BROWSING:  Special Section

The Greater Flint area’s abundance of successful men and women is the perfect inspiration for this year’s “Ten to Toast,” a celebration of individuals who embody the region’s spirit of resilience and achievement. With deep roots in industry, reinvention, and community strength, the county has long nurtured a culture where grit, determination, and creativity flourish. Local schools, colleges, and workforce programs provide accessible pathways for residents to build skills, explore careers, and develop strong leadership qualities.

It’s a new year, which means new goals and new experiences. Whether you want to spend more time outdoors, immerse yourself in the unfamiliar, or take that long-awaited family vacation, now is the time to start planning. Travel is a great way to accomplish any of these goals—from wellness retreats to cultural adventures. But planning a full trip yourself can be intimidating.

In 2026, family life in the Greater Flint area looks both familiar and very different from what it was a decade ago. The winding Genesee County backroads, tree-lined neighborhoods, and blue-water lakes remain a comforting backdrop—but inside many homes, a very different kind of noise has grown louder. Families report more daily stress, less time together, and a constant digital hum: notifications, streaming services, school portal pings, remote-work emails, online friendships, and algorithm-shaped hobbies.

Most people think of the gut as simply the place where food is broken down and absorbed, but the truth is far more fascinating. Your digestive system quietly supports almost every aspect of your well-being. It communicates with your brain, regulates inflammation, produces key nutrients, and serves as home to trillions of microbes that shape your health in ways many overlook. When your gut is thriving, your body is more resilient. When it is out of balance, everything from your mood to your immune defenses can be affected.

As we age, it’s easy to accept aches and changes as “just part of getting older.” But many aspects of good health — vision, hearing, dental health, mobility, and emotional well-being — can be maintained or even improved with consistent habits. For adults over 50 in the Greater Flint and Genesee County area, local resources and simple lifestyle strategies can help you stay active, healthy, and connected.

When we look back on our memories, big moments tend to stand out. But many of the things we cherish most are the small, everyday details: a certain song, a favorite smell, a tree, an evening. They may not take up much space in our lives, but they leave an undeniable imprint on our hearts and minds. Deer Park Vintage Co. understands the value of these moments—and they’re ready to share that experience with anyone willing to seek it out.

December is the month of festivities, generosity, togetherness, and magic. Of course, it also tends to become the month of busyness and—consequently—stress. But the holidays were never meant to focus on exhaustion or anxiety; they were meant for celebration.