onthetown Magazine Volume 4 Issue 3

Celebrating 100 Years of Community &

Family

I HANK GRAFF CHEVROLET I

MILESTONES

MID-MICHIGAN'S MOST DETERMINED

BELOVED PETS WHO NEEDS WHO MORE?

BUILDING HEROES HERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

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Be the Driver of Your Health with Quality OB/GYN Care McLaren Flint Women’s Health Flushing 2487 N. Elms Rd. Flushing, MI 48433

(810) 487-3500

Shelley Binkley, MD OB/GYN

Martinique Kling, MD OB/GYN

Michael Engel, DO OB/GYN

McLaren Flint Women’s Health 1314 South Linden Road Flint, MI 48532

(810) 342-1700

I. Stanley Frye, MD OB/GYN

Joseph Metz, MD OB/GYN

V. Annapurna, MD OB/GYN

Taking care of your body is the key to ensure you stay healthy and happy through all the stages of life.

For women, scheduling regular checkups with an OB/GYN specialist is an important way to make sure you maintain good health and enjoy life to the fullest.

McLaren Flint Women’s Health is introducing our newest obstetric and gynecologic specialist to the community. Michael Engel, DO is joining the women’s health team of specialists in our Flushing office.

Whether you are looking for prenatal care, or have concerns about heavy menstrual cycles, pelvic pain or incontinence, our physicians are highlyqualified to care for you.

To schedule an appointment with a member of our skilled team of physicians, please call our offices.

mclaren.org/flint

from the editor.

What is a milestone? I look at it as a point of reference – whether a goal set or achieved, a decision made, a lesson learned, a change that has occurred, or even simply a moment in time. As onthetown continues to commemorate, as it has for over forty years of publication, the growth and change that has taken place in and around the Flint area, I can see how blessed the community is with determined people celebrating their own major milestones. One such example is fourthgeneration family business Hank Graff Chevrolet, currently observing a century of doing business in this town and beyond, with its dealerships built on a foundation of strong family values and service to the public. Furthermore, McLaren Auxiliary volunteers have been involved in making life better in the community for ninety-five years, while the visionaries of the recently organized Hero Construction Company and The Hero Roundtable move rapidly forward, composed of a team of people with plans for global-leading research and implementation of “heroism” as an addition to academic curricula in the area. And in addition, Illse Hayes shares the stories of couples celebrating wedding anniversary milestones in our new feature dedicated to love.

An aroma of morning coffee still lingers in the air as I peer out the window, anticipating what will result from the rumbling thunder approaching ever-nearer and accompanied by endless gray skies that periodically crackle with flashes of vibrant light. I declare this morning the perfect opportunity to reflect and write. The thunder has a wide-eyed puppy competing for space with my laptop as the computer leads me to some heartwarming articles in this issue regarding our furry friends. Wendy Byard shares some of the stories of Adopt-A-Pet of Fenton and The Humane Society of Genesee County, both dedicated to saving lives and finding good homes for local area animals. Being a companion to a pet is a rewarding responsibility that takes patience and kindness. Someone once said that “…the purity of a person’s heart can be quickly measured by [his or her] regard for animals” and, thus, by being an advocate fighting for something not able to fight for itself represents compassion in its purist form.

Also in this issue, people should check out our newly-instituted and recurring series entitled “From The Desk Of…” as this feature takes an abstract approach, allowing a visual representation to give us some acquaintance with the day to day lives of business and community leaders. That is, we can gain unique insight by simply sitting back and analyzing items on someone’s office desk while that individual shares the personal reference behind each one. We kick off the new entry by highlighting Dick Skaff of Skaff Furniture Carpet One. Other articles in this issue feature Walethia Aquil and her mission detailed in “My Dreams Do Come True” and “Grace and Charm Enterprises,” while contributor James Hamp sits down with legendary basketball coach Steve Schmidt of Mott Community College. Every publication of onthetown Magazine provides a journey for readers to gain perspective on the successes of the past while, more importantly, looking through the eyes of the current visionaries leading us forward. So…until next time, readers, remember to be seen…be heard…be onthetown.

-Michelle Blaisdell, Editor In Chief

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from the publisher.

Finally… the warm weather has arrived!! This is my favorite time of year, especially since there are so many outdoor festivities happening around Genesee County. I especially like checking out the art fairs around town, one of my favorites being the annual one in downtown Flint. Grand Blanc also hosts a wonderful art fair held on the high school grounds.

Another favorite for me at this time of the year is to see the wildlife enjoying the warm weather as well as our own furry pets, and, speaking of furry friends, people should check out the pictures from the 9th Annual Adopt-A-Pet Golf Outing, held at the Jewel in Grand Blanc. This outing is always so much fun. Anyone interested in golfing next year should put it on his or her calendar. It is always held the Saturday before Memorial Day Weekend.

I also enjoyed, for the very first time, The Tux and Tennies Fundraiser for the Whaley Children’s Center. I have to say that, for the first time in my life, my feet were not killing me at the end of the evening – thanks to my black wedge tennis shoes. It was hard, at first, for me to put them on with my black dress, but, boy, was I glad I had done so. It was fun seeing all the beautiful ladies who attended in their beautiful dresses and wearing “glammed up” tennis shoes. Everyone should make sure to check out the pictures from this event.

One thing I know from living in Genesee County my entire life is that our community is most generous when it comes to our giving back. In our August issue, readers are going to see a few displays of exactly what I mean. Among those things will be the support our community receives, especially when it comes to our children in Genesee County. I feel so thankful and blessed for the opportunity to share and showcase these events to readers through the pages of onthetown.

As always, my thanks to all for their continued support of onthetown, serving Genesee County for 40 years. I am truly honored to be a part of this community.

- Kimberly Gray, Publisher

EDITOR IN CHIEF Michelle Blaisdell Director@onthetownlimited.com COPY EDITOR Martha Hamp MANAGING EDITOR Michael G. Thodoroff DESIGNED BY Archetype Design Studio MANAGER Laura Ulman

SALES REPRESENTATIVES Allison Joslin Chelsea Mills Mark Novak Carrie Taylor Savannah Waldchen CONTRIBUTORS Wendy Byard Sherry Farney Cindy Ficorelli James Hamp Ilse Hayes Tara Moreno Chelsea Mills Rich Reed

CONTRIBUTORS (CONTINUED) Paul Rozycki Amber Sabo-Carpenter Ray Smith EVENT SPREADS Chelsea Mills

PUBLISHED BY Kimberly Gray Global Network Publishers, LLC P.O. Box 121 | Grand Blanc, MI 48480 Phone: (810) 584-700 Fax: (810) 584-7013 publisher@onthetownlimited.com

EVENT SPREADS Jim Cheek PHOTOGRAPHY Jim Cheek Joel Hart Debby Molina Nicgatlin Photography

All rights reserved. No Part of this publication may be reproduced without expressed written consent of the publisher.

Correction for onthetown Magazine Volume IV Issue II In the story run on Max Well Therapy, LLC, Jill Maxwell was quoted as saying “With minimal offerings in public schools, we help parents with education and therapies for their child.”

Max Well would like to clarify that they in no way feel the school systems are inadequate in their special service offerings. Mrs. Maxwell feels the school systems are doing the best they can with the funds available. Nonetheless, many parents are looking for services outside of school hours and Max Well Therapy wants the community to know they are here to provide those services to supplement the services received at school.

SUBSCRIPTIONS MAIL A CHECK OR MONEY ORDER FOR $12.00 FOR SIX ISSUES 2

GENERAL INFORMATION (810) 584-7006

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Contents

// VOLUME IV ISSUE III 6 Staff Highlight

Milestones 8 Hank Graff Chevrolet 12 Flint Golf Club 14 Thomas Appliance 16 Dick Skaff 18 McLaren Auxiliary 20 Fenton Farms 22 Flint Jr. Golf Association

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24 Carriage Town Ministries 28 John’s Pizzaria & Cocktail Lounge 32 The Hot Dog Stand 34 Fenton Home Furnishings 36 Marriage

Be Well 40 Hurley: Doctor’s Day

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54

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42 Genesys: New Heart Procedure 44 McLaren: Balloon Sinuplasty™

Community 45 My Dreams Do Come True 62 The Police Association of Grand Blanc

Find A New Best Friend 46 Adopt-A-Pet 48 The Humaine Society

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20

58

Education 50 Baker College

Be A Hero 54 Hero Construction Company

Sports 58 Bearing Down On History

Be Seen 64 Event Photos

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Be Entertained 71 Calendar of Events

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Staff Highlight.

Wendy Byard // CONTRIBUTOR As the latest addition to the creative editorial team of onthetown, I am enjoying the opportunity of returning to my passion: writing about fascinating people and their lives! Currently, I am a trustee on the Lapeer Community Schools Board of Education while I teach composition at Mott College. Previously, I was an English and History teacher at North Branch High School. Also on my resume was time working as an advertising and marketing executive in Ann Arbor and Chicago. So, it’s exciting to get back to my “roots.” At Michigan State University, I graduated in journalism as I recall many days spent trekking around campus, paper and pencil in hand, interviewing people and covering events for the college newspaper, The State News. There’s a joy and satisfaction in learning, discovering, and sharing the best in others and in our community, as Genesee County will always be home. How sweet and special to be able to visit home through the pages of onthetown.

Tara Moreno // CONTRIBUTOR As long as she can remember Tara Moreno has always craved a passion for writing. Her first publication experience was at 8-years-old when found her poem had been selected for publication in The Flint Journal’s popular Wide Awake Club and later actually continued writing for the Journal’s teen section titled Word Up. After high school, Moreno attended Michigan State University where she studied Film. After getting her degree, she set her sights on the Windy City of Chicago where she landed a job for an independent record label. However while gaining valuable experience in this field, she was called back home to Flint, Michigan but after a few years of navigating through the area’s dwindling job market, decided to go back to school to get her Master’s in English at the University of Michigan-Flint. There, she delved into journalism once again by writing for the student publication The Michigan Times. Extending on the roots she established as a child, Moreno found her niche in writing features. During the two years she wrote for UM-Flint, the ever creative Moreno developed relations in the music industry with record labels like Capital Records, EMI, and Roadrunner Records. Some of her notable articles include stories with candid interviews with Theory of a Deadman, Stone Sour, Vanilla Ice, and Common. In addition to building a solid base of journalism, Moreno also became a two time contributor to the UM-Flint’s literary magazine QUA. After graduation, she continued her writing career by working for the hometown newspaper The Burton View and operating a small photography business focusing on photojournalism-style photography.Moreno says she is honored to be contributing writer for onthetown magazine. Her primary focus is to write accurate and positive news for the people of Flint. Moreno also notes, “It is important to me to showcase the people in our community who are dedicated to making a positive difference in the community. “At this time, Moreno lives the rural life on the Genesee County with her fiancé, daughter and son. She is growing her first organic herb garden this year, while focusing on the Holistic side of healing and health. Her photography work can be found at www.taramorenophotography.com.

All roads lead to ELGA Credit Union Whether you’re searching for a great auto loan rate, financing for your new home, or saving for a family vacation, ELGA is right down the road.

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(810) 715-3542 • www.ELGACU.com 6

Burton • Davison • Flint • Flushing • Fenton • Clio/Montrose • Lapeer

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milestones // GRAFF FAMILY DEALERSHIPS

A Community Pillar Celebrates It’s Centennial

BY TARA MORENO

sold by Graff were sold to the United Auto Workers members employed at General Motors, thereby leaving Graff unable to be price-competitive with his Ford vehicles. Secondly, Ford had an issue keeping a second successful dealer in Flint.

When Hank and his father Max Graff found out that Uptegraff Chevrolet was for sale in Davison, they had consummated a purchase deal within two weeks and notified Ford that they were giving up the franchise. The new Graff Chevrolet proved to be a very successful endeavor. In 1986, a whopping 4,703 vehicles were retailed. That was the 95th largest sales volume in the United States and the second largest among the Chevrolet dealers in Michigan. Overtime, the dealership expanded to what it is today, to about 58,000 square feet of floor space.

W

ith the Graff Family of Dealerships celebrating 100 years of being in business, stories of a century- old family legacy are being remembered and retold. The fourth- generation business has been built on a strong foundation of family values, so it’s no surprise that the one dealership purchased in 1914 has grown to become ten, spanning across Michigan and Ohio.

Chris Graff has been the general manager of the Davison dealership for the past ten years. Recently, he purchased additional company stock in more of the dealerships resulting in a majority interest in eight of the ten stores. Chris Graff attributes the success of the family business to his father, Hank Graff, and calls him a hero. “My dad, in my eyes, has been the biggest entrepreneur in our family. I’m proud to be associated with my dad,” Graff states, sentimentally.

As business grew, several other locations would be added to the Graff legacy. In 1986, the second Chevrolet dealership was bought in Bay City. From 1987 to 2012, eight more dealerships were purchased. Next a Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Chrysler dealer in Gladwin made the transition into the Graff name. In 1991, Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile dealership in Sandusky, Michigan was bought while in 1999, two additional dealerships were acquired. In May, 1999, Hank purchased the former Schaffer Volvo and GMC Truck dealership located in Flint and Saginaw, and then, in September 1999, he also acquired the Chevrolet-Pontiac-Oldsmobile dealership in Durand. When 2003 came around, another growth spurt hit, and Hank purchased his eighth operation in Mt. Pleasant, called M&M Chevrolet, as well as a ninth operation, Ottawa Chevrolet, located in Ottawa, Ohio. In 2006, Hank purchased Pres Kool Chevrolet in Okemos with his son Chris. And finally, the most recent one to be added to the string of dealerships occurred in 2012. Chris Graff purchased the Shaheen Buick GMC Cadillac dealership in Mt. Pleasant. Although Chris Graff is the head “honcho,” operating under the Graff name, it was Hank who made the

There is some irony in that neither Chris nor Hank Graff set out to deal cars. Chris Graff took the bar exam and became a licensed attorney some years ago, while Hank Graff graduated from Michigan State University in 1969, taught school in Flint for two years, and then, in 1971, left teaching to work fulltime at the dealership as a used car buyer.

While growing up, Hank Graff spent summers working at a variety of jobs at the dealership that his father, Max Graff, managed. He became General Manager in 1975. Two years later, Hank became the dealer and a stockholder after he purchased his brother’s, Rex Graff’s, stock. “One of the things you hear about in work places is nepotism. Obviously, I wouldn’t have had my job without some nepotism,” remarks Hank Graff, matter-of-factly.

Not long after acquiring the dealership, he made the “monumental” decision to change from being a Ford dealership to one that sold Chevrolets. In 1982, he made the “drastic decision” for two reasons. First, General Motors gave all of its employees the option to purchase any General Motors vehicle below dealer cost, and at that time, approximately 50% of the Fords 8

Above Left: Chris and Hank Graff giving back to the Davison High School orchestra. Bottom Right: Having fun with the Graff’s original Model T. People who visit this drivable gem of history have the opportunity to dress up in vintage time appropriate costumes complete with period luggage and have their picture taken inside and around the vehicle.

“My dad, in my eyes, has been the biggest entrepreneur in our family. I’m proud to be associated with my dad.”

- Chris Graff -

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milestones // GRAFF FAMILY DEALERSHIPS

Otto P. Graff

biggest impression of success, and he says, “You are supposed to have visions and forecasts and a dream… I just came to work and when I saw an opportunity and was able to take advantage of it, I did.”

THE ORIGINAL FOUNDER OF THE FAMILY BUSINESS BACK IN 1914

Chris Graff grew up watching the familyoriented attitude his father and grandfather had and made the decision to carry on the Graff name a few years after getting his law degree. Chris says hegrew up learning about the business, cars, and family. At five years-old, he remembers pulling weeds at the original Graff Ford dealership building and doing other maintenance work.

At 15-years-old, Chris bought a 1968 Camaro that was in “pretty bad shape,” calling it a true Flintstone’s car because of the missing floor board.

Graff says after he bought the car, he made fast friends with the service technicians and rebuilt the sports car to a state of “good” condition. “I worked on this car every day after school and got to know all the technicians. I didn’t know what I was doing, but they (the technicians) would sit me down and say…’Hey, Chris, this is what to do…’ It was a great learning experience for me,” he contends. Graff still owns the Camaro to this day, and it has been featured at some of the 10 Graff dealerships.

Sale of an Automobile AN ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF A SALE AT OTTO’S DEALERSHIP. COLLATERAL INCLUDED: 2 Jersey cows 1 black heifer 2 brown spotted calves

Hope & Graff ED KENNARD, DON TAYLOR, BOB HOPE, AND MAX GRAFF AT THE IMA RED FEATHER 1959.

