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VOL 12 No. 23
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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2019
P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623
Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City
Political turf war clogs county’s 911 service By SESHADRI KUMAR The Fort Bend County Commissioners Court last week unanimously decided to appoint a committee to review the 911 dispatch system, currently run by the sheriff’s office. The commissioners court action follows a running feud between Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls and Fort Bend County Pct. 3 Constable Wayne Thompson. The controversy began after the sheriff introduced a policy change, effective Jan. 1, 2019, which ostensibly stopped the dispatch of constable’s deputies and directed the sheriff’s deputies to respond to an emergency. The policy meant that, in an emergency, even if a constable’s deputy was near the vicinity of the area from which the call originated, the sheriff’s dispatch will ask one of its own deputies to respond to the call, even if the deputy may not be closer to the site. The sheriff’s policy is based on the fact that his deputies are the primary law enforcement officials and the deputies hired by the county through a private contract are merely “supplemental.” There is nothing wrong with the sheriff’s interpretation of the contract deputy program, but it only defies common sense since the taxpayers would expect law enforcement to respond quickly and those closer to the vicinity would naturally respond quickly, without delay. In the sheriff’s opinion, there is no delay because of his change in policy and he deflects any criticism as politically motivated by the constable. The sheriff says no other
constable is complaining. (That is because others are not affected by the policy change as much as the Pct. 3 Constable.) In Pct. 3, out of 20 contracts with HOAs, the constable has 18 and the sheriff has two. Homeowners associations pay a fee to the county to hire extra deputies to provide security to the chosen neighborhoods under the contract deputy program. Some HOAs pay as much as $1 million a year to the county for this extra security. At the commissioners court last week, Sheriff Troy Nehls told the court that they have the best 911 disptach service and there is no complaint. How does he know? Because there is not a single lawsuit against the county alleging poor 911 service, according to Nehls. Though some instances of delay in response due to the changed policy were publicly reported by Constable Thompson early in February, the county attorney advised the commissioners court not to wash the dirty linen in
public because it may provide grounds for some aggrieved taxpayer to sue the county. Consequently, the dirty linen issue was aired in a closed session of the commissioners court. This did not prevent Nehls from accusing Thompson and Commissioner Andy Meyers of “spreading panic and misinformation” over his policy change. Nehls did not provide an answer to County Judge KP George who repeatedly asked the sheriff to explain what would be the downside or the negative effects on the sheriff’s department if he restored the status quo and reverted the policy to the pre Jan. 1 period, allowing dispatch of all deputies to respond. The sheriff’s response has been that their response time has actually improved and if there is proof that their policy caused delay in response, then they would consider reversing it. Do you know that the actual response time to a specific See 911, Page 3
Settlers Way Elementary raises $6500 in Pennies for Patients fundraiser
Settlers Way Elementary had a Pennies For Patients Fundraiser. This year over $6,500 was raised and the top winner was Mrs. Fanian’s first grade. The second place was Mrs. Sharfman’s fifth grade class. The 2 classes got to “Tape Assistant Principal Daniel Emery and school nurses Cathy Goodman & Vetta White to the wall.” SWE has raised over $53,000 in the past 10 years for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We continue this mission to support such a great cause and to help those individuals going through such a heroic battle. By collecting donations, LLS is able to find effective cancer therapies that, over the last 50 years, have increased the childhood leukemia survival rate from 3% to 90%. LLS also provides financial support to families affected by blood cancer to help combat the high cost of cancer care. Your child’s school is participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Series fundraising program. Your child will be helping local cancer patients like Amari, one of our Honored Heroes, beat their disease by raising funds needed to support blood cancer research.
Key bills passed by the Texas Legislature HB 1 - The state budget. The final version appropriates 164.2 billion in state money to pay for services through 2021, including the tax and education reforms passed in SB 2 and HB 3. Other highlights include: funding to increase capacity at state drivers’ license offices, funding to dispose of the backlog on sexual assault kit testing, $7.8 billion in mental
health program spending across 23 state agencies, and $347 million for women’s health programs. SB 500 - The supplemental budget, truing up accounts between what was appropriated in 2017 and actual costs. Includes $3.5 billion in rainy day funds to assist with Hurricane Harvey relief and recovery as well as $800 million to offset
lost property values for school districts in the disaster area. SBs 6, 7, & 8 - Comprehensive Harvey relief and recovery package. Leverages expertise at state institutions to improve disaster response and train local officials (SB 6). Creates a funding structure to pay for flood mitigation and prevention projects, pull down federal See BILLS, Page 3
FBISD proposes 2- cent increase in debt service tax rate
By SESHADRI KUMAR Fort Bend ISD will hold a public meeting on June 17 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the proposed budget and tax rate for 2019-20. The district is keeping the maintenance tax rate at $1.06 per $100 valuation and increasing the debt service tax rate from 26 cents to 28 cents per $100 valuation. The total current tax is $1.32 and the proposed total tax rate is $1.34. Fort Bend ISD canceled a June 3 public hearing scheduled to discuss the proposed tax rate for the 2019-20 school year and no longer recommends a tax ratification election (TRE) following the passage of House Bill 3. Prior to the final amendments, and amid the state funding uncertainty, District administrators previously recommended that the Board of Trustees call a TRE, so that the District could continue to
fund priorities that included compensation increases for all staff and support for learners. Initially a tax rate increase of up to 16 cents was proposed. “Following continued discussions with our Business and Finance Department, we are confident that we will be able to adopt a budget for the 2019-20 school year that will allow us to fund the legislated pay increases for teachers and full-day PreK, as well as compensation increases for our other staff members that were not included in legislation,” said FBISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Charles Dupre. “We are also hopeful the limited funding provided by House Bill 3 will enable us to allocate a portion of resources to support progress toward achieving district goals that were adopted by our Board of Trustees.” Salaries and benefits make
up the majority of Fort Bend ISD’s annual budget. The administration will present a comprehensive budget update to the Board of Trustees during its regular Board workshop, scheduled for June 10. “The ability to offer competitive compensation has been a priority for Fort Bend ISD and legislators,” said Fort Bend ISD Board President Jason Burdine. “Our teachers are at the core of everything we do and are sought after year after year. We are committed to not only providing them with competitive pay, but also with the resources and innovative programming that will help them support students.” FBISD will continue the budget conversation at the June 10, 2019 Board meeting. In accordance with statute, FBISD must adopt its 2019-20 budget by June 30.
Saturday, June 8th
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Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JUNE 5, 2019
NEWS Athletic training residency program at Sartartia Middle School students Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital showcase apps at annual Bits earns re-accreditation
and Bites Girls Who Code event
One could say our futures Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s 2019 Residency Program Graduates: Top row, left to right: Jordan Bishop, DJ Ignacio, JeJuan French, Courtney Scott; Front row, left to right: are in good hands, thanks to talented students like those Isabella Pregozen, Marie Charpentier, Melanie Kwok. at Sartartia Middle School In the past, residents have (SMS) who have created apps The athletic training we provide.” The hospital’s athletic even provided life-saving to provide resources and serresidency program at Houston Methodist Sugar Land training residency program responses to students who vices to community members. Members of the SMS Girls severe medical Hospital recently received is the largest of its kind and suffered Coding Club presented their reaccreditation for a seven- the only accredited multi-site emergencies or injuries. “There is a definite need for projects during their annual program in the country. The year term. The national Commission hospital began with just two skilled athletic trainers in many Bits and Bites Girls Who Code on Accreditation of Athletic residents per year in the first states,” said Charpentier. “It’s event. This year’s app developers Training Education (CAATE) few years, but the program has a profession that is evolving granted the reaccreditation since grown in both stature in its scope and complexity, included: following an extensive review and numbers. Currently, and many school districts are Anxiety Hacked – Aidyn, of documentation and a three- there are 18 residents in the short-handed when it comes to Kyra, Sophia, Heather and day site visit in January. This program who split their time having knowledgeable people Valerie process ensures that athletic between didactic classroom who can provide coverage. training residency programs instruction and actual athletic We are doing our part to CarryOn – Sanjana, Trisha, meet or exceed 103 standards training coverage at middle help, not only by providing Mythily, Trisha and Rianna set by CAATE to ensure and high schools in four area athletic trainers today but by ChangeIt – Haadiya, Joyce, school districts, including expanding the overall talent quality of care. Nikita, Vaishnavi and Raina pool for the future.” “This is a tremendous Fort Bend ISD. Once this year’s class Ctrl Alt Elite – Alishba, Naw“The Houston Methodist validation of our residency program, which gives highly Sugar Land residents provide graduates in May, more than 60 al, Riya, Tarini and Mariam qualified athletic trainers an extremely valuable service residents will have completed Hearts United – Zoe, Fiza the advanced experience to the schools, delivering the year-long program since and Mihika and knowledge they need athletic training care and its inception in 2013. Most are coverage on-site, now working full-time at high H & M – Humna and Mehek to support sports teams game and athletes at any level,” accompanying students to an schools across Texas, while said Marie Charpentier, orthopedist/sports medicine some have gone on to work program coordinator, board- specialist if necessary, and in military settings or attend certified physical therapist coordinating physical therapy medical or physical therapy in orthopedic and sports and rehabilitation both at the school. For the latest news, medicine, and manual hospital and at the school,” and information Richard Gregoire, events therapy fellow at Houston said Methodist Orthopedics & head district athletic trainer about Houston Methodist Land Hospital, Sports Medicine. “The seven- for Fort Bend ISD. “Their Sugar houstonmethodist. year designation is proof efforts extend the ability visit or our that CAATE recognizes the of our schools to provide org/sugarland quality of our training, the knowledgeable, experienced Facebook page at fb.com/ commitment of our people athletic trainers who can help methodistsugarland. and the learning opportunities keep students healthy.”
