Fort Bend Independent

8
By BARBARA FULENWIDER Missouri City council members have agreed to pay $7.375 million for the 400- acre Quail Valley Country Club property. The vote came at a special meeting on Monday, May 24, after officials represent- ing Quail Valley Country Club L.P. and Missouri City reached agreement on the sale price a week before they were to go to trial. In light of the agreement, the lawsuit in the court of County Court-at-Law Judge Sandy Bielstein will be settled and there will be no further proceedings in the case. The $7.375 million, Mayor Allen Owen said, will be paid with one check. That will in- clude the $3.10 million that Missouri City put in the court registry on June 24, 2008, af- ter three commissioners de- cided $3.10 million was a fair price for the property. Quail Valley Country Club, L.P. had two appraisers of the property. Deal Sikes & Associates said it was worth $13.18 million and Integra Realty Resources appraised it for $14.05 million. Missouri City appraisers Alan Dominy & Associates said the property was worth $3.1 million and The Gerald A. Teel Company, Inc. put the value at $3.55 million. The process to acquire the property began 26 months ago on March 3, 2008, when council passed a resolution to initiate eminent domain pro- ceedings. Reasons The city decided to inter- vene as the golf course own- ers contemplated the closure of the golf course or to sell it to developers for building more roof tops. At least two other similar golf course communities in the greater Houston area have met with such a fate. The reasons for the taking were to add a huge amount of green space to the city for public use and to shore up val- ues on houses in Quail Valley before the plummet spread to nearby communities. House values in the com- munity had been falling be- cause owners of the golf club were not maintaining the acreage and closing parts of it and allowing those areas to fall into unsightly disrepair. Owen said, “The citizens from every single part of the city have supported this effort because they realized it was critical to the future of our city and our tax base to pre- serve this 400 acres of park- land. We already see the fruits of our labor in the property values increasing, people tak- ing their homes off the market and others deciding to remod- el and stay. Impact felt “A year and a half ago,” Owen said, “there were more than 100 homes for sale in F ORT B END FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. ww ww w.fbindependent.com .fbindependent.com P.O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623 WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2010 VOL 3 No. 21 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID STAFFORD, TX PERMIT NO.10 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor 10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745 Fort Bend Independent is published every Wednesday (for a sub- scription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Periodical post- age application pending. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487. Seconds can save lives Visit memorialhermann.org or call 713.222.CARE to learn more about our heart and vascular screenings. Fort Bend County’s only accredited Chest Pain Center. Inside Track By Seshadri Kumar The ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday applies only to the following appliances and household equipment, as listed in the state tax code: * Refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less * Clothes washers * Dishwashers What does UH want? What are the conditions to be met for the city of Sugar Land to build its stadium in the University of Houston System-Sugar Land campus? Though the city says UHSSL site is still under con- sideration, what is the position of the UH? In response to these queries, a spokesman for the Univer- sity of Houston said: “The university is continu- ing negotiations with the city. “Please note that the statute and the ground lease specify that under the requirements of the university’s deed from the state, the agreement must in- clude a provision designating a ‘higher education purpose.’ “A facilities development agreement is required for each facility that would be built. This document would also have to recognize the higher education purpose.” Obviously, if the city wants to build the proposed baseball stadium at the UHSSL site, first an agreement has to be reached with the university and the process could take some time. Apart from the process, the requirement that the city’s project should meet “higher education purpose” could place some onerous financial burden on the city (like build- ing classrooms). Seeing the obvious bumps on the road to the stadium de- velopment, the city has sent letters to four landowners, in- cluding the university, solicit- ing their interest in housing the stadium. Thus the university is still Missouri City pays $7.375 million for the golf course Classic Chverolet of Sugar Land is the official sponsor of the Sugar Land Little League. Classic Chevrolet owner Don Kerstetter last week presented a check to the SLLL president Bob Berry. Chevrolet has expanded the support of Major League Baseball down to youth base- ball players in communities across the country through a community outreach program called Chevy Youth Baseball. Participating youth base- ball leagues receive equip- ment and monetary dona- tions, unique major and minor league baseball experiences including tickets to games and invitations to exclusive in- structional clinics, as well as the opportunity to raise up to $10,000 through a fundraising opportunity. Under this program, Clas- sic Chevrolet has donated Equipment Kits to the league that include Equipment Bags, Baseball Buckets, Dry-Erase Coach’s Clipboards and CYB T-shirts. Classic Chevrolet sponsors Sugar Land Little League Don Kerestetter, left, and Bob Berry. on the mix. But, a plain reading of the “statute” and “ground leasing” agreements suggest that the city may have to pay a substantial price, both literally and metaphorically, to build the stadium on the 52-acre land the city has leased from the university. House Bill 1961 passed by the Texas Legislature in 1997 donating the state land to the university stipulates that the Board of Regents should use the property “only for higher education purposes.” The other allowed purpose is providing right of way for the expansion of U.S. 59 and a bypass for Highway 6. If the land is used for any other purpose, the ownership of the property will automati- cally revert to the Texas De- partment of Transportation. Sugar Land has paid $3.5 million to the university as a part of initial construction cost of $11 million for the campus. Under the ground lease agreement signed between the city and the university in 2005, prior to the construc- tion of any facility, the Les- sor and the Lessee shall enter into a Facility Development Agreement. The Lessee, the city, shall submit a prelimi- nary conceptual plan for the facility to the Lessor, the uni- versity, for consideration and comment. Also, the university will al- low the city to make joint use of parking lots in the univer- sity premises for people using the city’s adjoining property. Further, the city and university have agreed to provide for oth- er cooperative uses of the uni- versity property and the city’s adjoining property, including recreational uses, on mutually agreeable terms. If and when the UH and the city will reach an agreement remains an open question. The Sugar Land Girls Softball Association 10U division (10 years and under) team “Blast” went undefeated (13-0) through the regular season and then swept the playoffs, ending with a perfect season on May 13. The girls, led by Head Coach Joseph Lesak and assisted by David Kuffel, Lee Treichel, Holly Lesak, John Kvinta and team mom Jennifer Salge, played a lot of games against tough opponents in this division, but the girls just took each game one step at a time, not worrying about what was ahead of them. The team sponsor was Pro- Surv). “Blast” has a perfect softball season The Chevy Youth Baseball Fundraiser is an opportunity for leagues to raise additional funds for their private use. The SLLL has received 2,000 fundraiser entry tickets to distribute for a suggested donation of $5 per ticket, and the league will keep 100 per- cent of proceeds raised. At the end of the fundraiser, four Grand Prize winners will be able to select their choice of either a Chevrolet Malibu or Chevrolet Equinox, there will be one winner from each region. For more information, visit http://youthsportswired. com/baseball. See GOLF, page 3

description

Weekly community newspaper

Transcript of Fort Bend Independent

Page 1: Fort Bend Independent

By BARBARA FULENWIDERMissouri City council

members have agreed to pay $7.375 million for the 400-acre Quail Valley Country Club property.

The vote came at a special meeting on Monday, May 24, after offi cials represent-ing Quail Valley Country Club L.P. and Missouri City reached agreement on the sale price a week before they were to go to trial.

In light of the agreement, the lawsuit in the court of County Court-at-Law Judge Sandy Bielstein will be settled and there will be no further proceedings in the case.

The $7.375 million, Mayor Allen Owen said, will be paid with one check. That will in-clude the $3.10 million that Missouri City put in the court registry on June 24, 2008, af-ter three commissioners de-cided $3.10 million was a fair price for the property.

Quail Valley Country Club, L.P. had two appraisers of the

property. Deal Sikes & Associates

said it was worth $13.18 million and Integra Realty Resources appraised it for $14.05 million.

Missouri City appraisers Alan Dominy & Associates said the property was worth $3.1 million and The Gerald A. Teel Company, Inc. put the value at $3.55 million.

The process to acquire the property began 26 months ago on March 3, 2008, when council passed a resolution to initiate eminent domain pro-ceedings.

ReasonsThe city decided to inter-

vene as the golf course own-ers contemplated the closure of the golf course or to sell it to developers for building more roof tops.

At least two other similar golf course communities in the greater Houston area have met with such a fate.

The reasons for the taking were to add a huge amount

of green space to the city for public use and to shore up val-ues on houses in Quail Valley before the plummet spread to nearby communities.

House values in the com-munity had been falling be-cause owners of the golf club were not maintaining the acreage and closing parts of it and allowing those areas to fall into unsightly disrepair.

Owen said, “The citizens from every single part of the city have supported this effort because they realized it was critical to the future of our city and our tax base to pre-serve this 400 acres of park-land. We already see the fruits of our labor in the property values increasing, people tak-ing their homes off the market and others deciding to remod-el and stay.

Impact felt“A year and a half ago,”

Owen said, “there were more than 100 homes for sale in

FORT BEND

FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

Phone: 281-980-6745wwwww.fbindependent.com.fbindependent.com

P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2010

VOL 3 No. 21 PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

STAFFORD, TX

PERMIT NO.10

Seshadri KumarPublisher & Editor

10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Staff ord, TX 77477Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487

www.fbindependent.com

281-980-6745

Fort Bend Independent is published every Wednesday (for a sub-scription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Periodical post-age application pending. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.

Secondscan save

lives

Visit memorialhermann.org or call 713.222.CARE to learn more about our heart and vascular screenings.

Fort Bend County’s only accredited Chest Pain Center.

Inside Track

By Seshadri Kumar

The ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday applies only to the following appliances and household equipment, as listed in the state tax code: * Refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less * Clothes washers * Dishwashers

What does UH want?What are the conditions to

be met for the city of Sugar Land to build its stadium in the University of Houston System-Sugar Land campus?

Though the city says UHSSL site is still under con-sideration, what is the position of the UH?

In response to these queries, a spokesman for the Univer-sity of Houston said:

“The university is continu-ing negotiations with the city.

“Please note that the statute and the ground lease specify that under the requirements of the university’s deed from the state, the agreement must in-clude a provision designating a ‘higher education purpose.’

