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.
Publisher’s Note
Idon’t know about you, but I’m ready to celebrate this holiday season in grand style! While I’m grateful for every journey around the sun, I eagerly anticipate bidding a festive farewell to 2024 and diving headlong into the new adventures 2025 will undoubtedly bring.
As we close out 2024, it’s time to spotlight our “Cityzen of the Year” — and we couldn’t be more thrilled with our honoree! Dr. Ti any Quinn has dedicated over three decades to enriching our community through her unwavering commitment to social work, advocacy for vulnerable populations and the promotion of health and wellness. Earlier this year, she was recognized with the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to her extraordinary contributions to Flint. Don’t miss her inspiring story on pg. 6.
is issue also pro les another notable community leader: Todd Slisher, Executive Director of Sloan Longway. Over the past decade, Todd has merged his passion for science, education and community engagement to transform the visitor experience at the Sloan Museum of Discovery and Longway Planetarium. Learn more about him in our “7 Questions” feature on pg. 10.
Greater Flint is a hub of learning and innovation, and we’re shining a light on some of the area’s most exciting endeavors this month. e Genesee District Library is o ering a survival skills series this winter, taught by an expert in the eld (pg. 18). And, students at Swartz Creek Middle School have a cutting-edge hydroponics project taking root in their STEAM lab (bad pun intended!) Get the full story on pg. 14.
History enthusiasts are in for a treat with our newest contributing writer, Gary Fisher, President of the Genesee County Historical Society. He brings to life the nostalgia of Atwood Stadium and the legendary “Turkey Day Classic” football games between Flint Northern and Flint Central. You’ll nd his evocative piece on pg. 42.
With Christmas around the corner, our communities are brimming with festive celebrations. From the Flint Symphony Orchestra’s enchanting “Holiday Pops” concert (details on pg. 26) to a variety of other seasonal highlights featured in our “Holiday Can’t-Miss List” on pg. 22, there’s an abundance of ways to embrace the spirit of the season. I hope to see you out and about!
As always, this issue is packed with much more — delicious eats, stylish inspiration, health tips, event highlights and thought-provoking contributed pieces. Amid the holiday hustle, I hope you nd a quiet moment to curl up with this issue and enjoy all it has to o er.
On behalf of Team My City, I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas!
Where to Buy My City Magazine
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105 W. Shiawassee Ave. Fenton, MI 48430
810.629.8000
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Hurley Medical Center One Hurley Plaza Flint, MI 48503
810.262.9306
Publisher & Editor in Chief
Cityzen of the Year 2024
Dr. Tiffany Quinn
Empowering a Community: Dr. Tiffany Quinn’s Inspiring Legacy in Social Work
BY MARK SPEZIA | PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOROTHY COLE
Dr. Ti any Quinn was in high spirits as she eagerly made her way to the Genesys Conference and Banquet Center on March 23rd.
The renowned social work and mental health professional was elated to be among the speakers at a Women’s History Celebration Luncheon. Following her speech, Quinn settled into the crowd, which included her daughter Fueschie Jones, and listened to other presentations in anticipation of the keynote address “All Souls Matter to God” by friend and esteemed colleague, Dr. Alfreda Riley.
All the while, Quinn was unaware that some others in attendance were anticipating something else.
Roughly halfway through the event, Dr. Darcele Robinson, one of Quinn’s closest friends and most in uential role models, took to the podium and began to speak about honoring someone.
“She started to say that this person was being recognized for volunteering their time to several causes and their dedication to building a stronger, healthier community for some 30 years and I started to wonder if she might actually be talking about me,” Quinn recalls. “Then, Dr. Robinson mentions this person has been instrumental in serving the underserved population and has authored books and journals. When she began listing my specific
education, I started to tear up. I found out later that my daughter and a few other people there knew what was going to happen.”
Quinn, and later an equally stunned Riley, were both presented with Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards. Only those who have volunteered in their communities for at least 20 years are eligible for the honor.
