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VOL 12 No. 48
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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019
P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623
Official newspaper of Fort Bend County, Missouri City & Stafford
Scientists attempt to find the names of the Sugar Land 95
Sugar Land bans vaping where smoking is prohibited
The use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices is now banned anywhere smoking is prohibited in the city of Sugar Land. The city adopted an ordinance on Sept. 17 re-defiining what smoking means. Smoking means: (1) inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe, or other lighted tobacco product, or (2) inhaling, exhaling, or carrying any heated e-cigarette. Tobacco bar means a bar in which the on-site sales or rental of tobacco products and smoking accessories (including e-cigarettes) for consumption or use on the premises exceeds 20 percent of gross revenues and into which entry is restricted to individuals 21 years of age and above. Any person found guilty of violating this ordinance will be fined not more than $500 for each offense. Sugar Land used the opportunity provided by the 86th Legislative session’s Senate Bill 21 to make this change. The state law increased the age limit for smoking from 18 to 21, but the bill did not re-define smoking to include e-cigarettes. However, other cities have adopted similar ordinances. Missouri City in 2016 expanded smoking regulations to include e-cigarattes, after Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition approached the city council to ban e-cigarettes in public places where smoking is prohibited. In Sugar Land, credit for this ordinance goes to Dulles High School student and Youth Sector Representative for Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition, Mehul Mittal. Mittal requested the amendment, bringing his concerns to the attention of Sugar Land City Councilman Himesh Gandhi. Gandhi ultimately proposed the changes to the city’s ordinance, which were adopted in September of 2019. “The adoption to amend the smoking ordinance to include e-cigarettes will protect our youth and communities from the dangers of vaping and its related health consequences,” said FBCPC Coalition Coordinator Payal Patani.
By SESHADRI KUMAR While politicians and community activists are battling with Fort Bend ISD over the future of the abandoned cemetery called Sugar Land 95, the scientific community is engaged in genuine efforts to identify the skeletal remains found at the site where the James Reese Technical and Career Center now stands. All the controversy notwithstanding, the school district is preparing to do what is inevitable and imperative, namely, return the remains to their original resting place. Archaeologists believe the individuals buried at the See Sugar Land 95, Page 4
Bush High team aces Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest Congratulations to Bush High School’s (BHS) Team ANN-Tech on being named a state finalist in the 10th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest. This is the second consecutive year that the BHS team has been named a state finalist. The team is among only 300 selected from a pool of more than 2,000 entries nationwide. The competition encourages students in grades 6-12 to use STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills creatively to solve a community challenge. Team ANN-Tech – which includes BHS sophomores Nolan Nguyen, Rodrigo Cabrera, Noel Obi and Ayah Said – created the Soteria bracelet, a multi-faceted alert system that helps prevent the death of children and adults. Team ANN-Tech received gift cards from Energy Houston for making it to nationals for the Annual Shell The digital bracelet was Oil Sea Perch Underwater Robotics competition this summer. ANN-Tech was named a top 3 out of 12 Texas teams to make it on the national stage. Rodrigo Cabrera, Nola Nguyen, Ayah Said, and Noel Obi. See BUSH, Page 3
NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY. The Lavallies family was one of many families celebrating National Adoption Day in Fort Bend County on Friday morning. A total of 19 children were adopted during the celebration. Shown at front L to R are: Yasmine, Princeton, Sophia and Jaqueline. Back row L to R: Zach, Janet and Natalia. Story on Page 3.
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Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 27, 2019
COMMUNITY
Central Fort Bend Chamber hosts annual gala and awards celebration
The Central Fort Bend Chamber hosted its highly anticipated Annual Gala & Awards Ceremony on November 15, 2019 in the Infinity Ballroom of Safari Texas Ranch. The Winter Masquerade inspired evening brought together 330 business leaders and community members to help fund the Chamber’s mission of promoting growth and constructive change within central Fort Bend County. The evening kicked off at 6:30 p.m. with a champagne cocktail hour sponsored by Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, followed by the 2019 awards ceremony and plated dinner. This year’s gala was chaired by Alicen Swift, Beth Johnson, Cindy Reaves and Noell Myska who all have a longstanding commitment to Fort Bend County and the Central Fort Bend Chamber. We would like to thank our Platinum Sponsor: Safari Texas Ranch, Gold Sponsor: Legacy Ford; Silver Sponsors: CenterPoint Energy, Costello, HCSS, NRG Energy and Paradigm Consultants, Inc. for their support of the Chamber and its programs. Celebration was in the air and guests enjoyed dancing to the musical sounds of Horizon, a top country music band. This masked, black-tie event had something for everyone as there was silent auction and bid board bidding. Guest Dustin Vacek won a trip to Tuscany and Jimmy Myska took home a 55” flat screen TV for winning the Heads or Tails game. For more information regarding the Chamber and its programs, visit the Central Fort Bend Chamber website at www.cfbca.org or call 281-342-5464.
Gala Chairs (from left to right): Kristin Weiss, CFBC President; Ashle’ Harris; Beth Johnson; Noell Myska; Trey Reichert, CFBC Board President; Cindy Reaves; Sasha Reynolds and Alicen Swift.
FBJSL is Accepting Scholarship Applications
Left to Right, Pam Spencer, Lori Gier, Lauren Yang, Misty Gasiorowski, Emily Calbert Are you a female high university, or school senior or adult resident (FBJSL) scholarship program. college, vocational school after having Each year, the FBJSL of Fort Bend County who is planning to pursue higher awards up to four $1,000 taken a break in their education Volunteer Scholarships and and establish financial need. education? Trey Reichert,left, Kristin Weiss, Ambassador of the Year Ted Leib with Gillen Pest Control and Qualified applicants can If so, you may qualify for one $2,000 New Beginnings Cindy Reaves. learn more about these Scholarship. assistance through the Fort scholarships and obtain a copy The Volunteer Scholarships Bend Junior Service League are awarded to female of the applications by visiting high school seniors in Fort the FBJSL’s website at www. Bend County who have fbjsl.org. Deadline for applications demonstrated outstanding achievement in volunteerism and supporting documentation will be February 1, 2020. and community service. The FBJSL is a non-profit Recipients must have of women completed at least 100 hours organization of high school community committed to promoting service, have a minimum GPA volunteerism, to developing of 2.5, and plan to attend an the potential of women and accredited two or four year to improving the Fort Bend County community through the college or university. The New Beginnings effective action and leadership with Scholarship is offered to of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively help Fort Bend County Frank Billingsley females improve their career educational and charitable opportunities by furthering as well as providing an atmosphere of friendliness, their education. Recipients must have been goodwill and camaraderie for Please join us this festive season to hear beautiful accepted into an accredited all members.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
musicians and singers, as well as Chief Meteorologist of KPRC and local author Frank Billingsley.
