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Editor’s Letter

ith Veterans Day right around the corner and Thanksgiving later this month, November is the perfect time to look inward and give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. Those blessings can be as simple as witnessing a beautiful sunrise while frost covers the ground or as significant as welcoming a new baby into the family. I have much to be thankful for, starting with my husband, Jeff, our children and grandchildren, extended family, friends, coworkers and so many others. During our daily early-morning, three-mile walk with our dog, I often silently give thanks for the things we sometimes take for granted: a loving family, a roof over our heads, food in our kitchen, clothes in our closets and, perhaps most importantly, the ability to walk three miles with ease. November is also the perfect time to remember and honor our military veterans for their selfless bravery, service and sacrifices for this great country. This November issue includes our My City Cares section, featuring nonprofits and organizations that do so much for our communities. Be sure to read about what these hardworking men and women do every day, as well as the companies and individuals who support their causes. Derrick Watkins of ABC Youth took time to answer questions for My City’s “7 Questions With …” feature. The Fenton Center of Hope is celebrating 10 years as a nonprofit organization. Read about how it has grown over the past decade and continues to help thousands of people in our community. Local history buffs will love Gary Fisher’s story on William “Billy” Crapo Durant, the Flint businessman who played a pivotal role in the creation of General Motors. I learned so much from Gary’s article, and I’m sure you will, too. I also recently learned that Gary has a new book about Billy Durant, and I can’t wait to read it. Mark Rummel took a month off from his regular column to tell us about a unique annual event at his church, the fourth annual Faith, Hope and Tattoos. Be sure to check it out. Hockey enthusiasts will welcome the Flint Firebirds back to their schedules. The team has started its new season, and My City writer Mark Spezia has all the details. If you’ve ever thought about taking up knitting or crocheting, be sure to read My City writer Keegan Deloney’s story on Beyond the Rainforest, a welcoming shop, now in Durand. On behalf of everyone at My City Magazine, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. We also wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving, whether you’re enjoying a quiet dinner with family or a loud get-together while cheering on our Detroit Lions. As always, thank you for reading My City Magazine and allowing us to share the people, stories and events that make our communities so special. Sharon Stone Editor-in-Chief

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November 2026

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Publisher

Laura Constable Editor-in-Chief

Sharon Stone Freelance Writers

Keegan Deloney Mark Spezia Contributing Writers

Brice P. Carter Dr. Christopher Douglas Gary Fisher Dr. Shan Jackson Alexandria Nolan-Miller Noah Morgan Mark Rummel Leslie Toldo Shannon White Stacy Sawyer Neil Thompson Contributing Artist

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My City Magazine

ISSN#1559-3436 is published monthly by My City Magazine, 1032 N. Leroy St., 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, 1032 N. Leroy St., Fenton, MI 48430, phone 810.215.3900. To authors, photographers and people featured in this publication: All materials, articles, reports and photographs in this publication are the property of My City Magazine and cannot be used without written permission. The opinions and conclusions recited herein are those of the respective authors and not of My City Magazine. My City Magazine is not responsible for returning unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other materials. Every effort will be made however, to return rejected manuscripts, etc., if they are accompanied by sufficient firstclass postage, but the Publisher will not be responsible for any loss of such material.

265 N. Alloy Dr. Fenton, MI 48430 2270 Jolly Oak Rd. Ste. 2, Okemos, MI 48864 810.630.1144 www.fsgmichigan.com Financial Strategies Group, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser. This brochure is for informational purposes only. Financial Strategies Group, Inc. does not adviceisornorecommendations unless client service agreement has been officially executed. Pastprovide performance guarantee of future returns.

Contents

NOVEMBER 2026 • VOLUME 13 • ISSUE 18

Style 52 Shop With Purpose By Shannon White

Nutrition

54 Sleep & Nutrition Could What You Eat Be Affecting Your Sleep? By Dr. Shan Jackson

Community

Outreach

6 7 Questions with Derrick Watkins

55 HSGC Adoption Highlight

Founder and President of ABC Youth

Haps

8 Fenton Center of Hope Ten Years of Building a Community of Hope

History 14 “The Man”

How Billy Durant Built an Automotive Empire By Gary Fisher

By Neil Thompson

With High Expectations, New Faces By Mark Spezia

Marketplace

30 Warwick Holiday Marketplace

My City Cares 32 The Heart of Our Community

By Dr. Christopher Douglas

Musings 61 Grateful, Thankful, Blessed By Leslie Toldo

Love Story

Travels

Fun

62 Staycation By Alexandria Nolan-Miller

49 November Reading List

Student Standout

November 2026

60 U.S.-Canadian Tariffs

48 Megan and Michael Simpson’s

Special Section

of Grand Blanc High School

Econ

Love Story

Returns Nov. 9

58 A Thankful Heart That Helps Others

24 Flint Firebirds Enter New Season

46 Meet Hannah Johnson

57 Spending, Saving, Taxing and Giving —

Devotional

20 How Do Tattoos, Hope and Faith Interact?

Sports

Finances Year-End Considerations By Noah Morgan

Passion By Mark Rummel

56 Can’t-Miss List

50 Beyond the Rainforest Weaves Together a Warm Community By Keegan Deloney

Afterthought 64 A Season of Gratitude By Sharon Stone

MyCityMag.com

| Community

Questions with …

WHAT’S A GOAL YOU’VE RECENTLY ACCOMPLISHED?

Derrick WATKINS

Getting our own Skilled Trades & STEM Training Center. Winning the Impact100 Genesee County grant will help us build out our electrical, plumbing, HVAC and STEM labs for youth.

FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF ABC YOUTH

errick Watkins is a Flint native, Master Electrician, and the founder and president of Active Boys in Christ (ABC) Youth. He founded ABC Youth in 2017 to give young people hands-on exposure to skilled trades, STEM, mentorship and career opportunities. In 2026, ABC Youth opened its Skilled Trades & STEM Training Center in Flint. ABC Youth recently received a $100,000 Impact100 Genesee County grant to help build electrical, plumbing, HVAC and STEM labs for youth. Derrick took some time out of his busy schedule to answer My City’s questions.

November 2026

AS A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO GROW UP TO BE?

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?

I always liked working with my hands and figuring out how things worked. That eventually led me into the electrical trade and to becoming a Master Electrician.

I’m most passionate about two things: my faith and helping young people. I want young people to know they have options and can build a good life for themselves. That’s a big part of why I started ABC Youth.

IF YOU HAD A “WARNING” LABEL, WHAT WOULD IT SAY? “Warning: I like to play tricks on people.”

WHAT’S THE ONE 7 THING YOU WISH YOU HAD MORE TIME WHAT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE WOULD TO DO? NEVER GUESS Spend more time directly with the kids. Being around the youth and see- ABOUT YOU? ing them learn is what I enjoy most.

I like to ride jet skis.

BONUS QUESTION

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE?

I’m very particular about my work. If I’m going to do something, I believe in doing it right the first time and not cutting corners.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GAME OR SPORT TO WATCH OR PLAY? Football.

MyCityMag.com

| Community

FENTON CENTER OF HOPE TEN YEARS OF BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF HOPE B Y S H A R O N STO N E

he story of the Fenton Center of Hope is, at its heart, a story about community. It is a story that began more than a decade ago in a single-car garage at a local church, where shelves lined the walls and two volunteers could help only one shopper at a time. There was no large campus, no box truck, no industrial freezer or cooler, and no 31,000-square-foot facility spread across 11 acres. There was simply a desire to help people who were hungry. Today, the Fenton Center of Hope serves approximately 1,367 people each month, distributes nearly 686,000 pounds of food each year and is supported by more than 120 churches, businesses, civic organizations and community partners. Approximately 145 volunteers contributed nearly 8,900 hours of service in 2025 alone. But the numbers only tell part of the story. In 2016, the Center of Hope officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Ten years later, the organization is celebrating a decade of nonprofit service to the community, continuing a vision that began with a simple question: What if helping someone meant more than handing them a box of food? For co-founder and Community Care Director Jennifer Strygulec and her husband, Bob, that question has shaped everything the Center of Hope has become.

November 2026

THE CENTER OF HOPE OPERATES THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF A TEAM OF OVER 100 DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF BOB AND JENNIFER STRYGULEC.

| Community

THE SMALL PANTRY THAT HAD BEGUN IN A GARAGE WAS SUDDENLY PLAYING A MUCH LARGER ROLE IN HELPING PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.

FROM A GARAGE TO A MISSION The food pantry and baby closet began approximately in 2007 or 2008 through a church the couple attended. As they served people coming through the pantry, they began to see that food insecurity was often only one part of a much larger story. People were struggling with financial hardships, family problems and crises that could not be solved with a bag of groceries. Bob began dreaming about a place that could offer more. “He wanted to be more than a temporary bandage in a difficult situation,” Jennifer recalls. “He wanted to help create lasting change in the lives of the people we served.” That dream became reality sooner than the couple expected. Bob left his job and jumped into the work full time. The original pantry was a singlecar garage converted by putting up walls. Shelves lined the sides, with another section running down the middle. Only two volunteers and one shopper could comfortably fit inside at a time. But some of the most important lessons of the Center of Hope were learned in that tiny space.

10 November 2026

THE FREE CHOICE MARKET AT CENTER OF HOPE IS MORE THAN JUST A FOOD PANTRY, IT’S A PLACE OF DIGNITY, CHOICE, AND COMPASSIONATE CONNECTION. UNLIKE TRADITIONAL PANTRIES, GUESTS AT THE FREE CHOICE MARKET SHOP WITH A VOLUNTEER COMPANION WHO HELPS THEM NAVIGATE THE SHELVES AND SELECT THE ITEMS THEIR FAMILY ACTUALLY WANTS AND NEEDS.

THE CENTER OF HOPE IS AT 1041 FENTON RD., FENTON, JUST SOUTH OF THE YMCA CAMP COPNECONIC. BUSINESS HOURS ARE 9 AM TO 3 PM MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY AND BY APPOINTMENT ONLY ON FRIDAY. THE CENTER OF HOPE IS CLOSED SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS.

Jennifer remembers an elderly couple who came to the pantry one evening because they desperately needed food. The first thing the woman said was that she was not going to church and did not want to be expected to attend one in exchange for receiving food. They assured her that was not a requirement. The couple continued coming for food, and over time, a relationship developed. The Center of Hope volunteers learned that the woman had experienced significant hurt from the church in her past. They became friends. Eventually, she participated in Bible studies and allowed them to pray with her. When she began experiencing serious heart problems and was hospitalized, she called Jennifer and Bob from the emergency room. They would go sit with her. When she died, her husband asked Bob to conduct her funeral service.

“They initially came to us because they needed food,” Jennifer says, “but what they truly needed was relationship, friendship and community.” That philosophy became central to the Center of Hope.

RECOGNIZING A BIGGER NEED

“We wanted to help people break generational cycles and create a different future for their families,” Jennifer says. In 2016, the Center of Hope officially became a nonprofit. The organization continued to grow, with programs and services expanding as the needs of the community became more apparent. A pole barn was constructed in 2017 to house the food pantry. In 2018, the organization held its first major fundraiser, the Chef Showdown. A box truck was purchased in 2019, allowing the Center to collect more food and begin purchasing food by the pallet. That same year, a parenting program was launched in conjunction with the Baby Closet. Then came 2020.

As the pantry grew, the couple began to understand how many layers of need existed within the families they served. One moment in particular changed their perspective. A woman who had been coming to the pantry for several years arrived with her daughter and her pregnant granddaughter, who also needed food. Jennifer and Bob were looking at A COMMUNITY four generations of one family. RESPONDS That was when they realized the opportunity went beyond providing During the COVID-19 pandemic, food for today. the Center of Hope was selected as

the countywide food distribution center in partnership with the sheriff ’s Community Care Task Force. The small pantry that had begun in a garage was suddenly playing a much larger role in helping people throughout the community. The organization also began teaching life-skills classes and purchased a forklift to manage the increasing volume of food. In 2021, the Center launched the Bright Course parenting program and coordinated a large back-toschool event in partnership with churches and businesses throughout the community. That year, the organization moved to its current location near Camp Copneconic and Fenton Road. In 2022, an expanded clientchoice food pantry opened in the new building, allowing clients to select food according to their household’s needs and preferences. The Center also hosted a community Fourth of July celebration

in partnership with churches from Fenton, Linden and Holly. Major renovations began in 2023, creating classrooms, offices and community space. By 2024, more than 100 community partnerships had been established. The Center began hosting GriefShare groups and launched its veterans program, which provides participating veterans with access to food and a monthly community luncheon. In 2025, the Center added community seminars, including an elder-fraud seminar in partnership with Dort Financial Credit Union. A new parking lot was completed,

the organization participated in Jinglefest and a partnership with the YWCA brought trauma-support groups for survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence to the Center. Hundreds of children were also blessed through the Center’s annual Christmas program.

MORE THAN A FOOD PANTRY Today, the Center of Hope offers much more than food. Its services include a clientchoice food pantry, parenting education and a Baby Closet, coun-

seling and mentoring connections, veterans programming, classes and support groups, emergency assistance and connections to community resources. The organization is also continuing to develop emergency housing and additional services for women and children experiencing homelessness, abuse or crisis. During its first year, the Center served approximately 260 people each month. Today, that number is approximately 1,367 people every month, not including the hundreds more reached through special programs such as back-to-school, Thanksgiving and Christmas events. Approximately 686,000 pounds of food are distributed annually. Behind those numbers are people. The Center now has approximately 145 volunteers. More than 120 churches, businesses, civic organizations and other community partners contribute to its mission.

