My City December 2021

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF Vince Lorraine

F R O M T H E P U B L I S H E R

E D I T O R I A L MANAGING EDITOR Sherron Barden

A R T & D E S I G N GRAPHIC DESIGNER Brett LaCross

DEAR READERS, We’re excited to reveal our 2021 Cityzen of the Year, ELGA Credit Union CEO, Karen Church. Her reputation as a successful businesswoman and dedicated community servant made our choice an easy one. On behalf of Team MCM, our sincerest congratulations! Karen’s 45-year career has such a great story – it starts on p.8. Even after nearly nine years of highlighting the outstanding people of Greater Flint, we always find new stories to tell.We have profiles of Genesee Literacy Network, working to improve lives by raising literacy levels (p.12) and The Disability Network, helping the disabled community in so many ways (p.16) – the importance of both missions cannot be overstated. We’ve always highlighted Flint’s robust arts community, and truly enjoy sharing the variety of unique opportunities right here in our city.We caught up withTracee Glab,Curator of Collections and Exhibitions for the Flint Institute of Arts, to get a peek inside her role at FIA and some highlights of their upcoming offerings (p.24).And in the “My Music” spot (p.30) is a piece featuring three of the many gifted artists who will perform with the Flint Symphony Orchestra on December 18 atTheWhiting, as the “Holiday Pops”concert returns to bring Christmas spirit to Greater Flint – a joyous occasion, indeed! This time of year can be especially hard on people who can’t be with their loved ones, such as those serving overseas in the military. For 20 years, Louise Downs Blain and her organization, Desert Angels, Inc. have provided a little bit of comfort and joy to soldiers all over the world with her “Miracle Box” care packages. Read this inspiring and heartwarming story on p.20. Our history features are always so popular, and we’re honored to have one written by guest contributor, Judge Duncan M. Beagle: “My Affection for Atwood.” Judge Beagle has been instrumental in preserving Atwood Stadium and making it a vibrant part of the community; he offers a look at his favorite moments throughout Atwood’s rich history. The holidays mean different things to different people, and we have an interesting piece that takes a look at the “Season of Holidays” (p.34) and 16 observances occurring between November 28 and January 1. I’ll bet there are a few you didn’t know about. Whatever holiday you celebrate, I wish you all a season filled with the love of family and friends. Thanks for reading,

ASSISTANT EDITOR / WR ITER Peter Hinterman

WEB DEVELOPER / GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Boedecker

STAFF WR ITER Cheryl Denni son

PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Jagielo

FREELANCE WR ITERS Mark Spezia

O P E R A T I O N S

ACCOUNTING/CI RCULATION Kim Davi s

CONTR IBUTING WR ITERS Ed Bradley Er in Caudel l Dr. Christopher Douglas Vera Hogan Joel P. Lagore Alexandr ia Nolan Les l ie Toldo

NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Dan Garman

S A L E S

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Terese Al len

5152 COMMERCE RD. FLINT, MI 48507 810.230.1783 - MYCITYMAG.COM ISSN#1559-3436 is published monthly by My City Magazine, Inc., 5152 Commerce Rd., Flint, MI 48507. Canadian Mail Agreement #41971515. For back issues, inquire for availability. Editorial Cor respondence: Address product information and inquiries to: Editorial Department, My City Magazine, 5152 Commerce Rd., Flint, MI 48507, phone 810.230.1783. To authors, photographers, and people featured in this publication: All materials, articles, reports and photographs in this publication are the property of My City Magazine and cannot be used without written permission. The opinions and conclu sions recited herein are those of the respective authors and not of My City Magazine. My City Magazine is not responsible for returning unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other materials. Every effort will be made however, to return rejected manuscripts, etc., if they are accompanied by sufficient first-class postage, but the publisher will not be responsible for any loss of such material. Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved. | Printed in U.S.A.

VINCE LORRAINE PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF VINCE@MYCITYMAG.COM

COVER PHOTO BY TIM JAGIELO

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8

My Community

8 MCM Cityzen of the Year

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ELGA Credit Union CEO, Karen Church

12 Literacy for Life Flint & Genesee

My Music 30 Joyful Noise!

Literacy Network My Outreach 16 The Disability Network A Voice for the Community 20 20 Years of Miracles Desert Angels, Inc. My Arts 24 A Conversation with Tracee Glab Curator of Collections & Exhibitions, Flint Institute of Arts

The Return of “Holiday Pops” My Story 34 The Season of Holidays My Dish 46 Nutrish & Delish! My Hobby 48 Downhill Adventurers Schussmeisters’ Ski

& Board Club My History 52 My Affection for Atwood Stadium

CONTENTS By Judge Duncan M. Beagle

December 2021

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46

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My Haps 56 Arab-American

My Finances 66 Be Extra Generous This Year By Joel P. LaGore My Thoughts 68 Christmas Traditions Old & New By Cheryl Dennison 69 My Can’t Miss List My Travels 70 Train Life

Heritage Council Awards Banquet

58 HSGC Ties &

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Tails Fundraiser My Reality

60 God Bless Us, Every One!

By Vera Hogan My Musings 62 The Sweater May Not Be Ugly to Everyone By Leslie Toldo My Econ 64 Why Taming Inflation Will Be Hard By Dr. Christopher Douglas

By Alexandria Nolan My Afterthought

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72 A Tale of Charity & Good Will

