Publisher’s Note
We’re excited to announce the 2024 City’s Choice Award Winners! ere are many repeat recipients, some have been chosen every year since 2015 and a few are new to the list. roughout this issue, you will notice many of them expressing their appreciation for the recognition. We have lots of loyal CCA voters – thousands of votes poured in! See pg. 8-10 for the list of Greater Flint Favorites. e biggest vote-getters are typically restaurants – people love the eats in Greater Flint! Keeping a perfect win streak going, Uncle Ray’s Dairyland in Fenton was again the City’s Choice for ice cream. It’s National Ice Cream Month, so Team My City decided to share some memories and our faves (pg. 34). You really don’t need an excuse to enjoy ice cream … Do you go for the cup or the cone? And, fans of food truck fare have a new place to get their x in Downtown Flint with another project of Communities First, Inc. Check out Foodie Commons @ e Flower Shop (pg. 26). Sounds like fun!
Also happening Downtown, the Genesee County arts community had much to celebrate this spring. e Buckham Fine Arts Project is marking four decades of providing a local exhibition and performance venue that has endured and thrived, and their celebration continues; read about it starting on pg.14. And, the inspiring talents of many local student-artists from more than 20 high schools and the UM-Flint were showcased in two exhibitions hosted at the Greater Flint Arts Council’s Downtown gallery space – check it out starting on pg. 20.
Summer’s all about food and fun, but we always make room to inform our readers about people doing good work to help others. What’s better than creating opportunities for people to ful ll their dreams? Genesee County will soon have a Miracle League baseball eld where kids and adults can play the game regardless of physical or mental disability, a decade-long project nally coming to fruition. Fantastic! Read about it on pg.42.
It’s the season of cool things going on in Greater Flint! Get ready for the Back to the Bricks® events scheduled for this month, including the all new Road Rally on July 17. Visit backtothebricks.org, and see pg. 30-31 for details of the exciting Main Event Week in August.
Of course, there’s much more in this issue – grab a cold drink, get outside on the deck and spend some quality time with My City. And as we celebrate America’s Independence Day, don’t forget to pause and be thankful for our freedom. anks for reading, and God Bless America!
Shiawassee Ave. Fenton, MI 48430
810.629.8000
Publisher & Editor In Chief
Vince Lorraine Vince@mycitymag.com
Managing Editor
Sherron Barden
Sta Writer
Cheryl Dennison
Freelance Writer
Mark Spezia
Contributing Writers
Erin Caudell
Dr. Christopher Douglas
Vera Hogan
Alexandria Pazienza-Nolan
Nicholas R. Robinson, Esq.
Leslie Toldo
Shannon White
Graphic designer Hailey Carriger
Contributing Artist
Daria Akulova
Accounting/Circulation
Kim Davis
Account Executive
Terese Allen
COVER ART
Reflection by AnnaLisa Hansen
My City Magazine, Inc. 14165 Fenton Rd., Fenton, MI 48430 810.230.1783
©2024 My City Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. MyCityMag.com
ISSN#1559-3436 is published monthly by My City Magazine, Inc., 14165 Fenton Rd. Fenton, MI 48430. Canadian Mail Agreement #41971515. For back issues, inquire for availability. Editorial Correspondence: Address product information and inquiries to: Editorial Department, My City Magazine, 14165 Fenton Rd., Fenton, MI 48430, phone 810.230.1783. To authors, photographers and people featured in this publication: All materials, articles, reports and photographs in this publication are the property of My City Magazine and cannot be used without written permission. The opinions and conclusions recited herein are those of the respective authors and not of My City Magazine. My City Magazine is not responsible for returning unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other materials. Every effort will be made however, to return rejected manuscripts, etc., if they are accompanied by sufficient firstclass postage, but the Publisher will not be responsible for any loss of such material.
WINNERS
Food & Dining
24-HOUR RESTAURANT
Starlite Coney Island & Diner
BAGELS
Big Apple Bagels
BAKERY
CRUST - a Baking Company
BARBECUE Blackstone’s Smokehouse
BEER SELECTION
The Red Baron
BLOODY MARY
Churchill’s Food & Spirits
BREAKFAST
Steady Eddy’s Cafe
BURGER
The Torch Bar & Grill
CHINESE Cantonese Gourmet South
CLASSIC/ARTISAN COCKTAIL
Churchill’s Food & Spirits
CONEY ISLAND
Leo’s Coney Island
COOKIES
Crumbl Cookies
DELI
Ho man’s Deco Deli
DONUTS
Donna’s Donuts
FINE DINING Cork on Saginaw
FISH ‘N’ CHIPS
Whitey’s Restaurant
ICE CREAM
Uncle Ray’s Dairyland
INDEPENDENT COFFEEHOUSE Fireside Co ee Co.
ITALIAN
Andiamo - Fenton
JAPANESE
Sagano Japanese Bistro & Steakhouse
LATE NIGHT DINING Soggy Bottom Bar
LOCALLY MADE BEER Tenacity Brewing
LOCALLY PRODUCED BRAND Koegel Meats
MEXICAN Tia Heleta’s Mexican Cuisine
MIDDLE EASTERN La Marsa
Mediterranean Cuisine
NIGHTCAP SPOT
Churchill’s Food & Spirits
OUTDOOR DINING/PATIO Fenton Winery & Brewery
PIZZA
Luigi’s Restaurant
RESTAURANT AMBIANCE Estelle Public House
SANDWICH Pesto’s
SEAFOOD (NON-CHAIN) Whitey’s Restaurant
SPORTS BAR
Sharky’s Sports Bar
STEAKHOUSE
Lucky’s Steakhouse
SUSHI
ICHI Lucky Cat
THAI
Bangkok Peppers
WINE LIST Cork on Saginaw
Shopping
AUTO DEALERSHIP
Al Serra Auto Plaza
BEER STORE
Whigville Market
BRIDAL SHOP
Expressions in Silk
FARMERS’ MARKET
Flint Farmers’ Market
GOURMET MARKET
Oliver T’s Market
JEWELRY
Medawar Jewelers
NURSERY/GREENHOUSE
Wojo’s Garden Splendors
SMOKE SHOP
Paul’s Pipe Shop
SPECIALTY CAKES
Tasty Layers
USED BOOKS
Totem Books
WOMEN’S FASHIONS
SHIFT →
Services
BANK / CREDIT UNION
ELGA Credit Union
BARBER SHOP
Consolidated Barber Shop
CATERER Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery
FLORIST
Vogt’s Flowers
HAIR SALON Refinery Hair Co.
