Fort Bend Independent 050819

email: editor@ independent.com

VOL 12 No. 19

Phone: 281-980-6745

www.fbindependent.com ww .fbindependent.com

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2019

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Local election results yield no surprises; incumbents re-elected

By SESHADRI KUMAR Nabila Mansoor and Naushad Kermally will face each other in a run-off election for Sugar Land City Council on June 8.

In the local city and school board elections, most of the incumbents got re-elected and there were no surprise victories.

Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella, Rosenberg Mayor Bill Benton, Sugar Land City Council members Steve Porter and Carol McCutcheon and Fort Bend ISD Trustees Jim Rice and Dave Rosenthal were among the incumbents re-elected.

In one of the most keenly watched contests, Sugar Land City Council Dist. 2 race, Naushad Kermally and Nabila Mansoor will be in the run-off election. David Gornet finished third.

Kermally was the top votegetter in this race with 1,634, followed by Mansoor with 1,428 votes and Gornet 1,111 votes.

Since no one got 50 percent or more of the votes cast, the top two will face the run-off election. This district essentially consists of Riverpark, New Territory and Telfair, with a small portion of First Colony.

In Sugar Land Dist. 1, Porter won with 1,366 votes defeating Mohammed Aijaz who received 431 votes.

In Sugar Land Dist. 4,

Nabila Mansoor, left, and Naushad Kermally McCutcheon with 2,214 votes defeated challenger William Ferguson who got 1,244 votes.

In Dist. 3, Stewart Jacobson was elected unopposed.

In Stafford, Mayor Scarcella won with 1,150 votes, while his challenger former Councilman A.J. Honore got 638 votes, and the third candidate, Adam Sanchez polled 40 votes.

Scarcella will be celebrating 50 years in office as mayor next May. For Stafford City Council Position 1, former SMSD Trustee Aturo Jackson got elected with 868 votes. Alice Chen trailed him with 790 votes and Esther de Ipoly got 100 votes.

In FBISD Trustee Pos. 3 race,

Rice got 7,837 votes (48.60%) defeating his immediate rival Afshi Charania who got 4,419 votes (27.40%). Ashish Agarwal and Sam Popuri got 2,645 (16.40%) and 1,226 votes (7.60%), respectively.

The highest vote-getter wins in the school board race.

In FBISD Trustee Pos. 7, Rosenthal got 45.75 % or 6,714 votes.

Six others in the race were: Monica Riley, 2,708 votes (18.45%); Nadine B. Skinner, 2,708 (14.40%); Holland Poulsen, 739 (5.04%); Rudy Sutherland 424 (2.89%); Tina Michie 844 (5.75%) and Ferrell Bonner, 1132 votes (7.71%).

In FBISD Pos. 5, an open seat, Allison Drew with 3,679

Reading Trophy

Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella votes (26.54%) defeated her nearest rival, 19-year-old Hightower High graduate Lily Lam, who got 3,424 votes (24.70%). Others in the race were: Christian Sommer, 2,384 votes (17.20%); Jason Dobrolecki 2,674 votes (19.29 percent); and Pam Sutherland, 1701 votes (12.27%).

In Stafford MSD, Alicia Lacy-Castille with 844 votes, Greg Holsapple with 724 votes and newcomer Asish Hamirani with 657 votes were elected.

Mary A. Smith with 557 votes and Lana Hoesing with 3679 votes, lost.

In Lamar CISD, Dist. 4 seat, Joy Williams with 874 votes won, defeating Sofia Sheikh who got 510 votes.

Fort Bend County Libraries presents special reading challenges during the summer to encourage reading among children from birth and up, as well as teens and adults. “A Universe of Stories” is the theme for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Online registration for the 2019 Summer Reading Challenge will begin on Monday, May 27, and continue through August 31, at all Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) locations. Library programs and activities for children begin during the week of June 3, and continue through July 27. Above, Avery & Lane Johnson with In LCISD Dist. 5, Jon Welch their 2018 Reading Trophy. More on page 5. with 552 votes defeated Teion Parker, who got 228 votes.

In LCISD, Dist. 7, Alex Hunt won with 671 votes. He defeated Melvin Nash, who got 299 votes.

All three seats were open since the incumbents did not seek reAUSTIN — Texas attorneys election. elected Larry P. McDougal Sr. of Fort Bend County Levee Richmond to be president-elect Improvement District No. 2 held of the State Bar of Texas. a bond authorization election for McDougal received 52 $88 million and the measure was percent of the 24,252 votes cast approved overwhelmingly with 1,193 votes (77.43%) in favor during the month-long voting and 406 (22.57%) votes against. period that ended April 30.

His opponent Jeanne Cezanne “Cezy” Collins of El Paso received 47 percent of the votes.

Write-in candidates accounted for less than 1 percent of the patrons may access in the votes cast.

McDougal will be sworn in library or from home. as president-elect during the “The area served by the McDougal State Bar’s Annual Meeting on Missouri City Branch Library June 14 in Austin and will serve Bar of Texas in 2015, among has grown and changed as president of the State Bar of other accolades. considerably since the library Texas from June 2020 to June He earned his J.D. from South was originally built,” says 2021.

Texas College of Law in 1990.

Library Director Clara Russell.

McDougal is certifi ed in In other results, the following “When the library was first criminal law by the Texas Board individuals were elected to the built, it was designed to meet of Legal Specialization and the State Bar of Texas Board of the needs of the community at founder of a namesake law offi ce Directors: that time. No one could have Christina M. Davis, Tyler, imagined how much the digital where he practices with his son.

McDougal has previously served District 2; Kate Bihm, Conroe, age would change all of our lives. as a police offi cer, fi refi ghter, District 3; Diane St. Yves, Use of electronic resources – and an assistant district attorney.

Houston, District 4, Place such as computers, the Internet, He served on the State Bar 1; Michael K. Hurst, Dallas, WiFi, and circulation of digital Board of Directors from 2012 to District 6, Place 1; Rebekah ebooks and audiobooks – have 2015 and continues to serve on Steely Brooker, Dallas, District all shown increases, so the the State Bar Continuing Legal 6, Place 5; Jason Smith, Fort additional space will definitely Education Committee.

He is the Worth, District 7, Place 2; help us meet those needs of our District 5 Grievance Committee Yolanda Cortes Mares, Temple, library patrons.”

The summer hours of chair for the State Bar and District 8; Adam Schramek, operation for the Missouri District 5 nominating chair for Austin, District 9, Place 2; Santos Vargas, San Antonio, City Branch Library will be the Texas Bar Foundation.

McDougal also serves on District 10, Place 2; David Sergi, as follows: Monday, 12:00 the Texas Criminal Defense San Marcos, District 15. noon - 6:00 p.m; Tuesday and Lawyers Association Ethics Texas Young Lawyers Thursday, 10:00 am – 6:00 p.m, Committee, Ethics Hotline, and Association election Wednesday, 10:00 am – 9:00 Strike Force.

In the Texas Young Lawyers p.m; Friday, 12:00 noon - 5:00 He teaches legal ethics to Association election, Britney pm; and Saturday, 10:00 a.m lawyers around the state and is a Harrison of Dallas was elected 5:00 p.m. The library will be member of several professional president-elect and will serve closed on Sundays. associations. as TYLA president from June For more information, see McDougal won the President’s 2020 to June 2021.

Harrison the Fort Bend County Libraries’ Award from the Texas Criminal received 59 percent of the 4,550 website (www.fortbend.lib.

Defense Lawyers Association in votes cast, while her opponent, tx.us), or call the library system’s Communications 2009, TexasBarCLE Standing Tim Newman, also of Dallas, Ovation Award in 2014, and received 40 percent. WriteOffice at 281-633-4734. the Outstanding Third-Year in candidates accounted for 1 Director Award from the State percent of the votes cast.

Richmond attorney Larry McDougal is president-elect of State Bar of Texas

Jim Rice, Allison Drew & Dave Rosenthal

Renovated Missouri City Library will open June 1 The Grand Re-opening ceremony of Fort Bend County Libraries’ Missouri City Branch Library will take place on Saturday, June 1, beginning at 10 a.m, at the newly renovated library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway.

