Fort Bend Independent 032019

VOL 12 No. 12

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Fort Bend County DA seeks to be “smart on crime”

Light of Hope to kick off Pinwheel Project

Middleton

Getting ready for the event are (L to R): Exchange Club of Sugar Land President, David Lanagan, Detective Dawn Welch, Sheriff Troy Nehls, Lt. Tiffaney Budnik, Detective Lesley Vaught, Child Advocates of Fort Bend CEO Ruthanne Mefford and Sergeant Tim Morris.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend, train, a petting zoo, music, prize detective with the Special Crimes Unit at the Fort Bend County Exchange Club of Sugar Land and giveaways and more.

“For sixteen years, Child Sheriff’s Office. Det. Vaught, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office are collaborating to bring Advocates of Fort Bend and who has been with the Sheriff’s awareness about Child Abuse Exchange Club of Sugar Land Office for 13 years, developed the have partnered to bring awareness project with her unit five years Awareness Month.

Hosted by the Fort Bend to April Child Abuse Awareness ago. When they determined that County Sheriff’s Office, The Month with Light of Hope,” they needed to do more to raise Pinwheel Project will be held at stated Child Advocates of Fort awareness of child abuse in Fort Bend County, the Special Crimes Homestead Park at 1422 Eugene Bend CEO Ruthanne Mefford.

“We work very closely with the Unit created the Pinwheel Project Heimann Circle in Richmond – directly across from the Justice Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office in observance of Child Abuse and have supported The Pinwheel Awareness month. “The Pinwheel Center.

The Pinwheel Project will Project since its inception by Project is so important to me be Saturday, April 13th and it hosting a booth, running games because it brings our community will open with Light of Hope. and providing materials and child together and lets others know This will be the sixth year for abuse awareness information and that we are here and we do care. the Sheriff’s Office to host the we were absolutely thrilled when It gives people the opportunity to they offered us the opportunity learn the signs of child abuse and Pinwheel Project.

This free community event is to open their annual Pinwheel how to report,” Vaught said.

For more information, call 281fun for the whole family. There Project again this year.”

This community event is the 344-5100 or go to www.cafb.org. will be food, games, inflatable bounce houses, face painting, a brainchild of Lesley Vaught, a

By SESHADRI KUMAR Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton has set up at least 12 committees of citizens to receive input from the community on different aspects of the criminal justice system.

Middleton, a Democrat, took office on Jan. 1 after his election in November last year, succeeding John Healey, a Republican, who held the office for 26 years.

Middleton said the broad idea behind the committees is to get peoples’ input in running the DA’s office in a better way and to serve the community effectively and efficiently, keeping community interests in mind.

Middleton has hired new prosecutors representing various ethnic groups reflecting Fort Bend County’s diversity.

As Ibrahim E. Khawaja, First Assistant District Attorney, puts it, “the DA’s office corridors now look like the United Nations.”

The committees will explore the following topics:

Juvenile crime; mental health; immigration, health services; environmental crimes; corporate outreach; diversity; criminal justice reform; domestic violence; human trafficking; education and information technology.

Asked how diversity or citizens’ input would impact the DA’s office because the prosecution has to follow the state law, already in place,

Middleton said the intent was not to tinker with the laws, but to find new and innovative procedures and policies in administering the office.

Two well known immigration attorneys are on a committee of about a dozen people to suggest policies in dealing with immigrants charged with a crime.

When immigrants are convicted, they are subject to deportation and they have to be given proper advice, as stipulated by the courts.

Also, in certain instances like possession of a very small amount of marijuana, and for the first time offense, an immigrant could be convicted and deported. In such cases, the immigrants, like other citizens, could be subject to a “diversion program,” instead of going to trial.

Fort Bend County currently does not have a diversion program either for driving while intoxicated or for drug See CRIME, Page 3

Absentee landowners scuttle plans for special flood control district

By SESHADRI KUMAR The proposed legislation to create Bessie’s Creek Flood Control District in the FulshearSimonton area has been dropped.

Fort Bend County Pct. 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers last week announced that the county will pursue only state and federal funding for the proposed flood mitigation project.

If the state or the county does not provide the required local matching fund, the special district would have enabled the local taxpayers to provide the matching fund. That option is

now off the table.

Following several discussions, two of the largest absentee landowners in the Bessie’s Creek watershed have informed Fort Bend County that they will not voluntarily participate in the creation or development of a Bessie’s Creek Flood Control District.

“Therefore, as was promised to the community at the Saturday, March 8th meeting in Simonton - the county has decided to step back from any and all efforts to pass legislation that would allow the community the option of creating the special district,”

Meyers said in a statement.

“It is unfair to the taxpayers, in my opinion, to ask local residents to pay for the absentee landowners’ share of the project when those large developments would see significant benefits from any flood mitigation project,” Meyers said.

“If they refuse to be a partner, or to pay a proportionate share of the cost for a Flood Control District, then there is no way in heck that residents should be asked to carry those costs for them. I understand their resistance to these partnerships, See FLOOD, Page 3

Spring into Arts in Sugar Land

Some of the city’s most anticipated community events are on the horizon as Sugar Land celebrates its first Spring into Arts -- a month-long April celebration that will include art and culture.

The concluding event will be a large International Arts Festival at The Crown Festival Park at Sugar Land, 18355 Southwest Freeway, combining elements from prior Kite Festival and iFest events.

Sugar Land Town Square will partner with the city on Sunday, April 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., for a spin-off of the traditional Art of Wining and Dining event. Now with a Brunch and Bubbly theme, the event will take place in Sugar Land Town Square Plaza.

Enjoy samples from some of Town Square’s most popular restaurants, browse the booths of local artisans, experience the onsite chalk competition, enjoy an interactive dueling piano show and more!

On-site entertainment is free, and Brunch and Bubbly tickets will range from $10 to $25. Children under 12 are free.

For additional event and ticket information, visit http://www. sugarlandtownsquare.com/ Students enrolled at Fort Bend ISD’s Early Literacy Center are making great progress in literacy events/. and numeracy skills. Mid-year assessments indicate student improvements shown at all grade levels.

Up next is Sugar Land’s Parental involvement is a key factor to student success at the ELC. Above, families are shown at the Earth Day celebration -Teddy Bear picnic that involved outdoor reading. See story on Page 4.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and

Rock -- on Saturday, April 13, from 1-5 p.m, at Sugar Land Town Square.

Keep Sugar Land Beautiful, the city of Sugar Land and Sugar Land Town Square invite the public for an afternoon of family fun exploring approximately 30 interactive eco exhibits, displays and games, including entertainment by Texas Snakes & More and Andy Roo & the AndyRooniverse!

Free secure residential paper shredding will be provided by ProShred of Houston from 2-5 p.m. in the parking lot at Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North.

The city of Sugar Land will partner with Keep Sugar Land Beautiful, a local charitable organization with a long history of providing environmental education and engagement programs, to display an upcycled art exhibit that was created by a local artist from recyclables.

For additional event information, visit https://kslb. org/events/sugar-land-earthday-celebration/.

The International Arts Festival will combine elements from prior Kite Festival and iFest events.

The festival will focus on a variety of performing and visual art forms at The Crown Festival Park at Sugar Land. The festival on April 27 from noon to 6

Sponsored by

p.m. will include cultural and entertainment stages, kite flying, hands-on art activities and demonstrations, live paintings, art competitions and more.

VIP wristbands are required to participate in some of the special festival attractions and activities at the International Arts Festival.

Sugar Land residents can receive VIP wristbands at no charge prior to the day of the event, while non-Sugar Land residents may purchase wristbands for a nominal fee of $3 in advance of the event.

The wristbands will cost $5 at the event for residents and nonresidents.

All VIP wristbands will be distributed starting Wednesday, March 20 at the Sugar Land Imperial Park Recreation Center, 234 Matlage Way, during normal hours of operation.

Parking will be available at the The Crown Festival Park, Brazos River Park, 18427 Southwest Freeway, and University of Houston at Sugar Land, 14000 University Blvd.

