Fort Bend Independent 082119

email: editor@fbindependent.com

VOL 12 No. 34

Phone: 281-980-6745

www.fbindependent.com

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2019

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

BalletForte’s auditions for Five rescued from sex traffickers over “The Nutcracker” Ballet on Aug. 24 nine days of Operation Freedom

BalletForte, Fort Bend County’s premier preprofessional ballet company, is pleased to announce open auditions for its 24th annual “The Nutcracker” and for 2019-20 BalletForte Company positions.

Auditions for Nutcracker 2019 Cast are open to anyone age 6 and up currently enrolled in a ballet class at any dance studio. Dancers interested in Company membership are required to be trained en pointe.

The auditions will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, starting at noon at the Fort Bend Academy of Dance/BalletForte studios, 18551 Old Richmond Road, Sugar Land. The schedule is listed below by age. There is a $15 audition fee.

Directed by Michael Banigan

and Dianne Jarrell, BalletForte provides a training ground and professional quality performance opportunities for serious dancers from the Houston area.

BalletForte presents the full traditional version of the classical ballet, “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 13-15 at the Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Rd., Stafford. Tickets will be available later this fall at www. balletforte.org.

6:00 p.m. -6:45 p.m. Ages 6-8 While the dancers are auditioning, stop by and enjoy refreshments courtesy of the BalletForte Guild and learn how you can become a member of the guild and support the art of ballet in our community. Guild membership is open to anyone.

Those who join the guild at any level before the end of the audition day Aug. 24 will be entered into a drawing for a BalletForte season subscription, which includes four tickets Audition schedule for Aug. 24: to “The Nutcracker” and four tickets to BalletForte’s Spring 12:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. Age 14+ Performance at the Stafford Centre, as well as other prizes.

2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Ages 12If you have questions about 13 BalletForte or joining the A gallery of human traffickers arrested in Operation Freedom.

BalletForte Guild, call 281-7994:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Ages 9-11 7554 or e-mail info@balletforte. By SESHADRI KUMAR and rehab services were provided. software to monitor websites org.

After a nine-day, multi-agency Eleven others were arrested and postings by traffickers who sting operation against human for narcotics offenses, associated advertise and solicit clients for trafficking, which resulted in 64 with human trafficking and three sex business. Similarly, child sex arrests, Fort Bend County District more were held for forgery and abusers and other buyers of sex Attorney Brian Middleton has fraud involving human trafficking are identified. a message to those involved in In many cases, further The operation reinforced the human trafficking: “Your days are stark reality that human trafficking investigation is done and numbered. Human trafficking and occurred in plain sight in Fort additional charges filed after related offenses will nofun longer be Bend County and it affected all initial arrests. The ongoing Family tolerated in our community. sections of society, regardless investigations will likely result in “We are proactively addressing of demographics, race, religion, further arrests and identification #BreastfeedingRocks the issue of sexual exploitation in culture education level or wealth of additional victims.

Fort Bend County and we are up and it is not just a neighboring Fort Bend County Pct. 3 Auction to the task of eliminating human “city problem,” Middleton said.

Constable Wayne Thompson said traffickingGiveaways and rescuing victims,” The investigations and his office was the first among Middleton said. subsequent operations are Constables in Fort Bend County InFree the undercover operation incredibly complex, difficult and to actively take part in enforcing Snowcone code named “Operation Freedom” time consuming since the sexual human trafficking laws.

Magic from July 8 to JulyShow 25, led by predators and human traffickers Sgt. John Wall, from HPD Vice Fort Bend County DA’s office, are tech savvy and are capable of Division and HTRA, Sherri Zack, FreewithPizza in conjunction the Human erasing any trail of their activity, from the office of U.S. Attorney Trafficking Rescue Alliance, according to Middleton. for the Southern District of Texas, Fire truck with the assistance of Fort Bend The problem is especially acute Jeanette Meazzao, from the FBI the Missouri City Gymboree, All attendees will receive County Pct. 3 Constable Wayne in cases involving children and Child Exploitation Task Force, jewelry from Kendra Scott, gift raffle tickets that go towards Thompson’s office, 22 local, state teenagers and human traffickers Kevin Lilly, chairman of the baskets from Whataburger and items donated by community and federal agencies, identified lure middle school and high Texas Alcoholic and Beverages and apprehended those engaged school children in Fort Bend area Commission, Mary Magness from Saint Arnold’s, a wine-tasting members. the Department of Homeland package from Total Wine & These items include gift in sex crimes and rescued schools. victims, Middleton said at a press Security and Katie Daniels, a The officials also pointed out More, and much more, with all cards to local restaurants, conference on Friday. nurse from Texas Forensic Nurse that all human trafficking cases proceeds going to support La trampoline park tickets, nursing Among those arrested included Examiners, addressed the press are not related to prostitution.

A Leche League of Fort Bend’s accessories and apparel, and three who forced prostitution, conference. Montgomery County few cases involve prostitution, travel to the biannual La Leche parenting-related items. Many three who promoted prostitution, Sheriff’s Office, Harris County but a majority involves luring and League of Texas Conference local vendors will be present and 24 men who were sex buyers, Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Department forcing minors and adults into sex and to promote Houston-area including Sharon Parker Real including a Houston Police of State, and YMCA International trade, along with drug use. breastfeeding advocacy efforts. Estate Group, The Lactation Department officer. were among the other agencies Social media is the prominent The day of the LiLoLa picnic Foundation, Experience Life Two juvenile girls and five which participated in Operation medium used by human traffickers. is full of activities appealing Chiropractic Group, Beauty adults, who were victims of Freedom.

Consequently, law enforcement to all members of the family.

See, PICNIC, Page 2 human trafficking, were rescued agencies have acquired special

Please join us at Sugar Land Memorial Park August 24th 10am-2pm More info League of Fort Bend @fb.com/HoustonLiLoLa/

La Leche hosts “Live, Love, Latch!” picnic The 4th Annual Houston Live, Love, Latch! will be held Saturday, August 24th at Sugar Land Memorial Park (15300 University Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..

Live, Love, Latch! (LiLoLa) is a national annual celebration of breastfeeding and breastfeeding supporters.

Hosted by La Leche League of Fort Bend, a local breastfeeding advocacy group, LiLoLa is a picnic open to the community. Prior to the picnic, there are several ways to get involved and many prizes, donated by community businesses available. The prizes associated with the baby photo contest include various pregnancy and family photography sessions donated by local photographers.

A silent auction is being held that ends the day of the event and contains several items, including Skeeters tickets, memberships to the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center and

Live Love Latch

Sponsored by Serving Fort Bend County for 28 years!

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 21, 2019

Cross Creek Ranch named Community of the Year

Fulshear, TX – Cross Creek Ranch was recently named Community of the Year in the Texas Association of Builders’ (TAB) 2019 Star Awards.

The awards program recognizes leading builders, remodelers, architects, designers, sales professionals, marketing professionals and construction professionals across Texas and surrounding areas.

Companies submitted 574 entries into this year’s competition, with winners announced Aug. 8 during the Sunbelt Builders Show™.

“This is one of the industry’s most prestigious awards,” said Rob Bamford, General Manager of Cross Creek Ranch.

“To be recognized among

such other exceptional communities is an honor.”

The award was one of seven trophies received

by Johnson Development communities during the ceremony. Other communities won for marketing efforts, best poolscape and best event.

It’s been a busy year for Cross Creek Ranch, with builders selling more than 320 homes in the development so far — a 10 percent increase.

The community moved up four places to No. 21 on a mid-year report by Robert Charles Lesser & Co. of the nation’s top-selling masterplanned communities.

More than 470 homesites will have been delivered to builders by the end of the year to keep up with demand.

“Cross Creek Ranch is

NEWS

bustling,” Bamford said.

