One thing is for sure… I can’t wait to wish everyone “Happy Spring!” At this moment, it feels like it may never happen. But we did have a thunderstorm last week…
Despite the crazy-cold February weather, the good citizens of Flint came out in a big way to celebrate life, open their pocketbooks and support each other – this is evidenced by the many “My Haps” pages in this issue. Our photography team was busy and happy to have so many great events to cover. If it’s happening, My City is there!
When it comes to artistic talent in our area, the variety seems never-ending. In this issue, we have stories about a Grand Blanc man who custom-airbrushed headgear for Olympic hockey players, a young woman whose intricate pencil drawings will amaze you, and a thought-provoking private art collection now on display at FIA. The range of local artistic endeavors and enrichment opportunities is pretty much mind-blowing and these are some of our favorite stories to share with you.
I’ve found that in each issue we produce, there is content that teaches me something. This month, I learned about the Ancient Order of Hibernians, America’s oldest Irish Catholic fraternal organization. Read our story on this local group that we feature in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. And whether you’re Irish or not, you’ll find abundant festivities in the Flint area to celebrate the day – even a road race! See p.74 for details.
One Downtown hotspot that fits right in with our nod to the Irish is profiled in our “Eats” feature. Blackstone’s Authentic American-Irish Gastro Pub – better known as “Blackstone’s” – is a popular, family-owned eatery with a very loyal clientele. I know this story will make you crave some Irish fare; they even shared their Shepherd’s Pie recipe with us (see “My Afterthought” on p.96).
In honor of Women’s History Month, Jessica Pressley wrote a Flint history feature – “A Stained-Glass Mystery” – about five sisters described as “pioneers in this community where their married lives were spent.” If you’ve visited the Five Sisters Chapel at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, you’ll be especially interested in this piece (see p. 80). More women in this issue: the owner of the Flint Institute of Barbering, Martha Poulos, who is dedicated to her third-generation business and helps many area people pursue rewarding careers. And, UM-Flint Chancellor, Dr. Ruth Person, who graciously sat down to chat with My City’s Myron Manns about her future, and had insightful advice for students. We also have a piece about the Genesee County Regional Women’s Hall of Fame (something else new to me), recognizing women who have had a significant impact on Genesee County history. Last but certainly not least, we’re happy to welcome well-known local TV news personality, Leslie Toldo, as a contributing writer. She joins FIA’s Associate Curator of Film, longtime film critic, educator and author Ed Bradley, who offers us a monthly look at Flint’s FOMA films.
Our content just keeps gettin’ better! We’ve been so encouraged by all the kudos for our writing team; one of the good things about being a publisher is the ability to give them freedom to express their views on topics of their choosing. Check out the pieces in the “My Thoughts” section on p.90-92.
Of course, I always hear from people who love to see their face in the magazine. This issue is certainly all about “My Faces!” My City will be out there snapping local city-zens… be ready!
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Vince Lorraine, Publisher & Editor in Chief |
PHOTO BY MICHAEL GLEASON
