In 1941, the Nazi war machine invaded Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainian citizens were either killed or taken prisoner and forced to work as slaves in the German war effort. Anton and Stefania Hanczaryk were swept up in the German occupation and captured, their lives dependant upon fate and good fortune. They were extremely lucky to survive the war and in 1952, Anton, Stefania and their son, Micheil, found their way to the United States to begin a life of peace and freedom.
Words of wisdom from a humble, stylish, vibrant mother of five who has dedicated her life to empowering others. It comes as no surprise that her children have inspired her to create a legacy that has already impacted so many people in our community and beyond.
The North Flint Food Market Cooperative (NFFM) will be the first cooperative grocery store in Genesee County. According to Edgar Clarke, NFFM member and Community Outreach and Marketing Coordinator with the North Flint Reinvestment Corporation, the need for a food co-op came about a few years back, during the water crisis when grocery stores in the North Flint area closed, such as Kroger and Meijer. “Residents needed grocery stores in the area,” Clarke explains. “They recognized the need for access to fresh, healthy groceries in the community.” And, accessing healthy food is a challenge for many families, particularly those living in low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, and rural areas, he adds. “The NFFM will provide Flint families with access to high-quality food, from locally-sourced produce to organic products.”
Between the years 1638 and 1640, a fierce battle ensued in and around Genesee County. From the north, the Native American Chippewa Tribe (with the help of the Ottawa Tribe) attacked the Sauk Tribe. Merciless and well-orchestrated, the attack left no Sauk dwelling unturned. The bloody battle resulted in the complete expulsion of the Sauk tribe from the area and the entire State of Michigan. The Sauk were forced to migrate west, finally taking up a permanent position on the banks of Lake Michigan, in the current-day State of Wisconsin. Many Genesee County residents have heard the story of the Battle of the Flint River. Is there truth to it … or is it simply a legend?
The Historic Parshallville Cider Mill, which sits on the scenic banks of Ore Creek in Hartland Township, is located in the tiny, picturesque town of Parshallville, and it attracts thousands of visitors every year from all around the state. Formerly a Flour Mill and then a Grist Mill, its history dates back to 1869, according to the current owners, Jack and Sandy Detlef. The Detlefs have owned the mill since 1983 and it means a lot to them. “All of my grandchildren grew up here!” Sandy Detlef exclaims. “It’s like taking a step back in time.”
Sprout the love of reading and nature while sharing books, singing songs and making a craft. Recommended for families with children two years and older. 11am-12pm.
Located in a far corner of the Flint Farmers’ Market is a small shop full of wonderful things, some of rare and unusual beauty. Art at the Market is where artists, mainly from Genesee County, display and sell their works. One such artist is James Draper of Burton. “I call it Vitrea Art Glass©,” says Draper of his newest pieces. “It’s a complete reversal from what I did when I first started.”
I met The Plastic Bears at their studio in East Lansing, MI, and from the beginning of our conversation, their love of eclectic music was on display. “Check this out,” said drummer, Drew Duncanson, as he laid down a collection of old-school pop photos of the Jackson 5. He rifled through a stack of frameable images of Michael and his brothers, and picked out one of the group posing next to a rainbow of colored Ferraris. “That’s the one, right there,” said Duncanson. And everyone agreed. Collectively, The Plastic Bears are a collage of musical talent, influences and genres. Their tastes are many and timeless. Anything from R&B to punk, from the 60s to now, is fair game. And that wide-ranging style is reflected in their music.