“A facilities development agreement is required for each facility that would be built. This document would also have to recognize the higher education purpose.”

Obviously, if the city wants to build the proposed baseball stadium at the UHSSL site, fi rst an agreement has to be reached with the university and the process could take some time.

Apart from the process, the requirement that the city’s project should meet “higher education purpose” could place some onerous fi nancial burden on the city (like build-ing classrooms).

Seeing the obvious bumps on the road to the stadium de-velopment, the city has sent letters to four landowners, in-cluding the university, solicit-ing their interest in housing the stadium.

Thus the university is still

Missouri City pays $7.375 million for the golf course

Classic Chverolet of Sugar Land is the offi cial sponsor of the Sugar Land Little League. Classic Chevrolet owner Don Kerstetter last week presented a check to the SLLL president Bob Berry.

Chevrolet has expanded the support of Major League Baseball down to youth base-ball players in communities across the country through a community outreach program called Chevy Youth Baseball.

Participating youth base-ball leagues receive equip-ment and monetary dona-tions, unique major and minor league baseball experiences including tickets to games and invitations to exclusive in-structional clinics, as well as the opportunity to raise up to $10,000 through a fundraising opportunity.

Under this program, Clas-sic Chevrolet has donated Equipment Kits to the league that include Equipment Bags, Baseball Buckets, Dry-Erase Coach’s Clipboards and CYB T-shirts.

Classic Chevrolet sponsors Sugar Land Little League

Don Kerestetter, left, and Bob Berry.

on the mix. But, a plain reading of the “statute” and “ground leasing” agreements suggest that the city may have to pay a substantial price, both literally and metaphorically, to build the stadium on the 52-acre land the city has leased from the university.

House Bill 1961 passed by the Texas Legislature in 1997 donating the state land to the university stipulates that the Board of Regents should use the property “only for higher education purposes.”

The other allowed purpose is providing right of way for the expansion of U.S. 59 and a bypass for Highway 6.

If the land is used for any other purpose, the ownership of the property will automati-

cally revert to the Texas De-partment of Transportation.

Sugar Land has paid $3.5 million to the university as a part of initial construction cost of $11 million for the campus.

Under the ground lease agreement signed between the city and the university in 2005, prior to the construc-tion of any facility, the Les-sor and the Lessee shall enter

into a Facility Development Agreement. The Lessee, the city, shall submit a prelimi-nary conceptual plan for the facility to the Lessor, the uni-versity, for consideration and comment.

Also, the university will al-low the city to make joint use of parking lots in the univer-sity premises for people using the city’s adjoining property. Further, the city and university have agreed to provide for oth-er cooperative uses of the uni-versity property and the city’s adjoining property, including recreational uses, on mutually agreeable terms.

If and when the UH and the city will reach an agreement remains an open question.

The Sugar Land Girls Softball Association 10U division (10 years and under) team “Blast” went undefeated (13-0) through the regular season and then swept the playoffs, ending with a perfect season on May 13. The girls, led by Head Coach Joseph Lesak and assisted by David Kuffel, Lee Treichel, Holly Lesak, John Kvinta and team mom Jennifer Salge, played a lot of games against tough opponents in this division, but the girls just took each game one step at a time, not worrying about what was ahead of them. The team sponsor was Pro- Surv).

“Blast” has a perfect softball season

The Chevy Youth Baseball Fundraiser is an opportunity for leagues to raise additional funds for their private use.

The SLLL has received 2,000 fundraiser entry tickets to distribute for a suggested donation of $5 per ticket, and the league will keep 100 per-cent of proceeds raised.

At the end of the fundraiser, four Grand Prize winners will be able to select their choice of either a Chevrolet Malibu or Chevrolet Equinox, there will be one winner from each region. For more information, visit http://youthsportswired.com/baseball.See GOLF, page 3

Page 2: Fort Bend Independent

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 26, 2010

Building homes of quality and distinction for over 40 years.

Plans, prices and availability are subject to change without notice. (10/08)

Sugar Land City Council recently recognized 27 grad-uates of Sugar Land 101.

The 10-week course offers residents an in-depth look at how Sugar Land operates and better prepares partici-pants for leadership roles in the community.

Many graduates of Sug-ar Land 101 later serve on boards or commissions or become more involved in local homeowners associa-tions.

“Having each of the de-partment heads take their time to tell us about their de-partments really shows the commitment to the city and support to the volunteers,”

said Sugar Land 101 class member Sue Yund.

The course is intended to provide an understanding of the structure and functioning of Sugar Land governance.

The curriculum includes presentations by City depart-ment heads and fi eld trips to several sites, such as a water treatment plant, a fi re station, the Sugar Land Regional Airport and the traffi c center. During 2010, class members participated in a mock City Council meeting with Mayor James Thompson.

“This defi nitely increased my civic pride,” said recent graduate Jennifer Chiang.

“I didn’t think I could be

more proud of my hometown but I defi nitely am now.”

The next class is sched-uled for February 2011. Ap-plications will be available in August.

For more information or to register, visit www.sug-arlandtx.gov -- select “City Services,” then “Sugar Land

101.” Applications will also be

available at City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North.

Left, pictured with Mayor James Thompson (front row, far right) are gradu-ates of Sugar Land 101.

Sugar Land 101 Class of 2010 Graduates

Page 3: Fort Bend Independent

MAY 26, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

Community news

Suzette Peoples ABR, GRI , E-Pro, 21 years Professional

Realtor; Owner of Peoples Properties, a Real Estate & Property Management Co.; American Business

Women’s Association.

Mortgage Banker can do loans in less than 30 days! Call Suzette or email: [email protected]

Suzette Peoples Broker /Owner

21 years of experience!

Direct: 281-980-3322 www.peoplesproperties.com

SUGAR CREEK Great 1 story on huge corner lot. 3 bedrooms & study. Seller has updated carpet, tile paint in and out and roof replaced. Shows great and price already reduced to go fast in the low $200’s.

SUGAR LAND! Almost 2400sqft. 4 bedrooms 2.5 bath. Study and sitting/gameroom up. Owner spent over $62K on upgrades/improvements. Gourmet kitchen, tile/pergo thru-out no carpet. Priced in $200’s.

REDUCED

Built in 2006. Popular Perry 1 story home. 4 bed-rooms and both formals or study. 16’ tile and hardwood fl oors. Garage/game room. Covered over size patio. Playground & shed stays. Private Levee lot. Priced to go at $220,000.

SUGAR LAND REDUCED

POOL/SPA & WATERFALL! 2 story 4 bedrooms! Master down. All tile/real wood thru-out, no carpet. All located on culdesac street. Clements high school! Priced to go fast!

FIRST COLONY

Custom home in gated acreage commu-nity. Over 4000 sq.ft! One story with bonus room. Upgrades galore with hand scraped hardwoods thru-out. Gourmet island kitchen with granite and custom cabinets. Built-ins, 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths. Huge covered patio and 3-car garage. Price to go in the $500’s.

TELFAIR 1 story Village Builder home over 3100 sqft! Built in 2007. 3 bedrooms & study. Gourmet oversized island kitchen with granite.T ile and Hardwoods thru-out. Upgrades galore! Priced to go fast!

REDUCED

REDU

CED

FIRST COLONY

REDU

CED

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A LOCATION NEAR YOU! VISIT OUR WEBSITEor contact the Admissions and Registration Office

for times, locations, and requirements.

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State Auto’s new Prime of LifeSM Plan provides expanded insurance coverages and substantial premium discounts on auto and homeowners insurance for qualifying customers age 45 and over*! As part of the Prime of Life Plan, you’ll enjoy enhanced coverages for when you travel, anywhere in the U.S.A. or Canada. Call your State Auto agent today for more information.

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*Qualifying age and coverage enhancements/discounts vary by state.

Your best insurance is a good agent.

“Friends you can depend on”

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Quail Valley alone. Today there are maybe a few more than 30, and I’m told they are not on the market for very long. This is how we measure our success.”

Thanks to the city now owning 400 more acres of parkland, the mayor said, the city “can now begin to plan on values going back up, city revenues from property taxes going back up and with a turn around in the economy, we will look back 10 years from now and realize that what we did to save our future was the right thing to do.

“We now can move forward with plans to develop our ten-nis and recreation center fa-cility as well as the Executive Park and hopefully the First Tee program for the old Par 3 property,” Owen said.

Since Missouri City took QVCC over via eminent domain, the city has spent “about $6 million on the im-provements,” according to the mayor.

Those improvements in-clude completely rebuilding the 18-hole El Dorado golf course, completely replac-ing the irrigation system for the El Dorado and LaQuinta golf courses, making repairs to the existing building to ac-commodate the pro shop and grill, buying all new equip-ment and fi xtures for the grill, maintaining the property, leasing golf carts for rent and making repairs and cleaning up after Hurricane Ike.

Owen, who has worked all along to get a settlement on the property, said he believes the former owners of QVCC agreed to settle rather than go to trial “to prevent any more legal fees and any future ap-peals from the sellers or us regarding the right to take or the amount that a jury would award.”

The company recently lost a similar battle in Houston, which, Owen said, “had them thinking that juries are not sympathetic when people try to shove things down prop-erty owners’ throats. I think they also see that people re-spect individual property owners’ rights.”

He also said, “Once citi-zens bought into our doing this project to begin with and then the overwhelming ap-proval of the $17.5 million bond issue, we have contin-ued to garner not only local but statewide support for it.

“I look back on House Bill 3232 as the start of this whole story. Legislators voted unan-imously to approve the bill, which basically said that peo-ple who buy property that has an amenity running through it pay a premium for that prop-erty and so it becomes part of that community.”

As for the $$7.375 million it took to buy the property, Owen said, “I think the price is in the best interest of the city so we can move forward with our plans and not wor-ry about what may or may not happen down the road. Knowing what the property was on the tax roles for when we took it and seeing what they could have been asking for during a trial, I think we made a deal that is acceptable to both parties.”

The property was worth $6 million on the county tax rolls.

Councilman Jerry Wyatt said by the acquisition, “In a downturn in economy, we are stabilizing property values across the city, not only in Quail valley.”

