Fort Bend Independent 120419

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VOL 12 No. 49

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email: editor@fbindependent.com

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County, Missouri City & Stafford

FORT BEND INTERFAITH COMMUNITY’S THANKSGIVING SERVICE. Father Drew, left, DeAndre Johnson, Rev. Scott Cooper, Ghasem Bayat, David Hruska, Irfan Ali, Geetha Ravula, Imam Mohammad Ahmad Khan, Will Starkweather, John Hirling, Mark Crawford, Timothy Madison and Gaurang Nanavaty join in singing “America the Beautiful” to close out the evening at the Fort Bend Interfaith Community’s Thanksgiving Service.

More the 20 different faith traditions were represented in the 5th annual program of prayers, songs, and dances.

The Fort Bend Interfaith Community attended an all-faiths

Thanksgiving service with the theme of “Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World,” on Monday, Nov. 25, at 7 p.m. at Christ Church Sugar Land, 3300 Austin Parkway.

The event featured readings, songs, poems, dances and prayers from a wide range of faiths including Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Hindu.

“The Interfaith Thanksgiving service brought together people from diverse faith groups and backgrounds to celebrate our shared values of peace, hope, and love,” said Nihala Zakaria, one of the event organizers.

“With over 30 member churches, mosques, temples and

synagogues we are united together as a community of faith to bring the words and melodies of our individual traditions to create a meaningful and heartfelt expression of Thanksgiving.”

The service included clergy and members from local congregations representing their faith’s expressions of Thanksgiving through readings from the Bible, the Quran and the Book of Mormon as well as songs of prayer and praise. The Fort Bend Interfaith Community is made up any religious group that believes in building meaningful relationships, rooted in trust, respect, and shared values.

The group seeks to promote dialogue and understanding in what is called the most diverse county in the United States.

The lighter side of CD 22 race Dazzling Christmas Home Tour

By SESHADRI KUMAR In the Texas Congressional District 22 race where nearly two dozen candidates have shown interest in running for the seat in the party primaries, making it somewhat of a lighthearted political drama, there is a lighter side to the story.

One of the Republican candidates and a political novice, Bangar Reddy, was puzzled when he searched for the website Bangarreddy.com.

He knew the domain name was already taken and wanted to check it out.

Surprise, surprise.

The website for another Congressional candidate, Kathaleen Wall, popped up.

Obviously, someone bought the domain name bangarreddy. com and re-directed it towards kathaleenwall.com.

In August, this newspaper published a story narrating a similar episode under the title, “Stealthy domain name a new trick in Fort Bend politics.”

Someone had already played this trick by acquiring a domain name “Troynehls4congress. com” and when one clicked on the website address, it went to sr2020.com, Kulkarni’s

website.

That domain name no longer leads to Sri Kulkarni’s website now.

Similarly, a website “votefornehls” took the visitor to a gaming site. That also has become defunct.

Bangar Reddy has his website under the name vote4reddy.com. He does not believe misdirecting a website

in his name to Kathaleen Wall’s website would really cost him votes.

As I noted in the August article, “This is perhaps a harbinger of the nature of campaign that is yet to follow.”

In another quixotic episode Sri Kulkarni, a Democratic Party candidate for CD 22, has lent his support to fellow See CD 22, Page 3.

The Child Advocates of Fort Bend Christmas Home Tour Committee has outdone itself in assembling a dazzling array of homes for guests to tour. Homeowners and their decorators have gone the extra mile to show off these homes in Christmas splendor. Tickets to the Christmas Home Tour are now available online at www. cafb.org.

Tickets can also be purchased at the Randalls locations in First Colony and Pecan Grove.

In addition, tickets are available at the Sienna HomeFinder Center, TwentyTwo Fifty Interiors, Magpies (Sugar Land), Hello Beautiful, Feather & Nest Interiors, the Del Webb Club House and Fabulous You. Tickets are $30.

There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than attending the 28th Anniversary Christmas Home Tour.

Presenting Sponsor for this event is the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation.

All $350+ level sponsors are invited to the Sponsor Party on Sunday, December 8th at The Design Firm in Sugar Land.

“Sponsorships are critical to the success of the Tour,” stated Child Advocates of Fort Bend

Photo courtesy of Child Advocates of Fort Bend.

Development Director Lisa sponsors, we wouldn’t be able Moore. to count on this event to help “We work hard to keep our fund our programs.” If you expenses low so that 94% of would like to attend, you still the money raised through this have time to become a sponsor. opportunities event goes directly toward Sponsorship programs and services for the from $100 - $10,000 are still children we serve. Without available. For more information See TOUR, Page 3. the help of our many generous

Sponsored by Serving Fort Bend County for 28 years!

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 4, 2019

COMMUNITY

Holiday Open House & Performance @ Sienna Branch Library Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sienna Branch Library will host a Holiday Open House for the whole family on Saturday, December 14, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, in the Meeting Room and Multipurpose Room of the library, located at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City.

The festivities will begin with a musical performance of “Asian Melody” by the North America Youth Chinese Orchestra at 2:00 pm, in the Meeting Room.

Directed by Changlu Wu, the North America Youth Chinese Orchestra consists of talented young Chinese-American student musicians who are passionate about their culture and its music. Using the violin and flute, as well as Chinese instruments such as the pipa, guzheng, and zhong ruan, the musicians will perform a variety of traditional Chinese musical pieces.

