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Fort Bend Independent 061919
VOL 12 No. 25
email: editor@fbindependent.com
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FORT BEND
FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.
County will get the grave site; ‘The devil is in the details’
Fort Bend ISD is preparing the former burial site for re-burial and transfer of the land to Fort Bend County.
By SESHADRI KUMAR
State and local elected officials, Fort Bend ISD officials and community activists gathered Monday morning at the James Reese Career and Technical Center in Sugar Land to celebrate the signing of House Bill 4179 by Gov. Greg Abbott on June 7, providing Fort Bend County with the legal authority to own, operate, and maintain a cemetery.
The so-called Sugar Land #95 unmarked burial ground with 95 unidentified skeletal remains, believed to be that of convict labor, is no longer an “abandoned cemetery,” as Fort Bend County will own it now.
U.S. Rep. Al Green described the passage of the law enabling the county’s takeover of the cemetery as a “meaningful, historic event.”
In getting the bill passed “We set aside the lines dividing us and rose above party affiliations. It is not a Democratic issue or Republican issue; not a conservative or liberal issue; it is a human rights issue and the right thing to do,” Green said.
Green, a Democrat, thanked and appreciated the Republican Governor of Texas for signing this bill. He made special mention of State Rep. Rick Miller, who filed the House Bill which was coauthored by the Fort Bend delegation comprising State Rep. Phil Stephenson (R) and Ron Reynolds (D). On the Senate side, the bill was coauthored by Senators Boris Miles (D), Joan Huffman (R) and Lois Kolkhurst (R).
Incidentally Fort Bend County’s Pct. 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers (R) testified in favor of the bill before the House committee in Austin, Miller said.
Miller said the burial ground is in his district and they deserved to be commemorated the right way. The bill was amended to become effective on
the day the governor signed it instead of Sept. 1, he said.
County Judge KP George referred to the bipartisan, community effort and said in carrying out the task of properly memorializing the 95 remains, the county’s mantra will be “human dignity.”
“A lot remains to be done and an agreeable closure is needed to this discussion,” George said in reference to transfer of the cemetery from the school district to the county and its future maintenance.
He also alluded to the efforts of Commissioners Grady Prestage and Ken DeMerchant with regards to the cemetery.
Reginald Moore, founder and president of the Convict Labor Leasing Project, who fought for the cause of those buried in the unmarked cemetery, said “The recognition was overdue.”
FBISD President Jason Burdine said the district was committed to preserving and honoring the Sugar Land #95. It is also an important piece of history for educating children and the district is actively pursuing efforts to incorporate the cemetery in the educational curriculum.
Earlier, FBISD Superintendent Charles Dupre welcomed the gathering and gave a brief history of the project.
On February 19, 2018, contractors at the construction site of the technical center discovered human bones. Upon further investigation, an abandoned and unknown cemetery containing the remains of 95 individuals was discovered.
FBISD owns a 65-acre tract of the property at the intersection of University Boulevard and Chatham Avenue and the James Reese Career and Technical Center is nearing completion at this site.
FBISD filed a lawsuit in the
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2019
Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City
434th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, seeking removal of the cemetery designation since the District is not legally authorized to own, maintain or operate a cemetery.
Now the lawsuit is moot. The district has re-designed the building preserving about 3.5 acres, the original burial site, for re-burying the exhumed bodies.
Conveyance of the cemetery to the County, as well as the other conveyances detailed in the proposed interlocal agreement will ensure preservation of the cemetery and will permit the creation of a memorial park and access to the park.
The next step in the process is the acceptance of the agreement proposed by the school district to the county commissioners court.
Once the school district discloses its proposed agreement, the total cost and the time frame for reburying the remains will be known.
Meanwhile, the Texas Attorney General has given the opinion that the Texas Historical Commission has the right to order destructive DNA testing of the remains.
Though Archeological experts have come to the conclusion that the remains belong to African-Americans, there has been no conclusive scientific evidence confirming that all the buried were African Americans.
The school district is said to be preserving the remains at a private storage facility.
Dupre said the preservation of the remains does not add to the costs. But, nothing can be said regarding the cost of reburying the bodies or about the cost of the land being given to the county until a final interlocal agreement is signed by the district and the county.
P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623
199 FBISD middle school students get Duke TIP recognition
This year, 199 Fort Bend ISD middle school students have earned recognition in the Duke University Talented Identification Program (Duke TIP) for their scores on the ACT or SAT exams. Of the 427 FBISD students tested, 34 received Grand Recognition and 165 earned State Recognition.
Duke TIP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving academically gifted and talented students. Duke TIP works with students, their families, and educators to identify, recognize, challenge, engage, and help students reach their highest potential. Now in its thirty-ninth year, the 7th Grade Talent Search identifies bright seventh graders based on standardized test scores achieved while attending elementary or middle school. Candidates are invited to take the ACT or the SAT college entrance exams as seventh graders, which allows them greater insight into their academic abilities. In addition, they gain valuable benefits and have access to unique resources for gifted students.
Grand Recognition is given to students who score at or better than 90% of recent high school graduates on the ACT or SAT. These students will be invited to Duke University for a reception, honoring them for their achievement.
State Recognition is given to students who score at or better than the national average of recent high school graduates on the ACT or SAT. These students will be invited to a Texas university for a reception.
The FBISD students receiving Grand Recognition
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include: Dulles Middle School –
Haley Burton, Justin Le
Fort Settlement Middle School – Aryan Arora, Jie Dai, Anik Gulhati, Rohan Gummadi, Jeremy He, Nnamdi Ilochonwu, Jessica Ji, Diya Mantenia, Anh Vu, Maggie Yuan
Missouri City Middle School – Jessica Garcia
Quail Valley Middle School – Oluwabunmi Adesoba, Anusha Adusumilli, Anushka Aggarwal, Anantshri Asthana, Nathan Bund, Rishi Chava, Crystal Fu, Karthik Jakkampudi, Alexander Jun, Justin Lai, Tina Li, Krish Prabhu
Sartartia Middle School – Aryan Bora, Anne Christiono, Rohan Dharia, Amanda Fu, Trisha Gurnani, Ryan Ji, Ryan Qiu, Alexander Song, Viola Xu
The FBISD students receiving State Recognition include:
Baines Middle School – Lillian Husbands, David Yancy III
Bowie Middle School – Brooklyn Bulda, Jade Dauphine, Alexandra Hamilton,
Alexis John-Olisemenum, Haider Mahdi, Melvin Opara, Jared Baron Panares, Yaretzi Perez, Kennedy Sanchez, Hendrick Siow
Dulles Middle School – Haley Burton, Pablo Jonsson, William Lam, Jenna Lau, Lila Lawrence, Justin Le, Ariana Luo, Jason Nguyen, Benjamin Tri Nguyen
First Colony Middle School – Mizuki Fukuda, Alivia-Rae Green, Rykin Harbin, Jasmine Lai, Victoria Liu, Liliana McCabe, Sophia Porecca, Reet Sinha
Fort Settlement Middle School – Alisa Aitken, Alina Ali, Aryan Arora, Deven Bali, Tiffany Bian, Harekas Bindra, Sophia Bettina Cruz, Jie Dai, Sneha Dharmalingam, Faith Fong, Qimiao Gong, Anik Gulhati, Rohan Gummadi, Jeremy He, Zacharia Husain, Nnamdi Ilochonwu, Jessica Ji, Nevin Kalloor, Bushra Kausar, Ruhi Kelkar, George Kuo, Nicolas Lara, Jason Lin, Huimei Liu, Victoria Liu, Jayda Ma, Diya Mantena, Ruchi
See DUKE, page 4
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Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JUNE 19, 2019
NEWS
2018 VAST STEM Summer Camp students proudly display their “I Can” and “We Can” team posters.
OakBend Medical Center held a celebration on Tuesday, June 11 to celebrate its Employee Giving Campaign. For the past three years, employees have donated to the employee campaign raising more than $295,000. The 2019 campaign was the most successful to date with employee giving exceeding $102,000. This year, 400+ employees donated to the campaign, which equates to greater than 40% employee participation. Several awards were given during the celebration including: •Highest Average Gift which went to the Williams Way ER; •Highest Total Giving which went to the Wharton Hospital Campus; and, •Departments which had 100% participation (Accounting, Education, Executive Team, Fort Bend Surgery Center, Grand Parkway ER, Human Resources, Infection Control, Marketing, Patient Accounts and Skilled Nursing). Additionally, awards were given to more than 100 employees who have participated in the Employee Giving Campaign for all three years.