The Coronary Care Unit (CCU) was recently awarded the bronze-level Beacon Award of Excellence by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). e Beacon Award is granted to individual units displaying exceptional patient care and a healthy work environment. CCU earned this award by meeting the following evidence-based Beacon Award for Excellence criteria: • Leadership Structures and Systems • Appropriate Staffing and Staff Engagement • Effective Communication, Knowledge Management, Learning and Development • Evidence-Based Practice and Processes • Outcome Measurements CCU is one of only ten combined CCU/ICU units in the United States, the ONLY combined CCU/ICU in Michigan to receive this prestigious designation.The journey to achieving the Beacon Award required a lot of dedication and perseverance by the CCU nursing staff, further demonstrating their strong commitment and desire to improve practice and patient care. The Beacon Award is a reserved recognition for Hurley’s hardworking CCU nursing staff. Please help congratulate them on this prestigious award! “What differentiates the nursing staff of this unit is truly their passion and commitment to go above and beyond in caring for patients as if they are members of their own family. Their ability to communicate well with doctors from different specialties and patients’ families is exemplary!” M. Luay Alkotob, MD, FACC, FSCAI Coronary Care Unit (CCU) Achieves Beacon Award of Excellence BY PATRICIA UHDE, HURLEY MEDICAL CENTER PHOTO BY DOUG PIKE, HURLEY MEDICAL CENTER

ADVERTORIAL

“The critical care team at HMC is proud of our CCU nursing staff for receiving the Beacon Award of Excellence. It is one of only ten combined ICU/CCU units in the United States, and the only one in Michigan to receive this prestigious award.The CCU team is a family that gave, and continues to give their best clinical care – truly clinical excellence and service to people. I am very proud and glad to be part of this team.” Elfateh Seedahmed, M.D. Š

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Cityzen of the Year 2021 Karen Church CEO, ELGA Credit Union

BY CHERYL DENNISON Š PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM JAGIELO

Karen Church, CEO of ELGA Credit Union, has been selected as Cityzen of the Year! She is the third person MCM has recognized as one who is an advocate for the community and goes above and beyond to make it a better place through volunteerism and service. And this is a very special year for Church, as she will retire in February 2022. Church sat down with MCM to talk about her love for her community, her years with the credit union, her service in the City of Flint and plans for the future. “I’m a little bit sad,” Church admits. “ELGA CU has been my life for 45 years.” Church was born in Flint, one of seven children. Her father owned an appliance store in Flint where she

started working at a very young age.Then, her parents picked up and moved the family to the country, to the small town of Otisville. Wanting to work and attend school at the same time, Church asked a teacher if she could participate in a co-op program. At the time, Lakeville MHS had no co-op program, so Church helped create one and began working at ELGA Credit Union during her senior year. After a couple years’ break, she returned to the credit union as a full-time employee. She started out stuffing envelopes, then became a teller, a lender, and held other positions until 1993, when she was selected as the CEO. “The more I learned, the more I was given to do!” she exclaims. t

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“I love our Downtown Branch. We are part of the Downtown atmosphere. It was a good move for us.”

ELGA Credit Union grew from a single location to 14 branches – from $100 million in 2001 to $1.2 billion in assets today. “I have an amazing team of people who do a great job,” she shares. “I’m just their coach and cheerleader.” She is especially proud of one of the newest branches, located in Downtown Flint on Saginaw Street. “We had wanted a Downtown Flint branch since 2001,” she says. “I love our Downtown Branch. We are part of the Downtown atmosphere. It was a good move for us.” Volunteerism and community service was and is a priority for ELGA CU. Church has served on the Catholic Charities Board of Directors for six years. “I had my eyes opened to the needs of the city and to all that Catholic Charities provides,” she says. “They really fill in the gap to meet the needs of those who live in poverty.” What Church appreciates most is seeing those in need walk through the doors of Catholic Charities without being judged. She remembers an evening when she walked into a Catholic Charities board meeting and saw a father and his young children

waiting outside. After inquiring why they were there, Church was told they were waiting for the Warming Center to open. “It was cold outside and it never occurred to me that children would be going to the Warming Center,” she remembers. So, after the meeting, she decided to go to the Warming Center and see for herself what it was like. There were three families with children there. “They were laying on the floor. There were no beds, and they were laying with their heads on the table,” she recalls. “Each one had a different story. It broke my heart and I cried on the way home. I plan to work more on improving the homeless situation after I retire.” Church has been working on Catholic Charities’Tiny Home Project which will hopefully kick off in the spring. “There are plans for 20 tiny homes for the homeless (on Saginaw Street),” she reports. “We hope to give people a place they can call home.” She is also involved in working on the St. Michael’s Catholic Church remodel, a project that is dear to her heart.

