Regular viewers of WNEM TV5’s evening newscasts are familiar with this lovely lady they invite into their homes Monday through Friday at 5, 6 and 11pm. We thought you’d like to know a little bit more about her!
When Rob Coheen accompanied his friend, Charlie Sheridan, as a guest to a meeting of the Retired Men’s Fellowship of Greater Flint (RMFGF), he was intrigued. After his next couple of visits, he was hooked. “For me, it was the fellowship aspect of the group,” he says, “then afterward, meeting for lunch at the Masonic Temple or the White Horse. Lunch is always a highpoint of my day; there is something about breaking bread with folks.” Five years after his first meeting, Coheen is an active member of the group, taking the role of monthly program chair this January and working as a kind of group historian looking into its past while at the same time, contemplating its future.
She’s a basketball superstar, a member of six halls-of-fame, a Senior Olympic Gold Medalist, recent Art Hurand Art of Achievement Award recipient, a champion of Flint youth and MCM’s 2022 Cityzen of the Year – Linnell Jones-McKenney. “Awww… it’s such an honor to be recognized for everything I have been blessed to accomplish,” she says, humbly. “I’m very grateful for the chance to work toward what I would like to see happen in this city. Thank you very much.”
Frankenmuth, the little Bavarian city to our north, lost two of its most influential and beloved citizens this fall. On October 16, Irene Bronner of Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a loving family, a supportive community and a world famous shop offering holiday wonders for all. Then, just three days later on October 19, prominent Frankenmuth businesswoman, Judy Zehnder Keller passed away. She was 77.
On a wintry November 17, the Salvation Army held its Red Kettle Time 2 Ring Kickoff at Gaines Jewelry for the second consecutive year. As a rare honor, Proprietor David Gaines and his daughter Selina were chosen to co-chair the event. “The Salvation Army approached me and asked if both my daughter and I would like to co-chair the kickoff,” says Gaines. “It’s a great honor to help celebrate the beginning of this season’s bell-ringing efforts.”
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.