“We are welcoming a new Katy ISD junior high in the community and a high school is under construction.

Our commercial component continues to grow and access to and from the community is being enhanced with the expansion of FM 1093 and the start of construction of Texas Heritage Parkway that should happen this fall.”

The 3,200-acre Cross Creek Ranch is located at the crossroads of FM 1463 and FM 1093 minutes west of the Grand Parkway. Eleven builders offer homes priced from the $200,000s to the millions.

For more information on Cross Creek Ranch, visit https://www.crosscreektexas. com.

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 137 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on Monday, September 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., at the offices of Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP located at 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 2400, Houston, TX 77027. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

FOR the proposal: AGAINST the proposal:

V. Warren, M. Brindley, J. Ross, C. Malone & S. Weaver (None)

PRESENT and not voting:

(None)

ABSENT:

(None)

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Last Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value) Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)

This Year

$ 0.410/$100

$ 0.410/$100

(Adopted)

(Proposed)

$0.000/$100 0.0000% $436,839 $433,232

$0 $436,839 $1,791.04

$0 $433,232 $1,776.25

-$14.79 -0.8258%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.

Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.

Sugar Land’s Ashley HomeStore is giving children ages seven to 12 the once-ina-lifetime opportunity to run on the NRG Stadium field and pick up the opening kickoff tee at a Houston Texans home game. Each week during the 2019 season, the Houston Texans will draw a winner from entries collected at all 12 Houston Ashley HomeStore locations. In addition, winners will receive a Houston Texans jersey, four game tickets and a $500 Ashley HomeStore gift card. Families who complete an entry in the store also will receive 20 percent off any item (exclusions apply). Online registration is available at www.houstontexans.com/ fans/contests-promotions.

Ashley HomeStore in Sugar Land, 16762 Highway 59 South, is open daily, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon – 6 p.m.

Children get a chance to join the Texans game

Smart Financial Centre to celebrate millionth visitor

The Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land will celebrate its one millionth fan, or ticket purchased, later this month. The Sugar Land venue has far exceeded initial expectations and projections for attendance and tax revenue to the City of Sugar Land since its opening in January of 2017.

Pollstar’s mid-year 2019 ranking places the venue at 7th in the world in ticket sales in theater venues under 10,000 seats and 2nd in Texas among all concert venues in the state regardless of size. The City of Sugar Land credits the venue for over $1 million in direct sales tax revenue to-date and projects $26.1 million in annual community benefit over the next 30 years.

Before the performance by country act Rascal Flatts on Aug. 29, Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman, Smart Financial CEO Larry Seidl and Smart Financial Centre GM David Skinner will recognize the millionth fan. The lucky guest will be awarded prizes including a guitar signed by the members of Rascal Flatts and a suite for an upcoming performance. In addition, Mayor Zimmerman will issue a proclamation on behalf of the City recognizing the millionth fan and the significant milestone in the venue’s history.

“This special milestone is just another example of the commitment that makes Sugar

Land a special place to live,” said Mayor Joe Zimmerman. “The Smart Financial Centre plays an important part in our position as an economic powerhouse and financial leader. Through these efforts, we are able to improve our quality of life while minimizing our residential tax burden. Our focus on tourism and economic development helps fund the services our citizens expect and maintain one of the state’s lowest property tax rates.”

Founding sponsor Smart Financial is also announcing an extension of their naming rights partnership due to the unparalleled success of the venue.

“We are excited to announce that we are extending the terms of our sponsorship with the City of Sugar Land and the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land,” said Larry Seidl, president and CEO of Smart Financial Credit Union. “As a local financial institution, giving back to the communities we serve is at the core of our business philosophy. We are proud to be included in a partnership that has not only helped elevate our brand awareness, but also provides economic growth to the Sugar Land community and attracts a diverse range of entertainment for its citizens to enjoy Since its grand opening in January 2017, Smart Financial Centre has provided a state-of-theart venue for live performances in

Sugar Land and has hosted a wide array of programming, including nationally and internationally celebrated musicians and comedians— including Dave Matthews, Sting, Rod Stewart, Kiss, Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Martin, The Killers, Anita Baker, Lionel Richie and many others—along with family shows, theatrically staged Broadway productions and cultural performances. The 200,000-square-foot venue’s moveable walls allow for intimate performances for 2,000 guests or theater seating for up to 6,400 guests. The venue is managed by Ambassador Theatre Group in partnership with the City of Sugar Land.

“Since we opened, Smart Financial Centre has continued to raise the bar in Sugar Land and the greater Houston area by providing popular and diverse programming, creating a place for all people,” said David Skinner, general manager of Smart Financial Centre. “Being ranked consistently in the top 10 in the world for ticket sales is a source of great pride and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff. Looking forward, we will continue to work hard to bring the best talent in the world to our stage and further ingrain ourselves in this vibrant and diverse community.”

Picnic

provided by Raising Cane’s and La Leche League of Fort Bend.

Crafts and activities will be available for children and adults alike.

In addition, a nursing lounge will be provided and La Leche League Leaders will be on hand for the “Ask a Leader” table to provide breastfeeding help at the event. To wrap up the picnic, raffle prize, baby photo, and silent auction winners will be announced.

Houston LiLoLa will occur rain or shine at the main pavilion of Sugar Land Memorial Park.

Parking is free and the picnic site is shady with ample seating.

A partially fenced in playground is adjacent to the picnic shelter.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is free and not required for attendance.

For further information, including access to the silent auction and event website, please visit fb.com/ HoustonLiLoLa/ . Further information on sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be obtained by contacting Carie Dietz and Emily Garrison at LLLFortBend@gmail.com.

From Page 1 Counter, and Missouri City Gymboree.

The Sugar Land Fire Department will be present at 10 a.m. and there will be performances by Gymboree and Magician Drake Stanton.

La Leche League of Fort Bend is providing Kona Ice and pizza has been donated

by Sugar Land’s own 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza and Mod Pizza. Additional food and beverages will be available,

NEWS

Master in Chancery defends appointment in latest court filing in Sugar land 95 litigation

By SESHADRI KUMAR Even as Fort Bend ISD is preparing to reinter the remains found in an abandoned cemetery in the original site, legal argument against the school district is piling up.

In the latest move, Michael W. Elliott, who was appointed Master in Chancery by Fort Bend County District Court Judge Jim Shoemake, has sought the Court of Appeals to lift the stay on his appointment.

Elliott filed his answer on Aug. 13 as a Real Party in Interest to Fort Bend ISD’s writ petition in the Court of Appeals for the First Supreme Judicial District in Texas in the unmarked cemetery case known as Sugar Land 95.

(A day earlier Scott West, guardian ad litem, appointed

by Judge Shoemake had filed his answer to the school district’s petition.)

The school district has obtained stay orders against the appointment of the guardian and the master in chancery on the grounds that the district had withdrawn its lawsuit from the court of Judge Shoemake and the judge had no authority to make these appointments in the absence of a lawsuit.

On June 13, 2019, Elliott, through his attorney Kristen Jernigan, filed his first brief with the Appeals Court suggesting the pending Mandamus Action was now moot due to the legislative clarification and amendment of the Texas Health and Safety Code in the just concluded Texas Legislature.

This filing was in response to the first stay the school district obtained after Elliott’s appointment.

House Bill 2430 clarifies that Section711.010 (c) of the Texas Health and Safety Code is amended to provide that in cases involving abandoned or unknown cemeteries, such as the present case, “trial courts may also designate or appoint any person, party, courtappointed representative or official the Court considers necessary to assist in determining whether the cemetery designation should be removed and whether the removal of the previouslyinterred remains is in the public interest.’’

The amendment to the Texas Health and Safety Code leaves no doubt that the Court’s appointment of a Master in Chancery was lawful and authorized, Elliott argued.

