Fort Bend Independent 071118 by Fort Bend Independent

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VOL 11 No. 28

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2018

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Missouri City’s Edible Arbor Trail

Cookies4heroes

Missouri City’s award-winning Edible Arbor Trail features several groves of hardy trees and shrubs that produce edible fruits and nuts along the Oyster Creek Trail. For a full map of the trail, check out the Edible Arbor Trail Seasonal Picking Guide. Mexican Plums, Persimmon, Jujubes, Mulberry and Pomegranate trees can be found along the Edible Arbor Trail. Signs along the trail educate individuals about the types of trees and shrubs present and when they can expect to enjoy the fruits and nuts on each tree.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital was presented with Cookies4Heroes by Girl Scouts Troop #157134, recently. The program was created as a way to thank local volunteers, municipal fire stations, police departments, hospitals and churches who had a significant outreach during Hurricane Harvey. This troop chose HMSL based on its dedication to continue serving the community during and after the storm as the only hospital to remain open in Fort Bend. Above,Chris Siebenaler, CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital with the girl scouts and the cookies.

Edible Arbor Trail, Missouri City, seasonal picking guide

Fort Bend County Fair releases entertainment lineup

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On Wednesday, October 3 the Fort Bend County Fair will be throwing it back with the Spazmatics. The 80’s throwback band will be making their debut at the Fair. The Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo has announced the 2018 entertainment lineup, with 13 musical artists performing during the fair’s 10-day run. Grand Ole Opry legend John Conlee is among the wide variety of musical acts that will be bringing their talents to the Brazos stage from September 28 –

October 7. “Our lineup features a mix of Texas Music, traditional country music, Tejano Music, and something for everyone to enjoy. We are thrilled that some artists will be returning, and others will be making their debut, but it is sure to be a good time for all,” said James Duke, 2018 Fort Bend

County Fair President. Kicking oﬀ the Fair will be the Turnpike Troubadours on Friday, September 28. The Turnpike Troubadours have crisscrossed the nation on their recent tour and continue to be one of the most sought-after acts. See FAIR, Page 3

Olson plays basketball game with Boys and Girls Club of Houston, Staﬀord branch team

Boys and Girls Club of Greater Houston, Stafford members played a competitive game of basketball against U.S. Rep. Pete Olson (TX Dist. 22) on July 6. Olson had visited the club earlier in March and promised to come back to play with the kids in the newly built basketball court. The basketball court has been built by U.S. Rep Pete Olson, (rear, second from left, ) BGCGH CEO Kevin Hattery, Stafford Club director Fort Bend County, thanks to the efforts of Pct. 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage. Earlier Prestage tipped Matt Salazar, BCCGH Chair Bill Goetz, Anthony Johnson, (Stafford), Joseph D’Eramo, and Christian off the ball to start the game. BGCGH Board Chair Bill Goetz,and President & CEO Kevin Hattery joined Bionat, Olson’s staffers and Andre Johnson, of the Stafford Club, with the club team members. Olson and his staff in the game. Above, the Stafford club members cheer the teams.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 11, 2018

Broadway’s Adam Pascal comes to Sugar Land’s Inspiration Stage

Sugar Land’s national award-winning community theatre, Inspiration Stage, is excited to present an advanced Student Showcase, featuring Tony Award-nominee Adam Pascal, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m., at the historic Sugar Land Auditorium, 226 Lakeview Dr. Pascal is best known for his role as Roger in RENT, which he originated both on Broadway and in the 2005 ﬁlm. He has also starred on Broadway

NEWS

in Aida (Radames), Cabaret (Emcee), Chess (Freddie), Chicago (Billy), Memphis (Huey), Disaster (Chad), and most recently, Something Rotten (Shakespeare). Pascal will spend the day working one-on-one with some of Inspiration Stage’s advanced students, providing educational insight and personal feedback in a workshop format. Many attending students are aspiring profession-

see him perform,” says Mandy Seymore-Sensat, Inspiration Stage’s artistic director. Inspiration Stage is a national award-winning performance arts studio located in

the historic Sugar Land Auditorium at 226 Lakeview Dr. The 2018/2019 season includes youth and adult productions, as well as acting and production classes.

Tuition assistance is available to qualifying participants. For tickets and information, visit www.inspirationstage. com.

Sugar Land Court Clerk earns certiﬁcation

Pascal

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als attending or seeking musical theatre college programs. The day will culminate with an open-to-the-public Student Showcase with special guest Pascal performing a few numbers from his past Broadway shows. The concert will conclude with a moving tribute performance you won’t want to miss! In addition to his numerous Broadway successes, Pascal has released two solo rock albums, Model Prisoner (2000), Civilian (2004), as well as a collaborative rock album Blinding Light (2008) with pianist, Larry Edoff. In television and film, he appeared in RENT (2005), School of Rock, (2003), Temptation (2004), and Cold Case (2006). Adam also tours regularly, performing sold-out solo concerts all around the country. Tickets for the Student Showcase, featuring Adam Pascal, cost $25-$35 and are available at www.inspirationstage.com. VIP packages (including meet-and-greet reception with Adam Pascal, photo and autograph) run $75-$100 and include preferred seating. “This will be the first time a major Broadway celebrity has performed at the historic Sugar Land Auditorium. It is an amazing and unique opportunity, not just for our youth who will be learning from him, but for patrons who get to

Sugar Land Municipal Court Administrator Kendra Beverly was recently recognized during a City Council meeting as one of only 86 people in Texas to earn Municipal Court Clerk Certification. The Texas Court Clerks Association in conjunction with the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center and Texas State University awarded Sugar Land Municipal Court Administrator Kendra Beverly with Certified Municipal Court Clerk Certification. She joins an elite group of court clerks in Texas as one of only 86 people to earn the certification. The Certified Municipal Court Certification Program is comprised of Certified Court Clerk I, Certified Court Clerk II and Certified Municipal Court Clerk. Beverly previously obtained Certified Court Clerk I and II certifications, which both require the completion of 40 hours of education and a three-part exam.