LET’S CELEBRATE!
CONSTELLATION FIELD
DEC 6, 2019 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | 1 STADIUM DR. | SUGAR LAND, TX 77498 CORPORATE TABLE $500 Seating for TEN (10) with priority placement Recognition during the event MEMBER RESERVATION $35
CORPORATE TABLE $400 Seating for EIGHT (8) with priority placement Recognition during the event
PROSPECTIVE MEMBER & AT DOOR $40
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REGISTER and PAY online at www. FortBend Chamber.com Cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to event date for a full refund to be issued
RSVP TO Gabie Forames gabie@fortbendcc.org 281-566-2158
MAIL Fort Bend Chamber 445 Commerce Green Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77478
FAX Gabie Forames 281-491-0112
Arcola police officer arrested on sexual assault charge An Arcola Police Officer, Hector Aaron Ruiz, was arrested for the offenses of Sexual Assault and Official Oppression on Nov. 20. The charges stem from a complaint made by a female who alleged that Ruiz stopped her vehicle earlier this month before coercing her to engage in a sexual act while he was on duty. District Attorney Brian Middleton said, “The utter violation of public trust that these allegations represent Ruiz is heinous and disgraceful. My office will prosecute these criminal offenses to the fullest extent possible under the law.” The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office worked closely with the Texas Rangers, the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office, the Arcola Police Department, and the Manvel Police Department to complete the investigation concerning these allegations. Sexual Assault is a second-degree felony with a punishment range of 2-20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Official Oppression is a Class A Misdemeanor with a punishment range of up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
NEWS Fort Bend County Courts finalize 19 adoptions on National Adoption Day Judge Walter Armatys, Judge Brenda Mullinix, and Judge David Perwin finalized 19 adoptions on Friday in celebration of National Adoption Day. An additional 15 children were adopted out of the foster care system earlier this year. The Fort Bend County 328th, 387th, and 505th District Courts joined courts across the country in opening their doors on National Adoption Day to complete adoptions and celebrate all families who adopt. “We had a great turnout and today’s National Adoption Day was a wonderful celebration,” said Metoyer Martin, CASA program director and chair of the event. “It is always great to see the attorneys, CPS, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers and judges all work together to finalize the adoptions and ultimately give these children safe, permanent and loving homes. It is wonderful to see them all settled in loving homes.” Here in Fort Bend County, the District Courts, Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) and its partner agencies: Tex-
as Department of Family Protective Services, Fort Bend Bar Association, Fort Bend County Child Welfare Board, Fort Bend County Attorney’s Office, Fort Bend Behavioral Health Services, Fort Bend Lawyers Care, the Fort Bend Court Team for Maltreated Infants and Toddlers, H.E.B., Bikers Against Child Abuse and the Rosenberg Exchange Club worked together to celebrate the joys of adoption and encourage more families and individuals to give children permanent homes through adoption. Southern Ice Cream, Twist It Up Balloons, Chick-fil-A, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department, Access Health, Aguirre and Fields Engineering, Sports Clips, Depelchin, Arrow Children & Family Ministries, Cultivating Families and Fort Bend Junior Service League all donated items to help with the event. Child Advocates of Fort Bend is a non-profit agency dedicated to advocating on behalf of abused and neglected children through the use of specially trained community volunteers and staff. Volunteers advocate for children’s
emotional, physical and educational needs while they are involved in the court system. Child Advocates of Fort Bend is one of only a few programs in the country that is able to provide a volunteer advocate for every child in foster care. For more information on CAFB and how you can help these small victims, please visit www.cafb.org or call 281-341-9955. The agency’s Christmas Home Tour is set for December 13 and 14. To become a sponsor or for tickets or more information go to https:// www.cafb.org/events/hometour/. National Adoption Day is sponsored by a coalition of national partners – The Alliance for Children’s Rights, Casey Family Services, Children’s Action Network, The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Freddie Mac Foundation and Target Corporation – to draw special attention to the more than 125,000 foster children waiting for adoption in the United States and to celebrate all loving families who adopt.
Sugar Land Sound Chorus to perform this Holiday season
INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 27, 2019 • Page 3
Dean Hrbacek seeks Republican nomination for County Court-at-Law No. 5
Sugar Land attorney Dean Hrbacek has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Fort Bend County Court at Law #5. As a well-known leader in the Republican Party of Fort Bend County, the former Mayor of Sugar Land also puts forward his candidacy with more than a 30 year history of law practice and grassroots activism at the city, county, and state levels of Republican politics. “As a practicing attorney in our county since 1988, I am fully experienced, qualified, and ready to take on the responsibility of County Court at Law #5 with the highest levels of integrity and judicial fairness.” Hrbacek is a conservative, pro-family Republican with a proven track record in GOP leadership. Dean Hrbacek was the Republican candidiate for County Court at Law #6 in 2018, having won the primary with over 68% of the vote. As far back as the 1990’s, he has been one of the county’s most notable conservative voices in support of our local candidates and conservative platform. In 1998, Dean was actively involved in “Mayors for George W. Bush”, a role he took on again in 2002 as part of “Mayors for Rick Perry.” Hrbacek has served the Republican Party of Fort Bend County as a multi-term precinct chairman and also served as the President and as a Director of the Fort Bend Republican Club. He has served multiple times as a delegate to the Senatorial District 17 Convention, and has served six times since
Hrbacek 2002 as a delegate to the Republican Party of Texas State Convention. Hrbacek currently serves as legal counsel for the Fort Bend County Republican Party. Hrbacek is a member of the Fort Bend County Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas. He received his Juris Doctorate in 1986 from the University of Houston Law Center and has the unique distinction of also having earned the title of Certified Public Accountant in 1984. The Hrbacek Law Firm is based in Sugar Land, and assists clients with legal matters that include: civil litigation, wills, trusts, estate planning, probate and guardianship, business law, contracts, labor and employment, IRS controversy, tax matters, collections and real estate. Hrbacek was first elected to the Sugar Land City Council in 1993, and was then elected to become Mayor of Sugar Land in 1996. He was re-elected to that office and served as
Mayor for 6 years. During his years as Mayor, the City grew at a tremendous pace. Dean is a visionary and was instrumental in the creation of Sugar Land Town Square and in bringing the UH Sugar Land campus to Fort Bend County. Hrbacek was able to further grow the influence of Sugar Land as he also became a Director on the HoustonGalveston Area Council, and a Director for the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council. In his current roles of civic leadership, Hrbacek serves as a Director of the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority and as a Director of the Fort Bend Grand Parkway Toll Road Authority. He remains an active supporter of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, and serves as an ex-officio member and legal counsel for Fort Bend Cares. Hrbacek is a third generation Texan and had the good fortune to move to Fort Bend County in 1987. He lives in Sugar Land with his wife of 38 years, Jenny, and the Hrbaceks have 3 adult children: Bradley, Byron, and Amanda. The Hrbaceks are active members of The Freedom Center Church in Missouri City. Hrbacek concluded, “The citizens of Fort Bend County deserve to have a Judge with the best experience and the proven, conservative track record to back it up. It would be an honor to serve Fort Bend County as the Judge of County Court at Law #5. I humbly ask for your vote in the March 2020 Republican Primary.”
