My City | July 2023 Digital Edition

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF

Vince Lorraine

FROM THE PUBLISHER

DEAR READERS,

We’re excited to announce the winners of the 2023 City’s Choice Awards! ere are many repeat winners – lots of loyal voters – and a few new appearances. roughout this issue, you will notice many winners expressing their appreciation for this recognition. ousands of votes poured in! See pages 10-12 for the list of Greater Flint’s Favorites.

So many of the businesses that always receive the most votes are restaurants; Greater Flint serves up some fantastic food! Maybe you’ll be inspired to check out one of the City’s Choice Award winners. Food has always been a popular topic in MCM, and this issue o ers some food for thought with a summertime “Eats” focus. Everything tastes better when you eat outside, right?

Summer is all about food and fun, but we always make room to inform our readers about people doing good work to help others. Two such groups are highlighted this month: e National Federation for the Blind Flint-Genesee Chapter (p.22) and the United Community Addiction Network (p.66). If you are able to give, both organizations can use your support.

We truly enjoy coming up with unique and interesting ideas for every issue. When the story about the beloved MSU mascot “Sparty” was pitched in our editorial meeting for July, I thought, “Okay, that’ll be fun” – even though I’m a dyed-in-the-wool Wolverines fan. I had no idea what a cool story it was! Check out “Caeden Hunter’s Secret Life” on p.18.

It’s the season of cool things going on in our community – many have already taken place and many are upcoming. Our world is changing in so many ways; many of us take comfort in the constant things we can count on. Like the Flint Art Fair (see p.82) and other annual opportunities for us to attend great events that support local charities and institutions. And the community embraces nostalgic happenings like the Soap Box Derby (see p.78) and Back to the Bricks® car cruises starting this month … Of course, MCM will be there!

ere’s much, much more in this issue, including our great contributed columns (a new one this month) and 12 pages of local happenings! As we celebrate America’s Independence Day, don’t forget to pause and be thankful for your freedom.

anks for reading, and God Bless America!

Vince Lorraine

Publisher & Editor in Chief

Vince@mycitymag.com

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR

Sherron Barden

ASSISTANT EDITOR / WRITER

Peter Hinterman

STAFF WRITER

Cheryl Dennison

FREELANCE WRITER

Mark Spezia

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Erin Caudell

Dr. Christopher Douglas

Vera Hogan

Marc Janca, AIF

Alexandria Pazienza-Nolan

Nicholas R. Robinson. Esq.

Leslie Toldo

Shannon White

14165 FENTON RD.,

ART & DESIGN

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Hailey Carriger

Daria Akulova

PHOTOGRAPHY

Katy Kildee

OPERATIONS

ACCOUNTING/CIRCULATION

Kim Davis

SALES

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Terese Allen

FENTON,

MI 48430

810.230.1783 - MYCITYMAG.COM

ISSN#1559-3436 is published monthly by My City Magazine, Inc., 14165 Fenton Rd. Fenton, MI 48430. Canadian Mail Agreement #41971515. For back issues, inquire for availability. Editorial Correspondence: Address product information and inquiries to: Editorial Department, My City Magazine, 14165 Fenton Rd., Fenton, MI 48430, phone 810.230.1783. To authors, photographers and people featured in this publication: All materials, articles, reports and photographs in this publication are the property of My City Magazine and cannot be used without written permission. The opinions and conclusions recited herein are those of the respective authors and not of My City Magazine. My City Magazine is not responsible for returning unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other materials. Every effort will be made however, to return rejected manuscripts, etc., if they are accompanied by sufficient first-class postage, but the Publisher will not be responsible for any loss of such material.

Copyright© 2023. All rights reserved. | Printed in U.S.A.