HCC launches STEM Summer Camps for Teens
Houston
Community
College’s
VAST Academy
may have a unique version of
Silicon Valley with its Explore
STEM Summer Camps for
persons with disabilities.
The
free
Science,
Technology, Engineering and
Math (STEM) camps will
welcome
students,
14-22,
to participate in weeklong
camps, held in June and July.
Thanks to a grant of $69,000 from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the number of camps offered will double to four this summer and will be held at three HCC campuses.
“Last year, we had two camps, with 25 students,” said Sue Moraska, Program Director for the VAST Academy, which stands for Vocation Advancement Skills Training. “This year, we have four camps and 60 students, so far. One of the final projects of the teams, when they prepare for their parent reception, is to make posters that say, “I can…” or “We Can…” and complete the sentence with their dreams or goals for the future, such as become a “software developer,” “computer programmer,” or “robotic engineer.”
2018 VAST STEM Summer Camp students proudly displayed their “I Can” and “We Can” team posters.
Those capabilities include the skills they will learn in the camps, which will be held at HCC Central, West Houston Institute, and HCC Stafford campuses. The camps begin June 17 and end July 19.
To those who are not of a STEM mindset, the camp topics can seem daunting, but VAST instructor Dr. Wren Bump views them as fun.
“I tell them that, what we are teaching you will help you make a whole lot more money than I do,” laughed Dr. Bump, who will lead the first camp on Robotics at HCC Central.
Besides learning skills to help them in the workforce, which is the mission of the VAST Academy, the STEM Camp students will also be exposed to actual TWC/HCC business partnerships. Already on board to visit this summer are Hewlett Packard, BMW, MD Anderson, Dancy Design Engineering and University of Houston representatives.
Participants in the summer camp often enroll at HCC’s VAST Academy afterward; even high school students can contact Houston Independent School District’s one-year transitional program at HCC Central. However, VAST Academy students must be identified as having either ASD
(Autism Spectrum Disorder) or IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) to qualify for enrollment.
The Explore STEM Summer Camp is open to those individuals, as well as others with disabilities, and all see a great improvement in their skills by the end of the week.
“They feel a sense of accomplishment, and they meet new people,” said Dr. Bump. “I see a big change in all of them from Monday to Friday. It’s great to see them having so much fun, but also to see them feel so good about themselves.”
All Explore VAST Summer Camps are held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lunch is not provided, so students are advised to bring a snack or box lunch. Details are below: •CAMP 1—ROBOTICS June 17 – 21 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. HCC Central Campus, 1301
Alabama Instructor, Dr. Wren Bump
• Build and program LEGO robots
• Print a 3-D object
• Explore virtual reality & go to Houston Museum of Natural Science •CAMP 2—BUILD a PC June 24 – 28 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. HCC West Houston Institute,
2811 Hayes Rd Instructor, Steven Russell
• Build a PC with a team
• Learn about PC hardware & operating systems
•CAMP 3—APPLE SWIFT
CODING July 8 – 12 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. HCC Stafford Campus, 9910
Cash Rd Instructor, Micheal Phillips
• Building apps for iOS, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch
• Discover different employment fields that use Apple Swift coding
•CAMP 4—APPLE SWIFT
CODING July 15 – 19 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. HCC West Houston Institute,
2811 Hayes Rd Instructor, Micheal Phillips
• Building apps for iOS, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch
•Discover different employment fields that use Apple Swift coding
Episcopal Health Foundation invests in Texana’s future
The Episcopal Health Foundation (EHF) recently made a $600,000 investment in a new electronic health records system that will allow Texana Center to advance the delivery of services and expand the coordination of care for those served across the approximately 6,000 square mile service area.
The new system will give Texana Center’s doctors the ability to e-prescribe as well as more easily collaborate with community health partners who may be providing care to the same individual. This cross-communication by providers will ensure that each individual receives care that addresses his or her wellbeing as a whole person.
The primary catalyst for the new electronic health record system is the potential for Texana’s Behavioral
Sharyn Kitto is the new principal of Wertheimer Middle School. A graduate of Iowa State University, Kitto received her masters from Louisiana State University.
Kitto has ten years of experience in education including four years of teaching experience, one year as an instructional coach, two years as a testing coordinator and three years as an assistant principal. She most recently served as an assistant principal at Leaman Junior High.
Tracy Mills is the new principal of Jackson Elementary. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Mills received her masters degree from the University of Houston.
Healthcare Clinics to become
Certified Community Behavioral
Healthcare
Clinics
(CCBHCs). CCBHCs
provide
a
comprehensive
array
of
services needed to create
access,
stabilize
clients
in crisis, and provide the
necessary
treatment
for
those with the most serious,
complex mental illnesses and
substance use disorders.
This grant allows Texana
Center
to
transform
and
grow
along
with
other
behavioral healthcare systems
in Texas as the sector shifts
to
focus
on
population
health management, valuebased
care, and enhanced
coordination
of
care
and
collaboration.
CEO
George
Patterson
stated “We are so grateful
for
the
Episcopal
Health
Foundation’s
investment
Kitto, Mills named to lead Lamar CISD Schools
Mills
Mills has twenty-eight years of experience in education including fifteen years of teaching experience, one year as an instructional
that will move Texana forward toward our goal of providing trauma-informed, person-centered care that is driven by client feedback and participation. This grant will enable us to work more efficiently and take advantage of future opportunities that arise for centers like ours in Texas.”
“Episcopal Health Foundation is committed to community-based approaches, especially those that consider the integration of primary care and behavioral health providers,” said Cindy Lucia, program officer at EHF. “This important investment is part of a culture change across Texas that’s necessary for seamless communication between providers to help develop plans that are responsive to a patient’s behavioral and physical needs.”
Kitto
coordinator and twelve years as an assistant principal. She most recently served as the assistant principal at Jackson Elementary.
Former Fort Worth police chief files whistleblower lawsuit
Joel Fitzgerald, the former Fort Worth police chief who was fired in May, has filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the city, the Fort Worth Star- Telegram reported.
Fitzgerald was the Missouri City Police Chief from April 2009 until December 2013.
The lawsuit alleges Fitzgerald was fired because he reported to the FBI that the city wasn’t in compliance with regulations of the Criminal Justice Information System. That suit, filed late last week, alleges that City Manager David Cooke called Fitzgerald into a meeting with him and other city officials two hours before the thenchief was to meet with the FBI.
The suit alleges Fitzgerald was offered cash if he would agree not to sue the
Fitzgerald
city or provide support for others suing the city for whistleblower violations. If he did not agree, Fitzgerald would be fired with cause, the lawsuit alleges. He chose that option and was terminated, according to the complaint.
Fitzgerald also alleges in the lawsuit that a confrontation between him and Todd
Harrison, president of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, at a conference in Washington, D.C., was orchestrated by union leaders. Fitzgerald said he was kicked out of the union because he has a poor relationship with Terry Daffron, an attorney for the union.
Fitzgerald is seeking more than $1 million in damages from the city and to be reinstated with back pay or to be given pay in lieu of reinstatement, the newspaper reported.
Assistant City Manager Susan Alanis told the Star- Telegram in an email that the allegations from Fitzgerald are “absurd” and that the city “stands behind the decision to terminate the Chief’s employment. (Texas Monitor)
Fort Bend Christian Academy names Head of Upper School
After a national search, Fort Bend Christian Academy has named Joel Hazard the Head of Upper School. Hazard has served in various private school roles including teacher, coach and administrator. While at Mount Paran Christian School in Georgia, he earned positions including Director of Student Life and Diversity, Dean of Students, and, most recently, Assistant Head of High School and Diversity Advisor.
“Mr. Hazard will be an influential leader as he serves in this critical administrative position at FBCA,” Joshua Gettys, Head of School said.