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MCM asked Church some questions about the importance of volunteerism and community service in her life. What motivates you to volunteer? “I love seeing what can be accomplished when people work together, giving of their hearts and their time. It is a great way to learn about other people. I learn so much about our ELGA CU associates when we are doing a community project.The associates volunteer 16 hours a year. We hire people who want to give back, and they learn so much about their coworkers while helping the community.” What causes do you support? “I have hosted the 100 Women Igniting Change group for several years – it’s an exciting way for women to join together and support local charitable organizations. I also enjoyed being a part of the Greater Flint Community Foundation’s Women Girls Advisory Council for eight years. My husband and I even started an endowment fund for literacy to support the cause in our area.This past year, I was a part of the Business, Banking and Workforce Development Subcommittee of the Greater Flint Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, which addresses inequities in minorities and businesses. ELGA CU loves to work with small businesses whose owners have a vision to make their business profitable.There are banking services available for everyone.” What has been the most Rewarding work at ELGA CU? “My work has been very rewarding. We help people establish credit, buy their first car, open their first bank account. Seeing members start out with no hope to save and borrow, ending up in a much better place, going from good to great, has been very rewarding. ELGA has been involved in many volunteer activities over the years, including the Diaper Drive, Stuff the Blue Goose Toy Drive, filling a utility truck with school supplies, making blankets for patients at Hurley, Habitat for Humanity and Relay For Life.” Tell us about a time when you feel you changed someone’s life. “I’m most proud of the work we did for the Neumann family in Clio whose two children had been diagnosed with cancer.Their house was in desperate need of major repair. We were able to find volunteers

MEG O. LINCE PHOTOGRAPHY

from every trade who worked to get the house up to code – it was truly a ‘Miracle Makeover.’ I am also proud of the annual ‘Ginormous’Tent Sale held at ELGA CU, which benefits Catholic Charities.” How has volunteering impacted your life? “Volunteering and performing community service makes me really grateful for all that we are given. It is so fulfilling to bring something to fruition with the help of others, and to see how you can make an impact on someone else’s life. It makes my heart happy to see how happy it makes others.” Church and her husband, Duane, have two adult children and six grandchildren. Their daughter and her husband have three sons and live in Grand Rapids, MI. Their son and his wife adopted a baby through Michigan’s Safe Delivery system, which allows parents to voluntarily surrender a newborn and declare their wish to put the baby up for adoption. “It is such a beautiful program,” says Church. The couple has since become the parents of twins. Future Plans What Church looks forward to most after retirement is spending more time with the grandchildren and traveling with her husband. She will also continue serving the needy in Downtown Flint.”I have had a love for the city, always!” she exclaims. “Flint has heart – even when we are down, we always come back stronger. There are many people who envision a better Flint.” Church will continue to volunteer and help others. “Giving back has always been part of my life. It doesn’t matter what you have, you can share it with others.The more generous you are, the more you receive.” Š

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Literacy for Life

Flint & Genesee

Literacy Network

BY CHERYL DENNISON

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FLINT LITERACY NETWORK & MIA NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

“to seek out, convene, align and build capacity in partners who improve the lives of individuals, children and families of Flint and Genesee County by radically raising literacy levels.”

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THE FGLN HOSTS COMMUNITY CONNECTION SESSIONS FOR

B orn and raised in Flint, Angela Hood Beauregard, Executive Director of the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network (FGLN) is proud to be a product of Flint Community Schools. She has traveled the world but chose to work and live in Flint. In her

DISCUSSION OF VARIOUS TOPICS, MOST RECENTLY “EQUITY AND EDUCATION. ”

Mott Community College, as well as significant grants received from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and the C.S. Mott Foundation. The Hagerman Foundation and the Dollar General Literacy Fund have also supported the Network. FGLN works with more than 60 community partners in three different categories: Funding Partners, Learning Partners and System Partners. “We support the partners as they proceed with the program,” Hood-Beauregard explains, “And, we support programs that contribute to multigenerational literacy and entire families.” The Executive Director says FGLN is fiercely committed to partners who work toward whole family and long-term outcomes over the lifespan of individuals. “Our understanding of literacy is multi-dimensional,” Hood-Beauregard states. “We know that increasing literacy levels means strengthening skills related to reading, numeracy, digital technology, workforce readiness.” The FGLN partners include Crim Education Foundation, Lenore Croudy Family Life Center, Active Boys for Christ, Educare Flint, and the Flint Development Center, among others. t

position with FGLN, she is able to share her passion for the importance of reading and literacy.The leader of the FGLN since 2019, Hood-Beauregard is currently pursuing her PhD at Michigan State University. “I am a lifelong student and working with the network was the perfect opportunity to merge my passion for learning into making a difference,” she shares. According to Hood-Beauregard, the mission of the FGLN is “to seek out, convene, align and build capacity in partners who improve the lives of individuals, children and families of Flint and Genesee County by radically raising literacy levels.” The Network is funded by grants and the support of

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Community Read Now in its sixth year, Community Read is currently a virtual program that is held on the first Saturday of each month from 11am-1pm. “The program is intended to engage the community in promoting inclusion and understanding of differing points of view through a literary journey,” Hood Beauregard states. For 2021-22, the book under discussion is Caste: The Origin of our Discontents , by Isabel Wilkerson.The book is described as “an eye-opening story about people and history, and a reexamination of what lies under the surface of ordinary lives and of American lives today.” Program participants form breakout groups for a discussion exercise, Hood-Beauregard explains, when they delve deeper into the book. “That’s where the real magic happens,” she adds. In September, a Community Read registration event was held at the Flint Farmers’ Market. “We distributed 200 free books!” Hood-Beauregard exclaims. At the first session, there were 52 participants. Currently, 232 people are registered for the program that began in October and runs through April 2022. A closing celebration is held at the program’s end, which Hood-Beauregard hopes can be an in-person event. It’s not too late to participate in Community Read, Hood-Beauregard reports. “We invite folks to join us – even if it is just to listen,” she notes. And participants don’t have to read the entire book or attend every session. “We just want people to fall in love with reading!” Š To register for Community Read, visit flintliteracynetwork.org/events/ community-read-2/