Where to Buy MY CITY MAGAZINE

Fenton’s Open Book

105 W. Shiawassee Ave. Fenton, MI 48430 810.629.8000

Hurley Lobby Gift Shop

Hurley Medical Center

One Hurley Plaza Flint, MI 48503 810.262.9306

My Reality

89 The Healthiest Word in the English Language By Vera Hogan

My

90 The Rise of the 401(k) By Marc Janca, AIF®

My Econ

91 What if the Government Defaults? By Dr. Christopher Douglas

My

92 Healing

By Alexandria Pazienza-Nolan My

By Cheryl Dennison

My

96 The Art of the Sandcastle

174 Years of Agricultural Education THE GENESEE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

BY PETER HINTERMAN ◆ GENESEE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

Operating for 174 years in Genesee County, the Genesee County Agricultural Society (GCAS) began in 1849 with the mission “to promote agriculture, horticulture, and mechanical arts in Genesee County, Michigan.” It was a rousing success and has never flagged or failed in its mission. The society continues its work today through local agricultural programs as well as the county’s biggest annual spectacle and family event – The Genesee County Fair. Running nearly continuously for the duration of the existence of GCAS,

the fair is a celebration of both the agricultural heritage of the area and the hardworking families therein.

It all came about when, after attending the America’s first state fair in Detroit, Genesee County pioneer families came together with a plan to create and enjoy one of their own. The GCAS was founded and the first fair was held in October of 1850 in a grove near the Flint Methodist Church. In 1871, the Society was legally incorporated with prominent area citizens as members and trustees such as Oren Stone, Elijah W. Rising, Francis H.

Rankin, Henry Schram, Levi Walker, C. N. Beecher, Rowland B. Perry and Flint’s first mayor, Grant Decker. To be a member of the GCAS is to join the legacy of all the men and women who have cultivated the land and free spirit of the county.

As the fair and the society grew in popularity and programming, bigger grounds were needed and acquired through monetary and land donations from prominent citizens Colonel Fenton, Artemas Thayer and A. G. Bishop. Each year brought more and more people to the fairgrounds resulting

in constant expansion of grounds and entertainment. The Genesee County Fair now operates on the Everett A. Cummings Center grounds in Mt. Morris and offers a variety of family experiences such as tractor pulls, rodeos, concerts, rides, competitions and education.

The GCAS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that does not receive Federal, State or County tax dollars but instead, is funded by members, sponsors, patrons and guests at the Genesee County Fair. Public support allows the GCAS to continue the rich tradition of the fair in addition to smaller local programs such as the recently expanded Watch Me Grow and Inspiration Gardens programs. In support of both programs, the GCAS was recently awarded a $10,000 grant by the Americana Foundation.

Launched in 2016, Inspiration Gardens features community gardens in which youth and adults grow and harvest crops to support the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Under the direction of GCAS member Rob Thomason, the program yields several hundred pounds of produce annually. The new funding will be used to modernize and expand the

garden to increase annual output to 2,500 pounds for distribution to local pantries.

Started by Deb Caryl in 2019, Watch Me Grow is a partnership with Motherly Intercession – a local outreach organization working to empower and grow the opportunities for children of incarcerated parents. “I teach the kids how to grow their own vegetables,” says Caryl. “Some kids don’t know where food comes from. It’s important to know that you can, in fact, grow your own food! It fits in with the mission of the Society to promote agriculture, horticulture and education to Genesee County youth.” Caryl and the children at Motherly Intercession also planted flowers and perennials on the side of the building. “It was a lot of fun!” says Caryl. The kids at Motherly Intercession will take their products to the fair to show with the other contestants – a time that is especially exciting to Caryl. “Last year, we had 27 kids show at the fair!” she exclaims. With the help of Thomason, the newly acquired funding will help expand the program to Carriage Town Ministries and the Odyssey House/Grandma’s House in Flint.

From the earliest beginnings of Genesee County, the Agricultural Society has been there to promote the area’s connection to nature and educate its citizens and their children. ◆

Support the continued programming of the Agricultural Society by becoming a member and/or volunteering at gcf.org.

The GCAS was recently awarded a grant to support the Watch Me Grow and Inspiration Gardens programs.

