Did you know that every night, right here in Genesee County, more than 200 individuals are living in emergency shelters? According to Shelly Hoffman, Development Director at Shelter of Flint, Inc., countless others live on the streets, sleeping on a friend’s couch, in a car or an abandoned building.
It’s tough out there in today’s business climate – you’ve got to be committed, you have to know your stuff and most of all, you must be resilient. In this challenging economy, each and every day is a battle; only those who have the heart can triumph. That is why reaching significant business milestones is a reason to celebrate!
Founded by Dr. Jawad Shah in 2008, Insight Institute of Neurosurgery and Neurosciences provides clinical services to patients in Genesee County. What began in the former GM HQ (Great Lakes Technology Center) in Flint with one neurosurgeon and a staff of four has grown to over 1,200 employees and expanded to campus locations in Chicago, Dearborn and Warren, MI. In the fall of 2024, Insight will expand once again – this time, adding a new building and services to the Flint facility.
Everyone deserves a good night’s rest and there is an organization in Flushing whose mission is to make sure that children who’ve been sleeping on the floor have a bed of their own in which to sleep.
Dr. Dallas Gatlin, Executive Director of Carriage Town Ministries (CTM), is retiring from his position after over 14 years. During his tenure at the faith-based shelter for homeless men, women and children in Flint, Dr. Gatlin has truly been a voice for the homeless. My City is proud to recognize him as our 2023 Cityzen of the Year. “I will turn 70 this year and it is time for me to move on. I feel at peace with God about it,” the director shares. “I will continue to be a supporter of CTM and I will support the new executive director in any way I can.”
For 80-years, members of the Flint Male Chorus have gathered together on stages throughout Genesee County to sing for anyone and everyone who comes to listen. They sing for the holidays such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day. They sing barbershop and sea shanties, old classic songs and today’s hits. Made up of Flint area men of all ages and walks of life, it is a group bonded by voice. “The very best part of it is the camaraderie,” says current Director Matt Packer. “We love to sing and sing together. It’s a brotherhood.”
Ballet is an art form – it can tell a story through movement of the body; it can be magical and exciting. When MCM chatted with Tara Gragg, Artistic Director of the Flint Youth Ballet (FYB), the dance students were busily preparing for their parts in the upcoming performance of “The Nutcracker”, a Flint Institute of Music (FIM) production that has been a family holiday tradition at The FIM Whiting for many years.
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.
