offer a full range of legal services to individuals, families and businesses. Some key areas where we can help you are automobile and other accidents, planning your estate, buying or selling a home or other real estate, family law matters, and business matters.

The American Red Cross Super Ball X midway includes the Best Buy Raceway where guests can compete to win a Wii game system. Pictured at Best Buy are Super Ball Head Coaches Carol Whileyman, Goldie Leinweber, May W. Tape, DDS and Cindy Reaves along with Best Buy’s LeHanh Tran, Giselle Eggenberger and Trisha Garcia. Super Ball X is scheduled for January 22nd at Safari Texas and tickets are available by calling 281-342-9480.

WCMC presents “Toys for Tots” to police chief The Woman’s Club of Missouri City, at their Annual Holiday Luncheon, held at the Aura Restaurant in Missouri City filled Santa’s Sack with Toys for Tots, and presented them to Missouri City Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald. He was their special guest and keynote speaker.

In addressing the ladies of the club, Fitzgerald complimented them for their high level of community support, elaborating that this atypical involvement county-wide contributed widely to the fact that crime was down.

The chief spotlighted Quail Valley’s strong crime watch program and spoke of the department’s strong partnership with homeowners’ associations (HOA) as being instrumental in effectively targeting, curtailing, and preventing criminal offenses.

Police officers attend Annual and sometimes regular HOA Meetings where valuable information is exchanged.

Police personnel are also using online software to predict crimes and identify patterns.

When asked a question about witnessing squad cars running while unoccupied by an officer, Fitzgerald explained that the new computer systems are very expensive and maintaining the proper temperature is vital to their sensitive nature.

With a smile, he explained that officers are not trying to keep their cars cool for re-entry.

In answering questions regarding MCPD’s success in maintaining a low crime rate, the Chief talked about vari- Jane Thompson, MCPD Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald, Milly ous methods including those Smith and Virginia Hodges (Photo Credit: Mary Ammerman) that can be reached through the City’s web site including a Crime Tip Form and the the Chief reminded everyone out of sight and temptation.

Fitzgerald closed his reHouse Watch Program among that adults need to be mindful marks by relaying his appreof presenting themselves as others. ciation for the high level of good role models, as well as The Anti-Gang, “I choose regard these ladies and the citikeeping to the basics of crime to follow the rules” elemenzens of Missouri City, held for prevention such as trimming tary school program, teaches the department, saying it was hedges low, keeping garage elementary school children to an honor to work with caring doors shut, leaving a light on say no to violence and drugs.

Alluding to the adage of it in houses when not home, and citizens in their mutual goal of takes a village to raise a child, during the holiday season of making a real difference.

—LISA GLENN keeping packages in vehicles