It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, with twinkling lights and decorated Christmas trees. But most importantly – Santa Claus has come to town!
Frankenmuth, the little Bavarian city to our north, lost two of its most influential and beloved citizens this fall. On October 16, Irene Bronner of Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a loving family, a supportive community and a world famous shop offering holiday wonders for all. Then, just three days later on October 19, prominent Frankenmuth businesswoman, Judy Zehnder Keller passed away. She was 77.
Acoustic guitar in hands, Rabbi Zoe McCoon greeted her new congregation with a stirring rendition of a traditional Jewish hymn and seemingly endless smiles.
Happiness is … cookies! Who doesn’t like to indulge in a few “to die for” Christmas cookies during the holidays? One way to enjoy a variety of the tasty treats is to host or attend a Christmas Cookie Exchange with your family members or co-workers. Sometimes called a Cookie Swap, each guest brings a different type of homemade cookie, which they swap with the other guests. It’s always nice to share your recipe, as well. Here are some of my favorite cookie recipes friends have shared with me.
On a wintry November 17, the Salvation Army held its Red Kettle Time 2 Ring Kickoff at Gaines Jewelry for the second consecutive year. As a rare honor, Proprietor David Gaines and his daughter Selina were chosen to co-chair the event. “The Salvation Army approached me and asked if both my daughter and I would like to co-chair the kickoff,” says Gaines. “It’s a great honor to help celebrate the beginning of this season’s bell-ringing efforts.”
The Flint community lost a longtime champion of the less fortunate as Sister Judy Blake has passed away at the age of 78.
On the campus of Mott Community College exists a smaller school, a different school – set up to function differently with the sole purpose of helping students who learn differently. Known as “slipaway” students, they may need extra help with their studies, or encouragement, or help with emotional or economic needs, or perhaps a challenge better than those provided at a traditional high school.
Michigan is one of the absolute best states for enjoying a memorable holiday season. It’s not too cold, it’s (usually) not too snowy and the people are downright neighborly. Scrooges here are few and far between. So, we at MCM say, “take advantage of it!” Embrace the beauty, fun and majesty of the holidays in the best way possible – with family, friends and a festive atmosphere. After decorating your home for the much-awaited December celebrations, why not collect those around you and head out to one of the happenings in Greater Flint or (if anything catches your fancy) a little further away. Get out-and-about and recapture that old Christmas spirit once again.
The Witch of November came in the night, and she was angry.
Cody and Shannon DeLorenzo have no idea how it all started. “We both knew what we wanted to do and, honestly, I don’t think either one of us remembers when we took the first step,” says Cody. “We both knew we wanted to be foster parents.” After they married in 2018, they got ready to begin the process. “Shannon was working as a foster care licensing manager, so we kind of knew what to expect. We started getting our house set up immediately,” recalls DeLorenzo. They reached out to a friend in Clio who put them in touch with a local organization as the first step in achieving their foster care license. “We were interviewed, had to provide income statements, and undergo a home visit that included measuring our rooms and everything,” he adds. “The process can take three to six months.”
As the crisp coolness of a mid-October afternoon settled over Bedford Valley Golf Club in Battle Creek, Kate Brody stood on a green dotted with colorful fallen leaves lining up what she hoped would be the final shot of an unforgettable high school career.
Shelly has worked with the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce for 30 years in a variety of roles – from receptionist to event planner, finances, membership and others. For the last decade, she has led the Chamber team as executive director. If you operate a business in the Fenton/Linden area, you’ve probably met Shelly! The Fenton native is a graduate of Lake Fenton High School and Baker College. Let’s find out a little bit more…
