Fort Bend Independent

FORT BEND

FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

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

P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2009

VOL 2 No. 44

The University of Hous-ton System at Sugar Land (UHSSL) enjoyed an unprec-edented enrollment increase this fall, with 1,506 UHS stu-dents now taking classes at the recently expanded teach-ing center.

Add to that a comparable number of students from Wharton County Junior Col-lege – which shares space in the new 147,000 square foot Brazos Hall building – and the UHSSL campus is burst-ing at the seams.

UHSSL offers courses at the junior, senior and master’s level; WCJC offers freshman and sophomore classes.

“The partnership between UHSSL and WCJC has trans-formed the landscape of higher education in Fort Bend County,” said Dick Phillips, associate vice chancellor of UHSSL. “Our on-campus re-

lationship with WCJC makes earning a four-year degree and beyond more convenient and affordable than ever be-fore.”

UHSSL partners with WCJC, Houston Community College, and other area com-munity colleges to ensure a smooth transition into their upper-level programs.

“With this arrangement, students in this area can earn their degrees at a fraction of what it costs at many other institutions. With the added bonus of not having to move or commute,” Phillips added. “The shared facility on our Sugar Land campus not only increases space, but also op-timizes its utilization. This saves money for both UHSSL and WCJC and our students. By sharing some administra-tive expenses, labs, class-rooms and student services,

we’re reducing duplicated services.”

With more than 3,600 stu-dents in combined enrollment attending classes, the UHSSL campus is experiencing grow-ing pains. The main parking lot, which accommodates nearly 1,000 vehicles, is be-yond capacity. A temporary gravel lot will be set up to handle the overfl ow until an additional permanent lot can be constructed.

Since its beginning with just a handful of students in 1995, UHSSL has steadily grown into a signifi cant edu-cational resource for the rap-idly developing region.

“Our own tremendous growth is just another indi-cation of the region’s overall expansion and the increasing demand for higher education in Fort Bend County,” Phil-lips said.

Enrollment soars at UHSSL

PIONEER BUSINESSMAN AND PHILANTHROPIST. Ramesh Bhutada, second from left, a Sugar Land resident, recently received the pioneer businessman award from the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston. As the owner of Star Pipe Products in Houston, Bhutada is known both for his business acumen and philanthropy. Here he is seen with daughter-in-law Shraddha, left, wife Kiran, and son Rishi Bhutada. The joint family lives in the Telfair subdivision of Sugar Land. See story on Page 3.

To combat the rising number of child fatalities in Fort Bend County, representatives from more than 18 agencies in Fort Bend County gathered at Child Advocates of Fort Bend to at-tend the fi rst meeting of the Child Fatality Review Team recently.

Led by Assistant District Attorney Oshea Spencer, the

Child Fatality Review team reviewed 8 child fatalities that occurred in 2007 and will con-tinue to review all child deaths in the county in the hope of identifying ways to prevent fu-ture fatalities.

Team members contrib-ute detailed information con-cerning child death cases that come under the charge of their

agencies and quarterly meet-ings will be held to review the deaths.

The team will report its fi nd-ings to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Data gathered will be used to target prevention strategies and edu-cational initiatives and to con-tribute to national data on child deaths.

Local agencies fi ght child fatalities

As part of Red Ribbon Week to Stay Drug Free, Quail Valley Garden Club members helped children prepare the soil and plant 100 red Tulips furnished by Ann LeTulle of Gary Greene Prudential Realtors ®. Barbara Thompson, Donna Hogan and Janice Scanlan worked with Quail Valley Elementary Counselor Myrtle St. Julien to plan the event. Pictured in the fore-ground of the photo is Quail Valley Garden Club President Nancy Lindsay and other volun-teers working with the children. As Nancy commented, “It is certainly easy to see why Quail Valley Elementary just achieved Recognized Status with such young people and faculty.” Visit http://traction.typepad.com/QVGC to learn more about Growing Better Community.

Planting the promise to stay drug free

Fort Bend County Commis-sioners symbolically moved the dirt and broke ground for the proposed 24,000 square feet Precinct 3 building at the intersection of The Grand Parkway and Westpark Toll Road in the Grand Lakes com-munity in Katy last week.

The project conceived by Pct. 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers as early as 1999 was approved by voters in 2006 and $3.5 million was ear-marked for the project.

Meyers negotiated a deal with the developers who do-nated 22 acres of the corner land, part of which was used for building the feeder roads

along the toll road and the Grand Parkway.

The county paid for the feeder road along the Grand Parkway.

In the remaining 7 acres, the Precinct 3 building will be constructed.

A large portion of Precinct 3’s population is closer to the Katy-Fulshear area and the existing offi ce of Meyers on Eldridge Road in Sugar Land is not centrally located.

The Fort Bend County Pre-cinct 3 annex will house the offi ces of constable, justice of the peace, county clerk, tax offi ce, sheriff’s annex, veter-ans affairs offi ce and health

and human services.The construction contract

has been awarded to Rosen-berger Construction and the building is expected to be ready for occupancy next summer.

Above, participating in the ground breaking ceremony were Kent Rosenberger, left, County Attorney Roy Cordes, County Clerk Dianne Wil-son, Commissioner Grady Prestage, County Judge Bob Hebert, Commissioner Andy Meyers, Tax Assessor-Collec-tor Patsy Schultz, Director of Facilities Management Don Brady and Commissioner James Patterson.

County breaks ground for Pct. 3 buildingThe UH Sugar Land campus parking lot is full, a testament to the enrollment numbers.

It’s time to start experiencing relief with a personalized treatment plan from our new comprehensive Back Pain Program. Our skilled health team specializes in joint and back pain, off ering both minimally invasive surgical techniques and noninvasive treatments.

To learn more, call 281.725.5225 or visit SugarLandBackPain.com.

Introducing the new Back Pain Programat Memorial Hermann Sugar Land.

Reliefis within

reach

MHH097001_Shue11x2_FB_02.indd 1 10/19/09 7:04:14 PM

Page 2 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 4, 2009

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Fort Bend Habitat for Human-ity invites the community to cel-ebrate the fi rst Habitat Village Party at 702-735 Habitat Lane in Rosenberg. in Fort Bend County on Sunday, Nov. 8 from 2 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The community is invited to join the celebration to honor, recognize and thank the spon-sors and volunteers that made this village possible with fun, food and music. Come see how Habitat changes lives of families and communities. Shuttle park-ing will be available. For more details visit www.fortbendhabi-tat.org.

The Habitat Village in Rosen-berg began 3 years ago and was made possible by a generous

grant from Maxine Myers and Fairfi eld Industries.

Their grant was used to pur-chase the land and build the in-frastructure (street, water and sewer).

The fi rst house was completed in April 2007 and the fi nal and 18th home was completed in May, 2009.

In addition to completing the Village, the fi nal house also was the 50th house completed by the Fort Bend Habitat affi liate.

Habitat Village now provides a safe, decent, new home for 26 adults and 48 children.

The sponsor groups respon-sible for the houses on Habitat Lane are: Fairfi eld Industries (3 homes), St. Lawrence Catholic

Church (4 homes), God’s People: Christ United Methodist Church/ Holy Cross Episcopal Church/St. John’s Methodist Church (3 homes), the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans (2 homes), Clem-ents High School (2 homes), St. Agnes Academy (1 home), Wells Fargo Bank (1 home), Dulles/El-kins High School (1 home) and Fort Bend Habitat affi liate (1 home). Fort Bend Habitat is cur-rently building houses #51, #52 and #53 in Richmond.

Individuals or groups inter-ested in helping with a build or sponsoring a home should con-tact Executive Director Sharon Heldt at Fort Bend Habitat, 281-403-0708, or visit www.fortbend-habitat.org.

Fort Bend Habitat dedicates Habitat Village

Edge Energy, LLC recently relocated their offi ces to Sug-ar Land Town Square from Houston.

A portfolio company of OTC Global Holdings, Edge Energy specializes in natural gas fi xed price swaps and op-tions, with plans to expand into the crude oil options space.

“Edge Energy made Sugar Land Town Square its corpo-rate home because it was a strategic, fi tting and conve-nient move for us,” said Todd Gross, managing partner, Edge Energy.