HOSPITAL Hurley Medical Center
PET DAYCARE/KENNEL Four Paws Hotel & Resort
PET GROOMING Happy Tails
PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER DJ Harrington
REALTOR
Jennifer Lasco/ Lasco Real Estate Group
SPA
Rejuv Ave.
TATTOO SHOP
Strange Daze Tattoos
Media
METEOROLOGIST
JR Kirtek
WJRT ABC12
ON-AIR DJ
Jeremy Fenech 103.9 the FOX
RADIO PROGRAM
The Foxhole Morning Show
w/Johnny Burke
WRSR FM 103.9 the FOX
RADIO STATION
WRSR FM 103.9 the Fox
TV NEWS
WJRT ABC12
TV NEWS ANCHOR
Angie Hendershot
WJRT ABC12
People
BARTENDER
Tom Wade Churchill’s Food & Spirits
CHEF
Tony Vu Flint Social Club
CHIROPRACTOR
Michael Walsh, DC Walsh Chiropractic
CULTURAL PROGRAM Sloan Longway
DANCE STUDIO FLI-City Studios
DOWNTOWN EVENT Back to the Bricks
Mott Park Recreation Area
GENESEE COUNTY PARK Richfield Park
HOTEL
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Flint
FINE ARTS PROGRAM Flint Institute of Arts
FITNESS CENTER Planet Fitness
LIVE MUSIC VENUE Machine Shop
MUSEUM Sloan Museum of Discovery
SPECIAL EVENT VENUE FIM Capitol Theatre
ANNUAL SPORTING EVENT Crim Festival of Races
LOCAL ATTRACTION Crossroads Village/ Huckleberry Railroad
Inspiring Works STUDENT-ARTISTS’
TALENT
BY SHERRON BARDEN
ON DISPLAY
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFAC AND AUDREY SCRIBNER
This spring, the Greater Flint community was invited to view the works of local art students at two special exhibitions hosted annually by the Greater Flint Arts Council.
YOUNG ARTISTS TODAY
Tri-County High School Art Show/Competition
e 2024 Young Artists Today Tri-County High School Art Show/Competition featured hundreds of original works by student artists from more than 20 high schools throughout Genesee, Shiawassee and Lapeer counties.
Hosted by the Greater Flint Arts Council, the inspiring exhibit occupied the 4,000 squarefoot gallery in Downtown Flint.
is year, 25 art instructors from 21 schools submitted 185 works created by 147 art students. e participating high schools included Almont, Atherton, Beecher, Bentley, Byron, Clio, Davison, Davison Alternative Education, E.A. Johnson (Mt. Morris), Fenton, Flint Southwestern Classical Academy, Flushing, Grand Blanc, Kearsley, Lake Fenton, Lakeville, Lapeer, Linden, Powers Catholic, Swartz Creek, and Youth Arts: Unlocked.
e works were judged by members of the Mott Community College sta from the School of Art, Design and Photography, with winners receiving awards and scholarships that were presented at an Opening Reception and ceremony held during the Flint ArtWalk on April 12.
“GFAC gives local artists and students of art an opportunity for self expression and community recognition,” stated Greg Fiedler, GFAC President and CEO. “ e Young Artists Today regional students exhibition and the UM-Flint Student Art and Design Exhibition are staples with GFAC. To add to the excitement, we hire local musicians to play during studio exhibition receptions, giving them a chance to promote themselves and further diversifying GFAC’s involvement in the performing arts.”
GFAC extends special thanks to sponsor Mott Community College Art, Design and Photography Programs for their continued support. e top three winners received scholarships to MCC for Art, Design or Photography courses. All winners received MCC art supplies and a student membership to Greater Flint Arts Council.
“Congratulations to all the participating students and instructors for an outstanding exhibit!” Fiedler added.
1st Place
ANNALISA HANSEN | GRADE 12 REFLECTION
Acrylic Paint
Kearsley High School
Courtney Wolf, Art Instructor
2nd Place
JASMYN WITT | GRADE 12 MOCHA
Acrylic Paint
Honorable Mention
ANGELINA ALLIE | GRADE 12
DEPICTION OF INNOCENCE
Ceramic, Acrylic Paint
Lapeer High School
Sasha Patten, Art Instructor
3rd Place
BEE RODRIGUEZ | GRADE 12 SERENDIPITY
Prismacolor Pencils
Kearsley High School
Courtney
Honorable Mention
DEVON BAILEY | GRADE 11
PORTRAIT
Honorable Mention
BROOKLYN ELIZONDO | GRADE 12
HOW A GOTH GETS READY FOR THE PORTRAIT
Colored Pencil
Lapeer
Honorable Mention
EMI HANSHAW | GRADE 12
UNTITLED
Digital Art
Davison
Shawn Lewis, Art Instructor
Honorable Mention ALANA RIDDELL | GRADE 12
A DOORKNOB’S REFLECTION
Water Color, Posca Byron Area High School
Jamie Anderson, Art Instructor
Honorable Mention
LENA VELLIQUETTE | GRADE 11 HORSES
Acrylic Paint
Davison
Ryan
Teacher Award
COURTNEY WOLF
Kearsley High School →
UM-FLINT ANNUAL STUDENT ART & DESIGN EXHIBITION
is year’s exhibition was the 34th annual tribute to the accomplishments of many talented student-artists in the University of Michigan-Flint Art and Design Department. e project invites all art faculty to select ve works to feature from each of their classes. is year’s participating sta included Alla Dubrovich, Cristen Velliky, Rebecca Ziess,
Christian Gerstheimer, Amy Davis and Benjamin Gaydos. “ e work ranges from ne art including painting, photography, drawing, ceramics and sculpture to design including video and media design, graphic design and interaction design,” explained Ben Gaydos, Associate Professor of Design, UM-Flint.