Groundbreaking

Both father and son credit family values for the true success of the business. “We [have] stayed in business so long because you have to take care of customers, you have to take care of employees, and you have to treat those people like you would like to be treated…you have to have compassion,” one of them notes. In fact, the Graff motto is “To have fun while working hard with integrity [and] to exceed our employees’ and customers’ expectations, giving us the best dealership in the land.” And to help maintain that atmosphere of fun, the Graff’s have an original Ford Model T that makes its rounds to each of the dealerships, and which has also been featured in various parades and community events; it will in fact, continue to be a source of public enjoyment long after this year’s centennial celebrations. People who visit this drivable gem of history have the opportunity to dress up in vintage-appropriate costumes, complete with period luggage, and have their pictures taken inside and around the vehicle.

In addition, the Graff’s have always embraced a culture of reaching out to their employees and customers. Hank Graff says he will personally hand out pay checks to the employees, just to make sure he is stays connected with them. The Graffs also makes sure that they stay communityoriented as much as possible. Chris Graff is on the board of the Davison Community Fund, an extension of the Community Fund in Flint. Both men are very supportive of Davison’s annual celebration of the Festival of Flags and are honored to be serving as Grand Marshalls in this summer’s event. Hank has served on the Bangor Township Downtown Development Authority’s Board of Directors, been President of the Tall Pines Council-Boy Scouts of America, President 10

HANK GRAFF, MEL MARSHALL, AND PHILLIP GOLDMAN AT THE BAY CITY DEALERSHIP GROUNDBREAKING 1988

100 Years!

HANK GRAFF & CHRIS GRAFF CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF BUSINESS. To commemorate the anniversary, a statue of Otto P. Graff will be erected at the original location in Flint during the annual Back to the Bricks events in August of 2014.

of the Michigan Automobile Dealers Association, and President of the Sales and Marketing Executive Club. Other services include sitting on the board of the National Automobile Dealers Association, as well as that of the Genesee County Fair, and, finally, being Deacon and Trustee for the First Presbyterian Church of Flint.

Celebrating 100 years of being in business is quite a feat. Hank Graff says the dealership has not only survived but thrived in those years, despite the many obstacles it faced in the past 100 years. During WWII the dealership had creative ideas to stay open by rebuilding motors and tractors. “I feel very fortunate,” says Hank Graff about the dealerships survival. “I’ve got to thank a whole lot of people who have worked in the store...[for though] there have been a lot of tough times,… it’s been a lot of fun.” This year the Flint community will have the chance to watch the Otto P. Graff statue, that of the man who originally started the business back in 1914, being erected in his honor near the site of the business’ old location in downtown Flint. This will take place, appropriately, during the Back to the Bricks events this August.

For more information, visit www.hankgraffdavison.com.

milestones // FLINT GOLF CLUB

Flint Golf Club 3100 LAKEWOOD DRIVE | FLINT, MI 810-743-6100 F LIN TG OLFCLUB.COM

insurance money as well as loans from the members, the clubhouse was rebuilt at the cost of $700,000. It reopened for business on June 29, 1959. Then again, in 2002, the Flint Golf Club facilities were upgraded at an estimated 2.5 million dollars of renovations.

Designed

By Local Legends

BY AMBER SABO-CARPENTER

L

ooking back over the past 100 years of Flint Golf Club’s tenure, it is amazing to realize that the foundation of this club is tied to Flint’s greatest founding fathers. Originating as a Flint social club in 1910, J. Dallas Dort was the first to push the club from its original location in the small community of Atlas to the city of Flint. The Atlas location was difficult to reach because of the dirt roads, while Dort, who already owned significant property in the city, was confident that the Flint site was the best location.

J. Dallas Dort, alone, designed the first nine golf holes of the Atlas location, but he consulted with local businessmen and fellow golfers such as Harry Bassett, John Carton, Charles Bonbright and Albert Champion to assist in the new development. In 1918 this consisted of 150 lots forming approximately 127 acres.

Financing was an issue until Walter P. Chrysler, William S. Ballenger, Edwin Atwood, Charles S. Mott, and Arthur Bishop (just to name a few), helped raise the $225,000 needed to start construction. Willie Park Jr., former British open champion, and, at the time known for his design of over 100 golf courses in the United States, was the architect chosen to develop the Flint Golf Club’s 18-hole course. The first round of play was ceremoniously held on May 18, 1919.

However, in January of 1958, a fire totally destroyed the clubhouse because frozen pipes prevented any means by which to extinguish the blaze. Undaunted and armed with 12

As history proves, Flint Golf Club has a long chain of connections to prominent families and esteemed local businesspeople, all of whom have been involved over the years with the upkeep and success of the organization.

And Bill Baldwin is just another example of the many assets in the club’s history. As a PGA master professional, Baldwin directs the club’s pro shop and technical equipment, along with providing his awardwinning teaching skills.

Flint Golf Club is also the home course for the Junior Golf Association and draws many Junior Golfers each year.

The City of Flint and surrounding communities are proud of Flint Golf Club’s rich history as it is still seen today as one of the area’s finest and most venerable establishments. It is hoped that it will continue to offer premiere golf and top-notch social experiences for its members for a long time to come.

eC e s e en Years o f providing G

th

wi

t un

y

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pub lic s ervi ces

Behavioral health is essential to health.

Prevention works.

Treatment is effective.

People recover.

o

formerly Genesee County Community Mental Health

420 W. Fifth Avenue | Flint, Michigan 48503

Help is just a phone call away Toll Free: (877) 346-3648 / TTY: (810) 232-6310 (810)257-3740

Substance Use Disorder Services Genesee Health System provides both prevention and treatment services.Those seeking treatment for substance use disorders can access a number of providers and services with and near Genesee County.

Mental Health Services Support for adults, children, and families. Helping people live a full life in the community.

Crisis and Access Services People sometimes need a little extra assistance. Genesee Health System has trained, professional staff available to assist individuals and families with understanding their treatment options, and to help during a mental health, substance abuse, or family crisis.

• In crisis now? Trained professional staff available to assist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

•Access Center can help you with questions, referrals to community resources, and routine screenings.

Wellness Services We believe in treating the whole person. That means the mind and the body. Our focus is to bring individuals total wellness.

• How to take control of your life •Test your health knowledge •InSHAPE Program •Community Gardens

Visit our website to see all of our services • www.genhs.org

milestones // THOMAS APPLIANCE

Thomas Appliance:

A Century of Community Commitment

BY PAUL ROZYCKI

Perhaps the best way

to characterize Thomas Appliance comes from Ken Thomas, who, along with his brother Don, is the fourth generation to run the family business. He relates a common request from regular customers—“Send me a washer that lasts 25 years, just like your dad did. We’ll leave the door open, in case we’re not home.” Those words help to describe the level of trust and confidence that Thomas’ customers have enjoyed for generations.

The Thomas family commitment to the community began over 100 years ago with the sale of a gas-powered wringer-washer, and, according the Ken, there are parts for that wringer-washer still in the warehouse today.

The family-owned Thomas Appliance had its beginnings on a New Lothrup farm in 1911, where Ken and Don Thomas’ great grandfather drove pickup trucks to Iowa and brought back the first Maytag appliances to Michigan in the early years of the 20th century.

Within a year, that great-grandfather, C.J. Thomas, established the business on Avenue A and Wood St. in Flint. By the 1920s Ken and Don’s grandfather, Arthur Joseph Thomas, moved to a site on North Saginaw and Stewart Avenue. By 1972, they were operating in the Valley Plaza on Miller Road, and by 1979, Ken and Don’s father, Arthur Richard Thomas, opened the current sales and service center at its current G-5600 S. Saginaw location. By 1998, Ken and Don fully took over the business after their father’s passing, and today it is the oldest family- owned appliance store in the nation.

So how does a business survive a century of changes—from World War I and the Great Depression, to the upheaval of World War II, all the the way through the technological advances of the last 100 years? According to Ken Thomas, the key is community involvement and quality. “We support the community that supports us, and we back up our products with quality service,” he says.

Thomas Appliance 5600 S SAGINAW ST. | FLINT, MI 48507 810-239-05 72 THOM A S A P P LIA NC E MI.COM

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The Thomas’ community support has been impressive.

Over the last decade they have donated well over a halfmillion dollars to local non-profit charities in the Genesee County area. The list of recipients of their generosity is long and includes the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Sierra Club, Elks, Special Olympics, Old Newsboys and the Whaley Center, among many others.

Not only does the Thomas Family support many local organizations, but the sons are also active participants in groups such as the Boy Scouts (both Ken and Don are Eagle Scouts), and the Elks, where Ken served as president.

Furthermore, he has chaired Cuffs and Community, which supports area K-9 police units. Recently the family donated a washer and dryer as a fundraiser for the ABC 12 Diaper Drive. Since Ken is chair of the Back to the Bricks Pinewood Derby, one of the best locations to watch the cruise is at the S. Saginaw Thomas Appliance store, where, incidentally, local Cub Scouts build their derby racers. When he served as a Cub Scout leader, Ken saw his scout den grow from six scouts to 87 within six years. This community commitment has a long and deep history in the family, and Ken is proud of the fact that the idea for the Bobby Crim Race originated in his father’s family room.

Like most small businesses, Thomas Appliance faces competition from the “big box” stores. They have survived this competition by offering both quality and service. As a member of Nations Brand Direct, the world’s largest buying group, they are able to keep prices competitive with those of the national big box chains. In Ken’s view, it is their service department that gives them the advantage over their competition. Unlike many larger stores, all of the appliance service is done by their regular staff; it’s not contracted out.

“We know what kind of employees we have. We control the quality of service we deliver and our employees are also licensed and certified for their work,” Ken contends.

The pride in and commitment to their workers that Ken and Don have was demonstrated a few years ago when the business was facing serious financial challenges. Even as the company went through a major restructuring, none of the employees lost their jobs… though Ken and Don went without their own paychecks for a long time.

A brief walk through the warehouse in the back of the store reveals another, often unseen, part of the business. A large mountain of cardboard boxes is piled in the corner, ready to be sent to the recycler. “We try to recycle everything. We don’t want to bury our refuse in the landfills for our children [to have to deal with]. All of the cardboard and plastic from the appliance boxes is recycled,” Ken says. “With the old refrigerators and freezers, we don’t just junk them. We get the freon out safely, recycle it before we get rid of them, and then we recycle the steel as well. It costs us about $50 a unit to do that. But it’s better for the environment.” Other parts of old appliances are made available to inner city Flint businesses, where the owners recycle them for new uses.

Today the 22 families that are part of Thomas Appliance are thankful they are here. And so are the many groups in Genesee County they have helped and supported over the years. There is a reason they are the oldest family-owned appliance store in the nation, and, in the end, dad would be proud, as would granddad and great-granddad.

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milestones // DICK SKAFF

From The Desk Of...

DICK SKAFF

President // Skaff Furniture Carpet One The Serta sheep is not a prop. It has occupied that same seat for over 10 years! “It’s been a great conversational piece for all ages,” smiles Dick Skaff. The tag on his chair is in plain sight. “I’ll give you a great deal on it,” he mentions, like any true salesperson! The plaque, Love God, Love Others, “was a gift from [my] family,” he admits, adding, “I try to live by that every day.” With bookcases stocked in volumes detailing product information, photographs of his family are at the forefront - by intention. The most unique feature of this desk, however, is that it is not parked in some palatial, glass-walled corner office, nor is it on the top floor of a building. It is humbly set near the middle of the giant showroom floor! “This way, I’m able to help everybody, from customers to salespeople, at any time,” he states. For over 103 years, Skaff Furniture Carpet One has consistently provided top quality home furnishing products while wholeheartedly supporting the community in all the spirit of faith and family. Visit www.skaff.com for more info.

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milestones // MCLAREN AUXILLARY

Doing Well at Doing Good:

The 95th Anniversary of the McLaren Auxiliary MARTHA HAMP

I

n the summer when I was sixteen years old, I thought I would like to spend my time as a volunteer working in a hospital – thinking I might decide to be a nurse later on. I eventually became a teacher instead, but I have never forgotten my experience then, as well as my first introduction to some of the members who made up the fine organization called the McLaren Auxiliary. As it happened, my grandmother, who was a nurse herself, and who had worked with and enjoyed a close friendship with Margaret McLaren at Women’s Hospital, suggested I investigate volunteering at the hospital which had been named for her friend. And so, I ended up working two days a week for most of that summer in the playroom in the Pediatric wing on the 5th floor. It became a very instructive, sometimes dramatic, and once, a tremendously moving experience, well worth both my time, and effort, but, in addition to my interaction with the children I worked with in “Peds” while there, I also got to know, first hand, something about all the good work the auxiliary was responsible for, was capable of, and why, now, after nearly 100 years in operation, the organization and its many members, both past and present, represent a part of what is best about McLaren Regional Medical Center. In fact, the celebration of their 95th Anniversary this April provided a perfect occasion to take a look back at their beginnings as well as to trace the trajectory of their contributions to staff, patients, and visitors alike, in the now vast institution that McLaren has become. To say that the McLaren Auxiliary has rendered itself, in several ways, indispensible to patient care, in particular, and to the hospital it serves, in general, is to begin to understand its remarkable value.

The organization was first formed in 1919 as a circle, by Dr. Lucy Elliott and Nurse Lillian Girard, to help the “new” Women’s Hospital by supplying bed linens and later, conducting various fundraising activities, including rummage and bake sales, for that institution when Miss Margaret McLaren became superintendent. Over the intervening years, the auxiliary also aided in generating funds for the next hospital to be built… located on Ballenger Highway, completed in 1951, and bearing the name of the distinguished nurse. Since that time, their services to what has become a great medical center have continued apace. In fact, overtime, McLaren Auxiliary members have proven themselves and the organization they serve to be extremely dedicated to the promotion of all the extra things this hospital has long been noted for – besides the excellent care dispensed to patients by doctors, nurses and the rest of its professional staff. And those “extras,” those contributions that the auxiliary makes, seem to fall into two, sometimes overlapping, sometimes distinct, catagories – one representing services rendered mainly to patients, visitors, and staff, and the other characterized by projects which have often raise funds for medical equipment or improvements to 18

spaces in the hospital building itself.

The auxiliary’s services are definitely legion. Anyone who has ever been a patient at McLaren, or who has visited one there has certainly, in one realm or another, come in contact with a volunteer wearing, originally, the salmon-hued uniform, and now – since 2007 – that of the highly- identifiable McLaren blue. Whether encountered at the information desk in the lobby, in the Special Things Gift Shop, in pre-admission testing, or staffing the surgical lounge and delivering news of a patient’s outcome to family members or friends, for instance, the presence of auxiliary members is palpable.

But what of some of the other services these volunteers provide? The list is a long one, and stretches over the course of many years, including such items as:

*Pediatric Playroom Assistance – 1960 *Auxiliary Newsletter – 1967 *Bloodbank Program – 1969 *Doctors’ Day (in appreciation) – 1978 *Medical Library Service (staffing) –1980 *ICU-CCU Visitors Lounge (staffing) – 1983 *Greeter Service (lobby staffing) –2004 *Scholarship Fund –2010 *Hospitality House (staffing) – 2013 Reactivating Old Giftcart (staffing)

These services represent just a small sampling of the many benefits the auxiliary has bestowed upon all those who use the facilities at McLaren Regional Medical Center. That the presence of these volunteers has afforded the institution a steady offering of support for all of 95 years is a rather fitting tribute and high praise for those who comprise the organization. And it should be noted in appraising the contributions made by this group that the auxiliary, in 1953, raised funds for the tornado victims in the Beecher area, as well as working to help care for them and their families, long into that fateful night and afterward.

Besides providing so many services to McLaren, its staff, and its patients, the auxiliary is renowned for the various projects it has funded over the years of its existence. Some of these include furnishing monies for such needed and diverse equipment as the following:

*Chapel Furnished – 1971 *Heart Catheterization Equipment –1981 *Mammogram Machine (Women’s Center) – 1986 *Updates to Lobby –1990 *Light Scan CAT Scan Machine –2001 *Orthopedic Wheelchairs –2002 *Fetal Heart Monitors –2008 Portable Heart Monitors (newborn nursery) *Crash Carts – 2009 Art Therapy Instructor (cancer patients) *Patient Simulation Manikin – 2011

This list, though it indicates but a small sampling of the number of projects of which the auxiliary is responsible, indicates the level of gift-giving and donation for which its members can be exceptionally proud.

Thus it is with a large measure of thanks and gratitude that all of the McLaren Community – those who use the facility, those who have occasion to visit there, and those dedicated people who work at the institution to preserve others’ lives everyday -- salute the dedicated members of the venerable organization on achieving its 95th Anniversary. It is hoped that its volunteers will go on doing good for as long as there is a need, as well as offering their calm and trustworthy assistance to all who walk through the hospital’s doors. There is much to celebrate in that.