Following the performance, the celebration will continue in the Multipurpose Room, where music, refreshments, and craft activities will be available for all to enjoy as they catch the holiday spirit. Books on holiday entertaining, decorating, and cooking will be available for checkout, along with seasonal music CDs and movies.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Sienna Branch Library.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call the Sienna Branch Library (281-238-2900) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

Suburban Sugar Land Women previews 2020 Community Service Projects

Above, SSLW Board of Directors plan community projects.

Above, right, SSLW Board of Directors, Scholarship Recipients, and Mayor of Rosenberg at Non Profit Awareness Day Left, Dr. Michael Peggs and Dr. Moses Wilcox, SSLW Phenomenal Partners.

Below, National Voter Registration Day: LaTedra Honore, Felicia Bess, and Shirley Sewell.

Suburban Sugar Land Women celebrates its 30 years of service in 2020 and will continue from infancy thru adulthood via six programs: 1.

Seniors Enrichment; 2. Families Outreach; 3. Infants thru Young Adults Development; 4. Scholarships & Support; 5. Build Community Partnerships; and 6. Community Involvement.

SSLW plans to launched three new projects in 2020 and provide ongoing free services and resources. It hopes to award five to seven continuing scholarships, recruit two to three new members and five to seven new partners.

Collaborate the provisions of services and resources.

2019 REVIEW JANUARY: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Youth Parade; Volunteer Deputy RegistrarTraining; NAACP Missouri City Vicinity Branch Annual Breakfast Celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. MLK Jr; Attended Dr. MLK, Jr Celebration at The Woodlands United Methodist Church; Met with FBISD College Career Readiness Advisors; Military & Veterans Appreciation at DeBakey.

FEBRUARY: Adopt-APark Quarterly Clean Up; Movie & Conversation, “ The Hate U Give” at UHSL; and African American History Program “What Happens to A Dream Deferred?”.

MARCH: Collaborative Members|Partners Appreciation – Tyler Perry’s – Madea’s Farewell at Smart Financial Centre; and Honored Four Fort Bend County Women In History: Darla Farmer; Susie Molina; Isis Taylor for their exemplary service to our communities; and awarded five first – time scholarships.

APRIL: “30 for 30” Amazingly Successful Fundraiser(27) – Proceeds benefited programs & scholarships; Willowridge High Males Students receive ties; and Sisters Network Run & Walk.

MAY: Stafford MSD received 1,300+ pre school books; Youens kindergarteners received academic excellence incentives; adopt a park quarterly clean up; continued scholarship recipients mentoring; and Kendleton’s Students received 1,525 books JUNE: Non Profit Awareness Day – City of Rosenberg; delivered food, supplies, and equipment to Kendleton, Brazosview, and Sugar Land Health Care Centers; distributed water, etc to homeless; Star of Hope – Peanut Butter & Jelly Jam; continued scholarship recipients mentoring and education, training, and volunteer opportunities JULY: continued scholarship recipients mentoring; College Send Off for 1989 – 2019 scholarship recipients & parents sponsored by Amazing Smiles; mailed checks to universities for five first – time and seven continuing scholarship recipients; and provided ongoing education, training, and volunteer opportunities.

AUGUST: Abilities Expo in Houston: Adopt Park Quarterly Clean Up in Sugar Land; and Adopt schools via services and resources.

SEPTEMBER: Annual Appreciation; three National Voter Registration & Education Day projects in three school districts at three high school - Lamar High (Lamar CISD) in Rosenberg; Stafford High (Stafford MSD) in Stafford; and Willowridge High (Fort Bend ISD) in Missouri

City on the same day; and OCTOBER: Attended Five Fort Bend Countywide College Fairs in Richmond, Stafford, and Sugar Land; Seniors & Boomers’ Expo in Stafford; Pampering in Pink for Breast Cancer Survivors in Rosenberg: and End Alzheimer Walk in Sugar Land NOVEMBER: Kendleton’s seniors received breakfast, bingo, and gift cards & bags; Veterans Appreciation; Seniors Pets’ Food; and adopt a park clean up.

DECEMBER: World AIDS Day’s donations; Santa Village Comes to Stafford Centre: adopt families; and collaborations and special requests.

Visited four seniors care centers. Installed smoke detectors and replaced batteries. Donated food, clothing, and supplies to families, homeless, veterans, disabled, military, and economically disadvantaged. Collaborated education / training via health, advocacy, literacy, financial, and employment seminars.

Adopted one elementary, one middle and one high school supporting student’s academic and service excellence. Awarded five first – time & seven continuing scholarships.

Conducted three voter registration trainings in January, September, and October.

Adopted-A-Spot: Highlands Park quarterly clean ups.

Celebrated African American History.

Saluted four Women in History honorees. Equipped three community gardens.

Recruited three new members and seven new partners.

Collaborated with thirty individuals, families, organizations, and businesses.

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NEWS

INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 4, 2019 • Page 3

Cash Management for Small Business Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sugar Land Branch Library will present a program for beginning entrepreneurs called “SCORE: Cash Management & Understanding Financial Statements” on Tuesday, December 17, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 550 Eldridge.

SCORE representative Lalitha Raman will talk about important cash-management skills for small-business entrepreneurs.

Get tips on how to manage a business’s monies to ensure maximum cash availability and optimal interest return. Gain a better understanding of basic financial concepts and statements in order to be better prepared for unseen eventualities.

Executive Vice President of SCORE Houston, Dr. Raman has a doctorate degree in biophysics and is a CPA. She has more than 15 years of research experience, as well as more than 25 years in the City of Houston in various capacities. She is an adjunct professor of accounting at the University of Houston, and has been honored by the Business Women of Houston, Federation of Professional Women.

