It’s our final issue of 2022 and we’re happy to present our Cityzen of the Year, Linnell Jones-McKenney. I met Coach Linnell this summer when we both went “Over the Edge” for the Disability Network at The Durant. She was recently honored by the community with the Art Hurand Award for her exemplary leadership, and we agree that she deserves recognition for her contributions as a champion for Flint youth. She has done some big things and has more in the works; read about it starting on p.10. Congratulations, Coach!
Team My City is always grateful to have this platform for paying tribute to community members, including those we have lost. This month, we feature three special women who passed recently within days of each other: St. Luke’s N.E.W. Life Center Co-founder, Sister Judy Blake (p.8), and Frankenmuth matriarchs Irene Bronner and Judy Zehnder (p.14). All were beloved by their communities and will be greatly missed.
As always, this issue has great variety and depth of content that will be great to curl up and read while the snow falls. We have stories about two more women, both about the rewarding careers they were meant to pursue –one just beginning, and the other retiring. Read about a Grand Blanc native, Rabbi Zoe McCoon, who just began leading a congregation in California as one of only a handful of twenty-something Rabbis in the U.S. (p.42). And, recently retired Dr. Chery Wagonlander, an educator who pioneered the middle college concept in Michigan by founding Mott Middle College in 1991, shares her story on p.46.
Our history pieces by Pete Hinterman remain on the most-read list, and this month’s subject is apropos of the season: “The White Hurricane Cometh” (p.52) explores the history of the Great Lakes shipwrecks. Do you know which lake has claimed the most lives?
Holy happenings! In spite of the difficult times so many of us are experiencing these days, people have been gathering to celebrate their community and give back. Check out ten pages of recent events starting on p.56.
Finally, this issue certainly has a holiday feel – festive and fun things to do locally and just out-of-town, plus shopping, cookies and Santa! (He lives in Grand Blanc, you know.)
Whatever holiday you celebrate, I wish you all a season filled with the love of friends and family.
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The Flint community lost a longtime champion of the less fortunate as Sister Judy Blake has passed away at the age of 78.
Sister Judy was co-director of Flint’s St. Luke N.E.W. Life Center, co-founded in 2002 with her dear friend, Sister Carol Weber. Together, they helped change countless lives. The two received several awards for their service to victims of abuse and poverty who turned to this refuge for food, job-training, education and acceptance. “Thousands of men and women have come through these doors for help and I’m so grateful to be of service to them,” Sister Judy once stated. “I’m here because God trained me for this ministry beginning at a very young age.”
Born in Phoenix, AZ Judith Blake and her brother were raised by their mom, a single parent, and they lived with her grandmother. Sister Judy often credited her grandma with teaching her to care for others. “She taught me by example,” Sister Judy shared. “As her inheritance to me, she left me a compassionate heart.”
Sister Judy was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Plymouth, MI at the time she entered into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth in August, 1977. She pronounced first vows on July 25, 1982 and final vows on June 8, 1985. Sister Judy earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science at Eastern Michigan University, a Master of Ministry at Marygrove College and completed course work for a Doctor of Ministry Degree at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary. She began her ministry of teaching junior high students at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth, St. Joan of Arc Parish in St. Clair Shores, and St. Pius X in Flint. She later transitioned into pastoral ministry at St. John the Baptist, St. Robert Bellarmine, St. Agnes and St. Luke parishes in the Diocese of Lansing, MI and was pastoral coordinator of St. Luke Parish in Flint.
Also an accomplished author, Sister Judy wrote the best-selling book, Beyond Survival to New Life - Unleashing the Power Within Each of Us.
A public memorial mass for Sister Judith Blake was held on October 26 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Flint. Her passionate and mission-driven leadership will be missed by the entire community.
2022 CITYZEN OF THE YEAR
Linnell JONESMcKENNEY
BY PETER HINTERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATY KILDEE
She’s a basketball superstar, a member of six halls-of-fame, a Senior Olympic Gold Medalist, recent Art Hurand Art of Achievement Award recipient, a champion of Flint youth and MCM’s 2022 Cityzen of the Year – Linnell Jones-McKenney. “Awww... it’s such an honor to be recognized for everything I have been blessed to accomplish,” she says, humbly. “I’m very grateful for the chance to work toward what I would like to see happen in this city. Thank you very much.”
“Dream Big” is the message that Jones-McKenney has shared with youth and peers her entire life. “If every child had the chance to realize their dreams, then what a wonderful place this would be,” she states. Known as “Coach Linnell” across the city, Jones-McKenney found her calling at a very young age. “I’ve been called ‘Coach’ since middle school,” she laughs. It was at an
“We want Flint kids to see that life can be better! That’s what we do at SBEV. If we plan for our dreams, we can be successful.”
even earlier age, however, when Coach Linnell found her ultimate purpose.
“When I was six years old, I knew that my life could be something different,” she remembers. “I felt I had a calling from God to make this world a better place.” So, she started to dream big.
“I wanted to play professional basketball, travel the world, be a
motivational speaker and build a sports complex for Flint,” she says. She quickly got to work building those dreams. At Bryant Junior High School, Coach Linnell honed her skills on the basketball court, playing on the boy’s team as no girls sports program was offered until Title 9 began in the late ‘70s. Off the court, her time was spent traveling to various schools and other functions with a few older kids to work with youth in basketball and to speak on the importance of following your dreams and planning for the future. Organized by Coach Linnell, the group was known as “The Traveling All-Stars” and it sparked her passion for working with youth that would continue through the present day.
After graduation, she attended Ferris State University where she made the basketball team, quickly becoming a standout. She then transferred and played with Saginaw Valley State before earning a full-ride scholarship to Kentucky State University where she became a two-time All-American. “I was the first woman from Flint to receive an athletic scholarship to play basketball,” she states proudly, “and in 1980, I made the United States Olympic Team but that year, the U.S. boycotted the summer games.” Next, she was the fourth overall selection for the U. S. Women’s Professional Basketball League, but that league quickly folded. Then came an incredible opportunity – one that Coach
IN MAY, JONES-MCKENNEY TOOK THE COURT FOR TEAM USA AT THE SENIOR OLYMPICS IN FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, BRINGING HOME GOLD.
Linnell simply had to take. “My agent called and told me that the European Basketball League was offering 15 Americans the chance to play overseas. I signed up and was chosen.” She played in Rome professionally, traveled the world and became a star and league MVP. Two big dreams had been realized: traveling the world and playing pro basketball.
While in Europe, she checked another off the list when she was asked to work and speak with youth during numerous basketball clinics across
the continent. In time however, Coach Linnell was beginning to feel the draw of home getting stronger. “It got to the point overseas when I just knew it was time to go back and focus on helping the youth of Flint,” she explains.
“When I grew up in Flint, the city invested in its youth,” Coach Linnell shares. “It was a dream city – we had ongoing afterschool programs, open parks and more. The community school directors would give us a chance to be at the gym until 9 or 10 pm. We could walk every street and develop our skills at no cost to us. Now, we are seeing the effects of that lack of investment,” she continues. “We barely have sports or art programs in schools and with a lack of after-school programs, children don’t have the opportunities we had. In fact, nearly 70 percent of kids in the city go to schools outside of their district or to charter schools.”
Upon her return to the city from overseas, Coach Linnell took a step toward resolving these problems and started her “School of Champions” program and after working with youth and other programs for nearly forty years, she was drawn to Sylvester Broome. “When Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village (SBEV) was just starting in 2017, I inquired about using the facility,” she explains. “SBEV Executive Director Maryum Rasool called me up and I told her my dream of helping youth in the city build and follow their own dreams.” The two quickly joined forces and “School of Champions” merged with the vision of SBEV. Now,
SBEV provides a space for youth to learn and enhance their academic prowess, practice the arts and excel in athletics. Everything Coach Linnell dreamed of being able to provide … except for one thing. “Eventually, the need and idea to build a sports complex came up between me and Ms. Rasool. We have been working very hard to get there and have had some setbacks, but we should be ready to break ground next spring.”
The plans for the Flint Sports Complex include three basketball courts, space for gymnastics classes, robotics, soccer, baseball and more. “We want our kids to have the opportunity to play in tournaments, to learn and to train so that their dreams can be realized,” Coach Linnell states. “We want them to see that life can be better! That’s what we do at SBEV. We introduce them to robotics, sports, music and art, so that they can dream of becoming a nurse, doctor, engineer or athlete. We want to show them what success looks like, so they can see themselves in that role. Our kids see negativity every day and they internalize it. We look to give them a positive image of themselves and of life. If we plan for our dreams, we can be successful.”
The SBEV model has been turning heads around the country and the organization is in the process of opening another facility in Chicago to help the youth there. They are even looking to expand to other cities in the future.
In accordance with her work with SBEV, Coach Linnell has worked to curb violence and bullying in the City of Flint by joining the No More Violence Movement and starting Teen Club, where young adults gather to have fun and be mentored by professionals from all occupations and walks of society. “We talk about the importance of realizing their dreams and of themselves,” adds Coach Linnell. “If youth realized how important they are, we wouldn’t have a violence problem when they get older.”
For the last two years, Coach Linnell has also been successful at another project near and dear to her heart – bringing the Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball tournament back to Flint. “It was so big in Flint during the ‘80s!” she exclaims. “I was on a team that traveled to different places to compete, and Flint used to be one of the biggest tournaments in the state.” Coach Linnell is proud to say that two years ago, Gus Macker was back and a surprising success. “The turnout the first year was good,” she explains, “but this year’s turnout just blew me away! We had teams from Ohio, Illinois and Indiana playing here. Everyone still wants to come to Flint to prove themselves. If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best.” Coach Linnell says Gus Macker was the third biggest event in Flint this summer behind Back to the Bricks and The Crim. It’s easy to see that she still loves the sport – in May, she took the court for Team USA at the Senior Olympics in Fort Lauderdale, FL, bringing home gold.
“It’s such an honor to be recognized for everything I have been blessed to accomplish.”
Throughout her life, Linnell Jones-McKenney has always wanted the best for Flint and its youth and she is driven to give back to the city she loves. When asked about her next goal for Flint, she didn’t hesitate one second with her answer. “To bring it the biggest, most-amazing youth activity center in the world!” she laughs. “Just acres and acres of new opportunities and dreams being fulfilled. If we
can help today’s youth learn the skills needed to rebuild this city, to realize their dreams, there would be no need for drugs, violence or gangs. There would be no poverty. We could have heaven on earth, right here in Flint.”
Congratulations to Coach Linnell Jones-McKenney, MCM’s 2022 Cityzen of the Year!
JONES-MCKENNEY RECEIVED THE 2022 ART HURAND ART OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM FLINT & GENESEE GROUP FOR HER EXEMPLARY COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP.
THE MATRIARCHS OF FRANKENMUTH
Honoring Irene Bronner & Judy Zehnder Keller
BY PETER HINTERMAN PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CARLA BRONNER SPLETZER & MARTHA ZEHNDER KASCZYNSKI
Frankenmuth, the little Bavarian city to our north, lost two of its most influential and beloved citizens this fall. On October 16, Irene Bronner of Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a loving family, a supportive community and a world famous shop offering holiday wonders for all. Then,just three days later on October 19, prominent Frankenmuth businesswoman, Judy Zehnder Keller passed away. She was 77.
Many of us in Greater Flint have fond memories of exploring Bronner’s and enjoying meals at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge, and neither would exist if it weren’t for the influence and dedication of these two treasured women. We at MCM consider Frankenmuth a part of Greater Flint and are honored to offer this tribute.