Sugar Land Sound Chorus, a Chapter of Sweet Adelines International, can be heard bringing their fun blend of Christmas songs and harmonies around the area at various community functions and performances this Holiday season. These local ladies have a great time singing four-part harmony a cappella, Barbershop style. Singing in Sweet Adelines is a great way for women of all ages to have their voices heard. Musical Director, Holly Ritter, encourages all ladies who love learning new songs to come and visit. They are looking to grow and welcome anyone interested in making music memories and new friendships. The Sugar Land Chapter meets every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Choir Room at Christ Church, 3300 Austin Parkway. For more information visit sugarlandsound.com or contact Holly at 281 635 7333 Friday, December 6th, Sugar Land Town Square Christmas Tree Lighting Sugar Land Sound will perform on the stage at 5.30 p.m Saturday, December 14th, enjoy Sugar Land Sound on CASA Christmas Home Tour For 28 years, Child Advocates of Fort Bend has been showcasing homes lavishly decorated for the holidays in Fort Bend County’s most beautiful neighborhoods as a way of raising money to support programs. Sugar Land Sound will be part of the musical entertainment programs taking place in the featured homes. Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CASA) is a nonprofit agency serving child victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect through two nationally-affiliated programs.
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Bush High School’s Team ANN-Tech was named a state finalist in the 10th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest. engineering process and how projects progress in the coming to build on and present an idea. months.” From Page 1 The team is also encouraging As a Texas state finalist, like-minded students at Team ANN-Tech was awarded inspired by popular models other high schools to form a Samsung tablet that will be and features a removable pin engineering clubs of their own presented to their team sponsor, on the side to allow users to for competition at the national Richard Embrick of Crockett discretely alert emergency level. Middle School, for use in his contacts when in danger, while “Since launching the STEM classroom. The team the temperature and heart rate Samsung Solve for Tomorrow also has the opportunity to sensors automatically signal a Contest a decade ago, we’ve advance through future phases threat to the user’s heart. The team also created its own seen students tackle some of of the contest to win additional non-profit organization that the biggest issues facing their prizes. Team ANN-Tech has a history provides mentoring services to generation and this year is no different,” said Ann Woo, of wins. The team advanced to youngsters in STEM classes Senior Director of Corporate nationals for three competitions at their former middle school, Citizenship at Samsung last summer. The team also won Crockett Middle School. Electronics America. “From the People’s Choice Award in The organization’s goals are suicide prevention to single use the 17th annual eCybermission to prepare young engineers plastic alternatives, teachers national competition sponsored for: their first competition and students are stepping up by the U.S. Army Educational where they can showcase their Program and inventions and innovative to creatively address these Outreach important issues head-on. National Science Teachers ideas; advancing to qualifying, regional and national contests; We’re thrilled to congratulate Association, and earned third and winning cash prizes toward the state finalists of the 10th place at the Thomas Edison college and future careers annual Samsung Solve for Pitch competition. Learn more in STEM, all while helping Tomorrow contest and look about Ann-Tech at www. them fully comprehend the forward to seeing these STEM anntechnology.org.
BUSH
INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 27, 2019 • Page 4
NEWS Telemedicine service enhances stroke care at Houston Methodist Sugar Land
An expansion of telemedicine services is strengthening Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s ability to quickly treat patients suffering from stroke. Houston Methodist’s new TeleNeurology Service enables Houston Methodist Sugar Land physicians and nurse practitioners to access the skills and expertise of board-certified vascular neurologists during off-peak hours such as nights, weekends and holidays. The service provides real-time, interactive communication with a stroke expert – using sophisticated videoconferencing technology – and can even be accessed right from the patient’s bedside. “This is a great tool for our staff and a real benefit for stroke patients,” said Maureen Lall, director of the Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land. “The TeleNeurology Service operates from 4 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and 24 hours
on weekends and holidays so we can quickly and easily access a vascular neurologist for consults to determine the appropriate course of action for each patient.” James Ling, M.D., the hospital’s stroke program director, said the service is an extension of Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s capabilities for treating stroke patients. The hospital recently earned the American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. “Time is always critical when treating stroke, and the TeleNeurology Service gives us rapid access to experts in the event that there is no vascular neurologist in the hospital when a patient presents or suffers a stroke in the ICU,” Ling said. “Being able to reach someone quickly to discuss symptoms and treatment options is extremely valuable.” Houston Methodist Sugar
Land deployed portable videoconferencing carts in its From Page 1 Emergency Department and property are linked to the ICU, as well as the hospital’s property’s historical use as Emergency Care Center in a sugar plantation utilizing Sienna Plantation, to enable leased convict labor and the staff to quickly access the Te- establishment of a convict camp leNeurology Service. beginning in the 1870’s. Use of “This is an excellent use the burial site likely continued of technology that will save through 1911 as the State of lives,” said Larry Tran, M.D., Texas operated the Imperial medical director of the Neu- Prison Camp Number 1 on the roscience & Spine Center. “It property. takes less than a minute to On Thursday, November access a board-certified stroke 21, Fort Bend ISD hosted expert on the TeleNeurology a Community Symposium: Service, and once connected, Learn about the discovery and the vascular neurologist can history of the Sugar Land 95. quickly review patient symp- Reign Clark, Archeological toms and interact with the Project Manager, Dr. Catrina care team until the patient is Banks Whitley, Project stabilized. It’s a tremendous Bioarcheologist, Samantha step forward in stroke care.” Archer, the lead researcher with Visit houstonmethodist.org/ the Ancient DNA testing lab at neuro-sl to learn more about the University of Connecticut, The Houston Methodist Neu- and Dr. Helen Graham with roscience & Spine Center at the Afro-American Historical Sugar Land. For the latest and Genealogical Society were news, events and information, among the presenters. visit our Facebook page at The archeological and fb.com/methodistsugarland. genealogy experts explained in great detail the process of digging the graves, retrieving