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milestones // FENTON FARMS GOLF CLUB

Fenton Farms Golf Club

Celebrates 75 Years A colorful history full of celebrities, shenanigans and golf

BY CHELSEA MILLS

T

he first thing I noticed about Fenton Farms Golf Club was the large, old original farmhouse building which sits prominently and majestically right off Torrey Road in Fenton, Michigan. That same farmhouse has stood almost 100 years, has known various owners, and has had many different names over the last century.

I have been lucky enough to spend a sunny morning at the golf course to hear about this great facility, such as its origins, as well as the exciting changes and developments in progress, all from current proprietor, Christopher White.

White, who also moonlights as a film producer, has spent the last decade bringing a new life to this course, which has been in existence as an 18-hole facility since 1939 and was once called Shoreacres Golf Club. Spanning eight decades, the owners and the course’s name have changed several times. It was also called Torrey Pines at one time.

“Even before Shoreacres Golf Club, Fenton Farms had a colorful history dating back to the 1930’s, when farmer Ralph Crane decided to clear some of his farmland to create a few golf holes. He called the new course Long Lake Golf Course because, back then, Lake Fenton was called Long Lake. Local legend and lore tells the story of Ralph’s children splitting up the family property, his sons wanting the farmland and his daughters being left with the land surrounding Long Lake,” Chris explains.

“If you are familiar with Fenton, you might recognize the names of his daughters: Ruth and Margaret [the names of streets around the lake]. They also had another street, Crane Cove, which was part of the daughter’s development. Ralph’s son, George, wound up owning the farmland, which included his dad’s Long Lake Country Club, and he added some additional holes to create the first 18-hole course on the property. Personally, I think the 20

daughters got the better end of that deal, with lakefront property going for a premium,” Chris says, chuckling.

Yes, it’s true that the course was sold in the early to mid-1960s to a group of investors headed by former Detroit Lions member and TV sit-com star, Alex Karras. It was during this time that the Alex Karras Golf Classic was held -- a fund raiser for cystic fibrosis was the intention, but the entire outing was designed to be a pro-am with local sports celebrities. Karras had arranged for Tiny Tim to parachute in from the sky, while the band played “Tiptoe Through the Tulips.” Furthermore, musicians were to jump out of the woods and play the Mexican Hat Dance when golfers were putting, while tape players were hidden in the bushes to play sounds of people screaming and cars crashing to also add an element of surprise to the event. (Harpers May 1971) When Karras and company were finished with the place, they sold what was left to Walter Burkemo, a PGA touring pro whose career had been highlighted by his victory in the 1953 PGA Championship. By some accounts, actor and comedian George Gobel spent a considerable amount of time at the course during the Burkemo era and may also have had some ownership interest. It was during this time, local lore has it, that Marvin Gaye performed on the back of a hay wagon, and the course was known then as more of a “Road House” and less as a golf course, due, in part, to the deteriorating condition of the infrastructure of the course itself. Apparently unable to turn the tide after years of neglect, Burkemo eventually sold the property

to golf architect George Fazio, who reportedly planned major renovations for Torrey Pines...until he became stricken with illness and died.

Fast-forwarding to 1993, a Detroit-based group of investors, Fenton Farms Developments Inc., headed by retired automotive entrepreneur Jack Bott, aquired the course. This is when it first became known as Fenton Farms Golf Club. Bott’s daughters, Diane Rutheford and Kathy White, along with his grandson and current proprietor, Christopher White, took over operations of the course in 2002 and have brought in new ideas, new equipment, new management and rebranded this historic farm course into ‘The Friendly Place” -- with an emphasis on customer service.

For the next decade, Chris White, says, they went about “… improving the course, renovating the clubhouse and changing the focus of the business plan to become specialists in golf outings and entertainment events.” Known for his flair for fun, Chris has brought his experience as a producer in California to Fenton by enlisting the services of local bagpipe artists, barbershop quartets, local celebrities and various DJ’s to ensure that each event held there is memorable. Many organizations come back to Fenton Farms year after year because they know they will be taken care of and that their guests will remember their experience for years to come.

The future of Fenton Farms is very exciting. Chris is excited to launch his “2014 Farm Fresh Menu,” designed to entice the golfers as well as the non-golfing neighbors and friends of the course. The menu features made-to-order Panini’s, artisan flatbread pizzas, gourmet- themed hot dogs and daily specials.

Leagues are nearly at capacity and Season Pass sales are at a record high. It’s easy to see why though; Season Passes are designed for people who like to golf...a lot. Pass holders receive advance tee times two weeks ahead of the general public, free range balls, 10% off all pro shop purchases, and they are welcomed with open arms into the Fenton Farms family. Bill Davis is a season pass holder who last year, during the abundance of apples on the course, asked permission and picked several bushels of them, bringing them back to the course the next day in the form of five home-baked apple pies. And that is just one example out of many illustrating how these season pass holders feel just like family.

“...actor and comedian George Gobel spent a considerable amount of time at the course during the Burkemo era and may also have had some ownership interest.

It was during this time, local lore has it, that Marvin Gaye performed on the back of a hay wagon...”

Fenton Farms Golf Club 12312 TORREY ROAD | FENTON, MICHIGAN WWW.F EN TON FARMS .COM

Golf Shop & Tee Times (810) 629- 1212

Sales, Catering & Events (810) 750- 6098

milestones // FLINT JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION

Golf Juniors, Driving 75 Years of Tradition

BY AMBER SABO-CARPENTER

T

he Flint Junior Golf Association is one of the oldest junior golf programs in the United States, now celebrating 75 years in existence. The program began in 1939 and has allowed young girls and boys to learn the rules and fundamentals of the game of golf. Exceeding over 1000 memberships per year, the FJGA states as its purpose “to provide positive life experiences for junior golfers through competitive golf while setting high standards to preserve the integrity and the traditions of the game.�

The FJGA attributes its success to the local golf courses in Genesee County that allow these young participants to use their facilities.

This includes the four City of Flint courses that are used every single day throughout the duration of the program. The golfers, boys and girls alike, are divided into three divisions including a five-hole division for ages 8 to 11; a nine-hole division for ages up to 14 for boys and 15 for girls; and an 18-hole division for those up to age 18. There is one entry fee that is due at the beginning of the season and includes a bag, rule book, instructional clinics, and discounts on that instruction during the season. The 2014 season begins June 23 and will end the first week of August.

The Flint Junior Golf Association depends purely on volunteers who include supervisors, rangers, and golf course owners who help make this program possible. There is also an annual golf fundraiser, this year being held at Atlas Country Club, on August 11, 2014, and which is sponsored by Redwood Lodge. People can get more information on The Flint Junior Golf Association registration on their facebook page or on the website www.fjga.org.

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milestones // CARRIAGE TOWN MINISTRIES

Carriage Town Ministries 705 GARLAND ST | FLINT TWP, MI (810) 238-6827 C AR R I AG E TOW N.ORG

Carriage Town Ministries Continues tradition of treating people with dignity, respect

BY RAY SMITH

I

n 1950 the Flint Rescue Mission was formed on the banks of the Flint River at Grand Traverse Street, and at the time more closely resembled a traditional rescue shelter for the homeless. However, what it has evolved into since then, as Carriage Town Ministries, is something quite different.

In the early 1980’s the organization moved to 605 Garland Street, and, in 1992 built a family center, aiming to become more than just a place for the homeless to find food and shelter for a night. “We have 115 residents here at any given time,” says Dr. Dallas Gatlin, executive director of Carriage Town. “Traditional rescue missions around the country tend to be the kind where you can sleep overnight after you have dinner, you can take a shower, go to bed and then, at seven in the morning, you have breakfast, and you’ve got to go for the rest of the day. We’ve changed that. We wanted to give people more of a sense of a home base where they could collect their thoughts,” he adds.

When Gatlin became just the fifth executive director in the history of Carriage Town Ministries, he and his wife had already been contributing to the organization financially since the early 1980’s when it was still called the Flint Rescue Mission. At the time, Gatlin never thought about being the organization’s leader, but it became a natural step for him, given the support he has given it. “I would say I retired early at 55 to do something like this,” says Gatlin. “Fundamentally, we provide people a place to store their things in their own lockers, a place to feel dignified, a place to have friends, to think, to make a plan for life and encouragement.”

Residents at Carriage Town, which include men, women and children, can stay for 30 days in either the barracks for men or the rooms built for women and have the option of signing up for a Personal Success Program which is a mentoring plan that focuses on developing three phases of a person’s productive life. Those three phases include Knowing God through mentored daily Bible study and prayer, Gaining Knowledge and Skills, which allows residents to work on their education and work skills - even providing an opportunity for those who never finished high school to work on their GED - and, finally, Living Productively, which emphasizes the importance of being a productive member of society through work and volunteering around the facility and within the community. “You and I could walk out this door, and we could walk all day all around the city, and we could not meet a single person that God did not make on purpose,” says Gatlin. “So if everybody is a personal project of God, then each deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and that’s what we do.”

Volunteer work at Carriage Town has been critical to the success of the program. Last year more than 5,500 different people volunteered at Carriage Town, some of them contributing more than 40 hours a week on a regular basis for a variety of services, including neighborhood trash pickup, snow shoveling in the winter months, and numerous other efforts to help those in need. “This is a real positive and supportive culture,” says Gatlin. “We are our residents’ biggest cheerleaders. One of the things common to people who find themselves homeless is that they’ve lost their social support structure. They might have been prisoners of addictions, and may still be, so that, over time, they have exasperated their families. We provide that place to stay, and we listen to your story, who are you, where have you been… if you want to tell us,” he contends.

One of the many whom Carriage Town has listened to over the years is Marilyn Mayfield, who came to the facility in 2011 for help after having been a GM employee for

25

twelve years. “I was a 20-year crack cocaine user,” says Mayfield. “When I came here I was broken, I was tired, I had no structure, and I couldn’t discipline myself. I stayed here in the PSP program for two years and two months. I gave the Lord a chance to work through me.”

Having been almost three years clean, Mayfield is now employed as a cook at Carriage Town and is living in her own place, having at age 60 finally found the productive life she always wanted. She is also writing a book about her life that she hopes to publish in the next two years. “I was blessed enough for them to employ me here. If I hadn’t come to Carriage Town, I really believe that I would be dead right now. All that I have lost, all that I was willing to let the Devil take from me, I’ve gotten it back. I have peace today.”

Mayfield’s cooking is part of the daily meals that are provided to Carriage Town Ministries’ residents, and anyone who comes there from the public. Among the other services offered are physician examinations every Wednesday, optometrist services, and a new dental clinic which will begin there soon. “The doors are always open,” says James Patrick Ebeling, age 31 and a current member of PSP. “The staff goes out of their way to help you. You don’t go hungry.” Ebeling is working towards his GED and the goal of attending ITT Tech to further his interest in computers, en route to having a better life and being stable. “I’ve been here on and off for about a year. They welcome everyone with open arms,” he says.

Carriage Town Ministries is reliant solely on private funding and donations from individuals, businesses, churches, trusts and grants. With that said, the establishment, as well as those who run it, will always welcome help.

26

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milestones // JOHN’S PIZZERIA & COCKTAIL LOUNGE

John’s Pizzeria & Cocktail Lounge Celebrates 50 Years

Blending family tradition of Italian food and good service

BY CHELSEA MILLS

A

nniversaries come and go without much notice, but not when it’s John’s Pizzeria and Cocktail Lounge in Fenton.

John’s Pizzeria and Cocktail Lounge employs about 24 people, many of whom have been with the restaurant for over 25 years. Everyone who walks through their doors is made to feel like family, a fact which has contributed to the longevity and popularity of this local family- owned restaurant.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Delio and Sandy for the past five years, 28

and my children have grown up knowing and experiencing what an amazing family they are and what a great place they own.

Before my kids started kindergarten, Delio would let them come in and “help” during the week while he was setting up the lunch buffet. They also knew where they could get their suckers after their meal, but only if they cleaned their plates.

always have memories to share about his restaurant, his food, and most importantly, about his character. His daughter, Sandy Barletta Zdenek, who operated the restaurant with her father for the past 20 years, has continued to run the business seamlessly since his death, carrying on the tradition of good food, great service and a family atmosphere.

Delio passed away suddenly in his sleep at the young age of 76, in September of 2013, just a few months short of seeing his restaurant’s 50th anniversary. Those who knew Delio remember him fondly and

In 1959, there were 29 Italian immigrants who came over by boat from Italy to start new lives in America. Newly married to his bride, Vilma, Delio brought her to America to begin their married life

Weekly Dine-In Specials HAPPY HOUR: MONDAY – FRIDAY 3 PM – 7 PM MONDAY & TUESDAY 50% OFF ALL PIZZAS | ANY SIZE TUESDAY $2 OFF ALL PASTA DISHES WEDNESDAY 50% OFF STROMBOLI $2 OFF FISH & CHIPS OR COD (FRIED OR BAKED) THURSDAY KIDS 5 AND UNDER EAT FREE FRIDAY KING & QUEEN PRIME RIB

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together. Delio worked for a short time with GM in Pennsylvania and then was transferred to Michigan where he got a part-time job at the local restaurant owned by another Italian immigrant, the place known as John’s Pizzeria and Cocktail Lounge.

Delio Barletta purchased that restaurant from John, the proprietor, in 1964, and over the next five decades, John’s Pizzeria and Cocktail Lounge witnessed many changes. In the beginning, Vilma made thousands of meatballs a week for the restaurant, and many other family members and Italian immigrants learned how to open their own restaurants in the area with the help and expertise from Delio.

When asked why he kept the name, John’s Pizzeria & Cocktail Lounge, Barletta would reply, “I bought it, and I never changed the name because business was good.” It became a local inside joke to the employees and those who knew him that if someone came calling, asking for the owner, John, they knew it had to be a solicitor.

Dine-In or Carry Out Special Everyday FAMILY STYLE MEAL FOR FOUR PEOPLE $19.99

Open Seven Days a Week SUNDAY: NOON – 10 PM MONDAY – THURSDAY: 11 AM – 11 PM FRIDAY AND SATURDAY: 11 AM – MIDNIGHT

Location 1492 NORTH LEROY STREET | FENTON

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milestones // JOHN’S PIZZERIA & COCKTAIL LOUNGE

The Fenton community quickly adopted Delio and his family into their community, and the area became their home away from home.

Delio preferred the small, close-knit community of Fenton, which was a drastic contrast to his hometown, a large tourist city in Italy called Patrica.

The restaurant was known to be the place to “hang out” after local high school football games, and diners fondly remember getting scolded by Delio if they were just loitering and not ordering food. In the early 2000’s, the restaurant’s popularity prompted expansion of its space to create a new dining area and banquet facility, with seating capacity for 120 people.

In 2011, I had the honor of presenting Delio with the Fenton Chamber of Commerce Enterprise Award at the Annual Dinner held on his birthday. I also surprised him by having the entire room sing “Happy Birthday” to him as he walked up to receive the award.

Inspired by support from their community and loyal customers, as well as their wish to continue a family tradition, the father and daughter team chose to expand even further and to offer local area delivery of their famous food right to customers’ homes in 2012.

John’s is still a popular place for hosting weddings, holiday parties, funeral dinners, local charity events and benefits, civil organization meetings, baby showers, bridal showers, first communicant celebrations, and so much more.

They also have a large catering business for open houses, family reunions and any event where the host wants to serve the best Italian food in the area. This fall, Sandy and her family are celebrating 50 years of John’s Pizzeria and Cocktail Lounge family tradition in Fenton, Michigan, with a celebration of food specials, live music, and more.

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milestones // THE HOT DOG STAND

THE

Chili Cheese Dog Koegle’s hot dog + american cheese original red sauce mustard onion chili

y ears 50 And Still “Stands” Tall

BY AMBER SABO-CARPENTER

THE

Original

Red Sauce Gourmet Hot Dog Ketchup

+

M

ost people wouldn’t know that this Hot Dog Stand has been a family tradition since 1964, when Ellsworth Moore opened the first A & W in Grand Blanc. He started with his first franchise location in Grand Rapids in 1932 and eventually branched out into downtown Flint in 1935. The Grand Blanc location was built for one of Ellsworth’s employees, Art Beckwith, to manage so that he would have an income when Ellsworth’s son, James Moore, took over the downtown Flint location. The place has been in continuous operation ever since, serving the Grand Blanc community well… as does the family running it.

In the 80’s, A&W started to require that its franchises carry a full menu, thus leading to the first name change of the Grand Blanc establishment -- Hot Dog Heaven. When Art Beckworth retired in 1988, James Moore took over and changed the name a second time to The Hot Dog Stand. By 1989, a third generation, represented by Rhonda Moore, was awarded the honor of operating The Hot Dog Stand. Even now, 4th generation Chase Moore helps out by running the cash register.

