MCM August 2022 Digital Edition

Back to the Bricks 2022 TUNE UP PARTY WEEK A Week of Cruises

8

THE FUN CONTINUES THROUGH MAIN EVENT WEEK!

Monday

August 15

NIGHT AT THE SPEEDWAY

BIRCH RUN SPEEDWAY

Main Event Week begins with a Car Show from 4-8pm with awards for the Top 5 Vehicles voted by the people, and one Overall Best in Show Winner selected by Back to the Bricks.

Tuesday August 16

BRICKS FLICKS – US23 DRIVE IN GATES OPEN 5PM

MOVIE STARTS AT DUSK!

ELGA Credit Union is once again proud to sponsor the 13th anniversary of Bricks Flicks! e family-oriented party at the nostalgic US23 Drive In on Fenton Road will feature a showing of the 1973 sports drama “ e Last American Hero” (also known as “Hard Driver”) starring Je Bridges as NASCAR driver, Junior Johnson. Car enthusiasts gather early 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. Due to limited parking and the large number of participants, pop-up canopies must be placed either in front of or behind vehicles and must be taken down when the movie starts. Alcohol and grills are prohibited.

Wednesday & Thursday

August 17-18

ROLLING CRUISE

STARTS AT 4PM FACTORY ONE

Kicking o in Downtown Flint, excited crowds will line Saginaw St. all the way to Grand Blanc to watch the classic cars roll by. “Non-cruise” tra c is asked to use the center lanes so that spectators can easily view the cars.

SWAP MEET

8AM-5PM

KIRKRIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

G-8070 S. SAGINAW ST., GRAND BLANC 48439

is event is a convenient venue for car enthusiasts to share stories, locate and purchase accessories and parts they need to restore or modify a vehicle from individual vendors and major suppliers. For additional information, contact Ken Kelly 810.287.2548.

Friday, August 19

FREE CRUISE N’ CONCERT

6:15PM FLAT LOT (OFF SAGINAW ST., DOWNTOWN FLINT)

is big day includes a car show and a live concert sponsored by Big John Steak & Onion, Ashley Furniture and a special partnership with Tonic Events. Opening act Bad nger takes the stage before headliner, Atlanta Rhythm Section. e Flat Lot opens at 2pm for spectators and vendors.

Saturday

August 20

OPENING CEREMONY

10AM

DOWNTOWN FLINT

BUICKS ON THE BRICKS

e Opening Ceremony will begin with a rousing salute to our veterans and active-duty personnel. A Marine Color Guard accompanied by some of America’s nest will march south on Saginaw St. At the same time, a procession of ags and military personnel will march north to the center of Downtown Flint where the two groups will converge. is special ceremony will honor the men and women of the armed forces for their service and sacri ce for our country. BttB honors those who protect and defend the freedoms we hold dear, past and present, who made the ultimate sacri ce and those who continue to answer the call. Special military aircraft “ yovers” will thrill the crowd from high above Saginaw St. e main display area has something for everyone! ousands of the nest classic and custom vehicles, hotrods and dream cars line the streets. Beginning with the Opening Ceremony, you will want to be there to experience the excitement, see the Feature Cars, Drag City, check out the automotive vendors and taste the delicious food that is synonymous with the BttB – one of the nation’s best Classic Car Events. Special this year, the Ally Challenge Presented by McLaren presents hard rock band Count’s 77 on stage at the Flat Lot from 2-3:30pm.

For more than seven years, Flint’s Buicktown Chapter of the Buick Club of America has organized Buicks on the Bricks to complement the Big Show. Buicks will be on the bricks of Water St. just two blocks west of Saginaw St. in Flint’s historic Carriage Town District. It is our privilege to highlight the birthplace of General Motors where Billy Durant and J. Dallas Dort began manufacturing carriages in the early 1900s and honor Flint’s decades of Buick production. All Buicks are welcome including show cars, barn nds, modi ed and works in progress (sometimes the most fun!) Water Street and the Durant-Dort Carriage Company Headquarters parking lot will be lled with Buicks.

CORVETTE REUNION

Flint, the birthplace of “America’s Sports Car” proudly hosts a National Reunion for Corvette a cionados. Hundreds of Vettes will be on display including survivors, customs and restored beauties from every production year. Visit the National Corvette Museum booth near the Durant Hotel.

BACK TO THE BRICKS 2022 … A SIX-DAY EXTRAVAGANZA

YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

DEAR READERS,

I hope you’ve been enjoying the heat – we’ll be missing these “dog days” soon enough!

It has been a beautiful summer and My City was out and about capturing the fun in Greater Flint with great photos. is month, thousands will celebrate Vehicle City at Back to the Bricks® events all over Genesee County and beyond (see details on p.2-3). Amber Taylor, the busy gal in charge, is featured on p.8. She did a great job answering our “7 Questions.”

is month’s cover image may not be glamorous, but it represents something unique to Flint and a very special part of the community. Our writer Cheryl Dennison had a great day at Crossroads Village spending time with the Huckleberry Railroad train crew. is attraction – a City’s Choice Award winner – has been a beloved part of the community for … well, it seems like forever! Read the “behind the scenes” story starting on p.10.

Even in the face of many challenges, Greater Flint residents have a true sense of community; they reach out and help each other and care about the futures of their cities and neighborhoods. Have you heard of the Genesee Conservation District? It was created to protect Genesee County’s environment and natural resources. Perhaps you could volunteer for their next project – read more on p.14. Reaching out to North Flint youth and families is Active Boys in Christ, a group that o ers a mentoring program focused on teaching skilled trades, culinary and life skills. ey are changing lives and setting kids up for success. Check it out on p. 18.

Success is all about nding your path and being dedicated to the journey. A great example of this is highlighted in our “My Sport” pro le of Ellen Tomek – a Flint Powers Cathholic standout and one of only two U of M athletes to compete in three Olympics. What sport? Read more on p.38.

Pursuit of a dream can be all-consuming, or it can often get put on hold. Since I was young, I’ve dreamed of learning to y a plane; I even started taking classes decades ago (at Skybolt Aviation), which then took a backseat to my entrepreneurial and community service pursuits. National Aviation Day is August 19 and we have two stories about local pilots and aviation education –pretty inspiring, I must say! at starts on p.52. ere’s a lot more great summer reading in this issue with music, arts, eats, history and our variety of contributed content. Stay cool and enjoy!

anks for reading,

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF

Vince Lorraine

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR

Sherron Barden

ASSISTANT EDITOR / WRITER

Peter Hinterman

STAFF WRITER

Cheryl Dennison

FREELANCE WRITERS

Mark Spezia

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Erin Caudell

Dr. Christopher Douglas

Vera Hogan

Joel P. Lagore

Alexandria Nolan

Leslie Toldo

Shannon White

ART & DESIGN

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Hailey Worrell

WEB DEVELOPER / GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jonathan Boedecker

PHOTOGRAPHY

Katy Kildee

OPERATIONS

ACCOUNTING/CIRCULATION

Kim Davis

NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Dan Garman

SALES

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Terese Allen

ISSN#1559-3436 is published monthly by My City

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. e 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 e ort will be made however, to return rejected manuscripts, etc., if they are accompanied by su cient rst-class postage, but the publisher will not be responsible for any loss of such material. Copyright© 2022. All rights reserved. | Printed in U.S.A.

COVER PHOTO BY KATY KILDEE

7 Ques ons w h …

Photo by Mike Naddeo

Amber Taylor, CTA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BACK TO THE BRICKS

COMPILED BY SHERRON BARDEN

ACerti ed Tourism Ambassador for around six years, Amber has been the Back to the Bricks® Executive Director since January 2020. Once chosen for the position, she shifted straight into high gear, coming up with new ideas for growing the event and attracting a younger crowd to appreciate Flint’s rich automotive history. She will be on hand for the Tune Up Week Parties happening around Genesee County during the week of August 8-13 2022. While Amber has been super-busy promoting Back to the Bricks, she took some time to answer a few questions and let us get up-close and personal … read on!

1. WHAT WAS YOUR VERY FIRST JOB?

Instead of taking a college scholarship o ered to me for track and eld (high jump), I decided to place that on hold; I had some things I needed to work through and college had to wait. So, just one week after graduating from Red Blu High School (CA), I went full-blast into a summer job as a basic laborer at Sierra Paci c Industries in Red Blu and in four months, worked hard to become the company’s youngest female forklift driver. I LOVED it!

2. WHAT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE WOULDN’T GUESS ABOUT YOU?

I am a daredevil! I love walking on the side of danger. Skydiving was on my “Bucket List” so for my 40th birthday, I did it! I jumped from 14,000 feet in Grand Haven over the waters of Lake Michigan. I also love roller coasters and have a need for speed. I had a Yamaha R1 motorcycle and pushed it too many times over 120mph; so I now ride an older, Limited Edition Wide Glide Harley-Davidson. It still has the thrill, but I keep it slow and steady.

3. WHO HAS INSPIRED YOUR CAREER PATH MOST?

Honestly, my current career path was set by my parents who both worked full-time jobs while raising a family. My dad was a truck driver, but in his spare time he planned amazing barbecues, grilling our favorite Santa Maria-Style tri-tip, and he enjoyed working on and rebuilding old Chevy trucks. He taught me to drive in a 1981 Ford F250 4-speed, which is the truck I currently have and drive with my daughter to all Back to the Bricks events. My mom worked in my Grandpa Harvey’s automotive garage that specialized in classic cars and trucks. He worked on a 1966 Plymouth Fury 3 that my mom ended up buying and became the vehicle I drove back and forth to high school. So, cool cars and trucks have been in my life since I was born.

4. HOW WOULD YOUR FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU?

ey always tell me I give too much and o er help even when I need it myself; kind, loving, forgiving – someone who will always answer their phone and be there for you whenever or for whatever you need. Compassionate, understanding and always showing empathy for others ... I’m a lover, not a ghter!

gets me nervous is a yoga class or a resting room. A few years ago, Back to the Bricks had a Flint & Genesee Chamber event at a yoga studio and I had to leave. I started sweating. It was too quiet! I get the creeps being that relaxed and quiet. No thanks, not me.

6. WHAT WOULD WE HEAR YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT?

I love singing! I sing with my church in a contemporary rock band called nXt and I BEG my friends to go to karaoke. Fun Fact: I auditioned for “American Idol’’ Season 4 and was told by the judges that I need “more con dence.” ey probably should not have told me that because when I’m on stage now, it makes me over-the-top! I love interacting with the crowd and singing songs like “Goodbye Earl” ( e Chicks), anything by 4 Non-Blondes or Alanis Morissette, and give me some “It’s Raining Men” or “Why Haven’t I Heard from You” and I am ON FIRE!

7. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST WORK-RELATED THING YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE IN THE NEXT YEAR?

5. IF YOU HAD A WARNING LABEL, WHAT WOULD IT SAY?

“WARNING: Doesn’t do well in quiet and tight spaces.” I am loud and not afraid of large crowds. What

I am working on a project to help highlight the amazing statues built and already on display in Genesee County celebrating Flint’s automobile history and industry. I think we need more awareness – more people and more of our youth to hear their stories. e amount of history we have right here in our backyard is phenomenal! ®

AMBER’S “MINI-ME” DAUGHTER PEYTON ACCOMPANIES HER MOM AT MANY BACK TO THE BRICKS EVENTS.

(L-R) THE DEDICATED TRAIN CREW INCLUDES DANIEL WORTHY, ZACH HEBEL, LOGAN JORDAN, MICK KIMBALL AND LARRY COLEMAN.

All Aboard! Behind the Scenes at Huckleberry Railroad

BY CHERYL DENNISON ® PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATY KILDEE

There’s no better way to step back into a simpler time than by visiting Crossroads Village and taking a ride on the Huckleberry Railroad. I spent a beautiful, sunny day at the Village to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the railroad works.