The ceremony will be officiated by Fort Bend County Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage, who will be joined by other county and local officials.

All area residents are invited to come out and take part in the grand re-opening reception.

The library is located in Fort Bend County Precinct 2 on Texas Parkway (FM 2234), next to the Missouri City Civic Center and City Hall.

The Missouri City Branch Library originally opened on June 1, 1992, with 18,462-square feet.

In the 2015 bond election, voters approved funding for the renovation and expansion of the existing building. A 3-story, 9,600-square-foot addition was included to provide more space for meetings, study, and computers.

With a new total of 28,062 square feet, the Missouri City Branch Library is now the fifth largest library in the Fort Bend County library system, which includes 11 libraries and

management of the Fort Bend County Law Library.

Designed by Merriman Holt Powell Architects of Houston, the building blends the best of traditional library services with a wide range of electronic resources.

The library is equipped with the latest in computer and telecommunications technology, including WiFi and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) capabilities.

The library will also have self-check machines so that library patrons can check out their own materials, facilitating quick and efficient library service.

The library includes community meeting rooms, study rooms, a puppet theater, and a computer lab for technology classes and general public use.

Additional computers will be available for public use outside of the computer lab.

The library also includes a special-event space on the top floor of the addition. This area is available for public use as well as library events.

Visitors to the Missouri City Branch Library will be treated to a special Everbright light feature inside the library. This interactive light wall consists

of a huge grid of hundreds of adjustable color dials that rotate.

The dials change in hue as they are twisted, offering almost unlimited color possibilities when creating designs.

Beginning the week of June 3, the Youth Services department will have a variety of weekly children’s programs, including Toddler Time for younger children from 1 to 3 years of age, Story Time for 3 to 6-year-old children, programs for school-age children, as well as programs for families with children of all ages.

In the fall, the library will begin offering introductory computer classes for adults.

Patrons may learn computer basics such as how to use a computer, how to search the Internet, and how to use Microsoft Office programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

A wide variety of books for children and adults are available for recreational reading and research.

Magazines, newspapers, and audiovisual materials are also on hand.

The library offers ebooks, audiobooks, movies, and music that can be downloaded from home, as well as a generous assortment of databases that

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 8, 2019

NEWS

St. Theresa 50th annual bazaar set for May 18 & 19

The 50th Annual St. Theresa Catholic Church Bazaar will be held Saturday, May 18 from 6 p.m. to 11p.m and Sunday, May 19, from 11a.m to 7 p.m. This is the Golden Anniversary for this Fort Bend County event.

Chairing this year’s event are Gary Blanchette and Larry Moller, who invite everyone to join them for some great food, games, and general fellowship.

There will be silent and live auctions, a huge garage sale,

and a raffle.

A garage sale will be held Saturday from 8 a.m-2 p.m and 6 p.m–8 p.m. and will open again Sunday from 9 a.m-1 p.m at the St. Theresa Community Center.

On Saturday evening, a silent auction will be held from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

A live auction, which accepts VISA and MasterCard, will be held Sunday at 2 p.m.

The Silent and Live Auctions

will all be held in the Knights of Columbus #4204 Hall.

Some of the Bazaar activities, which will operate both days, include Spaceball Ride, Elephant Ride, Wizzer Ride, Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Rock Wall, Obstacle Course, Kountry Kitchen, Plants, Books, Game Booths as well as various beverage and Ethnic Food Booths, such as Filipino, Nigerian, Mexican and Italian sausage/meatball sandwiches.

There will also be crawfish,

Stafford High School Class of 2019 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

In less than four months, Paul Phung and Hira Ahmed will be two of the 54,369 undergraduate students at Texas A&M University in College Station.

As they walk to classes amid the Maroon-clad sea of Aggie students, few of their classmates will know the remarkable story of their educational success in a community 100 miles south of Aggieland.

Phung is graduating as the 2019 Valedictorian of Stafford High School, and Ahmed is the 2019 Stafford High Salutatorian.

There are 248 seniors in Stafford’s Class of 2019.

They’ll both have a chance to speak at the 2019 SHS Graduation on Friday, May 24 at Texas Southern University in Houston.

Both seniors are Stafford citizens, and they’ve been classmates at Stafford MSD since Phung enrolled at Stafford Elementary as a second grader.

Ahmed began attending SMSD in Pre-K. They’ve been in band

Paul Phung and Hira Ahmed together since their days at Stafford Intermediate and joined the National Honor Society, the Peer Tutoring Program and Student Council when they were Stafford High freshmen in the fall of 2015.

“Being the Valedictorian shows all of the hard work I’ve put into high school,” Phung said “I couldn’t have done it without all of my teachers.”

Or his older sister, Vanessa Phung, the 2016 Stafford High Valedictorian who is now a junior at the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

“She motivated me and helped me with my schoolwork,” Phung said.

“After she graduated from Stafford, it was on me to succeed.”

Phung and Ahmed credit each other with their success.

Ahmed, the youngest of three Stafford MSD graduates, said her parents played a big influence in her life.

“My academic success was always about making my parents proud,” Ahmed said. “They always had high expectations, and I liked meeting them.”

Both Phung and Ahmed were enrolled in all Advanced Placement and Dual Credit College Courses this year.

Dual Credit is a program where Stafford High students can take courses through Houston Community College.

They’ll start Texas A&M with ambitious academic goals.

Phung will study Chemical Engineering with plans to work in research or the corporate world.

Ahmed will major in Environmental Science and hopes to do research or attend law school after college.

They said that Stafford prepared them academically for A&M, and noted that even though the university has a large enrollment – it still has a small town feel.

“It’s the college version of Stafford,” Ahmed said.

Leaving Stafford will be bittersweet, Phung and Ahmed agreed.

“It’s not scary, but we’re doing something new and leaving everything behind,” Phung said.

BECERRA AND BRAZOS PARKS TO CLOSE DUE TO RISING WATER

In anticipation of rising water from the Brazos River, Becerra and Brazos Parks will close for safety purposes, starting 5/7/2019, until further notice. This is being done as a precaution as the river approaches the minor flood level in the middle to latter part of this week. Residents are encouraged to stay away from the area and to refrain from crossing the closure barricades.

Bazaar Chair Larry Moller, Father Eurel Manzano, pastor, and Bazaar Chair Gary Blanchette invite the public to join them to celebrate the 50th Annual St. Theresa Catholic Church Bazaar.

This year’s event will be held Saturday, May 18, 6pm-11pm. and Sunday, May 19, 11am-7pm.

All activities are on the church grounds located at 705 St Theresa Blvd., Sugar Land. hamburgers, turkey legs and other food choices.

New to the bazaar will be funnel cakes. Vendor Tents will be selling various items on Sunday At 7 p.m on Sunday, drawings will be held for the following RAFFLE prizes: 1st - $4,500 in Visa Gift Cards, 2nd $3,000 in Visa Gift Cards, 3rd - $1,500 in Visa Gift Cards, 4th - $1,000 Visa Gift Card,

5th - $500 Visa Gift Card and 6th – BBQ Grill.

Raffle tickets will be available at the bazaar both days and winners (who must be at least 18 years old) need not be present to win.

All activities will be held on the church grounds or in the parish buildings. There is no admission charge and everyone is welcome for a fun time.

Proceeds from the bazaar are for on-going parish capital improvements.

St. Theresa Catholic Church is located at 705 St. Theresa Blvd. in Sugar Land. For further information, contact Larry at 832.594.2355 or Gary at 281.389.9672. You may also visit the church website at www.sugarlandcatholic.com/ event.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has received the TMF Hospital Quality Improvement Bronze Award from TMF® Health Quality Institute.

The award is sponsored by TMF, the Arkansas Hospital Association, Oklahoma Hospital Association, Oklahoma State Office of Rural Health, Texas Hospital Association and Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals.

It recognizes hospitals in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas that have undertaken quality initiatives to improve outcomes in patient care and improve their performance on specific national quality measures.