The Hot Dog Stand has some great local traditions, such as offering the original red sauce created by Ellsworth’s wife, Arlene, in 1935. The sauce was so popular the family started bottling it in 2008 and then selling it at local shops such as Treasure Baskets in Grand Blanc, Main Street Treasures in Flushing, and Gloria’s in Flint. The hot dogs the restaurant uses are a Koegel creation by both Al Koegel and Ellsworth Moore.

Rhonda Moore continues the tradition of a drive-up hot dog stand.

Generations of families have brought their children to the place over the years to enjoy hotdogs and homemade root beer, making it a fixture and a tradition in Grand Blanc. Moore has an ongoing involvement in her community as she is active in Flint’s annual Back to the Bricks celebrations, along with both Back to the Cruise and the Sloan Summer Auto Fair. That is all, without a doubt, certainly a contribution to the people of Grand Blanc worth noting.

THE HOT DOG STAND 11338 S SAGINAW ST GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP 32

(810) 695-7597

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milestones // FENTON HOME FURNISHINGS

Gerry Willey, the Man Behind

Fenton Home Furnishings Started in 1979 with one store and one employee (himself)

BY CHELSEA MILLS

M

r. Gerry Willey opened Fenton Home Furnishings 35 years ago on April 1, 1979, and since then he has grown it into a successful furniture business consisting of four locations, as well as 34 employees, including seven salespeople and ten designers. That makes him the force and the talent behind this impressive establishment, complete with a compelling life story that speaks to his remarkable achievements.

Born on July 17, 1939, Mr. Willey lived on the east side of Flint and came from very humble beginnings. He left high school in the 12th grade to join the Marine Corps in which he served from 1956 to 1959. Mr. Willey opened his Fenton store with only one employee – himself – doing all the buying, selling, unloading, and pricing for the original establishment. He had two high school boys come in at 3pm to help with deliveries. His dad had helped him convert a $400 old blue pickup to a delivery truck by building a wooden box on the top to hold all the customers’ merchandise. He has since come a long way to his present delivery fleet of five trucks.

In fact, the red-carpet delivery service now offered by Fenton Home Furnishings is unique.

With each delivery, the customer can have things moved to another location in their home in order to accommodate their new purchase. That is, the professional delivery staff will move old furniture upstairs, downstairs, or even out to the garage of a customer if need be. And after each delivery is completed, the client receives a special surprise gift, as well as a follow-up phone call a couple of days later to ensure everything went as expected.

Though most merchandise the store carries is standard for the furniture business, there are also many one-of-a-kind items available at each location, thereby making each store unique in its own right. All of the stores have the latest in styles and fabrics in furniture as well, with experienced staff at the ready with whom customers can consult. Complimentary home design services are offered at each location to help clients choose the right furniture and accessories to showcase in their homes, while custom window treatments and blinds are also available at the Frankenmuth store.

Gerry Willey says, “Our customers expect us to 34

FE NTO N H O M E F U RN I S HI NGS / / 1136 NOR T H LEROY S T R EE T // FE NTON, MIC H IGAN // (8 1 0 ) 6 2 9 -0 6 5 0 // WWW. FE NTONH OME F U R N ISH IN G S. CO M

take care of them. We offer quality, style, comfort, and design experience. Our customers are informed, well-read, and enjoy travel.” In order to consistently meet these customers’ needs, he adds that Fenton Home Furnishings professional staff stays up-todate on home design shows and magazines to ensure clients see the latest in design trends.

Nowadays, Mr. Willey just watches his well-structured business operate, allowing him more time to discover other adventures – including a perhaps not so well- known purchase of the Fenton Hotel from the bank in 1996. He found out quickly enough that he was not cut out for the restaurant business and sold it in 1997 – content now to enjoy observing the company he so carefully constructed run successfully. “For the most part, I just sit back and watch,” he laughs, but then he becomes more serious and says, “But I am very proud of my family.” Willey has three children who are involved in the business: Nick, who is the operations manager overseeing the finances; Kristi, who is in charge of advertising, web development, and buying; and Rodney, who is the general manager. At one time, his other two children also worked for the company – Lora, who worked in the office, is now the Coordinator of Education for Reverence Home Health Care & Hospice, and Gerry Jr. who once delivered furniture while going

to college. He has since earned his law degree and now works at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP, in New York City “God is good and life is good – only in America” is Mr. Willey’s motto. He goes on to explain, “Fenton has been good to me; [the store] has an excellent service department and our reputation has gotten us far. About 85% of our business comes from current customers and referrals. Once we sell someone, we usually have him or her as a customer for life. The reason is that we ‘hug’ our customers, and they get special treatment here.”

Recently he had a conversation with his grandson who is 15 years old and a student at Powers Catholic High school. Mr. Willey asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. His grandson replied, “I have no idea.” About that remark Mr. Willey says, “You know what, I’m almost 75 years old, and I still don’t know what I want to do when I grow up. I never dreamed I’d sell furniture, but you know...I enjoy it, I really do.” Ninety-eight percent of the merchandise in the store is American or Michiganmade Mr. Willey explains proudly, adding, “We strive to carry only the best, and we strive to make our customers happy.” And he seems to have succeeded in doing both for a very long and successful time.

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Juan �Adriana Guzman MARRIED 20-YEARS ANNIVERSARY: JULY 23, 1994 AGE THEY MARRIED: 21 YEARS DATED: 1.5 KIDS: 3

milestones // MARRIAGE

WORD TO DESCRIBE MARRIAGE: HIM: “LOYALTY” HER: “A COMPANY/ORGANIZATION”

of the

LESSONS HEART

Honey, I Love You, But Why is There a Stripper On Your Back?

BY ILSE HAYES

36

I

t doesn’t take long to see that Juan & Adriana Guzman of Burton have a traditional marriage. When Juan’s not working, he can be found in his garage repairing cars. And it’s a rare day in the Guzman home you won’t find a home cooked meal on the stove. Now, both Christian and regular church goers, they say their marriage was challenged early on.

One might be surprised to hear which word Adriana would choose to describe ‘marriage’ to others; they are Company and Organization.

Initially I thought, this has got to be the most unromantic matrimony perspective possible. Or is it?

“Whenever we’ve come across problems in our marriage, I always try to think of how it impacts the entire family. Like a company, decisions made at the top will affect the workers too. It’s not just about Juan and me.”

The incident that first brought up the John � Linda Lewellyn “D” word for the MARRIED 40-YEARS couple was also the ANNIVERSARY: MAY 9, 1974 AGE THEY MARRIED: incident that would HIM- 23 set the provide the HER- 28 template for years to YEARS DATED: 2 come. It involved an KIDS: 2 annual Super Bowl WORD TO DESCRIBE MARRIAGE: party hosted by a HIM: “COMPROMISE” neighbor before the HER: “FUN” couple had kids.

The party involved a ‘special’ appearance at half time by female strippers -- a small detail Juan never mentioned to his new bride. But this year, Adriana happen to glance through their window and spotted Juan, enjoying the party festivities next door with a beautiful stripper balancing on his shoulders!

Her heart sank. The couple says the next series of events would serve not only as lessons but also set the tone for future marital disputes.

“Adriana was angry with me sand refused to talk. Even though I had apologized repeatedly, she had closed off her heart towards me. It wasn’t until she [finally] said something that [it] shook me deeply,” Juan explains. After getting the silent treatment for so long and feeling no affection from her, he asked her if she wanted a divorce. After all, they didn’t have kids. “ Of course that’s not

what I wanted. I knew I had messed but I couldn’t’ take her coldness anymore. Her response is what tore into me,” he says. She looked him in the eyes and said she no confidence in him anymore -and he knew she meant it. That killed him as a man.

“I’ve always believed that when you fall, you get back up. And when you’re married you become one person. So when one person falls in the relationship and the other person chooses to leave, then how can you experience the ‘getting up’ part?” There are times when one person may have a “limp, and perhaps they aren’t in a place of wanting to resolve a fight, or repair the marriage right at that moment. That’s when the other spouse has to become the stronger person and remember what’s on the line. There could be a time when one person may need the other to be strong when he or she cannot be.

“It was a stupid thing I did. Maybe she wouldn’t have minded the strippers had I told her about them. What devastated her was me not communicating with her. That caused her to lose her trust. Every marriage has fights, disputes problems. There is no perfect marriage,” Juan states.

How the Guzmans handle arguments intrigued me. So often I find women, in particular, take their husbands’ lack of attention during or shortly after an argument as a sign that they simply don’t care. This, in turn, hurts any woman very deeply.

But Adrian says, “I think picturing ourselves growing old together has also helped us. Juan and I actually visualize ourselves in our elderly years.

We’ve even talked about it. We wonder if I will have to take care of him or the other way around.

We know we will grow old together.”

“There’s a Whole Lot of #@&@#! That Comes Between “I do” and Compromise.”

I

was fortunate enough to interview the Lewellyns in their Clio home on the actual day of their 40th anniversary. One of the first things I will randomly ask couples is,”If you could only use ONE word to describe marriage, what would it be?” For John Lewellyn, that word is “compromise.” I think

most people would agree this is an important part of a relationship but what John said next, caught me off guard. “There’s a whole lot of #%*@!# that comes in between the ‘I do’ and compromise.”

“John!,” Linda quickly chimes in with a smile sitting next to him on their living room couch. “What? Well, it’s true!” he laughs back.

Linda chose the word “fun” to describe their 40-year matrimony. “Marriage brings so many adventures and not all of them are good,” she tells me. The couple says the adventures started when they were set up on a blind date by a friend.

“It was one of those dates [when] I laughed the whole time,” recalls Linda.

They both insist on laughing at each other and at life, a fact which has helped them get through the tough times. “I quit taking things so seriously. If today was a hard day, I’ve learned tomorrow will be different,” she says and then turns to look at her husband adding, Andrew � Sherida Aikins MARRIED 10-YEARS “Besides, why do ANNIVERSARY: DEC.8 ,2004 you think I leave AGE THEY MARRIED: every Wednesday HIM: 33 to babysit… to get HER: 31 away from him.”

YEARS DATED: 1 “Why do you KIDS: 5 WORD TO DESCRIBE MARRIAGE: think I call that HIM: “WORK” my day off?” John HER: “COMMITMENT” quickly responds, and they both laugh out loud. I begin to wonder if perhaps the Lewellyns are onto something. What if couples consciously used humor to combat tough times, even during heated disputes?

“Laughter really helps. It sounds like a light way to approach problems but it is possible to back up and find the humor in it,” says Linda.

Perhaps the couple developed their humor as newly weds when they were homeless.

“It was the 70’s and I guess you could say we were hippies. We traveled for about two years in my van. I can only imagine what her dad thought of me.” But John says the freespirited lifestyle changed once the kids were born and admits, “My choice of what to do centered around the family. That’s where the compromise comes in. You do some of the stuff you want, but you don’t get to do [all] of the stuff you want. Marriage is about more than one person. It’s about the family,”

{

The couple candidly admits there have been times when they didn’t think their love would stand the test of time. One of those periods was when their two children had grown and left home. Linda says she was experiencing hormonal changes related to menopause, causing her to question many things about her life and her relationship with John. The couple began drifting apart. But John was patient, and Linda reminded herself of her commitment to him. As in times before, they got through this one.

“It’s a different type of love [we have now]. It’s not all sexually- oriented like it was when we first got married. It’s a deeper love. We don’t run around the house telling each other we love each other. We prove it because we’re still here.

We take care of each other,” they say.

Second Time Around

U

nless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re fully aware of how high the divorce rate is in America.

Despite a couple’s best efforts, sometimes divorce is still the end result of a troubled marriage. Although there are important lessons that can be taken away from a failed relationship, dating parents know too well that there are new lessons to be learned when trying to make a go of a relationship the second time, especially when children are involved. Andrew and Sherida Aikins, of Grand Blanc, have had the challenge of blending a family.

“My biggest concern was whether or not my kids would like her,” says 43-yearold Andrew, who had not been married

before but did have four children when he met Sherida.

On the other hand, Sherida had no children from her first marriage but had her own concerns. “My biggest fear was being divorced again,” she admits.

It was that fear and her faith that allowed her to endure a lot of pain early on in the marriage.

She goes on to say that “After being married a few years, [my spouse] began drinking and partying and coming home late. It was a very lonely time. I spent many nights crying.”

Andrew admits that, although his late nights revolved around work as a club promoter he was unable to recognize the pain he was causing his new bride.

“When I was married ten years ago, I lived of the world. Back then I showed less consideration for her feelings,” he says.

Sherida says that, despite her frustration and pain, she turned her marital struggles over to God. “She would go to church, and I wouldn’t. But she wouldn’t pressure me or nag at me. She just kept inviting me. I eventually started going to Sunday school and then that led to going to church. Within the last four years, I started working towards my salvation,“ he says.

Andrew admits that, had his wife tried to force him to attend church, he might have resisted even more. “You just have to continue to pray on it and let God do what God does,” he believes.

The couple thinks making a second marriage work doesn’t necessarily mean it will be easier than a first marriage.

Sherida points out that “When I first met him he used to text me often. But today, he’s not the affectionate type. I do miss that, but I try to focus on what really matters. I believe that if I was sick or crippled, he’d take care of me. Is he going to be my protector? My provider?”

Although Andrew isn’t as affectionate as Sherida would like, she says the passion is still alive. “When I come home from work and open the garage, I still hope to see his car inside. I still get excited when he’s home and disappointed when he’s not.”

Love Lessons: When he’s not as ‘lovey dovey’ as you want, the women say try not to get all worked up! Instead focus on the qualities he DOES demonstrate: Loyalty, Commitment, Protection, Provision .etc. All three women say they try to remind themselves that these are true signs of love.

Marriage is a family affair. All couples interviewed said they always tried to consider how their decisions impacted the entire family, not just themselves.

Try to find the humor during life’s struggles, even during a heated dispute. John admits sometimes he’ll say something random during an argument to try and make his 68-year-old wife laugh. And it usually works.

37

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When you want the best—world-class technology, innovative diagnostic and treatment procedures, and care from experienced cardiovascular experts—trust the leaders at heart.

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Be Well

// DOCTOR’S DAY

Thank You, Doctor!

BY MICHAEL G. THODOROFF

W

e have all said “Thank you, doctor” many times, and many times we may have unintentionally taken it all for granted. But the fact is, physicians are a crucial part of our daily lives, and what they do for mankind is and has always been exemplary. This commitment, however, not only breeds a passion but many personal sacrifices as well. To that end, it has become an annual observance whereby America sets aside one day to recognize and host an appreciation for all those dedicated people in the medical field. March 30th is the date for National Doctors Day because it signifies the first use of general anesthetic in surgery, dating back to 1842. Although the first observance of Doctors Day was in 1933, it was proclaimed a national day of celebration, beginning in 1991, by President George H.W. Bush. Since then, reflecting on the past and remembering how far the practice of medicine has come is the norm on such a day. While all hospitals and medical facilities honor this tradition, Flint’s Hurley Medical Center engages in a special effort to carry out the intent of this day.

Valerie Southall, Hurley’s Physician Services representative realizes, first-hand, a doctor’s commitment as her father was a local physician for 35 years. “Without physicians caring for the community, overall healthcare would suffer,” she mentions. “This is a way of giving back to our physicians by offering a sincere thank you.” Ilene Cantor, Hurley’s Administrator of Marketing, Community & Public Relations, adds that doctors always put the patient first...which is an important factor as to why they chose medicine as a career.

Undoubtedly, physicians share uniquely personal relationships with their patients, while patients can spend several life-changing and milestone moments with their doctors. Events ranging from welcoming newborns into the world to making elderly loved ones comfortable, or even setting the occasional broken bone and treating illness in between, help define the doctor’s role in each

40

DOCTOR’S DAY //

person’s life. Hurley’s vice president and Chief Medical Officer, F. Michael Jaggi D.O., has been in the profession for over 20 years and speaks eloquently of his passion and dedication.

He recalls working on ambulance details at an early age and credits this exposure to various forms of emergency treatments as having an influence on his pursuit of a medical career. “Nobody in my family was in medicine, but when I got more involved, I knew I wanted to be in the medical profession,” he says. He sees Flint as an amazing community of physicians, due in part to the diversity of the personnel. Hurley is fortunate because they have been able to attract high- quality physicians trained at high- quality places, all of which lends itself to great overall healthcare delivery. As an example, the hospital attracts the most renowned neurosurgeons in the world because many have found ties to family and the Flint community. Dr. Jaggi points out that this diversity plays a role in the success of healthcare delivery, a fact that often gets overlooked. As a result, there is an incredibly dedicated workforce of physicians who are sensitive to the needs of the local population because most of them are involved within the community on a volunteer basis. He talks frankly about the unprecedented changes and challenges now facing the world of medicine, but that, in reality, were inevitable. There is an approaching realm of volatility and an obvious move towards no more “ business-as-usual.” Even though healthcare reform is incredibly complicated, “We must do it; we will do it,” he says.