The requirements for the Certified Municipal Court Clerk certification include: *Certified Court Clerk II in good standing; *40 hours of court observation; *an essay about court observations; *an exam covering 16 books on topics such as management, leadership, court security, diversity, caseflow management, etc.; *28 hours of continued education and an assessment clinic; and attendance at a court administrator seminar. Certified court clerks such as Beverly are a tremendous asset to Texas municipal courts. Their expertise ensures that all defendants receive due process and proper legal options. This not only results in excellent customer service,

but it also provides a better experience for defendants, attorneys and the public who visit the city’s court. The Texas Court Clerks Association is a non-proﬁt professional association of municipal and justice court clerks and administrators. Its purpose is to increase the proﬁciency of judicial administrators and clerical personnel through education and the exchange of ideas. The association is composed of municipal court judges, clerks, prosecutors and court support personnel. It monitors legislation, attorney general opinions and changes in case law to ensure that the 843 municipal courts in Texas remain up-to-date on the law.

Wonder woman at Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center

The unconquerable and empowering Princess Diana of Themyscira will leave her island paradise behind to stop by the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center in an aweinspiring, wondrous event during “Super Powered Summer.” Armed with her Lasso of Truth and her passion for justice, the amazon warrior will soar through the clouds and into the hearts of all for a Wonder Woman story time and fan celebration. Join the Amazon princess for a story surrounding her myth and legend at 1 and 1:30

p.m. in Kidtropolis, USA at 198 Kempner St., Sugar Land, TX 77498. ON-GOING ACTIVITIES: •Sand Sculptures: Engineer a unique kinetic sand sculpture in OCuSOFT® Art Academy. •Part the Waters!: Explore the role of surface tension in Science Station. •Darkest Knight Mask: Go incognito like Bruce Wayne with a Batman inspired mask in Junktion. •Hulk Smash: Bulk up your grip by making your own oversized hulk hands in Junktion.

•God of Thunder’s Helmet: Bring on the thunder before venturing throughout at Junktion. Fort Bend Childrens’ Discovery Center, •MUSEUM HOURS: Tues. – Sat.: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. •General Museum admission: $12 per person and $11 for seniors 65+ and for active duty military personnel. Children under one and Museum Members receive free admission. For more information, visit www.childrensdiscoveryfb. org or call (832) 742-2800.

INDEPENDENT • JULY 11, 2018 • Page 3

NEWS

Victor Rivas Rivers to speak at annual Healing & Hope Luncheon Hollywood actor and survivor of childhood domestic violence, Victor Rivas Rivers will be the guest speaker at this year’s Fort Bend Women’s Center Healing and Hope Luncheon at Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land on October 11, 2018. Rivers, his siblings and mother experienced unspeakable physical abuse at the hands of his father. When he was a teenager, his father kidnapped him and his siblings, transporting them to a diﬀerent state, without their mother. At this year’s Healing & Hope Luncheon, Rivers will share his journey from escaping abuse by running away and living on the streets to becoming the ﬁrst Cuban-born athlete to land a tryout with the Miami Dolphins, and beyond that to starring in movies such as ‘The Mask of Zorro’ and ‘The Hulk’ and hit TV shows including ‘CSI Miami’, ‘Law & Order LA’, ‘JAG’ and ‘Star Trek’. According to Rivers, his story is about being saved by love at a time when most people considered him beyond rescue. Rivers will also share his experiences as a long time domestic violence advocate, working to raise awareness and educate the public on breaking the cycle of violence. He regularly addresses policy makers and has given evidence before Congress. The Healing and Hope Luncheon is the keynote event in Fort Bend Women’s Center’s annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign. Fort Bend Women’s Center is the only domestic violence and sexual assault emergency shelter and crisis hotline in Fort Bend County. It is also

Rivers the county’s largest provider of support services such as counseling, advocacy and case management for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Fort Bend Women’s Center CEO, Vita Goodell said: “We are so pleased that Victor will be sharing his story at this year’s Luncheon. His experiences are a powerful reminder of the impact of domestic violence on children and their need for support to help them succeed. We hope his story will inspire others in our community to show their support for the more than 1,000 survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault that the Women’s Center serves every year.” Sponsorship packages for the Women’s Center’s Healing and Hope Luncheon begin at $1,500 for a table of 10. Individual tickets are also available starting at $100. For more information on the Healing and Hope luncheon, visit www.fbwc.org. A veteran ﬁlm star, bestselling author, renowned advocate for domestic violence prevention, and the ﬁrst Cu-

Fair From Page 1 The Oklahoma natives most recent album release made Rolling Stone magazine’s 40 Best Country and Americana Albums of 2017. Micky and the Motorcars, an Austin-based alternative-country group will be opening and making their debut at the Fair. Koe Wetzel, the pride of East Texas will be playing for his ﬁrst time at our Fair on Saturday, September 29. Wetzel brings a strong mixture of southern rock energy and East Texas charm that will be a crowd pleaser. Wetzel has a

Victor subsequently achieved success as an athlete, actor and author. He secured a full football scholarship to Florida State University and was the ﬁrst Cuban-born football player to land a tryout with the Miami Dolphins. After being dubbed ‘The Longest of Long Shots’ by the Miami sports media, he pursued another long shot in Hollywood. In one more unlikely turn, he has since attained a global following with roles in over two dozen movies, including The Mask of Zorro, The Hulk, Blood In/Blood Out, The Lost City, Distinguished Gentleman, and What’s Cooking?, as well as roles on multiple TV series, including LIFE, Law & Order LA, CSI Miami, JAG, and Star Trek. He chronicled his story of survival in his memoir A Private Family Matter, acknowledging his “angels” – the educators, coaches and families – who helped him survive and succeed. Without these individuals, Victor doubts that he would still be alive. Victor serves as a national spokesperson for the National Network to End Domestic Violence, regularly speaking to policy makers and members of Congress. He lives in LA with his wife and son.

Dance Classes for Kids with Unique Abilities Hope For Three, in partnership with Cookie Joe’s Dancin’ School, is hosting ballet and hip hop classes for kids with unique abilities on Friday, July 20th at We Rock the Spectrum Sugar Land location. Children, ages 6 and up welcome. Siblings can play in the indoor gym playground in a safe, fun environment. Pre-registration required. Class time 6 p.m - 8 p.m. For more information or to register, visit hopeforthree.org/event/dance or call 281.245.0640.

Meet Hiro, Missouri City’s Adoptable Pet of the Week Meet Hiro, a quiet 2- to 3-year-old male Akita Mix that likes to cuddle and be petted. Hiro loves to take long walks, play outdoors and interact with other family pets! Hiro is scheduled to be spayed and has tested negative for heartworms. He has also been vaccinated and dewormed. To visit Hiro at the #MCTX Animal Shelter, or to inquire about adopting her, call 281.403.8707. The shelter is located behind the City Hall complex at 1923 Scanlin Rd. To view information on adoption fees and requirements, please visit the City website: http://bit.ly/2EMdY2I.