On June 21, 2019, FBISD filed a response with the Court of Appeals arguing that the amendment would not affect the pending Mandamus because the appointment cannot be applied retroactively.

Elliott maintains that in essence FBISD here conceded the statutory clarification of 711.010 (c) of the Texas Health and Safety Code authorizing the appointment of the Master.

The July 25 filing by the school district was “a partial non-suit” in the underlying case, according to Elliott.

More specifically, in the filed pleading, FBISD avers to the Court as follows: “Because Fort Bend Independent School District no longer seeks to remove the cemetery designation from the abandoned and unverified historical cemetery located on its property, it no longer has basis to pursue this action.”

Elliott argued that FBISD’s writ petition should be denied because the case has been only “partially non-suited.”

In this case, there is no order granting the nonsuit and none was even requested or presented by FBISD for the court to sign and the trial court retained plenary power after the motion for nonsuit was filed.

The judge did not dispose of all live issues before the court and did not dispose of the open temporary orders before the Court with the bodies of 95 individuals literally being held in a container awaiting further orders of the Court or permission to re-inter as required by law.

Thus, mandamus relief should be denied, Elliott said.

The school district also impugned that the district judge was appointing the master with the expectation that the cost be borne by the school district.

In the present case, the trial court’s order appointing Master in Chancery does not require an upfront payment from FBISD. The order provides that the master will be paid as a court-appointed attorney or by FBISD at the resolution of the case, at which time, FBISD can appeal that decision and assessment of fees, if they are even imposed, Elliott said.

The Court clearly set out that the Master in Chancery was “a neutral” to balance the conflict in FBISD’s position and to obtain evidence necessary for the Court to decide this case, as the master is not an advocate for the court.

At the December 18, 2018 status hearing Judge

INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 21, 2019 • Page 3

Sugar Land calls for $90.7 million bond election

Sugar Land City Council has called a $90.7 million bond election for Nov. 5 to address drainage, public safety facilities and equipment, mobility and an animal shelter.

City Council’s unanimous 7-0 vote occurred during a special meeting on Aug. 14 and provides voters an opportunity to decide whether to fund projects identified by residents.

“More than half of the proposed projects address drainage, with 82 percent of the total dedicated to drainage and public safety projects,”

said Assistant City Manager Chris Steubing.

“Although there is approximately $45 million in debt capacity over the fiscal year 2021-2023 timeframe, that is not sufficient to support the total $90.7 million worth of projects identified in the GO Bond package.”

If voters approve the projects, the bonds will require a 3 cent tax rate increase in fiscal year 2021, which represents $10 per month for the average Sugar Land homeowner. All projects will be completed or under

construction in three years.

The projects are spread geographically throughout the city and can be viewed in detail at www.sugarlandtx. gov/GOBondMap. For more information including a complete project listing, visit www.sugarlandtx. gov/GObond.

Last week, Fort Bend County Commissioners Court also approved an order calling for a drainage district bond election for about $82.9 million.

This will also be on the November 5 ballot.

A Kendleton man was sentenced to 60 years in prison for killing a neighbor in 2018.

Jonathan Bradshaw was sentenced on August 13, 2019 after a jury convicted him of murder a day earlier.

The 22-year-old Kendleton man pulled his gun and shot after a neighborhood confrontation in 2018 resulting in the death.

According to Fort Bend County Assistant District Attorney Courtney Rosen, on January 20th, 2018, Bradshaw’s twin brother, Johnny Bradshaw, was speeding up and down a residential neighborhood street in Kendleton.

The victim, Ladarian

Trevon Welch told Johnny to slow down multiple times.

Johnny then drove down the street to pick up his brother Jonathan. Ladarian Welch was standing outside of his home in front of the curb when Johnny parked in the middle of the street and Jonathan got out of the passenger seat.

Jonathan confronted Welch about telling his brother what to do, then pulled a gun and fired four times at Welch.

Welch was shot once in the leg and once in the chest, which resulted in his death.

The defendant ran away on foot after the shooting.

“Jonathan Bradshaw’s inhumane and senseless killing of 22-year-old Ladarian

Welch robbed a young man of his future and a mother of her only son,” said Rosen.

“We appreciate the jury’s attention and swift justice in this case.”

Bradshaw was tried in the 240th District Court before Presiding Judge Frank J. Fraley.

Murder is a first-degree felony punishable by 5-99 years, or life, in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Under Texas law, Bradshaw must serve half of his sentence before he can be considered for parole. Assistant District Attorneys Courtney Rosen and Grayson Miller prosecuted the case.

Shoemake ordered the issuance of notice to The Texas Historical Commission, Fort Bend County Historical Commission, City of Sugar Land, Fort Bend County and Governor Greg Abbott.

The court has not heard from them yet.

Despite the averments made

by FBISD as being the sole

party in the case, it remains an open question of law if these individuals and entities are parties to the lawsuit under this unique statute, Elliott said.

Elliott also included the latest Houston Chronicle article of Aug. 13, 2019 with a quote from Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George stating that there is no deal or successful

inter local agreement between FBISD and Fort Bend County noting that the school district is not negotiating with Fort Bend County in good faith.

It remains to be seen if the Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments or issue summary judgment.

Kendleton man gets 60 years for murder

INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 21, 2019 • Page 4

OPINION

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate

The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 138 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on Monday, September 9, 2019 at 12:15 p.m., at the offices of Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP located at 3200 Southwest Freeway,Suite 2400, Houston, TX 77027. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

FOR the proposal:

T. Gornet, D. Keene, M. Assise, P. Stephens & G. Justice

AGAINST the proposal:

(None)

PRESENT and not voting:

(None)

ABSENT:

(none)

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

Last Year $ 0.4086/$100 (Adopted)

Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)

This Year $ 0.4100/$100 (Proposed)

$0.001/$100 0.3426% $589,229 $584,737

$0 $589,229 $2,407.59

$0 $584,737 $2,397.42

-$10.17 -0.4224%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.

Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.

Psychological effects of active shooter drills in schools

Schools across the country have implemented active shooter drills and metal detectors to prepare for violence.

While these practices may make school staff and parents feel safe, young children can often become confused and afraid, unsure of what to anticipate.

Dr. Laurel Williams, associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine and chief of psychiatry at Texas Children’s Hospital, discusses the psychological effects of active shooter drills and metal detectors on schoolchildren.

“People must keep in mind the developmental age and how that connects to young children’s emotional and cognitive abilities when considering and deploying these ‘preparedness drills.’ It is developmentally normal for young children to not understand time and be able to distinguish between something happening now versus something possibly happening in the future,” Williams said.

“From the perspective of a child psychiatrist, I believe that it’s psychologically distressing for a young child to practice active shooters coming into your area. It’s not clear to them that the drill is not real. The younger the child, the less likely they are to understand that an act of violence is not occurring during a drill.”

If schools determine that these drills are necessary, Williams recommends that schools consider the following key points: •Provide adequate notice to families and staff regarding the need for the drills and provide an orientation for both staff, parents and students before drills occur.

•Provide education to staff and teachers about traumainformed best practices and seek

training for non-mental health professionals on how best to respond in the moment of crisis.

Mental Health First Aide is a commonly employed training.

•Allow for staff and children who already have experienced trauma to be excused from participating or have very close support before, during and after the drills.

•Emphasize during the drills that it is just practice and continuously state the purpose.

Active shooter drills and installation of metal detectors also may reinforce society’s existing struggles with interpersonal connections, Williams said.

Adults should be aware of the potential for psychological damage and focus on teaching children to be more socially interconnected with one another instead of locking people away from one another and reinforcing the concept that the world and the people in it are scary and unpredictable.

“If you’re constantly given the viewpoint that the world is a scary place and unpreventable things happen, it pervasively makes us less secure as a society. We see everyone as suspicious, and it changes the way we act around people,” Williams said.