iCare – Viola, Lydia, Anshuni and Anne Inspire1 – Hanna, Katria, Emily and Janna Kitsune – Evie and Aiza SHK – Suhani, Haiqa and Krupa The Coding Jags – Emily and Caitlin Greatest Minds – Zuha, Eesha and Ria Light for Life – Reyhan, Sudenaz, Naomi and Ayse Each team developed apps to promote services and resources provided by their business/community partners. Included were apps to help users cope with anxiety, offer veterans quicker service when seeking a canine companion, and more. The students defined a program, created a business plan with the help of employees
from the business/community partners, and developed a prototype app to present to the organizations. The apps promoted services and resources provided by the following groups and organizations: FBISD Counselors, The Arc of Fort Bend County, Group Acorde, Second Servings of Houston, Fort Bend Women’s Center, Hope for Three, Special Pals Shelter, Paws for Heroes, Fort Bend Regional Council and Child Advocates of Fort Bend. During the event, parents and other supporters were able to meet with students and view their apps. All of the Android apps can be found at bit.ly/2YyMi9R. For more information on the Girls Who Code club, contact Ian MacIntyre and Emily Gray at Ian.MacIntyre@fortbendisd.com or Emily.Gray@ fortbendisd.com.
2019 Richmond State of the City Address with Mayor Evalyn Moore
Richmond Mayor Evalyn W. Moore will address the City of Richmond at the State of the City on June 11. The luncheon, which is presented by Kevin Patton of State Farm Insurance Agency, will be held at Briscoe Manor located on FM 723 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The theme of Mayor Moore’s address will be growth. She will discuss the latest improvements, infrastructure preparations, economic development and what the year has in store for the City of Richmond. The luncheon will be host-
Moore
ed by the Central Fort Bend Chamber. Sponsorships for the luncheon include a $1,000 Underwriter Sponsorship and $500 Corporate Table Sponsorship. Individual tickets are also available. Sponsorships and tickets can be purchased on the Central Fort Bend Chamber website at www. CFBCA.org. For questions about this event or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Leslie Piwowar, Chamber Special Events Director, at 281-3425464.
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The Coding Jags
Memorial Day observance
VFW Observance at the Freedom Park Memorial Tower on Memorial Day. Honoring women and men that served our country, and those that died on 9/11, the VFW held a memorial service at the Freedom Park Memorial Tower in Katy. Keith Borst, Jeff Pantle, David Frishman, Commissioner Andy Meyers, Ken Burton, Peyton Lumpkin, former VFW Post Commander, Frank Torres leading the Bible prayer, current VFW Post Commander, Don Byrne and the current Post Chaplain .
INDEPENDENT • JUNE 5, 2019 • Page 3
911 From Page 1
incident or call is a state secret? Yes, the state law enables this information to be kept conďŹ dential lest there be any litigation. So, the sheri’s oďŹƒce said in the Katy area, after the change in policy, the average response time improved by 14.4 seconds or on an average, they responded by 14 second earlier than before. When Commissioner Ken DeMerchant asked for the actual response time, he was told the information is conďŹ dential. Thompson reacted thus: “Contrary to what folks have been led to believe, many other ďŹ re and EMS chiefs have expressed concerns, even though the Sheri continues to tell people that I am the only one causing panic and alarm. This is not true. “In fact, I simply sent out the email that was sent from the Sheri’s OďŹƒce that explained that the Constables would not be dispatched to calls. “Even to this day, no legitimate reason has been given and they will not answer the Commissioner’s questions as to whether or not they dispatch us, they continued to side step the question. “The answer is NO they still don’t dispatch us. “This is a disservice to the 250,000 plus people, 272 square miles, 5 cities, 3 school districts and the 95% unincorporated areas that we service. “Last year we were the primary law enforcement on over 33,000 calls per the sheri’s oďŹƒce. Apparently we know how to do our job very well and maybe that upsets some people. Finally, this will be addressed and it won’t be a koolaid salesman giving you the results.â€? If the ďŹ re departments and Emergency Medical Services ďŹ nd the sheri’s dispatch service inadequate, the county can cough up the money and give them a separate dispatch,
according to Nehls. The county already had responded to some of the needs of the ďŹ re and EMS departments, like automation of calls and buying new software. Last year, Commissioner Vincent Morales and Commissioner James Patterson reviewed the dispatch and suggested recommendations, but the project stalled, Nehls said. Meyers pointed out the need for a review of the dispatch not merely because of the NehlsThompson feud, but the system is now fragmented. A case in point — out of the 21 or more ďŹ re departments in the county, only 11 use the sheri’s dispatch and others pay for outside dispatch service. Similarly, major cities are using their own dispatch and are not using the county’s dispatch. Other dispatch systems have high participation. Also, many counties have independent dispatch centers. Meyers wanted the committee to explore what is best for the county, avoid ineďŹƒciency and see why the current 911 dispatch is fragmented. “If status quo is the best, so be it,â€? he said. The proposed committee will include Fire Marshal Mark Flathouse, Emergency Medical Services Chief Graig Temple, sta representatives from the county’s information technology department, sheri’s oďŹƒce, and the county attorney’s oďŹƒce, and sta representatives from emergency service districts and municipal ďŹ re and police departments. Morales also suggested adding an outside expert to assist the committee. Commissioner Grady Prestage cautioned that the committee should not be made to endorse a “pre-determinedâ€? outcome. It should examine all aspects and make a genuinely independent decision. The committee is expected to give its recommendation before the end of July.
NEWS Governor Abbott appoints Sugar Land resident UH System’s Student Regent John Fields, a third-year University of Houston Law Center student, will represent the nearly 74,000 students of the University of Houston System as the newly appointed student regent of the UHS Board of Regents. Texas Governor Greg Abbott appointed the native Houstonian to serve a one-year term which starts June 1 and runs through May 31, 2020. The UH System is truly a family aair for Fields, who is one of seven siblings. His sisters, wife and in-laws are graduates of UHS universities, and Fields just completed his sixth year at UH. “I have a really good working knowledge of the university and how it operates both from
a student perspective and from working for the university in the general counsel’s oďŹƒce,â€? Fields said. “I’d like to think I work really well with people. So, an opportunity to spend a year working with the people across the system and bringing ideas together is something I will really enjoy doing.â€? Fields is currently student president of the Federalist Society at UH and a member of the UHLC’s Mock Trial Team. In 2017, he earned a bachelor of business administration in accounting and management from the C.T. Bauer College of Business and the Honors College. During his time as an undergraduate, Fields got the
Fields opportunity to spend a semester as an intern at the United States Supreme Court through the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship program. That experience solidiďŹ ed his passion for law. Fields succeeds outgoing
student regent Andrew Teoh, who graduated this month with degrees in accounting and ďŹ nance from the C.T. Bauer College of Business. There are 10 members on the UH System Board of Regents, including the student regent. Together they oversee the four UHS universities and ensure each institution is fulďŹ lling its commitment to the communities they serve. Field’s mother, Becky Field, said: “We are Sugar Land residents and John grew up in Sugar Land. We home schooled all our children. He is number ďŹ ve out of seven and they are all grown now. Six have now graduated from college.â€?
