BROWSING:  Community

There will be one less familiar face at Grand Blanc West Middle School this year, now that Resource Officer Dan Wolschleger, affectionately known as “Officer Dan,” has retired. But his legacy will live on through programs in which he was active and he will remain a major player in the Genesee County community.

Established in 1984, this annual community-building campaign promotes police-community partnerships and camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. In Michigan, 68 cities – including Flint and Grand Blanc – provide a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

Following a ten-month national search and Board of Regents approval in May, Dr. Laurence Alexander took the helm at the University of Michigan-Flint on July 1.

Girl Scouts founder, Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low, believed in the power of every girl. So much so that she organized the first Girl Scouts of the USA troop in March 1912, in Savannah, GA and every year since, the organization made her vision a reality, helping young girls discover their strengths, passions and talents.

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!

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.