“We need to work on social connectedness. It is my opinion and that of many other mental health professional that focusing on developing social connectivity may be a more potent inoculation against violence than drills and metal detectors in schools.”

Research into the promotion of social connectivity in schools has shown to decrease bullying and increase academic performance and mental health.

Unfortunately, Williams said this often is an overlooked strategy as it is not as immediately satisfying as practicing active shooter drills, but it is crucial for psychological development for young children.

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

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

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

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

Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

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

Visit fbindependent.com and subscribe to the Digital Edition for only $10 per year. Read the Independent on your mobile phone or tablet.

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate

The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 136 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on Monday, September 9, 2019 at 11:45 a.m. at the offices of Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP located at 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 2400, Houston, TX 77027. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease,depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

The Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 20 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on Monday, September 9, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Water District Law Offices of Jeffrey Singer, 77 Sugar Creek Center Boulevard, Suite 565, Sugar Land Texas.

Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the Fort tax rate is adopted.

The Bendthat County Levee Improvement District No. 20 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax

FOR the proposal:

W. Barnes, C. Partin, A. Malone & V. Neiser

AGAINST the proposal:

(None)

PRESENT and not voting:

(None)

ABSENT:

M. Thelen

rate for the tax year 2019 on Monday, September 9, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Law Offices of Jeffrey Singer, 77 Sugar Creek Center Boulevard, Suite 565, Sugar Land Texas. Your individual taxes may FOR the Biermann J. Singer increase or proposal: decrease, depending on J.the change in&the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Last Year* Total tax rate (per $100 of value) Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)

This Year*

$ 0.420/$100

$ 0.420/$100

(Adopted)

(Proposed)

$0.000/$100 0.0000% $0

(None)

PRESENT and not voting:

(None)

FOR the proposal: J. Biermann & J. Singer ABSENT:the proposal: D. Hunter AGAINST (none) PRESENT and not voting: (none) D. Hunter ABSENT: The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing

unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

The following table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Last Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

$0

$0 $0 $0

AGAINST the proposal:

$0 $0 $0 $0.00 0.0000%

Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase in rates Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase in taxes if Proposed tax rate is adopted And percentage of increase

$

This Year

0.550 /$100

Adopted

$217,141

$ $0.000 /$100 0.0000%

$ 0 $217,141 $ 1,194.28

0.550 /$100

Proposed

$222,117 $ 0 $222,117 $1,221.64

$27.36 2.2909%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code. * There are NO residential homes in this district.

Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.

If taxes on NOTICE the average homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified OFresidence TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code. qualifiedtovoters the district petition may require that an election be held to determine Pursuant Sectionof49.2361, WaterbyCode.

whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.

Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.

Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.

INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 21, 2019 • Page 5

NEWS

Lamar CISD gets an A; Fort Bend ISD gets B rating

Fort Bend ISD got an overall B grade in the Texas Education Agency’s accountability standard, though all of Fort Bend ISD’s campuses met the 2019 accountability standard set by the TEA. The 2019 District and campus accountability results were released to school districts, with 48 of FBISD’s campuses receiving Distinctions.

Under the state’s new accountability system, which assigns a letter grade to all public school campuses in each of the state’s domains, 74 of the District’s 77 rated campuses received an A, B, or C. Only three campuses received a D, and there were no F ratings. FBISD students and campuses achieved significant growth.

Fort Bend ISD was given a B rating because the district grade is capped at a B if any school receives an overall grade of D or F, even if the overall district score is an A,

according to a press release issued by the school district.

For this reason, although FBISD achieved an overall score of 90, the reported score is capped at 89.

“This year’s state accountability results demonstrate that our hard work is paying off. Over the last seven years, we have worked as a collective team – from the board room to the classroom – to develop and implement new systems and new curriculum that ensure all students have equitable access to a quality education. I am especially proud of our teachers. They are doing a phenomenal job in classrooms each day and truly making it happen,” said FBISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Charles Dupre.

Student Growth and Progress While 2019 is the first year of official A-F ratings, each campus received overall and domain scores in 2018 that could be interpreted as letter

grades. In 2019, ten FBISD campuses progressed from a D or F grade to a B or C. Lantern Lane Elementary saw the most dramatic student gains, as the campus received an Fscore in 2018 and earned a B in 2019.

Also: •Glover Elementary and Hunters Glen Elementary progressed from an F score to a C. •Mission Bend Elementary improved from a D score to a B. •Both Marshall High School and Willowridge High School improved from a D score to a C. • The District met all twentyfive Domain 3: Closing the Gaps targets for Student Success Status and School Quality in ELA/Reading and Mathematics.

•The District achieved twenty-six of twenty-eight Domain 3: Closing the Gaps targets in Growth Status.

• All twenty-eight targets in

The Lamar CISD Board of Trustees approved the proposed tax rate and 2019-2020 includes a 5 percent pay increase for all returning Lamar CISD employees.

During the Aug. 15 regular meeting, the board approved Maintenance and Operations (M&O) tax rate for 20192020 is $0.97 and the Interest and Sinking (I&S) tax rate is

$0.35, bringing the total Lamar CISD tax rate to $1.32 per $100 of taxable value.

The 2019-2020 compensation plan includes an increase of $3,000 for all returning teachers with five years or less of experience and an increase of $3,500 for all teachers with six or more years of experience. Non-instructional staff will receive a 5 percent

midpoint increase based on pay grade.

“In Lamar CISD, we value our employees and we’re proud to invest in our talented staff,” said Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Thomas Randle. “We’re also grateful for the continued support of our School Board which prioritizes retaining quality teachers and staff.”

Rosenberg Crews from the city of Rosenberg Utilities Department will soon begin conducting smoke testing on the sanitary sewer lines as part of the implementation of an Inflow/Infiltration (I/I) Reduction Program.

The program objective is to remove storm water sources from the sanitary sewer system, keep wastewater treatment costs and sanitary sewer rates low and protect the environment.

The testing is scheduled to begin on the north side of Rosenberg by the end of the month and move by quadrants throughout the rest of the City. Testing will be performed Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Residents should perform the following tasks to ensure smoke does not enter your home: •Make sure all drain traps and plumbing fixtures have water in them. Fill seldom used drains (such as floor drains, garage sinks, etc.) with water by running the faucet for 30 to 60 seconds or filling the drain with approximately 2 gallons of water.

•Prepare drains as soon as you receive the smoke testing reminder notice; this only needs to be done once before testing begins. Reminder notices will be given to residents at least 24-48 hours prior to testing in specific areas.

•You do not need to be home

during the smoke testing field work.

•Smoke should not enter your home; however, if it does this could be an indication of a defect in your plumbing system. This defect could allow sewer gases to enter inside your home, which is a potential health hazard. Corrections of such defects on private property are the responsibility of the property owner, and a licensed plumber should be consulted to ensure the proper corrections are made.

If smoke does enter your home or building, please notify the field technicians who are conducting the test.

Smoke Testing helps locate defective openings and inappropriate connections in the sewer system that allow rainwater runoff to enter, decreasing the system’s capacity and ability to handle normal flows.

Smoke testing requires crews to access manholes and force air combined with non-toxic smoke into the sewer mains to disclose the location of leaks and nonpermitted connections. A defect is detected if smoke is seen coming up out of the ground or other unexpected locations.

The smoke is non-toxic, creates no fire hazard, leaves no residue, dissipates quickly and is harmless, although those with respiratory issues may wish to take extra precautions such as leav-

ing the home for a few hours until testing is complete. The Rosenberg Police and Fire Departments have been made aware of the testing. For more information, call Utilities Customer Service at 832595-3400 or visit: http://www. rosenbergtx.gov/wastewater

Lamar CISD offers a 5% pay raise to its employees

City of Rosenberg to begin ‘Smoke Testing’ sanitary sewer lines

Shining a Light on Mental Health Conference

Sheriff Troy E. Nehls and the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office are hosting the Shining a Light on Mental Health Conference, Addressing America’s Crisis. This free, all-day mental health conference is open to Fort Bend County residents. Children 13 years of age and older are encouraged to attend with their parents.