the remains with utmost precision and caution, documenting the data, pouring over hundreds of 2. Comfort - between 30 and Texas prison records, extracting samples for DNA testing, the 60% relative humidity 3. Humid – more than 60% expected ancient DNA testing process and isotope testing and relative humidity Researchers found that par- the anticipated outcome. The whole exercise sounded ticipants in the dry and humid highly intensive, elaborate group experienced 25% and and mindboggling in technical 19% higher stress responsterms. Each exhumation took es, respectively, compared to approximately 36-48 person those in the comfort-humidity group. The stress response data hours per grave, followed by also suggest the potential for 4-8 hours for cleaning and an optimal range for relative an additional 12-15 hours for humidity, even narrower than analysis of each individual. Historical, archeological the current standard. Researchand genealogical research are ers also found an indirect needed to completely restore relationship between relative the story of the people buried in humidity and objectively meathe grave. sured sleep quality. To start with, some According to Baylor expreliminary archeological perts, there are strategies to alleviate the effects of dry air: observations: The cemetery has a •If you are in a dry indoor thoroughly delineated boundary condition, take “micro-breaks” line; No records of any kind every 15 to 20 minutes and pertaining to the cemetery were spend 30 seconds looking found. Very few personal items away from your computer. Blink repeatedly to maintain were found with the coffins. For each body, 13 pages of data and rebuild the tear film on generated and 700 observations your eyes. made, accompanied by several •Drink water regularly photographs of each body in an throughout the day – small attempt to reconstruct their life changes in the body’s water history. Outline of each grave balance has been associated with increased fatigue and shaft has been photographed. The type of coffins were reduced concentration. Najafi, who also is the senior like tombstone and some author of the paper, noted that rectangular. Seven remains show signs of because this was an observadecomposition by a few days tional study, additional interto a week. Other events may ventional studies are needed to have impacted the cemetery understand these relationships disturbing the remains in the even further. coffins. The seven bodies decomposed outside before being placed in the coffin. There were no professional gravediggers as some graves were deep, some shallow, and some too large for the coffins. There was also an empty coffin and those who buried knew the coffin was empty. Why did they do it? It is anybody’s imagination. Maybe one of the prisoners
It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity: relative humidity in the workplace can impact employee health We all know that humidity can have an impact on our hair and skin, but a new study from researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Arizona suggests that relative humidity levels in the office setting also can have an impact on stress and potentially even sleep quality. The research was published recently in the journal Indoor Air. According to Dr. Bijan Najafi, professor in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor and director of clinical research in the division of vascular surgery and endovascular therapy, the relationship between office humidity levels and health can cost the employer in terms of productivity and sick leave. He and fellow researchers wanted to understand the impact that relative humidity has on health and well-being in real-world conditions. The study is part of the “Wellbuilt for Wellbeing” project, funded by the United States General Services Administration and led by principal investigator Dr. Esther Sternberg, director of the UArizona Institute on Place, Wellbeing, & Performance and research director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the UArizona Health Sciences. “It has been exciting to work on this project that is provid-
ing the evidence for design of healthy office spaces with the potential to affect the lives of millions of office workers and beyond,” Sternberg said. “This is the future of integrative health – to design and operate buildings that support health and well-being.” Researchers gathered data from 134 individuals from four federal buildings across the country. Participants completed questionnaires on demographics, medical history and measures of actual and perceived stress and comfort as well as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. They wore a chest sensor that monitors heart rate and physical activity for three consecutive work days and two nights. Researchers also took continuous measurements of relative humidity at the workplace based on the 30 to 60% range for thermal comfort established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Standard 55-1989 and tracked participants’ proximity to the relative humidity measures using calendar information, recorded logs and floor plan coding. They categorized participants into three groups based on the range in which the majority of their relative humidity measurements fell: 1. Dry – less than 30% relative humidity
Sugar Land 95
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escaped and to account for the missing person, the empty coffin was buried to count for the missing body. Causes of death include gunshot wounds, infections, dental decay and disease, cancer, trauma, malnutrition and possible heatstroke. Some had buck shot still left in the body. Two remains are believed to be that of females. They have to be confirmed by DNA tests. The height of the bodies buried ranged from 5 feet 4 to 6 feet 1. The skeletons showed stress markers suggesting that many of them were trolley boys, who worked in coal mines. Isotope analysis and DNA test will help narrow down the place the person must have lived. DNA tests alone can help give a name to the skeletal remains as it is done in solving cold cases. In the case of one Sugar Land 95 body, 208 different sources were referred to locate a possible descendent and the final DNA test will help confirm the descendants. In prison records of those times, the people’s color was noted and one person’s nativity was marked as unknown, while one was described as Mexican, there were other black, brown and copper brown in color. Samantha Archer, the lead researcher with the Ancient DNA testing lab at the University of Connecticut, gave an exhaustive briefing on the status of DNA testing techniques and demonstrated that the university’s current lab is probably the latest and best equipped laboratory in the country. The research is guided by Dr. Deborah Bolnick, an anthropological geneticist and biological anthropologist who explores how sociopolitical forces, historical events, and social inequalities shape human genomic and epigenomic diversity, as well as human biology more broadly. In her research, Bolnick analyzes DNA from ancient and contemporary peoples, in conjunction with other lines of evidence, to help reconstruct population histories in the Americas. This is the Ancient DNA Lab’s first major project and the researchers hope to determine where the buried people lived, match their sex, identify their lifestyle and so on. The results will depend on the condition of the sample. It should not have been contaminated. The DNA extraction is the first step and that is a highly technical process.