Joining in celebrating the next generation of artists, the Greater Flint Arts Council hosted the exhibition, their Downtown Flint gallery space over owing with hundreds of the cho-
sen works. An Opening Reception and awards ceremony was held at GFAC just prior to the May 10 ArtWalk, with the collection of works remaining on exhibit there through June 7.
“For 25 years, we have looked forward to our role in this show,” commented Greg Fiedler, GFAC President and CEO. “ e student work is creative and stimulates our imaginations. We hope to continue this partnership for many years to come.” →
Guest Juror for this year’s exhibition was multi-awardwinning artist, photographer and 2019 Kresge Arts Fellow, Rashaun Rucker. e following student-artists were recognized for their achievements:
Best in Show
RAE-AHNA HERNANDEZ
Overall Achievement
CATIE CUNNINGHAM
Juror’s Choice
KENNEDY CHARETTE
Dean’s Choice
RAE-AHNA HERNANDEZ
Provost’s Choice
STEPHANIE BENNETT
Chancellor’s Choice
PAIGE CRONCE
Outstanding Civic Engagement
MEGAN PELLEGRINI, MICAH MITCHEL, JEREMIAH RILEY, GAGE HEISER AND JACEY
KELLAWAY
Martin Anderson Printmaking Award
FAITH BUTLER
Excellence in Photography MEGAN PELLEGRINI
Excellence in Video/Media DAMIEN CROWE
Excellence in Interaction Design
RACHEL LANDES
Excellence in Graphic Design
BRIE ROOT
Excellence in Sculpture
ISABELLA MELLISH
Excellence in Ceramics
CIARA BOWERS
Excellence in Painting
RAE-AHNA HERNANDEZ
Excellence in Drawing
SUSAN SHAW
“It’s going to be beautiful. To see Genesee County become the home of the first permanent food truck park is pretty awesome!”
Glenn Wilson, President/CEO Communities First, Inc.
F DIE COMMONS @the Flower Shop
By Cheryl Dennison
It’sbeen three years in the making! Communities First, Inc. (CFI) reached its funding goal for Foodie Commons, which is located in Flint at the former Anthony’s Flower Shop and parking lot.
According to CFI President and CEO, Glenn Wilson, the funding allows for the transformation of the vacant ower shop and an abandoned lot on Grand Traverse and Court St. into a permanent food truck park and event space, complete with an outdoor performance stage, open green space and a community kitchen inside the renovated ower shop
that will be available for use by food truck vendors. In addition to updating both spaces and giving them a new use, the project aims to engage the community at events in the public green space and increase access to healthy food and recreation opportunities.
To advance the Foodie Commons project, CFI received both state and federal funding. With the help of generous community donors, they raised $50,000 to receive a one-to-one matching grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Public Community Places Initiative, raising over $100,000 to go toward
transforming the former ower shop into a community destination for all.
“We would like to thank Michigan Senator John Cherry and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow for their partnership and commitment to our community with this investment in Foodie Commons,” Wilson states. “ eir hard work will allow us enough money to nish the project. With their help, we will be able to create a gathering point in Downtown Flint, empowering businesses to grow their customer base and build up our community.” Wilson added that CFI is especially proud →
to grow access to small business opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses.
Wilson expects the project will be completed by the end of the year. “ is will be a staple in our community! “ he exclaims. “It’s going to be beautiful. It took a lot of time and partners to put this together. To see Genesee County become the home of the rst permanent food truck park is pretty awesome.”
Currently, a variety of local food truck operators are serving up some great food in the parking lot of Foodie Commons @the Flower Shop, located at 402 W. Court St. (corner of Grand Traverse) on Wednesdays and Fridays, from 11:30-5:30pm. So, come on out and enjoy some great food, music and fun!
CALLING ALL FOOD TRUCKS!
ON MAY 1, COMMUNITY MEMBERS ENJOYED DELICIOUS FOOD FROM TRUCKS INCLUDING BELLA’S CONCESSIONS & CATERING, MEXICRUNCH, AND SUGGS SWEETTREATS & EATS.
Any business owners wanting to add their food trucks to the Foodie Commons schedule should contact Regena Hall-Littlejohn at rhall-littlejohn@communities rstinc.org.
Days and times for Foodie Commons are subject to change based on weather and holidays. For all updated days, check the Communities First, Inc. Facebook page (facebook.com/communities rstinc) or the Foodie Commons Facebook page (facebook.com/pro le. php?id=100093667931697).
About Communities First, Inc. (CFI)
Headquartered in Flint, CFI is a nonprofit Community Development Corporation serving over 35,000 community members across Michigan and Indiana. CFI’s mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing and innovative programming. Find more info at communitiesfirstinc.org.
TUNE-UP PARTY WEEK A WEEK OF CRUISES
Back to the Bricks 2024
The fun continues through...
MAIN EVENT WEEK!
MONDAY, AUGUST 12
Main Event Kick-Off
Car Show & Concert
Sponsored by Dort Financial Credit Union Located at the Birch Run Speedway
Main Event Week kicks off with a car show and for the first time ever, a concert from 5-9pm at the Birch Run Speedway, 10945 Dixie Hwy., Birch Run, MI 48415. Cars can start arriving a 3:30pm for HOT Laps around the track until 4:30pm, when the show cars start arriving. For the first time ever, the Main Event Week celebration will feature a band! Taking the stage will be the Sheriff of Saginaw County with his band, Shakedown, singing all your Bob Seger favorites with special guest drummer, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. This event is brought to you by Dort Financial Credit Union.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13
Bricks Flicks - US23 Drive In
Sponsored by Huntington Bank Gates Open at 4pm
The six-day extravaganza continues with the 15th annual “BRICKS FLICKS” family-oriented party at the nostalgic
US 23 Drive-In theater, 5200 Fenton Rd., Flint, MI 48507, showing the 2008 action comedy movie, “Speed Racer.”