Quinn’s award package included a certi cate signed by President Joseph Biden, a plaque and gold medal. Quinn also posed for photographs in front of a large, stand-alone poster featuring Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and signifying that Donations With Love Foundation, an organization Robinson helps run, nominated her.
“ e award was quite a surprise and a little overwhelming, but I’m very grateful,” Quinn says. “It’s more than just personal recognition for me, but a testament to the resilience of the community that I came from and the spirit of the people I’ve been able to help, and the partnerships I’ve formed to do important work in the community to make life better for all who are in it.”
Nominations for the award must be made by a certi ed organization – one granted authority through an application and review process to do so by the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Committee.
Once Donations With Love Foundation achieved certication, its board unanimously voted to nominate Quinn. e PVSA Committee selected her for the honor a er evaluating her body of work and personal story.
Quinn, 60, works tirelessly to serve the Flint area in ways almost too numerous to list. Her entire schedule, it seems, is dedicated to helping others in some form or fashion.
Among other things, the Flushing resident is administrator for the Flint Social Worker Network, a community of over 700 professionals dedicated to promoting collaboration and advocacy in social work. She takes great pride in mentoring younger social workers.
Quinn also serves on the boards of organizations like the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Serenity House, Mothers of Joy Institute for Parenting, and The Etiquette and Self-Image Institute based at Mott Community College. There, she mentors girls ages 13-19.
Other area organizations and groups request her services for various reasons. For example, they might need someone to lead a class in coping skills. Quinn has worked with students at several area schools, including Madison Charter Academy and Grand Blanc Community Schools.
Her resume also includes writing or co-writing four self-help books along with ve journals.
Quinn is a very active member of the Church of God in Christ and Bountiful Love Church, where she regularly delivers messages of hope and encouragement through faith and assists in the community outreach e orts of both churches. Overall, she averages about two speaking en-
“ e Lifetime Achievement Award is a tting honor for Dr. Quinn, acknowledging her substantial impact on the Flint community and her decades-long dedication to helping vulnerable individuals,” Robinson says. “Her sel ess e orts have signi cantly impacted many lives, providing crucial support and guidance to those facing challenges. Dr. Quinn has also been a mentor, role model and advocate for many in the eld of social work, inspiring countless students and colleagues.”
gagements per month at various events, workshops, seminars and celebrations.
How does she juggle it all?
“Fortunately, I’ve always been an organized person,” Quinn shares. “I live by my calendar, reminder settings, Siri and Alexa.”
She would not have it any other way. For Quinn, a full calendar means she is serving her community to the fullest.
own with a National Service Impact Award during the Governor’s Service Awards ceremony in November, has long admired Quinn’s passion for her profession.
“Each of my painful losses have served to reshape my life in different ways and certainly affected who I am and how I approach social work and being a mentor.”
Overall, her areas of expertise include self-care and mindfulness practice, race-related stress, mental health, generational and cultural trauma, and the intersection of faith and mental health.
“One of the most satisfying aspects of what I do is seeing the peace of mind I can give to people through working with them,” Quinn says. “I also value the relationships I’ve built with people and groups in the community to sustain our work. Seeing people I worked with as young students succeed is also very gratifying, like one young man I met when he was in sixth grade who now works in Gov. Whitmer’s administration.”
Robinson, who received some noteworthy recognition of her
“Dr. Quinn has exceptional mediation skills, and excels in crisis management, providing empathetic guidance and supportive solutions,” Robinson states. “Her work in Flint has been instrumental in providing much-needed support and resources to some of the most underserved populations, re ecting her unwavering commitment to social justice and community well-being.”
Originally from Ohio, Quinn’s family moved to Flint when she was eight years old a er which her parents divorced. Quinn and her two siblings were then raised by their mother, who began working for General Motors while also taking time for community service.
Seeing her mother somehow balance raising children on her own with a career and serving the community is what ultimately inspired Quinn to become a social worker and such a strong advocate for the underserved.
