On Friday, January 31, the Flint institute of Music will host the Flint School of Performing Arts’ Seeing Stars Benefit from 6-9pm. The Seeing Stars Benefit is the FSPA’s signature fundraising event and is vital in providing tuition assistance to students dreaming of performing in music and dance regardless of family circumstances. Support the future of Greater Flint by helping youth grow proficient in the arts.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation on Jan. 28 to update Michigan’s bottle bill to crack down on fraud and abuse and increase access to recycling, according to a recent news statement. The bills are sponsored by: Rep. John Chirkun, D-Roseville, Rep. Brandt Iden, R-Oshtemo, Rep. Jim Lilly, R-Macatawa and Rep. Tim Sneller, D-Burton.

Add your voice and support the Flint River!

Genesee County Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce that Thomas Hutchison will succeed Margaret Kato as its Executive Director when Kato retires in February after 15 years at the helm. According to a statement released by GCHFH, under Keto’s leadership, the organization grew into one of the most respected Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the United States. “It has been an honor serving this community over the past 15 years,” said Kato in the statement. “I look forward to what Thomas is able to accomplish in the future. Thomas has a true passion for Genesee County and serving this community.”

Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village (SBEV) has been awarded a grant by the NFL/LISC Grassroots Program and the Detroit Lions of $250,000 for a new synthetic turf field at the new Flint Sports Complex. The grant from the Lions, the NFL Foundation, and Local Initiatives Support Coalition (LISC) is part of $3 million in field refurbishment awards allocated this year.

Presented by Harambee Wellness, Flint Fit Fest will take place on Saturday, January 25 at the Flint Farmers’ Market in Downtown Flint. From 9:00am to 1:00pm, attendees will get a chance to “test drive exercise” to find a format that fits their lifestyle. Get a chance to speak with representatives of local gyms as well as independent fitness instructors. Participants will also be given tips and tricks for healthy eating during a live cooking demo. The festival is free and open to all at the Flint Farmers’ Market. Event sponsors are Flint Prints, Flint Farmers’ Market, T.W. Feaster Attorney at Law PLLC, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Flint Alumnae Chapter.

2020 Health & Wellness Expo takes place this weekend.

The Flint River Watershed Coalition (FRWC) is gearing up for its annual 2020 Voice of the River Annual Celebration, celebrating a “20/20 Vision” for the Flint River and its watershed, according to a news release. The community is invited to join in the celebration on Thursday, January 30 at GM’s Factory One to celebrate the wonderful features of the Flint River from 1-9pm. The food will be catered by Redwood Steakhouse. Awards will be given out and there will be a raffle and auction items. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at www.FlintRiver.org, by calling 810-767-6490, or emailing ewesthoff@flintriver.org. Payment can be made at the door, but an RSVP is appreciated.

On Saturday, February 8 the Unity in Diversity Concert will be held at Insight Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, located at 4800 Saginaw St., Flint. The free festivities open to the public at 7pm.

The 41st Annual Citywide Tribute Dinner honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is set for Thursday, Jan. 16 at the Genesys Banquet Center in Grand Blanc. Centered on the theme Rise to the Challenge . . . if not now, when? this year’s keynote address will be given by Janice Ferebee, MSW, a Docent with the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, D.C.

Starting June 5, 2020, Bishop International Airport and Allegiant Air will offer new nonstop flights to Nashville, TN. For a limited time, one-way fares can be booked for as low as $55*. The new seasonal route will operate twice weekly and the lowest fares can be found only at allegiant.com.

It’s been a long, remarkable career. Sheriff Robert Pickell has retired after 20 years of public service to the people of Genesee County. On January 1, 1999, he replaced his predecessor, Sheriff Joe Wilson, and was re-elected to the position five times. Prior to becoming sheriff, his impressive law enforcement background includes working in the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office as an investigator, and for the CIA from 1989 to 1995, traveling four continents and handling some very high-profile cases. He had a private investigation business working with insurance companies and attorneys until he took office.