The Greater Flint area’s abundance of successful men and women is the perfect inspiration for this year’s “Ten to Toast,” a celebration of individuals who embody the region’s spirit of resilience and achievement. With deep roots in industry, reinvention, and community strength, the county has long nurtured a culture where grit, determination, and creativity flourish. Local schools, colleges, and workforce programs provide accessible pathways for residents to build skills, explore careers, and develop strong leadership qualities.
In 1964, a young Albert Gillespie whisked down the slopes of Mt. Holly Ski Resort for the first time—just eight years after business partners James “Grant” Hanks and Morton Graddis opened it with a modest four runs.
At Social House, you’ll find the best of both worlds; the energy of an elevated sports bar and the quality and care of a scratch kitchen. It’s a place where craft cocktails, local beers, and gourmet eats come together in a welcoming space. Whether you are dropping in for lunch, settling in for dinner or catching the game with friends, the menu offers something for every appetite.
Becky Gaskin joined the American Red Cross in Spring 2022, serving as the executive director for the East Central Bay, Michigan Chapter. She serves as the community liaison for the chapter, which is based in Flint and covers ten surrounding counties: Arenac, Bay, Genesee, Gladwin, Huron, Lapeer, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, and Tuscola.
It’s almost February, which means the Polar Plunge is right around the corner.
From Frank Sinatra to The Who, from 2Pac to the Go-Go’s, the Flint area has hosted many of the biggest music acts of the last 100 years. Along the way, the region welcomed epic concerts at historic venues, both large and small.
Reading in January offers a fresh start for the mind. After the rush of the holidays, it creates space to reset, reflect, and slow down. New books inspire new goals, spark creativity, and bring comfort during winter’s quiet. It’s the perfect month to nourish your imagination and set the tone for the year ahead.
With $40,000 of their own money, William Gainey, Brian Tesler, M.D., and their son Aiden Gainey approached the Community Foundation of Greater Flint in July about establishing four endowments to benefit the Genesee County community. Those four endowments — the Genesee County Historical Society Fund, the Flint Genealogical Society Fund, the Whaley Historic House Museum Fund, and the Stockton House Museum Fund — were officially established on October 6.
We were both stationed in Fort Walton Beach, Florida—me from Tennessee and Toby from Michigan. Although we served in different squadrons, we lived in the same dorm. I would often see Toby outside tossing a football with his friends or waxing his Trans Am, thinking to myself how handsome he was. I was incredibly shy back then and would never have dreamed of approaching him.
Isla Heusted is a very busy student at Lake Fenton Middle School. She earned all A’s during her first semester and is on track to do the same this semester. She manages this while taking on dual roles in theatre and participating in singing lessons.
The Humane Society of Genesee County’s January pet up for adoption is Abel.