About Huckleberry Railroad

It has been said that the Huckleberry Railroad got its name because the train ran so slowly that passengers could easily jump off, pick some huckleberries and jump back on again. Part of the Flint Pere Marquette Railroad, it began operating in 1857.

The train operates with coal-powered, steam engine locomotives. It currently pulls eight coaches, each numbered and each with its own story. The caboose serves several functions and is where the conductor sits during the train runs.

There are several railroad events scheduled throughout the year: Halloween at Crossroads, Christmas at Crossroads, Railfans Weekend and A Day Out With Thomas™.

During the summer, the train runs three times a day Thursday through Sunday – noon, 2pm and 4pm. The 40-minute ride travels nine miles of track and currently, the train can carry 350 passengers.

The Conductors

Incredibly cheerful, friendly and knowledgeable, the Huckleberry Railroad Conductors love what they do. Head Conductor Bill Cesaro is often seen playing his ukulele around the Village to entertain visitors. He has been employed there for 23 years, and says he has worked in every building at Crossroads. He previously worked in the model train department at Rider’s Hobby Shop in Flint. “I came out here to do the real thing,” he says with a smile. “My strength is all of these guys (his fellow conductors). Without them, this would be nothing – like a balloon without air.” 

HEAD CONDUCTOR

BILL CESARO

“It is a lot of work and there is a lot to it.” - JOHN HEWLETT RAILROAD CONSULTANT

Lewie Young, second in command, has been a conductor for the last 18 years and says his duties are very important.

“ e conductor is in charge of the train,” he explains. “He has control of the train and tells the engineer where to go and when to stop.”

Ken Lewis, who is third in command, has been a conductor since 1970, after working as a conductor for various other railroads.

“Handsome Harry,” now retired, was a conductor for 15

years and the most popular, mostrequested conductor, according to Cesaro.

Now that Harry has retired, Cesaro says Lewie is the most popular. “Everyone loves Lewie and he’s everybody’s friend. We call Larry Coleman

‘Hollywood’ because he always looks good and likes to be on camera.

“We are also an entertainment company,” Cesaro points out. “We are actors and just don’t know it. We are the

supporting cast and the train is the star of the show.”

What’s the best thing about being a Huckleberry Railroad conductor? “It’s the people,” Cesaro says. “We get to meet all kinds

of people and teach them history without them even knowing it!”

Note: Conductors serve double-duty, working as janitors, making sure the coaches are swept and cleaned after each run.

Getting the Train Ready

Getting the train ready for the day involves the engineer, brakeman and reman.

On the day of my visit, Daniel Worthy was the engineer on duty, Zach Hebel, Fireman; Logan Jordan, Fireman-in-Training and Larry Poleman was the brakeman.

obstructions such as fallen tree branches and use a variety of controls to operate the train, including throttles and air brakes.

e reman throws coal in the re and pumps in water to create the steam. Among other maintenance items, the brakeman performs an air brake test before the train runs every morning.

many people to maintain the train. e train engine crew includes 11 workers under the direction of Right of Way Supervisor Mick Kimball.

“We get to meet all kinds of people and teach them history without them even knowing it!” - BILL CESARO

e engineer monitors the train’s speed and ensures that the locomotive runs smoothly. ey observe the track for

The Rail Shop

Maintenance is a huge priority at Huckleberry Railroad and so is safety. And, it takes

According to Railroad Consultant John Hewlett, all of the mechanical work takes place at the Rail Shop where the steam locomotives are repaired, maintained and restored. The tool room holds an engine lathe, vertical turret lathe machine and a very large air compressor

Continued on pg. 81 

Grant Awarded to Plant Trees

In December 2021, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation granted $140,000 to the Genesee Conservation District to plant 250 trees throughout Flint’s nine wards over the next two years. Tree plantings began in the spring, with a goal of planting 200 in the first year. Planting sites will be based on multiple factors, such as residents’ interest, the presence of overhead wires and streetlights, availability of trees from nurseries and the salt tolerance of those trees.

GCD Administrator Angela Warren invites residents to request a tree to be planted in the grass strip between the sidewalk and curb in front of their house. She’d also like to hear from neighborhood groups who would work with GCD to plant multiple trees in their neighborhoods. Residents may contact GCD via email at geneseecd@yahoo.com.

“The benefits of a vibrant urban forest are numerous,” Warren said. “In order to maintain a healthy urban canopy, new plantings are an essential part of the equation. A healthy canopy reduces the amount of heat and humidity in a community, makes city streets more bike and pedestrian friendly, and even lowers the average driving speed.”

Source mott.org/news/releases/mott-foundation-grant-to-help-plant-hundreds-of-trees-in-flint/

Genesee Conservation District passionate about natural resources

BY CHERYL DENNISON ® PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GCD

Established in 1946, the Genesee Conservation District (GCD) was created to protect the environment and natural resources in Genesee County.

“We are a grassroots organization,” explains Administrator Angela Warren. “ e GCD was formed as a result of the e ects of the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. Our aim is to work with landowners and land managers of public and private land to implement conservation best management practices.”

Like other Michigan Conservation Districts, GCD is governed by a local, publicly-elected, ve-member board serving four-year terms.

e GCD is grant-funded and overseen by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

“We have a historical relationship with the USDA and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and partner with other local agencies,” Warren states. e GCD works in collaboration with the City of Flint and provides forest management for all city-owned trees throughout Flint.

“We o er technical assistance,” she adds.

“ ough we are not a tree service, we do provide property owners with recommendations and insight about tree care.”

Another resource the GCD o ers the community is education regarding natural resources and available technical services, as well as education about implementing conservation best management practices (BMPs). e sta includes experts who help with traditional and urban agriculture, soil health, forestry and water quality – from large tracts of land to vacant lots, Warren reports. ey also educate the public about invasive plant species and wildlife habitat. As an example, someone will call with a question about how to attract more wildlife in their backyard. “We give them advice they can implement on a voluntary basis,” she says.

As GCD administrator, Warren works with the board of directors, oversees all programs, activities, nances and grant management. e main o ce on Elms Road is open to the public.

“People can come in or we can schedule an

appointment to visit with them on-site,” she states. “We are here to serve the natural resource needs of the entire community.”

One GCD project takes place annually on Arbor Day, which is the last Friday in April, when they plant trees in city parks. is year, GCD planted 225 seedling evergreens in Pierce Park – red pine, white pine, Norway spruce – with help from 18 community volunteers. e trees will eventually help block tra c noise from Dort Highway. In the past,

GCD has planted trees in Longway, Cronin and Broome Parks.

“Longway Park is now a budding coniferous forest!” Warren exclaims.

“Additionally, this past April, we planted 200 trees in Bicentennial Park in Grand Blanc with 60 middle school students from the Perry Innovation Center.”

GCD has also done projects on some of the vacant lots in the City of Flint, including tree plantings and

Last spring, the City of Flint was named “Tree City USA,” the Arbor Day Foundation’s national recognition of efforts to keep the community tree-filled and green. This is Flint’s 22nd year receiving the designation. Pictured are (L-R) Betty Wideman (City of Flint), Angela Warren (GCD), Kevin Sayers (Michigan Department of Natural Resources), Jeffrey Johnson (GCD)

installing a pollinator garden. A vacant lot rehabilitation was done at Fifth and Garland Streets, which included benches and a walking path. Volunteers from General Motors worked with GCD on a vacant lot on Second Avenue between Mason Street and Grand Traverse. Currently, GCD is working to complete the Gilkey Creek

Subwatershed Project.

“A walking survey is in process and will point out soil erosion, log jams and how it a ects the water ow,” Warren explains.

Another aspect of the project includes surveying for pavement that is no longer utilized, making way for a future depaving and green infrastructure installation project. “ is all leads to better water quality,” she adds.

In April 2015, GCD worked with student volunteers from Flint Southwestern Academy to plant hundreds of trees in Longway Park. The photo on pg. 14-15 is of the same growing trees taken in July 2022.

Angela Warren, GCD

“We are here to serve the natural resource needs of the entire community.”

Empowering

Active Boys in Christ

BY CHERYL DENNISON

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PASTOR DERRICK WATKINS

Founded in 2017 by Pastor Derrick Watkins of Jachin Baptist Church in Flint, Active Boys In Christ (ABC) is a mentoring program that works directly with children and families. e mission of the charitable organization is to “empower the Flint community youth and families through skilled trades, culinary and life-skills that will promote and celebrate lifelong learning for the success of youth and families.”

Pastor Watkins originated the structure

of the program and works closely with his wife Christine Watkins, who is the director.

“We introduce youth to skilled trades, life application and character skills,” the Founder reports. “We teach them about honesty, respect and self con dence to help them better interact with society and improve behavior patterns.”

ABC o ers a summer program for Flint area youth ages 7-17 and in particular, those on the city’s north side. e maximum number of participants is 70 and

Above: The ABC program builds camaraderie between participants.

Below: A young participant learns to cook.

Our Youth

classes are held from 5:45-8pm, ve days a week. is year’s skilled trade focus includes: electrical, plumbing, carpentry and culinary arts; character skills such as honesty, forgiveness, respect and compassion. Classes are taught by volunteers who are licensed in their trades including electricians, carpenters, plumbers and those skilled in the culinary arts.

According to Watkins, an important part of the program is a mandatory parent meeting. “We let parents know what our expectations are for their youth,” he explains, “and we let them know what they can expect from us.” e participating youths must also sign a document agreeing to the expectations. “We have had great success with this.”

is year, the projects for youth ages 7-12

include building a wishing well, a trellis and a ower box. On Wednesdays, the participants cook their own food under the direction of an executive chef. Youth ages 13-17 are working on remodeling two houses. e project involves installing windows, siding, dry wall, electrical, plumbing and cabinetry.

From October-April, ABC also o ers weekly tutoring sessions for youth ages 7-17 in the homework room at Jachin Baptist Church. “We focus on whatever subject the student is struggling with,” says Watkins. College students, teachers and professionals volunteer to help the students.

Something very exciting is in the works for the ABC organization. ey purchased property on Branch Road, which was an old mobile home community. 

Above: Young program participants are taught carpentry skills.

Below: This year, youth ages 7-12 were tasked with building a wishing well.

“Our hope is to build a youth development training facility there,” Watkins reports. ey are currently working to clean up the property and remove all of the trash and debris. “Our goal is to construct a skilled trades curriculum-based center to help youth get involved in skilled trades.”

Left: This year, youth ages 13-17 are working on remodeling two houses learning window installation, siding, drywall and more.

And, the program is life-changing for the participants. “Over the last six years, the ABC program has impacted over 300 youth!” Watkins exclaims. Learning a skilled trade gives them the opportunity to earn income with zero school debt, he adds, noting that there is a need for skilled trade workers with so many journeymen now of retirement age. “If you like to work with your hands you can learn a skill, take it anywhere you want and earn an income.”

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

Frederick Douglass

e Summer Youth Program has the support of local foundations and donors including the Charles Stewart Mott and Ruth Mott Foundations, Goyette Mechanical, e Parks Foundation, D&W Windows, McNaughton McKay, Local 948, Kalakay Construction, Inc., William E. Walters, UAW Local 659, Real Estate for a Cause and Jachin Baptist Church.

Watkins says the words of Frederick Douglas ring very true: “It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” He adds, “Our goal is to help build and change our community, one child at a time.” ®

Active Boys in Christ Founder Pastor Derrick Watkins and wife Christine Watkins run the organization.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BEALE ST. SMOKEHOUSE BBQ

New Place, Same Great Food

BY CHERYL DENNISON

There’s a place in Fenton where all the meats are cooked “low and slow” and the results are absolutely delicious. Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ recently moved to a new location, the former John’s Pizzeria & Restaurant. Co-owned by Phil Canup and his daughter Lisa Reading, the eatery has been serving real Memphis-style slow-smoked pork, brisket, ribs and chicken since 2006.

