BROWSING:  Afterthought

Who doesn’t like making plans for something fun? Whether it’s a night out with your closest friends or significant other to celebrate Valentine’s Day, a child’s birthday party, a Caribbean cruise, a weekend getaway with family, or even a wedding, planning joyful moments gives us something to look forward to. The cold days of February give us the perfect excuse to cozy up by the living room fireplace, scroll through ideas on our phones or tablets, and begin dreaming about what the rest of the year could hold. Often overlooked, February is actually the perfect month to plan the most meaningful events of the year.

As the rush of Christmas and New Year’s fades and the holiday decorations come down, January offers a special kind of peace — a chance to slow down, breathe, and settle into a true Michigan winter. After the frenzy of gift-giving, travel, parties, and celebrations, there’s something grounding and almost restorative about quiet winter days: the hush after a fresh snowfall, the crisp chill in the air, and the promise of new routines.

The holidays have a way of slowing time—of softening the edges of everyday life until everything seems wrapped in warmth and light. In Genesee County, that feeling is especially strong. Maybe it’s the snow that drapes itself over the pines and rooftops, or the way familiar places—Flint’s historic downtown, Fenton’s cozy storefronts, Grand Blanc’s glowing windows—take on a special kind of magic this time of year. But more than anything, it’s the people: the loud, the quiet, the cheerful, and the cranky relatives who somehow make the holidays whole.

Veterans Day 2025 holds deep meaning for Greater Flint — a region with strong ties to military service, manufacturing, and civic pride. In Genesee County and across surrounding Mid-Michigan communities, honoring veterans isn’t just about gratitude; it’s a reaffirmation of who we are — resilient, service-minded, and deeply rooted in shared values.

Do you remember your high school home-coming?

There’s something undeniably special about September in mid-Michigan. As summer fades into fall, the region transforms into a vibrant tapestry of color, culture, and crisp autumn air. The sweltering heat of July and August gives way to comfortably cool temperatures, making it one of the most enjoyable times of the year to explore everything the area has to offer. From outdoor festivals and fall colors to harvest-season activities and high school football, September is a month that perfectly blends relaxation and excitement.

As families start their back-to-school shopping, it’s time to think about what healthy snacks, drinks and lunches you plan to send to school with your child.

Every summer, without fail, it begins: the highly unpublicized, fiercely uncompetitive and proudly unproductive event known as The Lawn Chair Olympics.

Ah, June … the official start of summer – a time when the air is thick with the scent of charcoal, fresh-cut grass and perhaps a hint of overly enthusiastic lawn fertilizer.

The flags still wave, though the crowd has gone home.

Every April, stargazers and space enthusiasts worldwide unite for Global Astronomy Month, a celestial celebration organized by Astronomers Without Borders. First launched in 2009 during the International Year of Astronomy, the month-long event encourages everyone to pause, look up and rediscover the wonders of the night sky.

When you think of St. Patrick’s Day, images of shamrocks, leprechauns and lively celebrations probably come to mind. But no celebration of Irish heritage would be complete without the mesmerizing spectacle of Irish step dancing. From the rapid-fire footwork to the stiff upper bodies, this traditional dance form has captivated audiences for centuries.