For artists in the world of country music, the Grand Ole Opry House represents the pinnacle of success. It is a right of passage; a moment of becoming. Only the best grace its stage and Jessie Jordan is determined to stand where the legends have stood, take in the atmosphere, pick up her guitar and share her music with the audience. She’s ready. “Someday, I will achieve my Grand Ole Opry debut,” she says matter-of-factly. “Sooner, if possible.” With a growing Nashville fan base and cherished new songs such as “Mending Fences”, “Damage Done”, and “Wildflower Honey”, she’s on her way to that stage – a journey that has taken over a decade with lessons learned at each step.
Since she was a child, Nicole Stilson, DVM of Linden has loved horses and did anything she could to be around them. It was that passion and love of horses that inspired the founding of Carousel of Hope Miniature Horse Therapy in May 2022. The organization’s purpose is to provide mobile equine-assisted therapy and activities to children and adults of all ages and abilities.
When My City visited the Flint Development Center recently, the halls were quiet. And at its current location – the renovated Bunche Elementary at 4121 Martin Luther King Ave. in the city’s north end – quiet is a rare thing. “At 4pm, it gets loud around here,” says FDC Program Manager Tamika Boxley. “Once the basketballs start bouncing, the drums start going and the kids show up, it can get a little crazy!”
In the classic ‘60s animated TV series, “The Jetsons”, the year was 2062 and everyday life was one of computer screens, buttons, robots and flying cars. In the future, when someone gets sick, the doctor is just a button away. No travel needed, prescriptions are issued electronically and then delivered to your door. Healthcare is quick, efficient and accessible. With technology, anything is possible.
GRAND BLANC, MI – On January 25, 2024, Ascension Genesys Hospital Foundation honored Michael J. Danic, DO, FASA, FASAM as the recipient of the Spirit of St. Joseph Award at the annual Oak Tree Gala held at Genesys Conference & Banquet Center. The award is presented annually to a physician in recognition of their dedication and commitment to excellent medical care, and their service at Ascension Genesys Hospital.
It’s been said, “Always listen to your heart” – and that’s good advice, not only when making an important decision but also concerning when, what and how to eat. For many years, February has been observed as American Heart Month; therefore, it’s a time to make sure our self care includes taking extra care of our hearts.
In late 2022, the Friends of Berston (FOB) Board of Directors appointed Valorie Horton its interim executive director, following the sudden death of beloved former executive director Bryant “BB” Nolden. An FOB member since 2015, Horton is currently board president and charged with helping the plans move forward with the $30 million Berston Field House expansion project.
The biggest, most life-changing phone call Jenna Schroeder has ever received did not exactly come at an opportune time.
While working with the Alzheimer’s Association in 2019, current FIA Access Coordinator Jennifer Giddings-Essenmacher noticed something missing in Greater Flint. “There were simply no social engagement programs in this area for people with any form of dementia,” she says. “The closest programs were centered in Detroit and Grand Rapids.” She lobbied area institutions with ideas to initiate such a program to no avail. So, when she joined the FIA staff in 2022, she made building such a program a top priority. Last October, her efforts came to fruition when the FIA launched the first of many Art Spark! gallery tours.
The Flint Lensmen Camera Club arrived on time for their photo shoot at the Detroit Model Railroad Club in Holly. The photography enthusiasts laughed, talked and sipped coffee while they unpacked their gear. Tripods were pulled from loosely-filled duffel bags and moved into position, lighting apparatus were attached, and lenses were chosen for the best photos of the new model railroad setup. Once ready, the camera club members quickly began clicking away. Moving over and under, left and right, high and low, for the best light and vantage point of the miniature railroad cars as they sat in diorama or moved around the track. They worked tirelessly, always with an eye for the beauty inherent in all things. They worked for the joy of the shot and with hope that the end result would be more than a photo – they worked to create art.
Goodrich High School student Natalie Steward wasn’t sure what she wanted to do after graduation. “I didn’t have any plans as to what I wanted to do in life,” she says. “I had a few friends enrolled in the JROTC program at Genesee Career Institute and after I heard what it was about, I decided to join. The program has given me a path and a plan to put effort into getting into college and a career in the Army.”
After 30 years away from Genesee County, Katie Kool-Wray, a former Flushing resident and Powers Catholic grad, felt the need to make an impact on the community. “I had to find a way to give back to the Genesee County community and to find my people,” she explains. “When I lived in Cincinnati, I was a member of a large network of women like myself, who wanted to make a difference.” After a discussion with a friend from Traverse City, Kool-Wray found a way to make it all happen. Her friend was a member of her local chapter of Impact100 and Kool-Wray immediately began to think about what the organization could do for Genesee County. Impact100 is a national organization of women who come together determined to make a difference in their local communities. Kool-Wray established the Genesee County chapter in June.