MYCOMMUNITY

CITY’S Choice

CONEY ISLAND

Leo’s Coney Island

COOKIES

Crumbl Cookies

JAPANESE

Sagano Japanese

Bistro & Steakhouse

LATE-NIGHT DINING

The Vault Downtown

24-HOUR RESTAURANT

Starlite Coney Island

BAGELS

Big Apple Bagels

BAKERY CRUST - a Bakery

BARBECUE

Beale Street

BEER SELECTION

The Red Baron

BLOODY MARY

The Red Baron

BREAKFAST CRUST - a Bakery

BURGER

Soggy Bottom Bar

CHINESE

Cantonese Gourmet South

CLASSIC/ARTISAN COCKTAIL

Churchill’s Food & Spirits

CUPCAKES

Oliver T’s

DELI

Hoffman’s Deco Deli

DIVE BAR

The Torch

DONUTS

Donna’s Donuts

FINE DINING

Ciao Italian Eatery

FISH ‘N’ CHIPS

Whitey’s Restaurant

ICE CREAM

Uncle Ray’s Dairyland

INDEPENDENT COFFEEHOUSE

Fireside Coffee

INDIAN

Grill of India

ITALIAN

Ciao Italian Eatery

10 MYCITYMAG.COM

LOCALLY MADE BEER

Tenacity Brewing

LOCALLY PRODUCED BRAND

Koegel Meats

MEXICAN Cancun Mexican

Restaurant & Cantina

MIDDLE EASTERN

Taboon Middle Eastern

Cuisine

OUTDOOR DINING/PATIO

Brick Street of Grand Blanc

PIZZA

Luigi’s Restaurant

RAW JUICE OR SMOOTHIE

Vibe Well

RIBS

Beale Street

2023 AWARDS

SANDWICH

Hoffman’s Deco Deli

SEAFOOD (NON-CHAIN)

Whitey’s Restaurant

STEAKHOUSE

Lucky’s Steakhouse

SUNDAY BRUNCH

Cork on Saginaw

SUSHI

Sagano Japanese

Bistro & Steakhouse

THAI

Bangkok Peppers

WINE LIST

Cork on Saginaw

SHOPPING

ATHLETIC WEAR

Complete Runner

AUTO DEALERSHIP

Al Serra Auto Plaza

BEER STORE

Merchant’s Gourmet

Wine Shop

BRIDAL SHOP

Ivory Loft

FARMERS’ MARKET

Flint Farmers’ Market

FURNITURE

Skaff Furniture Carpet One

GOURMET MARKET

Oliver T’s Market

JEWELRY

Gaines Jewelry

MEATS

Colony’s Quality Meats

NURSERY/GREENHOUSE

Carlson’s Greenhouse

RESALE SHOP

Reclaimed by Whaley

SPECIALTY CAKE

Oliver T’s Market

USED BOOKS

Totem Books

WOMEN’S FASHIONS

Eclections

Services

BANK / CREDIT UNION

ELGA Credit Union

DRY CLEANER

Jan’s Professional

Dry Cleaners

FLORIST

Fenner’s Floral & Design

HAIR SALON

Refinery Hair Co.

HOSPITAL

Hurley Medical Center

LAW FIRM

Simen, Figura & Parker, PLC

PET DAYCARE/KENNEL

Four Paws Hotel & Resort

PET GROOMING

Fenton Bark

REALTOR

Jennifer Lasco, Lasco Real Estate Group →

Cheers to

EATING!

IFthere’s one thing we’ve learned in our ten years of publishing My City, it’s that our readers love articles about FOOD! Now that summer has arrived, we thought it was a perfect time to feature Greater Flint’s food scene by highlighting outdoor dining options, some super salads to enjoy on those warm nights, a couple of yummy grilling recipes and the recent recognition of the award-winning beer produced at Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery. Get out there and make memories this summer with great friends and food! ◆

L i g h t F a r e with Local Flair!