Speed is a young man with natural racing instincts, whose goal is to win The Crucible, a cross-country car race that claimed the life of his older brother, Rex Racer. Speed is loyal to the family business, run by his parents, Pops and Mom. Pops designed Speed’s car, the Mach 5. The owner of Royalton Industries makes Speed a lucrative offer, which he rejects, angering the owner. Speed also uncovers a secret that top corporations, including Royalton, are fixing races and cheating to gain profit. With their offer to Speed denied, Royalton wants to ensure that he will not win races. He finds support from his parents and his girlfriend, Trixie, and enters The Crucible. Forming a partnership with his one-time rival, Racer X, Speed strives to rescue his family’s business and the racing sport, itself.
Car enthusiasts gather early at US23 Drive-In to see and be seen, and enjoy plenty of fun, food concessions, music and entertainment prior to the FREE movie. Back to the Bricks® Root Beer, T-shirts, hats, posters and other memorabilia will be available for purchase.
The movie starts at dusk! Due to the limited number of parking spaces and large number of participants, pop-up canopies must be placed either in front of or behind your vehicle and taken down when the movie starts. Alcohol and grills are prohibited.
The Back to the Bricks® Swap Meet is ALL-NEW
New Location: US23 Drive-In
This year’s Swap Meet will be open all day at the US23 Drive-In! We’ve got a solid plan to host the Swap Meet in front of the Theater, with a ton of parking and easy access to shop for what you need to fix you cars, grab some vintage toys, or just even sell yourself. Full details will be posted on the website.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14 & THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
Rolling Cruise
4pm, 5-9pm
The Cruise kicks off at 4pm on Wednesday at Kettering’s MRC track. Then, excited crowds will line Saginaw St. from Downtown Flint to Grand Blanc for the Rolling Cruise on Wednesday, and on Thursday from 5-9pm. “Non-Cruise” tra c is asked to use the center lanes so that spectators can easily view the classic cars.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
Cruise N’ Concert
Friday’s festivities kick off at 3pm in Downtown Flint with vendors, music, a car show and a FREE live concert brought to you by Big John Steak & Onion and Tonic Events. The Flat Lot off Saginaw St. in Downtown Flint opens at 3pm and the concert begins at 6:30pm. This year’s fun and festive FREE concert will open with The Gobies and feature Old Days, a Chicago tribute band as the headliner! Come ready to rock & roll the night away!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
Main Event / Opening Ceremony
The ceremony will begin promptly at 10am with a rousing salute to our veterans and active-duty personnel. A Marine Color Guard accompanied by some of America’s finest will march south on Saginaw St. At the same time, a procession of flags and military personnel will march north to the center of Downtown Flint where the two groups will converge. This special ceremony will honor the men and women of the armed forces for their service and sacrifice to our country. BttB honors those who protect and defend the freedoms we hold dear; past and present, those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and those who continue to answer the call. Special flyovers by amazing military aircraft will make their way high above Saginaw St.
The main display area has something for everyone! Thousands of the finest classic and custom vehicles, hot rods and dream cars line the streets. Beginning with the Opening Ceremony, experience the excitement – see the Feature Cars, Drag
City and Monster Trucks you’ve seen in the big shows. Check out the automotive vendors and taste the delicious food that is synonymous with the BttB ... one of the best Classic Car Events in the nation! Returning for Saturday’s Main Event festivities are a meet & greet and special displays with UM-Flint’s College of Innovation & Technology featuring the Flint Soap Box Derby and RC Racing Cars for the kids. The UM-Flint Baja Team will be on hand with celebrity guest and TV superstar – the king of big wheel racing – Sage “Donkmaster” Thomas. The Swap Meet will be at the corner of Court and Saginaw. See the website for full details ... just scan the code below!
The Little Red Truck Named Phyllis HONORING THOSE WHO GIVE BACK
BY AMBER TAYLOR, CTA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BACK TO THE BRICKS®
The vehicle featured on the Back to the Bricks 20th Anniversary Main Event logo is owned by Flint residents and longtime car enthusiasts, Bob and Jill Ayre. Both extremely active with the organization, the couple has attended and worked on every Promo Tour and helped at almost all the other events, including Dust ‘Em O , Tune-Up Week and Main Event week. Bob even helped kick o “Hot Rod High” back in the day, a highly successful Back to the Bricks project we hope to bring back someday. To honor and thank this dedicated couple for all their hard work, their little red truck – named Phyllis – was chosen to adorn the logo for the 20th Anniversary Main Event!
Here’s a little story about the truck named Phyllis.
Bob had been in search of a ve-window Chevy 3100 for almost a decade. Oddly enough, there was a nearly perfect “project-truck” located near the Ayre’s home. He would o en drive past it, stop and leave his name and phone number tucked under the windshield wiper blade. One memorable Sunday morning, Bob and Jill went out to breakfast and found themselves sitting at a table across from the truck’s owner. Bob leaned over and asked him if he was interested in selling it. He told Bob a man was supposed to have come by recently to look at it, but never showed up. Bob asked if he could take a look at it, and he bought it that day! He arranged to pick it up the
following Wednesday, in March of 2004. For the next two years, with the help of many friends and family members, Bob tore the 1953 Chevy truck down and rebuilt it, one bolt at a time. In 2006, Phyllis went to her rst car show –the Sloan Museum Auto Fair. Since then, she has had many updates to modernize her drivetrain. So, how did they come up with that name? e little red truck is named a er Bob’s mother, Mary Phyllis, who helped him get that old truck out of the farm eld and bring it home. Bob and Jill drive their red Chevy in the annual Back to the Bricks Promo Tour and to all other events. But she’s not a trailer princess … Phyllis is a real showstopper!