This program is presented in partnership with SCORE, the non-profit mentoring arm of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Those attending this program will learn about resources that are available through SCORE and how to draw on the experience of other SCORE members. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.fortbend. lib.tx.us or call the Sugar Land Branch Library (281-238-2140)

TEXAS WELLNESS CLINIC The Central Fort Bend Chamber and the community celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony for Texas Wellness Clinic.

The Texas Wellness Clinic has a team of highly experienced and passionate staff with specialties in chiropractic care, health and wellness, and beauty services. At Texas Wellness Clinic, you will always receive first class care! To them “Your Health is Infinite”! To learn more about Texas Wellness Clinic or to make an appointment, visit thetexaswellnessclinic.com or contact them at (832) 363-3019. They are located at 1833 Richmond Parkway, Suite 1500 in Richmond and open from 8 a.m to 5 p.m Monday through Friday.

CD 22

Democrat, Raj Salhotra, for Houston City Council. Salhotra in his website, posted an From Page 1 endorsement from Kulkarni and listed other supporters. Top on the list of community leaders supporting Raj Salhotra was Bangar Reddy.

Reddy says he did not endorse Salhotra or sign up as his supporter. He has written to Salhotra asking him to take his name off the list.

Ironically, during the last primary elections, when the Olson campaign characterized Kulkarni as a “carpetbagger” his supporters took offense to the term, ostensibly thinking that Kulkarni was being called a begger.

Carpetbagger is a political candidate who seeks election in an area where the candidate has no local connections.

When Olson first ran for the seat, his Republican opponents called him a carpetbagger because Olson came from Washington D.C. Now, there are several candidates in the CD 22 race who may be entitled to the moniker carpetbagger.

One of my friends received a strange text the other day on his cell phone.

“Hi, this is Paul, a volunteer w/ Contest Every Race. We’re looking for folks in your area to run for State House as a Democrat. Would you like info on how to run?”

The text is sent by “Contest Every Race,” a partner of The Resistance Labs which “provides full-service text campaign management: “At Resistance Labs, our mission is to stop Trump and rebuild the Democratic Party from the ground up. We use peer-to-peer texting to help support grassroots progressive activists, recruit candidates to run for office, and help those candidates win.

“Contest Every Race is working to end GOP dominance in rural America by making sure that no Republican runs for office without a fight.”

“Run for Something” recruits and supports young diverse progressives to run for down-ballot races. Its mission is to “change the face of progressive politics by quite literally changing the drivers of progressive policies: local candidates.”

Tour

From Page 1 on sponsorships contact Lisa Moore at lmoore@cafb.org.

The 2018 Tour will feature distinctive homes in Alkire Lake, Sugar Creek, Sweetwater and Sienna Plantation beautifully decorated for the holidays. Tour guests will be treated to a rare glimpse of these lovely homes, and will enjoy festive entertainment, beautiful holiday decorations, tasty home-made cookies, bites from Dream Dinners – Missouri City, treats from Southern Ice Cream and refreshments from Minute Maid.

The event runs Friday and Saturday from 10am until 4pm with a twinkling candlelight tour on Friday night from 6pm to 9pm. One ticket provides admission to all homes and can be used at any time during the tour. The addresses of the homes are on the back of the tickets.

In addition to the Tour, CAFB has a fun wreath raffle.

You can check out 14 wreaths designed by decorators and volunteers online at www. cafb.org. The wreaths will be displayed in homes during the home tour. One of the wreaths can be yours – all you need to

do is purchase a raffle ticket.

For more information about the wreath raffle contact Lisa Moore at lmoore@cafb.org.

Raffle tickets are available at the Sienna Plantation HomeFinder Center, all of the home on the Christmas Home Tour and online at https://www. cafb.org/events/home-tour/ wreath-raffle/.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend is a non-profit agency dedicated to ending child abuse by providing a voice, healing the hurt, and breaking the cycle of child abuse in Fort Bend County. Through its Court Appointed Special Advocates Program (CASATM), Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) and more than 200 trained community volunteer advocates, Child Advocates improves the lives of more than 400 children each month and has served more than 16,500 children since opening its doors in 1991.

Volunteers are needed to help in the office and Children’s Advocacy Center and help with special events. For more information on how you can get involved with Child Advocates of Fort Bend, contact Volunteer Services at 281-344-5259 or lcastellanos@cafb.org or log onto www.cafb.org.

To purchase tickets for the event, click here

INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 4, 2019 • Page 4

NEWS

Scientists create ‘epigenetic couch potato’ mouse

Why is it that some people love to exercise, and others hate it?

Most people would assume it’s all due to genetics, but a new Baylor College of Medicine led study in mice shows for the first time that a different molecular level of regulation – epigenetics – plays a key role in determining one’s innate drive to exercise.

Epigenetics refers to molecular mechanisms that determine which genes are turned on or off in different cell types. Since epigenetic mechanisms are inherently more malleable than genetics, the findings suggest a potential way to help ‘program’ people to enjoy being more physically active.

In the latest journal Nature Communications, Baylor researchers and colleagues report the surprising creation of an ‘epigenetic couch potato’ mouse. They found that in neurons within a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, changes in DNA methylation – the addition of methyl chemical tags in the DNA – have a major impact on levels of voluntary exercise behavior.

“We study developmental programming, which refers to how the environment during development can have a long term impact on risk of disease,” said corresponding author, Dr. Robert A. Waterland, professor of pediatrics – nutrition at the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor and Texas Children’s Hospital.

Over the last several years, the researchers studied various mouse models to understand developmental programming of energy balance, that is, the balance of calories consumed vs. those burned off. A prolonged positive energy balance leads to obesity.