“We need to have a serious discussion in this country about America’s mental health,” says Sheriff Nehls. “Every day in our county and country we are seeing the devastating effects of mental illness. It affects not only the individual but their family, friends, community, and law enforcement.”

We have a powerful line-up of top mental health experts from across the region and country. The speakers will address topics from intervention to treatment, including Suicide, Drugs & School Trends, Bullying, Dementia & Alzheimers, Understanding One’s Mind, and much more. Keynote speaker, Kevin Hines, will share his story of hope, healing, and recovery after he attempted to take his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge.

The conference will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond, Texas.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. To attend, please register online at https://www.fbcsoshines.com/, and sign up for the sessions you are interested in.

Academic Achievement for ELA/Reading and Mathematics were achieved.

•All student groups met the participation rate of 95% or above. All student groups were at 99% or 100% participation.

whole child, in accordance with the skills and attributes of our Profile of a Graduate and the expectations of our community. We are proud of our ongoing work to develop a community-based accountability system so that we can measure our success in a way that is more meaningful and productive. We are preparing students to lead real lives in the real-world, which means our work must go well beyond high-stakes testing.”

Fort Bend ISD has joined with more than 50 school districts in the state to build a better accountability framework, which is being piloted at 6 campuses in the District.

It is believed that this system will benefit students, going beyond tests that measure past performance on narrowly defined criteria to focus on current and future success while providing opportunities for students to explore their talents, interests and passions.

Learn more about the development of this communitybased accountability system at www.fortbendisd.com/cbas.

Lamar CISD Earns “A” Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) is one of 301 school districts and charter schools in the state to receive an overall “A” rating for 2018-2019 by the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) A-F Accountability System.

School districts are given an overall rating based on perfor-

mance in three areas – Student Achievement, School Progress and Closing the Gaps.

Districts earn an “A” (90-100) for exemplary performance when they serve most students well and encourage high academic achievement and/or appropriate academic growth for students.

Additionally, Lamar CISD campuses earned a total of 86 distinctions in 2019, compared to 78 in 2018. The seven categories in which campuses can earn a distinction are English Language Arts/Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, Academic Growth, Closing Performance Gaps and PostSecondary Readiness.

At the campus level, 28 campuses earned one or more Distinction Designations and three campuses earned all Distinction Designations for which they were eligible.

“We’re extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of our staff, and the determination of our students,” said Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Thomas Randle.

“This accountability rating reflects the vision of our board and the combined efforts of our staff, families and community to create an environment where students feel encouraged and supported, and as a result, excel academically.”

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plans for Creekside Ranch, Section 8, 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.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plans for Grand Vista Springs Boulevard at Beechnut Street, Precincts 2 and 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,

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plans for Learning Tree Lane Extension Street Dedication, and Briarwood Crossing Drive and Learning Tree Lane Extension 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.

Distinction Designations: In 2019, FBISD campuses earned a total of 157 distinctions in seven categories, compared to 134 in 2018.

The seven categories in which a campus may earn a distinction are: English Language Arts/ Reading; Math;Science;Social Studies; Academic Growth; Closing Performance Gaps, and Post-Secondary Readiness.

At the campus level, 48 campuses earned one or more Distinction Designations, and 4 campuses earned all Distinction Designations for which they were eligible. A list of all campus distinctions is available in the 2019 Distinction Designations Summary.

“While we are pleased with the gains in the state accountability results, it is also important that we all recognize how Fort Bend ISD uses the STAAR test and accountability results to analyze and disrupt trends.

“We know no single test or A-F rating can adequately portray the work that goes on inside of our school buildings each day,” said Dupre.

“In Fort Bend ISD, we are committed to developing the

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

For more information on the A-F Accountability Ratings, visit www.TXschools.gov.

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 17 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on Thursday, September 12, 2019 at 11:30 a.m., at the offices of Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP, 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 2400, Houston, Texas. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

FOR the proposal: AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

D. Gornet & N. Ming (none) (none) V. Mehrotra

The following table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Last Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

$

This Year

0.570 /$100

Adopted

Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates Average appraised value $523,874 General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) $ 0 Average taxable value $523,874 Tax on average residence homestead $ 2,986.08 Annual change in tax on average residence if Proposed tax rate is adopted And percentage increase/decrease

$ -$0.010 /$100 -1.7544%

0.560 /$100

Proposed

$521,712 $ 0 $521,712 $2,921.59

-$64.49 -2.1597%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.

Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.

INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 21, 2019 • Page 6 CONSTABLE’S SALE Notice is hereby Given, that by virtue of a certain ORDER OF SALE Issued by the Clerk of the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, on the 6th day of AUGUST, 2019, in a certain cause number 17-DCV-241118 wherein AVALON AT SEVEN MEADOWS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. plaintiff, and J. LUIS VARGAS AND ABELARDA ZENTENO defendant, in which cause a judgment was rendered on the 2ND day of AUGUST, 2017, in favor of the said plaintiff AVALON AT SEVEN MEADOWS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. against said defendant J. LUIS VARGAS AND ABELARDA ZENTENO, for the sum of $6,835.15 FOR PAST DUE ANNUAL MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS, INTEREST, REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES, AND OTHER CHARGES ON THE ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT OF THE PROPERTY; ADDITIONAL ATTORNEY REASONABLE FEES AND COSTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000.00; COSTS OF COURT IN THE AMOUNT OF $328.22 AND POST JUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 10% PER ANNUM ON THE TOTAL JUDGMENT, INCLUDING ATTORNEY’S FEES AWARDED HEREIN, FROM THE DATE THIS JUDGMENT IS SIGNED UNTIL FULLY PAID, AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $328.22, together with all costs of suit, I levied upon, and will, on the 3RD day of SEPTEMBER, 2019 within legal hours, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of J. LUIS VARGAS AND ABELARDA ZENTENO in and to the following described REAL property, levied upon as the property of J. LUIS VARGAS AND ABELARDA ZENTENO to wit: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT FOUR (4) BLOCK ONE (1), OF AVALON AT SEVEN MEADOWS, SECTION EIGHT (8), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT NO. 20070044 OF THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 23303 TWO HARBORS GLEN STREET, KATY, TX 77494 (PROPERTY) DATE OF SALE: SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 TIME OF SALE: APPROXIMATELY 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1ST Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Tx 77469 TERMS OF SALE: CASH CREDIT- $0.00 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment for $6,835.15 FOR PAST DUE ANNUAL MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS, INTEREST, REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES, AND OTHER CHARGES ON THE ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT OF THE PROPERTY ; ADDITIONAL ATTORNEY REASONABLE FEES AND COSTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000.00; COSTS OF COURT IN THE AMOUNT OF $328.22 AND POST JUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 10% PER ANNUM ON THE TOTAL JUDGMENT, INCLUDING ATTORNEY’S FEES AWARDED HEREIN, FROM THE DATE THIS JUDGMENT IS SIGNED UNTIL FULLY PAID, AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $328.22 dollars, in favor of AVALON AT SEVEN MEADOWS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. together with the costs of said suit, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

