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Sandersen Knox & Company, LLP 130 Industrial Blvd, Suite 130 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281)242-3232 www.sktx.com; info@sktx.com Phone: 281-980-6745

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County, Missouri City & Sugar Land

Birds of Fort Bend

Ooh La La! Is it France or Fort Bend? This jaunty little Wilson’s Warbler with his black beret is indeed a Fort Bend visitor this month yellow undersides and all. This songbird visits from Canada, Alaska, the Pacific North West as well as forests in Idaho on its way to Mexico for winter. Watch in bushes and trees as this little foliage gleaner is busy eating insects from foliage to keep plants healthy. To see more beautiful photos of the Wilson’s Warbler and other beautiful Fort Bend birds photographed by Margaret Sloan, visit http://traction.typepad.com/birds

FBISD extends superintendent’s contract for five years

By SESHADRI KUMAR The FBISD board of trustees has extended Superintendent Tim Jenney’s contract for five years, effective Jan. 1, 2011 until Dec. 31, 2015.

The board voted 6-1 at its Jan. 10 meeting.

Trustee Jim Babb voted against the contract extension.

“In consideration of the current economic conditions and the financial constraints the district is facing, the Superintendent and Board reached a mutual agreement that he will take a $34,000 reduction in compensation for 2011-2012,” the district said in a press release.

It did not state Jenney’s annual base salary, which stood at $260,000 as per the previous contract.

Jenney has been receiving $70,000 annual bonus tied to his “performance.”

Part of this performance is tied to academic gains and the other part is tied to a quota of

Jenney’s meetings benefit packwith the age includes a teachers monthly vehicle and departallowance and ment heads phone allowand campus ance, said to be vistis. $800 and $300, While respectively. the $34,000 The district is being cut has not yet offor the first ficially released year from the details of the the bonus, contract. resulting in Board Presia bonus of dent Sonal $36,000, Bhuchar said the salthe board is very ary will Jenney pleased with the increase by $34,000 from year two of the continued progress the district contract. That portion of the has made in the last few years salary will be paid to Jenney’s under Jenney’s leadership.

“Significant gains have retirement account as in the been made in our students’ test past.

So the district’s statement scores every year with more that Jenney took a pay cut is than 80 percent of our camtechnically correct. At the puses now rated Recognized or same time that he got a pay Exemplary. This year the disraise is also correct. Depends trict earned the status of being on how one wants to look at it. a Recognized district. We have

also shown significant progress in closing the achievement gap between student groups.

“Although there is still much work to do, and tough decisions to face as we address our budget shortfalls, we are confident that through Dr. Jenney’s leadership, FBISD will continue to make progress in preparing our students, and thus our community, for success in a global tomorrow,” Bhuchar said.

Additionally, Bhuchar expressed her appreciation that Jenney and the board reached an agreement to the reduction in his compensation this year.

“Given the tough financial times our district is facing, we are pleased that we were able to reach an understanding with regard to the compensation.

We look forward to continuing our work to address our challenges while providing the best educational opportunities possible for our students.”

See Opinion, Page 4

Fort Bend Cares hosts Road trip to Las Vegas len Zwicker, Karen Nemesi, Elvis Presley, Cindy Gazouleas, Angela Mason, Sonja White, Barbara Adcock and Gail McClendon. Fort Bend Cares, a charitable foundation, hosts the party. Its proceeds fund grants to organizations that serve disadvantaged Fort Bend youth. Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital is the presenting sponsor for Road Trip to Vegas. For more information and to become a sponsor, call 832-392-1983 or visit www.FortBendCares.org.

10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

Chris Breaux, left, incoming chairman of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce with the outgoing chairman Bruce Mercer rehearses for the 2011 chairman’s gala. See Page 3.

Join Fort Bend Cares’ Road Trip to Las Vegas on Feb. 12 at Fluor, One Fluor Daniel Drive, in Sugar Land. The party will feature a variety of foods donated by area restaurants. Master of ceremonies Rowdy Yates will keep the crowd lively. Making preparations are Sunday Coffman, left, Debbie MacDonald, Colleen Flint, Patty Ward, Cheryl Suter, Jill Curtis, Kathy DeWitt, Mary Rey, Denise Al-

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

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

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 19, 2011

Chancellor Renu Khator appointed to the Federal Reserve Board The Federal Reserve Board of Governors has appointed Renu Khator to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas board of directors. She will serve an unexpired portion of a threeyear term ending Dec. 31, 2011.

She is eligible for reappointment to a full term at the conclusion of the unexpired term.

Khator holds the dual titles of chancellor of the University of Houston System and president of the University of Houston.

The UH System’s first woman chancellor and the first Indian immigrant to head a comprehensive research university in the United States, she assumed her post in January 2008.

As chancellor of the UH System, Khator oversees an organization that serves more than 65,000 students, has a budget that exceeds $1.3 billion, and has a $3 billion-plus economic impact on the Greater Houston area each year.

As president of the University of Houston, she is the chief executive officer of the largest and oldest of the four UH System universities.

Under her leadership, the University of Houston established a number of impressive milestones in 2010, including – for the first time in its history – receiving more than $100 million in private support from businesses, corporations, alumni and friends in a single year.

The record was achieved on the strength of support from more than 25,000 donors to the university during that same period. Other milestones include establishing a record for research expenditures at the University of Houston of $99 million and setting enrollment records at each of the four UH System campuses.

“I am honored to receive

CHARITY GOLF FUND. Fort Bend County’s Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, third from left, hands a $25,000 check to Katy Christian Ministries Executive Director Sandy Faucett. Meyers also made a $25,000 donation to Simonton Christian Academy and will make a $5,000 donation to Katy FFA Auction Scholarship Fund. The funds are from Meyers’ Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Above, Thomas Larvin, left, Jeff Cannon, Steve Norlander, Walt Sass, Carol Smith and Twila Oman.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend offers training class

Are you looking for something meaningful to do in the New Year and interested in making a difference in the lives of children? Beginning

January 31, Child Advocates of Fort Bend is offering a week-long training class to train volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected chil-

dren. This is only the second time the agency has offered the opportunity to complete the volunteer training class in a single week.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing a voice for abused and neglected children in Fort Bend County.

With an army of volunteers, Child Advocates of Fort Bend currently serves more than 400 children each month through its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program and Children’s Advocacy Center.

Preparing to distribute flyers, right, are Casey Davis,left and Dena Jones. Volunteers must be over 21 years of age, complete an application and submit to background screening. For more information or an application, contact Volunteer Services at 281-344-5171 or cdavis@cafb.org.

Renu Khator this appointment, and I am Kanpur and a master’s degree proud to serve in this position and Ph.D. in political science that offers a major role in the from Purdue University. She supervision and regulation of is a noted scholar in the field the U. S. banking system,” of global environmental policy and has published numerKhator said.

Khator is a member of ous books and articles on the the Indian Prime Minister’s subject.

Each Federal Reserve Bank Global Advisory Council and serves on several national has a nine-member board of and state boards, including directors.

Three members represent Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Technology Center, commercial banks, three repMethodist Hospital Research resent the public and three Institute Board and the Busi- are appointed by the Board ness Higher Education Fo- of Governors in Washington, D.C. For more information rum.

Khator holds a bachelor’s on the Dallas Fed, visit www. degree from the University of dallasfed.org.

Sugar Creek Garden Club’s monthly meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 20 at the Sugar Creek Country Club. The program will be “Flower Show Mechanics” presented by Mickey Sanders, Master Flower Judge.

Visitors are welcome and no reservation is necessary.

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JANUARY 19, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

News

Suzette Peoples Broker /Owner 21 years of experience!

City secretary of Missouri City moves to LaPorte to her home in Dickinson.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Mayor (Allen) Owen, numerous council members, city staff and volunteers over the past 12 years in Missouri City, a city that is known for being progressive and having high standards,” Fogarty said.

“I have endeavored to create an office of impartiality and fairness, and, in all areas, be respectful and open to the public. One key characteristic of a successful city secretary is service to others. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving our mayor, council and citizens for the past 12 years. In leaving Missouri City, I leave a part of myself, and I hope that part has enriched the lives of our citizens.”