The 2018 TMF Hospital Quality Improvement

Award program is based on achievements in 2016 and 2017, and honors hospitals that are performing quality initiatives aimed at improving outcomes in patient care by recognizing those hospitals that have improved their performance on specific national quality measures.

“We are proud to have achieved this recognition.

Our success illustrates our commitment to patient safety and to delivering quality health care,” said Chris Siebenaler, regional senior vice president and CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land.

“TMF is proud to recognize these hospitals for promoting quality improvement activities and their senior management for promoting a quality

culture,” said Tom Manley, CEO of TMF Health Quality Institute.

“Quality improvement is a complex and demanding process, and we thank Houston Methodist Sugar Land for its commitment to improving the health of patients and the efficiency of health care.”

Siebenaler said the hospital will continue to enhance its quality improvement efforts through collaboration with partners and with TMF Health Quality Institute.

“We want to ensure that every person gets the right care at the right time, every time,” Siebenaler said.

To learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/ sugarland..

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital receives Quality Award

INDEPENDENT • MAY 8, 2019 • Page 3

NEWS

HCC names Dr. Megan Palsa Associate Vice Chancellor of Communications and Marketing Houston Community College has named Megan Palsa, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor of Communications and Marketing.

HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado reintroduced and welcomed her at last Wednesday’s Board of Trustees meeting at HCC’s Administration Building, 3100 Main.

Since Dr. Palsa started her position in April, Dr. Maldonado said her years of experience in marketing, public relations and communications, as well as creating diverse teams, are already greatly benefitting HCC.

“As a proven leader in higher education, Dr. Palsa has the perfect combination of skills required to be successful in the associate vice chancellor position,” said Dr. Maldonado of the transplant from Texas A&M University.

“We are already seeing the new ideas and positive energy she is bringing to her role.”

Dr. Palsa credits the existing HCC Communications Department for a smooth transition into her role.

“I’m honored to be part of the college and community,” said Dr. Palsa.

“The communications and marketing team at HCC is dynamic, energetic and creative. I’m looking forward

Palsa

to working with everyone.”

With 20 years of leadership experience before arriving at HCC, Dr. Palsa’s most recent role was that of Executive Director of Communications, Media & Public Relations at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Before that, she served in director and associate director roles in the Office of Graduate Studies and the Department of Multicultural Services at Texas A&M. Dr. Palsa also served as Director of Marketing for the Dallas County Community College District.

She received her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Palsa was selected following a national search process by an advisory committee comprising HCC faculty and administrators.

“The dedication of faculty and administrator representatives on the committee was instrumental in establishing a pool of highly qualified finalists,” said Dr. Maldonado.

“I want to thank the committee members for their service.”

Chancellor Maldonado also celebrated the “stellar work” of Dr. Michael Edwards as interim AVC of Marketing and Communications during the search process.

“Please join me in thanking

Dr. Edwards for his service to Houston Community College, said Dr. Maldonado.

“His longstanding dedication to HCC will continue as Executive Director of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness.”

The Chancellor added that he believes Dr. Palsa’s creative energy and leadership will elevate Houston Community College to an even greater level of success.

“The entire HCC family has never been in a better position to set the national tone for my main priority—student success,” said Dr. Maldonado.

Two arrested after drug bust in Needville area The Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force, which is a Houston HIDTA Initiative (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area), concluded an investigation targeting a main source of supply of Marijuana, THC extracts/edibles and other illicit substances in Fort Bend County.

During the past several months, Task Force Officers have conducted numerous undercover operations focused on identifying sources of supply of marijuana and illicit THC extracts sold and distributed in the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Fort Bend County.

As a result of this particular investigation, a search warrant was executed on May, 1, 2019 at a residence located in the 10000 block of Lake Thomas Street in the unincorporated area of Needville.

The search warrant lead to the seizure of approximately 10.3 pounds

of marijuana including several mature marijuana plants, approximately 48 grams of Psilocybin (Mushrooms), approximately 4 pounds of homemade THC infused edibles (trail mix bars), approximately 165 grams of THC oil/wax and over $5,000 in US currency. The illicit substances seized have an approximate street value of over $30,000.00.

Two suspects were arrested

and charged.

Daniel Keeter, 31, of Needville, was arrested and booked into the Fort Bend County Jail on charges of: two counts First Degree Felony Manufacturing/Delivery of a controlled substance Drug Free Zone, Second Degree Felony Possession of Marijuana Drug Free Zone and State Jail Felony Money Laundering.

Katrina Keeter, 29, of

Illegal gambling in Katy halted Investigators with Katy Police Department, along with Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office Major Offenders Division executed a search warrant on an illegal gambling operation located at 5700 Highway Boulevard Katy, Fort Bend County, Texas.

Officers raided the Katy Star convenience store just after 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday and seized five eight-liner gambling devices and over $100,000 in cash.

This raid comes after several weeks of surveillance, where undercover officers went into the store and were paid money for their winnings from the gambling devices.

The eight-liner gambling devices were located inside the convenience store, hidden behind beverage coolers in a back corner of the business.

These types of operations

Needville, was arrested and booked into the Fort Bend County Jail on charges of: two counts First Degree Felony Manufacturing/Delivery of a controlled substance Drug Free Zone and Second Degree Felony Possession of Marijuana Drug Free Zone.

“Thank you to the Narcotics Task Force for your diligence in trying to keep our streets free of drugs,” said Sheriff Troy Nehls.

Program on “funeral planning” Fort Bend County Libraries will present a special program on “The Facts About Funeral Planning” on Friday, May 24, beginning at 10:30 a.m, in Meeting Room 1 at the University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus. Veronica Alcid, a licensed life-insurance agent, will provide an overview of the funeral pre-planning process. She will explain the Funeral Rule of 1984, which protects consumers and explains the costs associated with a funeral. Learn how pre-planning funeral arrangements can save surviving family members with difficult decisions and unnecessary costs. Get tips on how to shop for the right funeral home, and hear about other costs to consider, such as those for shipping remains for burial at other locations. Alcid will also explain Final Expense Life Insurance, otherwise known as Burial Insurance.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the University Branch Library at 281-633-5100 or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

Two students receive Thoreau Dream scholarship are illegal in Texas. Customers can often become targets of other types of crime, because of the significant amounts of cash on hand.

This investigation is still on-going, which may result in future arrests.

The Katy Police Department

would like to thank Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heap and Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton for their partnership and assistance during this operation.

Visit the Google playstore & download your free mobile app for Fort Bend Independent.

Two area students have been awarded full scholarships to college, thanks to a Fort Bend scholarship that pays tuition for low income students who are first in their family to attend college.

Ariadne Martinez Villanueva, a senior at Hightower High School, and Axel Guevara, a graduate of Cypress Falls High School, were selected for this year’s Thoreau Dream Scholarship.

The scholarship, which was started 16 years ago by the Thoreau Campus of First Unitarian Universalist Church in Richmond, has sent 52 kids to college over the years.

Funded completely by donations, the Thoreau Dream Scholarship pays for two years of community college and 2 years at university or it will pay for a technical education and certification if that is what the student chooses.

Ariadne, who has worked part time for a wedding planner while in high school, wants to study hospitality administration with plans of becoming an event coordinator. Axel hopes to study architecture.

“Our goal when we started this scholarship was to help lift

entire families out of poverty and into the middle class,” explains Scholarship chairman Valerie Tolman.

“These kids come from families and neighborhoods where hardly anyone even considers college as an option. We think that education past high school is a path to a better life. We hope sending some of the students to college will have a ripple effect, causing other kids to see college as a possibility for them too.”

Axel says he recalls when he was in the 9th grade and

a teacher told him to find a quote he believed and write an essay on it.

“The quote I chose was, ‘Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you have imagined,’ by Henry David Thoreau,” he wrote in his application.

Imagine his surprise when he was invited to apply for a Thoreau Dream Scholarship.

His application continued, “What an amazing coincidence. I am hoping this scholarship will help me to be able to go confidently in the direction of my dreams.”