Irene Bronner
Honoring the True Meaning of Christmas
In Greater Flint and throughout the State of Michigan, the Bronner name is synonymous with Christmas. Founded in Frankenmuth by Wallace “Wally” Bronner in 1951 as a combination sign-painting business and Christmas decoration retailer, Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland soon grew from a trio of small shops to the 45-acre holiday experience it is today. With 350 decorated Christmas trees, over 6,000 different ornaments to choose from and over 50,000 trims and gifts displayed, it is the largest Christmas-themed store in the world. And, at Wally’s side for its creation and establishment was his guiding light and wife, Irene. “She was with him when it all began,” says her daughter, Carla Bronner Spletzer. “My mother was part of the heart and soul of both
Bronner’s and Frankenmuth. She was beloved by the staff and the community.”
Born Irene Pretzer in 1927 in Hemlock, MI, she became a teacher in Frankenmuth before meeting Wally Bronner in 1951. After they married, she dedicated her time to helping him build and maintain Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland. “Faith, family and the Christian community were of main importance to her,” explains daughter Carla. “She treasured the real meaning of Christmas. ‘After all’ she would say, ‘faith and Jesus are the reasons we are all here.’”
Throughout the years, Irene’s influence continued to guide the store’s direction from a seat on the board of directors and leadership positions up until and after Wally passed in 2008. She also served as a member of the St. Lorenz Evangelism team for over 30 years, was a past president of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Guild and a former Saginaw Valley Zone Walther League president. She played an active role in the establishment and continued works of the Wallace and Irene Bronner Family Charitable Foundation, helping many humanitarian causes such as the Salvation Army, rescue missions, soup kitchens and others. Giving back and following her faith was a big part
of her life throughout its entirety, from making donations through the Foundation to playing piano for those in care at the Lutheran Home in Frankenmuth for nearly 40 years. “My mother loved music and learned piano at an early age,” Carla shares. “She loved singing in the choir and playing for residents of the Lutheran Home.”
Through all of the busy times, she always made room for family. “She loved the grandkids and all of her family immensely,” says Carla. “The top priority was always faith and family. The family pretzel bakes are some of my fondest memories. About 15 of us would get together, make the dough and roll the pretzels. It became one of our favorite traditions.”
Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland is a magical place for adults and children alike and as folks from all over make their yearly pilgrimages to Frankenmuth, Bronner’s is a must-stop. Every nativity scene, bulb, light and decoration holds a small piece of the spirit, love and warmth that Irene Bronner dedicated to the season throughout her life. “One of her favorite things was to see the joy that the store brings to both visitors and staff,” adds Carla. “She loved seeing their faces light up with Christmas and joy.”
“My mother treasured the real meaning of Christmas. ‘After all’ she would say, ‘faith and Jesus are the reasons we are all here.’”
CARLA BRONNER SPLETZER
Judy Zehnder Keller
Dedication, Community and Love
With all the success Judy Zehnder Keller had, her daughter Martha Zehnder Kaczynski says she always had time for family. “No matter how busy she was, she would find time for any of us,” she remembers. “We have a tradition that whenever a family member graduates high school, the family makes donuts. When I graduated, she had to oversee a very large event being hosted at the Bavarian Inn. She showed up to the event, did what she needed to do and then left to make donuts with the family. It’s a small thing, but she took the time to always be there.” And, for someone as busy as Judy, time was always in short supply.
As the eldest daughter of Bavarian Inn founders Tiny and Dorothy Zehnder, Judy dedicated over six decades of her life to the Bavarian Inn and Frankenmuth, the city she loved. “The community meant everything to Judy,” says Martha. “Second to her family, Frankenmuth was her joy. She loved absolutely everything about it.”
After officially starting to work at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant in 1960, Judy dedicated her life’s passion to the business and the city. In 1986, she built the Bavarian Inn Lodge and helped develop other family businesses in Frankenmuth such as the Schnitzelbank Shop, Covered Bridge Shop, the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus and numerous retail stores at Frankenmuth River Place Shops. She took great pride in the city, serving on the Frankenmuth Downtown Development Authority for 23 years. “She always worked to make Frankenmuth beautiful and appealing to residents and visitors,” adds Martha. “She helped so many business owners get their start – not for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do.” Judy also served as the first female City Council member, the first female Rotary Club member and
president, and as chairperson for the Frankenmuth Sister City Committee for 22 years. Appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm, she served two terms on the Michigan Travel Commission and Hotel Board of Directors. In addition, she was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the Presidential Commission for the German-American Tricentennial, joining the delegation with then-Vice President George H. W. Bush. In June 2022, she designed and donated Frankenmuth’s “Sister City Chair’’ in recognition of the 60th anniversary between Frankenmuth and Gunzenhausen, Germany.
Through all her achievements, Judy remained humble. “Every holiday, we worked to serve our guests,” says Martha. “She loved our guests and our team members. They didn’t work for us; we worked with them. She was successful and held people accountable but was extremely empathetic. I remember her giving the coat she was wearing to an employee who was without one. That’s who she was.”
Of all the lessons Martha learned from her mother, the one that comes most readily to mind is the concept of geduld. “Geduld means patience (in German) and Judy believed that we must have geduld and things will happen,” she explains. “Every team member can tell you all about geduld. It’s just one of the important life lessons we all learned from her.”
Judy Zehnder Keller lived a life of purpose, dedicated to her family, community and the city she loved – a life of inspiration for her family, the people of Frankenmuth and the team. “She was a wonderful, wonderful person,” says Martha. “She made such an impact on peoples’ lives.”
Thank you to both women for the legacies you built for Frankenmuth and Greater Flint. May you rest in peace.
“Second to her family, Frankenmuth was her joy. She loved absolutely everything about it.”
MARTHA ZEHNDER KACZYNSKI
Ona wintry November 17, the Salvation Army held its Red Kettle Time 2 Ring Kickoff at Gaines Jewelry for the second consecutive year. As a rare honor, Proprietor David Gaines and his daughter Selina were chosen to cochair the event. “The Salvation Army approached me and asked if both my daughter and I would like to co-chair the kickoff,” says Gaines. “It’s a great honor to help celebrate the beginning of this season’s bell-ringing efforts.”
“Gaines Jewelry is in its fourth year of sponsoring the program,” states Salvation Army Development Director,
offered watches, rings and other items as added incentive for volunteer bell-ringers. This year, David Gaines went big. “We are offering a chance to win a $2,000 Gaines Jewelry gift card,” explains Peterman. “Every volunteer who rings for two hours at one of our 28 Genesee County Red Kettle locations will be entered into a drawing to win the gift card.” Every two-hour shift completed will earn an additional chance – the more you ring, the better your chances. The drawing will be held December 26, right in the middle of the Christmas holiday. “Anyone 18 and older is eligible,” adds Peterman. “We
need volunteers to hit this year’s goal of $650,000.” Each dollar dropped into a kettle goes right back into the community through Salvation Army programs. The money made during just two hours of volunteer time can often feed a family of four for a week.
Started by Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee in 1891 as a way to feed the poor citizens of San Francisco, the Salvation Army Red Kettle promotion has become synonymous with the Christmas Spirit of Giving. Who hasn’t given a dollar or two to the Red Kettle here and there? Even young children are eager to give whatever change they have. Each year, the Salvation Army serves more than 25 million people across America by providing meals, shelter, clothing and Christmas gifts to those in need. In Genesee County, the Salvation Army provides emergency assistance, food assistance, substance abuse rehabilitation, youth empowerment and more, and every dollar donated helps support their programs.
“My father was a big proponent of giving back to the community,” says Gaines, whose father passed five years ago, “and it just so happens that the kickoff happens on his birthday this year, so it became the perfect opportunity to pass the torch to the third generation. It will be a cool moment and I’m sure it would make him happy to share this honor with his granddaughter.”
This year, take (at least) two hours to ring the bell and help the Salvation Army in their mission of giving. After all, every unmanned Red Kettle represents a missed opportunity. Visit registertoring.com to choose a day, time, date and location that works best for you. You can also call Lydia at 810.600.4497 to sign up via phone. Remember, every two-hour shift is also a chance to win the Gaines Jewelry $2,000 gift card!
Grab a bell, put on your best Mr. or Mrs. Claus costume and get ringing! David Gaines can’t wait to get his hands on a bell this season. “Oh, yes!” he says. “I plan on it.”
“It’s a great honor to help celebrate the beginning of this season’s bell-ringing efforts.”
David Gaines
(L-R) SELINA GAINES KIRK, SALVATION ARMY MAJOR RANDY HELLSTROM, AND DAVID GAINES
It’s All Positive! at Whaley Children’s Center
BY CHERYL DENNISON
For the kids and staff at Whaley Children’s Center, 2022 has been a year of positive change. And many good things are happening thanks to the support of the community and dedicated volunteers, according to CEO/President Mindy Williams. The Center has focused on three main goals: launching the Independent Living Program, creating a mindful culture and designing a safer campus.
Independent Living Program
Whaley’s new Independent Living Program offers a multi-service approach to provide for the physical, emotional and social needs of youth transitioning out of foster care. The new residence, Journey Home, is located in Downtown Flint, providing youth a safe place to call home while they are learning to be independent.
“Through the platform My City Magazine has provided us, we have been able to tell our story throughout the year. The My City team has been welcoming, supportive and encouraging.”
Mindy Williams, CEO/President Whaley Children’s Center
“We are so happy to be up and running, filling the house with kids and helping them succeed as they transition to independence,” Williams reports. “The boys were able to celebrate Thanksgiving Dinner this year, help each other with school work challenges, take driver’s training, obtain employment and soon will celebrate Christmas as a family. It’s not always easy and there have been bumps along the way. The boys have grown and learned to jump over the bumps and keep going! They don’t give up, which they easily could, because we are here to help guide them.”
Mindfulness
Whaley has partnered with the Crim Fitness Foundation to assist them in creating a more mindful climate and culture throughout the campus. The staff receives “Mindful
Monday” emails to get the week started, and reminders and resources for practicing mindfulness can be found throughout the buildings. A room in the school building was transformed into the “Zen Room’’ that contains many items to support mindfulness practice and yoga. The room is open to kids and staff to use at their leisure.
“Thanks to support from a generous grant, the Crim Fitness Foundation team provided training for our staff over the past two years to help us create this mindful culture throughout our agency,” Williams adds.
In addition to the training, the Crim Fitness Foundation came to Whaley to teach brief mindfulness and yoga classes with the staff and kids. They were also helpful in designing the Zen Room and bringing attention to details throughout the campus to create a mindful environment that encourages staff and kids to take moments for self-care and self-awareness.
“It was a joy to work with the Whaley team,” said Sarah Sullivan, Director of the Mindful Flint Initiative at the Crim Fitness Foundation. “They already had such an inclusive, compassionate approach to their relationships with one another and the kids they serve.”
Sullivan also noted that the Whaley team took the training and resources shared by Crim and quickly prioritized and implemented all of the recommendations.
Safety
Whaley Children’s Center has undergone two threat assessments conducted by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department. The department has been
WHALEY’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS CELEBRATES THE SUCCESS OF THEIR TUX & TENNIES FUNDRAISER.
instrumental in helping to create a safer campus for the youth, staff, volunteers and visitors, Williams reports.
“The safety of the Center is a priority for all of us,” states Whaley Board Chair, Nadeem Gebrael. “We are grateful for the partnership we have with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department.”
The Center has updated its emergency management protocols, redesigned the exterior lighting, upgraded the camera system and completed ALICE Training® (Active Shooter Preparedness). “Our residents have typically only interacted with law enforcement during scary times in their lives,” Williams shares. “We are very thankful for the partnership we have with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department. They show up to ensure our kids know that law enforcement officers are safe – they are allies and here to help. At the end of the school year, they stop by to celebrate with our kids.”