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P ROVIDING A V OICE FOR THE C OMMUNITY BY PETER HINTERMAN Š PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE DISABILITY NETWORK

F ounded over three decades ago,The Disability Network (TDN) has been providing a voice for the disabled community in Greater Flint and around the country. “TDN is a grassroots organization that advocates on behalf of the disabled,” says TDN CEO, Luke Zelley.The organization was started by Mike Zelley, Luke’s father, after he attended a meeting of the Genesee County handicapped Alliance in 1992. Of the 60 people in the room, only two (including himself ) identified as disabled. He thought that the disabled community should have more robust representation in the county and quickly started TDN to fulfill that goal. Since that time, TDN helps an average of 10,000 people each year through local programming and has helped over 100,000 throughout the nation via government policy changes for which they fought and advocated. “One of the results we are most proud of is the passing of the ‘Money Follows The Person Act’ in 2005,” says Zelley. “We

worked with bill co-sponsor Dale Kildee to help get disabled individuals on Medicaid out of nursing facilities and back to their own homes. Studies show that disabled individuals placed in nursing homes live for an average of 16 months.The Act gives individuals options that could prolong their lives.”The bill authorized the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue grants to help move Medicaid individuals to a residence of their choosing. Today, the program is Medicaid-eligible and no longer relies on federal funding. TDN continues to contact nursing homes to identify eligible persons, whether on Medicaid or not, and works to transition them to a more comfortable place. Over time, the services at TDN have evolved to cover as many needs for the disabled as possible both in personal programs and out in the community. “Our programs are divided between the needs of the individual and what is needed for the disabled community in society,” explains Zelley. “As the understanding of the definition of disabled has evolved, our services have, as well.”

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For individuals, TDN provides: Information – TDN finds disabled individuals the resources and services they need and provides the strategies and help to make sure services are gained in the areas of housing, transportation, employment, benefits, discrimination and legal rights, needed equipment and accessibility. Peer Support – A variety of support groups and individual counseling are available for those struggling to adapt. “Our volunteers and team members know the road those with disabilities have to travel. Our organization is unique in this respect, as 90% of our team identifies as disabled,” adds Zelley. “Nearly 85% of disabled persons are not born disabled – they become disabled and living with a disability is a big change.” Self-Advocacy – TDN assists disabled individuals with understanding their rights in society and the workforce and trains them to be self-advocates. Skill-Building – TDN offers empowerment, money management and transportation training, as well as assistive technology evaluations/demonstrations and computer classes. Ramp Installation – For people entering rehab or on hospice care, TDN provides temporary ramp installation to help them move in and out of their home. “We want to help people regain their independence and give them a sense of dignity,” says Zelley. “We currently have six ramps that were provided by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and each person can use a ramp for up to 90 days. We currently have a 50-person wait list.” Nursing Home Transitions Assistance - TDN provides services with the goal of transitioning disabled persons from nursing homes to the residence of their choice. For the community, TDN provides: Community Advocacy – TDN advocates for the disabled community members at the local, state and federal levels and pushes for policy leading to the betterment of their lives and opportunities. Technical Assistance – Collaboration with organizations such as MTA and local Chambers of Commerce help with decisions of accessibility and programming. “For example, we often consult with contractors to inform them how to best make buildings accessible,” adds Zelley. Outreach and Community Education – TDN works with business and organization leadership to dispel t

“O UR VOLUNTEERS AND TEAM MEMBERS KNOW THE ROAD THOSE WITH DISABILITIES HAVE TO TRAVEL . W E ARE UNIQUE IN THIS RESPECT , AS 90% OF OUR TEAM IDENTIFIES AS DISABLED .” LUKE ZELLEY, TDN CEO

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myths and uncover hidden bias against the disabled, especially disabled workers. “Disabled individuals make great employees, contrary to what we are led to believe,” says Zelley. “In Genesee County, nearly 20,000 disabled persons are not working and over 43% have a college education.” The organization also speaks at schools and other venues to educate about the disabled. Youth Programs – Ongoing “Camp of Life” and “Wrenching” programs teach disabled teens independent living skills that will follow them throughout their lives. Event Engagement – TDN raises awareness of the disabled and what they are capable of through community events and fundraisers such as community picnics and holiday parties, and their annual “Over the Edge” fundraiser. “Our events are very important,” explains Zelley. “We want to engage the population and show them who we are and what we can do. Over 70% of people are terrified to talk to a disabled person. Being out in the community raises the visibility of our population and can help people be more comfortable around disability.” For Zelley and TDN, the community plays a big role in the success and happiness of its clientele. “To help us in our mission, the easiest thing to do is to volunteer at organizations with a goal of helping the disabled in any way,” he says. “Invite them to speak at your business, school or club and rethink disability.The definition of disability that we had in the past has now changed. Today, disability is not as visible. It includes persons with asthma, diagnosed with mental illness or ADHD, diabetes and more. Approximately 2% of people in any organization are living with a disability.” This coming year,TDN will move to a new, fully-accessible facility near the MTA at the corner of Dort Hwy. and Lapeer Rd. If you are disabled and need support, The Disability Network is there to help, no documentation needed. “We are unique in that respect. Most programs require medical authorization for their services,” says Zelley. “Just contact us and we will help as best we can.” Visit disnetwork.org or call 810.742.1800. TDN is also open for volunteers and donations. Currently, all donations received will be put toward acquiring more ramps that are in such high demand. Š

F OR TDN’ S “O VER T HE E DGE ” FUNDRAISER , BRAVE F LINT CITIZENS , DISABLED AND NON - DISABLED , RAPPEL DOWN THE SIDE OF THE HISTORIC D URANT BUILDING .