Neeta Sane to run for Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector Neeta Sane, elected HCC Trustee since 2007, has announced her 2020 candidacy for Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector in the Democratic Party primary. Sane will be completing her two six-year terms as HCC Trustee this year. Throughout her public service, she has delivered the promises to her constituents and taxpayers, including managing large budgets, opening new state-of-the-art campuses with advanced programs in Fort Bend County, strongly supporting and ďŹ ghting for accessible & af-
Neeta Sane, 2020 Candidate for Fort Bend County TaxAssessor Collector & Trustee
fordable opportunities for all, especially for minorities and underserved population, and establishing a scholarship endowment fund. Sane has served in numerous organizations across the state and the nation and has received many honors and awards for her leadership and service to HCC, youth, women, seniors, and the community including a Special Congressional Recognition and commendations from Texas Senate and Texas House. Sane has an MBA in Finance & Accounting from Florida Institute of Technol-
ogy and an MS from University of Houston-Clear Lake. Sane is also a CertiďŹ ed Life Coach. She is an entrepreneur who owns and manages a Business Strategy Planning, Execution & Coaching ďŹ rm. Sane, a life-long Democrat, founder of Democratic groups and trailblazer 2006 Democratic county-wide nominee, is marching forward to bring transformative leadership to the Tax oďŹƒce for the beneďŹ t of taxpayers in Fort Bend County. More information is on www. NeetaSane.com
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Bills From Page 1
matching funds, and cover other costs associated with hurricane relief. (SB 7). Creates a statewide ood planning system that coordinates regional plans for the ďŹ rst time (SB 8). SB 11 - (Taylor) School safety plan developed in the wake of the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting. Requires districts to develop safety plans for each campus, implements facility hardening standards and requires safety committees for individual campuses. The Texas School Safety Center in San Marcos will evaluate plans and oer logistical support to districts. SB 10 (Nelson), which creates the Texas Mental Health Consortium, was amended onto this bill in the House. That measure allows mental health professionals at state medical schools to consult with pediatricians and other providers on mental health issues aecting children. Also includes suicide awareness and prevention programs for students and training for teachers from SB 1390 (MenĂŠndez). SB 12 - (Human) Provides long-term ďŹ scal stability for the state teachers’ retirement system through gradual increases in contributions from active employees, school districts and the state over the next 6 years. Also provides for a 13th bonus annuity check up to $2,000 for
beneďŹ ciaries this fall. HB 2048 - (Human) Repeals the state drivers responsibility program, a system that adds additional penalties to drivers who exceed a certain number of traďŹƒc violations in a year. SB 1264 - (Hancock) Consumer protections against surprise medical billing for state-regulated health insurance plans. Eectively prevents the practice in cases where a person has no say in who is treating them, such as in an emergency room. Patients would still be responsible for deductibles, copays, and other expected costs at in-network facilities, but no more. SB 21 - (Human) raises the age required to purchase tobacco or other nicotine products like vaporizes from 18 to 21 HB 1631 - (Hall) bans the use of red light cameras in Texas HB 3906 - (Taylor) State STAAR accountability test reforms that move the test to a shorter, online version over the use ďŹ ve years, intended to reduce test taking time, stress and instructional time lost to testing. Per Texas Legislature Online, 7324 bills were ďŹ led in the House and Senate, and 1419 passed both chambers. The governor has up to 20 days to veto any bills of which he disapproves. Otherwise, any unsigned bills can become law absent his signature. —RICHARD LEE
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Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • JUNE 5, 2019
NEWS
Cornyn urges Trump administration to continue dialogue with India By SESHADRI KUMAR U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has expressed concerns over the Trump administration’s decision to remove India from the ‘Generalized System of Preferences’ status and hopes that the Administration would continue its dialogue with India. In a statement on Monday, Cornyn said, “I expressed my concerns to the Administration about a complete elimination of India’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program benefits, and my concerns remain. “As the world’s largest democracies, our multi-faceted partnership with India yields critical benefits to both Americans and Indians, and I hope the Administration will continue in a dialogue with Indian officials to restore our close trading relationship. “There is a place for India to grow its exports to the U.S., and U.S. exports in defense and security systems to India are significant. India has wisely agreed for the joint development of defense aircrafts for India and this is mutually beneficial to both the countries. This provides another impetus for joint trade efforts”, he said. Cornyn is the co-founder and co-chair of the Senate India
Caucus. As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, Cornyn is active on international trade issues. Previously, Cornyn and Mark Warner (DVA), co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus, sent a letter to United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, urging him to consider delaying the issuance of a proclamation to withdraw India’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program benefits and to keep an open dialogue with the Indian Government. “As Co-Chairs of the United States Senate’s India Caucus, we fully appreciate and support your efforts to address a host of market access issues facing American businesses in India. Congressional support for the GSP program was made clear last year when the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives reauthorized the program, in nearly unanimous fashion, for three years. “While we agree that there are a number of market access issues that can and should be addressed, we do remain concerned that the withdrawal of duty concessions will make Indian exports of eligible products to the United States costlier, as the importer of those products will have to pay a
Cornyn ‘Most Favored Nation’ (MFN) duty which is higher than the rate under GSP. Some of these costs will likely be passed on to American consumers,” the Senators wrote. “We believe that allowing for continued negotiations beyond the elections would underscore the importance of this bilateral relationship and provide a real opportunity to resolve these market access issues, potentially improving the overall U.S.-India relationship for years to come.” In an interview with the India Herald last week, Cornyn renewed his compliments to Indian Prime Minister Naren-
Olson joins bipartisan efforts to ensure access to affordable prescription drugs for low income families WASHINGTON, DC – Reps. Pete Olson (R-TX), Nanette Diaz Barragán (DCA), Kenny Marchant (RTX) and John Lewis (D-GA) on May 28 acted to help ensure access to affordable medications for low-income families. They introduced H.R. 3029, the Improving Low Income Access to Prescription Drugs Act, which would permanently authorize the Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition (LI NET) Program. This Program provides temporary prescription drug coverage for low-income beneficiaries, eliminating gaps in coverage while they apply for Medicare Part D drug coverage. The current pilot program, which expires in September 2019, saved $300 million in healthcare costs over ten years and is less disruptive to folks who need access to prescription drugs.
“When a family suffers a reduction in income, the LI NET Program helps ensure these families maintain needed prescriptions as they transition to Medicare Part D,” Rep. Pete Olson said. “As we continue to tackle prescription drug prices, this program provides a critical backstop for families in need of help. Folks shouldn’t have to worry if they can afford needed medications during this transition. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and get it to the House floor as quickly as possible.” “Far too many families across America already struggle to afford their prescription drugs,” said Rep. Barragán. “By making the LI Net Program permanent, we can continue to provide transitional prescription drug coverage for low-income individuals. I’m proud to
introduce this bipartisan bill with my colleagues and look forward to advancing our work to help all Americans get the medications they need.” “This pilot program, like the Part D program before it, has been a resounding success,” Rep. Kenny Marchant said. “Legislating these solutions to keep seniors healthier and keep their drug prices lower is something I will continue to work on in Congress. Many families who suffer a reduction in income have come to depend on the LI NET program. I am proud to introduce this bill today alongside a bipartisan group of my colleagues to permanently reauthorize the program and provide peace of mind to Americans who rely on it.” In 2018, the LI NET Program helped almost 800,000 Americans, including 41,350 Texans.
dra Modi on his re-election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a “charming and engaging personality,” Cornyn said. “I am amazed to see the technical process in which over 600 million people over six weeks vote, with an incredible turnout of 67 percent. We can learn a lot from India on how to run our elections.” The strong mandate for the PM and his party augured well for the increasing closeness and relationship between India and the U.S., Cornyn said and added “We have shared values and shared strategic and security interests. I am looking forward to continuing the close relationship.” When elected to the Senate, a large population of Indian Americans in Dallas and Houston were among his constituents and Cornyn was invited to visit India by a Dallas group. “It was a revelation. We were fascinated by India’s history and culture of the people. We have so much in common. Also, geopolitically, India is important to our strategic interests. Our leaders and countries should continue to work toward our shared interests,” Cornyn characterized the Trump-Modi relationship as “good and strong.” “Coming
out of a strong election for Modi, there will be a momentum. Hopefully, we will use it and we will accomplish even more. There is nothing to cause any concern,” Cornyn said. Meanwhile, in a statement on Saturday, the Indian government said it was “unfortunate” that the US did not accept India’s offer of a resolution on GSP. “In any relationship, in particular in the area of economic ties, there are ongoing issues which get resolved mutually from time to time. We view this issue as a part of this regular process and will continue to build on our strong ties with the US, both economic and peopleto-people,” the statement read. The tariffs will apply to “large residence” washing machines, solar cells and panels from India. India’s Ambassador to the U.S., Harsh Vardhan Shringla, at a breakfast meeting with the Indian business group in Houston on May 21, said there are some “minor speed bumps,” between India and the U.S. trade, but they should not impede the momentum. Shringla was making an apparent reference to the Trump administration’s threat to withdraw the specialized trade sta-
tus given to India. In January, Cornyn and Warner met with the new Ambassador. In a statement after the meeting, Cornyn said: “India remains one of our most important strategic partners. I’m glad Senator Warner and I were able to meet with the Ambassador to welcome him to his post and discuss ways in which our two countries can continue to work together toward advancing our common interests on issues like trade and global security.” Issues discussed in the meeting included areas of opportunity to deepen the strategic partnership, increasing international exchange programs between the U.S. and India, and the implications of India’s decision to require all payment system providers to store their data exclusively in India. The Senators brought up the effect of this directive on American payment companies operating in India and stressed how data localization requirements in India create serious trade barriers between the U.S. and India. They also asked the Ambassador to consider commonsense solutions in the technology sector based on open markets and fair competition.