“Most people understand that we work tirelessly each day to keep our community safe. What you may not know is we have the unique opportunity to spend time and build relationships
“We have been involved with Whaley Children’s Center for over 20 years. We feel it takes a community to help raise these kids right and I am honored to be a part of that community. Everyone should do their part to support this cause. I work very hard to ensure the annual golf outing and Roofsit event are successful and I strongly encourage others to do so, as well.”
Mike Meythaler, Client Financial Services
with the youth at Whaley,” says Major William Lanning, Genesee County Sheriff’s Department. “Yes, we are there for the obvious reason – to help them understand that law enforcement are the good guys, the ones making arrests and the ones they can call for help. But, we are also there to support the youth who never asked to be in foster care, who didn’t deserve to be abused and who need us. We knew how much they needed us when we started our partnership; what we didn’t know is how much we needed them.”
Other Positive Changes Playground
Because of the overwhelming support generated by Whaley’s Tux & Tennies event, the Center is replacing its 20-plus-year-old playground and creating an up-to-date outdoor wellness/activity space catering to older youth and providing an overall positive physical activity environment.
Donation & Workforce Development Center
An onsite Donation and Workforce Development Center has been made possible by a grant through The
Carls Foundation, Williams reports. All donations are now received, sorted and disbursed through the warehouse. This is also where they house and repurpose items donated to be sold at Reclaimed by Whaley in Downtown Flint. “I can’t wait to have the space to spread out a little!” exclaims Ashleigh Sanders, Whaley’s Director of Community Development, “but more importantly, to be able to create more fun items for Reclaimed with our youth and volunteers.”
Trauma Informed Campus Project
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation granted $100,000 to support Whaley’s Trauma Informed Campus Project. The project’s purpose is to create a trauma-informed design throughout campus that is more conducive to meeting the challenges of the Center’s higher-needs population. The focus will be on the family game room with the addition of fresh paint, new flooring, new furniture with warm colors and natural light. “The space needs to make our children feel safe, valued and supported,” says Williams.
PRIMARY CARE VS. ER VS. URGENT CARE
If you’ve ever wondered where to go for medical treatment, you’re not alone. With the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the beginning of the flu and cold season, and pediatric respiratory illnesses, choosing between your primary care provider, the ER and an urgent care clinic can be challenging.
If you have mild symptoms of illness, such as a temperature below 101 degrees, aches and pains, a mild cough, etc. that could be caused by the flu or COVID-19 and you feel you need to be seen by a doctor, calling your primary care physician is your best option.
When to Go to the Emergency Room
Certain medical conditions are considered emergencies because they require rapid or advanced treatment, including surgery, that are only available in a hospital setting. When faced with a lifethreatening situation, always call 911.
What to Expect at Hurley Emergency Room
When you arrive in the ER, you’ll be right in front of the check-in station and the waiting room. Once checked in, your condition will be assessed by a triage nurse, from 1 (most life-threatening) to 5 (least life-threatening). The emergency department then prioritizes those that require rapid care. After seeing the triage nurse, most patients will return to the waiting room to wait for an exam room. While all patients are important and will be seen, Hurley is a Level 1 Trauma Center. This means a constant influx of critical patients, which could result in extended waits for non-critical patients.
If it’s after hours or you need more immediate care, then you may want to visit an urgent care clinic. For even more severe symptoms, the emergency room offers a higher level of care.
Remember: when choosing between the ER and urgent care, it is important to trust your instincts and err on the side of caution. Assessing the seriousness of your symptoms can prevent overwhelming an ER with mild illnesses or injuries that could be managed elsewhere, and also help you choose the care option that best fits your needs.
When to Go to Urgent Care
Urgent care clinics are the appropriate option when you can’t wait to see your primary care provider, but your symptoms are not severe enough for the ER. Hurley Urgent Care facilities are open every day, have far shorter wait times than the ER and cost less than a traditional ER visit. Hurley Urgent Care clinics offer same-day treatment for minor illnesses and health care needs for both adults and children. They’re also ideal for needs outside of normal business hours (9 to 5) as most are open until 10pm on weekdays and from 10am - 6pm on weekends.
What to Expect at Hurley Urgent Care
After checking in at the reception desk, you’ll sit in the waiting room until you are called to an exam room. Shortly after a medical assistant talks to you about your symptoms and takes your vitals, a provider will come to diagnose and determine the best treatment option. If the urgent care provider thinks you need a higher level of care, they will get you to the ER.
Who Goes First in the Emergency Room?
Symptoms best evaluated at an urgent care include:
• Abdominal Pain, Upset Stomach or Vomiting
• Acid Reflux & GERD
• Allergies, Bronchitis, Sinus Pain & Infections
• Bladder Infection, Painful Urination
• Colds, Sore Throat, Cough or Congestion
• Constipation or Persistent Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Ear Infections & Pain
• Non-complex Stitching
• Fevers without Rash
• Mild Flu-Like Symptoms
• Minor Burns
• Minor Cuts Requiring Stitches
• Pink Eye, Eye Redness, Discharge or Itchiness
• Pulled Muscles, Sprains, Strains or Tendonitis
• Rashes without Fever
• Skin Disorders, Bug Bites or Stings
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Severe Toothache or Abscess
• Wheezing or Shortness of Breath
• Workplace Injuries
Reconnecting is KEY to Success
Jennifer and Kai – two women on very different paths, but whose stories intersect in that they both wanted a second chance to pursue their dreams. They got the “do-over” through Michigan Reconnect, a tuition program that helps adults earn an academic credential. This program allowed Jennifer Cronkright, 45, of Hadley and Kai Washington, 27, of Flint to pursue their academic and career goals at Mott Community College.
Cronkright saw Reconnect as a way to finish the education she started and stopped multiple times. “I took a few classes at MCC in 2003, but I had to drop out due to a complicated pregnancy. I came back in 2011 because I was laid off from my job. I attended classes for a few semesters, but wasn’t really focused because I started my own business and dropped out again due to work demands,” she explained. “Through Michigan Reconnect, I came back for reals during the pandemic.”
She really did come back “for reals” – hit the ground running, got good grades, became involved in campus groups and worked two jobs on campus. She served as president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, was in the Honors Clown Troupe and a member of the MCC President’s Student Advisory Council.
In 2022, Cronkright earned an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts, graduating MCC’s Honors College with High Honors and a Global Endorsement. She transferred to UM-Flint where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications.
“I didn’t plan to go this far,” she shared. “I came back for an associate’s degree, but I transferred so many credits from MCC to UM-Flint they moved me up to a senior status. I am the only communications major at UM-Flint in the Honors College, and the Honors Program is encouraging me to pursue a master’s in communications.”
Currently taking seven classes equaling 20 credit hours, Cronkright has a 4.0 GPA. “One of my goals is to take every history class MCC offers,” she said. “When I transfer the history credits to UM-Flint, I will have to take one three-credit class and will then have a minor in history.”
Washington’s educational path was a little different. She also started and stopped, but hers was a hard stop when she had a stroke at the age of 25. At the time, she was pursuing a degree in social work, working two jobs and caring for her infant son.
“After the stroke, I pivoted to culinary arts – to pursue a life I am passionate about,” she said. “My life mantra is that I want to ‘serve those with the least, with the most care.’” Combining her understanding of social work with her love of cooking, Washington would love to open a soup kitchen; but not just any soup kitchen. “I want to reform how we see soup kitchens by bringing the refinery of culinary arts to those in need in a welcoming and affirming environment. Sharing a meal with someone is the universal way to build a relationship,” she added. “Reconnect has allowed me to pursue what I love without any restraint.”
Still juggling family, school and work, Washington and some fellow culinary arts students are trying to revive the Culinary Arts Club. On her own, she has “spun some ideas” around the Mott Eats food pantry for creating a cookbook of recipes made from items available at Mott Eats. “I want to show busy students how to create healthy and nutrient-rich dishes. It is the intersection of culture and positive feelings,” she explained. “Helping others recreate or modify their favorite or comforting foods is what I love to do.
“I have a burning desire to make good cooking accessible to everyone. I think this attitude works in my favor because I can think of 17 ways to cook with broccoli that my three-yearold will eat,” she added, with a laugh.
For more information about Michigan Reconnect at Mott Community College, visit mcc.edu/enroll/michi gan-reconnect.shtml.
JENNIFER CRONKRIGHT
KAI WASHINGTON
HolidayHappenings GALORE!
Genesee County & Beyond
BY PETER HINTERMAN
Michigan is one of the absolute best states for enjoying a memorable holiday season. It’s not too cold, it’s (usually) not too snowy and the people are downright neighborly. Scrooges here are few and far between. So, we at MCM say, “take advantage of it!” Embrace the beauty, fun and majesty of the holidays in the best way possible – with family, friends and a festive atmosphere. After decorating your home for the much-awaited December celebrations, why not collect those around you and head out to one of the happenings in Greater Flint or (if anything catches your fancy) a little further away. Get out-and-about and recapture that old Christmas spirit once again.
Greater Flint Fun
Cosmic Christmas
I think it’s time you take the kiddos back to the planetarium … What say you? Start the festivities off right with the Cosmic Christmas laser light show featuring 16 classic holiday songs all set to trippy (I mean festive) Christmas visuals. The show runs through the month of December and can fit into nearly every schedule with multiple showings, so you have no excuse. Visit sloanlongway.org to select your time and date.
Christmas at the Holly Hotel
On December 7, the movie “Christmas at the Holly Hotel” will premier locally at The Capitol Theatre in Downtown Flint. Filmed in Holly, the story centers around Holly native Kathy as she returns home after finding career success in New York City. There, she meets and falls in love with a handsome and kind police officer. Will she head back to The Big Apple or decide that where she truly belongs is back home in Holly? Enjoy this down-home Christmas story in a setting that we all know and recognize. For tickets, visit capitoltheatreflint.com.
Holly Dickens Festival
“And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless us, every one!” – Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol”
Get into the spirit of the season in Downtown Holly at the Dickens Festival. Take the kids back in time (get into the correct attire for added fun), start talking in your best British accent, and enjoy tasty food, Christmas vendors, carriage rides, games and brilliant stage performances. Great memories can be made just a hop away in Holly, but you have to act fast – the last weekend of festivities takes place December 10-11.
New Century Chorale Yuletide Festival
On December 11, the New Century Chorale will take the stage for their much-anticipated Yuletide Festival. Join Artistic Director Steven Holovach for a wonderful and dynamic mix of traditional holiday carols, sing-a-longs and rarely heard holiday music from the beautiful voices of the chorale and accompanying chamber orchestra. This year’s festival will take place at St. Paul’s
Episcopal Church in Flint. Tickets are $12. The concert will also be streamed live and you may purchase tickets at newcenturychorale.square. site and a link for the live-stream will be emailed to you.
Flint Symphonic Wind Ensemble Holiday Concert
The 2022 FSWE Holiday Concert will take place December 13 at Mayfair Bible Church in Flushing, MI. Join Conductor Chris Anderson on a heavenly journey through the music of Christmas. This popular holiday performance is sure to get anyone in the mood! The program features classic seasonal melodies as well as selections from Leroy Anderson, Alan Silvestri, Vincent Gassi, John Cheetham and others. For more information, visit fswe-band.com.
FSO Presents: Holiday Pops
The FIM Whiting will be full to the brim with holiday mirth when the Flint Symphony Orchestra jumps into the 2022 Holiday Pops concert! On December 17, the FSO will play time-honored audience favorites from traditional and contemporary Christmas music along with upbeat special selections from 300 years of Mexican and Latin American traditions. Holiday Pops is one of Flint’s most anticipated shows of the year and never fails to leave a rosy glow on the season. For tickets, visit thewhiting.com
Christmas Season at Grandpa Tiny’s Farm
In our favorite Christmas town, Frankenmuth, is Grandpa Tiny’s Farm located at 7775 Weiss St. Decked out for the holidays, this unique experience gives visitors the chance to see Santa’s workshop, reindeer in training and even Santa himself! Kids are encouraged to bring a letter to St. Nick detailing how good they think they were this year and what gift they hope to receive. Watch and chat with Santa’s farm workers and then create an ornament at “The Woodworker” to mark the occasion. Grandpa Tiny’s Farm is open weekends through December 18. Admission is $14.75.