Of course, a great burger enjoyed on a breezy patio is hard to beat, but the warmer air calls for lighter fare. In hot weather, your body works harder to digest heavy meals. And sometimes when you think you’re super hungry, you are actually thirsty. Eating fresh, raw fruits and veggies helps keep you hydrated. So, not only does eating less during the summer feel good, it’s good for you! →

When you opt to eat out, grab a table on the deck or patio and check out the menu’s salad section for a tasty option that won’t leave you feeling sluggish. Here are a few suggestions for a light meal available at local eateries:

CRUST - A Bakery

Maurice

Romaine and radicchio blend, turkey, Applewood smoked ham, gherkins, olives, Swiss cheese, hard-boiled eggs; served with the original JL Hudson Maurice dressing.

TurkeyCobb

Romaine and radicchio blend topped with roasted turkey, hard-boiled eggs, red onion, crumbled blue cheese, bacon, tomato and avocado; served with Ranch dressing.

Fenton Hotel

Tavern & Grille

LeroySaladStreet

Mixed greens, pine nuts, dried cherries, blue cheese crumbles, onions and poppy seed dressing. →

Fenton Winery & Brewery

Mixed greens, bacon, egg, tomato, cucumber, pickled shallots and granola, topped with fried chicken thigh and served with Green Goddess dressing.

BajaChicken Salad

Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery

Shredded iceberg lettuce, corn tortilla chips, pico de gallo, green onions, California avocado and cheddar jack cheese topped with grilled chicken breast and served with Chipotle Ranch dressing.

The Vault Downtown - Fenton

CrispySaladChicken Salmon Nicoise

A blackened salmon llet accompanied by baby potatoes, heirloom cherry tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs and nicoise olives.

Loaded Wedge

Iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, hard boiled egg, bacon, avocado and crumbled blue cheese served with house-made Ranch dressing. ◆

A Table Outside, Please!

Clio

• Lucky’s Steakhouse

Davison

• Black Rock Bar & Grill

• Madden’s Lounge

• MD’s Sports Tavern & Grill

• MoJoe’s Food & Spirits

Downtown Flint

• 501 Bar & Grill

• Blackstone’s Smokehouse

• Café Rhema

• Flint Crepe Company

• Flint Farmers’ Market

• Simmer Rooftop

Lounge - Hilton →

Fenton

• Andiamo

• Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar

• Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

• Ciao Italian Bistro & Wine Bar

• Corner Bar

• CRUST – A Bakery

• Fenton Coney Grill

• Fenton Fire Hall

• Fenton Hotel Tavern & Grille

• Fenton Winery & Brewery

• The Fireplace

• Joe & Lewie’s Penalty Box

• The Laundry

• Legends Bar & Grill

• Ponemah Lakeside Lodge

• Sagebrush Cantina

• The Vault Downtown

Goodrich

• 411 Pub

Grand Blanc

• Brick Street of Grand Blanc

• Da Edoardo North

• Italia Gardens

• Little Joe’s Tavern

• Nuevo Vallarta ◆

Activate a Fun-Filled, Healthy Summer!

Summer is the perfect time for members of the older generation to get out and about, enjoy new hobbies, make friends and visit with family. Socialization and forward-thinking are paramount for longevity and quality of life. is month’s Senior Living articles provide tips on staying healthy for the season and for helping those dealing with loneliness and social isolation. We all deserve days lled with sunshine, laughter and love. Reach out to the people you care about and invite them to enjoy new friends and engage in unique experiences. Help the seniors in your life to continue exploring and discovering ways to create memories in a summer lled with adventure. ◆

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR FAMILY

For many people, the process of cremating a loved one is a mystery. At Swartz Funeral Home, our ten-step process guarantees that your loved one is well cared for at all times.

1. CODE OF ETHICS

We adhere to a strict code of ethics and procedures while your loved one is in our care. We only use Genesee Cremation Center, a member of the Cremation Association of North America, who we know and trust to uphold these ethical standards.