Mossige appointed LCISD’s Chief Academic Officer Dr. Theresa “Terri” Mossige is Lamar CISD’s new Chief Academic Officer. Mossige has most recently served as Lamar CISD’s Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education. Prior to joining the District, Mossige has had twenty- five years of experience in education, twelve of which were spent as a principal in Fort Worth ISD. Mossige says she is thrilled to begin serving as the Chief Academic Officer. “The talent, dedication, and expertise of staff continue to amaze me. I am excited to work with everyone in the Department of Academics to serve our teachers, principals, students and community. We will continue our pursuit of excellence in all we do!” A graduate of Texas Wesleyan University, Mossige received her master’s degree in Education Administration from Texas Christian University and her Educational Leadership Doctorate, also from Texas Christian University.
Mossige
Jordan Ranch Crawfish Boil earns $5,000 for Brookwood Community
Kolkhorst presents Session highlights The 86th Texas Legislature has officially ended, with the final gavel being struck on Monday afternoon. Looking back on the past 140 days, it was an honor to serve as your Texas Senator. So many of the major goals for the session were achieved, such as reforms for our flawed property tax system as well as increased state funding for active and retired teachers. This session was an example of how much can be done when we all work together. As your voice in Austin I will always work hard to earn your trust and deliver the results you deserve. Thanks to everyone who visited or contacted my Capitol office over the past six months. Your comments, support and suggestions are what made the difference between a good and great session. Let’s continue the journey together to keep making Texas the greatest state in the nation. The Texas Plan for Tax Relief & School Finance Reform House Bill 3 is a landmark reform plan which provides tax relief, a salary increase for teachers, and additional state aid for Texas school districts. Specifically, HB 3 provides
over $5 billion to increase the state’s share of education funding to provide property tax relief; $4.5 billion for educational reform in the classroom including an increased Basic Allotment per student; modernization of school finance formulas to reduce recapture by 47 percent; and $2 billion to give teachers a well-deserved pay raise, increase the minimum teacher salary schedule, and prioritize veteran educators. The Texas Property Tax Reform & Transparency Act The Texas Property Tax Reform & Relief Act gives taxpayers the tools to make informed decisions about their property taxes and fosters collaboration between taxpayers and governments in budgeting for their community. Specifically, Senate Bill 2 will lower local rollback (voter approved) rates to 3.5% for cities and counties and will require an automatic election on a uniform November election date if a local taxing entity wants to exceed 3.5%. Protecting the Teacher Retirement System Using $1.1 billion from the state savings account over the
next two years, Senate Bill 12 will shore up the TRS pension fund by gradually increasing state, school district and teacher contributions over the next six years. Senate Bill 12 will also allow the TRS to give current retired teachers a one-time “13th check” of $2,000. Safeguarding Texans Jordan Ranch recently donated $5,000 to Brookwood Community. The money was raised durPrivate Property Rights While my Senate Bill 421 ing last month’s crawfish boil. In addition to public events The Houston non-profit Jordan Ranch recently served did not make it across the finsuch as the crawfish boil, serves adults with a range of up Cajun-style crustaceans to ish line this session, our fight Jordan Ranch hosts a multiphysical and mental disabilities hungry crawfish lovers and for landowner property rights tude of resident-only events including autism, intellec$5,000 to adults with functional will continue. throughout the year. Homes in tual disabilities, developmental disabilities. Texans believe in the right the community are priced from disabilities, traumatic brain Admission was free for the to ‘life, liberty and property’ the $200,000s. injury and age-related issues. May 18 event, which included which is granted to us in the For more information about United States Bill of Rights, activities such as music, craw- Full-time residential care is Jordan Ranch, visit www.jorprovided for 110 adults. More fi sh-eating contests, prizes and and that’s why we must dedanranchtexas.com. than 80 adults participate in a games for the kids. mand serious protections for Attendees with a crustacean non-residential day program. landowners against takings of inclination paid $5 for an allprivate property by for profit you-can-eat crawfish meal with entities. FORT BEND traditional sides. All proceeds There is a balance that must be struck that allows industry benefitted Brookwood Commuto flourish while respecting the nity, an educational, residential 12551 Emily Court, Sugar Land, TX 77478 basic rights of property own- and entrepreneurial community Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77478 ers. This issue will remain a for adults with disabilities. www.fbindependent.com Seshadri Kumar “We wanted to offer a charitop state legislative priority Publisher & Editor 281-980-6745 table component along with our of mine. Read more on why event,” said Steve Sams, genSenate Bill 421 died in the Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every legislative process at loisfor- eral manager for Jordan Ranch. Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend ”People want to make a differtexas.com. Independent, LLC., 12551, Emily Court, Texas 77478. ence, and we give them that Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas. — Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst opportunity while encouraging POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, them to have a great time.” P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487. FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.
INDEPENDENT • JUNE 5, 2019 • Page 5
NEWS
Skeeters Basefall Foundation grants $51,000 to youth charities The Sugar Land Skeeters are proud to announce that the Skeeters Baseball Foundation will donate $51,000 to youth charities in Fort Bend County and the Greater Houston area in 2019. This represents an increase of $30,000 over the previous year resulting primarily from the implementation of the 50/50 lottery during the 2018 season. In addition, the Skeeters Baseball Foundation through its Deacon’s Dugout initiative will donate Skeeters tickets to several local charities. The Skeeters Baseball Foundation raised $140,695 in gross proceeds in the inaugural season of the 50/50 lottery. It was the ninth-highest total of any minor league baseball team in the United States and it was the most of any team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.
“Texas voters approved the 50/50 lottery in 2017 and in 2018, our first lottery year, we surpassed even our most aggressive expectations,” said Skeeters Owner and Skeeters Foundation Founder, Marcie Zlotnik. “The Skeeters fans are the cornerstone of this success. Their continued support and enthusiasm made our vision a reality and I couldn’t be prouder and more grateful.” The following organizations are recipients of the Skeeters Foundation donations: •The Arc of Fort Bend •Achieve Fort Bend County •Parks Youth Ranch •Hope for Three •Alief YMCA •Girls Inc. •Achieve Fort Bend County •Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston •Candle Lighters •Access Health
•Lunches of Love •Sugar Land Cowboys Football and Cheer •Spring Spirit •Bridging the Digital Divide •Sugar Land Youth Cricket Club “It’s one thing to see the staggering amount of money we were able to raise in the first year of the 50/50 lottery,” said Skeeters Baseball Foundation President Larry Lobue. “But then it’s another thing to
Scripps National Spelling Bee Winners
In an unprecedented move, 8 students were named cochampions, with 6 of them of Indian descent. After the competition said it was running out of challenging words, eight contestants were crowned winners just after midnight Thursday for the first time in the Spelling Bee’s history. Shalini Shankar, a professor of anthropology and Asian American studies at Northwestern University, and author of “Beeline: What Spelling Bees Reveal About Generation Z’s Path to Success” wrote in the LA Times Thursday about how Indian Americans came to dominate the Spelling Bee, crediting several factors, including not just the the aspirational documentary “Spellbound,” but also the kids’ ability to form a vast social network of friends, parenting culture, coaching companies and nonprofit “feeder” competitions. The champions were, along with the final words they spelled: Rishik Gandhasri, 13, of San
Jose, Calif.: auslaut. Erin Howard, 14, of Huntsville, Ala.: erysipelas. Saketh Sundar, 13, of Clarksville, Md.: bougainvillea. Shruthika Padhy, 13, of Cherry Hill, N.J.: aiguillette. Sohum Sukhatankar, 13, of Dallas: pendeloque. Abhijay Kodali, 12, of Flower Mound, Tex.: palama. Christopher Serrao, 13, of Whitehouse Station, N.J.: cernuous. Rohan Raja, 13, of Irving, Tex: odylic. This year, 562 contestants came to the competition in Washington, D.C. from all over the country — and the world, with countries including Ghana, Germany, Jamaica, and South Korea represented. The spellers first took a test to prove their abilities in both vocabulary and spelling, after which they all competed in the first two rounds of oral competition. At this point, the top 50 spellers advanced to the finals. Among those 50 finalists, 40 were previous national spelling bee participants.