MyCityMag.com

| Community

SOMETIMES THE NEED IS FOOD. SOMETIMES IT IS A WARM COAT, DIAPERS OR HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES. SOMETIMES IT IS A CONNECTION TO ANOTHER AGENCY, A SUPPORT GROUP, A PARENTING CLASS OR A VETERAN’S PROGRAM. Among those volunteers is Joe Sauve, who was recently honored with the Center’s first Legacy of Hope Award. Jennifer describes his dedication to serving people in need as evident from the very beginning. Other volunteers have also remained with the organization since its earliest days. Their faithfulness is part of the story.

WHEN SOMEONE ASKS, “WHERE CAN I GET HELP?” Perhaps nothing illustrates the mission of the Center of Hope more clearly than a woman who walked through its doors recently. She was someone the staff had never met. She was overwhelmed and felt completely hopeless. She told Jennifer that she did not want to live anymore. Only days earlier, the woman had been rescued from a human trafficking situation in another state. She had been held against her will for months. After her rescue, strangers purchased a ticket so she could return to the community where she had grown up. She was physically free, but emotionally overwhelmed by everything she had experienced. 12

November 2026

There was no simple solution. Jennifer began making phone calls. She reached out to community partners specializing in human trafficking, addiction, trauma and mental health, searching for a safe place where the woman could begin healing. As Jennifer learned more about her story, she discovered that the trauma had begun long before the trafficking. There had been childhood sexual abuse, an abusive marriage, the loss of a child, addiction and eventually exploitation and captivity. It was a tremendous amount for one person to carry. But that is not where the story ends. Over the weeks that followed, Jennifer began seeing changes. The woman seemed lighter. She smiled more. There was a sense of hope that had not been present when she first arrived. Most importantly, she had people surrounding her. She had found a community. Jennifer says the ending of the woman’s story has not been written. Healing takes time. But the Center has the privilege of witnessing the beginning of a transformation. It is an example of why the Center of Hope exists. Sometimes the need is food. Sometimes it is a warm coat, diapers or household supplies. Sometimes it is a connection to another agency, a support group, a parenting class or a veteran’s program. And sometimes it is simply someone who will sit down, listen and say, “You don’t have to go through this alone.” In this case, it began with a woman typing a question into Google: “Where can I get help?” And then finding a place where she could walk through the door.

A PLACE TO FIND HOPE Today, the Center of Hope’s property includes approximately 31,000 square feet, three houses and 11 acres. For Jennifer and Bob, looking across the property can be humbling. They remember the single-car garage. They remember wondering where the money would come from. They remember working side jobs during the early years. Bob even worked nights as a janitor while continuing to work at the Center during the day. There were plenty of moments when survival was uncertain. “Daily,” Jennifer says when asked whether there was ever a time they wondered if the Center would survive. But they kept moving forward. They trusted the mission, believed the resources would come and continued serving. Ten years after becoming a nonprofit, the Center of Hope has grown into something far larger than the original dream. Yet the heart of the organization remains remarkably similar. Its mission is simple: “We love and serve our neighbors who are hungry, hurting, in need, or in crisis. By building relationships and trust, we work to educate and equip others to live with purpose.” The vision for the future is equally straightforward. Jennifer wants the property to become a place where people can come and find hope, with access to resources, services and relationships that can help them make meaningful changes in their lives. The goal is not simply to help someone survive a crisis. It is to walk alongside that person as they work toward stability, healing and a better future.

That is why the Center’s 10year anniversary is about more than celebrating an organization. It is about celebrating the people who made the organization possible. The volunteers who kept showing up. The churches and businesses that contributed. The community partners who answered phone calls. The donors who gave. The people who stocked shelves, loaded trucks, taught classes, organized events and opened doors. And, perhaps most importantly, the people who walked through those doors when they needed help. Ten years ago, the Center of Hope was a small pantry in a single-car garage. Today, it is a place where thousands of people have found food, resources, relationships and encouragement. There may not always be an immediate answer to every problem. But Jennifer wants everyone who enters the Center of Hope to know one thing. They do not have to face their circumstances alone. Sometimes that means listening. Sometimes it means connecting someone with wraparound services. Sometimes it means providing food. And sometimes it means helping someone find a safe place to begin again. Most of all, the Center of Hope wants every person who walks through its doors to feel the love of Christ. After a decade of growth, one thing has not changed. The Center of Hope is still doing what it began doing in that little garage: meeting people where they are and reminding them that they are not alone. That is the story of the Fenton Center of Hope. And after 10 years, it is a story that is still being written.

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| History

‘THE MAN’ HOW BILLY DURANT BUILT AN AUTOMOTIVE EMPIRE, LOST IT AND BUILT AGAIN HE WAS A SUPER SALESMAN, MAYBE THE BEST WHO EVER LIVED. HE WAS A MARKETER EXTRAORDINAIRE, PERHAPS THE MOST PROLIFIC IN INDUSTRIAL HISTORY. HE WAS A GENIUS AT ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, A MASTER TALENT SCOUT AND, MOST OF ALL, A BRILLIANT ALCHEMIST, TURNING WOOD AND STEEL INTO DOLLARS AND CENTS, NEIGHBORHOODS AND ROADS, AND LARGELY CREATING THE 2OTH CENTURY IN A MYRIAD OF WAYS.

B Y G A RY F I S H E R P H OTO S C O U RT ESY O F G E N ES E E C O U N T Y H I STO R I CA L S O C I E T Y

14 November 2026

e was responsible, in full or in part, for inventing, developing or creating from whole cloth: Buick, Chevrolet, Frigidaire, GMAC, GMC, Pontiac, Cadillac, DELCO, AC Spark Plug and other companies too numerous to name. He mentored Charles Stewart Mott, Walter Chrysler, Charles Nash, Charles Kettering, Albert Champion, David Buick and Louis Chevrolet, among many others. This man, known in fact as “THE MAN” in his day, envisioned a world that was largely science fiction back then. Iconic industrialist J.P. Morgan called him an “unstable visionary,” while others called him “crazy,” but all who knew him well eventually called him a genius.

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| History

YOUNG BILLY DURANT WHEN HE STARTED THE FLINT ROAD CART COMPANY

GENERAL MOTORS WAS CREATED WITH A DEFT BLEND OF LABOR, MANAGEMENT, BUREAUCRACY AND ENTREPRENEURIALISM AND, IN MANY WAYS, HELPED SCULPT THE VAUNTED AMERICAN MIDDLE CLASS. 16 November 2026

“The Man” was William C. “Billy” Durant (1861-1947). The most famous man no one has ever heard of. How he wound up so anonymous is an enduring mystery, considering his prolific achievements. Durant was the first to use vertical integration in manufacturing, invented North America’s first franchise dealer network for automobile sales and built the world’s largest sales team in recorded history. Moreover, contrary to popular belief, he was the first to use the assembly line for mass production in his carriage business. Henry Ford’s hired consultants put the assembly line into motion first in Ford plants. According to legendary management guru Peter Drucker, the company Billy Durant crafted out of thin air, General Motors, imposed a productivity might that was the primary reason the Allies were able to crush both Hitler and Hirohito. The union move-

ment, white-collar management, automobile sales and the plethora of automobile-related engineering and design careers — their histories and growth are linked to his entrepreneurial machine. Durant always referred to GM as “his baby.” General Motors was created with a deft blend of labor, management, bureaucracy and entrepreneurialism and, in many ways, helped sculpt the vaunted American middle class. His creations fueled the American Century, transforming our lives in ways we scarcely appreciate today. He was strong enough to stare down J.P. Morgan — the actual man, not just the company — and Henry Ford; provide guidance to Pierre DuPont; counsel President Hoover about how to avoid a Great Depression (Hoover didn’t listen); rub shoulders with kings and queens, princes and presidents; while still being humble enough to play checkers with elevator operators.

He saw things that didn’t exist and brought them into reality. He once told an interviewer during a time when horses and buggies were still being used: “Most of us will live to see this whole country covered with a network of motor highways built from point to point as the bird flies, the hills cut down, the dales bridged over, the obstacles removed. Highway intersections will be built over or under the through lanes and the present dangers of motor travel, one after another, will be eliminated.” He was loved by his workers (labor strife was rare in his plants), his colleagues and his friends, thousands of whom he made wealthy beyond their wildest dreams. Despite his mercurial and sometimes self-focused behavior, no one doubted that he ultimately had their best interests at heart. And so, he did, having been ousted not once, but twice, from the helm at GM by a cabal of bankers and backstabbers. He went bank-

THE MANAGEMENT TEAM AT DURANT-DORT CARRIAGE COMPANY. AT FAR LEFT IS BILLY DURANT. ALBERT HARDY IS IN THE FRONT NEXT TO DURANT, J. DALLAS DORT IS IN THE MIDDLE AND FRED ALDRICH IS FAR RIGHT. THIS IS THE ONLY GROUP PHOTO OF THEM KNOWN TO EXIST.

DURANT, FOR HIS PART, RAN THE SALES AND MARKETING SIDE OF THINGS, WHILE DORT FOCUSED ON DAY-TO-DAY PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES.

BILLY DURANT AND J. DALLAS DORT IN THEIR LATER YEARS

rupt during the Great Depression trying to guarantee investments made in his companies, and while legions of his friends were rich, he died broke. In the end, despite his massive economic impediments, he had new goals and new dreams. In his 80s, he was planning a chain of bowling alleys, thinking families would flock to them (he was right), and years before Ray Kroc got the smart idea to team with a couple of brothers named McDonald, Billy envisioned a chain of fast-food restaurants with “good food served fast through a window” to accommodate the legions of automobile shoppers he had helped to create. When asked by his wife Catherine why he couldn’t “just rest,” he replied, “We are not given enough time, Mama.” Durant was born in Boston but relocated with his mother, Rebecca, to her hometown of Flint as a child when his parents divorced. Rebecca’s father, Henry Crapo, was an established businessman, ultimately Michigan governor and a weighty figure and lumber magnate in Flint. When he died, his fortune passed to his children, and Catherine and Billy were financially stable as a result.

Despite not having a father, Durant was surrounded by successful male role models in the form of uncles and cousins from the Crapo family of top-tier business leaders. This resonated, and Billy built on it. Itching to get to the real world of work, he dropped out of Flint Central High School one semester short of graduation. He soon gravitated to sales work and set a record for selling thousands of cigars in one day. He sold medicine, ran a rollerskating rink, started an insurance agency and helped run the water and power company in Flint. All before he was 25 years old. Then one day, he was chatting with his pal J. Dallas Dort at the corner of Saginaw Street and Kearsley. Late for a meeting, he hopped a ride with friend Johnny Alger in his carriage. It had a unique seat that operated like a shock absorber. Impressed, Durant headed to Coldwater in western Michigan to see about investing in the firm that built the road cart and the seat. He returned to Flint with an offer sheet to buy the company. Meeting with Robert Whaley at Citizens Bank, he convinced him to provide a $2,000 loan to buy the entire company. By the time he walked out of the bank, he was

confronted by Dort, who inquired where he’d been. Durant told him he was in the carriage and road-cart manufacturing business but could use a partner. Dort took him up on the offer, scratched up $1,000, and joined The Flint Road Cart Company. Durant headed to the Wisconsin State Fair, where he sold a record number of road carts, won the Blue Ribbon prize and headed home to Flint to figure out how to actually build a road cart, since they hadn’t quite figured that out yet. They partnered with a Flint carriage manufacturer named William Paterson. That worked out briefly until Durant and Dort found Paterson going behind their backs to sell directly to their customers. Lesson learned, the duo leased a new building on Water Street and decided to build their own carts. In so doing, they also built a team of business leaders that included Charles Nash, Albert Brownell Cullen (A.B.C.) Hardy and Fred Aldrich. The business grew, and they changed the name to the DurantDort Carriage Company. Soon, they were the No. 1 builder of carriages, surreys and road carts in the world. Flint was recognized as “The Vehicle City.”

Durant, for his part, ran the sales and marketing side of things, while Dort focused on day-to-day personnel and administrative issues. Nash, Hardy and Aldrich distinguished themselves in manufacturing, management and finance, respectively. It was an all-star team. Durant headed to New York and Wall Street to establish the DurantDort Securities firm and get into the money business. In the meantime, local carriage competitor The Flint Wagon Works had purchased a Detroit-based auto and engine company from owner Benjamin Briscoe. The company relocated to Flint and the Wagon Works site in 1903. The purchase included the company name and the company founder, a man named David Dunbar Buick. A brilliant inventor, Buick wasn’t much for running a business or managing money. Wagon Works leaders James Whiting, William Ballenger and others recognized the dire situation they faced with a potentially great product but the wrong person leading it. Soon, facing insolvency, they appealed to Dort and Aldrich to see about enticing the one man who could turn it around to jump into the auto game: William C. “Billy” Durant. The problem was that Durant was having a great time in New York and really didn’t care for automobiles. But he did care for Flint, and

CHARLES NASH

MyCityMag.com

| History

WALTER CHRYSLER IN HIS FLINT DAYS

But fate had more in store for him, and it would knock him to his knees. Durant would bounce back again and dream of the next big thing in America. Only a stroke and age would stop that one from becoming reality. All of this leaves out a lot of dramatic details. Suffice to say that Durant’s time on the world stage was epic. Even today, when his story is told, even locally (especially locally), they get it wrong, often egregiously wrong. That is most unfortunate because we have so much we could learn from his stunning success. Billy Durant’s spirit can be embodied in his own words, words of advice given to others in the face of difficult circumstances. It’s sage counsel for anyone chasing a dream, building a business or trying to save a city: “My advice to you and all others is to keep working… Forget mistakes. Forget failures. Forget everything except what you’re trying to do now — and do it.”