Employment Certiﬁed nursing assistant with 24 years experience in total care including Dementia and Alzheimer’s. 24 hour care 5 days a week. Call Rhonda at 832-419-7756.

Koe Wetzel

John Conlee

Jake Hooker

ban-born football player to land a tryout with the Miami Dolphins, Victor Rivas Rivers has achieved extraordinary success in numerous arenas, but given his violent upbringing, few of those achievements were ever likely. “His story is about being saved by love at a time when most people considered him beyond rescue.” Victor Rivas Rivers, his mother and siblings experienced unspeakable physical abuse at the hands of his father. At the age of 12, he visited his local police department to report a lifetime of violence. Though the officers were horrified, he was told it was a ‘private family matter’. At 15, Victor’s abusive father kidnapped him and his siblings, transporting them to a different state, without their mother. Victor ran away, living briefly on the streets before taking an unprecedented legal action against his father. With a restraining order to protect him, the court allowed Victor to become an unofficial foster child. With help from his high school, he went on to live with a series of families, who oversaw his transformation from rage-filled gang member to senior class president.

large fan base and has been one of the most requested top artists on Spotify. The duo from the Panhandle, Shotgun Rider, will be opening. On Sunday, September 30 the fan favorite Siggno will be returning to headline the day’s entertainment. The Grammy nominated band has been a power-house in providing entertainment and packing in the Sunday crowd. Inicio and Elida Reyna y Avante will also be performing as part of the day’s musical lineup. On Wednesday, October 3 the Fair will be throwing it back with the Spazmatics. The 80’s throwback band will be making their debut at the Fair. Dressed like over-the-top nerds, the Spazmatics put on a great show for people of all ages. John Conlee will be kicking oﬀ the second weekend of the Fair on Friday, October 5. The legendary country music artist will be returning to our Fair with his long list of hits. For over 40 years, Conlee has performed to audiences of all ages with his talents and unique voice. Randall King will be opening.

Siggno

Parker McCollum Parker McCollum will be headlining on Saturday, October 6. The talented singer/songwriter from Conroe, Texas is one of the hottest acts in Country music and is making his ﬁrst appearance at our Fair. Parker will bring his style of alternativecountry to the stage with the Drew Fish Band opening. To close out the Fair, Jake Hooker and the Outsiders will be performing. The king of swing’s talent with a stand-up bass and vocals will keep fair goers on the dance ﬂoor. Hooker

Turnpike Troubadours is a staple in the dance hall circuit and will be at the Fair on Sunday, October 7. The fair’s theme for 2018 is

– “County Fair is our Favorite Time” – with the entertainment lineup that is set there will be plenty of memories to be made.

Tickets will go on sale later this summer. For more information go to fortbendcountyfair.com.

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 11, 2018

GUEST COLUMN

Facing cancer and surviving By CAROLYN V. BOWDEN Someone said, “Upon awakening each morning ask God, ‘What can I do for you this day?’” I never gave any thought to that question because I was and am a list maker; I have an endless list of in-progress projects. My days were always thoroughly planned, and usually there was no room to squeeze one other thing in. If it was not on my calendar, it didn’t happen. Then a simple phone call one lovely January morning in 2004 “happened.” A voice told me that I had cancer. Having cancer had never appeared on my To Do list, but I immediately dealt with it as I do everything else. Instead of an emotional response with thoughts such as, “Why me?”and “Am I going to die?” and “I don’t have time for this,” I did my usual thing. I automatically set about creating twenty-one ﬁles and a detailed plan for how to deal with the challenge of cancer. Five weeks later I sat with the doctors and laid out my research and my ultimate decisions. They told me that I should have gone to medical school. It never entered my mind to ask the question: “What can I learn from this situation in which I ﬁnd myself?” This is where it appeared to me that I was no longer in the driver’s seat. As I look back, there were many clues concerning the changes to my life, but I didn’t see them. What evolved was that I went from being just another cancer statistic to creating a sort of ministry, using a daily journal as its foundation. My journal writings about

Bowden facing death were originally intended to be simple email updates to friends and family. However, because they perceived my attitude as uplifting, and because I shared all the humorous incidents—and there were a lot of them—that occurred along the way, my emails were soon being forwarded over and over to others who were fighting cancer. I found myself receiving comments and inquiries from people whom I did not know. Often, I wouldn’t even know the person who had forwarded my journal entries to them. Some of them had questions; others just wanted to talk. All of them were appreciative. Four years passed, and in 2008, I received a medical release that transferred me to the survivorship unit at the hospital. I no longer walked a path of uncertainty for my future. Nine years went by. Then, in July 2017, a large lump suddenly appeared. The oncologists wondered if this was a return of my 2004 breast cancer. However it was totally different. After three breast oncologists conducted examinations, they concluded that the new cancer was unlike my first one.

Therefore, after months of x-rays, pet scans and biopsies, they transferred me to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for further examination. The oncologist there immediately diagnosed that I had Peripheral T-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. This type of cancer responds to strong chemotherapy. The treatment left me with major side effects which continue to plague me with memory issues. I have difficulty: concentrating, remembering names and dates, get confused easily, and find it hard to remember particular words or how to finish a sentence. After my third chemo treatment, the PET Scan showed that all my tumors had disappeared. (A PET scan, unlike an MRI, reveals metabolic changes in an organ or tissue— earlier and at the cellular level.) The oncologist told me that my cancer was in remission! He gave me further good news: due to my age of eighty years, it was unlikely that the Lymphoma would return in my lifetime. To me, that was a Sign from God that I no longer needed chemotherapy treatments. Why treat cells in my body that were not cancerous? I believe my faith and trust in God continues to be strong as I work to walk the path that He has laid out for me. I rejoice that this path allowed me to help others. Leo Rosten (1908-1997), the American humorist, writer, and political scientist states this best: “The purpose of life is not to be happy at all. It is to be useful, to be honorable. It is to be compassionate. It is to matter, to have it make some difference that you lived.”

GUEST COLUMN

Are women celebrated or tolerated?