No. 19-CPR-032960 Notice of Appointment of Kay Frances Todd Notice is hereby given that on the 6th day of May, 2019, Letters Testamentary upon the Estate of Donald Ray Todd, Deceased, were issued to Kay Frances Todd, Independent Executrix of the Estate of Donald Ray Todd, Deceased, by the Honorable Christopher G. Morales, Judge of Fort Bend County Court at Law Number One (1), being Cause No. 19CPR-032960 pending upon the Docket of said Court.

All persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time prescribed by law at the address of Kay Frances Todd, Independent Executrix, being as shown below: Kay Frances Todd 4025 Guyler Road Simonton, Texas 77476 Dated this 6th day of May, 2019.

Dermot Rigg, P.C. 2245 Texas Drive, Suite 300 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-242-7447 (phone)) 281-566-2505 (fax) Email: drigg15@windstream.net Attorney for Kay Frances Todd, Independent Executrix of the Estate of Donald Ray Todd, Deceased

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 8, 2019

MIKE’S MONOLOGUE

St. Patrick’s Day lights

By MICHAEL GRANTO My wife Barbara is holidays personified. She is genuinely joyful about the holidays in the year, especially Christmas, but there are about a dozen others that qualify as celebratory for her. Celebratory includes, but is not limited to, decorating our home.

That would include an appropriate dining table display, an appropriate breakfast bar display, an appropriate balcony display, and an appropriate display for our “front porch.”

A word about our “front porch.” We live in a senior community, and the buildings are constructed with sixteen apartments on two floors, eight on each floor, four apartments on each side of a long, concrete hallway. Occasionally someone will put up a holiday door decoration, but for the most of the year, it’s a rather drab hall.

Our neighbor across the hall had a desire to leaven the drab concrete look with something more lively and welcoming, so she purchased a small metal patio table, and two patio chairs with attractive cushions. Barbara thought that was a splendid idea.

Accordingly, on her next birthday, my son-in-law and I went to Lowe’s in his truck.

I bought a set of chairs and a table similar to our neighbor’s, and my son-in-law said he’d make his favorite mother-inlaw a present of cushions for the chairs. Barbara was quite happy, and those chairs have hosted numerous gatherings of our neighbor, her husband, Barbara, and me, frequently over a glass of wine.

The ladies immediately began planning holiday decorations for our “front porch.”

Because of Barbara’s holiday joy, we have many 55-quart Walmart boxes with decorations for all manner of holi-

Granto days, enough to provide decorations for both patio tables, ours and our neighbor’s.

Saint Patrick’s Day required decorating the front porch, just like any other holiday, and soon the patio tables and the walls above them were covered with all manner of pots of gold, gold coins, shamrocks, leprechauns, and such.

Part of the decorating for our holidays is lights. We use those nail-free “Command” hooks, and we’ve worked out a system of hanging a drape, or loop, of lights in a big “U” about four feet across. Those lights stay on 24/7.

My wife got very ill this year, and was hospitalized three times between January and March. She was, like most women, a complex mix of qualities and characteristics, but at heart this lady was a Warrior Queen. She was full of life, and charm, and wit, and caring, and she was also full of fight. She could have been a model for Boadicea, ancient Britain’s warrior queen. She fought cancer four times between 2003 and 2016 and she won every time. All fights have costs, and those fights cost her both kidneys, and the upper lobe of her right lung.

This time, though, she was fighting at least one serious infection, and we could see this fight was wearing her down. She went from hospital to hospice.

Her daughters and her sonin-law came to be with her at hospice. We’d all spend every

hour we could with her, and no one knew when those hours would end.

The day after the holiday is Barbara’s preferred day for taking down any decorations, but because of my general laziness, or my intense preoccupation with her condition, or my extreme tiredness, or a combination thereof, I just didn’t do it.

The day after my wife Barbara died, I sat alone on our front porch, and idly speculated about the decorations, and I suddenly felt sheer terror.

Stress and grief can do things to people, and they surely did a number on me.

I found that I could not take away so much as one leprechaun. I got a terrifying sense that Barbara might be on her way back, somehow, from someplace God knew where, and she might need a beacon to find her way home.

The green Saint Patrick’s Day lights were that beacon. if I took the lights down, she’d be abandoned somewhere, stuck between who knows what and who knows where, and it would be my fault.

No logic to it, no sense to it, but the terror felt real. The decorations stayed up.

Eventually, of course, I took them down. I think it was the day before her birthday, about two weeks later, that I finally took them down, put them away, and put up Easter decorations. She would expect that.

(Granto is a United States Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam, awarded the Purple Heart.

For over 24 years, he worked for the University of Miami Medical Campus Security Department, and retired in 2014.

He moved to Missouri City, with his wife to be closer to her daughter. He can be reached at mikegranto@hotmail.com.)

Statewide symposium empowers college-aged youth to end preventable car crashes Car crashes remain the leading cause of injury and death for young persons under the age of 25.

Two of the leading causes of these crashes that involve young drivers in Texas are distracted driving and impaired driving (under the influence of alcohol or drugs).

The U in the Driver Seat (UDS) peer-to-peer program continues to engage college students — empowering and motivating them to engage one another about traffic safety on their college campuses and in their communities.

The UDS Program at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) held its annual Symposium in San Antonio, Texas, April 26–27, 2019.

With the support of the Texas Department of Transportation, State Farm, and TEAM Coalition, the symposium was available at no cost to college-aged students representing different colleges from across Texas and offered prizes for year-long and on-site contests.

UDS, a young adult injury prevention program focusing on motor vehicle crashes, helps students learn about the risks they face behind the wheel and supports them in spreading safe driving messages to their campus and community.

This year’s symposium slogan was Be the Change in Traffic Safety, and featured speakers, breakout sessions and interactive activities targeted at educating and motivating college-aged drivers that they have the power to change risky driving behaviors — in effect,

to save their own lives and the lives of other drivers and passengers on the road.

Keynote speaker Cara Filler offered an eye-opening presentation on traffic safety and risk taking. Her message inspires people to speak up for themselves and their friends, and to design a life by choice, not by chance.

A day after Cara and her twin sister Mairin’s 18th birthday, Cara watched her twin sister die in a high-speed car crash.

Her twin sister’s new boyfriend was traveling at more than 100 mph in a 30-mph zone when he lost control of his car. Her boyfriend walked away from the crash — Mairin did not.

What Cara gained was a desire to inspire people to live life to its fullest and educate others on the consequences of reckless driving and the difference that good choices can make.

“Our statewide statistics bear out that young adult drivers are dying unnecessarily on Texas highways,” stated Russell Henk, manager of TTI’s Youth Transportation Safety Program.

“Our annual symposium informs students about how risky driving behaviors can negatively impact their driving skills and aims to improve those statistics by changing behaviors in a positive way.”

For the third year in a row, UDS partnered with Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM), a 501c(3) non-profit coalition recognized nationally for promoting responsible drinking at sports and entertainment

events.

TEAM sponsored the 60-second video contest where participating schools created a PSA on TEAMing Up to Be the DUDE (Designated Unimpaired Driver Extraordinaire).

The winning videos were produced by The University of Texas at Arlington, Texas A&M International University, and Texas A&M University– Kingsville.

Representatives from the winning schools were awarded Amazon Fire TV Sticks and Amazon Bluetooth speakers donated by TEAM Coalition.

To conclude the event and recognize schools for their active participation in the UDS program throughout the 2018–2019 school year, an awards dinner was held. Cash awards, sponsored by State Farm, were presented to the top three schools: Texas A&M Kingsville, The University of Texas at Dallas, and The University of Texas at San Antonio for the annual UDS Cup competition; and students left re-energized to compete in 2019–2020.

Along with school cash awards, Jacob Martinez, a student at Texas A&M Kingsville, was also awarded a $250 scholarship for his work as a Collegiate Advisory Board member.

Now in its seventh year, the UDS program hopes to continue work with both public and private organizations to tackle the issues of risky driving behavior in Texas.

Olson votes against Climate Action Now Act to protect U.S. economy and Houston area jobs WASHINGTON, DC– Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX) on May 2 voted against H.R.9, the Climate Action Now Act, which would force the United States to remain in the disastrous Paris Agreement.