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
One of the greatest Christmas movies of all time will be playing in all its splendor at The Capitol Theatre in Flint on December 21 – just in time to learn the true meaning of Christmas. This classic film stars the iconic James Stewart as George Bailey, a small-town banker who loses his spirit and will to continue on. Through the help of his angel, Clarence, Bailey gets a chance to see what life would have been like in his home town if he’d never been born. Bailey soon learns that his life does matter to the people he loves, and he comes out with greater spirit than before. For ticket info, visit capitoltheatreflint.com.
Trail of Lights
Presented by Davison Township Parks & Recreation, the Trail of Lights brings the holidays home in a dazzling and beautiful walk through the Robert Williams Nature and Historical Learning Center. Horsedrawn carriage rides are available on December 9 & 11 for $15 and include the ride, a visit from Santa, hot cocoa and a craft. The trail is open to walking visitors on December 10, 16-18 and 22-23. For those with special needs, the trail is open on
December 15, 6-8pm. On Friday, December 16 the Davison High School Choir will be on hand for caroling.
Christmas at Crossroads
Well, you’ve seen the lights, you’ve heard the music, and the big day is nearly here. What else is there? Only the biggest Christmas experience in Greater Flint, that's what! Open on weekends through December 30, Christmas at Crossroads is the ultimate experience for those with all the holiday spirit. Brilliantly decorated, Crossroads Village comes alive with carols, performances, shops, Santa and more. Don’t forget to purchase your Huckleberry Railroad tickets early as it WILL sell out. It’s our local version of "The Polar Express" and nearly every person in Genesee County has fond memories of seeing the amazing lights from the window of the moving train. Tickets for the train and village are $24, and $15 for village access only.
Holiday Happening Destinations
IfGreater Flint didn’t have enough for you, or you want to experience something different, Southeast Michigan has a wide variety of fun events. Here are a few you are bound to enjoy.
Telling the Story: Christmas Oratorios
by Bach & Saint-Saens
Visit the Wharton Center in Lansing on December 10 to hear classic Baroque Christmas Oratorios from the masters. The uplifting and spiritual concert will be performed by the MSU Choral Union, University Chorale, State Singers and MSU Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Rayl. Tickets are available for $22. Visit whartoncenter.com to purchase.
Cirque Du Soleil –‘Twas the Night Before
Visit Detroit’s fantastic Fox Theatre this season for a unique and marvelous holiday show performed by the world-famous Cirque Du Soleil. This festive show features the wonders of sharing and friendship as young Isabella is whisked away to an upside-down and inside-out world of the Night Before Christmas poem. This is Cirque Du Soleil’s very first Christmas show and it is bound to entertain and fill
you with holiday cheer. The show runs from December 15-26 and tickets start at $42. Visit foxtheatredetroit.net for purchase.
Canterbury Village Holiday Stroll
Quaint villages are all the rage during the holidays and this Lake Orion attraction is the perfect little place to grow your holiday spirit. Running through December 23, the Holiday Stroll features a musical Christmas light show, professional carolers, live Christmas performances and live roaming holiday characters such as Buddy the Elf, The Grinch, Olaf, Jack Frost, Anna, Elsa and others. For the adults, the C-Pub outdoor patio is ready to serve you all of the Christmas libations (ahem) you may need to get you through the day. Make sure not to leave without getting your picture taken with Santa!
30th Annual Wonderland of Lights
This fantastic family delight at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing runs through December 23. Stroll around the zoo and take in thousands of beautiful and festive light displays while enjoying classic holiday music. Tickets are only $9. For more details, visit potterparkzoo.org.
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
Another of our favorite oldtimey villages, Greenfield Village in Dearborn is a celebration of Christmas on each and every one of its 80 acres. Listen to carolers and fiddlers, and smell the roasting chestnuts and bonfires as you stroll down Main Street. Take a ride on a horse-drawn wagon or a Model-T as you find your best route from building to building. Reservations for “Supper with Santa” and/or “Holiday Nights in Eagle Tavern” can be purchased online at thehenryford.org. Make sure to take your ice skates! Holiday Nights in Greenfield is open until December 28.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The ultimate Christmas musical experience will be live at Little Caesars Arena on December 29. Just because the Big Day has already passed doesn’t mean the experience has to end! This highly anticipated winter tour – The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – will feature classic Trans-Siberian tunes such as “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24”, “Christmas Canon”, “This Christmas Day” and others. Tickets start at $44, visit 313present.com for more information.
Winter Wonder Lights
Explore a world of light and magic at Meadowbrook Hall on the campus of Oakland University. This self-guided outdoor event (through December 30) features festive music, lights, specialty drinks, bonfires and more. For an added bonus, make sure to check out the Starlight Stroll, Holiday Tea and Santa
Saturdays! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at meadowbrookhall.org/wonderlights
Magic of Lights
If a drive-through light experience is more your gig, head down to Pine Knob in Clarkston for “Magic of Lights.” See a variety of holiday scenes and characters, as well as intricate digital animations from the safety of your own car. One car, one price – just $20 per vehicle. So, cram ‘em in and get ready to be amazed! Magic of Lights is open until December 31. For advanced tickets and details, visit magicoflights.com/events/clarkston.
Holly Dazzle: A Renaissance Christmas
Visit Holly Grove, the site of the Michigan Renaissance Festival for Holly Dazzle! Holly Dazzle is a three-quarter mile trail with
more than a dozen lighted holiday scenes featuring Santa, Sledding Penguins, a Candy Land Castle and more. Every child who meets Santa will receive a free gift. It’s the Renaissance Festival under a million lights! Holly Dazzle is open weekends through December 31. For more info, visit michrenfest.com
Walk on the Wild Side
Returning to the Detroit Zoo for another season, Wild Lights runs every weekend through January 8. Guests will enjoy multiple animal-themed light displays with a new Enchanted Trail added just this year. Visit the Wishing Tree and take a jump through Toyland as you make your way to The Polar Express™ 4D Theater Experience. When it’s all over, adults can visit the Wild Lights Lodge for live entertainment and much sought-after beverages. For ticket info, visit detroitzoo.org.
However you choose to celebrate the holidays, we hope it’s a happy time for you and yours! Happy Holidays from MCM!
Time! It’s
Cookie
BY CHERYL DENNISON
Happiness is … cookies!
Who doesn’t like to indulge in a few “to die for” Christmas cookies during the holidays? One way to enjoy a variety of the tasty treats is to host or attend a Christmas Cookie Exchange with your family members or co-workers. Sometimes called a Cookie Swap, each guest brings a different type of homemade cookie, which they swap with the other guests. It’s always nice to share your recipe, as well. Here are some of my favorite cookie recipes friends have shared with me.
Danielle’s “To Die For” Chocolate Chip Cookies
These are a longtime family Christmas favorite!
Ingredients
◆ 1 1/3 c.shortening (Crisco)
◆ 1 c. sugar
◆ 1 c. brown sugar (packed)
◆ 2 t. vanilla
◆ 1 t. salt
◆ 1 t. baking soda
◆ 3 c. flour
◆ Chocolate Chips
To Make
Preheat oven to 375oF. Mix shortening, sugars, eggs and vanilla until creamy. Combine flour, baking soda and salt, then mix into the creamed mixture. Add chocolate chips and combine.
Drop by rounded tsp. (or tbsp.) onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for approximately 12 minutes. Cookies are done when lightly browned. For a crispy cookie, bake a little longer. Cool for 2 minutes, then move to a wire rack. Variations: Butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts/and/or dried cherries or cranberries; red and green M&Ms; mint chips or crushed Andes Mints. The base mixture works well with many combinations. Use your imagination!
Marianne’s Nutty Cookies
My good friend, Heidi, shared one of her mother’s Christmas Cookie recipes with me. Marianne Weirstahl immigrated from Germany to the U.S. in 1961 with her husband and two children. Her family loves these melt-in-your-mouth cookies!
Ingredients
◆ 4 c. flour
◆ 1 lb. butter, softened
◆ 6 egg yolks
◆ 1/2 pint sour cream
Mix well and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Filling
◆ 1 lb. pecans, finely ground
◆ 1 c. sugar
◆ Beat 6 egg whites until stiff and add 2 T. rum.
Mix well and refrigerate for 1 hour.
To Make
Roll refrigerated dough into small balls (use a teaspoon for size) and refrigerate for 1 hour. Dust the dough balls lightly with flour so they won’t stick to the cutting board. Using a rolling pin, flatten the balls into discs. Add the filling to the center of the disc, form a ball again and “smush” it. Bake at 350oF for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. When cool, dust with powdered sugar.
Cheryl’s Gingerbread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Rich in flavor, soft and delicious, this is one of my family’s favorite Christmas cookies –I make them only during the holidays.
Ingredients
◆ 3 c. all-purpose flour
◆ 2 t. ginger
◆ 1 t. cinnamon
◆ 1 t. baking soda
◆ 1/4 t.nutmeg
◆ 1/4 t.salt
◆ 2 sticks butter, softened
◆ 1/4 c.brown sugar
◆ 1/4 c.white sugar
◆ 1/2 c.molasses
◆ 1 egg
To Make
Mix flour, spices, salt and baking soda, set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar and white sugar until fluffy. Add molasses, egg and
beat again until creamy. Slowly add flour mixture and combine well. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in white sugar until they are coated. Place on a baking sheet 2 inches apart. Bake in a 350oF oven for about 8 minutes for chewy cookies.
Cool, then top with frosting made from 1 (8 oz.) package of softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 c.powdered sugar, 1/2 stick softened butter, 1 t. vanilla and 1/2 t.salt. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, if desired. I top them with red and green sugar sprinkles.
Snickerdoodles
This Betty Crocker all-time classic is always a special treat during the holidays – and easy to make!
Ingredients
◆ 1 1/2 c.sugar
◆ 1/2 c.butter, softened
◆ 1/2 c.shortening
◆ 2 eggs
◆ 2 3/4 c.Gold Medal all-purpose or unbleached flour
◆ 2 t. cream of tartar
◆ 1 t. baking soda
◆ 1/4 t.salt
◆ 1/4 c.sugar
◆ 2 t. ground cinnamon
To Make
Preheat oven to 400oF. In a large bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups sugar, the butter, shortening and eggs. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls.
Mix 1/4 cup sugar and the cinnamon. Roll balls in cinnamon-sugar mixture and place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until set. Remove from cookie sheet to a wire rack.
Kathy’s Christmas Cookies
My family looks forward to Kathy’s rich and delicious sugar cookies with buttercream frosting every year!
Ingredients
◆ 4 1/2 c.flour
◆ 1 t. baking soda
◆ 1 t. baking powder
◆ 1 t. salt
◆ 1 c. butter, softened
◆ 1 1/2 c.sugar
◆ 2 eggs (room temp)
◆ 1 c. sour cream (room temp)
◆ 1 t. vanilla
To Make
Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar until light
Buttercream Frosting
◆ 3 3/4 c.confectioners’ sugar
◆ 1/2 c.(one stick) butter, softened
◆ 3-4 T. milk
◆ 1 t. vanilla extract
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix with a mixer at low speed until
and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition. Add vanilla. Add dry ingredients alternately with sour cream, mixing well with each addition. Chill dough for at least an hour. Preheat the oven to 350oF. On a floured board, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters dipped in flour. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 8-12 minutes. Cool 1-2 minutes before removing to wire racks.
creamy. Add more milk if needed to reach spreading or piping consistency.
