Celebrating Heroes

Every May, our country celebrates Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month. America would not be America, Texas would not be Texas and Fort Bend would not be Fort Bend without the contributions and heroism of our Asian American neighbors. They are the fastest growing ethnic group in the most ethnically...

Why You Never Have To Worry About Your “SIX” in Fort Bend

Have you ever heard phrases like “Check your SIX,” or “I’ve got your SIX?”  At first blush, they sound like the start of a childhood prank like “XYZPDQ” (Examine Your Zipper Pretty Darn Quick).  You look down, and the prankster taps you in the face for being a fool. These are actually...

Mother Nature Vs. Fort Bend – and Fort Bend is Winning

There are no greater examples of Fort Bend Strong than when Mother Nature strikes with a force beyond experience and comprehension.  We get hit by hurricanes. Usually they roar in, hit us and leave in 24 hours. Hurricane Ike did just that.  On September 13th, 2008, Ike hit us with brutal fury. Ike came...

“It ain’t bragging if it’s true.” Anonymous Texas quote

Howdy, y’all! Welcome to a new, regular column in the absolutely! focus media family of magazines. We’re calling it Fort Bend Strong. Our intent is to point out why Fort Bend County is the greatest place in the United States to raise a family, start a business, and chase your American Dream. That’s...

Hometown Heroes: Bob and Marilyn Ewing

By Joan Frances – Fort Bend County is privileged to have residents who take time out of their busy lives to invest in helping to make the world a better place to live. Great minds combine forces to assist the less fortunate and improve their quality of life. These difference makers spend countless...

Ask Alex: Back-to-School Tips

Alex Belt is a mom, business owner and all around in the know kind of gal. Friends call on her relentlessly for advice on how to plan a party and what trend is “in.” With back-to-school season just around the corner, we’re doing what everyone else does – asking Alex! Q. Homework time is so...

Ask Alex: Disaster Preparation

Hurricane season has arrived, and there has already been an outbreak of flooding across the Houston area. Are you ready for this or some other disaster? As a single mother, it is up to me to keep my children safe when any disaster happens. Here are a few questions about disaster preparation that friends have...

Ask Alex: Market Days

From consumers to boutique owners, many people have asked me what it takes to stock a gift boutique and how to find new and up-and-coming items. Here are a few questions I am often asked, along with a glimpse into my experience at market! Q. Where do you and other boutique owners find what you are going to...

Hometown Heroes: Tony Griffin

By Joan Frances – Children are the future of this world. For some of these children, life can be arduous. They can be easily swayed into trying drugs or committing crimes. Juveniles who file through the court system need guidance in order to get back on track. They need someone who will mentor them and...

Co-Dependency: Affluenza Explained

Kids’ Corner | By Patrick Biron – With all of the headlines focused on “affluenza,” it is important for all parents and caregivers to consider what might lead to such circumstances. Their legal defense that the child’s upbringing was “too affluent” for the youth to be held accountable...

Hometown Heroes: Sandra Janak

By Joan Frances – We all begin life the same way. What happens after birth molds us into who we become and how we live our lives. Some of us are members of a happy family who love, share, support and believe in one another. Others are not so fortunate. These children are born into situations that can...

Tickets on Sale for 4th Annual Reading Between the Wines Benefiting Literacy Council of Fort Bend County

One of the most anticipated Fort Bend fundraisers of the year, the 4th Annual Reading Between the Wines benefiting the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, returns to Richmond’s Safari Texas Ranch on Friday, April 1st at 6:30 pm. Presented by The Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation, this year’s Reading...

Proper Use of Beneficiary Designations to Complete Your Estate Planning

By T. Aaron Dobbs and Kelley M. Bentley – Although you may have a Last Will and Testament, your estate plan may not yet be complete. Often, clients do not realize that some of their assets may not pass according to the terms set forth in their will. Your estate’s assets can be divided into two broad...