In August 2016, President Obama unilaterally committed the U.S. to this Agreement without seeking advice and approval from the U.S. Senate as required by our Constitution.

The U.S. was one of just 12 countries to adopt the agreement through unilateral action by a chief executive – even China received approval from its legislature.

The Agreement demands every country to take possibly dramatic steps to control their economy and carbon emissions.

President Obama committed the United States to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent below its 2005 level by 2025. Other countries, such as China, did not agree to cut emissions until 2030, if ever.

Additionally, President Obama determined the United States commitments before a cost-benefit analysis or eco-

nomic impact study could be done and without outside stakeholder input.

“This bill should be more appropriately named the Destroy the American Economy Act,” Rep. Olson said.

“This overreaching commitment would cost our economy $250 billion and cut 2.7 million jobs by 2025. America is doing our part to reduce emissions already. On our own, we reduced our carbon emissions by 40 million metric tons in 2017 and have a national unemployment rate of 3.8%! Instead of continuing our dominance as the world’s energy superpower, this bill would force America to lose our competitiveness against OPEC and Russia in energy exports. Our energy development is cleaner and reduces global allies reliance on hostile regimes for energy.

The policies laid out by Obama would destroy the Houston economy and force us to lose energy industry jobs causing the consumer to shoulder higher energy prices. I welcome innovation and improvement that improves our environment, but I will not support policies and unconstitutional treaties that do

not accomplish this and hurt the American people.”

America is already reducing its carbon emissions, without unconstitutional international treaties like the Paris Agreement: •This year, the Department of Energy predicted that wind and solar power will be the fastest growing sources of energy in America in the next two years.

•More wind power will be put online next year than at any time in nearly a decade.

•By 2020, solar power in America will have jumped by almost a third over where we were as recently as the end of 2018.

•In TX-22, the NRG Parish plant added a massive, successful carbon capture project to make an old coal plant climate-friendly by capturing the CO2 before it is emitted, something rare even in countries with aggressive federal carbon mandates.

•America is slashing carbon emissions and innovating not because of Washington but because Washington is getting out of the way and opening the door for private sector innovation.

right now could reduce school maintenance and operations taxes, the largest single chunk of the average property tax bill in Texas, by fifteen to twenty percent.

He said any reductions, however, have to come with limits on property tax growth, as increasing rates will wipe out any relief achieved this session.

Those limits would come in the form of reduced rollback rates, which controls how much a taxing entity can raise rates before voters get to approve it, proposed at 3.5 percent for most non-school taxing entities and 2.5 percent for school property taxes.

With those limits in place, and using some other revenue sources and fiscal strategies lawmakers are currently considering, Abbott says meaningful, ongoing property tax relief can be achieved.

“If we are able to pass a sales tax increase that will be dedicated to driving down property taxes, if you add that to all these other strategies we are working on, we are going to be able to leave this capitol and inform our fellow Texans that their property tax bills next year are going to be less than they were this year,” he said.

“We will also be telling our fellow Texans that this property tax reduction is sustainable…

This will lead to immediate and lasting property tax reduction.”

The Senate plan would compress school M&O rates by fifteen cents over the next two years, and cover the lost revenue with the sales tax increase.

Bonnen said that Texans are

tired of half-measures that don’t accomplish meaningful reductions in their tax bills. “Texans want to open up a property tax bill and see that it is lower, and they don’t have to squint to notice,” he said. “By swapping out a penny on sales tax to drive down property taxes, our property tax payers will not have to squint; they will see it with clarity.”

Dedicating the revenue from the tax increase to property tax relief requires a constitutional amendment, and passing a measure proposing a constitutional amendment requires two-thirds support in each chamber.

Bonnen and Patrick said they think they can reach those thresholds.

If it does go to the voters, Patrick predicted overwhelming support for the proposal.

Next week will be a critical one. House and Senate members will come together to work out the differences between the rollback rate reduction bill. The House will vote on the proposal to dedicate a one-cent sales tax increase to property tax relief.

The Senate will take up their plan to reform public school education and cut school property taxes over the next two years.

There’s still much to be negotiated and agreed to before session ends on May 27th, and any delay endangers the chances for significant property tax and education finance reform. At Friday’s press conference, however, state leadership expressed confidence that all of this can be achieved in time.

—RICHARD LEE

State leaders committed to property tax relief AUSTIN Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he is still united with leaders of the House and Senate to deliver meaningful property tax reform and relief before the end of the session.

Joined by House Speaker Dennis Bonnen and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick at the Friday press conference, Abbott said he’s confident the chambers will pass legislation meeting this goal that he will sign into law.

Key measures that would accomplish this goal advanced in both houses this week, with Representatives approving the property tax growth reform bill, SB 2 on Tuesday, and the Senate Education Committee sending the school finance and property tax reduction measures to the full Senate in the form of HB 3 Wednesday.

The measure is slated for debate in the Senate on Monday.

The last component, a resolution to increase the state sales tax by one cent and dedicate the proceeds to paying for property tax reductions, will be taken up next week in the House, according to Speaker Bonnen.

With all these pieces moving, Patrick said the Legislature is very close to delivering on its promise of meaningful tax relief.

“I think we’re at the five yard line, all we have to do is get the ball across the goal line,” he said. If they can do that, Patrick said that property taxpayers will see thousands of dollars in property tax reductions over the next five years.

Abbott said that the plans moving through the process

U.S. News & World Report ranks Harmony School Sugar Land among America’s top high schools U.S. News & World Report has named Harmony School of Innovation Sugar Land (formerly known as Harmony School of Science Houston High) among its top high schools in America in its highlyanticipated annual rankings of U.S. public schools.

In determining its top schools, U.S. News & World Report looks at a variety of factors, including college readiness (30%), math and reading proficiency (20%), math and reading performance (20%), underserved student performance (10%), and college curriculum breadth (10%).

Harmony School of Innovation Sugar Land is part of Harmony Public Schools, a Texas-wide public charter school system with campuses serving PreK-Grade 12 students in 23 cities across the state.

Harmony’s curriculum places a heavy focus on STEM skills, Character Education, project-based learning, and college readiness. The system has a 98 percent graduation rate for its high school seniors, and 100 percent college acceptance rate among its graduating seniors. In total, Harmony Public Schools had 22 schools make the U.S. News & World Reports “Best High Schools” rankings for 2019, including schools in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, El Paso, Laredo, Waco, Katy, Sugar Land, Brownsville, Carrollton, Garland, Euless, and Beaumont.

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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

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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.

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

INDEPENDENT • MAY 8, 2019 • Page 5

NEWS

Literacy Council of Fort Bend County announces 10th Annual Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee The Literacy Council is celebrating its 10th Anniversary of the Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee. The event, presented by CenterPoint Energy and Houston Federal Credit Union, is scheduled for Thursday, September 12, 2019 from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Quail Valley Golf Course & City Centre.

This year’s Grown-Up Spelling Bee is co-chaired

by Taylor Connor and Fallon Moody.

The council has expanded sponsorship opportunities this year. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available for this event, ranging from $500-$5,000 and have great perks for your business or organization.

Don’t have great spellers?

Give us a buzz if you’re interested in sponsoring a Team!

Smaller sponsorships are also available, including “Bee Chair Fallon Moody, left, Executive Director Kelli Metzena Word” sponsor for $200, thin, Chair, Taylor Connor where you get to choose a word to be used in the Bee! “A-Bee-C’s for Literacy” coveted spot in the “Honey For $100, a sponsor can se- sponsors will receive admis- Hall of Fame!” lect a letter in our “A-Bee-C’s sion and dinner for one, recCenterPoint Energy and for Literacy” alphabet. You ognition on the website, and Houston Federal Credit Union may opt to claim the first letter recognition at the event. have extended huge support of your business, child, family, Spectator Bee RSVPs are for the Spelling Bee and the or pet’s name! available for $50 and include Literacy Council. For more “Bee a Word” sponsors will admission to the Bee, dinner, information, please visit receive admission, dinner, and and a drink ticket. www.ftbendliteracy.org or drink tickets for two, recogniWatch your neighbors, co- contact the Literacy Council Fallon Moody, Ranett Montemayor, Gayle Gines, Houston Federal Credit Union, Alex San- tion on the website, and recog- workers and friends compete at 281.240.8181. chez, Nicola Johnson, and Taylor Connor. Not pictured CenterPoint Energy. nition at the event. against one another to win a

Summer reading challenge at the library Fort Bend County Libraries presents special reading challenges during the summer to encourage reading among children from birth and up, as well as teens and adults.