2. SAFEGUARDING PERSONAL IDENTITY

A personal I.D. tag is placed on your loved one the moment they are transferred into our care.

3. UNIQUE TRACKING SYSTEM

Upon arrival at the crematory, your loved one is logged into a tracking system and assigned an I.D. number, which is stamped into a stainless steel tag to track every phase of the cremation process.

4. FAMILY IDENTIFICATION

Our staff properly encases your loved one in the cremation container selected; then, we verify identity by comparing I.D. bands from the hospital or nursing home. In the case of a death at the family home, positive I.D. occurs when we arrive at the residence.

5. CHECKS & BALANCES

A crematory technician and licensed funeral director reviews all cremation paperwork and permits. Once all documentation is verified, the technician starts the cremation process.

6. CREMATION LOG BOOK

Immediately prior to the cremation process, your loved one is taken to the crematory and their personal I.D. is logged containing the name, date, I.D. number and crematory operator’s name. It is dated and initialed by a cremation technician before and after the cremation.

7. DURING THE CREMATION

The crematory checklist and I.D. card are placed on the outside of the cremation chamber during the cremation process. The metal I.D. tag is present in the cremation chamber during the process.

8. POST-CREMATION DETAILS

After cremation is complete, the remains are placed with the stainless steel I.D. tag into an urn. The I.D. card and cremation certificate are placed into our permanent files.

9. RETURN OF REMAINS

Our staff will notify you to schedule a time for picking up the cremated remains.

10. CELEBRATION OF LIFE

To appropriately celebrate the life of your loved one, we assist you in planning a funeral or memorial service either before or after the cremation. We are happy to answer any other questions you may have about our cremation process, and the commitment we have to every family we serve.

Golden Years Golden YearsReunions

BY KATHLEEN FELIX, ADMINISTRATOR ABBEY PARK INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING

Friendships formed over the years vary from quick and fleeting to long and lasting. How many of us fondly remember our childhood buddies but never see them again? Deep, personal connections of our youth helped to shape who we are to this day.

Within our little Abbey Park community, we sometimes witness firsthand the delightful event of residents in their golden years rediscovering old friends. The reunions are always full of laughs and kind words. While on a bus trip for an outing a few years ago, two of the ladies who live here discovered that they had attended the same kindergarten and remembered each other. Everyone was tickled pink by the course of events and spoke about it for quite a while.

Geographical settings play a large part in the role of reuniting with lost friends. Recently, a woman named Mary Ann came in for a tour of Abbey Park. At one point she asked me, “Does Gloria still live here?” At that moment, Gloria happened to go by on her electric scooter. I pointed her out to Mary Ann, and the two looked at each other and enjoyed a brief but heartfelt reunion. They were classmates at St. Matthews Catholic church and in junior high school, living only a few blocks away from one another. They reminisced about their youth, and it was as if they had never been separated. What a joy to be present for this reunion!

For Genesee County families, General Motors plants provided numerous

jobs – AC Spark Plug, Flint Assembly, Flint Engine, Flint Tool & Die and Flint Metal Fabricating Division to name just a few. Nearly everyone I meet who resided in the Genesee County area during the mid-century either worked for one of the GM plants or knew someone who did. Groups of our residents who sit and chat in our lobby share stories of their days working for one of the companies that helped to both shape America’s auto industry and provide supplies for World War II.

Whatever one’s age, our shared memories of those who crossed our paths in life are precious. Our common experiences allow us to rejoice together in finding our long-lost companions. Let us all take a lesson in that.

Asour Michigan summer basks us in sunshine, the temperatures increase and the opportunities for fun are never-ending, yet that fun can sometimes lead to potential health risks.

Shauna Miller, Physician Assistant at Hamilton Community Health Network’s Burton Clinic says, “Each summer we pack as much fun as possible into these three months – late nights, long weekends, it’s go, go, go!”

As a medical provider, Shauna o en encourages parents to be proactive and take measures to protect their children’s health to ensure that the kids stay healthy and the whole family can enjoy a safe and ful lling summer.

