Cherish Local - Sharing The Good 1-27-19 by Cherish Local

GBHS Positively Leads the Way

Discover how GBHS students positively impacted their community PG. 6 - 13

Women Owned Business Profile

PG. 26

LMCU Volunteers Time for Community PG. 44

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A POSITIVE IMPACT

Todd Babiasz is a familiar name at Grand Blanc High

so I proposed a joint venture. That meant that this year my

School. He began teaching social studies at GBHS soon

L.E.A.D. students had 3 of his talented Multi-Media students

after graduating from Central Michigan University

to produce and edit their final videos. As you can see they

(CMU) 21 years ago. CMU is where he met his wife

were outstanding and I am so grateful to have worked with

Tanya and since then they have had five kids, Annie

Mr. Nicholson and his students.” In this version, Babiasz

(15), Hannah (12), Silas (10), Maria (7), and Teresa (5).

gives his students the room to choose what way they would

Babiasz wanted to make a greater impact on his stu-

like to make a positive impact on the community and then

dents and went to receive training from the Positivity

allows them to go out to see what they can do. 3 semesters

Project, a program with the mission to promote pos-

and one whole year later, Babiasz says he has seen his 3 dif-

itivity in schools by giving teachers the tools to teach

ferent groups of students “do incredible things.” Each proj-

their students the 24 character strengths.

ect occurs over one semester. This past semester students

Babiasz taught a leadership class briefly but felt that

got involved with pet adoption, promotion of women’s health

something was “off.” He went to Matinga Ragatz and leaned on her quite a bit for advice and encouragement, feeling that he wanted his students to do more than just talk about leadership. “Our kids need an opportunity to do something great… And they need to go out and

Our kids need the opportunity to do something great ... And they need to go out and lead” -Todd Babiasz

products, mentoring younger students, creating awareness of cardiac issues, and impacting the lives of seniors in senior living facilities. “As happy as my students are… I couldn’t be more proud of them,” Babiasz said. “It’s been really inspiring for me to see.”

lead,” Babiasz said.

Babiasz’s advice for other teachers is to ask themselves,

Moving forward, Babiasz received, and continues to receive,

“what can I allow my kids to do?” He attributes the suc-

a ton of support from Ragatz, other teachers in the social

cess of the program to the students’ own desire do something

studies department, like Heather Grzymkowski and Zach

great. By stepping back and allowing them to take ownership

Bradley, and even Superintendent Clarence Garner, whose

over the projects they choose, even greater things begin to

advice to Babiasz as the program developed was to “keep

happen.

messing up” until he struck the right chord. Just last year,

The program has even peaked the interest of other schools,

Babiasz began his own program: The Positive Impact Project.

many of which are local, like Powers Catholic, but there are

Babiasz explained, “As great as last year went, I wanted to

even a few from other states, like North Carolina and Illinois,

make it even better. That is why I teamed up with Jamie

that have reached out wanting to know more.

Nicholson, GBHS Multi-Media teacher. I knew that he had

Babiasz hopes to share this program with more schools in

a tremendous program and has extremely talent students,

the future!

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SENIORS

Students Involved: Emily Shumaker, Garrett Themm, Emmalee Farmer, Makena Welch, Hadley Puccio, and Erin Fitzpatrick with Tech Support

Seniors^2 was a group of all seniors at GBHS that was inspired to work with local senior citizens. They teamed up with The Oaks of Woodfield in GB and it was a match made in heaven. Senior^2 Positive Impact Project gave those seniors love, attention and activities that let those seniors know they are valued and they still have some of that same “high school spirit” that was in them years ago. Some of their activities included: a spirited karaoke session, a fun filled fashion show with dress up clothes, accessories, music and of course a red carpet runway, a session of “senior” pictures of their own with a professional camera, backdrop and multiple poses (they even included a framed picture from their photo shoot as a gift) and finally an all out catered dinner, including dessert from Pizza Mia.

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R.U.S.H. Students Involved: Gino Andre, Ethan Asperger, Gionni Broughton, Kortez Toles, Mary Hardenburg (Video Editor and Producer) Four GBHS Varsity Football teammates came together to make a difference in the lives of several elementary school aged children who needed some extra support. Their goal was to build relationships and teach them life long skills, just like a big brother would. They met them several times over the course of the school to get to know them, play sports, got them dress clothes and taught them how to tie a tie, shake a hand and how to address an adult. For the grand surprise, the kids led the varsity football team out of the tunnel for a Friday night game at The Frank and were presented with authentic GBHS Varsity Football jerseys with their name on it. Skills were learned and most importantly relationships were built!