WAYNE K. THOMPSON Constable Pct. 3 KATY, Texas

By DAVID RIVERA #1332-DEPUTY AUGUST 9, 2019

CONSTABLE’S SALE Notice is hereby Given, that by virtue of a certain ORDER OF SALE Issued by the Clerk of the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, on the 11th day of JULY, 2019, in a certain cause number 17-DCV-247356 wherein WESTHEIMER LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION plaintiff , and DANIEL COUSAR defendant, in which cause a judgment was rendered on the 29TH day of JUNE, 2018, in favor of the said plaintiff WESTHEIMER LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION against said defendant DANIEL COUSAR, for the sum of $2,160.06 AS THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE ON THE ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT OF THE PROPERTY THAT IS SECURED BY THE PLAINTIFF’S LIEN ON THE PROPERTY AS OF THE DATE THE AGREED JUDGMENT WAS FILED; REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,183.76; COSTS OF COURT IN THE AMOUNT OF $314.07, PROCESS SERVER FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $115.00, AND POST-JUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 5% PER ANNUM ON ALL AMOUNTS AWARDED IN THIS JUDGMENT, INCLUDING ATTORNEY FEES, FROM THE DATE THIS JUDGMENT IS SIGNED UNTIL FULLY PAID., AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $314.07, together with all costs of suit, I levied upon, and will, on the 3RD day of SEPTEMBER, 2019 within legal hours, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of DANIEL COUSAR in and to the following described REAL property, levied upon as the property of DANIEL COUSAR to wit: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT SEVENTEEN (17), IN BLOCK ONE (1), OF CANYON VILLAGE AT WESTHEIMER LAKES, SECTION FOUR (4), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER PLAT NO(S), 20110142, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 11007 HAYDEN FALLS DRIVE, RICHMOND, TX 77406 (PROPERTY) DATE OF SALE: SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 TIME OF SALE: APPROXIMATELY 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1ST Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Tx 77469 TERMS OF SALE: CASH CREDIT- $2,100.00 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judg ment for $2,160.06 AS THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE ON THE ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT OF THE PROPERTY THAT IS SECURED BY THE PLAINTIFF’S LIEN ON THE PROPERTY AS OF THE DATE THE AGREED JUDGMENT WAS FILED ; REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,183.76; COSTS OF COURT IN THE AMOUNT OF $314.07, PROCESS SERVER FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $115.00, AND POST-JUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 5% PER ANNUM ON ALL AMOUNTS AWARDED IN THIS JUDGMENT, INCLUDING ATTORNEY FEES, FROM THE DATE THIS JUDGMENT IS SIGNED UNTIL FULLY PAID., AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $314.07 dollars, in favor of WESTHEIMER LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION together with the costs of said suit, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

CONSTABLE’S SALE Notice is hereby Given, that by virtue of a certain ORDER OF SALE Issued by the Clerk of the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, on the 25th day of JUNE, 2019, in a certain cause number 18-DCV-250213 wherein WESTHEIMER LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION plaintiff, and BRUCE LEVRON JR AND SARAH LEVRON defendant, in which cause a judgment was rendered on the 29TH day of JUNE, 2018, in favor of the said plaintiff WESTHEIMER LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION against said defendant BRUCE LEVRON JR AND SARAH LEVRON, for the sum of $5,506.47 AS THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE ON THE ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT OF THE PROPERTY THAT IS SECURED BY THE PLAINTIFF’S LIEN ON THE PROPERTY AS OF THE DATE MOTION FOR DEFAULT WAS FILED; REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,154.46; COSTS OF COURT AND POSTJUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 5% PER ANNUM ON ALL AMOUNTS AWARDED IN THIS JUDGMENT, INCLUDING ATTORNEY FEES, FROM THE DATE THIS JUDGMENT IS SIGNED UNTIL FULLY PAID., AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $346.00, together with all costs of suit, I levied upon, and will, on the 3RD day of SEPTEMBER, 2019 within legal hours, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of BRUCE LEVRON JR AND SARAH LEVRON in and to the following described REAL property, levied upon as the property of BRUCE LEVRON JR AND SARAH LEVRON to wit: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT FOUR (4), IN BLOCK THREE (3), OF CANYON VILLAGE AT WESTHEIMER LAKES, SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT NUMBER 20040191, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 11022 OVERLAND TRAIL DRIVE, RICHMOND, TX 77406 (PROPERTY) DATE OF SALE: SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 TIME OF SALE: APPROXIMATELY 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1ST Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Tx 77469 TERMS OF SALE: CASH CREDIT- $0.00 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judg ment for $5,506.47 AS THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE ON THE ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT OF THE PROPERTY THAT IS SECURED BY THE PLAINTIFF’S LIEN ON THE PROPERTY AS OF THE DATE MOTION FOR DEFAULT WAS FILED; REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,154.46; COSTS OF COURT AND POST-JUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 5% PER ANNUM ON ALL AMOUNTS AWARDED IN THIS JUDGMENT, INCLUDING ATTORNEY FEES, FROM THE DATE THIS JUDGMENT IS SIGNED UNTIL FULLY PAID., AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $346.00 dollars, in favor of WESTHEIMER LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION together with the costs of said suit, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

WAYNE K. THOMPSON Constable Pct. 3 KATY, Texas

By DAVID RIVERA #1332-DEPUTY AUGUST 9, 2019

WAYNE K. THOMPSON Constable Pct. 3 KATY, Texas

By DAVID RIVERA #1332-DEPUTY AUGUST 9, 2019

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No.139 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on Monday, September 9, 2019 at 10:30 a.m., at the offices of Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP located at 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 2400, Houston, TX 77027. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

FOR the proposal:

G. Clayton, M. Wagner, J. Raymond, and J. Sams

AGAINST the proposal:

(None)

PRESENT and not voting:

(None)

ABSENT:

T. Baumgartner

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Total tax rate (per $100 of value) Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)

Last Year $ 0.410/$100

This Year $ 0.410/$100

(Adopted)

(Proposed)

-$0.000/$100 -0.0000% $710,335 $725,287

$0 $710,335 $2,912.37

$0 $725,287 $2,973.68 $61.31 2.1052%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.

Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.

AUTOMOBILE: Chrysler Pacifica

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The Chrysler Pacifica continues to reinvent the minivan segment by delivering new levels of functionality, versatility, technology, safety and style. The Pacifica offers classleading gasoline and hybrid powertrains and nearly 40 new minivan-first features.

The Pacifica comes in four models: Touring, Touring L, Touring L Plus and Limited.

With more than 100 available safety and security features, the Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, exclusive stow ‘n go seating and storage, available 4G Wi-Fi and an array of comfort and convenience technologies, the Chrysler Pacifica is a no-compromise minivan.

Chrysler was the first company to introduce the minivan and through six generations of the vehicle, FCA US has innovated 115 minivan firsts. The company has sold more than 14.6 million minivans globally since 1983 -- twice as many as any other manufacturer over the past 35 years.

Chrysler Pacifica was reengineered from the ground up on an all-new platform that delivers a smooth ride, easy handling and less noise, vibration and harshness.