Then the DNA sequence will be determined and compared with the available human genome database. The Texas Attorney General issued an opinion in June of 2019 confirming that the Texas Historical Commission (THC) had the authority to authorize Fort Bend ISD to extract biological samples for isotope analysis and DNA sequencing. Following this opinion, the tooth and bone samples necessary for future DNA and isotope testing were extracted and entrusted to the University of Texas’ Archaeological Research Laboratory (TARL) in Austin for curation. In the fall of 2019, the Texas Historical Commission approved a research proposal for the extraction and analysis of ancient DNA at the University of Connecticut. Pursuant to that permit, TARL forwarded samples to the University of Connecticut for genetic analysis. Researchers have secured funding for the first batch of DNA extractions. Additional funding will be needed to fund the remaining DNA extractions, analysis, comparisons to existing databases, public outreach, and genealogical studies. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to: UConn Foundation Attn: Data Services 2390 Alumni Drive, Unit 3206 Storrs, CT 06269-3206 All donations should be made payable to the UConn Foundation, Inc. with a check memo: “Sugar Land DNA/Dr. Deborah Bolnick Fund #21529 Anthropology” Online donations can be made via: https://uconn. networkforgood.com/ causes/1565-clas-departmentof-anthropology-anthropologydepartment-fund In Honor of: “Sugar Land DNA/Dr. Deborah Bolnick” To discuss options for making a gift of more than $5,000, contact Rachel Marshall, Director of Development, (860) 486-2983, rmarshall@ foundation.uconn.edu The Sugar Land 95 refers to the 95 unnamed AfricanAmerican people buried in unmarked graves in the city of Sugar Land. The bodies were buried on property sold to the Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD). The graves were discovered during the construction of the district’s James Reese Technical and Career Center in 2018.
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INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 27, 2019 • Page 5
NEWS
Four artists take top honors at SiennArt Festival
Four local artists took top honors during the inaugural SiennArt Festival at Sawmill Lake, which drew hundreds of art lovers to Sienna Nov. 2. Sudha Iyengar won first place in the juried art show. Andy Gonzalez took second place and Abdul Basit won third place honors. Brenda Hash was named Best in Show. They were among nearly 50 artists from the region — including one from Austin — who transformed Sienna’s Sawmill Lake Club into a pop-up art gallery showcasing a wide variety of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, woodworking, jewelry, pottery, photography and more. In addition, student artists from schools serving Sienna also displayed their artwork. Children from Thornton Middle School sold their artwork to raise money for the school’s art club. Peyton Vaughn won the People’s Choice Award/Middle School and Avery Cabiro was named winner of the People’s Choice Award/Elementary. Akashata Thupili won the People’s Choice Award/High School honors. “There was something for everyone’s style and wallet,” said Debra Jan Hall, an artist and Sienna resident who helped coordinate the festival. “Art brings creativity, joy and a new perspective to a community, which enriches its quality of life,” Hall said. “By supporting local artists, you personally contribute to the growth of seasoned and developing talent. When you buy a piece of local art, you have a totally unique piece that is expressive and beautiful.” Eventgoers age 21 and up could sip wine or beer while perusing the art. A number of popular food trucks also were on hand as were balloon artists and chalk artists. “The art fest was a fabulous success from the perspectives of both the artists and the art lovers,” said Allison Bond, Sienna Marketing Director. “We are already making plans for the 2020 event.” Mixed in with the many resident-only events hosted at Sienna are a handful of activities such as SiennArt that are open to the public. Sixteen builders offer homes priced from the $200,000s in the community. More information can be found at www.siennatx.com..
Hundreds of art lovers attended the inaugural SiennArt event, which recognized top local and student artists.
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INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 27, 2019 • Page 6
3.5-liter normally aspirated V6. The RDX is available with two drive configurations: front-wheel drive, and the latest generation of Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) that is the most advanced mechanical iteration in Acura history. Complementing the RDX’s advanced new powertrain is an all-new body and chassis optimized to deliver even more athletic performance, a quieter cabin, exceptional ride refinement and top-class safety performance The RDX’s new body is mated to a thoroughly reengineered chassis with a longer wheelbase and upsized standard wheels and tires. Its new suspension consists of a sport-tuned Macpherson strut front setup and an all-new 5-link rear design, with the
AUTOMOBILE: Acura RDX
By BARBARA FULENWIDER The Acura RDX is the first in a new generation of Acura models and is also a perennial top seller in the premium compact SUV segment with U.S. sales exceeding 370,000 units since its debut in 2006. This third-generation CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 434TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on Sept 11, 2019 in cause numbered 16-DCV232518 styled First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. vs. MAHESH AND ALPA SHAH FAMILY PARTNERSHIP LTD, A TEXAS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP in which a judgment was rendered on NOV 10, 2016 in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. for the sum of Twenty Nine Thousand Five Hundred Twelve Dollars and Zero Cents ($29,512.00); 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 SEPT 18, 2019 and will on DEC 3, 2019 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of MAHESH AND ALPA SHAH FAMILY PARTNERSHIP LTD. A TEXAS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP to and in the following described Real Property: THAT CERTAIN TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND CONTAINING 1.2428 ACRES OF LAND MORE OR LESS LOCATED IN THE S.M. WILLIAMS LEAGUE, ABSTRACT NO.97, FORT BEND COUNTY , TEXAS, AND BEING ENTIRETY OF UNRESTRICTED RESERVE P-1 OUT OF TOWN CENTER LAKESIDE PHASE 2 REPLAT OF UNRESTRICTED RESERVES O&P AMENDING PLAT, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NO 2238/A OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXASMORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 16260 KENSINGTON DR. SUGAR LAND,TX 77479 (PROPERTY) The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: December 3rd, 2019 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: DEPUTY STEELE TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas
RDX is the first to be designed and engineered in America and features a new platform, a powerful, responsive and efficient new powertrain, and a more spacious, premium and tech-savvy cabin. With its new turbocharged engine, segment-first 10-speed transmission and the newest generation of available Acura AWD, the new RDX is also NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 458TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on Nov ember 7, 2019 by the Clerk thereof, in the case of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT vs. LOUlS ERIC LJVNG JR in Cause# 18-DCV-253144 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0 ‘ Clock AM on the 3rd day of December, 20 19, which is the first Tuesday of said month. at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 30 l Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469-3108 of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: 8100050080110907/ 8100050080110 LOT ELEVEN ( II ) IN BLOCK EIGHT (8) OF REPLAT OF TOWNEWEST, SECTION FIVE (5), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 29, PAGE 1, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS Levied on November 7, 2019 as the pro petty of LOUIS ERIC LJUNG JR to satisfy a judgment amounting to $8,612.26, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest,and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of cost, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT; FORT BEND COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT# 2, FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT; FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND; FORT BEND COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICE DISTRICT 5 AND FORT BEND COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT #2. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.0 15 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND ON November 7, 2019 CONSTABLE FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. WAYNE K. THOMPSON Constable Pct. 3 KATY, Texas By DAVID RIVERA #1332 DEPUTY NOVEMBER 7, 2019
CAUSE NO. 19-CCV-064378 THE STATE OF TEXAS TO: ERNIE ETUK, DEFENDANT, GREETING: YOU (AND EACH OF YOU) ARE HEREBY COMMANDED TO APPEAR before the Honorable County Court at Law 3 of Fort Bend County, Texas, at the Courthouse being located at the Fort Bend County Justice Center, 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, in the City of Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas, by filing a written answer at or before 10 o’clock A.M. of the first Monday after the expiration of 42 days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being the 11th day of December, 2019, to Plaintiffs Petition filed in said Court, on the 19th day of February, 2019, in this Cause, numbered 19-CCV-064378 on the docket of said Court and styled: StarTex Title Company, LLC vs Rosemary Evbuomwan and Ernie Etuk allegations as shown in said petition now on file in the Fort Bend County Clerk’s Office. The officer executing this Writ shall promptly serve the same, according to requirements of law and the mandates hereof, and make due return as the law directs.
