There are approximately 79 lakes in Genesee County ranging in size from the tiny Atlas Mill Pond to sprawling Lake Fenton and Holloway Reservoir. The majority are private or have restricted access, unavailable to traveling fisherman or landlocked anglers; however, the public lakes provide a good variety and bounty of fish to make every trip worthwhile.

It is hard to beat a Michigan summer … and even harder to beat if you are one of the lucky people who live on one of the beautiful lakes in, near or around our community. In April, with the almost 80-degree days sprinkled through the month, many of us have already seen the light at the end of the tunnel of winter to the long, sunny days headed our way. If you are in the market for a lake home to enjoy the reprieve of the cool water on hot summer days, now is the time to key into the market for a lake property and make a move.

Formed in 1971, the Flint Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) has celebrated 50 years!

In her role at Voices for Children Advocacy Center – a flagship CAC in the Mid-Michigan area – Claudnyse helps children and their families who have been victims of child abuse, neglect and human trafficking. A fierce supporter of the work of the Children’s Advocacy Center movement, she has worked to expand and increase services and laws for child survivors and is seen as a leading expert on child maltreatment issues, often being interviewed on radio and TV news. She serves on state and national committees and workgroups to elevate and ensure that child survivors receive necessary support.

When talking with Gary Fisher, the subject of history is bound to come up. It’s something he lives for and his depth of knowledge of the Flint area is immense. “Have you heard of Clarence ‘Kelly’ Johnson?” he asks with enthusiasm.

Brandon Corder will never forget about Flint. “Flint was a great place for me to grow up,” he says. “I want to give back to the place that has given me so much. I get wrapped up in it sometimes, maybe a little too much.” Since his graduation from Flint Southwestern Academy, Corder has been on a mission that has taken him to New York, to Los Angeles, and to Las Vegas where he currently resides. “I make sure to head back to Flint every couple of weeks,” he adds. At the age of 12, Corder chose his mission: to become a media mogul – and through his Beats X Beers brand, he is getting close to reaching that goal. “I always looked up to the music industry moguls and it is something I always knew I wanted to be,” he says.

Since 2014, neighborhoods in the City of Flint have relied on the help and support of the Neighborhood Engagement Hub (NEH) and this year, it will only get better. “People haven’t really known what we were or the services we offer,” says Executive Director, Tom Wyatt. “We are restructuring and have established a new mission and core values.” The NEH is also improving efficiency with the creation of six new departments and is expanding its program offerings. The headquarters has also undergone a remodel to make it safer and more appealing to neighborhood groups and individuals for use as a meeting and learning space. “We did almost all the work ourselves to save on cost,” Wyatt says laughing. “It took a bit longer than expected, but we are almost done.”

On April 22, we will celebrate Earth Day – an annual event created in 1970 to raise awareness of the need to protect our planet’s natural resources for future generations. In Genesee County, there is an agency that works very hard to protect this area’s natural resources.

DeAndra Larkin currently serves as Chief of Staff to the Office of the President at Mott Community College, working collaboratively with the College’s Executive Cabinet to achieve the College’s Strategic Plan goals and develop and manage strategic partnerships. Prior to this role, she held positions as a nonprofit executive and in fund development.

Producer. Novelist. Writer. Executive Director. These are just a few of the titles held by Joseph Schipani who is well known in Greater Flint. He is most known for his passion for helping improve Flint and surrounding communities. “I enjoy doing things to make Flint better and putting smiles on people’s faces,” he shares.

It’s a well-known fact: business ownership is definitely not for the faint of heart! With statistics showing that nearly one in five U.S. start-ups fail within the first year, many owners feel fortunate to make it through 12 months of operation.

On February 4, the Genesee District Library hosted its 22nd Annual Black History Month Brunch at Genesys Conference & Banquet Center. The special celebration recognized the 2023 Black History Month Honorees – community notables including three inspiring individuals and one organization selected by the Black History Month Brunch Advisory Committee.