“The development offers the facilities and resources we need, close proximity to en-

ergy industry talent and quick access to our home lives and families – something we val-ue highly as a company.”

Edge Energy occupies 2,926 square feet of offi ce space in the Minute Maid Building, located at 2150 Town Square Place.

“We’ve seen an increas-ing number of energy-related companies move their busi-nesses to Town Square over the past few years,” said Don Janssen, senior vice president of Planned Community De-velopers.

“I believe this trend will continue as more of these companies will move here as they desire to be close to as-

sociated businesses and cli-ents.”

Town Square, developed by PCD, is currently home to eight businesses that work in or are related to the energy industry including: Burke-Daniels, Co., Inc.; CVR En-ergy; Edoxx; G.A.S. Unlim-ited, Inc.; IIR; Sulzer TCS; and Upstream Energy. In ad-dition, PCD recently signed a letter of intent for a 10,000 square-foot lease for an oil-fi eld services company.

Janssen represented PCD in the lease transaction; Gross represented Edge Energy.

For more information visit www.sugarlandtownsquare.com.

Edge Energy relocates to Sugar Land Town Square

The sudden leadership change at Clements High School in Fort Bend ISD is shrouded in secrecy.

Last week, Principal Kev-in Moran reportedly took “a leave of absence” from FBISD.

A letter sent to the parents of students in Clements High School said a retired assistant principal of Kempner High School will substitute for

Moran.As personnel issues are

covered under privacy rules, the school district did not re-spond to media inquiry im-mediately.

Recently, Moran attended a school board workshop on high school rezoning. He was in favor of keeping the high school student popu-lation at the existing level, though it is about 600 more

than the capacity. He did not want to lose any students to other high schools.

Subsequently, he also dis-missed rumors that students are made to sit on the fl oor in the cafeteria due to over-crowding as untrue.

Last week, Trustee Sonal Bhuchar was quoted as say-ing that the school had no problem and everything was orderly.

Clements’ principal on leave of absence

NOVEMBER 4, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • Page 3

Community news

SUGAR LAND REDUCED

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FIRST COLONY! Popular David Weekley 1 story on huge corner lot! Culdesac street 4 bedrooms 2 full baths. Over $60K in upgrades/improvements! Rare fi nd! Will go fast! $220K.

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CITY OF SUGAR LAND ETJ! PERRY 2 story with master down and gameroom up. Huge cul de sac lot! Built in 2003. Tile and wood laminate fl oors thru out. 3 car dettached garage! Priced to go at $190,000.

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First Colony/Sugar Land! Over 3100 sqft 4 bedrooms 3 full baths. Master down and bedroom/bath down. Game room up. All new interior/exterior paint 2009! New carpet and tile 2009! Priced to go in the $200’s Seller spent over $32K getting house ready to sell.

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

Popular David Weekly home! 2 story with master down. 3 bedrooms, study, gam-eroom, both formals and computer area. updated kitchen with granite. Wood and tile fl oors thru-out. New roof 2009 and new exterior paint and fencing. Priced to go fast at $200,000! Hurry don’t miss this one!

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FALL & WINTER MINI-TERMSand SPRING SEMESTER 2010

REGISTRATIONFall Mini-Term classes begin October 26

(Walk-in registration only–now through October 23)Winter Mini-Term begins December 21(Register November 1 through December 17)

Spring semester classes begin January 19, 2010(Register November 1 through January 16)

wcjc.eduWCJC is an E.O.E. institution.

A Spirit of Freedom Republican Women special event will fea-ture HANNAH GILES: “STANDING AGAINST GOLIATH” COURAGE IN ACTION, Exposed ACORN Corruption. (As seen on FOX News) Saturday, Nov. 21, 6:30 p.m. Sugar Creek Country Club, Sugar Land. For reservations: Call Judy 281- 980- 8594 or email Babs [email protected].

The FBC LID # 2 board of directors voted at its Oct. 14th meeting for a 1.1 cent reduction of the LID tax rate in its 2010 budget.

With that reduction, the dis-trict tax rate will have been low-ered by 5 cents since 2008. The new tax rate will be 13.4 cents, a 6.9% reduction from last year, and a 27.2% reduction over the last fi ve years.

Board president, André Mc-Donald, said, “The board prom-ised residents, if they supported our $15 million bond issue in 2007, we would lower their taxes while performing needed infra-structure upgrades to continue to provide the highest quality of fl ood protection to our resi-

dents.”FBC LID #2 residents over-

whelmingly supported the bond with their votes in 2007 and Mc-Donald says the Board’s vote honors its pledge to taxpayers. The latest reduction will mean both a lower tax rate and an ab-solute lower tax burden for many residents.

Since January of 2009, FBC LID #2 has completed major up-grades to levees and infrastruc-ture to ensure that the district addresses Federal levee mainte-nance standards.

Emergency management, se-curity, equipment upgrades, levee integrity and maintenance have been key priorities as the district carefully monitored Federal ini-

tiatives that could impact Fort Bend residents.

The FBC LID #2 levee infra-structure system protects major parts of Sugar Land, including First Colony, Town Center, Fluor and major hospitals.

The system consists of both a perimeter levee, part of a multi-LID project implemented in 2008 to address FEMA requirements for levee height, along with inte-rior levees that provide “lifeboat” protection for FBC LID #2 resi-dents in the event of a breach of the perimeter levee.

Improvements have been com-pleted for the perimeter levee and district engineers are performing maintenance to ensure the integ-rity of FBC LID #2 interior le-

vees. The maintenance includes remediation of encroachments and clearing underbrush that hin-ders levee inspections or mainte-nance.

FBC LID #2 was recently sin-gled out for recognition by both FEMA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers speakers at an August fl ood management conference in Fort Worth for its proactive ef-forts to meet Federal standards of fl ood management.

The board is currently focused on monitoring the Federal regu-latory environment to ensure that the district stays in compliance with all Federal standards, es-pecially as they impact current initiatives related to the National Flood Insurance Plan.

A pioneer in philan-thropy, he also brings together seemingly

disparate business and bottom line in the same sentence with compassion and community service.

Ramesh Bhutada, a Sugar Land resident, was recently recognized by the Indo-Amer-ican Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston as a “pio-neer” businessman who built a multi-million dollar enter-prise over the past 25 years.

His business success is even dwarfed by the enormity of the generous philanthropic contributions he has made to numerous community service organizations.

Bhutada looks and sounds humble and modest.

“I believe the award is mainly for the team, not for an individual. I just happen to be a representative of the team. I feel good that the team has been recognized. We are very fortunate to have a good team in Star Pipe Products,” Bhutada says.

Community service is a part of the company’s core business philosophy.

“We allow and encourage employees to participate in community service. We give them paid time-off to do the service. In most cases, we also support the voluntary efforts with cash donations,” Bhutada says.

Such a business environ-ment instills more team spirit, more helping nature and addi-tionally workers in harmony contribute to higher produc-tivity.

“In organizations people depend on each other. Here we learn to solve, not to cre-ate problems,” Bhutada says.

In Star Pipe, growth does not mean merely the volume of sales or revenue earned, but the emotional and spiri-tual growth in individual em-ployees as well. Volunteerism helps achieve a balance in life.

Bhutada agrees that such a business climate cannot be created overnight. But the fl exible work environ-ment provides a platform for change.

Bhutada makes his major contributions quietly, behind the scenes, with little fanfare.

Bhutada was born in Nan-dura in Maharashtra state in India, in a middle class fam-ily.

Bhutada came to Chicago in 1968 to do his master’s de-gree after earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the Birla Institute of Technol-ogy, Pilani.

In 1969, he got a job with Texas Instruments. A year lat-er, he was laid off. The next ten years he worked at Racal Survey Systems, a geophysi-cal survey company, as a com-puter programmer, and later as manager. Then, in 1981, he quit and started Star Pipe Products. He had another fi rm which sold computer systems for hydrographic surveys.

Star Pipe fi rst began im-porting manhole covers from India in 1980 and later diver-sifi ed into pipe fi ttings and accessories. From humble be-ginnings, Bhutada built Star Pipe Products into a company of decent size. Today it has 14 distribution centers across United States and Canada. The company is an importer, manufacturer and distributor of pipe fi ttings and other in-dustrial castings used in the waterworks industries.

