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TriciaKrenek.com

E X P E R I E N C E ✯ T R U S T ✯ R E S U LT S email: editor@fbindependent.com

VOL 12 No. 40

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2019

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County, Missouri City & Stafford

Style and substance of Modi-Trump summit

By SESHADRI KUMAR The euphoria over the Howdy Modi summit in Houston is fresh and lingering and that may remain so for some time. A vast majority of the people who attended the rally in Houston and others in the U.S. who watched the spectacle are satisfied with the joint appearance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. Most of them are not driven by political ideology, but are inspired by a re-emergent India under the leadership of Modi, whom they perceive as an honest individual, good at heart unlike a traditional political leader. On the other hand, the event is an unmitigated success for a handful of individuals associated with Modi since his early days in Indian politics, who chose to showcase Modi in Houston, both to celebrate the victory of the Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party in India and to create an opportunity for Modi to express his gratitude to the people who helped in his reelection from abroad. At the outset, the Howdy Modi community summit was billed and designed with Modi as the protagonist and little did the organizers think of Trump sharing the stage with Modi. The organizing committee included some known Trumphaters, but they had to hide their feelings and cheer for Trump. What else could they do when Modi himself wanted Trump to be on his side?

What is the impact of the Modi-Trump summit? The impact can be seen at the international, national, local community and individual levels. The audience can be categorized as pro-Modi and anti-Modi, pro-Trump and antiTrump, pro-Modi-Trump, and anti-Modi-Trump. Newspapers also covered the Modi-Trump event from their own bias for or against these political personalities. The New York Times, for example, opened its story by saying Trump was playing “second fiddle to Modi.” The Washington Post said “The foreign strategy of soothing tensions with the United States by stroking President Trump’s ego was put into vivid effect.” “The joint appearance also underscores the growing strategic significance of USIndia ties. The world’s two largest democracies are a vital check on China’s ambitions to dominate the Asia-Pacific region,” said the Wall Street Journal. Irrespective of party politics and whatever might be the thinking of his U.S. supporters, Modi’s decision to invite Trump and demonstrate their friendship suggests that his strategy was based on his “national interest” and that India would and should benefit from this personal relationship in myriad ways. Turning to the local community and individual level impact, the independents among

FBJSL awards Community Assistance Grants

Indian American voters would become Trump supporters even as the Republican Indian Americans would be reinforcing their faith in Trump’s leadership. The hardcore Democrats among Indian Americans are unlikely to be swayed by Modi’s endorsement of Trump. Conventional wisdom among analysts, after the Howdy Modi event, is that Modi’s support for Donald Trump could swing some Indian-origin voters, most of whom had voted for the Democratic Party in 2016. In Fort Bend County, for example, a majority of Indian American voters favored Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in 2016 even as they voted for Republicans in down ballot, local races. In 2018, in their enthusiasm to vote for the Democratic Party nominee in the Congressional District 22 race, Sri (Preston) Kulkarni, more because of his identity as an Indian American, most people voted straight ticket as Democrats, even where Kulkarni was not on the ballot. This was described as the socalled blue wave. Of course, the anti-Trump sentiment among the Indian American voters was discernible as well. Kulkarni’s major Hindu voter base now saw the spectacle of Modi making a pitch for Trump’s re-election. Kulkarni’s main campaign platform, both in the first attempt, and now in his second attempt, is being an outstanding

Pictured (left to right): Diane Molina, Courtney Clarke, Pam Spencer, LaQuita Starr, GSSJC Executive Director Mary Vitek, Misty Gasiorowski, and Jennifer Bombach. The Fort Bend Junior Service Young Audiences of Houston nance, equipment, events, and League (FBJSL) has awarded educates and inspires at-risk and transportation for economically Community Assistance Fund economically disadvantaged disadvantaged Fort Bend (CAF) grants to Girl Scouts of children through the arts. Young residents. San Jacinto Council, Young Audiences was awarded $1,050 FBJSL is an organization of Audiences, Inc. of Houston, and to fund youth programs at the women committed to improving Fort Bend County All Nations Sports Academy. Fort Bend County Juvenile the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Detention Center during the community. By way of its CAF, FBJSL is able to provide grants Council (GSSJC) was awarded 2019-2020 winter breaks. $5,000 to fund its Girl Scouts All Nations Sports Academy of up to $5,000 to charitable on the Go (GSOTG) program. (ANSA)’s mission is to causes serving Fort Bend GSOTG is GSSJC’s in-school, empower and transform youth County with requests to fund a needs-based program designed and their families of all nations critical need, pilot a program, to grow leadership skills and give through its developmental, or expand a significant service girls the opportunity to develop recreational, and competitive to the community. Applications responsible values, increase soccer programs. ANSA for CAF grants are accepted on their self-confidence, and build maintains two developmental an ongoing basis. For additional information, please visit www. on their decision-making skill - sites in Fort Bend County. all while enhancing traditional ANSA was awarded fbjsl.org/. See SUMMIT, Page 3 school curriculum. $1,950.00 to fund field mainte-

Stafford mayor presents $35 million budget By BARBARA FULENWIDER Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella prefaced council’s budget discussion saying “it was not one of the friendliest ones we’ve ever had” but it wasn’t acrimonious either. Council members had added items to the mayor’s budget that included some larger personnel salaries, a fulltime employee in the communications department, and two police patrolmen. It was an outgrowth of Scarcella’s original budget and he wasn’t pleased about it. The final budget discussed at the Sept. 25 meeting came to $35 million in expenditures. Scarcella said the ending general fund balance of

$102,704 was “very shaky” instead of the $400,000 ending fund balance he had in his first budget. Scarcella said, “The resulting lower fund balance caused a major impact on the budget we are considering tonight.” Major costs in the budget began with personnel. There was $20 million in the general fund expenditures and $17 million of that or 85% is salaries, benefits and payroll costs. “All personnel will get a 2% raise and some will get a lot more,” the mayor told council. “The anticipated sales taxes of $17,600 will come from new businesses in town and new internet sales. Last Tuesday

we went through the revenue and I put it in at $8.8 million,” Scarcella said. “We should be receiving additional sales tax for internet sales. That is what is under consideration with this budget, which goes into effect on Oct. 1. It could be the middle of December before we would get the internet sales but we do have quite a few new businesses coming into Stafford.” He went on to say “the Stafford Centre spends about $4 million a year and takes in $1 million and that’s a deficit. We need some way to reduce it.” He also said some cities collect violations and fines that pay 90% of their general funds.

