Fort Bend iNdependent 051519

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VOL 12 No. 20

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Clements FFA wins state contest Marshall High School earns fourth track state title in five years

Ashley Schauffler, left, Agriculture Science instructor and Clements FFA Advisor, Emma Lee (High Point Individual winner), Isabella Golemi, Haley Knecht, Catherine Scott, and Cory Sinkule, Texas FFA President.

Members of the Clements FFA chapter traveled to Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, May 3, to compete in the state Floriculture Career Development Event and placed second in the Floriculture contest.

Team members included: Catherine Scott, Isabella Golemi, Emma Lee and Haley Knecht. Lee placed 1st in individual.

Schools from across the state (1A-6A) all compete in the same contest. Overall, there were 1,113 schools that competed

in the floriculture contest and the Clements team took second place. This is a record for the highest placing a Clements HS team has received at the state contest in any CDE (Career Development Event) judging events.

Career Development Events (CDEs) build on what is learned in agricultural classes and encourage members to put their knowledge into practice.

More than 15,550 students began the statewide tournament in 28 different events which reflect classroom instruction

in technical, leadership, interpersonal and teamwork skills.

The Texas FFA is the nation’s largest state FFA association with a membership of more than 129,000 active FFA members.

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources programs teach skills in leadership, career development and personal growth.

FFA gives students the opportunity to practically apply classroom knowledge to realworld experiences through local, state and national competitions.

Members of the Marshall High School track team Marshall High School’s track place in all three relay events – the place overall at the 5A Girls team continued as the state 4x100, the 4x200 and the 4x400. competition, earning 1st place in champion in the 2019 UIL Track Several students also picked up the 4x400 relay and 2nd place in & Field State Meet, held this past individual medals, including 1st the 4x200 relay. Cesley Williams weekend at The University of place wins for Devon Achane in picked up 2nd place in the 400. the 200 and Matthias Petterway in The Hightower Lady Canes tied Texas at Austin.

7th overall in the 5A competition, The team earned first the 300 hurdles. and the Bush Lady Broncos Another Buff , Bryson place overall in the 5A Boys made it to 4th overall in the 6A Stubblefi eld, earned 3rd place in competition, after earning 1st the 100. The 4x200 relay team – competition, after earning 3rd Bryson Stubblefield, Korey King, place in the 4x200 relay. BHS Dalevon Campbell and Devon student Laila Owens picked up Achane – set a new 5A record of a 1st place in the 200 and THS student Victoria Mathiew earned 1:23.38.

The Lady Buffs earned 2nd 3rd place in the 300 hurdles. of New Territory, Gornet got 243 votes, followed by Nabila Mansoor with 210 and Naushad Kermally 88 votes.

The battle is now between Mansoor and Kermally.

By SESHADRI KUMAR In Riverpark (Pct.1076), Torrential rains plunged the Greater Houston area in a deluge of Mansoor got 225, Kermally street flooding Tuesday afternoon.

107 and Gornet 67.

Commuters were stranded on freeways and feeder roads as all major In Pct. 4039, (also New roads and intersections were not passable.

Territory) on the west side of U.S. 59 became a parking lot for several hours. Heavy rainfall in Sugar Grand Parkway, Mansoor got Land resulted in street flooding, particularly south of State Highway 6 in 62, followed by Kermally 58 areas including Colony Bend, Chimney Stone and Settlers Park. and Gornet 23.

Rains ceased around 10 p.m. and streets were slowly receding In the adjacent Pct. 4124, overnight. But many areas had water 24 hours after the rain stopped also on the other side of Grand Tuesday night. The continuing problem in many pockets of Sugar Land Parkway where the Mariyam caused consternation and concern among area residents.

Masjid is located, Kermally Sugar Land received more than 9 inches of rain over a five-hour got 335 votes to Mansoor’s period on Tuesday. By comparison, the highest intensity of rainfall 227 and Gornet’s 125. during Hurricane Harvey was about half of this amount throughout that In the rest of New Territory event. and Telfair, Kermally got 613, City storm drains functioned normally, but the large amount of rain votes, followed by Gornet 540 received in a short period of time exceeded the capacity of the storm and Mansoor 497. drains.

In Pct. 4080, The Lakes area, Areas were experiencing street flooding as late as Wednesday evening across Telfair on First Colony as additional time was required for the levee improvement districts to Blvd., Kermally won with 135 pump out the water. votes, leaving his rivals with With levee flood gates closed due to the elevation of the Brazos River, 22 votes each. these areas were operating on pumps. Streets are designed to store water Thus, Kermally won 3 during heavy rainfall events, and these areas are located in the lowest precincts, Mansoor 2 precincts area of the levee district. All levee districts in Sugar Land reported that and Gornet, one. their pumps were operating normally.

Kermally got a total of 1,634 Highlands had more water than it ever has had after the improvements to Mansoor’s 1,428. than it has had in 25 years, said a resident.

If all the original voters “Mayor, I need you to manage the pumps so I will not have water return to the polls on June 8 in my home after living here for 29 years. The water did not drain to vote in the run-off election, from Dew Point Ln in Woodstream subdivision until after 7 p.m on Kermally has an edge. In the Wednesday night.” runoff, turnout is usually low.

Sugar Land preliminarily identified homes flooded in Settlers Hence, the result will depend Gove, Chimneystone, Greatwood, Colony Bend, Sugarwood and The on who Gornet’s supporters Highlands. The city responded to reports of more than 100 abandoned will vote for in the runoff. vehicles Tuesday and Wednesday.

Minority of neighborhoods help decide the majority in local elections

By SESHADRI KUMAR In the just concluded elections to the Fort Bend ISD board of trustees and the Sugar Land City Council, Telfair and New Territory voters largely decided the outcome.

Also, the candidates have strong support in certain neighborhoods so much so that the election battle can be won or lost, depending on the voters in these select neighborhoods.

This is not merely a reflection on a candidate’s influence on the electorate, but very high voter participation in these precincts is another factor.

The overall turnout in the FBISD election, however, was a mere 7 percent as 18,274 out of the 258,141 registered voters cast their votes.

Take Telfair, (Pct. 4135) for instance, which recorded the largest number of votes in a single precinct in the FBISD election.

For Position 3 trustee, 1,624 people voted out of 6,026 registered voters, marking a 26 percent turnout.

Here, Afshi Charania, in her own neighborhood, received 646 votes, followed by incumbent Jim Rice, who got 538 votes, Sam Popuri, also a Telfair resident, 296 votes and Ashish Agrawal, 144 votes.

The second highest turnout was in Pct. 4129, comprising Commonwealth and a section

of Riverstone (Sugar Land) where 1,248 people voted out of 5,680 registered voters, marking 22 percent.

Here, Rice won with 597 votes, followed by Charania 314 votes, Popuri 25 votes and Ashsih Agrawal 312 votes.

In the adjacent Pct. 4044 (Creekstone at Riverstone), Ashish Agrawal topped with 725 votes out of 899 polled, with 3,426 registered voters.

The polling percentage here is 26. The only other precinct where Agrawal won was in Chasewood, with 26 votes, followed by Rice’s 21.