BOB AND JILL DRIVE THEIR RED CHEVY IN THE ANNUAL BACK TO THE BRICKS PROMO TOUR AND TO ALL OTHER EVENTS.
We All Scream for Ice Cream! We All Scream for Ice Cream!
BY VERA HOGAN
On July 2, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed into law what many may think is the greatest legislation of all time: designating July as National Ice Cream Month, and the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day.
According to the International Dairy Food Association, the average American eats 20 pounds (about four gallons) of ice cream each year. Ice cream sales contribute just over $13 billion annually into the U.S. economy.
Unless there are health or dietary reasons preventing them from enjoying it, almost everyone loves ice cream. Many remember chasing the ice cream truck as a child or visiting the local ice cream shop a er a fun summertime family activity. Others eat ice cream to soothe their souls a er a bad day. Whatever the reason, this sweet treat is rarely turned away. And even with thousands of ice cream avors in existence today, Vanilla remains the favorite.
When looking for people to share thoughts about and experiences with ice cream, one needs to look no further than their own circle of friends and coworkers – and that includes the team at My City
You could say Managing Editor Sherron Barden has the inside scoop on ice cream, being a cousin of Dave and Todd (Durant),
Co-owners of Uncle Ray’s Dairyland in Fenton. e multiple City’s Choice Award Winner is, of course, her favorite ice cream shop. “I worked there as a teen when they rst opened and only served Chocolate, Vanilla and Twist,” she shared. “It was a challenge dipping a large, swirled so -serve cone into the hot, hard-shell coating without it dropping o – PLUNK! Great times! When I was little, I had to have an ice cream sandwich from the ice cream truck,” Barden added. “Still love them and have some in my freezer right now!”
Describing it as “super basic,” Barden said her go-to frosty treat is a Vanilla malted milkshake. “Lots of malt, and I savor every sip. Once in a while, I go crazy and order a cup of Mint-Chocolate Chip.”
Uncle Ray’s is also the favorite of My City Publisher, Vince Lorraine, and he is a big fan of their homemade frozen yogurt. “I always order a large one with fresh blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, peaches and bananas – Dave calls it ‘Cousin Vinny’s Fruit Cocktail’. When I’m feeling under the weather, it is simply the best!” Fond childhood memories include watching his Grandpa Prince cranking the old-fashioned ice cream maker, and enjoying big bowls of Butter Pecan. “It was so good; but I eventually had to start opting for something healthier,” he added.
My City Account Executive Terese Allen says she prefers gelato or Italian ice for a frozen dessert. However, she o en took her kids to get ice cream when they were young. “I would support the adorable, family-owned local ice cream shops in small towns,” she said. Allen fondly recalls, “My siblings and I had the absolute best grandparents in the world. When my grandfather retired from Fisher Body, he kept busy working at the corner market which had an ice cream shop inside. My grandmother would take us on long walks to Jaycee Park in Pontiac and on the way back, we would stop at Sharp’s Party Store to see my grandpa. He would serve us the ice cream of our choice (always with an extra scoop) in the best wa e cones I’ve ever had. I was young, but do remember rotating my choices on our frequent visits between Blue Moon, Superman and Bubblegum.
“I also remember winning baseball games and the entire team would jump into the bed of the coach’s pickup truck as we sang and cheered victory chants all the way to town (a few miles) to Kessler’s Korner (Oxford) for our ice cream reward,” Allen shared.
Kim Davis, My City Controller/Circulation Director said Black Cherry with Chocolate is her favorite ice cream avor. “I worked at an ice cream shop from the age of 14 until 17 and when business was slow, we got to experiment. My favorite experiment was a chocolate cone dipped in cherry coating. It tasted like the Queen Anne Cordials.” →
Graphic Designer Hailey Carriger said, “I love ice cream. e best I’ve ever had was a hand-dipped Black Cherry ice cream atop a freshly-made Belgian wa e – with whipped cream, of course! e wa e was perfectly warm and buttery and the ice cream had chunks of real, fresh cherries. My go-to order is usually a hand-dipped, single scoop in a wa e cone and my rst avor of choice is Birthday Cake Batter, if it’s available. Sometimes, I have to settle for good, old-fashioned Chocolate-Chip Cookie Dough. I’ve been teased for my childish taste in ice cream, but I like what I like!”
Carriger’s favorite ice cream place depends on the ice cream, itself. Is it made locally?
July is National Ice Cream Month!
Does it taste fresh? Are there a lot of avor options? “Of course, a fun atmosphere is de nitely a plus but honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been to an ice cream shop where everyone was sad or depressed; unless someone has dropped their cone on the oor, it’s usually a positive experience! If she’s in Genesee County, Carriger is a big fan of Uncle Ray’s. “Who could say ‘no’ to homemade ice cream, super-friendly service, mini-golf and the cute little candy eyes atop their sundaes? It’s ready-made childhood nostalgia.”
Carriger added, “When I was a kid, my family went to a restaurant on special occasions that served a ‘Monster Sundae’. It had a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup split in half for ears, Reese’s Pieces for eyes, a maraschino cherry nose and whipped cream all around it like a lion’s mane. I always ordered it with Cookie Dough ice cream as the treat that followed my special occasion dinner. Five-year-old me de nitely had a stronger constitution.
“Ice cream is one of those treats you can eat to cure a bad day, as well as top o a good one,” Carriger stated. “ ere aren’t many holidays in my family without ice cream! I guess it makes me feel at home and happy.”
Sta Writer Cheryl Dennison is a fan of the classics. “My favorite avor is Vanilla because you can top it with anything – like the classic hot fudge and whipped cream with a cherry on top.”
Her favorite place for ice cream: you
guessed it – Uncle Ray’s Dairyland. “I have taken my kids and grandkids there for years,” she said. ey all loved the ice cream cones with the candy eyes.”
Dennison also recalls, “One of my fondest childhood memories is watching my dad make homemade ice cream during our summer barbecues. It was hand-cranked and made with strawberries from our garden or with fresh peaches. Nothing like it!”