Funds and violations equal about 5.4% in the budget. Some cities are at 35% and more.” The mayor and council also got “substantial additional costs to the leadership at this table” from voters who thought it was well earned. The mayor now receives $10,000 a month and council members get $6,000 for a total of $163,200. The mayor also noted the city is putting in a new Facilities Maintenance building, which Chris Riggs will manage, along with public works, planning and zoning, GIS, major projects, building permits and residential rental registration, Code enforcement and animal protection.

“In doing considerable work related to animal control, we will be getting a second humane officer in that department,” Scarcella said. SMED-TV will get two more people added and SEDC will provide $9.2 million for major street projects and also cover Stafford Centre expenditures and substantial rebates to the Grid. “We have to generate as much money as we can and save as much money as we can. Don’t spend it so we don’t have to go into the fund balance,” the mayor said. “Our position on our employees is focusing on producing income. Ninety

Sponsored by Serving Fort Bend County for 28 years!

percent of people in the public sector cover not only their salary but more than that. This city needs to take on an innovative and responsible approach to that. “What eats us up is recognizing that $17 million and the $20 million we are going to be spending out of the general fund budget will be for salaries and benefits and other costs of employees. If 85% doesn’t get your attention -- that is an incredible number in my opinion for this city to be paying such,” he concluded. (Council’s reaction, Page 3)

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 2, 2019

Glimpses of HowdyModi!2019

Inside NRG Stadium on Sept. 22 at the Howdy Modi summit. —Biyani Photography.

INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 2, 2019 • Page 3

NEWS Summit From Page 1 The change of heart will be certain, but no one knows how deep and wide it will be. Come November 2020, we will have an idea. This contradiction among Modi supporters who are Trump haters has been analyzed by a correspondent for The Hindu, (One of India’s major newspapers) but the article is full of misplaced assumptions and ill-informed conclusions. While the article identifies the phenomenon correctly, the analysis flows from the writer’s bias against both Modi and Trump as ultra-nationalists, racists, cultural supremacists and the list is long. In the article, “One people, many countries,” Varghese K. George writes, “In multiple dimensions, this event will showcase the paradoxes in the politics of the two protagonists and their primary audience, the Indian American community. The event might spur selfreflection among some, but could harden the positions for many and sharpen the polarization in the community.” This is a fair generalization. But, what follows is not. “Naturalization requires one to abjure allegiance to a foreign country, but America allows dual citizenship. Though India does not allow dual citizenship, the societies in both countries are largely accepting of multiple identities. However, Mr. Trump and Mr. Modi lead politics that seeks to assert and privilege a national identity by subordinating particularities, and rebuild their nations into puritan, unitary communities. This project also involves, in both countries, a massive state drive to identify, isolate, detain and possibly expel people who are suspected to be intruders

into the nation. The India of Mr. Modi’s Hindutva dreams, advancing rapidly under his rule, will be “one nation” with one people, one language, one religion, one election, one market, and one everything — a homogeneous, Hindu utopia. The Houston rally could be an opportunity for both leaders to see up close the fallacy of this pursuit. It will be one people cheering leaders of two countries that they divide their loyalty for. The irony is that Mr. Modi and Mr. Trump ride populism that targets various minorities for fractured loyalties.” This line of sky is falling argument is typical of all antiHindu forces. It is as realistic as the world coming to an end in 2020 through climate change. “Seeking absolute and unalloyed loyalty to the nation from the entire population, expressed as unquestioning fealty to the regime, is the fulcrum of Mr. Modi’s politics within India, but abroad he seeks and encourages the Indian diaspora to maintain dual loyalties — for India and their host countries.” The pitfall in this line of argument to say that when one says ‘Make America Great” or “Make India Great” it means subordination and subjugation of other nations. The idea that each nation can aspire for its own greatness without demeaning another is ignored by such analysis. For example, when American conservatives talked of American “exceptionalism,” former President Barack Obama ridiculed the concept by saying that other countries like Germany and France were also exceptional. “Indian American Hindutva groups, largely upper caste Indians, are advocates of minority rights in the U.S., but simultaneously

Applications Open for Sugar Land Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council Applications for the 2019-2020 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) are now open and available at https://volunteer. sugarlandtx.gov. Interested students should submit completed applications by Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council empowers youth to become active community members by providing an overview of opportunities to impact the future of Sugar Land through local government public service. Students share newly gained knowledge to influence the community and make a difference in the city. As part of MYAC, students tour city facilities, participate in a mock City Council meeting, work with other Sugar Land students and make a lasting impact on the city’s future. The advisory council needs motivated and passionate Sugar Land youth to learn more about their community and serve as young ambassadors. Eligible students must be high school juniors for the 20192020 school year. Students must also live in Sugar Land or communities in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction that have adopted strategic partnership agreements with the city, including portions of Riverstone. Confirm by visiting www.sugarlandtx. gov/myneighborhood. For more information or questions, visit http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/myac, email myac@sugarlandtx.gov, or call (281) 275-2329.