If you don’t get a chance to “swap” your cookie creations, they always make the perfect holiday gift!
Don’t forget to set aside a couple for Santa, too.
Local Eats & Drinks
FENTON WINERY & BREWERY
FRANK’S HOPPY BISTRO
Magical A
SANTA’S FARM GRAND BLANC
BY CHERYL DENNISON
Experience!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, with twinkling lights and decorated Christmas trees. But most importantly –Santa Claus has come to town!
AtSanta’s Farm in Grand Blanc, Dan and Kerrie Hajek will be making holiday memories again this year by offering personal interviews with The Big Man himself!
The Hajeks started Santa’s Farm in 2018 to provide magical and memorable experiences with Santa and Mrs. Claus. According to Kerrie, their daughter Tara and their five grandsons had taken a trip to the mall to see Santa. It was an exhausting excursion as they had to stand in line for almost two hours to see the jolly old man for just a moment. On the way home, Tara stopped by to visit her parents and told Dan, “Dad, you have to be Santa!” Kerrie was on board with the idea. “My husband has always been Santa ever since our kids were little,” she shares, “so it was natural for him to step into that role.”
On their ten-acre property, the couple converted a grain bin into a festive meeting place complete with a Christmas tree, a fireplace and of course, Santa’s chair. Kids could sit on
Santa’s lap for 20 minutes to share their Christmas lists and parents could take photos. Elves would escort them to the large, decorated pole barn that housed Santa’s sleigh and a play area where kids could have fun with old-fashioned toys, drink hot chocolate and eat popcorn. “The yard was decorated and lit up like Frankenmuth!” Kerrie exclaims. The first year, 150 families visited and nearly 350 kids. “Then, COVID hit,” she adds “and we could no longer offer private visits with Santa.”
Still SHOPPING?
BY SHANNON WHITE
T’was the week before Christmas … and you still need gifts for your nearest and dearest! Don’t worry, there are great gifts to be found in Downtown Flint – from your bestie to your beloved, SHIFT has you covered with gift ideas ready and waiting.
It’s an annual quandary: what do you buy for your friends who seem to have everything? Just because a woman has a few handbags doesn’t mean she can’t use one more! Keep things chic with a cowhide wristlet from Pretty Simple. Animal prints are always in style and go with any outfit! Or, embrace the wintertime look with the Downtown flannel clutch. Black & red buffalo check plaid is a classic print. And since we mentioned buffalo check, check out the adorable mittens from Panache. Keep your best friends warm, cozy AND stylish and they’ll love you for it!
Wooden Ships Happy Christmas Crewneck Sweater
FOR HER
Pretty Simple Cowhide Wristlet
Golden Stella Mini Crossbody Clutch
Panache Buffalo Plaid Mittens
Amelia Rose Envelope Locket Necklace
The man in your life needs a package or two under the tree, too! The Gift Republic money clip is great for keeping his bills together and also includes some handy tools. Does he need something new in his closet? Dress him up with a sharp, new button-down from House of Lords –we’ve got classic black and white. Or if traveling is in his future, gift him a new dopp kit to keep all his grooming essentials organized.
Don’t forget the kiddos and fur babies!
SHIFT has everything from stocking stuffers to the coolest clothes for your little ones. Start their holidays off squeaky clean with a Merry Fizzmas advent calendar. Kids love these bath bombs with a fun surprise inside! Or, give them something soft to snuggle like a cuddly penguin from Peru Alpaca. The whole family can enjoy the Twelve Games of Christmas – perfect games to play on a snowy evening with some hot chocolate and popcorn! Your pup will love to chase a “naughty” or “nice” tennis ball on Christmas morning.
At SHIFT, we believe it’s always a good idea to treat yourself, too! Adding a (not ugly) Christmas sweater to your closet will keep you warm and bring some holiday cheer to your wardrobe. Check out the Happy Christmas sweater by Wooden Ships – it’s oh-so-cozy and delightful!
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or others, enjoy your holiday season. Take some time to relax before we get ready to SHIFT into 2023!
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.
Republic Money Clip
Multitool
Bordeaux Button Down
Da Bomb Merry Fizzmas Advent Calendar
Mudpie Holiday Tennis Balls
TWSS Christmas Game Set
FOR KIDS
FOR PUPS
RABBI ZOE McCOON OF TEMPLE BETH TORAH
BY MARK SPEZIA PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TEMPLE BETH TORAH
Acoustic guitar in hands, Rabbi Zoe McCoon greeted her new congregation with a stirring rendition of a traditional Jewish hymn and seemingly endless smiles.
Itwas July 2, 2021 and the then-27-year-old Grand Blanc native was leading her first service as Rabbi of Temple Beth Torah in Fremont, CA, just north of San Jose.
“So friends, while we are waiting for everything to get up and running,” she began the Zoom-only event before pausing and waving. “Hi, this is Rabbi Zoe,” she continued. “We are going to do some singing to get us in the Shabbat mood.”
At first, some of those tuning in to the service sang along with McCoon as she began perfor-
ming the hymn, Hine Ma Tov (“behold how good”), but many opted to simply listen to a voice most of them were hearing for the first time.
Then, a beaming McCoon stepped aside as then-Beth Torah President Rick Brodzinsky came to the microphone.
“We interviewed many wonderful candidates to become our new Rabbi and we are so honored that Rabbi Zoe McCoon chose us when we offered her the position,” he said. “It is now my great pleasure to introduce Rabbi Zoe to the congregation to lead us in prayer.”
McCoon began her tenure as the first female Rabbi in Beth Torah’s 60-year history at an ideal time as in-person services resumed a week later with an 80-minute outdoor event, featuring her voice and guitar playing throughout, next to the temple on a serene, northern California evening.
Thankful for the closer connection to her congregation, McCoon addressed the change in leadership and offered her unwavering support.
“As your Rabbi, I want you to know that I am here alongside you as we navigate the ‘new’ together,” she said. “Whether you want to talk about what you are going through or just want to feel supported by your community, Temple Beth Torah is here for you and I’m here for you. Let’s experience this new together.”
Then, as the sun began setting, McCoon became emotional when presented with her office nameplate.
“I’ve never had a nameplate before!,” she exclaimed while holding it.
McCoon had a similar reaction a month earlier when Brodzinsky greeted her after her flight landed with “the first sign anybody has ever held for me at an airport!”
“Leading services is something I have loved to do forever, which I developed growing up in the Flint area and attending Temple Beth El.”
Rabbi Zoe McCoon
“That was a really lovely setting and perfect atmosphere for my first in-person service, especially the sunset,” McCoon recalls. “Leading services is something I have loved to do forever, which I developed growing up in the Flint area (attending Temple Beth El), being so involved with the services and leading portions of them. I felt very comfortable during my first services here and really appreciated the immediate, warm reception of the congregation.”
That’s especially true when it comes to the musical portion. McCoon discovered a passion for singing while still a toddler before taking up guitar at age 18.
“One of my favorite things about in-person services again is the sing-along because hearing and singing melodies
familiar to them can really bring a congregation together,” she says. “Seeing longtime members engaged in singing along with new faces is really beautiful.”
Among those taking in McCoon’s first services was former Beth Torah President Ronnie Petersohn, a member of its Rabbi search committee.
“I had watched the videos of Rabbi Zoe singing and her sermons and was excited to meet her,” he says. “She was enthusiastic and had delivered thoughtful and well-written sermons that we watched. Rabbi Zoe’s strengths are her compassion and the ability to connect with congregants of all ages. She has a beautiful voice which combined with her guitar skills have brought endless hours of music to a congregation that loves to sing.”
Some 17 months later, it’s clear McCoon’s enthusiasm for her new home has only grown.
“It’s going pretty well and I’ve only felt stronger about what a wonderful fit it’s been,” she says. “The first year of any position is about finding ways to meld with the partners you have to find a shared vision for the future. Then in year two, it’s finding what that vision looks like and how to implement it. I’ve also spent time seeing what our temple’s role is in the wider Jewish community of this area and making sure we are reaching out to anyone who might feel marginalized in our community.”
Describing a typical week for McCoon is impossible because there is no such thing.
RABBI ZOE SUCCEEDED EXPERIENCED AND ACCOMPLISHED RABBI AVI SCHULMAN, WHO HAD LED BETH TORAH SINCE 2007.
In addition to preparing sermons and organizing services, she has a long list of other responsibilities when it comes to overseeing a synagogue with roughly 140 families, a preschool and youth and adult education.
McCoon, who excels in the teaching portion of her job, plays a role in all of Temple Beth El’s education services, working with people of all ages. She has also been part of a panel discussion of Bay-area professionals on reproductive rights and moderated a panel discussion about Jewish end-of-life planning.
McCoon has conceptualized and led presentations with titles like “Powerful Jewish Women in History” and “Each of Us is Made in the Image of God.”
“A regular week does not exist for me because there are so many moving pieces to a Rabbi’s job,” she says. “I spend a good amount of time meeting individually with members and having meaningful conversations with our leaders about what we can accomplish together and what our role as a temple is with regard to what is going on in the world. Really, building relationships is at the core of everything we do.”
As search committee members expected, McCoon has proven a more-than-capable successor to experienced and accomplished Rabbi Avi Schulman, who was ordained in 1984 and had led Beth Torah since 2007.
“Rabbi Zoe is doing a wonderful job and it is not easy for a newly-ordained Rabbi to join a congregation that has had a well-loved Rabbi for a long time,” Ronnie Petersohn says. “She stepped into her role with an ease that would be difficult for even a more experienced Rabbi.”
Perhaps no one is more thrilled to see McCoon thriving as a Rabbi than her mother, Carol Raznik, who has a deep knowledge of Judaism and publicly reads from The Torah (Hebrew bible) in both English and Hebrew.
“Zoe is a warm and friendly person, making everyone feel welcome and comfortable in her congregational home,” she says. “Knowing that music makes people happy and brings them together as well as enhancing a prayer service, she incorporates it very well in her Sabbath services. Her sermons are very relevant.”
McCoon’s youth makes her a rarity among Rabbis. According to the career website Zippia.com, only four percent of American Rabbis are under 30 years of age and just 27% are women. That means only a small fraction of Rabbis in the United States are women in their 20s.
“My wife Kay and I both knew when Zoe was a very young girl that she was going to become a Rabbi. We watched her observe, learn, lead, teach and sing unlike any of her peers.”
Micheal Melet, Lifelong Member - Temple Beth El, Flint
That McCoon is among them, however, is no surprise to many who witnessed her growth as she came of age at Flint’s Temple Beth El, like 82-year-old Micheal Melet, a lifelong member.
“My wife Kay and I both knew when Zoe was a very young girl that she was going to become a Rabbi,” he says. “We watched her observe, learn, lead, teach and sing unlike any of her peers. She was a born teacher and grasped and shared her Jewish knowledge at such an early age. She led our congregation in Shabbat services and read beautifully from our Torahs with a deep understanding and ability to articulate her thoughts.”
Dr. Chery Wagonlander A MODEL EDUCATOR RETIRES
BY PETER HINTERMAN
Onthe campus of Mott Community College exists a smaller school, a different school – set up to function differently with the sole purpose of helping students who learn differently. Known as “slipaway” students, they may need extra help with their studies, or encouragement, or help with emotional or economic needs, or perhaps a challenge better than those provided at a traditional high school.
The students come from all over Genesee County, each bringing a unique set of challenges. Maybe they were being relentlessly bullied at their former school, maybe they had to slip away from school to help their family, maybe they were bored in class and needed something more. Whatever the reason, this little school at MCC exists solely to provide the access and equity these students deserve to have a fair chance at college and personal success. The school is Mott Middle College (MMC) and its mission is to “prepare high school, atrisk students for a successful work and educational future through the full integration of high school, community college and the world of work.”