Free shuttle services will provide transportation from the campus to the park between 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

For more information about events or to become an event sponsor, call (281) 275-2900 or visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/ specialevents.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 20, 2019

NEWS Fort Bend Boys Choir selected to perform with Houston Symphony

The Tour Choir of the Fort Bend Boys Choir was selected once again to perform with the Houston Symphony and Symphony Chorus at Jones Hall for four performances of Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” on March 29 – 31, 2019. Tickets are available online through the Houston Symphony website. The Fort Bend Boys Choir has quite the history with the Houston Symphony, as this is their 12th time to perform with them! Each of the 30 choristers in the Tour Choir are very excited and honored. They have been working hard for several months during rehearsals to ensure all the music (in Latin) is perfect. Tour Choirboy Landon Bynum [pictured] says, “This is a chance of a lifetime and not many boys ever get to appear on stage with such a renowned orchestra.” For more information about the Fort Bend Boys Choir and auditioning, go to their website www.fbbctx.org or call (281) 240-3800. Check out their social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube too! — Photo by Terri Cannon.

Shown (seated l-r) are: Roderick Martin, Chamara Harris, Priti Avantsa, Davina Myles, Ashley Bryant; and (standing, from left) Sharon Wright, LaSonya Newell-McArthur, Charlee Belfonte, Cecilia Tu, Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, Riya Bhatt, Emmalea Bozone, Vanessa Perez, and Haley Calhoun.

Car Wash for Kids ; Revving Up for Autism Awareness. On Sunday, April 7th, the Hope For Three Teen Huddle and over 100 teen volunteers from across the county will rev up, all in the effort of autism awareness. Showing support during April, Autism Awareness Month, the 7th Annual Car Wash for Kids presented by OcuSoft, will take place at C & C Dental, 17003 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land. Teens from area schools are on hand to wash cars with an Eco-Friendly solution, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The cost is FREE of charge. However, donations are welcome. Support kids helping kids! Volunteer and sponsor opportunities available. For more information visit: HopeForThree.org/events or call 281-245-0640.

FBISD honors school social workers during National Social Work Month

Social workers Dr. Janice Little, left, Linda Coleman, Dana Guzman-Adeoye and Rashan Carter.

Fort Bend ISD is honored to recognize our school social workers during National Social Work Month in March, and throughout the school year, for their many contributions to our students, schools and community.

The National Association of Social Workers sponsors National Social Work Month each year to honor social workers and raise community awareness of the important and often unnoticed work social workers do each day.

This year’s theme is “Elevate Social Work,” which draws attention to the need to educate the community on the contributions social workers have made to our society, while stressing how vital the profession is to our nation.

FBISD currently has a team of 17 school social workers and one Check and Connect monitor, which provides direct counseling and support services to help all students reach their full potential.

The social workers provide crisis intervention services, support District initiatives to increase student attendance and decrease truancy, coordinate mentoring programs for at-risk students, facilitate services for homeless/foster students and their families, develop training resources for parents, coordinate holiday and back-to-school assistance efforts for families, and provide numerous other support services to ensure educational success among FBISD students.

Dulles High School Academic Decathlon earns third state title

The Dulles High School (DHS) Academic Decathlon team earned its third straight title, capturing the 6A title in the Texas Academic Decathlon held in San Antonio over Spring Break.

The team was also named the overall state winner, the first time since 1987.

The team scored 53,202.2 points, setting a new Texas record for the Academic Decathlon; this also is the 14th highest point total in the nation’s history of the competition.

The DHS Academic Decathlon team includes: Lana Haffar Logan House – Named 1st overall in the Varsity Division Olivia Jackson – Earned a perfect score in Speech; Named 3rd overall in the Scholastic Division Ali Abi Nassif Simon Sanchez-Paiva – Earned a perfect score in Art; Named 1st overall in the Scholastic Division Ethan Sollenberger – Earned a perfect score in Math Davis Varghese – Earned a perfect score in Interview and Speech; Named 2nd overall in the Varsity Division Robert Yang – Earned a perfect score in Interview Sophie Yangyi – Earned a perfect score in Art Coach Andrew Hartman was also named the 2019 Coach of the Year after being nominated by his co-coach Kelsey Halfen.

The team will compete next in the United States Academic Decathlon competition, to be held April 25-27 in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Download the free FBInd App from the Apple Store or Google Playstore for a pleasant reading of Fort Bend Independent on your mobile phone.

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 20, 2019 • Page 3

NEWS

Delay in new mayor’s signature on city checks prompts likely external audit

By BARBARA FULENWIDER A lot was said on one agenda item at Missouri City’s March 4 special meeting.

It all had to do with a check that the city wrote to someone with former mayor Allen Owen’s name instead of Mayor Yolanda Ford.

City Manager Anthony Snipes said there was a delay on making the name change because the city never before had a mayor pro tem who was elected mayor.

The city charter says only the mayor, city manager and assistant city manager may sign city checks.

If a city manager has not been appointed, all checks have to be signed by the mayor and countersigned by the mayor pro tem.

In this case there was a delay in the process regarding the signatures and putting the names on the checks.

The PowerPoint shown council says “a delay in changing the digital signatures on accounts payable checks ...resulted in former Mayor Allen Owen’s signature being used on checks after Mayor Ford’s swearing in” as mayor of Missouri City.

Council members were also told there were no negative impacts, 150 checks were written with 25 still outstanding and all checks presented were paid without problems.

Then a timeline was shown council that says a letter was sent to Wells Fargo on Dec. 17, a day before Ford was sworn in.

On January 7 the city’s new chief financial services director, Allena Portis, started work for the city.

On Jan. 8 a new signature card was sent to Wells Fargo. On Jan. 15 a Signature Form was sent to the signers for completion along with a request to the bank and the information technology department to program digital signatures. On Jan. 22 council approved resolutions authorizing the signers.

On Feb. 11 the city received Mayor Ford’s Tyler Form and sent it to the processing company via Fedex because she was at a conference on Jan. 22.

On Feb. 12 the city got the first proof of the check from the processing agency.

On Feb. 13 the uploaded approval of proof occurred and on Feb. 26 Signatures were updated in the check issuing system.

Snipes told council that the Signature cards and forms will now be signed the date of swearing in or the first day of employment and that the cards would be forwarded to a depository and the processing company immediately.

Resolutions updating the

authorized signers are to be presented to council the day of swearing in or on the first council meeting after appointment.

In even numbered years, the city will buy a form that does not include a signature so it can be used in case of emergencies while changes are made to the electronic signatures, Snipes told council.

A councilman said it was all just a technical issue and that there was no malice in it.

Ford responded that council should have been notified so that no one signed a check with the wrong name.

“Council should have been told,” Ford said.

Another councilman said he doesn’t see any reason why members should put blame on anyone “If this situation never happens again we’ve accommodated it in our procedures.”

He went on to say that mistakes occur, situations happen.

“I don’t want to send a message as a member of council to staff that we are unhappy with you. I don’t want staff to walk on eggshells. It just seems it was a procedural issue and an easy fix and we move forward from here. I see nothing here that has caused problems.”

Ford asked if the previous mayor could come back and take any legal action for having his name on a city check and Snipes said once this

mayor signed her document in a week’s period it would be a non issue.

Another councilman said there seems to be a lot about transparency. Then he asked what was the last time the city did an external audit and Snipes said the city does it every year and that the current

Flood

Meyers said, “the County will continue to pursue the federal grant, and we are hopeful that TDEM will respond favorably to the application. We will also continue efforts to get the state and/or the county to fund the 25% local match. The State Senate has placed SB 7 on the intent calendar for Tuesday, March 18th, which is a bill that would provide up to $3 billion for covering the local match for flood / hazard mitigation grants. If that bill ultimately is signed into law this session, Fort Bend County will pursue funding from this appropriation for the 25% local match if the Bessie’s Creek application is successful.”

“Our citizens in the unincorporated area deserve to have their ongoing flooding issues addressed in a meaningful and transparent way.

“The ability of homeowners who are outside of cities and districts, to compete against the large developer-controlled special districts, is becoming an increasing problem to address with the exploding growth and population. My office continues to look for sources of funding and legislation to support their needs and protect their homes and property,” Meyers said.

Area residents are reluctant to create a district and impose a tax on themselves, and believe that the county, under its countywide flood control plan, should pay for this project.

Meyers said the district will not be created if the people don’t want it.

The district has proposed a backstop to pay for the local match to the expected federal grant, if the state or the county would not pay the local match.

At the end of the meeting, Meyers said more people seem to be opposed to the district and also some big land owners are not likely to participate.

A petition with more than 200 signatures opposing the creation of the flood control district was submitted to Dr. Zerwas at the meeting.