“His combination of professional and personal attributes will prove to be both highly effective and successful for our upper
Hazard
school faculty, staff, students and families.”
Hazard participated on accreditation teams for the Southern Association of Independent Schools
(SAIS) and has presented at Georgia Independent School Association (GISA), Council for Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA) and Kennesaw State University (KSU) conferences and symposiums. Hazard co-founded the CESA Christian Schools Diversity Symposium with professional colleagues from Prestonwood Christian Academy and Grace Community Schools in Texas.
“I will strive to create a complete environment for any kid to thrive, a place where people can be spiritually, academically and personally vulnerable,” Hazard said. “I want to create an environment so complete that no one wants to leave, but a calling so strong that no one can stay.”
NEWS
Live music by talented local musicians will be featured at Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library, when the Second Street Brass ensemble performs on Saturday, July 6, beginning at 11:30 am, in the Meeting Room of the library.
The band will perform a selection of patriotic tunes
As the saying goes, “It’s always bigger and better in Texas,” and the 16th annual Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair has taken that motto to heart. Celebrating the region’s rich diversity of food, drink and culture, this year’s event promises new and exciting attractions and is delighted to be moving to the fall.
The very popular culinary bacchanal will take place at multiple venues in Sugar Land over four-days, October 24-27, 2019.
Taking the spotlight will be mixologists, world-class wine tastings, and top culinary talents from Sugar Land and Houston, Texas and beyond.
The event, founded by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, benefits a permanent scholarship endowment created at the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.
With all events taking place in Fort Bend County, the most ethnically diverse county in America, the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair focuses on the many stories and recipes of the region’s melting pot of Asian, African, Latino, European and Southwestern flavors.
This year the event will continue to partner with leading culinary talent that
representing past and present Americana.
Formed in 2013, the group has been performing in the Rosenberg area at fundraising events, private parties, and for CAST Theatrical Company for several years. All five musicians are members of the Rosenberg Symphonic Band.
The event is free and
reflects the diversity of the locale and will showcase the area’s reputation for pushing the envelope on regional cuisine influenced by global tastes, ingredients and traditions.
Moving the event from spring to fall allows attendees to take advantage of the season’s cool, crisp days and nights. The opening night’s event, Bartenders Challenge, will take place within Sugar Land Town Square, and that same vibrant urban backdrop will also serve as the location for Sunday’s final event, the family-friendly Bistro Brunch.
A highlight of the four-day event will be Friday night’s Masquerade which promises an evening of pre-Halloween jubilation and merriment.
Masked event-goers will stroll the Brazos River Park grounds under the crescent moon. Wine and spirit producers, top chefs and DJs will make the decadent party atmosphere simmer.
A perennial favorite, Saturday’s Sip & Stroll is back and will feature a deliciously curated schedule of wine seminars, daytime cocktails and indulgent bites.
This year’s event will also feature a number of 2018 International Wine & Spirit Competition winners.
INDEPENDENT • JUNE 19, 2019 • Page 3
Second Street Brass Patriotic Concert @ George Memorial Library, Richmond
open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call George Memorial Library (281-342-4455) or the librarysystem’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
George Memorial Library is located at 1001 Golfview Drive in Richmond.
16th Annual Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair returns Oct. 24-27
June 19 & 26, July 10 & 17 Social Empowerment Sessions Is your teen socially awkward?
Setting the international benchmark for quality, the International Wine & Spirit Competition has been judging wines and spirits and awarding medals to the world’s best products since 1969.
Now in its fiftieth year, and with more than 400 global experts judging the awards for seven months of the year, the competition remains as relevant today as when chemist Anton Massel created the idea of a wine and spirit competition based both on organoleptic judgment and chemical analysis.
To kickoff this year’s Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair festivities, there will be a cocktail reception and a seated fourcourse dinner with wine pairings.
The event, hosted by Rebecca Masson of Fluff Bake Bar and Charlie Berg, Sommelier at The Inn at Dos Brisas, will take place on Thursday, June 27th at a private Sugar Land residence.
Other chefs participating in the dinner include Ryan Lachaine of Riel, Terry Wong, Robin Wong and Quy Hoang of Blood Bros. BBQ and, lastly, Ming Pu of 502 Bistro
& Bar in Louisville KY. Visit sugarlandwineandfoodaffair.com
Join other teens and young adults, ages 12-20, trying to gain confidence and independence through socialization, communication and advocacy. Wednesday nights, 6:00pm-7:30pm, River Pointe Church, Hut 1, 5000 Ransom Rd., Richmond 77469. Parent and teacher to a teen on the spectrum, Monica De La Haya hosts four-weeks of interactive, engaging and informative social skills for this informal group. Cell phone and electronics not allowed. Parents/caregivers welcome. Space is limited, please RSVP 281-755-3437. For information on community resources, visit hopeforthree.org or call 281.245.0640
June 20 Guy Gathering – Dad Support Group Male Caregivers for Special Needs Children
Looking for a fun, relaxed evening to chill, chat and make friends? Hope For Three, a local nonprofit and autism advocacy group, is hosting an opportunity to meet male caregivers on the same journey as you. Thursday, June 20th, 7:00pm-8:30pm, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, 2231 Hwy. 6, Sugar Land 77478. Beverages and lite bites provided. Come-n-go (back area). To register or learn more, visit: hopeforthree.org/events or call 281.245.0640
June 22 H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Parents Excel) Bridging the Gap – Special Education Session
Expert speakers provide a FREE, informative session on the public-school special education process, June 22nd, 9:00am – 12:00pm, United Way, Room A, 12300 Parc Crest Dr., Stafford 77477. Review the full evaluation process, start to finish, ways to qualify for special ed services, understanding different components of FIE, and much, much more! Refreshments provided. Child care not available. Pre-registration required online: hopeforthree.org/events or call 281-245-0640 for more information.
INDEPENDENT • JUNE 19, 2019 • Page 4
OPINION
Electoral undercurrents of ‘new’ Sugar Land
At a time when American politics is painted with a brush of ‘identity’ and media headlines read “first woman,” “first gay” “first Asian,” “first Indian American” or “first Muslim ever elected,” predictably Naushad Kermally’s election earns the moniker “first Muslim” ever elected to the Sugar Land City Council.
It is incidental that Kermally is a Muslim, but such a description implies that despite bigotry, finally, (somehow) a Muslim got elected.
Even if the statement is made in a sense of euphoria, the innuendo is a disservice to the voters and to the candidate himself by suggesting that he won not on his own merits, but due to something else.
If one can make a slightly flippant remark, certainly a Muslim would have been elected here anyway because both the candidates in the race were Muslims.
The candidates were Nabila Mansoor, a Muslim of Pakistani origin, born in Canada, and Naushad Kermally, a Muslim of Indian origin, born in Uganda.
Telfair, New Territory and Riverpark subdivisions, which make up 90 percent of Sugar Land’s Dist. 2 certainly play a pivotal role in local elections because of the demographics of this area, comprising a majority of Asians, and Hindus and Muslims, in particular.
Also, voter participation from this area is perhaps the highest in Fort Bend County so much so that these three subdivisions often decide the election outcome.
Consequently, any analysis of elections from this area has to take religion into account, albeit reluctantly.
There are several features that distinguish this race from others.
In Sugar Land’s District 2, New Territory was recently added when the city annexed the area.
There are seven voting precincts in the district. Pct. 4135, is the largest comprising nearly
Inside Track
By Seshadri Kumar
half of New Territory and all of Telfair. The rest of New Territory comprises three more precincts, Pct. 4026, Pct. 4039 and Pct. 4124. Riverpark is designated Pct. 1076. A small portion on the side of Ismaili Jamatkhana, The Lakes subdivision, makes Pct. 4080. And there is one more, Pct. 4158.
Dist. 2 in Sugar Land has about 19,000 registered voters and Pct. 4135 has one-third of those voters. Over all, voter turnout in the May election was 18.36 percent in Dist. 2 and in the runoff 16.95 percent. In Pct. 4135 alone, the turnout in the May election was 26.58 percent and in the runoff 18.25 percent.