John Hightower with Ol-son & Olson, Missouri City Attorney Caroline Kelley and other city staff members negotiated on the price with QVCC. J. Mark Breeding, attorney with Andrews Kurth, represented the Quail Vaklley Country Club, L.P.

GolfFrom Page 1

For the fi rst time in the his-tory of the Federal Pell Grant, students who have used all of their Pell Grant eligibility in the fall and spring semesters can receive additional Pell Grant funding for summer school.

The change, legislated by the 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), is designed to encourage stu-dents to enroll in summer school so they can graduate sooner.

Richard Hyde, Wharton County Junior College’s di-rector of fi nancial aid, said a program name change by the federal government has confused students. It is now called “Two Pell Grants in One Award Year.”

Another source of confu-sion is the requirement that students who have received a full Pell Grant in the fall and spring semesters take six hours each summer semester – what the government calls halftime – in order to receive the summer funding.

“Most college catalogs, ours included, will say that three hours per summer se-mester is halftime,” he said. “For the Pell Grant, the gov-ernment defi nes halftime as six hours per semester.”

As a result, many students have scrambled to add an ad-ditional class for each sum-mer semester.

“It’s no money versus some money,” said Hyde, adding that the maximum Pell Grant

for summer school is $5,350, the same as for the fall and spring semesters combined.

Students who were eligible for Pell Grants in the fall and spring, and who have main-tained satisfactory progress as defi ned in the WCJC college catalog, may be eligible for ad-ditional summer funding. The same is true for high school graduates who have received notifi cation of Pell eligibility based on their 2009-10 Free Application for Federal Stu-dent Aid, or FAFSA.

Hyde strongly suggests that students talk with a WCJC fi nancial aid offi cer to see if they qualify. He also an-ticipates a higher demand for summer classes so encour-ages students to sign up soon

before classes fi ll. Unlike a loan, a Federal

Pell Grant does not require repayment. In 2010-11, the maximum Pell Grant rises to $5,550.

The amount awarded is dependent on fi nancial need, but also on the cost to attend school, status as full-time or part-time student, and plans to attend school for a full aca-demic year or less. Students whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001 receive the maximum award.

For additional information about the summer Pell Grants, contact the WCJC Financial Aid Offi ce at 979.532.6345 or 1-800-561-9252, ext. 6345.

Pell Grants available for summer at WCJC

By BARBARA FULENWIDERThis month Missouri City council members made major

progress on the 400 acres located in the middle of their town. At their May 17 meeting city council proved architectural/

engineering services for the renovation of the golf course pro shop and community center and design services for the tennis and recreation center.

The city’s ad for requests of qualifi cations for design services on the club house and community center got 43 replies from fi rms who wanted the job.

Last February, staff met with the consultant selection com-mittee members and recommended fi ve fi rms for interviews: Kirksey, STG, HKS, Robert McKinney and Freese Nichols.

In March staff interviewed fi ve fi rms and recommended Freese Nichols because of their experience in municipal golf course facility design, hospitality facility design, commitment to stakeholder input and feedback, responsiveness to client di-rection and the fi rm’s in-house ability to provide almost all as-pects of professional design.

The phase one design work is expected to take three months and cost $151,717. What the city will get for their money are two Charrettes with stakeholders, landscape, food service, 3D renderings of the exterior of the building to show the architec-tural character and style of the new community center and a schematic design package.

The agreement for professional design services for the tennis and recreation center was also let after 36 fi rms applied. The fi ve fi rms interviewed are Freese Nichols, STG, Meriman Holt, PBS&J and Joiner. Staff chose PBS&J because of their ex-perience with municipalities, commitment to stakeholder input and feedback, ability to provide almost all aspects of the design from within the fi rm and responsiveness to client direction.

They will provide phase one design services only and those include town meetings, staff programming meetings, facility and site assessments, cost-benefi t analysis, draft programming document, conceptual plan and cost estimates and presentation to staff and council.

The initial design work will cost $72,000 and take approxi-mately two months.

Club house, community center project design ordered

Bargain Book SaleFriends of First Colony ranch Library, 2121 Austin Park-

way at Grants Lake, Sugar Land, will hold their monthly bar-gain book sale on Saturday, June 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Good condition books, CD’s, DVD’s (no magazines/encyclopedias) may be donated during regular library hours or at the sale and are tax deductible. Children’s items are especially needed.

Founders Bank has named Fort Bend businessman Thom-as J. Petrosewicz to its board of directors. He will serve as an advisory member.

Petrosewicz is a certifi ed public accountant who man-ages his own practice, Petrose-wicz & Company, in Rich-mond. His fi rm specializes in individual and business taxa-tion, small business consulting and forensic accounting.

“Tom brings a wealth of business experience to our board,” said Jim Sturgeon, Founders Bank CEO. “He has owned his own fi rm for close to 20 years and has helped count-less other businesses achieve success via proper business, tax and fi nancial planning. In addition, he is well-connected to the business community in Richmond and Rosenberg and that is a defi nite plus. We are pleased and proud to have him join our board of directors.”

Prior to forming his account-ing practice in 1991, Petrose-wicz managed the fi nancial and administrative activities of a multi-million-dollar man-ufacturing/wholesale distribu-tion business in Houston.

He began his career with the international public account-ing fi rm PricewaterhouseCoo-pers.

Petrosewicz named to Founders Bank board

Petrosewicz

Page 4: Fort Bend Independent

To the Editor:I appreciated Missouri City

Mayor Allen Owen’s remarks after this past election indi-cating that the Missouri City Council’s ethnic makeup was now much more in line with the City’s population.

Indeed, Missouri City’s di-versity is probably its biggest strength.

In fact, the City Council refl ects some of the same at-tributes and strengths that the City as a whole demonstrates or it should.

What does the City really need to do to take advantage of and make best use of its di-versity?

My fi rst recommendation is that the city needs to start with its own City Council. Give them a chance, an op-portunity to shine.

In Councilmembers Robin Elackatt and Danny Nguyen we have a good representa-tion of the Asian community. Why not give them an oppor-tunity to bring some members of their ethnic groups in to help the City deal with some of its issues?

The City could hold a mini-

convention of area Asian busi-ness leaders to help the City deal with a particular issue or a range of issues.

What new ideas might these leaders have to help the City?

More importantly, these groups could then have real input into how the City func-tions.

For instance, what do those business leaders think that the City should do about the City’s fi nances, which could obviously use a shot in the arm?

How would they deal with a Golf Course?

How do we unite the resi-dents of First Colony, Quail Valley, Texas Parkway, and others and make Missouri City function smoothly?

How do we deal with the lack of business interest in Texas Parkway development? These are real issues that the City could use innovative ideas and good advice to deal with effectively.

I believe that the mayor said that he was proud that the City Council makeup rep-resented all ethnic groups of

the City. The challenge is to use the City’s diverse popula-tion to help us become a great city.

Howard MolineMissouri City

By JANICE SCANLANI fi rst met Tony Workman

a couple of years ago. I was helping with the Missouri City Impact a Hero fundraiser for helping local veterans. Tony was an easy guy to re-member, mainly because of the genuine interest he took in others.

And that very quality is un-fortunately what often makes people like Tony easy to for-get. They aren’t self-promot-ing, They devote themselves to a purpose and helping oth-ers.

Tony served his country as a decorated Marine aviator in Viet Nam. However, he and most of the Viet Nam vets did not come home to a hero’s welcome.

Rather than honoring those who served in Viet Nam and did their duties, America wanted to put behind her what was considered, at the time, an ugly chapter in our history. So it seems, we wrote a new ugly chapter in our treatment of Viet Nam Veterans.

Coming home to Missouri City after serving, like most vets, Tony became busy with work, friends and family; but stayed active with veteran’s issues.

Tony kept seeing the need that many vets would enjoy a place where they could get together and talk about their experiences, do some good for the community, and have a little fun and camaraderie as well.

So Tony founded the New Missouri City American Le-gion Post 294 and became its fi rst Commander. He re-mained active until health issues that plagued him after the war contributed to his death Feb. 19, 2010.

Unfortunately our quiet heroes don’t always get the notoriety their work deserves. I didn’t learn about Tony’s death until two weeks ago. Ironically at the same place I originally met him--working with the Impact a Hero Mis-souri City event sponsored by the Southwest 59 Sunrise

Rotary. Not seeing Tony left an

empty place, but other quiet heroes carried on and will continue to champion veter-ans’ causes and provide veter-ans, who have given so much, a place to meet and carry on good works.

But that’s only part of the story. The veterans of the New Missouri City American Le-gion Post 294 have renamed Post 294 in Tony’s honor as the William Tony Workman American Legion Post 294.

To further honor his memo-ry Post 294 asked his widow, Dee Workman, to present its fi rst scholarship award. On March 20, Dee presented El-kins High School senior and Air Force ROTC Cadet Me-lissa Gasataya with a scholar-ship. So others continue the work that Tony helped begin.

Please remember our Vet-erans not only this Memorial Day, but also through your

Write to [email protected].

By RUSSELL C. JONESOn May 17 Congressman

Pete Olson held a town hall meeting at Lakeview Au-ditorium to speak to Sugar Land residents. Compared to town hall meetings last fall, the crowd was smaller and less hostile.

Olson has earned a repu-tation among his fellow House members greater than would be expected for a junior member of the minority party in a term when the majority makes all decisions without con-sideration of dissenting views. His prior service as a staffer for Senators Gramm and Cornyn has served him well, providing experience beyond the typ-ical freshman member. Ol-son has also become a vital part of the effort to push back Obama’s plan to kill America’s space program.

Partially responding to a question at the town hall meeting, Olson called on Congress to reverse the Democrat program of ev-er-increasing expenditures on government programs during a time of economic distress. He repeated the often cited Republican plan for tax reductions for small business and called for reductions in govern-ment spending.

He failed to answer the second part of the ques-tion: What is Plan B?