The body is light and stiff so is more responsive with lower levels of body roll and CONSTABLE’S SALE Notice is hereby Given, that by virtue of a certain ORDER OF SALE Issued by the Clerk of the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, on the 7th day of JUNE, 2019, in a certain cause number 18-DCV-254930 wherein NORTH WATERFORD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. plaintiff, and MARCUS C. CHUKWU defendant, in which cause a judgment was rendered on the 5TH day of MARCH, 2019, in favor of the said plaintiff NORTH WATERFORD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. against said defendant MARCUS C. CHUKWU, for the sum of $4,349.38 FOR UNPAID MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS, ATTORNEY’S ORIGINAL FEES AND COURT COSTS ; POST-JUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 6% FROM THE DATE OF JUDGMENT UNTIL THE JUDGMENT IS SATISFIED, AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $0.00, together with all costs of suit, I levied upon, and will, on the 3RD day of SEPTEMBER, 2019 within legal hours, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of MARCUS C. CHUKWU in and to the following described REAL property, levied upon as the property of MARCUS C. CHUKWU to wit: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT FIVE (5), BLOCK THREE (3), OF WATERFORD, SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION OF 45.882 ACRES IN THE JOHN LEVERTON SURVEY, ABSTRACT NO 402, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT OF SAID SUBDIVISION RECORDED IN VOLUME 26, PAGE 16, PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. SAID PLAT IS AMENDED

BY ORDER OF THE COMMISSIONER’S COURT OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, RECORDED IN VOLUME 959, PAGE 858 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ALSO KNOWN 9618 GARDEN ROW DRIVE, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77498 DATE OF SALE: SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 TIME OF SALE: APPROXIMATELY 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1ST Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Tx 77469 TERMS OF SALE: CASH CREDIT- $500.00 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judg ment for $4,349.38 FOR UNPAID MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS, ATTORNEY’S ORIGINAL FEES AND COURT COSTS ; POSTJUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 6% FROM THE DATE OF JUDGMENT UNTIL THE JUDGMENT IS SATISFIED, AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $0.00 dollars, in favor of NORTH WATERFORD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. together with the costs of said suit, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

WAYNE K. THOMPSON Constable Pct. 3 KATY, Texas

By DAVID RIVERA #1332-DEPUTY AUGUST 9, 2019

more agility to absorb and distribute road inputs.

Customers looking for a distinct interior get one with the new Red S Appearance Package on Pacifica Limited (gas/ hybrid) features. It includes an interior with Rodèo Red Nappa leather seats with light grey stitching and piping, silver metal brush bezels on instrument panel and door trim; gloss black exterior finishes; 20-inch wheels, 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio, KeySense and Uconnect Theater, eight-passenger seating and trailer tow.

New interior design elements include available ceramic grey clear paint color and new nova black bezels on instrument panel and door trim. A dualpane panoramic sunroof option is now available on all Pacifica gas models and available eightpassenger seating for the first time. Pacifica Touring L and Touring L Plus models include standard driver seat memory.

The Chrysler Pacifica minivan provides a choice of two advanced powertrains.

The segment’s first hybrid vehicle delivers more than 80 miles per gallon equivalent in the city with the FCA USdesigned, innovative dual-motor eFlite electrically variable transmission paired with a specially modified version of the 3.6-liter V-6 gasoline engine.

The next generation V-6 gasoline engine is mated to a ninespeed automatic transmission, that makes 287 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. It gets 22 miles to the gallon in city driving and 28 on the highway for a combined 22 mpg.

Chrysler Pacifica also offers more than 100 standard and available safety and security features that include 360-degree surround view camera, parallel/perpendicular park assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and forward collision warning.

Chrysler says its 2019 Pacifica is the most technologically equipped vehicle of its kind

and offers Uconnect Theater entertainment system with two 10-inch seatback touchscreens, 7-inch full-color driver information display, Uconnect App and an array of other features, including the Uconnect 4 systems with a standard 7-inch or available 8.4-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and available 4G Wi-Fi. Apple CarPlay enables iPhone users to access maps, messages, phone and music through Siri Voice control or the Uconnect touchscreen. Android Auto enables access to Google Voice Search, maps and play music via the Uconnect touchscreen or steering wheel controls. Uconnect 4 systems include fast startup time, enhanced processing power, vivid imagery, high resolution and sharp graphics.

The Chrysler Pacifica comes standard with six speakers and active noise cancellation on the Touring and Touring L, and a 13-speaker Alpine system comes standard on Touring L Plus and Limited. For audiophile-quality sound, a premium, 20-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system is also available.

Other convenience features include the available integrated vacuum, Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system with Stow ‘n Assist and Easy Tilt, and segment-first hands-free sliding doors and liftgate that open with the kick of a foot.

I’m a fan of minivans and I have always liked and enjoyed the Pacifica.

The test drive Pacifica was the Limited and it is roomy, comfortable, has numerous bells and whistles, rides and handles well, is good looking inside and out, etc. I highly recommend a test drive if you are in the market for a minivan. It has received numerous accolades.

The base price on the Limited is $44,445 and with options has an MSRP of $49,800.

FORT BEND COUNTY LEVEE IMPROVEMENT DIST. NO. 2 Third Storm Water Pump Station-Bid Package No. 3 INVITATION TO BIDDERS

Sealed Bids, in duplicate, addressed to Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 2, Attention Mr. Andre McDonald, President, Board of Directors, will be received at the office of AECOM, 19219 Katy Freeway, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77094, until 2 p.m. Local Time, September 30, 2019, and then publicly opened and read for “Third Storm Water Pump Station Bid Package No. 3” for Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 2, Fort Bend County, Texas.

Scope of Work of the Contract covers construction of a third stormwater pump station including: (a) concrete intake structure, weir, slide gates, operation deck; (b) concrete bar screen and wet well structure with divider and baffle walls; (c) pump, electrical, and storage rooms with associated HVAC and architectural elements; (d) purchase and installation of mechanical bar screens; (e) purchase and installation of electrical equipment required for pump and bar screen operation, site lighting, and operation of all ancillary equipment; (f ) coordination of installation and testing of stormwater pumps with pump and motor vendor, Engineer, and Owner; (g) concrete outfall structure and energy dissipation structure; and (h) all civil site work associated with the construction above..

Bids received after the closing time will be returned unopened. A MANDATORY pre-bid conference will be held on August 21, 2019, at 10 a.m. Local Time, at the storm water pump station site, 4435 Greystone Way, Sugar Land, Texas.

Attendance by each prospective bidder or its representative at the pre-bid conference is MANDATORY. Each Bid must be accompanied by a Bid Bond or a certified or cashier’s check, acceptable to the Owner, in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount Bid, as a guarantee that the successful bidder will enter into the Contract and execute the Bonds on the forms provided, and provide the required insurance certificates within seven (7) days after the date Contract Documents are received by the Contractor.

Copies of the bidding documents may be obtained from www.CivcastUSA.com: search Third Storm Water Pump Station. Bidders must register on this website in order to view and/or download drawings and specifications for this Project.

There is NO charge to view or download documents.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Bids and to waive all defects and irregularities in bidding or bidding process except time of submitting a Bid. The Successful Bidder, if any, will be the responsible Bidder which in the Board’s judgment will be most advantageous to the District and result in the best and most economical completion of the Project.

INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 21, 2019 • Page 7

COMMUNITY Indo American Forum of Fort Bend celebrates India’s Independence Day The Indo American Association of Fort Bend celebrated India’s 73rd Independence Day at Jones Creek Park in Richmond on Saturday, Aug. 17.

Fort Bend County’s Pct. 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers was the chief guest along with Jacob Abraham, community affairs officer from the Indian consulate in Houston and Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton.

Meyers, in his remarks recognized the sizable number of Indian American population living in his precinct in the Katy area of Fort Bend County and said the county had never before experienced such a vibrancy and the energy of the Indian community.

While excelling in academic achievement, the community was equally impressive in its ability to do community service. Meyers acknowledged the extreme generosity of the Indian American community in providing relief to those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Meyers had helped open a cricket field for kids in Jones Park recently and said the second cricket filed will open in the Simonton area in the next few days. He is also planning a third cricket field.

Commenting on the IndiaU.S. relations, Meyers said both the countries continued to be close allies and Houston is looking forward to the im-

pending visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi next month.

Dhaval Mehta, who retired from the U.S. Coast Guard, after serving in Operation Freedom in Iraq and in Afhganistan, urged the Indian community to consider serving in the U.S. Armed Forces which provided excellent leadership qualities than in any other walk of life. Indian American children should explore the opportunities in the defense services, he said. Mehta, a board member of the IAAFB, emceed the event.

Vijay Ropula, also a board member, proposed a vote of thanks.

Below, children participate in fun games.