Navigating Property Taxes @ George Memorial Library, Richmond

Fort Bend County Libraries, in conjunction with the Fort Bend County Tax Office, will present an informational program on “Navigating Your Property Taxes 101” on Saturday, October 19, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, in the Meeting Room at George Memorial Library, located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond. Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector Carrie Surratt will be joined by Chief Appraiser Jordan Wise from the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District to provide an in-depth look at property taxes. Wise will talk about the appraisal process and how to protest property values, and Surratt will explain how tax rates are set. Gain a better understanding of tax statements, property-tax exemptions, and deferrals. They will also discuss the process for taxpayers over the age of 65. Charles A. Sutton, capital partner with Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, will talk about delinquent taxes and payment plans. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend. lib.tx.us), or call George Memorial Library (281-342-4455) or the library system’s Communications office (281-633-4734).

and contradictorily supportive or uncritical of cultural supremacism and majoritarianism in India. Mr. Modi’s followers in the U.S. want American Democrats to fight back Mr. Trump’s cultural supremacism that belittles them and their culture. They demand as a right, the American green card and passport, and the Modi government has supported such claims for more opportunities for Indians in bilateral talks with the U.S. But they want American Democrats to keep their mouths shut about the rights of those living in India for generations — whether in Kashmir or those who are arbitrarily being asked to prove their citizenship though they never took an oath abjuring and renouncing India. India-friendly voices in American politics are under attack by Hindutva groups in the U.S. for speaking up for constitutionalism and pluralism in India. Hindutva groups in the U.S. even want Indian American Democratic lawmakers to subordinate American interests to India’s. Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative from California’s 17th Congressional District, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is being singled out by these groups for his association with the Pakistan Caucus, as if they are fighting the India-Pakistan rivalry in America. Mr. Khanna is an unequivocal and strong supporter of a pluralist America, and India-U.S. ties, and for the same reason rejects Hindutva and its exclusive nationalism.” I have reproduced these excerpts not to endorse the views, but to show their shallowness and fallacy and to put it to test to the very people who are insinuated in these columns. It is a thought to ponder.

Stafford City Council approves budget on 5-2 vote By BARBARA FULENWIDER Long-time Councilman Cecil Willis was the first to follow the mayor in speaking about Stafford’s 2019-2020 fiscal budget on Sept. 25. “What you were handed, mayor, was a $1.2 million deficit (in the budget) to a $206,000 positive,” Willis said. He continued: “It hasn’t been easy when there are absolute necessities we have to have – bills we have to pay. There’s always the wants and then the desires. Needs ate the whole thing up. We couldn’t get past the needs. “I went back to my archives to see how we got to where we are. For fiscal year (FY) 2016-17 the ending fund balance was $1,004,663. In our 2017-18 budget the approved fund balance was $1,881,247. In 18-19 it was $889,042 and has not yet been determined for this year (prior to budget approval). Four years ago it was $7 million -- just 4 short years ago and those 4 years would put the fund balance now at $100 million. We started with $7 million! That’s a bad trend.” Then he had some suggestions for members. He said council came up with 54 items to consider that could have been negated but none were. “As we considered them there was no prioritzation given,” Willis said. “The next time we need to know the total dollar amounts if they are to be implemented before we vote and prioritize. “We need to implement energy saving devices and methods and the next one is reclaiming water. If we just start with all our irrigation, in time we will save a lot of money.

It takes millions going in, (infrastructure) but you will have water. The day will come. “Every day WCID No. 2 dumps millions of gallons of water into Oyster Creek that then flows to the Gulf of Mexico. We have to look at the long term prospect.” Willis then said, “It is imperative in my opinion that the entire city council and SEDC, on a timely basis, receive the sales tax, the hotel tax, the liquor tax. Compared to the previous 2 years we are starting to get back in that mode again, but we have to monitor that,” Willis said. He also suggested the city outsource and contract employees “when and where we can.” Also verify that the general fund was properly reimbursed for costs paid for prior to CO issued. Receive monthly reports on sales tax, hotel/motel tax, franchise tax, liquor tax compared to prior year. Have department heads verify budgets prior to the mayor posting them. Also, no reclassifying, promotions or shuffling staff other than at budget time; human resources recommendations on salary and positions need to be highly regarded; list of items have to be priortized; moratorium on buying major items until first quarter report are in in January and received unless mayor approved . And during the last 30 days of the budget year, Willis said, “unless there is an emergency situation, we watch what we spend because that gives you a positive number to our fund balance and no shuffling at budget time. “We need to be careful because nothing in the ordinary

happens until we get our numbers in in January. We have zero control of the money coming in,” he said. “I also suggest that the finance committee meet and review the process and make approximate adjustments before we are back here again next year. Do this sooner rather than later, while it is fresh on our minds.” Willis concluded by saying, “You’ve all seen where the glitches are. My whole purpose is to make this thing work better so everyone understands where we are. Hopefully, the revenue we put in is the most conservative we could put in.” Then Mayor Pro Tem Wen Guerra said, “We learn from our mistakes, so we’ve got to be very careful how we spend our money. We’ve got to live with the numbers from last year. You deal with it and move forward.” Ken Mathew was next to speak, and he said, ‘This council has the ability to control the expenses. We should not be indulging in spending $800,000 for trimming trees. We’ve got to have discussions every month – what can we do every month. We should have our own discipline.” Scarcella ended by saying, “We are where we are right now and have to be very cautious and look at everything we do and evaluate it in a very frugal way and appropriate manner.” Mathew made the motion to approve the 2019-2020 fiscal budget and Willis seconded. There was no more discussion and it was approved 5-2 with Willis and Council Member Virginia Rosas voting against.

INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 2, 2019 • Page 4

NEWS Fort Bend County Judge orders flags flown at half-staff in honor of Deputy Dhaliwal

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Fort Bend County Judge KP George issued a statement on Monday honoring and remembering Harris County Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal. George said “Fort Bend County mourns with the family and friends of Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal, our neighbors at the Harris County Sheriff’s office, and all those throughout our community that were touched by the kindness of Deputy Dhaliwal over a storied and trailblazing career in law enforcement. He was a groundbreaking officer in our region, state, and country because he worked hard to break barriers and received permission to wear the garb of his Sikh faith on patrol paving the way for so many and inspiring countless in the process. “Deputy Dhaliwal was a shining example of the values we hold dear in our diverse region by exuding compassion and understanding in every aspect of his career from connecting with the youth to serving by example during the disaster of Hurricane Harvey. “As a mark of solemn respect for the downed law enforcement officer, by the authority vested in me, I hereby order the flags of Fort Bend County be flown at half-staff until sunset on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019.” Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls said, “Deputy Dhaliwal led the way for others to serve their community without sacrificing the beliefs of their religion or culture. His death is truly a loss for our community.”

District Attorney Brian Middleton, said “Due to Deputy Dhaliwal’s murderer being apprehended and charged with capital murder, justice will be swift and proportionate to the crime. Deputy Dhaliwal paid the ultimate sacrifice for his service to the community. I and other law enforcement officials stand with Deputy Dhaliwal’s family and will insure Deputy Dhaliwal’s courage and service will never be forgotten.” Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal, 42, was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Sept. 27. Dhaliwal stopped driver Robert Solis around 1 p.m on Friday. His dashcam showed no signs of confrontation. Dhaliwal walked back to his car and was ambushed by Solis who shot the officer in the back of his head. Solis, 47, was charged late Friday with capital murder in the case. “In a cold-blooded manner, ambush-style, (he) shot Deputy Dhaliwal from behind,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. Solis had a long criminal history, including convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated kidnapping and driving while intoxicated. Dhaliwal was a beloved member of the Sheriff’s office and the Houston community. He is best-known for being a pioneer in the Houston Sikh community. He was the first Sikh deputy in Harris County. To maintain strict observance with his faith, he was able to successfully file a religious ac-

commodation with the Sheriff’s office allowing him to wear his turban and a beard. His national acclaim gave power to the half a million Sikh’s in America wanting to fulfill their religious values of both public service and rituals of faith without compromising one for the other. “As a Sikh American, I felt the need to represent the Sikh community in law enforcement,” Dhaliwal told reporters in 2015. “Serving in the police force is natural to us, as Sikhs value service.” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner tweeted that Dhaliwal “represented the diversity and inclusiveness of our community and everything that is good.” Dhaliwal’s charitable endeavors and service projects were a part of his police work. After Hurricane Harvey, Dhaliwal organized members in the Sikh community to deliver supplies to first responders. He even traveled to Puerto Rico to assist the family of a sheriff’s office colleague after a hurricane. And in 2015, Dhaliwal was instrumental helping rename the Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth Park after a fellow police officer who was shot and killed. “This guy had a heart of gold, he treated his brothers and sisters in law enforcement as if they were just brothers and sisters. He thought of them before he thought of himself. He thought of the broader community before he thought of himself,” said Harris County police commissioner Adrian Garcia.

Sugar Land City Council approves the fiscal year 2020 budget of $272.6 million and tax rate of 33.2 cents The approved budget and capital improvement program (CIP) emphasize the implementation of priority services and programs that directly benefit residents and enhance the quality of life in Sugar Land with little change in the average residential tax bill. Priority services and programs include increasing funding for infrastructure rehabilitation for streets, sidewalks, facilities, parks and drainage; continuing investment in technology to enhance traffic and mobility responsiveness; supplementing traffic safety resources; and the final phases of projects previously approved by voters. Overall, the average residential tax bill will only increase $24, or approximately 2 percent, due to a strategic increase to the homestead exemption from 10 percent to 12 percent approved by the City Council in June. “First and foremost, the fiscal year 2020 budget and CIP reflect the city’s commitment to delivering the Sugar Land Way - which is a commitment to meeting residents’ expectations, both in terms of the service levels and the value for tax dollar provided by the city,” said City Manager Allen Bogard. “The city of Sugar Land has a long history of recognition as a leader in financial stewardship, success and resiliency - including having

one of the lowest tax rates in Texas among cities our size. As we approach our 60th anniversary as a city, I am proud that the City Council’s hard work to deliver this budget will continue to benefit and positively impact the quality of life of residents in Sugar Land for years to come.” The fiscal year 2020 budget includes $40.5 million for capital projects, including priority projects such as Settlers Park drainage improvements; major street rehabilitation; capital projects funded through utility revenues to implement the Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP) to meet additional mandated surface-water requirements; and the final phases of the 2013 voter-approved parks bond projects. The fiveyear CIP - which includes out-year projects for planning purposes - totals $263.8 million, including approximately

$90 million in projects to be considered by voters in November. Additionally, recognizing that water utility rates - including surface water fees - have not been increased since January 2014, the fiscal year 2020 budget includes a 5 percent increase to water/wastewater rates and a 10 percent increase to surface water fees in January 2020, which results in an estimated 7 percent increase to monthly bills - or $5 per month for the average utility user - as the city prepares to implement significant capital projects to meet the mandated 60 percent groundwater reduction in 2025. Additionally, solid waste rates will increase by 2.5 percent - from $18.91 to $19.38, consistent with the contract for services. For more information, please visit www.sugarlandtx. gov/budget.

