The mission of the Junior League of Flint (JLF) is to promote volunteerism, develop women’s potential and improve the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. “We focus on anything to help women and children in Genesee County,” explains Jillian Norwood, Outgoing President. The longtime international organization has been in Flint since 1928 and currently has 50 active members from all over Genesee County. They also have a large group of 130 sustaining members who provide assistance and donations when needed.
Fourth of July celebrations in Genesee County are a little different this year. Many cities and towns have canceled their annual Independence Day events, including the city of Fenton. The annual Fenton Freedom Festival has attracted thousands of visitors over the years. The festival is a four-day event that includes a firework display at Silver Lake Park, parade, Rubber Ducky race, craft show, children’s games, barbecue, pancake breakfast and a 5K race. This year due to the pandemic, most of the events are canceled with the exception of a virtual race, virtual parade and fireworks display.
Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium will reopen to the public on July 8. They are working hard to assure visitors that they will have a safe and fun experience. However, it will feel different from your past visits. We appreciate your support as we adapt with science-driven practices that will help keep our community safe. The Family Play Area at Sloan will remain closed until the State of Michigan allows indoor play spaces to open.
Genesee County Habitat for Humanity (GCHFH) has received a grant of $5,000 from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint to support restart operations. The grant is from the Greater Flint Urgent Relief Fund and will be used to purchase signage, thermometers, gloves, cleaning supplies and masks necessary to continue operations safely through the COVID19 pandemic.
Rain or Shine, the third Annual Flying Pancake Fundraiser, brought to you by the Kiwanis Club of Lapeer and Chris Cakes, will go on as scheduled on Saturday, June 27 from 9am-12pm. The fundraiser will take place in Historic Lapeer, 410 W. Nepessing St., #106. To-go boxes will be available this year.
The Flint River Flotilla returns in a modified format for its 6th year between Aug. 1 – Aug. 16. The Corridor Alliance Chapter of the Flint River Watershed Coalition, in cooperation with Tenacity Brewing, is hosting a “virtual” float this year to ensure safety for participants and to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The 2020 Flint River Flotilla celebrates “The Virtual Adventure” with an 80s virtual character theme.
What is Juneteenth and why is it celebrated? According to history.com, Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is short for June 19 and, broadly speaking, commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. It is considered the longest running African American holiday.
