The sign for Knight Cycle Works looks like it could have hung from an awning outside a business a century ago.
It’s a well-known fact that we all love our cell phones, cameras, high-tech gadgets and computers. But did you know that in the Democratic Republic of Congo – sub-Saharan Africa’s largest country – many thousands of people are dying because of the minerals that are used to make them? Flint native Mike Ramsdell has produced a documentary to raise awareness of what has been called the worst human atrocity since World War II.
There is nothing more romantic than dinner for two and a lovely bottle of wine at an intimate, Italian restaurant. Nestled in a small shopping center off Holly Road in Grand Blanc, you will find Da Edoardo North, an authentic Italian restaurant. From the colorful array of flowers at the entrance of the eatery to the sleek wooden bar, inviting interior and white linen-covered tables, Da Edoardo provides a true, upscale dining experience and what owner Eddie Barbieri describes as “the real deal” when it comes to the food. “It’s true Northern Italian cuisine,” he says, of the many delectable dishes offered at the restaurant, which has served the community since March 2000, and was voted the best place for fine dining by the My City Magazine City’s Choice Awards.
As we have watched Vehicle City undergo revitalization over the last several years, General Motors has also been going through a transformation – and a good one – especially at Flint Assembly, which is the oldest GM assembly plant in North America, having opened in 1947. Going from bankruptcy a few years back to a company investment of $1.8 billion since 2011, Flint Assembly is proof that Flint is still in the business of making cars and trucks – and auto workers have a secure future here. The most recent investment of $877 million was announced last month and will be used to build a new body shop for the assembly plant, locating it closer to the Flint Metal Center.
What do Hockey Hall of Famers Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, Steve Yzerman and Brendan Shanahan all have in common?
Since 1981, the sport of paintball has been exploding in the United States. Its fast-paced, exhilarating nature has caught the attention of many Flint locals, some of which have created teams that compete all over the country. CRU Paintball has brought this fun, unique sport to the area, and also provides a venue for many for local and semi-local players. Driving by its location on Clio Road, one would think it resembles a Kmart store – which it once was! Repurposing the old building has given the owners the space to create lasting teams, practices and competitions. The 60,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor facility is used for both competitive and recreational events.
Sweet memories from the past. When looking back at downtown Flint, Smith Bridgman’s Department Store evokes fond memories for many people – special lunches in the restaurant, people-watching from the mezzanine, buying a wedding gown and riding an escalator for the first time. It evokes memories of magical Christmas window displays and sitting on Santa’s lap.
Imagine the pioneers of Flint’s past greeting you as you submerge into the basement of one of Flint’s oldest houses – a basement currently passing for an artist’s studio. Its inhabitant, Joe Rundell, resides there most of every day, re-capturing Flint’s founding fathers in clay, bronze, and brass sculptures. Among the various tools and hunks of clay strewn about, something incredible happens.
The new Genesys PACE facility is now open, having accepted its first three participants on August 1. Annette Sivertson, Executive Director, and Dr. Amol Ekhande, Medical Director, took My City Magazine on a tour of the new facility.