Since its start in 1991, MMC has helped thousands of students go on to succeed at the college level and
beyond and it is all due in part to the tireless work of Flint’s own Dr. Chery Wagonlander. Through her years of effort, MMC has become a national model and a catalyst for the national middle/early college movement in education. “The opportunity fell upon me,” says Wagonlander. “It’s about providing equity and accessibility to the County’s disadvantaged students. Not once did I think it wouldn’t work. It simply had to.”
Growing up a stone’s throw from Oak School on tiny Atwood St. in Flint, it seems young Chery was destined for a career in education. “I ran a school on my front porch for stuffed animals and friends,” she smiled in memory. She attended Flint Central High and then Flint Southwestern, and after graduation enrolled at Mott Community College to pursue a career in medicine. “My plan was to become a medical doctor but, when I got to MCC, that track wasn’t available,” she remembers. “I could become a nurse or an educator. I was too proud to become a nurse – I wanted to be a doctor; so instead, I chose to become a doctor of kid’s minds.” With her course set, Wagonlander pursued her career through courses at MCC, UM-Flint, UM-Ann Arbor for her master’s level work, Oakland University
for her specialist degree, and Eastern Michigan University for her doctorate. Next, she took a teaching job at Ferris State University before accepting a leadership position at The Valley School in Flint. When the opportunity came to build and run MMC, Wagonlander answered the call.
“In the ‘70s and ‘80s, state and local educators were becoming concerned about the huge dropout rates of high school students and college freshman,” explains Wagonlander. “The Mott Foundation, Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) and Michigan Department of Education were looking for a local approach to addresss the dropout rate.” The middle college concept was their direction. It began with the work of psychologist Janet Lieberman and the establishment of the first middle college at LaGuardia College in New York in 1973. The education model targeted potential “at-risk” students who were struggling in traditional high schools. It was thought that the change of location (a college campus) and a new educational environment characterized by adult norms of commitment to studies, responsibility, more mature behavior, and new avenues of
support could make a difference. “The success was phenomenal,” adds Wagonlander. Still, just copying the LaGuardia model wouldn’t work for the local plan. Mott Middle College would need to serve students from more than one district – it had to work with all Genesee County school districts. Wagonlander got busy contacting all of the districts and met with local leadership. “I asked them to send students who teachers could identify as ‘high-risk,’ maybe ten or 12 per school, and they responded.”
In 1991, with thanks to a generous start-up grant from the Mott Foundation, Michigan became the seventh state in the nation to offer the new education model and MMC became the country’s first multi-district middle college. Since its initial support, the Mott Foundation has provided more than $2.6 million to develop the school’s instructional model and innovative curriculum.
“We couldn’t have done it without the support of the Mott Foundation,
GISD and Michigan Department of Education. They have been amazing,” Wagonlander states. Soon after its establishment, MMC was chosen as one of five national models that provided a blueprint of middle and early college success. As early as 1996, MMC and Wagonlander began coaching other middle colleges across the country.
The Middle College model is based on four basic principles:
1. College-focused academic program: school curricula provide a bridge to postsecondary studies that incorporate both high school and college coursework,
2. Student academic and social/emotional support throughout their high school years,
DR. CHERY AND HER HUSBAND, ARTIST AND TEACHER CHARLES “FRED” WAGONLANDER
3. High school/college collaboration: High schools and colleges take joint responsibility for students’ success and establish structures that permit high school students to take college courses; and
4. Culture of continuous improvement: High schools and colleges engage in evidence-based discussions to continuously improve the student experience. MMC strives to adapt all directions and decisions around these principles and the students have been reaping the rewards.
MYSTORY
All MMC grads are expected to complete the State of Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements, approved College Readiness Curriculum, a minimum of 15 college credit hours and either 100 hours of community service or a minimum of 40 hours of career exploration, internship or clinical experience (or a combination of two that equals more than 70 hours). Some students graduate with an associate degree from MCC or the maximum of 60 transferable college credits – it is all up to the students. “Every MMC enrollee is a college student,” says Wagonlander. “It is not a choice. Students who graduate with college credits are more likely to attend and finish college. They are invested in the opportunity.”
IN 2019, DR. WAGONLANDER RECEIVED THE GENESEE COUNTY FOUNDATION’S “EVERYDAY HERO” AWARD.
“ We w th
We want every student to find themselves and be exposed to what’s possible.”
DR. CHERY WAGONLANDER
In addition to the standard middle college requirements, MMC mandates a student take a class in the fine arts. “We want every student to find themselves and be exposed to what’s possible,” says Wagonlander. At the end of their journey, students take a graduate survey answering questions about self-efficacy – How do they view themselves? “We have 95% self-efficacy rates and students say they feel prepared for the future,” says former MMC Principal, Margaret Green. “It’s one of our favorite outcomes.”
Thereare three other big ways that MMC sets itself apart from traditional high schools. For one, MMC students attend high school for a fifth year. “When looking through the data, we found that some students were dropping out after their freshman year of college and realized that some were not socially ready for it. Theyneeded just one more year,” explains Wagonlander. Each student’s educational development plan is designed to include a fifth year. For many, the final year includes community service, internships and college courses, all free of charge.
each year,” says Green. “For example, if they are coming in with low reading levels, we adjust to help fix the issue.”
How they address student needs is also unique. “Our teachers design the curriculum,” Green states. “It’s not handed to them from above.” Wagonlander says with a smile, “I’ve learned to say ‘yes’ over the years I acted as principal and it has led to some amazing lessons and dedicated teachers. Our Puppet Theatre, for instance – I would have never guessed it would work so well.”
In an effort to bolster Michigan’s middle/early college movement, Wagonlander established the Michigan Early/Middle College Association (MEMCA) in 2005 as a local affiliate of the Middle College National Consortium with the purpose of increasing the collegiate and post-secondary success and completion rate of Michigan youth. Thegroup meets annually to share best practices, concerns and new student trends. Since its creation, Wagonlander has worked as executive director continuing her mission of helping establish middle colleges throughout the state. Thispast November, Wagonlander officially retired from the position and handed the reins to Margaret Green; however,the dedication to middle college education continues for Wagonlander as she offers advice and suggestions for direction to Green and MEMCA. invested in the opportunity. ” MMC se tional hig students
Next, MMC undergoes constant adjustments that help tailor curriculum to alleviate student need. “We listen to our teachers and counselors as to what students are struggling with
History of the Great Lakes The White Hurricane Cometh
BY PETER HINTERMAN
TheWitch of November came in the night, and she was angry.
As the storm sent wave after wave breaking over the deck of the L. C. Waldo, Second Mate Feeger was desperately trying to navigate across the bouncing and heaving ship. The snow flew in the gale-force wind, blinding him to all but the brightest of lights. Small needles of ice, propelled by the monstrous wind, shot into Feeger’s exposed face and arms as he desperately made his way to the wheelhouse. Moving slowly, he gripped the metal rail that kept him and his shipmates from being tossed into the deadly black waters of Lake Superior – the only
thing keeping him upright and alive. As he approached his destination, the light from the wheelhouse cut through the bitter storm. It was the one thing he could see clearly – a beacon leading him to his captain so he could deliver the news that the ship was taking on water and that they would have to find a harbor quickly or succumb to the Witch’s curse. He was looking up into the lights of the wheelhouse when a ferocious wave smashed into it, breaking out windows and sweeping the silhouette of a shipmate clear out into the malevolent depths, never to be found. Feeger gritted his teeth against the wet winds. How could they possibly make it out alive?
In November 1913, the Great Lakes were hit with a storm the likes of which none have ever seen before. Its ferocity was unmatched by any in recorded history. Dubbed “The White Hurricane” it left more than a dozen shipwrecks throughout the lakes and took over 250 lives. The White Hurricane still holds the distinction of being the largest inland maritime disaster in U.S. history. It grew so quickly and at such a time in history, that disastrous effects were inevitable.
For those stuck out on the waters of the Great Lakes, the storm of 1913 was four days of horror. It brought winds of speeds upwards of 90 mph and waves as high as 50 feet on Southern Lake Huron. Whiteout conditions and ice accumulation presented an even bigger problem – ships couldn’t navigate. Once caught in the storm, a ship’s fate was sealed unless it got lucky. Not many were lucky enough.
One fortunate ship was the L. C. Waldo, trapped on Lake Superior. Faced with 70 mph winds and a broken rudder, the ship was thrust aground on Gull Rock near Manitou Island and nearly cracked in two. It was irreparably broken. Out on the water, it had lost its pilot house and wheelsman as he was swept from the wheelhouse by
a 35-foot wave. The captain knew the ship was lost and turned his attention to self-preservation. He ordered his men to wedge the ship as far as possible into the rocks using as much power as it had left, and to then take shelter in the ship’s bow. There, in the unheated windlass room, they waited out the storm’s fury. Second Mate Feeger recounted a little of that night: “The wind sent one gigantic wave after another over parts of the ship …The snow was so blinding that none of us could see 50 ft. ahead,” he stated. There was little warning as to the ferocity of the storm and what warning came had come too late.
The Great Lakes storms of November were one of the main reasons for the creation of a National Weather Service in 1869 when Rep. Halbert E. Paine of Wisconsin introduced a bill that called for a weather warning service under the Secretary of War. The service was just beginning to stand on its own two legs in 1913. The common practice was for forecasters to telegraph gale warnings to more
A SHIPWRECK ON THE COAST OF LAKE SUPERIOR
than 100 stations along the Great Lakes shores. Volunteers would then display flags and/or lanterns as warnings to those out at sea. Sailors near land only had 12 to 24 hours in which to prepare. Those further out in the waters had no warning whatsoever.
So, when ships were warned on November 7 of a “moderately severe” storm on the way indicating wind speeds of up to 55 mph, they were caught unaware when in truth, speeds topped out at 80 mph over the deepest waters. At 10am on Saturday, November 8, the storm status was upgraded to severe. Most captains ignored the warning flags if sighted.
Commerce continued. It was on this night that the majority of ships were lost on Lakes Michigan and Superior. Lake Huron was next in line.
When November 9 began, gales on Lake Huron registered close to normal for November. The storm, however, was slowly approaching from the northwest just as another large storm was coming in from Lake Erie to the south. Both storms collided over Lake Huron just south of Alpena creating massive waves. At least three ships were found floating upside-down, attesting to the strength of the wind and waves. Ships on the waters of Lake Huron’s southern tip were met with 90 mph winds and relentless blowing snow. As the combined storm moved out of the area on November 10, lake effect blizzards covered Cleveland in 22 inches of snow, knocking out power and filling the streets with drifts as high as six feet.
Shipwrecks occurred on all Great Lakes with the exception of Ontario. Nineteen ships were destroyed, 19 were left stranded on the water, and 250 people perished. Over $1 million in cargo was lost to the murky depths.
Despite the White Hurricane tragedy, ship builders and shipping companies resisted advancements in cargo ship design for over 60 years until the tragedy of the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975. Today, advancements in the Weather Service have led to more effective means of tracking storms and issuing warnings.
ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE COUNCIL
25 th Annual
ENSURE THE LEGACY BANQUET
Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club 10.25.22
PHOTOS BY KATY KILDEE
This annual dinner and awards banquet is held to recognize community leaders, award scholarships and celebrate the work of the organization. The keynote speaker was Dr. Abdul El Sayed, and honorees included Physician of the Year: Dr. Radhika Kakarala; Arab American of the Year: Andrea Sahouri, and Community Contributor of the Year: Community Foundation of Greater Flint. Established in 1980, the AAHC is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a strong and united Arab community and providing immigration services to the Greater Flint community.