Though a decision has not yet been taken, the Jones creek Flood Control District bill is also likely to be dropped as in the Bessie’s Creek project.

Crime

From Page 1 because it bucks the standard practice of expensing their development costs to current and future area taxpayers.

“Instead of open discussion in well-attended community meetings, these types of financial decisions for the taxpayers are normally made in the boardrooms of downtown law firms.

“This proposed Bessie’s Creek Flood Control District has been a wakeup call to the general population about why those “standard practices” are usually made many miles outside of the community.”

In January 2019, Fort Bend County made applications to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to seek federal hazard mitigation grants for unincorporated communities who experienced significant damages from flooding over the last five years.

An application was submitted for the Bessie’s Creek watershed and is under TDEM review.

Any such federal grants under the program, requires a 75% / 25% split between federal funding and the local match.

With over 300 special districts and the large number of cities and municipalities in Fort Bend County, it is particularly difficult for the 6% of residents in unincorporated Fort Bend County who do not live in a city or a special district, to compete with the same voice and resources that special districts can utilize.

However, as Meyers and State Representative Dr. John Zerwas stated in the public meeting, there are several options and parallel tracks available to communities in seeking federal and state grants for flood hazard mitigation.

The decision to create a flood control district and issue debt for the local match is one option used across the majority of Fort Bend County.

Such a district would have required local voter approval to create and any bonded indebtedness by that district would have required a public vote in an identical process to existing special districts in the county.

Jones Creek

Meanwhile, a similar situation is emerging in the Jones Creek watershed area where a bill has been filed to create a flood control district.

An application similar to the Bessie’s Creek project has been submitted to the state for the Jones Creek area.

Meyers and State Rep. Dr. John Zerwas held a community meeting on Saturday to get the community’s input on the proposed legislation.

A large number of residents opposed the creation of the flood control district saying there was not enough information and not even the district boundary has been established.

The residents also have a long-standing issue with the Gulf Coast Water Authority which controls the channel for transporting water and uses the channel also for storage.

Consequently, the Gulf Coast Water Authority’s lack of maintenance of the channel was the cause of the flooding, according to the residents.

one was just finished and will be coming to council soon.

Council action was taken in an open session after the closed session.

Council Member Vashaundra Edwards made a motion for staff to bring back information on hiring an external auditor to review information related to discussion.

The motion passed 5-1 with Councilman Jeffrey Boney absent and Councilman Floyd Emery voting no.

State Rep. Rick Miller co-authors school finance legislation

AUSTIN – Last week, Representative Dan Huberty (Harris) filed House Bill 3, comprehensive legislation to fundamentally transform the public school finance system in Texas. Following the bill’s filing, Representative Rick Miller (Fort Bend) was proud to co-author and announce his support of House Bill 3.

Representative Miller noted that the Texas Plan benefits all students, school districts and classrooms, especially the fast growth school districts in District 26. House Bill 3 gives school districts the ability to earn and keep more money from local property taxes and quadruples the amount allocated to fast growth districts to build and equip new instructional facilities to $100 million per year. Giving school districts the resources to meet the demands of growing student populations is a critical component of House Bill 3.

Representative Miller also noted that the Texas Plan will tremendously benefit the teachers of District 26 by devoting more funding than ever to Texas classrooms, and giving local districts the discretion to spend the money as they see fit.

House Bill 3 substantially raises the minimum teacher salary schedule, provides $140 million in funding for district programs to recruit and retain quality teachers, and creates a professional development grant program to train teachers so they can effectively combine e-learning and traditional classroom instruction.

“I am proud to co-author House Bill 3, which will fundamentally transform the way Texas funds its public schools,” said Representative Miller. “Texas classrooms must have the resources they need to turn today’s students into tomorrow’s workforce.”

From Page 1 possession.

Middleton is contemplating a diversion program for those caught with a very small quantity of marijuana.

Unlike the Harris County program, Fort Bend’s program will be “very stringent,” according to Middleton.

The threshold for diversion program in Harris County is 4 ounces of marijuana. In Fort Bend, it will be two ounces.

That is if an accused has more than two ounces of marijuana, he or she will be prosecuted.

Also, instead of a mere 3-hour class as in Harris County, the drug offense education program will be for 15 hours and intensive. There will also be significant fees to cover the program costs.

Middleton says there is no risk in the diversion program

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE The State of Texas County of Fort Bend

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE The State of Texas County of Fort Bend

By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 434TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on March 7, 2019 by the Clerk thereof, in the case of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT VS. GERALD COLLINS, ET ALi n Cause# 15-DCV -222618 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 2nd day of April, 2019, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469-3108 of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT I: GEO: 8700100040130 LOT 13, IN BLOCK 4, OF TEAL RUN, SECTION I 0, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 1933/A, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Levied on March 8, 2019 as the property of GERALD COLLINS, JEMENDA COLLINS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, TEAL RUN GENERAL MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATION, INC. to satisfy a judgment amounting to $4,481.70, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of FORT BEND COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT# 23.

ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. Given under my hand on March 8, 2019.

By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 458TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on March 7, 2019 by the Clerk thereof, in the case of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT VS. MARIO ACOSTA GONZALEZ in Cause # 15-DCV-224773 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 2nd day of April, 2019, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 774693108 of sa id FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT I: GEO: 1938007700011 LOT 12, TN BLOCK 9, OF SOUTH MAIN PLAZA ADDITION, A SUBDIVISION IN HARRIS AND FORT BEND COUNTIES, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 40, PAGE I, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, AND RECORDED IN VOLUME 304, PAGE 193 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. (PROPERTY LIES WHOLLY WITHIN FORT BEND COUNTY.) Levied on March 8, 2019 as the property of MARIO ACOSTA GONZALEZ to satisfY a judgment amounting to $2,483.46, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of CITY OF HOUSTON. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. Given under my hand on March 8, 2019.

Mike Beard Constable, Precinct One Fort Bend County, Texas BY: Deputy John Morales Deputy Constable #1114

Mike Beard Constable, Precinct One Fort Bend County, Texas BY: Deputy John Morales Deputy Constable #1114

because if the defendant fails to comply with any of the conditions, he or she will be back in the criminal justice system and face prosecution.

Middleton disagreed with the likely perception that he is soft on crime, but instead he would be known as being “smart on crime.”

Looking at the array of topics being discussed, the likely recommendations from the committees may have far reaching impact on the criminal justice system in Fort Bend. But, it is premature to judge the effect of the committee’s recommendations before getting the final reports and it depends on which ideas the DA would accept to implement.

The committees are expected to submit their recommendations by Sept. 1.

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY REAL PROPERTY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and I or Order of Sale issued on the 28th day of February, 2019 by the 400th District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause# 18-DCV-250393 in favor of the Plaintiff - The Oaks Of Rosenberg Community Association, Inc. Plaintiff, for the sum of $6,198.26 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and I or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. Therefore, on the 8th day of March, 2019, I, Constable Mike Beard of Precinct One Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s)- Michele N. Bartee had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 2nd day of April, 2019 at the William B. Travis Building, first floor meeting room, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond, Texas 77469 of said Fort Bend County between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’ clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT FORTY-THREE (43), BLOCK TWO (2), OF THE OAKS OF ROSENBERG, SECTION ONE (1), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 20070032 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY DESCRIBED AS 5419 BELVEDERE DRIVE, ROSENBERG, TEXAS 77471 ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $271,370.00 Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

Terms: Cash or Money Order Sale to be held at or about 10:00 A.M. Mike Beard Constable, Precinct One Fort Bend County, Texas BY: Deputy John Morales Deputy Constable #1114

Willowridge High School hosts Community Health Fair on Saturday, April 13

Willowridge High School’s Parent Center is hosting its annual Community Health Fair on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the campus (16301 Chimney Rock Rd., Houston 77053).

The community is invited to take part in the free event that will include a mobile clinic from Texas Children’s Hospital where families can receive immunizations, and blood and glucose checks.

There will also be smoothie bikes, giant games (like Connect 4 and Checkers), a drunk driving simulator, kick boxing demonstrations, exercise sessions, line dancing, a bounce house, and an appearance by UniverSoul Circus’ PJ the Clown.

Throughout the event, there will also be drawings for various prizes, including a 40-inch TV, a gas grill, gift cards and more. Yams G the DJ will provide the music.