Bhutada attributes much of his business success to the contributions made by his brother-in-law, Jugal Malani, as a partner in Star Pipe Prod-ucts.

Now, Jugal Malani, who owns Unique Industrial Prod-ucts in Sugar Land, is a noted industrialist and philanthro-pist, in his own right.

Bhutada was exposed to the spirit of selfl ess service back home in India, in his early years.

In his later years as he came in contact with spiritual organizations, he realized that the human spirit seeks the higher consciousness or the goal of liberation which in turn requires the attitude of selfl ess service and compas-sion.

“I am not where I would like to be in that respect. It is a work in progress. One has to inculcate the qualities and work towards the higher goal,” Bhutada says.

Expanding this thought, Bhutada regrets the misplaced emphasis given to children’s education where character building takes a back seat.

“The secular education teaches children how to make a living, but does not teach how to lead life. The Hindu value system fi lls this gap. I encourage parents to get their children involved in charac-ter- building activities through the Sunday schools conducted by various organizations,” he says.

Bhutada also has keen in-terest in holistic health. “In the modern industrial society, not much attention is paid to healthy living, exercise and good eating habits. Health is in our own hands. We all must pay attention to it. Listen to your own body,” he says.

“In early part of my life, I ignored the health aspect and to some extent, I am paying the price for it now. We need to become more conscious of our health and, adopt holistic health practices to maintain good health, devoid of stress,” Bhutada says.

Bhutada was instrumental in bringing Swami Ramdev’s Yoga institution to Rosen-berg. The same interest in health and exercise motivated Bhutada to contribute to the MS 150 bike race and Star Pipe employees are encour-aged to participate in this fund-raiser in large numbers.

Bhutada is on the board of directors, Sewa Interna-tional USA which manages

projects in India and USA. Sewa International (India) is an umbrella for 45,000 proj-ects and programs all over In-dia, 80 types of activities and has more than 150,000 vol-unteers involved in running these programs and projects. Sewa International (USA) work in USA includes relief work during Hurricane Ka-trina (Louisiana), Hurricane Ike (Houston) and Bhutanese Refugee Empowerment proj-ect throughout the USA.

During 1975 to 1977 Emer-gency was declared in India. Democratic elections and civil liberties were suspended and opposition leaders were im-prisoned. Bhutada organized protest meetings in Houston in support of restoration of democracy in India. He sup-ported leaders who took ac-tive stand against emergency and organized public meet-ings for them.

Ramesh Shah, Chairman, Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA, says “Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA is very proud to say Ramesh Bhutada is one of us not because he is one of the largest donors sponsoring 200 schools every year, but due to his consistent guidance since the inception in 2001 and frank and honest opinion about operations and donor relations.”

Renu Khator, Chancellor and president of the Univer-sity of Houston System, says, “Rameshji is an inspiration to me. His simplicity and humil-ity add to the depth of wisdom and insights that he has. He gives so much of himself to his family and the community and yet I have noticed that he always credits others for suc-cess. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the Pioneer Award than Rameshji.”

Beth Kulkarni, a commu-nity activist who promotes the cause of Hinduism, now in The Woodlands, says “I have been privileged to know Ramesh Bhutada for about 20 years. One thing about Rameshji that impresses me the most is his choice of a simple lifestyle. He does not seek to make friends with those in high positions, but spends his time with fam-ily and friends with similar values. He does not seek out community awards or recog-nition, but would prefer to see others get awards.”

Daniel Dominguez, CFO and Director, of Centro Fa-miliar Cristiano or Christian Family Center, says “Ramesh is a prime example of an in-dividual that not only does things right but he also does the right thing. A very suc-cessful business person that in the process remains sensitive to human needs (the youth, the poor and the underprivi-leged), he never seeks recog-nition or self indulgence.”

“Walk the talk and lead a balanced life with a strong el-ement of seva (service) in it; nature will take care of you and your family,” is Bhuta-

County Levee Improvement District No. 2 reduces 2010 tax rate

da’s mantra. He believes and practices joint family tradition – his son and daughter-in-law live with him and his wife Kiran in the Telfair subdivi-sion in Sugar Land.

Kiran Bhutada, who has a law degree from Osmania University, deserves consider-able credit for Bhutada’s suc-cess as she is also a very silent worker and a valuable advi-sor to her husband.

Thus, the family values per-vade the business as well.

—SESHADRI KUMAR

Pioneer places philanthropy over bottom line

By JANICE SCANLANMy dad would be 105 in

December. What he knew with common sense fi fty years ago, we’ve now stud-ied to confi rm.

When I was 13, I got a job in the new bowling alley snack bar.

Now you may think how dreadful; but in a small, ru-ral Oklahoma town it was the fi rst time we had a place for people of all ages to go dur-ing the cold winter nights and weekends for recreation. Bowling leagues were packed every night—at least until the “new” wore off. That’s an-other story.

The fi rst night my Dad picked me up, he asked, “have you been smoking?”

For once, I could truthful-ly say no. He replied if there was that much smoke in the place, I should quit. It wasn’t a healthy place to work.

I didn’t quit working there. I was the typical impression-able teenager who wanted to be in the middle of things and doing what “was cool.”

And in the 1950’s smok-ing was considered cool and sophisticated. So to fi ght the powerful tobacco interests, we’ve had study after study on the health associated prob-lems including lung cancer, heart attacks and respiratory infections for the individuals

who smoke and those who get their smoke second hand.

And teenagers are more likely to start smoking if it’s permitted in eating establish-ments . . .same as the work-place. Incentive to quit, or better, to never start, reduces smokers.

I quit smoking years ago because it made me sick. But then, I had to quit a second time.

I quit attending a profes-sional meeting in Reno be-cause of the second-hand smoke and being sick for two weeks after the meeting.

Interestingly, I was not alone. So, the hotel/casino complexes in Reno have now banned smoking. They were losing too much business from guests who don’t like

second-hand smoke!Unlike Houston and Sugar

Land that banned smoking in restaurants and bars, Missouri City decided to “study it.”

While the smoking ordi-nance in Houston shows no loss of business to restaurants and bars, many cities consid-ering a smoke-free ordinance wring their hands on the “eco-nomic impact to business.”

Well, it seems businesses that allow smoking spend more on maintenance, have to refurbish more often, and may lose desirable employees and guests as well.

John and I love to listen to music but quit again. . . we couldn’t stand the smoke in bars and clubs. Now we’re out of the habit.

And how many studies lat-er do we know how right my dad was?

Well, it seems there’s an-other study that suggests that spending one hour in second-hand smoke can lead to a heart attack, if your heart is weak already.

So in many restaurants in cities that allow smoking, you may get more than an un-pleasant smell and higher dry cleaning bills for clothing.

If you’re not convinced or want to learn more from an expert, Dr. Joel Dunnington, a Missouri City resident and professor of radiology, UT-

OpinionPage 4 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 4, 2009

Seshadri KumarPublisher & Editor

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

281-980-6745

Email: [email protected]

www.fbindependent.com

David HamnerSales Associate

Diane ParksGraphic Artist

By RON PAULThere has been a lot of

talk in Washington recent-ly about senior citizens, mostly about how various healthcare reform models would help or hurt them. But there is another critical issue that has quietly dev-astated seniors fi nancially over the last few decades. It concerns how the cost of living is calculated. How does the administration justify not giving a cost of living increase to Social Security recipients this year?

According to the offi -cial Consumer Price Index calculation, life has gotten cheaper for the fi rst time in decades. If the govern-ment can show statistically that the cost of living has gone down, not up, then they can make the case for not giving a cost of living increase to Social Security recipients. But does this match reality? Using old-er calculations of CPI, the cost of living has actually increased – by roughly 5 percent!

The CPI (Consumer Price Index) is a calculation based on the average price of a fi xed basket of goods that was initially designed to help businesses adjust for infl ation. The govern-ment eventually started us-ing it to determine cost of living adjustments for en-titlement programs. Cou-ple that with politicians’ discovery that they could raid the Social Security trust fund to pay for new spending programs, and you have a perfect storm

to deny seniors what they were promised, while hid-ing the true size of the defi -cit. For politicians, it is a win-win.