Even in the midst of all the reform, Dr. Jaggi still believes a career in medicine will be rewarding but that there will be hurdles to be met. For it is not about a life of affluence as people have perceived it in days past, but rather one suffused with discipline, enthusiasm, and, above all, passion, so that taking care of people can, indeed, provide an incredible career.

Be Well

“With some hard work and even with all this healthcare reform, if you take care of patient - placing a priority on the patient- it will work out.”

From a CEO’s perspective, Melany Gavulic, RN, MBA, underscores Hurley’s observance of National Doctor’s Day when she cites, “We are proud to salute the physicians and resident physicians at Hurley Medical Center and the countless others who carry on the quiet work of healing each day in communities throughout Genesee County, the U.S. and the world. As we recognize our nation’s physicians for their leadership in the prevention and treatment of illness and injury, we also thank our Hurley family of physicians, resident physicians and future physicians for all they do, day in and day out. From all of us at Hurley Medical Center, thank you, doctors, for making a difference and touching lives each and every day.”

Hurley Medical Center firmly believes that the improvements in medicine we have seen since the early days of the profession are truly amazing and should be applauded. But as F. Michael Jaggi D.O. predicts, “It may be even more exciting to think about the journey in front of us.”

“Focus on what is right for the patient,” Dr. Jaggi emphasizes.

“With some hard work and even with all this healthcare reform, if you take care of the patient - placing a priority on the patient- it will work out.”

41

Be Well

// GENESYS

Genesys first in Michigan

To introduce new heart procedure for patients who have exhausted all other treatment options

BY CINDY FICORELLI

G

enesys is the first and only healthcare facility in Michigan - and one of only 70 in the entire country - to conduct a new, innovative procedure - called the Convergent for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AFib) who have failed other treatments or have little chance of success with conventional techniques.

Atrial fibrillation - the most common sustained abnormal heart rhythm - affects some five million Americans, and that number is projected to increase dramatically over the next 25 years.

Estimated cost to the national healthcare system for treating this condition is approximately $26 billion a year.

Atrial fibrillation is a rapid and irregular heart rhythm that arises from chaotic and irregular electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart. Normal electrical activity is about 50 to 100 beats a minute; in AFib, the irregular rates can be as high as 200 a minute, reports Karl Ilg, MD, Genesys Heart Institute electrophysiologist who is part of the physician team conducting the new procedure. “If the heart rate is left at a rapid rate for prolonged periods, the heart muscle weakens, leading to symptoms of congestive heart failure. Patients with AFib are at a greater risk of stroke than those who do not have this heart condition,” the doctor points out.

Now, with this new technique in use at Genesys, these patients - who previously were left with no options and a life with poor quality - have hope once again. The Convergent procedure combines the skills of a cardiothoracic surgeon and an electrophysiologist in a single procedure to help restore heart rhythm for a large population of patients who have lived with very little hope for a very long time.

Here is how the procedure works: the cardiothoracic surgeon and the electrophysiologist work together to identify and eliminate areas of the right and left chambers of the heart that are responsible for initiating and maintaining abnormal rhythm. They use instrumentation that heats areas of heart tissue (radiofrequency). First, the cardiothoracic surgeon makes three tiny incisions in the patient’s abdomen and works through these special instruments to create a lesion pattern around the outside of the heart. Next, the electrophysiologist completes the procedure by inserting small, flexible catheters through the groin to target areas the cardiothoracic surgeon cannot access from outside the heart. The goal is to restore the patient’s normal heart rhythm and quality of life.

The Convergent procedure takes about five hours. It is conducted in a specialized cardiac catheterization lab at Genesys, a newly-built, 900-square foot, state-of-the-art hybrid lab that features the newest generation of technology to conduct advanced procedures and complex cases that previously were referred out of the region, and with Convergent, out of the state. Patients typically will stay in the hospital for two to three days following the procedure. Patients report they are back to their normal activities of daily living in about two weeks.

Genesys Heart Institute’s Convergent team is comprised of cardiothoracic surgeons Karsten Fliegner, MD, PhD, FACS; Marc Silver, MD, FACS; and electrophysiologists Matthew Ebinger, DO; and Karl Ilg, MD. They have extensive training and experience with advanced heart procedures, including minimally invasive techniques and treatments for most complex heart conditions.

Candidates for the Convergent procedure are those living with symptomatic, persistent AFib (episodes lasting more than one week) who have had recurring episodes despite medications and other conventional treatments. Factors that can lead to AFib are age, heart valve disease, hypertension, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, obesity and obstructive sleep apnea.

For more information on the Convergent procedure, call the Genesys Heart Institute at 810606-7550.

42

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Be Well

// MCLAREN FLINT

Sinus Sufferers Relief is Here SHERRY FARNEY-MCLAREN FLINT

T

his time of year it can be hard to determine if your congested nose is caused by allergies, a cold, or sinusitis. It is estimated that sinusitis affects 37 million Americans each year, making it one of the most common health problems across the country. So what exactly is sinusitis, and can it be treated?

When you have acute or chronic sinusitis, the mucous membranes of your nose, sinuses and throat become inflamed, possibly from a pre-existing cold or from allergies.

Swelling obstructs the sinus openings and prevents normal mucus drainage, causing mucus and pressure to build up. Symptoms include: drainage of a thick, yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat; nasal obstruction or congestion; tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead; and/ or a reduced sense of smell and taste. The impact of chronic sinusitis on a person’s quality of life can include: throbbing facial pain or headaches, congestion, bad breath, irritability, fatigue, or nausea.

The sinuses are hollow spaces in the skull which serve to lighten the skull and give resonance to the voice. The purpose of the sinuses, which open into the nasal cavity, is to generate mucus to keep the nose from drying out during breathing and to trap unwanted materials so that they do not reach the lungs.

McLaren Flint physicians who perform Balloon Sinuplasty™ include the following.

Mehmet Agabigum, MD Monika Chmielewska, DO Leonard Dias, MD Steven Marchetta, DO Bobby Mukkamala, MD Steven Reschak, DO Khaled Shukairy, MD For additional information on Balloon Sinuplasty™ go to mclaren.org/flint and under Services select the Ear, Nose & Throat link.

Medical management of chronic sinusitis may include: decongestants, nasal steroids, antibiotics, mucus thinning drugs or oral steroids. For patients who do not respond well to medications, a minimally invasive treatment option called Balloon Sinuplasty™ can offer long-term relief to chronic sinusitis.

Balloon Sinuplasty™ is a breakthrough procedure that relieves the pain and pressure associated with chronic sinusitis. Similar to how angioplasty uses balloons to open blocked arteries, Balloon Sinuplasty™, a system of FDA-cleared, catheterbased instruments, serves to open blocked sinuses. The procedure is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery, allowing most patients to return to normal activities quickly.

SYMPTOMS OF SINUSITIS INCLUDE:

+ Drainage of a thick, yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat

+ Nasal obstruction or congestion + Tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead

+ Reduced sense of smell and taste

44

MY DREAMS DO COME TRUE //

Community

My Dreams Do - and Will!- Come True

BY TARA MORENO

P

rom dresses are an expensive part of a young woman’s senior year. Unfortunately, however, some local families cannot afford the cost.

This is where Flint native Walethia Aquil comes in. Aquil started “My Dreams Do Come True,” or MDDCT, a program whereby Aquil and her team give away prom dresses to any local young women who are unable to afford one.

The only requirement is the recipient must be on the track to graduation.

Since the beginning of MDDCT, over 1000 dresses have been given away. But it’s not just about the dress, says Aquil. “We want to offer the girls life skills training, networking skills and social skills. We want them to be successful, not only in their careers, but in their personal lives as well…I feel very strongly about empowering women and young girls. The foundation principle I have is to help increase their self-confidence. To let them know they have value, and that what they have to offer to the world is needed,” she states.

“My Dreams Do Come True” is only a fraction of that which Aquil is a part. She owns a finishing school called Grace and Charm Enterprises which she says is one of the first of its kind in Mid-Michigan. Aquil started Grace and Charm so she could mentor women in need of certain skills in order for them to become successful in their business and personal lives. “When a young woman feels good about herself, she will make better choices,“ says Aquil. She also says she had the idea to start Grace and Charm after suffering from her own insecurities as a teenager. When it came time to attend her prom, she admits she felt awkward and wanted the night to get over with as soon as possible. “I did not want any girl to experience that humiliation I endured,” she says, adamantly, adding, “But it’s been a long time

since those days.” Aquil, who is now a successful author, speaker, branding consultant, and TV personality, recently moved into an office in downtown Flint where she not only distributes the prom dresses for MDDCT but also holds workshops and seminars for Grace and Charm. Clients who attend can expect to learn dining etiquette as well as how to host a successful business luncheon.

“I want to give my clients the tools they need. We transform professionals from invisible to impeccable…It’s all about feeling good about yourself,” she explains.

With Aquil’s responsibilities growing, it has made perfect sense to hire an assistant to help her with MDDCT. To that end, Aquil brought in Victoria Griggs about two years ago. Since then, Griggs has been busy setting up fundraisers for the prom dresses and has helped collect over 90 of them. And Griggs, who is a single mom, understands the hardships that some of the local families of Flint face. “It seems that people are almost scared to ask for help with situations like this because we, as parents, want to give our children the greatest experiences in life, and we don’t want to burden them with financial problems. But we all have to work together to keep each other strong and do what we can to make our communities strong and united,” she explains.

Aquil and Griggs are working diligently to spread the word about MDDCT and the positive impact the program is having on the community. Both women say they have been contacted by other Michigan communities as well as out-of-state ones inquiring about the program. “I think the timing is right. I believe strongly in Flint and that the city has a lot to offer,” says Aquil., going on to declare, “I want to be in a position where I can be part of the solution not the problem.”

For more information about MDDCT or Grace and Charm, visit graceandcharmblog.com

45

Find A New Best Friend

// ADOPT-A-PET

Adopt-A-Pet

of Fenton:

Giving New Life and New Love

BY WENDY BYARD

O

ne day, a shy, scared dog, an animal that had spent her entire life alone in a cage, was brought to Adopt-A-Pet in Fenton. A Boxer-Shepherd mix, Bella “didn’t have many home experiences,” says Jody Maddock, the organization’s director. Thus, the dog was withdrawn and fearful of humans. However, a dedicated foster mom and her family worked with Bella so that, as Maddock says, “They fell in love with her, and overtime, the once emotionally damaged Bella began doing phenomenally.”

Then, on another day, a woman wearing a bandana over her bald head, a woman with terminal cancer, entered Adopt-A-Pet. That day changed both the woman’s and Bella’s lives forever. Not only was the woman dying of cancer, but her husband was scheduled for surgery. Thus, the family wanted a dog to provide comfort and possibly distraction for their children. “We talked and talked it over,” Maddock states, “ And we wondered, ‘Is it okay for the animal to lose someone?’ In the end, we realized it was a great opportunity for Bella to have a job. All dogs love jobs.” So, the woman took Bella home, and Maddock recalls that what happened next was eerie. “Bella immediately went to [her] boy’s side. It was as if she knew what her purpose was.”

As a result of Bella’s companionship, the son “blossomed” and “came out of his shell.” Sadly, however, the day was coming when his mother would pass away.

However, before she did so, the woman in the bright red bandana came home to be with her family. Again, Bella immediately went to her and laid her head on the patient the entire night. After the mother passed, Bella wouldn’t leave the son’s side, and the father tells Maddock that “ Bella was a gift to our family.” They called the dog an angel, one that allowed them to focus on caring for another life even while they grieved for the one they had lost.

This represents some of the beautiful work accomplished by Adopt-A-Pet. This organization takes in dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens that are homeless, sick, or abused – loving and healing them. Ultimately, Adopt-A-Pet seeks to find the animals homes that will treat them well. Maddock says the organization has high standards because it views the animals as individuals and not just pets. So it follows that the people adopting animals from Adopt-A-Pet “must value the animal as a family member and not one that will be left outside or used as a guard dog.” According to the organization’s flyer, foster care is often used “until a permanent home” can be found because this process strives to find the animals “good, loving homes.” As a result, an animal may remain at Adopt-A-Pet for quite a while since Adopt-A-Pet does not euthanize. Explains Maddock, “Every animal is a life,” and when people do adopt, they can be sure they will take home a happy, healthy new family member. At Adopt-APet, every animal has been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and has received flea preventative and heartworm medicine. Each animal also undergoes dental cleaning and is implanted with a microchip.

46

ADOPT-A-PET //

Find A New Best Friend

In addition to taking in animals, caring for them, healing them and finding them homes, Adopt-A-Pet offers other benefits. There are agility walks for the dogs, enrichment time for the cats, a training room with a treadmill and “amazing” rooms with heated floors and toys for the dogs. Adopt-A-Pet also offers helpful services. The Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) is available to people who want to help curb the animal population but can’t afford the procedures. It also offers the Senior Friends Program.

People over sixty- five with no other pets, and who live on limited funds, can have their adoption fee waived. Another benefit to the community is Adopt-A-Pet’s community outreach. It will visit schools, children’s groups, senior centers and other groups to provide education about the humane treatment of animals. To help fund these activities, people can donate by going online at adoptapetfenton.com, calling 810.629.0723 or visiting/writing 13575 Fenton Road in Fenton. The organization is completely funded through donations. People interested in helping also can donate various items chosen from those on Adopt-A-Pet’s Wish List.

Maddock states that people who adopt can “learn so much” as every animal “has a lesson to teach.” To emphasize this belief, Maddock shares a story about a Golden Retriever mix named Northbound. A police officer found the pathetic animal wandering on northbound I-75 one icy day in January. Maddock says the dog was freezing cold, thin, “old, old, old” and “not expected to live. We are not a sanctuary,” Maddock adds, “But we decided to keep Northbound.”

The dog suffered from heartworms, hip dysplasia and blindness.

He also couldn’t hold his urine, so “he urinated everywhere, “ Maddock conveys. “But we decided to keep him and let him live out his life with us. We made an exception.” As a result, everyone on staff realized that Northbound “had so much love to give.” In fact, for the final month of Northbound’s life, he was the “official” greeter for AdoptA-Pet. When he passed, he was so beloved, by the staff, volunteers, and the community as a whole, that a funeral was held. Maddock remarks that Northbound taught her a lesson – that people often believe they are the ones providing all the gifts to the animals – doing all the good. Yet the animals give love to all with whom they come in contact and might just give more gifts and teach more lessons than the humans who have them.

Today Northbound’s ashes reside on the mantel at Adopt-A-Pet, along side his photograph. He is a reminder of all the suffering that exists but also all the hope. “We see the need,” Maddock says, “and it’s a huge one. But we can do something about it – all it takes is one person. ”

47

beloved

PETS

BY WENDY BYARD

who

NEEDS who

MORE? 48

THE HUMANE SOCIETY //

Find A New Best Friend

ADOPT SOME LOVE! Visit the Humane Society of Genesee County Today.

S

parky, Angel, Tails and Jax – their warm brown eyes look up at you wistfully as you approach their pens. One dog is full of joy, jumping playfully and showing off his skills. “Won’t you please pick me?” his every jump seems to say. Another dog approaches the cage door slowly. His brown and white head is cocked, and he meets your eyes with a quizzical look, as if to say, “Are you taking me home today?” Jax is much more direct. Thrusting his cold, black nose straight at you, he boldly asserts, “Here I am!

I’m ready to go! All four of these once helpless, homeless animals are now happy “guests” of the Humane Society of Genesee County.

Yet they are waiting, hoping for someone to adopt them. While they wait, these beautiful animals are treated with love, respect and care.

Then, when the time comes, these well-treated animals can give needed companionship to human beings.

When asked what the animals provide to their adopted humans, Dawn Johnson, Humane Society Executive Director, replies, “For sure, love and friendship. The animals are just so grateful to have a chance at a good life.” And Johnson knows whereof she speaks. Six years ago, she adopted Jake, and then four years ago, she adopted Sunny.

“Sunny is so appreciative,” Johnson says. “He’ll always have his paw on your arm, and he’ll have this look in his eyes. He’s just so grateful. He’ll touch kids on the arm and lick their faces.” Johnson encourages people to “just come in and take a look” at the nearly 200 animals the Society cares for daily. “The animals will come up to the fence,” Johnson smiles, “and they will choose you.”