For more information, please call the Willowridge High School Parent Center at (281) 634-9800 or email miriam.contreras@ fortbendisd.com or maye. collins@fortbendisd.com.

NOTICE OF ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL MEETING PLACE To the residents and taxpayers of Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 19 (the “District”) and to all the persons interested in the meetings of the Board of Directors of such District: Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors, at a regular meeting held February 22, 2019, established an additional out-ofdistrict meeting place at the Fort Bend County Emergency Operations Center, 307 Fort Street, Richmond, Texas 77469.

All residents and taxpayers of the District and other interested persons are hereby invited to attend any meetings of the Board of Directors at such locations. /s/ James Green President THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF BILLIE BROADEN AKA BILLIE J BROADEN AKA BILLIE JEAN BROADEN AND THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF DOUGLAS BROADEN; NO KNOWN ADDRESS NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being Apri1 15, 2019 a default judgment may be taken against you.

The case is presently pending before the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas. It bears cause number 19-DCV-259278 and is styled: Henry Morales vs The Unknown Heirs of Billie Broaden; aka Billie J. Broaden; aka Billie Jean Broaden, and The Unkown Heirs of Douglas Broaden.

The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF is: DAVID L. MARTINDALE DAVID L MARTINDALE PLLC 911 FRONT STREET RICHMOND TX 77469 713-997-0110 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF is as follows to-wit: PLAINTIFF REQUESTS THAT DEFENDANTS BE CITED TO ANSWER THIS PETITION, AND THAT ON FINAL TRIAL, PLAINTIFF HAVE: JUDGMENT FOR TITLE AND POSSESSION OF THE REAL PROPERTY WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF THIS SUIT, AND SUCH OTHER AND FURTHER RELIEF TO WHICH PLAINTIFF MAY BE JUSTLY ENTITLED. If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved.

Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond,Texas on this the 26th day of February, 2019.

BEVERLEY MCGREW WALKER, DISTRICT CLERK FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 31004 Richmond, Texas 77469 Mailing Address: 301 Jackson Street Richmond, Texas 77469

By Deputy District Clerk Donald Evans 281-238-3276

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 20, 2019

NEWS

Students enrolled at Fort Bend ISD’s Early Literacy Center make progress in literacy and numeracy skills Young learners who were struggling in reading, as little as one year ago, are making notable progress due to the support they are receiving through Fort Bend ISD’s Early Literacy Center (ELC).

Based on middle of the year assessment data, students in all grade levels served at the ELC are improving in literacy and numeracy skills.

“The Early Literacy Center staff is extremely proud of the growth of our students, and we are working diligently to ensure that all students continue to make strides in their learning,” said Instructional Officer Venitra Senegal.

The FBISD Board of Trustees approved the launch of the Early Literacy Center at the Ridgemont Elementary campus in March 2018. The center currently serves 502 students, including 172 in PreK, 93 kindergarteners, 70 first graders (all within the Willowridge High School feeder pattern), 34 District students with identified disabilities through the Special Education Early Intervention Academy, and 163 early education learners (infant-3), who receive services through Baker Ripley.

As students enter the Early Literacy Center, the

District assesses their early literacy and numeracy skills at the beginning of the year in September using a universal screener. Campus teachers and leaders then use the data to align Tier 1 instruction to student literacy and numeracy needs, identify students who require intervention and create targeted intervention plans.

Student Achievement and Growth Data During the February 11 FBISD Board meeting, Early Literacy Center Instructional Officer Venitra Senegal shared favorable data relating to the initial screening reports and student progress. Based on data found in the Spring 2019 Middle of the Year (MOY) assessments, students are making notable progress.

Middle of the Year universal screening data supported the following celebrations for PreK, kindergarten and first-grade students at the Early Literacy Center on the CIRCLE Phonological Awareness (which evaluates a student’s ability to detect and manipulate sounds in spoken language, including syllables and rhyming words) and the CIRCLE Numeracy Measure (that evaluates students’ counting skills, shape naming and discrimination,

operations, and number identification): Prekindergarten: •80% of PreK monolingual students have mastered CIRCLE phonological awareness (as compared to 56% at the beginning of the year) and 91% have advanced in CIRCLE Numeracy Measure (compared to 80% at the beginning of the year) •79% of PreK bilingual students have mastered CIRCLE phonological awareness (compared to only 3% at the beginning of the year) and 88% have advanced in CIRCLE Numeracy Measure (compared to 42% at the beginning of the year) Kindergarten: •100% of kindergarten monolingual students are on track for making a year’s worth of growth in reading since the beginning of the school year with 10% already identified as probable readers, which is the expected grade level benchmark by the end of kindergarten •66% of bilingual kindergarteners are already identified as probable readers in their native language of Spanish (compared to only 4% at the beginning of the school year)

Teacher Allison Kallie leads students in a word recognition activity.

First grade: classroom instruction also •100% of first-grade Students with Disabilities: allows students to receive •48% of the students monolingual students are on targeted interventions with can identify seven or more track for making a year’s worth minor disruptions to Tier lowercase letters and 57% of growth in reading since the 1 instruction. Intervention can identify seven or more beginning of the school year practices include push-in uppercase letters and 26% are already identified support and pull-out targeted •39% of students can rote as probable readers intervention. count to 10 or higher, 65% can •29% of bilingual first Teachers monitor progress identify fi ve or more numbers graders are already identified of Tier II and Tier III Student progress at the as probable readers in their intervention students using ELC can be credited to native language of Spanish a common tool.

A parent intentional focus and planning (compared to only 12% at the communication protocol is in fi ve key areas: hiring High beginning of the school year) also in place to share progress Quality Staff ; comprehensive Early Intervention Academy job embedded Professional every three weeks for all Learning to develop staff in identified students. partnership with the Teaching Professional Learning & and Learning Alliance; NOTICE OF SALE Co-Teach Partnerships to Team Building STATE OF TEXAS

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE § To grow and support ensure the 2:24 ratio resulted § in teaching partners who teachers, the Early Literacy FORT BEND COUNTY § master schedule had strong collaboration; Center two innovative engagement in Team Building includes and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on to establish high expectations outclass opportunities for said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said and build relationships among students: STEM and Theater.

County, I have on February 25, 2019, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in April, 2019, the same being the staff and with our students; All students participate in 2nd day of said month, at 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, and a strong Community the STEM outclass to apply Texas 77469, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10:00 AM, proceed to sell learning within Engagement plan to engage content for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described parents and community coding and robotics learning real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Fort Bend and Additionally, members as partners in experiences. learning. From quality staff a theater teacher offers arts the State of Texas, to-wit: to professional learning to integration with an emphasis community partnerships, each on literacy.

Acct # Style of Case Legal Description Adjudged Estimated Sale Cause # Teachers engaged in learning aspect of the Early Literacy Minimum Bid # Value Judgment Date Order Issue Date Center seeks to leverage best prior to the start of school practices to support the growth where they focused initially $15,500.00 $49,610.00 16-DCVLOT 47, RUBY'S SUB'D, WM 006400000094791 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 1 0 FRANCES G VELASQUEZ, AKA NEAL SURV, ABST 64, VOL 751, 232656 on the foundations of Balance of our students.

FRANCISCA G VELASQUEZ, ET PG 110* FEBRUARY 21, 12/11/18 Literacy and development of High Quality Staff & CoAL 2019 a learning environment. This Teach Partnerships job-embedded professional The Early Literacy Center 002900000019190 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. $14,400.00 $143,960.00 17-DCV0.170 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, 2 model prioritizes support and learning is continued through BRANDON LAVAR PITTMAN, ET CHURCHILL FULSHEAR 242090 1 AL LEAGUE, ABST 29, CLERK'S FEBRUARY 21, 12/06/18 learning for staff, students, and an additional 120 minutes of FILE# 9255050* 2019 families to ensure a learning professional learning during environment capable of weekly PLCs. These outclasses allow for a meeting the needs of its diverse 040400000180191 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. RITA $7,800.00 $64,170.00 17-DCV3 1.3029 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, 0 SMITH AKA RITA T KPOTIE 242152 JANE DEES SURV, ABST 404, student population.