Here are a few of Shauna’s tips for a healthier and happy summer!

1. STAY HYDRATED.

During the hot summer months, dehydration is a common concern, especially when children are engaging in physical activities. Encourage your child to drink plenty of uids throughout the day. For ages 4-8 years old, encourage 5 cups of water a day, for 9-13 years old, encourage 5 to 6 cups a day; anyone older should drink 6 to 8 cups a day.

“Even mild dehydration can cause issues,” says Shauna. “ is will a ect your child’s blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature.” To keep them hydrated, try di erent types of drinks without sugar, fruits loaded with water such as watermelon, and make your own avored water with fresh fruits.

2. ENCOURAGE BALANCED NUTRITION.

While summertime o en includes indulging in treats, it’s essential for children to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet. Head out to the berry patches and pick some fresh fruit. Visit the farmer’s market and let your kids choose something they haven’t eaten to encourage exploring avors. If you have a picky child, Shauna suggests giving them a choice of two healthy options – that helps them feel in control and they will typically eat what they choose.

3. ENSURE ADEQUATE REST.

ough we try to t every moment in during our short Michigan summer, remember that sleep is still important. “Su cient sleep promotes physical and mental well-being, boosts immune function and helps children stay focused and energized throughout the day,” explains Shauna. Kids 1-5 years old should get 10.5-12.5 hours of sleep, while kids aged 6-13 should get 10-10.5 hours.

4. PROTECT AGAINST BUG BITES.

Just when you get excited about the nice weather, the buzzing you hear reminds you what you’re in for with those pesky mosquitoes and all the other bugs that bite. Bites can cause discomfort and, in some cases, transmit disease. Protect children from bug bites by using insect repellents approved for use on children. Encourage them to wear long sleeves and pants when spending time in areas with high mosquito activity, especially during dusk and dawn, or going into woods or tall grass. A er outdoor activities in wooded or grassy areas, check for ticks and promptly remove them to reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses. Tick season is already here and is predicted to be particularly rough this year. “ e number one way to protect your children from bug bite diseases and illnesses is prevention,” advises Shauna.

5. USE SUNSCREEN.

Choose a product with a high sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher. Be sure to apply it to all exposed areas of skin, even on cloudy days. Encourage hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing to shield skin further. Not only does sunburn cause pain and whining, but it can also cause irreparable damage or diseases of the skin, eyes and more.

Shauna suggests if you have a child who doesn’t like to slow down long enough for you to put his or her sunscreen on, make it a game by seeing who can rub in their sunscreen faster – you or them! Remember to always put sunscreen on before going outside.

6. PRACTICE WATER SAFETY.

Michigan is known for our waterways and with Genesee County’s lakes or your backyard pool, it’s key to educate kids about the dangers of swimming alone or in unsafe areas and emphasize the importance of following all water safety rules. Ensure that children are always supervised when near water and have appropriate otation devices. To enhance their safety and con dence in the water, teach them basic swimming skills or enroll them in swimming lessons.

7. GET ACTIVE TOGETHER!

Encourage outdoor play, bike rides, nature walks or sports activities that appeal to your children’s interests. Doing activities your kids enjoy will get them moving more. Provide opportunities for them to explore and enjoy nature, helping them develop healthy habits and a love for the outdoors. Planning something fun outdoors for the whole family helps everyone get away from the screens and enjoy the sunshine and exercise.

8. DON’T FORGET YOUR MEDICATION.

When you go on vacation or send your kids to camp, be sure to pack any medication anyone may need. You don’t want to get your destination of fun and relaxation to then realize your child doesn’t have her asthma medication or you don’t have your blood pressure medication. Bonus Tip: Most insurance providers will ll a prescription early for a vacation. Your pharmacist can arrange this a few days before you leave if you explain that you will run out while you’re on vacation. en, put it in the luggage you’re going to use so you have it.