The Humane Society provides a variety of non-aggressive companion animals – dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds. When someone adopts an animal from the Society, it has been examined by a vet, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, micro-chipped and, finally, tested for heartworm or feline leukemia. The new owner also receives a collar, leash and tag for a dog and a carrier and comfort mat for a cat. Also provided is adoption counseling and training support with a video, as well as a complimentary food coupon and a voucher for a free vet visit within the first ten days of ownership. This approach allows the Humane Society to reach its stated goal: “To ensure that animals have the best start to a healthy new life with you!”

In addition to finding animals loving homes, the Society also provides the community with a variety of worthy programs, services, and events.

It offers humane education, cruelty investigation, entertaining community events, tours and presentations, and volunteer opportunities. One exciting event for children and their families takes place at the Society May 3, from 11:30 am until 2 pm. Called “Kids Who Care,” it is a free event to encourage “kindness, responsibility and respect” for animals. It’s a fun-filled day of visiting farm animals, learning from a veterinarian, and viewing a presentation and reptile exhibit, among other activities. Lunch is free. Also, children can become certified Animal Ambassadors, sharing humane education with others. To learn more, people can visit www. geneseehumane.org, stop by the Humane Society at G-3325 S. Dort Highway or call 810.744.0511.

So, how is it that this wonderful organization continues to fund adoptions and the many other services it provides? Johnson says the Humane Society operates “strictly through donations and adoptions. We are not funded by any other source.” Other ways to support the Society are through its

community events. The Paws on Parade Champagne Brunch and Charity Auction was held in April at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club. It is the Society’s largest fundraiser. In October, the Ties and Tails Formal Dinner and Live Auction will be held at the Riverfront Banquet Center. It is a unique opportunity for dog owners to dine with their canines in high style! This year’s theme is “The Love Boat” and promises great auction prizes as well a free photo with a pet. Other ways to support the Humane Society are by sponsoring a cage or a Pet Parlor, or purchasing a brick in the Garden of Reflection. People also can supply items on the Society’s Wish List or volunteer to exercise an animal.

Cardinal Roger Mahoney, in a 1998 letter entitled “Creating a Culture of Life”, wrote that “any society, any nation, is judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members – the last, the least, the littlest.”

Since 1926, on a daily basis, the Humane Society of Genesee County has treated its “ least, its littlest” with love and kindness. Just ask Sparky, Angel, Tails, and Jax – four happy dogs that will soon, it is hoped, have loving homes. Won’t you adopt some love? Won’t you just come in?

49

Education

// BAKER COLLEGE OF FLINT

Getting Technical

Baker College of Flint programs, out-of-class experiences prepare students for an increasingly technical world

BY JAN JENKINS

+ The Baker College drone quadcopter outperformed 16 competitors, earning the team an invitation to the international competition in Canada this fall.

WHEN WELL-PREPARED COLLEGIANS HAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUT-OF-CLASS EXPERIENCES, EXTRAORDINARY THINGS CAN HAPPEN. JUST ASK THE BAKER COLLEGE OF FLINT MECHANICAL DESIGN STUDENTS

+ Mechanical engineering students Eric Rix, of Mayville, Alex White, of Flushing, and Kyle Knauss, of Constantine.

WHO QUALIFIED TO COMPETE IN AN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION; THE WINNER OF A NATIONWIDE CONTEST FOR THE DESIGN OF AN ALASKAN HOME; OR STUDENTS IN BAKER’S AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS WHOSE WORK HAS BEEN DISPLAYED AT RECENT REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE SHOWS.

ENGINEERING A DRONE

M

echanical engineering students Eric Rix, of Mayville, Alex White, of Flushing, and Kyle Knauss, of Constantine, are members of Baker’s mechanical engineering student club where members meet weekly to work on these projects outside of class. Projects have included the annual Flint Institute of Arts “Create Your Own Masterpiece” Lego® Competition—which won the People’s Choice Award this year—and the student design competition at a district American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) event.

Eric, Alex and Kyle designed and created a small, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or drone, for this year’s ASME competition. They named their UAV “Perseverance 3” because this is the third year that a Baker College team competed in the district event. Their perseverance paid off. The team qualified to compete in the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE) in Montreal, Canada, Nov. 14-20. IMECE is the premier global conference for engineers, academics, scientists and technologists of all disciplines.

“The ASME international event will be a once-in-a-life-time experience for these Baker College students,” said Anca Sala, Ph.D., engineering and computer technology dean at Baker College of Flint. “The event will offer additional learning opportunities and the chance to network with professionals and students from all over the world.”

50

BAKER COLLEGE OF FLINT //

Education

Each UAV was to carry cargo through two gates, drop the cargo and return to the starting position. The Baker College UAV’s performance bested 16 teams from colleges across the eastern U.S., including some well-known schools such as Yale University.

Tom Spendlove, assistant professor of engineering and team advisor, said that student design competitions are tremendously difficult. “This assignment wasn’t to just build a UAV, but to use one to solve a problem,” he said. “The gates in the UAV’s route symbolized debris or obstacles that would need to be avoided in real life. Our students’ knowledge of the controllers, motors, propellers and everything related to the UAV is amazing. It was rewarding to see them interact with members of the other teams and, of course, qualify for the international competition.”

AN ARCHITECTURE STANDOUT

J

oshua Steere, of Grand Blanc and a recent Baker College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in architectural technology, won a national online contest for his design of an energy-efficient Alaskan home. An architecture company called Arcbazar held the online competition. Joshua was aware of the contest based on his previous involvement in the student architecture club, the American Institute of Architecture for Students-Baker College of Flint (AIAS-BCF).

The club provides opportunities for students to gain valuable experience and to create designs for their portfolios, both of which should assist in securing employment.The club tackles many community design projects, some of which allow students to work side by side with architects who are members of the AIAS Flint professional chapter.

Joshua credits his education at Baker College for providing the training he believes is necessary for success. “I gained the knowledge and techniques to create designs, and my instructors were very inspiring, “ Joshua recalls. “They gave me the tools, and now it’s up to me to take it to the next level.”

Athanas Manyama, associate professor in the architectural technology program at Baker College, is not surprised by Steere’s success. “Joshua took advantage of every opportunity to learn from the local architects who taught his classes, and he was involved in many Flint community projects,” he states.

+ Baker Alaskan house + Joshua Steere, of Grand Blanc, won a national online contest for his design of an energy-efficient Alaskan home.

51

Education

// BAKER COLLEGE OF FLINT

+ Baker SEMA Show car

COMPLEMENTS, NOT REPLACES

T

hese students are among the many beneficiaries of Baker College’s long-standing tradition of offering real-world experiences— not just for students in programs that traditionally require practicums, such as health and education, but in programs all across campus. Real-world work in the classroom, as well as activities of student clubs and internships are excellent examples of the types of opportunities that help students become job ready at graduation.

PEDAL TO THE METAL

F

or each of the past two years, fall quarter started with a tall order for students in Baker’s automotive restoration technology and auto body technician programs: upgrade a vehicle for display at the annual SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in about six weeks. The Las Vegas SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world.

Last year’s upgrade of the show car, which was a 2013 Hyundai Veloster, required a custom, two-tone paint job, lowering the springs, adding performance brakes, and creating and installing a new leather interior. The college has a fleet of cars for use in classroom exercises, but other vehicles are also used to provide unique real-world experiences for students.

Dan Trahey, coordinator of the auto body, automotive restoration and welding programs at Baker College of Flint, immediately agreed to take on the Veloster project when Webasto Thermo & Comfort of North America, Inc. asked for upgrades to a car that would be featured at several trade shows. Dan believed that the opportunity to showcase the students’ skills and the school’s program at the international level would benefit all involved. Webasto is a global market leader for automotive convertible and roof systems that operates a manufacturing plant in Fenton.

Students taking winter-quarter classes in 2014 also had the opportunity to work on Webasto’s show car and to have their work displayed at one of the region’s foremost hot rod shows. The car was damaged in a winter accident, and students repaired it prior to Detroit AutoRama in March. “The students did a great job and were very proud that their work was featured at such important shows,” said Dan said. “Knowing that your work will be viewed and critiqued along with other vehicles at the show pushes you in every capacity and ultimately builds incredible confidence when the job receives rave reviews.”

52

Julianne T. Princinsky, Ed.D., Baker College of Flint president, says that the out-of-class experiences don’t replace the classroom but complement the quality instruction provided by Baker College faculty. “Class time is valuable because it provides a safe haven to analyze information, discuss, debate, role-play and focus on skill development,” she contends. “Out-of-class experiences provide opportunities for students to ‘test drive’ and gain a real-world perspective on a potential career choice, enhance skills they’ve learned in the classroom, network with others in their field of study, and, most importantly, gain confidence.”

There are benefits back in the classroom, too. “When students like Joshua, Eric, Alex and Kyle return to class after having grown from outside experiences, their classmates benefit through discussion, peer interaction and friendly competition in projects and test scores,” she mentions.

This emphasis on graduating students who are ready to be productive for employers on “day one” has been integral to Baker College since its inception more than 100 years ago. Today, it is the largest private college in Michigan, and with this relentless focus on providing education and training needed for 21st century careers, it’s not surprising that 97 percent of available graduates are employed. For more information about the more than 150 programs offered by Baker College, visit baker.edu.

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Be A Hero // “THIS

PROGRAM

HERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

GIVES

US

THE

TOOLS WHILE BECOMING A TRAINING GROUND

FOR

HEROES,

ALONG

WITH A RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR HEROES

AND

EDUCATION,

I

SEE

THIS AS AN IDEAL THAT EVERY CITIZEN CAN RALLY AROUND AND COME TOGETHER [ON] WHILE, MOST IMPORTANTLY, FOR

OUR

PROVIDING

COMMUNITY

TOOLS

TO

HELP

SOLVE MANY OF ITS PROBLEMS.”

BY MICHAEL G. THODOROFF

Dr. Nita Kulkarni

HARD HATS

Not Required Here!

T

here is no brick-and-mortar associated with this unique construction company.

Nor will there be new skyscrapers or shopping malls built. However, this construction company is building something so monumental, it will have an enormous impact on any community. It is known as the Hero Construction Company, and it was founded and organized by Matt Langdon, an Australian by birth, but a Michigander for most of his adult life. He came to Flint as an international counselor at the Greater Flint YMCA’s Camp Copneconic. Twelve years after his arrival, in 1994, armed with social experiences centering around youth, along with sound virtues honed during his tenure, he went on to form the basis for his groundbreaking company. “At camp, I experienced the openness of kids to try out new things, new activities,” Matt recalls, adding, “And character was an important part of that process. If you share with kids that they are the heroes of their own story, you can then get them to start thinking about what a hero really is.” He further states that the notion of heroism is really applicable to all walks of life, while the basic definition of a hero is that when heroes see a problem, they do something about it; this is the total opposite of the position of being a bystander.

Essentially, anyone can be a hero, and anyone can decide not to be a bystander. Langdon is firm in his conviction because, since there has been very little research on heroism in that regard, it simply has not been a priority. While there seems to be plenty of research

Matt Langdon “ IF YOU SHARE WITH KIDS THAT THEY ARE THE HEROES OF THEIR OWN STORY, YOU CAN THEN GET THEM TO START THINKING ABOUT WHAT A HERO REALLY IS.” 54

HERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY //

Be A Hero

Phil Hagerman “I WAS EXCITED ABOUT IT AND EXPECTED TO BE MOTIVATED AND INSPIRED. BUT I TRULY DID NOT EXPECT TO BE SO PERSONALLY MOVED.” on why people do the bad things, Matt prefers to move forward and focus on those who do heroic things. To him, it’s all about building the pro-hero approach. “We want to build heroes!” he affirms. Hence the title: The Hero Construction Company. “Furthermore, if you have a town with multiple heroes, you are going to change the community’s social landscape,” he asserts.

Matt initially started networking by personally reaching out, and when he saw a related article, he found a way to contact the sources and ask to know more about what they were doing regarding this hero concept. When he did talk with these sources, he soon realized there were many people doing similar things, but they were not aware of each other’s efforts. One of the people he established a partnership with was a famous social psychologist named Dr. Philip Zimbardo, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Stanford University and founder of The Heroic Imagination Project. So, after further discussion, the two of them came up with the idea to get all these people in the same “I WAS KEEN ON THE FACT THAT room to conduct a conference on heroism.

Matt approached Adam Hartley, assistant THIS IS NOT AN ANTI-BULLYING superintendent for instruction at Swartz PROGRAM: IT IS PRO HERO.” Creek Schools and presented the idea of getting one of Matt’s established hero curriculum programs initiated there. There was no hesitation on Hartley’s part as he already was aware that Langdon’s programs were effective in other schools. “I was keen on the fact that this is not an anti-bullying program: it is pro hero,” Adam mentions. He went on to make an interesting point – that if people go by the statistics and media reports alone, then why are they still living in Flint? He believes in us writing our own story, refusing to look at negative statistics and proceeding to change what we have. In January of 2013, 500 people gathered at a Hero Roundtable to hear speakers from around the world and spread the word of heroism. Momentum for the concept has been increasing ever since.

Adam Hartley

Thus, on a chilly spring evening this past March, Dr. S. Bobby Mukkamla, M.D. and his spouse, Dr. Nita Kulkarni opened their home and welcomed concerned citizens of Flint to announce a major milestone in the development of the heroism movement. Dr. Bobby and his family were excited to host this event as they firmly believe in getting the heroism message to the schools, along with our community, thereby embeding the overall message for generations to come. Jason Roy, also a product of Camp Copneconic, clarified that there is no organizational structure within the Hero Construction Company. “No titles, no big offices -- we just do what we need to do,” he emphasizes. He came along with Matt and Adam to propose that Flint create a Hero Foundation in order to accept donations to bring in programs like Matt’s, as well as programs like Dr. Zimbardo’s and to bring in people from all over the country who are doing Hero Training and Hero Research, all in conjunction with the universities and colleges in Flint. As a token of complete support, Flint’s Boys and Girls Club sounded their patronage by offering to house the foundation, thereby obviating much paperwork.

David Rendall “WE

ARE

REINFORCING

NORMALCY

INSTEAD

OF

REINFORCING

POSITIVE DEVIANTS, AND, AS A RESULT, WE ARE ACTUALLY GETTING MEDIOCRITY INSTEAD OF THE EXCELLENCE WE ARE LOOKING FOR.” 55

Be A Hero //

HERO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Also endorsing the heroism movement was David Rendall, renowned leadership professor and author of The Freak Factor.

He advocates embracing the things that make people different and using that to an advantage. Furthermore, the reason children get bullied is because they are different while the reason they do not become heroes is because it requires them to become different. “Even as managers of corporations,” he reasons, “We are reinforcing normalcy instead of reinforcing positive deviants, and, as a result, we are actually getting mediocrity instead of the excellence we are looking for. You can focus on what you want to focus on, and you can miss the strengths because all you see are the weaknesses. If we re-imagine and reframe them, we can succeed.”

Phil Hagerman, RPh and CEO of Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy, cites that even though the company has been around Flint for many years, it is only recently that they have become immersed in the culture of the community.

“When the Hero Roundtable came up, we thought it was interesting,” he affirms. “I was excited about it and expected to be motivated and inspired. But I truly did not expect to be so personally moved.” Hagerman committed his company’s support for the next three years, with a goal of not only expansion but one of transforming Flint into Herotown USA and becoming the center of research around the heroism concept.

“This program gives us the tools while becoming a training ground for heroes, along with a research institute for heroes and education,” Dr. Nita said as she thanked all in attendance. “I see this as an ideal that every citizen can rally around and come together [on] while, most importantly, providing tools for our community to help solve many of its problems.”

Watch for more information in future issues of onthetown magazine regarding The Conference on Heroism, September 19 and 20, at The Whiting. In the meantime, for more information about The Hero Construction Company see www.theherocc.com and www. heroroundtable.com.

56

header //// COACH Sports STORY STEVE SCHMIDT

BEARING DOWN ON HISTORY

BY JAMES HAMP 58

COACH STEVE SCHMIDT //

Sports

J

ust back from a recruitment trip he took to Gary, Indiana, I sat down with legendary basketball coach Steve Schmidt of Mott Community College on his return to Flint.

The Bears coach since 1991, Coach Schmidt has had a storybook career the last 23 years in this town. Having led his team to a four-time National Junior College Athletic Association Championship in Men’s Division II, as well as guiding them to three-time Division II Runners-Up, with 629 wins, and finally, a 29-6 record at the National Championship Tournament, it would seem that this man’s record is pretty impressive. But those honors are not the only ones he can boast about.