The master schedule that provides SMITH CLERK'S FILE# 2009124783* FEBRUARY 21, 12/11/18 model offers a non-traditional teachers extended learning 2019 staffing option that: 1) places and instructional planning two qualified educators in time that is built into their each classroom, 2) provides workday. To support literacy (any volume and page references, unless otherwise indicated, being to the Deed Records, Fort Bend County, Texas, to which additional specially equipped and mathematics, a job instruments reference may be made for a more complete description of each respective tract.) or, upon the written request of instructional staff to address embedded model is in place said defendants or their attorney, a sufficient portion of the property described above shall be sold to satisfy said judgment(s), identified needs of students, that launches with contentinterest, penalties, and cost; and any property sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person 3) offers ongoing parent based learning, supports having an interest therein, to redeem the said property, or their interest therein, within the time and in the manner provided by engagement opportunities, instructional planning, and law, and shall be subject to any other and further rights to which the defendants or anyone interested therein may be entitled, and 4) has a job embedded provides ongoing feedback. under the provisions of law. Said sale to be made by me to satisfy the judgment(s) rendered in the above styled and professional learning model The job embedded model numbered cause(s), together with interest, penalties, and costs of suit, and the proceeds of said sales to be applied to the built into the school day to allows teachers to learn, satisfaction thereof, and the remainder, if any, to be applied as the law directs. support the development of receive support, and engage in reflective practice to better high-quality teachers.

RECENT CHANGES IN THE PROPERTY TAX CODE NOW REQUIRE PURCHASERS OF TAX SALE PROPERTY serve students.

Moreover, all students TO HAVE A STATEMENT FROM THE FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR CERTIFYING THAT Community Engagement served in the Early Intervention THE PERSON/FIRM/COMPANY PURCHASING PROPERTY AT A TAX SALE OWES NO DELINQUENT PROPERTY Family engagement is a Academy receive initial TAXES TO ANY TAXING ENTITY WITHIN THE COUNTY. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A TAX SALE DEED TO big factor in student success assessments upon enrollment ANY PROPERTY YOU PURCHASE WITHOUT THIS CERTIFICATE. to establish baseline data. at the Early Literacy Center.

The assessments include the Intentional efforts are made TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR Assessment of Basic Language to engage parents as learning AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SALE. and Learning Skills, as well as partners and build capacity in academic-based assessments family members to support that gauge academic readiness literacy learning at home. To Dated at Richmond, Texas, February 25, 2019 for PreK. These specialized begin building relationships assessments are conducted at with families, ELC staff went Constable Wayne Thompson the middle and end of the year. door-to-door at the start of the Fort Bend County, Texas In addition to each student’s school year to identify students special education services, all who were not yet enrolled at students receive integrated the center. In addition, staff By music therapy, occupational hosted numerous events, Deputy therapy, speech therapy, and including a parent goal setting Applied Behavioral Analysis. session, a character parade, Notes: Teachers also provide parents open house, and a teddy bear with daily information on their picnic that attracted more than The Minimum Bid is the lesser of the amount awarded in the judgment plus interest and costs or the adjudged value.

200 participants each. students.

However, the Minimum Bid for a person owning an interest in the property or for a person who is a party to the suit (other For more information, visit The unique staffing model than a taxing unit), is the aggregate amount of the judgments against the property plus all costs of suit and sale. ALL SALES and co-teach approach to the ELC website SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE ON THE PROPERTY WHICH HAVE BEEN ASSESSED SINCE THE DATE OF THE JUDGMENT. For more information, contact your attorney or LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP., attorney for plaintiffs, at (713) 844-3576

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 20, 2019 • Page 5

NEWS

Hands and Hearts Tees up for 18th Annual Golf Tournament

Anna Baker, left, Board Member, Stan Wilkening, Board Member, Evelyn Martin, Board Member, Rick Trevino, Golfer and Mike Baker, Board Member.

Each team will be given the individuals, companies, and Hands and Hearts Foundation of Sugar Land will host opportunity for a group photo corporations to support this its 18th Annual Benefit Golf prior to the start of the tourna- fund-raising event.

Sponsorships range from Tournament at Pecan Grove ment with prints delivered at a Tournament Co-Sponsor at Plantation Country Club in the dinner.

For registrations received $3,500 to Hole Sponsor levels Richmond on Monday, May 6.

For 17 years, this golf tour- prior to May 1, the individual of $2,000, $1,000 or $500.

For additional information, nament has served as the pri- player fee is $150, which inmary fundraiser for the Hands cludes the Advantage Pack- you can email the tournaand Hearts Foundation, which age: two Mulligans, a “Huge ment committee, check out funds projects for the local drive on Par 5” and a putting our tournament signup sheet, community and abroad on an contest entry. The cost per or visit www.handsandheartsplayer increases to $175 on foundation.org. application basis.

Hands and Hearts FounFor many years, the Foun- May 1.

The Single Player fee in- dation (“HHF”) was formed dation has funded local youth to attend a 10-day Guatemala cludes the box lunch, the in April 2002 as a Christianmission trip. Other outreach buffet dinner, drinks on the based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit includes work with Creative course, a golfer goody bag, corporation. With no paid Dreams, Intervarsity, and giveaways and raffle opportu- employees, volunteers carry out all operations and activinities.

Habitat for Humanity.

Silent auction chairs Jim ties of the foundation which Registration for this year’s tournament will begin at and Kathy Horcica prom- provides support, assistance, 10:30 a.m. when the driving ise a large selection of items and encouragement for a varirange and putting green will available to bid on, including ety of projects. HHF has also rounds at local golf courses, a funded individuals who seek open with a putting contest.

A barbeque lunch will be Cabo vacation, and numerous to improve the lives of people provided for all golfers at other gifts which will make in under-resourced areas, both 11:30. The tournament will Mother’s Day and Father’s locally and worldwide, by serving as teachers, Christian kick off with a Shotgun Start Day shopping a breeze.

Stan Wilkening serves as evangelists, and volunteers on at 12:30 p.m.

A buffet dinner, an awards Hands and Hearts board presi- mission trips to Guatemala, ceremony and silent auction dent as well as chair of the Mexico, Honduras, Tibet, Afgolf committee. He invites rica and The Netherlands. follow tournament play.

5 Fort Bend communities to take part in Houston’s largest Home Tour

Six Reasons Your Back Hurts: Back and Neck Pain Seminar Your back is a feat of biological engineering. More than 33 vertebrae form the column that runs from your skull to your tailbone and between each is a cushiony disk, all held together by a web of ligaments and muscles. With all those moving parts, plenty can go wrong.

“Back pain is incredibly common, especially as we age,” said Jeffrey B. Wood, M.D., board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land. “Fortunately, we can treat most cases of back pain without surgery.” Below are some of the most common causes of back pain.

1. Heavy lifting or improper sports or exercise techniques.

Repeated lifting or simply an awkward movement could cause a muscle or ligament strain.

2. Bad posture. Sit at a desk all day? If you’re hunched over papers or using a chair with little support, your back bears the brunt of it.

3. Herniated disk. The vertebrae in your spine are cushioned by disks between each bone. When the soft material inside bulges or ruptures, it can cause pain by pressing on a nerve.

4. Scoliosis. Adults experience pain from scoliosis (a sideways curve in the spine) when an existing curve worsens with age or a new curve develops.

5. Arthritis. In its most common form, osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down around

Artfully decorated model homes, rousing community events and selfie-worthy popup art will offer inspiration during “Houston’s Largest Home Tour” in April.

Throughout the month, 13 Houston-area communities — including five in Fort Bend —will open hundreds of model homes and available homes for sale daily. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free.

“Around the city, there will more than 150 model homes to explore,” said Christen Johnson, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Johnson Development, which is hosting the tour. “Beyond the homes, though, we will have a huge variety of pop-up art perfect for family photos or that

Instagram-worthy snap. The tour is really about inspiration, both in home design and feel-good artful moments.”

The tour also will include a variety of free events and temporary art installations that will serve as a backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos.

Participating Fort Bend communities include: •Harvest Green, a 1,300-acre farm-centric development located in Richmond offers residents a true farm-to-table experience. Twelve model homes will be open during the tour. The public can experience life in Harvest Green during weekly farmers markets; a Pilates, Pints and Pups event April 7; and the April 28 crawfish boil. A herd of art cows will be permanently installed in the farm-centric

development. Learn more at www.harvestgreentexas.com.

•Imperial, a 700-acre development surrounding the historic Imperial Sugar Company refinery in Sugar Land. March for Babies will raise funds for the March of Dimes April 13 at Constellation Field in Imperial. A colorful, 10-foot Sugar Land mural will be a fun photo backdrop. Details are available at www.imperialsugarland.com. Six model homes will open for touring.