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FIRE FOR HEARTS

Students Involved: James Cook, Hayden Emmerling, Josh Sharber, Brendan Silpoch, Evan Vierling, Hannah Callender (Producer & Editor)

Fire for Hearts came together by combining L.E.A.D. students love of sports and some group members struggles with cardiac issues. They wanted to bring awareness that cardiac issues were the leading cause of death for student athletes. Fire for Hearts created and implemented and incredible project that trained staff at Brendle Elementary in using A.E.D. machines, led a whole school assembly for students to bring awareness to the issue, using Evan Vierlingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s connection as a Flint Firebird, Hot Wing the mascot came and visited the students during the assembly and had fun hockey contests to get the students excited. Finally, they held a drawing contest for Brendle Elementary students to draw the best picture to bring attention to the schoolÂ´s A.E.D. machine. Ava Zagata was the talented winner. Her photo is now hanging next to the schools A.E.D. machine. She also won the opportunity to go to a Flint Firebirds game, meet the team, get autographs, ride the zamboni and have her own authentic jersery. With the help of Fire for Hearts our Brendle Staff is trained on dealing with cardiac arrest and our students are more aware and safe. Thank you Fire for Hearts!

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, Adoption!

Students Involved: Jamison Clark, Naomi Havens, Amire Ellison-Brown, and Mary Hardenburg (Producer & Editor)

This group of LEAD students teamed up to bring positive attention to animal shelters and what they offer. They connected with Adopt-A-Pet in Fenton to bring awareness of what they do and the role that shelters play in bringing together animals looking for a home and families. Lights, Camera, Action went to the adoption center and created a video for their website highlighting what they do. They also created and posted flyers all around the community to highlight Adopt-A-Pet, share their video and give them contact information for future adoptions. This group made a positive impact in helping save lives of animals looking for a family to adopt them and helped promote shelter animals in a more positive light.

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PERIOD IN PERSPECTIVE

Students Involved: Anneliese Hull, Jeremy Johnson, Corena Kalinin, Kassia McEntire, Zoe Rogers, Aireonna Welch, Ryan Woody, & Erin Fitzpatrick (Producer & Editor)

The story of Period in Perspective is such an amazing journey. This group took a taboo topic and took it mainstream. Their goal was to empower women by supplying local organizations with menstrual products now, and into the future. They did this several different ways. They teamed with Traverse Place in Flint who did not have a budget for this expense for the women they serve. Next they built three ¨drop boxes¨ that were given to three Grand Blanc businesses for customers to donate feminine hygiene products that would eventually be delivered to Traverse Place: Leslee’s Salon, Salon Makenzie, and STAR Rehabilitation center. Next they focused on Grand Blanc High School. There they went to the school board to initiate a program that would provide these products to girls at GBHS at no cost. This group brought to light issues that need to be talked about and done something about...they did both!

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SENIOR STORIES

Students Involved: Caleb Main, Ellary Morris, Sophia Sakalis, Samantha Lange, Mary Hardenburg (Producer & Editor) Senior Stories was a great group that came together and wanted to give local seniors living in assisted living something simple, their time. After visiting Brookdale Assisted Living they decided to create opportunities for them and seniors to spend time together, but to focus on talking and building relationships. They did this through sing-a-longs, trivia nights and crafting. The beauty of this group was that they recognized that these seniors had many things, except many lacked visi-

tors. That is where they came in and made their positive impact by simply giving their time and an ear to listen. New perspectives were gained by learning about the lives of seniors and new perspectives were gained by seniors on how awesome high school students are at making a positive difference.

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#SCHOOLHOUSEWASH

Students Involved: Tera Clemons, Zada Lacy, Jaiden Kendall, Saniyah Vanover, Hannah Calender (Producer & Editor)

#SchoolHouseWash is an amazing story of four young ladies determined to make a positive impact. Their story begins with forming a relationship with New Standard Academy in Flint, Mi. Their goal was to create a ¨Wash Lounge” for students and families to access to for free at the school. Many students struggle to have clean clothes and thus do not want to go to school. #SchoolHouseWash changes all of that! They created a beautiful new room with a new washer and dryer, a fresh coat of paint, new furniture, laundry soap and games for families. They were masters at bringing together the whole community to make this happen like: The United Way, The Flint Fire Department, Perry Innovation Center, Carl’s Appliance and Sherwin Williams of Grand Blanc. What this group did was amazing!!!

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GRAND BLANC VARSITY BASKETBALL HIGHLIGHTS VARSITY IMAGE/VIDEO

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YOU AREN'T ALONE IN YOUR STRUGGLE WITH ANXIETY Discover the tools you need to move forward!