As for me, I’m a choco-holic and my favorite ice cream, hands down, is Chocolate Moose Tracks. My favorite place to get it is anywhere that sells it!
I recall fondly being a child and playing Tiddlywinks with my little sister and our grandpa. He always told us that If we won, he would give us money to go down to the corner for ice cream. We never won, but he would just giggle and give us the money, anyway.
It seems that everyone has warm feelings for ice cream. Barden and Dennison summed it up best.
“Eating ice cream makes me feel like a kid again,” Dennison said.
Barden added, “There’s nothing like seeing a child enjoying an ice cream cone, sticky hands and face, carefree and living in the moment like it’s the best thing in the whole world.”
Well, it pretty much is!
Summer Reading List
Need a good beach read or a book to pack for your summer getaway? is list of titles has it all: romance, suspense, fantasy, history, monsters … Dive in!
COMPILED BY KAREN PIACENTINI | Owner, Fenton’s Open Book
1. A Murder Most French
An American in Paris Mystery
Colleen Cambridge
2. Camino Ghosts
John Grisham
3. Funny Story
Emily Henry
4. One Perfect Couple
Ruth Ware
5. Swan Song
Elin Hilderbrand
6. e Demon of Unrest:
A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War
Erik Larson
7. e Measure
Nikki Erlick
8. e Only One Le
Riley Sager
9. e Paring
Casey McQuiston
10. e Wren in the Holly Library
K.A. Linde
11. You Like It Darker - Stories
Stephen King
Words of Wisdom
These days, there are more ways than ever for seniors to enhance their quality of life. e “Golden Years” can be a special time to explore new interests and hobbies. For many, staying engaged with friends and family includes the use of text messaging and email; however, it’s no secret that dangerous scammers are using personal information to defraud the elderly. We have an article (pg. 62-63) that explores several types of identity fraud you may not have heard about.
It’s a bit of a stereotype that seniors have wisdom; but o en, it’s true! Seniors are considered our society’s “memory carriers” – those who relay their stories and knowledge to younger generations. Many have experienced war, economic turmoil, social upheaval and personal challenges. e advice they can o er might surprise you – and they will likely be pleased that you asked them for it! is is something well known to Kathleen Felix, Administrator at Abbey Park, an enhanced independent senior living facility in Grand Blanc. is month, she shares the story of her special chat with Abbey Park resident Robert Drudge, whom she calls “A Real Class Act.”
And, we have information for those who are making di cult choices during a challenging time; the loss of a loved one. From the type of funeral service to burial or cremation preferences, proactive planning allows for thoughtful consideration of all options. On pg. 65, Swartz Funeral Home shares their expertise in the process of cremation, and the peace of mind provided by their commitment to your family.
A Real Class Act
BY KATHLEEN FELIX, ADMINISTRATOR, ABBEY PARK
Managing Abbey Park for the past 16 years has enriched my life in many ways. One of the benefits of my position is sharing ideas with our residents. As my job keeps me busy, it is difficult to schedule longer periods of time to chat. I love an excuse to do so.
This year on Flag Day, I had the opportunity to speak with 93-year-old veteran, Robert Drudge. Bob is very polite, wise and always maintains a positive outlook. When I asked him if he would share his thoughts on the decision to move to a senior living community, he graciously accepted.
Bob and his wife Kathleen shared a life including 25 years of marriage. They resided in Davison where they raised a family of three sons – Bill, Jim and Bob, Jr. Bob was employed as parts manager for Belford Motor Sales in Davison. When the boys were small, the family enjoyed camping together and vacationed in Alden, MI near Torch Lake in a home Bob purchased from a good friend and work associate. The sons grew up and started lives of their own.
After the tragic loss of his beloved Kathleen to a rare illness, Bob sold his Davison home and moved to Alden near Bellaire. He had always loved the community and continued to develop lifelong friendships while maintaining contact with his family.
Bob’s favorite hobbies include woodworking and automotive repair. “Every day, you need a reason to get up in the morning,” he shared. Throughout his life, Bob has enjoyed riding his motorcycle, boating and snowmobiling. He particularly took pleasure in spending time on his boat – a Celebrity with a V-6 engine. For many years, Bob took motorcycle road trips with his friend, Geddes, including travels to New York, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Beach. “I loved taking those trips. We would put our tents on the back of the bike and take off!”
Upon his marriage to second wife, Rita, Bob moved into her home on Lake Bellaire. They were married for nearly 27 years until she passed away. When Rita’s family decided to sell her home, Bob placed a deposit on a unit in a new assisted living facility in Bellaire. Then, he was informed that the community did not have private showers: a deal-breaker! The search began for an assisted or enhanced independent living community located in Genesee County and Bob, Jr. found Abbey Park. Bob approved of this selection so he could live closer to family.
“Every day, you need a reason to get up in the morning.”
Bob’s Abbey Park apartment is decorated tastefully throughout with touches of his favorite color, red. The effect of his red décor along with the red shirt he wore on the day we chatted was visually pleasing to me, so I mentioned it. He immediately pointed out the window at another significant “red” item – his burgundy Buick Envision shining from its parking space outside of his apartment. We laughed about that, and he told me that Bob, Jr. knew his dad would like being able to see his car from his apartment. These days, Bob enjoys taking leisurely drives around Grand Blanc and Holly, and stopping for an occasional ice cream cone. He maintains property in Bellaire with a pole barn and workshop where he travels with his son to spend the day.
When I asked Bob for his advice to anyone who might be considering moving from their own home to independent living, he mentioned that we should not live in the past but look forward to the future. I also inquired whether he liked his spacious apartment, and he said it was “just right.” When asked how he feels about living at Abbey Park, he answered, “It’s home away from home – everything you need is here. If you need to go to the grocery store, there is a bus to take you there.” He added, “Really, what more could you ask for?”
From my point of view, Robert Drudge might be part of the “Silent Generation,” but he truly is a class act.