After a mammoth 5 and a half hour-long spelling session on Thursday morning, the group of 50 was whittled down to the 16 spellers who qualified for the ESPN broadcast (with the prospect of being on TV often proving to be as major a motivator as the prize itself). And among those 16, 9 had previously made the live show. It took another 3-and-a-half hours for the evening competition to end, in such historic fashion no less. This year’s bee’s youngest speller was 7-year-old Faizan Zaki, who was knocked out of the competition in round three on Wednesday when he got stuck on the tricky homonym ‘knoll.’ Other notable spellers to not make it to the final rounds included 13-year-old Naysa Modi, who finished in second place in 2018 and Akash Vukoti, who last year appeared on Dancing with the Stars Juniors after he became the youngest-ever boy to participate in the spelling bee in 2016.
Woman convicted for gambling promotion A jury convicted Maria Zapeda Sevilla of Gambling Promotion on May 23, 2019 after deliberating for only 25 minutes. The 39 year-old Houston woman was arrested after an extensive undercover operation by the Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force into the Keno Game Room, located in Sugar Land, throughout the months of April and May 2016. According to Assistant District Attorneys Craig Priesmeyer and Alycia Curtis, Sevilla was a key participant
in the operation of the Keno Game Room, an illegal gambling establishment with approximately 100 gaming devices. Sevilla worked as an attendant in the game room, routinely paying customers cash for their winnings on the illegal gambling devices. “These kinds of places are a breeding ground for violent crime because of the large amounts of cash on hand at all times,” said Priesmeyer, the lead prosecutor on the case. “They need to be shut down for the safety of our commu-
nity.” Evidence showed that at the time of the raid in 2016, the game room had approximately $35,000 in cash on the premises. Sevilla was tried before Judge Sherman Hatton, Jr. in County Court at Law No. 6. Gambling Promotion is a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and/ or a fine up to $4,000. After the jury’s verdict, Judge Hatton sentenced the defendant to 10 months of probation during which she will have to complete 40 hours of community service.
see exactly where this money is going to and what organizations it will affect. All the money we made from the lottery is being poured right back into the community and that’s exactly what we envisioned and hoped for from it.” The 50/50 lottery has returned for the 2019 season and has raised $26,295 in gross proceeds through 17 home games thus far. For information on how to
donate to the Skeeters Baseball Foundation as well as apply for grants and ticket programs, please email foundation@sugarlandskeeters. com or visit sugarlandskeeters.com and click on the “Foundation” tab at the top of the home page. The Skeeters Baseball Foundation will be holding its annual Skeeters Kickball Classic on Sept. 28 and its annual Skeeters and Scouts event on Nov. 11. Registration for the Kickball Classic is open to teams and sponsors. To secure your spot, email foundation@sugarlandskeeters.com or visit the “Foundation” page at sugarlandskeeters.com. The Skeeters Baseball Foundation promotes youth education and healthy activities for culturally, racially and economically diverse populations in Fort Bend County and
surrounding areas. The Skeeters, winners of the 2018 Atlantic League Championship, began their eighth season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball at Constellation Field. Individual tickets, season tickets and mini plans for the 2019 season are currently available and can be purchased by visiting sugarlandskeeters.com, the TDECU Ticket Office at Constellation Field, or by calling the Skeeters at 281-240-4487. All Skeeters home games can be streamed live on the Skeeters Youtube page or can be listened to live by visiting sugarlandskeeters.com Visit SugarLandSkeeters. com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@SL_Skeeters) for all the latest team news and the latest on events to be hosted at Constellation Field.
HCC walks 80-year-old woman at graduation No one was more surprised when Beatrice Lillie walked the stage of Houston Community College’s (HCC) Commencement Ceremony than Lillie herself. The 80-year-old received her associate degree in business management late last month at NRG Stadium. “I would not have believed it, I don’t think, although we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us,” said Lillie, adding that she and her classmates cheered each other on until the very end. “The young ladies were saying, ‘I know I can do it, if you can do it.’” Though Lillie had a full life of career experiences as a secretary for the Harris County Probation Department, a cosmetologist, and even owning her own answering-service business, a college degree eluded her. Lillie’s degree is from HCC’s Business Center of Excellence, which offers A.A. and A.A.S. degrees with certificates in several specializa-
Lillie tions. Friends and family encouraged her to take the big step to enroll at HCC. Pastor Maceo Dillard, Jr., who works with seniors like Beatrice Lillie at the Northeast Houston Multi-Service Center, where she also volunteers, inspired her to enroll, as well. “I said ‘Go for it. You can’t win if you never try,’” Dillard said. “It’s important for people to keep going and engaging their minds, instead of just sitting back.”
Though Lillie received encouragement from her supporters, she was also an inspiration to others, especially her own grandchildren, most of whom are enrolled in college now and who attended her HCC graduation ceremony. One person who missed seeing the 80-year-old walk was her mother. “I think she really would have been proud,” said Lillie. Her mother would have no doubt swelled with pride that her daughter expanded her horizons by learning about diversity and gaining an appreciation for art, in addition to her business studies at HCC. With her new degree, Lillie is now computer-savvy, she says, but is content spending her time volunteering with seniors at the Northeast Houston Multi-Service Center, where Pastor Dillard continues to be a mentor. She is also involved with her church, but she told a local TV crew that she doesn’t plan to pursue a new career.
INDEPENDENT • JUNE 5, 2019 • Page 6
AUTOMOBILE: Chevy Traverse
By BARBARA FULENWIDER The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse was first introduced in 2008 at the Chicago Auto Show and the second generation model debuted in 2017. For the 2019 model year Chevrolet put the Traverse above the mid-size Chevy Blazer in order to expand its CUV (cross-over utility vePUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Veranda, Section 17, 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,
Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
hicle) lineup. For all who are wondering what the difference is between a CUV and SUV it’s the chassis. A SUV has a truck chassis and a cross-over uses a car chassis. The SUV is a body on chassis type of construction and the CUV has a unibody (car) construction. Also, if a vehicle has a fourwheel drive system then it is called SUV but if it uses a twowheel drive system then it is a crossover. Advantages of the CUV compared to the SUV is it provides a smoother ride, better handling and is lighter so improves fuel economy. What’s new on the 2019 Chevy Traverse is available leather trim, surround vision, 20-inch aluminum wheels, rear camera mirror, 8-inch diagonal navigation radio,
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Aliana, Section 51 and Section 62, 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 25, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plans for Harvest Green, Section 20 and Section 24, 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 No. 18-CPR-031823
IN THE ESTATE OF LEONARD SAMUEL GOFF, DECEASED
IN COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO. 2 FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Leonard Samuel Goff, Deceased, were issued on May 23, 2019, in Cause No. 18-CPR-031823, pending in the County Court at Law No. 2, Fort Bend County, Texas, to Opel Goff. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Stephanie J. Stigant Attorney at Law 407 Julie Rivers Drive Sugar Land, TX 77478 DATED the 31st day of May , 2019. Stephanie J. Stigant Attorney for Opel State Bar No.: 24058733 407 Julie Rivers Drive Sugar Land, TX 77478 Telephone: (281) 242-8100 Facsimile: (281) 242-7474 E-mail: sstigant@jonesattorneys.com
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Dorothy M. ennedy, Deceased, were issued on March 25, 2019, in Cause No. 19-CPR-032572, pending in the County Court at Law No. Five, Fort Bend County, Texas, to: Stuart Hal Kennedy. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Stuart Hal Kennedy 65 Magnolia Rockport, Texas 78382 DATED the 2 day of April, 2019. Philip J. Hundl Attorney for Stuart Hal Kennedy State Bar No.: 24034498 101 West Burleson Street Wharton, Texas 77488 Telephone: (979) 532-3871 Facsimile: (979) 532-3508 E-mail: phundl@wphk-law.com
City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE ******* OPENING DATE OF June 18, 2019 AT 2:00 pm. ******* Request for Qualifications (RFQ No. 19-338) Mustang Bayou Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion and Rehabilitation Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the RFQ name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of City of Missouri City Attn: Purchasing Office RFQ No. 19-338 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, Texas 77489 Prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Until final award of the contract, the City reserves the right to reject any or all responses, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the work otherwise when in the best interests of the City. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.