For seniors, it is a dif-ferent story. Economist John Williams of Shadow Government Statistics has estimated that if the origi-nal methodology of CPI had not changed, Social Security checks would be nearly double what they are today. This represents a lot of money that politi-cians have been able to lit-erally steal from seniors, to spend on their own waste-ful programs. One exam-ple of how they do this is to substitute hamburger for steak, which lowers the av-erage price of that basket of goods. But living on hamburger, or maybe dog food, instead of steak does not represent a constant standard of living. This renders the measurement virtually meaningless, even though politically it comes in very handy.

I have introduced legis-

lation to keep politicians in Washington from ever raiding the Social Security trust fund again. HR 219 The Social Security Pres-ervation Act would assure that all monies collected by the Social Security Trust Fund would only be used in payments to benefi cia-ries, or be placed in interest bearing certifi cates of de-posit. This would at least stop the bleeding of the fund, and take away some incentive to tease and tor-ture the numbers in order to give seniors the minimal amount. This would also cut off a source of funding for government growth, so it is not likely to get easy support from many politi-cians.

It is bad enough that Washington imposes high payroll taxes on American workers. The least Con-gress could do is use the tax dollars for their stated pur-pose. Instead, seniors will have a harder and harder time trying to survive on a fi xed income in an econo-my based on variables and deception. For them, it is too late to start over. To-day’s young people will be forced to pay into the sys-tem for years to come. The fi rst step towards solving the impending crisis facing Social Security is to stop politicians from raiding the trust fund and to signifi -cantly cut federal govern-ment spending.

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

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul

Texas Straight Talk

By THOMAS J. PARR, M.D. This time each year, we

have discussions across the country about whether or not to take the annual fl u shot. There are those who will stand in a line for a long time to get a fl u shot, and there are those who refuse to get it, even if it is given free in their place of work. This year, we have two very different fl u vaccines, and it will take both to give an individual a reasonable degree of protection.

The regular annual fl u vac-cine has been out for several weeks now, and is easily avail-able through your doctor or at a local pharmacy running a fl u shot clinic. The regular annu-al fl u shot is “approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The H1N1, or “Swine Flu” vaccine is just now becoming available in Texas. Its avail-ability is tightly controlled through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Your physician has had to apply for the vaccine in advance, and it is being delivered according to a schedule based upon most critical need fi rst. The prior-ity list starts with children and young adults under the age of 24, pregnant women, and health-care workers.

It takes a year to develop any kind of fl u vaccine. The fl u vaccine is different every year, based on the experts’ best guess as to which viruses will be the most common ones next year.

There are a few misconcep-tions about both of this year’s fl u vaccines. The Texas Medi-cal Association (TMA) has re-ported that the H1N1 vaccine is produced in the same man-ner as the regular fl u vaccine. It is a safe vaccine which has

been tested in adults and chil-dren, with the Baylor College of Medicine and The Univer-sity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston being included in those clinical trial sites. “No deaths, serious adverse events, or adverse events of special interest have been re-ported in these early trials.”

According to the CDC, the regular annual fl u shot is a vaccine, containing about three different killed or inac-tive viruses.

The CDC also explains that the nasal-spray fl u vaccine is made with live, weakened fl u viruses. This weakened virus does not cause the fl u and is approved for use in healthy people, between the ages of 2 and 50, who are not pregnant. The weakened nasal-spray vi-ruses can cause some fl u-like symptoms in the patient who receives them, and on rare oc-casions, they can be transmit-ted to other people who are in close contact with the vaccine recipient.

One reason some people refuse to take the fl u vaccine each year is out of a belief that the vaccine itself will give them the fl u. Because the shot is made with inactive viruses, it really cannot give someone an active case of fl u, according to the CDC. But that doesn’t mean people will not develop any reaction to the vaccine.

Some people report some

side effects, such as soreness, redness, or swelling at the in-jection site, a low grade fever, or general body achiness. If so, it may be an indication that your body is developing its own antibodies to help you fi ght off a more severe case of fl u later on.

You will hear people say that they took the fl u shot be-fore and got the fl u anyway. It is important to understand that sometimes the experts’ guesses were not completely accurate, and a different virus actually developed faster than anticipated. You also might have been exposed to a vi-rus not common to your area previously. This will be more likely if you have recently moved to a new community, or either you, a family mem-ber, or a co-worker has been traveling recently.

While the fl u vaccine is highly recommended, there are a limited number of people who probably should not take the shot. Among these excep-tions are those who have an allergy to chicken eggs, who have had a severe reaction to an infl uenza vaccination pre-viously, or who have a history of getting Guillain-Barré syn-drome (GBS) within 6 weeks of taking an infl uenza vaccine. For these individuals, a deci-sion about whether or not to get the annual vaccine should be made in consultation with their personal physicians.

If you have a moderate-to-severe illness which involves a fever, you should wait until you are fully recovered before getting the vaccines. Children under the age of 6 months also should not get the vaccine.

The main reason that peo-ple over 65 are not in the pri-ority group for the fi rst supply of the N1H1 vaccine is that they generally will not be in

Thomas Parr

Musings: How right dad was...

Scanlan

By RUSSELL C. JONESThis year Sugar Land is

commemorating the 50th an-niversary of its incorporation. The big blowout will come on December 31, but in the meantime, many activities celebrating the city’s history are available to residents.

A year-long series of spe-cial events has already begun. Evidence of the celebration can be seen in the banners which fl y along our major streets, featuring the offi cial anniversary logo.

Included among the special events are monthly historic walking tours, the last being scheduled for Saturday, No-vember 7 and December 5 at 9 a.m. The tours begin at Lakeview Elementary School (Wood at 2nd Street) and are guided by a knowledgeable local historian. This is a great opportunity to see the historic sites of old Sugar Land.

A seven-member 50th An-niversary Citizens Commit-tee was appointed by the City Council last year to lead the celebration. A commemora-tive sculpture has been com-missioned, and its design was supervised by the Citizens Committee. The sculpture is the gift of individuals and businesses, who have already contributed over $50,000 to the effort. The bronze art-work is designed to be a salute to the sugar company roots of the city as well as the amazing accomplishments of our city, particularly over the past 25 years.

A list of major donors can be found at www.sugarlandtx.gov/sugarland/50th/donors.asp. The sculpture is being created by Joe Kinney of Aus-tin, and will be unveiled at the

New Year’s Eve anniversary celebration at Town Square. Everyone in the city will be invited. Keep an eye on this column for more information.

Running Hog WildFeral hogs have become a

problem west of University Boulevard and south of US 59, including substantially all of the Avalon subdivision. There are more than 1.5 million in Texas, and, unfortunately, some of them are showing up in Sugar Land. Working with several state and county agen-cies, the city has instituted a program of trapping the hogs, and many have already been caught.

It is well known that hunters go out into rural parts of the county to shoot the wild hogs, but it had not occurred to me that they were coming into the city until I heard the recent re-ports. Apparently the cooler, wetter weather has enticed the hogs to enter populated areas, where they use the levee sys-tem as a means of traveling without being noticed.

The hogs are quite danger-ous and can weigh as much as 400 pounds. The city is

requesting that residents call Animal Services at 281-275-2364 if they see any of the hogs or if they come upon any in the traps which have been set.

No RecoveryCIT Group Inc., a 101-year-

old commercial lender, fi led the fi fth largest bankruptcy in history on Sunday after its government bailout failed. The Treasury Department ad-mitted that the government would not recover much, if any, of the $2.3 billion in tax-payer money that went to the company last year. CIT be-came a bank holding company in December solely to qualify for the bailout. It’s failure is the biggest since regulators seized Washington Mutual in September 2008.

This could be just the fi rst of many confi rmations that the bailout was a temporary reprieve. Last week we heard that General Motors would be asking the treasury for another $2.5 billion, because two pri-or tranches of bailout money, a structured bankruptcy giv-ing the government 60 per-cent of its stock, and the cash for clunkers program had not been enough to overcome de-cades of mismanagement and labor excesses. It may be time to admit that the bailout was a failure and that capitalism’s system of rewards–and risk–should be allowed to function, even among the nation’s larg-est businesses.