Summertime provides opportunities to have fun, explore and learn. By planning a little and helping kids make healthy choices, parents can relax a little and know they are prioritizing their children’s health while making the most of the summer.

Want more tips like these?

Looking for a doctor for your child?

Visit Hamilton Community Health Network on Facebook or HamiltonCHN.org.

My Can’t Miss List

TUX and TENNIES Gala & Auction

RANDY WISE AUTOMOTIVE

6.20.2023

Once again, the Greater Flint community turned out to support Whaley Children’s Center dressed to impress in their fanciest tennies! e annual gala event included a champagne reception, gourmet dinner and many unique interactive experiences. After donating generously through the live and silent auctions, attendees danced the night away to live music by Bluewater Kings Band sponsored by My City Magazine. Funds raised will support Whaley programs that empower and enhance the lives of at-risk foster children in the Center’s care. ◆

Photos by Michael Gleason

pARTy The

FLINT INSTITUTE OF ARTS |

Asur-really good time was had by all at this event that has become THE annual kicko to spring in Greater Flint! Attendees of the “Art of Dreams Bash” enjoyed delicious food, a signature cocktail and always-imaginative entertainment including a jam-packed dance party until midnight. Proceeds from the event support museum programming and outreach programs for thousands of PreK-12 students. ◆

6.3.2023

Photos by Katy Kildee

SOAP BOX DERBY

CHEVY COMMONS

6.3.2023

Photos by Madison Speer

ONa sunny spring day, soap box cars with names like the Blazing Turtles, the Raider Racers, the Full Send Vipers and the Tower of Pizza took o and sped down the racetrack that started near the intersection of Glenwood Ave. and Fox St. Racers plunged down the road, crossing a bridge over the Flint River andnally ending at the nish line near Kettering University. e annual race is a component of a larger program that provides hands-on STEM learning in a collaborative environment that builds community partnership. ◆

McLaren 2023 CHARITY Gala

HOSPITALITY HOUSE AT MCLAREN | 6.9.2023

Photos by Sherry Farney

Theweather was perfect for a chic evening garden party that featured a strolling barbecue dinner, a mobile-bidding silent auction and live dance music by Nightline Band. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this month, the Hospitality House at McLaren provides a comfortable and convenient haven with low-cost or no-cost lodging for cancer patients who receive daily treatment at the McLaren Proton erapy Center, as well as their families. e facility bene ted directly from the event, with proceeds directed to key programs and other McLaren Flint initiatives that support patients and their families during their cancer journeys. ◆

-2023Flint Art FAIR

FLINT INSTITUTE OF ARTS | 6.10-11.2023

Photos By Katy Kildee

Held in the heart of the beautiful Flint Cultural Center, the 56th annual event did not disappoint! Presented by the Friends of Modern Art (FOMA) and attracting thousands of visitors each year, the 2-day event is juried to ensure the highest caliber of established and emerging artists from Michigan and beyond in various genres including ceramics, glass, painting, jewelry, mixed media, photography, printmaking, sculpture and wood.

FOMA’s mission is to promote interest, understanding and appreciation of contemporary art among the citizens of the region. Funds raised help fund exhibitions, programs and art acquisitions at the FIA.

The

Magic of PL AY SUMMER PARTY

Flint Children’s Museum Fundraiser

FLINT CHILDREN’S MUSEUM | 6.16.2023

Photos By Katy Kildee

Folks gathered for summer fun in the Sproutside Garden to bid on great auction items including a Fire Department Package – a tour of the Fire Department, lunch for four with re ghters AND a chance to sit in the re trucks! Other items included a hot air balloon ride for two, a one-year membership to the UM-Flint Rec Center, and a tasting and tour for up to six people at the Fenton Winery & Brewery. Attendees enjoyed delicious summertime fare while supporting high-quality, playful programming – from securing new exhibits, purchasing materials for hands-on projects and keeping Sproutside gardens blooming with owers, fruits and veggies! ◆