William Moeller, Senior Vice President of Investments and Portfolio Manager at Raymond James in Grand Blanc, was once a 22-year-old investment analyst who in January of 1959, moved from Detroit to Flint. Little did he know, that move would make him part of Flint’s history – and change his life forever.
On a blustery, spring day, Ashoka Rao holds back her hair as she talks about the purpose of rhythm in classical Indian dancing. “It’s a perspective,” she tells me. “With certain dances, the rhythm is different. Like with this wind,” as it lifts the corners of the paper dance recital program on the table. “Today, this wind is a mad dance of nature. But other times, wind can be peaceful.”
When did Mike Williams begin to become one of the state’s most successful high school boys’ basketball coaches? Ironically, it was the moment he decided to make basketball less of a priority.
Jameshia Shepherd, 23, has many of the same qualities she had at age 13 – studious, curious, obedient and determined. Those attributes helped her evolve from a young participant at Motherly Intercession – a non-profit organization which helps children who have an incarcerated parent – into a staff member at the very place that nurtured her in her formative years.
For many years, the Buick Open PGA Golf Tournament, sponsored by General Motors, was Genesee County’s premiere summer happening. The week-long tournament not only provided a significant annual boost to the local economy, but also raised hundreds and thousands of dollars for local charities. The tournament ended in 2009, the same year GM went bankrupt.
Homelessness can happen to anyone – a person you see in the grocery store, the server at a restaurant where you eat, or a child in school. “There is quite a misconception about what homelessness looks like,” says Lindsay Moore, Network Director of Family Promise of Genesee County. Family Promise is a national non-profit organization that takes a community-based approach to solving the problem of homelessness. In a joint effort, local communities and churches cooperate to help homeless families stay together. Family Promise provides resources, support and training as the families work to become self-reliant.
When the curtain goes up on the stage at The Whiting, there are many people behind the scenes who help make the magic happen. Ken Harris is one of those people. He is the House Electrician, but he isn’t a “real” electrician. He is responsible for all aspects of the lighting and all that goes with it, including special effects. And with 2,400 light bulbs of 24 varieties, it’s a pretty important job. There are two full-time backstage workers: Ken and the House Carpenter, Dave Thompson.
We’ve compiled a list of some of Greater Flint’s fun summertime events. With festivals and performances, to carnivals and fairs, you, your friends, and your family will never be bored this summer season.
Volunteers at animal shelters are very special people. They spend countless hours of their spare time caring for abandoned and unwanted pets, often exposed to the horror of interacting with animals that have been severely abused by the human hand. My City Magazine talked with volunteers at the Humane Society of Genesee County and Adopt-A-Pet in Fenton, and learned that they do it out of deep, absolute and unconditional love for animals of every shape and size.
Founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, Sister Cities International is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) non-profit which serves as the national membership organization for individual sister cities, counties and states across the United States. Eisenhower’s goal with establishing this organization was to create a network of peace and prosperity between different people around the world. Since his time, Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Obama have served as the honorary chairmen.
A sunny day in June is perfect for exploring Downtown Flint! Fuel up with a creamy latte and a toasted bagel sandwich at Café Rhema, where you will find comfy seating and lively conversation. Next, head on down Court Street to Totem Books and browse their wide selection of art, books, music and more. Strolling by the Flint Farmers’ Market, the explosion of colorful flowers and fresh produce will tantalize your senses. Art lovers may want to meander over to the Flint Institute of Arts to see some amazing art collections and artifacts.
