From the Publisher - My City Magazine

pub-letter

For true Michiganians, there’s nothing better than fall! We had fun creating this issue with a Halloween vibe… we’re featuring a historical local cemetery, a landmark restaurant inhabited by ghosts, and the zombies who walk around Downtown to benefit the community. (Check that out on pg. 8.) This month’s stories make me want to spend a day at the apple orchard, head out to the horse races, and have a hot toddy or two with friends at a favorite tavern.

We’re covering many September events – Bikes on the Bricks, Fenton’s Applefest, Art on Tap at the FIA, the Flint Festival of Quilts (hey, it’s getting chilly) and several other special seasonal happenings.

The photo on our September cover generated so many comments! We positioned a photographer on top of The Durant to get that exclusive shot of the The Crim road race – very exciting! We’re proud of this month’s cover as well, and so thrilled to feature Maestro Enrique Diemecke as he begins his 25th season with the Flint Symphony Orchestra this month.

Yes, Flint has been privileged to experience the mastery of this renowned conductor for 25 years. As a member of the Flint Institute of Music’s Board of Directors for nearly 15 years, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Enrique. I’ve enjoyed over 50 amazing concerts and even attended the special “Mahler Dinner” when the maestro shares his passion for the works of his favorite composer. I remember many years ago, I was asked by FIM President, Paul Torre, to introduce Enrique at a Flint Rotary Club luncheon. I asked Paul to write the intro because he knew Enrique, and I was stunned to learn from Paul that the maestro had committed over 500 musical works to memory; he rarely reads music while conducting. Amazing! The FSO musicians come from all over Michigan and other states and their chemistry is incredible. Make it a point to see a concert this season – you’ll be blown away by their talent.

At MCM, we never tire of sharing inspirational stories. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we feature Jana Petty, a local woman whose life changed after bravely fighting and surviving the disease. We also highlight a man’s passion for his unique craft, as well as the new campus of Powers Catholic High School. It’s great to see a school of choice that has endured and grown. We celebrate the diversity of our communities and all the good people who are doing good things, such as Pastor Patrick McNeal (pg. 18), Sanford Hoyle (pg. 14) and the good people at Flint’s Boys & Girls Clubs (pg. 56). Check out the story on pg. 12 about the committed Gen Forward group; they’ve stepped up to invest in Flint’s future and improve the public’s view of our city – they have not given up on Flint.

It’s a challenge to publish a city magazine for a struggling city; but all cities have struggles. Team MCM has weekly meetings to develop content and we always have a table full of ideas for stories we’re excited to share with our growing readership.

There’s so much fascinating Flint history – an MCM reader favorite – such as the music history article written by my good friend and true-blue Flint rock ‘n’ roller, Peter C. He offers Part 2 of his series this month – it’s a definite must-read (see pg. 90).

I don’t want to keep tooting the MCM horn (okay, I do) but I’m extremely proud to say that our magazine has been selling out at Barnes & Noble! If you hear that the shelf is empty there, let the staff know and we’ll get it re-stocked. Or, the best way to make sure you don’t miss an issue of My City is to subscribe – visit mycitymag.com/subscribe, or use the subscription card in this issue.

I hope you’re enjoying the fall weather and the beauty it brings. I also hope that on some level, My City inspires you to give what you can to help those in need, and push it forward by supporting local businesses and charities. On a more basic level, don’t buy into negativity about Flint. Start each day with a positive thought about our city and see how much difference a simple energy shift can make.

Thanks for reading.