Until May of this year, Beale St. was located o U.S. 23 Exit 80 behind Smitty’s gas station in Fenton. “It was Lisa’s idea to buy the old Johnny’s,” Canup shares. John’s Pizzeria was a family-owned restaurant that had many loyal and longtime customers for 58 years. “It’s all about local, family businesses and we want to continue that tradition.” 

Three large smokers (left) run 24 hours a day. Memphis-style ribs and brisket are customer favorites.

And this business is all about family. Canup’s granddaughter, Emma Reading, is the bartender and grandson, Matthew Reading is the manager. “We consider our sta as family, too,” he admits. “I created the look and feel of the restaurant and Lisa has an extensive background in the restaurant business.”

According to Canup, moving to the new location took a lot of hard work and a lot more time than they planned. “We wanted to open in December or January but it was delayed; the City of Fenton required us to do more work on the kitchen,” he explains. “We had to get bids from contractors and approval from the city and redo the kitchen. But when we nally opened for business, it was a lot more e cient. e kitchen is larger, we have a larger sta and three times as many customers!”

e new Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ has a large dining room and a banquet room for rental. “We have already hosted several banquets here,” Canup says. “It’s been really busy. We’ve had a full restaurant and a banquet going on at the same time.” e restaurant also offers full-service, on-site catering for all kinds of occasions such as wedding receptions, birthdays, corporate events, graduation parties and reunions. e full bar has 16 beer taps, 16 seats and a small dining area; it is known for a large variety of Michigan craft beers, bourbon cocktails and specialty drinks served in Mason jars.

Continued on pg. 85 

”It was a good move! We want to thank all of the people who supported us through this transition.”

For co-owners Phil Canup and his daughter Lisa Reading, Beale St. is all about family.

Breakfast for Dinner

BY ERIN CAUDELL

When I was growing up, “breakfast for dinner” was a staple meal. Sometimes when we can’t gure out anything to have for dinner at my house, apple pancakes are a real crowd pleaser. With this recipe, I may have made them a little healthier than what I remember eating as a kid. My grandmother made the original version sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and the pancakes had chunks of apple in them (which you can still do!) is healthier version cooks up a little quicker and can be made gluten-free by simply using gluten free oats. For breakfast, you could also add a tablespoon of protein powder to the batter for an extra morning “punch” to get you through until the next meal.

Apple Pancakes

Ingredients

• ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce

• 2 eggs (or flax egg)

• ¼ cup unsweetened oat milk

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1 Tbsp maple syrup

• 1 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp allspice

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• ¼ tsp salt

Tip

This recipe makes 6-8 pancakes, so double up and have extra for the next morning!

To Make

1. Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. If the batter seems too thick, add a few more tablespoons of oat milk.

2.Heat the griddle and coat with canola oil or vegan butter.

3. Pour batter in 1/3 cup portions, cook 2-4 minutes on each side.

4. Top with maple syrup and/or chopped apples and cinnamon.

Erin Caudell is co-owner of The Local Grocer, a horticulturalist, herbalist and farmer.

Local Eats & Drinks

4462

CIAO ITALIAN BISTRO & WINE BAR

CORK ON SAGINAW

“Made from the Earth, Smoothed with Water, Kissed by the Air, and Transformed by Fire.”

Native House Ceramic Co.

Evoking the Natural World

BY PETER HINTERMAN

AtNative House Ceramic Co., Meg Bundy harnesses the beauty, power, durability and forgiveness of the earth and its elements to create timeless inspirations and facsimiles of our planet and our shared ancestral stories.

“ e Earth is our shared native house,” she states. “We all have an innate ability to live closer to nature.”

e Flushing native and Clio High School graduate entered the art world as a painter. “I enjoyed ceramics, but felt I was better at painting than working with clay,” Bundy remembers. As a young student, she took classes at the Flint Institute of Arts and then at Mott Community College, eventually transferring to and graduating from the University of Michigan-Flint with a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education. “I taught at Goodrich High School for 12 years and that’s where I re-kindled a love for ceramics. I thought that if I was going to teach it to my students, 

Above: Meg Bundy in her natural habitat.

Photos Provided by Sugar Leaf Photo Co. and Meg Bundy

I should learn more about it,” she says. “I dug out an old kiln that my mom found at a garage sale and a wheel she purchased for me. e rst pots I made were pretty wonky and uneven,” she laughs. She continued to practice her pottery and paint. “I set up an Etsy shop that I used as a website to display my work,” she says. “I listed my ceramics and they started to sell frequently.” Her individual pieces and ideas were a hit and she began dedicating more and more time to clay. “It became a part-time job and I even started selling my pieces wholesale to an interior design company,” she adds. “I quit my teaching job and took some time to run a community studio in Flushing for about four years. en, the pandemic hit.” It was then that her ceramic business took o and Bundy dedicated herself to her art full-time. Her work has been exhibited at Buckham Gallery and featured in an issue of Country Living magazine

Her creations and collections are unique. Each item, design, picture exists by itself as a one-of-a-kind piece of art,

yet together as part of humanity’s collective unconscious, part of our natural world. (According to psychoanalyst and philosopher Carl Jung, the “collective unconscious” is the deep-rooted, unconscious knowledge and imagery that every person is born with and shared by all human beings due to ancestral experience.) is is by design. Each theme is inspired by nature and our relationship with it. “I’m endlessly fascinated with folklore and creation stories and how ancient humans interacted with the environment,” Bundy explains. “ at ancient interaction is something common to all of us. Our ancestor’s reciprocity with the plants and animals of our world is what connects us. My designs are meant to nd and re-establish that connection.” Her recent collections include “Medusa,” “Strawberry Moon,” “Mushrooms” and “Crow Magic.”

Every piece Bundy creates is hand-made, taking sometimes 5-6 hours from start to nish and each piece is singular, never to be repeated. “ ey are intentionally 

Bundy’s designs are inspired by humanity’s shared folklore and connection to nature.

Collections represented here are “Strawberry Moon” (above), “Medusa” (right top), “Mermaids” (right) and “An Ode to Bees” (far right).

Bundy creates a variety of items for everyday use and decoration and there’s always something new with each release.

made to be one-of-a-kind,” she states. “I may redo collections now and again, but I will never use the same design. My intention is for them to be heirloom pieces passed down through generations.” Inspired by the Great Lakes, the “Mermaid” collection” is her most recent and features mugs, candlestick holders, sea urchin bowls, nautilus shell match-strikers and goblets with a water-blue glaze of her own creation. In addition to ceramic pieces, the collection includes driftwood wall hangings. “I try to make something di erent and unique for each new collection,” she adds. Bundy usually releases a new collection monthly or bi-monthly on social media, and pieces go fast. “Mugs usually sell out within minutes of release,” she says. In the future, Bundy plans to work on and release the “Butter y” and “Tree Magic” collections. “ ere may even be a ‘Bigfoot’ collection,” she laughs.

Meg Bundy never thought she would be able to dedicate her life to art, especially ceramics. “ e gratitude I feel is immense,” she says. “It’s unreal to get to do what I love and I am blown away by the response I have gotten from customers all over the world. I hope my designs inspire people to once again reconnect with our natural world, ancestors and each other.”

Visit shopnativehouse.com for one-of-a-kind mugs, vases, palettes, planters and more. For news, updates and collection release information, visit Native House Ceramic Co. on Facebook and Instagram. ® each item, deign, piCture exists by itself As a one-of-a-kind piecE of art.

RSummer Trends from

BY SHANNON WHITE

yesteryear

emakes are everywhere right now – from TV shows to movies to music – even history tends to repeat itself. And fashion is no di erent. Styles have a tendency to show up again every few decades. As teens of the ‘90s, some of us wish we had held on to our clothing from that decade. Let’s take a look at what’s as trendy now as it was years ago.

As they were in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, orals are popular again. Maybe you’ve seen oral dresses in some of the stores lately designed with long sleeves and high necklines reminiscent of “Little House on the Prairie.”

And maybe (just like us), you’re shaking your head and saying “nope” when you see them! A better, updated oral look can be found at SHIFT in Downtown Flint.

Check out the Julie Bown Clairemont halter dress for the perfect summer wedding look. Or the bright colors of the Allison Natalie dress, which are a perfect choice for dinner out or strolling through an art fair.

e Sugarlips Kailua dress combines a few ‘80s trends that have returned: pu ed sleeves, a oral print and ru ed skirt. e large ower pattern keeps your look updated minus the “Laura Ingalls Wilder” vibe.

THML Smocked Confetti Flutter-top

Duffield Lane Jordan Top

Allison Natalie Dress

Julie Bown Clairemont Halter Dress

Ah, the ru es! As a young girl in the ‘80s, one of us had a much-loved ru ed skirt; the matching top had “My Little Pony” on the front. Fortunately, we can still embrace ru es today and leave the “kiddie” look behind. Ru es. Are. Everywhere! ey are adorning necklines, on sleeves, hemlines, down the front of a top – there’s no limit to where you’ll nd them. At SHIFT, we think the ru e trend is so much fun because it is youthful, but you can control how youthful an out t is by the placement and number of ru es. e simple ru ed neckline of the Gretchen Scott Sundial dress adds a touch of fun and interest to the elegant silhouette. e neckline and cascading ru es on the THML Smocked Confetti Flutter top are perfect for adding a special touch to your favorite jeans. If you’re really a ru e (and oral!) fan, check out the Sugarlips Nani ru ed skirt. It’s the best way to elevate your favorite tee.

One more trend from yesteryear that we can’t ignore is the pu ed sleeve. It’s a fun way to add interest to an otherwise basic style, like the striped Du eld Lane Jordan top – a great addition to your white jeans for summer. Want to get more creative with your sleeves? You can’t beat the THML Embroidered Balloon Sleeve top. e vibrant colors pair perfectly with any neutral bottom.

So, after your next shopping trip, pull on your new favorite ru ed, oral pu ed-sleeve top, turn on an episode of your favorite ‘80s or ‘90s sitcom (remember those?) and let the nostalgic memories of a simpler time wash over you. ®

Shannon White is an architect, designer and fashionista – a small but mighty cheerleader of all things Flint! Holding both Bachelor of Science and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of Michigan, she is the founder of the FUNchitecture design firm and co-founder of she-powered Downtown Flint retail business, SHIFT.

Gretchen Scott Ruffle-Neck Sundial Dress

Sugarlips Nani Ruffle Skirt

THML Embroidered Balloon-Sleeve Top

Sugarlips Kailua Ruffle Dress

For the LOVE of the SPORT

BY MARK SPEZIA

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROW2K

At the recent Tokyo Olympics, Tomek (front) with Meghan O’Leary, Alie Rusher and Cicely Madden finished 10th in quadruple sculls.

In the beginning, Ellen Tomek’s rowing goals were rather modest.

Not long after starting classes at the University of Michigan in the fall of 2002, the former Flint Powers Catholic basketball and softball standout found herself seeking a new competitive outlet.

e answer came in the form of a ier announcing tryouts for the University’s Novice Women’s Rowing Team.

“My biggest goal at the time was nding a way to stay t and not experience the weight gain that sometimes happens to college freshmen,” Tomek recalls. “I saw the ier for rowing tryouts and felt I would love to be in a sport where you get to drive to a lake to practice, because I spent so much time on the water growing up. So, it was a great way to stay in shape, meet new people and avoid putting on the ‘Freshman 15’ pounds.”

Tomek, who treasures time spent at her grandfather’s cabin on Avalon Lake in Hillman, made the squad and accomplished that goal. She didn’t gain an ounce and was soon dreaming bigger dreams.

From that point, Tomek began a crazy ascension in the sport, pursuing and realizing ever loftier goals. In a mere six years, she transformed from novice to Olympian.