In New Territory, west of Grand Parkway (Pct. 4124) Afshi Charnia got 476 votes, followed by Rice with 190, Popuri 39 and Agrawal 61.

Here 766 people voted and the turnout was 20 percent.

In Avalon @Telfair, across the UH (Pct. 4102), Charania got 252 and Rice 250.

In Aliana, (4147) Charania got 181 votes to Rice’s 62.

Thus out of 104 precincts in FBISD, Rice won about 64 precincts and Charania, 16 precincts.

In Position 7 race, incumbent Dave Rosenthal won overwhelmingly with 45 percent of the votes, followed

by Monica Riley with 18 percent.

In Telfair, Rosenthal received 610 votes, followed

by Riley with 426 votes.

In Pct. 4129, Commonwealth and Riverstone, Rosenthal got 613 votes, followed by Nadine Skinner 259 and Riley, 113.

Incidentally, Skinner carried only one precinct, 4044 (Creekstone at Riverstone) where she got 776 votes, leaving others way behind.

Rosenthal got a paltry 39 votes and Riley 20 votes, Tina Michie 14 and Ferrel Bonner 13.

In Quail Valley, Rosenthal got 234 votes, leaving others with single digit or 10 and 20 votes.

(Similarly, Rice won handsomely here with 260 votes. In adjacent, 4028 Eldorado, Rice got 149 votes and Rosenthal 132 votes.

Others got single digits.)

Both Rice and Rosenthal won across the district, losing only in a handful of precincts, where other candidates had a strong base, as noted, in New Territory, Telfair, and Riverstone.

In the open seat for Position 5, 19-year-old Lily Q. Lam with 3,424 votes barely lost to Allison Drew who received 3,679 votes.

Sugar Land, Dist. 4 Similarly, in Sugar Land Dist. 4 city council race, David Gornet who finished third with 1,111 votes, won just one precinct out of seven.

In Pct. 4126, a section

Impact of heavy rains lasts more than a day

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Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 15, 2019

NEWS

Hands and Hearts Celebrates Successful 18th Annual Golf Tournament

Stan Wilkening, President of Hands and Hearts Foundation, Dale Davison, Golfer, Jeff Masek, Golfer, Rudy Hernandez, Golfer.

Anna Baker, Board Member, Stan Wilkening, President of Hands and Hearts Foundation, Evelyn Martin, Secretary of the Board, Mike Baker, Board Member Hands and Hearts foundation raised more than $30,000 at their annual golf tournament on May 6.

The event serves as the primary fundraiser

for the foundation, which funds projects for the local community and abroad on an application basis.

Hosted at Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club

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in Richmond, Texas, the tournament had a turnout of 104 golfers and 25+ volunteers to make the 18th annual event one of the most successful to date.

Clear skies allowed for golfers to check in and find their cart, grab a BBQ lunch, practice their swing on the driving range, and take a shot at the putting contest before a timely shotgun start at 12:45 p.m.

After golf, which included a golfer goody bag, “Huge drive on Par 5,” and complimentary beverages and snacks on the course, a Mexican buffet dinner was served to participants and volunteers while they browsed and bid on silent auction items put together by auction chairs, Jim and Kathy Horcica.

Items included an Amazon Echo, handmade jewelry for Mother’s Day, golf foursomes, and various wine and liquor baskets.

The event also featured a live auction for the first time ever which allowed golfers to bid on Astros tickets, weekend getaways, and hand-carved benches.

Thanks to the support from generous golfers, sponsors, and donors, the foundation has been able to fund local youth to attend a 10-day Guatemala mission trip, and support local initiatives like work with Creative Dreams, Intervarsity, and Habitat for Humanity for almost 20 years.

“We are so grateful and truly humbled by the incredible support of our golfers and volunteers every year. We also appreciate the partnership with Pecan Grove Country Club. We strive to make our tournament one that players look forward to by promoting an environment of fellowship and fun while sharing our passion for community projects with those who support us,” says Stan Wilkening, President, Hands and Hearts Foundation.

For additional information, you can email the tournament committee or visit www. handsandheartsfoundation. org.

Hands and Hearts Foundation (“HHF”) was formed in April 2002 as a Christian-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

HHF has also funded individuals who seek to improve the lives of people in under-resourced areas, both locally and worldwide, by serving as teachers, Christian advocates and volunteers on mission trips to Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, Tibet, Africa and the Netherlands.

Richard Brown, Master golfer in Missouri City

Sometimes a golf Master can be found outside Augusta National Golf Club. One such pro—Richard Brown III— plays right here in the “Show Me City”.

Brown has a long-range of golf success soaring from California to New Jersey to MCTX. During his time in Missouri City, Brown’s continued winning results have earned him one of golf’s most prestigious designations—PGA Master Professional. The Northern California native has been the Director of Instruction at Quail Valley Golf Course since 2012.

And in 2018, he received the Master status, making him 1 of only 372 golfers to achieve this level—and the first African American to achieve this status—since the program began in 1969.

“Richard becoming the first African American to earn Master Professional status in the history of the PGA, exemplifies the future of the game,” said Tyson Stittleburg, PGA Professional and General Manager of the Quail Valley Golf Course & City Centre. “Golf is an international sport that crosses cultural boundaries and Richard is showing many others that there are opportunities to play or even have a career in golf, no matter your background.”

The process of earning Master status is rigorous. Golfers must: Be a Professional Golfers Association (PGA) member for a minimum of 10 years; Have PGA certification in the area of mastery; Submit a literature review; and Complete a three-phase dissertation Once approved by the PGA’s Education Department, golfers must prepare a presentation with a defense and lastly, perform a 30-minute golf lesson.

“Not too many people pursue certified professional or master,” Brown said.

“Roughly out of 29,000 PGA members, probably six percent of those have gone through the certified process, and then out of the master, only one percent.”

Bringing this designation to the “Show Me City” is cause for celebration, and the MCTX team is proud of what one of our golfers has accomplished.

“Earning PGA Master Professional designation takes years of hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence in the golf industry,” Stittleburg said.

“Richard exemplifies each of these attributes. He also expects and motivates his students for the same. This is why he has been so successful.”

PGA Master Professionals may choose one of four categories they wish to follow: General management; Golf operations; Teaching and coaching, or;

Mayor Yolanda Ford recognized Quail Valley Golf Course Director of Instruction Richard Brown III for earning the PGA Master Professional designation only craft his own game, but Player development Brown followed the teaching also mold his style as a teacher.

“It’s an advantage because I route because of his upbringing. “My mother was in edu- have a wealth of knowledge becation so I was always around cause I’ve been well-traveled,” education as a child,” he said. Brown said. “Having been While he grew up around in different locations, having education, Brown didn’t plan dealt with different types of on getting into golf. After a individuals and personalities baseball injury, he stumbled has helped create my teaching approach and the learning style into the game.

“I got hit in the ankle with of the individual.”

In Brown’s seven years in a pitch, and I had to walk as part of my rehab. Kids in the Missouri City, he’s noticed the neighborhood would say ‘We change in audience at Quail go to this little pitch n’ putt and Valley and knows the imporyou can come with us and walk tance of being versatile with instruction. with us.’”