Remarkably, whether the early environmental influence was fetal growth restriction, infant overnutrition, or maternal exercise during pregnancy,

the long-term effect on energy balance was always due to persistent changes in physical activity, not food intake.

“Our earlier findings suggested that establishment of one’s physical activity ‘set point’ can be affected by early environment, and that this may involve epigenetics,” said Waterland, who also is a professor of molecular and human genetics and a member of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor.

How the brain regulates the body’s energy balance In the current study, Waterland and his colleagues designed an experiment to directly test whether DNA methylation in the brain affects energy balance. They focused on the hypothalamus, a brain region that plays a central role in energy balance, and in particular, studied a specialized subset of hypothalamic neurons called AgRP neurons, famous for their role in regulating food intake.

The researchers disrupted DNA methylation in Agrp neurons by disabling the Dnmt3a gene. Dnmt3a is responsible for adding methyl groups to DNA, particularly in the brain during early postnatal life. The results showed that, indeed, DNA methylation was dramatically reduced in AgRP neurons of these mice. The investigators then tested whether these animals gained or lost weight when compared to normal mice.

“We expected that interfering with DNA methylation in AgRP neurons would result in major changes in the animals’ weight,” said Dr. Harry MacKay, a postdoctoral fellow in the Waterland lab and first author of the study. “Somewhat disappointingly, however, the Dnmt3a-deficient mice were only slightly fatter than those that were not deficient.”

But when the researchers explored the cause of this change

in energy balance, things got more interesting. The team expected to find differences in food intake between normal and Dnmt3a-deficient mice.

But there were none. Instead, they found a major difference in spontaneous physical exercise.

The researchers placed running wheels in the animals’ cages for eight weeks and measured how much they ran each night. Normal male mice ran about 6 Km (3,7 miles) every night, but the Dnmt3adeficient mice ran only half as much and, accordingly, lost less fat. Importantly, detailed treadmill studies showed that, although they ran only half as much as normal mice, the Dnmt3a-deficient mice were just as capable of running. They had the ability, but appeared to lack the desire.

“Our findings suggest that epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, that are established in the brain during fetal or early postnatal life, play a major role in determining individual propensity for exercise,” Waterland said. “Nowadays, as decreases in physical activity contribute to the worldwide obesity epidemic, it is increasingly important to understand how all of this works.”

Other authors contributing to this work include Harry MacKay, C. Anthony Scott, Jack D. Duryea, Maria S. Baker, Eleonora Laritsky, Marta L. Fiorotto, Rui Chen, Yumei Li and Cristian Coarfa (Baylor College of Medicine); Amanda E. Elson and Richard B. Simerly (Vanderbilt University) and Theodore Garland Jr. (University of California at Riverside).

This work was supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health.

Next generation sequencing was conducted at Baylor College of Medicine Functional Genomics Core, which is partially supported by the NIH shared instrument grant.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital earns palliative care certification

Palliative care team. L-R: Dr. Asha Wurdeman, chaplain Aaron Mussat, palliative care coordinator Haley Mattiza, social worker Alicia Youngblood and Dr. Channon Hudgins The palliative care program at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the first in Texas to be certified by DNV GL Healthcare, one of the world’s leading risk management/quality assurance organizations. The designation recognizes excellence in both quality care and patient safety.

Palliative care is specialized medical and nursing care for people with chronic conditions.

It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, physical stress and mental stress at any stage of illness, to improve quality of life for both the patient and their family.

“Palliative care is a complex specialty because we are engaged with patients who are dealing with symptoms and side effects from a broad range of serious illnesses and treatments, as well as family members who are often overwhelmed by their loved one’s situation,” said Asha Wurdeman, D.O., direc-

with Frank Billingsley

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Please join us this festive season to hear beautiful musicians and singers, as well as Chief Meteorologist of KPRC and local author Frank Billingsley.

LET’S CELEBRATE!

CONSTELLATION FIELD

DEC 6, 2019 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | 1 STADIUM DR. | SUGAR LAND, TX 77498  CORPORATE TABLE $500 Seating for TEN (10) with priority placement Recognition during the event  MEMBER RESERVATION $35

 CORPORATE TABLE $400 Seating for EIGHT (8) with priority placement Recognition during the event

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tor of the hospital’s palliative care program. “That complexity requires a unique level of knowledge, expertise, skill and compassion. This certification demonstrates that our palliative care program, and our caregivers, are meeting and exceeding the high standards set for our profession – and most importantly, we are making a significant, positive impact on the patients and families we serve.”

To determine whether a hospital qualifies for certification, DNV GL Healthcare evaluates responses and data from a written survey and conducts an on-site visit by a qualified assessor.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land introduced its palliative care service in April 2018, and it quickly made a positive impact.

“One of the keys to our acceptance has been our ongoing efforts to educate the medical staff and patients and their families about the important role we play,” said Wurdeman.

“Once people recognize that our service helps seriously ill patients and their loved ones during what is an extremely stressful and difficult time, they are extremely grateful.

Palliative care is a relatively

new specialty, but there is growing recognition of the value that it brings.”

Although palliative care is sometimes used in end-of-life situations, it also can be helpful in alleviating the challenges involved in ongoing treatment for chronic conditions, such as pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite, anxiety or depression. The palliative care team works alongside the patient’s physician to coordinate care and arrange for supportive resources, such as the hospital’s social workers and chaplains.