Catholic Charities Chair-ity Fundraiser
Catholic Charities Conference Center
10.27.22
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Celebrating another year of Providing Help & Creating Hope, this fundraiser featured a tailgate party theme ramping up for the big battle between in-state gridiron rivals University of Michigan and Michigan State. Dressed in their spirit wear, attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, drinks, raffles and a silent auction. A live auction, presented by Fr. Joe Krupp (MSU fan) and Jesse Ortega (U of M fan) created a friendly competition for rival fans to “out-donate” each other, with the “score” announced throughout the evening. Up for bid were unique, custom-designed chairs created and donated by area artists and there were exciting raffle prizes, as well.
Art of Achievement Awards
The Capitol Theatre
11.4.22
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLINT & GENESEE GROUP
The community gathered as the Flint & Genesee Group recognized business leaders, community champions and hospitality professionals for achievements in their respective fields of industry.
More than 85 businesses and organizations and 100 individuals were contenders for 14 awards, with winners selected from nominations gathered throughout the year. Also honored were recipients of this year’s Art Hurand Award, C.S. Mott Award and Economic Development Project of the Year Award.
Tap•o•lo gy FALL TAP FESTIVAL
Flint Cultural Center
11.4-11.6.22
PHOTOS BY @TRUHEARTPHOTO
This special weekend of music and dance featured tap classes taught at the Flint Institute of Music by multiple talented instructors for all levels of skill, as well as African Drumming with Baba Kevin. The schedule also included a Living Legends Luncheon and a Youth Ensemble Dance Party with Djay Tron. Tapology CEO Alfred Bruce Bradley was presented with the Michigan Heritage Award by the Michigan Traditional Arts Program at Michigan State University. The event culminated with the Call & Response Concert at FIM Whiting Auditorium, featuring Jazz, R&B, African Drumming, Caribbean and Hip Hop music. The concert was created to be a historical and artistic account of the significance of African call-and-response music in American culture and its impact on freedom, justice and equality.
17th Annual Ties & Tails
Captain’s Club at Woodfield
11.19.2022
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY KATY KILDEE
On a blustery night, animal lovers gathered once again for the annual fall event to benefit the Humane Society of Genesee County. The evening included a buffet dinner and silent and live auctions to help fund improvements to the facility’s cat housing area. A few fur babies were on hand to pull at heart strings, getting plenty of affection from attendees. Emcee duties were shared by CARS 108 radio personality Lisa Marie and Stephanie Confer of MTA.
Future Generations Will Thank You
BY VERA HOGAN
After our parents had both passed away, my sisters took on the task of going through our mother and dad’s Arizona home, deciding what to do with their furniture, housewares, clothing and prized possessions. I was grateful to them for doing this since I couldn’t, and I knew they would divide things fairly.
A few weeks later, I received a big box filled with things they knew I would like to have. Among them were several photo albums and hundreds of loose photos. I remember many of the people and occasions in those pictures; but sadly, a countless number were unmarked. I have no idea who is in the pictures with my family members, the day they were taken or what warranted the photo in the first place. There are also scores of them showing my grandparents and others who may have been relatives … maybe. Again, I have no idea who the people in the photos are, the location or the date.
My mother was terrible at organizing and labeling pictures. Recently, my eldest stepson expressed an interest in seeing photos from decades ago, when he was a child and I was married to his father. I spent a few hours going through boxes of
pictures to find them and did the best I could to label them. This exercise led me to realize that I am no better at this than my mother was.
With the holidays upon us, we will all be taking a lot of photos of family events and activities – with our phones. Many of these pictures will live only on our phones or end up on social media; and that’s where they’ll stay. But, who knows what will happen when it’s our turn to leave this life? Will our kids and grandchildren have access to these cherished memories? Who knows? Technology changes more quickly than we can keep up with it.
I have improved my photo processing a bit by transferring all my treasured pictures from my phone to my laptop, so that I can make prints and label them. There are services that will accomplish this task, but it won’t be the same as labeling the photos myself with names, occasions, locations and dates, and a few personal notes. I’m not ambitious enough for photo albums, but I have started categorizing them to store in large clasp envelopes. It’s important to me, and will be important to my kids when the day comes that they look through “the box.”
Merry Christmas to all and don’t forget: take lots of pictures and label them so that 40 years from now, your grown-up grandchildren and great-grandchildren won’t have to ask, “Who are these people and what are they doing?”
Recently retired, Vera Hogan is a 20year 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.
The Global ENERGY CRUNCH
BY DR. CHRISTOPHER DOUGLAS
The global economy is facing a severe energy crunch heading into winter. The price of crude oil is pushing $100/barrel due to the continued conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Saudi-led OPEC production cuts of two million barrels/day and domestic oil production remaining one million barrels/day below what it was prior to the pandemic. The 15-million-barrel release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) recently announced by the Biden Administration thus offsets less than a week’s worth of these cuts. More concerning is that nearly half of the SPR’s inventory has been drained since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began and at approximately 400 million barrels, the SPR’s inventory is at its lowest level since the mid-1980s. This puts the U.S. in a vulnerable position if the world’s supply of oil gets further disrupted, since there is limited inventory in the SPR to meet any further disruption. At a minimum, oil prices would further spike.
More concerning is the fact that diesel fuel inventories are at their lowest level in more than a decade. The price of diesel has been around $5.50 since February, and these low inventories mean that truckers and farmers reliant on diesel will see little price relief. It is unlikely that the U.S. will run out of diesel because at some point, inventories will get low enough that refiners will increase the production of diesel at the expense of gasoline, which will push gasoline prices higher and closer to what diesel prices currently are. Higher oil prices will contribute to higher fertilizer prices, which are already at near record high levels. This will lead to further food price increases after a year when food price inflation has exceeded the overall rate of inflation.
The price of natural gas in the U.S. retreated from a record high of nearly $10 per million British Thermal Units (BTUs) so
that it is closer to $4.60 per million BTUs, which is what it was last winter. Assuming natural gas prices don’t change, this costs the average-sized household burning 15 million BTUs a month in the middle of winter about $69, hardly unaffordable to most people.
The situation is tragically different in Europe, where natural gas prices went vertical when the war began and then again after the destruction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and the severe damage to Nord Stream 1. European natural gas prices are currently $70 per million BTUs, which would cost that same family over $1,000/month. Unless this changes, the European Union is looking at a long, severe recession.
The U.S. could increase the supply of oil, which would reduce its price, by encouraging investment in domestic production and ensuring that oil companies face no socalled “windfall profits tax” that would “tax away” the profit from such investment. The U.S. could also push for peace in Ukraine, potentially through implementing the Minsk Accords that were negotiated between Ukraine and Russia in 2014, but never implemented. Until these things happen, expect the energy crunch 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.
A Family of
BY LESLIE TOLDO
IMISFITS
had big plans to kick off the holiday season of 2004. I would spend Thanksgiving alone at home, with True Crime TV reruns and a frozen turkey dinner.
I was single at the time; my family was scattered across the country. What’s a girl to do?
After years of moving from state to state as a young journalist grasping every opportunity to move up the ladder, I was accustomed to solitary holiday meals. (By “solitary” I do mean “lonely.”)
My newly acquired friend and neighbor, DeAnna, refused to accept that I would be content to muddle through, maybe watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” in my pajamas while the rest of the world sat around family-packed tables, laughing and gorging on once-a-year side dishes and desserts.
“Why don’t you join me at my father’s house for the holiday?” DeAnna urged me over coffee.
“I can’t impose like that. That is your family dinner,” I said, imagining myself awkwardly sitting between a couple of aunts who couldn’t stand each other.
“You don’t get it,” she laughed, “It’s my father’s ‘Thanksgiving for orphans’.”
Apparently, every year since DeAnna’s parents split, her father, Jerry, hosted Thanksgiving at his home. Except for DeAnna, everyone at the table was a lonely, single misfit just like me.
Upon learning this, I was suddenly enthusiastic about going! It’s one thing to be the odd man out at a family holiday gathering, but attending a feast with a bunch of other lonely, pathetic souls sounded heavenly to me.
I whipped up my mother’s famous pecan pie, dressed in something comfy, yet stylish and headed to Jerry Moss’s house.
He greeted me at the door with a hug. My face fluttered as I tried to hold back tears. That simple gesture relieved me of the terrible aloneness that can settle in when you are on your own during the holidays.
There were about ten of us crowded around Jerry’s dining room table. We laughed, we reminisced about Thanksgivings past – we were like this haphazard family of misfits.
Our shared plight bonded us together as brothers and sisters. I felt like The Grinch with his heart growing after that encounter with Cindy Lou Who. I suddenly realized that what makes a family a family is the bond that ties the people in it together.
We spent hours playing cards and board games, listening to classic carols, surrounded by Jerry’s well-appointed Christmas decorations.
Jerry Moss passed away a few years later, but I will carry him in my heart for the rest of my life. His simple gesture, inviting people he knew might be lonely on a major holiday into his home – some of them strangers – was such a powerful reminder of the real meaning of the season: the giving of love.
Open your heart, then open your door to the misfits. They will feel like family around a holiday table faster than that pumpkin pie disappears after dinner. And, your heart may even grow three sizes that day.
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.
Do You Have a Plan?
BY MARC JANCA AIF®
Depending on your personality type, a plan can be your best friend or your worst enemy. It isn’t that the plan itself is evil; it is the idea of facing reality that sometimes really terrifies people. This can be something as simple as making plans for the weekend or as complex as figuring out whether you can afford to send a child to college in five years. The task becomes even more daunting when we are planning for something we don’t necessarily have a strong comfort level with, whether it is the complexity of the variables or just the unknown. Oftentimes, the hope is that if we ignore it long enough, it will either go away or just figure itself out. This is especially true when it comes to finances, as statistics show that only 44% of Americans actually follow a budget.
In the U.S., our complex financial system allows us many options when it comes to living, investment, and borrowing needs. Due to the complexity of the situation, most people find it is easiest to deal with what is directly in front of them and not worry about what comes next. The data proves this correct, with only 30% of Americans having some type of long-term financial plan.1 But why would something so important and worrisome not be the main focus of most people? In a recent poll, 77% of those surveyed said they are indeed worried about their financial situation.2
Creating a financial plan helps us achieve a structure that will allow us to follow and attempt to pursue our goals over time. As we begin to follow this path, we will have confidence when facing new challenges.
There are three steps in financial planning. They are:
1. Create a plan.
2. Implement your plan.
3. Update your plan over time.
So, what does a sound financial plan look like? This will be different for everyone, since we all have different focuses and goals. Some of the primary goals should be to protect yourself, your family and your assets. While this seems basic, it should be top-of-mind to avoid falling into the trap of focusing on maximizing assets above all else. This process is more about preparing your finances so you can overcome challenges that would typically result in significant financial loss.
The importance of having a plan is finding its way into most investment firms and is either offered for a fee or made part of an asset management service. An advisor can help you identify
your assets, establish goals and find solutions that make your plan easy to revisit and adjust. This isn’t to say you cannot create and manage your own financial plan; but it may be easier to work with a professional who has created many financial plans and by asking the correct questions, may help identify unknown issues and uncover any shortfalls.
Setting up and implementing a plan is a great start; but do not leave out a very important but often overlooked step: periodically updating the plan. Many people forget that it isn’t necessarily just changes in our own financial situation, but also external factors that will affect our plans. Examples include inflation, Social Security adjustments and education costs. Just because your plan was sound when you established it doesn’t mean it will remain sound throughout your life.
All three steps are equally important in creating and maintaining a financial plan. If you have a financial advisor and do not have a financial plan in place, you need to ask them this question: how can we have an investment plan if we don’t have a financial plan that it fits into?
Marc has a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Windsor. He got his start in the financial industry in 2005 and started his career at the Royal Bank of Canada as an investment advisor. Upon moving to the U.S., he spent ten years at Chase Bank, where he learned a lot about what the industry has to offer. Today, he is a financial advisor who can offer investment and insurance products and services with confidence. Marc and his wife, Ana, have two young daughters -- Sasha and Dylan.