By the next season, Tomek was promoted to the Second Varsity Eight boat. As a senior, she moved up to the First Varsity Eight, made Second-team All-Big Ten, Second-team All-American and was named Michigan’s Rower of the Year. Later that same year (2006), Tomek made the rst of 11 appearances in a Team USA uniform, placing fourth in the pairs competition at the U23 World Championships with former Michigan teammate, Stesha Carle.

e next year, Tomek competed in her rst World Championships, nishing sixth in quadruple sculls. At the 2008 Olympics, she placed fth in double sculls with partner, Megan Kalmoe.

By the time Tomek nally retired last year, she had placed in the top ten at three Olympic Games and in the top six at ve World Championships, including two medals. She also won ve Rowing World Cup medals and was named 2017 Female Rowing Athlete of the Year by US Rowing. 

At U of M, Tomek was named second-team All-Big Ten, second-team All-American and Michigan’s Rower of the Year in her final season.

Tomek and hurdler Ti any O li-Porter are the only female University of Michigan athletes who have competed in three Olympics.

e 38-year-old, who now lives in Hollister, CA has continued receiving accolades in retirement. In April, e Michigan Daily, Michigan’s campus newspaper, included Tomek in an article entitled “5 Impactful Wolverine Women,” along with the likes of Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan Collins and 20-term U.S. House of Representatives member, Marcy Kaptur.

In June, Tomek learned she is a member of U of M’s 2022 Hall of Honor class.

“For me, the Hall of Honor is an incredible honor because it’s a re ection of my entire career and not just a moment in time like a race medal is,” she says. “It’s really a special appreciation and recognition for what I’ve accomplished as a whole. Being part of the article about Michigan’s most impactful women also meant a great deal because it’s a reminder of the in uence you can have by being successful over a long period of time.”

And the secret to that success?

“Overall, for me, it was just dedication and a love of the sport,” Tomek says. “Also important is the ability to regulate your emotions and handle all the highs and lows. If you

celebrate a win for too long or spend too much time dwelling on a loss, you are going to get caught o guard by the competition during the next race. It’s crucial to stay focused on preparing for each individual race.”

Mark Rothstein, who recently completed his 31st season as U of M’s head rowing coach, vividly recalls the freshman from Flushing who took to the sport like, well, like a sh takes to water.

“We never recruited Ellen and had no idea who she was until she made the team at that open tryout, but she was a really good athlete and began developing as a rower,” he says. “Sometimes, a talented basketball or volleyball player wants to try rowing, but does not always respond to the very demanding training. Ellen really took to the training, kept getting better and I knew she would continue getting better after she left Michigan.” At U of M, Tomek helped the Wolverines win a Big Ten championship and third-place nish at the NCAA Championships her sophomore year, and take eighth at the NCAA Championships as a junior.

As a senior, she was in the third seat on the First Varsity Eight boat which was second at the Big Ten Championship and sixth at the NCAA Regional.

“I became really motivated to work my way to the First Varsity Eight,” Tomek says. “I really looked into the numbers and concentrated on how I beat my previous performance the next time. Over time, a lot of learning from coaches and teammates and extra work like studying video paid o .”

All that work resulted in Tomek dropping her best time in a six-kilometer time trial by over a minute during practice in her senior year which prompted a question from Rothstein.

“Have you ever thought about making the national team?”

“I was like ‘Honestly, no. Not until right now’ because I had not been close to fast enough,” Tomek recalls. “After that, I began thinking how I could make that happen.”

Tomek and Carle were among those invited to US Rowing’s U23 Selection Camp which began about three weeks after Tomek’s college career ended. Not only were both picked for the World U23 Championships in July of 2006, but they were paired with each other. 

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN ATHLETICS

Tomek then moved to Princeton, NJ to train at US Rowing Headquarters, sharing a residence with future two-time Olympic gold medalist Erin Cafaro and Megan Kalmoe. Training there helped Tomek make Team USA’s roster for the 2007 World Championships in quadruple sculls.

Heading into Olympic year 2008, she had also discovered something.

“During the process of making the 2007 World Team, I really took to sculling which is di erent from the sweep-rowing we did at Michigan,” she explains. “I had been aiming more for the 2012 Games when I moved to New Jersey, but began to think I was good enough to make it in 2008.”

e grueling training that Tomek thrust herself into during a 15-year international career resumed. roughout much of the year, she trained for six hours a day, six days a week in the gym or in a boat before 1-2 hours of what she calls “recovery training” on the seventh day.

“ ere was never a time when I was not training, it’s a full-time job; although I was able to earn some extra money coaching,” she shares. “Doing what it takes to recover in time for the next practice is as important as things like getting enough sleep.”

Tomek focused on making the Olympic team in double sculls. At a Team USA camp in San Diego during the winter prior to the Games, coaches paired Tomek with Kalmoe for the rst time.

“Literally from the rst strokes o of the dock, it felt like we were absolutely ying,” Kalmoe wrote in a blog post in 2013. “I had never had a boat move so well. Both of us were caught by surprise. We started beating all of the other doubles (pairs) – crushing them.”

e pair won a National Selection Regatta before placing seventh and fourth at two World Cup events which resulted in being selected for the Olympics.

In Beijing, Tomek and Kalmoe placed third in their heat before winning their repechage to qualify for the nal.

“I was a little starstruck at that rst Olympics and

At the 2016 Olympic games, Tomek (left/front) and Meghan O’Leary finished 6th beating two-time defending World Champions from New Zealand on the way.

“What Ellen achieved is no surprise to me. She is a great person with great character who embraced the concept of working as a team right away.”

Mark Rothstein Head Coach, U of M Rowing

felt like I was part of a Cinderella story,” Tomek says. “Winning a medal was what we worked for, but it was a great experience staying in the Olympic Village, meeting athletes from other sports and other countries.”

Tomek and Kalmoe followed the Olympic performance with a sixth-place nish at the 2009 World Championships, but rib injuries then began taking a toll on Tomek.

She struggled to stay healthy from 2010-2012 and did not qualify for the 2012 Olympics. Kalmoe then shifted her focus to quadruple sculling and Tomek began the next chapter of her career with new partner, Meghan O’Leary. ey nished seventh at the 2013 World Championships and sixth in 2014 before slipping to 11th in 2015. However, Tomek and O’Leary bounced back when it mattered most in 2016, winning the Olympic Trials.

At the Olympics, they nished just fourth in their heat, but rebounded to place second in the repechage. In the semi nals, they roared past the two-time defending 

world champions from New Zealand to snag the third and nal spot in the gold medal nal where they nished sixth.

e pair’s greatest success came at the 2017 World Championships when they captured a silver medal, beating two of the teams that had nished ahead of them in the Olympic nal. No American pair had ever nished higher in the event in the World Championships and none had even won a medal in 27 years.

Later in the year, while eating lunch at a Whole Foods store, Tomek received a call from someone at US Rowing and learned her female peers on the national team had voted her Female Athlete of the Year.

“ at was an incredible and emotional moment because it’s an award you only receive through voting by others in the sport, which means everything to me,” she says. “I had actually missed about six months of actual rowing training from the start of that year with an elbow injury, but the World Championships were not until late September. It shows that you never know what can happen on any given day.”

ey followed that success with a bronze medal at the 2018 World Championships.

Tomek emerged from the chaos of the coronavirus pandemic, often having to train alone, with one more shot at Olympic glory. She was selected for Team USA’s quadruple sculls boat for the Tokyo Olympics along with O’Leary and Olympic rookies Alie Rusher and Cicely Madden.

e foursome nished 10th.

“Ellen’s international success is a testament to her dedication to training and the perseverance to continue working through any setbacks for a period of 16 years,” Rothstein says. “She worked hard to develop great top-end speed to really go hard and great aerobic capacity, so what Ellen achieved is no surprise to me. She is also a great person with great character who embraced the concept of working as a team right away.”

ese days, Tomek is part of the team at VISA nancial services, working as a risk and fraud concerns account manager. Away from the o ce, she now keeps t on land through activities like mountain biking and hiking and is enjoying more time with girlfriend, Jennifer Lico.

“I miss the racing, but not the day-to-day training of rowing which started to take a mental toll on me,” she says. “My new job of putting out res for people with concerns about their credit accounts is very satisfying. I’m just enjoying some things I have not had time for and loving this chapter of my life.” ®

Tomek (left) and O’Leary captured the bronze medal at the 2018 World Championships.

Tomek & O’Leary check their time at the 2016 Olympic games.

PHOTO

BY PETER HINTERMAN ® PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MIKE ROBERTS AND VICARIANT

IT’S

all about the show. When that rst note hits, when the ri takes o , Vicariant explodes.

“It’s all energy and right from the start we are all into it,” says guitarist Jake Morrison. “We just want to play anywhere and everywhere,” adds guitarist Zak Held. “Really, we believe success is 40% music and 60% show.” e band’s frenetic live performances and raucous rock sound has been turning heads in Greater Flint and around the state since its inception nearly a decade ago. eir reputation is such that they were voted “Favorite Local Band” in the My City Magazine 2022 City’s Choice Awards, despite not being able to play a local live show since the pandemic began. It was an award of anticipation for their next big production. “Yeah, when I rst heard that we had won, I was shocked,” says Held. “I mean, we haven’t been able to play live much for nearly two years.” at will change soon in a big way with the band rumbling straight forward, refreshed and hell bent on a dynamic end to the year with new music and upcoming shows.

The premise of the whole thing is that we want our fans to live vicariously through us. We want to be the vicariant.

Vicariant found its start when drummer Mike Roberts uncovered a hidden talent. “I probably shouldn’t tell this story but, why not?” says Held as the band laughs. As the story goes, Roberts and Held were both into playing the video games “Guitar Hero” and “Drum Hero.” Roberts stated that one day while playing “Drum Hero” he believes he gured out how to actually play the drums and told Held that the two should start a band. “I basically just told him ‘okay’ and left it at that,” Held remembers, “but soon after that, I heard him playing drums along with songs by Metallica and other bands. I immediately ran to grab my guitar and that was it.” Roberts and Held recruited bassist Jake Morrison, guitarist Matt Gilson and singer Noah Fox. “It was basically Noah who named the band,” states Held. “ e premise of the whole thing is that we want our fans to live vicariously through us – we want to be the vicariant, so to speak. When we started, our slogan was “Tonight, We Live” and is one of the reasons we put everything possible into our shows.” After being together for nearly eight years, singer Fox and guitarist Gilson left the band to pursue new dreams and opportunities. To ll their spots, Vicariant has added singer Brandon Curry and bassist Dave Asbridge (Morrison moved over to guitar) and the band never missed a beat. If anything, they are hungrier and more driven to be the greatest show in metal.

Vicariant is known for the kind of “in-your-face” music that is not for the faint of heart. ey play the hardest of heavy

Vicariant is known for the kind of in-yourface music that is not for the faint of heart.

metal but, the band would like to point out, that’s not their only style. “We are the ‘mutt’ of music,” says Curry to the agreement of the rest of the band. “ ere’s variety to what we do.” “We have learned to adapt depending on what the crowd wants,” adds Held. “It’s all part of putting on the best show.” e variety and freedom to play the type of music he wants to sing to is one of the primary reasons why Curry absolutely loves being in the band. “I’m not pigeonholed into one type of song,” he states. “I don’t have to scream everything,” laughter lls the room as he continues. “We can do covers, ballads, whatever. All of us bring ideas to the table and have the respect for one another to o er constructive criticism or disagree.” Held adds, “In the majority of bands, there is just one guy who does all the songwriting. We all have equal say.” e feeling is seconded by veteran bassist Asbridge. “I have played in a ton of bands and I feel most comfortable here. We all get to be creative.” at collaboration has produced a trilogy of new songs that will debut this fall. “I love the new songs,” says Held. “I can’t wait to o cially release them to the world.”