By SANDRA MORENO Take a moment and think about that. There are so many women in this world who are in a relationship with a man who treats them like their a nuisance. For many, they have become accustomed to this type of treatment from their husband. Some women have simply learned to live with it, while others are heartbroken almost daily. All too often, no matter how loving the wife is, her husband is annoyed by her. For some men, they’re quite happy not talking to their wife at all. The days are ﬁlled with work, kids, school, and chores around the house, which doesn’t always leave much time to have a conversation with your spouse. Most of the time, the wife is the one yearning for communication and time alone with her husband. If you have a husband that is bothered by you, then he’s perfectly fine not spending quality time with you. Sadly, It’s very common for men to feel this way about their wives, but why? Why are men irritated and bothered by their wives presence. Usually, these men enjoy talking to everyone else but their wife. When these wives hear their husbands laughing and carrying on a friendly

Moreno conversation with other people, they’re reminded that their husbands can be talkative and social, just not with them. When the husband does talk to them, it’s usually in a rude tone. If the wife asks him a question, his responses are often short and harsh. Let me give you an example, if the neighbor ran out of gas and needed help, a man is willing to assist in any way possible, with a big smile on his face, but, if his wife ran out of gas and calls her husband for help, here comes the grunting, sighing and rude comments. He will complain the whole time and make the wife feel badly about herself. Why is that? You have to wonder why these men are married to these women if they’re so irritated by them.

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

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Most importantly, why do these women stay married to these men? Women, wouldn’t you rather be free? Free to be you to the fullest without someone always making you feel bad? Being miserable most of your life is not good for anyone. Sadly, numerous women have no idea what it’s like to be celebrated. They will never know what it’s like to be truly loved for exactly who they are. The experience of being held and adored is something that these women will never have. There’s a saying, “are you living? or, are you existing?” Are you just two people that live in the same home without truly loving each other? How does your husband respond to your presence? When you come home from work or from the store, does he greet you? Or does he treat you like he could care less that you’re home? If you’ve accepted this way of life, you will never truly live. You may think that you will never ﬁnd anybody else, but, you will never know this until you decide to make some changes in your life. You can either speak up and say no more to your husband’s disrespectful behavior towards you, or, you can end the relationship. It would be so much easier if these men would just be loving and kind to their wives. After all, they did say, “I do.” Unfortunately, many of these men are too selﬁsh to change. They don’t realize that one day, their wife may just walk out that door and never look back. So, Women, are you Celebrated or Tolerated? Author, Writer, Journalist & Motivational Speaker, Sandra Moreno can be reached at thewivesofmachismo@gmail.com. www.thewivesofmachismo.net

MIKE’S MONOLOGUE

In Marine Corps or in corporate America, you are a ‘padre’ By MICHAEL GRANTO I’m taking a liberty referring to you as “Padre” since, a long, long time ago in an arena far, far away, that’s how men who do what I did referred to men did what you do. Denomination didn’t seem to matter much; you were all “Padres,” and lots of men availed themselves of the services of whichever one of you was on scene, without regard to the particular denomination you represented. For most of us, it was simply enough that you represented God; or at least we thought you did; some of us even believed you did, and that was good enough for us. A lot of us were young, every one of us was scared, but we had been told that we had a job to do, we had been trained to do it, and we were going to do it, scared or not. For several weeks, I have attended your church, and I’ve heard you speak of living an epic life. I’ve heard you speak of that life that would make a great movie story, making a great life story; I’ve heard you ask us to consider what story the world would miss if we don’t tell our own epic story. I’ll tell you I admire your rhetoric, your easy, familiar speaking style, and the way you relate to your audience. But, Padre, I just can’t seem to buy into what sounds to me like just another call to arms. I remember you said once that the voice of the Lord speaks in the wilderness. Well, Padre, I’ve been to the wilderness, and what I heard was most definitely not the voice of the Lord, unless the voice of the Lord sounds like an AK-47. No sir, what filled the air were pieces of hot metal that bites, not anything that sounded even remotely heavenly, except maybe the sound of Marine F-4 Phantoms unloading their ordinance on guys trying to blow us to pieces. When I was an active-duty Marine, someone with more rank than I had was usually exhorting us to do more; take another hill, advance through another treeline, cross another rice paddy, and so on. Of course, because we were young, and immortal, we eagerly responded to the calls, most times quite successfully. We weren’t doing all that so much because we hated what was in front of us, but more because we loved what was behind us. If this sort of thing had to be done, better here than back home, we thought. Sooner or later, most of us made it back home, and, probably because of all the John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart movies we watched growing up, then we did the usual; we got a job, we provided for our wives and children, and we found ourselves in a different sort of jungle, engaged in a different sort of battle. People weren’t using AK47s, but they were still competing for rewards and resources. They used words, not bullets, to make sure that the corporate flag that got planted on some sometimes poorly defined objective, and they were very, very focused on achieving that. I worked for a major food service company for nearly twenty years, and one of the tasks our marketing people used to pride themselves on was coming up with a catchphrase that would encapsulate the spirit of the year: “Even More In ‘84” and “Overdrive In ‘85” were two I remember. I think it speaks volumes that those are the only two I remember. It was, of course, the civilian

Granto equivalent of taking another hill, advancing through another treeline, or crossing another rice paddy. No casualties, of course, at least not physical ones, though more than one career was lost when some folks didn’t get “Even More In ‘84;” or when they didn’t shift into “Overdrive In ‘85.” To me, there are very clear parallels between the two fields of endeavor, the Marine Corps, and corporate America. In both places, we were encouraged, pressed, and pressured to give or do more, but I am at pains to see that all the effort that was expended really produced some kind of longterm, valuable result. What did all that “blood, sweat and tears” really get? Was any of it worth it? Well, Sun Tzu, and all those that came after him, says that a General is subject to the will of the Minister. Sun Tzu left no instructions about what to do when the Minister gives away the victory the general purchased with his own strategy, and with his soldiers’ blood. In Vietnam, the net result was that the whole country ended up communist, the very thing we were ostensibly fighting against. The famed Tunnels of Cu Chi are a tourist attraction now, for goodness’ sake! We could have achieved the same result without ever sending anyone over there. I used to re-fight that war over and over again after I returned in 1967, and what I keep coming back to is this: whether I believe that: 1. My fearless leaders were historically ignorant, and militarily incompetent, whose bad decisions made the war unwinnable (demonstrably true according to some,) or, 2. That my fearless leaders chose to prosecute that war in an unwinnable fashion (arguably a case,) or, 3. That the national soul and will were poisoned by hippies and draft dodgers (also arguably a case,) not one of those hills, not one of those treelines, not one of those rice paddies made a difference. The leadership at the top, (that means the President, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and Congress) had no expertise itself, and refused to avail itself of the expertise it had available. Besides that, they lacked the will, the determination, make the kinds of decisions that would actually WIN a war. They snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. They gave victory away. They may have been called “leaders,” but I don’t think they acted like leaders. They acted like politicians, and they played with the lives of my Marines, and they totally lost sight that the only objective to have if you must fight a war, is VICTORY. That means, not only do YOU win, but that the other guy (and everyone else) KNOWS he lost. In the words of an anonymous American fighting man, “Victory begins with my knee on my enemy’s chest, and my knife at his throat.” I quit re-fighting that war quite some time ago. We weren’t allowed to win then, and I found that there’s no way

