I know it really doesn’t mean much in the long run, but I’m glad February is a short calendar month. It follows January, which can feel dreadfully long and cold with its 31 days here in Mid-Michigan. Now that our kids are grown and we’re no longer following our travel hockey-playing sons to winter tournaments across the Midwest and Canada, my husband and I have taken the opportunity to travel south during the coldest weeks of the year when we can. I mentioned in my January column that we started the year with a Caribbean cruise alongside some of our closest friends. We even squeezed in a few nights in our favorite beach town, New Smyrna Beach, Florida. It was the perfect getaway, and we all returned home with more cherished memories.
We’re all back to reality now, but that doesn’t mean planning future fun has stopped.
In this issue of My City Magazine, we are celebrating brides and grooms with our Bridal section. After all, February is the month of love—and Valentine’s Day. If you’re planning your big day or expect to attend a loved one’s wedding this year, be sure to check out our Bridal pages beginning on page 16. You’ll also want to read My City writer Keegan Deloney’s helpful stories on finding the perfect rings and attire.
History and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss My City freelance writer Gary Fisher’s story highlighting the many great NFL football players who got their start right here in the Flint area. I recognized many of the names but didn’t realize just how many football greats had local roots.
This month’s My City also features Bobby Kirby, executive director of the Genesee Landlords Association (GLA), in our popular 7 Questions series. Owning and renting property can be challenging, and this local association is here to help. Read more about Bobby’s work with GLA and her thoughtful responses to our seven questions.
A friend of mine, Steve Adams, recently mentioned that the company he works for, NorthGate, has been helping employees through its Be Ready initiative. He shared that he and his colleagues believe GM honored NorthGate with its Overdrive Award in part because of this investment in workforce and community development. Naturally, My City wanted to learn more about the program. Several employees even shared how this optional initiative has positively impacted their lives.
You won’t want to miss “Listening to the Rhythm,” featuring Shanzell Q. Page’s Mindful Movement with Shanzell. A tap dancer and educator, Shanzell invites students to listen deeply, move intentionally, and find their place within a centuries-old tradition. Local photographer Rayford Gray beautifully captured Shanzell and her students during a recent workshop in Flint.
As February unfolds, we hope this issue inspires you to reflect, plan ahead, and find joy in the people, stories, and moments that make our community—and life—so meaningful.