“A Universe of Stories” is the theme for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

Online registration for the 2019 Summer Reading Challenge will begin on Monday, May 27, and continue through August 31, at all Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) locations. Library programs and activities for children begin during the week of June 3, and continue through July 27.

Children from infancy through school-age are invited to come to the library to read a lot of great books, see some exciting programs, and join in some fun activities to kick off a great summer! Younger children will enjoy the “Summer Reading Challenge for Children,” while students in grades 6-8 can participate in activities for older kids in the “Middle School Summer Challenge.”

Teens in high school can participate with adults in the “YA/Adult Summer Reading Challenge” to complete individual online challenges and win prizes.

There is no charge to join the Summer Reading Challenge, and it is open to everyone, regardless of the county of residence. Participants may register at any Fort Bend County library, or they may register online by going to the FBCL website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) and clicking on the “SRC Sign-Up” image, which will become available on May 27.

When the online registration form has been completed, readers will then have their own online page on which to record their books and reading time.

Participants may also register and log books/reading time by downloading the free Beanstack Tracker app to their mobile device from the Apple App or Google Play stores.

Fort Bend County Libraries and the Summer Reading Challenge will appear as op-

tions when the program starts on May 27.

Reading rewards can be redeemed beginning Monday, June 3. The last day to pick up awards is August 31. Prizes must be collected from the “primary library of use” that the reader indicated on the registration form.

The Summer Reading Challenge is sponsored by Fort Bend County Libraries, the Friends organizations that support the county library system, and by the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a consortium of states working together to provide high-quality children’s summer-reading program materials for public libraries.

Summer Reading Challenge for Children Younger children are encouraged to read or listen to as many books as they can and they will earn rewards based on the total number of books they read or have read to them. For the first five books read, the child will receive a bookmark.

The rewards continue with a certificate for 10 books, a color-changing ruler for 15 books, and a reading trophy for the first 20 books read.

For every 20 books read, the participant’s name will also be written on a picture of a space shuttle to be displayed in that branch library.

Drawings for puppets will take place weekly. The names of readers who complete the goal of reading 20 books or more will be entered into a drawing for gift cards -- donated by the Friends of the Library organizations -- from area stores. One winner from each library location will be selected in a drawing that will take place in early September.

Middle School Summer Challenge

Exciting free activities are planned, while area readers in grades 6-8 participate in the Middle School Summer Challenge by logging online the time they spend reading.

Upon completion of 20 hours (1200 minutes) of reading, they will receive a trophy or a mystery prize.

The names of participants who complete 20 or more hours of reading will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card – donated by the Friends of the library -- that will be awarded to one lucky reader at each branch library in a drawing that will take place in early September.

YA/Adult Summer Reading Challenge Adults of all ages, including young adults in high school, may participate in the YA/ Adult SRC by logging online the time they spend reading and by participating in optional “challenges” that can be completed individually at home online.

All YA and adult readers who complete the goal of reading for 1,000 minutes will earn a desk cube with phone accessories, while supplies last. In addition, the names of participants who log at least 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card – donated by the Friends of the library -- that will be awarded to one lucky reader at each branch library in a drawing that will take place at the end of July.

An ultimate grand prize will be awarded to one lucky reader in the library system.

Participants in the YA/Adult Summer Reading Challenge who complete the program by logging 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a 16 GB Fire HD 7 tablet with a red case, which will be awarded to one winner in the library system on August 5. The last day to pick up awards is August 31.

For more information, call the branch library nearest you, or the library system’s Communications Office at 281633-4734.

Sugar Land celebrates Bike to Work Day and School Day Shape Up Fort Bend and the city of Sugar Land will celebrate National Bike Month on Friday, May 10 with the ninth annual Bike to Work Day and fifth annual Bike to School Day. Join residents, neighbors and friends for a celebratory ride from Sugar Land Memorial Park, 15300 University Blvd., to Fort Settlement Middle School, 5440 Elkins Road, and Sugar Land Town Square near U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 6.

The event begins at 7:30 a.m. with fun, food and prizes at the South Meadow Pavilion at Sugar Land’s Memorial Park adjacent to the Pawm Springs Dog Park.

Following a safety briefing at 8:25 a.m., all participants will ride 1.1 miles to Fort Settlement Middle School via University Boulevard.

After dropping off students, Bike to Work Day participants

will continue another 6.4 miles to Sugar Land Town Square via Commonwealth, Austin Parkway and Lexington Boulevard.

The closing celebration at Sugar Land Town Square will include a proclamation recognizing Bike Month, Bike to Work and School Day, a group photo, food and more.

Participants must pre-register and bring their own bicycles and helmets to participate.

Bike to Work and School Day takes place during National Bike Month.

National Bike Month is celebrated nationwide and is an opportunity for local cyclists to spread awareness of bicycling opportunities in the community and to share the efforts toward making the city of Sugar Land a safe environment for bicyclists.

It is also an ideal time to stress the importance of know-

ing and following state and local laws that apply to bicyclists, sharing the road legally with motorists and demonstrating the bicycle as a useful form of transportation.

Visit “Share the Road Sugar Land” at www.sugarlandtx. gov/sharetheroad for educational resources focusing on road safety.

The webpage is intended to help everyone safely use city roads and sidewalks whether in a vehicle, on a bike or on foot.

The city of Sugar Land encourages all riders to wear bright clothing, travel in the direction of traffic, stop at all stop signs and traffic lights, and follow all traffic laws.

For more information and to register for the event, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/biketowork. For questions, call 3-11 (281-275-2900).

‘Beat the Pack’ program to help people quit smoking offered at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital continues to offer the community a proven program to help people quit smoking.

The complimentary program, called Beat the Pack®, was developed by Pfizer Inc. and is sponsored by Houston Methodist Cancer Center and Respiratory Therapy Department at Sugar Land.

Participants will meet once a week for four weeks with a trained facilitator from Houston Methodist Sugar Land who will provide tools, tips and support to help smokers create and follow through with a personalized “quit plan.”

“Studies show that close to 70% of smokers in the U.S. want to quit,” said Amy Sebastian-Deutsch, director of oncology and infusion therapy services. “But it typically takes a smoker between six and 11 attempts at quitting to finally succeed. Beat the Pack is a proven program that can

greatly increase those odds and make it easier to give up cigarettes for good.”

Even long-term smokers can benefit from quitting. “The health benefits of quitting begin almost immediately and continue indefinitely,” said Sindhu Nair, M.D., boardcertified hematologist oncologist with Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. “Within months, former smokers will have improved circulation and reduced blood pressure, enhanced oxygen flow, the return of taste and smell and less coughing and colds. After a year, their risk of heart disease will be reduced by half. And after 10 years of living without cigarettes, the risk of heart attack or cancer is similar to that of someone who never smoked.”

In 2015, a thorough compilation of more than 50 smoking cessation studies that included more than 25,000 participants found that combining behav-

ior support in a group setting with medication provides the best results.

“It isn’t easy to quit, and certainly it is even more difficult to do so by yourself,” said Sebastian-Deutsch. “Beat the Pack provides all the tools and support needed, and it does so in an informative, friendly atmosphere that offers encouragement and camaraderie.”

The next four-week series is scheduled to start on July 9, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s Main Pavilion Conference Rooms A & D. The last session of the year will be offered in November. Registration is required and space is limited. For more information or to register, visit houstonmethodist.org/events and search for Beat the Pack, or call 281.205.4514.