•Riverstone, a 3,700-acre project in Fort Bend County just minutes from U.S. 59 and the Fort Bend Parkway.

Six models will be open for touring during April. Plus, the community is hosting its popular Houston’s Coolest Crawfish Boil April 13. An 8-foot

joints, making movement painful.

6. Osteoporosis. Thinning of the bones, predisposes a person to fractures. Compression fractures may cause pain when bones become brittle and porous.

FINDING RELIEF Minor back problems — primarily those associated with strains or spasms — can be successfully treated at home with a combination of hot and cold compresses, rest and antiinflammatory medications.

“Although you may be tempted to spend a few days recuperating in bed, movement is actually better for your pain,” Wood said. “Try to keep up with your regular activities.”

If your pain is debilitating, a spine specialist can perform an exam to help determine the source of your discomfort and prescribe a treatment plan that may include medications, physical therapy or injections to relieve pain. In severe cases,

surgery may be needed.

“At our Neuroscience & Spine Center, our specialists work together to get you back to a productive life,” Wood said. We offer expedited appointments, including second opinions, with our renowned specialists.

To schedule an appointment with Jeffrey B. Wood, M.D., or another specialist at the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, go to houstonmethodist.org/ neuro-sl and fill out the online form or call 281.274.7979.

BACK AND NECK PAIN SEMINAR Join Jeffrey B. Wood, M.D., and Christian Pecorra, M.D., as they discuss causes, latest treatment options and prevention on Wednesday, April 17 at 6 p.m. in the Brazos Pavilion Conference Center. Registration is required. To register or find out more information, go to events.houstonmethodist.org/backpain-sl or call 281.274.7500.

Annual Investment in Youth Luncheon

The Community Resources Division of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce will host the 22nd annual Investment in Youth luncheon on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Safari Texas Ranch, 11627 FM 1464, Richmond, TX. The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, The George Foundation, and Safari Texas Ranch invite all to join in their special recognition of students from Fort Bend ISD, Katy ISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD, Logos Preparatory, Needville ISD, Stafford MSD, and Calvary Episcopal Preparatory in addition to students who are homeschooled participating in the 22nd annual Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program.

This year our selection committee chose 210 students from more than 400 applications and partnered with 28 nonprofits serving our region.

Students spend six Saturday sessions from September cattail topiary will serve as a selfie backdrop. Learn more at www.riverstone.com.

The public can enjoy a host of free events and pop-up art displays in five Fort Bend communities during Houston’s Largest Home Tour this April.

Jeffrey B. Wood, MD and Christian Pecorra, MD

•Sienna Plantation, the No. 1 selling community in Texas, is hosting the Parks & Picnics Fun Fest April 13. Eventgoers can literally picture themselves in Sienna standing in for the I in giant SIENNA letters. Twenty-three model homes will be open for touring in the 10,800-acre development, located along Highway 6 in Fort Bend County. More information is available at www.siennaplantation.com.

• Veranda, a 710-acre development in Richmond, is hosting a Birthday Bash April 27 to celebrate two years of development. Eight builders offer a wealth of home designs, with 13 models open for touring.

While visiting, families can pose on a giant rocking chair for a one-of-a-kind photo.

Learn more or visit www.verandatexas.com.

Tour maps and event details can be downloaded at www. houstonhometour.com.

through March serving nonprofit organizations within Fort Bend County. Students have grown as leaders and have given over 4,800 hours of community service.

Every year we celebrate YIP program participants at our Investment in Youth Luncheon and reward them with scholarships. During the event, students are able to share their successes, their experiences helping our community.

Over the seven months we emphasize the importance of following your dreams, hard work, and fortitude. Community sponsors have the opportunity to directly impact a child’s future.

The Investment in Youth Luncheon is fully underwritten allowing all ticket proceeds, donations and contributions go straight to scholarship funds.

You will be inspired by these young men and women.

The Community Resources Division focuses on impact-

ing the community-at-large through effective partnerships and collaborations offering community programming to inform and educate on the quality of life issues in Fort Bend County.

The division enhances the student-driven Youth in Philanthropy program by developing a partnership with the nonprofit sector, local school districts, and community volunteers to communicate and encourage youth in their role in building a quality community through volunteerism.

Named scholarship donations are $2,500, which includes a table for 10 and $1,500, includes a table for 8. Corporate tables are $500. Individual reservations are $35. Lunch is included.

Details of upcoming events can be found at www.FortBendChamber.com or contact Juliette Nessmith at 281-5662161 or juliette@fortbendcc. org.

NOTICE OF ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL OUT-OF-DISTRICT MEETING PLACE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FIRST COLONY LEVEE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT To the residents and taxpayers of First Colony Levee Improvement District (the “District”), and to all the persons interested in the meetings of the Board of Directors of such District: Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the District, at a meeting held February 22, 2019, established an additional meeting place outside the boundaries of the District at The Muller Law Group, 202 Century Square Boulevard, Sugar Land, Texas 77478 and St. Laurence Catholic Church, 3100 Sweetwater Boulevard, Sugar Land, Texas 77479.

Said meeting place is hereby declared to be a public place and open to the public. All residents and taxpayers of the District and all other interested persons are hereby invited to attend any meetings of the Board of Directors at such location and other locations previously established by the Board of Directors as meeting places of the District. /s/ Debra Coffman Secretary, Board of Directors

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12551 Emily Court, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 12551, Emily Court, Texas 77478.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

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

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 20, 2019 • Page 6

AUTOMOBILE: Kia Forte

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The 2019 Forte sedan is now in its third generation and is sportier, has a more polished design and more features. Forte now offers a higher level of comfort and technologies aimed to make the journey more rewarding and upscale. The sporty compact sedan also has an overall bolder appearance and improved EPA-estimated combined MPG ratings.

Standard features and desirable amenities in the Forte continue across four trims – FE, LXS, S and EX. While the third-generation Forte retains a sporty and youthful image its long hood and short deck lend it an overall fastback-like shape.

Overall length has increased 182.7 inches, allowing for more rear legroom and cargo in the trunk. With 15.3 cu.-ft., by 3.2 inches of cargo room it is among the largest in the segment. The overall height is 56.5 inches and the width has expanded to 70.90 inches.

The dashboard has been newly designed and drivers and passengers have more ingress and egress, improved outward visibility and stronger and more lightweight seat frames.

Housed under the Forte’s longer hood is a secondgeneration 2.0-liter Nu fourcylinder engine that benefits from Atkinson Cycle technology and a cooled exhaust gas

recirculation system. The new powerplant can be paired with a standard six-speed manual or an all-new available intelligent variable transmission.

Kia’s use of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) allowed engineers to research issues associated with CVTs in order to build a better transmission. Kia engineers built their own infinitely variable transmission (IVT) with adaptive style shift logic with a chain-type belt and is a first in the compact class. The result is smooth, linear accelerations.

Horsepower is 147 and torque is 132. The FE trim equipped with the six-speed manual returns 27/37/31 mpg and gets 31/41/35 with Kia’s

new IVT. The LXS, S, and EX trims are rated at 30/40/34 mpg city/highway/combined.

Advanced technology and infotainment features include an 8-inch color touchscreen with support for Android Auto and Apple Car Play. With select smartphone devices, the system also has the capability to read SMS texts aloud through Bluetooth. There is also a charging tray on the center stack for compatible smartphones.

Another surprising feature in this segment is an available 320-watt premium sound system developed with Harman/ Kardon that pumps out music through an eight speaker sound system that rebuilds audio signals lost during digital compression.

A number of Kia’s technology features are now standard on all Forte trims. In addition to forward collision-avoidance assist and lane keeping assist, the all-new Forte has driver attention warning, forward collision warning and lane departure warning. Available systems include cruise control and blind-spot collision warning.

The 2019 Kia Forte is a four-door sedan that provides a most comfortable ride and drive, has plenty of horsepower and more safety systems. It retails for $21,990 and with optional equipment (Harman Kordon premium audio system, navigation system with touchscreen, power sunroof, wireless phone charger, rear spoiler) the price tag went up to $25,620.