ABBEY PARK IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING AFFORDABLE, LUXURIOUS HOUSING AND SERVICES OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY. OUR MISSION IS THE ENRICHMENT OF THE DAILY LIVES OF OUR RESIDENTS. WE OFFER AN ENVIRONMENT OF PLANNED WARMTH AND CARING THAT PROMOTES PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL BEING WHICH ENCOURAGES COMPANIONSHIP
AMONG OUR RESIDENTS AND STAFF. OUR STAFF IS TRAINED AND QUALIFIED TO SERVICE THE SENIOR RESIDENT WITH THE HIGHEST QUALITY SOCIAL PROGRAMS, NUTRITIOUS MEALS, HOUSEKEEPING, TRANSPORTATION, AND SECURITY. ALL RESIDENTS ARE TREATED “JUST AS WE OURSELVES WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED.”
BOB, HIS WIFE KATHLEEN AND THEIR THREE SONS – BILL, JIM AND BOB, JR.
Things are not always what they seem: Beware of identity fraud
Scam artists are constantly changing tactics to steal your personal identi able information (PII), including account usernames and passwords, Social Security numbers, birth dates, credit and debit card numbers, personal identi cation numbers (PINs) or other sensitive information. With this information, they
can carry out crimes like nancial fraud that can be di cult and frustrating for victims to remedy.
e United States Postal Inspection Service is working hard to stop these scammers in their tracks. You can help too, by familiarizing yourself with these identity fraud scams designed to trick you into giving up your
“ nancial DNA” and turning over your personal identi able information (PII) to imposters.
1. PHISHING
If you ever receive an email about a package delivery or unpaid online postage charges, usually with the subject line, “Delivery Failure Noti cation,” be careful.
ese phishing emails appear to be from the U.S. Postal Service but they are not and you should not interact with them. e phishing emails may contain either a spoofed or fake URL for you to follow or a le that if opened, can activate a virus, both resulting in stealing your personal information.
How can you tell if an email is NOT from USPS or the Postal Inspection Service? If the email requests “immediate action,” has poor grammar and spelling errors, asks you to con rm PII or asks for payment of any kind, you’re likely dealing with a phishing email. USPS o cials would never contact consumers directly asking for payment or PII.
If you receive a phishing email:
• Treat your personal information like cash.
• Don’t click on any links.
• Forward USPS-related spam emails to spam@uspis.gov.
• Report non-USPS spam emails to the Federal Trade Commission.
• Delete the email.
2. SMISHING
Have you received unsolicited mobile text messages with an unfamiliar or strange web link that
indicates a USPS delivery requires your response? You’re likely dealing with a smishing scam. is type of deceptive text message lures recipients into providing personal or nancial information. Scammers o en attempt to disguise themselves as a government agency, bank or other company to lend legitimacy to their claims.
Even if you’ve signed up for USPS tracking, pay close attention to the message. e Postal Service will never ask you for PII in a text message, redirect you to another site for payment, or contact you via text message, unless you initiated the request.
If you receive a smishing text message from the Postal Service:
• Don’t click on the link.
• Don’t reply.
• Forward the smishing/text message to 7726 or email spam@uspis.gov.
• Report non-USPS fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
• Delete the text message.
• Block spam messages.
• Review your cellphone bill for suspicious charges.
• Keep your security so ware up to date. →
3. VISHING
You may have enjoyed the game telephone when you were younger but calls from scammers trying to get your personal information are nothing to play with. A new twist on phishing, vishing is something you need to be aware of. Vishing is short for voice phishing and scammers will try to hook you as soon as you answer the phone. Here’s how to spot it.
Scammers call from a number that may look familiar or even appear to be from a legitimate source, like your bank or a government agency. e caller, however, is anything but legit. ey may claim there’s an issue with your account or a problem that requires your immediate attention. en the scammers will ask for sensitive information like Social Security numbers, credit card details or passwords.
To protect yourself from vishing:
• Verify the identity of the caller.
• Ask yourself why the caller is asking for your information.
• Never give out sensitive information over the phone.
• Report the call to the alleged bank, government agency or company.
• Block spam callers.
• Place your number on the national Do Not Call List.
tion before you scan. Some QR codes may be a form of phishing known as quishing.
If you receive a message from an unfamiliar email address or text message or nd a poster in a high-tra c location, don’t scan it. If you do, the QR code could take you to a scammer’s website (which may look legitimate) but is designed to scam you out of your PII.
Protect yourself and others by using caution and reporting suspicious emails, texts, calls, voicemails and QR codes to the proper authorities.
If you find or receive a suspicious QR code:
• Don’t scan it, especially if the message or poster urges you to act immediately.
• Report the QR code to the bank, government agency or company that the scam artist is impersonating.
• Block scam messages.
STAY ALERT!
4. QUISHING
QR codes are incredibly common nowadays. You’ve probably seen them on posters, food menus and TV screens. Take cau-
Scammers are always on the hunt for sensitive information. Protect yourself and others by using caution and reporting suspicious emails, texts, calls, voicemails and QR codes to the proper authorities. To learn more about how to protect yourself from identity fraud, visit uspis. gov/identity-fraud-2024. You can also nd additional fraud prevention resources on our website at USPIS.gov.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR FAMILY
For many people, the process of cremating a loved one is a mystery. At Swartz Funeral Home, our ten-step process guarantees that your loved one is well cared for at all times.
1. CODE OF ETHICS
We adhere to a strict code of ethics and procedures while your loved one is in our care. We only use Genesee Cremation Center, a member of the Cremation Association of North America, who we know and trust to uphold these ethical standards.
2. SAFEGUARDING PERSONAL IDENTITY
A personal I.D. tag is placed on your loved one the moment they are transferred into our care.
3. UNIQUE TRACKING SYSTEM
Upon arrival at the crematory, your loved one is logged into a tracking system and assigned an I.D. number, which is stamped into a stainless steel tag to track every phase of the cremation process.
4. FAMILY IDENTIFICATION
Our staff properly encases your loved one in the cremation container selected; then, we verify identity by comparing I.D. bands from the hospital or nursing home. In the case of a death at the family home, positive I.D. occurs when we arrive at the residence.