In the May 4 election, Mansoor overwhelmingly carried Riverpark, David Gornet won his precinct and Kermally took the rest. In the June run-off race, again Mansoor won Riverpark and Kermally won the rest of the precincts.
It is relevant to note here that Kermally belongs to the Ismaili sect of Islam and Mansoor belongs to the Sunni sect.
An estimated 1,700 registered voters in Dist. 2 are Ismailis and the Sunnis are believed to be about 1,400. This partly explains the support for Mansoor in Riverpark and Kermally elsewhere, reflecting the concentration of their respective supporters. Kermally received 1,811 votes (57.26%) and Mansoor 1,352 votes (42.74%).
Thus, this race between two Muslims presented a novel scenario, where anti-Muslim sentiment would have limited or no impact on either of the candidates.
Though the city council
race is non-partisan, Mansoor was backed by the Democratic Party and she was endorsed by the Democratic Party nominee for Congressional Dist. 22, Sri Preston Kulkarni. Even former DNC Chair Keith Ellison lent his endorsement to Mansoor.
Though Kulkarni lost to Republican Pete Olson, Hindu and Muslim voters pre-dominantly supported Kulkarni last November.
The presence of two Muslim candidates posed a dilemma for the Indian Americans in general and Hindu Americans, who support Kulkarni. In the end, a sizeable section of Hindus chose to support Kermally.
Kermally was not formally endorsed by the Republican party of Fort Bend County, but many Republicans supported him. In some sense, this race could be seen as a shadow battle between Kulkarni and Olson. Not surprisingly, the victory party of Kermally was attended by Olson and Fort Bend County Republican party Chair Linda Howell.
Kermally also earned the endorsement of many sitting and former city council members, and that level of support is unprecedented.
Sugar Land’s Dist. 2 had not seen a contested city council race in 8 years as the incumbent was re-elected unopposed in three previous terms. With the new voter base, this election sheds light on the trend for the future. In countywide races, Telfair and New Territory make a distinct mark in tilting the election one way or the other as was demonstrated in 2016 and 2018. When the Democrats vote in high numbers elsewhere, with the Sugar Land’s Dist. 2 voters turning blue, the countywide Democrat sweep becomes inevitable.
The end of straight party voting from 2020 brings the possibility of slowing down the one-party sweep, at least in local races, but that is not a certainty.
Your wallet doesn’t have to sweat this summer
By DEANN WALKER
Americans love the idea of breaking records. While some keep tabs on Olympians or box office blockbusters, people who work in the electric utility industry keep an eye on records of a different sort – power consumption.
Last summer, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (also called “ERCOT”), the operator that manages most of the electricity grid in Texas, reported one new record after another for electric demand in the state.
As power companies prepare their equipment for another hot summer, retail electric customers in our state’s competitive market areas should also prepare by asking themselves a few key questions: 1. Are prices actually going to rise? While our state’s competitive electricity market has helped keep electricity prices below the national average, higher demand combined with fewer available power plants could increase prices in the wholesale market where Retail Electric Providers (REPs) buy their electricity for resale to customers like you. (Over the long term, these higher prices should spur the construction of additional generation projects, leading to a larger supply of available power.) 2. Do higher wholesale electricity prices mean my electricity prices will rise?
Walker
It depends on your contract. REPs compete to win and keep customers, so they offer a wide variety of pricing options. Because a variable-rate plan may make you more at risk for higher than usual prices this summer, some customers might be more comfortable with a more predictable fixedrate plan. 3. Do I HAVE to be in a fixedrate plan? The Texas competitive electric market is based on customer choice. Some customers swear by variable-rate plans, believing that the low prices they get throughout the year more than offset the price increases caused by extreme weather. If you are one of these customers, you may want to set aside money to pay a higher bill in the summer. 4. When should I look into my contract situation? Check your current plan’s end date as soon as possible. If you
renewing or replacing it, your REP may put you on a monthto-month arrangement that is more “financially dynamic” than you might want. The PUC requires your REP to notify you before the plan ends, but it is worthwhile to double-check that end date. If you are new to Texas, remember that the summer season can last well into September. 5. Where do I look for options? The PUC’s Power to Choose website allows you to shop for a new electricity plan based on its features, the REP’s ratings, and renewable energy percentages. The new “User’s Guide” on the Power to Choose website can help you get started. 6. How do I know which plan is best? After you find a plan you like, read the “small print” on the plan’s Electricity Facts Label to make sure you understand the contract terms and pricing. 7. When is a good time to switch my plan or provider? If you think it’s time to switch plans or providers, make sure you check to see if your current plan has an early termination fee. By law, this fee does not apply in the last two weeks of a plan or if you move. If you are not in that two-week window or moving, it still may be worth switching if your savings make up for the cost of the termination fee. A little math should answer that question. 8. Other than changing plans,
INSURANCE
Home insurance myths
By BASIL HOUSEWRIGHT
Home insurance policies originally came into existence a very long time ago and initially coverage was just for damage to your home by fire.
The type of homeowners’ insurance policies has evolved throughout the years and now can be very comprehensive in the coverage they offer but they still do not cover EVERY- THING.
This would be cost prohibitive as a home can experience numerous types of issues especially normal wear and tear issues, which can result in costly repairs and/or replacements.
Below are some common myths about home insurance.
Myth – My home insurance policy will cover my home if it is flooded.
Flooding of a home by rain water resulting in rising waters of a general occurrence is not typically covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy. Many people confuse water damage from burst or faulty plumbing or appliances to be “flood” damage but this is actually termed sudden and accidental release of water in insurance terms not flooding.
The type of flood damage not covered is when it rains too much in a very short period of time and the resulting accumulation of water cannot drain away fast enough and the water rises and starts to enter homes through doorways, windows and any other opening exposed to the flood waters.
A separate flood insurance policy is required to cover your home for this type of flooding. A broad form home insurance policy does typically cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst or faulty plumbing or appliances.
Myth – My home insurance will cover repairs and replacements of my appliances if they wear out or break down.
Appliances which are failing
can I manage my monthly electricity costs? If you are not delinquent in payment, the PUC requires REPs to offer you an “average payment plan”. Making payments of approximately equal amounts over the course of a year in such a plan is one way to reduce the impact of higher summer bills. 9. Is there anything else I should be aware of this summer? While shopping will help put you in the right plan for the summer, you can also keep an eye on the big picture using ERCOT’s smartphone app. (For Apple and Android.) This app shows available power and demand across the ERCOT grid and also issues alerts when ERCOT needs customers to conserve electricity. Our agency’s social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) also deliver critical updates, so please subscribe. 10. What should I do if ER- COT issues a call to conserve electricity? If ERCOT requests conservation, you can follow simple steps like those on our conservation website, www.PowerToSaveTexas.org, including: 1 .Postpone the use of major appliances (like your washer, dryer or dishwasher) to times outside the peak demand hours of 3 p.m-7p.m. 2. Turn up your air conditioning by a couple degrees, run the ceiling fan and draw the shades to keep your house cool. While we stand a pretty good chance of experiencing even more record-setting electricity consumption this summer, I believe that our grid can maintain reliability under ERCOT’s expert oversight. So let’s all do what we can to get ready and stay connected as we anticipate breaking new records together. (Walker is the Chairmanof the Public Utility Commission of Texas.)
Housewright
or have failed due to normal wear and tear are not typically covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy.
Some home insurance carriers have been offering an endorsement which can provide some home maintenance related coverage which may range from water, gas or sewer line repairs to appliance related failures.
Typically, these endorsements are provided by a 3rd party service provider and usually result in patching up failing appliances to keep them running and if your appliance has completely failed and is not repairable may provide a replacement appliance of a low-cost similar brand. Experience with these so-called home warranty plans have been dismal at best.
Myth – My homeowners’ insurance will pay to repair my foundation from any damages.
Foundation repairs required due to settling, shrinking and/or shifting of soils is not typically covered by a home insurance policy. Many homeowners in our area suffer foundation and home damage because the ground below their home settles, shifts and shrinks due to lack of rain and/or lawn and landscape watering or unstable soils and this is typically specifically excluded from coverage on a home insurance policy.