NOTICE OF SALE STATE OF TEXAS

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

§ § §

FORT BEND COUNTY

and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said County, I have on February 22, 2019, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in April, 2019, the same being the 2nd day of said month, at 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Texas 77469, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10:00 AM, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Fort Bend and the State of Texas, to-wit: Sale #

Cause # Judgment Date

Acct # Order Issue Date

Style of Case

Legal Description

Adjudged Value

Estimated Minimum Bid

1

14-DCV219934 12/12/18

460000515105090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 7 WYNONA ELLIOT FUNK FEBRUARY 20, 2019

FRESNO RANCHO, TRACT 5, BLK 515, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 23 & VOL 220, PG 361*

$45,820.00

$3,300.00

2

17-DCV242456 05/15/18

800000005040090 FORT BEND INDEPENDENT 7 SCHOOL DISTRICT VS. ARASH CHRIS DOORFARD, ET AL

TR1: TELEVIEW TERRACE, BLK 5, LT 4, VOL 326, P 462*

$74,840.00

$9,000.00

3

17-DCV243479 12/06/18

783500018003090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 1 WALTER FANIEL, JR., ET AL FEBRUARY 20, 2019

ROSENBERG, BLK 18, LT 3, VOL P, PG 146*

$7,750.00

$3,300.00

(any volume and page references, unless otherwise indicated, being to the Deed Records, Fort Bend County, Texas, to which instruments reference may be made for a more complete description of each respective tract.) or, upon the written request of said defendants or their attorney, a sufficient portion of the property described above shall be sold to satisfy said judgment(s), interest, penalties, and cost; and any property sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the said property, or their interest therein, within the time and in the manner provided by law, and shall be subject to any other and further rights to which the defendants or anyone interested therein may be entitled, under the provisions of law. Said sale to be made by me to satisfy the judgment(s) rendered in the above styled and numbered cause(s), together with interest, penalties, and costs of suit, and the proceeds of said sales to be applied to the satisfaction thereof, and the remainder, if any, to be applied as the law directs.

RECENT CHANGES IN THE PROPERTY TAX CODE NOW REQUIRE PURCHASERS OF TAX SALE PROPERTY TO HAVE A STATEMENT FROM THE FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR CERTIFYING THAT THE PERSON/FIRM/COMPANY PURCHASING PROPERTY AT A TAX SALE OWES NO DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES TO ANY TAXING ENTITY WITHIN THE COUNTY. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A TAX SALE DEED TO ANY PROPERTY YOU PURCHASE WITHOUT THIS CERTIFICATE. TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SALE.

Dated at Richmond, Texas, February 22, 2019

County Judge KP George hosts ‘Listening Tour’ in Pct. 1 Fort Bend County Judge KP George is excited to announce that he will be hosting the third in a series of county-wide meetings dubbed the Listening Tour to engage Fort Bend County residents in constructive dialogue about Fort Bend County services and hear their concerns.

The second of the series was held on February 28, 2019 at Parkway Fellowship Church in Precinct 3. The third meeting will be held at Creekside Christian Fellowship Church located at 16628 TX-36, Needville, Texas 77461 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in partnership with Pct. 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales and Pct. 1 Constable Mike Beard.

“Our smaller towns like Needville are important to my Administration, and I look forward to bringing the full array of County resources to this community. This is a great opportunity for residents on the Southern Side of Fort Bend County to learn about all the County offers and ask questions to their elected officials and department heads. Bringing the government to the people is my top priority,” stated Fort Bend County Judge KP George.

Representatives from the Texas Department of Transportation, Animal Services, Road & Bridge, Human Resources, Parks, Clinical Health, Drainage, Office of Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, Health & Human Services, Sheriffs & Pct. 1 Constable Office, Environmental Health, Engineering, and other departments are also expected to be in attendance.

Tip of the Spear continues to send supplies to special forces; donations sought Tip of the Spear is supporting eight special force teams since their deployment began in September.

The group has supplied each team with food and toiletry items every month.

The special force team leader writes: “To your organization and GS troop 3031 from Pennsylvania: I cannot begin to explain what your work means to us.

“After spending days on end sweating and living off our trucks, the packages you put together and send us will always put a smile on our face.

“What may seem silly to someone, the treats and supplies we receive reminds us what we are fighting for and the amazing people we are defending.”

Tip of the Spear boa member Mary Williams says: “Our fall BBQ fund raiser sold out at 1,500 meals which helped to pay our postage expenses which average over $2000 a month. Our guys are still out there sacrificing and risking their lives every day. It is the least we can do.”

Donations can be made to our pay pal account via our webpage, www.tip of the spear.org Checks can be mailed to 225 Matlage Way p. o. box 3083 Sugar Land, Texas 77478.

Sugar Land’s Ashley HomeStore hosts collection for Houston Diaper Bank Ashley HomeStore in Sugar Land, located at 16762 Highway 59 South, is hosting a collection for the Houston Diaper Bank, now through the end of March, where shoppers can donate fresh diapers or make a cash donation to help infants and toddlers stay clean, dry and healthy.

All sizes of diapers will be accepted.

As an additional incentive, those who donate a package of diapers or $20 in cash can take 20 percent off their same-day purchase at the Ashley HomeStore in Sugar Land.

According to the Houston Diaper Bank, one in three Houston parents report suffering from Diaper Need, the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers for their children.

On average, a family spends $120 per month for disposable diapers per baby. Infants require up to 12 diapers per day and toddlers require up to eight diapers per day.

Since its inception, the Houston Diaper Bank reports it has circulated and distributed over five million diapers and wipes.

Ashley HomeStore in Sugar Land is open daily, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon – 6 p.m.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Cause No. 18-CPR-032387 Notice of Appointment of Leon C. Bridges, Jr. Notice is hereby given that on the 4th day of March, 2019, Letters Testamentary upon the Estate of Leon C. Bridges, Deceased, were issued to Leon C. Bridges, Jr., as Independent Executor of the Estate of Leon C. Bridges, Deceased, by order of the Honorable County Court at Law Number One (1) of Fort Bend County, Texas, in Cause No. 18-CPR-032387 pending upon the Docket of said Court.

All persons having claims against the said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time prescribed by law to the residence of the said Leon C. Bridges, Jr., being: Leon C. Bridges, Jr. Representative, Estate of Leon C. Bridges, Deceased 6523 Claire Brook Dr. Richmond, Fort Bend county, Texas 77407 Dated this the 14th day of March, 2019.

Raymond W. Greer 13313 Southwest Freeway, Suite 160 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Phone: (281) 494-0100; Fax: (281) 494-0101 Representative’s Attorney

Constable Mike Beard Fort Bend County, Texas City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE

By Deputy Notes: The Minimum Bid is the lesser of the amount awarded in the judgment plus interest and costs or the adjudged value.

However, the Minimum Bid for a person owning an interest in the property or for a person who is a party to the suit (other than a taxing unit), is the aggregate amount of the judgments against the property plus all costs of suit and sale. ALL SALES SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE ON THE PROPERTY WHICH HAVE BEEN ASSESSED SINCE THE DATE OF THE JUDGMENT. For more information, contact your attorney or LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP., attorney for plaintiffs, at (713) 844-3576

DUE DATE of REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS APRIL 2, 2019 AT 2:00 PM. Request for Qualifications for the provision of PROFESSIONAL AUDITING SERVICES Commodity Code: 918-04, 946-20 Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the RFQ name and number as listed above, and the due date. Responses must be delivered to the attention of City of Missouri City Attn: Purchasing Office - RFQ No. 19-048 Professional Auditing Services 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, Texas 77489 Responses received after the specified time will not be opened. All necessary information and addendums may be obtained from the following websites: http://www.txsmartbuy. com/sp or https://www.demandstar.com/Default.asp

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 20, 2019 • Page 7

NEWS

Bobby Marshall of Missouri City named umpire for Junior League Baseball World Series Bobby Marshall of Missouri City will be one of the umpires at the 2019 Junior League Baseball World Series to be held in Taylor Michigan in August.

A former airline pilot and Missouri City City Councilmember, Marshall is a reputed volunteer Little League umpire for over 45 years and has umpired in three world series games.

90+ Volunteer Umpires Earn Prestigious 2019 Little League® World Series Assignments Each year, the holiday season becomes just a bit more special for more than 90 dedicated Little League® volun-

teers who receive their official notifications with their official umpire assignments for the Little League World Series tournaments.