“The palliative care team’s positive impact on our patients and their family members has been immeasurable,” said Ranganath Kandala, M.D., a Houston Methodist Sugar Land hospitalist. “There has been a paradigm shift in how we support patients with chronic illnesses and family members who are making end-of-life decisions. The palliative care team here is invaluable.”

Visit houstonmethodist.org/ palliative-care to learn more about palliative care at Houston Methodist Sugar Land.

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

Animal cruelty is a Federal felony Animals across the country are a little bit safer now that animal cruelty is officially a federal felony in the U.S. The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (PACT) was signed into law by President Donald Trump Nov. 25. The law makes it a federal felony to abuse or “crush” animals on interstate commerce and federal property.

The country’s previous animal cruelty law, the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act, makes it a crime to film and distribute footage of any non-humans being “intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled, or otherwise subjected to serious bodily injury,” but it does not make the actual cruelty and abuse a crime, according to a fact sheet of the bill. This loophole no longer exits thanks to PACT. Violators could face hefty fines and up to seven years in jail.

“This bill sends a clear message that our society does not accept cruelty against animals. We’ve received support from so many Americans from across the country and across the political spectrum,” Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), one of the bill sponsors, said in a release.

Animal rights organizations have supported the bill since its inception, pushing for the safety of helpless animals across the country.

“We’ re thrilled to see the first anti-cruelty statute in American history signed into law and applaud President Trump and the Congress for providing the voiceless with a level of protection never seen before,” Marty Irby, executive director at Animal Wellness Action said in a release. “The PACT Act will allow federal authorities to crack down on the most egregious of animal abusers and help keep American pets safe from harm.”

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INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 4, 2019 • Page 5

NEWS

State Rep. Ron Reynolds files for re-election in the Democratic Party primary

State Representative Ron Reynolds {D-Fort Bend County Texas- District 27) filed his paperwork on Monday to run for his sixth term.

Elected in 2010 as the first African American State Representative in Fort Bend County since Reconstruction, Reynolds has made a lasting positive impact on the constituents of District 27.

“My commitment to the people of District 27 continues to be unwavering and I plan to continue fighting to address their concerns with dedication and fervor,” Rep. Reynolds said.

“I am seeking another term because there remains much work to be done and I will apply my resources and experience to get the job done.”

Reynolds said he is committed to serving the residents in Fort Bend County by advocating for high-quality education, criminal justice reforms, public safety, affordable healthcare, and economic empowerment (jobs) in the community. He continues to fight for small, minority and women-owned businesses to have fair access to state contracts through the HUB program.

Reynolds said he has main-

tained a distinguished record of service while in office. He was selected as House Democratic Whip in his third term.

He currently serves as ranking member on the powerful House Environmental Regulations and Defense & Veterans Affairs committees.

He has received numerous achievement awards for his legislative work. Recently he received the “G.J. Sutton Legislator of the Year Award” from the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce. He has also been voted “Freshman Legislator of the Year,” and “Public Servant of the Year.”

Some other awards include: Houston’s Top 40 leaders under 40, Greater Houston Black Chamber “Business Pinnacle Award,” NAACP Drum Major for Justice Award, EEOC Civil Rights All-Star Award, American Red Cross Humanitarian Award, and YMCA Minority Achievers Award.

Reynolds has the distinction of being one of the youngest lawyers appointed to serve as an Associate Municipal Judge for The City of Houston. He is also a past president of the Missouri City NAACP and Houston lawyers

Association. He was also an adjunct professor at Texas Southern University. Ron received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from the Pendleton Chapel Seminary School.

Fort Bend County’s House District 27 includes parts of Houston (Fort Bend), Missouri City, Pearland, Sugar Land, Stafford, Fresno, Arcola and Meadows Place.

Editor’s note: Reynolds was convicted in 2015 on misdemeanor charges for illegally soliciting clients for his personal injury practice and sentenced to a year in jail.

He was out on an appellate bond for years while his case wound through the appeals process.

After all his appeals were denied, he turned himself in to serve a year-long term. He did not resign his seat and state law does not force resignations for misdemeanor convictions.

Reynolds has won several elections since his conviction.

Reynolds’ conviction stemmed from a 2012 undercover investigation that revealed a chiropractic firm was persuading patients who had been injured in accidents

Ron Reynolds to sign contracts that named Reynolds as their legal counsel before the patients had physical exams or even met him.

Those charges were ultimately dropped after investigators in the case were ac-

cused of stealing evidence in unrelated cases, but Reynolds was again arrested a year later after authorities raided his office and the offices of seven other area attorneys. The lawyers were allegedly involved in a $25 million kickback

scheme with Robert Valdez, a co-owner of two chiropractic clinics.

According to a published report in The Texas Tribune, Reynolds went almost two years without filing any campaign or personal financial reports, racking up more than $50,000 in fines. He still hasn’t paid anything and it’s unclear whether any state agency has the power to make him.

Following a four-month stay in jail at the end of 2018, Reynolds was disbarred from the future practice of law.

The State Bar of Texas cited his previous convictions as violations of the board’s rules.

Reynolds has no opponent in the primary. In the November general election he will face Republican Manish Sheth.

832-945-5323

Cornerstone Elementary counselors receive 2019-20 Lone Star Bronze Award

A BootCamp couples, “No Plan B.”

Congratulations to Cornerstone Elementary Counselors Missy Masters and Pippa Day on receiving a 2019-20 Bronze Award from the Lone Star State School Counselor Association (LSSSCA). They are among counselors from 27 school districts to earn awards this year for excellence in school counseling programs. Award recipients are those who demonstrate outstanding comprehensive counseling programs that are data-driven, focused on good completion, and aligned to the American School Counselor Association National Model.