I am here for you, please call (810) 216-5610 For more information, visit CherishLocal.com

GBHS GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL HIGHLIGHTS

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KIDS STRUGGLE TOO. ARE YOUR CHILD'S MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS BEING MET?

I am here for you, Please call today.

(810) 216-5610 turnertherapyllc@gmail.com For more information, visit CherishLocal.com

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THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND GRAND BLANC ZEHNDER’S SNOWFEST

Head to Frankenmuth for the 28th annual Zehnder’s Snowfest! Last day: 1/28/19

PADDY MCGEE’S

Not sure where to watch that big upcoming football? Go to Paddy McGee’s!

ARTWALK

ARTWALK takes place on the second Friday of every month, 6:00PM to 9:00PM. Maps are available at Greater Flint Arts Council.

SLOAN MUSEUM

LEARN TO KNIT

KIDS TALENT SHOW

Learn about the area at Sloan Museum (currently in Courtland Mall)

Learn to knit at Beyond the Rainforest Yarn Shop right here in Grand Blanc - we have!

The Davidson Farmers Market is hosting a kids talent show Jan. 26, call (810) 412-5883 to sign up!

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WOMEN OWNED BUSINESSES featuring Kellie Johnson

Women attempting to start a business will find hope in

point where, three years ago, she was able to move into a

Kellie Johnson of Kellie’s Consignments story. When she

24,000 sq ft building!

first set out, Kellie wanted to start a business but knew

“The community is such a driving force… you have to

that fashion inventory would be difficult to fund. Until

have the community behind you,” says Kellie.

one day she walked into a consignment shop and thought,

Kellie’s Consignments is well-known for Sharing the

“I’m going to sell other people’s stuff.” She loves fash-

Good around them. Hear more about how Kellie’s team

ion, she LOVES people, and the rest was history!

shapes the heart of their store, and how Kellie connects

In 2006, Kellie opened her first store which was around

with other business owners to “give, give give” in the

1800 sq ft. Her business has thrived over the years thanks

video below!

to the awesome community in Okemos, Michigan, to the

KELLIE’S INTERVIEW 26

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CHERISH

Legal Needs

Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all proposition.

Genesee County for more than 25 years with their life

Every individual and every family faces unique circum-

planning as a lawyer. I’ve handled countless estate

stances regarding wills and trusts. For some people, a simple will is enough to properly address their needs; others will require a more comprehensive strategy. At my law firm, McCleary & Associates, P.C., I’ll sit down with you

“Estate Planning is not a onesize-fits-all proposition. Every individual and each family faces unique circumstances ...”

planning cases in Michigan over the years, and I look forward to sharing my experience with you. I recommend that my clients visit with me on an annual basis to make sure their plans are up-to-date and funded at an appropriate level.

to help you decide the strategy that is best for you. I’ve

been helping people in Grand Blanc, Flint and all over

ESTATE PLANNING VIDEO 36

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UPCOMING GRAND BLANC VARSITY GAMES JANUARY 29TH ■ ■

6:00PM Boys Varsity Swimming vs. Fenton HS 7:00PM Boys Varsity Hockey vs. Heritage HS Saginaw

JANUARY 30TH ■ ■

4:30PM Girls Varsity Skiing vs. Holly Area Schools 7:00PM Boys Varsity Skiing vs. Holly Area Schools

FEBRUARY 1ST ■ ■ ■ ■

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Boys Varsity Skiing TBD Girls Varsity Skiing TBD 7:00PM Girls Varsity Basketball @ Lapeer HS 7:00PM Boys Varsity Basketball @ Lapeer HS

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CHERISH Volunteers

On Thursday, January 24, while visiting Lake Michigan

Credit Union in Grand Blanc we learned employees there regularly participate in volunteer work within Mid-Michigan communities. A member of the Brent Green Team, Rachel Nicol, worked at a soup kitchen at Center for Hope in Flint, Michigan on the following day. Thankfully we were able to capture her and her fellow volunteers. Volunteers like Rachel are what keep communities strong.

“At LMCU, we’re dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities we serve through donations, sponsorships and volunteerism. As an organization, we focus a majority of our community engagement efforts on organizations and causes that promote and enhance health and education.” - lmcu.org

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CHERISH Volunteers Students, staff, and families from West Middle School and all over Grand Blanc were among a group of 500+ volunteers that spent MLK day ON instead of OFF. They worked together with United Way of Genesee County to pack 120,000 meals to combat hunger in their community. Way to go, Grand Blanc!

“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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