5. CHECKS & BALANCES
A crematory technician and licensed funeral director reviews all cremation paperwork and permits. Once all documentation is verified, the technician starts the cremation process.
6. CREMATION LOG BOOK
Immediately prior to the cremation process, your loved one is taken to the crematory and their personal I.D. is logged containing the name, date, I.D. number and crematory operator’s name. It is dated and initialed by a cremation technician before and after the cremation.
7. DURING THE CREMATION
The crematory checklist and I.D. card are placed on the outside of the cremation chamber during the cremation process. The metal I.D. tag is present in the cremation chamber during the process.
8. POST-CREMATION DETAILS
After cremation is complete, the remains are placed with the stainless steel I.D. tag into an urn. The I.D. card and cremation certificate are placed into our permanent files.
9. RETURN OF REMAINS
Our staff will notify you to schedule a time for picking up the cremated remains.
10. CELEBRATION OF LIFE
To appropriately celebrate the life of your loved one, we assist you in planning a funeral or memorial service either before or after the cremation.
We are happy to answer any other questions you may have about our cremation process, and the commitment we have to every family we serve.
TUX & TENNIES Whaley Children’s Center Gala
Randy Wise Motorcars, Grand Blanc | 6.18.2024
Nearly 300 supporters attended this extraordinary gala held annually to support the kids at Whaley Children’s Center.
Co-hosted by local radio personality Lisa Marie of CARS108 and longtime Flint TV news anchor Bill Harris, the evening’s vibrant atmosphere was lled with remarkable moments that showcased the community’s commitment and generosity.
In an elegant, yet relaxed ambiance, guests enjoyed a sumptuous culinary experience with food catered onsite by the renowned Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery. e event’s highlight was the live auction, once again featuring some truly unique and coveted items. e stars included two “ e Greatest Rivalry” sports packages graciously donated by the Wise family, bringing in an impressive $20,000! A creative “Name Your Own Cocktail” experience donated by e Vault Downtown (Fenton) raised $5,000. Many exciting items were also donated for a silent auction.
Funds raised at this event play a crucial role in supporting the Whaley mission. Speci cally, the proceeds will enhance the Clinical and erapeutic services o ered throughout the trauma-informed program, ensuring that all Whaley foster children have the opportunity to simply be kids.
e Tux and Tennies Gala truly embodied the spirit of giving and highlighted the impact that collective e orts can have on the lives of children in need.
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GLEASON PHOTOGRAPHY
The PARTY
Flint Institute of Arts | 6.1.2024
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GLEASON PHOTOGRAPHY
This year, supporters of the arts enjoyed the vibrancy of Latin American culture at “¡Viva la Fiesta!” e annual FIA fundraiser kicked o the Greater Flint warm weather event schedule with another exciting and fun- lled soiree.
Once again, the venue was transformed into the ultimate party space! Highlights included authentic cuisine provided by Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery, festive signature cocktails served by Drinks of Essence and dancing to Latin beats provided by DJ Eduardo Scizzahandz. Attendees also enjoyed special performances by El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil and Mexicuba. In addition, they had a chance to win a combination blown- and hot-sculpted glass work created by renowned glass artist John Miller (retail $7,800).
Funds raised by e PARTY support a variety of outstanding museum programming and outreach that bene ts thousands of area students grades pre-K - 12.
57 th Annual FLINT ART FAIR
Flint Institute of Arts
Cultural Center Grounds | 6.8-9.2024
Known as one of the most “Artist Friendly” venues in Michigan, this juried ne art and ne cra fair was attended by 3,500 enthusiasts during a cool, spring weekend.
Hosted by Friends of Modern Art, the fair featured over 125 established and emerging artists hailing from Michigan and beyond. eir works spanned a diverse array of mediums including ceramics, glass, painting, jewelry, ber, metal, mixed media, photography, printmaking, sculpture and wood. In addition, attendees enjoyed a variety of delicious food truck fare with live entertainment provided by Flint cover band Rode’o Drive and veteran folk trio Mustard’s Retreat.
Artist Booth awards were presented to Chad Anderson - 1st Place; Papillon Press (Vernon Wiering, Artist) - 2nd Place, and Mike Altman - 3rd Place, with Honorable Mentions given to Harry and Kimberly Welsch, and Christine Borowski.
PHOTOS BY ALICIA MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Dining with Nature
BY CHERYL DENNISON
July is National Picnic Month and there is no better way to spend a perfect summer day than by enjoying a simple meal spread out on a blanket in the sunshine. Fill your picnic basket or cooler with some delicious food and cold drinks, head out to your favorite park and you’re ready for al fresco fun.
e American Bakers’ Association founded National Picnic Month in 1952. And according to nationaltoday.com, the observance was created to celebrate the history of picnics and the way they bring people, cultures and even countries together. e word picnic is derived from the French “pique-nique.” Picnics go back to mid-18th-century outdoor French dining – a bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, some cheese and fruit made for an instant meal under the sky.
e best picnics include a scenic view, good company and most importantly, delicious food. It is important to keep it simple – think nger foods that travel well. National Today reports that you would be hard pressed to nd a more perfect picnic food than fried chicken! Pasta
salads and deviled eggs are delicious additions to the picnic basket. Also on the Top 7 list of picnic foods are homemade sandwiches, and it just wouldn’t be a picnic without the sweet, refreshing and classic summertime treat – watermelon.
Of course, a great picnic includes some tantalizing, yet simple desserts and brownies top the list of favorites. Since the weather in July is usually hot and sunny, it is always good to bring plenty of bottled water and other chilled beverages. Of course, lemonade tops the list of picnic drinks.
Besides the bountiful food and beauty of nature, a picnic brings families and friends the opportunity for the fun games we can play outdoors – corn hole is a favorite, as well as tossing the Frisbee. e most important thing is the time spent outdoors in the sunshine with family and loved ones. So, pack your basket, pick a park and get ready to partake in a perfect repast!