Sugar Land selects preferred design-builder for baseball stadium construction Sugar Land selected on Jan. 13 Barton Malow/Linbeck as the preferred Design/ Build contractor for the construction of a minor league baseball stadium northeast of State Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 90A. Negotiations on a final cost are ongoing, with a final decision expected in February.

Fourteen companies submitted proposals for the Design/Build contract, and Sugar Land selected five finalists in September 2010.

A panel that included representatives from City Council, staff and Opening Day Partners conducted interviews leading to the selection of a preferred Design/Build contractor.

Design-build is a construction project delivery system where design and construction are contracted through a design-builder who is the general contractor and also the design professional (architect or engineer).

This system is used to minimize the project risk for an owner by establishing a guaranteed maximum cost and reduce the delivery schedule by overlapping the design phase and construction phase of a project.

Barton Malow Company provides construction management, design-build, program management, general contracting, technology and rigging services throughout North America.

With their first sports project – Navin Field in the 1930s, Barton Malow has a rich history of completing some of the most complex sports facilities in the country totaling more than $6 billion in construction.

Recent baseball projects include Coolray Field, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park and Goodyear Ballpark.

Barton Malow has a staff of more than 1,200 in 13 offices and is headquartered in Southfield, Mich., with an-

nual firm revenues exceeding $1 billion.

Linbeck is a Houstonbased construction management company offering construction management at-risk, design/build and related construction services.

Since inception in 1938, the company culture is based upon integrity and trust.

Using a collaborative TeamBuild® approach and Lean Construction principles, Linbeck helps clients minimize risk and waste to achieve optimal results.

Most recently, Linbeck served as the Project Manager/Tenant’s Representative for the design and construction of Reliant Stadium, a world-class, state-of-the-art multipurpose sports and entertainment facility.

Linbeck is ranked among the Top 10 Construction Managers by Building Design & Construction Magazine and among the Top 150 Building Contractors in the USA by En-

gineering News Record. Linbeck operates offices in Texas (Houston and Fort Worth) with operations in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, South Carolina and Utah.

The $30 million stadium will be funded with a portion of sales tax revenues that may only be used for economic development purposes.

No general fund tax dollars will be spent on the stadium.

In addition to the stadium serving as a community amenity, a conservative costbenefit analysis performed

by Conventions, Sports & Leisure International conservatively estimates the project will generate economic activity annually of approximately $7.7 million or a net return of $169 million over 30 years on the investment of the City and ODP. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2011 to have the stadium ready for opening day in April 2012.

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

NEW LISTING FIRST COLONY/SUGAR LAND! 1/4 ACRE ON OYSTER CREEK! Over 4100sqft! CUSTOM home on culdesac lot. RARE find! Built in 2000! Over $80K in improvements too. 4/5 bedrooms, both formals & study. Priced to go fast!

ABR, GRI , E-Pro, 21 years Professional Realtor; Owner of Peoples Properties, a Real Estate & Property Management Co.; American Business Women’s Association.

NEW LISTING Riverstone. Pool, Spa, Waterfall. Built 2003. Trendmaker beauty. Over 4,700 sqft. 5 BR 4.5 baths.

3 car, 2 masters. Rare find on huge oversized cul de sac lot. No neighbors next to you. Upgrades galore. Zoned to Clements. Priced in the $500’s.

R ED U C ED

Fogarty tion officer, processed citizen complaints, created a citywide open records policy and is most proud of having created a city-wide records management program, which was a huge undertaking.

Prior to working as city secretary in Missouri City, Fogarty started her career as such in Dickinson in 1993

and went on to Beaumont where she worked from 1996 to 1998.

Before becoming a certified Texas registered municipal clerk, Fogarty worked as a paralegal for one Galveston and two Houston law firms.

Fogarty, who is a whirlwind of energy and a fountain of information on municipal government, has written the sixth, seventh and eighth editions of Chapters in the Texas Municipal Clerks Handbooks and has held all offices and chaired all committees in the TMCA, Inc., Salt Grass Chapter.

Even though Fogarty said she had planned to stay with Missouri City as that town’s secretary until she retires, LaPorte made her an excellent offer and is much closer

REDUCED FIRST COLONY/SUGAR LAND! Adorable 1-story home on cul de sac street. No neighbors behind you!

3 bedrooms & study or formal living. Open floor plan.

Detached garage! Upgraded Kitchen! $210,000.

R ED U C ED

By BARBARA FULENWIDER After 12 years of serving as city secretary in Missouri City, Patrice Fogarty will be leaving at the end of February to become city secretary of LaPorte, TX. Fogarty, a Texas registered Municipal Clerk/Master Municipal Clerk with years of professional training and a term as president of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association (TMCA) joined Missouri City in 1998.

During her tenure in Missouri City she was named Municipal Clerk of the Year in 2003 and 2005 and prior to joining Missouri City in 1997.

While with Missouri City she also served as elections administrator, public informa-

QUAIL VALLEY Updated 1 story 4 bedrooms 2.5 bath with new roof and carpet July 2010. Interior all repainted and new fixtures too. Great location on landscaped reserve. Priced to go $120,000!!

Mortgage Banker can do loans in less than 30 days!

Call Suzette or email: Speoplesrealtor@aol.com

“Men who cook” raise funds for Lamar CISD schools Save that hunger for “Men Who Cook, 2011” presented this year by Dr. Michael Amaro. Men Who Cook will feature the culinary treats of 55 “celebrity” cooks, along with dancing and auctions. The event will be held Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Texas Ballroom at Safari Texas Ranch. Jeff Council will be the auctioneer for the evening and the Billie Ledbetter Orchestra will provide the evening’s musical entertainment. Texas Radio Hall-of-Famer Rowdy Yates serves as the MC. Proceeds from the evening are used to support the creative ideas and classroom projects

by Lamar CISD teachers that would otherwise go unfunded.

L.E.A.F. also offers scholarship to graduating Lamar CISD students and to paraprofessionals working on their teaching certificates. Tickets for the gala are $60. For more information, contact Janice Knight at 832223-0334.

Red Cross offers first aid, babysitting classes Learn American Red Cross Community First Aid with CPR Adult, Child and Infant on Tuesday, Jan. 25 and Thursday, Jan. 27, 6 to10:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required at www.houstonredcross.org or contact Shia at 281 342-9480.

American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training class geared for ages 11-15, will be held Saturday, Jan. 29, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Preregistration is required at www.houstonredcross.org or contact Shia at 281 3429480.

Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc 101 Southwestern Blvd, Ste 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478-3535 PH (281)277-7800 FAX (281)277-7801 basil@texansinsure.com

2011 Chairman’s Gala – “International Soiree”

Front row L-R Chip Sutton, Lamar Meadows, Kenny Kucherka, Joe and Doris Gurecky; Back Row L-R Karen Chitty-Boe, Courtney Diepraam, Richard Hunton, Tom Shirley, Lonnie Meadows, Scot Hartfiel, Andy Sanford; Front - Shirley Kocich and Carolyn Banfield.

Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land revises hours of operation The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land will extend its hours of operation during peak seasons and curtail its hours of operations during off-peak days. The new hours of operation are designed to allow the Museum to tailor its offerings and programs so that they are more closely aligned with community demand. Beginning January 24, 2011, the Museum will open Thursday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.

- 5 p.m.; and Sunday noon - 5 p.m.

The museum will have extended hours seven days a week during periods of high demand in the summer and winter. Summer hours: June 4 - August 21, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Monday-Sunday.

Winter hours: December 17 - January 1, 2012, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Monday-Sunday.

“Our new hours of operation reflect the usage patterns of the Sugar Land community and will enable us to more effectively fulfill our mission which is to enhance in individuals the knowledge and

delight in natural science and related subjects,” said Susan Buck, director of the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land. “This ensures that we will better meet the needs of our growing (currently 3,000+ families) membership base in the Sugar Land community and continue to effectively fulfill our educational commitment to them with every project, program and exhibition associated with the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land.”

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and Safari Texas will present the annual Chairman’s Gala, “International Soiree” on Saturday, Feb. 5, at Safari Texas Ranch.

“This event is pure fun. This is our night to celebrate our retiring officers, honor our tireless volunteers and welcome in the new officers,” says incoming Chairman Chris Breaux.

