There was a time when people aspired to make a living in a skilled trade. Plumbers, electricians, carpenters and others provided for their families successfully and looked forward to training their successors. Today, the skilled trades are a forgotten art practiced by an older generation now shifting out of the workforce without anyone to “hand the wrench” to before they leave. The shortage of skilled trade workers is becoming a significant problem as it is estimated that for every three who retire, only one takes their place. Over a million skilled trade positions in the United States remain vacant despite high unemployment and the shortage is beginning to affect the government (building projects, road work, etc.) and consumers. For example, it is not uncommon to have to wait nearly six months to get a new roof installed or begin building a house. Skilled trades will always be needed by society and civilization. So, what happened? Where are all the tradesmen and tradeswomen?
Davison native Caitlin Hinterman has had an exciting life during her career with the U.S. Army Reserve. She recently obtained a very high honor when she was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and is currently serving as the Aide de Camp to four-star General Jacqueline Van Ovost.
The period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day (and shortly after) is commonly known simply as “The Holidays” and for some of us, that only includes Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day – but for many others, “The Holidays” are an even busier time. In fact, the month of December and early January bring 16 religious holidays to worshippers around the globe and nearly all will be celebrated in some form in Greater Flint and the surrounding areas.
Ben Baldwin, the Holly High School Band Director, joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1993 as a high school senior, following in the footsteps of seven generations of his family serving in the military. It wasn’t exactly the path he had planned for his life. A talented trombone player, he loved music and had intended to attend Michigan State University. Then, the U.S. Marine Corps Band came to his town and his father attended the performance. “Dad signed me up for an audition for the band without telling me!” Baldwin exclaims. But he went to the audition and much to his surprise, was offered a position with the band. “Once I got in, I changed my mind and realized it was a good opportunity for me,” he remembers.
Eric Bennett never tired of taking in the view of New York from the balcony of his brownstone in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood.
For all of humanity, there are certain events that stick with us throughout our lives. These events contain something so world-shattering or groundbreaking that it becomes a part of each and every one of us – never to be forgotten. On September 11, 2001, came a catastrophe that shook our society to its foundation and left each of us with a memory etched forever on our mind and soul. We will never forget the horror of that day and will continue to honor the lives lost with grace, goodwill and peace.
It is a day that many of us will never forget – September 11, 2001 (9/11) – when America was attacked by terrorists who crashed two planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. Along with the passengers on the planes, thousands who were in the buildings died on that tragic day. Among those who perished were 343 firefighters.
Steve Thomson; Former Firefighter, Fenton Township, 9/11 Rescue & Recovery Volunteer.
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 – a day many of us wish we did not have to remember. What began as a beautiful day ended with a nation and world in mourning for the horrific loss of nearly 3,000 innocent lives at the hands of terrorists who attacked America in the deadliest act of terrorism in history.
Just for fun, we asked a group of local leaders in education to tell us a few things about themselves … things not typically included in a curriculum vitae. Admit it: we all love the little details! MCM thanks everyone in this esteemed group for taking time to participate.
Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It was previously known as Decoration Day, originating in the years following the Civil War. It is a solemn day for all of us to honor those brave servicemen and servicewomen who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