Some types of home insurance policies such as the HO3 automatically provide “limited” foundation coverage or it can be added by endorsement to the HO3 home insurance
Duke
From Page 1 Patel, Paloma Pichardo, Amrita
Sankrit, Aidan Scott, Yuktha Seelam, Zain Tariq, Tanisi Tripathi, Cynthia Tso, Shrreya Venkatesan, Anh Vu, Emma Wang, Julia Wang, Christina Wang, Tyler Wilson, Dylan Wing, Kelly Yin, Maggie Yuan, Joyce Zhu
Garcia Middle School – Danielle Burke, Reef Joubarani, Kaylee Tse, Ryan Yuan
Missouri City Middle School – Jessica Garcia, Katelynn Harris
Quail Valley Middle School – Ismail Abo-Shihata, Oluwabunmi Adesoba, Anusha Adusumilli, Anushka Aggarwal, Anantshri Asthana, Ishaan Bansal, Nicholas Bonnin, Nathan Bund, Madison Burke, Isaac Chacko, Serena Chagani, Evan Chang, Vinita Chanpura, Rishi Chava, Haley Dave, Krish Desai, Oluwatomisin Fasidi, Crystal Fu, Katelyn Grimsley, Saikrishna Gundlapalli, Audrey Hanan, Greta Hauschel, Emily Hoang, Karthik Jakkampudi,
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12551 Emily Court, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77478
Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor
policy. This limited foundation coverage is triggered when there are plumbing issues with the water or sewer lines within or below the foundation which results in issues needing repair.
In these instances, if the limited foundation coverage is provided by the homeowner’s insurance policy then coverage for much of the repair less your deductible could be available.
Myth – I have coverage for personal property off premises (typically 10% of the personal property limit) therefore all of my possessions are fully covered anywhere in the world.
The correct answer is maybe since there are typically limitations and exclusions of specifically what is not covered under this extension of coverage off premises (away from your home). Things like business property, recreational vehicles/ equipment, etc. most times are not. Also there are several locations whereby this coverage may not be available such as a secondary home or alternate “permanent” location.
Every home insurance policy has different policy provisions and special limits so if you are needing to determine what is and is not covered by this personal property off premises extension on your home insurance policy you should consult your local Independent Insurance Agent or Insurance Company. Reading and interpreting the policy provisions on your own may not be a wise choice since they are not easily understood and have scattered provisions throughout the policy which may apply.
Basil Housewright is manager of Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc a local Independent Insurance Agency operating in Sugar Land since 1991. He can be reached at (281) 277-7800, Fax (281) 277-7801, E-Mail – basil@ texansinsure.com. Visit https:// www.texansinsure.com.
Aniekan Joseph, Alexander Jun, Dua Khilji, Justin Lai, Tina Li, Boping Li, Calvin Li, Caleb Lin, Aarush Mudhireddy, Kartheek Mukkavilli, Chidinma Onochie, Carson Padilla, Samar Parasmal, Parth Parekh, Krish Prabhu, Jayani Pradhan, Madison Quach, Shritha Ramaraju, Pooja Shah, Aditi Subramanian, Eric Thekkel, Dan Tran, Aishwaryaa Udeshi, Gaurav Verghese, Jason Wu, Elizabeth Young, Nicole Zeng
Sartartia Middle School – Aryan Bora, Rishabh Chandak, Natalie Chao, Anne Christiono, Rohan Dharia, Amanda Fu, Nathaniel James Gabo, Aadi Ghai, Trisha Gurnani, Ryan Ji, Anshuni Kale, Neville Kanga, Ethan Lee, Joana Liu, Dean Marino, Videet Mehta, Trudy Nguyen, Aiden Picone, Ryan Qiu, Jing Wen Quan, Natalya Quinones, Umang Rathod, Meredith Russow, Kaveen Shah, Rianna Skaria, Alexander Song, Andrew Wang, Andy Wei, Viola Xu, Aaron You
Sugar Land Middle School – Mateo Guzman, Ashley Hatch, Serena Lin, Flora Thai
FORT BEND
FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.
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.
Applicants needed for Census Complete Count Committee
Cars and trucks may seem more complicated and technical now than they were just a few years ago, but there are still some basic maintenance steps that drivers can manage themselves to keep their vehicle performing optimally. Fort Bend County Libraries’ Missouri City Branch Library will present a program on “Car Maintenance Basics” on Saturday, July 6, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway.
Ralph Donovan, owner of Auto Check in Sugar Land, will discuss some basic maintenance steps that drivers can manage themselves to keep their vehicle performing optimally. Learn how to recognize issues that should be addressed immediately and other issues that can be delayed.
This program is intended for adults and teens aged 14 and above, and it is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend. lib.tx.us), or call the Missouri City Branch Library (281-238-2100) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
SwimLabs Swim Schools, a unique, indoor swim school and training facility, will celebrate the official grand opening of its Sugar Land location on Sat., June 22 In the Market at Town Center shopping center located at 2745 Town Center Blvd. N, Suite E, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
SwimLabs’ training facilities are indoors and offer small, warm-water pools specially designed with 360-degree video feedback technology that lets swimmers of all ages and abilities instantly view their own strokes, correct or enhance their form, adjust their technique and master their skills.
Swimmers have the ability to compare their strokes against elite U.S. Olympic swimmers including Missy
Sugar Land is seeking 15- 20 residents who are leaders representing a diverse crosssection of the city for a Census Complete Count Committee.
“We are now less than a year away from the next decennial census,” said Director of Planning Lisa Kocich-Meyer. “Census Day is April 1, 2020, and we need help from our residents to get the word out.” Applications for the committee are available now through July 1 at www.sugarlandtx. gov/Census2020.
“The purpose of the committee is to inform Sugar Land residents about the importance and benefits of completing and submitting the 2020 Census questionnaire and to encourage every household to participate,” explained Kocich- Meyer.
The committee will conduct local educational initiatives, as well as publicity and promotional
activities to increase community participation and the response rate to the 2020 Census.
Committee members will also be asked to utilize their local knowledge, expertise and influence to plan and implement a census awareness campaign targeted to the Sugar Land community.
The committee’s work is anticipated to begin in August and extend through June 2020.
Once a decade, according to the US Census Bureau, America comes together to count every resident in the United States, creating national awareness of the importance of the census and its valuable statistics.
The decennial census was first taken in 1790, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution. It counts population and households, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional
Franklin, Cullen Jones, Kara Lynn Joyce, Chloe Sutton and U.S. Olympic triathlete medalist Susan Williams.
Sugar Land residents and owners Angela and Mehdi Balouchestani are parents and educators.
Angela taught elementary education in Houston area schools and technology education at a private school in Sugar Land. Mehdi is a professor of computer science at American InterContinental University in Houston.
According to Angela and Mehdi, “Our son almost drowned when he was one year old. It was the scariest moment of our lives. Given that experience, we wanted to ensure the children in our community had an opportunity to learn how to swim and
be safe in the water. Plus, we can combine our passions of technology and teaching.”
Registration for lessons is now open. Anyone who registers before June 30 will receive 20% off their first eight weeks of lessons (a $35 value).
The Sugar Land Swim- Labs grand opening also offers giveaways, snacks, face painting, balloon twisting, demos and tours of the facility and special appearances and entertainment by The Little Mermaid and Moana who will be available for photos.
More information can be found at: www.swimlabs. com/sugarland and on Facebook and Instagram.
Contact 281-789-0801 or visit sugarlandinfo@swimlabs.com.
NEWS
seats, redistricting and distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties and local communities’ vital programs - impacting education, transportation, employment, health care, public policy and more.
As such, having an accurate census count is critical to the city’s ability to leverage federal funding for Sugar Land Way priorities such as transportation and mobility, public safety and emergency preparedness - which further helps the city maintain the second lowest property tax rate in the State of Texas among cities of similar size.
For more information, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/ Census2020, email longrangeplanning@sugarlandtx.gov or call the Sugar Land Planning Department at (281) 275- 2218.