A phenomenally festive evening is planned and the only thing that will be missing is an auction and long speeches. The cocktail reception starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by a gourmet dinner, and entertaining surprises, brief awards and recognitions and dancing in the Safari Texas Ballroom. Complimentary cocktails, wine and valet parking are included.

The event sponsors for 2011 Chairman’s Ball – “International Soiree” are Amegy Bank of Texas, Brown & Gay Engineers, Inc., Champion Technologies, Inc., City of Missouri City, City of Sugar land, Granite Properties, Inc., Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, Jamail & Smith Construction, Minute Maid, Nalco Company, NullLairson, PC, Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc., Riverstone Development~Sienna~Johnson Development~Imperial and St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital.

Contact Shauna Williams for reservations at 281-491-0277 or shauna@fortbendcc.org.

Quail Valley Fund Quail Valley Fund, Inc. trustees are asking for interested persons to submit their names for election to the position of trustee. The cut-off date for submitting your application is January 28, 2011. Those interested may send their name along with a brief resume of no more than sixty(60) words to: Quail Valley Fund, P.O.Box 846, Missouri City, TX 77459. Resumes may also be faxed to 281-499-6621 or e-mailed to qvfund@aol. com. Call 281-499-8371 if you have any questions.

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 19, 2011

Opinion Who got the bargain: The superintendent or the taxpayers?

The View from Sugar Land No justice for DeLay

By RUSSELL C. JONES The conviction and sentencing of Tom DeLay last week should create great concern for all of those who contribute their ideals, time, money and efforts to the improvement of our society and expose themselves to public scrutiny.

The money-laundering statute under which DeLay was convicted was intended to apply to perpetrators such as drug dealers and similar lowlifes. Money-laundering is defined as knowingly using “the proceeds of criminal activity,” such as cash from drug deals. No legal precedent exists for using such criminal laws to prosecute alleged campaign finance violations.

Not until the Austin district attorney turned the law against a high-ranking member of the opposing political party did anyone think that money-laundering was appropriately applied in the context of American politics. Even then, Democrat Ronnie Earle had to take the case to a grand jury three times in order to get it to agree to indict DeLay. At the time of DeLay’s supposed crimes, the general conspiracy statute did not even cover election law violations.

The court disallowed Earle’s efforts to charge him with conspiracy to violate election laws, leaving only moneylaundering and conspiracy to engage in money-laundering as the basis of a prosecution.

Of course, this is not the first time that an elected official has been convicted and sentenced to jail. In recent years at least three members of Congress have had that distinction. But in each case, the individual politician received a financial benefit from his crimes.

No one has yet shown that Tom DeLay received any benefit from his alleged crime. If anything, Texas benefitted

Jones from his actions, assuming they had any influence at all, by increasing the state’s Republican representation in the House of Representatives.

Nevertheless, Tom’s friends have abandoned him in droves. Former allies duck their heads when they see him. Others claim that he got what he deserved.

Tom has long been a master of the art of politics. He has led Republicans in advancing the conservative agenda. He has helped defeat Democrats at the federal, state and local level.

And Tom has been a friend of Sugar Land. Any number of projects around the city owe their existence to him.

For starters, two expansions of the Southwest Freeway and the amazing growth of the city’s airport can be directly attributed to Tom’s efforts.

Tom’s real offense, apparently, was playing hardball politics with officials of both parties. Perhaps he was a little too close to Mike Scanlon and Jack Abramoff, but that relationship was not the subject of the criminal charge. At least in theory, a conviction should be for commiting a particular crime, not for politics and associations having nothing to do with the charged offense.

Tom rightly declined to suddenly become remorse-

Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Tim Jenney’s contract extension is in the news.

Here is an opportunity to analyze the pros and cons of the contract and the way the district handled the message.

The district communication department handled it the way it always does business.

The press release gives the basic information and leaves out the rest.

There is no legal obligation on the part of the district to publicize the contract voluntarily, though it is a public record.

The school board and the administration missed an opportunity to show their “transparency and openness.”

The board president could have disclosed the salient features of the contract in the open meeting. That is not privileged information. Also, Jenney could have waived any objection to the disclosure.

Thus, the $34,000 cut in the first year bonus lost its significance because the press release hid more than what it disclosed.

A full disclosure would have been in order in this context.

Again the “performance” linked bonus should have been elaborated to fend off questions about the goals and how the superintendent met them.

Another small issue, but it is a reflection on the culture of communication.

The board vote was not unanimous. There was one vote against the contract. The vote was taken in an open meeting. That the contract was “approved” is a fact, but it did not say anything about the negative vote.

Jones is a member of the Sugar Land City Council, having been first elected in 2003.

He owns a law firm and a title insurance company in Sugar Land.

Texas Straight Talk On gun control and violence

Musings: No place like home

By JANICE SCANLAN People who have homes they feel safe and feel invested usually are glad “to get home.” And anyone who has been on an extended trip, no matter how fun, almost invariably says, “It was good to get home.”

My piece about life in a dugout brought a common theme of commentary, “My grandfather (parents) lived in a dugout, but never talked about it.” Did that trigger a memory? When I was a child about 7 or 8, I said something about the dugout. My Aunt Lorene chastised me and claimed no such thing happened.

I was in trouble for telling stories much of the time . . . so here was another one I couldn’t tell.

For the 1976 Bi-centennial of the United States, my home county compiled a history of the pioneering families to Tillman County, Oklahoma. Since Aunt Lorene was one of the volunteers, the editor for the publication interviewed my Grandmother. She was a publishing professional having worked at McGraw-Hill so she was able to encourage the real story of the dugout, and wrote something I cherish.

So when the book came out in 1976, there in black and white was the story of living in a dugout. Even though I was married and already living in Quail Val-

Scanlan ley, I felt vindicated. Why would someone care if I told that story?

After all, as I tell it today, I felt pride for such an accomplishment as well as participating in the American Dream of bettering one’s self.

As I thought back, I think my Aunt, and perhaps even my Grandmother, were ashamed of such humble circumstances.

And as I think today of too often the patronizing and condescending manner we treat those who have less fortunate circumstances, I can understand why someone close to the situation might feel ashamed. When I admired the Dew House and its modern kitchen, all from the same era, I can imagine keeping up with the Joneses was alive and potent then and now. Truthfully, I’ve

come to admire the ingenuity of the homeless as well as people who are struggling to make their lives better. How they re-use items we would not conceive of using. One family I know, used plastic six-pack can holders all pieced together for a room divider. It was clever and attractive. That combined with their children’s school art made their apartment cheerful , attractive, and “home.”

I see “home” in how people use sentimental items to decorate for the holidays—things their kids made in school years ago, items given by friends and family. All kept and brought out on holidays many years later.

This is not to romanticize homelessness. It’s deplorable what dislocation and hard luck does to people. And how quickly hard luck can take its toll. What I am celebrating is the spirit to survive and the need to make a “home.” Or the need to make money to send money “back home” as many immigrants do.

Let’s not only celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, but the spirit of “I’m going to be somebody” and how it’s woven into our American experience and fabric. After all, this is home.

Write to janicescanlan@ earthlink.net

By RON PAUL The terrible violence in Arizona last weekend prompted much national discussion on many issues.

All Americans are united in their sympathies for the victims and their families.

All wonder what could motivate such a horrible act.

However, some have attempted to use this tragedy to discredit philosophical adversaries or score political points.

This sort of opportunism is simply despicable.

We are fortunate to live in a society where violence is universally denounced.

Not one public official or commentator has attempted to justify this reprehensible act, yet the newspapers, internet, and airwaves are full of people trying to claim it was somehow motivated by someone else’s political rhetoric.

Most disturbing are the calls to use government power to censor certain forms of speech, and even outlaw certain types of criticism of public officials. This was the completely apolitical act of a violent and disturbed man.

How sad that the attempted murder of the Congresswoman who had just read the First Amendment on the House floor would be used in efforts to chill free speech!

Perhaps some would feel

Come and Experience the Difference!

Salem International Christian Center

Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

www.fbindependent.com Email: Editor@fbindependent.com

than searching for a new unknown.