Bose speakers and 110V outlet. There is also an automatic heated steering wheel on the Premier and High Country models and the 3.6L V6 engine on the RS AWD model. That engine gets 17 miles to the gallon in city driving and 25 on the highway for an average of 20 at 5 gallons per 100 miles. Annual costs are $1,900 total on average. The Traverse seats up to 8 and is offered in cloth and leather. All-wheel drive is available on the LS, LT and Premier models and and is standard on the High Country. The Traverse top of the line RS has blacked out exterior cues that include a black chrome grill, black bowtie and 20-inch wheels. The High Country’s premium content and technology include interior trim with leather appointments and suede microfiber accents, 29-inch polished wheels, standard twinclutch AWD and power fold third row seats. Split folding second row seats and second row captain’s chairs provide versatility while curb side seats can be tipped up and slide forward to provide easier access to third row seats. Traction mode is standard on all Traverse models and lets the driver make real-time adjustments to driving according to the varying road conditions. Standard equipment on all Traverse models include trizone automatic climate control, 7-inch diagonal color touch screen, LED daytime running lamps; keyless open and start, and power liftgate on LT Leather, RS, Premier and High Country. The driver information center has a 3.5-inch display and is standard on the L, LS and LT Cloth. There is also a larger 4.2-inch display offered as standard on the LT Leather, RS, Premier, LT Cloth and High Country. Ventilated front seats and heated second-row outboard seats are standard along with a heated steering wheel, wireless device charger, adaptive cruise control and power folding third seats. Teen Driver is standard on all models. Safety features on the Traverse include rear-view camera system, surround vision with the rear camera mirror. The Traverse retails for $30,925 and the RS comes in at $43,895. Both prices include destination freight charges. The test drive model was the Traverse AWD RS and came to $45,750. With options it topped out at $46,895. The Chevrolet Traverse is roomy, most comfortable, an easy drive and a sharp looker. Do scout it out before you buy any other large SUV or CUV.
Summer Fun Set for Sugar Land Celebrate summer with the city of Sugar Land during community events that promise to be a ton of fun for attendees! Kick off the summer with the Summer Concert and Food Truck Friday Series at the plaza adjacent to the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, 18111 Lexington Blvd. The series will showcase live entertainment, lawn games, a splash pad and food trucks on select Friday evenings in June from 7-9 p.m. Event dates include June 7, June 14 and June 21. Attendees are encouraged to check facebook.com/SugarLandParks for event updates to include performing bands and food truck information. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from
onsite vendors. Free public parking will be available in the Smart Financial Centre parking lot, 18111 Lexington Blvd. The summer activities continue into July with two exciting events for all to enjoy. The city of Sugar Land’s Red, White and Boom will take place on Thursday, July 4 from 4-10 p.m. at The Crown Festival Park, 18355 Southwest Freeway, with family entertainment, food and fireworks! Ticketing and event information will be released soon. To round out the summer, a Movie Under the Moon will be held on Friday, July 19 from 7-9 p.m. at Oyster Creek Park, located at 4033 Highway 6, to celebrate the 50th
anniversary of the moon landing and National Parks and Recreation Month. In 1969, the NASA astronauts of Apollo 11 heroically demonstrated a universal truth - that mankind’s greatest leaps begin with the bravery of a single small step. As neighboring cities join forces to commemorate the steps taken, the city of Sugar Land will showcase a movie under the moon. Food and lawn games will also be available. For more information about the upcoming summer events, contact the Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 275-2900, visit www. sugarlandtx.gov/specialevents or follow Sugar Land Parks and Recreation at facebook. com/SugarLandParks.
For many, a trip to the dentist is a luxury that they can’t afford. Whether uninsured, unemployed, or just down on their luck, thousands of people in Fort Bend County alone can’t afford the proper dental treatment that they need. Dr. Tien Dang, owner of Studio Dental at River Park is hoping to change all that for one lucky person with Project Smile. Dr. Dang has always loved helping people, volunteering for multiple nonprofit organizations and charitable efforts while studying to become a dentist. In early 2019, together with his wife, Tiffany La, Dr. Dang opened up Studio Dental of River Park. Since then, Dr. Dang has continued to
serve in the community, volunteering at local hospitals and food banks. With the countless hours of volunteer work outside the office, Dr. Dang felt that it was time to use his skill set in dentistry to help someone improve their smile. “I really just wanted to do something that was personal to me,” Dr. Dang says. “Project Smile will allow me to give back to the community through my passion for dentistry and helping others.” Project Smile is a giveaway event where Dr. Dang, through Studio Dental of River Park, will donate a free smile makeover to someone in the Houston area who normally would
not be able to afford dental care yet desperately needs it. “Houston is home for me now,” he said. “My wife has lived here in Sugar Land all of her life and I’ve really grown to love the area as well. With a greater purpose in mind, Tiffany La, office coordinator at Studio Dental of River Park says, “Our Project Smile will help one lucky person, but we hope that we will inspire other members of the Houston community to serve and give back as well. It doesn’t matter what type of work you do or business that you have, anything that you do to help matters. Houston is our home and we can make it a better place for everyone.”
Studio Dental gives back through Project Smile
Library to demonstrate free Language-Learning Resource Are you planning to visit a foreign country? Would you like to make yourself more marketable to an employer by being bilingual? Do you want to have an advantage on an international business trip by speaking the language of the country? Learning another language can have many benefits, and Fort Bend County Libraries’ “Transparent Language® Online” resource makes learning a new language easier than ever – and it’s free! The Adult Services staff at the Sugar Land Branch Library will demonstrate how to use the Transparent Language Online resource on Wednesday, June 26, from 10:15 to 11:45 am, in the Tech Center
of the library, located at 550 Eldridge. The Transparent Languages resource offers online courses for people who would like to learn a new language. The database includes more than 80 languages – from Afrikaans to Zulu – as well as ESL (English as a Second Language) classes for non-English speaking people who would like to learn English. The English-languageassistance courses are available for people who speak Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Farsi, Hindi, Czech, Indonesian, Malay, Norwegian, Romanian, Swahili, Tagalog, Thai, Urdu, Russian, German, French, Polish, Brazilian
Portuguese, Greek, Arabic, or Italian. By using the libraries’ subscription to the service, library patrons are able to have free access to a resource for which they would otherwise have to pay. The demonstration is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Events,” select “Sugar Land Branch Library,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at 281-238-2140, or by visiting the library.
Lively patriotic music by talented local musicians with the Missouri City Pops will be featured at Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library on Saturday, June 22, beginning at 10:30 am, in the library’s Jodie E. Stavinoha Amphitheater. Under the direction of Linda Stiegler, the band will perform a selection of patriotic tunes representing past and present Americana, as well as some show tunes and movie themes, oldies, big band, and current hits – with some of their own special brand of fun mixed in, too! A nonprofit community band of brass, woodwind, and
percussion players, the ensemble provides an opportunity for amateur musicians from the Fort Bend County area to get together and share their love of music. The performance is presented with the generous support of the Friends of George Memorial Library. Proceeds from the Friends of the Library book sales and annual membership dues help to underwrite the costs of special programming and various cultural events at George Memorial Library. The performance will take place in an outdoor amphitheater, and seating is concrete. Theater-goers are encouraged
to bring cushions to sit on. Glass containers, alcoholic beverages, and popcorn are not allowed in the amphitheater. In the event of inclement weather, the performance will be moved inside the library. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call George Memorial Library (281-342-4455) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734), or see the library system’s website (www.fortbend.lib. tx.us). George Memorial Library is located at 1001 Golfview Drive in Richmond.