“When I first got here, it Brown was reluctant to join his friends, but after debating was more senior citizen driven. going with them, he finally Now, you’re getting younger families coming in,” he said. agreed.

With the youth movement “The first couple of holes I watched them do their thing. growing in golf, Brown knows I didn’t think anything of it,” that he plays a key role in enhe said. “After I took the first suring the momentum carries swing and hit the ball I was in the “Show Me City”.

“Creating programs that like ‘Wow, this is interesting.’

I continued on and played other keep the kids motivated to sports throughout high school where they see levels of adand I always gravitated back vancement and improvement helps the facility, helps the toward golf.”

Through golf, he received a family, helps the professional, full scholarship to Grambling helps everyone,” he said. “The State University in Louisiana. more that I can create programs And, the sport helped Brown that are child-related, that help achieve a higher education, but kids grow, the community can also grow.” he didn’t stop there.

Although a key responsibil“It’s opened doors for me professionally. It has created ity for Brown is to teach the inroads for me and for others,” game of golf to others, his time he said. “It has really been at Quail Valley has allowed beneficial for me. I got started him to receive lessons as well. “[Quail Valley] has stoked a long time ago on a challenge because I had to go walk for my passion for the game,” he rehab on a broken ankle. Inter- said. “I’ve come up with this acronym for passion: esting how it happens.”

P stands for perseverance Along with earning the ProA is assert yourself, always fessional Master title, Brown be attentive and have the was also named an adjunct at proper attitude the PGA of America—EducaS is you want to share tion System in Florida.

S is you want to seek knowl“To me, it’s an honor. Not edge too many people are adjuncts,” I stands for integrity, be inBrown said. “You’re looking at novative some of the best golfing minds O means be open-minded in the country. To say that I’m and not formulate opinions able to sit with them and work N means never give up.” with them is amazing.”

To schedule a tee time with On his tour of teaching, Brown has made stops at Rut- Brown, visit www.richardgers University in New Jersey, brownschoolofgolf.com, email Forrest Crossing Golf Club in him at rabfore@icloud.com or greater Nashville and Wood- call him at 832.457.5119. land Hills Country Club in greater Los Angeles, to name ( T h e “ S h o w M e C i t y ” a few.

Community Spotlight) Each stop has helped him not

PGA Master Professional and Quail Valley Golf Course Director of Instruction Richard Brown III

INDEPENDENT • MAY 15, 2019 • Page 3

NEWS

Missouri City salutes its police department

Police Chief Mike Berezin, front left, receives proclamation for National Police Week at the May 6 Regular City Council Meeting from Mayor Yolanda Ford, front right. They are joined by sworn members of MCPD. Image courtesy of Missouri City.

Over the next six days, communities around the nation will salute their first responders in blue in recognition of National Police Week.

To highlight the excellence of Missouri City’s Finest and their commitment to serving the citizens, MCPD members were presented a City Council Proclamation at the Monday, May 6 Regular Meeting by Mayor Yolanda Ford.

The City’s Police Department, comprised of 105 sworn officers and 44 civilian staff, manages crime prevention and safety programs, maintains an open data initiative, oversees Code Enforcement and is dedicated to building community partnerships.

An ongoing focus on public safety by “Show

Me City” residents, City Council Members, staff and stakeholders is a key reason MCTX is recognized as one of the nation’s BEST places to raise a family, to visit, to build a business, and to work.

Missouri City is also the only Platinum Scenic City in the region, which is evidenced by our pristine greenspaces and strict development regulations.

To further set the Department apart as a leader in law-enforcement, MCPD earned “Re-Recognized Accreditation Status” for the third time in 2017.

Police Chief Mike Berezin explained that “this accomplishment is significant in that roughly 2,000 municipal police organizations are eligible for this recognition, only 146

have been recognized, only 58 have been recognized twice and only 23 in the State have been recognized three times and the Missouri City Police Department is among those that have achieved this status.”

The accreditation program is conducted by the Texas Police Chiefs Association, which audits agencies to gauge their compliance with 164 Texas Law Enforcement Best Practices. These practices were developed by state law enforcement professionals to assist entities in the efficient and effective delivery of service, the reduction of risk and the protection of individual’s rights.

Innovative strategies, community partnerships and prevention programs have helped MCPD reduce crime

Stafford police to acquire a ‘facility dog’

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Sometimes it takes a dog to bring humans together.

Just talking about one that is about to become a family member of the Stafford Police Department got all seven members of city council to vote yes to buy a dog.

But that was after Stafford Police Chief Richard Ramirez gave council lots of information about a dog they’d never heard of before.

Now they have learned that a facility dog is trained to work at and help special needs children at schools, people at counseling centers, funeral homes, etc. and that theirs will be at its first police department.

Ramirez explained that a facility dog is a therapy dog that a handler has trained for some two years to be a therapeutic dog.

“The work of a service dog is to pay 100% to the person who owns it, whereas a facility dog wants to concentrate on whoever needs help. The facility dog is a comforting dog that helps people stressing or are emotionally upset.”

The chief also pointed out that such a dog will be a major help to police department personnel because many are in highly stressful jobs. The facility dog will be based at the department and available to comfort both staff and crime victims as needed, he said.

“The daily presence and comfort of this animal,” he said, “will be beneficial to this department because it will improve and promote the wellbeing of our employees.

It will also provide comfort to crime victims as they spend time in our facility.”

The chief said research has shown that animal assisted therapy provides tremendous

health benefits to people that include promoting comfort and relaxation, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and anxiety, lessening depression and overall improvement in cardiovascular health.

“Just the act of petting an animal,” Ramirez said, “produces an automatic relaxation response, which can improve social, emotional and mental well-being of both our employees and victims of crime.”

After the chief’s pep talk to council he said MADE (Making Assistance Dogs Easy) is a non-profit in the Dallas area that trains and places service and facility dogs.

To date, Ramirez said, they have placed 29 service dogs and 3 facility dogs. He told council MADE handles and trains each dog to specific and intensive criteria to make sure the animal meets the needs of the facility or handler.

The dog’s costs include raising, training and placing an assistant dog and can be between $20,000-$30,000, according to background information the chief provided council.

The usual charges for a facility dog are $6,000, Ramirez said, but because the police department belongs to an entity, MADE “graciously decided to allow us to acquire a fully trained dog for $4,000.”

He said the expenses for the dog will come from the police department’s donation account and pay for routine veterinary visits, feeding and grooming and other needs that will be approximately $1,000 a year.

There will also be money put aside for the department’s best buddy in case more expensive costs are necessary.

Ramirez did not divulge

Facility’s name but did say she is a Golden Retriever who will stay at his home at night. The two-year-old will graduate from MADE in midsummer and join the first police department to “greatly improve the overall health and wellbeing of the members of the department and the people that we serve.”

Stafford Mayor Pro Tem Virginia Rosas said people get big benefits from dogs and thinks the police “staff will really enjoy the dog.”

Councilman Cecil Willis said, “I applaud you and your staff for coming up with new ideas for the police department. Nobody but us has one (Facility). When you get her bring her up here.”