Get basic vehicle maintenance tips at Missouri City Branch Library
SwimLabs Swim Schools celebrates Sugar Land Grand Opening
Learn about Free Legal Info Resources @ Fort Bend Law Library
Fort Bend County Libraries’ Law Librarian, Andrew Bennett, will present a series of “Pro Se Basics” demonstrations of the informational legal resources that are available to the public at the Fort Bend County Law Library. The introductory classes will take place on Tuesdays July 2, 9, 16, and 23, from 10:00 to 11:00 am, in Conference Room C of the library, located in Room 20714 in the Fort Bend County Justice Center.
The classes will introduce important procedural information for self-represented litigants who wish to begin their legal research, represent themselves in court, or seek resources for their Family Law or Probate issues. Individuals may choose to attend individual sessions or the whole series. The material that will be discussed is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. Librarians cannot provide legal advice or recommend specific forms.
The July schedule is as follows:
•July 2 – “Introduction to Legal Research.” This class will introduce the basics of legal research. Those attending will gain a better understanding of the difference between primary and secondary resources, how to read legal citations, and where to find legal resources in print and online.
•July 9 – “Courthouse 101.” Self-represented litigants will get a basic introduction to the legal system. Learn about the difference between civil and criminal cases, the basic parts of a legal document, the different types of legal documents, and where to file legal documents. Gain a better understanding of the differences between district courts, county courts, and justice of the peace courts, learn how they interact with each other, and how individuals might be involved with the courts.
•July 16 -- “Advanced Legal Research.” This class will cover search strategies using the libraries’ databases including how to use Boolean
operators, natural language, and special characters. In addition, the class will demonstrate how to begin a simple search and how to narrow searches.
•July 23 – “Courthouse 102.” This class covers the introduction to civil litigation after the answer phase, including discovery, trial, and post-trial. Learn about resources the patron can use to address these issues and how to familiarize oneself with various problems that could be encountered.
The classes are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and registration is required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Events,” select “Law Library,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the Law Library at 281-341-3718. The series will continue in August. The Law Library is located in the Fort Bend County Justice Center at 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 20714, in Richmond.
During the summer, public school teachers are often expected to find professional development classes to maintain their certification.
Finding these classes is generally easy for core curriculum teachers, but David Moya, director of University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Art School for Children, said that art educators and administrators in the area frequently can’t find professional development classes specifically targeting art.
That’s why UH-Clear Lake’s Art School for Children offered a professional workshop for early childhood- 12th grade art educators. The response was immediate.
“The class filled up so quickly I had to double the initial offering,” Moya said. “We had 24 art teachers enroll in this 3½-day workshop – taught by (Lecturer of Art and Design) Lauren Yandell and (Assistant Professor of Art and Design) Lauren Kussro – that doesn’t focus on lesson plans. It’s about letting art teachers be creative and express their own ideas in a studio setting, and then use what they learn and take it to the classroom. This is their time to focus on themselves as artists, not as teachers.”
“I was really excited about this opportunity,” said Krista Nix-Buchner, an art teacher
The Consulate General of India, Houston in collaboration with Friends of Yoga, is organizing several events across Texas to celebrate the 5th International Day of Yoga.
This ancient Indian practice received unprecedented global attention four years ago when the United Nations recognized June 21st as the International Day of Yoga. An initiative of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who himself starts his morning with yoga, the first IDY in 2015 saw people turning out in huge numbers stretching and breathing mindfully at public parks, convention centers and open spaces.
Yoga’s soaring popularity can be seen from the crowds that join in the celebration every year. From serious yoga practitioners to curious beginners, each successive IDY has been drawing bigger crowds and garnering greater interest. As with every year, this year too will feature a lineup of common yoga practices, relaxation techniques and guided meditation by well-known yoga instructors.
An added attraction is an Indian Vegetarian Food Festival which will be held at select places to mark the 150th year of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary,
Houston will celebrate IDY on Friday, June 21 on the lush green lawns of Midtown Park (2811 Travis St, Houston Texas 77006).
The event will begin at
at Katy High School in Katy Independent School District. “The previous professional development courses I’ve taken weren’t about art. Our school district does offer a few, but we rarely get an opportunity to work in a studio like here at UHCL. Working in a studio and having faculty here is priceless.”
She added that most art teachers have been exposed to studio work when they were undergraduate students.
“Now we’ve all been in the classroom for a while and it brings up different questions than when we were on the student end of things ourselves,” she said.
“This has been a great opportunity to pick the brains of faculty here.”
The workshop offered sessions in printmaking, taught by Kussro, and oil painting with Yandell. Nix-Buchner, who was cutting linoleum block for relief printing, said she was getting an opportunity to try new tools she was considering purchasing for her students.
“It’s a higher quality tool, and I’m trying them out. This is awesome,” she said.
“The premise of this class is to just try different printmaking techniques that we never get to try in the classroom. One of the reasons I was interested in this class was to learn
6:00 pm with a demonstration of some of the more difficult yoga postures (asanas) and a cultural program. After brief remarks from the Consul General of India, Dr. Anupam Ray, the guided group yoga (Asanas or Postures), Relaxation, Pranayama and Meditation will be led by different yoga experts. The event will wrap up at 7:30 pm with a color powder dance party or Holi as it is known in India. (RSVP at yogadayoftexas2019.eventbrite.com)
Coordinator of Houston’s yoga events and a firm believer in yoga for optimum health, Sharad Amin expressed his appreciation for the cooperation from Houston’s yoga community in celebrating IDY for the past four years. Yoga is a precious gift given by Indian sages to humanity, he noted, and emphasized the importance of practicing yoga for good health every day. “Each one should teach one” the health benefits of yoga as it is key to “being and wellbeing,” he added.
The Hindu Temple of The Woodlands will host the event on Saturday June 22 from 7:30 -10am at the Town Green Park. (2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380). Opening remarks will be made by Consul General Dr. Anupam Ray followed by yoga practices from participating yoga studios, Surya Namaskars or the Sun Salutation practice by HTW Yoga Group
INDEPENDENT • JUNE 19, 2019 • Page 5
Local art teachers get studio time and professional development credit at workshop
Krista Nix Buchner
more about screen printing and dry point. I’m also attracted to the oil painting session,” she said. “I have seen some of these things demonstrated, but never gotten a chance to try it hands-on.”
She added that another unique part of this workshop is getting to see these facilities.
“I have advanced students who are interested in college art programs, and now I can tell them UHCL has a great studio space,” she said. “And you can tell, both of these professors really know what they’re doing.”
“For these teachers, this is a chance to enjoy some studio time,” Kussro said.
“Every art teacher feels an inability to focus on their own work. This is their time to just take a breath and make art — like an art retreat.”
Nix-Buchner said that so much professional development seemed to be tailored to technology.
“Art is like a vocational class in that it’s very handson. Before you teach it, you have to have done it so you can anticipate what students need. This experience has been great.”
For more information about UHCL’s Art for Educators program, visit www.uhcl.edu/ childrens-art-school/educators.
International Yoga Day across Texas
and the 35 minute yoga protocol set by the Government of India led by renowned yoga instructors Sriram Sarvotam and his wife Ekaterina Jeleva. The morning will conclude with a guided meditation session.
The Consulate General of India, Houston has also planned a series of events in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio.
IDY will be observed in front of the stately State Capitol building in Austin on Saturday June 15 at 6:00 pm (1100 Congress Ave. Austin, Texas 78701), in Dallas on Saturday, June 22, at 8:00 am at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza (1201 Hidden Ridge Dr., Irving, Texas, 75038) and in San Antonio on Friday, June 21st at 6:00 pm at the Riverwalk Mall (San Antonio, TX – 78205).
In addition to these main events, multiple events are being organized at churches, temples, community centers, Arya Samaj Greater Houston, Brahma Kumaris, India House, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Shakas (HSS), Jamatkhanas and Patanjali Yogpeeth USA Trust between June 15th and 23rd. Please visit http://yogadayoftexas.org/
The events are free and open to all. Bring your yoga mats and plan to arrive 20 minutes ahead to find a comfortable spot.
INDEPENDENT • JUNE 19, 2019 • Page 6
AUTOMOBILE: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
By BARBARA FULENWIDER
2017 was the beginning of a new generation of vehicles on an all-new platform. They are Alfa Romeo’s Giulia, which the manufacturer says embodies the “mechanics of emotion spirit,” i.e. delivers race-inspired performance.
