If there’s one word that describes the content in every issue of My City, it’s VARIETY! With 2016 now behind us, we thought it would be fun to re-visit some reader-favorites.
January
This “My Eats” piece featured this popular deli located in the Flint Farmers’ Market, right next to Mark’s other business, Hoffman’s Chop Shop. Market Deli offers delicious turkey products such as fresh ground meats, brats, hot dogs and a variety of sliced sandwich meats, as well as sandwiches, soups and salads to-go.
Type-2 Fun
Peabody Ice Climbing
We checked out this unique club in Fenton, founded in 2005 by a small group of climbers who introduced themselves to the world-class ice climbing resources in and around the Great Lakes. My City talked with club members who find it the perfect place to train before heading off for grander adventures.
The Capitol Theatre
A Building in Transition
Opened in 1928, this is considered one of the city’s finest gems. The building is currently owned by the Farah Family Trust, and planning for a major restoration project by the Uptown Reinvestment Corporation is currently in the final stages.
February
Black Classical Origins
10th Anniversary Gala
My City talked with Richard King and Lennetta Coney – a dynamic duo who reached out to Flint’s black middle class residents to help the community embrace world class diversity. BCO honors and celebrates differences between cultures and commemorates the role that black classical composers and musicians have historically played in classical music.
Flint Police Department’s
New K-9 Team
My City met the newest K-9 Unit – Officer Andy Grocholski and his four-legged partner, Sonitrol, a 19-month-old German shepherd. The new team was made possible with a $5,000 donation to the Flint Police Foundation from Sonitrol Tri-County, a security company in Grand Blanc.
Up Close & Personal:
Craig Williams, Director
Bishop International Airport
My City profiled Craig Williams, Director of Bishop International Airport since August, 2014. He was wrapping up a very busy 2015 when he took some time on a wintry afternoon to chat about his background, his family and his vision for the future of the growing airport.
March
In honor of Women’s History Month, My City chose a group of successful local women business owners and asked them what it’s like to lead their own companies. They also shared their thoughts about what they have achieved, and who inspired them in pursuit of their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Bridal Bliss 2016
My City’s special section provided insightful advice for brides planning their special day. We profiled “Real Weddings” and featured everything from gowns, tuxes, flowers and trends to décor, beauty, fitness and etiquette.
Priority Children’s 21st Annual Champion
Awards Breakfast
One of Flint’s most well-attended events, this celebration held at Riverfront Banquet Center in February recognizes the award recipients, which include local groups, programs and people who make outstanding commitments to Genesee County children.
April
A Tribute to Paul Torre
FIM President & CEO
The Flint Institute of Music is one of the many spices that give Flint its flavor. In June 2016, Paul retired from his position after two decades at the helm. My City and other community members dedicated this tribute to his inspiring work.
Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame Induction
My City was on hand as the 2016 inductees were honored at the 32nd annual reception, held at Riverfront Banquet Center.
May
Honorable Duncan M. Beagle: Judge, Genesee County
Circuit Court
In 2016, Judge Beagle celebrated 25 years on the bench. My City got to see what a regular day in court is like for the Judge.
The Amazing Kewpee Burger
Back in the day, Flint’s most famous burger was the one served at the Kewpee Hotel. Kewpee Burger (now Halo) is said to be the first chain to introduce curbside food service. In this “Flashback” feature, My City readers shared memories of the delicious Kewpee.
June
Now that Applewood is a place where new memories can be made by anyone who visits, My City took a look back at some old and cherished memories of the Flint gem.
The C.S. Mott Foundation
90 Years of Giving
The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation was founded in 1926 by C.S. Mott himself to respond to the increasing needs of Flint’s growing population. My City spoke with current CEO, Bill White and President, Ridgway White, about the past, present and future of the organization.
Tux & Tennies Gala & Auction
This annual fundraising event for Whaley Children’s Center was held at Grand Blanc Motor Cars on May 14 – of course My City was there to capture all the action!
July
The Flint Block:
Words of Hope & Inspiration
Thousands of messages have been painted on The Flint Block, a concrete structure at 12th Street and Hammerburg Road – messages of hope, memorials to lost loved ones, birthday messages. This “Flashback” features memories of the landmark from many community members.
The summer of 2012 found this Grand Blanc native basking in the euphoria of being an Olympic runner, fulfilling a dream she had harbored since grade school. My City caught up with Geena to chat about her life as she prepared once again for the Olympic trials in 2016.
The pARTy: An Artrageous Affair was held on June 4 at the Flint Institute of Arts. My City was there for the enchanting evening of live entertainment, dinner and dancing.
August
Phil Hagerman: Chairman and CEO
Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy
Profiled in this “My Success” feature was a man who has transformed a once small, family business into a billion dollar corporation. He and his wife, Jocelyn, founded the Hagerman Foundation in 2014 and have donated generously to many Flint revitalization projects, including a $4 million gift for the restoration of Flint’s historic Capitol Theatre.
Getting to Know Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea
President, MCC
August 2016 marked her two-year anniversary as president of Mott Community College. She spent that time listening, observing, reviewing and getting to know the students and campus groups. My City writer Cheryl Dennison chatted with her about her career and accomplishments.
In 2016, the HealthPlus Crim Festival of Races celebrated its 40th year. The founder of the world famous race sat down with My City to talk about how it’s grown over the years, and about his enduring love of running.
September
He says that music “just happened” to him, and he couldn’t be happier. My City profiled the soft-spoken musician who is typically out and about in Downtown Flint, playing with a group in Wilson Park, at the Golden Leaf Club, Cork on Saginaw and Soggy Bottom Bar – wherever the music takes him.
In It to Win It: Sailboat Racing
Fenton resident, Win Cooper III, owner of the Cooper Commercial real estate firm, is also an avid sailboat racer. Cooper and his team have made quite an impression in the sailboat racing world by winning several races and titles.
The main event took place in Downtown Flint on August 20, bringing thousands of people to stroll the brick streets and admire vehicles of every age and description, eat, drink, take pictures and buy souvenirs. My City was there to capture it all!
October
The City of Flint Police Department is proud of two officers who share the same April 29 academy graduation date and insignia on their uniforms – and they also share a last name: Reed. My City writer Lisa Briggs talked with Officers Maria and Dion Reed about making history as the Department’s first mother-son duo.
The 40th HealthPlus
Crim Festival of Races
My City’s photographer literally ran around the city capturing all the action of this world class event that took place in Downtown Flint, August 26-27, 2016.
November
This “My History” piece featured a man who arrived in Flint with $1 in his pocket and eventually earned his fortune here. He left the land and money to start what is now Hurley Medical Center.
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, this colorful event was held at the Flint Farmers’ Market on September 23, 2016.
December
Judge Thomas Yeotis
MCC’s Favorite Son
The Foundation for Mott Community College hosted a tribute to honor all the excellent work he has done for the college and for Flint. My City attended the November event along with over 200 of his friends, colleagues and community members.
First Presbyterian Church of Flint: Then & Now
Located in the heart of Downtown Flint, it is and always will be a Downtown church. This piece highlighted its rich history, which stretches back more than 175 years.
