Welcome to Flint. You wouldn’t know it from the outside looking in, but there was a time when our little city in The Mitten couldn’t go a decade without changing the world. We put the country in motion (it’s called Vehicle City for a reason), helped build the middle class, helped win wars, and led advances in civil rights. We’ve invented and innovated across industries. We’ve given the world exceptional artists, musicians, writers, actors and athletes – all from our little seat on the banks of the Flint River. Sure, we’ve had some hard times; lost our identity and purpose for a little while. We were down but never truly beaten. Many have counted us out. We’ve struggled, to put it plainly … but we’ve survived. Flint is a hardworking city, an optimistic city, and we are moving forward with exciting times ahead.
Tired of the same old view out your window every day? Stress from work, family, the world in general, got you down and you need some time away from it all? Want to experience the world through the eyes of another culture or history? Travel may be your answer. The world offers a million treasures, adventures, cultures and celebrations just waiting for anyone with the desire to be there and create extraordinary memories.
It’s a well known fact: When it comes to winter beauty and frosty fun, Michigan is at the top of the snowcap! We’ve all skied, sledded, skated and snowshoed for years now. We’ve trekked up the same slopes and skated the same ponds. Hiked down the same trails and sledded the same hills. We are experienced with the experience – made the most of The Mitten … or have we? Just when you think you’ve become the world’s foremost expert in all things “Michigan Winter”, something new comes along that puts the hat on the head, the boots on the feet, and the zipper all the way up. Fall in love with winter again by jumping into a full snowdrift of offbeat winter fun!
Since the time of the horse and buggy, Vehicle City has shined brightly during the holidays. When the first snow blankets the ground and thoughts of merriment and gift-giving fill the air, Genesee County downtowns come alive. Trees are adorned, buildings gleam and shop windows hold holiday wonders to delight all ages. Take a trip down Memory Lane with some nostalgic holiday scenes courtesy of the Sloan Museum Archives, Factory One, Genesee County Historical Society and area historical associations.
Let’s help make the holidays magical for everyone! This is the season of giving to those who are less fortunate. There are many agencies and organizations that help the needy in Greater Flint and surrounding communities during the holidays. These local groups can use your donation and your generosity can make the season just a little brighter.
Commonly known as the “winter blues,” Seasonal Affective Disorder – or SAD – is a regular depression disorder with symptoms that begin in the fall and continue into winter months. Sometimes, SAD symptoms appear in the spring or early summer and cause an unhappy mood with low energy. Those most likely to have it are younger females and those with family histories of depression, bipolar disorder or SAD. Sufferers experience increased appetite and needing to sleep for longer periods.
Roger Sharp is a proud man. He’s proud of his time spent serving in the United States Army, proud of what he has been able to do for his community through his successful business, Sharp Funeral Homes and, above all, he is proud of our nation’s veterans and what they have done for this country. “I’m proud to be a veteran and I am proud of all the veterans we are able to serve through the funeral homes,” he states. “We are proud to lend support to various veterans organizations, as well as the Great Lakes National Cemetery.”
On October 14, Ashoka Rao, Founder and Artistic Director of Nrityanjali, a school of classical Indian dance, was a recipient of the prestigious Michigan Heritage Award. She was recognized for her dedication and lifelong commitment to preserving and passing on the traditional Kathak Dance of India.
For many of the people of Greater Flint, homelessness has been a constant threat since the 1980s and the problem has only grown, with record increases in rental rates and a lack of affordable traditional housing. Today, it is estimated that nearly 600,000 people are experiencing homelessness throughout the country and, of those experiencing it, nearly 6% are United States Military veterans. In Greater Flint, the percentage of homeless vets is much higher. “It is estimated that between 15-40% of the local homeless individuals are veterans,” states Katie Baxter, CEO of Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties. “In this group, there is clearly a need. After everything they have done for us, it just doesn’t seem right.”
Since its inception in 1967, the Greater Flint Arts Council (GFAC) has been a part of Flint culture. The non-profit organization is responsible for much of what we love about Downtown life – bringing to us the Flint ArtWalk, Jazz Festival, Tunes at Noon, wonderful art exhibitions of all mediums, creative workshops and education, local support and more. Since 1998, GFAC has operated solely on the ground floor of the former Peerless Furniture building located at 816 S. Saginaw Street and for the last 25 years, has had plans to renovate and open the rest of the building for programming space. Thanks to the tireless work of staff, a small army of donors and a timely grant of $1.25 million from the Mott Foundation, the renovation project has officially begun. “We’re ecstatic!” enthuses GFAC CEO, Greg Fiedler. “I’m getting old and I was afraid that I would not be able to finish what I had started.”
Travis Crossley fondly recalls the creative, early-teens version of himself. Back then, he was a kid with a specific passion and dream.
Cash, June, Pie, Grace, Willow, Levi, Imogene and Finn are the names of the horses and donkeys that live on Charlie’s Forever Farm. Owners Matt and Ranae Bauserman have dedicated their lives to saving abused, neglected and forgotten farm animals and providing them a loving home.