Jones is the Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Sugar Land and serves as Councilman for Dis-trict 3. He was fi rst elected to the City Council in 1993. He owns a law fi rm and a title insurance company in Sugar Land.

The View From Sugar Land50 years of Sugar Land

Jones

Government statistics and lies

Seasonal and H1N1 fl u vaccines

MDA Cancer Center, will be speaking to the Missouri City 59 Sunrise Rotary at their Nov. 11 breakfast at Café Adobe in Sugar Land at 7 a.m.

His presentation, Tobacco Smoke Pollution- Just the Facts, will tell the real story of the harmful effects of second hand smoke.

No reservations are needed and you’ll get a great breakfast in a smoke-free environment.

Write Janice at [email protected].

See FLU, Page 5

FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 4, 2009 • Page 5

Community news

As a mutual life insurer, the nation’s largest, we have only one purpose: to serve the needs of the families who put their trust in us. For the past 163 years, we’ve had a history of solid financial strength.* We protected families and met all of ourobligations during the panic of 1857, the crash of 1929 and throughout the Great Depression.If you ……are looking for a career opportunity in a Fortune 100 company, want the potentialof an unlimited income stream and excellent benefit package: Join my team tomake a difference in people’s lives by helping with their personal insurance and financial goals for their retirement, education, long term care and estateconservation needs.I am currently looking for Financial Services/Sales Professionals & Managementcandidates, for the Houston Office with offices in Galleria and Sugar Land, to join my team of financial professionals.

*Standard & Poor’s (AAA), A. M. Best (A++), Moody’s (Aaa) and Fitch (AAA) for financial strength. Source: Individual Third Party Ratings Reports (as of 9/4/08).

Call or Send your resume to:

Ramesh Cherivirala, Ph.D., LUTCF, CLTCPartner, Houston General Office© New York Life Insurance Company13135 Dairy Ashford # 550, Sugar Land, TX 77478Bus: 281-295-2726 • Cell: [email protected]

EOE/M/F/V/D

Join my Team!We’re Still Hiring!

00386972 WC, 02/03/11

Jammin For Jim

Fundraiser

Sunday November 15th

Jog for Jim 1 PM to 3 PM at Eldridge Park in Sugar Land

B-B-Q and Auction 5 PM to 8 PM at Knights of Columbus Hall in Sugar Land

Jim Hardzog, a Realtor at Keller Williams Realty, Sugar Land, has been diagnosed with a stage four brain tumor. Jim and his family need your help to defray

medical expenses.

For sponsorship and donations please contact:Patsy Stikeleather at (281) 844-1776 or Mike Wong at

713-935-5800 or email [email protected]

Visit www.JamminForJim.com for details.

Members of the Fort Bend/Harris Retired Educator’s Associ-ation delivered 441 new books to the Stafford Municipal School District on Wednesday, Oct. 28. The books were donated to the retired educator’s organization by Diane Flint, owner of the Fort Bend Book Company. Flint made the book donation to the retired educators for their Children’s Book Project. The Chil-dren’s Book Project is a statewide service project carried out by local units of the Texas Retired Teachers Association.

Fort Bend/Harris Retired Educators, Dianne McDonald and Peggy Norman as well as Diane Flint presented the books to the Stafford MSD. District Librarian, Jacqueline Mamou received the books on behalf of the school district. Superintendent, H.D. Chambers and Rebecca Benedict, Stafford High School Princi-pal were also in attendance. The books will be made available to Stafford MSD elementary, middle school and high school students through the District Library. For more information on the retired educators association visit www.trta.org.

Heather Yeung was hon-ored Oct. 28 by The Exchange Club of Sugar Land as Citi-zen of the Month. Heather, an outstanding eighth grade student at First Colony MS, is a member of the National Ju-nior Honor Society. She is al-ready taking high school credit courses in Algebra and Span-ish. Heather is a nationally ranked USA swimmer and has plans to become a veterinarian some day. The Exchange Club of Sugar Land meets every Wednesday morning at 7 at the Sweetwater Country Club.

—Photo by Larry Pullen

Collins Oquejiofor was honored Oct. 14 by The Ex-change Club of Sugar Land as Youth of the Month. Collins is a member of the National Honor Society, the National Technology Honor Society, English Honor Society, Medi-cal Professionals of America and the Student Council. He plays football and runs track for Kempner HS. In his spare time he plays guitar and saxo-phone. He also volunteers at the local animal shelter.

—Photo by Ed Lee

Providing fee-only services

to individuals, families and businesses

since 1996.

(281) 634-9400www.wjinterests.com

Pictured from left to right are Diane Flint, owner of the Fort Bend Book Company, Rebecca Benedict, Principal of Stafford High School, District Librarian, Jacqueline Mamou and Dianne Mc-Donald, Vice President of the Fort Bend/Harris Retired Educators Association.

Retired educators donate books to SMSD

Citizen of the MonthYouth of the

Month Fort Bend ISD will host two public hearings on zon-ing —one on Nov. 11 and one on Nov. 12 regarding the at-tendance zone adjustments for High School #11 and El-ementary #45.

Nov. 11 Zoning Hearing - Attendance Zones for High School #11 and Elementary #45 Location: Hightower High School cafeteria, 3333 Hurricane Lane, Missouri

City, 7 p.m. Nov. 12 Zoning Hearing -

Attendance Zones for High School #11 and Elementary #45 Location: Jan Schiff El-ementary School cafeteria, 7400 Discovery Lane, Mis-souri City,7 p.m. The pro-posed zoning for the new high school will impact students currently zoned to Elkins and Hightower high schools.

The new high school will

eventually get students from Jan Schiff, Sienna Crossing and Scanlan Oaks and No. 45 elementary schools and Baines Middle School, who are now South of Highway 6 and zoned to Elkins and Hightower.

For submitting your opin-ion on the proposed zoning plans, visit http://www.fort-bend.k12.tx.us/about/zoning.cfm

Public hearing on new school zones set for Nov. 11 and 12

A new program initiated by local dentists provides a sweet way to redistribute Halloween candy and reap rewards as well.

“Cash for Candy” was started by Cashion & Cody Dentistry to help Halloween revelers relieve the household of candy overload through a buy-back program that offers rewards for the candy and sweetens the deal with a donation to our troops serving overseas.

Throughout this week, Cashion & Cody will give $1 a pound for up to fi ve pounds of candy along with a light-up toothbrush to every indi-vidual who participates. The candy collected, along with a generous supply of toothbrushes and toothpaste, will be sent overseas to share with American troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We think this is such a win-win program,” said Teresa Cody, DDS. “It is a terrifi c way for children to share their Halloween bounty, be rewarded for their generosity and show support for our soldiers as well. I know the community will respond and help us send our troops a sweet message of appreciation.” To participate, bring the candy dur-ing business hours to Cashion & Cody Dentistry, 1111 Highway 6, Suite 185 in the Imperial Medical Building. For more information call 281-242-0241.

Dentists offer cash for Halloween Candy

the kind of crowded envi-ronments typical of schools and colleges. An interesting thought is that people who re-ceived the ‘swine fl u’ vaccine in 1976, or who had a case of the fl u during that episode may have some residual im-munity. This thought has not been investigated by the CDC yet, but they are considering looking into it at the conclu-sion of this season.

From a community health perspective, it is very impor-tant to make sure most of us do get our “regular” annual fl u vaccination and, if appro-priate, the H1N1 vaccination. Unless you have a good rea-son not to, you really should be certain you and your fam-ily members are vaccinated this year.

Dr. Thomas Parr, an ortho-pedic surgeon in Sugar Land, can be reached at 281-491-7111. Dr. Parr and his wife, Joannie, have been a team for well over 40 years and she has contributed to this article. Visit www.tomparrmd.net for more information.