MYTHOUGHTS
BY CHERYL DENNISON
Thishas been quite the year of travel for me – five road trips through 11 states! My latest adventure was spurof-the-moment. I traveled with my daughter Melissa and two of my grandsons to Pensacola, FL to visit Mack, my 18-year old grandson who is a Marine and attending flight training there. It appeared that he would not make it home for the holidays and he was very homesick and missing his family. My daughter asked me to go with her because it was such a long drive.
It took us two days to get there, driving over 1,000 miles each way and experiencing a few misadventures during the journey. We left very early in the morning on November 3 and drove in very dense fog through nearly the entire state of Ohio. To make things worse, my six-year-old grandson Elijah got car sick, setting us back an hour. After huge traffic backups in Kentucky and Tennessee, it was smooth sailing! The weather got warmer and warmer and our spirits were high; but by the time we reached the Alabama border it was time to stop, find a good meal and rest.
Refreshed after a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast, we finished the drive to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola. Mack was beyond excited to see us and had the entire weekend free, but had to return to his barracks by midnight. Our hotel was located on the base, making it easy to spend time with him.
Mack gave us a tour of the base, which is the home base of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels. They perform perilous maneuvers at exhibitions all over the country and had returned home to Pensacola while we were
We spent Friday afternoon at the Pensacola Beach Pier on Casino Beach. Pensacola beaches have been described as a “slice of heaven for beach lovers” and we could see why.
The next day was spent shopping at the Navy Exchange and touring the National Naval Aviation Museum, which is among the world’s largest air and space museums with over 150 restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard
The best part of the trip was on Sunday, when we were able to get together with some of Mack’s fellow Marines, who joined us for a day at the beach. The weather was warm and it was fun getting to know his friends who were also homesick and missing their families. We stayed well into the evening, enjoying a stunning sunset over the water and the full moon rising. We were all taken by surprise and thrilled when the Blue Angels flew over us
As we drove home, I realized the trip wasn’t just about the destination but also the journey – both to and from Pensacola. We saw palm trees and stunning beaches in Florida, cotton fields in Alabama, mountain ranges in Tennessee and Kentucky. We saw the skylines of bustling cities – Nashville, Louisville and Birmingham. And we were guided by the full moon as we drove
We enjoyed good food and met many friendly people. We hugged Mack long and hard, not knowing when he would be home again. We made another memory for the Memory Book.
I can’t wait to get on the road again for our next
In Michigan, the MMC education model has been a revelation for educators, parents and students. Wagonlander is considered the Godmother of all things middle/early college in Michigan and, through her efforts of over 40 years, has touched countless lives. Recently, the Michigan Department of Education, in partnership with MEMCA, announced the Dr. Chery S. Wagonlander Early Middle College Excellence in Practice Awards to honor her efforts and those of future educators.
When asked, most MMC grads will say, “I don’t know where I would be today without Mott Middle College.” For their opportunity, those graduates can thank the work of one woman: Dr. Chery Wagonlander.
Congratulations, Dr. Wagonlander on your retirement and thank you for your years of remarkable dedication and contributions to education.
Mott Middle College is open to everyone (including homeschoolers). If you think MMC is the best choice for you or your student, speak to your local district administrators or teachers to apply.
BY ALEXANDRIA PAZIENZA-NOLAN
Whenpeople learn that I travel with my son fairly often, they always ask, “How does he do on airplanes? How does he handle airports and train stations?” And I can safely answer that he’s good as gold. The fact that so many people ask always catches me off guard – he transitions so well that it takes a minute for me to remember that for many people, traveling with children is stressful, difficult and nightmare-inducing.
My son made his first international trip when he was five months old. Arthur has been abroad six more times since then, with a generous amount of domestic travel, as well. Airports for him are a place to find snacks and overly expensive toys, cupcake vending machines and yet another opportunity to be carried while I also wrangle all the luggage. We’ve been in the metro stations of Barcelona, London and Naples. He’s no stranger to buses in Southern Italy and trams in Amsterdam. For him, trains are a special favorite and taxis are endlessly fascinating.
We often find ourselves on transportation, Arthur and I, and a baby or
Traveler Tiny
small child seated somewhere nearby will begin crying, screaming, acting up. Arthur is always confused by this. “Mama, that baby is sad. Does that baby miss his mommy?” Because adventures have always been a part of his life, he is completely comfortable in the air, on the sea, or racing along a train track.
That isn’t to say he is perfectly behaved, by any means. He is just as annoyed by delays as the adults that experience them, he becomes frustrated on long-haul flights, uncomfortable on packed metro cars and hates waiting in line for the bathroom after the fasten seatbelt light goes off. But all in all, Arthur’s a trooper. He rolls with missed connections, sits quietly during layovers and helps unpack when we arrive at the hotel. My four-year-old definitely adds a lot of stress and work to vacations, but he’s as lovely a traveling companion as any seasoned adventurer.
It isn’t as if he came by it naturally, though; Arthur’s attitude and behavior is the product of many prior not-so-wonderful experiences. Lots of tantrums on the plane, crawling down the aisles, a lot of nursing him for hours on end until I thought I would scream. We endured a lot of discomfort to get him to this level of good behavior. The more flights we
booked, the more skilled a tiny traveler he became.
And it was worth it. All the stress, headaches, tears and money spent. To have a child experience other cultures, meet people all over the world, be exposed to different languages, food and customs. To hear Arthur explain to our family and friends what he likes best about Italy or a museum he visited in Spain. He asks about Amsterdam and recalls “the cold beach” in Cornwall. He’s been in castles and cathedrals, seen the “Hollywood” sign and eaten beignets on Royal St. in New Orleans. And even though he might not fully appreciate the significance of the Roman Coliseum, he does remember how much he loved “all the big trains” in the National Railway Museum in York and “having a tea party” in the Cotswolds.
Arthur will definitely not remember every trip, or even some of the ones we take in the next few years; but to me, travel is an essential part of his education. Not just the arrival in a new, exciting place, but also the patience and discomfort of getting there, the ability to adjust to new situations, people and places and the willingness to step into the unknown and explore. What greater gift can we give our children than the world?
Alexandria Nolan is a misplaced Michigander currently living in the wilds of the Houston urban jungle with the world’s most charming pre-schooler. She is a published novelist and contributor to various online and print publications, including a lifestyle blog, AlexandriaNolan.com. When not writing, she can be found teaching, reading or traveling, or reading about traveling.
MYHISTORY
Ships lost during the White Hurricane
The majority of ships and lives were lost on Lake Huron during the third day of the storm, namely the Isaac M. Scott (28 lives), Charles S. Price (28 lives), John A. McGean (28 lives), Argus (28 lives), Hydrus (25 lives), James Carruthers (22 lives), Regina (20 lives), Wexford (20 lives) and others. The deadliest wrecks on Lake Superior were the Henry B. Smith (23 lives), and the Leafield (18 lives). Of the most notable wrecks of the storm, three vessels have yet to be located. These are the James Carruthers (Huron), Leafield (Superior) and Plymouth (Michigan).
With the advancements made in weather prediction and maritime technology, major shipwrecks on the Great Lakes have become a thing of the past. Not since the fabled wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald on November 10, 1975 has a major freighter been lost on the waters. The Witch of November still claims victims here and there, but possibly never again on the level of the White Hurricane.
Quick Facts
• Throughout known history, the Great Lakes have claimed over 6,000 ships and approximately 30,000 lives.
• The earliest recorded shipwreck was that of Le Griffon on Lake Michigan in 1679. It went down leaving the cove of Green Bay and still hasn’t been recovered.
• The deadliest wreck was that of The Eastland in 1915.Over 2,500 Western Electric employees boarded the vessel for a short voyage. The ship rolled in its berth, and over 835 souls were lost in Lake Michigan.
• There are at least 300 naval planes in the depths of Lake Michigan.
• While Lake Superior is the biggest of the Great Lakes, it only ranks fourth in terms of shipwrecks. Of the 550 known wrecks on Superior, more than 200 sank in the area nicknamed “Shipwreck Coast” between Munising and Whitefish Point, MI.
• Suspected of sinking the Edmund Fitzgerald, the “Three Sisters” phenomenon occurs when three rogue waves (waves at least double the height of those around them) follow each other close enough as to not allow a ship to recover after being hit before being hit again. Most often, ships that encounter the Three Sisters when waves are high are capsized or broken.
• Lake Michigan takes the top spot in number of shipwrecks followed by Erie, Huron, Superior and Ontario.
My Can’t Miss List
“Cosmic Christmas”
Longway Planetarium
12.1-23.2022
Holly Dickens Festival
Historic Downtown Holly
12.2-13.2022
Christmas at Crossroads Crossroads Village
12.2-30.2022
“Hibiscus Christmas”
Clio Cast & Crew
12.7-11.2022
Flint Firebirds vs. Sarnia Sting
Dort Financial Center
12.10.2022
From Ashes to New The Machine Shop
12.10.2022
New Century Chorale Yuletide Festival
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 12.12.2022
FSWE Holiday Concert
Mayfair Bible Church
12.13.2022
Flint’s Got Talent Showcase
The Capitol Theatre 12.16.2022
Colt Ford
The Machine Shop 12.16.2022
Holiday Pops
The Whiting 12.17.2022
Flint Firebirds vs. Soo Greyhounds
Dort Financial Center 12.28.2022
Flint Firebirds vs. Saginaw Spirit
Dort Financial Center 12.30.2022
Ironsnake New Year’s Eve
The Machine Shop 12.31.2022
A MAN of the SEASON
“Run! Run! As fast as you can! You can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Man!” –
From “The Gingerbread Boy”
WhenChristmas comes to town, all of the things that make the season magical start popping up in stores, workplaces and homes. Visages of Santa, his reindeer and sleigh, cartoony snowmen, praying angels, candy canes and more cover our walls and shelves, adorn our gifts and dance in our thoughts. One such icon of the season is a cute little guy who has a great tan, currants for eyes, raisins for buttons and a sugar-candy hat – it’s the Gingerbread Man! Most of us remember taking time as kids to decorate a few, adding eyes and/or giving them a colorful sweater made of icing, taking a brief moment to admire our work and then, rearing back to take a big ol’ bite out of the delicious little guy. This beloved holiday treat is a favorite all over the world.
The earliest record of gingerbread can be traced back to ancient Egypt in the form of honey cakes flavored with ginger and other spices. Eventually, around the year 992, gingerbread found its way to Europe via a recipe carried by a monk named Gregory of Nicopolis. The old European recipe for gingerbread closely resembles what we enjoy today; the Gingerbread Man was created some time later.
Fast-forward to the 16th century when Queen Elizabeth I insisted on entertaining
foreign dignitaries with lavish royal dinners. The menu typically included desserts created from marzipan shaped as fruit, castles or birds. One dignitary favorite was a special biscuit baked by the royal gingerbread maker in the likeness of the Queen’s many guests. These “gingerbread men’’ never failed to dazzle and charm each and every dinner attendee. Soon, the design caught on outside of the royal retinue, and common folk began making them and selling them as “love tokens” for young women. Gingerbread recipes were brought over to the U.S. by European immigrants, but the Gingerbread Man, himself, did not find popularity until 1875 when the story of “The Gingerbread Boy” was published in St. Nicholas Magazine. It’s hard to pinpoint just when the Gingerbread Man became associated with Christmas and many simply state that it was a “natural” choice due to the biscuit’s historical connection with special occasions, as well as ginger’s perceived “warming” ability. Needless to say, the Gingerbread Man is a welcome and familiar part of the Christmas experience.
When was the last time you either created or enjoyed eating a Gingerbread Man? Catch him if you can!