to win re-fighting it, either. Rather like the movie “Wargames” when the computer discovers that “...the only way to win is not to play.” In the corporate world, what was the result of all the hundred-hour work weeks, the missed vacations, the endless meetings, and the brutal travel? (There were a couple of years I spent over 50% of my time in someone else’s country.) Well, we sold several million more hamburgers and french fries, and we sold them in many countries that had never considered them a regular diet item. But, again, was the result worth the effort? A president of ours remarked once that he wasn’t a really big fan of international operations. He was a Marine Colonel and said, “The way I see it, there’s only two things wrong with them folks over there: They don’t speak English, least not so’s I can understand it, and they don’t eat hamburgers.” So, now, I hear you tell me I need to live an “epic” life; you’re asking me to exert myself, to work harder, take another hill, and I simply have to ask, “Why?” I hear you say I should ask myself what story the world will miss out on if I don’t live this epic life, and I have to wonder, “What’s so important about whatever life I lead that the world would even notice whether it’s there or not?” There have been billions of people who have been born, have lived, and have died. Some have been great or notable in some way; most have been anonymous, unknown to all except a few intimates. There’s nothing extraordinary or special about me, or the life I’ve lead, and at this point in that life, I am just not enchanted (or deluded) by the bugles and the drums, and their incessant calls to arms, or calls to “be more, do more.” And, Padre, that’s what I am hearing you say. If whatever I have been or done isn’t enough by someone else’s measure, then so be it. I am what I am. For most of my life I marched to those drums. In my “sunset years,” as they are euphemistically called, I just don’t feel like working that hard any more, mainly because it’s very hard to recall a time when the result I got was really worth the effort, and I really don’t feel like taking anyone else’s orders any more. In fact, there are a very limited number of things I think I MUST do: I think it’s important to live a life that’s in accord with the Ten Commandments; they’re simple, direct, easy to understand, and they had a great author. There’s my wife, whom I have vowed to love and protect, and I will certainly do that; she deserves that, and more. I think besides that, maybe the best I can do is hurt others as little as possible, and avoid getting hurt as much as possible. Bugles? Maybe one last bugle sounding “Taps,” though I won’t be there to hear it.

(Granto is a United States Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam, awarded the Purple Heart. For over 24 years, he worked for the University of Miami Medical Campus Security Department, and retired in 2014. He moved to Missouri City, with his wife to be closer to her daughter. He can be reached at mikegranto@hotmail.com.)

INDEPENDENT • JULY 11, 2018 • Page 5

NEWS $15 billion Bullet Train in Texas Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission awards $200,000 to Cullinan Park on track to roll out next year It’s no hyperloop, but construction of a 200-mile-perhour bullet train from Houston to Dallas could begin as early as next year. Add in the recently announced Amtrak partnership that will cover last-mile trips and tie into the rail company’s established interstate network, and Texas is looking at a major mass transit expansion. Developers Texas Central Partners (TCP) will be privately ﬁnancing the $15 billion, 240-mile-long high-speed rail line, and have been on a public outreach spree as they attempt to drum up support and garner feedback for their proposal. TCP argues that the Texas Bullet Train will bring in $3 billion in state and local tax revenue through 2040, in addition to the $36 billion in direct spending; not to mention the tens of thousands of projected construction jobs. TCP is still hashing out the exact station locations but are planning on building the 60-acre Dallas stop south of the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, with a footbridge from the station to the convention center. On the other side of the 90-minute trip

in Houston, TCP has chosen the city’s Northwest Mall as the preferred location for their station. The mall site will give way to a 45-acre, multi-level train complex with easy access to I-610 and U.S. 290. Additional stops between the two cities, such as in the city of Byran/College Station, have already been confirmed. Still, not everyone is on board with the rail plan, and landowners along the proposed route have fought and lobbied their state legislators over the company possible use of eminent domain to acquire their property. TCP has outlined their process for picking up the required properties, including offering market value for parcels in the Bullet Train’s path and pledging to minimize the impact on landowners. That hasn’t stopped the opposition from filing a flurry of bullet train bills in the state Senate, though only two of the proposed twenty measures managed to pass. As a result the state will not use taxpayer fund for the project, a move that TCP did not oppose. The free-market funding requirement hasn’t slowed the Bullet Train’s progress

down, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), a subsection of the United States Department of Transportation, has given the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) the green light. The FRA also proposed an optimal route that would disrupt the least amount of people, and engineering and construction ﬁrms WSP, Fluor, Bechtel, and Lane Construction are now all helping to lay the groundwork for the project’s eventual construction. The Amtrak tie-in certainly won’t hurt the project’s chances, but high-speed rail remains notoriously expensive. Although high-speed rail has historically ﬂoundered in the U.S., such as the $77 billion north-south bullet train currently under construction in California, TCP’s business plan, and the use of private funds, combined with the high level of government support, has helped the project avoid the hurdles plaguing similar projects.