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• Grand Blanc Community Schools Gary L. “Fish” Fisher is President of the Genesee County Historical Society. Born and raised in Flint, he has lived in the area most of his life and his family has been a part of the Flint area for over 115 years. His fascination with the history of the city has existed as long as he can remember. In addition to writing, he is the President of G.L. Fisher Capital Management, LLC , an investment and financial planning firm he founded in 1992. He asserts that Flint has produced the best cars, athletes and coney islands the world has ever known – and the toughest people! Fisher can be reached at ply2win2006@aol.com.

The Manors at Pine Hollow

Vassar Rd.

18 November 2026

McCandlish Rd. Saginaw St.

THERE ARE A LOT OF MYTHS SURROUNDING THE CREATION OF GM. ONE OF THEM IS THAT THERE WERE COFOUNDERS. THERE WERE NOT. HE DID IT ALONE.

Rd .

SWASHBUCKLING BILLY DURANT AT THE PEAK OF HIS POWERS

Whiting and the Wagon Works rulers readily agreed. In 1904, the world turned on a dime with this move. With astonishing speed, Durant reinvented the sales, marketing and financial structure of Buick. He headed to the New York Auto Show and returned with more than a thousand orders for Buicks. Just like he did with carriages, the cars were yet to be built! Soon, Buick was the leading automaker in America. Durant envisioned the world’s largest auto factory in Flint and turned the former Hamilton Farm into just that. He added the W.F. Stewart Company to build bodies and enticed Charles Stewart Mott and his partner William Doolittle to relocate their axle firm from Utica, New York, to Flint. He met a charismatic Frenchman living in Boston who tried to sell Durant spark plugs, and persuaded him to move his operation to Flint and set up shop at the Hamilton Road Buick plant. Albert Champion did just that. Then, in 1908, he met with the man who had sold Buick to the Wagon Works, Benjamin Briscoe, at the Dresden Hotel on Saginaw Street. The topic was the creation of the country’s first automobile combination.

lly

LOUIS CHEVROLET RACING CARS FOR DURANT AS PART OF THE BUICK RACING TEAM

That breakfast meeting led to Durant single-handedly inventing a company called General Motors (GM). There are a lot of myths surrounding the creation of GM. One of them is that there were co-founders. There were not. He did it alone. And that is a story unto itself. So is the way he had the company stolen from him and then got it back by creating a company called Chevrolet, working initially with a famous race car driver who worked for him at Buick named Louis Chevrolet. When Durant lost control of GM in 1910, he recommended Charles Nash to run it. Nash brought in a man named Walter Chrysler to take over the Flint Buick plant. When Durant recovered GM (another incredible story on its own merit), he brilliantly retained Chrysler’s service. Durant had built Chevrolet up to the extent that Chevrolet acquired GM in what we’d call today a “hostile takeover,” and Durant owned Chevrolet. Therefore, he controlled both. Indeed, the American automobile industry of most of the 20th century consisted of the “Big Four” automakers: GM, Ford, Chrysler and Nash (later American Motors). Durant had a hand in three of the four — GM, obviously, and the firms of former employees Chrysler and Nash. In between all of this action, Durant also created the Frigidaire company, controlling domestic refrigeration as a side gig. He ultimately lost control of GM a second time. So, he simply invented another auto company and became the biggest player on Wall Street and America’s fourthwealthiest man.

the banks and associated citizen investors were facing economic ruin, along with the city itself, if Buick failed. The carriage industry was on the way out, and if Flint couldn’t reinvent itself, it was entirely possible that this small but economically vibrant city would find itself in a downward spiral. Durant agreed to come home to save the city and Buick. He had one rule: He was to be in charge. It was going to be his game to win or lose.

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Warwick Hills Golf Course Exit 106

| Passion MORE THAN A DOZEN TATTOO ARTISTS CREATED FLASH AND TEMPORARY TATTOOS WHILE ALSO HELPING SPARK CONVERSATIONS AND STORY SHARING. PROCEEDS WERE SHARED BETWEEN THE FUNDRAISING EVENT AND THE TATTOO ARTISTS. THE AFTERNOON INCLUDED MUSIC, FOOD AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES.

HOW DO TAT T OOS, HOPE AND FAI TH INT ERACT? BY MARK RUMMEL P H OTO S C O U RT ESY O F T R A N S F I G U R AT I O N LU T H E R A N C H U R C H

ADAM POWELL OF FENTON PERSONIFIES THE ANNUAL EVENT. HE WILLINGLY SPEAKS ABOUT HIS LIFE WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS) AND MULTIPLE TATTOOS.

together about 200 people Sunday afternoon, Sept. 27, at TLC, 14176 Fenton Road. The ELCA congregation (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) welcomed more than a dozen tattoo artists who created flash and temporary tattoos while also helping spark conversations and story sharing. eople either love tattoos or The afternoon included music, hate them. food and family activities. And people either have A highlight of the event each hope and faith, or they don’t. year is the presentation and Imagine if you combined tatblessing of the tattoos at 4:30 PM, toos, hope and faith. What good led by TLC Pastor Kate Zywicki, things could result? who shares her own tattoo stories Members and leaders at Fenton’s while inviting members and Transfiguration Lutheran Church guests to do the same. (TLC) are discovering what can In all, the artists tattooed 70 happen when people of all ages people, creating 91 tattoos and fuland backgrounds come together to filling the event’s goal of bringing share ideas, stories and beliefs. together the church community The fourth annual “Faith, and the tattoo community. Hope, and Tattoos” event brought Perhaps the best personifica-

20 November 2026

tion of the annual event is Adam Powell, a Fenton resident who willingly speaks about his life with multiple sclerosis (MS) and multiple tattoos. “I think we successfully helped bridge the gap between the church community and people with tattoos,” Powell said. “Everyone was joyous and talking all day long. This is what Pastor Kate (Zywicki) envisioned. She says, ‘All means all.’ They really want to reach everyone.” In all, $5,900 was raised through tattoos and related events. Powell said the artists kept half of the proceeds and donated the other half, or $2,950, to the event. Powell and TLC each received about $1,475. Powell is donating his portion to help people with MS through Pryde Athletics & Physical Therapy in Northville

“I think we successfully helped bridge the gap between the church community and people with tattoos. Everyone was joyous and talking all day long. This is what Pastor Kate (Zywicki) envisioned.” — Adam Powell and Canton. Along with other merchandise income he earned, his total donation of $2,500 will help people with MS who cannot afford physical therapy classes. Powell also made a few side wagers to encourage friends and supporters to donate to his cause. Because more than $1,500 was raised in his name, he agreed to

get an “I heart cats” tattoo, even though it’s well known that he hates cats! Pastor Kate said, “The FHT was a huge success. More than $3,000 was raised for worthy local causes. This year we lifted up our veterans, hearing how their service shows up as stories via tattoo ink. “We’re already planning for next year, so mark your calendars for September 26, 2027. Stay tuned for more developments. We’re coming together to get to know each other better.” National surveys indicate that 32% of adults have at least one tattoo, while 22% have more than one. Inking your body is generally a choice among younger people: 41% of tattooed Americans are younger than 30, while nearly half, 46%, are between 30 and 49 years old. And 13% of people 65 and older have body ink, suggesting that tattoos are becoming more accepted. Tattoos are no longer a traditional form of body decoration reserved for soldiers and sailors.

MyCityMag.com

| Real Estate

ASK THE EXPERT

NAVIGATING THIS FALL’S REAL ESTATE MARKET MY CITY MAGAZINE SAT DOWN WITH LOCAL REALTOR ED CONSTABLE OF EDCONSTABLE.COM TO TALK ABOUT WHERE THE MARKET STANDS AND WHAT BUYERS AND SELLERS SHOULD KNOW HEADING INTO WINTER. My City Magazine: Is it a buyer’s market, a seller’s market, or somewhere in between? Ed Constable: The market is definitely shifting. We’re seeing prices come down and lots of price reductions. At the same time, homes that come to market at a fair price and in great condition are still getting multiple offers. The ones that are more of a handyman special and need a little love are the ones sitting. My City Magazine: How are interest rates affecting buyers right now? Ed Constable: Heavily. Rates have gone up more than 1 percent in the last month and about 2 percent since the beginning of the year, and that significantly reduces how much home a buyer can afford. We’re also in the seasonal slowdown, when prices typically dip. That helps some, but it doesn’t make up for the jump in rates. My City Magazine: What’s the biggest mistake sellers are making? Ed Constable: Overpricing. If your neighbor sold for $350,000 in July, you shouldn’t be listing your home at $350,000 or $360,000 in November. Prices dip every winter. Fewer people want to move during that season, and a lot of the buyers who move our market are down in Florida doing the snowbird thing.

My City Magazine: How much less forgiving is the market for an overpriced home? Ed Constable: A lot. Three months ago, if you overpriced a house, you’d still get a few showings. Now you’re lucky to get one. My City Magazine: What do the numbers say about pricing? Ed Constable: This is the part I find really interesting. Look at what homes actually sell for compared to the list price at the time they went pending or sold. Nearly all of them sell for between 99% and 101% of that price. That’s not the original list price, though. It’s the price the house was listed at when it finally sold. So pricing really matters. Buyers just don’t make offers on overpriced homes. They wait. My City Magazine: How can a seller tell if their home is priced right? Ed Constable: Watch your showings. If you’re priced close, you should be getting three to five showings a week. It typically takes somewhere between 12 and 15 showings before a house sells. If you’re not seeing that kind of traffic, the price is usually the reason.

Ed Constable is a Realtor with EdConstable.com,

“ YOUR REALTOR FOR LIFE.”

Reach him at 810-938-3339.

22 November 2026

| Sports

FLINT FIREBIRDS ENTER NEW SEASON WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS AND PLENTY OF NEW FACES BY MARK SPEZIA P H OTO S C O U RT ESY O F T H E F L I N T F I R E B I R D S

s he has eagerly done dozens of times since first donning a Flint Firebirds uniform in the fall of 2023, Jimmy Lombardi burst onto the Dort Financial Center ice during player introductions prior to this season’s first home game on Sept. 26.

24 November 2026

Buoyed by being named the Ontario Hockey League franchise’s newest captain 12 days earlier, the Los Angeles Kings draft pick thrust his stick in the air while skating between pyrotechnic bursts of flame before taking his place alongside his teammates.

“During the last four years, I’ve loved playing in front of the amazing fans and feel our home games offer a great atmosphere for hockey,” said Lombardi, who has established himself as one of the OHL’s most dangerous offensive weapons. “Dort Financial is one of

the loudest places I’ve ever played, which is awesome for us. I think the fans in this area really appreciate our hard-nosed, blue-collar style of hockey that’s also exciting to watch.” In their 11th season, the Firebirds are more popular than ever. Average home attendance reached an all-time high of 3,223 last season, including six games that drew more than 4,000. In fact, that’s the highest average attendance for any Flint-based hockey team since the Flint Generals of the United Hockey League averaged 3,306 fans in 1997-98. The organization’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X accounts boast more than 100,000 combined followers. The Firebirds provided their faithful plenty of incentive to

| Sports

5-2 win. That left the Firebirds with a 2-1 record through three games. Paul Flache, who became Flint’s head coach three games into the 2023-24 season, echoed Lombardi’s sentiments regarding how much the team’s supporters appreciate the squad’s style of play. “There is no question our success played a role in the attendance last season, but, of course, fans understand we can’t win all the time, and I believe they just love our approach to the game and the way our players go at it against opponents,” said Flache, a finalist for the Matt Leyden Trophy as OHL Coach of the Year last season. “Fans are drawn to our exciting

IN THEIR 11TH SEASON, THE FIREBIRDS ARE MORE POPULAR THAN EVER. AVERAGE HOME ATTENDANCE REACHED AN ALL-TIME HIGH OF 3,223 LAST SEASON, INCLUDING SIX GAMES THAT DREW MORE THAN 4,000. 26 November 2026

turn out in 2025-26. They posted their best-ever record at 44-174-3, placed second in the OHL’s West Division by just two points and swept Owen Sound in the opening round of the playoffs before falling to the Windsor Spitfires in the Western Conference semifinals. Flint outscored opponents by a 261-199 margin overall, which is the best goal differential in team history. The Firebirds’ Dave McParlan was named OHL General Manager of the Year. A crowd of 3,728 took in the 2026-27 home opener against the Niagara IceDogs, which was tied 2-2 before Niagara pulled away to a

FLINT FIREBIRDS HEAD COACH PAUL FLACHE (CENTER)

style of play and how we don’t back down. We appeal to the blue-collar mentality of this town.” Firebirds Team President Jeremy Torrey has loved watching average attendance grow by nearly 800 fans per game since his first season in 2018-19. “I think a big part of (the attendance growth) is the connection we’ve built with our fans and the incredible support they give us and that Dort Financial Center has become one of the loudest buildings, if not the loudest, in the OHL,” he said. “The energy and enthusiasm of our fans are the reason for that. They’re passionate and really value the sense of community that comes with being

at a Firebirds game which creates a great atmosphere.” Without Lombardi, who was returning from Kings’ training camp, the Firebirds opened this season by edging the Saginaw Spirit, 5-4, as Xavier Tessier notched his first career hat trick with three goals. Lombardi was back when Flint traveled to Windsor and skated past the Spitfires, 4-2, before the home loss to Niagara. “You’re always eager for the first few games of the season to measure how much the returning guys have improved and how well the new faces fit in, and I thought we played well up and down the lineup against Saginaw,” Flache said. “We did OK in Windsor against another tough team. I thought we did some things well against Niagara but ran into a hot goaltender as they grabbed the momentum.” Turnover is inevitable at this level as players move on to higher levels and/or age out of the OHL. Departed players took 59% of last season’s points (combined goals and assists) with them. Gone are five of the Firebirds’ top six pointgetters and four of their top five goal scorers.