Councilman Ken Mathew concurs and Councilman A. J. Honore said he thinks “it will attract more donations to the police department and be a very beneficial use of funds.”

Councilman Don Jones said it was a “great idea” and an “excellent way to utilize the donated funds for this. Keep it up,” he told the chief.

Councilman Wen Guerra said, “It’s a very effective way to help personnel.” He told the chief that he and his department “seem to be coming up with ideas that others haven’t known about or considered.”

Ramirez said, “We have come up with some innovative things and I think it has changed the way of policing now.” He went on to say that he gets a lot of ideas sometime “when I am meeting with my command staff.”

Mayor Leonard Scarcella said, “I think this is a significant advance for this city and am pleased (all of) council seems to be in favor of it.”

to record lows citywide in the past five years, Chief Berezin said.

Berezin, a 30-year veteran of the City’s Police Department, pointed out that one of MCPD’s programs— DDACTS (Data-Driven Approach to Crime and Traffic Safety) has been essential to achieving crime reduction goals.

The initiative is aimed at reducing the incidence of crime, crashes and traffic violations by drawing on the deterrent of highly visible traffic enforcement and the knowledge that crime often involves the use of motor vehicles.

The department’s public safety initiatives are so effective that many of the worst felonies, classified as Part 1 crimes, dropped double digits over the past five years.

The City’s Police Department also manages Code Enforcement. In Fiscal Year 2018, Code Enforcement Officers conducted more than 14,500 inspections. That is almost 1,200 inspections per month; a significant metric given that the City’s Code division only has a staff of 8 officers, and one supervisor.

This performance is reflective of the priority City Manager Anthony J. Snipes

and his team have placed on maintaining the Platinum Scenic City status through the Nuisance Abatement Team, which consists of members of Code Enforcement, the Police Department, Municipal Court, Development Services, the City Manager’s Office, Communications and the Legal Department.

The performance is also reflective of the widespread utilization of SeeClickFix by residents citywide; this online reporting tool allows citizens to assist staff by directly notifying the City of potential code issues, thereby helping to improve operational efficiencies.

“The safety of our citizens and the community at-large is a strategic priority and I commend Chief Berezin and his team for using innovative programs like DDACTS, for earning the competitive reaccreditation designation, for their transparency in reporting and for the high quality of service they provide to our residents and businesses,” Snipes said.

Another key performance component in the Police Department is community engagement, resulting in the city: Making SafeHome.org’s 2017 list of the Safest Cities

in the U.S., ranking No. 13 in Texas; Ranking among the top safest municipalities in Texas by the Home Security Advisor, an online resource website. The “Show Me City” was listed at No. 42 among all cities rated in the report and at No. 5 among cities with a population of 50,000 or more; and Earning the No. 30 rank in a list of 136 Texas cities rated

by Alarms.org, the official site of the National Council for Home Safety and Security— an association of licensed alarm companies, installers, contractors and trade groups.

These accolades and MCPD’s longstanding partnerships illustrate why their reform initiative DDACTS and other programs like it have helped the City maintain its safe streets in all areas. The achievements serve as a foundation that elected officials, citizens and stakeholders can build on for decades to come.

“The City has achieved so much by being proactive and not reactive, by leveraging our resources and by building on our partnerships,” Snipes said.

“And through it all, we never lose sight of our City credo, Together, we excel!”

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 15, 2019

NEWS

Negotiations begin on property tax, education reform legislations AUSTIN Lawmakers have a little more than two weeks to resolve differences between the House and Senate proposals to address the session’s top priorities laid out by state leadership in January.

After months of hearings, amendments, drafting and debates, both chambers have passed versions of HB 3, the education finance reform bill, and SB 2, the property tax reform bill.

The latter passed the House last week and the education bill passed the Senate on Monday.

Mirroring a provision added to SB 2 in the House, the Senate made passage of education reform into law contingent on passage for property tax reform, inextricably linking the two measures into what is effectively a single proposal.

Here’s what that proposal looks like on the Senate side: increased funding for all students, with more going towards economically disadvantaged students.

Even more would go to early education initiatives for students from low-income backgrounds and more money for post-high school readiness programs.

Funds for the last two are partly outcome based; while districts will get more money to improve 3rd grade reading achievement for low-income students and send more prepared graduates into college, the military or the workforce, they’d also get bonus money for every student that meets

full-time public school employees and provides for future raises when the state increases education funding.

It would compress local school tax rates by four cents, but adds two cents to recaptureexempt local enrichment in formula funding.

There’s also a difference in the basic allotment, the principal variable in calculating per-student funding, with the House at $6,030 compared to the Senate’s $5,880.

Both are well above the current basic allotment of $5,140.

As far as property tax reform, the chambers are in the same place on a number of transparency and taxpayer-friendly reforms as well as a municipal rollback rate of 3.5 percent.

The Senate would apply that to cities, counties, and all other local taxing entities while the House version exempts hospital and community college districts.

The Senate version would leave smaller taxing entities, those with less than $15 million in annual collections, at the current 8 percent rollback rate, but would give voters living in those districts the chance to opt in to the bill’s provisions next May. The House version includes a rate-banking provision, allowing districts that don’t raise taxes as much as a rollback rate to apply that difference to future rate increases above 3.5 percent for up to five years.

If lawmakers can sort out these differences, a simple majority in each chamber can send

state standards.

It includes a $5,000 pay raise for all public school teachers and librarians, and would give districts the option of implementing an effectiveness-based pay scale, where the best teachers can be identified and paid higher salaries.

For property taxes, the bill would lower local school rates by ten cents per $100 valuation and would implement a 2.5 percent rollback rate for annual tax increases.

Any more than that and voters in the district would have to sign off.

To pay for it, the Senate approved a diversion of oil and gas taxes, an estimated $2.3 billion, that would otherwise go into the rainy day fund into a new fund created for the purpose of property tax reduction.

Combined with $2.7 in the budget already set aside for property tax relief, a change in the way the online sales taxes are collected and other funds, the bill contains a total of about $5.6 billion in property tax relief.

A House proposal to lower property taxes even further by increasing the state sales tax rate one cent and dedicating that revenue to property tax reduction failed to garner enough support, most likely ruling that option out for this session.

The bills are fairly close generally but there are a some key differences between the two chambers.

The House bill includes a smaller, formula-based pay raise but would apply it to all

the final, unified proposal on to the governor for his signature.

Should that happen, it will be the first time in decades that the Legislature has passed sweeping education finance reform absent a court order.

Civil liability for sex offenders

Three former members of the U.S. women’s national gymnastics team were among those who testified in favor of a bill that would give survivors of child sexual abuse more time to seek civil damages against their abusers - and the organizations that enable them. Sisters Tasha and Jordan Schwikert and Alyssa Baumann were three of the hundreds of women who say they were sexually abused

by Larry Nassar during the many years he served as a team doctor for USA Gymnastics.

Some of these crimes were committed at the Karolyi Ranch, a world-famous training facility in Walker County, Texas. “When they are ready, all survivors of sex abuse should be empowered to hold their abusers and the institutions where the abuse occurred responsible,” said Baumann, a native of Plano who now competes in gymnastics at the collegiate level for the University of Florida. The statute of limitations in Texas for civil liability in cases of child abuse under current law is fifteen years, starting when the survivor turns 18 years old, giving them until their 33rd birthday to file suit.