Anyone who has witnessed the phenomenon rst hand will know that Vicariant’s live performance is what sets them apart from the rest; but besides that, the band believes that something else makes them unique in the music world. “It’s our professionalism,” says Morrison. “We are always the rst to arrive, ready to go. We aren’t late. We get there, play the greatest show on this green earth and then support the other bands with us and,” he continues, “we don’t tolerate any big heads. If one of us starts to take themselves a little too seriously, you best believe we will be knocking them down a peg.” e band nods in agreement. “Yeah, that’s something we don’t tolerate at all,” says Held.

One thing is obvious: the band is itching to play. “Honestly, that’s all we want to do,” says Held. “I mean, it would be nice to

be able to pay our bills and do this for a living but I think we are all happy being able to live on stage as much as possible. It is hard, though, to be a rock god for a weekend and then show up to work and operate anonymously on Monday. It’s a jarring transition.” “I would like to be able to travel and spread the word, for sure,” says Morrison. “I would love to go to Japan where they absolutely go crazy for metal.” “A simple goal of mine is to play in every state in the country,” says Held with a smile.

“Another thing I would like to see is more support from fans and bands,” says Morrison. “Bands in Flint used to support each other, no matter what. Sure, there was competition but that just made us all better.” Held adds, “ e Greater Flint rock scene has changed. ere was a time when Flint was becoming known as the Motown of

rock or metal. at’s changed. We need people to get back into it.” “And, we need to support them when they do,” says Morrison. “Let it be known that Vicariant supports local music!” e band laughs in agreement.

After a decade of metal, Vicariant is still going strong. e lineup has changed a little but the mantra is the same, “play an epic show, respect the fans, support each other and live.” As long as there is someone to play for, the band will continue to put everything and then some into their performances. “ ere is nothing like a live show,” says Held. “You just can’t replace it.”

For song updates and show information, visit the Vicariant Facebook page. ®

VICARIANT IS (L-R)

JAKE MORRISON, MIKE ROBERTS, BRANDON CURRY, ZAK HELD, AND DAVE ASBRIDGE.

GCIAviation Academy GivingStudentsWings

BY PETER HINTERMAN

Photos Provided by Genesee Career Institute and Wolak Media LLC

The GCI Aviation Academy accepts high school students from all Genesee County school districts.

Foryoung people who’ve dreamed of ying through the air and looking down at the beauty of the Earth, Genesee County has a place where that dream can come true. Since 2018, the Genesee Career Institute (GCI), a part of the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) has been training young pilots from the area through their Aviation Academy, setting them up for a lucrative career in aviation. “It all started when a group of gentlemen from the Greater Flint Pilot’s Association (GFPA) alerted us to the declining numbers of pilots and aviation enthusiasts in Genesee County and they presented us with a unique program,” says Diana Allard, GISD Executive Director of Career Technical Education. “We did a need assessment and found that there were enough high school students who wanted to be pilots to justify it.”

GCI partnered with Crosswinds Aviation, a full-service ight school based in Livingston County with facilities in Howell, Pontiac, Ypsilanti and Flint. “We already had high school programs going in other locations when the GFPA introduced us to the Genesee Career Institute,” says Crosswinds Owner Matt Dahline. “It just made sense to expand our services to Flint.” Crosswinds Aviation was founded in 2001 and has been owned by Matt and his wife Andrea since 2011. ey operate a eet of 28 aircraft and employ over 32 full-time ight instructors. ey hold four planes at Flint Bishop Airport for Aviation Academy students, including a Cessna 172, two Diamond DA20 and a Diamond DA40.

Enrollment in the GCI Aviation Academy has been steady since its inception. “We have anywhere between 20 and 40 kids enrolled at any one time,” says Allard. 

“We

e proud to off students an opportunity to get

a

head st t on a v y viable c e .”

Diana Allard, Executive Director GISD Career Technical Education

According to Dahline, the major steps required to become a pilot for a major airline are as follows:

STEP 1: Obtain your Private Pilot License (PPL).

“We have no GPA requirement and if a student is interested in the program, they need only let their school counselor know and then they can be recommended. We accept up to four students per Genesee school district.” e academy is available to high school juniors and seniors. e rst year of the training program sets a student up to nish their ground level pilot license with actual ight hours earned toward their Private Pilot License (PPL) with Crosswinds Aviation after school hours. In their second year, students can earn drone certi cation.

ere is a possibility that a student who is committed can graduate high school with their ground level license, PPL and drone license, putting them far ahead of the competition when it comes to a career in aviation.

“ ere is such a pilot shortage right now that anyone who receives a commercial license can easily choose where they want to work,” adds Dahline.

“Young pilots have nearly 100% job placement right now.” For those planning to enter the military, holding a pilot’s license can be a phenomenal advantage.

“Training a pilot is an expensive gamble for the military,” explains Dahline. “Nearly 60% of those who enter training as a pilot quit before they receive their Private Pilot License. Either they don’t have the mental toughness needed or they balk at all the book work.

If you show up with a private license already in hand, you have a major advantage over other candidates.”

STEP 2: Obtain your Instrument Rating.

STEP 3: Obtain your Commercial Pilot License (CPL). On average, this takes 250 ight hours to achieve.

STEP 4: Earn your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certi cate, the highest pilot license the FAA issues. Students must accrue 1,500 ight hours to earn it. Most accomplish this by acting as a ight instructor or working jobs such as banner-towing or aerial photography.

STEP 5: Work for a regional airline or corporate ight department, moving on to a larger airline such as Delta.

Of course, there are more opportunities in aviation besides becoming a commercial pilot. Enrollment and completion of the GCI Aviation Academy curriculum can prepare a student for a job in air tra c control, aircraft maintenance, airline/airport administration and more. e GCI Aviation Academy has provided an exciting option for students who tend to nd a non-traditional route to a rewarding profession. “We are proud to o er students an opportunity to get a head start on a very viable career,” states Allard . ®

BY

Arandom ier on a bulletin board was all Greater Flint Pilots Association (GFPA) President Eric Johnson needed to see. “After earning my pilot’s license in Owosso, I was looking for a little bit more freedom to y,” he recalls.

“I remembered a ier for the GFPA I had on a bulletin board. ey were just what I was looking for.” Before the GFPA, Johnson was renting planes at the Owosso ight school where he earned his license, but they were always in use by students and instructors. He could only y an hour here or there and longer trips were out of the question. At GFPA, trips of a week or more aren’t uncommon and it’s not unusual to check out a plane, y to Mackinac Island for lunch and head home for dinner. “ at’s called the $200 dollar hamburger trip,” Johnson laughs. 

PETER HINTERMAN

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFPA

The Greater Flint Pilots Association is a professional, non-pro t corporation dedicated to the safety and advancement of aviation in Genesee County and beyond. Incorporated in 1975, the GFPA once boasted a membership of over 100 and operated nine airplanes of di erent makes and models. “Today, we have 55 members and a eet of four planes we maintain,” Johnson adds. “We still have two active founding members.” At an enrollment of 55, the GFPA is still regarded as one of the most robust and best ying clubs in the state.

In hangars located at Bishop Airport, the GFPA maintains four planes for member use: a N3559E

2001 Cessna Skylane 182T, N518SP 2000 Cessna Skyhawk 172SP, N6294T 1983 Cessna Skylane 182RG, and N818CD 1997 Piper Archer III PA28-181. Each is regularly maintained and inspected for safety and if any issues are found, will be grounded until it is xed. All the planes are equipped with

auto pilots and the club is currently upgrading the planes with new state of the art auto pilots and avionics. “Each member is part-owner of the planes in our eet,” explains Johnson. “We want to promote a ordable ying and this is the best way we have found to do so.”

For those who have dreamed of soaring amongst the clouds, the GFPA has a group of licensed ight instructors to help members gain their initial license and more should they wish to continue their education and potentially, y professionally. Instruction is open to members, but enrollment is limited. “We limit the number of students we accept in order to keep ying time open for club members,” says Johnson, “and we take it very seriously. We expect a student to make reasonable progress over time and to be committed to their goal.” e GFPA works hand-in-hand with Crosswinds Aviation Flight School to help new pilots gain their wings and earn their hours. e majority

If you love to see the world from above, Johnson urges you to join the GFPA.

GFPA

PRESIDENT ERIC JOHNSON HAS FLOWN TO AND OVER LOCATIONS

ACROSS

THE U.S. AND MICHIGAN SUCH AS WYOMING (RIGHT), THE UPPER PENINSULA (BELOW), SLEEPING BEAR DUNES (BELOW LEFT) AND THE ST. CLAIR RIVER.

of students are taught through Crosswinds and supplementally through GFPA membership.

After gaining the initial pilot’s license, students and members can add additional ratings and certi cations including instrument rating and commercial licensure.

To help make aviation training more a ordable, the GFPA has set up Michigan Takes Flight, a 501c3 non-pro t dedicated to awarding the funds needed for a temporary GFPA membership for ight instruction to residents of the Flint area. e nonpro t is headed by GFPA members Rick Havourd and Harry Hammond.

“General Aviation has fallen by the wayside and most ight schools are out of business,” says Hammond. “We set up Michigan Takes Flight with the goal of educating students for, and getting them interested in, an aviation profession. e scholarship covers the cost ($3,500) of a GFPA membership for the duration of their training.

Once a student moves on, the money becomes available for the next in line. Flight instruction is not inexpensive and the scholarship can help someone get a head start on training.” Careers in aviation include professional pilot, air tra c controller, plane maintenance, airport administration, etc. e jobs are open to anyone with interest and drive. For more information, please visit michigantakes ight.org. e GFPA is open to established pilots and those willing to take ight for the rst time. Each potential member must ll out the membership application located at gfpa.org listing ight experience, if any. Current pilots who wish to join must apply and if selected by the board, must pass a 1.5-hour checkout ride with an instructor for every plane they desire to pilot.

“Every aircraft is di erent and we must make sure you can handle our craft with professional ability,” explains Johnson. 

IfThe Greater Flint Pilots Association is dedicated to the safety and advancement of aviation in Genesee County and beyond.

ABOVE: INSTRUCTOR JEFFREY BROOKS (LEFT) AND STUDENT JONATHAN HARDY WITH THE 2000 CESSNA SKYHAWK 172SP.

LEFT: 2001 CESSNA SKYLANE 182T.

BELOW LEFT: 1997 PIPER ARCHER III PA-28-181.

BELOW RIGHT: 1983 CESSNA SKYLANE 182RG.

you love to see the world from above, Johnson urges you to join the GFPA. “I was fascinated by planes as a kid growing up in Flushing. We had a neighbor who was a former pilot in Vietnam and I loved to watch him y,” he shares. “Before I learned to y, I was an avid scuba diver and I felt that I had seen a lot down there so, naturally, the next step was to go up. I received my pilot’s license in 1999 and have been in love with ying ever since.” Johnson and his fellow members are always looking for new people to join the GFPA. “Our pilot population is aging,” he states. “We have a lot of members in their 70s and 80s. at’s not a bad thing – they are still active and love ying – but like everything else, I see a lack of interest in the younger generations.”

What Johnson loves most about ying is freedom and e ciency. “I have own to New York in three hours and Jacksonville, FL in ve. If I want to visit a friend for lunch at Beaver Island, I can do it and be back in half a day. I call it a magic carpet ride.”

If you would like to y your own “magic carpet” visit gfpa.org for more information. ®

The Mayors of Flint

PART 8: A COMPANY TOWN

BY PETER HINTERMAN

In the late 1920s, Flint was hoppin’. e automobile industry was driving population, production, innovation and expansion. e city as we know it today was mainly shaped during this time period. In 1928, Hurley Hospital was built, the Kearsley Dam was installed forming the Kearsley Reservoir, the Flint Institute of Arts was founded by George Crapo Wilson, Northern High School was opened on McClellan Avenue (the rst Central-Northern football game was held as a result), the Capitol eatre opened its doors and the C.S. Mott Foundation bestowed its rst grants. General Motors was in the middle of record-breaking success and, in 1928, built its 5 millionth car. ey were the law of the land and employed nearly 80% of all working men in the area. Flint was a GM town and, with a change in public charter, ruled it from the top down … that is until a little event that happened in 1936 changed the public support to that of the working man.

is series has tracked each of Flint’s mayor’s throughout history, providing short accounts of their professions, lives and decisions made during their terms (if known). Some mayors were men/women of great deeds or of great controversy; some simply acted as placeholders in time. Each of them, however, chaired a city important to the country and its citizens on its path through triumph and heartbreak, and toward its revitalization.

