Julie Lopez, Director of Crime Stoppers Flint & Genesee County, knows firsthand what it is like to lose a loved one to violent crime. Her father-in-law, Pablo Lopez, was murdered in his home on Flint’s east side on July 9, 2011. “He was supposed to be at a family function on the Fourth of July,” Julie remembers. “He never showed up.” The family began searching for their beloved patriarch. He was well known in the area and retired from Buick, where he had worked for over 30 years. He was actively involved with UAW 599 and a political activist. A family friend found him at home in his bedroom shot to death, and to this day, his murder is unsolved. “We thought it would be resolved right away,” says Julie, who is still emotional about the loss. “We believe there was no forced entry of the home and we are still searching for answers.”
Celebrate the Season in Song at The Capitol Theatre in Downtown Flint. Enjoy a holiday concert featuring the Flint Symphony Orchestra’s Brass & Byrd Consort. Doors open at 5:30pm and the concert begins at 7:30pm. Admission is free. For more information contact The Whiting’s Box Office.
A fond tradition during the holiday season is to make a lasting memory with a family photo! And Mott Community College students, faculty and staff want to help make the holidays picture perfect for the community. MCC photography students will provide free, professional-quality photo portraits during the Sixth Annual HELP Portrait Event at the campus this Saturday from 12-4 pm in the Event Center, Mott’s Flint campus at 1401 E. Court St. Individuals, families, and friend groups are all welcome. The program is free and open to the public. Appointments are not necessary.
The Firebirds return home to Flint for a pair of games this weekend as the club hosts the Hamilton Bulldogs this Friday, Dec. 1 for ‘Ugly Sweater Night’ and the Niagara Ice Dogs Saturday, Dec 2 for the third annual ‘Teddy Bear Toss’ and Joe Kocur Night. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.
ELGA Credit Union is not your typical financial institution.
Members of the Flint band, Birdhouse, have a hard time describing exactly where they fall on the musical spectrum. “Whenever we post a date on Facebook or a flyer comes out for a show, it’s always a nightmare,” says guitarist, Keith Music.
As Steve Schmidt reflects on the remarkable men’s basketball program he has built at Mott Community College, evidence of that success adorns the wall behind him.
Did you know that the rubber ice cube tray, electric stove and automatic electric toaster were invented right here in Flint? Often referred to as the “forgotten inventor” Lloyd Groff Copeman was born and raised just east of Flint in Farmers Creek in Lapeer County. He attended a one-room school and Michigan Agricultural College, which is now Michigan State University. He later became a well-known entrepreneur.
It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, especially for kids. They spend hours writing their wish list and letters to Santa; keeping their fingers crossed, hoping they made the “good girls and boys” list, rather than finding a lump of coal in their stocking.
Family and friends gathered together to enjoy food and good cheer … it’s a perfect time for special appetizers! Chef Steve Lowry of Fandangles’, a full-service, award-winning, special event center and caterer in Flushing, shares some of his favorite small bites to serve during the holidays: Blue Cheese Pear Tarts (his personal favorite), Crab-Stuffed Mushroom Caps, Duck Salad in Filo Cups, and Brie and Apple Baguettes with Candied Pecans. “Anything with Brie is always popular,” Chef Lowry says. “Duck is a little different and special for the holidays, but duck salad is labor intensive to make at home.” Chef Lowry shared two of his appetizer recipes with My City Magazine to help make your holiday spread a little yummier.
There’s nothing Mike Buckel likes doing more than helping others. He has been volunteering his time and energy since the early 90s, and his priorities are working with kids and anything to do with the police department. Buckel is a member of various boards, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint, the Flint Police Foundation and Sonitrol Crime Stoppers, of which he is the president.