Boardwalk on White Lake at Cullinan Park — Photo by Robbin Mallett Chairperson plans. The Texas Parks and Committee Visitors to the 754-acre Wildlife Commission (TPWC) Nancy Olson said, “White recently approved a $200,000 Lake is the jewel of Cullinan Joseph S. and Lucie H. grant to fund a trail around Park. We are ecstatic to be Cullinan Park in Sugar Land on our way to starting this will find a huge variety of flora White Lake at Cullinan Park. Cullinan Park long-anticipated project!” The and fauna, as well as trails. Conservancy’s application project is slated to begin mid- The Conservancy works to enhance the natural beauty of was the sixth highest scored 2019. — Jonathan Hilburg application The Conservancy has the Park for all by raising funds among 67 - https://archpaper. applicants, receiving the max presented the City of Sugar for capital improvements. com/2018/06/ award amount available. For more information Land with over $1 million the Park or A dirt trail currently exists for park improvements which on around White Lake, but it is include building a permanent Conservancy, visit www. an unofficial trail that is not restroom, clearing existing cullinanparkconservancy. maintained and often floods. trails and installing benches org or contact Executive The new trail will be a mixture among other enhancements. Director Angie Wierzbicki at of decomposed granite and The addition of 1.5 miles of trail cullinanparkconservancy@ around the lake is significant gmail.com or 281-616-7860. boardwalks. Conservancy Development to the Conservancy’s park

Free Blast from the Past 60’s-style event comes to the 55-plus Community of Bonterra at Cross Creek Ranch

Local students honored at annual SkillsUSA workforce development event

A free night of 1960’s-style fun is coming to Houston during the Blast from the Past Party at Bonterra at Cross Creek Ranch, a 55plus community by Taylor Morrison, a leading national builder and developer. Those who attend can experience the excitement of Bonterra living while they nibble on munchies, indulge in beer and wine, sip on a strawberry ﬁelds martini, and register for the chance to win a groovy 1960s gift basket that includes a $200 gift card! Bonterra’s free Blast from the Past party will feature music from THE FAB 5, a 1960’s tribute band. So put on your go-go boots and get ready to twist, shimmy and shake the night away! “Our Blast from the Past party is one of our signature events of the year, with decade themed music, food, and fun for everyone that attends,” said Amy Rino, division president of Taylor Morrison Houston, Darling Homes Houston and Bonterra. “It is the perfect opportunity for all to experience the funloving lifestyle that comes

with a Taylor Morrison home at Bonterra.” It’s all happening on Saturday, July 14, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Bonterra at Cross Creek Ranch Clubhouse located at 5439 Golden Manor Drive, Fulshear, TX 77441. To RSVP, email bccrconcierge@nfcamenity. com with “Blast from the Past” in the subject line and include the number of guests. Directions: http://bit. ly/2I5dS69. Must be at least 21 to attend. Designed and developed for today’s 55-plus homebuyer looking for resort-style living, Bonterra at Cross Creek Ranch offers a 10,000-squarefoot clubhouse that’s the social center of the community with a fitness center, movement studio, catering kitchen, cards and billiards room, The Spa at Bonterra, a resort-style pool, bocce ball and pickle ball courts, and more. Bonterra at Cross Creek Ranch features two homebuilders, Taylor Morrison and Darling Homes, each offering distinctively different collections within the 55-plus community.

Taylor Morrison boasts three, distinct series of Taylor Morrison homes, including the Landmark Series, the Summit Series and the Pinnacle Series. With new home prices starting in the low $200,000s and eleven one-story floor plans to choose from http:// b i t . l y / 2 q O 7 H z f , Ta y l o r Morrison offers an impressive lineup of homes with options to fit every lifestyle. Discover luxury blended with an upscale lifestyle with Darling Homes in Bonterra at Cross Creek Ranch. The builder, known for offering a higher level of architectural options and distinctive feature levels, features its Sanctuary Collection of homes designed for entertainment and convenience. For more information about Taylor Morrison in Bonterra at Cross Creek Ranch, visit http://bit.ly/BonterraatCCR or call 281-780-4652. For more information about Darling Homes in Bonterra at Cross Creek Ranch, visit http://bit.ly/2IR1h6P or call 713-401-2008

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Career and technical students in Texas won one of the nation’s highest awards at the 2018 SkillsUSA Championships, held in Louisville, Ky., on June 27-28, 2018. More than 6,300 students competed at the national showcase of career and technical education. The SkillsUSA Championships is the largest skill competition in the world and covers 1.4 million square feet, equivalent to 20 football ﬁelds or 25 acres. Students were invited to the event to demonstrate their technical skills, workplace skills and personal skills in 102 hands-on occupational and leadership competitions including robotics, automotive technology, drafting, criminal justice, aviation maintenance and public speaking. Industry leaders from 600 businesses, corporations, trade associations and unions planned and evaluated the contestants against their standards for entry-level workers. Industry support of the SkillsUSA Championships is valued at over $36 million in donated

time, equipment, cash and material. More than 1,900 industry judges and technical committee members participated this year. Skill Point Certificates were awarded in 72 occupational and leadership areas to students who met a predetermined threshold score in their competition, as defined by industry. The Skill Point Certificate is a component of SkillsUSA’s assessment program for career and technical education. The following students received Skill Point Certificates from your area: * Edwin Paul, from Missouri City and a student at Hightower High School (Missouri City), was awarded a Skill Point Certificate in Health Occupations Professional Portfolio. * Team H (consisting of Ann Maliackal, Hai Ren Xia, Theresa Pham, Renee Yu), from Hightower High School (Missouri City ), was awarded a Skill Point Certificate in Health Knowledge Bowl. “More than 6,300 students

from every state in the nation participated in the 2018 SkillsUSA Championships,” said SkillsUSA executive director Tim Lawrence. “This showcase of career and technical education demonstrates our SkillsUSA partnership at its finest. Our students, instructors and industry partners work together to ensure that every student excels. This program expands learning and career opportunities for our members.” The SkillsUSA Championships event is held annually for students in middle school, high school or college/postsecondary programs as part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. More than 360,000 students and advisors join SkillsUSA annually, organized into more than 18,000 sections and 53 state and territorial associations. The national, nonprofit partnership of students, instructors and industry is a verified talent pipeline for America’s skilled workforce that is working to help solve the skills gap.

Sugar Land Police assessment provides valuable feedback The Center for Public Safety Management’s (CPSM) recent assessment of the Sugar Land Police Department conﬁrmed that the city has a modern police agency that is professional and responsive to community needs. The assessment was part of an overall program of continuous improvement utilizing benchmarks developed by nationally recognized organizations. Industry experts who conducted the assessment made 54 recommendations related to the deployment of resources, organizational structure, performance

measures, community outreach and other areas to ensure that Sugar Land remains one of the safest cities in the country. Sugar Land’s crime rate for 2017 was the lowest on record after hitting a 20-year low in 2016. Industry experts who conducted the assessment credited SLPD as one of the best run agencies they’ve evaluated in the nation. Contributing to SLPD’s success is a commitment to a strong police presence, community partnerships, public education, technology implementation such as cameras, training and departmental leadership

development. A collaborative action plan will be developed by city leaders to review recommendations from the assessment and enhance operational eﬀectiveness. The project will include identifying which of the recommendations may be implemented immediately and long-term. Recommendations that require increased expenditures will be evaluated through the City’s budget process. The full report is posted at www.sugarlandtx.gov/ PDAssessment.