Optimism among politi-cians is to be expected, and Olson is no different. He is convinced, as are many other Republicans and tea partiers, that public dis-satisfaction with Obama-care, the growing defi cit, expectations of an unprec-edented tax increase, and looming infl ation will as-sure that conservatives will take over Congress in November.

Once the “good guys” are in charge in the leg-islature, goes the theory, Obama will come to his senses and negotiate sound

economic policies refl ect-ing the will of the people and Republican principles, along the lines of Bill Clin-ton’s transformation dur-ing the second half of his fi rst term.

Let’s not hold our com-munal breath.

The harsh reality is that Obama grew up in the Chi-cago hard knuckle political tradition. His career as a “community organizer” refl ects his fundamental disbelief in the American tradition of free enterprise, reward for hard work and belief in equal opportu-nity for all. A committed “progressive,” Obama is dedicated to equal results for all, regardless of one’s work ethic, skill level or contribution to society.

Obama’s term has al-ready seen huge successes in his quest for big govern-ment at the expense of the private sector. The partial nationalization of General Motors and Chrysler, which punished secured credi-tors and rewarded the auto workers’ union against all precedent under bankrupt-cy law; the imposition of TARP on the largest banks, whether they wanted it or not; and the government takeover of health care were each greater grabs of government power from the private sector than has occurred under any previ-ous president.

Between December

2007 and December 2009, the private sector lost more than 7.3 million jobs, yet the number of government jobs actually increased by about 100,000. A boon for government employee unions, each action of this president seems to be an effort to increase the politi-cal power of the Democrats without regard to conser-vative values.

Even if Republicans re-gain Congress in Novem-ber, an uncertain prospect for sure, no reason exists for an Obama compromise. He has reminded Republi-cans on several occasions that he won and they lost the 2008 elections. His idea of bipartisanship is Republican capitulation to his goals.

Obama will be in offi ce until January 2013, regard-less of Republican gains this year. By then the dam-age will be done. Indeed, the damage has already been done. Conservative delusions about revoking Obamacare and avoiding growing taxes on Amer-ica’s producers are pipe dreams.

A majority in Congress alone will not sustain a veto. Trillions of dollars are already committed for questionable expendi-tures, and all must be paid with higher taxes or, even worse, infl ated dollars.

So, the question remains. What is Plan B? Neither the Republicans nor the tea parties have the answer.

Readers are encouraged to offer their suggestions to [email protected].

(Jones is the Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Sugar Land and serves as Coun-cilman for District 3. He was fi rst elected to the City Council in 2003. He owns a law fi rm and a title in-surance company in Sugar Land.)

OpinionPage 4 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 26, 2010

Seshadri KumarPublisher & Editor

Email: [email protected]

www.fbindependent.com

Texas Straight TalkThe View From Sugar Land

Jones

Musings: A Hero’s Impact –Tony Workman

What is Plan B?

LETTER: Using the strength of diversity

By RON PAUL Congress, with its insatiable

appetite for spending, is set to pass yet another “supplemen-tal” appropriations bill in the next two weeks. So-called supplemental bills allow Con-gress to spend beyond even the 13 annual appropriations bills that fund the federal gov-ernment. These are akin to a family that consistently out-spends its budget, and there-fore needs to use a credit card to make it through the end of the month.

If the American people want Congress to spend less, putting an end to supplemen-tal appropriations bills would be a start. The 13 “regular” appropriations bills fund ev-ery branch, department, agen-cy, and program of the federal government. Congress should place every dollar in plain view among those 13 bills. Instead, supplemental spend-ing bills serve as a sneaky way for Congress to spend extra money that was not projected in budget forecasts. Once rare, they have become com-monplace vehicles for defi cit spending.

The latest supplemental bill is touted as an “emergency” war spending bill, needed to fund our ongoing confl icts in the Middle East. The emer-gencies never seem to end, however, and Congress passes one military supplemental bill after another as the wars in

Iraq and Afghanistan drag on. Many of my colleagues ar-

gue that Congress cannot put a price on our sacred national security, and I agree that the strong, unequivocal defense of our country is a top priority. There comes a time, however, when we must take stock of what our blank checks to the military industrial complex accomplish for us, and where the true threats to American citizens lie.

The smokescreen debate over earmarks demonstrates how we have lost perspec-tive when it comes to military spending. Earmarks consti-tute about $11 billion of the latest budget. This sounds like a lot of money, and it is, but it is a drop in the bucket compared to the $708 billion spent by the Pentagon this year to expand our worldwide military presence. The total

expenditures to maintain our world empire is approximate-ly $1 trillion annually, which is roughly what the entire fed-eral budget was in 1990!

We spend more on defense than the rest of the world combined, and far more than we spent during the Cold War. These expenditures in many cases foment resentment that does not make us safer, but in-stead makes us a target. We referee and arm confl icts the world over, and have troops in some 140 countries with over 700 military bases.

With this enormous amount of money and energy spent on efforts that have nothing to do with the security of the United States, when the time comes to defend American soil, we will be too involved in other adventures to do so.

There is nothing conserva-tive about spending money we don’t have simply because that spending is for defense. No enemy can harm us in the way we are harming our-selves, namely bankrupting the nation and destroying our own currency. The former Soviet Union did not implode because it was attacked; it im-ploded because it was broke. We cannot improve our econ-omy if we refuse to examine all major outlays, including so-called defense spending.

(Ron Paul represents the 14th Congressional District in Texas.)

Paul

More blank checks to the military industrial complex

2008 Missouri City Impact a Hero Fundraiser for American Legion Post 294 pictured l to r 2010 Commander Larry Faust, Founding Commander Tony Workman, and Missouri City PD Community Liaison Offi cer Dan Flagg.

The First Colony Commu-nity Association has resched-uled its farmer’s market due to the heavy storms this past weekend.

The market is now sched-uled for Saturday, June 19. from 8 a.m. to Noon at First Colony Community Asso-ciation 4350 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479.

Vendors will be offering an array of fresh produce and handmade products at the farmer’s market.

Visitors can expect to fi nd a wide variety of offerings, including seasonal produce, organic produce, spices, fresh fl owers and more.

FCCA is still accepting vendors. Anyone interested in becoming a vendor can call 281-634-9555 for informa-tion.

For more information on the farmer’s market or other First Colony Community As-sociation events, visit www.fi rstcolony.org.

First Colony Farmers Market

Page 5: Fort Bend Independent

MAY 26, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

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CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE

Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the County Civil Court at Law No. 4 of Harris County, Texas on March 22, 2010 in cause numbered 707384702 styled Providian National Bank vs. Minerva Borrego, in which a judgment was rendered on March 26, 1999 in favor of Providian National Bank for the sum of Four Thousands Seven Hundred Sixty Two Dollars and Seventy Cents ($4,762.70); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.I have levied upon the below listed property on May 5, 2010 and will on June 1, 2010, Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of Minerva H. Borrego to and in the following described Real Property

0193 Jas HODGE, Block PT 8-B, ACRES 0.96 MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS :

15307 Sam Street, SUGAR LAND, TX 77478

The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of ROSEMARY LACY, Plaintiff , and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION:FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSERICHMOND, TX 77469DATE: June 1ST, 2010TIME: APPROX. 10:00 amBY: DEPUTY S. STEELE

Troy E. NehlsConstable Pct. 4Fort Bend County, Texas

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 12TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #05-DCV-145601 in favor of the Plaintiff - FORT BEND COUNTY & ET-AL Plaintiff , for the sum of $6,038.25 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 20TH day of APRIL 2010 and will off er for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defedant(s) - RUDOLFO ARIAS & ET-AL had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affi xed thereto. All sales are fi nal.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: LOT 20 IN BLOCK 4 OF ROSEDALE ADDITION, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACC-ORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 393, PAGE 86 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (ACCOUNT NUMBER 6600000042000907)

TRACT 2: LOT 4 IN BLOCK 5 OF ROSEDALE ADDITION, A SUBDIVIISON IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 393, PAGE 86 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ( ACCOUNT NUMBER 6600000050400907)

ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: TRACT 1 $17,600.00 & TRACT 2 $15,000.00Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLEFort Bend County Precinct 312550 Emily Court, Ste 200Sugar Land, TX77478(281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 16TH day of MARCH 2010 by the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #06-DCV-151368 in favor of the Plaintiff - QUAIL VALLEY EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff , for the sum of $2,141.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 30TH day of APRIL 2010 and will off er for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defedant(s) - JIMMIE MOYE had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affi xed thereto. All sales are fi nal.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION:PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT EIGHT (8), IN BLOCK 23 OF QUAIL VALLEY EAST, SECTION FOUR, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT VOLUME 12, PAGE 3 IN THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS.

ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $82,480.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLEFort Bend County Precinct 312550 Emily Court, Ste 200Sugar Land, TX77478(281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 12TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #06-DCV-152832 in favor of the Plaintiff - FORT BEND COUNTY & ET-AL Plaintiff , for the sum of $3,880.75 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 20TH day of APRIL 2010 and will off er for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defedant(s) - PAULETTE HASKIN FREEMAN & ET AL had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affi xed thereto. All sales are fi nal.LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: LOT30, IN BLOCK FIVE (5) OF QUAIL GREEN, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 24, PAGE 12 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (ACCOUNT NUMBER 5862010050300907)

ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $84,780.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLEFort Bend County Precinct 312550 Emily Court, Ste 200Sugar Land, TX77478(281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 25TH day of MARCH 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #07-DCV-158945 in favor of the Plaintiff - CANYON GATE AT CINCO RANCH HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff , for the sum of $7,139.43 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 4TH day of MAY 2010 and will off er for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defedant(s) - EUGENE DMITH JR AND PETRA R. SMITH had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affi xed thereto. All sales are fi nal. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT TWENTY-FOUR (24), IN BLOCK ONE (1) OF CANYON GATE, CINCO RANCH, SECTION THREE (3), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 1779/B AND 1780/A OF THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (”THE PROPERTY”) ALSO KNOWN AS 19762 TWIN CANYON COURT, KATY, TEXAS 77450ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $151,270.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLEFort Bend County Precinct 312550 Emily Court, Ste 200Sugar Land, TX77478(281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 13TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-164247 in favor of the Plaintiff - GRAYSON LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff , for the sum of $3,448.04 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 23RD day of APRIL 2010 and will off er for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defedant(s) - STEVEN JOHN BLACKMON had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affi xed thereto. All sales are fi nal.LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT THIRTEEN (13), IN BLOCK ONE (1) OF COUNTRY LAKES, SECTION THREE (3), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO.2199/A & B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2039 BROKEN BRANCH DRIVE, KATY, TEXAS 77494ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $370,650.00

Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLEFort Bend County Precinct 312550 Emily Court, Ste 200Sugar Land, TX77478(281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 13TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #08-DCV-167739 in favor of the Plaintiff - GRAYSON LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff , for the sum of $3,136.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 23RD day of APRIL 2010 and will off er for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defedant(s) - MARK ANTHONY ALVARADO had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affi xed thereto. All sales are fi nal.LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT TEN (10), IN BLOCK THREE (3) OF COUNTRY LAKES AT GRAYSON LAKES, SECTION SIX (6), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20060197 OF THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1611 CRYSTAL MEADOW PL, KATY, TEXAS 77494

ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $266,560.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLEFort Bend County Precinct 312550 Emily Court, Ste 200Sugar Land, TX77478(281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 26TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-169215 in favor of the Plaintiff - GRAYSON LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff , for the sum of $4,889.45 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 4TH day of MAY 2010 and will off er for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defedant(s) - MARTIN J. GOTTFRIED had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affi xed thereto. All sales are fi nal.LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT THIRTEEN (13), IN BLOCK THREE (3) OF COUNTRY LAKES, SECTION TWO (2), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO.2117/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1210 LONGDRAW DRIVE, KATY, TEXAS 77494

ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $248,920.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLEFort Bend County Precinct 312550 Emily Court, Ste 200Sugar Land, TX77478(281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 12TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-170623 in favor of the Plaintiff - FORT BEND COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT #23 & ET AL, Plaintiff , for the sum of $7,765.01 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 20TH day of APRIL 2010 and will off er for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defedant(s) - LATOYA K. NIGHTINGALE & ET AL had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affi xed thereto. All sales are fi nal.LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: LOT FORTY-SEVEN (47), IN BLOCK THREE (3) OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION FOUR (4), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO.2477/A OF THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (ACCOUNT NUMBER 8944040030471907/8944040030471)ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $117,240.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLEFort Bend County Precinct 312550 Emily Court, Ste 200Sugar Land, TX77478(281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 12TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-171553 in favor of the Plaintiff - SEVEN MEADOWS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff , for the sum of $4,844.64 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 21ST day of APRIL 2010 and will off er for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defedant(s) - RACHIT B. PESQUERA had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affi xed thereto. All sales are fi nal.LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT FOUR (4), IN BLOCK ONE (1) OF SEVEN MEADOWS, SECTION THREE (3), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO.2469/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS COMMONLY KNOWN AS 7315 STARRY NIGHT, KATY, TEXAS 77494

ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $221,790.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLEFort Bend County Precinct 312550 Emily Court, Ste 200Sugar Land, TX77478(281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 12TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-172988 in favor of the Plaintiff - FORT BEND COUNTY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT & ET-AL Plaintiff , for the sum of $2,690.73 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 20TH day of APRIL 2010 and will off er for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defedant(s) - STANLEY L. CRAWFORD had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affi xed thereto. All sales are fi nal.LEGAL DESCRIPTION: TRACT 1: LOT NINE (9), BLOCK FIFTEEN (15) OF BRIARGATE, SECTION FIVE (5), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 16, PAGE 7 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (ACCOUNT NUMBER 2150050150090907)ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $103,500.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLEFort Bend County Precinct 312550 Emily Court, Ste 200Sugar Land, TX77478(281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 7TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-174676 in favor of the Plaintiff - WINDFIELD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff , for the sum of $5,094.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 8TH day of APRIL 2010 and will off er for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defedant(s) - ROBERT E. JAMES, had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affi xed thereto. All sales are fi nal. LEGAL DESCRIPTION:PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 11, IN BLOCK 1 OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION THREE (3), A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NOS.2438/B IN THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ALSO KNOWN AS 3403 BECKER GLEN STREET, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545.ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLEFort Bend County Precinct 2By Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable

CAUSE NO. 10-CPR-022875

THE STATE OF TEXAS

ESTATE OF BENJAMIN DIAO SOMERA,

DECEASED

YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED TO SUMMON THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF Benjamin Diao Somera, all of whose names, residences, and whereabouts are unknown to Plaintiff (s), Nenita Vil-lena Somera by publication of this Cita-tion once, at least ten (10) days previ-ous to the return day hereof, in some newspaper published in your County, to appear at the next regular term of the County Court at Law setting as the Probate Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, Honorable R. H. “Sandy” Bielstein presiding, after service has been per-fected, to be held in the William B. Tra-vis Annex thereof in Richmond, Texas, the same being Monday, the 7th day

of June, 2010, then and there to fi le a written consent or answer to the Peti-tion fi led in said Court on the 14th day of May, 2010, in a probate action now pending in said Court in the above numbered and styled Estate on the Probate Docket of said Court, wherein, Nenita Villena Somera is Plaintiff and the UNKNOWN HEIRS of said Deceased are the defendants; allegations as shown in said petition now on fi le in the Fort Bend County Clerk’s Offi ce.

HEREIN FAIL NOT, but have you before said Court, at the time aforesaid, this Writ, with your return thereon showing that you have executed the same.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF SAID COURT, at offi ce in Richmond, Texas, this the 17th day of May 2010

DIANNE WISLON, COUNTY CLERKFORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS

301 JACKSON, SUITE 101RICHMOND, TX 77469-3108

By Holly Clemons, Deputy

CITATION BY PUBLICATIONDIVORCE

The State of TexasTO: Latonja Evette Latson, Address Unknown, and to all whom it may concern, RespondentGREETINGS:You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not fi le a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 AM on the Monday next following the expiration of twenty (20) days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgmentmay be taken against you. The Original Petition for Divorce of Ugochukwu O. Nkwocha, Petitioners, was fi led in the 328th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on the January 27, 2010 against Latonja Evette Latson, Respondent, being numbered 10-DCV178104, and entitled In the Matter of the Marriage of Ugochukwu O. Nkwocha and Latonja Evette LatsonThe suit requests DIVORCE.The court has authority in this suit to enter any judgment or decree dissolving the marriage and providing for the division of property which will be binding on you.Issued and given under my hand and seal of the said Court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 20th day of May, 2010.Petitioner’s Attorney:Ike N A Waobikeze, ESQWAOBIKEZE LAW FIRM PC9950 Westpark Drive Suite 424Houston TX 77036-5271713-771-1331

DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT

Fort Bend County, TexasDeputy District Clerk Amanda Morales

Telephone: 281-238-3282

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of MARCH 2010 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-174860 In favor of the Plaintiff - BRADFORD VILLAGE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff , for the sum of $3,335.46 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 7TH day of MAY 2010 and will off er for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defedant(s) - KHIA HUNT had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affi xed thereto. All sales are fi nal. LEGAL DESCRIPTION:PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 11, IN BLOCK 3 OF BRADFORD VILLAGE, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT SLIDE NO. 2528A 12, PAGE 3 IN THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AND MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1906 PLUM CREEK LN., MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77489-4165.ADJUDGED/ MARKET VALUE: $138,820.00 Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

ROB COOK, CONSTABLEFort Bend County Precinct 312550 Emily Court, Ste 200Sugar Land, TX77478(281) 491-7226 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE SALEUnder and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 7TH day of APRIL 2010 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-173053 in favor of the Plaintiff - WINDFIELD LAKES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff , for the sum of $5,399.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 8TH day of APRIL 2010 and will off er for sale on the 1ST day of JUNE, 2010 at the County Courthouse steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defedant(s) - BENJAMIN E. THOMPSON III, had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.:

Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affi xed thereto. All sales are fi nal.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION:LOT 39, IN BLOCK 5 OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION SIX (6), A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER PLAT FILE NO. 20050039 OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ALSO KNOWN AS 2714 DARBY BROOK DRIVE, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545.

Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 10 a.m. At the steps of the Fort Bend County courthouse.

RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLEFort Bend County Precinct 2By Lieutenant G. Majors #73Deputy Constable

LEGAL NOTICEREQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALSSealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Offi ce of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Of-fi ce of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 and the names of the proposers made public. Propos-als received after the specifi ed time will be returned unopened.RFP 10-096 – ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM FOR CSCD.Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are not required. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.Signed:Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

CITATION BY PUBLICATIONSTATE OF TEXAS

TO: DARREN LEE STANLEY and to all whom it may concern, Respondent(s), You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do (does) not fi le a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday next follow-ing the expiration of 20 days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. The petition of CHARLENE PHIL-LIPS, Petitioner, was fi led in the 387TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas on the December 04, 2009 against DARREN LEE STAN-LEY, Respondent(s), numbered 09-DCV-176893, and entitled In the Inter-est of Kelcey Fonda Elizabeth Phillips, a Minor Child.The suit request FIRST AMENDED PETITION IN SUIT AFFECTING THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP as is more fully shown by Petition on fi le in this suit.The date and place of birth of the child(ren) who is/are the subject of the suit: June 26,1996 Fort Bend County, TexasThe Court has authority in this suit to render an order in the child(ren)’s inter-est which will be binding on you, in-cluding the termination of the parent-child relationship, the determination of paternity and the appointment of a conservator with authority to consent to the child(ren)’s adoption.Issued and given under my hand and seal of said Court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 18th day of May, 2010.

ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER OR RESPONDENT:ROBERT L THOMAS, JRTHE THOMAS LAW FIRM807 HOUSTON STREETRICHMOND TX 77469281-238-4366

DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOT

Deputy District Clerk Rosalinda Salinas Telephone: 281-633-7649

LEGAL NOTICEINVITATION TO BIDDERS

Sealed Bids will be received in the Offi ce of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Offi ce of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Read-ing Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specifi ed time will be returned unopened.BID 10-097 – BRIDGE REPLACE FOR OLD RICH-MOND ROAD OVER RED GULLYA pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 10:00AM (CST). The pre-bid confer-ence will be held at the Fort Bend County Purchasing Department located in the Rosenberg Annex at 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg Texas 77471. All bidders are encouraged to attend.BID 10-098 – EXTENSION OF SOUTH POST OAK BLVD AND RECONSTRUCTION OF MCKEEVER ROADA pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 11:00AM (CST). The pre-bid confer-ence will be held at the Fort Bend County Purchasing Department located in the Rosenberg Annex at 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg Texas 77471. All bidders are encouraged to attend.Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are re-quired.Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids.Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

LEGAL NOTICEREQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALSSealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Offi ce of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Offi ce of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specifi ed time will be returned un-opened.RFP 10-099 – DRUG COURT SUBSTANCE ABUSE OUTPATIENT COUNSELINGUnit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are not required. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.Signed:Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

LEGAL NOTICEINVITATION TO BIDDERS

Sealed Bids will be received in the Offi ce of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Offi ce of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Read-ing Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specifi ed time will be returned unopened.BID 10-100 – TERM CONTRACT FOR CONCRETE CURBS AND GUTTERSUnit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are not required.Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

LEGAL NOTICEREQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALSSealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Offi ce of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Offi ce of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specifi ed time will be returned un-opened.RFP 10-101 – SECURITY SYSTEM FOR JANE LONG ANNEXUnit pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are re-quired. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

Signed:Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing AgentFort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

The Exchange Club of Fort Bend recently presented the Youth of the Year Award and scholarship to Eric Yu.

Yu, a senior from Elkins High School, is the son of Christina and James Yu of Missouri City. The Exchange Club of Fort Bend meets weekly on Wednesdays at 11:45 a.m. at Sweetwater Country Club. For more in-formation on the club contact Candace Cagle at 281-239-9967, candace.cagle@yahoo.

Kyle Krueger of Clements High School was honored May 12 by the Exchange Club of Sugar Land as youth of the year. She will attend Harvard University in the fall. Her essay will be presented at the Texas Louisiana District Exchange Convention representing the Exchange Club of Sugar Land. The Exchange Club of Sugar Land meets every Wednesday morning at 7 at the Sweetwater Country Club.

— Photo by Allan McDonald

Kyle Krue-ger accepts Youth of The Year Award from Betty B a i t l a n d , left, Presi-dent of the Sugar Land E x c h a n g e Club. Krue-ger has also been chosen as the Dis-trict Youth of the Year.

Youth of the year

com or visit www.fortbendex-change.org.

Board member

Kelly Orth presents

the award to Eric Yu,

right.

Page 6: Fort Bend Independent

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 26, 2010

FILM REVIEW: How to Train the Dragon

Automobile: Chevrolet Malibu

Directory Directory Directory Directory DirectoryAT Renovations, Inc.

101 Southwestern Blvd. Ste.230Sugar Land, TX 77478 [email protected]

(281) 787-4302

Hrbacek & Associates,P.C.130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 110

Sugar Land, TX 77478lawfi [email protected]

281-240-2424

Sandersen & Knox LLP , Accountants

130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 130 Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.SKBTexas.com

(281) 242-3232

PhysicianAccountantNik Nikam, MD

Sugar Land Heart Center16659 S.W. FWY, #361Sugar Land, TX 77479

281-265-7567www.sugarlandheartcenter.com

AttorneyLawn& LandscapeTexans Insurance & Financial Group,

101 Southwestern Blvd., Suite 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478

www.texansinsure.com (281) 277-7800

Basil Housewright, President

Insurance

By BARBARA FULENWIDERI see more and more Chev-

rolet Malibu sedans on Hous-ton area streets these days and after a test drive now I under-stand why. It’s another Gen-eral Motors’ winner.

The Chevrolet Malibu LT four-door sedan provides a most comfortable ride and plenty of room for passengers and cargo.

The Malibu is offered in four models: LS, LT, LTZ and hybrid. The standard engine on the LS and LT models is the 2.4-liter DOHC four-cyl-inder motor.

A 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 is standard on the 2LT and optional on the 1LT. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission

or the optional six-speed au-tomatic.

New standard equipment on the Chevrolet Malibu in-cludes a six speed automatic transmission on the 2LT and LTZ models and available on the 1LT. Also, 17-inch chrome aluminum wheels are stan-dard on the 2LT with the four-cylinder engine; driver power adjustable lumbar replaces manual lumbar on all models and the 2.4-liter engine is now E85 capable, which means it can run on 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

Gas mileage on the LS with the four-cylinder that makes 169 horsepower and 160 lb.-ft. torque, is 22 in town and 30 on the highway.

The V-6 engine makes 252

horsepower and 251 lbs.-ft. torque and gets 17/22 mpg and 22/33 with the six-speed transmission. The Hybrid Malibu gets 26 and 34 mpg. All run on regular unleaded fuel.

Standard equipment on all models of the sedan includes traction control, power door locks, windows and mirrors, A/C, stability control system with panic brake assist, dual-stage frontal air bags, OnStar, LATCH child safety seat an-chors, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, 17-inch wheels and XM Satellite Radio.

The Malibu LT model gets a three-spoke steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, a chrome exhaust tip, power outside folding mirrors, tour-

ing tires, rear reading lights, power trunk release, AM/FM stereo with CD player, rear window defogger, rear split folding seat, driver informa-tion center, tilt and telescop-ic leather wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry, remote vehicle start and in-side review mirror with auto dimming and compass.

The LTZ models adds 18-inch aluminum ultra-bright fi nish wheels, fog lamps, LED taillamps, manual shift on the six speed automatic transmission, Bluetooth for phone, heated driver and front passenger seats and two-tone trim combinations.

The Malibu LS retails for $21,395, the LT with the four-cylinder motor at $22,295 and

for $25,175 with the V-6. The LTZ with the V-6 retails for $26,670 and the hybrid for $25,345.

Options on the test drive Malibu 2LT added $1,175 to the bottom line and included a Boss premium audio system.

I’m partial to the Chevy Malibu because this car con-

jures up pleasant memories. When they were fi rst intro-duced in the mid to late 1960s, one got me to Pikes Peak and back with nary a problem.

I suspect the 2010 versions are just as reliable and I know they provide just as an enjoy-able and comfortable ride.

PUBLIC NOTICE

FORT BEND COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

FY 2010-2015 CONSOLIDATED PLAN DRAFT

To build and strengthen new partnerships with State and local governments and the private sector, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires a single consolidated submission for the planning and application aspects of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Programs.

The overall goals of the community development and planning programs covered by the Consolidated Plan are to strengthen partnerships with jurisdictions and to extend and strengthen partnerships among all levels of government and the private sector including for-profi t and nonprofi t organizations, to enable them:

* to provide decent housing;* to establish and maintain a suitable living environment, and,* to expand economic opportunities for every American, particularly for very low-income and low-income persons.

The purpose of the Consolidated Plan is to require the County to state in one document its plan to pursue these goals for all the community planning and development programs, as well as for housing programs. The FY 2010 Consolidated Plan will serve the following functions:

1. A planning document for the jurisdiction, which builds on a participatory process at the lowest levels;2. An application for federal funds under HUD’s formula grant programs;3. A strategy to be followed in carrying out HUD programs; and,4. An action plan that provides a basis for assessing performance.

The Consolidated Plan Final Rule requires that local government jurisdictions submit to HUD fi ve-year Consolidated Plans containing a housing and homeless needs assessment, a housing market analysis, a strategic plan, an action plan, and the required HUD certifi cations. The 2010-2015 Consolidated Plan includes Fort Bend County’s revised housing and homeless needs assessment and housing market analysis. The 2010 Consolidated Plan includes 2000 Census data, 2008 American Community Survey (ACS) data and 2008 HUD data regarding low-income households. The County’s Strategic Plan has been revised to refl ect changes in HUD programs, the population of the County as evidenced by the 2008 data and to provide consistency between the FY 2005-2010 Consolidated Plan’s goals and objectives and the proposed FY 2010-2015 Consolidated Plan’s goals and objectives. The strategic plan sets forth program goals and specifi c objectives in a manner that helps local governments and citizens keep track of programmatic results.

The FY 2010 Consolidated Action Plan includes the proposed projects to be funded during FY 2010, September 1, 2010 to August 31, 2011. These projects are listed below by program funding source. The recommended amount of funding for each project also is listed.

Community Development Block Grant Program:

Amount of Assistance Available for FY 2010: $2,135,284

Countywide CDBG Program Administration and Planning $375,000Countywide CDBG/HOME Program Housing Rehabilitation Administration $95,000Countywide Fort Bend CORPS: Housing Repair Program $225,000Arcola Arcola Sanitary Sewer System Improvements $161,040Kendleton Twenty Year Growth and Infrastructure Study $40,000Needville S anitary Sewer System Rehabilitation, Phase 3 $250,000Four Corners FWSD No.2: Sanitary Sewer Improvements $186,374Riverwood MUD No. 19 Sanitary Sewer Improvements and, Phase 7 $99,300Richmond North Richmond Sanitary Sewer Improvements, Phase 2 $258,500Rosenberg North Side Sanitary Sewer Improvements, Phase 6 $260,700Countywide ARC of FBC Social and Recreational Programs $27,667Countywide Brazos Bend Guardianship Services: Corporate Guardianship Program $25,000Countywide Child Advocates of FBC: Forensic Interviewer/Children’s Services Coordinator. $29,113Countywide FBC Women’s Center: Shelter Support Services $29,556Countywide Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels Program $38,034Countywide Literacy Council of Fort Bend: Literacy Tutoring $35,000

HOME Investment Partnership Program:

Amount of Assistance Available for FY 2010: $556.612

Countywide HOME Program Administration $55,661 CHDO Set-Aside $83,492Countywide FBC Housing Rehabilitation Program $257,459Countywide Fort Bend CORPS: Housing Reconstruction $60,000Countywide Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity $100,000

Emergency Shelter Grant Program: ESG)

Amount of Assistance Available for FY 2010: $85,096

Countywide ESG Program Administration: $4,254Countywide FBC Women’s Center: Essential Services $25,528Countywide FBC Women’s Center Operations $35,314Countywide Parks Youth Ranch, Inc. Operations $20,000________

The Fort Bend County FY 2010 Consolidated Plan Draft will be available for public review and comment from Friday, May 28, 2010 to Wednesday, June 30, 2010. The public is encouraged to review this document and submit comments. The Consolidated Plan Executive Summary can be reviewed at all locations of the Fort Bend County Library and the Fort Bend County website: http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us. In addition, copies of the Consolidated Plan are available from the Fort Bend Community Development Department, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, Texas. Please call the department at (281) 341-4410.A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2005, 10:00 a.m., at the Fort Bend County Rosenberg Annex, 4520

Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, Texas, to receive comments from the public regarding the draft FY 2010 Consolidated Plan. The public is encouraged to attend and to submit comments to Marilynn Kindell, Community Development Director, at the Fort Bend County Community Development Department, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, Texas, 77471. Comments will be incorporated into the draft Consolidated Plan document, as appropriate. Persons with vision or hearing impairments or other individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids and services may contact the department at (281) 341-4410 regarding reasonable accommodations for the meeting.