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20 YEARS OF MIRACLES

BY VERA HOGAN

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DESERT ANGELS, INC.

W ho doesn’t look for ward to opening spe cially wrapped boxes from friends and loved ones during the holiday season? Those boxes become even more mean ingful when they’re received by members of the military serving their country in every part of the world, especially the most remote and dangerous areas. Depending on the location of the de ployment, receiving these boxes can be a true miracle when they contain the much needed and wanted items from home. That’s why every box sent by Desert Angels, Inc., a volunteer faith ministry founded 20 years ago by Louise Downs Blain of Linden, is called a “Miracle Box.” Blain said she attended the funeral for a young Michigan soldier named

PFC Joseph ( Joe) A. Miracle, who gave his life for his country on July 5, 2007. He had only been in Afghani stan for 25 days. “I did not know Joe, but went to the funeral visitation. On my way home, God put it on my heart to name our boxes ‘Miracle Boxes’ af ter PFC Joseph A. Miracle,” she said. Each box contains a photo of Joe, a bit of information about his life and service, a note of encouraging words, a U.S. flag and a prayer cloth. Desert Angels’ mission began in October 2001. Blain had been sending

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PFC JOSEPH A. MIRACLE

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products that was donated to Desert Angels.The boxes happened to go to a military drug patrol ship off the coast of South America. “Due to prisoners aboard the ship, they could not go into port to get these products,” she said. Members of law enforcement are also benefactors of Desert Angels’ kindness – DA Blue – snack baskets for police personnel. “They put their lives on the line daily,” Blain said. So, what goes into these Miracle Boxes? They contain holiday items, socks, personal care products, toilet ries, sun block and wipes which are especially in demand. Snack packets with crackers, hard candy, cookies, tea, coffee, nuts, dried fruit and anything that can be mixed with water are much appreciated, as are fun things like play ing cards, crosswords and other small puzzle books. “We encourage people to purchase items for the boxes and they are beyond generous,” Blain said. t

LOUISE DOWNS BLAIN

of the tragedy. “We were attacked. We were all united and couldn’t do enough for each other,” she said. As for her new mission, Blain said, “God directed it. He used me and taught me everything.” She provided an example of divine intervention with the story of a large supply of oral hygiene

care packages to her best friend’s son in the Air Force. “He was stationed in the middle of nowhere,” she recalls. “He shared the contents of the boxes with others in his unit who asked, ‘Who sent these boxes? It must be an angel – it must be a Desert An gel.’” Hence, the name was born. This was right after 9/11 and Blain said it was a time when Ameri cans were frightened but determined not to let the attack shake their re solve. Kindness, generosity and patri otism were among the positive results

RECIPIENTS SHARE THE BOUNTY WITH EACH OTHER AND WITH ALLY UNITS.

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E ach box is addressed to someone in the military and must be sent through the U.S. Postal Service. The recipients share the bounty with everyone in their unit and with ally units from different countries. Donations and names of troops are obtained through word of mouth and social media, Blain said. “We don’t knock on doors – people come to us. Deployed medical units and field hos pitals have requested T-shirts, briefs, socks, sheets and personal care items. “If you have a loved one serving, we want their address,” Blain said. “Email Louise@TheDesertAngel.org and we will send monthly Miracle Boxes to them. This is our mission.”

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THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, VOLUNTEERS GATHER TO FILL BOXES AT PACKING PARTIES.

Throughout the year, volunteers gather for “packing parties.”The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts,The Zonta Club of Flint and Knights of Columbus are among the Desert Angels’ biggest supporters.The Linden Boy Scouts have been helping for five years, and the

Oakland County Sportsman Club for about 15 years. Holly Goodwill store, and Cause & Effect Gallery of Fenton also are supporters. Instead of an annual Christmas party, some of Desert Angels’ private corporate friends host employee packing parties. Miracle Quilts for the

Wounded is a part of Desert Angels, and Treats for Troops has collected candy for Christmas stockings that will be mailed to deployed military.

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I remember like it was yesterday the very first box I got from my Angel. I had just spent about six hours in the sweltering hot sun on patrol and was headed back to base to rearm and refuel. I knew that I had about 30 minutes til I had to head out again. I was in a foul mood as the hot sun and heavy gear had made me sweat through all my clothes including my boots and the wind was blowing sand in our faces and sticking to my sweat-soaked uniform. I had a choice to make: race up to the chow hall and hope to grab some hot food before we rolled out again and remain in my sweat and sand-soaked clothing, or grab a change of clothes and go without food for another patrol. I chose to change, so I headed to my room in a huff and rush. On my way there was a private trying to talk with me. I passed him by without a glance and headed toward my room, but he started to chase me. As he almost caught up, I was stopped dead in my tracks at what he had just yelled down the hall to me.What did he say? I remember asking myself. Did he say mail?Then again, he said “SGT G you have mail, it’s a box for you!” It was as if the whole world’s problems suddenly vanished, and a weight was lifted from my shoulders. I had a surge of energy as I felt almost like a giddy schoolboy. I turned around and asked, “mail for me?”He tossed the box my way (time slows, as the box sails through the air).Mail for me ? Who can it be from, what could it be and why?The feeling of hope suddenly creeps back into you, wash ing away all that bone-deep weariness that comes from long hours that wear away at your resolve, turning it into despair. A Soldier ’ s Thank You