Also gone is No. 1 goaltender Mason Vaccari, who was second in the OHL in wins with a 36-9-3 record as a starter and ninth in goals-against average (2.70). “It’s always difficult to lose that kind of production and a presence in net like Vaccari, but every OHL team goes through it every year, and you just have to stick with the process to hopefully sustain success and improve,” Flache said. “It takes about 10-15 games to really see where a team is, but there is great opportunity for returning guys to play bigger roles than before and for new players to step up. Our guys came into camp very focused after putting in a lot of offseason work.” The good news is that last season’s top goal-scorer, Lombardi, is back after finishing with 36 goals (ninth in the OHL) and 36 assists. His totals included nine powerplay and three short-handed goals. Lombardi added four goals and six assists in eight playoff games. He also ranked second in the OHL in faceoffs won (1,544). “We have a great group of guys with a determined mindset of wanting to win because they have

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT LAST SEASON’S TOP GOALSCORER, LOMBARDI, IS BACK AFTER FINISHING WITH 36 GOALS (NINTH IN THE OHL) AND 36 ASSISTS.

put in the work in the gym and on the ice,” said Lombardi, who has added 20 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot-1-inch frame. “Our goals are to stay hungry and exceed what we did last season. Hopefully, we can win a division title and go further in the playoffs as we get all the pieces to fit together.” Lombardi, who was taken by the Kings in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, picked up a goal against Windsor and an assist against Niagara, upping his career totals to 57 goals and 81 assists in 192 games with the Firebirds. “What’s not to love about Jimmy’s game?” Flache asked. “His style is fast and relentless,

making him hard to play against, especially when he’s at top speed. Jimmy’s approach to hockey is very detailed, and he combines that with a fierce competitive nature.” Lombardi succeeded thirdteam All-OHL choice Nathan Aspinall, also Flint’s top pointgetter last season, as captain. “I was hoping to have the honor of being captain this season after the way other captains have helped me during my time here,” he said. “I’m excited about passing on the knowledge I’ve gained to the younger players.” Lombardi, who signed an NHL entry-level contract with the Kings last December, contributed

MyCityMag.com

| Sports

ANOTHER FORWARD, CHARLIE MURATA, IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE HIS OUTPUT AFTER RECORDING FIVE GOALS AND 13 ASSISTS IN 59 GAMES LAST SEASON. 28 November 2026

a goal and an assist in two games while playing for Team Canada at the World Junior Summer Showcase in August. Firebirds scoring was very balanced through the season’s first three games, with four players tied for the team lead with three points each, including Tessier and Darian Anderson, who both had three goals. James Paul and newcomer Cooper Williams both had three assists. Tessier finished with eight points (seven goals, one assist) in 37 games and Paul with just two assists in 35 games all of last season. Both appear well on their way to more productive seasons. Another first-year player, Martins Klaucans, had a goal and an

assist through three games while winning 79% (23-of-29) of his faceoff attempts. Brady Smith also had a goal and assist. “Xavier is a perfect example of a guy coming back bigger, stronger and with more experience who is ready to take on a bigger role,” Flache said. “He is not easy to play against, and he does important things away from the puck on the defensive end that help create his offensive opportunities.” Anderson, a New York Rangers draft pick, is Flint’s second-leading returning scorer after netting 20 goals and 25 assists, including nine power-play goals, in 60 games last season. He was also the team’s third-leading scorer in the postseason with six goals and seven assists in eight games. “Darian is playing with a lot of confidence and is bound to be even more productive this season,” Flache said. “He continues to do what it takes to become better.” Another forward, Charlie Murata, is expected to increase his output after recording five goals and 13 assists in 59 games last season. In August, he helped Canada capture the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with two assists in five games. Last season’s Firebirds team was the first to allow fewer than 200 goals in a season, and three of the four defensemen who played in the most games are back, including Dryden Allen. He is the only returnee who played in all 68 regular-season games last season, and he contributed offensively with three goals and 21 assists. Rylan Fellinger, a Toronto Maple Leafs draftee, is in his fourth season with the Firebirds and played in 67 games with three goals and 13 assists. Luka Graziano finished with three goals and 21 assists in 62 games. Anderson, Allen and Fellinger are this season’s alternate captains. Flint’s defense was further bolstered by the addition of St. Louis

Blues draft pick Nick Bogas, who spent last season with the United States National Development Program. He helped Team USA win the World Junior Summer Showcase with two goals and two assists in six games. “Nick is an old-school defenseman who blocks shots and likes to be physical, but can also advance the puck well,” Flache said. “He also has great vision and has fit in well.” Mason Courville, who was still 16 years old when this season began, succeeded Vaccari in goal to start the season. Through three games, he had posted a 3.35 goalsagainst average and a .863 save percentage. He played for Team USA in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and finished with the tournament’s best goalsagainst average (2.14) and thirdbest save percentage (.921). Last season, Courville made history when he stopped all 19 shots against the Erie Otters to become, at 15 years and 363 days old, the youngest OHL goalie to record a shutout since 2007. Overall, he played in 18 games last season with a 3.06 goals-against average and .893 save percentage. “Mason had a good showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and has been working tirelessly to improve,” Flache said. “Rob (Liddell), our goaltending coach, has done a great job with Mason’s development.” The Firebirds added significant goaltending depth with the addition of 6-foot-8 New Jersey Devils draft choice Trenten Bennett, who spent the previous two seasons in Owen Sound. Since their inception in 2015, a total of 17 Firebirds have gone on to play in at least one NHL preseason or regular-season game, including 2021 NHL All-Rookie first-team goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, currently with the San Jose Sharks.

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| Marketplace

Warwick Holiday Marketplace Returns Nov. 9 With Shopping, Giveaways and a Special Holiday Mission

he Warwick Holiday Marketplace is set for Monday, Nov. 9, beginning at 3 PM at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club in Grand Blanc. Similar to past Merry Marketplace events, this year’s marketplace promises an evening of holiday shopping, food, friends and fun. This year marks the event’s fifth annual celebration. The marketplace is presented by the Warwick Women’s Association (WWA), an active women’s organization at Warwick Hills. The WWA encourages participation in club activities and social events while supporting fundraising and charitable efforts in the community. Teresa McCulloch Ostby, president of the Warwick Women’s Association and chairperson of the Warwick Holiday Marketplace, said organizers are introducing something new this year by highlighting Old Newsboys and its Christmas Program, which helps newborns through high school students have a brighter holiday season. Warwick’s Brody’s Golf Shop has supported Old Newsboys for many years, and this year the Women’s Association chose to feature the Old Newsboys Christmas Program

30 November 2026

through the Marketplace as well. Now in its fifth year, the event has continued to grow. Teresa said it has gotten “bigger and better” each year, and organizers expect more than 600 shoppers to attend. The marketplace has become a popular Ladies Night Out, although husbands and significant others are welcome and often join in the fun. The event is geared primarily toward adults. More than 35 unique vendors, both new and returning, will offer a wide variety of items to help shoppers get a jump-start on their holiday shopping. Offerings include home décor, children’s and adult clothing, food, gifts, accessories, sunglasses, olive oils, jewelry, ceramics, glass and clay art, women’s health products, bundt cakes, pet supplies and treats, specialty art and boutique items. An outdoor cider and doughnut vendor will also be on hand this year. Door prizes are another popular feature of the Marketplace. Each vendor donates an item for the drawings, with prizes typically valued at $25 or more. Several winners are selected and announced each hour. Winners are contacted and have 48 hours to pick up their prize.

Each shopper who pays the $5 entry fee receives a complimentary door prize entry. Additional entries may be earned by shopping at Brody’s Golf Shop during the event. New this year, complimentary Super Door Prize tickets may be earned by donating items to benefit the Old Newsboys Christmas Program. Suggested donations include new coats, winter clothing, boots, pajamas, sweat suits, games, toys and dental hygiene items, among other necessities. And there may be one more special surprise. Teresa added that shoppers might even receive a surprise visit from the North Pole. The Warwick Holiday Marketplace runs from 3 to 8 PM. It offers an opportunity to shop local, enjoy an evening out and help make the holidays brighter for local children and families through the Old Newsboys Christmas Program. Complimentary appetizers will be served, and beverages will be available for purchase at the cash bar.

For more information, email info@warwickhills.org or call 810.694.4103.

WHETHER WE’RE DONATING $10, A BAG OF GROCERIES, A CHILD’S WINTER COAT, A CHRISTMAS GIFT, A WREATH FOR A VETERAN OR A FEW HOURS OF OUR TIME, EVERY CONTRIBUTION BECOMES PART OF SOMETHING LARGER.

C A R E S

The Heart of Our Community 32 November 2026

here is something special about a community that takes care of its own. Here in the Greater Flint area, thousands of people wake up every day determined to make life a little better for someone else. They work, volunteer, organize, deliver, counsel, comfort and care, often behind the scenes and around the clock. Genesee County is home to more than 1,000 nonprofit organizations, according to current databases based on IRS records. Their missions are remarkably diverse, reflecting the needs of the people who live here. They provide food and clothing, housing assistance, health care, mental health services, programs for children and seniors, support for families, services for people with disabilities, education, arts and cultural

programs, animal welfare, veteran services and much more. Some organizations address immediate needs. Others step in during the most difficult moments of a person’s life. Consider Whaley Children’s Center, which provides residential care, trauma-informed mental health services, education and independent living support for foster youth who have experienced abuse or neglect. Its work gives children a safe place to heal while helping them prepare for a healthier future. At Voices for Children Advocacy Center, children and families affected by abuse, neglect and human trafficking receive advocacy, forensic interviews, support and connections to other services. The organization also provides prevention education and grief support, with services offered free to families. Hurley Children’s Center represents another essential piece of the community’s safety net, providing pediatric primary and specialty care for children and families. And for people facing one of life’s most frightening diagnoses, Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute provides cancer treatment close to home, along with social services, nutrition support, transportation assistance and other resources that help patients and families navigate cancer. Nonprofits also remind us that caring for our community isn’t only about today’s needs. Wreaths Across America, including the annual remembrance at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly Township, brings volunteers together to remember fallen veterans, honor those who

served and teach younger generations the value of freedom. And none of this work happens without the community behind it. Donating matters. A box of diapers, a winter coat, canned goods, personal hygiene products or another needed item can make an immediate difference. Financial donations can help organizations pay for staff, facilities, equipment, programs and the everyday costs of serving people who need help. Giving benefits us personally, too. When we support an organization in our own backyard, we become connected to the people and causes that make our community stronger. We teach our children and grandchildren that compassion isn’t simply something we talk about; it is something we practice. Most importantly, our nonprofits cannot do this work alone. They depend on donations, volunteers, community partnerships and people willing to step forward when there is a need. Greater Flint is fortunate to have an extraordinary network of organizations doing exactly that. Whether we’re donating $10, a bag of groceries, a child’s winter coat, a Christmas gift, a wreath for a veteran or a few hours of our time, every contribution becomes part of something larger. Supporting our local nonprofits isn’t simply charity. It is an investment in our neighbors, our families and the community we are fortunate to call home.

LEADERSHIP

C A R E S

Mindy Williams President and CEO

WHALEY CHILDREN’S CENTER OUR MISSION Empower children and families to overcome trauma.

KEY SERVICES Located in Flint and celebrating 100 years of service, Whaley Children’s Center (WCC) is a nonprofit residential treatment facility dedicated to helping Michigan’s foster care youth overcome trauma and build brighter futures. Serving youth from across the state, WCC provides a safe, nurturing environment where children can

heal, develop life skills, strengthen their confidence and discover their potential. WCC’s approach is holistic and trauma-informed, recognizing that every child’s experiences and needs are unique. Through individualized care, therapeutic support, enrichment opportunities and meaningful relationships, WCC helps youth develop the emotional skills, resilience and independence they need to move forward.

Amy Anderson Chief Operating Officer Jennifer McKay Chief Advancement Officer Michelle Shamel Chief Program Officer Randi Beard Director of Residential Children’s Services

MENTAL INDEPENDENT HEALTH & LIVING BEHAVIORAL PROGRAM STABILIZATION PROGRAM WCC’s Independent Living ProWCC’s Mental Health and Behavioral Stabilization Program serves youth ages 5-17 who need a higher level of therapeutic and behavioral support. As Michigan’s foster care system continues to evolve, the need for specialized residential services

has grown. WCC is responding by strengthening its programming to address the complex emotional, behavioral and mental health needs of children in its care. The program provides expanded therapeutic, case management and aftercare services, supported by a dedicated team that offers individualized, one-on-one attention. By combining clinical care with a stable and nurturing residential environment, WCC helps youth develop healthy coping skills, build emotional stability and take meaningful steps toward long-term success.

34 November 2026

gram (ILP) supports youth ages 16-19 as they prepare to transition from foster care into adulthood. For young people who have experienced trauma and instability, becoming independent can bring unique challenges. ILP provides a safe, supportive environment

where youth can continue healing while developing the skills and confidence needed to navigate life on their own. Thanks to generous grant funding, WCC is expanding the ILP from two homes to four, creating eight additional placements for youth. The third home is scheduled to open this fall, with plans to add a fourth home by the end of the year. This expansion will allow WCC to reach more young people at a critical transition point in their lives and provide them with a safe place to live while they prepare for independence. Through its ILP homes, WCC helps youth strengthen essential life skills, build healthy relationships, develop resilience and become more self-sufficient. Each youth receives individualized guidance and support based on their goals, while also benefiting from a strong sense of community and belonging. The goal is more than helping youth transition out of foster care. It is helping them transition into a future they can build for themselves.