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INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 2, 2019 • Page 5

NEWS

Who has the best Chili in Fort Bend? What about dessert?

A pinch of this, a dash of that. You’ve decided this is the year you enter the legendary Classic Chili Challenge & Bake Off hosted by Classic Chevy Sugar Land. Guess what? It’s coming up on October 19th! Now in its 9th year, this event will once again benefit the entire community of Fort Bend County first responders. Classic Chevy Sugar Land Operations Director Jerry Parks says, “For chili and desserts, we will be awarding a trophy to both our Crowd Favorite and our Judge’s Choice. Honorary judges are our Fort Bend mayors: Richmond Mayor Evalyn W. Moore,

Rosenberg Mayor William T. “Bill” Benton, Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman and other local officials.” Of course, if you make a mean bowl of the official “State Food” of Texas, then the Chili Challenge is your challenge. Chili categories include Texas Chili, Spicy Chili, Bean Chili and Specialty Chili...and a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophy is awarded in each category! Call today for a booth and a chance to win serious bragging rights. Remember, the best decorated booth wins the coveted Spirit Award trophy. Cost is just $150 for team

entry and includes one submission (chili or dessert). Each additional submission is $50. But enough about COMPETE, let’s hear about EAT! “That’s right,” says Jerry. “This is a family event. Entry is free, then purchase tickets as a donation to our cause. Use your tickets around the event for chili and bake off voting, certain attractions, and additional concession items. We will have more than 50 chilis to sample, made by some of the funnest people in Fort Bend County. Fun and games include a cake walk, bungee jump, rock wall, demolition vehicle, bouncy house, games

Cross Creek Ranch Inspires with Oct. 19 Art Market and Tour. Inspiring home design and artistic expression will highlight the Art Market & Home Tour at Cross Creek Ranch, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Cross Creek Welcome Center, 6450 Cross Creek Bend Lane. The public is invited to explore 22 professionally decorated model homes and the work of local artists and artisans at the day-long event, which also will feature music, children’s activities and more. Admission is free. For more information on Cross Creek Ranch, visit https://www. crosscreektexas.com/artmarket.

Substance Abuse Prevention efforts expanded to Lamar CISD area

Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition (FBCPC), a program of Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse, has been awarded grant funds from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to continue prevention efforts in the Fort Bend ISD’s geographic area and to expand its reach to Lamar Consolidated ISD and Stafford MSD’s geographic area. The coalition coordinates and collaborates to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance abuse. Recognizing that local problems need local solutions, coalitions engage multiple sectors of the community and employ various environmental strategies to address local substance use problems.

Coalition Coordinator Lauren Ibekwe says, “The FBCPC has had the privilege of working and building strong partnerships in the Fort Bend Independent School District service area and we have had great success, but it is time for us to grow our efforts. Fort Bend County is one of the most diverse and populated regions in the state, and we’d like to reach as much of the community as we can.” The expansion into Lamar Consolidated ISD and Stafford MSD will allow the coalition to build relationships with new healthcare members, local government offices, police departments, local businesses, media, other organizations working with youth, and many more who can support the work of the coalition to advocate to change to social norms that promote youth

substance abuse. FBCPC serves a vital role in protecting the health and welfare of youth, families, and community members within Fort Bend County. Coalition members of varied backgrounds, levels of expertise and commitment have come together to address factors, such as ease of access to drugs and alcohol, low perception of the risks associated with using, and negative peer influence, that are proven to increase adolescent substance use rates. To learn more about the Fort Bend Community Prevention Coalition, contact: Payal Patani & Lauren Ibekwe Fort Bend Regional Council libekwe@fortbendcouncil.org 281-207-2400 www.fortbendcpc.org

for prizes, hair and face painting, dunk booth and four-way tug-of-war. A SWAT vehicle, ladder trucks, and an ambulance will be on hand to explore with police, fire and EMS personnel. There will also be hot dogs, sno-cones, ice cream, water and soda! 100% of donations and ticket sales benefit our first responders.” Classic Chili Challenge and Bake Off honorees and beneficiaries include: Behind the Badge, police and fire/EMS departments from Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, Richmond, Rosenberg, Needville and Meadows Place, along with the Sheriff and Consta-

ble departments of Fort Bend County. Classic Chevy Sugar Land owners Jeff and Tiffany Sebastian say, “We are excited to again be a part of this event that benefits the men and women in our community committed to keeping our families and businesses safe and sound. We look forward to seeing all of you on October 19th!” Classic Chili Challenge Raffle Raffle prizes include a fabulous vacation as well as several firearms. Raffle tickets will be available the day of the event or purchase tickets now at Classic Chevy Sugar Land

or your local firehouse or police station. Classic Chevy Sugar Land 9th Annual Chili Challenge and Bake Off Saturday, October 19th 3-8 p.m Classic Chevy Sugar Land Free entry! Join us for an afternoon of great chili, desserts, family, friends and fun! For more information, or to become a partner, sponsor, enter a chili team or enter the bake off, contact: Jerry Parks 832-689-4421, jparks@classicchevysugarland.com or chili@classicchevysugarland.com.