I saw this movie on a late Saturday afternoon at my lo-cal AMC with about 100 par-ents and small children. If you are prone to complain and/or become annoyed about the crying and outbursts of small children in a theatre, then don’t see “Dragon.”

I’ve never seen a dragon, but I’ve known some people who had dragon breath.

The dragons in this fl ick were being challenged and killed by some old-school Vi-kings. The type of Vikings that wear horns atop their very big heads and swing axes in an attempt to kill their prey.

The head of the Viking tribe is Stoic and he has a young son, Hiccup, who is less than Vikingesque. Let’s just say he’s not like the other Viking boys and girls who are cur-rently taking Dragon-killing classes. Hiccup is soft.

However, Hiccup acciden-tally makes a lucky shot and

downs one of the most fero-cious and mysterious dragons (Night Fury) who he names “Toothless.”

When Hiccup is about to stab and ultimately kill this dragon, he realizes he can not make the kill. Uh oh, Big Daddy Stoic will not under-stand this sympathy toward the hated dragons and the Father-Son relationship will suffer.

Meanwhile, the loveable and kind Hiccup befriends Toothless and “trains” him to fl y around the Viking’s is-

land with Hiccup sitting on his back in a “saddle.” This must be kept a secret since no Viking has ever interacted with a dragon other than to kill them.

My crowd had one big laugh so this is not a comedy. This is a classic kids’ movie and I encourage children to see it and enjoy it. I, however, was bored even though it was a well done animation. Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 76. Larry H. [email protected]

Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 2 has received notifi cation from FEMA that its levee system meets FEMA accreditation requirements for fl ood protec-tion.

The district has focused a signifi cant portion of its main-tenance and operation efforts since 2007 on meeting the current FEMA accreditation standards for levee manage-ment and failure to meet the latest revised standards would have exposed FBC LID NO. 2 residents to risks of expen-sive, mandatory fl ood insur-ance costs and reduced prop-erty values.

In 2006, FEMA requested data and supporting documen-tation from FBC LID NO. 2 in conjunction with FEMA’s up-dating of the national “Flood Insurance Rate Map” to de-termine if the district was, in fact, providing protection to the fl ood elevation defi ned by FEMA. FBC LID No. 2 im-mediately took action to ad-dress requirements of FEMA’s revised standards and, upon completion of improvements necessary to meet the latest FEMA requirements, provid-ed FEMA with documentation and the requested data.

Upon review of the docu-mentation and data, FEMA notifi ed the district that Fort Bend County Levee Improve-

ment District No. 2 “ . . meets the minimum certifi cation re-quirements outlined in Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 65.10.”

Andre’ McDonald, FBC LID No. 2 Board President said, “Achieving the goal of accreditation means that the area covered by the FBC LID No. 2 levee system will cur-rently be shown on the new FEMA maps as a protected area not subject to expensive and mandatory fl ood insur-ance. We are very pleased that our efforts to receive FEMA accreditation have been re-warded. However, we know

that we have other projects that we must fi nish to main-tain our status. FEMA could still make future requests at any time or could change the rules for design, construction, operation, and maintenance documentation related to fl ood management.”

FBC LID No. 2 will contin-ue to actively monitor all Fed-eral initiatives and regulations that might impact accredita-tion and ensure that mainte-nance and operations efforts address any vulnerability that could put our levee system at risk of losing accreditation, McDonald said.

Fort Bend County LID No. 2 gets FEMA accreditation

Congressman Pete Olson (right) reviews levee infrastructure with FBC LID No. 2 Board President André McDonald (cen-ter) and General Manager Chad Essex (left).

Movies at the libraryFort Bend County Librar-

ies will feature a free Sum-mer Movie Series at George Memorial Library at 1001 Golfview in Richmond, be-ginning in June. The movies will be shown every other Thursday evening through-out the summer, from June through August. A variety of movie genres, from romantic comedies to thrilling chillers,

will be shown. The series will begin on

Thursday, June 10, with “Mamma Mia!” a 2008 musi-cal comedy/romance in which a bride-to-be tries to fi nd her real father. Starring Meryl Streep, the story is told using hit songs by the popular ’70s group ABBA. Showtime is 6 p.m. in Room 2B. This movie is rated PG-13.

The special feature on Thursday, June 24, is “Pirates of the Caribbean,” a 2003 action/adventure fi lm star-ring Johnny Depp, Orlando

Bloom, Keira Knightley and Geoffrey Rush. In this fi lm, a blacksmith teams up with an eccentric pirate to save his love, the governor’s daughter, from the pirate’s former allies, who are now “un-dead.”

Showtime is 6 p.m. in Room 2B. This movie is rated PG-13.

The movies are free and open to the public, and re-freshments will be served. For more information about the featured movies, call the library’s Public Information Offi ce at 281-341-2677.

Page 7: Fort Bend Independent

MAY 26, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

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Fort Bend Baptist Academy has announced Jane Jarjour as the Class of 2010 valedicto-rian and Kiara Skokan as sa-lutatorian.

Jane Jarjour is the daughter of Laila and Imad Jarjour of Sugar Land. A National Merit Finalist, she will attend Rice University in the fall and plans to major in biochemistry and cell biology. Her career goals include working in the fi eld of pediatric medicine, ultimately serving in impoverished na-tions as a medical missionary.

Salutatorian Kiara Skokan will also attend Rice Univer-sity. A National Merit Com-mended Student, Kaira will major in physics with the goal of becoming a particle physi-cist. Kiara is the daughter of Morgan Skokan of Sugar Land.

Colony Bend Elementary, an FBISD Exemplary campus in-troduced a new parent run Math program, Math Masters as an after school Math club for students in fourth and fi fth grades. Students meet once a month to prepare for Texas Math Science Coaches Association competitions. Students are introduced to high level math concepts in Number Sense, Calculator, General Math and General Science. At a recent TMSCA competition held at Doeree Intermediate School CBE Math Masters students placed fi fth among 26 local elemen-tary schools. Students also took the National 2010, 5th grade Math League test and achieved commendable performance. The fi fth grade fi rst place went Baonan Ji with a perfect score followed by Sara Venkataraman, second, and Nandan Mar-waha, third. The fi rst place from fourth grade went to Guil-herme Voss Messias dos Santos and Uma Sethuraman placed second. Pictured Back Row (L to R) are Uma Sethuraman, Safa Maknojia, Guilherme Voss Messias dos Santos, Nandan Marwaha, Saif Marknojia, Program coordinator Sonal Mar-waha, Hayden Price, Kevin Lee, Sara Venkataraman. Front Row (L to R) Regan Jeppesen, Sandra Seijas, Llaran Turner, Alina Mawji and Baonan Ji.

Amilda Medina, a gradu-ating senior at Willowridge High School, has been named a 2010 Dell Scholar.

She is one of 300 graduat-ing seniors in the U.S. honored in the scholarship program, which is funded by the Mi-chael and Susan Dell Founda-tion.

As a Dell Scholar, Medina will receive $20,000 to con-tinue her higher education for the next six years.

The Dell Scholars Program will also provide her with technology, resources and mentoring to ensure she has the support she needs to obtain a college degree.

Most of the Dell Scholars are fi rst-generation college students and are chosen be-cause they participate in an approved college readiness program and maintain at least

a 2.4 grade point average on a 4.0 scale while dealing with personal responsibilities at home or in their communities.

In addition to GPA and col-lege readiness program partic-ipation, Dell Scholars require-ments also include graduation from an accredited high school,

demonstrated fi nancial need and intent to enter a bachelor’s degree program at an accredit-ed higher education institution in the fall.

Medina is a participant of the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) pro-gram at Willowridge. AVID is a college preparatory program that provides students with academic instruction, tutorial support and motivational ac-tivities to guide them into a four-year university. More than 70 percent of AVID seniors at-tend college, and to date, 15 have been Dell Scholars.

Medina will graduate as the valedictorian of Willowridge this year, and plans to attend St. Thomas University in the fall to study biology. Her ca-reer goals are to become a pe-diatrician and someday open her own health clinic.

FBBA’s Valedictorian

and Salutatorian

Jarjour

Skokan

Dell Scholar named at Willowridge High School

Medina

The Girl Scout Bronze Award, the highest honor a Ju-nior Girl Scout can earn. Af-ter working for 2 years on the requirements, which helped the girls improve the commu-nity around them while build-ing leadership skills, the fi nal requirement was fi nished - a Girl Scout Bronze Award Project for Girl Scout Troop 28103. Troop 28103 cre-ated and hosted a sports and fi tness event for a brownie troop, based on the Brownie Try-it Girls Sports, and the Junior Fun and Fit, badge. The event was called “Fish-ing For Fitness”. During the event, they collected food, baby supplies and household supplies for The Second Mile Mission, in Fort Bend Coun-ty. Our awards ceremony was held in The Sea of Galilee Gardens at Parkway United Methodist Church. Girls Scouts of San Jacinto and the Rainbow Stars Service Unit serve nearly 400 registered girls and adults in New Ter-ritory- Sugar Land, Texas. Girl Scouts is a United Way Agency.