Hiring and firing of a superintendent is an arduous and risky task and the timing is also important. This is not the time for such an exercise, given the financial condition of the district.

One may be tempted to lay all the blame for this condition at Jenney’s door, but the board cannot escape its responsibility.

While keeping Jenney seems to be the wise move, whether the board did all it could in getting a “bargain” remains a question.

First, is a five-year renewable contract necessary? Why not three years?

Was there room for negotiating the base salary?

Why not use the carrot of the longer-term contract and get a significant reduction in remuneration in keeping with the financial constraints faced by the district?

Also, the so called “performance” criteria could have been re-negotiated.

Instead of using it as a ploy to boost the remuneration, the board could have cut the costs or made the criteria really stringent and meaningful.

Why would you pay a policeman a bonus for catching a thief ? After all, that is his job.

This is no reflection on Jenney’s capabilities. It only shows he has been in a “bargaining” position or in the driver’s seat.

In all fairness, the board may have tried its best on all fronts to save the costs of hiring a superintendent, but did not get all it wanted.

(Send emails to editor @ fbindependent.com)

ful at his sentencing hearing, declaring that it was impossible to be sorry for an activity which he did not consider to be criminal. “This is the criminalization of politics.

It’s no longer good enough to defeat elected officials. You have to destroy them. Put them in jail. Destroy their families.”

Even the liberal Washington Post denounced the conviction. It pointed out the legality of donations to Tom’s political action committee, “so it’s fair to question how the cash sent to and from the RNC was transformed into criminal ‘proceeds.’”

At the trial, three party officials testified that such money swaps were common transactions. The Post admits that Tom has a “fair point” when he describes his conviction as “the criminalization of politics.”

Liberal commentator Chris Matthews recognized the flimsy basis of Tom’s prosecution. In an interview following the sentencing, he told Tom: “It sounds reasonable to me that they misapplied a law made for drug dealers, threw it at you and used a conspiracy angle to get you.”

But he also revealed the real basis of the conviction: “You were tied up with . . . Scanlon and Abramoff. . . . I saw the movie. . . . You were out there playing golf in Scotland on their paycheck. It was a junket. . . . They looked like criminals. You look like you were being their fool. That’s the way it looks in the movie.”

So now maybe we know.

Tom DeLay was convicted because a liberal movie made him look like a fool.

Services: Sunday 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday 7 p.m.

14056 Southwest Fwy #118 (In the FedEx Bldg. in front of Holiday Inn Express) Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.salemic.org

Inside Track By Seshadri Kumar The district violated no law in disclosing facts selectively or in stating only favorable facts. If it had stated that there was a negative vote, it would not have damaged the image of the district.

There has been a misplaced emphasis on a “unified board.”

And here is an example of that for all to see.

Now, the district may come out in the open with all the facts, but the harm is done. It may be too late.

Before turning to the pros and cons of the contract, the discussion can be only limited in view of the limited details available.

We have to rely on the wisdom of the board members in their decision to keep Jenney.

At least, they know the facts first hand and they are the best judges to decide.

Thus, the need for replacing Jenney may not be justifiable in the face of facts as known to the board.

Again, that is certainly not a unanimous opinion of the community as was reflected in the board vote.

Also, even among those who voted in favor, there could have been reservations, but not serious enough to let Jenney go.

In the absence of any serious misgivings, it is better to live with a known man

safer if the Alien and Sedition Acts were reinstated.

Also troubling are the renewed calls for stricter gun control laws, and for government to “do something” to somehow prevent similar incidents in the future.

This always seems to be the knee jerk reaction to any crime committed with a gun.

Nonsensical proposals to outlaw guns around federal officials and install bulletproof barriers in the congressional gallery only reinforce the growing perception that politicians view their own lives as far more important than the lives of ordinary citizens.

Politicians and a complicit media have conditioned many citizens to view government as our protector, leading to more demands for government action whenever tragedies occur.

But this impulse is at odds with the best American traditions of self-reliance and individualism, and it also leads to bad laws and the loss of liberty.

Remember - liberty only has meaning if we still believe

in it when terrible things happen and more government security is demanded.

Government cannot make us safe by mandating security any more than it can make us prosperous by decreeing an end to poverty.

We need to reaffirm the core American value of individual responsibility. Consider the young man who had the courage to tackle the shooter and prevent further carnage because he himself had a concealed weapon.

Without that gun, he could have been yet another sitting duck. When peaceful citizens are armed, they at least have a chance against armed criminals.

Advocates of gun control would urge us to leave our safety to law enforcement, but eyewitness reports indicate it took police as much as 20 minutes to arrive on the scene that day!

Since police cannot be everywhere all of the time, a large part of our personal safety depends on our ability to defend ourselves.

Our constitutional right to bear arms does not create a society without risks of violent crime, and neither would the strictest gun control laws.

Guns and violence are a fact of life.

The question is whether it is preferable to be defenseless while waiting for the police, or to have the option to arm yourself.

We certainly know criminals prefer the former.

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

JANUARY 19, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

News Helping Hands Inc. hosts Hearts and Hands Gala Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands’ Hearts and Hands Gala is scheduled for Saturday, March 5, at Safari Texas in Richmond.

The 2011 Gala will feature a sit down dinner and dance, silent auction, live auction and raffle.

Funds from this event are used to supplement the food and clothing donations received from the community.

Helping Hands also provides assistance with utilities on a selective basis when funds

are available.

Returning as Mistress of Ceremonies will be Miss Laura Reynolds of KILT radio.

Music will be provided by Ken Mondshine and Brotherhood. The Honorable Jim Richards will serve as auctioneer.

Tickets for the event are $75.00 per person or $750.00 per table of ten. Sponsor levels of $3,000.00 (Gold), $2,000.00 (Silver) and $1,500.00 (Bronze) include reserved tables for guests,

priority seating and program acknowledgement.

Helping Hands again appeals to the Fort Bend Community to participate in sponsoring this event.

Chair persons for this event are Ms. Nancy Caminiti and Ms. Beth Thurman. To sponsor this event, donate items for the live or silent auctions, or to purchase tickets, please call 281-341-7536 or e-mail hhfoodnb@comcast.net, or visit our website at: www.roserichhelpinghands.org.

Hearts and Hands Gala co-chairs Beth Thurman and Nancy Caminiti along with committee member Juan Garcia are busy planning the gala benefiting Roseberg-Richmond Helping Hands, Inc.

Emergency communication center opened The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office held an open house and grand opening on Jan. 11 to show case the new Emergency Communications Center. The $4 million center will house 15 Call Taker stations, 12 Radio stations, and a training room. A portion of the renovation was paid with grant funds through the Department of Homeland Security and administered by the Texas Terrorism Task Force which were used to upgrade the radio equipment.

Sheriff Milton Wright, right, is joined by County Judge Bob Hebert and Commissioner Andy Meyers and Sheriff’s officials during the ribbon cutting.

Letter Citizens’ participation needed for good government To the Editor: It appears to me that a number of important decisions made by governmental entities in Fort Bend County are done with negligible citizen involvement in the decision making process.

As I contemplated this, I happened to read the following quote taken from the website of California Forward, an organization that was organized in an effort to help that State through its financial and other problems.

“We want a government that’s small enough to listen, big enough to tackle real problems, smart enough to spend our money wisely, and honest enough to be held accountable for results. To repair our broken government, we need transparency, accountability and a focus on getting results.

We need your help to do what we do best: imagine, innovate, and build something better.”

Most of us want a government that’s small enough to listen, in other words, a representative, responsive government. But, when was the last time that you felt a Council Member or School Board member took your advice or actually helped you or your neighborhood?

We need representatives who are willing to meet with their constituents, find out what their concerns are, and vote accordingly.

Our elected representatives don’t seem to have the imagination and innovation traits

that the above quote refers to either.

Our local government officials routinely respond to significant community problems by doing nothing of consequence or with the same, tired solutions, which don’t resolve the core issues and which alienate their constituents.

Our representatives rarely make use of the best resource that they have, which is us, their own constituents and our ideas. Without question, we all want efficient government that works.

We want effective, smart administrators and insightful planning which will lead us through the current economic crisis and raise our Fort Bend County communities to new heights of excellence.

