Lying flat on his back, Miguel Ruelan stared at the weight bar above him. On the bar’s ends was enough weight to total 451 pounds, an amount that would set a world bench-pressing record, if he could properly execute the lift. With three international judges scrutinizing his every move, the tension in the room was
Michael Johnson has only sketchy memories of the moment that will impact the rest of his life. The 12-year-old Mt. Morris native was working his way through the pack during a heat race in Sarnia, Ontario. He was a promising talent on the road to motocross racing stardom, with a national championship in the 14-year-old
Fandangles’ is well known in the community for its exceptional catering. But if you venture to the small Flushing eatery, you’ll discover much more than creative cuisine. Dining in-house gives patrons the opportunity to become patrons of the arts, as well. Every month, the artwork displayed on the restaurant walls changes in what co-owner Tom
Since 1970, The Flushing A has been the go-to place for hot dogs and refreshing root beer floats. Formerly an A&W franchise, the name was changed to Flushing A in 2000 when the franchise was given up, and now the unique drive-in/dine-in restaurant is a local landmark. The story of Flushing A begins with owners
It was a little boy named Michael who tugged local businessman Dan Crannie’s heart strings at Whaley Children’s Center many years ago. Dan, owner of Signs by Crannie, had done some work for the center for abused children. Although he had built signs for Whaley, Crannie had never seen its inner workings. That changed when
In classic mythology, a hero was “a warrior-chieftain of special strength, courage or ability,” a demigod whose deeds stood above those of mere mortals. Modernity sees heroes as comic-book figures, with powers or freakish gifts used to save the world. But are heroes relegated only to stories? Are we, the common man, doomed to an
It all began with two Genesee County natives – Dave Broadworth of Swartz Creek and Dave Byl of Flint. They both loved watching sports and tailgating, especially at U of M and MSU games. Back in 1985, they conceived an idea to capitalize on the great rivalry between the Spartans and the Wolverines: Why not
This is a word Almeda Hunter used in many conversations, and while she often used it to describe other people, those who knew her say that it was she who embodied its meaning. Almeda was a spitfire with a passion for family, flowers and music, and by all accounts, she lived every moment of
One of the Crim Festival’s most inspiring and moving races is the 10-Mile Wheelers event. Comprised of both wheelchair racing and handcycling, these races present an opportunity for those with physical challenges to compete at Crim.The event is sponsored by Fusion Medical Supplies, whose owners, Nick Long and Brian Sheridan, know the challenges faced by
Not many cities, especially those of Flint’s size, can boast such a collection of fine arts, museums, theater and history as the Flint Cultural Center. The enrichment activities are almost too numerous to count, and with pricing that is truly affordable, visitors and residents alike have access to world-class arts and cultural education opportunities, not to
Andy Younger is the man in charge of the biggest day of the year. As director of the Health Plus Crim Festival of Road Races, he oversees every tent, water bottle and volunteer on the fourth Saturday of August when the city is packed with people from all over the world. This is Andy’s second