Checking with Charles: FBISD Superintendent’s message

By CHARLES DUPRE It’s been a busy month in Fort Bend ISD, and we’ve got a lot to discuss in this week’s “Check In”, including the first board meeting of the 2019-20 school year. We’ll have more on that in just a few seconds, but first, I want to extend an invitation to our entire FBISD community to join us at the Board’s first Listening Tour. It will be held at Marshal High School on October 7, so please make plans to attend. Remember, these tours were designed so that our Board could take their work into the community in which we serve, and I hope you’ll take this opportunity to engage with us. On October 27, we will dedicate the James Reese Career and Technical Center, which opened its doors at the beginning of the year. The building is named in honor of Mr. James Reese, who many consider the father of vocational education in Fort Bend ISD. During this week’s board meeting, our Board of Trustees approved an agreement with a locally owned funeral home, so that we can move forward with our plans to rebury the Sugar Land 95, whose remains were discovered at the CTE center construction site nearly

Dupre two years ago. This has been a long journey for Fort Bend ISD, as we have been committed to treating these remains with dignity and respect and ensuring that the contributions of the Sugar Land 95 are not forgotten. I hope you will take a few moments to watch a full video presentation that was shared with our board of trustees during this month’s workshop, which illustrates the district’s actions to date. This video is posted at www.fortbendisd. com/sugarland95. The next steps will involve reburying the remains in the sites in which they were found. We anticipate that the reburial will occur sometime within the next few months,

and we will be planning two ceremonies to honor the Sugar Land 95 -- one prior to the reburial, and one after it is complete. We will announce the dates of these two services soon, as we want our community to be fully engaged in marking this historic occasion. During Monday’s board meeting, the Board also received a comprehensive report on FBISD’s accountability results and got an in-depth look at the growth we are seeing, thanks to the efforts of our teachers and staff. You can see video of the presentation at www.fortbendisd. com/boardbook, and it is truly worth your time if you have a few moments to spare. Other actions taken Monday include revisions to the policy that guides Attendance Boundary Planning, and the schematic design for Middle School 16. Middle School 16 is designed to be the first netzero building in Fort Bend ISD. This means that the building would generate as much energy as it consumes. The school’s design was included in the 2018 Bond program, and we are excited to continue to deliver these projects as promised to voters.

Diwali celebration for children at Sugar land Branch Library The Youth Services department at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sugar Land Branch Library will recognize the culture of India in a “Celebration of Diwali” on Saturday, October 19, beginning at 2:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 550 Eldridge. Families with children of all ages are invited to learn about Diwali, one of the most important Hindu festivals across India and in parts of Nepal. Also known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali is celebrated in autumn every year. Library staff will show children how to make traditional lanterns, sweet Indian milk treats, and Sand Art. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call the Sugar Land Branch Library (281-2382140).

INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 2, 2019 • Page 6

AUTOMOBILE: Toyota Highlander Hybrid

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The original Toyota Highlander is a pioneer in the expansive midsize crossover category, and continues to get accolades for its safety features, performance and overall drivability. Still a three-row family SUV with seating for up to eight, the 2019 Highlander hybrid model is offered in LE, XLE, and Limited grades. For 2019, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited comes standard with chrome LED fog lamps and LED taillights. All Highlander gas and Hybrid models come standard with the advanced Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) driver-assist technology. It can help the driver identify a pedestrian or vehicle and may automatically apply braking to help mitigate or avoid frontal collisions in certain conditions. The precollision system with pedestrian detection also includes lane departure alert with steering assist, radar cruise

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

control and automatic high beams. The Highlander Limited Platinum grade has standard bird’s eye view camera with perimeter scan, which displays live, rotating 360-degree views around the vehicle when parked. With all seat rows in use, there’s still 13.8 cu. ft. of carrying space behind the third row. Folding the 60/40 split fold-flat third-row seatbacks expands the space to 42.3 cu. ft., and then to 83.7 cu. ft. with the 60/40 split fold-flat second row also lowered. All-wheel drive availability is a given with SUVs, and the V6 Highlander offers torque control AWD actively that governs torque distribution to the rear wheels via an electromagnetically controlled coupling in the rear differential. The system automatically shifts to AWD when the steering wheel is turned and when accelerating to help prevent wheel slippage. The Highlander Hybrid

The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Rivers Mist, 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

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Huntington Place, 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.

The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for LJ Parkway at Lake Riverstone Drive, Precinct 4. 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

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Grand Mission Estates, Section 24, Precinct 4.

The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Harvest Green, Section 19, Precinct 3.

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

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

comes in a choice of LE, XLE and Limited Grades. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive system also uses the directinjection 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, combined with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator to produce 306 net horsepower. The Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient Highlander with EPA-estimated 29 mpg city/27 mpg highway/28 mpg combined fuel economy ratings. All Highlander Hybrid models come equipped with electronic on-demand allwheel-drive with intelligence (AWD-i) as standard. AWD-i employs a second, independent electric motor to drive the rear wheels when needed to help maintain optimal traction. The Highlander Limited runs on 19-inch alloy wheels. Blue LED ambient lighting around the dash and doors casts a high-tech glow. Seating for seven includes second-row captain’s chairs, perforated leather-trimmed

seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a 4-way power passenger seat, and memory settings for the driver seat and side mirrors. Added safety features include rear parking assist sonar, while entertainment is upgraded with Entune Premium JBL audio with integrated navigation and app suite. Adding the Platinum Package gives the Highlander a panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel, heated second-row captain’s chairs, or outboard chairs in the optional bench seat, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dark chrome finish to the wheels, puddle lamps that feature a Highlander projection, and more. The Highlander Hybrid Limited was the test drive model and it retails for $46,510. Optional equipment and the processing fee hiked the price to $48,829. The Highlander Hybrid Limited rides like a dream, is spacious, good looking and a pleasure to drive. If an SUV is in your sights do test drive a Highlander. They are grand.