ISSUED AND GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL of said Court at office, this the 30th day of October,2019.
LAURA RICHARD, COUNTY CLERK FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 301 JACKSON, SUITE 101 RICHMOND, TX 77469-3108 Kristina Lawless, Deputy
You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by I 0:00 A.M. on the first Monday after the expiration of 42 days from the date of issuance of this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. The name and address of the Plaintiffs attorney is: Jennifer Mouton Hershorin & Henry LLP 2617C W Holcombe Blvd #252 Houston TX 77025 713-419-6399
the quickest and handles best. New Acura features and technologies include next-generation Acura sport seats with up to 16-way power adjustability, Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, natural language voice-recognition, and the first touchpad interface. It also has the first distinctive sport appearance inside and out. The 2020 RDX has a directinjected and turbocharged 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC inline-4-cylinder engine with VTEC valvetrain. Peak output is 272 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. Peak torque is up 28 lb.-ft. and available from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm, with a 40 percent increase in lowend torque versus the outgoing CONSTABLE’S SALE Notice is hereby Given, that by virtue of a certain ORDER OF SALE Issued by the Clerk of the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, on the 9th day of OCTOBER, 2019, in a certain cause number 14-DCV-214352 wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. plaintiff , and JULIE MCKELLAR, MARK MCKELLAR AND INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE defendant, in which cause a judgment was rendered on the 5th day of JUNE, 2015, in favor of the said plaintiff WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. against said defendant JULIE MCKELLAR, MARK MCKELLAR AND INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, for the sum of $471,804.11, AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 2015, WITH INTEREST ACCRUING AT THE PER DIEM RATE OF $32.45 THROUGH THE DATE OF THIS ORDER ; POST-JUDGEMENT INTEREST SHALL ACCRUE ON THE BALANCE AT A RATE OF 5% AS MANDATED BY THE OFFICE OF CONSUMER CREDIT COMMISSIONER; ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED THAT ORDER OF SALE SHALL PROVIDE THAT PLAINTIFF, IT’S SUCCESSORS OR ASSIGNS, HAVE THE RIGHT TO BECOME THE PURCHASER OF THE PROPERTY AT THE SALE CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER OF SALE, AND PLAINTIFF, IT’S SUCCESSORS OR ASSIGNS, SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO CREDIT UPON AMOUNT OF THE BID MADE TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY TO SATISFY SUCH BID, THE AMOUNT OF THE JUDGMENT OWING TO PLAINTIFF, AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $0.00, together with all costs of suit, I levied upon, and will, on the 3rd day of DECEMBER, 2019 within legal hours, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of JULIE MCKELLAR, MARK MCKELLAR AND INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE in and to the following described REAL property, levied upon as the property of JULIE MCKELLAR, MARK MCKELLAR AND INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE to wit: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT FOUR (4), IN BLOCK TWO (2), OF CINCO RANCH WEST SEC. 17, A SUBDIVISION ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NO. 2328A AND B, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS DATE OF SALE: DECEMBER 3, 2019 TIME OF SALE: APPROXIMATELY 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1ST Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Tx 77469 TERMS OF SALE: CASH CREDIT- $0.00 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judg ment for $471,804.11, AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 2015, WITH INTEREST ACCRUING AT THE PER DIEM RATE OF $32.45 THROUGH THE DATE OF THIS ORDER ; POST-JUDGEMENT INTEREST SHALL ACCRUE ON THE BALANCE AT A RATE OF 5% AS MANDATED BY THE OFFICE OF CONSUMER CREDIT COMMISSIONER; ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED THAT ORDER OF SALE SHALL PROVIDE THAT PLAINTIFF, IT’S SUCCESSORS OR ASSIGNS, HAVE THE RIGHT TO BECOME THE PURCHASER OF THE PROPERTY AT THE SALE CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO THE ORDER OF SALE, AND PLAINTIFF, IT’S SUCCESSORS OR ASSIGNS, SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO CREDIT UPON AMOUNT OF THE BID MADE TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY TO SATISFY SUCH BID, THE AMOUNT OF THE JUDGMENT OWING TO PLAINTIFF, AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $0.00 dollars, in favor of WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. together with the costs of said suit, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. WAYNE K. THOMPSON Constable Pct. 3 KATY, Texas By DAVID RIVERA #1332-DEPUTY NOVEMBER 7, 2019
front equipped with hydraulic compliance bushings and mounted to rigid subframes to provide higher levels of handling precision and ride refinement. The standard RDX with Technology and Advance grades get 19-inch alloy wheel designs. All RDX models also come standard with four drive modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Snow modes. The Acura’s first-ever ASpec SUV has a bevy of sport-appearance upgrades that include Shark Gray 20inch alloy wheels shod with low-profile 255/45R20 Goodyear tires. The RDX’s driver and front passenger get sport seats that have 16-way power adjustability. The new ultrawide panoramic moonroof is offered standard on every new RDX. The RDX debuts the available Acura/ELS Studio 3D
premium audio system that is a 710-watt system and has 16 discrete sound channels, 16 speakers and four ceilingmounted Highline speakers. Other standard equipment is driver recognition memory system, push button ignition, power tailgate, dual zone climate control, heated power door mirrors with turn indicators, and much more. The third-generation RDX offers a suite of options that include blind spot information, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic monitor, a headup display, etc. Acura RDX is a fine SUV. The interior is well done and comfortable, the exterior is equally well designed, and the engine adds the fun. The sizeable RDX retails for $45,800. Try it out. SUVs are extremely popular and the RDX is one of the best.