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 11, 2018

Builders begin presales; Models open in Vanbrooke

Builders are working on model homes in Vanbrooke, a new Land Tejas community located near Fulshear, four miles south of Interstate 10 oﬀ Highway 359. The development of Vanbrooke, a Land Tejas community located near Fulshear, is proceeding rapidly, with builders slated to unveil model homes this summer. The Houston-based developer broke ground on the 250acre community last October. Vanbrooke is located four miles south of Interstate 10 oﬀ Highway 359, just north of downtown Fulshear. Anglia Homes, Long Lake

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on January 12, 2018 by the 458th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17-DCV-238862 in favor of the plaintiff- MISSION BEND N0.5 HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 7,061.39 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on May 29, 2018 and will offer for sale on Tuesday August 7, 2018 at the County Court house 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., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - Marcelo Jimenez & Urinda A. Jimenez had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT 24 IN BLOCK 33 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 275, VOLUME 110 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY TEXAS, AND RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 13 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, REFERENCE TO WHICH IS HARE MADE FOR ALL PURPOSES (SAID PROPERTY LYING WHOLLY WITHIN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS.) AND MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 7507 ADDICKS CLODINE RD, HOUSTON, TX 77083 TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1 sr FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469. Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on October 22,2015 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 14-DCV -217994 in favor of the plaintiff - MISSION BEND NO. 5 HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 3,320.29++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on MAY 17, 2017 and will offer for sale on the 7th day of August, 2018 at the County Court house 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., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - NICHOLAS J. ZAVALA had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT TWENTY-ONE (21), IN BLOCK TWENTY-NINE (29), OF MISSION BEND SECTION EIGHT (8), A SUBDIVISION IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS AND FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 275, PAGE 110, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS AND IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 13 OF MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (SAID LOT LYING WHOLLY WITHIN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS) MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 7367 ADDICKS CLODINE ROAD, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77083. TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1 sr FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469. Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

Ltd. and Westin Homes are working on three model homes in Vanbrooke, showcasing designs for homes situated on 45and 55-foot properties. Anglia features six floor plans priced from the $200,000s in Vanbrooke, with sizes ranging from 1,600 to 2,500 square feet. A number of inventory homes, currently in various stages of construction, also are expected to be finished by July. Designs by Westin are priced from the $280,000s. The builder is offering 10 one- and two-story designs ranging from 2,143 to 3,168 square feet. Long Lake Ltd., the parent company of Lake Ridge Builders and Briarwood Homes, will unveil one model home. The builder has not yet released floor plans and pricing for the CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on June 13,2018 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17-DCV-240003 in favor of the plaintiff- HUNTERS GREEN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $ 8,345.29 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on June 13TH, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of September 4, 2018 at the County Court house 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., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- QUANESHIA MAYS had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT TWENTY-TWO (22), BLOCK THREE (3) OF HUNTER GREEN, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NO(S) 554/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469. Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on January 24, 2017 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 16DCV-230255 in favor of the plaintiffQUAIL VALLEY FUND, INC., Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 8,639.05 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on May 21 , 20 18 and will offer for sale on the 7th day of August, 2018 at the County Court house 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., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- Patricia A. Singer had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT FIVE (5), BLOCK ONE (1), OF GLENN LAKES, SECTION TWO (2), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 1 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 4011 GREENBRIAR DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77459 (PROPERTY) TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1 sr FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469. Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

community. “Vanbrooke offers a great location along with highly soughtafter schools,” said Tim Johnson, Director of Community Sales and Marketing for Land Tejas. “We are excited to be partnering with these amazing builders and can’t wait for buyers to see what we have in store for them.” This is Land Tejas’ 17th community and one of the firm’s many West Houston projects. Previous developments include Westheimer Lakes, Westheimer Lakes North and Cardiff Ranch. Planned amenities for Vanbrooke include a 5-acre lake, trails and and a pocket park. A recreation complex slated to open next May will feature a resort-style pool, splash pad, pavilion and event lawn. Land Tejas is responsible for the development Balmoral in Humble, Lago Mar in Texas City and Miramesa at Canyon Lakes West in Cypress. Canyon Lakes West is one of the 50 topselling master-planned communities in the nation, according to Washington, D.C.-based national real estate consulting firm RCLCO. Learn more about Land Tejas at www.landtejas.com.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Willow Creek Farms II, Section 7 and Section 8, Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

AUTOMOBILE: Buick Regal TourX

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Buick calls the Regal TourX a wagon, which for me nails it. No crossover or whatever else it may be, it’s a true wagon with most comfortable, large seats up front, has a full sized bench seat in the second row and lots of cargo space. The back of the second row bench seat folds down to provide 73.5 cubic feet of cargo space and with the bench seat in place there is 33.7 cubic feet for cargo. The Regal TourX is on a sedan frame so it has the driving dynamics of a sedan and the versatility of an SUV. The wagon’s standard equipment includes all-wheel which has an active twin clutch that transfers torque between the rear wheels for more reﬁned performance and improved vehicle control. The Regal TourX comes with a hands-free power lift gate and has a lamp that illuminates the ground. It too is standard equipment on the wagon that retails for $29,995. The interior has a modern look that includes a low key approach to color so is more tailored. The Regal TourX, which was ﬁrst introduced in 2017, is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with stop and start for

more gas mileage. It makes 250 hp at 5400 rpm and torque comes in at 295 lb.-ft. at 3000 to 4000 rpm. The motor is paired with an eight speed automatic transmission and gets 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. Chassis and suspension include MacPherson strut with coil spring and stabilizer bar up front and a ﬁve-link independent suspension in the rear. An electric variable-effort power steering is standard equipment along with fourwheel disc brakes with antilock braking and ESC. The wheels are 18-inch aluminum and the tires are P235/50R18. Remote start is standard on the Essence and available on Preferred models. A 7-inch infotainment system with AppleCarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard on the TourX and Preferred trims. Essence models get a standard 8-inch system with available navigation. OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is standard with a 3-month/3GB data trial. Access to an unlimited data plan is offered for $20 a month. The Regal is the ﬁrst Buick to get a standard active hood pedestrian safety system. With the TourX going 16 to 30 mph it will sense the imminent impact

of a pedestrian and and lift the back of the hood up about four inches to lessen the impact and potentially reduce injury. Safety features on the Buick Regal TourX include 10 standard air bags and a standard rear-vision camera. Optional safety equipment comes in two driver confidence packages. One includes LED headlamps, rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert and lane change alert with side blind zone alert. This package came on the test drive Regal TourX and costs $1,725 and is well worth it. The second driver confidence package is available on Essence models and includes adaptive cruise control, following distance indicator, forward collision alert, forward automatic braking, lane keep assist and front pedestrian braking. The Buick Regal TourX is a fine vehicle that rides extremely well with AWD, is nicely designed inside and out, roomy, carries a good amount of cargo and has a turbo engine that helps maneuver freeway and highway traffic. If you want a hauler that rides like a sedan, definitely test drive the Regal TourX before you buy anything else. It’s a honey.