I catch the box and yell back “Thanks man!” I open my door, set down my rifle, strip off my armor so it might have a second or two to dry out, but I can’t wait to open the box. So, standing there in my sweaty uniform I look at the little box, slowing things down a bit, savoring every second. I roll the box over looking at it, no indication of what ’s inside so I turn it over again to look at the address. Yup, it ’s for me. The return label says Desert Angels. Hmm, nobody I know. “Strange” I say to myself, but on with it. I opened it up like a kid on Christmas. I tear into it. First inside is a letter, this will give me a clue as to who and why. But the kid inside got the better of me. I set the let ter aside and dug into the box – granola bars and beef jerky, a couple of stuffed animals and a package of baby wipes. Whoever this Desert Angel was, she was for one thing properly named. I had chosen to forgo food in order to get out of my sweat and sand-soaked uniform and she had provided a meal that I could eat on the go to sustain me though the next pa trol, and baby wipes so I could freshen up instead of just change. It was truly a mir acle box. I remember leaving for the next patrol feeling excited and refreshed with a granola bar in my stomach and a pocketful of beef jerky. I had the best of both worlds, food and a fresh change of clothes. I got many more Miracle Boxes, but that was the very first one and I will always remember it the most. I have al ways told Louise “Desert Angel” Downs that the words “thank you” will never truly describe what or how I feel for her support but until they come up with my feelings in words, they will have to do. Jonathan, SGT U.S. Army Š

Blain had a chance to enjoy a trip to The White House with Gold Star families during President George W. Bush’s administration. “I got to meet all of his staff and First Lady, Laura Bush. It was an awesome time! We had a Tex as-style breakfast on the East Lawn. I gave President Bush a prayer cloth and he gave me a kiss on the cheek. I was honored to be with Gold Star Families – families that had given so much.” Blain said she doesn’t want to get “wrapped up with numbers,” but over the past 20 years, thousands of Miracle Boxes have been sent. She an ticipated that more than 1,000 boxes would be sent this Christmas season. What do troops want more than anything? Handwritten notes and pictures colored by children are also much appreciated.“A card or letter from someone to let them know we care,” Blain shared. “Just knowing that someone they don’t know sup ports them is what they want.” For more info and to submit names and addresses of troops to receive Miracle Boxes, visit thedesertangel.org or call 248.736.6403.

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“Curators must reach out to the community and people they serve while continuing to expand what the museum has to offer in an attempt to tell a more complete story of art.”

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A Conversation with Tracee Glab Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, Flint Institute of Arts

BY PETER HINTERMAN

PHOTOS BY TIM JAGIELO & PROVIDED BY FIA

research assistant and publications editor, but I really wanted to one day be a curator. When the job opened for an assistant at the FIA in 2009, I applied and was hired. My first big responsibility was taking care of the Bray Gallery and our one-of-a-kind French tapestries.The Bray Gallery is one of the things that is special about the FIA. Soon after, I became the Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, overseeing the complete collection. MCM: I suspect that many of our readers (myself included) are not really sure what the job of a curator entails. So, may I ask: what is a curator? TG: (Laughs) Good question! To start, let me go back in history a bit.The word “curator” comes from the latin word “cura”meaning “to care for.” In the past, it referred to someone who takes care of objects in a museum and is knowledgeable about those objects and their history. That remains true today, but the position has expanded to include programming and community aspects.Today, curators must reach out to the community and people they serve while continuing to expand what the museum has to offer in an attempt to tell a more complete story of art. At the FIA, I am responsible for the nearly 9,000 items in our possession, 95% of which lie in storage, awaiting their next exhibition. We are currently attempting to make all of our catalog accessible via print, or at flintarts.org. Another part of the job is to identify gaps or missing pieces in the collection. I have a long wish list of artists, subjects and styles I would love to get my hands on! Sometimes, things on the list do come up for purchase, but are far too expensive. t

Established in 1928, the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) is the second largest art museum in Michigan and the third largest museum art school in the nation. It boasts an impressive collection of nearly 9,000 items in a variety of genres from locations and artists spanning the globe. With a mission to advance the understanding and appreciation of art for all through collections, exhibitions and many educational programs, the FIA serves more than 160,000 people per year by making art, film and education easily accessible for anyone with the desire and appreciation of art in all its forms. Tracee Glab joined the FIA in 2009 as assistant curator after working for ten years at the Detroit Institute of Arts in multiple roles. Today, she is the FIA’s Curator of Collections and Exhibitions overseeing the vast FIA collection and organizing current and future exhibitions. Glab graciously agreed to speak with MCM about her role at the Institute and what we can expect in the upcoming year. MCM: Good afternoon, Tracee. We appreciate you taking the time to speak with us. TG: You’re very welcome! I love that you want to talk to me about the FIA. It’s my pleasure. MCM: You came to the FIA from the Detroit Institute of Arts. How did you make that choice? Had you visited the FIA before your decision? TG: Yes, I did! I was in Flint for an exhibition well before applying for the assistant curator position. I was at the DIA for ten years as a