ARE THERE PLANS TO ENHANCE SERVICES? Yes. WCC is continually investing in both the expansion and quality of the services we provide to youth in foster care. In addition to expanding our Independent Living Program from two homes to four,

Brandi Brent Director of Residential Danelle Freeman Director of Program Development Nickela Green Director of Residential we are investing in our staff and therapists through ongoing professional development and training in current, evidence-based, traumainformed therapeutic approaches. These investments strengthen our ability to respond to the complex and evolving needs of the youth in our care, as well as expand access to supportive housing and services for youth preparing for adulthood. WCC is also committed to strengthening community awareness and support for our programs. In December 2027, we will bring

Future Events 70th Annual Mott Park Turkey Trot November 26, 2026 Tux and Tennies Gala & Auction May 15, 2027 Whaley Golf Classic Date TBD

back The World’s Greatest Office Party, a signature fundraising and awareness event benefiting WCC’s programs. The event will help raise critical funds while bringing the community together to learn more about the needs of foster youth and the many ways our community can support their success. As we look ahead, WCC’s focus remains on expanding access, investing in our team and strengthening the services and community partnerships that help young people heal, grow and thrive.

HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY HELP? Community members can make a difference in many ways. Our greatest needs right now are bath towels, hygiene products and laundry supplies.

Olivia Nagel Director of Development Amber Nettell Director of Finance Ashleigh Sanders Director of Community Development Melissa Taylor Director of Independent Living

Individuals, businesses, churches and organizations can also help by: → Becoming an event sponsor → Hosting a Giving Tree or Pantry Pals donation drive → Volunteering → Mentoring a youth → Hosting a fundraising event → Making a financial or in-kind donation Every donation of time, resources or support helps strengthen our community and make a difference in the lives of local youth and families.

CARS 108 Roof Sit Date TBD

CONTACT INFORMATION

World’s Greatest Office Party December 3, 2027

1201 N. Grand Traverse, Flint, MI 48503 810.234.3603 WhaleyChildren.org

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LEADERSHIP

C A R E S

Tiffany Boone Executive Director

CROSSOVER OUTREACH

Amber Abbott Development Officer Karen Dukes Center Coordinator

S P O N S O R E D

OUR MISSION Crossover Outreach exists to show the love of Christ by providing basic needs, restoring hope and uplifting our neighbors.

or more than 35 years, Crossover has helped individuals and families in our community during times of greatest need. Meeting basic needs is about more than providing food and household supplies. It also means treating every person with dignity, affirming their worth and helping them move forward. By offering a hand up rather than a handout, we create a welcoming place where people feel seen, valued and supported.

KEY SERVICES • Food assistance through our in-house pantry and mobile food distributions • Personal hygiene items such as shampoo, toothpaste, soap and other personal care essentials • Cleaning supplies to help families maintain a safe and healthy home • Clothing

Andre Brown Customer Service/ Intake Coordinator

• Household essentials for when someone moves into a new place, including pots and pans, dishes, silverware, utensils, décor and other miscellaneous items • Seasonal programs, including our Winter Coat & Boot Program, Back-to-School Program, Thanksgiving assistance, Christmas Program, Easter and summer camp opportunities for children • Connections to community resources through our network of more than 120 referral partners

HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY HELP? Give. Financial gifts allow us to purchase the food, personal care

products, cleaning supplies and other necessities our neighbors need most. Monthly gifts are especially meaningful because they provide dependable support throughout the year. Donate. New and gently used clothing, household items, personal care products, cleaning supplies and other needed items help keep our shelves stocked and our services available to the community. We accept donations Tuesday through Friday, from 9 AM to 3 PM. To help our team efficiently sort, label and distribute donated items, we kindly ask that donations be limited to four bags or boxes per drop-off. Volunteer. From sorting donations and stocking shelves to helping with special programs and events,

ARE THERE PLANS TO ENHANCE SERVICES?

volunteers make a tremendous difference in what we can accomplish. Partner. Businesses, churches, organizations and community groups can support Crossover through sponsorships, food and supply drives, employee volunteer opportunities, financial gifts and other creative partnerships.

Most importantly, share our story. When you tell a friend, family member, business, church or organization about Crossover, you help more people understand the needs in our community and discover ways they can make a difference.

We continually look for ways to meet people where they are and make our services more accessible. Recently, Crossover was named one of five finalists for the Impact 100 Genesee County Big Give, which awards $100,000 to a local nonprofit for a transformative community project. Our proposal focused on adding refrigerated food lockers so clients could pick up food and essential items outside regular operating hours. Similar to an Amazon Hub, clients would select available items, schedule a pickup and receive a unique code to open their assigned locker. This option would especially benefit people who work during regular pantry hours, may feel uncomfortable asking for help and value a discreet way to access what they need, or otherwise cannot visit Crossover while we are open.

UPCOMING EVENTS While we do not have any special events scheduled in the immediate future, we are actively preparing for several seasonal programs designed to make the holidays a little brighter for local families. Beginning October 13, we opened registration for our Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance programs, which help families provide holiday meals and gifts for their children during the holiday season. Then, starting November 3, we will begin distributing brand-new winter coats, hats, gloves and boots to children in need, while supplies last. Through this program, we hope to ensure every child has access to the warm clothing they need to stay safe, comfortable and protected throughout the winter months.

CONTACT INFORMATION 414 W. Court St., Flint, MI 48503 810.234.2479 info@crossoveroutreach.org crossoveroutreach.org

36 November 2026

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Sponsored by

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF SUPPORTERS & MAKE AN IMPACT! Supporting your local children’s hospitals’ initiatives and programs, many of which may be underfunded or unfunded, is a great way to give back to your community. Scan the qr code or visit hurleyfoundation.org to help make an impact today.

LEADERSHIP

C A R E S

VOICES FOR CHILDREN

Dan Russell Board Chair Cpt. Jason Murphy Vice Chair Andrea LeGendre Treasurer

S P O N S O R E D

Judge Khary Hanible Secretary Claudnyse D. Holloman President & CEO Tenesa M. Thompson Deputy Director

SHOWN HERE ARE THE AWARD RECIPIENTS DURING THE ANNUAL CHILDREN’S CHAMPION AWARDS EVENT.

OUR MISSION Voices for Children is dedicated to serving child survivors of abuse and their families in Genesee and Shiawassee counties while enhancing the lives of all children through treatment, education and increased community awareness.

KEY SERVICES Voices for Children is Genesee County’s accredited Children’s Advocacy Center, serving children and families throughout Genesee and Shiawassee counties. The organization provides children and families with hope, help and healing following experiences of grief, trauma, abuse, neglect, human trafficking, witnessing violence or the loss of a loved one. HOPE – Victim and family advocacy, case management and trauma-informed forensic interviews help children share what happened in a safe, supportive environment. Forensic interviews allow children to tell their story one time rather than repeatedly relive their trauma. PHOTOS ARE FROM THE VOICES FOR CHILDREN CHILDREN’S CHAMPION AWARDS AND THE ORGANIZATION’S MOST RECENT COOKING WITH THE CHIEFS EVENT.

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HELP – Voices for Children supports children ages 0–17 and their non-offending caregivers as they navigate the justice system and connect with resources such as

basic needs, educational resources and general assistance. Kinship Care support is also available to help relatives and other caregivers caring for children navigate resources and services. Voices for Children also facilitates the Genesee County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, connecting children in foster care with highly trained volunteers. HEALING – Free counseling and therapy services are available to child survivors and their families. Therapists specialize in supporting children from toddlers through teens, with support groups

also available. Grief Support helps young children and teens navigate the loss of a loved one and find support throughout the grieving process. A VOICE – Prevention education helps children, families and community members recognize, prevent and report suspected child maltreatment. Voices for Children offers free community training on topics including internet safety, human trafficking prevention, trauma-informed care, adverse childhood experiences and more. Body-safety education is also available for young children.

HON. HERCULES IS VOICES FOR CHILDREN’S CANINE SUPPORT ADVOCATE FOR CHILDREN.

The community is invited to schedule a tour of the Big Blue House and see firsthand the work Voices for Children does for children and families in our community.

HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY HELP?

MCALISTER’S DELI AND FIRE CHIEFS FROM GENESEE COUNTY TOOK PART IN THE ANNUAL COOKING WITH THE CHIEFS EVENT.

Services → Trauma Therapy → Victim and Family Advocacy → Forensic Interviews → Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) → Community Trainings → Child Abuse Prevention → Case Review → Grief Support → Family Resource Center → Kinship Support Center → Local Leadership Group → And more

There are many ways to support children and families in our community: Give – Every gift helps provide critical services to children and families. Volunteer – Become a CASA volunteer or support Voices for Children in other ways. Donate Needed Items – Gift cards, gas cards, tissues, paper products, snacks and beverages help meet everyday needs. Attend a Free Training – Learn how you can help recognize and prevent child abuse. Spread the Word – Become a Community Ambassador and help others learn about Voices for Children and the services it provides.

ARE THERE PLANS TO ENHANCE SERVICES? Voices for Children is continually working to expand and strengthen services to meet the changing needs of children and families. Over the past year, the organization added Grief Support services to help fill an important gap in care for children and families in our community. Voices for Children remains committed to identifying unmet needs and filling service gaps as they emerge. As the organization moves forward, it plans to continue growing its programs and expanding access to the support children and families need, while raising awareness about child abuse, neglect and human trafficking and strengthening prevention education throughout the community. The goal is to ensure that no child or family has to navigate these challenges without support while continuing to build a safer, healthier community for every child.

Future Events Children’s Champion Awards Breakfast March 24, 2027 The annual Children’s Champion Awards Breakfast brings together community leaders, supporters and advocates to recognize those making a difference in the lives of children. Child Abuse Prevention Month April 2027 April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Voices for Children will join the community in raising awareness, educating families and encouraging everyone to take an active role in protecting children. Annual Wine & Cheese Event April 22, 2027 Join Voices for Children for an evening of community, connection and support as we celebrate the people who help make hope and healing possible for children and families.

CONTACT INFORMATION 515 East St. Flint, MI 48503 810.238.3333 voicesforcac.org

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LEADERSHIP

C A R E S

Kimberly VanSlyke-Smith Executive Director

GENESYS HURLEY CANCER INSTITUTE

Keith Poniers Executive Board Chair

ARE THERE PLANS TO ENHANCE YOUR SERVICES? Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute will continue to partner with Genesys, Hurley Medical Center and Cancer & Hematology Centers of Michigan. We are always looking for new opportunities to partner with other organizations to offer additional community services, education and outreach.

OUR MISSION Our mission is to relieve the burden of cancer for those we serve, with a focus on quality, research and a full-spectrum commitment to a mind, body and spirit approach to cancer care.

KEY SERVICES The Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute stands on the combined strength of the Genesys and Hurley medical facilities, in collaboration with Cancer and Hematology Centers of Michigan, bringing advanced cancer treatment services, technologies and quality-of-life programs to one convenient location, close to home. Everything we do is focused on helping patients feel better, faster. FOOD PANTRY: We are happy to announce the opening of the GHCI Food Pantry. This is made possible with grants from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and the American Cancer Society. Continued support will

44 November 2026

come from community donations and future grants. TRANSPORTATION AND EMERGENCY PATIENT CARE SERVICES: These services assist patients who are struggling to get to appointments, keep their utilities on or manage emotional needs. These situations are always challenging, especially when dealing with the added burden of cancer.

Additionally, quality-of-life services and classes are open to all cancer patients, cancer survivors and caregivers in and around Genesee County. These include social, dietitian and wellness services, such as cooking classes, yoga, meditation, nutrition, scrapbooking, journaling and more.

HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY HELP? DONATIONS: We accept donations for general funds or specific programs. Go to the “Donate” option at ghci.org or scan the QR code on this page. Food donations can also be dropped off at the main desk of our facility,

Future Events Survivor Day Celebration Saturday, May 22, 2027 Annual Free Breast Cancer Screening October 21, 2027 located at 302 Kensington Ave., Flint, MI 48503. You can also choose us as your nonprofit for donation-matching programs. VOLUNTEERS: We welcome volunteers! We have weekly, monthly and annual events where extra hands are always helpful. Please contact Sue Root, Quality of Life Program Coordinator, at 810-762-8022.

EVERYTHING WE DO IS FOCUSED ON HELPING PATIENTS FEEL BETTER, FASTER.

CONTACT INFORMATION 302 Kensington Ave. Flint, MI 48503 810.762.8225 kvsmith@ghci.org ghci.org

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| Standout

t n e d u t S t u o d n St a

Meet Hailey Kuchar

Presented by

Tell us a little about yourself. What brought you to Simms Chevrolet, and what are you most excited about in your new role? I love the fall season, kayaking, shopping, cuddling with my cat, and spending time with family and friends. After four-and-a-half years in real estate, I was ready for a new challenge and the opportunity to grow in a different industry. I have always enjoyed working with people, and my family and I have purchased and serviced vehicles at Simms for years, so I knew it would be a great fit! I am most excited to meet new people, build relationships, and help customers find the perfect vehicle for their needs. I am also excited to learn, grow, and bring my sales experience into a new role. What do you believe makes the car-buying experience at Simms Chevrolet different, and how do you personally like to help customers find the right vehicle? I believe the car-buying experience at Simms Chevrolet is different because of its positive, family-oriented environment and team of experienced automotive professionals. I like to take the time to get to know each customer, understand their needs and help them find the vehicle that is the right fit for them. When customers meet you, what do you hope they remember about you? I hope customers remember having an enjoyable, stress-free car-buying experience and leaving the dealership feeling confident and excited about their new vehicle. I would also like the community to know that I enjoy being involved and present in the community. I have a background in real estate sales and currently serve as secretary of the Montrose Chamber of Commerce. I am eager to serve my community in another way as I begin my new position as a sales consultant at Simms Chevrolet. Come see me!