Visit our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

INDEPENDENT • MAY 8, 2019 • Page 6

Central Fort Bend Chamber business links golf tournament

AUTOMOBILE: Lexus RX

By BARBARA FULENWIDER While the Lexus RX has the combination of SUV versatility and luxury sedanlike comfort, this best-seller stands with its dramatic sharp creases and curves, Lexus signature spindle grill and standard Bi-LED headlights.

The available L-shaped premium LED headlights use three L-shaped elements per side while L-shaped LED taillights wrap from tailgate into the rear fenders. RX owners to be have a choice of three 20-inch wheel designs.

The RX cabin includes satin brushed-aluminum trim in the test drive F SPORT only, form-fitting seats, and richly finished wood trim. There’s ample room for five in all RX models which has a lowered rear floor that provides more comfortable seating. The available touch-free power rear door opens by placing a hand near the Lexus emblem and the available full-color heads-up display projects key information on the windshield to keep the driver focused on the road.

The Lexus RX 350 will offers its most powerful V6 engine with 295 hp and 268 lb.-ft. of torque. The 3.5-liter engine’s D-4S fuel injection system takes regular-grade gas and highway miles are EPA estimated at 27. The engine is teamed to an eightspeed automatic transmission.

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF EDDIE ARTHUR HARVEY AND JESSIE MARIE HARVEY, 5706 W RIDGECREEK DRIVE HOUSTON TX 77053 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 May 20, 2019 a default judgment may be taken against you.

The case is presently pending before the 458TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas. It bears cause number 17-DCV-241085 and is styled: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee, for Carrington Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-NC3 Asset Pass-Through Certificates v. The Estate of Eddie Arthur Harvey, The Estate of Jessie Marie Harvey, Rose Harvey, Carlton Ballard, and Unknown Heirs at Law of Eddie Arthur Harvey and Jessie Marie Harvey In Re: 5706 W. Ridgecreek Dr., Houston TX 77053 The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: ROBERT Y PETERSON ALDRIDGE PITE LLP 701 N POST OAK ROAD SUITE 205 HOUSTON TX 77024 713-293-3618 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: THIS IS A PETITION FOR JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS 5706 W RIDGECREEK DR., HOUSTON, TX 77053.

THE PETITION ALLEGES THAT THE RECORD OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY, EDDIE ARTHUR HARVEY AND JESSIE HARVEY ARE DECEASED AND THAT SOME OF THEIR HEIRS, ASSIGNS AND DEVISEES ARE UNKNOWN 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 4th day of April, 2019.

DISTRICT CLERK BEVERLEY MCGREW WALKER FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS· Physical Address: 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 31004 Richmond, Texas 77469 Mailing Address: 301 Jackson St. Richmond, Texas 77469 By: Deputy District Clerk ASHLEY ALANIZ Telephone: (281) 633-7616

The Lexus RX 350 offers the choice between frontwheel drive and torque control AWD. This advanced system takes input from various sensors (such as wheel speed, engine RPM, steering angle, throttle opening angle and yaw rate) to govern torque distribution to the rear wheels.

Under normal cruising conditions, the system engages front-wheel drive to help reduce fuel consumption. Torque control automatically shifts to AWD when accelerating to help prevent front-wheel slippage, or when sensors detect wheel slippage. The 4.2” TFT multi-information display conveys torque-distribution status front and rear, and side to side.

Drivers can exert more control over the RX by choosing from Normal, Sport and Eco. For the RX 450 fourth mode, EV enables electric power at lower speeds for short distances. SPORT S mode enhances throttle response and acceleration feel while also sharpening the feel of the steering system and the F SPORT package adds SPORT S+ mode, which activates a firmer suspension setting for flatter cornering.

With the CUSTOMIZE mode for F SPORT, the driver can combine powertrain and chassis settings.

In addition to the standard AVS and 20-inch wheels, the F SPORT has an exclusive blackout mesh grille, lower spoiler section and satin-finish chrome-plated lower protector. Black side mirrors match the grille, and exclusive 20inch 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels round out the exterior’s looks.

Inside, the driver faces an 8-inch LCD instrument clusCAUSE NO. 18-CCV-063801 THE STATE OF TEXAS TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF CARNEAL NICHOLS, DECEASED, WHOSE NAMES & WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN, DEFENDANT, GREETING: YOU (AND EACH OF YOU) ARE HEREBY COMMANDED TO APPEAR before the Honorable County Court at Law 4 of Fort Bend County, Texas, at the Courthouse being located at the Fort Bend County Justice Center, 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, in the City of Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas, by filing a written answer at or before 10 o’clock A.M. of the first Monday after the expiration of 42 days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being the 3rd day of June, 2019, to Plaintiffs Petition filed in said Court, on the 13th day of December, 2018, in this Cause, numbered 18-CCV-063801 on the docket of said Court and styled: State of Texas vs The Unknown Heirs of Carneal Nichols, Deceased, whose names & whereabouts unknown, Discover Bank, Dexter Reshard Nichols, The State of Texas, through its Department of Health and Human Services allegations as shown in said petition now on file in the Fort Bend County Clerk’s Office. The officer executing this Writ shall promptly serve the same, according to requirements of law and the mandates hereof, and make due return as the law directs.

ISSUED AND GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL of said Court at office, this the 17th day of April, 2019.

LAURA RICHARD, COUNTY CLERK FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 301 JACKSON, SUITE 101 RICHMOND, TX 77469-3108 You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 A.M. on the first Monday after the expiration of 42 days from the date of issuance of this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. The name and address of the Plaintiffs attorney is: James Holian Assistant Attorney General Transportation Division PO BOX 12548 Austin TX 78711-2548 512-936-1192

ter that combines a tachometer and digital speed indicator, and provides real-time information such as G-force metrics, navigation information, torque distribution (for AWD model) and more.

Supportive quilted seats are reserved for the F SPORT, which also gets a perforated leather-wrapped shift lever and three-spoke sport steering wheel with aluminum interior trim accents and drilled nonslip lightweight aluminum pedals that include a foot rest.

An F SPORT exclusive for the gas model is a sound generator that bolsters the sound of the engine under acceleration.

The multimedia available for the Lexus RX models covers the standard multimedia system with an eight-inch screen, HD Radio, Scout GPS Link, Bluetooth audio, voice recognition, an auxiliary mini jack, two USB ports and nine speakers for the RX 350 and for the RX 450h.

Drivers can upgrade the RX 350 and 450h to a 12-speaker premium audio system with navigation that includes a 12.3-inch high-resolution split-screen and the optional mouse-like remote touch interface. For top notch audiophile-quality mobile sound, all Lexus RX models offer the available 835-watt, 15-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround System in conjunction with navigation.

The RX has been and still is a best seller for Lexus since it was first introduced.

It arrived in my driveway in Matador Red Mica with F Sport badging. The MSRP is $50,620. Options hiked the price to $61,265 that includes delivery charges. Women tend to love this vehicle and there are numerous reasons why – it rides beautifully, is a dream to drive and is lovely to look at.

2018 Finnegan Auto Group Team with Lee Hartman, center.

The Central Fort Bend Chamber will hold its Annual Business Links Golf Tournament, the Tacky Pants Open.

The tournament will take place on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at Black Hawk Country Club in Richmond, Texas.

This annual fundraiser supports the Chamber in continuing to offer leadership and business development resources to support the west Fort Bend community.

By participating in the golf tournament, you get a chance to “bring your game while improving your network.”

Registration for the event is open but spots are filling up fast. You may register a team of four or sign up as an individual player by visiting www.cfbca.org.

A foursome is $1,000, $250 per golfer for Chamber mem-

bers and $300 per golfer for non-members. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 2 p.m and golfers will play nine holes of golf.

Food tents will provide midday snacks to keep golfers energized.

The tournament will end with an awards ceremony at a 5:05 After Party hosted by Insperity.

If you don’t golf, you can still participate by becoming a Business on the Tee or Hole Sign Sponsor.

There will be “Money Ball” again this year with a chance to win up to $10,000. This year’s Money Ball Sponsor is CenterPoint Energy.