For Part 1 of this series, see the 2022 January issue of MCM!

Ray A. Brownell

1929-30, 1933-34

Born in 1876, Brownell was a member of the Dort Motor Car Co. and director of the Worker’s Bank in Flint. During the 1929 election, plans were in the works in Flint to change the charter and the position of mayor. In response to the scandal-plagued early terms of Mayor William H. McKeighan, the city’s answer to his alleged bribery and vote-rigging was to do away with the process of citizen selection in lieu of a council-manager form of government in which the “mayor” was chosen from the elected city council. (Still, William H. McKeighan found a way to rig the system and get himself “chosen” as mayor during this time by installing cronies on the city council.) In this system, the mayor acted as more of a gurehead or “weak” mayor. Ray A. Brownell would be the last elected or “strong” mayor until the election system resumed in 1975. Before his rst term in o ce, Brownell worked hard to build a stadium in the city that would be the largest “west of Harvard University” and, during his elected term, saw his dream ful lled when he opened Atwood Stadium on June 8, 1929. Brownell was selected as mayor (this time by the city council) for a second term. He died in 1954 and was buried in Avondale Cemetery.

Harvey J. Mallery

1930-31

e council’s rst choice as mayor, Mallery was one of the rst o cial “company men” (those with direct ties to General Motors) chosen to take the reins of the city. He was born in Flint in 1882 to James G. Mallery, president and operator of the Castree-Mallery Co., a maker of agricultural implements. Harvey J. Mallery was educated in the city and started his career with the Weston-Mott Corporation, sticking with the company’s absorption into General Motors where he assumed the job of accountant with the GM inspection and production branch until 1918. e next year, Mallery joined Harry H. Basset, Walter P. Chrysler, Albert Champion and others as principal investors in the Flint branch of the Reynolds-Chrysler Co., dealing in investments, insurance and real estate. In 1924, Mallery was named comptroller of the Buick Motor Co. In October 1924, he was chosen by Gov. Alex J. Groesbeck as Michigan’s o cial delegate at the Southern Commercial Congress held in Atlanta, GA. ere, he welcomed representatives of Latin American countries to discuss, identify and solve international trade problems. During his term in o ce, the Industrial Bank Building (Mott Foundation Building) was erected as Flint’s tallest structure. Mallery died in 1970 and was buried in Glenwood Cemetery. e Harvey J. Mallery Charitable Trust was established upon his death. 

Howard J. Clifford

1934-35

Born in Oxford, MI in 1875, Rev. Howard J. Cli ord came from a family of faith and ministry. As he became older, Cli ord joined the church as well, serving as pastor and founder of the Parkland Presbyterian Church in Flint from 1915-17 and, shortly before his time as mayor, as pastor of the First Church of Saginaw. As a young man, he joined the Salvation Army Corps., rising to the rank of captain in the City of Flint chapter. As a member of the Corps, Cli ord worked with auto workers and helped to alleviate their needs. His work caught the eye of W. C. Durant and he was brought aboard GM in charge of welfare work for Buick employees. In 1920, he was tapped to lead GM’s new department of personal relations, overseeing employees and plants in more than 60 cities while working on Durant’s personal sta . After Durant lost General Motors, Cli ord resigned his position. Rev. Cli ord was a much-loved person among the city’s industrial workers and described by newcomers and citizens alike as “the man who loved humans.” He went out of his way to help those with a need or dream. When a Greek Orthodox priest came to town and wanted to establish a church, Cli ord, even though it wasn’t his own religion, helped him raise funds to build it. During a short-lived “ice” famine in the city, Cli ord rounded up as much ice as he could and delivered it to families in need. He was urged by many citizens to run for mayor and the city council listened. It was something that Cli ord never wanted but the city council chose him over nine others in 1934 and he accepted. While mayor, Bishop Airport opened for its rst ight. He was a member of the Genesee Masons and his wife, Marian, was instrumental in the continued success of the Salvation Army Flint Citadel Band. Howard J. Cli ord died in 1940.

George E. Boysen

1935-36

A long-time member of the Freemasons and Order of the Elks, Boysen came in as the exact opposite of his predecessor Howard J. Cli ord. He was born in 1890 in Port Clinton, OH and rst worked as vice president of the CVS Manufacturing company from 1917-1932 before joining the General Motors Corp. as paymaster when he came to Flint. He was boisterous and often unruly and many claimed him nothing more than a crackpot. Tensions were high between the city’s workers and GM leading up to and during his tenure as mayor and, due to his ties to the company, the majority of autoworkers in the city regarded him as a “plant” by GM to gain a political upperhand. Indeed, Boysen took the company line after his stint as mayor when, during the Sit-Down Strike, he organized the GM Flint Alliance, a collection of autoworkers pushing for the end of the strike and an opportunity to “get back to work.” He claimed a membership of over 25,000 workers and citizens and scheduled a parade during the strike which he canceled (due to lack of actual members). He then pushed the notion to the press that 82% of the city was against the strike with no evidence to back his claims. When pressed about his ties to the company, Boysen claimed that the alliance was nanced by him alone; but his membership numbers were tied to signed a davits distributed by GM to its workers. e unions (and workers themselves) claimed that the a davits were signed under threat of job loss. Boysen was villainized by the Flint autoworkers and immortalized in a well-known city strike song. e verse reads, “Now the strike is over and our song is nearly through. So is George E. Boysen and the Flint Alliance too.” Boysen thrice again tried his hand at politics, running in the Republican Primary for U. S. Representative in 1932 and 1936 and for state senate in 1938. Boysen died in 1967. While he was mayor, Ballenger Park was established, the Community Schools Program began operating and the Golden Leaf club opened its doors for the rst time.

Harold E. Bradshaw

1936-38

Born in 1898 in Davison, MI Bradshaw enlisted and fought with the U.S. Army in World War I, rising to the rank of corporal. Upon returning to his home, he joined General Motors. In Flint, he was very engaged socially as a member of the American Legion, e Forty and Eight, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Freemasons, and Elks. Bradshaw was chosen mayor by the city council at perhaps the most tumultuous time in Flint history. e city was in an uproar. e United Auto Workers Union (UAW) had entered the city and its attempts to unionize the Flint autoworkers (and others) were being met with sti resistance from GM, Flint Police and the city council. Bradshaw’s tenure as mayor started o on a high note when Franklin Delano Roosevelt visited the city on his campaign trail meeting with Bradshaw. Next, the summer continued with the “Progress of Transportation” parade down Main Street. In December, however, the confrontation between the city and its workers began to come to the surface. First, the workers of the Flint Trolley Co. went on strike, shutting down transportation in the city and the Sit-Down Strike began soon after. As the strike continued to put pressure on GM, Bradshaw and the council continued to voice their opposition to the strikers with Bradshaw being accused of arming “gangs of vigilantes” to attack strikers. After the “Battle of the Running Bulls” the National Guard was called in and Governor Frank Murphy stepped in to forge a truce between the two warring entities. Subsequently, the city council declared Bradshaw “dictator of Flint” giving him command of all aspects of government including the police. It was at this time that Bradshaw negotiated for the National Guard to remain in Flint until the strike had o cially ended. Bradshaw was chosen to carry a second term to see the strike through. Once it ended, Bradshaw, with Ed Bacon and Elroy Guckert, addressed the problem of public housing in the city by creating the Flint Housing Commission and appointing its ve-member board. Bradshaw died in 1975 and was buried in Deepdale Memorial Park in Eaton County.

Harry M. Comins

1938-40

Comins was born in 1882 in Saginaw, MI the son of a lumber scaler who died when Harry was two years old. After his father’s death, the family moved to Buena Vista. Comins graduated from the Saginaw school and then attended the University of Michigan where he pursued and obtained a literary degree. He then moved to Wisconsin and began teaching high school until 1910, when he took the job of superintendent of schools in Ripon, WI. He next moved to Oshkosh, WI to work for the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. When Northwestern opened an o ce in Flint in 1920, Comins took the job. In 1923, he switched allegiance to the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. While in the city, Comins was a member of the Flint Board of Education and state o cer of the Parent-Teacher Association. Socially, he was a member of the Odd Fellows, the Flint Kiwanis Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. He was a ranking member of the National Life Underwriter’s Association Flint Chapter. As mayor, he neglected to support the prior administration’s Flint Housing Commission, instead siding with local real estate developers. Despite gaining $3.5 million from the federal government in support of the project, Comins and the council refused to allocate the money to the commission. e newly-elected housing board resigned in protest, o cially ending the project before it truly started. Comins died in 1962. While he was mayor, the Mott Children’s Health Center was established at Hurley Hospital. 

Oliver Ransom

Tappin

1940

Little is known about Tappin except that he was born in (oddly enough) Flintville, WI in 1893 and was a full- edged UAW supporter. He was a worker at Chevrolet and as part of the city council, he, along with fellow supporter Joe Shears, convinced the council to adopt a pro-union stance. After being chosen mayor in 1940, Tappin immediately pushed to replace City Manager John Barringer and Police Chief Jim Wills, both of whom were company men. ey were replaced by William Findlater and Captain Twohey, respectively. Tappin never served his full mayoral term, leaving as winter began. He died tragically just ve years later in 1945.

William Osmund Kelly

1940-44

Born in Flint in 1909, William Osmund Kelly, or “Oz” as he was locally known, was a Flintstone through and through. In 1928, he graduated from Flint St. Matthew High School and then attended Flint Junior College. During his time in college, he formed a band called “Oz Kelly and his Orchestra.” e band experienced some success touring Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan including a show at Flint’s IMA Auditorium. He was selected as mayor by the city council in 1940 and reselected for three subsequent terms. In 1944, Kelly resigned to join the Navy during World War II, serving until the end of the war and into 1946. Upon his return to the states, he was the Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor but lost the election. In 1949, he was appointed postmaster and joined the National Association of Postmasters. In 1956, he became the executive director of the Flint Manufacturer’s Association. Kelly played a big role in the city both socially and politically with numerous ties to local programs and events. In 1971, he wrote and published a paper in the American Water Works Association Journal stating the need for the city to pipe in additional water from Lake Huron to help reserves during drought years, starting in motion the planned switch to the new pipeline (that never materialized). Also during the early 70s, Kelly was part of the Democratic party’s e orts to put an end to Jimmy Ho a’s bid for control of the party by appealing to the more liberal viewpoints of the day. While mayor, Kelly stewarded the city through the initial war e ort and pushed through more liberal policies. e Flint Urban League began operation, the NAACP became more active in city politics, and Flint Community Schools hired their rst black teacher, Marion Coates. Kelly died in 1974. ®

7th Annual Flint Water Festival

This holiday celebration featured events at City Hall, the Applewood Estate, Powers Catholic High School and the Flint Institute of Arts. Friday kicked off with Camp Hydrate – a student-athlete event and water giveaway at multiple Cultural Center locations – and a carnival behind the City Hall Complex that ran through the weekend. That evening, “Movies Under the Stars” showed “Space Jam II” presented by Communities First, Inc. The July Fourth holiday kicked off with food and music at Beats X Brunch Fest hosted by Beats X Beers and the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, as well as a 27-foot water slide at City Hall. The festival concluded with a performance by the Flint Symphony Orchestra ensemble Water X Soul with multi-award-nominated vocalist Brandon Victor Dixon, followed by more music with a deejay from 98.9 The Beat and a unique water-themed circus. A good time was had by all!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATY

KILDEE

Alley Fest

2022

BUCKHAM ALLEY DOWNTOWN

7.9.2022

After a two-year hiatus, Friends of the Alley brought this signature summer event back with a full day of music, food and more. The beautiful summer weather attracted crowds to the stages at both ends of Buckham Alley on the corners of Kearsley and Second Streets where more than 15 homegrown musicians performed. The alleys were lined with more than 40 food and craft vendors. Presented by Communities First, Inc., the free event generates funds through sponsorships and beer tent proceeds to pay performers and support Friends of the Alley’s beautification efforts for Buckham and Brush Alleys.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATY KILDEE

Sloan Museum Grand Opening

After nearly five years of planning and construction, the new Sloan Museum of Discovery re-opened to the public during a Grand Opening weekend July 16-17. The big day was preceded by a private Donor Preview event on July 12 that was highlighted by the unveiling of the Donor Wall and mosaic created by local artist, Amy Sutkowi. On July 14, an official Media Event and Ribbon-cutting Ceremony took place, attended by many local dignitaries and followed by tours of the facility. The $30 million expansion and renovation features four science, history and hands-on learning exhibits. Museum admission is free to Genesee County residents.