Missouri City Pops Performance @ George Memorial Library, Richmond
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Housekeeping position; Senior Independent Living 2815 Cypress Point Dr. Missouri City, Tx 77459 Full time Job Hours: 8 - 4:30 p.m Monday-Friday Must have transportation And be reliable. Please come by to apply for the job Monday-Friday 8:30 -11a.m
INDEPENDENT • JUNE 5, 2019 • Page 7
MISSOURI CITY 17th JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION &ŝǀĞ ĂLJƐ ŽĨ &ƵŶ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ͞^ŚŽǁ DĞ ŝƚLJ͗͟ ϭϳƚŚ ŶŶƵĂů :ƵŶĞƚĞĞŶƚŚ ĞůĞďƌĂƚŝŽŶ tŝůů &ĞĂƚƵƌĞ DƵƐŝĐ͕ ƌƚ͕ &ŽŽĚ Θ ĂŶ KƵƚĚŽŽƌ DŽǀŝĞ
&Z/ z ʹ :hE Ϯϭ &ĂŵŝůLJ &ƵŶ ĂLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ WĂƌŬ x ,ƵŶƚĞƌƐ 'ůĞŶ WĂƌŬ͕ ϭϯϰϬ /ŶĚĞƉĞŶĚĞŶĐĞ ůǀĚ͘ x &ĂŵŝůLJͲĨƵŶ ĂĐƚŝǀŝƚŝĞƐ ďĞŐŝŶ Ăƚ ϰ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ x dŚĞ ĨĞĂƚƵƌĞĚ Ĩŝůŵ ͞ ůĂĐŬ WĂŶƚŚĞƌ͟ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƐŚŽǁŶ Ăƚ ĚƵƐŬ &ĂŵŝůLJ &ƵŶ ĂLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ WĂƌŬ ŝƐ Ă ĨƌĞĞ ĞǀĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ ĞǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ ƚŽ ĞŶũŽLJ͘
/ŵĂŐĞƐ ĐŽƵƌƚĞƐLJ ŽĨ DŝƐƐŽƵƌŝ ŝƚLJ
^ĐĞŶĞƐ ĂďŽǀĞ ĨƌŽŵ ϮϬϭϴ DŝƐƐŽƵƌŝ ŝƚLJ :ƵŶĞƚĞĞŶƚŚ ĞůĞďƌĂƚŝŽŶ &ŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ
dŚĞ DŝƐƐŽƵƌŝ ŝƚLJ :ƵŶĞƚĞĞŶƚŚ ĞůĞďƌĂƚŝŽŶ &ŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶ ;D : &Ϳ ǁŝůů ĐĞůĞďƌĂƚĞ ŝƚƐ ϭϳƚŚ ĂŶŶƵĂů ĨĞƐƚŝǀŝƚŝĞƐ ďLJ ŚŽƐƚŝŶŐ ĨŝǀĞ ĚĂLJƐ ŽĨ ĨƵŶͲĨŝůůĞĚ ĂĐƚŝǀŝƚŝĞƐ ĨƌŽŵ :ƵŶĞ ϭϳ ʹ Ϯϯ͕ ϮϬϭϵ͘ dŚŝƐ ĂŶŶƵĂů ĐĞůĞďƌĂƚŝŽŶ ŝƐ Ă ĨĂŵŝůLJ ŽƌŝĞŶƚĞĚ͕ ĞĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶĂů ĂŶĚ Ă ĐƵůƚƵƌĂů ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĂƚ ǁŝůů ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ Ăƌƚ ĞdžŚŝďŝƚƐ͕ Ă ŵŽǀŝĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉĂƌŬ͕ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŶƵĂů ͞KŶĞ DŝůĞ ŽĨ ^ŵŝůĞƐ͟ ƉĂƌĂĚĞ ĂŶĚ ůŝǀĞ ŵƵƐŝĐ ĞŶƚĞƌƚĂŝŶŵĞŶƚ͘ dŚĞ ŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ ŽĨ D : & ŝƐ ƚŽ ďƌŝŶŐ ƉŽƐŝƚŝǀĞ ĂƚƚĞŶƚŝŽŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĨƌŝĐĂŶͲ ŵĞƌŝĐĂŶ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ǁŚŝůĞ ĐĞůĞďƌĂƚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ŵĂŶĐŝƉĂƚŝŽŶ WƌŽĐůĂŵĂƚŝŽŶ͘ DĂƌŬ LJŽƵƌ ĐĂůĞŶĚĂƌƐ ĂŶĚ ƉůĂŶ ƚŽ ĂƚƚĞŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ĐĞůĞďƌĂƚŝŽŶƐ͗
D : &͛Ɛ ϮϬϭϴ &ĂŵŝůLJ &ƵŶ ĂLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ WĂƌŬ
^ dhZ z ʹ :hE ϮϮ D : & ͞KŶĞ DŝůĞ ŽĨ ^ŵŝůĞƐ͟ WĂƌĂĚĞ x ZƵŶƐ ĂůŽŶŐ dĞdžĂƐ WĂƌŬǁĂLJ ;&D ϮϮϯϰͿ ĨƌŽŵ ŽƵƌƚ ZŽĂĚ ƚŽ >ĞdžŝŶŐƚŽŶ ŽƵůĞǀĂƌĚ ƚƵƌŶŝŶŐ ƌŝŐŚƚ ŽŶ WŝŶĞ ,ŽůůŽǁ ĞŶĚŝŶŐ Ăƚ ,ƵŶƚĞƌƐ 'ůĞŶ WĂƌŬ x ĞŐŝŶƐ Ăƚ ϳ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ x dŚŝƐ ŝƐ Ă ĨƌĞĞ ĞǀĞŶƚ ŽƉĞŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŐĞŶĞƌĂů ƉƵďůŝĐ
DKE z ʹ :hE ϭϳ ^ĐŚŽůĂƌƐŚŝƉ 'ŽůĨ dŽƵƌŶĂŵĞŶƚ x x x x x x
YƵĂŝů sĂůůĞLJ 'ŽůĨ ŽƵƌƐĞ͕ ϮϴϴϬ >Ă YƵŝŶƚĂ ƌ͘ ZĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƚŝŽŶ ďĞŐŝŶƐ Ăƚ ϳ Ă͘ŵ͘ dŽƵƌŶĂŵĞŶƚ ďĞŐŝŶƐ Ăƚ ϴ Ă͘ŵ͘ ;ƐŚŽƚŐƵŶ ƐƚĂƌƚͿ ĚŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ ĨŽƌ ĂŶ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂů ŝƐ ΨϭϮϱ ĚŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ ĨŽƌ Ă ƚĞĂŵ ŽĨ ĨŽƵƌ ŝƐ ΨϱϬϬ ǁĂƌĚ ĐĂƚĞŐŽƌŝĞƐ͗ o ůĞĐƚĞĚ ŽĨĨŝĐŝĂůƐ o tŽŵĞŶ o KǀĞƌͲĂůů ǁŝŶŶĞƌ ZĞŐŝƐƚĞƌ ŽŶůŝŶĞ Ăƚ ǁǁǁ͘ŵĐũĐĨ͘ĐŽŵ͘ dŚĞ ĨƵŶĚƐ ƌĂŝƐĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ D : & ^ĐŚŽůĂƌƐŚŝƉ 'ŽůĨ dŽƵƌŶĂŵĞŶƚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ƐĐŚŽůĂƌƐŚŝƉƐ ĨŽƌ ĚĞƐĞƌǀŝŶŐ DŝƐƐŽƵƌŝ ŝƚLJͬ&Žƌƚ ĞŶĚ ŽƵŶƚLJ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ͘
ϮϬϭϳ D : & ͞KŶĞ DŝůĞ ŽĨ ^ŵŝůĞƐ͟ WĂƌĂĚĞ
^ dhZ z ʹ :hE ϮϮ &ĞƐƚŝǀĂů hŶĚĞƌ ƚŚĞ ^ƚĂƌƐ x ,ƵŶƚĞƌƐ 'ůĞŶ WĂƌŬ͕ ϭϯϰϬ /ŶĚĞƉĞŶĚĞŶĐĞ ůǀĚ͘ x &ƌŽŵ ϲ ʹ ϭϭ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ x dŚŝƐ ŝƐ Ă ĨƌĞĞ ĞǀĞŶƚ ŽƉĞŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŐĞŶĞƌĂů ƉƵďůŝĐ WůĂŶ ƚŽ ĞŶũŽLJ ƚŚĞ ƐŽƵůĨƵů ǀŽŝĐĞ ŽĨ <ĞŝƚŚ tĂƐŚŝŶŐƚŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ZΘ ƐŽƵŶĚƐ ŽĨ ŚĞƌĞůůĞ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ :ƵŶĞƚĞĞŶƚŚ ĞůĞďƌĂƚŝŽŶ &ĞƐƚŝǀĂů hŶĚĞƌ ƚŚĞ ^ƚĂƌƐ͘ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ͕ ůŽŐ ŽŶ ƚŽ ǁǁǁ͘ŵĐũĐĨ͘ĐŽŵ͘
dŚĞ ϮϬϭϴ D : & ^ĐŚŽůĂƌƐŚŝƉ 'ŽůĨ dŽƵƌŶĂŵĞŶƚ
d,hZ^ z ʹ :hE ϮϬ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ ǁĂƌĚƐ 'ĂůĂ x x x x x x
ŝƚLJ ĞŶƚƌĞ Ăƚ YƵĂŝů sĂůůĞLJ͕ ϮϴϴϬ >Ă YƵŝŶƚĂ ƌ͘ ZĞĐĞƉƚŝŽŶ Ăƚ ϲ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ 'ĂůĂ Ăƚ ϳ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ <ĞLJŶŽƚĞ ^ƉĞĂŬĞƌ ʹ ƌ͘ ZƵƚŚ :͘ ^ŝŵŵŽŶƐ͕ WƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚ ŽĨ WƌĂŝƌŝĞ sŝĞǁ ΘD hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ĚŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ ĨŽƌ ĂŶ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂů ƐĞĂƚ ŝƐ ΨϭϬϬ ŽƐƚ ĨŽƌ Ă ƚĂďůĞ ;ϭϬ ƐĞĂƚƐͿ ŝƐ Ψϭ͕ϬϬϬ͘
D : & ŚŽƐƚƐ ƚŚĞ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ ǁĂƌĚƐ 'ĂůĂ ƚŽ ƌĞĐŽŐŶŝnjĞ ĂƌĞĂ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ůĞĂĚĞƌƐ͘ dŚŝƐ LJĞĂƌ͛Ɛ ŚŽƐƚ ^ƚĂƚĞ ZĞƉ͘ ZŽŶ ZĞLJŶŽůĚƐ͕ ǁŚŽ ƐĞƌǀĞƐ ĂƐ ,ŽŶŽƌĂƌLJ ŚĂŝƌ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ D : & ŐĂůĂ͕ ǁŝůů ƌĞĐŽŐŶŝnjĞ ƚŚĞ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ ,ŽŶŽƌĞĞƐ͘ D : & ǁŝůů ƌĞĐŽŐŶŝnjĞ ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ ƚƚŽƌŶĞLJ ƌŝĂŶ D͘ DŝĚĚůĞƚŽŶ͕ :ƵĚŐĞ dĞĂŶĂ tĂƚƐŽŶ ĂŶĚ :ƵĚŐĞ dŽŶŝ tĂůůĂĐĞ͘ dŝĐŬĞƚƐ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ƉƵƌĐŚĂƐĞĚ ŽŶůŝŶĞ Ăƚ ǁǁǁ͘ŵĐũĐĨ͘ĐŽŵ͘
ŚĞƌĞůůĞ ĂŶĚ <ĞŝƚŚ tĂƐŚŝŶŐƚŽŶ ĂƌĞ ƐĐŚĞĚƵůĞĚ ƚŽ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ϮϬϭϵ D : & &ĞƐƚŝǀĂů hŶĚĞƌ ƚŚĞ ^ƚĂƌƐ