In my opinion, building something better requires elected officials who have a focus on getting results. That is, real results which make us a better community. We have local governments who spend our money on areas that have nothing to do with positively affecting the basic government functions of maintaining public safety, providing good quality education to our children, and creating beautiful and functional areas to raise our families. Clearly, bigger is not better.

Our local government entities seem intent on expanding their areas of influence beyond what most citizens want or need. This inevitably leads to higher taxes.

I personally don’t equate

Methodist Hospital supports Buddy Ball program

higher taxes with results. Our elected officials need to vote against government expansion.

Many of you have probably heard of some city in a remote area existing without taxes being required of its residents.

Well, we’re way beyond simplifying our governments to that extreme. Simply put, we need more people giving their input and becoming involved. New and better decision making starts with other minds and other ideas.

Very often the beginning is the informed individual making his/her opinions known.

There are many residents of Sugar Land, Missouri City or other neighboring areas who have never actually participated in the political process.

If a person doesn’t vote, he/she has given up the major change effector that is available to us individually.

Also, how many residents have written an email to a school board or city council Member to say that they are not in favor of a recent action?

More importantly, we need to voice ideas and positive suggestions to our policy makers. When you and your neighbors vote and voice concerns like these individually and collectively, politicians will listen. Government in Fort Bend County will improve in direct proportion to how much our residents become involved in it.

Howard Moline Missouri City

Top Row- left to right: Mark Maffet, M.D., MOST; Chris Siebenaler, CEO at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital; Scott Alexander, FCYBA Board Member; Jeffrey Wood, M.D., MOST; Timothy Sitter, M.D., MOST; Angela Byrd, Athletic Trainer, MOST. Bottom Row- left to right: Ryan Alexander, FCYBA Buddy Ball Director and Buddy volunteers, Cassie Tipton and Rachel Lisse.

Players need not be resi- Texas’ support of local sports.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and Methodist Orthopae- dents of Fort Bend County to MOST currently sponsors and provides medical assistance dic Specialists of Texas are participate.

“Methodist Sugar Land to Eclipse Soccer Club and teaming up with First Colony Youth Basketball Association Hospital is proud to partner Fort Bend GridIron League, (FCYBA) to provide a unique with First Colony Youth Bas- as well as many local high opportunity for mentally and ketball Association to provide schools.

“Being active in the comphysically challenged youths. this worthwhile program to The new Buddy Ball pro- our community,” said CEO munity is important to all of us at Methodist Orthopaedic gram allows young people Chris Siebenaler.

“Sports provide a wide Specialists of Texas,” said Dr. with disabilities to play basketball with the help of spe- range of health and social Timothy Sitter.

“We have a long history of cially assigned volunteers benefits for all young people from Fort Bend high schools, and we believe strongly in being deeply involved in supwho provide friendship and enhancing opportunities for porting youth sports and keepassistance on the court during children to get involved and ing young athletes healthy, fit and in the game, and we are be active.” practices and games.

“I am grateful to FCYBA, thrilled to be a part of Buddy Thanks to the sponsorship of Methodist Sugar Methodist Sugar Land Hospi- Ball.”

High school students inLand Hospital and Method- tal and Methodist Orthopaedic ist Orthopaedic Specialists of Specialists of Texas for their terested in becoming a buddy Texas, FCYBA Buddy Ball is support of my vision for a spe- should contact FCYBA Budfree for boys and girls ages 5 cial needs basketball program dy Ball Director Ryan Alexin the Fort Bend community. I ander at 713-540-4822. to 18.

To register a player, contact Player orientation will take encourage fellow high school place on two consecutive Sat- students to get involved in Scott Alexander at 281-750urdays, January 15 and 22. this very rewarding activity,” 2357.

More information can be Games are slated to begin on said Ryan Alexander, FCYBA found at www.buddy.fcyba.

February 5 at local Fort Bend Buddy Ball Director.

The Buddy Ball spon- com and the Methodist Sugar high school or city facilities.

The season will end in mid sorship extends Methodist Land Facebook site.

Orthopaedic Specialists of March.

C O N T I N U I N G E D U C AT I O N

Interested in + Career enhancement

+ Coursework to meet licensure or certification + Learning more about a hobby or special interest + Finding out if you’re ready for college Then check out WCJC Continuing Education Spring 2011 courses starting Jan. 18 Q

Day, night, weekend and online classes Quality courses with professional instructors Q Register at our four campuses: Wharton, Bay City, Sugar Land & Richmond Q Classes now available at the El Campo Northside Center Q

Classes Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q

Computer Applications Microsoft Office Suite Introduction (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Access) Healthcare Provider CPR and CPR Refresher Classes Beginning Spanish Beginning Web Design Basic Motorcycle Operator Bank Teller Training Concealed Handgun License Course

Programs Q Q Q Q Q Q

Certified Nurse Aide Training Pharmacy Technician Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) Phlebotomy Technician Pharmaceutical Aseptic Technique Child Development Associate (CDA)

For a complete listing of current classes and programs, please visit www.wcjc.edu and select Continuing Education from the Educational Programs Quick Jump pull-down menu at top right.

Wharton County Junior College Continuing Education Department 281.239.1531 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays www.wcjc.edu

Locations of Continuing Education Courses Wharton, Bay City & El Campo: 979.532.6324 Sugar Land: 281.243.8495 Richmond: 281.239.1531

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 19, 2011

Nominations sought for outstanding volunteers’ award

Do you know of someone who selflessly and continually volunteers their time and talent to help improve the lives of others?

Volunteer Fort Bend is seeking nominations for the most outstanding volunteers in the county.

The nomination period began December 1, and continues through February 1.

Five individuals who most exemplify the generous and caring spirit of volunteerism will be honored by Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert at the 2011 County Judge’s Volunteer Fort Bend Awards Ceremony in April, in celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Month.

Behind the scenes, there are thousands of individuals who are dedicated to helping their fellow man without thought of financial or political gain or recognition.

These selfless volunteers play a significant (and often unheralded) role in making Fort Bend County such an outstanding place to live and raise a family.

If you know a volunteer who has made a significant difference to an organization or a group of individuals, you may nominate them to become part of a select group of very special individuals – those who have been deemed the most outstanding volunteers of Fort Bend County.

Volunteer categories include, but are not limited to, Youth, Civic, Health, Education, Social Service, Community Development, Groups, and Cultural & Performing Arts.

To be nominated, all volunteer work must be done

in Fort Bend County and the individual must not have received monetary compensation for the work. Volunteer service cannot be restricted to a specific religious denomination or be part of partisan political work.

The nomination period began December 1 and will end on Tuesday, February 1, at midnight.

Nominations received after the deadline will not be considered. Nominations may be submitted online by completing the nomination form found on the Volunteer Fort Bend website (www.VolunteerFortBend.org).

Those who prefer a paper version of the nomination form may call Volunteer Fort Bend at 281-340-1919, and a nomination form will be mailed to them.

Each individual may nominate up to three volunteers. If the nominee participates in multiple volunteer activities or volunteers for different organizations, please be as descriptive as possible about all of their volunteer work.

A panel of judges will review the nominations to select the top five volunteers who have demonstrated acts of extraordinary volunteer service in the community, and who – by their commitment and example – have inspired others to engage in volunteer service.

If your nominee is selected, photographs showing his/ her volunteer activities will be requested.

The winning volunteers and their accomplishments will be honored at a celebratory breakfast on Thursday, April 28.

In addition, Judge Hebert will present each winning volunteer with a prestigious award.

Sponsorships for the awards ceremony are available.

For more information on sponsorships or tickets to the awards ceremony, call Kathy Renfrow, Director of Volunteer Fort Bend, at 281-340-1919, or send an email to kathyr@ volunteerhouston.org.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 4TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-170579 in favor of the Plaintiff - QUAIL GREEN WEST HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,935.14 +++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 DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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 Defendant(s)- WILLIS N. WHYTE had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 09, IN BLOCK 02 OF QUAIL GREEN WEST, SECTION ONE, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 56 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF (THE PROPERTY) ALSO KNOWN AS 1835 FRESHMEADOW DR., MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459.

Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #10-DCV-180977 in favor of the Plaintiff -RIDGEMONT PUD HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,284.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on the 16TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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 Defendant(s)- JUAN A. MONTEZ and MIRNA MONTEZ had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 9, IN BLOCK 3, OF AN UNRECORDED SUBDIVISION OUT OF RESERVE “D” AND “G” OF RIDGEMONT, SECTION TWO, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF WHICH RIDGEMONT, SECTION TWO IF RECORDED IN VOLUME 10, PAGE 11, IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ALSO KNOWN AS 15841 RIDGEROE LN., HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77053.

Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 4TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #07-DCV-155975 in favor of the Plaintiff - QUAIL GREEN WEST HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $7,943.25 +++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 DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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 Defendant(s)- KWAME OSEI BONSU had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 52, IN BLOCK 11 OF QUAIL GREEN WEST, SECTION ONE, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 56 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF (THE PROPERTY) ALSO KNOWN AS 2006 FEATHER RIDGE DR., MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459.

Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.

Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2

By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2

By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #10-DCV-178921 in favor of the Plaintiff - SIENNA PLANTATION RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,935.14 +++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 DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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 Defendant(s)- TIFFANY HICKS had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 22, IN BLOCK 01 OF SIENNA VILLAGE OF ANDERSON SPRINGS, SECTION THREE A (3A), AN ADDITION IN IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20040030 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, (THE PROPERTY) ALSO KNOWN AS 5907 BUFFALO GAP, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459.

Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.

Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2

By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2

By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-169910 in favor of the Plaintiff -RIDGEMONT PUD HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,013.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on the 16TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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 Defendant(s)- JUAN MANUEL HERNANDEZ AND ALICIA HERNANDEZ had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 10, IN BLOCK 15 OUT OF RESERVE “G” OF RIDGEMONT, SECTION 2, A SUBDIVISION IN HARRIS COUNTY AND FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 10, PAGE 11 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY ,METES AND BOUNDS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART THEREOF (THE PROPERTY) ALSO KNOWN AS 4925 E. RIDGECREEK DR., HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77053.

Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.

Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2

By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

Free weddings on Valentine’s Day Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace, Pct 1, Place 1, Gary D. Janssen will honor the legacy of his colleague, retired Judge Gary Geick, by continuing Judge Geick’s annual tradition of offering weddings on February 14, of every year, without charge to the participants. For more information about the “free weddings”, call Judge Janssen’s office at 979 793-3403 or 281 3427807.

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office 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, JANUARY 27, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened.

1. BID 11-027 – TERM CONTRACT FOR VOICE AND DATA CABLING; 2. BID 11-028 – VEHICLES. Lump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are 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

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-176741 in favor of the Plaintiff -RIDGEMONT PUD HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,793.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on the 16TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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 Defendant(s)- GERALDINE L. COTTON had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: BEING A TRACT OR PARCEL CONTAINING 0.1703 ACRE OF LAND BEING TRACT 10, BLOCK 14 OF RESERVE “G” OF RIDGEMONT, SECTION 2, A SUBDIVISION OF RECORD IN VOLUME 10, PAGE 11 OF THE FORT BEND COUNTY PLAT RECORDS, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AS BEING THAT SAME TRACT OF RECORD IN VOLUME 1353, PAGE 695 OF THE FORT BEND COUNTY DEED RECORDS (F.B.C.D.R.) FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, (THE PROPERTY) ALSO KNOWN AS 4845 E. RIDGECREEK DR., HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77053.

Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.

Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2

By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 2NDday of DECEMBER 2010 by the JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRECINCT 1, PLACE 2 HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, in cause #CV12C0103929 in favor of the Plaintiff DONIELLE CLEMONS, Plaintiff, for the sum of $2,261.18 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on the 3RD day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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 Defendant(s)- SERGIO AVILA had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: BRIAR VILLA SOUTH SEC 2, BLOCK 8, LOT 2 ,(52X100) (BLUE RIDGE PARK) 16391 ANGEL ISLAND LANE, HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77053.

Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.

Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2

By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 16TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #10-DCV-179010 in favor of the Plaintiff - CREEKMONT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,207.69 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on the 1ST day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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 Defendant(s)- FRANCINA LAUNETTE RUTLEDGE had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 17, IN BLOCK 01 OF CREEKMONT, SEC 3A, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NO. 20070035 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY DESCRIBED AS 4706 LESSER CREEK, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545.

Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.

Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2

By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF FORT BEND § By virtue of an Order of Sale dated NOV 08, 2010 delivered pursuant to a Judgment issued out of the COUNTY COURT AT LAW 3 of Fort Bend County, Texas, said judgment rendered in favor of THE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, OF THE HIGHLANDS plaintiff, and against ALEEN T. WALKER, defendant, in Cause No. 09-CCV-040237 for the sum of ONETHOUSAND-FIVE-HUNDRED-EIGHTYONEAND 33/100’s ($1581.33), plus fees for posting notices, publishing, and all costs of executing sale. I did on the 6TH day of DEC, 2010, at 11:00 Am, levy upon the following described tract of land in Fort Bend County, Texas, as the property of ALEEN T. WALKER, defendant(s), to-wit: LOT THIRTY (30), (LESS W. 1.5’) AND LOT THIRTY-ONE (31) (W1)IN BLOCK FOUR (4), OF THE HIGHLANDS, SECTION III CITY OF SUGAR LAND, IN THE COUNTY OF FORT BEND, STATE OF TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3026 PECAN POINT DR., SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77478. ( THE PROPERTY) and on FEB 1, 2011, 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 the north entrance of the Fort Bend County Courthouse, in Fort Bend County, Texas, I will offer for sale and sell at public auction for cash, all the right, title and interest of ALEEN T. WALKER, defendant, in and to said property.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE, RICHMOND, TX. 77469 DATE: FEB 1, 2011 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 AM BY: SERGEANT M. KUTACH TROY E. NEHLS, Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 16TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #09-DCV-170767 in favor of the Plaintiff – MISSION BEND NO. 5 HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,590.78 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 28TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY, 2011 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 Defendant(s) – ROSA G. SALINAS 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 affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION : LOT NINETEEN (19), IN BLOCK TWENTY SIX (26), OF MISSION BEND, SECTION SIX (6 ), A SUBDIVISION IN HARRIS AND FORT BEND COUNTY COUNTIES, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 264, PAGE 97, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS AND VOLUME 21, PAGE 26 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, SAID LOT LYING WHOLLY WITHIN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AND MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 15610 SIERRA VALLE DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77083 ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $89,720.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M..

ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain WRIT OF EXECUTION issued by the clerk of the 190TH District Court of HARRIS County, Texas on NOV 10, 2010 in cause numbered 2009- 63908 styled AMERICAN BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS SUPPLY CO, INC. vs. CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION CO, INC AND LONG T. CHAU JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY, in which a judgment was rendered on MAR 9, 2010 in favor of AMERICAN BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS SUPPLY, CO. INC, for the sum of ONEHUNDRED-FIFTY-THREE THOUSAND SIXHUNDRED-TWENTY- SIX DOLLARS AND NINE CENTS (153626.09)Dollars; 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 DEC 20 , 2010 and will on FEB 1, 2011, 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 Rights, Title, and Interest of LONG T. CHAU in the following described Real Property THE SURFACE ESTATE ONLY OF A 9.5205 ACRES,BEING LOTS THIRTY-SIX (36),THIRTY-EIGHT(38), AND FORTYTWO (42) OF OYSTER CREEK FARMS, AN UNRECORDED SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS AND RECORDED UNDER FILE NUMBER 9681585 OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. , The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of AMERICAN BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS SUPPLY,. INC. .Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: FEB 1, 2011 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 am BY: SGT. M KUTACH NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 3RD day of DECEMBER, 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #09-DCV-176748 in favor of the Plaintiff – THE WOODS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC Plaintiff, for the sum of $1,942.50 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 28TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY, 2011 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 Defendant(s) – NIKKI MCCRAY 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 affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 26, BLOCK 04, OF THE WOODS SUBDIVISION, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT CLERK’S FILE NO. 1176060, SLIDE NO. 692B IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $106,170.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M..

ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306 NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of NOVEMBER, 2010 by the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #09-DCV-172040 in favor of the Plaintiff – PARK AT MISSION GLEN HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, for the sum of $6,551.77 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 14TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY, 2011 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 Defendant(s) – NGOZIKA NGONADI 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 affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 06, BLOCK 02, OF PARK AT MISSION GLEN, SECTION ONE, AMENDING PLAT NO. 1, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NOS. 2164B AND 2165 A&B OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AS MODIFIED BY ANY ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $143,660.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306 NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 16TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, Texas in cause #09-DCV-176564 in favor of the Plaintiff – MISSION BEND NO.5 HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC Plaintiff, for the sum of $2,665.85 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on the 28TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY, 2011 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 Defendant(s) – CARMEN DONIS 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 affixed thereto. All sales are final.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION : LOT TWENTY TWO (22 ), IN BLOCK THIRTY FOUR (34 ) OF MISSION BEND, SECTION EIGHT (8), A SUBDIVISION IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS AND IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 13, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ( PROPERTY LIES WHOLLY WITHIN FORT BEND COUNTY ), MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 15511 RIO DEL SOL DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77083.

ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $89,290.00 Terms: Cash Sale to be held at about 10:00 A.M. ROB COOK, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Deputy Juan Diaz, #1306

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Sartia Road, Bishop Lane, Pecan Grove Lane, Thompson Chapel, McVey Lane and Lee Lane, Precinct 4.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic/safety plan for Pink Taylor Run Road to include placement of “No Trucks” signs to be located from FM 2919 to West Tavener, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk CITATION BY PUBLICATION DIVORCE The State of Texas TO: Christopher Lee Maldonado 4302 Tumut Lane, Killeen TX 76549, and to all whom it may concern, Respondent GREETINGS: 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 10:00 AM on the Monday next following the expiration of twenty (20) days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. The Original Petition for Divorce of Linda Marie Maldonado, Petitioners, was filed in the 328th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on the December 21, 2010 against Christopher Lee Maldonado, Respondent, being numbered 10-DCV- 186480, and entitled In the Matter of the Marriage of Linda Marie Maldonado and Christopher Lee Maldonado The suit requests petition for 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 11th day of January, 2011.

Petitioner’s Attorney: Linda Marie Maldonado 1301 Divin Drive Rosenberg TX 77471 832-884-9126 DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas District Clerk Lisa Tobola Telephone: 281-633-7609

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and / or Order of Sale issued on the 17TH day of NOVEMBER 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas in cause #09-DCV-170084 in favor of the Plaintiff - SIENNA PLANTATION RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $4,974.00 +++costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on the 20TH day of DECEMBER, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 1ST day of FEBRUARY 2011 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 Defendant(s)- LANE OLSON had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT FIVE (5), IN BLOCK TWO (2) OF SIENNA VILLAGE OF ANDERSON SPRINGS, SECTION FIVE A (5A), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 2004, PAGE 84 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Terms: Cash Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.

Ruben Davis, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2

By Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable CITATION BY PUBLICATION STATE OF TEXAS TO: RONY JAVIER URBINA ROSALES ADDRESS UNKNOWN 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 file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday next following the expiration of 20 days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. The petition of MADRID, SANTOS ARDEN, Petitioner, was filed in the 387TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas on the November 24, 2010 against RONY JAVIER URBINA ROSALES, Respondent(s), numbered 10-DCV-185915, and entitled In the Interest of Keylin Elizabeth Urbina Madrid, a Child.

The suit request ORIGINAL PETITION IN SUIT AFFECTING PARENT- CHILD RELATIONSHIP as is more fully shown by Petition on file in this suit.

The date and place of birth of the child(ren) who is/are the subject of the suit: November 6,1993 Fort Bend, Missouri City, TX 77489 The Court has authority in this suit to render an order in the child(ren)’s interest which will be binding on you, including the termination of the parentchild 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 3rd day of January, 2011.

ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER OR RESPONDENT: RICHARD L. HORSTMAN PO BOX 4813 HOUSTON TX 77210 713-296-2500 Honorable Annie Rebecca Elliot Fort Bend County District Clerk Deputy District Clerk Beatrice Padilla 281-341-4522 301 Jackson Street Richmond, Texas 77469

JANUARY 19, 2011 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

FILM REVIEW: The Dilemma You just saw your best friend’s wife kissing and romantically entangled with another man; what do you do and when?

Not a problem, I’d tell him immediately; not so fast, don’t tell him at all and stay out of his marriage.

If you tell him, when do you tell him?

What if he is involved in the biggest business opportunity of his life and he needs a little time before getting devastating news?

Welcome to the dilemma of Ronny Valentine (Vince Vaughn) and his naïve best friend Nick (Kevin James).

This movie has the best second half and ending to any movie I’ve seen in a long time

that had such a horrific first half.

The beginning of a wellmade movie is reserved for the precious moments of character development that is vital to the remainder of the film.

About 30 minutes into this comedy directed by Ron “Opie” Howard, I came to the sad conclusion that I didn’t care who was sleeping with who because I thought they were all buffoons and not worthy of my empathy.

I was getting drowsy and the lady sitting three seats to my right laid her head on her husband’s shoulder and became quite still.

And then the magic kicked in and Vince Vaughn caught fire and the two of us were sit-

ting on the edge of our seats and were enraptured with the tenderness and warmth of this complicated, well-written screenplay by Allan Loeb.

I give Opie a lot of credit, too, partly because he and I have been friends for over 50 years and partly because in the end, the story and characters came together in a marvelous blend of compassion and comedy. I had sweaty palms and tears in one of the final scenes when Nick and Ronny were trying to close their big business deal.

What about the ladies? Jennifer Connelly, who won an Oscar in Ron Howard’s “A Beautiful Mind,” was brilliant as Vince Vaughn’s wife and Winona Ryder was amazing

as the cheating wife of Kevin James’ Nick.

At first, I couldn’t stand Ryder’s character and hoped she was caught and flogged, yet I was able to muster understanding and respect for her character by movie’s end.

Now that takes some great acting, direction, and a sophisticated screenplay.

However, the biggest winner might be Channing Tatum who played Ryder’s paramour lover with a cross between emotional instability and sneaky humor.

I love Jennifer Connelly (40) and think she is one of the most accomplished actresses of her generation.

Evidently, Ron Howard does, too. But she won me

AUTOMOBILE: Toyota Tacoma

By BARBARA FULENWIDER New for 2011 on the Toyota Tacoma are two pro packages based on the 2009 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association Show, five new fourcylinder models, revised grille and styling and new amenities for more comfort.

The four-door, double cab 4x4 with a V6 under the hood arrived from the Toyota plant in San Antonio looking good in silver streak mica paint. It has been the best selling compact pickup truck in the U.S. since 2005 and has bolstered its position as the leader by adding more value and offering new model variations tailored to the market.

Select Tacoma models also got additional standard equipment for 2011 such as air conditioning, six-disc CD changer with an integrated satellite radio receiver. A new convenience package for double cab models adds cruise control, sliding rear window with privacy glass, remote keyless entry and steering wheel audio controls.

The new T|X and T|X pro packages are optional on the Tacoma V6 access cab or V6 double cab in conjunction with the Toyota Racing Development package, which adds an extra dose of performance.

Toyota has added five fourcylinder variants to the access cab 4x2 PreRunner four-speed automatic; double cab 4x2 four-speed automatic; double cab 4x2 PreRunner four-speed automatic; regular cab 4x4 four-speed automatic; and access cab 4x4 four-speed auto-

matic.

The 2011 Tacoma line offers either the 2.7-liter dual overhead cam four-cylinder that makes 159 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque or a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 that makes 236 horsepower and 226 lb.ft. of torque. The V6 can be teamed with either a six-speed manual; or a five-speed automatic transmission.

The four-cylinder models come with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. With a

V6 Tow Package Access Cab models can tow up to 6,500 pounds.

Standard control technology on all Tacoma models includes anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution (EDB), brake assist, vehicle stability control and traction control.

An automatic limited-slip differential, which uses brake intervention to help reduce rear tire slippage, is standard on all Tacoma models.

Toyota’s VSC system helps keep the vehicle on its intended course while EBD optimizes brake pressure at each wheel independently for greater control under braking, especially when cornering.