Hannah Johnson

4220 W Vienna Rd, Clio, MI 48420 (810) 686-1700 | simmschevrolet.com

Grand Blanc High School Grade 12

annah Johnson is this month’s My City Magazine’s Student Standout. Hannah has earned a 3.489 GPA while successfully completing two Advanced Placement (AP) courses. She has committed to Saginaw Valley State University for softball. She is a two-time national champion with the Little League softball team. Tell us all about your two-time national champion softball experience. Looking back on the two World Series championships my teammates and I were fortunate enough to win, it’s hard to even put the experience into words. Being able to represent Grand Blanc, Michigan, while playing a sport I love alongside teammates who have become more like family is something I’ll always be grateful for. These experiences have given me memories and relationships that I know I’ll carry with me for a long time. What else keeps you busy? During my freshman and sophomore years, I played both varsity volleyball and varsity softball. While I still enjoy playing volleyball, I decided to focus solely on softball because it was the sport I wanted to pursue in college. Outside of softball, I enjoy playing pickleball, cornhole and snowboarding, and I participated in powderpuff this year. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family, helping with my sister’s Cerebral Palsy

46 November 2026

Warriors team, and mentoring younger softball players. In the winter, I love to snowboard, and during the summer, my family and I enjoy camping whenever we get the chance. What is your favorite class? If I had to choose a favorite, it would probably be AP Psychology. I really enjoy learning about the human brain and body, especially how they work together and affect the way we think, feel and behave. I find it interesting to learn why people act the way they do and how different parts of the brain can influence us. Do you have a favorite teacher? One of the teachers who has made the biggest impact on my life is Mr. Runkle, my junior-year math teacher. He has always been someone who supports me and is there when I need someone to talk to. He has probably listened to me complain about more things than he ever signed up for, but he always takes the time to listen anyway.

always been interested in crime, investigations and understanding how evidence can help solve cases. I hope to have a career where I can use my skills to help others and make a difference. I also hope to have strong friendships, spend time with the people I care about and travel to new places. I want to experience new things, make memories and enjoy life while continuing to work toward a career I am passionate about and proud of. What advice do you have for younger students? Be your own person. Don’t feel like you have to change who you are or what you want just to fit in with everyone else. Everyone has their own path, and it’s okay if yours looks different. Do what makes you happy, believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to stand out.

SAVE

Do you have a career path in mind? I want to major in human behavior/psychology. I’d eventually like to work in forensics within the government. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years, I would like to see myself working in forensics within the government. I have

SCAN HERE! Do you know a standout student in athletics, academics or the arts? Nominate them to be featured in an upcoming issue!

GENESEE DISTRICT LIBRARY Then. Now. Later.

Always.

| Love Story

| Fun

The Gift of a

Good Book C O M P I L E D B Y K A R E N P I AC E N T I N I

November invites us to slow down, settle in and enjoy the simple pleasure of a good book. Reading can nourish our well-being by reducing stress, stimulating the mind and giving us a welcome break from busy days and endless screens. Books can transport us to new places, introduce us to different perspectives and spark imagination. Whether it’s a mystery, biography or favorite novel, a few quiet pages can be good for the mind and soul. Here’s a few book suggestions to get you started.

Michael and Megan Simpson’s

LOVE STORY How and when did you first meet? Megan and I were introduced by a close friend on August 18, 2024.

Hollow Bones by Jodi Picoult

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinnaman

Hollywood Ending by John Green

The Odyssey by Homer, translated by Emily Wilson

Tell us about the proposal. The proposal took place in front of a small group of friends whom we considered family. Before I asked Megan, I told her all the ways she was perfect for me and for us.

The Bluff by Wade Rouse

Tell us about the wedding.

What do you cherish most about each other?

The wedding was amazing. We have the most incredible families and friends, so enjoying the day was very easy. The band and spending time with everyone are definitely among the highlights.

We cherish each other’s loyalty, honesty and love. We don’t take a single moment together for granted. We take advantage of the time we have together and cherish the memories we make.

HAVE A LOVE STORY THAT DESERVES THE SPOTLIGHT? Apply now to be featured. Scan the QR code to submit your story.

The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon

More than 45 Vendors at the Market inside all year round! Unique indoor and outdoor spaces available to rent for YOUR NEXT GREAT EVENT!

WE ARE OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

Tuesdays -Thursdays - Saturdays 300 East First Street

Flint, MI 48502

810.232.1399 flintfarmersmarket.com The Flint Farmers’ Market is proudly sponsored by 48 November 2026

| Fun

BEYOND THE RAINFOREST WEAVES TOGETHER A WARM COMMUNITY

of knitting and crocheting needs, offering everything from yarn and needles to classes where arn has always had a way of customers can learn tying people together. From new and creative “spinning yarns” to passing projects. down patterns, it creates close-knit According to communities, provides warmth in shop owner and sweaters and blankets, and brings instructor Mary people together around a shared DeRuiter, the passion. That is especially true in store prides itself on places where knitters and crocheters can gather, learn, share ideas and find its unique yarns and fibers, accessories, classes whatever supplies they need. Beyond the Rainforest Yarn Shop in Durand is and friendly atmosphere. With a one of those welcoming places, open to strong local history, it has created a close-knit community that is difficult fiber artists of all ages and skill levels. to top. Beyond the Rainforest began 33 years ago on Beecher Road in Flint. It Beyond the Rainforest is a small yarn soon moved to Grand Blanc, where shop in Durand that caters to a variety B Y K E EG A N D E LO N E Y

Into the Forest

50 November 2026

it remained for most of those years. Mary worked with the original owner as a store instructor, helping customers and teaching classes until 2020. When the original owner retired, Mary decided to purchase the shop herself and has operated it ever since. She continued to run the business in Grand Blanc until moving the shop to Durand earlier this year, marking the beginning of another chapter. Through every move, Beyond the Rainforest has remained an important part of the local yarn and fiber arts community.

What You Can Discover Of course, what would a yarn shop be without yarn? Beyond the Rainforest carries an extensive variety of brands, including Malabrigo, Cascade and HiKoo, among others. There is also a wide range of yarn weights and fibers, whether you need a thinner yarn for socks or shawls or a chunkier yarn for warm blankets and sweaters. “We also have our own in-house brand of hand-dyed yarn,” Mary says. Because it is available in limited quantities, shoppers may want to stop in regularly to see what is new. But yarn isn’t the only thing needed for fiber arts. From doublepointed and circular knitting needles

to crochet hooks in various sizes, patterns and accessories such as stitch markers and pom-poms, Beyond the Rainforest offers the tools needed to bring a project together and add those finishing touches. It’s also perfectly fine if you don’t know how to work with the materials or don’t feel confident in your skills. The staff are happy to answer questions, offer suggestions and help customers work through techniques they may be struggling to master.

One-on-one lessons are available, as are group classes. Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays are especially good opportunities to learn. Call the shop for more information about current classes and availability. Yarn, needles, hooks and guidance are all important components of knitting and crocheting. However, there is one thing that truly stands out about the craft: community. There are few things warmer than the bonds shared by a group of people who knit and crochet together. Beyond the Rainforest is no exception, providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where people can gather, work on their projects and share their experiences. One of the ways the shop encourages that sense of community is through its weekly social sessions. “Our Thursday social group is open to people with all types of yarn and fiber projects and all skill levels,” Mary explains. “Just drop in anytime from 2-6 PM and hang out with us! We have water, coffee and snacks available, and sometimes people bring snacks to share as well.”

It doesn’t matter what you bring to the table, as long as you bring yourself. Everyone is welcome to explore their skills, enjoy their craft and make connections with others.

Warm Welcome Beyond the Rainforest has given people in Flint, Grand Blanc, Durand and surrounding communities a place to gather. Much like a rainforest, it offers a warm getaway from the stresses of everyday life and invites people to come together and create their own tightly woven pattern through a shared interest. Whether you have been knitting or crocheting for years or are picking up a hook or needles for the first time, there is a place for you. The supplies, guidance and welcoming community are there, and a new adventure may be waiting just beyond the rainforest. To learn more about Beyond the Rainforest, visit the shop at 4555 S. Reed Road in Durand or call 989-541-1027. You can also visit beyondtherainforest.com, find the shop on Facebook under “Beyond the Rainforest Yarn Shop,” or follow @ beyondtherainforest on Instagram.

MyCityMag.com

| Style

SHOP With PURPOSE

Your community. Your college.

BY SHANNON WHITE

ow is a great time to get educated on brands that make a positive difference as you do your holiday shopping for those you love and who make a positive difference in YOUR life! Shopping local businesses is one of the best ways to give back. It takes bravery, tenacity, time, resources and grit to start a small business. Local businesses are asked multiple times a week to sponsor events, sports teams, golf outings and local benefits and causes. SHIFT alone has donated more than $10,000 in gifts, prizes and sponsorships to local organizations this year. But we want you to know that shopping local often means supporting other businesses that ALSO GIVE BACK. When we source collections and merchandise for our retail boutique, we prioritize sustainability, including upcycled goods, eco-friendly fabrics and products with recycled content. We also look for brands that have a social justice lens for giving back. Here are a few examples of retailers doing good with their profits: DIFF Charitable Eyewear believes in seeing well, looking good and doing good, all in harmony. The company

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has helped millions of people gain access to vision care. By partnering with Vision To Learn, DIFF shares the mission of ensuring every child, in every school, everywhere in America, has the glasses they need to succeed in school and life. They bring mobile clinics for eye exams and glasses directly to children in need at their schools. INK+ALLOY handcrafts jewelry and accessories with seed beads. Every piece begins in its Atlanta studio and is brought to life by skilled artisans in India using centuries-old techniques such as hand-beading, weaving and metalwork. Ink + Alloy donates a portion of proceeds from every order to Commit2Change, a nonprofit providing education, housing and support for orphaned and

underserved girls in India. Founder Gretchen Hollingsworth started the woman-owned accessory brand after a transformative trip to India, making it a priority to support the region that inspired her business. Goodr Sunglasses gives 1% for the Planet. Goodr donates 1% of annual sales, not just profits, directly to certified environmental nonprofits, with lifetime giving exceeding $2.5 million. The company has

provides safe, fair-wage employment to female artisans who have overcome addiction, homelessness or exploitation. Every garment comes with a lifetime guarantee to reduce fashion waste. TELETIES is a fashion lifestyle brand best known for its strong-grip, no-rip hair ties that give back. Every purchase yields a donation to FORCE, a nonprofit committed to improving the lives of people and families affected by hereditary breast, ovarian and related cancers. More

also released eco-friendly recycled sunglasses, including “These Shades Are Trash,” with 100% of proceeds supporting the initiative. Cecelia Jewelry, founded and owned by women in Minnesota, was built with a mission to leave the planet better than they found it. The company plants one tree for every piece of jewelry purchased. Its partnership with Trees for the Future supports positive ecological impact, including absorbing carbon emissions and filtering air and water through trees planted daily. ABLE is an ethical fashion brand built to create jobs and help break the cycle of poverty for women overcoming adversity. The company

than 6.4 million packs of TELETIES have been sold, and 20% of proceeds from a limited-edition design support NICU education and patient-family care. Supporting local artisans through ticket purchases at Flint cultural institutions contributes to our local and regional economies and supports artists who are themselves small-business entrepreneurs. ALL of the brands featured in this article and more can be found at SHIFT. 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 the new she-powered Downtown Fenton retail business, SHIFT.

From enrollment to graduation, we support you every step of the way. Get started at mcc.edu or by calling 810.762.0200.

| Nutrition

| Outreach

SLEEP NUTRITION

Second Chances Hope Awaits at the Humane Society

Could What You Eat Be Affecting Your Sleep? B Y D R. S H A N JAC KS O N | H E A LT H Y J U ST F E E LS R I G H T

ave you ever had a terrible night’s sleep and spent the next day craving sugar, coffee, or anything that would give you a quick boost of energy? Or maybe you’ve eaten a heavy meal late at night and wondered why you couldn’t settle down and get comfortable enough to sleep. Sleep and nutrition are more connected than many of us realize.

brain communicate with each other. Researchers often refer to this relationship as the gut-brain axis. What we regularly eat can influence the trillions of microorganisms living in our gut. A varied diet containing fiber-rich plant foods can help support a healthy gut microbiome. Think beans, lentils, vegetables, fruits, oats, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir can also be part of a gut-friendly diet for people who tolerate them well.

What About Sleep Supplements?