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PHOTOGRAPH FROM THE UPCOMING “SONS: SEEING THE MODERN AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE”

MCM: The FIA has so much of its collection in storage. How are the pieces made available to the public? TG: We rotate our collection regularly to provide a fresh look in the galleries and we display much of our collections in exhibitions. For example, our current “Steeped in Tradition” exhibition is made up of objects that have been in storage for some time. It features contemporary teaware that has been donated to us over the years, now ready for display along with newly acquired items. MCM: You mentioned newly acquired items. What is that process like? How do you choose? TG: Since it began in 1928, the FIA has relied upon items donated by the community. I would say that 93% of our collection came to us via donation. When an item is offered (or we find something we would like to acquire), we have to review it. We determine the item’s condition and determine whether it fits somehow with our current collections. We don’t want to obtain an item to never display it – that isn’t serving our public. If it fits, I recommend the item to our Collection Committee which is made up of members of our board and at-large community members. If they like the item, they recommend it to our Board of Trustees who make the final decision. If they like the item, it becomes part of our collection. MCM: And exhibitions? TG: Exhibitions are about 70% of what I do! Approval follows the same process as adding something to a collection. In exhibitions, we are looking for artists and objects that compliment our current collection. With exhibitions, we like to bring things out of storage that haven’t been seen in awhile, as well as attract

A MAD TEA PARTY-ALICE IN WONDERLAND BY SCOTT GUSTAFSON FROM THE UPCOMING EXHIBITION “ENCHANTED: HISTORY OF FANTASY ILLUSTRATION”

our current and a new audience.The final hurdle is that it has to be within our budget. Exhibitions are planned several years out and we don’t want to saddle our future leadership with a deficit. We love to bring world art to Flint through our exhibitions and we have already planned them through 2025. t

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MYARTS

THE DRAW BY ED WATKINS FROM THE UPCOMING EXHIBITION “DRAWING FROM LIFE: ED WATKINS”

MCM: Tell us a little about your current exhibitions and what you have planned for 2022. TG: Certainly! We have two exhibitions that will be ending the first week of January and they couldn’t be more different. “The Brush with Reality: Yigal Ozeri” exhibit is

amazing. We carry one of his paintings in our regular collection; but to see them all together is really something.The paintings are so realistic, you would think they were photographs.The other, “Time” by Neha Vedpathak is equally phenomenal, but in a different way. She uses a push-pin to separate fibers of Japanese paper and then dyes her designs. It’s entitled “Time” because it was done during the pandemic when all everyone had was time. MCM: Wait a minute, you said that she uses paper to make her art. I thought the picture online was fabric. TG: Isn’t it amazing? Pictures don’t do it justice. It looks three-dimensional when it’s on display. Both of the exhibitions I just referenced will be leaving in January and once they are gone, they’re gone. Next year, we have exhibitions featuring the life drawings of Flint native Ed Watkins, a photography exhibition entitled “Sons: Seeing the Modern African American Male” featuring photographs of the men in our community, and “Enchanted: History of Fantasy Illustration.”The latter will feature art from “Game of Thrones,” “Dungeons & Dragons” and the like. All of these are listed on our website with the exception of a contemporary art exhibition coming to us from a

museum in Miami. It will be cutting-edge contemporary art with some controversial subject matter. It will definitely make you think. MCM: So, out of all of the art in the FIA collection, what is your favorite piece? TG: Without question, it is the painting “Garden Study of the Vickers Children” by John Singer Sargent. It is so calming and beautiful. It fills me with joy! In fact, on December 14, I will be speaking about it during our Coffee with a Curator program, for any who are interested. MCM: That concludes our conversation. Thank you again for speaking to us and to our readers. TG: Thanks! It was fun speaking to you about our wonderful collections at the FIA. Be sure to visit the FIA and make sure not to miss any of the ongoing and upcoming exhibitions. Admission is FREE any day of the week for Genesee County residents and Saturdays are free for all visitors, courtesy of Huntington Bank. For more information, visit flintarts.org. Š

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MYMUSIC

Joyful Noise! “Holiday Pops” Returns to The Whiting BY SHERRON BARDEN The community will once again be filled with holiday spirit and Christmas cheer as The Flint Symphony Orchestra and Flint Symphony Chorus join to create an exciting, multi-genre presentation at The Whiting. The Holiday Pops performers will inspire and delight with the heartwarming musical traditions of the season, including a selection of Christmas carols chosen to encourage a festive audience sing-along! A multitude of talented people will share their musical gifts on this joyful occasion (December 18), including three outstanding artists: Pianist Roger Jones, Choir Director Jeffrey LaValley and Guest Conductor, Damien Sneed. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FLINT INSTITUTE OF MUSIC

his non-gospel influences as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock and McCoy Tyner. After graduating from high school, Roger pursued a degree in jazz studies at Oberlin Conservatory in Oberlin, Ohio which he credits with exponentially expanding his understanding and musicianship. Since that time, Roger has per formed and “sat in” with various musical icons associated with jazz and other musical styles, including Wynton Marsalis, Joe Hender son, Roy Hargrove,Wallace Roney and JJ Johnson, among others. Also a cutting-edge band leader, his Higher Calling band includes phenomenal musicians dedicated to inventing fresh and innovative ways to approach the execution of music. His most recent album Higher Calling has received much enthusiastic acclaim. Mixed with a soulful and modern approach, the music is both innovative and currently relevant.There is no doubt that Roger is one of the most explosive and innovative pianists and composers of his generation. This is Roger’s first time participating with Holiday Pops. “I feel that this is a wonderful opportunity to perform with the FSO, as well as some iconic figures in gospel,” he stated. “Jeffrey Lavalley is a living legend and Damien Sneed is one of the most respected conductors and composers in gospel music today. I am excited for the Greater Flint community to see a very brilliant merge of gospel and classical music executed with brilliance!”