—RICHARD LEE

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 April 25, 2019, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in June, 2019, the same being the 4th 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

2

18-DCV248128 02/21/19

LOT 1, BLK 4, EDGEWOOD 285500004001090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 1 NANCY JO CROSS, AKA NANCY ADDN, VOL 234, PG 582* CROSS GONZALES, ET AL APRIL 23, 2019

$80,190.00

$11,900.00

3

18-DCV248128 02/21/19

LOT 3, BLK 4, EDGEWOOOD 285500004003090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 1 NANCY JO CROSS, AKA NANCY ADDN, VOL 234, PG 582* CROSS GONZALES, ET AL APRIL 23, 2019

$17,850.00

$4,600.00

(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.

Hartzler, Olson, Blackburn demand transparency of federal dollars supporting abortion providers WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04), Congressman Pete Olson (TX-22) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) on May 10 joined 119 Members of Congress in requesting a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report detailing how much federal money Planned Parenthood receives, in addition to several other domestic and international abortion providers.

“A majority of Americans oppose any taxpayer funding of abortion,” Rep. Vicky Hartzler said, who chairs the House Values Action Team.

“Planned Parenthood boasts performing more than 321,000 abortions a year while also receiving over half a billion dollars in taxpayer funding.

American citizens should know exactly how many of their hard-earned tax dollars go to support this organization and the abortion industry at large, which is why an updated report from the GAO will be so valuable.”

“Americans deserve to know how much of their tax dollars go to organizations that perform abortions, like Planned Parenthood,” Rep. Pete Olson said.

“This report will provide needed transparency on taxpayer funding for groups that promote or perform abortions.

We must shine a bright light on how every federal dollar is allocated. Since coming to Congress, I’ve fought for the sanctity of life and accountability in government spending. I’m pleased our request has strong support from both our House and Senate colleagues and look forward to reviewing the completed GAO report.”

“Taxpayer funding of abortion must end,” Senator Marsha Blackburn said.

“A growing majority of NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF FORT BEND § By virtue of an Order of Sale dated April 12, 2019, delivered pursuant to a Judgment issued out of the County Court at Law 2 of Fort Bend County, Texas, said judgment rendered in favor of SETTLERS PARK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., plaintiff, and against RUSSELLE ANN WALDORF, defendant, in Cause No. 18-CCV-062627, for the sum of THREE-THOUSAND-FOUR-HUNDRED NINETY-NINE- DOLLARS AND 85/100’s CENTS ($3499.85), plus fees for posting notices, publishing, and all costs of executing sale. I did on the 23 day of APRIL, 2018, at 10:00 AM, levy upon the following described tract of land in Fort Bend County, Texas, as the property of RUSSELLE ANN WALDORF, defendant(s), to-wit: LOT THIRTY SIX(36), IN BLOCK NINE 9 , OF SETTLERS PARK SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 20 PAGE 12 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3043 WINCHESTER WAY SUGAR LAND, TX 77479 and on JUNE 4, 2019, being the first Tuesday of said month, between the hours of 10:00 o’clock a.m. and 4:00 o’clock p.m., at 301 JACKSON ST, FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG RICHMOND TX. I will offer for sale and sell at public auction for cash, all the right, title and interest of RUSSELLE ANN WALDORF, defendant, in and to said property.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG, 301 JACKSON ST 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: JUNE 4 2019 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 AM BY Sergeant M. Kutach TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

Dated at Richmond, Texas, April 25, 2019 Constable Mike Beard Fort Bend County, Texas

Americans agree with this fact.

It is the underlying reason we are requesting this report so that we have verified figures of every taxpayer dollar going to big abortion entities such as Planned Parenthood.”

In 2018, Congress received a report from the GAO revealing that Planned Parenthood Federation of America, International Planned Parenthood, and Marie Stopes International received $1.6 billion in government funding over three years (FY2013-2015).

National Planned Parenthood affiliates received the majority of this funding, approximately $1.5 billion, or about $500 million annually.

Other abortion providers received the remainder of the funds.

The report highlighted Medicaid reimbursements, Title X Family Planning Services, Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPP), and the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) as key funding streams.

In the letter sent to the GAO today, members from both Chambers requested federal funding information for FY2016-2018 for: (1) Planned Parenthood Federation of America; (2) International Planned Parenthood Federation; (3) Marie Stopes International; and (4) four of the largest additional abortion provider networks in the United States.

The letter requests detailed statistics on the number of people served, types of visits provided, and preventative services provided through Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) - centers which provide comprehensive life-affirming care to women and children that excludes abortion.

There are over 13,500 FQHCs nationwide - 20 FQHCs for every one Planned Parenthood clinic.

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 240TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on APRIL 3, 2019 in cause numbered 18-DCV-254693 styled COLONY GRANT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. vs. BETTY JEAN DORSEY, in which a judgment was rendered on OCT 10, 2018 in favor of COLONY GRANT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. for the sum of Six Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty Three dollars and Sixty Six Cents ($6863.66); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on APRIL 23, 2019 and will on June 4, 2019 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of BETTY JEAN DORSEY to and in the following described Real Property LOT 07 BLOCK 8 OF COLONY BEND SECTION 3 AN ADDITION, IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS UNDER VOLUME 27 PAGE 18 AS MODIFIED

BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of COLONY GRANT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION INC.. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETNG ROOM 301 JACKSON, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: JUNE 4, 2019 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

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

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 • MAY 15, 2019 • Page 5

NEWS

Chuck Norris visits Stafford MSD

The Stafford Municipal School District was proud to welcome legendary martial arts champion and Kickstart Kids Founder Chuck Norris on Wednesday evening at the Stafford High Competition Gym. Norris, a six-time World Middleweight Karate Champion, visited Stafford MSD for the Stafford Kickstart Kids Belt Ceremony.

Norris and his wife, Gena, were welcomed by Stafford MSD Deputy Superintendent Marva Rasberry, Trustees Auturo Jackson and Manuel Hinojosa, Stafford Middle School Principal Ginny Gayle and Stafford Intermediate School Principal Desiree James.

Kickstart Kids is a martial arts character development program that Norris founded in 1990. The program operates in more than 50 schools across Texas and is free to all of the students.

Stafford Middle School and Stafford Intermediate School students participate in the program and compete in martial arts championships through

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Furniture • Antiques • Art • Collectibles • And More!

Raising Cane’s Founder/Chief Executive Officer Todd Graves, left, presents Chuck Norris and his wife Gena, a $100,000 check for Kickstart Kids. the state, under the direction of instructor, Master Rommel Gargoles.

The students were ecstatic to see the legendary Norris attend one of their proudest mo-

Saturday, May 18

ments, the Belt Ceremony.

During the event, Raising Cane’s Founder/Chief Executive Officer Todd Graves presented a $100,000 check to Kickstart Kids.