Before You Buy Something, Look at Your Routine

Melatonin, magnesium, herbal products and gummies, there is If you’re struggling with sleep, start no shortage of products promiswith the basics. Are you drinking caffeine late in the day? Eating a heavy ing better sleep. But supplements meal and immediately going to bed? shouldn’t become the first thing we reach for every time we’re Scrolling on your phone until the tired. They can’t replace good sleep moment you close your eyes? Going habits. to sleep and waking up at completely Melatonin is a hormone our different times every day? Getting bodies naturally produce that helps enough physical activity? What You Eat regulate our sleep-wake cycle. Sometimes we go searching for a Can Affect How Supplemental melatonin can be bottle when our daily routine is tellYou Sleep useful in certain situations, but ing us exactly where we need to start. There isn’t one food that will Watch What You Eat taking more isn’t necessarily better, Persistent insomnia, loud snoring, magically give you eight hours of Close to Bedtime and it isn’t the answer to every type gasping during sleep, extreme dayperfect sleep. But your overall eating Sometimes it’s not just what you’re of sleep problem. time sleepiness, or ongoing difficulty habits can make a difference. A bal- eating. It’s when you’re eating it. A Magnesium is another popular sleeping deserves a conversation with large or heavy meal right before lying option. Your body needs maganced diet that includes fruits and a healthcare professional. down can leave some people uncom- nesium for many important vegetables, whole grains, protein, healthy fats, and fiber gives your fortable and may worsen heartburn functions, but that doesn’t mean Food, Gut Health body many of the nutrients it needs or reflux. If certain foods bother your everyone who sleeps poorly needs and Sleep Are Pieces to function properly. stomach, especially at night, pay ata magnesium supplement. of the Same Puzzle Certain nutrients are involved tention to that pattern. Remember that “natural” Eat foods that nourish you. in processes related to sleep. Foods Give your body some time to doesn’t automatically mean Include plenty of plants and fiber. containing magnesium include digest before bed when possible, and risk-free. Supplements can cause Drink enough water. Move your leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, and notice how different evening meals side effects and may interact with body. Be mindful of caffeine and latewhole grains. Eggs, dairy products, affect you. medications. If you’re considering night eating. Give yourself time to poultry, fish, nuts, and seeds provide taking something regularly for wind down and make sleep a priority. nutrients and amino acids the body That Afternoon sleep, talk with your healthcare Taking care of both is part of takuses in pathways involved in sleep Coffee May Still Be provider first. ing care of you. and relaxation. Hanging Around Caffeine can stay in the body for Dr. Shan Jackson, Owner and CEO of Healthy Just Feels Right is a certified holistic hours, and some people are much Don’t Forget mental health and wellness specialist, book author and motivational speaker. She more sensitive to it than others. CofAbout Your Gut has a passion for nutrition and loves to cook, develop recipes and write about health fee isn’t the only source. Tea, energy We hear a lot about “gut health” and wellness. Dr. Jackson aims to help individuals and families transition to a healthier lifestyle by incorporating more fresh foods into their diets. She believes that food drinks, chocolate, and certain supplethese days, and sometimes the can play an important role in managing chronic health issues, symptoms of depresclaims can get a little carried away. ments or medications may contain sion and other mood disorders without using medications that can have harmful side effects. To discover more creative and fun ways to inspire a healthier lifestyle, visit healthyjustfeelsright.com. But we do know that the gut and caffeine or other stimulants.

54 November 2026

Meet Karma

She is a sweet old lady

eet Karma, an approximately 8-year-old cat who may be a little older. This sweet old lady loves her canned food every day and enjoys a good nap. Her adoption fee is just $25. If you’re considering adopting an older cat, don’t let her age discourage you. An 8-year-old cat is generally considered a mature adult, not extremely old. Many cats live well into their mid-to-late teens, and some reach their 20s. Her Personality Is Probably Already Established One of the biggest advantages of adopting an older cat is that her personality is generally well established. You have a better idea of whether she is: → Affectionate or independent → A lap cat or more of a “sit beside you” cat → Quiet or talkative → Comfortable with other animals → Playful or more laid-back She May Bond Deeply With You Older cats can form wonderful attachments with their people. Don’t be surprised if an older cat becomes very affectionate once she feels safe and comfortable in her new home, particularly if she has experienced a major change or lost a previous home. Give her time to adjust. Some older cats settle in within days, while others may need several weeks to feel completely comfortable. Veterinary Care Becomes More Important For a cat who is 8 or older, it’s a good idea to have a veterinarian establish a health baseline. Regular veterinary care may include: → An annual physical examination → Dental examinations → Vaccinations appropriate to her lifestyle → Weight monitoring → Blood pressure screening → Periodic bloodwork, particularly as she gets older → Kidney and thyroid monitoring as she ages Cats are very good at hiding signs of illness, so subtle changes in behavior, appetite, weight or litter-box habits can be important.

To adopt Karma or to see other animals available for adoption, V I S I T G E N E S E E H U M A N E .O R G O R C A L L 8 1 0 .74 4 . 0 5 1 1 . Other Things to Consider Pay attention to her teeth. Monitor kidney health. Watch her weight. Pay attention to litter-box habits. Make your home comfortable. She Doesn’t Need to Be Treated Like an “Old” Cat An 8-year-old cat can still have plenty of playful, happy and healthy years ahead. What matters most is her individual health, personality and quality of life. And for Karma, what she may need most is a loving home, a comfortable place to nap and someone who appreciates what a sweet older cat can bring to their life. Karma’s adoption fee is $25. Could you be the person who gives this sweet old lady her second chance?

Every shelter animal has a story ... Let’s change their ending. MyCityMag.com

UM-Flint, University Center KIVA, 7:30 PM. Admission is free.

11 Veterans Day Communities throughout Genesee County will honor local veterans with ceremonies, breakfasts and special events. Check with local veterans organizations and municipalities for 2026 event details.

14 Yuletide Wreath Workshop

YEAR END CONSIDERATIONS

Genesee Country Village & Museum, 10 AM-noon. Create a holiday wreath using evergreens, flowers, seed pods, herbs and other natural materials.

B Y N OA H C. M O R G A N

NOVEMBER 2026 1

7-8

Shark Kingdom

Holiday Market & Preparing for Winter

Longway Planetarium, Flint, 2 PM. Family program recommended for ages 8+. Skies Over Michigan is also offered at 4 PM.

2, 4 Ghost Light Cabaret: Broadway Rocks Flint Repertory Theatre, Elgood Theatre Lobby, 7 PM. Enjoy music, storytelling, cocktails and surprises. Tickets start at $27, with a Genesee County resident price of $21.

7 Taproot The Machine Shop, Flint, 7 PM. Flint Neighborhoods United Meeting — Flint Public Library, 9:30-11:30 AM. Open to everyone interested in what’s happening in Flint neighborhoods.

Free Glassblowing Demonstrations Flint Institute of Arts, 11 AM-4 PM.

Thanksgiving Community Meals Several Genesee County organizations traditionally provide free Thanksgiving dinners and food assistance to local families. Watch for details from Well of Hope, Catholic Charities, The Barn in Fenton, the Salvation Army, North End Soup Kitchen and area churches.

Genesee Country Village & Museum, Mumford, 10 AM-3 PM. An early-season holiday outing featuring a holiday market and demonstrations of how people prepared for winter in the 19th century.

19 Thursdays with For-Mar: Turkey Talk Flint Public Library, 6:30 PM. Family program for children and tweens.

UM-Flint Wind Symphony UM-Flint Theatre, 7:30 PM. Admission is free.

21 Flint Elks Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk Flint Elks Golf Course in Grand Blanc, 10 AM. Family friendly, with runners and walkers of all ages welcome.

56 November 2026

GIVING

University Orchestra

are some great strategies for reducing your tax burden, especially if you are charitably inclined, paying taxes should be approached with gratitude because you cannot pay taxes unless you first have income. Taxes may seem astronomical, but we actually have some of the lowest marginal tax rates in recent history. Still, no matter what we do, it will always feel like a fifth of the harvest is going to Pharaoh. Giving is perhaps the key to financial contentment and financial freedom. If you are able to give, you should take full advantage of the opportunity to give while you live. As the saying goes, you can’t take it with you. In 2026, the annual gift exclusion ment or personal savings. Outside of workplace retirement plans, there is $19,000 per individual, and if you itemize, you can deduct charitable is no limit on what we can save in gifts of up to 60% of your adjusted a personal savings or investment account. Employer plans integrated gross income (AGI). If you give regularly to a nonprofit or church, speak into your payroll are the easiest with its donor department about form of deferred savings, and it’s ways to give more tax-efficiently, generally encouraged to maximize such as through highly appreciated these tax-sheltered options. stock or, if you are over age 70½, a For 2026, the maximum retirement plan contributions for 401(k), qualified charitable distribution from your IRA. Don’t miss your chance to 403(b), 457(b) and TSP plans are give generously while you live. image80,000 with catch-up). Are you saving enough? “Spend less than you make. Taxes are simply a symptom of Quietly compound. income and a direct reflection of provision. The more you make, the Money serves you, not the more you pay in taxes. While there other way around.

TAXING

SAVING

SPENDING

| Finances

Handmade Market Fenton Community & Cultural Center. The market begins Nov. 21 and continues through March 20, 2027.

22 Left It In The River with Jamie MacDonald FIM Capitol Theatre, 7 PM. Family friendly.

26 Fenton Turkey Trot 5K Run & Walk Fenton, Thanksgiving morning. An all-ages community event along the Silver Lake Laff Pathway.

27-29 Christmas at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, Flint. The holiday celebration opens Nov. 27 with a tree lighting, fireworks, thousands of lights, holiday decorations, Santa, entertainment, shopping and evening Huckleberry Railroad Christmas rides. The event continues Nov. 28-29 and on numerous dates through Dec. 27.

28 Flint Handmade 19th Annual Holiday Craft Market Flint Farmers’ Market, Ramsdell Room.

See you th

ere!

hen it comes to your money, there are only four things you can really do with it: spend it, pay taxes, save it or give it away. With year-end right around the corner, it’s a great time to review our financial blessings and make decisions about our money. It’s also a great time to look back at the year, see what went well and consider what could have gone better as we think about the year ahead. Spending is where we get most of the benefits of pursuing a better life. Whether it’s a new house, car, purse or gadget, these things are generally

intended to make our lives, or the lives of the people around us, better. Morgan Housel’s book, “The Art of Spending Money,” goes deep into the topic, and I highly recommend it. It highlights that there really is no “right” way to spend. Don’t let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn’t spend money on. You have to figure out what makes you happy and fulfilled. Saving is a less sexy way to think about money, but it is certainly something we never want to run out of. Just as squirrels stash acorns for the winter, we plan ahead by regularly setting aside savings each pay period in the form of retire-

No one is thinking about you as much as you are. Independence is wealth. Health is wealth. Aim to be a good ancestor. Love your family.” — Morgan Housel, The Art of Spending Money, 2025.

Noah C. Morgan, MBA, CFP�, EA, is a Certified Financial PlannerTM and Principal at Acorn Wealth Advisors, a boutique SECregistered investment advisory firm in Fenton, MI. For nearly two decades, he has helped individuals, business owners and families make confident, well-informed decisions in every area of their financial lives, from investments and retirement to tax and estate planning to live the life they want and need.

MyCityMag.com

| Devotional

Thankful Heart That Helps

OTHERS BY NEIL THOMPSON

hankfulness is more than simply saying “thank you.” For followers of Jesus, gratitude is a way of recognizing that everything we have ultimately comes from God. When we understand how much God has given us, thankfulness should go beyond words and shape how we treat and serve others. The Bible tells us, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Notice that Scripture does not say to give thanks only when everything is going well. We are called to remain thankful even during difficult seasons because our gratitude is rooted in who God is, not simply in our circumstances. One of the greatest reasons we have to be thankful is the grace we have received through Jesus Christ. We could never earn salvation on our own, yet God loved us enough to send His Son: “For God so loved the world, that He

58 November 2026

gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). When we truly understand God’s generosity toward us, it should make us more generous toward others. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly calls His people to care for those around them. Galatians 6:10 says, “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” Helping others doesn’t always require something dramatic. Sometimes it means providing a meal, encouraging someone who is struggling, giving financially, helping a neighbor, visiting someone lonely, or simply taking the time to listen. Jesus demonstrated this kind of life throughout His ministry. He noticed people others overlooked. He fed the hungry, cared for the hurting, welcomed outsiders, and showed compassion to those in need. As followers of Christ,

GRATITUDE AND GENEROSITY BELONG TOGETHER. A THANKFUL HEART RECOGNIZES GOD’S BLESSINGS, WHILE A GENEROUS HEART ASKS, “HOW CAN I USE WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN ME TO BLESS SOMEONE ELSE?” we are called to demonstrate that same compassion. Gratitude and generosity belong together. A thankful heart recognizes God’s blessings, while a generous heart asks, “How can I use what God has given me to bless someone else?” This season, take time to reflect on the many ways God has been faithful to you. Thank Him for His provision, His grace, and the people He has placed in your life. Most importantly, thank Him for the greatest gift of all, the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. If you have never accepted that gift, or you simply want to better understand what it means to have a relationship with Jesus, text

GOSPEL to 97000. We would love to provide free resources to help you learn more and take your next step in faith. Then allow that gratitude to become action. Look around. Someone near you may need encouragement, help, generosity, or simply someone who cares. Neil Thompson is a ministry leader with a heart for serving the local church, reaching people with the Gospel, and helping ministries turn vision into action. He serves at The Rock Church in Fenton, Michigan, where he leads ministry operations and outreach and develops initiatives that help the church serve both its congregation and community. Outside of ministry, Neil enjoys traveling, running, and spending time with his wife, Trina. Above all, he desires to faithfully serve Christ, continue growing personally, and use his life to help others know and follow Jesus.