“It’s more than just personal recognition for me, but a testament to the resilience of the community I came from and the spirit of the people I’ve been able to help, and the partnerships I’ve formed to do important work in the community to make life better for all who are in it.”
“My mother nurtured me to work hard and believe in the importance of serving the community,” Quinn says. “We were part of a big church organization that reached out to those in need. Also, just seeing her advocate for my brother’s medical care as he suffered from juvenile diabetes was inspiring. Overcoming our struggles made a lasting impres-
through a divorce and was a single mother for 20 years.
Before transitioning to social work, Quinn owned a gift basket shop in Downtown Flint and worked in accounting and retail management. Along the way, she earned several degrees, including associate degrees in general studies and social work from Mott CC, a bachelor’s in social work from the UM-Flint and a master’s in social work from Wayne State. She then earned a doctorate in theology from Midwest College of Theology.
In addition to education, life experiences – some tragic – have helped Quinn become more e ective in her work. In 2019, her youngest son, Kourtney Jones, died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition at age 31. Quinn has also lost her mother, and David, her husband of 15 years, died in June.
“Each of my painful losses have served to reshape my life in different ways and certainly a ected who I am and how I approach social work and being a mentor,” she explains. “I’m still being guided by the light from my mother and losing her unleashed a vault of compassion and understanding I didn’t know I had. e loss of my son was just devastating, but gave me insight into how important having a support system is, because the community wrapped its arms around me and my family.”
Her husband’s passing brought to light other life lessons for Quinn.
it. I just feel more connected now to the depths of su ering that people can go through.”
From a young age, Quinn found writing, especially journaling, to be therapeutic. She began publishing her work the year her son died, beginning with the book Girl, Get Up and Win. Her other books are Joy 365 Days a Year and Girl, Get Up and Win Every Day She is also included in Unseen Heroes: Stories of Triumph in Social Work, an anthology of writing by mental health professionals.
Quinn’s journals include Self Care, Write to Heal, e Self Care Men’s Journal, e Devotional Self Care Journal, and e Self Care 365 Days of Gratitude. She also created a social work notebook.
“I started getting my writing published because I want to leave a footprint and a legacy for my grandchildren,” the grandmother of two says. “I can’t stress enough the healing bene ts of journaling one’s private thoughts and wanted to make it easier for people to get started doing that while o ering encouraging messages. I created a social work notebook to aid in the professional development of others in my eld.”
Clearly, Quinn has impacted countless lives and accomplished plenty during her career, but feels there is plenty more for her to accomplish.
sion on me to help others do the same thing.” Her mother was also part of a group that raised money for a playground to be constructed at Wilkins Elementary School in Flint.
Quinn graduated from Beecher High School in 1982, the same year she became a mother. She later married and had two more children during the 1980s, went
“Losing David reminded me of the importance of cherishing every moment with the ones we love and I still post memories of our time together to his Facebook page on a weekly basis,” Quinn says. “He was o en by my side as we worked in the community. David’s death also taught me how to lean on others for support, because that’s not always easy when you are the one usually providing
“My future plans include expanding my impact through education and mentorship and I’ll continue to work on initiatives to help make changes in education to better meet the mental health needs of students,” she says. “I also plan more books, maybe a memoir and other inspirational work based on my life experiences as a way of providing people with more resources and coping skills.” at is Dr. Ti any Quinn’s mission – always seeking ways to better the lives of others.
“Imagine spending most of your childhood in instability, bouncing between homes and never knowing if you’ll celebrate the holidays or where you’ll be when they arrive. For many foster children, the typical experiences of decorating, gathering for meals and sharing traditions simply haven’t been a part of their lives. Often, children come to us with little knowledge of these traditions and, worse, the feeling that they don’t deserve them. Th at’s why, for us, the holidays are a powerful time to introduce new, meaningful rituals that give each child a sense of continuity and belonging – two things every child deserves.”
