BROWSING:  Articles

Before he began writing a series of Post-Apocalyptic and Science Fiction novels, Boyd Craven, III worked factory jobs and for Flint River Farm. He has now self-published over 30 works including two series, The World Burns and Anonymous Justice, available as eBooks, in print and also on audio. His novels aim to entertain while also informing readers about prepping and survival techniques. Craven currently lives in Grand Blanc with his wife and four kids. He prefers not to have an address on his home and has begun practicing living “off the grid,” something he plans to pursue further when his children are all grown.

Innovation Incubator is a program of University of Michigan-Flint’s University Outreach. Focused on social entrepreneurship, innovation and economic-based ventures, it’s a place for people in the community to co-work, create and collaborate. It is located on the second floor of the University of Michigan Northbank Building.

May 1 is National Law Day, and the Genesee County Bar Association will celebrate with many activities which represent the GCBA’s rich history of contributions and service to the community.

My City Magazine was on hand April 27 for a sneak preview of the “New Behind the Scenes Tour” at Applewood Estate. Handy Lindsey, President of the Ruth Mott Foundation, was there to welcome us. According to Lindsey, since opening the home up for tours last year, they’ve had over 38,000 visitors. With their curiosity piqued, visitors responded by asking Applewood if they could see more of the home and learn more about the Mott family. Exclusive areas of the home, including the downstairs bowling alley, are now available for public viewing this season.

Flint Handmade is hosting the 10th Annual Spring Craft Market on Saturday, April 29 from 9am to 3pm at the Flint Masonic Temple, Downtown. The market will feature over 40 local crafters and artisans offering large variety of unique, modern handmade items such as: original illustrations, vintage-inspired jewelry, knitted and crocheted goods, hand-poured candles, natural bath and beauty products, plush toys and much more.

A new celebration is coming to Downtown Flint! The Flint Public Art Project is hosting Cinco Nuevo, a free, all-ages event that will not only celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but also the growth of Downtown Flint.

Nestled in the center of Downtown Fenton is an old fashioned, hometown bakery – CRUST, a retail and wholesale baking company. The minute you walk in the door, you are greeted by the tantalizing aromas of freshly-baked bread, pastries, and coffee brewing. Piled high are crusty loaves of rustic bread, pies, pastries, cakes, tarts, cinnamon rolls, brownies and cookies. And, this is a milestone year for the bakery that is not only celebrating its fifth anniversary, but is also in the process of a major expansion. The ownership team includes Mark Hamel, Chad Brennan, Marybeth Brennan and Mike Green, Executive Baker. “We’re excited about our fifth year!” Green exclaims.

Most Downtown Flint dwellers associate Greg Fiedler with the Greater Flint Arts Council, where he has been President & CEO since 1993. It is only natural that he has a collection of his own! Eclectic and unique, his collection is one that rivals the GFAC’s. In addition to practical advice for aspiring collectors, Greg shares his belief that anyone can begin collecting pieces to which they feel personally and viscerally connected.

On January 1, 1999, Robert Pickell was appointed to the position of Genesee County Sheriff, replacing his predecessor, Sheriff Joe Wilson. Since then, Pickell has been re-elected to the position five times. And, he has an impressive background in law enforcement prior to becoming sheriff, working in the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office as an investigator and for the CIA from 1989 to 1995. “I traveled four continents while working for the federal government,” he reports, add that he handled some very high profile cases during his stint with the CIA.

Community Foundation of Greater Flint’s Youth Advisory Committees give Genesee County students an opportunity to learn about philanthropy, according to Alex Dawson, Developmental Program Associate and advisor of the Youth Advisory Committees associated with CFGF. “YAC is the youth grant-making body of CFGF,” she explains. Alex oversees three regional YACs that serve specific regions in Genesee County: Clio, Grand Blanc and South Lakes (Linden, Fenton and Lake Fenton), as well as the Countywide YAC, which serves all of Genesee County. “Membership is open to any Genesee County student interested in serving their community and willing to commit to volunteering,” Alex adds. “Students who become YAC members are engaged in their community and want to make a difference.”

At just 14 years old, Ashton Edwards already has the talent and the discipline to spend the rest of his life fulfilling and cultivating his passion: ballet.