8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. • Rain or shine

Women’s Services Open House at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Residents of Fort Bend and surrounding areas are invited to an open house and tour of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s expanded women’s services on Thursday, July 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The event will showcase the hospital’s $60 million investment in its women’s services center of excellence, a project that includes construction of a new three-story building and renovation of existing facilities.

The new building connects to the Sweetwater Pavilion, the Cancer Center and Medical Office Building 2 and includes the Childbirth Center and Breast Care Center all in one convenient location.

The first floor of the new building houses a relocated, expanded Breast Care Center, complete with state-of-the-art imaging technologies and a calm, comfortable, welcoming interior. The second and third floors are the remodeled and expanded Childbirth Center.

The Childbirth Center offers a patient and family centered experience that now includes more spacious birthing rooms, additional operating rooms for cesarean sections, mother baby rooms, expanded Level II continuum care

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 268TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on April 3, 2019 in cause numbered 15-DCV-228183 styled NEW TERRITORY RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. vs. Peter Justin, in which a judgment was rendered on July 13, 2018 in favor of NEW TERRITORY RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. for the sum of Eleven Thousand Five Hundred Seventy Three Dollars and Four Cents ($11,573.04); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on May 17, 2019 and will on June 4 2019 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of Peter Justin to and in the following described Real Property LOT SEVENTEEN (17), IN BLOCK TWO (2), OF SANDERS RIDGE, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NOS. 1094/A OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of NEW TERRITORY RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: JUNE 4, 2019 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: Dep. Steele TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

and well-baby nurseries. This expansion will bring us closer to opening a level III neonatal intensive care unit, which will be the first in Fort Bend County.

“Our new women’s services center of excellence not only expands our labor and delivery capabilities – including the addition of a muchneeded Level III NICU for the community – but it also makes it possible for our doctors and staff to collaborate more effectively, especially in the areas of breast and cancer care,” said Chris Siebenaler, regional senior vice president and CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land.

“This is an important step forward for our hospital and for our patients. We invite everyone to come see the facility up close and learn about the women’s services we provide.”

Houston Methodist Sugar Land welcomes the community to an open house to tour our expanded women’s services facility and learn about services available to patients.

The open house will be held on Thursday, July 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital in the Sweetwater Pavilion, 16655 Southwest Fwy. Sugar Land, TX 77479.

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 434TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on April 8, 2019 in cause numbered 16-DCV-231316 styled Aliana Assoc. Inc. vs. Theresa Ly and Phuoc Ha, in which a judgment was rendered on October 26, 2018 in favor of Aliana Homeowners Assoc. Inc. for the sum of Fourteen Thousand Four Hundred Sixty Four Dollars and Fifty One Cents ($14,464.51); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on May 1, 2019 and will on June 4, 2019 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of Theresa Ly and Phuoc Ha to and in the following described Real Property LOT FIFTY NINE (59), IN BLOCK ONE (1) OF ALAINA, SECTION 2 REPLAT NUMBER 1, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NUMBER 20080198 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 16826 COOK LANDING DR., RICHMOND TEXAS 77407 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of Aliana Assoc. Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: JUNE 4, 2019 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: Dep. Steele TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

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Parking is available in the Sweetwater parking garage.

Visit events.houstonmethodist.org/openhouse-sl for more information.

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FORT BEND HISTORY ASSOCIATION

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NOTICE OF SALE STATE OF TEXAS

§ § §

FORT BEND COUNTY

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

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 April 30, 2019, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in June, 2019, the same being the 4th 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

16-DCV237169 02/21/19

371501004017091 FORT BEND COUNTY, ET AL VS. HICKORY CREEK SEC 1, LT 17, 4 GUILLERMO CHAPELLIN, ET AL BK 4, REC'D UNDER SLIDE NO. 569/B* APRIL 23, 2019

$172,380.00

$15,500.00

2

16-DCV237169 02/21/19

371501004006091 FORT BEND COUNTY, ET AL VS. HICKORY CREEK SEC 1, BLK 4, 4 GUILLERMO CHAPELLIN, ET AL LT 6, REC'D IN SLIDE NO. 569/B* APRIL 23, 2019

$200,170.00

$17,800.00

3

18-DCV248847 06/13/18

352803001010090 FORT BEND INDEPENDENT 7 SCHOOL DISTRICT, ET AL VS. ISABELLA SAMBA A/K/A APRIL 23, 2019 ISABELLA BECKLEY

GRAND MISSION ESTATES SEC 3, BLK 1, LT 10, REC'D UNDER PLAT 20140186*

$342,770.00

$15,500.00

4

18-DCV256225 02/21/19

310514001001091 FORT BEND COUNTY, ET AL VS. FIRETHORNE SEC 14, BLK 1, LT 4 1, REC'D IN PLAT NO 20070014* SUPINDA FLY, ET AL APRIL 23, 2019

$381,780.00

$32,000.00

(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, April 30, 2019 Constable Wayne Thompson Fort Bend County, Texas 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

INDEPENDENT • MAY 15, 2019 • Page 6

AUTOMOBILE: Honda Pilot

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The redesigned, refreshed 2019 Honda Pilot has aggressive new style, powertrain refinements, more standard safety features and technology upgrades that include 4G LTE Wi-Fi, Honda’s cabin talk and cabin control and a display audio touchscreen.

The 2019 Pilot LX with standard front-wheel drive has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $31,450 excluding $995 destination and handling.

The test drive Pilot was the Elite and it has an MSRP of $48,020 that does not include the $995 destination price.

Thanks to a number of upgrades to the Pilot it remains one of the few SUV models in its segment to offer 8 seats (7-seats with the optional second-row captain’s chairs), with three-person capacity in the second and third rows.

The one touch walk-in feature makes the third row easPUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Tamarron, Section 31, Precinct 3.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk 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

ier to access.

The 2019 Honda Pilot’s got an updated front and rear exterior that includes a new front fascia with standard LED lowbeam headlights, while the rear features new taillights, a new bumper, and chrome accents. Available fog lights are now LED, the turn signal is thinner, and Pilot Elite models benefit from multi-element full LED headlights, including high beams. Pilots gets power folding mirrors with automatic dimming and LX, EX and EX-L models run on 18-inch wheel designs while the Touring and Elite models get 20inch wheels.

A hands-free power tailgate is available for the first time on Pilot in Touring and Elite grades. The driver simply kicks their foot under a designated area of the rear bumper and the tailgate opens. Other Pilot upgrades are new interior trim around the vents, available 3-way heated front seats, wider fold-down armrests, second-row available captain’s chairs on Touring and Elite, and second-row available retractable sunshades on EX-L, Touring and Elite grades.

For 2019, all Pilots are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 24-valve SOHC-VTEC. The engine PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Vanbrooke, Section 1, Precinct 3.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk CAUSE 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

occupants can view and control the list.

CabinTalk is now included on Pilot EX-L models with navigation and rear-seat entertainment, Touring and Elite trims. With a hands free microphone, it allows those in the front row to easily communicate to those in the second and third rows using the rear speakers, wireless headphones, or both. CabinTalk is activated using the Display

makes 280 hp at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 rpm. and gets 19 miles to the gallon in the city and 26 on the highway. The Touring and Elite models are paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission. In Drive and under lightto-moderate throttle, the 9AT will start in second gear.