As a four-time NJCAA National Coach of the Year, Schmidt presents as the “winningest” coach in MCC history… better even than the great Stan Gooch.

Flint, Michigan has always been a basketball town. Before all the city schools began to close from the loss of population in various areas, with the attendant lack of student enrollment, Flint could have been considered one of the top recruitment meccas for colleges… in the state, in particular, and in the country, in general. Many of our local boys have gone on to Division I colleges and universities, and some have even made it to the NBA. Mott Community College has continued this great tradition of providing some of the top talent to four- year institutions, as well as to some of the best junior college teams this country has ever seen. MCC is known nationally for their basketball accomplishments, with Coach Schmidt being instrumental in contributing to this reknown over all these record-breaking years.

Since his tenure as coach, Schmidt has produced 18 All-American athletes at the JC level, and 85 of his players have moved on to a four- year Division I or Division II program. That is impressive, considering Coach Schmidt originally turned the coaching position down at MCC. In the autumn of 1991, Schmidt was the assistant basketball coach at Lansing Community College. Raised in Lansing and a graduate of and player at Central Michigan University, he always believed that he was destined to be successful as a coach. Though Schmidt was older, he helped recruit and played ball with the great Dan Majerle at CMU. Majerle went on to the NBA and is widely considered the best basketball player ever to play for the Chippewas.

Schmidt had heard that MCC had not filled its coaching position for basketball and, to this day, he has no idea why he decided to drive up to Flint from Lansing that particular morning. When he arrived at the college, he walked into the main lobby and was engaged by two students. He remembers that he must have had the look of a coach about him because two young players asked him if he would consider becoming theirs.

59

“I WANT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON MY PLAYERS AND CONTINUE TO HELP THEM REALIZE THEIR DREAMS OF PLAYING AT THE NEXT LEVEL. THAT’S WHY I COACH.”

Those two students just happened to be Yusuf Harris and Mark Herron. Both had been outstanding high school stars, one at Flint Northern, and the other Carman-Ainsworth. These two eventually went on to play at Wayne State University, but Harris later returned to coach with Schmidt at MCC and has been there for the past 12 years. Coach Schmidt has a virtual resume of talent such as this that he has coached over the years – players like Kevin Tiggs, who played for East Tennessee State University and Jeremie Simmons, who played for Ohio State University after graduating from Mott. Both now play professionally in Australia and Europe, along with 2012 Tourney MVP John Taylor, a professional in Mexico. And AllAmerican Malik Albert is another athlete, one who Schmidt accompanied to Las Vegas in order to watch him play in the Junior College All-Star game. So it is obvious just how much Schmidt cares about his players, getting to know them and teaching them to represent themselves, their relatives, their college, and their community with pride. “I want to make a positive impact on my players and continue to help them realize their dreams of playing at the next level. That’s why I coach,” says Schmidt.

MCC Basketball is one of the best things happening in Flint. Schmidt says that if

people come to one game, they will be apt to come back to the next one.

The team is exciting and dynamic.

People often walk up to the coach in the grocery store or elsewhere and say that they are proud of what he has done for the program, specifically, and for Flint, in general. MCC is recognized as one of the top JC programs in the nation and commands a great deal of respect amongst other junior colleges.

Recently, in fact, the NJCAA governing board selected Coach Schmidt to assist in coaching the 18 year-olds and under USA Basketball team, with tryouts being held in Colorado Springs. This is no small honor because only one JC coach in the nation is selected to represent the United States.

All of these accolades do not go unnoticed by Schmidt, and he feels very humbled by them, saying that he wouldn’t be who he is today if it weren’t for his players. The team is like a family to him.

And, he says that the most unbelievable thing that has ever happened to him was when the gymnasium at MCC was named after him. “Most people have to die before they are honored in this way,” Schmidt contends… with an appropriate degree of awe.

This is a testament to his success, and he knows it as only a successful coach can. Listening to him talk about the great honor bestowed upon him and the appreciation he feels when he steps into the gym to see his name on the wall only inspires him to improve on his program and work harder to win. He says he is not satisfied with last season and that he sets the bar high. “I don’t handle losing very well, and I don’t like when the season

60

COACH STEVE SCHMIDT //

Sports

ends. I have trouble letting go,” he insists. The good news is that Coach Schmidt has a full plate of recruiting to do this summer, and, no doubt, it will take him to places outside of Flint where he can mine more talent for the Bears.

Recruiting is, in fact, a talent for him, even though he admits that it is not an exact science. It’s an ongoing process, and he has had some help from former players. Flint and Detroit still have a tremendous talent pool from which he initially can draw, but it is tough when a coach must replace half his team each year. “As we sit here talking today,” he says,” there could be three or four guys who don’t even know about Mott but who could be playing here next year.”

His recruitment success is evident when he talks about the Division I coaches he works with to take his players to the next level. They include such luminaries as Tom Izzo of Michigan State University, Thad Matta of Ohio State University, and Leonard Hamilton of Florida State University – all of whom are accessible to him by telephone. And the great Rollie Massimino, late of Villanova University, and who now, in his “retirement,” coaches at Northwood University in West Palm Beach, Florida, has had an MCC player finish out his eligibility with him.

The success of the program is indeed well-documented and has not gone unnoticed. Coach Schmidt has been vetted by his alma mater, Central Michigan University, twice recently. A finalist as a coaching candidate, it certainly has been a dream of his to ascend to Division I level, and he believes of this opportunity that if it is meant to be, it is meant to be. For now, however, he says, “I love coaching at Mott! I can’t predict what’s in store for the future, but I love this school, love walking into the gym, and love representing the name on the wall.”

Spending time with Coach Schmidt provides an understanding that, although his passion for basketball is obvious, his passion for his players and MCC is much more significant. “Steve sets the standard for any Junior College Coach in any Junior College sport” remarks Tom Healey, MCC Athletic Director. And just as Steve Schmidt feels a love for the school and the team he coaches, the feeling is certainly returned.

Coach Schmidt has a philosophy like any of the great coaches do, and he says he never loses sight of it. “These players don’t care how much you know, unless they know how much you care.

My guys know I care,” he points out. So everyone concerned can wish Coach Schmidt good luck while sincerely thanking him for providing leadership and pride to the City of Flint. And it’s a sure thing that the many fans will be rooting for him and his guys to succeed, over and over again.

61

Community

// THE POLICE ASSOCIATION OF GRAND BLANC

Call the Cops!

They Need Your Help

BY RICH REED

A

plea to “call the cops” does seem a little strange since we normally call them when we need help. But it’s necessary. The Police Association of Grand Blanc needs your help to raise money. Sgt. Bryan Byarski and Lt. Chris Rhind (acting chief) at Grand Blanc Police Headquarters both talk about how their Police Association is sponsoring its 7th annual golf outing in order to raise money for its many charities and how they will need some help.

The golf outing will be held at The Jewel of Grand Blanc on Saturday, August 9, 2014, with a 9:00 am check-in and a 10:00 am shotgun start. For those not in the know, a shotgun blast announces the beginning of a golf tournament as all golfers are spread out on the 18 holes, allowing them all to tee off at the same time. The cost of entry is $65.00 per golfer, which includes a golf round with a cart, dinner,and a chance to win prizes or receive awards. Raffle tickets will be sold in addition.

Sgt. Byarski guarantees that everyone will get a prize valued between $15.00 and $30.00.

He also states that the outing is one of the most affordable in the area. The Association hopes to raise at least $3,000.00, bettering last year’s take. “Come July we are looking for more money through our fundraising in order to give it away throughout the year,” he states.

Besides the golf outing, all 17 staff members (15 officers and two secretaries) give $5.00 per paycheck to what started out as a coffee fund. They have collected so much this way that they decided to give it all away.

The Association gives $500.00 scholarships to two Criminal Justice majors at the Grand Blanc High School Honors Night. They donate to local Boy Scout troops, AYSO soccer, the Grand Blanc High School post-grad party, and the high school soccer and hockey programs. As head coach of the hockey team at Grand Blanc, Sgt. Byarski knows full well the extra costs in running a sports program.

The Association even helped one student with study-abroad expenses, and they sponsor a family through the F.I.S.H. program at Holy Family, buying food, clothing, and gifts at Christmas.

When a Grand Blanc Township police officer was shot recently, the Association sent a get-well card with a monetary donation 62

enclosed. They also give to The Thin Blue Line, a national police officer association that helps when an officer is wounded or killed in action. The fund buys flowers for sick employees and honors those entering retirement. So people should not forget to congratulate Chief Steve Solomon on his recent retirement. He was a great supporter of all fundraising efforts as well, and, as Lt. Rhind explains, “We all vote on giving money to an organization. No one has ever been turned down. We don’t publicize what we do; we just do it. It’s also a reason for us to get together and have fun.” Sgt. Byarski adds, “Members all come to work and love to give back to their community.”

Some of the sponsors of the outing are the Serra and Suski auto dealerships.

Contributing restaurants include Luca’s Chop House, Da Edoardo, Nuevo Vallarta, Little Joe’s, Pizza Mia, and Guido’s. A further donation of golf comes from The Jewel, Brookwood, and Warwick Hills.

So, let’s call the cops and support a great program by putting together a team, sponsoring a hole, or donating a prize. For questions about this outing or to register, those interested can stop by the City of Grand Blanc Police Association at 203 E. Grand Blanc Rd., or call Sgt. Byarski or Steve Hatfield at 810-694-1111 or e-mail at bbyarski@cityofgrandblanc.com

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Unfortunately, we are unable to combine this offer with any other coupon or discount.

Featuring free refills on all sizes of soft drinks and popcorn!

Showtimes and info available at: www.NCGmovies.com or (810) 695-5000

Be Seen

// FLINT & GENESEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPEN HOUSE

David Merot, Heather N. Kale, Mayor Dayne Walling

The U of M vs MSU Committee

Tim Herman, Kathi Horton Janice Karcher, Ann Marie VanDuyne, Julianne Princinsky

Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce Open House

Felicia Suggs, Walethia Aquil, Kathy Rometty, Ebony Davis Marcus Allen, Chris Everson, Cheryl DeFrain, Paul Kerby

Rosanne & Steve Heddy, Chris Hamilton, Lynne Hurand, Charlene Kowalski

Eric & John Thomas 64

Thursday, February 27th the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce hosted an open house at their expansion location in the Mott Foundation Building located at 519 S. Saginaw Street in downtown Flint. For more information visit www.flintandgenesee.org

Kyle McCree, Walethia Aquil, Darnell Earley

Kristina Johnston, Wanda Twitty

Brian Norman, Elaine Redd, Susana Wight

Jamar Baker, Carolyn Collier, Glenda Callaway, Anita Webb

Gazall Lewis & Associates, Dave Lurvey

Be Seen

// 15th ANNUAL FIA WINE TASTING EVENT The U of M vs MSU Committee

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Jerry Rhoden & Patrick O'Sullivan Lonnie & David Vallie

15th Annual FIA Wine Tasting Event

Judge Farah & Glenda Rhoden

Saturday, March 22nd the FIA hosted their annual wine tasting event, "A Crystal

Anniversary

Celebration".

Funds raised support the Flint Institute of Arts and the Junior League of Flint. For more information 6KDTXLOOD 0D\ƟHOG (ULF (OOLRWW

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// DANCING WITH THE LOCAL STARS The U of M vs MSU Committee

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Shannon Ash, Darrell Lyvere

Dancing with the Local Stars Fundraiser

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Thursday, April 17th The Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce hosted Dancing %REE\ 6WDQGDO 3DXO ( 2 -LEZD\

with the Local Stars at The Jewel of Grand Blanc. Funds raised support the

Dave Donahem, Jerry Sue McFarland, Stephanie K. Confer, Dr. Bobby Mukkamala

Teddy Bear Patrol which provides First

Amanda Young, Jet Kilmer

Responders to give teddy bears to children needing comfort during crisis situations. For more information visit Kimberly Gray & Suzie Vincent Barbieri

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Jay Lauzon, Jason Bescor 66

www.grandblancchamber.com

Jennifer Silverton, Jason Adams

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Deb White, Mark Hopkins

Johnny Burke

Be Seen Alyssa Pung , Michelle Becker Mueler

// FLINT WOMEN'S FORUM

The U of M vs MSU Committee

Ruth Kramer, Sherry Farney

Flint Women's Forum

Deborah Garrison, Joyce Thewalt, Candice Mendez

Thursday, April 17th FWF hosted their Celebration of Women Annual Meeting Valerie Bradley, Terry Peabody

and

Luncheon.

Michelle

Becker Mueller spoke at the event, third generation owner of Becker's

Cindi Dail, Shirley Kautman Jones, Theresa Callard Moore, Sherry Farney, Kelly Crystal Tonya Ketzler, Marilyn Alvey

Bridal. The Flint Women's Forum brings members together to increase the 7Dки\ -RQHV -HQQLIHU 7UHPDLQH

visibility of women leaders and facilitate WKH HкиHFWLYHQHVV RI ZRPHQ LQ WKH community. For more information visit ZZZ каLQWZRPHQVIRUXP RUJ

Susana Wight, Debbie Garrison

Meagan Cooke, Michelle Shook

Linda Houston, Tammy Dupuis, Kelly Crystal

Patty Plant, Carol Kautman, Shirley Kautman Jones

<:&$ 6WDки Catrina Rose, Ashley Gooding, Kristy Brown

Sharon & Clark Becker 67

Be Seen

// POWERS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL MASS OF APPRECIATION

Gail Korhonen, Bridget Drumm, Sharon Noteboom

The U of M vs MSU Committee

JD Gomez, Bill Hailey Richard Noteboom, Denny Drumm

Powers Catholic High School Saturday, April 26th Powers Catholic MSRG Richard Groshek, Fr Carl Simon

hosted a Mass of Appreciation Dinner for Benefactors in appreciation for

Emma, Andrew, Heather, David Lurvey

their

Cindy Anderson, Paula Androsky, Sr Dorita Wotiska O.P

contributions

and

support

in moving to the new location.

For more information visit

www.

powerscatholic.org Joe Forlenza

Sandra Preirlle, Linda Plunkey, Caralee Reynolds

Brian & Jenny Sheeran Father Steve Mattson

Brian Birchmeies, Mike McCarthy, Tom Birchmeier 68

Amy & Tom Macksood

Hugh Rosie, Tom George, Mark Richard

Be Seen

// WHALEY CHILDREN'S CENTER TUX&TENNIES GALA

Kyle Riem, Kimberly & Dr. C. Patrick Gray

The U of M vs MSU Committee

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Katrina Khouri, Chelsea Mills, Bonnie Hagler-Boyd

Tux&Tennies Gala Saturday, May 3rd Grand Blanc Motor Cars hosted Tux&Tennies Gala and Dan Crannie, Rae Chittick

Gary Jones, Stephanie K, Nikole Fox, Alex Clark

Auction. The event raised $129,000 in support of Whaley Children's Center and

Kelly & Bill Thena, Angie Richardson, Chris Pagan, Nicole Flower, John Jamieson Dr. John Morrison, Mrs. Gina Morrison

LW V HкиRUWV LQ SURYLGLQJ UHVLGHQWLDO DQG clinical services to the children of our community. For more information visit ZZZ ZKDOH\FKLOGUHQ RUJ

Kathy & Bob Holmes, John & Cathy Tremaine

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Jannine & Jim Stoddard

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David & Karen Palevich, Dr. Nita Kulkarni , Dr. Bobby Mukkamala,

Greg & Paula Mason 69

Be Seen Elizabeth Wise, Shannon Easter White

// YWCA GUEST BARTENDING EVENT The U of M vs MSU Committee

Angie Hendershot, Matt Franklin

YWCA Guest Bartending Event

Mike Strader, Tinsi Koske-Olds, Keith Kline

Thursday, May 17th 501 Bar and Grill hosted the YWCA Guest Bartending Event.

Local

area

professionals

Heather Kale, Laurie Prochazka & Sherry Tompkins

FRPSHWHG E\ VKRZLQJ RƷ WKHLU bartending skills to raise money to

Sherry Dodge Schlinker, Ellen Brothers, Amy Krug, Marjory Raymer, Kristin Longley Bob Bennett, Rob Bennett

support the YWCA's programs and VHUYLFHV EHQHƟWLQJ WKH ZRPHQ DQG children of our community. For more Phil Schaltz, Ridgeway White, Dr. Bobby Mukkamala

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Marketia Brown, Heather & Rob Spraggue

Mark Lemon, Keith Curby, Gerry Myers, Larry Ford

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Scott Miller & Rebecca Bartley, Harmony Langford & Dave Lloyd

CALENDAR OF EVENTS //

Be Entertained

Lionel Richie with Cee Lo Green In Concert

Boston - Heaven on Earth Tour/Cheap Trick

JUNE 20, 2014 DTE ENERGY MUSIC THEATRE - 7:30 PM CEELOGREEN.COM

JUNE 24, 2014 DTE ENERGY MUSIC THEATRE - 7:30 PM BANDBOSTON.COM

CeeLo is hitting the road in Summer 2014 for a tour with Lionel Richie as part of his All The Hits All Night Long tour!

