Dear Readers,
Happy New Year!
What a difference a year makes – or at least, it feels a little different. MCM started to look familiar again starting in August ‘21, when the summer “Haps” returned to infuse Greater Flint with some much-needed fun with fellow citizens. The magazine just wasn’t the same for so many months without any pages full of smiling faces. At this writing, there are murmurs of more lockdowns coming … time will tell.
Once again, we capture the highlights of MCM’S 2021 volume with our annual “Year in Review” section, highlighting many of the memorable stories we shared with you. Maybe you missed one or two.
Of the many types of stories found in each issue, we’re always happy to feature local businesses that give back. Last November, the Flint & Genesee Group presented the 7th Annual Art of Achievement Awards, and among the winners was Great Harvest Bread Co. Read about this deserving award recipient, and look for more winners to be profiled in the months ahead.
Unfortunately, we’ve been compelled to do many features about serious and troubling issues, including what is known as modern slavery. January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, so we chose to shed light on G.H.O.S.T., a task force within the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office that was created to fight these heinous crimes. Read about Sheriff Swanson’s success with this effort.
Rounding out the content this month, we have great variety in our Arts, Music and Sport pieces, as well as part one of a new history series, “The Mayors of Flint” and the monthly offerings of our contributors.
Being a “glass half-full” kind of guy, I’m going to end on a note of hope that we can all leave the struggles of 2021 in the rearview mirror. Begin this New Year with positive energy and prayers for good health, peace and prosperity. Let’s make it happen!
Thanks for reading,