Pilot’s idle stop system got new brake pressure trigger for quicker restarts and the air conditioning also was reconfigured to reduce engine restarts. When in idle stop, the engine remains off after shifting to Park.

For 2019, all Pilot models come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assist technologies that include collision mitigation braking with forward collision warning; road departure mitigation; lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Leading the list of technology upgrades is Pilot’s all-new display audio system. Standard in Pilot EX trims and above, its 8-inch touchscreen uses gestures common to smartphones and tablets. Pilot LX, EX, and EX-L models get a 218-watt audio system with six speakers plus a subwoofer.

Touring and Elite models get an updated 10-speaker system with, a subwoofer, and 590 watts of power.

CabinControl is a new feature on Pilot EX trims and above and lets passengers use their smartphone to control a range of features that include the audio system, rear entertainment system and climate control. Additionally, Social Playlist allows up to seven connected phones to share music on a playlist that appears on Pilot’s display audio touchscreen, where front-row

Rosenberg Texana Center is thrilled to announce that The Fondren Foundation recently made a leadership gift of $150,000 to the Forward Together Capital Campaign.

This gift will help Texana Center with construction of the first phase of the new regional center that will serve teens and adults with autism and intellectual disabilities in the Fulshear/Katy Area.

The new campus will expand Texana’s successful Children’s Center for Autism to a permanent third location, which will further reduce the number of children on the waiting list.

Texana’s new Center for Advancement will create innovative and replicable educational programming that will allow teens and adults with autism and intellectual disabilities to obtain competitive employment in the fields of their choice.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for A. Myers at Berdett Road, Precinct 1.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Creekstone Village at Riverstone, Section 6 Phase 2, Precinct 4.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by,

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Aliana, Section 53, Precinct 4.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Davis Estate Road for the addition of “no left turn” signs, Precinct 1.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by,

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Bellaire Boulevard at Westmoor Drive for the addition of all-way stop control, Precinct 2.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Lakes of Bella Terra West, Section 3, Precinct 3.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by,

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Audio touchscreen. When the CabinTalk app is in use, Bluray video appears on the rear entertainment system and automatically pauses and mutes the audio. Audio and video automatically resumes when the app is closed.

Available for the first time in Pilot is wireless smartphone charging which is standard on Elite models and available as a dealer-installed accessory on EX, EX-L and Touring trims.

The Pilot Elite rides most comfortably and has roomy seats that are leather trimmed.

It is Honda’s largest SUV that has LED fog lights, rain sensing wipers, power dimming side mirrors that fold in with the touch of a button and are heated and have turn indicators and plenty more. The Honda Pilot is one fine vehicle that definitely deserves your attention if and when you decide to buy an SUV.

Bike to Work Day and School Day .THIS FRIDAY, May 17–The City of Sugar Land and Shape Up Fort Bend will celebrate National Bike Month on Friday, May 17 with the annual Bike to Work Day and bike to School Day. Join residents, neighbors, and friends for a celebratory ride to Fort Settlement Middle School and Town Square. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. with food and prizes at the South Meadow Pavilion at Sugar Land’s Memorial Park, 15300 University Blvd., adjacent to the Pawm Springs Dog Park. At 8:15 am, 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 Town Square via Commonwealth, Austin Pkwy., and Lexington Boulevard. At Town Square, we will take a group photo.

This is a fully-supported ride. MUST have helmets!!!

Fondren Foundation Gift Brings Texana Close to Phase I Goal George Patterson, Texana Center CEO, said, “This support could not come at a better time. With this generous gift, Texana Center has less than $75,000 left to raise for Phase I of the campaign. Excitement in the community is building as we approach our goal. Realizing this vision is the perfect 20th anniversary gift for Texana. We are so grateful to The Fondren Foundation for their generosity.”

Once Phase I is complete, the entire community will be able to get involved and support the vision by shopping at Texana Bistro & Boutique, which will occupy the front portion of the building.

This new coffee bar, lunch counter, and gift shop will offer teens and adults with autism and intellectual disabilities hands-on experience as they train for community employment. All items sold in the gift shop will be made by individuals with autism and

intellectual disabilities.

Thanks to The Fondren Foundation, Texana Center is much closer to launching these innovative programs to serve the community. Those interested in leaving their own legacy in Fulshear can do so by purchasing a recognition brick at www.thatsmybrick. com/texanacenter.

Garage Sale The Annual St. Theresa Church Bazaar Garage Sale will be held Saturday, May 18, from 8 a.m-2 p.m and 6-8 pm and Sunday, May 19, from 9 a.m-1 p.m in the Church Community Center, located at 705 St. Theresa Blvd., Sugar Land. Treasures to purchase include, toys, housewares, appliances, knick knacks, sports equipment, tools, electronics and MUCH MORE! No clothing.

City of Missouri City NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING LOCATION/DATE: The City Council of the City of Missouri City will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 3, 2019, at the City Council Chambers – 2nd Floor, City Hall Building, 1522 Texas Parkway (FM-2234), Missouri City, Texas at 7:00 p.m.

PURPOSE: To receive comments for or against a request by Katy Goodrich, LJA Engineering to rezone an approximate 8.68 acre tract of land from LC-2, local retail district to PD, Planned Development District to allow for the development of commercial uses to include a convenience store with gasoline sales and to provide a general development plan; and to the extent such rezoning deviates from the Future Land Use and Character map of the Comprehensive Plan, to provide for an amendment therefrom.

SITE LOCATION: The subject site is located at the southwest corner of Lake Olympia Parkway and Vicksburg Boulevard, north, east and west of the Olympia Estates residential subdivision and south of the Parks Edge residential subdivision.

SITE LEGAL DESCRIPTION: The subject site can be described as being an approximate 8.6782 acre tract of land situated in the Hicks Shropshire Survey, A-313 in Fort Bend County, Texas, and being out of and part of the called 11.4211 acre tract of land described in deed to Equity Trust Company, Custodian, FBO John N. Vatistas and Custodian, FBO Francis Madia as recorded under Fort Bend County Clerk’s File (F.B.C.C.F.) Number 2013110291.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Additional information and a map of the subject site are available for review at City Hall, Missouri City, Texas on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call 281-403-8600 or email the Development Services Department-Planning Division at planning@missouricitytx.gov for further information.

INDEPENDENT • MAY 15, 2019 • Page 7

COMMUNITY Kids Caring for Kids : Teen Huddle volunteers earn “Caring Friends” recognition

L to R: Elizabeth Chipinski, Teen Huddle Coordinator, Darla Farmer, CEO & Founder, Kaylee Perkinson, Ben Castillo, Annisya Sabrina, Kim Overgaard, Board Member & Teen Huddle Co-Founder, Kiren Bangash, Celine Huynh, Dahlia Moreno, Faith Borkataky-Varma (Co-Chair), Miranda Amezaga, Kylie Kilfoy (Co-Chair), Sasha Lobos. NOT PICTURED: Hadley Campbell, Mariam Naviwala, Andrew Spencer. Photo: Hope For Three Autism Advocates Hope For Three 20182019 Teen Huddle volunteers, earned the prestigious Caring Friends Award at the Annual Teen Huddle Banquet, May 5th. The award recognizes individuals or businesses who show caring acts of kindness in the autism community.

