Michigan is one of the absolute best states for enjoying a memorable holiday season. It’s not too cold, it’s (usually) not too snowy and the people are downright neighborly. Scrooges here are few and far between. So, we at MCM say, “take advantage of it!” Embrace the beauty, fun and majesty of the holidays in the best way possible – with family, friends and a festive atmosphere. After decorating your home for the much-awaited December celebrations, why not collect those around you and head out to one of the happenings in Greater Flint or (if anything catches your fancy) a little further away. Get out-and-about and recapture that old Christmas spirit once again.
Shelly has worked with the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce for 30 years in a variety of roles – from receptionist to event planner, finances, membership and others. For the last decade, she has led the Chamber team as executive director. If you operate a business in the Fenton/Linden area, you’ve probably met Shelly! The Fenton native is a graduate of Lake Fenton High School and Baker College. Let’s find out a little bit more…
A Detroit native who previously served as the FIA’s Curator of Collections and Exhibitions since 2009, Tracee assumed the role of executive director in July. She succeeds John B. Henry, who announced his retirement this year.
The Curtis/Ketzler family has a 170-year history of horticulture in Genesee County. Tonya Ketzler, Mundy Township Supervisor and former owner of Ketzler Flowers, is proud of her family’s heritage and works hard to preserve it.
After 25 years of dedicated service to the community as director of the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA), John Henry is ready for his life’s next challenge: retirement. “I’m 73,” he says. “I still have plenty I want to do and see and I feel that in ten years, those things may be a little harder for me to do. Secondly, the art world is changing in so many ways. I felt that it was time to step aside and bring in new ideas.” Since 1996, Henry has been the guiding force behind the resurgence and glowing reputation of one of the best art museums and schools in the United States. His adoption of and belief in Flint and his love for FIA are evident in his smile and passionate words as he speaks of his tenure here and his successful career in the arts.
Melissa Koronka, a science teacher at the Accelerated Learning Academy (ALA) in Flint, was chosen to receive the Cranbrook Institute of Science 2022 Outstanding Educator Award. Every year, Cranbrook hosts the“Women Rock Science” gala, which recognizes three individuals who are making a difference in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). The award recipients will be recognized at the fifth annual gala held on October 12 in Bloomfield Hills.
A Certified Tourism Ambassador for around six years, Amber has been the Back to the Bricks® Executive Director since January 2020. Once chosen for the position, she shifted straight into high gear, coming up with new ideas for growing the event and attracting a younger crowd to appreciate Flint’s rich automotive history. She will be on hand for the Tune Up Week Parties happening around Genesee County during the week of August 8-13 2022. While Amber has been super-busy promoting Back to the Bricks, she took some time to answer a few questions and let us get up-close and personal … read on!
Established in 1946, the Genesee Conservation District (GCD) was created to protect the environment and natural resources in Genesee County. “We are a grassroots organization,” explains Administrator Angela Warren. “The GCD was formed as a result of the effects of the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. Our aim is to work with landowners and land managers of public and private land to implement conservation best management practices.” Like other Michigan Conservation Districts, GCD is governed by a local, publicly-elected, five-member board serving four-year terms.
The Maize & Blue Award is the highest academic recognition given to undergraduate students during commencement season. Students who have earned at least 58 credit hours at UM-Flint with an overall GPA of 3.75 or better in all completed credits earned are eligible to be nominated for this honor. The award is presented to no more than 26 students per year who excel academically and exemplify intellectual maturity and depth, character, talent and service to the University and the community. Recipients are selected by a faculty committee, with both faculty and staff writing letters of recommendation for students who apply for the award.
This year, the Genesee Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is celebrating its 125th anniversary. “The Genesee Chapter was chartered in 1897 with 11 members,” states Regent, Carolyn Stubbs. “Our chapter has been operating continuously since then.” Internationally, there are 180,000 DAR members among chapters in the U.S., England, Spain, France and Australia.