FluFrom Page 4

Fe s t i v a l o f T r e e s

“Unwrap the Magic”Benefiting Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels

Friday, November 20, 2009 7:00-11:30 pmSafari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464, Richmond

Honoring:

Neil & Carolyn Banfield, Linda Hancock & Billie Neuhaus

Sponsorship OpportunitiesNorth Pole - $10,000Presented by statusTwo reserved tables for 10 (Adults or Adults and Children)Full Page ad on back cover of event programName prominently displayed at eventName mentioned from podium during event

Saint Nick - $5,000Two reserved tables for 10 (Adults or Adults and Children)Full Page ad in event programName prominently displayed at eventName mentioned from podium during event

Rudolph - $2,500One reserved table for 10 (Adults or Adults and Children)Full Page ad in event programName prominently displayed at eventName mentioned from podium during event

Dasher - $1,500One reserved table for 10 (Adults or Adults and Children)Half Page ad in event programName prominently displayed at eventName mentioned from podium during event

Dancer - $1,000One reserved table for 10 (Adults or Adults and Children)Name prominently displayed at eventName mentioned in event program

Prancer - $500One reserved table for 10 (Adults or Adults and Children)

Elf - $200One Booth in either Mrs. Claus’ Gift BoutiqueTwo Adult Tickets

Event TicketsHoliday Family Pack - $150Two Adult and 3 Children Tickets

Family Tickets - $90Two Adult or One Adult and Two Children

Adult Ticket $50Child $25

1330 Band Road; P.O. Box 1488 • Rosenberg, Texas 77471 • 281-633-7057 • 281-633-7050 fax • www.fortbendseniors.org

Sponsorships & ReservationsCompany/Donor Name

Contact Name

Mailing Address

City State ZipPhone FaxEmail

Sponsorship

Event TicketsO Holiday Family Pack $150 x ____ = $______O Family Tickets $90 x ____ = $______O Adult Tickets $50 x ____ = $______O Child Tickets $25 x ____ = $______O I/We cannot attend, but would like to make a donation

in the amount of $_________

PaymentO AmEx O MasterCard O Visa O Check (payable to FBS)

Card Number Exp. Date

Name on Card Total $

Signature

O St. Nick - $5,000O Rudolph - $2,500O Dasher - $1,500

O Dancer - $1,000O Prancer - $500O Elf - $200

presents

SOLD

The HCC Southwest Col-lege Fine Arts Department will present The Diviners written by Jim Leonard Jr. Nov. 11 through Nov. 15. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. in the Annex Theatre, 13645 Murphy Road, Suite 250, in Stafford. The Diviners, directed by John Corley, set during the depres-sion-era when water and food were a shortage, tells the story of an ex preacher and a men-tally challenged boy who has a special gift of divining. For more information call 713-718-6370.

The Diviners

Page 6 • NOVEMBER 4, 2009 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT

Legal Notices

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEThe Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 for Okene Court Subdivision being a replat of Reserve “C” Mission West, Section 3, Pct. 3. The hearing will be held in the Commission-ers Courtroom, William B. Travis Bldg., 309 S. Fourth St., Rm. 700, Richmond, Texas.Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Chris Brenner with South Texas Surveying Assoc. Inc. at 281-556-6918 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by,Dianne WilsonFort Bend County Clerk

LEGAL NOTICEREQUESTS FOR STATEMENTS OF

QUALIFICATIONSSealed Qualifi cation Statements will be received in the Offi ce of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2009 AT 1:30 P.M. (CST).

Q10-030 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY CONSULTANT

Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all qualifi cation statements received.Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing AgentFort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

Become a Dental Assistant!10 Week CourseStarting Soon

Saturdays Only(281) 794-7944

www.Become-A-DA.comC. Mark Mann School

of Dental Assisting CareerCertifi ed by: The Texas

Workforce Commission Schools and Colleges

Fort Bend County’s FY 2008 Draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is now available for public review and comment from Friday, November 6, 2009 to Friday, November 20, 2009.

The document is available for review at the offi ce of the Fort Bend County Community Development Department at 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, Texas, 77471.

The public is encouraged to review this document and submit written comments to Marilynn Kindell, Community Development Director, at 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, Texas, 77471 by 5:00 p.m. on Friday,

November 20, 2009. A public meeting to

receive comments will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. at the Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Training Room, Rosenberg, Texas.

Comments will be incorporated into the fi nal document, as appropriate, prior to submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for review and approval.

For information, please contact the Fort Bend County Community Development Department 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, Texas, 77471, (281) 341-4410.

FORT BEND COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

FY 2008 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER)

Local businesses, churches, and community agencies will unite to bring food and hope to as many as 5,000 children and adults in Fort Bend County.

Fort Bend Convoy of Hope is partnering with numer-ous businesses, churches, and community agencies who have donated time and resources to host this com-munity outreach event.

This all-volunteer outreach will include over 700 commu-nity volunteers of all ages who will be on hand to unload over 40,000 pounds of food from the Convoy of Hope truck, dis-tribute food, and facilitate all outreach programs on Satur-day, Nov. 21, at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds located on Highway 36 in Rosenberg.

The site will open at 10 a.m. and continue rain or shine until all of the food has been distributed.

Specifi cally, the carnival-like event will include distri-bution of 40,000 pounds of food to provide meals to feed thousands of people and will begin with free refreshments, live entertainment, children’s carnival area, medical services including free immunizations, social services, job fair, family portraits, haircuts and more.

“Taste of Sugar Land®” committee member, Angelo Verdino, presents a certifi cate of appreciation to Steve Onstead, owner of the “Swinging Door” restaurant in Richmond, for his con-tinuing participation in the “Taste of Sugar Land”®. You are invited now to mark your calendars for the 7th annual “Taste” Sunday, Nov. 15, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (auction and art preview with appetizers begins at 4 p.m. in the lobby). This year’s premier culinary event is again scheduled in the ballroom and adjacent lobbies of the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. Tickets are $25 and entitle attendees to sample delights from the 20+ fi ne area restaurants. There will be continuous entertainment, live and silent auctions, mystery bags, bidboard items, and more. Get your tickets at www.tasteofsugarland.com, or by calling First Presbyterian Church of Sugar Land at 281-240-3195. The East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry (Food pantry), and the Fort Bend Family Promise are the benefi ciaries of the event.

From cooking the turkey to decorating the table, Fort Bend County Libraries can help you plan a memorable family affair with an assortment of Thanksgiving-related books on holiday traditions, foods, decorations, and more.

The library has a variety of resources for the holiday season, from history, symbols, and tradition, to crafts, decorations, and favorite children’s stories. For the beginning holiday planner, Rick Rodgers’ Thanksgiving 101: Celebrate America’s Favorite Holiday with America’s Thanksgiving Expert offers a variety of tips for planning a memorable family gathering.

The Thanksgiving Book, by Jerome Agel, and Thanksgiving: Why We Celebrate It the Way We Do, by Martin and Kate Hintz, provide a treasury of folklore and tales of the origin of the holi-day.

The history of the Thanksgiving holiday has been a turbulent one, not settling into the holiday as we know it today until the 20th century. Books such as The Mayfl ower Compact, by Judith Lloyd Yero; Squanto and the First Thanksgiving, by Joyce Kes-sel; and Thanksgiving on Plymouth Plantation, by Diane Stan-ley, offer insight into the early days of the holiday. Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving, by Laurie Halse Anderson, tells the story of Sarah Joseph Hale, a magazine edi-tor who doggedly wrote letters and editorials for four decades, in an effort to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.

Edna Barth’s Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian Corn: The Story of the Thanksgiving Symbols may provide some insight on the traditions of turkeys, cornucopias, and pilgrims’ hats .

Thanksgiving in the White House, by Gary Hines, tells a story of the offi cial presidential pardon of the White House turkey, begun by Abraham Lincoln in 1863.

The famous football game between Texas A&M University and the University of Texas has become a regular tradition for many Texans, as evidenced in W.K. Stratton’s Backyard Brawl: Inside the Blood Feud Between Texas and Texas A&M, avail-able in book or audio-cassette.

Creative cooks may want to add a touch of history and tradi-tion to their table after reading Giving Thanks: Thanksgiving Recipes and History, From Pilgrims to Pumpkin Pie, by Kath-leen Curtin. For ideas on how to create new customs, try The Thanksgiving Table: Recipes and Ideas to Create Your Own Holiday Tradition, by Diane Morgan. For a more relaxing meal, try A Southern Thanksgiving: Recipes and Musings for a Man-ageable Feast, by Robb Dew.