Vijay Ropula and Dhaval Mehta of IAFFB, left with Fort Bend County DA Brian Midleton, County Commissioner Andy Meyers and Jacob Abrama from the Indian Consulate in Houston.

Fort Bend County Fair Junior Royalty pageant registration begins

2018 Jr Royalty Court – Left to Right. Duke - Erik Estrada, Jr, Duchess - Emery Mason, Jr Fair Queen - Chloe Moczygemba , Princess - Paislee Dyer, and Prince-Cade Ascenzi

2019 Fort Bend County Master Gardener Class

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service announces the Fall 2019 Fort Bend County Master Gardener class. The classes are from October 1, 2019 through November 12, 2019 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Classes are held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office, 1402 Band Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. The fee for the course is $250 per individual, or $420 for two people if a handbook is shared. Registration deadline is Friday, September 20, 2019; class size is limited to 25.

A “Master Gardener” is a gardening enthusiast of any age, who has been formally trained in Horticulture by the Extension Service. The Master Gardener does not know all the answers, but he or she does know the sources to consult to find the answers. You will have enhanced confidence in your own efforts in the garden, the opportunity to learn with professional instruction, the “Texas Master Gardener Handbook,” community service opportunities, gardener friendships, continuing educational opportunities through the Fort Bend Master Gardener Association, and much more! Master Gardeners provide volunteer service through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Fort Bend County.

Visit https://fortbend.agrilife.org/horticulture/master-gardeners/ to learn more about the Master Gardener Program including Frequently Asked Questions and the Master Gardener application.

For additional information you can contact the Master Gardener Program Coordinator by phone 281-633-7033 or by email mmcdowell@ag.tamu.edu.

For more information on Master Gardeners in the Fort Bend County community visit our website at fbmg.org, our Facebook page, and our Instagram page.

Download your free mobile app for Fort Bend Independent from the Playstore.

Kids and crowns will be part of the royal fun at the Fort Bend County Fair’s Jr Royalty Pageant on Saturday, September 21, 2019.

Entries are being accepted now as part of the Fair’s royal tradition. The Fort Bend County Fair will crown the Fair Prince & Princess, Fair Duke & Duchess and Jr. Fair Queen for this year’s Fair.

The 2019 Fair Prince & Princess contests are open to boys & girls ages 4-6 years old. The Fair Duke & Duchess is for boys & girls ages 7-10 years old.

Young ladies ages 11-14 are eligible to compete for the Jr. Fair Queen crown. All contestants must be residents of Fort Bend County.

Participants will be judged on personality, speaking ability, western attire, and overall stage appearance. Entry fee is $35, and discounts will be given for siblings.

A winner and three runnersup will be named in each category.

All participants will receive a trophy. Winners will serve as Fair Ambassadors, including

the parade, grand entry and other Fair activities and events during the 2019 Fort Bend County Fair.

Entry form, fees, photos and release must be submitted to the fair office no later than August 28, 2019.

All Jr Royalty Pageant contenders must be residents of Fort Bend County. For rules, regulations, and entry forms visit fortbendcountyfair.com or call the Fair office 281-3426171.

SANDERSEN & SCHEFFER, PLLC Certified Public Accountants

12603 Southwest Freeway, Suite 165 · Stafford, TX 77477

Thank you Fort Bend for an excellent two years & looking forward to many more Sandersen & Scheffer, PLLC, conveniently located at the corner of the Southwest Freeway and Kirkwood Road, is a full-service Accounting firm, offering a broad range of services for business owners, executives, and independent professionals.

Alan K. Sandersen, CPA Sherri R. Scheffer, CPA (281) 242-3232

www.cpa-tx.com info@cpa-tx.com

INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 21, 2019 • Page 8

Community Park Clean Up Day, Archery, Tennis Training among Missouri City’s parks agenda

NEWS Back-to-School Match Play •What: Break in the new school year with some match play tennis. Work on your game with players in your age group.

•When: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 •Where: Recreation & Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Dr. •Cost: $10 per player, and free for current Missouri City Junior Tennis Members. Must register by Wednesday, Aug. 21.

Free Softball Clinic •What: Batter up! Head over to Sta-Mo Park to work on your softballs skills. This free lesson is for girls ages 6-16.

•When: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21 and 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 •Where: Sta-Mo Park, 1917 Moore Road

Fall Archery starts on Monday, Sept. 9 and will be every Monday until Oct. 7 If you’re looking for a fun equipment, and more! The Dr. way to give back to the Mis- class is for students ages 8 to Senior Foodies souri City community and to 18 and all equipment will be •What: Monthly event that help keep our Platinum Sce- provided. The cost is $60 for showcases various eateries in nic City beautiful, join us on the five sessions. the area Saturday, Aug. 24 at Commu*** •When: 11:30 a.m. on Thursnity Park, 1700 Glenn Lakes In addition to the initiatives day, August 22 Lane, for a “Park Clean Up above, the Parks & Recreation •Where: Willie’s Grill and Day!” Department has a full program Icehouse, 945 Hwy. 6, Sugar The clean up is from 9 a.m. agenda that is fun for all ages. Land to 11 a.m. and volunteers are Visit www.mctxparks.com or •Cost: Attendees pay for their encouraged to arrive at Com- see details below: own meals munity Park at 8:30 a.m. to Junior Tennis Preseason Blood Drive check in and receive event Training •What: Help save lives! Domaterials.

•What: Prepare for tennis sea- nate blood at this event and be *** son by working on your skills a hero.

Fall Archery starts on Mon- at this free preseason training •When: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on day, Sept. 9 and will be every •When: All day on Monday, Friday, Aug. 23 Monday until Oct. 7. This Aug. 19 •Where: Recreation & Tennis beginner session will focus •Where: Recreation & Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point on basic techniques, safety, Center, 2701 Cypress Point Dr.

Book Talk •What: Come discuss the most popular books with Fort Bend County Librarian Elizabeth Bullard!

• When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27 • Where: Recreation & Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Dr. Interested in becoming a vendor at one of the City’s Parks & Recreation events?

Fill out the vendor interest form to receive information on opportunities: http://bit. ly/2nXN28L.

Quail Valley Quails

The Quail Valley Quails are pleased to announce their new slate of officers for the 2019-2020 season. Pictured left to right are: Delores Messer - Parliamentarian, Susan Soto - Treasurer, Pat Ellis - 2nd V. Pres., Kristy Kasey Deal - Secretary, Jane Owen - 1st V. Pres., Mary Ruth Smith President.

The Quails is a local ladies social organization that has been in existence for 49 years. They meet 6 times a season and have various forms of entertainment followed by a sit down lunch served after the entertainment.

The club’s first meeting will be on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019 at the Quail Valley City Centre located at 2880 La Quinta in Missouri City.

The social hour begins at 10 a.m and the program starts at 11 a.m with lunch being served at noon.

The first speaker for the season is Frank Billingsley (local meteorologist from KPRC). He will be reviewing his book entitled “Swabbed and Found: An Adopted Man’s DNA Journey to Discover His Family Tree”.

If interested in attending, please contact Pat Ellis at 713302-3392. The cost for lunch and the program is $25.00 for members and $30.00 for guests.

Volunteer opportunities are available for many of the events listed above. Residents who would like to join the Municipal Volunteer Program may email MVP Coordinator, Adrianna Nixon, at adrianna. nixon@missouricitytx.gov or call her at 281.403.8506.

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

Expanding our team of leaders in

RHEUMATOLOGY Houston Methodist Welcomes Dr. Mohammed Bari Mohammed Bari, MD, joins Houston Methodist Rheumatology Associates at Sugar Land as a fellowship-trained rheumatologist offering diagnosis and treatment of the most common — and most complex — rheumatic diseases, including: Rheumatoid arthritis Sjogren’s syndrome Systemic lupus erythematosus Ultrasound-guided procedures Vasculitis

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