Beginning this month, Patrick Linihan has assumed the role as Director of Genesee County Parks. Formerly deputy director since October 2022, Linihan served as director of parks and recreation for Grand Blanc Township for two years, as well as several other key roles for the County parks. The Parks & Recreation Commission considered ten other applicants for the director position, citing Linihan’s extensive background with a variety of park systems. His appointment was approved at their meeting in late February 2024.
Under the gaze of Detroit boxing luminaries like five-division champ Thomas Hearns and legendary manager of world titlists Jackie Kallan, unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Ardreal “Bossman” Holmes made his way to the ring at Wayne State University’s Fieldhouse on February 20.
As we age, the journey from reading with a flashlight under the covers to holding menus at arm’s length to embracing bifocals – or even trifocals – suggests that changes in vision are an inevitable aspect of growing older. That was the journey Maura had experienced in her 68 years. She has worn glasses for the last 20 years or so, but before reaching her 40s never thought she would have vision problems.
Lance Johnson grew up around the mystique of Flint. A self-described history buff, the 23-year-old was enthralled with Genesee County’s past, especially Vehicle City. “I went to Atherton High School, which sits in an area with a rich history all its own,” he says. “I appreciated it for that, but that’s a different story.” The story he’s telling today is about Flint – it’s history and its contribution to the world. It’s about an institution. “It’s about Flint Central High School,” he says. “It was a jewel and one of the leading institutions in the state for a long time, just as all the Flint schools were at one time in the past.”
Doug Towler tried tuning out the chatter, even as it grew more deafening. The head coach of the Genesee County Generals – a cooperative team of players from Davison, Goodrich and Flushing high schools – Towler began this season a mere eight victories away from becoming Michigan’s all-time winningest high school hockey coach.
In January, the Michigan Association for Career and Technical Education named Vanita Wilson, MA, LPC Counseling & Career Professional of the Year. She was honored for her outstanding work as the counselor overseeing 1,800 students at Genesee Career Institute (GCI). A member of the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) staff since 2016, Vanita earned a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling at Spring Arbor University and received a Bachelor’s of Social Work from the University of Michigan – Flint.
Xceptional Heroes is a group of friends, family members and individuals who are passionate about supporting young adults who have intellectual disabilities (ID). The group was founded in 2016 by Jen Silverton and Teresa White – two moms raising sons Aidan and Tyler – who realized the socialization and relationship void left in their sons’ lives after graduation. The organization began as a private social group to provide a variety of life-enrichment opportunities for young adults with ID.
Being a teenager is tough enough – but when you add attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to the mix, the typical challenges can become even more daunting. ADHD, formerly known as ADD, is a condition that makes it exceptionally difficult for both children and adults to concentrate on tasks, pay attention, sit still, and control impulsive behavior.
On a clear, sunny day in Downtown Flint, a crowd over 200,000 strong had gathered along the length of Saginaw St. They covered the sidewalks, hung out of windows and stood on rooftops in anticipation of celebrating one of Vehicle City’s biggest achievements. They came to witness history. That day, November 23, 1954, the 50-millionth General Motors car was completed in Flint at 9:50 AM, signaling the start of GM’s nationwide “Golden CARnival” celebration. At approximately 10:10 AM, GM opened 125 GM plants and training centers across the country to the public and hosted luncheons for business leaders in 65 cities.
Since 2001, the Genesee District Library has celebrated Black History Month by recognizing community leaders at the Annual Black History Month Brunch. This year, the selection committee chose to highlight three individuals and one place of worship for their contributions to the lives of their fellow citizens and Flint at large.
On January 1, 2024 Dr. Christopher Townsend stepped into the role of Executive Director of Carriage Town Ministries, succeeding Dr. Dallas Gatlin who retired after over 14 years. He is only the sixth person to hold the position in the organization’s 74-year history.