AMY ANDERSON, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
“We organize decorating parties where kids and staff come together to hang ornaments, string lights and make the space feel like a true home. We gather for movie nights, hot chocolate in hand, and create holiday crafts that they can keep or give as gifts. We bake cookies and build gingerbread houses, sharing stories and laughs. Th ese shared moments allow our kids to feel what it’s like to belong, to be part of a family, even if it’s not the one they expected.”
JENNIFER MCKAY, CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER
Whaley Children’s Center
Creating Holiday Memories for Foster Kids
COMPILED BY CHERYL DENNISON
The Gift of Traditions and Belonging
For many children in foster care, the holiday season can be a time of conflicting emotions, blending hope with heartache. “Many have never had the chance to experience traditional holiday celebrations as we know them,” states Mindy Williams, President and CEO of Whaley Children’s Center. Others might associate this season with loss, chaos, or even feelings of isolation, she adds. But at Whaley, the foster kids see the holidays as a chance to rewrite their stories – a time not only for presents, but also the lasting gifts of warmth, belonging and tradition.
The Healing Power of Holiday Traditions
Through holiday dinners, tree decorating and gift exchanges, the Whaley team works to create festive environments filled with love and inclusion. They take time to explain the traditions – why they hang ornaments, light candles, or even leave out cookies for Santa.
They are teaching kids the stories behind these practices, encouraging them to make memories they can carry with them into adulthood, long after they leave Whaley.
Creating a New “Normal”
For many children in foster care, holidays are challenging – a reminder of what they’ve lost, of the families they can no longer be with, or the instability that marked so many years of their young lives. Knowing this, Whaley staff aims to make the season feel like a safe space filled with predictable, warm moments the kids can depend on each year.
Fostering Traditions That Last a Lifetime
“Many of our children won’t be with us forever, and we know that,” Williams notes. “Our hope is that when they think of the holidays, they’ll remember the warmth and acceptance they felt here and carry that feeling forward into their own lives and future families. We hope they’ll make hot chocolate, hang lights and feel empowered to create positive, joyful experiences for themselves and others.”
For the foster youth served at Whaley, the holidays are more than just a festive season – they are a bridge to healing, a new experience of family and a chance to write their own story, one that can be passed down through future generations. “This season, as you celebrate with your own loved ones, remember that our kids are learning the traditions, love and warmth that they will one day share with others,” Williams adds.
“From our family to yours, happy holidays! Thank you for helping us create lasting memories for these children –because, like all kids, they deserve to experience the magic, joy and belonging that this season can bring.”
Mindy Williams, President/CEO
Second Chances
Meet ELLIE
A Calico Queen Looking for Her for Forever Home.
At a little over ten years young, Ellie knows exactly what she wants –her own castle (or cozy corner) where she can rule as the one-and-only feline. Other cats? Not her thing. But don’t let her age fool you! Ellie has plenty of love and energy le , and she’s not too old to show you a few cool tricks with her favorite toy balls. She’ll happily pounce for a play session, then gracefully accept a wetfood treat (only the nest, please).
If you’re ready to welcome a spirited and independent companion, Ellie would love to share some holiday snuggles with you!