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW WAGNER & PROVIDED BY SLOAN*LONGWAY

DUKE MERRICK, GREAT-GREAT GRANDSON OF BILLY DURANT, ENJOYED THE MUSEUM’S NEW DURANT GALLERY. PICTURED AT RIGHT IS THE FANTASTIC DONOR WALL MURAL AND ITS CREATOR, AMY SUTKOWI.

Hey, Boomers! Hold That Thought

BY VERA HOGAN

Over the past couple of years, I have made a conscious e ort to not sound like my parents when talking to my sons and others in the Gen Z and Millennial age groups. Mainly because I disliked the “when I was your age” conversations when I was young. As nice as my childhood was, it really wasn’t all great.

Take cancer, for instance. I never heard of cancer back then. To my knowledge, no one my parents knew had cancer. What I do know is that my dad and every adult who came to our house smoked cigarettes – inside the house. Warnings were not printed on cigarette packs until 1965. Until then, we knew very little about the health problems smoking causes, including lung cancer.

When I was growing up, sunburns were just a part of life; no one knew it could cause skin cancer. Sunblock was not widely used until the early 1990s. Once our sunburns dried up, we would have great fun peeling o our own dead skin to see how big a piece we could remove intact. Sounds pretty stupid, but we didn’t know any better at the time.

Domestic violence and divorce were never discussed. No one I knew had divorced parents and none of my parents’ friends were divorced. I do recall one time when Mom and Dad had a couple over for a visit with their small children, one of which was a baby. I was about seven and in my bedroom when I heard the woman go into the little room next to mine to change the baby’s diaper. Of course, I had to peek through the keyhole (yes, the keyhole). Her husband came

into the room a couple of minutes later, they argued and he started slapping her around. I ran out and told my dad. He quickly threw them out of the house and I got in trouble for snooping.

Speaking of diapers, older generations say young parents are spoiled because instead of cloth diapers, they now have disposables. News ash: Disposable diapers were invented in 1948 by Johnson & Johnson. While I do agree that more eco-friendly disposable diapers should happen soon, I still have visions of my mom taking my little sister’s loaded diapers and plunging them in and out of the toilet until they were “acceptable” for the washing machine. Very nasty business.

Before we continue regaling our young people with stories about how much better they have it than we did, we need to stop and think about what we’re saying. Isn’t that what we wanted, what we worked for – to make things better for our kids? anks in part to modern technology, young people today are smarter than we were, and have access to information at their ngertips 24/7. We need to bite our tongues, let them do their own thing and create their own stories. ®

Recently retired, Vera Hogan is a 20-year veteran of the newspaper business, having served both Fenton and Flint area publications. During those years, she was a reporter, associate editor, editor, web content editor and columnist. Her popular columns have earned her multiple state awards. She resides in the City of Fenton. Email verahogan@hotmail.com.

Gas Tax Holiday

President Biden recently proposed a three-month gas tax “holiday” during which the federal government would not collect the 18.4 cents/gallon Federal Gas Tax. Unfortunately, it is unlikely this would cause the price of gas to fall.

Gas prices are rising because of a disruption in supply due to the shutdowns and the Russian-Ukrainian war. e price of a barrel of oil increased by $30 the day the war began. Russia is the world’s third largest oil producer, accounting for over 10% of production. e war and sanctions thus knocked a considerable source of the world’s oil supply o ine. U.S. oil production remains 1 million barrels/day lower than what it was in January 2020. Consequently, world oil production has signi cantly fallen and as a rough estimate, each $10 increase in the price of oil raises the price of gas by 25 cents. U.S. gasoline re ning has also fallen by about one million barrels per day compared to January 2020. us, it is a reduction in oil and gasoline production that is pushing up prices and causing pain at the pump.

A gas tax holiday does nothing to o set these reductions in supply; instead, it stimulates demand. If the price at the pump falls due to the gas tax holiday, drivers respond to that lower price by driving more and buying more gas. Since supply remains disrupted, demand outpaces supply and the price of gas rises back to where it was before the holiday. Since the gas tax is not being collected at the pump, the oil and gas companies capture this higher price in the form of higher pro ts. ese companies, not drivers, are thus the bene ciaries of a gas tax holiday.

In the May issue of My City, I predicted drivers would see no relief from the oil released from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Indeed, drivers saw no relief as the price of gas rose by $1/ gallon after the release began. It will cost the federal government $11 billion, or $90 per household, to replace the 100 million barrels drawn from the SPR since then, and the SPR is now at its lowest level since 1986. Households thus paid $90 for a program that provided no bene t. e gas tax holiday would be the same, costing the Federal Highway Trust Fund, which funds highway repair and maintenance, $10 billion over three months. Like with the SPR drawdown, drivers would see no bene t from this holiday.

Even if the entire amount of the gas tax holiday was re ected in a lower price, which it won’t be, the savings would be insigni cant. It would only save a driver who purchases one 16-gallon tank of gas per week about $35 over three months and result in worse roads or higher taxes to replenish the Highway Trust Fund.

Only ending the war in Ukraine and encouraging domestic production of oil and gas will result in lower prices. Until then, expect the pain at the pump to continue. ®

Dr. Christopher Douglas came to the University of Michigan-Flint in 2006. He earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and a B.S. in Economics from Michigan Technological University in 2001, and his Ph.D. in Economics from Michigan State University in 2007. As Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Economics, he teaches Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, International Economics, Public Finance, and Sports Economics.

BY DR. CHRISTOPHER DOUGLAS

BY LESLIE TOLDO

Justone month ago, I was su ering a bit of anxiety about my pending summer vacation. While deciding what to pack for a trip to Yellowstone National Park, I stumbled across a few suggested packing lists on the internet. Not terribly exciting as far as packing lists go, until I got to “bear spray.” at one item showed up on every list I found. I grew terri ed that I needed to pack this item because it wasn’t a matter of “if” but when I would encounter a bear in the park.

Armed with bear spray-fueled con dence, I made my way through the park, stopping to enjoy as many natural wonders as possible. My husband and I spent ten hours in the park, covering both the north and south loops. Not one bear. If I seem a little disappointed, that’s because I am! I guess some part of me hoped I would see a bear – a very distant bear – at least once.

e park is riddled with signs cautioning visitors not to fraternize with the wild animals. Apparently, quite a few people actually try to get close enough to pet or take a sel e with the bears, bison and moose that inhabit the park. Bad Idea.

While I had nary a single bear sighting, I ran across a mother moose and her calf, and umpteen bison as I toured the park. Bison may look like extra-large cows wearing funny hats, but I can tell you they are anything but amiable. Sure, they look innocent enough chewing on vegetation, but just provoke one – I made direct eye contact with a bison as it ran past the car window. ese large beasts donot want to be friends.

Where e Bears Aren't

You may wonder how I got close enough to a bison to make eye contact with it through my car window. It happened outside of the park. We were driving from Grand Teton National Park, just south of Yellowstone, heading toward Jackson Hole,WY when we encountered a gaggle of bison crossing the highway. I learned that when bison want to cross the road, you let them.

Tra c was backed up both ways, as the herd made its way across the road, then back again. Apparently, the grass on the other side was not greener after all. My husband and I sat in the car, holding our breath, so as not to agitate one of the large mammals, but other drivers were not so timid. A few left the line of cars and headed right toward the crossing bison. Let’s just say the bison ultimately prevailed.

So, where were all the bears?

I wanted to know that, too. A park worker told me they may have been in the high country because of the heat. e best time for bear-peeping in northwest Wyoming is during the spring and early fall. Not wanting to waste my gallon of bear spray, there is a good chance I will be back at Yellowstone in April, when the mamas are out with their babies – keeping a healthy distance while admiring all of God’s creatures, big and small. ®

An Emmy-nominated anchor/meteorologist/reporter at FOX66 and NBC25, Leslie Toldo has worked in TV news for over 30 years, nearly 20 in Flint. She is a blogger, writer, wedding and funeral officiant. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA, she graduated from the University of Wyoming. An avid kayaker, boater and runner, Leslie lives in Linden with her husband, Ellie the cat and three dogs: Bear, Gus and Lucy.

To Recession or not to recession

BY JOEL P. LAGORE, CFP® AIF®

Ifyou have paid any attention to the media these last few months, there’s an inevitable event headed our way that they say could be detrimental. Everyone is happy to give their opinion and predictions about it and since so many people say it is coming, it must be true. at nasty little word is: recession. A recession has threatened to overtake our economy for a long time, probably even before the pandemic. I think we must gure out what exactly a recession is and how that a ects our lives – especially our investment portfolios.

When we look at the textbook de nition over the years, recession is often de ned as two consecutive quarters of negative GDP (Gross Domestic Product). But it has been changed by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) to include other factors such as employment, real income, industrial production and wholesale/retail sales. e NBER is the only group that can declare whether we are in or had a recession. If we look at the old way of determining whether our economy is in recession, GDP for Q1 was -1.6% and it seems likely that in a few weeks, we will probably see a negative GDP for Q2, as well.

Recessions can be scary because of all their e ects on American businesses: slowing production, expensive borrowing, lower margins, layo s, less in savings. Most people who have lived through a recession or two have been negatively a ected or know someone who has been impacted by an economic slowdown leading into a recession. Recessions are a very normal part of a business cycle, but they also vary greatly in severity and duration. e most recent was also the shortest one recorded. In February 2020, the economy stopped expanding and entered a recession, but by April 2020 that recession was already declared to be over. e longest recession in recorded history was the Great Depression, which lasted just under four years.

Many recessions are not actually declared until they are over and the business cycle has begun to move to the expansion phase. Where does the stock market fall in predicting a

recession? We consider it a leading indicator. If we are in a recession right now, the stock market started pricing in the recession this past January. Oftentimes, the stock market prices into today what the news reports six months from now. e market is unsure as to what is going to happen to the entire economy when the Fed continues its course of raising rates to slow in ation and in turn, slows down the economy to mitigate the e ects of in ation, but often starts selling o in advance of mainstream media getting the information. As the Federal Reserve is raising rates, the long-term e ects of these increases could likely be felt for the next few years, which is why we are hearing more and more saying that a recession is more than likely to happen in 2023. e Fed is attempting to do something that has rarely been successfully achieved. e biggest variable that we’re still unsure of how it will a ect us going forward is the massive stimulus package that was put into the economy over the past few years. Will this stimulus push us into many years of growth or was it the main driver of the in ation we are currently trying to control? What we can say for certain is that there could likely be a recession sometime in the future, because they inevitably occur after any economic expansion.

As the old adage goes, “we don’t know what we don’t know.” When it comes to the economy, there are just far too many variables in play. What we do know is that tough markets don’t last, but tough investors do. ®

Joel P. LaGore, Certified Financial Planner and partner with OLV Investment Group, focuses on money management. Joining the Downtown Flint revitalization effort, his office is located in The Durant at 607 E. Second Ave., Suite 100. Joel and his wife Sonya are raising two daughters in Flushing, where he enjoys philanthropic pursuits in his local community, in Flint at large and in Genesee County.