Anyone can purchase a golf ball for $100 or two for $150.

Balls are dumped from a bucket truck at the 5:05 After Party. If your ball lands in the

hole or is closest to the hole, you win half the pot.

Join the Central Fort Bend Chamber for an exciting day of golf, food, networking and fun.

For more information on registering a team or becoming a sponsor, call the CFB Chamber at 281-342-5464.

The Central Fort Bend Chamber is a 109 year old non-profit membership organization dedicated to creating a strong local economy where businesses can prosper.

The Central Fort Bend Chamber advocates for over 1,000 local businesses led by a volunteer board of directors who are dedicated to sustaining Fort Bend County’s quality of life, and keeping our community and economy vibrant.

Chesmar Homes breaks ground on new community in Rosenberg

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Groundbreaking of Chesmar Homes Seabourne Landing. (Left to Right) Scott Merovitch, City President; Jeff Johnson, Division President; Larry Coomer, VP Construction; Jessi Espiritu, VP Sales; Kristin Weiss, CEO Central Fort Bend Chamber; Ron Brooks, Land Acquisition Manager; John White, Josh-Mara Development LLC The Central Fort Bend size from 1500 square feet to the convenience to all that is Chamber and Chesmar over 2600 square feet. Sea- in the surrounding area. We Homes broke ground on the bourne Landing will feature have also created a new colnew Chesmar Homes commu- a new home collection, show- lection of homes specifically nity of Seabourne Landing on casing homes with a modern for this new community that April 11, 2019. Located off of farmhouse feel. Plans will will give you that unique, J Meyer Road, between Hwy include one- and two-story modern farmhouse feel. We 36 and FM 2218, residents homes with open floor plans are excited to introduce these new home plans to the famiwill have access to shopping, and two-car garages. lies who will call Seabourne Jessi Espiritu, VP of Sales restaurants and more.

Landing home.” for Chesmar Homes – HousNew homes will start in the Homes will soon be under ton South, spoke of how mid-$200s and will vary in Chesmar Homes has worked construction, with sales beginto capture the feel of the area. ning in late 2019.

For more information on “Our concept for Seabourne NOTICE TO CREDITORS Landing is to keep that small Chesmar Homes and SeaNotice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Katie Bell Knebel town feeling with the connec- bourne Landing, visit chesProbate Deceased were issued on October 8, 2018, in Cause No. 18-CPR-032154, pending tion to neighbors and the com- mar.com/communities/seain the County Court at Law No. TWO (2), Fort Bend County, Texas, to: ELIZABETH STEGINT All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered munity, while also providing bourne-landing. are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: ELIZABETH STEGINT 3995 W. BOOTHILL ROAD SIMONTON, TEXAS 77476 DATED the 29TH day of April 2019. /S/ Carolyn McDaniel Carolyn McDaniel Attorney for Elizabeth Stegint State Bar No.: 13514300 911 Front Street Richmond, Texas 77469-4439 Telephone: (281) 342-6541 Facsimile: (281) 940-8567 E-mail: cmcdaniellawfirm@gmail.com

Black Cowboy Museum The stories of the Black Cowboy Museum and the return of the Sons of the Republic of Texas are the program topics for the quarterly meeting of the Fort Bend County Historical Commission on Tuesday, May 21. Museum owner Larry Callies and SRT chapter president Jess Stuart will share the spotlight when commission members gather at the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy, 1521 Eugene Heimann Circle in Richmond. Site for the 3 p.m. meeting is the main meeting hall. The event is free and open to the public.

INDEPENDENT • MAY 8, 2019 • Page 7

COMMUNITY

Fort Bend Junior Service League

Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) has initiated its’ membership drive for the 2019 – 2020 League year. Provisional membership is available to women ages 21 to 50 years.

Women interested in learning more about the Fort Bend Junior Service League are encouraged to attend our Cheers to Friends of FBJSL social on May 23rd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m in Sugar Land. Those interested in attending should email

newmembers@fbjsl.com for location information.

Together with FBJSL’s most impactful fundraising eventSugarPlum Market, which raised a RECORD BREAKING $335,000 in 2018, members will have the opportunity to work exclusively with multiple nonprofits here in Fort Bend County.

FBJSL is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, to developing the potential of women and to

Grand slam event for families and children living With Autism

Hope For Three began its mission to pave a path in the exceedingly crazy and confusing world of autism eight years ago.

Autism is the leading, and fastest growing developmental disability in the United States.

Recent reports indicate 1 in 59 children have autism.

It is the courage and determination of one family that inspired Hope For Three’s very existence. A story of hope unlike any other.

Eric and Hope Montgomery of Richmond are two amazing parents with four beautiful children, a son, Collin, age 16, and three little ladies affectionately named the “Triple Divas.”

All the girls, Londyn, Lakin and Lauren, identical triplets, have autism. Hope For Three

was officially born April 2011 inspired by the Montgomery’s plight.

Hope and Eric knew, by sharing their story, they could give hope, inspiration and encouragement for others traveling the same journey. Since inception, the local nonprofit made thousands of folks aware of something … autism.

They did it again as hundreds of folks rounded the bases and made it on into home with another Grand Slam event at the 7th Annual “Strike Out” Family Fun Day held April 28th at Constellation Field.

Nearly 400 individuals, young and seasoned, stepped up to the plate and provided what started out as a simple act of volunteering, to creating an

improving the Fort Bend County community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable as well as providing an atmosphere of compassion, goodwill and camaraderie for all members. For additional information about joining FBJSL, please contact us at info@fbjsl.com.

Above, FBJSL Provisional Class of 2018-2019.

awe-inspiring day filled with smiles, sunshine, laughter and inclusion for over 400 family members from the autism community.

It is because of families like the Montgomerys, Hope For Three continues to provide help and create hope, to inspire our community to take action, increase acceptance and be the difference for children living with autism.

You can ignite awareness and shine a light on autism by visiting: hopeforthree.org or call 281-245-0640.

The Montgomery Family, Hope, Lakin, Lauren, Londyn, Collin and Eric pictured at the 7th Annual “Strike Out” Autism during Sugar Land Skeeters

Opening Weekend at Constellation Field continue to lead the way in raising autism awareness in Fort County and beyond.

—Photo by Craig Moseley

Troy Construction returns as Title Sponsor of The Arc of Fort Bend County’s Annual Golf Classic Join The Arc of Fort Bend County on June 17, the Monday after Father’s Day, at Weston Lakes Country Club in Fulshear, at 10:30 am, for our 25th annual Golf Classic.

Following 18 holes of golf, the “Yeah-I-Do! Cook’n Crew” will prepare the meal and James Patterson will conduct the live auction. Register on line at www.arcoffortbend. org or call The Arc office 281494-5959.

Not a golfer? Join for the barbecue dinner and fabulous auction at 5:00 p.m.

The Arc of Fort Bend County was founded in 1968 by parents who wanted to improve the lives of their children who had intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As a “grass roots” advocacy organization, The Arc advocates for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities (autism) into all parts of the community – from classrooms to the workplace. est Special Olympics program in the area.

Along with this advocacy, we provide recreational and Pictured left to right: Gary Krueger, Owner, PG Golf, Laura LaVigne, CEO, The Arc of Fort social programs for adults, Bend County, Cheryl Olivier, The Arc of Fort Bend County, Beth Golson, Troy Engineering and youth programs and the larg- James Patterson

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

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 8, 2019

SCHOOLS

Honor Society members help elementary school

Parks Elementary teachers will have fewer tasks to complete during the 2019-2020 school year, thanks to the creative efforts of Ridge Point High School (RPHS) National Art Honor Society (NAHS) members. Nearly 50 NAHS members devoted a weekend to painting banners and posters that will help promote various events and activities at Parks Elementary next year. Ridge Point High School art teacher Lysa Huckaby collaborated with Parks Assistant Principal Tiffany Agina to make the volunteer activity possible for her students. With so many banners completed, the Parks art teacher will be able to focus more time on instruction and less on creating banners. Well done, RPHS Panthers!