Holiday Can't Miss List DECEMBER 2024
Holiday Can't Miss List
DECEMBER 2024
Dec. 1
3rd Annual Festival of Trees & Merry Marketplace
Presented by Junior League of Flint
FLINT FARMERS’ MARKET FREE (Donation Appreciated)
Dec. 2-24 (Mondays)
Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic Drive-Thru
CROSSROADS VILLAGE
$10/Vehicle • 5-9PM
Dec. 4
Live Holiday Music w/Julie Hugunin & Dave Boz
CORK ON SAGINAW 6-9PM
Dec. 6
Holiday Music on the Bricks w/Darian & Joe Teshner
CORK ON SAGINAW 7-10PM
Dec. 6-14 (Weekends, Fri-Sat) City of Fenton Holiday Lights Tour ON THE MTA TROLLEY
12.6-7, 13-14 • 5-11PM
Dec. 7
Jingle Jam 3
Performances by Lainey Kay, Madison Olivia & More
BLACKSTONE’S SMOKEHOUSE
$10 Suggested Donation Old Newsboys Benefit 6:30PM - Midnight
UM-Flint Sounds of the Seasons Concert University Chorale & Chamber Singers
ST. PAUL’S
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
$5 (UM Students FREE) • 7:30PM
Holiday Cra Show
MONTROSE ORCHARDS 9AM - 5PM
12th Annual Song of the Lakes Holiday Tea
Presented by Song of the Lakes Chorus
DAVISON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
$35/person • 1PM
St. Robert
Christmas Marketplace & Cra s ST. ROBERT CATHOLIC CHURCH, FLUSHING FREE • 9AM-4PM
Dec. 7-8
“The Nutcracker”
Presented by Flint Institute of Music
FIM WHITING
$11 GC Residents 12.7, 7:30PM • 12.8, 3PM
Dec. 7-15 (Weekends, Fri-Sun) Annual Dickens Festival
DOWNTOWN HOLLY
12.7-8, 14-15
Dec. 7-22 (Weekends, Sat-Sun) 9th Annual Trail of Lights
Presented by Davison Township Parks & Rec KAREN MILLER EVENT CENTER
12.7-8 • 12.13-15 • 12.20-22
Dec. 8
“Christmas Around the World”
Presented by New Century Chorale ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
$15 • 4PM
Dec. 10 “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” FIM WHITING
$32 GC Residents • 8PM
Dec. 11
Holiday Bazaar Sip N Shop
SERENDIPITY SPA, LINDEN FREE • 6-8PM
Dec. 12
Glow for Hurley Children’s Hospital
BEHIND THE HURLEY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL 6-7PM
Home Free’s “Any Kind of Christmas” Tour
FIM CAPITOL THEATRE
$35 GC Residents • 8-10PM
Dec. 13 & 14
Winter Concert Fenton Community Orchestra & Simply Strings Orchestra FENTON HIGH SCHOOL FREE • 12.13, 7PM • 12.14, 2PM
Dec. 14
Holiday Walking Night
CREASEY BICENTENNIAL PARK - GRAND BLANC FREE • 6-7:30PM
Dec. 16
“Home for the Holidays”
Genesee Wind Symphony SWARTZ CREEK PERFORMING ARTS 7:30PM
Dec. 21
"Holiday Pops" with the FSO FIM WHITING
$11 GC Residents • 7PM
Dec. 21
Christmas at The Dort Center Live Music & A Message of Hope DORT FINANCIAL CENTER FREE • 12PM
Tuba Christmas & Carols Sing-Along
Presented by UM-Flint Theatre & Dance
FLINT FARMERS’ MARKET FREE • 12PM
Dec. 23
Downtown Fenton Luminary Walk
DOWNTOWN FENTON 4PM
Shop the Mitten!
SHIFT
ShiftMyStyle.com
Fenton, MI
Case Island Glass
Serving platters, wine corks & trinket trays created by Fenton-based glass fusion artist, Suellen Parker. Kilnformed and made with Bullseye glass –colorful, creative and great for gi ing!
COMPILED BY SHERRON BARDEN
Looking for unique holiday gifts? Love supporting local shops and Michigan-made products? Here’s a mit-full of ideas – pretty things, yummy things, practical things … all created in “the land shaped like a hand!”
Faygo Candles
Hand-poured at Heart of Michigan in Howell, these soybased candles feature all of Michigan’s own Faygo “pop” scents and SHIFT carries every one!
Shore Bags
Designed on the shores of Lake Michigan, this minority female-owned company has a sustainable mission & vision. Eco-friendly bags are made from 100% heavy-duty cotton canvas with content from post-industrial waste – meant to be used every day for every purpose, promoting elimination of single-use plastic.