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE ******* OPENING DATE OF October 29, 2019 AT 2:00 P.M. ******* Invitation for Bid for the provision of Temporary Labor Services Commodity Code: 962-69 Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the IFB name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of City of Missouri City Attn: Purchasing Office – IFB No. 20-001 Temporary Labor Services 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, Texas 77489 Prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Until final award of the contract, the City reserves the right to reject any or all responses, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the work otherwise when in the best interests of the City. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners are holding their annual Fall Vegetable-Herb Plant Sale on Saturday, October 12, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. The sale will be held in the Bud O’Shieles Community Center located at 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. The varieties of plants offered for sale have been recommended for Fort Bend County by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and are grown by the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners. The cooler temperatures of fall provide a great opportunity to grow vegetables in Fort Bend County. Many varieties thrive during our fall season and several will continue to produce until early spring, weather permitting! Some of the vegetable plants that will be available include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, celery, Swiss chard, cauliﬂower, lettuce, mustard greens, collards, and pak choi. Fall is also a good time to add herbs to your garden. Herbs brighten up many recipes and also make wonderful landscape plants since many of them are perennial. Chamomile, cilantro, dill, parsley, sage, salad burnet and thyme are some of the herbs that will be available. Visit https://fbmg.org/events/annual-sales/vegetable-herbsale/ for a complete list of plants offered for sale, directions to the sale-including parking. All proceeds from the sales are used to support the educational programs offered throughout the year. This sale, along with the Fruit & Citrus Tree Sale and Spring Vegetable-Herb Plant Sale, help us purchase materials for our training and educational efforts, demonstration garden plants, and materials. No funds are used to pay volunteers nor are these funds used for anything unrelated to our mission. For more information call 281-341-7068.

No. 19-CPR-033476 Notice of Appointment of Stacy N. Pierson Notice is hereby given that on the 30th day of September, 2019, Letters Testamentary up on the Estate of Malcolm Thomas Myers, Deceased, were issued to Stacy N. Pierson, Independent Executor of the Estate of Malcolm Thomas Myers, Deceased, by the Honorable Toni Wallace, Judge of Fort Bend County Court at Law Number Four(4), being Cause No. 19-CPR-033476 pending upon the Docket of said Court. All persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within he time prescribed by law at the address of Stacy N. Pierson, Independent Executor, which is shown below: Stacy N. Pierson 7800 Whippoorwill Drive McKinney, Texas 75072 Dated this 30th day of September, 2019.

Dermot Rigg, P.C. 2245 Texas Drive, Suite 300 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-242-7447 (phone)) 281-566-2505 (fax) Email: drigg 15@windstream.net Attorney for Stacy N. Pierson, Independent Executor of the Estate of Malcolm Thomas Myers, Deceased

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plans for Firethorne West Section 4, Firethorne West Section 5, Firethorne West Section 6, Firethorne West Section 9, Firethorne West Section 11, Firethorne West Section 12, Firethorne West Section 14, Firethorne West Reserve A, West Firethorne Road Section 3 Street Dedication, and West Firethorne Road Section 4 Street Dedication, Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

WATER DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE The Missouri City Management District No. 1 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on October 16, 2019 at 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 2600 Houston, TX 77027, at 12:00 p.m. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. FOR the proposal:

Anthony C. Francis, Wilfred Green, Jamie Virkus, Adrienne Barker

AGAINST the proposal:

NONE

PRESENT and not voting:

NONE

ABSENT:

Loveless Mitchell, Todd Burrer

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. Last Year This Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Fall 2019 Vegetable – Herb Plant Sale

Difference in rates per $100 of value

0.90000/$100

Adopted

Proposed

$+ 0.90000/$100

Percentage increase/decrease in rates (+/-)

+0.00000%

Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen's or disabled person's exemptions)

Average taxable value

Tax on average residence homestead

$0.00

Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-)

$0.0000

and percentage of increase (+/-)

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS' RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.

INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 2, 2019 • Page 7

COMMUNITY Expanded Infusion Center for Sheriff’s office warns of new drug chemotherapy patients opens at trend, Robo Tripping Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

Members of the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Infusion Center team: Krystle Sanchez, PCA, left; Daniela Suarez, BSN, RN, OCN; Amy Sebastian-Deutsch, DNP, APRN, CNS, AOCNS, Director, Oncology & Infusion Services; Carmen Withers, BSN, RN; Joan Burnham, MSN, RN, OCN, RN-BC, Oncology Nurse Navigator; Jamie Ureste, BSN, RN, OCN, Charge Nurse, Infusion Services. Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land recently expanded and upgraded its Infusion Center to better serve patients undergoing chemotherapy. The new 7,450-square-foot Infusion Center – located on the second floor of the Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land – is nearly twice the size of the old facility. It features 20 private rooms and a fast-track area with two chairs for patients who need a port flush or other quick procedure. An expanded on-site oncology pharmacy will enable the center to provide much-needed treatments in a timely manner. In addition, the Infusion Center offers a range of services and amenities to provide a supportive, caring environment, including music therapy, pet therapy, specialized technology to prevent hair loss, beverages, light snacks and even full meals for patients who must remain on-site through the lunch hour. “The opening of the expanded Infusion Center is a major benefit for our patients, both in terms of ease of scheduling and in comfort and convenience,” said Amy Sebastian-Deutsch, director of oncology and infusion therapy services. “Patients undergoing chemotherapy spend a lot of time here, so we’ve eliminated as many of the hassles and stresses of treatment as possible by creating an Infusion Center that provides a warm and welcoming environment. The new center also frees up chairs at our IV Therapy Center for patients who are undergoing infusion therapy for non-cancer treatments such as autoimmune

disorders.” The hospital enlisted help from current chemotherapy patients in elements of the center’s design. “For some patients, an infusion session can be as long as six hours, which means a lot of sitting,” said Sebastian-Deutsch. “So we conducted a ‘chair fair’ and allowed patients to try out a variety of designs from different manufacturers, to help us select the most comfortable model.” The Infusion Center also expanded its staff to ensure better communication with patients. A majority of the Infusion Center nurses are oncology certified. “Our staff understands the challenges that chemotherapy patients face, and they are experienced at providing compassion and support,” Sebastian-Deutsch said. “These patients become like family to us and we want to make certain they are receiving the best possible care.” Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land is the only comprehensive cancer center in Fort Bend to earn accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. In addition to providing the full suite of oncology services and a slate of active clinical trials, the center offers a number of programs designed to help patients manage the emotional, social, physical and spiritual demands of a cancer diagnosis, including: •A robust survivorship program that offers support groups and a variety of therapeutic classes, including music therapy, drama therapy, yoga and massage.