The Lone Star State School Counselor Association exists to empower school counselors in the state of Texas with the knowledge and skills to promote professionalism and ethical practices by providing leadership, advocacy and professional development.

Cornerstone Elementary Counselors Missy Masters and Pippa Day (holding banner) are pictured during the Board Meeting with FBISD Board members Jim Rice, Grayle James, Vice President Addie Heyliger, President Jason Burdine, Secretary Dave Rosenthal, Allison Drew and Superintendent Dr. Charles Dupre.

Bush High School has new tradition of honoring principals with star awards Bush High School has started a new tradition that honors principals, specifically those who have had the distinct honor of being named Fort Bend ISD Secondary Principals of the Year, with “Walk of Fame” star awards. The school unveiled its first two stars in honor of former BHS principals Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam, 2006 Secondary Principal of the Year; and Dr. Cecilia Crear, 2018 Secondary Principal of the Year.

“I began this tradition to honor trailblazers, who have left a lasting impact on our school and ommunity,” said BHS Principal Felicia James.

Dr. Rose-Gilliam joined FBISD in 1989 as a teacher at Willowridge High School. Additionally, she served in various teaching and administrative roles at Elkins, Marshall and Kempner high schools, as well as McAuliffe Middle School. In 1998, she was named an FBISD Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalist and was a Region 4 Principal of the Year. After leaving FBISD after 25 years, she become principal at Houston ISD’s Wheatley High School and is currently a leadership coach for the Believe in the Possibilities Consulting Firm. While serving as principal at BHS, her motto was, Believe in the Possibilities.

As we near the end of 2019, we reflect back on God’s faithfulness. YOU are a BIG part of His faithfulness because YOU believe in the call on our lives and have supported us through prayer and finances. We are truly grateful for your generous hearts that help us continue to provide marriage education BEFORE couples say “I Do.” Our mission remains the same to inspire, educate and equip couples on the frontend of their marriages with godly marriage principles. In 2019, we provded: •SYMBIS “Save Your Marriage Before It Starts.” This online assessment provides a couple with their strengths, challenges, ways they each approach communication, conflict, money, intimacy, spiritual lives, red flags, and more. We present “God’s Design” for a marriage relationship and offer tools to help navigate their future marriage. The sessions are one-on-one with a couple. The couple receives $60 off Texas Marriage License.

•Pre-Marriage BootCamps, formerly called “Twogether in Texas.” These are monthly group meetings focused on equipping couples to become “Battle Ready for Marriage.” We expose the real enemies in couples’ relationships in a fun and interactive setting.

Receiving marriage education according to “God’s Design” of marriage, teaches couples to place God as their “Commanding Officer” of their relationship. Couples receive $60 off Texas

Marriage License.

•Quarterly Newsletters. In 2019, we published our first year of quarterly newsletters. Our goal is to provide content that encourages couples to never quit being INTENTIONAL in their relationships. We want to help them enjoy thriving marriages for the years to come.

•”Love: Insanity vs Insight” We hosted this series for singles this past Spring at Houston Baptist University.

We recognize the need for singles to learn about and walk in their CHRIST IDENTITY before they offer their heart to another. The curriculum for this series is in the process of getting published.

We are excited to kick off 2020 with a Bridal Show at George R. Brown. We will encourage these couples to FOCUS on their relationship and not just the “bells and whistles” of a wedding. We will continue to host BootCamps and SYMBIS meetings which provide premarriage education through God’s Design of marriage.

We also will be looking to host more single meetings to help young adults learn to value who they are before they give their hearts away.

After recently attending a Pursue Oneness conference, we are looking forward to implementing new ways to IMPACT this next generation of marriages. We will provide creative and meaningful Date Nights and host a couple of specialized meetings throughout the year. It is our goal to keep couples interested in pouring into their relationships, not just

pre-marriage education, but continued INTENTIONAL education.

As we embark on our fourth year of ministry, we are humbled, grateful and excited. We continue to remind ourselves that just as marriage is a marathon and not a sprint, so is our ministry to these couples. We certainly do not want to run out ahead of God, nor do we want to be left behind or afraid to step out and find out! This is one area that we ASK our supporters to continue to pray for the wisdom, direction and provision for the vision of Pitcher Ministries.

In addition to prayer, we would like to ask you to prayerfully consider partnering with us financially.

We appreciate one-time donations as well as monthly partners. God has been faithful in the past and we continue to trust His provision for the future. We are a 501c(3) organization and all donations are tax-deductible.

Again, thank you for your support in the past, both, prayerfully and financially.

We are gearing up and ready to press on to what God has in store for these couples in 2020. Our hearts are looking forward to helping them ANCHOR their marriages BEFORE they say, “I Do” and encourage them to form a habit of being INTENTIONAL in their marriage relationships. May God bless and keep each of you and your families as you close out 2019 and ring in 2020!

INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 4, 2019 • Page 6

NEWS UHCL student attends job fair, gets hired in the lobby

Ashley Shed Ashley Shed did not think job fairs were a place where you actually got hired. Shed, who is graduating in a few weeks from University of Houston-Clear Lake with her bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies with early childhood-6 certification, planned to attend a job fair earlier in November and simply distribute her resume to school districts, then go home and wait to be contacted.

“That’s not what happened at this job fair,” she said. “I had quite a 30 minutes.”

She said she arrived early to the job fair at University of Houston and waited in the lobby.

“A lady started talking to me just because I was sitting there, and it turned out she was the head of human resources at Channelview Independent School District,” she said.