Missouri City Branch Library will accept book donations for re-seale
Missouri City Branch Librarian Cecellia Shearron Hawkins has announced the newly renovated library will again begin accepting book donations from area residents as of December 2, 2019 for resale by the Friends of the Library organization. Ms. Hawkins explained how the resale of donated books allows the FOL to fund numerous youth and adult centered projects and programs throughout each year. “We welcome books for all ages on virtually all subjects across all genres,” Ms. Hawkins explained,” Hardback books being especially in high demand. With few exceptions clean and current books are eagerly sought.” The FOL does NOT accept magazines, books on tape, textbooks, any sort of video tapes, encyclopedias, high school or college yearbooks, Readers Digest books, or out of date legal, medical, professional materials. An FOL representative suggested items such as these should best be taken to an outlet such as Half Price Books where they might generate a modest income for their donor. Donors are invited to deliver their books to the library via the library’s main desk anytime the library operates, Monday through Saturday, Noon through 5 pm. Ms. Hawkins urged interested adult library patrons to learn more about the FOL and its volunteer and service programs by calling current FOL president, Buddy Snyder, at 281 499 3345.
Libraries’ Conversation Circles Help English-Language Learners Are you learning to speak English? Would you like some practice in a casual, informal atmosphere? Fort Bend County Libraries presents a program for individuals of all nationalities who would like a place to practice their English language and conversation skills.
The “ESL Conversation Circles” provide an opportunity for non-English-speaking people to gather in a relaxed setting, and discuss topics of their own choosing while practicing their English skills. The Conversation Circles will take place at multiple locations in the Fort Bend Coun-
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for The Estate of Gloria A. White. Deceased , were issued on November 18, 2019, in Cause No. 19-CPR-033405, pending in the County Court at Law No. 1, Fort Bend County, Texas, to: Roxanne Baker (also known as “Roxanne Christ”). All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Hrbacek Law Firm, P. C. 130 Industrial Blvd., Ste. 110 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 DATED the 22nd day of November, 2019. HRBACEK LAW FIRM, P. C. By Dean A. Hrbacek State Bar No.: 1028800 dhrbacek@hrbacek.com Carissa Peterson State Bar No.: 24057618 cpeterson@hrbacek.com Email for service: service@hrbacek.com 130 Industrial Boulevard, Suite 110 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Telephone: (281) 240-2424 Facsimile: (281) 240-7089 ATTORNEYS FOR INDEPENDENT EXECUTRIX NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF FORT BEND § By virtue of an Order of Sale dated Sept 11,2019 delivered pursuant to a Judgment issued out of the 268th District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, said judgment rendered in favor of COLONY LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., plaintiff, and against COURTNEY D. PRUITT and GARLAND R. PRUITT, defendant, in Cause No. 18-DCV-251819, for the sum of SIX-THOUSAND-TWO-HUNDREDSEVENTY- FOUR DOLLARS AND–NINETYFOUR- CENTS 94/100’s ($6274.94), plus fees for posting notices, publishing, and all costs of executing sale. I did on the 15TH day of OCT, 2019, at 2:00PM, levy upon the following described tract of land in Fort Bend County, Texas, as the property of COURTNEY D. PRUITT AND GARLAND R. PRUITT, defendant(s), to-wit: LOT TWENTY (20), IN BLOCK TWO (2) , OF FINAL PLAT OF COLONY LAKES, SECTION EIGHT (8), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 2390/B,OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3523 SHOREVIEW LANE MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459 (PROPERTY) and on DEC 3, 2019, being the first Tuesday of said month, between the hours of 10:00 o’clock a.m. and 4:00 o’clock p.m., at 301 JACKSON ST, FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG RICHMOND TX. I will offer for sale and sell at public auction for cash, all the right, title and interest of COURTNEY D. PRUITT GARLAND R. PRUITT, defendant, in and to said property.
CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 268TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on September 23, 2019 in cause numbered 16-DCV231714 styled VILLAGE OF OAK LAKE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. vs. DENISE MUSE, in which a judgment was rendered on May 2, 2017 in favor of VILLAGE OF OAK LAKE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. for the sum of Eleven Thousand Four Hundred Ninety Eight Dollars and Eighty Six Cents ($11,498.86); 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 October 23, 2019 and will on December 3, 2019 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of Denise Muse to and in the following described Real Property LOT Nineteen (19), IN BLOCK Two (2), OF OAK LAKE ESTATES, SECTION ONE (1) AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NOS. 1199/B, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, (THE PROPERTY) The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of VILLAGE OF OAK LAKE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.
LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG301 JACKSON ST 1ST FLR MEETING RM RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: DEC3, 2019 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 AM BY Sergeant M. Kutach
LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: December 3rd, 2019 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: DEPUTY STEELE
TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas
TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas
ty library system in December. The schedule is as follows: George Memorial Library – 1001 Golfview, Richmond; Room 2D Wednesdays, December 4, 11, and 18; 10:00-11:00 am; Tuesdays, December 10; 6:00-7:00 pm. Mission Bend Branch Library – 8421 Addicks Clodine Road, SW Houston Wednesdays, December 4, 11, 18; 1:30-2:30 pm, Conference Room. Missouri City Branch Library – 1530 Texas Parkway Thursdays, December 5, 12, 19; 10:00-11:00 am, Conference Room. Sugar Land Branch Library – 550 Eldridge Thursdays, December 5, 12, 19; 10:15 am-12:00 noon, Conference Room. Sienna Branch Library – 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, Missouri City Thursdays, December 5, 19; 10:30 am-12:00 noon, Conference Room 2A. First Colony Branch Library – 2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land Tuesday, December 10, 1:30 pm, Conference Room. Cinco Ranch Branch Library – 2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy Friday, December 13, 1:002:00 pm. SL Games – Friday, December 20, 1:00-2:00 pm. Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library – 8100 FM 359 South, FulshearThursday, December 19, 1:00 pm, Meeting Room. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib. tx.us), or call George Memorial Library (281-3412652) or any of the branch libraries.
INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 27, 2019 • Page 7
COMMUNITY
Two Elsas in the show Frozen are Greatwood residents
Greatwood residents Lizzie Tyer, left and Gabby Champion. day appearances by the Frozen JR cast at: • The Festival of Trees in Katy, Nov. 30 • The Sugar Land Tree Lighting ceremony, Dec. 6 • Miracle on Morton Street in downtown Richmond, Dec. 7 • The Sweet Jamboree at the Sugar Land Heritage Museum, Dec. 7 In addition to director/music director Patterson, Inspiration Stage’s Frozen JR production team includes: Mandy Seymore-Sensat, artistic director/co-choreographer; Annelea Bootle, co-choreographer; Diamond Morgan, stage manager; Lily Delahoussaye, student assistant stage manager; Reese McGrenera, student assistant director; and Madison Willett, dance captain. Inspiration Stage also presents Into the Woods, JR at the Sugar Land Auditorium Jan. 3 - 5, 2020. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant,
piece... and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching. The story follows a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. Greatwood resident, elevenyear-old Sarah Love Pizzitola, a 6th grader at Polly Ryon Middle School is in the show’s ensemble for her second iStage production. “I am excited about performing in Into the Woods because the show is creative, fun, and full of energy,” she says. “It brings classic fairy tales to life and the show is full of surprises!” With a cast of 44 talented local youth, ages 10-18, Into the Woods JR runs four shows over the weekend of Jan. 3, 2020. For tickets to the following shows, visit https://inspirationstage.com/shows/into-the-woodsjr/. • Friday, Jan 3, 7:30 p.m • Saturday, Jan 4, 3:30 p.m and 7:30 p.m
Gabby Champion as Elsa • Sunday, Jan. 5 3:30 p.m March 1 The production staff includes: • Harriet the Spy, April 3-5 Mandy Seymore-Sensat, Inspira• Honk JR, April 17-19 tion Stage artistic director, and the • A Chorus Line - High School show’s director/co-choreographer; Edition, May 1-3 Sarah Patterson, music director; Inspiration Stage is a national Annelea Bootle, co-choreogra- award-winning performance arts pher; Brianna Escobedo, stage studio located in the historic Sugar manager; and Courtney Sackett, Land Auditorium at 226 Lakeview assistant stage manager. Dr. The 2019/2020 season was Inspiration Stage will take an recently announced and includes abbreviated version of Into the ten youth productions, as well Woods JR to Sacramento for as acting and production classes. adjudication at the Junior Theatre Tuition assistance is available to Festival West, Feb. 7 - 9. qualifying participants. For tickDon’t miss these other Inspira- ets and information, visit www. tion Stage shows in the 2019-2020 inspirationstage.com. season: Below, a scene from Into the • Lyle The Crocodile, Feb. 28- Woods, JR
Lizzie Tyer as Elsa.
Photos: Sarah Patterson
Inspiration Stage is excited to present Disney’s Frozen JR at the historic Sugar Land Auditorium, 226 Lakeview Dr., with ten shows over two weekends, Dec. 6-15. Disney’s Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production. “I am thrilled to be directing Disney’s Frozen JR at Inspiration Stage this December. This brilliant adaptation combines the best of the iconic Disney movie and Broadway show into a delightful, all-ages friendly, 70-minute stage production,” says Sarah Patterson, the show’s director and music director. “The show brings the fictional kingdom of Arendelle to life with your favorite characters: Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and more! As music director for the show, I’m excited to lead the challenge of presenting well-known numbers like, ‘For the First Time in Forever’, ‘Love Is an Open Door’, ‘In Summer’, ‘Fixer Upper’, and — of course — ‘Let It Go’, with new musical arrangements to our audiences. Our young actors are extraordinarily talented and bring fresh energy to familiar material.” A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Disney’s Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!The main roles of Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Hans have been double-cast in this talented group of 61 local youth, ages 10 to 17. The show’s two Elsas are both Greatwood residents —
15-year-old Gabby Champion, and 16-year-old Lizzie Tyer. Champion, a ninth grader at George Ranch High School with 10 iStage shows under her belt, says, “I’m excited for Frozen because this show was my introduction to theatre at Inspiration Stage. I started out in a Frozen summer camp as Olaf, and now, years later, I’ve been given the opportunity to play Elsa.” Tyer, a 10th grader with iUniversity Prep, will be in her 26th iStage show as Elsa. She has experience with the character — she was honored to play Elsa in iStage’s Feb. 2019 Junior Theatre Festival performance of Frozen. “I had the privilege of singing “Let it Go” during the New Works Showcase of Frozen JR. at the Junior Theatre Festival in Sacramento in February. I’m excited to have this opportunity to play Elsa again. I love Elsa’s transformation during the show from secretive and scared to warm and free,” she says. “Between the music, the costumes and the choreography, Frozen is beautiful, funny and heartwarming to watch. It is a story about true love with a twist — the true love of sisters and family. Frozen JR. is the perfect holiday family outing that will have all ages singing along and will melt even the most frozen of hearts.” “If you loved the movie, you should definitely see the musical,” Champion adds. “All of your favorite songs have been incorporated with some new additions for a nostalgic experience.” For tickets to the following shows, visit https://inspirationstage.com/shows/disneys-frozenjr/. • Friday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m • Saturday, Dec. 7, 3:30 p.m and 7:30 p.m • Sunday, Dec. 8, 3:30 p.m • Thursday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m • Friday, Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m • Saturday, Dec. 14, 11:30 a.m, 3:30 p.m and 7:30 p.m • Sunday, Dec. 15, 3:30 p.m Don’t miss these special holi-
To purchase tickets for the event, click here
Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 27, 2019
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving!
Teana Watson County Court at Law #5 Judge Fort Bend County
Happy Thanksgiving FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!
Andy Meyers Commissioner, Pct. 3 Fort Bend County
POL AD. paid for by the Robert Boettcher Campaign, Treasurer Charles Borsos
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving From My Family To Yours!
Jeffrey L. Boney Dist. B Councilman Missouri City
JJ CLEMENCE FOR FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR!
www.reddy2020.net
with
Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving IndoAmerican Conservatives of Texas
Santa