A. JEFFREY LAVALLEY Jeffrey began his musical career at the age of five on a piano purchased for his older sister to play. After study ing journalism at

ROGER JONES

The leader of jazz band Roger Jones and Higher Calling, Roger is a Flint School of Performing Arts alum, joining the FSPA faculty as a jazz piano instructor in 1997. Since 1989, the Flint native has worked professionally

Pennsylvania State University and Marquette University, he began formal music studies in 1986 at Mott Community College, where he achieved Dean’s List status with a 4.0 GPA. He has enjoyed great success as a writer, musician, director and producer of gospel music. Jeffrey has appeared on over 250 projects including the

with various artists in the USA, Europe and Japan. Roger discovered his musical abilities as a youngster at church, his gospel background becoming a springboard to his passion for playing jazz music. He cites

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New Jerusalem Baptist Church Choir, Wilmington-Chester Mass Choir, Florida Mass Choir, Charles Fold &The Charles Fold Singers, Myrna Summers, Rev. Donald Vails, Rev. James Cleveland, The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir (which he produced and was nominated for 1996 Stellar, Soul Train and GRAMMY Awards), Lou Rawls and many others. His compo sition, “Revelation 19:1,” was chosen as the entrant for the 2006 Papal Celebration at the Vatican. In December 2008, Jeffrey was fêted as a legend in the Flint Gospel Community. On Christmas Day 2019, “Revelation 19:1” was re-released in its entirety as part of the Kanye West project, “Jesus is Born” by the Sunday Service Performance Choir. In March 2021, the “Jesus Is King” project won the GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, making Jeffrey a GRAMMY-winning composer. In June 2021 (on his 68th birthday), he received the prestigious BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) Trailblazers of Gospel Music Award in recognition of his many contributions to the gospel genre. In 2017, Jeffrey was a part of the Holiday Pops event along with three local church choirs. “It is an honor for me to again be a part of this local celebration for the holidays!” he exclaimed. “Flint has an abundance of talent, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to share with the other talented musicians and vocal ists. I’m really excited to hear the collaboration of the FSO with the gospel flavor of the Flint Holiday Choir. Some of the songs are original tunes, and I’m awfully glad to share them with my city. I’m also excited about working with my long-time friend and spectacular musician, Damien Sneed.” DAMIEN SNEED A multi-genre recording artist, Damien

vocal coach, professor and arts educator, Damien has worked with legends such as Aretha Franklin,Wynton Marsalis, Jessye Norman, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Ashford & Simpson. He has also served as music director for GRAMMY® Award-winning gospel artists includingThe Clark Sisters, Richard Smallwood, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker and others. He received a 2020 Dove Award for his work as a featured producer and writer onThe Clark Sisters’ project, The Return , released in March 2020. Damien was commissioned to compose a chamber opera for Houston Grand Opera titled, “Marian’s Song” about the life of Marian Anderson, which had its world premiere in March 2020. Damien was re cently commissioned by Alvin Ailey Dance Theater to create an original score for Testament , a contemporary response to the 60th Anniversary of Revelations for the dance company’s first virtual season, premiering in December 2020. He was also commissioned by Opera Theatre of St. Louis to compose The Tongue &The Lash , with libretto by Karen Chilton, which premiered in June 2021. He was commissioned to compose a symphony to honor the Tuske gee Airmen which will premiere in Spring 2022. On his boutique label, LeChateau Earl Records, Damien recently released his debut classical album, Classically Harlem , and We Shall Overcome Deluxe . A member of the Manhattan School of Music faculty, he most recently became an artist-in-residence at Michigan State University, where he will work with Wharton Center and the MSU College of Music to bring social impact programming to both institutions. Highlights of the upcoming 2021-2022 season include: the world premiere of his ASCAP Kingsford Commission composition; an IMG Artists’ holiday tour “Our Song, Our Story” featuring Brandie Sutton, Raehann Bryce-Davis and a string quartet; guest conductor of the Manhattan School of Music Studio Orchestra Mary Lou Williams Celebration; another IMG Artists’ tour, “A Tribute to Aretha Franklin:The Queen of Soul” featuring Valerie Simpson and Karen Clark-Sheard; and guest conductor of an Aiken Symphony Orchestra concert, “Amore: A Night of Opera.” This will be Damien’s first appearance in the FSO’s Holiday Pops program. “I am super excited to perform with the orchestra in The Whiting, as this will be an historical moment to conduct living legend Elbernita “Twinkie”Clark’s very first solo performance on a Hammond B3 organ with orchestra and Maestro Jeffrey LaValley leading a choir of singers from the Flint community.This is sure to be a moment in my career that I will never forget.” Š

is a 2014 recipient of the prestigious Sphinx Medal of Excellence.

He has garnered attention in many

musical genres including jazz, gospel, pop, R&B and musical theatre. He has been featured multiple times in the New York Times for his work. A pianist, organist, conductor, composer, producer, arranger,

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