HCC launching new barber program

Houston Community College continues its mission of providing relevant workforce curriculum by adding a new Barber Program to its popular Consumer Arts & Sciences Center of Excellence. Beginning in the fall 2018 semester, HCC will offer a three semester curriculum that will lead to a level II barber certificate and qualify students to take the Texas Department of License and Regulation Barber Exam. “The Barber Program creates more opportunities to serve students who may wish to open their own business,” said Anthony Hancock, dean of the Consumer Arts & Sciences COE. “The program also provides our communities with a viable option to develop and enhance their economic standing.” The growing Texas population is creating an increasing need for skilled individuals capable of using shears, razors, clippers and other tools to cut and style hair. The need for certified barbers in the state is projected to grow by about seven percent between now and 2020. The Barber Program will be located in the HCC Central College’s J.B. Whiteley Building, 1301 Alabama Street.

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk 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 May 22, 2018 in cause numbered 16-DCV-233455 styled Park Pointe Homeowners Assoc. Inc. vs. Angela & Bob Johnson, in which a judgment was rendered on December 15, 2017 in favor of Park Pointe Homeowners Assoc. Inc. for the sum of Six Thousand Five Hundred Twenty Two Dollars and Four Cents ($6,522.04); 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 June 8, 2018 and will on August 7, 2018 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 Angela & Bob Johnson to and in the following described Real Property LOT (8), IN BLOCK (2) OF PARK POINTE, SECTION ONE, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDE 1452/A OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 12003 MCKINNEY FALLS LN., SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77498 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of Park Pointe Homeowners Assoc. 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: August 7, 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: Dep Steele TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on March 20,2018 by the 268th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause # 17 -DCV -246361 in favor of the plaintiff- WINFIELD LAKES HOA INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 8,832.99 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/ or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on JUNE 7TH, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday August 7, 2018 at the County Court house 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., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)SHANNON LEE & GERLYN WASHINGTON, III had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT 9, IN BLOCK 3, OF WINFIELD LAKES SEC. 9, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 200600006, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2106 HAWTHORNE BROOK LANE, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545 TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1 sr FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469. Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Kingdom Heights, Section 3, Precinct 1.

The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Veranda, Section 2, Precinct 1.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of PATRICIO MIER, JR., Deceased, were issued on June 26, 2018, in Cause No. 17CPR-030791, pending in the County Court At Law No. THREE (3), FORT BEND County, Texas, to: AGNES V. HURST. 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: Arturo R. Eureste Attorney at Law 122 TUAM ST, SUITE 100 HOUSTON, TX 77006-3214 DATED the 2nd day of July , 2018. ARTURO R. EURESTE Attorney for AGNES V. HURST State Bar No.: 06702250 122 TUAM ST, SUITE 100 HOUSTON, TX 77006-3214 Telephone: (713) 624-1010 Facsimile: (713) 624-1090 E-mail: art@eurestelaw.com

INDEPENDENT • JULY 11, 2018 • Page 7

access is

affordable health care near me Because others depend on you, we make women’s health care affordable to all. Medicaid, Chip and private insurance is accepted. A sliding fee scale is also available for those who qualify.

Family, friends, and well wishers recently gathered to honor a true pillar of the community, Cleve Arnwine of Missouri City (seated on the bench). He was honored with several freshly planted trees and a bench that bears a plaque with his name and an inscription that reads “Super Role Model Friend To All.” Arnwine, 86, was a competitive runner and now serves as an inspiration to all who comes into contact with him in the Community Park in Missouri City. He is best known for his kind, inviting, and inquisitive greeting that he extends to you whether you are walking or running around the track. He is also known for feeding the ducks and helping the Parks and Recreational staﬀ maintain the area for all to enjoy.

281-342-4530 myaccesshealth.org

Grab Capes and Cowls for 2018 Scarecrow Fest Oct. 20. Scarecrows will don capes and cowls to fight the forces of evil at the 2018 superhero-themed Scarecrow Fest, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at Cross Creek Ranch, 6450 Cross Creek Bend Lane. Resourceful teams will use their DIY super powers for good — and a $1,000 grand prize — in the annual scarecrow-decorating contest. The “ex-straw-dinary” event also includes a carnival, live music, food trucks and free activities for the children. The festival is free and open to the public. All-day carnival tickets are $10 per person. Proceeds from the event benefit the Texana Center. For more information on Cross Creek Ranch, visit https://www.crosscreektexas.com.

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SITTERLE PATIO HOMES from the $370s

EMERALD HOMES from the $380s

MERITAGE HOMES from the $420s

TAYLOR MORRISON from the $430s

WESTIN HOMES from the $460s

PERRY HOMES from the $470s

TAYLOR MORRISON from the $470s

TAYLOR MORRISON from the $640s

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INDEPENDENT • JULY, 11, 2018 • Page 8

STUDENT PHYSICALS extracurricular preparticipation physicals Orthopedic, sports medicine and cardiology specialists will be on-site to provide additional clearance as needed.

SATURDAY, JULY 28 | 9 A.M. – NOON AGES: 12-18 | COST: $20 CASH ONLY Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 16811 Southwest Fwy. | Sugar Land, TX 77479 For more information, call 281.275.0447.

Plan Ahead: Visit events.houstonmethodist.org/physicals-sl to print and fill out the UIL physical evaluation form and the release form. NOTE: According to the University Interscholastic League (UIL) guidelines, students participating in school sports must complete and pass a preparticipation physical screening. Students must bring the UIL physical evaluation medical history form and Houston Methodist consent form completed and signed by a parent or guardian.