Though the used book on your nightstand might have a creased binding and a few bent page-corners from prior handlers gripping it in suspense, the fact that its old and used probably doesn’t bother you because the story’s intact. Ann Arbor is home to several used book shops for either the casual paperback reader or the serious rare book collector.
A beloved Ann Arbor institution, Zingerman’s businesses attract thousands of visitors every year. It all began when Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig opened Zingerman’s Deli opened in 1982, in an historic building near the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market. “It was just the two of us and two employees,” says Ari. “We envisioned a really unique deli serving traditional Jewish food that would be a great place to work and a great place to eat.” Zingerman’s has now grown into a community of nine different businesses, 22 partners, three staff partners and 700 employees. Along with the deli are Zingerman’s Bake House, ZingTrain, Zingerman’s Catering & Events, Zingerman’s Mail Order, Zingerman’s Creamery, Zingerman’s Roadhouse, Zingerman’s Coffee and Zingerman’s Candy.
Dream, create, achieve. Not only are Valorie Horton and her son Omar Batson talented artists, they are sharing their talents with underprivileged children in the Flint community. Valorie was concerned when schools in Flint started dropping music and art classes from their curriculums. So, she and her son started volunteering at the schools to teach art and music. This endeavor led to the formation of a nonprofit organization, the Chosen Few Arts Council.
Potter Valorie Horton can truly be described as “at one with clay.” She recently showed her collection aptly named At One With Clay at the Flint Institute of Art’s Art Sales & Rental Gallery. The variety of pieces included platters, bowls, and a wall piece that took her one year to make. “I wanted to show a broad range of my work,” said Valorie. “I want my viewers to force their eyes to see more, not just look at it but analyze it.” She also felt that the exhibition was a big step for her. “You are opening up your soul to people,” she said.
Genesee County’s next generation of philanthropists is up and coming. The Gen Forward Network, which started as an initiative of the Greater Flint Community Foundation, is a group of emerging young humanitarians working for the greater good of Genesee County. Now in its third year, the network members contribute to a common grant-making pool to support annual awards in a focus area of their own choosing.
In 1990, Al Comstock started a bike business in his garage. As it began to grow, he moved his venture to the Davison area and today, Al’s Quick Release is located on West Flint Street in the former Kellogg’s Grocery Store building. According to Al, biking has gained popularity in the past ten years because of numerous bicycle/pedestrian paths being built in the country. “Cyclists feel a lot more comfortable when they don’t have to deal with cars,” he laughed. Michigan leads with the most miles of bicycle/pedestrian paths, partially because Gov. Rick Snyder is promoting them. Also, the Rails to Trails Conservancy has assisted in converting old railroad beds into paths, Al added.
On April 22, Zonta Club of Flint 1 was proud to host its Sixth Annual Awards Dinner at the Flint Institute of Arts. The event is held to recognize the accomplishments of Genesee County women who have made a difference and changed the history of Genesee County.
Without the generous financial backing provided by foundations each year, most of Flint’s cultural and fine arts programs, as well as many important youth and humanitarian programs, would be floundering at best. What would our community be like if these inspiring and enriching programs and services – which are enjoyed by thousands of Genesee County residents and visitors each year – began to disappear? Based on the significant amount of income that flows directly into them from foundations, it’s safe to say that many of them would likely topple without that monetary rock underneath them.
For many of the retired volunteers who arrive at Riverside Tabernacle in Downtown Flint early every Monday morning to sort and pack food for people in need, reaching retirement age gave them new choices. With so many ways they could choose to commit their time, they each decided to come to Riverside Tabernacle to help put food on the tables of many Flint residents. “My belief is you don’t retire and sit in a chair,” says Sue Jeffes, who retired after working 21 years as a nurse for McLaren Cancer Institute and now helps organize and assist the volunteers at The Storehouse each week. “I’m here to serve others and not myself.”
Flint, Mich. – On Saturday, May 9, from 6-8 p.m. the Flint Arrowhead Barbershop Chorus will present their 76th year anniversary Spring concert at Powers High School Auditorium at 1505 West Court Street, Flint in support of the Powers Catholic Student Scholarship Fund.