•A financial navigator who helps find grants, co-pay assistance and other financial support for patients who receive infusion treatments. •Oncology nurse navigators who provide emotional support, education about diagnosis and treatments, help in expediting appointments, and assistance with connections to community resources. •Specially trained oncology support personnel, including dieticians and chaplains, to ensure that patients are meeting their nutritional and spiritual needs. “As our oncology program has grown over the years, the number of patients receiving infusion therapy has grown, as well,” said Sebastian-Deutsch. “Today, we are conducting more than 400 individual treatment sessions each month. Now, we have the space and chairs we need to continue to grow our program and better serve the community.” To learn more about Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer-sl or houstonmethodist.org/sugarland. Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land welcomes all local cancer survivors and caregivers to participate in the survivorship series, including free monthly music therapy, yoga and drama therapy classes designed to promote healing, discussion and camaraderie among local survivors. For more information or to register, visit houstonmethodist.org/events and search for survivorship, or call 281.274.7500.

The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office has recently become aware of a current teen drug trend called, “Robo Tripping” which involves a product called, Robo Cough. Robo Cough is a product marketed as a powerful cough suppressant that can be purchased through Amazon. “It has been brought to our attention that this dangerous product is being manufactured in Katy,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release. The bottles are 1.52 fl oz and list the active ingredient as a concentrated dose of Dextromethorpham HBr (DXM), which is also the active ingredient in most over-the-counter cough suppressants. It has been reported teens are consuming this product for recreational use, and in some cases with adverse effects and overdose. According to reports from parents of affected children and social media, this product is only being used to get high. Two Fort Bend County families came to the Sheriff’s Office to share their stories. Two juvenile males had taken Robo Cough along with cough suppressant pills and they were found unresponsive by a parent. Both teens were rushed to a local hospital and treated. “We would like to inform the public, especially teens and parents, of the dangers of taking this “legal” drug incorrectly. Rough Cough is not illegal, therefore the Sheriff’s Office is not able to open a criminal investigation. “The families have asked to stay anonymous,” the sheriff said.

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INDEPENDENT • OCTOBER 2, 2019 • Page 8

Legendary S.O.S. Band & Famed DJ Kid Capri to perform Saturday Put on your dancing shoes and prepare to move to the beat at the Fourth Annual Community Night Out Festival on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Missouri City City Hall Complex, 1522 Texas Pkwy. Residents are invited to attend the FREE community unity event to enjoy live music, food, and family-oriented fun. Legendary masters of funk, S.O.S Band, will headline a live concert performance with chart-topping hits like “Take Your Time (Do It Right)” and other fan favorites. And, Famed DJ Kid Capri will also take the stage performing live on the 1s and 2s. This year will also feature live storytelling on the City’s outdoor Community Center Performance Plaza from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Then, S.O.S. Band and Kid Capri are scheduled for the main stage showcase from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. “This is a lineup you don’t want to miss! The fourth annual event will be another starstudded evening of superstar performances,” said City Manager Anthony J. Snipes. “Not only will guests be serenaded by artists who are among the best in the business, they will also be able to enjoy family-friendly activities, eat great food and bond with friends and neighbors.” The festivities will include bounce houses, public safety apparatus, face painting and event booths. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on-site.

Ron Joseph set to entertain Loving Friends

Loving Friends is seeking new members who have lost their spouses and want to move on in a social environment with likeminded friends.....not a grief support group. The group will meet for dinner and entertainment on Tuesday,

October 15, arrival time 5:00 p.m. Ron Joseph, who has been a guitar performer since the early 1970’s, first with show bands that played from Galveston to Las Vegas, will perform for the group with old and new songs. The location is Quail Valley City Cr., 2880 La Quinta Blvd., Missouri City. Other monthly activities include luncheons at area restaurants and pokeno. Cost for dinner and entertainment is $24 inclusive, paid at the door in the Blue Bonnet Room. Please call 281-208-3124 for reservations. New members and guests are always greeted with a warm welcome.

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GIVE A NEW TOY, GET A FREE FLU SHOT Flu shots for persons age 18 and older only.

Join Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, the Exchange and Rotary Clubs and Toys for Tots in an effort to keep our community healthy and make our local children happy this holiday season. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or children’s clothing item and you’ll receive a FREE flu shot. One flu shot per unwrapped toy or clothing item. No appointment is necessary. The flu vaccine is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B. Vaccination with the flu vaccine may not protect all people who receive the vaccine. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will be distributing a limited supply of the influenza vaccine to persons age 18 and older, with no history of Guillain-Barré syndrome or rubber latex allergy, and who are not pregnant. For questions, visit events.houstonmethodist.org/flushot-sl or call 281.274.7976.

Saturday, Oct. 12 8 a.m. – Noon Brazos Pavilion Conference Center (Enter through Main Entrance)

16655 Southwest Fwy. Sugar Land, TX 77479