A familiar face around Greater Flint, Lelsie Toldo has been a meteorologist with Mid-Michigan NOW since May 2015. “I’ve been reporting the weather in mid-Michigan since 2004,” she says. She got her start reporting the weather in Casper, WY and worked in Detroit for seven years, in Jackson, MS and at another mid-Michigan station for a total of 31 years in the field of broadcasting.
Sweet apple cider, a warm sugar-and-cinnamon-coated donut and a big bite of a juicy red apple picked right off the tree. There is no better way to celebrate a crisp fall day than making a family trip to the apple orchard. And Spicer Orchards in Hartland is a popular destination for Greater Flint families. According to Will Cartwright, Manager of the juice, wine and cider-making, family is what it’s all about at the business started in 1968 by Alan and Wanda Spicer.
On 100 acres of pristine land in Mt. Morris Township sits Southview Farm, owned and operated by Sandy Tull. Over 150 years old, it was first a dairy farm owned by Sandy’s grandparents, Carl and Marie Brown, and then by her father, Lloyd Brown. The farm is now a premier dressage training center and full-service horse boarding facility with 24 stalls, pastures, and indoor and outdoor arenas. The Tulls live in the farmhouse that was once owned by her grandfather.
There is only one Marc Jacobson. For over ten years, he has been the morning reporter at WJRT-TV ABC 12 News, reporting stories to the viewers in his own unique and funny way. He gets up at 2:30am to be at the station by 3:30am – and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Full of energy, he flies out the door each day to report on things ranging from community events to serial slasher killings and everything in between. Each day has a different story to tell. “That’s what I love!” he exclaims. “People are always asking where Marc is going to be next.”
At The Four Paws Hotel & Day Resort in Grand Blanc, it really is a dog’s life!
The Flint School of Performing Arts (FSPA) is one of Genesee County’s brightest gems. Davin Pierson Torre, Director since 1995, says approximately 3,500 students attend the state-of-the-art facility, which is Michigan’s largest community school of the arts. Located in the Flint Institute of Music in the Cultural Center, the school’s students range in age from infancy to 90 years old, and it’s open to people of any skill level. Approximately 45 percent of the students reside in Flint, but they come from all over. “People drive from as far as Midland, Saginaw, Lapeer and Clarkston,” the director says.
It’s often been said that a good pilot is always learning. That philosophy certainly applies to Joe Taylor, Flight Instructor with the Greater Flint Pilots Association (GFPA). Members of the GFPA own equity shares in four single-engine airplanes, which are housed at Bishop International Airport. Members use the planes for personal flights and for instruction.
Amy McMillan, Director of the Genesee County Parks & Recreation Commission, has the best job in the world. In her official role, she not only works very hard, but also gets to enjoy what she is most passionate about — bicycling, kayaking and enjoying the great outdoors. In addition, she has the best view in Genesee County right outside her office window, overlooking Mott Lake.”The bird watching is great!” she exclaims. “I’ve seen bald eagles, deer and the march of the turtles to the lake! The turtles are my favorite.”
The Hon. Joseph J. Farah was appointed Genesee County Circuit Court judge by Gov. John Engler in March 1998, to replace the retiring Hon. Thomas C. Yeotis. Born and raised in Flint, Farah attended Flint schools, graduated from Michigan State University in 1975 and from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1979. The ambitious young man returned to Flint to work at a father-son law firm for many years. When he was appointed judge, he spent the first seven years in the Family Division. Since 2005, he has presided over proceedings in the Civil-Criminal Division.
On January 1, 1999, Robert Pickell was appointed to the position of Genesee County Sheriff, replacing his predecessor, Sheriff Joe Wilson. Since then, Pickell has been re-elected to the position five times. And, he has an impressive background in law enforcement prior to becoming sheriff, working in the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office as an investigator and for the CIA from 1989 to 1995. “I traveled four continents while working for the federal government,” he reports, add that he handled some very high profile cases during his stint with the CIA.
With his partner, Tom Price, Chef Steve Lowry is co-owner of Fandangles’ Event Center & Catering in Flushing – the award-winning eatery known for upscale, fabulous food. With seating for up to 50 people, the facility is open by reservation for showers, business meetings, luncheons and teas. “We’re a hybrid,” says the chef, adding that on special holidays, like Mother’s Day, Easter and Valentine’s Day, the Center is open to the public by reservation. It is also the home of the Anni Crouter-Boggs Art Gallery.
Some people are very lucky to make a living doing something that is also their passion. Woody Brackney of Burton is one of those people; he has been a ski and snowboard instructor at Mt. Holly Ski & Snowboard Resort since 1972. “I started skiing for fun when I was 11 years old,” Woody says with a grin, “and it’s been non-stop ever since.” Not only is he an instructor, he is also a licensed official with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association (USSA), officiating at races all around the country. He coached the Fenton High School Ski Team for 20 years and is now a coach with the Clarkston JV Ski Program.