“She then spoke with the principal at McMullan Elementary School. I got hired as a kindergarten teacher on the spot! I didn’t even have an application in to Channelview. I am so excited.”

Shed said she decided to be a teacher back in middle school, when she had a math teacher in sixth and seventh grade. “That teacher was emotionally supportive of me because she knew I had some problems at home and she didn’t make me feel singled out,” Shed said. “She was just there for me, and that’s what I want to bring to the kids in my classroom.”

As a single parent of three children, Shed said that comPUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Grand Vista, Section 19, Precinct 2.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

pleting her education had not been easy.

“I had my oldest child when I was 18, then another at 19.

It was hard having two kids so young, and it was really hard to keep up with school and keep an income to support the kids by myself,” she said. She had worked many years as a server in a restaurant, and had to stop school because it was too difficult, and then became the mother of a 3-year-old daughter as well.

She finally graduated from San Jacinto College after eight years, then enrolled at UHClear Lake. “(Associate Professors of Curriculum and Instruction) Debra Shulsky and Sandra Browning helped me through,” she said. “(Director of the Center for Professional Development of Teachers) Kelly Ann Moore talked me into staying in school, because I was about to stop. She motivated me to keep going. I needed people to push me because I was almost there, but without them, I wouldn’t have made it.”

The best thing she learned at UHCL, she said, was differentiating instruction to fit all students’ needs. “Every professor taught this in a different way, and it all came together,”

she said.

For others who are struggling with the decision to stay in college, Shed said, just take one step at a time. “You can do it,” she said.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I did ask for a lot of support and I got it from my professors. I let them know what was going on in my life, and once I did, it helped me get through. It only took me 2½ years to get through UHCL, and I know I will remain supported through the Kappa Delta Pi program.”

Kappa Delta Pi, she explained, is an international honor society for educators.

“It offers a great support system, and I’ll also go through the Teacher Induction Ceremony at UHCL. My professors will stay in touch with me in my first year of teaching,” she said.

As for job fairs, Shed said she’s now a believer. “I never knew anyone who actually got hired at the job fair, but it happened to me,” she said.

“I highly recommend going. I was so happy, I cried. I have a job now, I’ve signed a contract. My life has changed.”

For more information about UHCL’s College of Education, visit www.uhcl.edu/education.

Book sale at University Branch Library

The Friends of the University Branch Library will hold their winter book sale on Saturday, December 14th from 10 AM until 2 p.m. at the library, 14010 University Blvd., Sugar Land.

Books, CDs and DVDs for adults and children will be available. Most items are $0.50 to $1.00. Proceeds support reading and other educational programs. Good condition books, CDs and DVDs may be donated to the library during the sale, or at any time. A receipt for income tax purposes can be provided.

The library is located on the University of Houston campus at Hwy. 59 and University Blvd. Parking in front of the library is free.

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-19-29

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Peek Road at Emily Park Lane, 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

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF A 1.42-ACRE TRACT OF LAND FROM CF COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT TO I INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT; DESCRIBING SAID 1.42-ACRE TRACT OF LAND; AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY; PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. I, Maria Jackson, City Secretary of the City of Missouri City, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the caption of said Ordinance No. O-19-29 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on November 18, 2019, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Jackson City Secretary

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Tamarron, Section 53, 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, December 17, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Southern Colony, Section 4B, Precinct 1.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Chickadee Drive and Grey Peregrine Drive in Hawks Landing Section 4, Precinct 3.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by,

Submitted by,

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Reward raised to $15,000 in Sugar Land murder case

Treveon James Young is wanted for the alleged Robbery and Murder that occurred on August 31, 2019 at the WB Food Mart in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, Texas. The $5,000 reward initially offered for information leading to the arrest of Young has now been increased to $15,000. The Fort Bend County DA’s office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Treveon James Young. The authorities released the above pictures of the suspect.

Suspect in school bus crash arrested

The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office has arrested the driver that fled from a head-on school bus crash.

On October 14, 2019 a two vehicle crash occurred on the 3400 block of McCrary Road in the Richmond area of Fort Bend County.

The suspect was driving a gray pick-up truck and slammed into a school bus. The driver of the bus was not injured.

The suspect fled the scene and left his damaged truck. Benjamin Ayala, 33, of Houston was arrested on November 26, 2019. He is charged with Crash involving damage to a vehicle > $200. His bond has been set at $500.

“I want to thank the Traffic Unit for their hard work and diligence,” said Sheriff Troy Nehls. “We are now able to hold an individual responsible.”

Ayala

Black Friday ‘Shopping’ ends in Arrest

Three men from the Corpus Christi area took their Black Friday shopping extravaganza a little too far when they engaged in some after-hours shopping at Rosenberg’s Hlavinka Equipment Company.

While conducting a regular business check of the property, November 29, 2019, Rosenberg Police Officer R. Dondiego observed a person outside the closed business running and attempting to conceal himself. Responding Officers were able to locate two of the suspects hiding on the property and Detectives are working to identify a third.

Suspects taken into custody were identified as Michael Hinojosa (03-02-1978) and Ignacio Arriaga (02-02-1970).

Both were assisted to the City Jail and later were provided transportation to and lodging at the Fort Bend County Jail.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Circle Seven Road Wildwood Park Road and Great Blue Heron Lane 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

Arriaga, left; Hinojosa Charges will include Attempted Theft (State Jail Felony), Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (Third Degree Felony), and Failure to Identify (Class B Misdemeanor).

