There is an unmistakable excitement in Zoe Weinberg’s voice when discussing skiing. It’s obvious that when the Fenton High School junior slips on a pair of boots, straps on skis, clutches her poles and shoots out of a gate onto a snow-covered slope, there is probably no place she would rather be. In this setting, enthralled by the sensation of carving out a flawless run, Weinberg is very much at home.
The concept for Black Classical Origins began 13 years ago when Richard King accepted a challenge from Dallas Dort, who was then chairman of the Flint Institute of Music, to think of more effective ways for the Flint Symphony Orchestra to reach out to Flint’s black middle class residents. Lennetta Coney soon joined the steering committee for what was then called, “The Black Classical Music Family Festival.” Although the name has changed, the goal has remained the same. “We wanted to be certain that it was inviting to get the African American community to pay attention to what we were doing,” Lennetta explains. “It’s a two-way process,” Richard adds. “We’re getting the community interested in the Symphony, but we need to recognize the fact that a lot of minority composers have also contributed to classical music. That’s why we call it Black Classical Origins.”
For Steve Heddy, it was love at first sight – the first time he saw his future wife, Rosanne Barton, way back in junior high school. And Rosanne’s reaction was the same. “The second I saw him, I knew!” she exclaims. “It really was love at first sight.” The couple, who is well-known in the area for their volunteerism and fundraising activities, were born just two weeks apart at the same hospital, the former St. Joseph, and grew up in the same Flint neighborhood. They dated all throughout high school and went to all of the school dances together. They were inseparable. “We were always together,” Steve says.
For Craig Williams, Director of Bishop International Airport, 2015 was a busy year. He was appointed to the position in August 2014 by the Bishop International Airport Authority Board in a unanimous vote. Craig replaced long-time director Jim Rice, who retired after many years of service. “The first year went by so fast!” he exclaims. He describes it as “a year of discovery.” “I spent a lot of time learning about the community and the people at the airport. The staff here is great and it is a great facility.” Craig said it was a well-run airport before he got there, for which he gives credit to his predecessor. He believes he has learned more about himself and about being a leader. The airport director spent some time on a wintry afternoon talking with My City Magazine about his background, his family and his vision for the future.
With over 3,000 “likes” and momentum continuing to build, the “Sherwood Forest, Davison, MI” Facebook page brings this unique venue far closer than anything I might convey. Keep this in mind for an immediate supplemental link as soon as you finish reading this issue of My City.
North Indian cuisine is known for flavorful, thick and creamy gravies, delicious curry, unique spices and its use of dairy products such as cream, cottage cheese, ghee and yogurt. And there is no better way to warm up on a cold, wintry day than to experience some authentic and comforting North Indian food at Grill of India in Flint Township.
The Flint River Watershed Coalition’s 2016 Voice of the River Annual Celebration was held on Thursday January 28 at Sloan Museum. The fundraiser included hors d’ oeuvres, a raffle and silent auction, as well as a priority viewing of Sloan Museum’s newest exhibit “Water’s Extreme Journey.”
Take your sweetheart or friend to an early Valentine’s Day date. Performances of “Ragtime: The Musical” are at The Whiting on Friday, February 12 at 8pm and Saturday, February 13 at 2pm and 8pm.
Saturday, January 23, 2016 is the Flint Institute of Arts’ Community Gala for the exhibition, From Heart to Hand: African American Quilts form the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. The gala will feature a conversation between artist, Yvonne Wells, and Stephanie James, Mott-Warsh Curator and Collection Educator who focuses on contemporary art and art of the African Diaspora.
The Humane Society of Genesee County celebrated a milestone today – its 90-year anniversary. In honor of the occasion, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the shelter by the Burton Chamber of Commerce.