The best of the best in the Alfa Romeo’s outstanding lineup is the Giulia Quadrifoglio. It highlights its motorsports expertise with a bestin-class Ferrari motor that produces 505-horsepower. The engine has two 2.9-liter
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Silver Ranch, Section 18, 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
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Prairie Barn Trail Street Dedication, 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
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 MAY 2, 2019 in cause numbered 17-DCV-242346 styled First Colony Community Services Association, Inc.. vs. SHIBIN ZHANG LLC, in which a judgment was rendered on JULY 9, 2018 in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. for the sum of Seven Thousand Forty Seven Dollars and Twenty Five Cents ($7047.05); 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 14, 2019 and will on JULY 2, 2019Tuesday, 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 SHIBIN ZHANG, LLC to and in the following described Real Property
LOT TWENTY NINE(29), IN BLOCK TWO(2) OF AMENDING PLAT OF LAKES OF EDGEWATER A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDES NO1026/A AND B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3219 RICHLAND DR SUGAR LAND, TX 77478(PROPERTY) The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLOOR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: JULY 2, 2019 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH
City of Missouri City
twin-turbochargers on the V-6 engine.
Hence, the Giulia Quadrifoglio is the most-powerful Alfa Romeo production car engine ever and the quickest with a class-leading 3.8 second 0-60 mph time. The QF set a Nürburgring record lap time of 7:32, the fastest ever by a four-door production sedan.
The 4 door, 5 passenger, rear-wheel drive sedan gets an estimated 17/24 mpg city/ hwy. For 2018 it also got forward collision warning plus
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plans for Tamarron, Section 24, Section 29, Section 43, Tamarron Trace Section 3 Street Dedication, and Tamarron Coles Canyon and Rileys Ridge Street Dedication, 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
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Sansbury Boulevard, 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
LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE
OPENING DATE OF July 2, 2019 AT 2:00 p.m. IFB # 19-322 Term Contract for Biosolid Sludge Hauling Services
IFB’s may be obtained from the State of Texas Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) at http://www.txsmartbuy.com/sp. Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the Bid name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of: Purchasing Manager City of Missouri City 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, TX 77489 prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore potentially misdirected may be disqualified. Responses will be opened on July 2, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. PRE-BID CONFERENCE:
None. Until final award of the Contract, the OWNER 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 OWNER. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.
CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 400TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on MAY 3, 2019 in cause numbered 17-DCV-241679 styled First Colony Community Services Association, Inc.. vs. LORENZO C. MCFADDEN JR AND CAMILLE C. MCFADDEN, in which a judgment was rendered on NOV 6 , 2017 in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. for the sum of Eight Thousand One Hundred Seventy Eight Dollars and Sixty Five Cents ($8178.65); 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 20, 2019 and will on JULY 2, 2019Tuesday, 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 LORENZO C. MCFADDEN JR. AND CAMILLE C. MCFADDEN to and in the following described Real Property LOT ELEVEN(11), IN BLOCK ONE(1) OF OYSTER CREEK PLANTATION SECTION ONE A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDES NO1358/B AND 1359/A OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 4410 GOLDENROD LN MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459(PROPERTY) The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLOOR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: JULY 2, 2019 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH
and a Harmon Kardon premium audio system, blind spot sensor, front and rear anti-roll bars. New options on various Giulia models include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a cargo convenience package.
Also, an 8.8-inch display with a years worth of complimentary SiriusXM; driver assistance static with front park sensors package; 19- inch bright 5-hole aluminum wheels; sport performance package; light walnut wood trim and driver assistance dynamic package on the Quadrifoglio.
Alfa Romeo Giulia and Giulia Ti models feature an all-aluminum, 2.0-liter, directinjection turbocharged engine that delivers a class-leading, standard 280 horsepower and 306 lb.-ft. of torque, which lets it launch from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 149 mph.
All Giulia sedans have an eight-speed automatic transmission, with available column-mounted aluminum paddle shifters designed for enthusiasts and shifts in less than 100 milliseconds.
The Giulia Quadrifoglio features a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio of approximately seven pounds per horsepower and has the mostdirect steering available, Alfa Romeo says, thanks to an allnew rear-wheel-drive architecture that extensively uses lightweight materials.
The Giulia Quadrifoglio sedan seats 5 and features distinct styling and the most-powerful
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Lakes of Bella Terra Section 14, 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
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 MAY 3, 2019 in cause numbered 15-DCV-228339 styled First Colony Community Services Association, Inc.. vs. MICHELLE WILSON, in which a judgment was rendered on MAY 3, 2016 in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. for the sum of Ten thousand Five Hundred Four Dollars and Twenty Six Cents ($10504.26); 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 14, 2019 and will on JULY 2, 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 MICHELLE WILSON to and in the following described Real Property LOT NINE(9), IN BLOCK ONE(1) OF AMENDING PLAT OF PLANTATION TRAILS AT FIRST COLONY SECTION TWO(2) A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO 2202/A AND 2202/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 4007 GRAND PLANTATION LN MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459(PROPERTY) The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLOOR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: JULY 2, 2019 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH
production Alfa Romeo engine ever developed with the twin-turbocharged intercooled V-6, carbon fiber hood, roof and rear spoiler; adaptive performance suspension; DNA Pro with Race Mode; torque vectoring; carbon fiber active aero front splitter; Harmon Kardon premium audio system; carbon fiber interior trim; forward collision warning plus; 3D navigation and more.
For 2018, the Alfa Romeo Giulia lineup consists of six models including the Giulia, Giulia Sport, Giulia Ti, Giulia
Ti Sport, Giulia Ti Lusso and Giulia Quadrifoglio.
Available exterior colors are black, white, rose, gray metallic, vulcano black, blue metallic, Montecarlo blue and red metallic. Interior colors are black, black/tan, black/ red, black/ice, and cream each with various colors of stitching.
Thanks to 4 exhaust pipes that are perfectly tuned, the Giulia Quadrifoglio growls, rumbles and rips. But unless you have the experience of an Indy 500 driver it’s best not to
floor the accelerator.
Take it easy at first or before you know it you might just be flying.
The Quadrifoglio exterior looks stylish and inside the seats are comfortable and keep you in place and there is space upfront for various items. But really everything about this sedan is the engine, which makes it such a fast drive and an amazingly good ride. The price is $79,995 but remember, it’s about that engine.
Richmond Mayor delivers State of the City address
(Left to Right) Presenting Sponsor, Kevin Patton of State Farm Insurance Agency, Kristin Weiss, President / CEO of the Central Fort Bend Chamber, Mayor Evalyn Moore, and Trey Reichert, Chair of the CFB Chamber Board of Director, Vice President & General Manager Riverstone and Veranda by Johnson Development Corp.
“With our infrastructure investments, strong community, economic growth opportunities and small-town heart, I know Richmond is a great place to live, work and play,’’ Mayor Evalyn Moore of Richmond said in her state of the city address recently.
“I look forward to working with all of you to continue that tradition as we welcome new employers, residents, friends and neighbors to our great City,” Moore said.
She added: “I am honored to continue my late husband’s legacy of service as your Mayor. One of my favorite parts
of my job is visiting with you every year to reflect on all the good work our Community has done to keep our City vibrant and economically productive. I’ve got a Richmond state of mind because of our soaring future.”
Moore addressed members of the community, elected officials, and local business owners on the status of the City of Richmond. During her presentation, Moore highlighted investing in infrastructure, maintaining community and growing our economy.
The annual State of the City Address, hosted by the Central
Fort Bend Chamber, was held on June 11, at Briscoe Manor. The luncheon was presented by Richmond business owner Kevin Patton with Kevin Patton Insurance Agency, State Farm.
Underwriter sponsors for the luncheon included Caliber Collision, Jones | Carter & KIT Professionals, Kelly Kaluza and Associates, and Veranda by Johnson Development Corporation.
For more information about the Chamber or its programs, call 281-342-5464 or visit www.CFBCA.org.
Celebrate 4th of July in Sugar Land with a Boom!