The 2011 Tacoma configurations are based on three cab types: regular, access and fourdoor double cab. Regular Cab and access cab models have a 73.5-inch long bed while the double cab gets either a 60.3-inch or 73.5-inch bed.

The double cab 4x4 V6 Tacoma retails for $27,025.

Standard equipment included

Glass-encapsulated miniatures on display at First Colony library Fort Bend County Libraries’ First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land, will feature an exhibit of glass-encapsulated miniatures throughout the month of January in the lobby of the library.

From the studio of Sugar Land resident Burton D. Reckles, the art pieces include a variety of miniatures encased in bottles, light bulbs, and pocket-watch cases. The collection includes traditional ships-in-bottles, humorous dioramas, whimsical children’s fantasy scenes, Judaic mementos, and Holocaust art.

Reckles began his hobby more than 65 years ago, when he started building models from kits and eventually worked his way up to scratchbuilt museum pieces.

At the suggestion of his wife about 25 years ago, his focus turned to miniatures, particularly ships in bottles. Once he mastered this technique, he broadened his choice of media to include light bulbs and watch cases.

“I create works on various subjects for different reasons,” says Reckles.

“In some cases, working on a piece serves as a creative outlet, while in other cases – such as the Holocaust – I have a personal affiliation to the event and wish to maintain its visibility.”

He adds that his wife says his work is a product of a “quirky sense of humor.”

Reckles also enjoys his hobby because he believes in keeping alive a 400-year-old dying art-form.

“The art was born in the late 1600s, but today, in this country of over 300 million [people], there are less than 100 artisans still pursuing the art. In another generation, the only examples of GEMs (Glass-Encapsulated Miniatures) will be seen in muse-

Reckles

ums and private collections,” he explains.

“I hope that perhaps someone seeing my work will get inspired to try to create their own GEM and, in so doing, delay the art’s passing.”

Some of Reckles’ art pieces have been exhibited in museum collections in Japan, Europe, and the San Diego and Houston Maritime Museums, as well as at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, DC, where a curator titled the piece “modern American maritime art.” He has won numerous awards for his artwork.

The exhibit may be viewed during regular library hours.

For more information, call the branch library at 281-2382800 or the library’s Public Information Office at 281-3412677.

To advertise in these pages, call 281-980-6745 or email sales@ fbindependent.com

over in her performance as the pitiful young woman in “House of Fog and Sand” in 2003 rather than “A Beautiful Mind” in 2001.

Director Howard has an eye for talent and is certainly a loyal old dog. He consistently hires his family for supporting

roles for his movies. Can you spot his brother Clint Howard and his father Rance Howard in this movie?

This is a good date movie.

Rock ‘n Roll Grade 89. Larry H. sugarlaw@larryharrison.com.

coil-spring double wishbone front suspension, rear leaf spring suspension with staggered outboard-mounted gas shock absorbers, 16-inch steel wheels, electronically controlled transfer case, tire pressure monitor system, power windows, door locks and mirrors, driver’s seat with lumbar support, 60/40 split rear bench seat, AM/FM CD with MP3/ WMA playback, six speakers and auxiliary audio jack, two-

speed windshield wipers and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

The test drive Tacoma came with the TRD off-road extra value package with the JBL audio system, Bilstein shocks, locking rear differential, etc. and increased the price by $4,850.

The Tacoma is my size truck and with the V6 has plenty of hauling and towing power for five passengers and plenty of cargo.

REPUTATION DOES MATTER Top Orthopedic Surgeon (National Level) One of only 23 named in the Houston area by the “Consumers’ Checkbook Guide to Top Doctors”

Texas Super Doctor (State Level)

by “Texas Monthly” Magazine for the past 6 years

Outstanding Orthopedic Surgeon of Texas as seen in "Sports Illustrated" Mar. 22, 2010

Houston’s Top Doctors (Local Level) by “H Texas Magazine” 2010

THOMAS J. PARR, M.D. ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON 14090 Southwest Fwy, #130 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Phone: (281) 491-7111 www.tomparrmd.net www.FtBendSportsMedicine.com

Not just oil, Pennzoil

PROUDLY SERVING FORT BEND SINCE 1981

RUSSELL C. JONES THELMA HOLOWAY JONES LEWIS W. “CHIP” SMITH IV JANICE W. SUCHYTA ● Real Estate ● Health Care Law ● ● Banking ● Creditors' Rights ● Collections ● ● Business and Corporate Law ● Immigration ● ● Business Litigation ● Mergers and Acquisitions ● ● Estate Planning ● Probate ● ● Property Owners' Associations ● In the Sugar Land Industrial Park 407 Julie Rivers Drive, Sugar Land, Tx. 77478 281-242-8100 rjones@jonesattorneys.com www.jonesattorneys.com AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 19, 2011

Community news On Saturday, Jan.8, Area Choir Auditions were held at Rockport/Fulton High School in Rockport, Texas.

Sixteen talented musicians from the Clements High School Choir program qualified for this level of competition.

To qualify for area, students compete at the district, region and pre area level.

The process begins in September and ends at the TMEA music convention in San Antonio in February.

The convention is Feb. 9 through Feb. 12.

At the convention, singers rehearse and perform a concert with outstanding singers from across the state.

TMEA is the largest music convention in the country.

Public school music teachers including elementary, middle and high school band, choir and orchestra participate along with colleges and churches.

Honor groups from across the state perform concerts in addition to the All-State groups. Clements Choir seated 11 outstanding singers in the 2011 All-State Choir.

Soprano 2 Chair 10 Emily Premont Alto I Chair 6 Michelle Kratofil Alto 1 Chair 9 Avani Patel Alto 2 Chair 7 Shelby McKay Tenor 1 Chair 2 Anik Bhattacharya Tenor 1 Chair 4 Eric Laine Tenor 2 Chair 1 Evan Hines Bass 1 Chair 1 Charlie Carroll Bass 1 Chair 4 Jacob Khalil Bass 1 Chair 5 Scott Clark Bass 2 Chair 3 David Catalano

16 Clements choir students qualify for state meet

Several of these students have achieved All-State Choir multiple times.

Michelle Kratofil, Evan Hines, Jacob Khalil and David Catalano were members of the 2010 All-State Choir.

Anik Bhattacharya is a four year All-State member. He is one of two Clements Choir students to achieve this honor in the history of our program.

This is an unprecedented number of musicians from one high school choral program to make All-Sate.

All State Choir is the most prestigious honor that a Texas choral music student can achieve. Hundreds of choral students from across the state participate in this process every year. Clements High School Choir seated more students in this choir than any other choral program in the district, region or area.

Lamar vocalists Four Lamar CISD vocalists have earned All-State status from the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA). The four students will perform at the 2011 TMEA State Conference, February 9-12, in San Antonio.

Terry High School senior Hannah Hausler is a firsttime All-State selection to the Women’s Choir. Terry junior Carolyn Castillo is All-State for a second time and is a member of the Mixed Choir.

Foster High School junior Alyana Thomas is also a junior and is an All-State selection for the second time, as a member of the Mixed Choir.

Lamar Consolidated High School junior Chika Iguh made All-State for the third time, also as a member of the Mixed Choir.

Hannah Hausler, Alayna Thomas, Chika Iguh and Carolyn Castillo

Southwest 59 Rotary Club has been in existence for just over a year and it meets every Wednesday morning at 7 at the Café Adobe Restaurant on Hwy 6. For its first fund raiser this year the club members are raffling off a beautiful Dodge Challenger car courtesy of Helfman Dodge. Only 500 tickets will be sold at $100 each. All proceeds will go to furthering the work for charity both in the area and abroad. Contact Carl Favre, service projects chairman at 832314-3174. The drawing will be on March 16 at the club meeting the day before St. Patrick’s Day . Carl Favre , Allan Harris, president of Southwest 59 Sunrise Rotary Club, Steven Wolf, general manger of Helfman Dodge and David Lavine, chairman of the raffle committee.

Dining & Entertainment

Introducing New Sandwiches

Murphy’s Deli 13134 Dairy Ashford Sugar Land 281-494-1960 Fax: 281-494-1967