The crime of human trafficking is at an epidemic level and the statistics are concerning. It is the fastest growing organized crime, estimated to generate $150 billion globally including an annual $32 billion in the United States. There are an estimated 4.8 million victims of sex trafficking in the U.S., 99% of whom are women and young girls. Just over one quarter are children. “The average age of a victim at the onset is between 12 and 14 years old,” says Ashley Chandler, Director of Finance for Prism Project, “and it happens in every zip code.” The outcome for victims of sex trafficking is extremely dire. “The average life expectancy of a victim is seven years,” Chandler adds. “Their deaths could be the result of physical abuse, drug overdose or suicide. Almost 45% of victims die by suicide.” The problem is immense and it is happening right now all over the country.
All was quiet as Margarette Eby approached the entrance to Applewood Estate. She stopped her vehicle but left the engine running as she got out to open the gate leading to the gatehouse where she lived for a blissful and industrious five years in Flint working as provost and music professor at the University of Michigan-Flint. She shivered as she opened her car door and stepped out. The day had become increasingly cold as it waned and the temperature at that time of night hovered just above freezing. The light jacket that provided more than enough warmth during a day spent with friends downtown was no longer adequate. She quickly felt in her pocket for the key but realized she needn’t have bothered; the gate was standing ajar. She opened it fully, stepped back into her car and continued up the drive. It was a long day but a good one and after enjoying dinner with friends, she wanted nothing more than to relax in the warmth of her home for a few hours before officially retiring for the night, readying herself for another full day at the University. She turned off the car and stepped once again into the cold night. The sky was overcast, obscuring all moonlight and threatening to cover the ground in the year’s first blanket of snow. She fumbled with her keys, straining her eyes in the darkness to find the right one as she approached the front door but found, again, that a key wasn’t needed. The door opened with a simple click. Did she leave it unlocked when she left earlier? She stepped inside, switched on the light, then closed and locked the door securing her inside. She removed her jacket, hung it up and moved into the kitchen. As she opened the cabinet to get a cup for tea, she heard a thump from the next room and then another. She froze, afraid to turn and look. She heard footsteps and then, a shadow moved into the corner of her eyesight. Margarette Eby wasn’t alone …
When Eric and Jen Janetsky moved to Flushing from Saginaw in 2019, they brought more than belongings. Packed with the dishes, clothes, furniture and more was a life filled with music and companionship. Each box opened revealed a song and a story, a melody and a friend. It was almost mandatory to share it all with their new home community. “We love the community here and that’s one of the main reasons for creating Farmhouse Folk,” says Eric Janetsky. “We want people to come together, mix and mingle, and listen to amazing music.”
For many of us, summertime brings back memories of visiting a family member’s house on the lake and all of the good times we had. Doing cannonballs off the dock, being pulled behind a boat on a tube and flying off to roaring laughter from friends, being able to “stand up” on water skis for the first time, early morning fishing … the list goes on. Here are five reasons to search for that lakeside property you’ve always wanted.
Believe it or not, the foods you consume can play a major role in your overall state of mind. So if you are looking for ways to boost your mood and feel better overall, read on!
In February of this year, the Davison Auto Tech program was named one of the Top 4 in the nation as a finalist in the O’Reilly Auto Parts “Tomorrow’s Technician School of the Year” competition earning the program a $500 dollar gift card. “Our program went up against colleges, vocational schools and other high school programs across the country,” said Davison Auto Tech Teacher Andrew Michalik. “It’s a big honor and we are very proud of our program and our students.”
During high school, Rachel Phillpotts honed her soccer talent on the turf at refurbished Atwood Stadium. There, the Linden native was part of powerful Powers Catholic teams and concluded her prep career in unforgettable fashion, playing an integral role on the Chargers’ dominant 2017 team which captured a Division 3 state championship and finished 26-1-2.
There are approximately 79 lakes in Genesee County ranging in size from the tiny Atlas Mill Pond to sprawling Lake Fenton and Holloway Reservoir. The majority are private or have restricted access, unavailable to traveling fisherman or landlocked anglers; however, the public lakes provide a good variety and bounty of fish to make every trip worthwhile.
Earlier this spring, the Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) concluded its 27th Annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons at the James and Anne Duderstadt Center Gallery in Ann Arbor. The PCAP brings the art and talent of those impacted by the justice system to local communities for collaboration, mutual learning and growth. “We see art as a common language for people to connect with others across distances and differences,” says PCAP Director Nora Krinitsky. “PCAP connects justice-impacted persons to others through multiple programs such as the art exhibition, creative art workshops in prisons, our yearly literary journal and more.” “We’ve represented over 360 artists from all correctional facilities in Michigan,” says PCAP Community Engagement Specialist and Curator, Sarah Unrath. “There is a beautiful community of talented artists that exists in Michigan’s correctional facilities.” If you missed the exhibition in early spring, don’t worry. PCAP’s traveling exhibit entitled “Shared Humanity” will be coming to Flint in August. “We will open the exhibition on August 11 during the Flint Art Walk at the Greater Flint Arts Council, and I’m so excited!” Unrath exclaims.
It is hard to beat a Michigan summer … and even harder to beat if you are one of the lucky people who live on one of the beautiful lakes in, near or around our community. In April, with the almost 80-degree days sprinkled through the month, many of us have already seen the light at the end of the tunnel of winter to the long, sunny days headed our way. If you are in the market for a lake home to enjoy the reprieve of the cool water on hot summer days, now is the time to key into the market for a lake property and make a move.
Formed in 1971, the Flint Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) has celebrated 50 years!
We all know it’s true … Moms are the best cooks! Just ask multi-award-winning local news anchor and journalist, David Custer. He recently self-published a cookbook entitled Moms Make It Best. And in his eyes, his own mom, Judy Custer, makes the best food.