MYCOMMUNITY

that was donated by Hurley Medical Center. “It is a lot of work and there is a lot to it,” Hewlett reports.” You can’t just go to the store and get parts; they have to be made to speci cation due to their age.”

A mandated daily mechanical inspection is done by the train crew to make sure everything is in order – bolts are tight, no broken parts. e locomotive is cleaned and the ash pan in the re box needs to be dropped, ashes cleared out. e coal supply is replenished for the next day’s operation. It’s all part of the daily routine, Hewlett says. ey also inspect the railroad track for any defects.

A lot of behind-the-scenes work takes place at the Rail Shop, including replacing the air brakes, maintaining the diesel locomotives, and steam-cleaning the grit and grime.

“It’s a dirty job,” says the railroad consultant. A Mott Foundation-funded project was recently completed, an overhaul of Steam Locomotive #152.

It was disassembled and rebuilt with new (rebuilt) parts.

The Train Ride

I truly enjoyed chatting with the many dedicated workers who keep the coal-powered steam locomotive on the track! I was fortunate to end the day enjoying a ride, taking in the view from the best seat in the house – the cupola in the caboose. ®

All Aboard!

The S nd of a Train

BY CHERYL DENNISON

When I was assigned to write the story about the Huckleberry Railroad, I was very excited. My daughter Melissa and grandson Elijah tagged along with me, and they spent the beautiful summer day walking around Crossroads Village, enjoying the many 19th-century historical structures and a carousel ride.

But the best part of the day was watching how happy Elijah was on his very rst train ride, sitting in the caboose up high in the cupola. e conductors were so friendly, making sure he was having a good time. We enjoyed watching Conductor Lewie Young on the microphone sharing interesting tidbits with passengers about the history of Huckleberry Railroad.

Growing up in rural western Maryland, hearing the sound of a train was a daily experience. Railroad tracks were located directly across the road from our house. e rumble of the train, the forlorn sound of the whistle, the hissing and screeching of the brakes always brings back memories of my childhood days. Many telephone

“Trains are wonderful… To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches and rivers, in fact, to see life.”

~Agatha Christie

conversations were interrupted by the sound of a train. We would have to stop talking and wait for it to pass. And, many trains passed by every day!

My sister and I would often walk the railroad tracks to go into town and watch our brothers play baseball. We also rode our horses on a trail near the tracks.

Have you ever traveled by train? It’s a very peaceful mode of transportation. When I was living and working in Washington D.C. I would often take the train to go home and visit my parents. After a hectic week in the city and sitting in tra c jams on the Beltway, a train ride was the perfect way to unwind. Not only was it peaceful, the scenery was also spectacular.

e scenery along our Huckleberry Railroad train ride was beautiful, as well. e 40-minute journey took us along the shores of Mott Lake, down a stretch of the historic Pere Marquette roadbed and back into the heart of Crossroads Village.

Crossroads Village Huckleberry Railroad has an upcoming event this month that you won’t want to miss: Day Out With omas™. “ omas the Tank Engine” will roll into town August 19-20 and 26-28. e event has attracted hundreds of families for many years. e railway series omas & Friends was written by a father who loved trains and wanted to share the experience with his son. Everyone loves omas! Young and old alike will enjoy this popular event.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit geneseecountyparks.org ®

Warren is proud of the work GCD does every day. “We work with residents and farmers – no matter how large or how small.”

GCD has a coordinator who educates residents about invasive plant species. “She helps identify the species and maps it on a regional online tool called MISIN,” says Warren, “and o ers to connect people with a company that can treat it.”

Warren is proud of the work GCD does every day. “We work with residents and farmers – no matter how large or how small,” the administrator shares.

“ ey are welcome to reach out to us for assistance.” GCD also helps farmers and growers by connecting them to state and federal programs which o er Cost Share

dollars for conservation implementation. One popular Farm Bill program o ered in Genesee County is the High Tunnel Initiative, which cost-shares seasonal high tunnel (hoop house) construction in Flint and the surrounding areas.

“ e use of hoop houses extends the growing season,” Warren notes.

Warren, a Flint native, has been the GCD administrator for nearly 11 years. “It’s the best job!” she exclaims. “Doing something I’m passionate about doesn’t feel like work. I, along with our ve-member board of directors and sta are passionate about natural resources.” ®

MY TRAVELS

Welcoming the Heat

BY ALEXANDRIA NOLAN

I’venever known heat like a Texas summer. Humid, blistering, melt-like-Velveeta-in-the-microwave heat. It’s a heat that makes everyone irritable. Tempers are, words come out harsher than intended, calm somehow deserts everyone. Babies cry, toddlers tantrum and teenagers’ eyes nearly roll out of their heads. It’s a friction-causing heat.

Summer on the Mediterranean can feel just as peel-yourclothes-o hot, but there’s a laziness to it, a lethargy. Instead of a re waiting for fuel, it’s a lounge in the sauna. e heat feels the same, but you enjoy the torture of it. Summer along the sea feels like the heat of an oven and then nighttime brings the crisp, cooling of a pan plunged into water.

In Michigan, there are sti ing days, to be sure. But you’ve waited so many months for that heat, you’re almost grateful for every bead of sweat, every tan line, every sunburn that needs to be treated with aloe that sticks to your sheets and your shirt. Summers in Michigan are what the whole state holds its breath for, impatiently hoping for beach days at the lake, the opportunity to hop o a pontoon and cool down, to head Up North. It’s a break from blacktop streets and the endless drone of the window air conditioner that spends less time cooling you and more time reminding you of lake water you’re not yet in – swimsuits unworn, summer just outside ... waiting, waiting.

Summer in the southwest is like a hair dryer turned on full blast right into your face. e sweat begins at your forehead and temples and has already dried before it can even reach your cheeks or your nose. at dry heat always felt surprising to me, like the climate was trying to desiccate me into human jerky. It’s disarming and somehow feels more violent. If Texas is trying to boil you alive in humidity, the Southwest is baking you to death.

When we lived in Canada, the summer always felt halfformed, never fully realized. A few days that promised doldrum days of heat ahead and then, long sleeves were back on for a few days. en again, a few sweaty, outdoor-eating-on-the-terrace days, and just when I’d got all my shorts organized and folded in the drawers, it was time to take the sweaters and jeans out from where they’d been most recently stored. A few days later and I couldn’t imagine why I even owned a tank top!

On the British Isles, the warm weather months feel much the same. Glorious sun- lled days attened between weeks of relentless rain or gloomy, cloud- lled, gray skies that seemingly have never heard of holidays and picnics. But then suddenly, the rain would stop, the sun would peek out and the whole world seemed to be lled with green. A wonderland of green with pink owers and purple blossoms, orange petals and a golden sun in the sky. It’s easy to forgive England for gray storm clouds when the sunshine days are so friendly and warm, an embrace from a friend one doesn’t see often enough.

I’ll soon be heading to Spain with my son for our summer holidays there. I can already feel the ice in my sangria hitting my teeth at the Plaça del Catalunya and smell the SPF 500 that I’ll be spraying on a toddler at the beach in Costa Brava. It will be a brief reprieve from the Texas furnace, but I’m sure we’ll enjoy every second of that bright, Spanish sunshine. ®

Alexandria Nolan is a misplaced Michigander living in Houston, TX with her husband, three pets and toddler son. She is a published author and contributor to various online and print publications, including a lifestyle blog, AlexandriaNolan.com. When not writing, she is reading, traveling, or reading about traveling.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, Beale St. comes alive with blues and Memphis rock ‘n’ roll music. Musicians perform on a new stage that was built in the bar dining room, with the stage backdrop that was moved from the old restaurant location. e entranceway wall is lined with photos of the bands that have performed there, including Sweet Willie Tea, Twelve Above, Stu & Friends, Elizabeth Reed, Delta Twins, Larry B & the Boomers, Greg Ellis, Out of the Blue and many others.

While Beale St.’s address and decor have changed, one thing hasn’t: the food. e Memphis-style ribs and brisket are customer favorites – smoked in one of three large smokers that run continuously, 24 hours a day. Specialty sandwiches are also popular such as the Big Bad Wolf, a succulent half-pound Angus burger stacked with juicy, slow-smoked brisket, ery ghost pepper cheese, crispy onion straws and spicy chipotle mayo. “Our specialty sandwiches are really, really good,” says the co-owner.

Smoked chicken wings are becoming extremely popular, especially for carryout on big game days. “We smoke whole bone-in wings with dry rub and then deep-fry them for extra crispiness,” Canup shares. “ ey are a new favorite.” Diners may soon see some new additions to the menu: shrimp, sh and hush puppies.

When driving by the new Beale St., the rst thing you’ll see is the building’s bright exterior decorated with colorful murals. e music-themed artwork was painted by a gra ti artist from Flint who happened to stop by the restaurant one day looking for a side job. “He was phenomenal!” Canup exclaims.

Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ has many loyal customers who love the new look and the new location. “It was a good move!” Canup asserts. “People still came to the old place during the move and with the support of the community, our business was able to survive. I want to thank all of the people who supported us through this transition.” ®

My Can’t Miss List

The Legendary Soul Jam

8.6.2022 Really Cool Comic Con

8.6-7.2022 Hotel California Tribute to the Eagles

“Love, Loss and What I Wore” Clio Cast & Crew 8.12-14.2022

“Footloose: The Musical”

Flint Drop Fest

Back to the Bricks®

Over the Edge for TDN

Judas Priestess

The Ally Challenge

Genesee County Fair

Everett A. Cummings Center, Mt. Morris 8.22-28.2022

Tattoo City Convention Dort Financial Center 8.26-28.2022

“A Summer Soiree”

HAP Crim Festival of Races

WOODSTOCK A TIME FOR PEACE & LOVE

BY PETER HINTERMAN

InAugust of 1969, over 450,000 people from all walks of life met at a small dairy farm in Bethel, New York for a music festival billed as “three days of peace and music.” No one who attended – not the audience, promoters or musicians – could have anticipated it becoming a de ning moment in the history of a generation. e festival was besotted with problems, from tra c jams to tumultuous rainstorms and shoddy equipment; but that never dampened the spirit of peace, love and harmony radiated by the audience. In a time of political and social strife, Woodstock was an example of unity and hope.

In 1969, the Vietnam War was in full swing and the ght for Civil Rights was ongoing. Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated only a year earlier. e country was in con ict with protests and counter-protests taking place in Washington, D.C. and across the country. It was turmoil. e Woodstock Music & Arts Festival and the peace and love of those attending ended up de ning the decade as not one of hate and con ict but of peace, understanding and the promise of what the world could be if people simply embraced one another. In addition, in the very same summer, the Harlem Cultural Festival would de ne the very same

sentiment for African-Americans in equal magnitude. e original Woodstock performance lineup featured new and established musicians including e Who, Je erson Airplane, Country Joe and the Fish, Santana, Richie Havens, Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, Creedence Clearwater Revival, e Grateful Dead, Joe Cocker, e Band, Jimi Hendrix and others. Every musician gave it their all with Richie Havens opening the festival with a three-hour set due to other artists being held up in tra c. He played every song he knew, even inventing some on the spot. Hendrix closed the festival at 8am on Monday, August 18 playing more than three hours to the crowd of 30,000 still in attendance. It was a free festival born of understanding, acceptance and love that may never be rivaled.

In times of uncertainty and strife, it’s easy to get caught up in all the negativity – the fear, the hate, the anguish. It’s much harder to let it all go and embrace the opposite. Never forget the reason we are here: to enjoy ourselves and those around us in the short span of time we are given on Earth. Cherish our planet and protect it, embrace and protect each other, nd and experience love and of course, enjoy the music. ®