Numerous children’s books are available with a variety of Thanksgiving themes. ‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving is a popular book by Dav Pilkey, but who can forget the video tradition of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, based on Charles Schulz’s Peanuts cartoons? Jean Eick suggests a number of fun activities in Thanksgiving Day Crafts, and Ronne Randall offers other ideas in Thanksgiving Fun: Great Things to Make and Do. For more information, call the library at 281-341-2677.

The Sugar Land Animal Shelter’s Open House, Bow Wow Bash, on Nov. 7 will include a Walk of Heroes saluting com-munity members for providing dogs and cats a second chance at “forever homes.”

The open house -- scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the shelter, 101 Gillingham Lane -- is being held during National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.

“In addition to honoring community members for their com-mitment to adopt one of our homeless animals, we plan to un-veil the name of our new shelter mascot,” said Animal Services Manager Kathryn Ketchum. “There will be lots of fun things to do, including demonstrations by Pawsitive Impact Dog Agility and Happy Hounds Canine Freestyle Dance.”

Other planned activities include:● tours of the shelter;● animal adoptions throughout the day; and ● “Ask the Trainer” and dog training demos.

For more information about the event, please contact Animal Services at 281-275-A-DOG.

Mazal Hadassah Group will meet at Chabad of Sugar Land, 873 Dulles Ave., #B, Stafford on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. Featured speaker is Chaya Feigenson, “The Feminine Side of Hanukkah: The Role of Women in the Miracle and Celebration of Hanukkah.” Cooking demo; $5 cover at the door. RSVP a must to Mindy, 281-242-4454. Hadassah sup-ports health care and medical research throughout the world.

Fort Bend ABWA Meeting

Guests are welcome to the next Fort Bend American Business Women’s Associa-tion Dinner Meeting to be held on Thursday, Nov. 5, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Sugar Creek Country Club. Shelley Nadel, CLTC, will speak on Long-Term Care Planning. R.S.V.P. Hotline 281-319-9995. Visit www.abwafortbend.org.

Sugar Land Area Artists are sponsoring an Art Walk on Town Square beginning Nov. 7 and ending Nov. 14. The art walk event will exhibit prize winning paintings by local artists from elementary school through professional artists.

Town Square Management will open two locations on Town Square for this event for eight days. Art lovers are encouraged to walk through each location.

The exhibit will open, Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2:30 p.m. for the public. Most of the art will be available for purchase. The public will be invited to vote for their “People’s Choice” award. That winner will be announced at the end of the exhibit on Nov. 14.

For more information regarding the exhibit contact publicity chairman, Sylvia Morgan, at [email protected].

The Fort Bend Chapter of the Daughters of the Ameri-can Revolution will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. in Wesley Hall of the Sugar Land United Methodist Church on Eldridge Road. The speaker will be Nancy Brandli who will speak on “The Lost Presidents.” All members and prospective members are in-vited to attend. Call Kyleen at 281 499-3007 for further details.

Daughters of American Revolution

Arise! Cry Out!Sat., Nov. 14

Moms In Touch Interna-tional is hosting Arise! Cry Out!, a worldwide day of ex-traordinary prayer for children and schools on Saturday, Nov. 14.

In the Sugar Land area, moms of all denominations will gather at Williams Trace Baptist at 16755 Southwest Freeway from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Check out www.Mom-sInTouch.org to register (go to Sugar Land when choos-ing your host site), or contact Mary Kaye Schulte, 281-265-6306, [email protected].

Registration is preferred, but everyone is welcome at the door. Donations are op-tional.

Make plans now for Friday, Nov. 13, from 6:30 – 10 p.m. as Fort Bend Theatre presents its Annual Awards Gala and Silent Auction starring local celebrities to be held at Safari Texas Ranch.

Along with great food, live music, song, and dance, there will be a celebrity musical spoof entitled The Wizard of Aaahs, featuring performanc-es from Chloe Dao, Season 2 Project Runway Winner, Doug Johnson of Channel 2, Michele Fisher of 96.5 FM, Dave Wallace, former mayor of Sugar Land, Louis Garvin the president of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and even more surprise guests to be confi rmed.

Celebrity tables are $1000 and Premium tables are $750 and are available on a fi rst come basis by calling Fort Bend Theatre at 281-208-3333. Individual tickets for this exciting fundraiser are $75 for adults and $25 for children 11 and under, and are available on our website www.fortbendtheate.com.

AuditionsFort Bend Theatre will hold

auditions for Princess Christ-mas to be performed Dec. 5 – 20 playing Saturday & Sun-day at 3 p.m. and the 21st at 10 a.m. Auditions are open to children (8+), teens and adults. Newcomers and beginners are always welcome. Bring a head-shot or picture to the au-dition. For more information, visit www.fortbendtheatre.com or call 281-208-3333.

Fort Bend Theatre’s annual awards and

celebrity gala

Mazal Hadassah

Art walk in Town Square

Community Calendar

Convoy of hope

Taste of Sugar Land

Bow wow bash

Star your Thanksgiving preparations at the library

Join the American Red Cross in teaching life saving skills by becoming a First Aid/CPR Instructor. Attend Fundamentals of Instruc-tor Training, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. -1 p.m. and the Lay Responder First Aid/CPR/AED instructor class, Nov. 11 and 12 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pre-registration is required at www.houstonredcross.org or contact Monica at 281-342-9480.

Red Cross training classes

The Greater Houston Rowing Club, in partnership with Planned Community De-velopers and the First Colony Community Association, will celebrate the grand opening of its new boathouse on Nov. 7 in Lake Pointe Town Center, at 10 a.m. along Oyster Creek at 15910 Creekbend Drive near the dam. For more in-formation visit GreaterHous-tonRowingClub.com.

Boathouse grand opening

The Woman’s Club of Mis-souri City will kick off its new season by planning a fall fundraiser.

The event which will offer dinner, tasting a favorite wine and mini auction will be held at Quail Valley Country Club Grille on Saturday, Nov.14, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $50 per person with proceeds going to schol-arships and ongoing charity support.

Those receiving scholar-ships in 2009, all from Elkins High School, were Timothy Lai, Mariah Turner, Ryan Russell and Lewis Gray.You can get an early start on your holiday shopping at the event’s mini auction by choosing your favorite wine basket.

The Woman’s Club of Missouri City is the oldest service organization in Fort Bend County. This event will support the WCMC Legacy Scholarship Funds educa-tional needs within our city and other Fort Bend County charities.

The club has been provid-ing community service since 1956. For tickets or more information, contact Helen Curd @ 281-437-8996 or e mail [email protected].

Woman’s Club of Missouri City

plans fall fundraiser

Friends of First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway at Grants Lake, Sug-ar Land, will hold their month-ly bargain book sale Sat. Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. GOOD CONDITION ONLY books, CD’s, DVD’s (no magazines or encyclopedias) may be do-nated during regular library hours and are tax deductible. Children’s items are especially needed. 281-416-0936.

Bargain Book Sale

Missouri City’s Sixth Annual Community Wide Garage Sale is taking place on Sat., Nov. 7, at the City Hall Complex, 1522 Texas Parkway. About 100 booths will be stocked with all types of items for the bargain-hunting crowd. The sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. No entrance fee is required. For more informa-tion, call 281-403-8500 or visit www.missouricitytx.gov.

Citywide Garage Sale

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Mick Jagger will watch this fi lm to pick up some tips on how to put on a show and compare his produc-tion to Michael Jackson’s. I’m not dissing Mick; I’ve been to two of Mick’s con-certs and they are spectacu-lar, but I’m just saying that MJ’s stage production of his would-have-been world tour is unique, innovative, and entertaining.

The biggest winner will be Director Kenny Ortega who not only directed this movie but also was the co-creator with Jackson in the making of the stage production. And you might say Ortega was the co-star of this fi lm because other than Michael, he is the only one who ap-pears in enough scenes to develop a memorable im-pression of his persona.

Ortega directed all three of the “High School Musical” movies and is also known for his opening ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympics and has a history of working with Jackson. The audience sees the collaboration be-tween Ortega and Jackson and while there is no doubt that the King of Pop is in charge, MJ clearly listens to the direction of Ortega and trusts his judgment.