Happy June
Clay Jewelry
Fenton artist Taylor Willbanks works for a Detroit based non-pro t but spends nights and weekends creating clay jewelry with interesting baubles and xings. She also donates 25% of all pro ts to a di erent charity each month!
FENTON’S OPEN BOOK
FentonsOpenBook.com
Fenton, MI
Handmade Woolen Mittens & Scarves
Created by two talented Fenton women … you can’t have too many!
Unique Silverware Beautiful, beaded pieces are hand-craed in Clarkston.
You can’t go wrong with a gift basket of MImade goodies! The fantastic variety includes: Fessler’s Sauce
Made in Brighton, these award-winning sauces & salsas are all natural, no added chemical preservatives – a variety
of spice rubs, gift sets and more. BBQ sauce is made with MI honey!
Wee Bee
Jammin High-fruit Premium Jams
Made in Bear Creek –Christmas Cranberry, Razzle Dazzle … yum!
Mackinac Artisan Loose Teas & Spice Blends
Handcra ed in Fenton, inspired by Northern MI vacation spots like Sleeping Bear, Northern Exposure or Charlevoix Nights.
ART AT THE MARKET GALLERY
ArtAtTheMarket.net
Flint Farmers’ Market
is unique, non-pro t art gallery is solely operated by nearly 30 local artists.
From chili to ice cream, the cozy folds around the bowl to protect your hands.
Doodle’s
Sugarbush Maple Bacon Jam
A sweet & savory addition to a charcuterie tray and much more. No preservatives, additives or arti cial ingredients.
HEART OF MICHIGAN
HeartOfMich.com Howell, MI
Recycled Tire Coaster Set
Made from 100% post-consumer recycled tires.
Michigan Outdoors
Campfire Mug
Sip with pride!
Ceramic mug with speckled nish. Microwave & dishwasher safe. (15oz.)
Michigan Outdoors
Sweatshirt Blanket
Cuddle with pride!
Fishes of the Great Lakes Hanging Print Walleye, Trout, Bass – vintage chart of the Fishes of the Great Lakes is printed on rip-proof material. (30” x 20”)
Michigangster
Baby Onesie
Any baby born or raised in Michigan can be proudly called a Michigangster!
Super-so poly/cotton blend, available in Dark Heather Gray, Mauve & Heather Marine Blue.
Feels just like your favorite sweatshirt. Cotton/polyester blend. (62” x 78”)
Artisan Bar Soap by Cellardoor
Made in small batches with skin-loving oils, mineral-based colorants, water & love. 100% vegan, biodegradable, sustainable, free of sulfates, phthalates, synthetic dyes & parabens. (5oz)
Merry Michigan smells like Siberian Fir, mango nectar, prickly pear – a long hike through your favorite tree farm to nd the perfect Christmas tree.
Happy Shopping!
Holiday
READING
COMPILED BY
List
Imagine curling up with a book that’s so good, you’ll forget the holiday chaos outside!
This Holiday Reading List has something for everyone: a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the last page; a spicy romance to warm up those frosty nights; kids’ books lled with enchanting illustrations to capture young imaginations; true crime that dives deeply into the twists and turns of our justice system, and a nostalgic tale that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Take a look!
• The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins
• Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions by John Grisham
• The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore
• The Wishing Bridge by Viola Shipman
F the Kids
• Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho by William Boniface
• How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett
• Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares
• A Stickler Christmas by Lane Smith
Grab your mug of cocoa (or your favorite holiday drink) and escape with a book that’ll make this season unforgettable.