The city of Sugar Land’s Red, White and Boom Celebration is scheduled for Thursday, July 4, from 4-10 p.m., at The Crown Festival Park, 18355 Southwest Freeway.
The event, which is being produced in partnership with a number of sponsors, will be bigger and better than ever, and attendees should prepare for the largest fireworks display in Fort Bend County! Fireworks will light the skies beginning at approximately 9:40 p.m.
Prepare for an evening full of patriotic family fun, activities for all ages, coupled with great food and a variety of music! Entertainment and activities will include
a children’s zone complete with inflatables, photo opportunities, face painting, craft stations and a main stage area featuring a variety of local talent. The event will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display that families can enjoy.
This event will be free and open to the public! Free tickets will be required and will not be available on the day of the event.
Residents may obtain free tickets by visiting http:// www.sugarlandtx.gov/ RWBtickets.
Tickets are available now exclusively for Sugar Land residents using their address and the promotional code SLTX19. General public ticket availability will start
on June 18.
Numerous food and drink options will be available at concession areas.
Due to limited onsite parking, attendees are encouraged to take the shuttle to avoid traffic delays. Shuttle services are available at various off-site parking locations including Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, Mercer Stadium and University of Houston-Sugar Land. Ride-sharing and taxis are also welcomed.
For more information about the event or to become an event sponsor, contact the Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department at 281-275-2900, visit www. sugarlandtx.gov/RedWhiteandBoom
TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4
Fort Bend County, Texas
TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4
Fort Bend County, Texas
TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4
Fort Bend County, Texas
COMMUNITY Fort Bend County Fair Skeeters Fun
INDEPENDENT • JUNE 19, 2019 • Page 7
PLANTATION at Quail Valley
Active Senior Living; Embracing the lives of Seniors 55 and Better
JUNE Move in Special $399
2815 Cypress Point Dr, Missouri City, TX 77459 www. plantationqv.com Phone: (281) 208-4470
2018 Fort Bend County Fair night at the Skeeters. Swatson, 2017 Fort Bend County Fair Queen, Marissa Salazar and the 2018 Queen candidates, including reigning Queen, Hannah Hunt.
Balls and strikes with a touch of Christmas will be part of the Fort Bend County Fair Night at the Skeeters on Friday, July 12, 2019.
The Sugar Land Skeeters, winners of the 2018 Atlantic League Championship, will be taking on the Long Island Ducks at Constellation Field. Come early and cheer on 2018 Fort Bend County Fair Queen, Hannah Hunt, as she will throw the ceremonial first pitch!
She will be accompanied
by the 2019 Fort Bend County Fair Queen candidates.
The Skeeters will be celebrating Christmas in July. As part of their promotion “A Christmas Story” a Swatson Bobblehead will be given away to fans on July 12th.
This is the fourth year that the Sugar Land Skeeters and the Fort Bend County Fair Association join forces for a night of family fun.
A video featuring the fair, including who is playing will be shown prior to the game on
the big screen.
Friday night is always capped with a full fireworks display. “It is always a fun time at the ball park, but when you mix in our fair members and supporters, it is a great evening.
“There is a large group of us and our families, and the Skeeters are coming off a championship season, so we will have plenty to cheer for,” said Marjie Pollard, Fort Bend County Fair President.
Constellation Field provides
something for all ages. The Play Land includes a variety of jungle gym equipment and slides, a state-of-the-art Sport Court of Texas, and splash pad.
A picnic area, ice house, and the suite level are all a part of the amenities to enjoy.
Tickets will be on sale online. Be sure to use promo code: Fair, when purchasing your tickets. For more information call the Fair Office at 281-342-6171.
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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • JUNE 19, 2019
COMMUNITY PlayItForward Initiative enhances greenspaces in Missouri City
City Manager Anthony J. Snipes, in collaboration with the Parks & Recreation Department, has rolled out a new initiative—#PlayItForward— to not only celebrate the outdoors, but to also build the future of outdoor life.
This initiative follows the Council-approved Strategic Plan 2014-2019-2029 by accomplishing three objectives:
1. Expand the leisure opportunities – such as programs, activities, and venues – within Missouri City
2. Expand opportunities to live a healthy and active lifestyle
3. Maintain and upgrade City infrastructure such as parks, streets, and sidewalks
“The meaning behind #PlayItForward focuses on
giving back to the community and this campaign will allow Missouri City to partner with our regional neighborhoods and individuals, giving them opportunities to sponsor City greenspace projects, thereby helping to reduce the burden on the budget and to enhance our local playscapes,” Snipes said.
“And, with July being ‘National Park and Recreation Month’, this is a great time to announce the program and engage our residents, businesses, visitors and stakeholders in the initiative.”
Missouri City is known for being a safe, scenic city and the award-winning greenspaces throughout the area play a key role in maintaining this designation. More than
20 parks and 14+ miles of trails wind through our communities, providing an infinite amount of ways to enjoy the outdoors, and #PlayItForward will help to showcase these amenities.
Companies and neighborhoods that join this citywide operation will work closely with the Parks & Recreation Department to ensure specified projects come to fruition and that they showcase commercial partnerships with the City.
“We will emphasize to business owners and neighborhoods that when you #PlayIt- Forward, you further cement your legacy in Missouri City,” said Parks & Recreation Director Jason Mangum. “And that whenever somebody visits
the greenspace your organization sponsored, they will know that they are enjoying the space because of your generosity.”
Companies will provide input in any initiative they sponsor, making the possibilities endless, Snipes explained, adding: “We are thrilled to work with the community to make this campaign a success. Together, we will continue to raise the quality of life in Missouri City!”
As part of the City’s commitment to parks’ initiatives, M2L Associates Inc. was engaged to perform a “Park Facilities Assessment Management Plan” to develop a program to schedule repairs, or replace old or worn assets and provide estimated costs
for such recommendations. The intended use is as a guideline to improve current deficient conditions as well as to aid in determining maintenance and capital park budgets; read the overview and learn more about the detailed analysis of conditions of existing assets in some MCTX Parks via this website link: http://bit.ly/2ZmLy8s. For more information on the #PlayIt- Forward campaign, please visit www.mctxparks.com or email Mangum at jason.mangum@missouricitytx.gov.
Kids learn cooking at Harvest Green Summer Camps
Kids can slice, dice, mix and bake at five CookLearnGrow summer cooking camps hosted by Harvest Green.
Registration is now open for the camps taking place at the Farmhouse, 3400 Harvest Corner Drive. Designed for kids ages 7-13, camps will teach kids to prepare a variety of dishes using fresh produce from the Richmond community’s Village Farm. The cost is $220 per child, per camp.
“Harvest Green and CookLearnGrow share similar missions,” said Sylvia Morgese, Director of Fun for Harvest Green. “We want to educate people about the food they eat and help them make healthy choices. These camps start kids down that road through fun hands-on learning activities that also reinforce math, science and social skills.”
The first camps will be held June 24-27. From 9 a.m.-noon, “Cooking Thru the USA” will take kids ages 7-9 on a journey through America’s most popular regional dishes, including Florida’s key lime pie and Hawaii’s pineapple upside down cake. Tweens ages 10-13 will attempt culinary challenges worthy of a “Master Junior Chef” from 2-5 p.m.
Two camps are available for children ages 7-9 from 9 a.m.- noon in July. “Baking 101” teaches them the basics of baking July 8-11. Kids can learn about growing and cooking with seasonal foods at “Farmers Market” camp July 29-Aug. 1. Tarts, cupcakes and meringues are on the menu for tweens ages 10-13 at “Baking 102” camp from 2-5 p.m. July 8-11. Parents can register their children at http://cooklearngrow. com/houston-camps. Some camps can accommodate children with nut allergies.
CookLearnGrow was founded by Lori Hinze, a professional educator and graduate of The International Culinary Center in New York City. The mobile educational program focusing on food literacy can be found in Houston, Austin, Dallas and Seattle.
Harvest Green, named the 2018 Master-planned Community of the Year by the Greater Houston Builders Association, offers residents opportunities to grow their own food in optional backyard gardens or through a farm club. Homes are priced from the $240,000s. For more information, visit https://www.harvestgreentexas.com.
