In the heart of Fenton, Sawyer Jewelers is more than a jewelry store; this month, the business celebrates 78 years as a community cornerstone.

For many children in foster care, the holiday season can be a time of conflicting emotions, blending hope with heartache. “Many have never had the chance to experience traditional holiday celebrations as we know them,” states Mindy Williams, President and CEO of Whaley Children’s Center. Others might associate this season with loss, chaos, or even feelings of isolation, she adds. But at Whaley, the foster kids see the holidays as a chance to rewrite their stories – a time not only for presents, but also the lasting gifts of warmth, belonging and tradition.

By the time a child becomes a resident of Whaley Children’s Center, they have, on average, been through 12-15 different home placements, according to President/CEO Mindy Williams. “During their time at Whaley, they are provided with a sense of home and family, and eventually become kids again,” she states.

Builders Jerry and Lisa Sears of Signet Residential, Inc. recently designed and built a beautiful log home on an island located in the Straits of Mackinac. Like any custom home project they undertake, they were committed to quality design and construction. With over 70 years of combined experience crafting custom homes, they wanted to create the perfect, full-log home island getaway.

For most children and teenagers, summertime means freedom from school and excitement for no homework, more playtime and all the possibilities for the longer days … but that is not the case for all kids. For some, the long days of summer can be a time when behavioral health issues may need to be tended to more than usual with the lack of structured daily activity, more time spent at home, less time interacting with friends and lack of direction.

Even before the pandemic, there was a high demand for mental health services in our community, but not enough providers or funding. In fact, Genesee County had been without an inpatient adolescent behavioral health unit since 2005. After the isolation of the pandemic, mental health issues grew in our kids, creating difficulties both mentally and emotionally.

By Peggy Agar, Hurley Marketing/Social Media Specialist

On October 10, 2019, blues guitar legend Buddy Guy brings his electrifying live performance to The Capitol Theatre with support from Jimmie Vaughan.

Renowned performer Amy Grant brings her unique blend of contemporary Christian and pop music to The Capitol Theatre on September 27.

Musicians JJ Grey & Mofro and Jonny Lang have teamed up for a night of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll at The Capitol Theatre in Flint on August 17.

Who says #Throwbacks are reserved for Thursdays? The Pop 2000 Tour delivers the TRL moments that will bring you right back to the early 2000s. POP 2000 TOUR hosted by Lance Bass of *NSYNC, features performances by platinum-selling POP2K artists O-Town, Aaron Carter and Ryan Cabrera.