For more information, call Lisa Rickert 281-565-1319 or email [email protected].

Girl Scouts of Troop 28103 earn Bronze

Colony Bend Elementary Math Masters

Stafford Middle and High Schools’ Spartan Engineering Academy Lab (SEAL) recent-ly received the highest level of national certifi cation for its Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program.

SEAL, which began in 2007, gives students in grades 8-12 the opportunity to engage in engineering coursework that prepares them for college-level engineering programs.

National certifi cation by PLTW means that Stafford Middle and High Schools have successfully met PLTW’s quality standards in profes-sional development of teach-ers and counselors; the imple-

mentation of curriculum using required equipment and soft-ware; and the formation of a Partnership Team with a local college or university. SEAL students benefi t from national certifi cation through its inno-vative, hands-on curriculum and the opportunity to earn college credit for some of the engineering courses.

Since implementation of the SEAL program, Stafford High School math and science assessment scores have sig-nifi cantly increased. In place of traditional instruction, 144 students learn engineering ap-plications by applying math and science to design and de-

velop projects. The Partnership Team in-

cludes teachers, parents, ad-ministrators, and business and community representa-tives from Fluor Daniel, Tex-as Instruments, and City of Stafford. SEAL instructors are Nathanial Joseph, Frank Hoang, and John Williams at the high school and Jerry Ste-vens and Byron Thompson at the middle school. Stafford High School counselor, Jilla Peasley, serves as the liaison between SEAL and Houston Community College.

For more information, con-tact Dr. Jon Gray, at 281-261-9232.

Maddie Siegfried, Bailey Northington, Maddie Menke, Trudy Rogers, Virginia Cheng, Sarika Mohan, Gustaline Samba, Victoria Pride, not pictured Casey Ferniz.

SMSD SEAL gets national certifi cation

Page 8: Fort Bend Independent

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 26, 2010

Toyota is thanking YOU with their BIG-GEST offer ever and Fort Bend Toyota wants to thank you also! Right now enjoy 0% interest for 60 months on ten models and unprecedented incentives and rebates on many others PLUS giant Fort Bend discounts, like $5,000.00 additional dol-lars off all Tundra Crew Max's!

0% for 60 months on 10 different mod-els.* Camry and Corolla add an ADDI-TIONAL $1000 customer cash Outstand-ing lease deals, including $159 Corolla; $199 Camry $3000 customer cash on 2010 Avalon 0%/60 on 2009 Venza 2.9% APR â “ 60 months on Corolla/Camry used vehicles Two year pre-paid mainte-nance for Toyota owners**

Remember, if Fort Bend Toyota cannot give you 130% of Kelly Blue Book value for your trade, we will give you 1 year of FREE gas. Hurry and call 281.633.3300, or stop by today.

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for

For those who haven’t ex-perienced Maya Lin’s Viet-nam Veterans’ Memorial in Washington, D.C., Sugar Land is bringing the half scale-rep-lica, The Wall That Heals, to Sugar Land Memorial Park, 15300 University Blvd.

The traveling exhibition is scheduled to be displayed at the park from Friday-Mon-day, May 28 through May 31, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Bringing The Wall to com-munities throughout the coun-try allows those enshrined on

the Memorial to be remem-bered by family and friends in the peace and comfort of familiar surroundings.

The traveling exhibit en-ables thousands of veterans who have been unable to cope with the prospect of facing the original Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial to fi nd the strength and courage to do so within their own communities, thus allowing the healing process to begin.

The exhibition is organized by the Vietnam Veterans Me-

morial Fund, the organization charged with preserving The Wall and the memory of the more than 58,000 men and women whose lives were lost in service to our country.

“The City of Sugar Land is very proud that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund has granted us the opportunity to host such an impactful and signifi cant exhibition in our city,” explains Jim Browne, director of Parks and Recre-ation.

Legacy Ford Lincoln Mer-cury will be the lead sponsor for the Texana Trumps Autism Crawfi sh Boil on Saturday, June 5, to be held in park area of Texana Center’s headquar-ters in Rosenberg on Airport Avenue from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Other sponsors include Mc-Coy Workplace Solutions and DJ 2G Entertainment who will provide music for the event.

The proceeds will benefi t Texana’s Autism Program for young children.

George Patterson, Texana CEO said, “This promises to be a fun-fi lled family event with good eats, great entertain-ment and raising money for a worthy cause.”

The diagnosis rate of autism is staggering; one in every 100 children is affected, and one in 58 boys will be diagnosed with autism. There will be more children diagnosed with autism this year than pediatric AIDS,

Ron Ewer, Owner of Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury and Eloise Lucas, Business Relations Manager at Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury.

Naren Patel, left, past chairman of IAF, Showri Nandagiri, member, board of trustees, Rick Pal, treasurer, K.C. Mehta, past chairman, Himesh Gandhi, vice-chairman, Harish Jajoo, chairman, trustees Anil Shah, Jasmine Patel and Tanaz Choudhary, at the IAF social. She-fali Jhaveri, secretary, is not in the picture.

The Indo American Forum of Fort Bend recently hosted a membership social at the Comfort Suites- Techniplex Center in Stafford to appreci-ate IAF members and invite new members.

Indo American Forum of Fort Bend (IAF) represents the growing Indo American community in Fort Bend County. “Together, We Can Make a Difference” is the motto of IAF.

Creating and continuing a positive awareness of the In-

dian community to the main-stream America is the primary goal of IAF. Indo American Forum is an association of like-minded people that val-ues the strength of unity and emphasizes community spirit over individualism.

The organizations objec-tives include:

To promote secularism and multiculturalism in America, refl ecting the inherent rich values of the Indo American community; To foster good-will through civic responsibil-

ity and service; To encourage involvement, on a bipartisan basis, in the policy making of the local community, and to improve the quality of life for all citizens; To provide a forum for Indo Americans and possibly a center for it’s members to socialize and to perform useful community services; To support humani-tarian causes, where possible; and To promote youth par-ticipation in sociocultural and civic activities.

Indo American Forum of Fort Bend

cancer and diabetes combined. “The treatment provided at

Texana can help a child with autism to become virtually indistinguishable from their peers, allowing them to lead a normal life, but the treatment

is very costly which is why we are having this fundraising event,” Patterson said. Tickets are $20 each or $30 for two, children $5 and can be pur-chased by calling Andi Wallis on at 281-239 1427.

Crawfi sh Boil to tackle autism

The Wall That Heals comes to Sugar Land

Amitabh Shukla, M.D., has been named Medical Director of the Methodist Sugar Land Stroke Center.

Dr. Shukla is board-certi-fi ed in neurology, psychiatry, electrodiagnostic medicine and sleep medicine. He was recently named a diplomat in vascular neurology, the only physician currently working in the Fort Bend area with this background.

Dr. Shukla is leading the hospital’s efforts toward cer-tifi cation as a Primary Stroke Center through the Joint Commission. Methodist Sug-

ar Land Hospital is also par-ticipating in the “Get with the Guidelines” program through the American Stroke Associa-tion, which will allow the hos-pital to track its performance on key stroke indicators.

“A major area of focus for the Center will be stroke pre-vention through education,” says Dr. Shukla.

“The Center will provide community training and host awareness events to help im-prove area residents’ knowl-edge about the causes of stroke and how strokes can be prevented.”

Amitabh Shukla named medical director of Methodist Sugar Land Stroke Center

Shukla

Fort Bend Junior Service League and presenting spon-sor St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital are extremely pleased with how the community has embraced the League’s new-est cookbook, Treasures from the Bend, Rich in History and Flavor.

Recently named the 2009 Southwest Regional Tabasco Award Winner, Treasures from the Bend is quickly be-coming a must-have in south-ern kitchens across Fort Bend County and beyond.

With more than 275 deli-cious and taste-tested recipes,

this cookbook also features beautiful photography and in-teresting historical facts about various landmarks within Fort Bend County.

Proceeds from the sale of this book benefi t Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, a worthy charitable organiza-tion that strives to provide a hot meal for every Fort Bend County senior in need.

Cookbooks may be pur-chased for $27.95 each through the FBJSL website, www.fbjsl.com, or at a num-ber of retail outlets through-out the county, including:

Another Time Soda Fountain and Café, Brazos River Pro-visions, Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, Hawkins Furniture, Magnolia House, Magpies Gifts, New-First Bank, Planned Commu-nity Developers, The Cottage, Treasure Hunters, Vineyard on the Square and Vogelsang’s Antiques.

For more information, visit www.fbjsl.com or contact Cookbook Committee Co-Chairs Shannon Bloesch and Shayne Newell at [email protected].

FBJSL President-Elect Pam Spencer, FBJSL President Brigit Engleman, St. Luke’s Business Development Manager Emily Garrison, and St. Luke’s Sugar Land CEO Jim Levermann tout the award-winning Treasures from the Bend, Rich in History and Flavor cookbook.

FBJSL and St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital proud of award-winning Cookbook

GOLDEN TREE AWARDS. Apache Corporation and Cen-terPoint Energy are recipients of Missouri City’s “Golden Tree” awards for their sig-nifi cant “green” contributions to the City. Urban Forester Paul Wierzbicki presented the awards during the May 17 City Council meeting. Center-Point Energy partnered with Missouri City to create “Right Tree Trail” in Ridgeview Park, the fi rst of its kind in the area. Apache Corporation received a Golden Tree Award for its contribution of 670 tree seed-lings to the City over a three-year period.

Bottom left: Ken Lindsey, Diane Hasell and Ron Britt, of CenterPoint Energy; Top, Obie O’Brien, of Apache Corp., and Missouri City Urban Forester Paul Wierzbicki following the presentation of the Golden Tree