KAREN PIACENTINI, Owner of Fenton’s Open Book
19th Annual TIES & TAILS HSGC BENEFIT
Genesys Banquet & Conference Center | 11.2.2024
The Humane Society of Genesee County celebrated another fantastic fundraising event, with community members rallying together to support the animals of HSGC. Guests arrived for an elegant champagne reception and a bustling silent auction before enjoying a delicious bu et dinner. Auctioneer Ashley Peters kept the energy high as he urged bidders to compete for thrilling live auction prizes, including getaway packages to Mackinaw City and Hilton Head Island, an exclusive dinner for ten prepared by Chef Luis of Redwood Steakhouse, a tour of the Jack Daniels Distillery in Tennessee, and the unique honor of having a pet named the 2025 “Ties & Tails Ambassador.”
e highly-anticipated reverse auction focused on a critical need: supporting the shelter’s spay and neuter clinic. With remarkable generosity, attendees raised over $50,000 for this cause. Here’s to the big-hearted folks of Greater Flint — your support truly makes a di erence!
PHOTOS BY RUFF LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
Tapology TAP DANCE FESTIVAL
FIM Whiting Auditorium | 11.3.2024
“Rhythms of Resilience, Resistance & Reclamation” delivered an unforgettable celebration of multicultural heritage through music, art, dance and storytelling, capturing the indomitable spirit and creativity of diverse traditions. Audiences were spellbound by an electrifying concert where tap dancers and musicians fused the pulsating beats of Jazz, Blues, Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Afro-Caribbean and West African music. A special highlight was the tribute to Karen Callaway Williams, honored as the 2024 “Tapology Living Legend.”
e lineup was a powerhouse of talent, featuring the Tapology Youth Ensemble, Detroit School of the Arts and celebrated tap artists and educators including Tapology CEO Bruce Bradley, Artistic Director Frances Bradley, Associate Artistic Director Kandee Hogan and honoree Karen Callaway Williams. Other renowned performers, like Alexandria “Brinae Ali” Bradley, Sarah Savelli, Maurice Chestnut, Michela Marino Lerman, Nico Rubio, Imani Taylor and Monessa Salley brought a dazzling display of rhythm and artistry to the stage.
e musical backdrop, rich with African drumming by Baba Kevin, the vocals of Cherisse Bradley and the award-winning sounds of musicians Gayelynn McKinney, Jonathon Muir-Cotton, Alex Colista, Reichlin Small and Tapology Music Director Nick Rolfe added layers of intensity and soul to the evening.
Founded in 2001, the Tapology Tap Dance Festival goes beyond performance, o ering Master Classes, Workshops, a Living Legend Luncheon, Historical Lectures and a Tap Competition, solidifying its place as a hub of tap excellence and cultural connection.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER FLINT
Great Futures Gala
St. Michael’s Conference Center 11.14.2024
PHOTOS BY ANTIONE MINOR
THEBoys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint (BGCGF) marked two decades of life-changing impact with the Great Futures Gala: Strolling through 20 Years of Impact. e event honored the organization’s commitment to providing opportunity and building bright futures for youth in Flint and Genesee County – over 1,500 served in 2024, alone.
Guests enjoyed a strolling dinner cra ed in partnership with Flint Social Club, featuring gourmet creations from top Greater Flint chefs. As Eclipse Band provided vibrant live entertainment, attendees explored interactive imagination stations that showcased the transformative programs BGCGF o ers youth daily.
Adding to the excitement, a silent auction and ra e included coveted items such as sports memorabilia, local artwork and gi certi cates. A particularly inspiring moment was the presentation of the Patrick McInnis Community Hero Award to Jamie Gaskin, CEO of United Way of Genesee County. e evening also celebrated the 2024 Local Youth of the Year, Bre’Azia Lee, and honored Patricia “Grandma Pat” Myles with the inaugural Outstanding Volunteer Impact Award for her years of tireless mentoring. e celebration didn’t stop there – attendees moved on to an energetic a erparty complete with DJ Hype spinning tunes, Luigi’s pizza, sweet treats and dancing. anks to key sponsors like Randy Wise Automotive and ELGA Credit Union, the event raised essential funds to support BGCGF programs, which focus on education, leadership, health and wellness for local youth.