Volunteer umpires are one of the most important aspects in the success of Little League programs around the world and in the Little League InternaMarshall tional Tournament. As a way to continually develop these volunteer umpires throughout the year, Little League International offers a variety of digital training and educational resources available on LittleLeague.org/Umpires, a bi-monthly Fair Ball Newslet-

ter, access to the Little League Umpire Registry, and formal training through Umpire Clinics and Schools around the nation.

The selection process to become a World Series umpire is lengthy and rigorous. The process for selection to work a World Series begins with a recommendation from the District Administrator, within their district, to umpire in a Regional Tournament. Little League’s nine regional offices then consider all nominated umpires before selecting those who most closely meet the selection criteria.

The umpires volunteering at each Regional Tournament are then evaluated and can receive

one of two recommendations: Recommend working another Regional Tournament or Recommend a World Series assignment.

Once an umpire has earned a World Series recommendation, the umpire must indicate that they wish to be considered further.

Individuals who meet those qualifications are then screened

annually by Little League International and Regional staffs for selection to umpire in a Little League World Series tournament.

Appointment as a member of the umpiring crew for a World Series is the highest honor that Little League can bestow on a volunteer umpire. An individual can be selected for a World Series assignment once

every four years, but being chosen to work the Little League Baseball® World Series is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

For the fourth consecutive year, Little League International will support all volunteer umpires at the seven World Series events with a travel stipend to help offset the costs for the men and women to attend their respective World Series events.

JOIN US WEDNESD DAY MARCH 27, 2019 8:0 00 AM – 10::00 AM

601 BURNET STREET

Katy Christian Ministries earns 4-star rating from Charity Navigator

RICHMOND, TX 77469

JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORS AND YOUR

www.ktcm.org/impact.

“It’s important our donors trust that we’re using their donations wisely to accomplish our mission to transform lives with their generosity and God’s grace” said Deysi Crespo, KCM Executive Director.

“Our 4-star Charity Navigator rating demonstrates to our supporters our good governance and financial accountability,” said Kent Black, KCM Board President.

KCM is also accredited by the ECFA, the BBB, and ranked a Gold Star Participant with Guidestar.

RICHMOND POLICE OFFICERS FOR COFFEE AND CONVERSATION! No agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know your officers.

For More Information Contact: Lieutenant Lowell Neinast 281-342-2849 x15 or LNeinast@richmondtx.gov

Richmond Police Department 600 Preston Street Richmond, TX 77469 “TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE”

Katy Christian Ministries’ (KCM’s) strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned them a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.

Using objective analysis, Charity Navigator awards only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating.

In 2011, Charity Navigator added 17 metrics focused on governance and ethical practices as well as measures of openness to its ratings methodology.

These Accountability & Transparency metrics, which account for 50 percent of a charity’s overall rating, reveal which charities operate in accordance with industry best practices and whether they are open with their donors and stakeholders.

“Katy Christian Ministries’ exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” according to Michael Thatcher, President & CEO of Charity Navigator.

“Only a quarter of charities

rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. This adds KCM to a preeminent group of charities working to overcome our world’s most pressing challenges. Based on its 4-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support KCM.” KCM also places emphasis on the measurable impact of the services and resources it provides to the community.

Recently publishing their 2018 Impact Report, KCM assisted 8,648 unduplicated local households in 2018.

KCM has been working to fight poverty, food insecurity, and domestic and sexual abuse for 35 years now. 41,279 case management sessions were provided to people seeking assistance with basic needs, food assistance, and access to other resources. 718,388 meals were distributed for a total of 862,066 lbs of food given from the KCM Food Pantry. The KCM Crisis Center served a total of 2,644 primary and secondary victims of domestic and sexual violence. The full 2018 report can be viewed at

Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off

Missouri City Green will host the Don’t mess with Texas Trash-Off event on Saturday, April 6 at the Missouri City Community Center located at 1524 Texas Parkway 77489. This is a great service opportunity for Scouts, school and community service organizations and corporations as well as families and individuals to make City parks and trails shine during the largest one day clean up in the state of Texas. Sign-in is at 8a.m. with lunch and awards at 10:45a.m. Registration and waiver forms are available online at www.missouricitygreen.org. ALL participants must sign a waiver. Participants under 18 years old must have waivers signed by parent/guardian. For more information, email info@missouricitygreen.org.

THE

Dennis Lee, left, KCM Board Treasurer, and Deysi Crespo, KCM Executive Director.

FUNDRAISING LAB

Susan Reedy SGR Advisors

Nan Morris ESCH

Julie Falcon The Beacon

Don Titcombe The Rockwell Fund

Join us for an informal panel discussion on fundraising and development for Fort Bend County nonprofits. Topics presented by panelists will include different aspects of fundraising including how to engage with foundations, capital campaigns, annual fundraising, sources and tips on further important decisions. Participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions and visit with the panelists. Members of the ESCH Board will be available to answer questions about their nonprofit consulting services. Moderated by Dee Koch, Nonprofit/Youth Leadership Consulting.

Dee Koch Dee S. Koch, LLC

FORT BEND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MARCH 25, 2019 | 8:00 - 10:00 AM | 445 COMMERCE GREEN BLVD. | SUGAR LAND Reservation Options

Event Sponsor

1 for $15

Name

Company Name

Email

Phone

Payment:

Mastercard

VISA

AmEx

Discover

Credit Card No.

2 for $20

Check In Mail Exp. Date

Security Code

REGISTER and PAY online at www.fortbendchamber.com

Cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to event date for a full refund to be issued

RETURN Juliette Nessmith juliette@fortbendcc.org 281 - 566 - 2161

MAIL Fort Bend Chamber 445 Commerce Green Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77478

FAX Juliette Nessmith 281 - 491 - 0112

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 20, 2019

NEWS

Quail Valley Garden Club raises funds for scholarships

By ANN GROSS Quail Valley Garden Club hosted its first Live & Silent Auction fundraising recently.

It was a total success with 180+ seated for dinner and exceeding 200 for the auction.

There were 10 Live Auction items including Vintage 1940’s White Bistro Set, Old Maine Tripper Canoe with paddles and life jackets, wine/ beverage fridge, premium garage door opener plus installation, sports memorabilia, Ruger LC9S Pro. And there were 115 Silent Auction items like whole house surge protector, white bird cage on a 3’ stand, vibrant bougainvilleas and special types of flowering baskets, potted succulent plants and herbs, quality yard art, a homemade quilt made especially for The Quail Valley Garden Club, antique Tonka trucks.

Music was provided by a duo from Collector’s Item and added to an already fun-filled fundraising event.

Lloyd Hughes, one of the founders, has been a resident of Quail Valley for more than 25 years.

Our super-hero auctioneer was George Adams, a resident of Quail Valley, who donates his auctioneering skills for numerous fundraisers on a consistent basis.

Founded in 1972, Quail Valley Garden Club is a nonprofit exempt organization.

In addition to the auction, the club’s annual fundraisers include the Caladium and Flower Bulb Sales Event and the Quail Valley Backyard Tour, enabling the club to provide annual scholarships to deserving local high school students plus one scholarship annually to a horticulture ma-

Quail Valley Garden Club volunteers: Deborah Douglas, left, Helena Spain, Ann Gross, Karen Santos jor from Texas A & M or Sam Houston State University.

Last year the club awarded $8500 in scholarships and is increasing that amount for the 2019-2020 year.

These funds also help support beautification and preservation of the environment, including planting trees in Quail Valley and maintenance of Ridgeview Park and the Tee Garden at La Quinta Drive and El Dorado Blvd, in addition to designing and creating the gardens.

QVGC just donated $1500 to have dead trees removed on FM1092 that had been an eyesore for some time.

Throughout the year, members also participate in the Brookwood Therapy Program, volunteering to assist special need adults with horticulture activities.

Yard of the Month and Christmas Light Judging win-

ners are also selected by the club. The next Quail Valley Backyard Tour will be Saturday, May 18th. You don’t want to miss seeing these beautiful yards, learning about some new plants and flowers, and getting fresh ideas!

Ann Gross, Co-Chair for the 2019 Quail Valley Garden Club Live & Silent Auction Fundraising Event of the Quail Valley Garden Club

Volunteers display auction items during the live auction.

PLANTATION at Quail Valley Active Senior Living; Embracing the lives of Seniors 55 and Better March Madness $399 move in special

2815 Cypress Point Dr, Missouri City, TX 77459 www. plantationqv.com

Phone: (281) 208-4470