^hE z ʹ :hE Ϯϯ ͞/ƚ dĂŬĞƐ sŝůůĂŐĞ͟ ƌƚ WƌŽũĞĐƚ ƵƌĂƚĞĚ ďLJ ŽĚĞ ůĂŚŬ ŶƚĞƌƚĂŝŶŵĞŶƚ x ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ĞŶƚĞƌ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŝƚLJ ,Ăůů ŽŵƉůĞdž͕ ϭϱϮϮ dĞdžĂƐ WŬǁLJ͘ x ŽŽƌƐ ŽƉĞŶ Ăƚ Ϯ x dŚŝƐ ŝƐ Ă ĨƌĞĞ ĞǀĞŶƚ ŽƉĞŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŐĞŶĞƌĂů ƉƵďůŝĐ dŚĞ ͞/ƚ dĂŬĞƐ Ă sŝůůĂŐĞ͟ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ƌƚ džŚŝďŝƚ ǁŝůů ƐŚŽǁĐĂƐĞ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌŬ ŽĨ ƌĞŐŝŽŶĂů ĂƌƚŝƐƚƐ͘ dŚĞ ĞdžŚŝďŝƚƐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ĨŽƌ Ăůů ĂŐĞƐ ƚŽ ĞŶũŽLJ͊
ϮϬϭϴ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ ǁĂƌĚƐ 'ĂůĂ ƐĐŚŽůĂƌƐŚŝƉ ǁŝŶŶĞƌƐ
&Z/ z ʹ :hE Ϯϭ &ĂŵŝůLJ &ƵŶ ĂLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ WĂƌŬ x ,ƵŶƚĞƌƐ 'ůĞŶ WĂƌŬ͕ ϭϯϰϬ /ŶĚĞƉĞŶĚĞŶĐĞ ůǀĚ͘ x &ĂŵŝůLJͲĨƵŶ ĂĐƚŝǀŝƚŝĞƐ ďĞŐŝŶ Ăƚ ϰ Ɖ͘ŵ͘ x dŚĞ ĨĞĂƚƵƌĞĚ Ĩŝůŵ ͞ ůĂĐŬ WĂŶƚŚĞƌ͟ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƐŚŽǁŶ Ăƚ ĚƵƐŬ &ĂŵŝůLJ &ƵŶ ĂLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ WĂƌŬ ŝƐ Ă ĨƌĞĞ ĞǀĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ ĞǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ ƚŽ ĞŶũŽLJ͘
ϮϬϭϴ D : & ͞/ƚ dĂŬĞƐ Ă sŝůůĂŐĞ͟ ƌƚ džŚŝďŝƚ
&Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ ĂďŽƵƚ ƚŚŝƐ LJĞĂƌ͛Ɛ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ǀŝƐŝƚ ǁǁǁ͘ŵĐũĐĨ͘ĐŽŵ͘
Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • JUNE 5, 2019
COMMUNITY The Fort Bend Leadership Forum 2019
Laying of the Wreath ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Class members front row, Karri Axtell, left and Trent Wayne. back row, Jesse Mallory, left, and Matthew Rios.
Congratulations to the 51 graduates of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Forum Class of 2019 generously sponsored by Audi of Sugar Land. Under the direction of Division Chairs Jan-Michael Jenkins and Breah Campbell, the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Leadership program celebrates its most recent graduating class of effective leaders. Participants study the qualities that make a community leader, analyze leadership roles, and develop personal leadership styles and skills. The class of 2019 represents the 31st year that a group of outstanding individuals have participated in this rigorous
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT I COMMISSIONING At Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. we act as an extension of our clients by offering comprehensive, custom services from concept to closeout
program of leadership development and community engagement through active learning, expert insight, and experiential activities. The class participants are selected each year from a wide spectrum of the area’s population. The class of 2019 completed the program in Galveston on May 24th, 2019. Presenting the Fort Bend Leadership Forum Class of 2019: Karri Axtell The Arc Fort Bend County Rashna Barge Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Sarah Beers CP&Y, Inc. Allison Bond Johnson Development Clare Burton Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. Spencer Bynes Lee Hecht Harrison Jennifer Chiang Chiang Law Firm, PLLC Greg Coop Fort Bend YMCA Larry Di Camillo City of Stafford Christopher Elam Fort Bend County, Pct. 3 Darla Fanta Hometown America Incorporated David Freshwater Hrbacek Law Firm Matthew Froehlich BGE, Inc. Dave Funk AG|CM Inc. Samantha Harn Halff Associates, Inc. Andrea Harrow CHI St. Luke’s Health - Sugar Land Hospital Jeff Hogan Hogan Chiropractic, PLLC Palak Jalan AccessHealth Travis Johnson Core Fitness Professionals Michael Jolley Windstream Communications Tomika Lewis City of Stafford Nick Lykos Amegy Bank of Texas Jesse Mallory Meriplex Eric Malmberg Wharton County Junior College Aravind Marella SIA Solutions, LLC Beth Marshall Community Impact Newspaper Beth Martinez Fort Bend ISD Dexter McCoy Fort Bend ISD Tammy McIlvoy Logos Preparatory Academy Kevin Murphree HCSS Phyllis Murray First Colony Community Association Jay Neal University of Houston at Sugar Land April Nemec Fluor Corporation Thu-Suong Nguyen PS LIGHTWAVE, INC Eric Nicholie Cornerstone Christian Academy James Parker Costello, Inc. Brenda Patton Fort Bend County, Pct. 2 Robert Pechukas Fort Bend County, Pct. 3 Kevin Riles Kevin Riles Commercial Matthew Rios Missouri City Fire and Rescue Luc Sanderson Windstream Communications Janice Suchyta Seyfarth Shaw Qiara Suggs Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Deidra Tankersley Sienna Plantation Residential Association Angel Tapia Arthritis Foundation Tommy Thompson Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Erin Townsend Smart Financial Credit Union Scott Turner Meriplex Kelli Walleck Treemont Retirement Community Trent Wayne TDECU Mortgage Patrick Worley McDonough Engineering Corporation The Fort Bend Leadership Forum is a ten-month program, August through May; it begins with a one and a half day opening retreat in San Antonio. The opening retreat is followed by monthly one-day sessions covering criminal justice, diversity, economic development/infrastructure, health and social services, municipal/county government, a two-day trip to Austin for a state government session, and a three-day national government session in Washington D.C. The Leadership program is completed with a one and a half day ending retreat and graduation ceremony in Galveston. As the premier leadership development program in the region, the Fort Bend Leadership Forum was designed to prepare for the community needs that demand the involvement of informed citizens. The Fort Bend Leadership Forum offers structured learning opportunities in an atmosphere that stimulates creative thinking and encourages participants to work together to utilize both new and proven tools to meet the challenges of today and to prepare for tomorrow. The Fort Bend Leadership Forum Class of 2020 is filling up fast. For more information on the program and sponsorship opportunities contact Juliette Nessmith at juliette@fortbendcc. org 281-566-2161.
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