The opening credits ex-

plain that what the audience is about to see is footage shot for the benefi t of Mi-chael Jackson’s personal fi lm library with no reference ever to his death or any sordid de-tails. Some of the camera angles are from below the

stage shooting up or over the shoulder of a creative discussion or while one of the dancers is pouring their heart out about the privilege of dancing and performing with their childhood idle.

There are no actors; every-

one plays themselves. This is truly a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the massive pro-duction and preparation of the “This Is It” tour that was to begin shortly in London. Most of the songs and per-formances were near the end of fi nal rehearsals but the audience is also treated to the impromptu discussions and starts and stops that are inherent in crafting the nu-ances of a big-time show.

There are no scenes at Jackson’s home or his life outside of the Staples Center where these rehearsals were taking place. I repeat: there is no reference to his death or any controversy in his life; just a straight-forward dis-play of the talent and music of the man. And it is impres-sive. I liked “Thriller” as much as the next guy but I was in awe of the music, creativity, and dedication of what ob-viously would have been a legendary tour. Ortega has done him proud.

Footnote: there is no hu-mor or attempt to solicit laughter which is odd even for a picture about the re-cently deceased Michael Jackson. When you see this fi lm, note the “costumes” of Jackson compared to the casual dress of the backup dancers, musicians, and Or-

tega; MJ is wearing an outfi t that would qualify as a cos-tume at all times.

If you are a Michael Jack-son fan, this movie will make you weep. If you are a lover of music and talent this mov-ie will make you sit up and take notice.

And if you never liked Wacko Jacko, stay at home. This documentary of the fi nal days of “Man in the Mirror” “Beat It” and “Billie Jean” is a classic.

Rock ‘n Roll.Grade 90. Larry H. Email to [email protected]

By BARBARA FULENWIDERThe Chevrolet Equinox is a compact crossover designed to fi t all lifestyles. For 2010 it blends new design with effi -ciency thanks to a new 2.4-li-ter direct injection engine that delivers an estimated 32 miles to the gallon for a 33 percent improvement over the previous model.

The new standard Ecotec engine also makes 182 horse-power and 233 torque at 4900 rpm. For Equinox own-ers who want more power, Chevy off ers a 3.0-liter DOHC direct injected V6 engine that makes 264 horsepower and 197 torque at 6950 rpm. This engine gets an estimated 25 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city.

Highlights of the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox are all models now have a six-speed automatic transmis-sion; there are six standard air bags: dual front air bags, head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags; stan-dard four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control.

OnStar and XM Satellite Radio with complimentary service intervals are stan-dard equipment along with remote starting, which also activates the HVAC system and optional heated seats, depending on the outside temperature.

The new 2010 Equinox gets its exterior design from

the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover with more attention to detail and unexpected features. The Equinox comes in three trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ, and all are available with all-wheel drive. This year the Equi-nox has a two-tier grille and prominent gold bowtie insig-nia up front, stronger fender shapes, a distinctive roofl ine, wraparound headlights and dual round tailamps.

Additional design features include a multi-dimensional hood, wraparound rear side glass and wheels at the cor-ners. There’s also improved aerodynamic performance, which included moving the base of the windshield for-ward some three inches for a sleeker profi le.

The ease of entry and exit were also improved by in-tegrating the rocker panels into the doors to narrow the area over which a passenger must step.

Chrome trim and fl ush fi tting exposed edge wind-shield and rear glass rein-force Equinox’s quality and reduce wind noise.

The 2010 Chevrolet Equi-nox rides on the same wheel-base but is about an inch shorter and an inch wider and has a wider front track for an improved ride and handling.

Inside, the Equinox has a number of storage bins and one beneath the armrest that’s large enough to con-ceal a laptop. The front seat travels 10 inches fore and aft and standard equipment on the Chevy Equinox includes a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power-adjustable seat and a rear seat that trav-els almost eight inches fore and aft to provide the best rear legroom in its class.

The 60/40 split back rear seat, when moved forward, provides 31.4 cubic feet of cargo area.

Options on the Equinox in-clude a touch-screen naviga-tion system with such addi-tional features as Bluetooth hands-free phone connec-tivity, USB audio connectiv-ity, a DVD based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens to enable DVD viewing on one and gaming on the other; internal memory/hard drive on uplevel radios; program-mable power-operated rear liftgate; rear-vision camera system with display in the review mirror or in the navi-gation screen, and a range of premium-feature audio sys-tems with up to eight speak-ers and 250 watts of sound.

Depending on the model, the Equinox rides on 17, 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels.

The four-door, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive Equi-nox seats fi ve passengers and competes with the Ford Escape, Jeep Liberty, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV 4 for buyers.

The Chevrolet Equinox re-tails for $25,110 and with op-tions totaled $25,925.

This great city sized ve-hicle provides the function-ality of a crossover with the fuel economy of a sedan and raises the bar with several exclusives for its segment.

Those exclusives include features usually seen on luxury vehicles: program-mable power liftgate, rear vi-sion camera and the quietest ride.

Automobile: Chevy Equinox

Page 8 • FORT BEND INDEPENDENT • NOVEMBER 4, 2009

Community news

The third annual Interna-tional Festival of Fort Bend resounded with the sights and sounds of the county’s multi-cultural population. Crowds fi lled the Stafford Centre Oct. 17, to honor Fort Bend’s multi-ethnic communities with music, dance, food and art. Sponsors included the cit-ies of Stafford, Missouri City and Sugar Land with numer-ous local businesses and orga-nizations also supporting the

cultural festival. “We brought together more

than 31 countries and their native cultures, featuring a parade of nations, bridal and fashion shows and the perfor-mances of so many talented volunteers,” said 2009 IFFB President Nazy Khadivian.

The parade of nations kick-ing off the International Festi-val of Fort Bend included sev-eral from Africa among more than 31 countries represented

at the event. Above, fl anking two styl-

ish participants are 2009 IFFB President Nazy Khadi-vian (left) and Missouri City Councilmembers Cynthia Gary and Bobby Marshall (right).

In the spirit of the celebra-tion of cultural diversity, Gary donned a classic Chinese one-piece silk dress with elegant embroidery.

The cities of Stafford, Mis-

souri City and Sugar Land were among the sponsors of the highly attended festival.

Right, top, participants display the German cultural dance.

Right, Three girls who per-formed an Indian dance. The event’s performance sched-ule included more than 50 acts that started with Rhythm India.

As women’s healthcare providers, Janine Sherman, left, and Mary Jo Rapini fi nd that teen girls experience greater suc-cess in the diffi cult adolescent years when open communica-tion exists with their mothers.

As a result, they co-authored “Start Talking: A Girl’s Guide for You and Your Mom about Health, Sex, or Whatever.”

Together they will serve as keynote speakers for the 2nd an-nual Care 2 Chat about Teen Health on Saturday, Nov. 14th at the University of Houston Sugar Land campus from 9 a.m. to noon.

Hosted by Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Care 2 Chat is a free, half-day health symposium featuring informa-tion, inspiration and insights for girls – ages 11-18 – and their mothers or other key women in their lives.

Short, informational talks about teen health issues will al-ternate with inspirational messages. Door prizes include a COACH poppy purse, First Colony Mall gift cards and much, much more!

A copy of the book, “Start Talking” will be provided to each household attending.

Event is free, registration is required. Call 713-222-CARE (2273) to reserve your space.

Among the performances at the annual International Festival of Fort Bend was a Hawaiian Ka PA Hula ‘Umoumou. Collecting the river rocks for a graceful interpretive performance in native dress is this talented dancer, who demonstrated the percussion sound of the rocks.

International Festival of Fort Bend celebrates cultures

More than 3,000 ghouls and goblins, along with other costumed characters, enjoyed an evening of fun and fright at Missouri City’s third Annual “Boo in the Run” on Oct. 24 at Buffalo Run Park. Adults and children alike delighted in the free candy trail, complete with spooky decorations and some frightening fi gures hand-ing out goodies! For more “Boo in the Run” photos, visit www.missouricitytx.gov.

Scary fun fi lled with tricks and treats

Guidance for growing girls

The UH System universities are EEO/AA institutions.

Documents

Fort Bend Independent