“While most of us were sitting at home sleeping off the Thanksgiving leftovers or trying to recover from a daylong PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Amethyst Arbor Lane in Cinco Ranch Southwest, Section 12, 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

shopping binge, Police Officers like Officer R. Dondiego were out working hard to keep Rosenberg citizens and their property safe.” Chief White stated. “Login to RPD’s Facebook to view 2019 Naughty List updates.”

Anyone with information regarding a crime is encouraged to contact Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS (8477).

You can also submit online at http://www.fortbend. crimestoppersweb.com/ If that tip leads to an arrest you can receive a cash reward!

Information which leads to the apprehension and filing of charges on the suspect(s) involved could earn you up to $5,000.00 CASH REWARD. All calls to Crime Stoppers are ANONYMOUS.

INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 4, 2019 • Page 7

COMMUNITY

Limited edition of Lladro porcelain figurines unveiled at Karat 22 Jewelers

An interesting sculpting demonstration of the world famous Lladro porcelain figurines at Karat 22 Jewelers in Houston brought to light the latest Radhakrishna figurine. The demonstration on Thursday, Nov. 21 by Ana Aguilar, Lladro’s artist of 25 years was witnessed by invited patrons of Karat 22, one of the oldest jewelers in Houston. Karat 22 is among the few authorized dealers of Lladro in the Houston area. The store has several limited edition figurines of Hindu gods and goddesses. Anant Patel of Karat 22 Jewelers stated that only 299 pieces of the Radhakrishna and the Bhagavad Gita figurines are made by Lladro. The Radhakrishna figurine, the 34th piece, is with Karat 22 and its listed price is $8,800. The Bhagavad Gita figurine’s listed price is $29,000.

Every Lladro creation begins with an artistic inspiration. The sculptor then makes the first sketch of the new figure in clay, which is examined and approved by the Creativity Committee, made up of many members, one of whom comes from the Lladró family. The sketch, in clay, is reproduced in plaster to provide the first mold, which will in turn become the definitive mold for the porcelain figurine. A mid-sized figurine may need between 15 and 20 molds and up to 300 for complex pieces. Visit www.karat22.com for more information.

LOVING FRIENDS DINNER. Loving Friends will meet for dinner and entertainment on Tuesday, Dec. 17, arrival time, 5 p.m, at Quail Valley City Cr., 2880 La Quinta Blvd., Missouri City. Ralph Elizondo, (Houston’s Elvis) will entertain the group. Elizondo, a professional musician and Elvis impersonator will delight the audience and bring back memories with his Elvis moves and songs. Loving Friends is reaching out to those who have lost their spouses but want to move on with like minded friends in a social An interesting sculpting demonstration of the world famous Lladro porcelain figurines at Karat 22 Jewelenvironment, not a grief support group. The cost for dinner and entertainment is $24 inclusive, paid at the ers in Houston by Ana Aguilar, an artist with Lladro in Valencia, Spain, for the last 25 years, brought to door in the Blue Bonnet room. Reservations required by calling 281-208-3124. New guests and members light the latest Radhakrishna figurine. always greeted with a warm welcome.

Ask for the Republican ballot and vote for Banga Reddy for Congress in the Congressional Dist. 22 race during the Republican primaries.

Visit reddy4congress.com for more details.

Political adv. paid for by Bangar Reddy for Congress campaign.

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 4, 2019

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

Download your freemobile app for Fort Bend Independent from the Playstore.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT I COMMISSIONING At Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. we act as an extension of our clients by offering comprehensive, custom services from concept to closeout

Inaugural SensoryFriendly Holiday Lights Night Dec. 5 Sugar Land Skeeters, in partnership with Hope For Three Autism Advocates, is proud to present the Inaugural SensoryFriendly Holiday Lights Night, December 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event, which captures all the winter-wonderland feels of the annual holiday lights, will provide an environment that maximizes inclusion for ALL individuals with sensory overload.

Several sensor-friendly tweaks include the lowering of lights and softening the music and other holiday sounds. Santa, Swatson and others will be on deck for fun, as well as, hot cocoa, S’mores and more will be available for all individuals with different abilities; no matter the age.

Above, Isaiah (L) and Mila Cano (R) trying to untangle lights in preparation of the event.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting sugarlandholidaylights. com. Enter code “H43” to receive a $2 discount off each ticket with an additional $2 donated to local nonprofit, Hope For Three.

For information on Hope For Three programs and resources, visit hopeforthree.org or call 281-245-0640. PHOTO: Courtesy of Toni Malone

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Caregivers, people who take on the selfless role of caring for a loved one, have the great responsibility of making sure their loved one’s basic needs are met, which requires work and dedication. Sometimes, however, it is the caregiver who needs help.

By taking care of their own needs, caregivers can better care for those who depend on them. Powerful Tools for Caregivers® is an educational program offered at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital to help family and friends caring for adults with long-term health conditions.

The free course consists of six weekly classes, each focusing on different tools that help guide them through the caregiving journey. Caregivers will learn about setting goals, staying motivated and dealing with feelings of anger, guilt and depression, building confidence and the ability to cope with the demands of caregiving.

The six-week course takes place Tuesday, Jan. 21 through Tuesday, Feb. 25. Classes are held each Tuesday from 3–4:30 p.m. in the Brazos Pavilion Chapel, first floor, at Houston Methodist Sugar Land. Registration is required. For more information or to register, contact the Spiritual Care & Values Integration Department at snbowman@houstonmethodist. org or 281.274.7164. Seating is limited.

6161 Savoy Drive, Suite 1212, Houston, TX 77036 I 713.482.2300 I www.ricegardner.com