| Econ

| Musings

U.S.–CANADIAN

TARIFFS

he tariff on Canadian hockey sticks has gotten a lot of attention. However, fewer than 1% of hockey sticks imported into the U.S. are manufactured in Canada. This tariff is mostly symbolic, like renaming “Lake Ontario” to “Lake America.” Less attention is being paid to the more significant tariffs imposed on key Canadian imports. President Trump imposed tariffs as high as 50% on Canadian steel and aluminum, 25% tariffs on automobiles and certain auto parts, combined tariffs of approximately 36% on softwood lumber, and a 50% tariff on plywood. These tariffs could significantly impact American industry, particularly the domestic auto industry. The United States and Canadian supply chains are highly integrated due to the two countries’ geographical proximity and more than 30 years of free trade under the North American Free Trade Agreement. These supply chains cannot be easily changed. Automakers likely will pass tariffs on to consumers through higher prices, after new

60 October 2026

B Y D R. C H R I STO P H E R D O U G L AS

auto prices have already risen by appliances, plastics, automobiles, 30% since the pandemic. Sales are sporting goods, paper products, likely to then fall, resulting in lower dairy products and a host of other profits and employment in this exports. The list of American exsector. Given auto manufacturing’s ports subject to these tariffs spans footprint in Michigan and the state numerous pages on the Canadian sharing a border with Canada, the government’s website. These tariffs impact on Michiare likely to reduce profitability and gan’s economy may Both countries’ employment in these be significant. Other ineconomies and American industries. The Trump dustries may be consumers administration similarly impacted, have much exempted the import particularly housing. Potential to lose if this of rock salt, potash and crude oil from home buyers have trade war the tariffs. Potash is a already faced both continues and critical ingredient in high home prices fertilizer, and Canada and mortgage rates escalates. is the source of apsince COVID. Home prices have proximately 80% of increased substantially, while mort- U.S. potash imports for domestic gage rates have approached 7%. use. Rock salt is critically imporSince lumber and plywood are sig- tant for clearing roadways during nificant inputs in the construction the winter, while Canadian crude of new homes, these tariffs could oil imports are a major source of U.S. oil supplies. cause home prices to increase The Canadian government further. could choose to escalate the trade Canadian retaliation includes war by banning the export of tariffs of a similar magnitude these items to the United States. on American exports, such as

B Y L ES L I E TO L D O

This would be detrimental to the Canadian economy but could also inflict significant economic pain on the United States. Canadian crude oil is heavy, and many Midwestern refineries are configured to process it, making it difficult to quickly substitute oil from other sources. A significant disruption could therefore put upward pressure on oil prices before alternative supplies become available. Fertilizer prices have increased substantially since COVID, while food prices have also risen. Further fertilizer price increases could result in additional consumer pain at the grocery store. Both countries’ economies and consumers have much to lose if this trade war continues and escalates.

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 Professor of Economics, he teaches Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, International Economics, Public Finance and Sports Economics.

o, what are you thankful for? Just warming you up before Aunt Nancy asks you in front of everyone at the Thanksgiving dinner table. You need to have an answer ready, and it better be good. You won’t get a grade on it or anything, but you don’t want to say, “turkey,” and watch everyone struggle to laugh. Having a good answer to “What are you thankful for?” was only a Thanksgiving Day phenomenon until 2003, when I had a lifechanging conversation. I was on the phone with a friend/mentor, deeply troubled by some drama occurring in my life at the time. It was earth-shattering, although I have no recollection of what it was, probably some bonehead I was dating at the time. My friend, Mo, listened patiently for a few minutes while I droned on about whatever it was. Then she cleared her throat loudly. “Do you ever write gratitude lists?” I remember wondering if she was seriously interrupting my

whining session with a possible journaling exercise. “No. I haven’t,” I answered abruptly. “You know, when something is really bothering me, I try to think of three things I am grateful for, and it makes whatever I was worrying about seem really small,” she replied. “I have to get back to work now. Think about a gratitude list.” After we hung up, I was feeling defensive. I wondered if she was trying to say that I was ungrateful. I was grateful for plenty of things. Determined to show Mo, I quickly wrote down three things. I sat there waiting for my problems to go away. They didn’t. I looked back at the list and read what I had written: my dogs, food in my fridge, my life. Suddenly, more things came to me. I kept writing until I had maybe 20 things on my list. I really did have a lot to be grateful for. I smiled, tears rolling down my cheeks. The list was full of simple things, things that really matter. I felt joyful. I called Mo back, expecting an “atta girl.” She simply told me to start writing a list of at least three

THE LIST WAS FULL OF SIMPLE THINGS, THINGS THAT REALLY MATTER. things every morning and calling her to tell her what they were. The trick was that I couldn’t write the same things every day. I was annoyed, but Mo was happy, so I figured she might know something I didn’t. I started making daily lists, no matter what was happening in my life. Something happened. My problems did not go away, but I seemed able to cope with them better than I had before. Since then, I’ve had brief intervals when I skipped the list, but I always regret it. There is something about stopping and taking stock of everything you have that makes you forget what you do not have. November is a month steeped in gratitude. It is Gratitude Month, after all, but a month of gratitude

is not enough. I have found the secret to joy is finding gratitude every day. There is always something. I have always heard that whatever you focus on becomes larger. That is the way gratitude works. The more reasons I see to be grateful, the more reasons I see to be grateful. An Emmy-nominated anchor/meteorologist/reporter at FOX66 and NBC25, Leslie Toldo recently retired from TV news after a career of 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: Henry, Gus and Lucy.

MyCityMag.com

n o i t a c y Sta | Travels

BY ALEXANDRIA NOLAN-MILLER

ometimes we all want to move. Pack it all in, find somewhere new, a new version of ourselves, an idealized path we could be taking if we weren’t stuck in the place we are now. This house, this neighborhood, this city. If we could just escape from this present reality, then we’d be happy. And if we can’t move, maybe just a vacation. A journey to a new place, across the world, across the country, across the state. Sometimes it’s just a day trip, or it could be a multi-week adventure. As long as it’s not our present reality, our daily life, we’re happy to escape just about anywhere. But what if we didn’t go anywhere? What if we’re busy, or life is expensive, or there just isn’t enough wiggle room in our vacation days or schedules, and moving to a new place isn’t an option? What then? May I suggest touring your own town? Nothing revolutionary, obviously, but maybe a reframe of our perspective. My husband and I often discuss where we would take friends or family when they visit. The best sandwich, the best cocktails, the restaurant with the best barbecue

or Tex-Mex, the wine bar with the best vibe. The cutest boutique shops for men, women or children. The museums most worth visiting, the best park for a picnic or for kids to play. The antique store with the best deals or most unique finds. The hotels with the coolest pools where you can get a day pass. We curate this list. We add to it. We remove spots when we find something better or an old place loses its appeal. But we are never creating this all-star list for ourselves. It’s our recommendation list for others. Our Houston can’t-miss places, meanwhile we are dreaming of our next overseas trip or discussing the places that might be cool to move to next. Near Dallas? Closer to Austin? Anywhere but here, for anyone but us. And then we started approaching some of our weekends as a way to enjoy our city. Houston is a cool place. The food scene is incredible, and the city is widely recognized as one of the most diverse in the country. There is a Chinatown, vibrant Hispanic and Vietnamese populations, and multiple communities of people

May I suggest touring your own town? Nothing revolutionary, obviously, but maybe a reframe of our perspective. 62 November 2026

Art Brings Us Together. 1120 E. Kearsley St. Flint, MI 48503 810.234.1695 flintarts.org

from all over the Middle East and Africa. Stir it all up, and there’s a lot going on here. And actually, when you take a step back, there’s a lot going on in almost every city. It’s just harder to notice when you live there. We go to the restaurants. We attend the festivals. There are late nights at wine bars with groups of friends, and you just have to sit back and realize: if this isn’t nice, what is? There is something to be said for the ability to be grateful for what you already have, for the world around you, for the adventures at your doorstep, instead of always chasing something else. And so, we have been seeing our adopted city a little differently. Instead of curating our list for our loved ones, we make sure to include ourselves in that category. Where should we take ourselves on a Friday night? We really should

shop small, so maybe those boutique shops are places where we should grab a souvenir, one for our own lives. A reminder that we live here. We chose this city and this life, and there’s a lot to love about it, even when we’re all a little tired of the humdrum. As much as I love an adventure elsewhere, sometimes the best place to explore is the home we leave behind when we set off. The home we are glad to return to, the place that is waiting. Alexandria Nolan-Miller is a misplaced Michigander navigating the vibrant chaos of Houston’s urban jungle. She travels with her husband and young son, contributing her insights and experiences to various print and digital publications. As the author of historical books rooted in Michigan, Alexandria brings the past to life through her writing. When not on the road, she can be found immersed in books, teaching, sharing stories, and chasing new adventures to inspire her next piece.

William Rittase, American, 1894–1968, Industrial Abstraction (detail), ca. 1930, Gelatin silver print, 91/2 × 7 1/2 inches. Shogren-Meyer Collection of American Art.

10 10 10 10

William Rittase, American, 1894–1968, Industrial Abstraction (detail), ca. 1930, Gelatin silver print, 91/2 × 7 1/2 inches. Shogren-Meyer Collection of American Art.

B Y S H A R O N STO N E

Thisexhibition exhibitionfeatures featurespaintings paintings This and photographs that examine and photographs that examine lifeininAmerica Americaduring duringthe the first life first half of the 20th century. half of the 20th century.

Forces, whether during wartime or peacetime. That service represents something much bigger than a uniform. It represents sacrifice, courage, 1120EEKearsley KearsleySt, St,Flint Flint | | flintarts.org flintarts.org | | 810.234.1695 810.234.1695 1120 commitment and a willingness to put others before oneself. Many of our veterans have spent years away FREE FREE nonprofits, coach our children, care ADMISSION from their families, faced difficult ADMISSION for our neighbors and open their Genesee County residents forfor Genesee County residents circumstances and carried responprovided Arts Education provided byby thethe Arts Education & & businesses every day. We have orgasibilities most of us will never fully Cultural Enrichment Millage Cultural Enrichment Millage nizations working tirelessly to make understand. our communities stronger. We have Here in the greater Flint area and restaurants, shops, theaters, parks, throughout Genesee County, we are schools, churches and community fortunate to have veterans who have groups that give the greater Flint served our nation and continue to area its character and heart. serve our communities. This month, We also have something that take a moment to thank a veteran. A cannot be measured on a map: comsimple “thank you for your service” munity. can mean more than we realize. In Genesee County, people Then comes Thanksgiving, a stst continue to show up for one another. holiday that encourages us to gather They donate. They volunteer. They around tables with family and sponsor events. They support local friends and count our blessings. businesses. They help a neighbor, And there is certainly much to be deliver a meal, attend a fundraiser or For now, let’s thankful for right here at home. 5:30p the Durant in Plaza the between Durant Plaza between Tree lighting atat 5:30p inin the Durant Plaza between Tree lighting 5:30p the Durant Plaza between simply lend a hand when someone pause and appreWe have remarkable people who ery Discov and Whiting ery Auditorium. and Whiting Auditorium. Sloan Museum ofof Discovery and Whiting Auditorium. needs it. ciate November Sloan Museum Discovery and Whiting Auditorium. volunteer their time, support local As Thanksgiving approaches for what it gives at hiting! the Enjoy Whiting! caroling, festive Enjoy caroling, festiv Visit Santa Claus e at the Whiting! Enjoy caroling, festive Visit Santa Claus at the Whiting! Enjoy caroling, festive st December and we move toward the Christmas us: a chance to December1 1,st2026 , 2026 etarium shows, arts and shows, crafts, fun arts and crafts, fun live music, planetarium shows, arts and crafts, fun live music, planetarium shows, arts and crafts, fun 5:00–8:00 p.m. season and other winter holidays, remember, a 5:00–8:00 p.m. perhaps the greatest gift we can give chance to gather efreshments vities, refreshments and more! and more! holiday activities, refreshments and more! holiday activities, refreshments and more! is gratitude. Gratitude for our fami- and a chance to FREE FREE COMMUNITY lies and friends. Gratitude for our say thank you. COMMUNITY EVENT EVENT veterans. Gratitude for those who From all of us at make our communities better. And My City Magazine, we gratitude for the place we call home. wish you and your families a The fallen leaves may signal the happy Thanksgiving and a wonderend of autumn, but they also make ful beginning to the holiday season. way for something new. Winter will And to our veterans, we offer our bring its own beauty, its own tradiheartfelt thanks for your service and 10.237.7333 8503 | 810.237.7333 FlintCultural.org EE Kearsley St,St, Flint, MIMI 48503 | 810.237.7333 tions and eventually, another spring. sacrifice. FlintCultural.org| 1310 | 1310 Kearsley Flint, 48503 | 810.237.7333

ta s

Claus Live Music

Live Activities Music

Activities Tree TreeLighting Lighting Santa SantaClaus Claus Live LiveMusic Music Activities Activities

41 41 Annual Annual

Holiday Holiday Walk Walk

64 November 2026

Activities

ovember has a way of making us slow down and reflect. The colorful leaves that have brightened our communities for the past several weeks have fallen, leaving the trees bare and the landscape ready for a fresh start as winter approaches. It is a beautiful reminder that every season brings change, and every new season gives us another opportunity to appreciate what we have. November also gives us two important reasons to pause and be grateful. On Veterans Day, November 11, we honor the men and women who have served our country. Veterans Day is specifically a time to thank and honor all who have served honorably in the United States Armed

Live Music

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n the Durant Plaza between very and Whiting Auditorium. Whiting! Enjoy caroling, festive m shows, arts and crafts, fun refreshments and more!

Gratitude

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A Season of

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Flint Flint Institute Institute of of Music Music Flint Flint Institute Institute of of Music Music