The Teen Huddle, an auxiliary group of about 15 teen volunteers execute two programs to support families with children on the autism spectrum.

Parents Time Out, a bimonthly event, provides parents and caregivers three-hours

of respite while teens and Sugar Land Family Church volunteers entertain all children in the family with games, exercise, crafts, movies and more.

During subsequent months, the teens are paired with the sibling(s) in the family through a host of activities such as flying kites, bowling, rock climbing, etc.

For the duration of a school year, teen volunteers serve as mentors to develop friendships and encourage support among siblings. All programs are free

to local families.

Hope For Three, in partnership with Sugar Land Family Church, is providing all kids a safe and welcoming environment to explore and experience fun times like every other child.

The local nonprofit and autism advocacy group is accepting Teen Huddle applications for the 2019-2020 school year, now through May 24th.

Teens gain skills necessary for the job market such as leadership, communication skills, dependability, time man-

Huggins Elementary in Fulshear celebrates 40th anniversary

Huggins Elementary will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Tuesday, May 21 at 3:30 p.m.

The celebration program will be held in the gymnasium and will be followed by a reception in the library.

The program will feature former principals

and staff members, students and distinguished guests.

All are welcome to attend. Huggins Elementary is located at 1 Huggins Dr in Fulshear, TX. For more information, please call 832.223.1600.

agement, and decision making.

To learn more, or submit an application, visit hopeforthree.org/ programs/teen-huddle/ Teens earn volunteer hours and the opportunity to be the difference in the lives of children living with autism.

The Woman’s Club of Missouri City made a $1000 donation to the DeWalt Heritage Center (Dew House) at their year end meeting in May when they honored Karen Beck as the 2019 Woman of the Year. They also made a donation to purchase a park bench for MacNaughton Park along with a tree to commemorate their decades of service to Missouri City. Later in May they will be hosting a pizza party for the Missouri City Public Works Employees in Honor of Public Works Week. Pictured center is Karen Beck, Woman of the Year, along former recipients Jean Sheledy, Jo Butterfield and Nancy Thurmond. (Please note the date of the Annual Rain or Shine Dew House Yard & Porch Sale May 18th from 8:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m. at the back of Kitty Hollow Park).

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 15, 2019

COMMUNITY

BAPS Charities Walk Green helps plant 61,000 trees; 361,000 trees planted in last four years

All news on nature isn’t bad. Looking at the enthusiasm and effort of BAPS Charities Walk Green 2019 participants, one can certainly say, there is hope.

Ushma Prajapati of Pearland, Texas has been taking part in the Walk over the past several years. “On a daily basis we see the effects of overconsumption and waste on our environment. Participating in this walk is something that I can do, as a step in the right direction to raise funds to plant trees and bring awareness about our impact on the environment,” Prajapati said.

BAPS Charities Walk Green 2019 in Sugar Land was an event to raise funds for The Nature Conservancy, the Rose, Behind the Badge Charities, Stafford MSD Education Foundation, and Fort Bend Education Foundation.

This year, nationally, BAPS Charities supported The Nature Conservancy’s efforts to plant one billion trees by 2025 through their Plant a Billion Trees initiative. Generations of change makers from 6-year-old first-time fundraisers to senior citizens— came together, with over 1950 members of the community participating in total. As members of the Stafford and the greater Houston community at large, BAPS Charities also looked to support local charities focused on the health, education and safety of the community around them through the funds raised at this walk.

“It’s amazing and heartwarming to see how much support has been generated for the walk and how much

it has grown over the years,” said Nilkanth Patel, President, BAPS Charities. “This year over 23,000 walkers in over 76 cities in North America joined the walk to help us protect our environment – for our generation and for generations. The collective actions of the community have helped The Nature Conservancy plant 61,000 additional trees in 2019. During the last four years, from 2016 to 2019, BAPS Charities Walkathons have helped plant a total of 361,000 trees.”

“It means a lot to us that your support is made possible by the thousands of BAPS Charities volunteers who believe like we do, that a healthy planet is critical to building healthy communities where both nature and people can thrive,” said Mark Tercek, President and CEO of The Nature Conservancy.”

In addition to fostering a spirit of service across generations of participants to support a cause touching the world, BAPS Charities involved young adults in high school and college in business sponsorship initiatives. The youth participants worked to secure partnerships from local businesses to support the Walkathon efforts.

Dhiru Patel, walk participant, said, “It was inspiring to see the involvement of the youth at this event. From not only raising funds and participating in the walk, but I saw them involved in the set up and the execution of the walk as well. Ensuring that the younger generation understands the importance of

service and getting involved in their communities is a great accomplishment of BAPS Charities.”

Shannon McNair, representing the Rose, a local beneficiary, said BAPS Charities is “a great organization helping not only the Rose, but other folks in the community.

It takes all of us to make sure we’re healthy. I love the environmental message as well.”

Yogin Patel, an event lead,

said, “I thank all the sponsors, the individual fundraisers and all who came out this morning to take part in this walk.

We greatly appreciate your support.” This year’s walk sponsors included SDB group, Amica Properties, PS eyecare, Bio Urja, Bank of Texas, TIC Texas, Tara Engery, Pershant and Nidhika Mehta and many more.

In addition to the annual Walkathon, BAPS Charities

Sugar Land Council Member Carol K. McCutcheon presents a Proclamation to BAPS Charities president Nilkanth Patel. actively supports environmental sustainability efforts throughout the year through recycling projects, water conservation and utilizing solar power. BAPS Charities also organizes other humanitarian events throughout the year like Health Fair, Blood Donation Drive, Food Drive, and

Children’s Health and Safety Day. The activities of BAPS Charities are centered on improving the quality of lives of individuals and their families.

For additional information on BAPS Charities and its philanthropic activities, please visit www.bapscharities.org.

THE STATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION LEADING THE STATE IN HIGHER EDUCATION

A panel of higher education leaders discussing the innovation and value that the Fort Bend County higher education system is bringing to the county

Dr. Madeline Burillo

Betty McCrohan

Houston Community College

Jay Neal

Wharton County Junior College

University of Houston

Randall Wooten Texas State Technical College

Presented by:

SWEETWATER COUNTRY CLUB

JUNE 5, 2019 | 11:30 - 1:00 PM | 4400 PALM ROYALE BLVD. | SUGAR LAND, TX 77479 PRESENTING SPONSOR $1,500

Seating for TEN (10) with priority placement Company logo featured on event materials Recognition during the event

CORPORATE TABLE $500

INDIVIDUAL MEMBER RESERVATION $35

Seating for EIGHT (8)

PROSPECTIVE MEMBER RESERVATION AND AT THE DOOR $45

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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

RSVP TO Juliette Nessmith juliette@fortbendcc.org 281 - 566 - 2161

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar commends all the walkers for participating in the walk on a Sunday morning.

MAIL Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd.

Sugar Land, TX 77479

FAX Juliette Nessmith 281 - 491 - 0112