1. When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?
Many people in Greater Flint know Mark as the founder of Bauman’s Running & Walking Shop, a business he operated in Mundy Township for over 40 years. At his popular shop, he offered not only running gear, but also a wealth of advice and encouragement to aspiring runners. He has fostered a sense of community among enthusiasts, finding fulfillment in helping people discover and continue the joy of running. In 2021, he stepped away from Bauman’s, but left the shop in good hands when he sold it to three longtime employees – for one dollar.
He is a Vietnam veteran, retired GM worker, college professor, husband for 55 years, a father and grandfather. And most recently, Ken Gembel, age 76, reached an impressive milestone. During his lifetime, he has donated over 100 gallons of blood!
“Thank you for your service.”
In December, 2022 Capt. Jillian Macey became Genesee County’s first female Corrections Administrator, the latest on a list of impressive achievements in her 16-year law enforcement career.
Offering more than 11,000 acres of woods, water and fun, Genesee County Parks is Michigan’s largest county park system! And this spring and summer, there are some fun and exciting things to do in the parks, according to Communications, Event & Brand Manager Jackie Domerese.
Beginning this month, Patrick Linihan has assumed the role as Director of Genesee County Parks. Formerly deputy director since October 2022, Linihan served as director of parks and recreation for Grand Blanc Township for two years, as well as several other key roles for the County parks. The Parks & Recreation Commission considered ten other applicants for the director position, citing Linihan’s extensive background with a variety of park systems. His appointment was approved at their meeting in late February 2024.
In January, the Michigan Association for Career and Technical Education named Vanita Wilson, MA, LPC Counseling & Career Professional of the Year. She was honored for her outstanding work as the counselor overseeing 1,800 students at Genesee Career Institute (GCI). A member of the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) staff since 2016, Vanita earned a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling at Spring Arbor University and received a Bachelor’s of Social Work from the University of Michigan – Flint.
Xceptional Heroes is a group of friends, family members and individuals who are passionate about supporting young adults who have intellectual disabilities (ID). The group was founded in 2016 by Jen Silverton and Teresa White – two moms raising sons Aidan and Tyler – who realized the socialization and relationship void left in their sons’ lives after graduation. The organization began as a private social group to provide a variety of life-enrichment opportunities for young adults with ID.
Since 2001, the Genesee District Library has celebrated Black History Month by recognizing community leaders at the Annual Black History Month Brunch. This year, the selection committee chose to highlight three individuals and one place of worship for their contributions to the lives of their fellow citizens and Flint at large.
On January 1, 2024 Dr. Christopher Townsend stepped into the role of Executive Director of Carriage Town Ministries, succeeding Dr. Dallas Gatlin who retired after over 14 years. He is only the sixth person to hold the position in the organization’s 74-year history.
When My City visited the Flint Development Center recently, the halls were quiet. And at its current location – the renovated Bunche Elementary at 4121 Martin Luther King Ave. in the city’s north end – quiet is a rare thing. “At 4pm, it gets loud around here,” says FDC Program Manager Tamika Boxley. “Once the basketballs start bouncing, the drums start going and the kids show up, it can get a little crazy!”
