Sitting in my home office writing this letter, my view of Lake Fenton tells me that fall is nearly over. My house is in a very windy spot and most of the trees have lost their color – it’s that time of year when winter is only a few short, gray days and frost-covered mornings away. Bring it on, Old Man Winter – we can take it!
Of course, winter is a very tough for many area residents who struggle to stay warm, and simply survive. In this month’s “My Giving” section, Jessica Pressley offers the first of a two-part series on the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, and the important role they play in feeding so many needy people – to the tune of 25 million pounds of food annually. Also in this section is a story by Myron Manns about a true community leader and a fellow Flint Institute of Music Board Member, Dr. Samuel Dismond. Myron Manns enjoyed speaking with Dr. Dismond in preparing for this story, and I know you’ll enjoy it.
My City wants to play a role in Flint’s future, and we feel that we’re doing it by sharing stories about other organizations and individuals who are also pursuing this goal. Be sure to read the story about Kettering University’s investment in preserving Atwood Stadium as a community gathering place. Such great news! And, I know you’ll be surprised by the piece on the Flint MTA – did you know it’s one of the nation’s top public transportation systems? Truly impressive.
While the “big picture” stories are important, we get many comments on our up-close and personal pieces. In honor of Veterans Day, we salute a decorated WWII fighter pilot in this month’s “My Life” piece, we celebrate the incredible talent of a local artist (“My Passion”), and share the story of a Flint businesswoman whose difficult road to success has led her to help many others in the community.
We never run out of subjects for our “My Outreach” and “My Arts” categories; in case you haven’t noticed, Flint is certainly not lacking for inspiring and committed people to write about. And our city is most certainly a wealth of history; this month, MCM’s resident historian Jessica Pressley offers a look at The Elks in Flint – they’ve been meeting for over 100 years. A new series also begins this month about Michigan governors from Flint, beginning with Henry Howland Crapo. And don’t miss the third installment of Peter C’s music history series (betcha didn’t know he partied with The Who!)
I didn’t start this magazine to only share stories of happenings current and past – My City has its eye on the future, as well. I see a promising future for Flint and the surrounding communities. We will be reaching out to local business leaders, educators, and citizens to learn what they foresee and give you a glimpse of what Flint’s future WILL look like. Great times are ahead… if you’re reading this letter, I hope it’s because you plan to be a part of it.
My enthusiasm for my city must be apparent, and I’m blessed with a staff that shares in my passion. We take great care with our stories and have been so encouraged by the positive feedback we’ve received. I hope you’re enjoying each issue and are also visiting mycitymag.com for up-to-date info about happenings in and around Flint. Follow us on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook – we’re building a strong following with our readership… the positive energy is flowing!
To quote Elton John’s new song, “Home Again”:
If I could go back home, if I could go back home,
If I’d never left, I’d never have known
We all dream of leaving, but wind up in the end
Spending all our time trying to get back home again.
This is our home… so many of us feel deeply connected to this area on many levels. When you really care for something, you must feed it and protect it. My City Magazine was created to nurture the spirit of those who truly feel that Flint is their home. Get on board! We’re open to suggestions for content – visit mycitymag.com/contact. While you’re there, check out our web-exclusive content, too.
Although it should be a season without end, the season for giving is officially underway. Give from your wallet, give of your time, give what you can. There are endless ways to get involved, make things happen and help others in your city.
On behalf of Team MCM, Happy Thanksgiving to all!
 |
Vince Lorraine, Publisher & Editor in Chief |
PHOTO BY NAARAH MYERS