This summer, at selected concerts on the tour, there will be a promotional sale of the BOSTON CD, Greatest Hits. Every CD sold comes with a chance to win an Epiphone guitar signed by Tom Scholz. The winner from each show will be announced later that night. Net proceeds of the guitar contest will be split between Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Flint Art Fair JUNE 21, 2014 FLINT INSTITUTE OF ARTS - 10:00 AM-6:00 PM FLINTANDGENESEE.ORG/EVENTS

Browse and shop from over 150 artists and craftspeople featuring original art, pottery, jewelry, clothing and more. Also, enjoy live music, food and children activities. This annual event is held on the grounds of the Flint Cultural Center’s Flint Institute of Arts and runs Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For details and a schedule of upcoming events visit www.flintarts.org.

Taste of the Market at Flint Farmers Market JUNE 21, 2014 FLINT FARMERS MARKET - DAY FLINTFARMERSMARKET.COM/TASTE-OF-THE-MARKET/

Proudly sponsored by Dort Federal Credit Union, this signature event features 6 to 8 local chefs from the American Culinary Federation, each preparing a different healthy feast for market shoppers. For details and a schedule of upcoming events visit www.flintfarmersmarket.com.

Genesee County Garden Tour

Sloan Museum Auto Fair JUNE 28-29, 2014 SLOANAUTOFAIR.COM

The Sloan Museum Auto Fair is an exciting two-day car show with music, exhibits, family fun with activities for kids, entertainment, swap meet, craft vendors, variety of food vendors, vehicles for sale, and 700 or more great automobiles on display!

The show is held on the beautiful Flint Cultural Center Campus.

All years, makes, models and descriptions are welcome so you will see every kind of car and truck you can imagine. There will be something for everyone so be sure attend the Auto Fair!

Bay City Fireworks Festival JULY 3-5, 2014 WENONAH PARK BAYCITYFIREWORKSFEST.NET

The Bay City Fireworks Festival is one of the grandest events in all of Mid-Michigan. People travel from all over the Country to

JUNE 22, 2014 GENESEE COUNTYS EAST SIDE - 10:00 AM-5:00 PM GCGARDENTOUR.WEEBLY.COM

Enjoy a relaxing stroll through beautiful gardens in Genesee County’s east side. Each site has its own unique features. The homeowner would be delighted to answer any questions. Also a Master Gardener is at every site to answer questions.

“

. . . I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in . . .

”

– Matthew 25 – Carriage Town is a Christian rescue mission providing food

· shelter · clothing · basic

health services to men, women, and children who are homeless and hurting

A pathway out of poverty for those who desire a mentored program grounded in the Christian faith

· education · training.

6 0 5 G A R L A N D S T | F L I N T, M I 48503 | ( 810 ) 233 - 8787 W W W. C A R R I A G E TO W N . O R G 71

Be Entertained

// CALENDAR OF EVENTS

witness this amazing display. You will be treated to a magnificent fireworks display each of the first two nights with the largest of all displays on our third night (our grand finale night). During the day you can bring your family down and enjoy one of the safest and longest running family carnivals, Skerbeck carnival midways, while waiting for the fireworks displays. We also have dozens of vendors selling their wares right at the entrance to the carnival.

On the opposite side of the river, Wenonah Park offers great local and regional entertainment on the bandshell stage right up until the fireworks begin.

Independence Day Celebration JULY 4, 2014 CROSSROADS VILLAGE GENESEECOUNTYPARKS.ORG/PAGES/SUMMER

BUILD SOMETHING

BEAUTIFUL Outdoor Solutions Landscaping, Inc. has the materials you need for all the do-it-yourself landscaping projects on your list.

Enjoy the holiday with patriotic music and an old-fashioned ice cream social. Try your luck at the carnival midway and participate in the second annual stilt-walking contest! All vintage amusement rides are only fifty cents today!

Flint 4th Of July Fireworks JULY 4, 2014 ATWOOD STADIUM 701 UNIVERSITY AVE IN FLINT MICHIGANFIREWORKS.COM/BY-COUNTY/GENESEE

Shot from Chevy in the Hole; best viewing at Atwood Stadium.

LANDSCAPING SERVICES AND LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES (810) 687-5149 | 8008 N. Clio Rd. Mount Morris, Michigan

TEE-UP FOR GOLFING, BANQUETS, CATERING, FOOD AND FUN!

Journey and The Steve Miller Band JULY 9, 2014 DTE ENERGY MUSIC THEATRE - 6:45 PM TICKETMASTER.COM/JOURNEY-TICKETS/ARTIST/735415

GFAC 2nd Friday Artwalk JULY 11, 2014 DOWNTOWN FLINT - 6:00 PM-8:00 PM GREATERFLINTARTSCOUNCIL.ORG

2nd Friday ArtWalk, of course! Spend an evening with outstanding art, gifted artists, superb food and terrific live music.

Best of all, it’s FREE & open to the public in beautiful downtown Flint.

Buckham Alley Fest JULY 12, 2014 BUCKHAM ALLEY - 4:00 PM-10:00 PM BUCKHAMALLEYFEST.COM

Golfing Enjoy two separate 18 hole courses and our completely renovated Pro-Shop!

(810) 694-5960, ext. 107

Banquets & Outings

Our newly renovated banquet room can facilitate all your party needs.

We are here to help you plan your next event, wedding or business gathering.

(810) 694-5960, ext. 5

Food & Fun

Catering

Paddy Mcgee’s, our Irish pub, servies a full breakfast all day, lunch, dinner and drink specials. Enjoy music and fun at our Wild Spurs club and our own L.O.L comedy club.

Full service menu available for your next event.

Business and private functions.

Minimum 25 people.

(810) 694-5960, ext. 3

(810) 694-5960, ext. 3

5270 Perry Rd. Grand Blanc, MI 48439 (810) 694-5960 www.jewelgolf.com 72

We’re back! The 4th Annual Buckham Alley fest will be rocking the alley July, 12th 2014. Music, crafts, food and fun.

The Buckham Alley fest brings people together from all over the area for a night packed with entertainment, food, shopping and fun.

The Humane Society Car, Truck and Bike Show JULY 12, 2014 G-3325 S. DORT HWY - 9:00 AM-2:00 PM GENESEEHUMANE.ORG

It’s that time again for our 9th Annual Car, Truck and Bike Show for the Humane Society of Genesee County sponsored by Team Corvette! People’s Choice Show, with 40 trophies awarded.

Music, 50/50 raffle, food and bake sale. Rain or Shine.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS //

Be Entertained

4th Annual Fenton ArtWalk JULY 12, 2014 DOWNTOWN FENTON, AT LEROY - 11:00 AM-4:00 PM LAKESAREAARTSCOUNCIL.ORG

Fenton Artwalk is a community event celebrating the arts and showcasing local and regional artists. Artists will display their work inside participating businesses and at local organizations.

Visitors can circulate through the storefronts to see and shop for artwork.

Southern Rock Under The Stars!

JULY 15, 2014 CLIO AMPHITEATER - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM CLIO.GOVOFFICE.COM

Southern rock comes alive with Black Oak Arkansas who released a new album for Atlantic Records/Atco Records on October 15, 2013 titled “Back Thar N’ Over Yonder”.

Bring Your Lunch and Learn JULY 16, 2014 APPLEWOOD - 11:00 AM-2:00 PM APPLEWOOD.ORG

FREE! Come stroll the grounds of Applewood from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and soak in the beauty of Mother Nature. An optional short learning session will be presented at noon. Bring a sack-lunch for a date at Applewood! All ages welcome.

BBQ Battle at The Flint Farmers Market JULY 19, 2014 FLINT FARMERS MARKET - 8:00 AM-5:00 PM FLINTFARMERSMARKET.COM/BBQ-BATTLE

The 10th Annual BBQ Battle at the Flint Farmers’ Market will be proudly presented by Dort Federal Credit Union on Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Several PROFESSIONAL BBQ experts from the Flint area are expected to participate. The contestants will be judged on their BBQ ribs by certified, celebrity and guest judges and the winners will be announced at 4:30 p.m.

Firefly Walk JULY 24, 2014 APPLEWOOD - 5:00 PM-8:00 PM APPLEWOOD.ORG

Join Applewood and the Flint Cultural Center for the Third Annual Firefly Walk. This FREE family event will host a variety of fantastic activities such as live music, vintage baseball demonstration, children’s arts & crafts, refreshments & MORE!!!!

For more information call 810.233.3835 or visit applewood.org or flintculturalcenter.org Golf cart shuttles are available for those with mobility challenges. Light and healthy local refreshments are provided. *All events are FREE at Applewood. Please consider bringing a food or personal care item with you that will be donated to local shelters.

YWCA Golf Classic JULY 28, 2014 ATLAS COUNTRY CLUB - 8:30 A.M. SHOTGUN START YWCAFLINT.ORG

Contact Us Today! { 8 1 0 } 7 1 5 - 11 9 9

PRODUCTS: HunterDouglas Blinds • Custom Draperies P i c t u r e F r a m i n g • Wa l l p a p e r Made in America Home of Customer Service

SERVICES: Interior Design • Upholstery • Painting Custom Framing

Yo u r H u n t e r D o u g l a s C o n n e c t i o n

5515 Davison Road, Suite 14, Burton, MI

Beachwood Center

C O R N E R O F D AV I S O N R O A D A N D N O R T H B E L S E Y

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// CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Hot Rods & Rock-N-Roll!

Real Estate

JULY 29, 2014 CLIO AMPHITEATER - 7PM TO 9PM WWW.CLIO.GOVOFFICE.COM

The Fabulous Oldies But Goodies, a favorite 50’s & 60’s band of The National Hot Rod Association, will transport back in time when Rock-N-Roll was new, the malt shop was the place to be and crusin’ was the thing to do. Bring your ride out for a muffler rap contest. Prizes for the Best of Show, Pre-1960’s & 70’s, best dressed 50’s costume and Twist & Limbo contest. Gates open at 6 p.m. Rain date is scheduled for July 30.

Bring Your Lunch and Learn

Thousands

OF SATISFIED CLIENTS Associate Broker 2012 Flint Area Association of Realtors “Realtor of the Year” 2013-2014 President Flint Women’s Council of Realtors

Free! Come stroll the grounds of Applewood from 11 am to 2 pm and soak in the beauty of Mother Nature. An optional short learning session will be presented at noon. Bring a sack-lunch for a date at Applewood! All ages welcome.

FLINT JAZZ FESTIVAL AUGUST 8, 2014 RIVERBANK PARK - 5PM - 9:30PM WWW.GENESEEFUN.COM

Rob Moen

Michigan Real Estate

AUGUST 6, 2014 APPLEWOOD - 11AM - 2PM WWW.APPLEWOOD.ORG

robmoen.com | 810.691.0019

By the Greater Flint Arts Council. Attendees will see regional and national musicians perform.

GFAC 2nd Friday Artwalk

Not every day is the same... why should every massage be the same?

$4995 Custom Massage Session 60 Minute Custom Session for New Clients (reg. $6995)

$4995 Signature Facial Session 60 Minute Custom Session for New Clients (reg. $6995)

LaVida Massage of Grand Blanc

6303 S. Dort Hwy Grand Blanc, MI 48439 - 810.694.6877 LaVidaMassageGrandBlancMI.com

AUGUST 8, 2014 DOWNTOWN FLINT - 6:00 PM-8:00 PM GREATERFLINTARTSCOUNCIL.ORG

2nd Friday ArtWalk, of course! Spend an evening with outstanding art, gifted artists, superb food and terrific live music.

Best of all, it’s FREE & open to the public in beautiful downtown Flint.

Motley Crue and Alice Cooper AUGUST 9, 2014 DTE MUSIC THEATER - 6:45 PM WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM/DTE-ENERGY-MUSIC-THEATRETICKETS-CLARKSTON

Give Me Shelter 5k AUGUST 9, 2014 DAVISON ABERNATHY REGIONAL PARK - 8AM WWW.GIVEMESHELTER5K.COM

Free Pancake Breakfast - Free Childcare Proceeds go to the Family Promise foundation of Genesee County. We help homeless families get back on their feet by fitting them with jobs and homes in the greater Flint area! Cost: $25 early / $30 day of Open 7 Days a Week - Extended Hours - Licensed Therapists Therapeutic • Convenient • Affordable *Session includes time for consultaitons and dressing.

15th Annual Million Dollar Golf Classic AUGUST 11, 2014 FLINT ELKS CLUB MAPLE RD - 9AM - 6PM ONBFLINT.ORG/EVENTS

Your participation in our golf outing helps raise funds for needy children throughout Genesee County.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS //

Be Entertained

Chicago and Reo Speedwagon

Hank Williams Jr.

AUGUST 12, 2014 DTE MUSIC THEATER - 6:45 PM WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM/DTE-ENERGY-MUSIC-THEATRETICKETS-CLARKSTON

AUGUST 17, 2014 DTE MUSIC THEATER - 6:45 PM WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM/DTE-ENERGY-MUSIC-THEATRETICKETS-CLARKSTON

Free Drive-In Movie

Genesee County Fair

AUGUST 12, 2014 US-23 DRIVE-IN THEATER - 5PM WWW.BACKTOTHEBRICKS.ORG/SCHEDULE

AUGUST 18, 2014 6130 E MOUNT MORRIS RD WWW.GCF.ORG

Free Drive-In Movie at US-23 Drive-In Theater. Car show and DJ at 5 pm Movie: “American Graffiti” starts at dusk. ELGA Credit Union is sponsoring a contest, 2 winners, $100 gift card for the best tbd!

The Genesee County Fair is the single largest family event in Genesee County, attracting over 150,000 annual visitors. Woven into the fabric of our American heritage, the Fair provides an environment of common ground where people can socialize, be entertained, and participate in events that ultimately make our community stronger by offering one of the few remaining links between people and land.

Back to the Bricks AUGUST 13-17, 2014 DOWNTOWN FLINT WWW.BACKTOTHEBRICKS.ORG/SCHEDULE

10:00 am- 5:00 pm Swap Meet/Craft-Yard Sale, Kirkridge Presbyterian Church, G-8070 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc.

4:00 pm Opening Ceremony for the Cruse at 4300 South Saginaw Street. 5:00 pm-9:00 pm Rolling Cruise on Saginaw Street from Fifth Avenue in Flint, through Burton, Grand Blanc Twp. & Grand Blanc to Cook Rd.Click here for map. Pinewood Derby sponsored

by General Motors, Thomas Appliance, Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc during the Rolling Cruise

Goodies from the Garden AUGUST 14, 2014 APPLEWOOD - 5PM - 8PM WWW.APPLEWOOD.ORG

HealthPlus Crim Festival of Races AUGUST 22-23, 2014 DOWNTOWN FLINT WWW.CRIM.ORG

Combo pricing available for multiple races.

Warrior Dash AUGUST 26-27, 2014 E. A. CUMMINGS CENTER - 8 AM WWW.WARRIORDASH.COM/LOCATION/2014-WARRIOR-DASHMICHIGAN

Experience a fun filled evening as you and your family explore the Applewood grounds decked out with activities and entertainment around every corner. Visit the orchard station, live food demo, scavenger hunt, live music, kids’ activities & more!

Golf cart shuttles are available for those with mobility challenges.

Light and healthy local refreshments are provided. *All events are FREE at Applewood. Please consider bringing a food or personal care item with you that will be donated to local shelters.

Day Out With Thomas™ AUGUST 15-17, 2014 CROSSROADS VILLAGE - 9 PM - 5PM WWW.GENESEECOUNTYPARKS.ORG/PAGES/SUMMER

Spend a day of family fun with Thomas the Tank Engine on his Go Go Thomas tour! Meet Thomas and his friends, including Sir Topham Hatt who is straight from the island of Sodor! Take a Thomas train ride and join in a variety of children’s activities.

The Village will be open from 9 am to 5 pm every day, and train rides are scheduled on the hour from 10 am to 3 pm. Family, Individual, or Group Home passes are valid during these dates.

HIT Entertainment may offer special deals or rates. Train combo tickets are not available at Summer Season prices. However, Village Only tickets are available for purchase at $10.00 Adult, $9.00 Senior, $8.00 Child, and under 24 months is free. A ride on the Genesee Belle may be purchased at a rate of $3.00 for Adult and Senior, and $2.50 for Child.

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