BROWSING:  Articles

The Ferris Wheel, a building renovated to welcome visitors with a revolving door, celebrates a turnaround; the investment in people and ideas, in hope for the continuous revitalization of Downtown Flint. The Ferris Wheel and 100k Ideas plans to operate as a resource for any community member to take their rough “napkin-sketch” concept and develop it into a workable, marketable venture.

Very few people know about an organization that has remained active in Genesee County for around 130 years. An essay commemorating the centennial, … And Fellow Members: A History of The Garland Street Literary Club of Flint, Michigan 1888-1988, was written by Alice Lethbridge in 1988 and published by the University of Michigan-Flint Archives. Since then, every new member receives a copy, and not only is the history of the club passed on, but most of the original rules are followed to this day.

There are many ways that The Salvation Army helps in the prevention of homelessness, feeding the hungry and helping others who are struggling in our community during the holidays. And, there are many dedicated and hardworking volunteers who help fill a Genesee County child’s heart with delight through the season.

The goal of the Third Annual African American Film Series is “to educate, empower, inform and give people tangible things they can do to actually implement change in the community,” explains Glenn A. Wilson, President and CEO of Communities First Inc. The series, which began November 2, features four films: Floyd Norman: An Animated Life; 13th (December 14); I Am Not Your Negro (January 11); and Step (February 8). These four were thoughtfully chosen by a committee whose members represent all walks of life. What began as a list of thousands of films was narrowed down and passionately discussed before coming down to the final four. “The discussion includes topics that are affecting the African American community today, and topics like economic development and social justice, that are consistent with our programming at Communities First, Inc.,” Glenn adds.

What will you decorate your home with this holiday season – a real Christmas tree or an artificial one? That is a question many people ask themselves at this most wonderful time of year. Although there is a large selection of beautiful artificial trees out there, the spicy, fresh scent of balsam fir filling the house is hard to beat.

The Flint Citadel Band of The Salvation Army played to a packed house for their 85th Annual Thanksgiving Concert on November 17. Special Guest, Bandmaster William Himes, showcased not only his musical talents as a euphonium soloist, but also his ability to bring the Gospel alive through musical scoring. The Flint Citadel Band performs this holiday classic concert every year on the Friday before Thanksgiving. This year, the performance featured 11 songs, including several by Bandmaster Himes, (“Come, Ye Thankful People,” “Jehovah Roi” and “Pathway of Hope”), as well as a euphonium quartet playing, “I’ll Not Turn Back.” Following the concert, the Flint Citadel Band League sponsored a meal catered by Roma’s Restaurant that was enjoyed by the musicians and Band League Support members.

At any holiday gathering, it’s always a good idea to offer your guests one or two non-alcoholic options for celebrating with a “cheers!” They’re pretty and festive, too.

Oh, the magic of Christmas is upon us, and what speaks of the holiday more than the heavenly aroma of cookies baking in the oven? Since the 1930s, children have left a glass of milk and a plate of cookies for Santa to snack on every Christmas Eve. It became a popular American holiday tradition during the Great Depression, and is believed to have begun as a way for parents to teach their children the importance of giving to others. It was also a way to show gratitude for the gifts they received during tough economic times.

The Whiting presents The Wizard of Oz from 2-4pm and 7:30-9:30pm.