My City April 2022

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, While I always look forward to our Home & Garden issue and the warm weather April brings, it makes me realize it ’s time to get busy on all the spring projects at my own home. I found a couple of ideas in our special section (p.56) that I’m adding to the list. Now, I need a nap just thinking about it. Already on top of spring clean-up in their Flint community are Ladel Lewis and the Sarvis Park Neighborhood Association. Talk about motivation! The SPNA was created to “help build pride and reduce blight in the community.”They are making it happen and planning for their annual Neighborhood Cleanup Day on April 23. Read more starting on p.10. Neighbors helping neighbors – these are always great stories to share and there never seems to be a shortage. Every day, Flint residents and organizations reach out and do whatever they can for those who need help. One such organization is the R.L. Jones Community Outreach Center; their story is on p.20. Another subject we always make plenty of room for is arts, and this issue is no exception. Actress Ava Cota of Linden has joined Flint ’s Terry Crews as the only Genesee County natives to play leading movie roles during this century. Her inspiring story is on p.24. And we offer two features about superior local musical talent: the Genesee Wind Symphony is celebrating 40 years (p.30) and the Flint Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Flutist Brandon LePage will be performing as the guest soloist at the concert this month (p.28). There are so many opportunities for you to support local arts … they never disappoint! Folks who have been flocking to Frank’s Hoppy Bistro in Fenton have not been disappointed! The food is just like you remember (with some great new things, too) and what ’s even better is their new location is about two minutes from my house! If you’re hungry, I urge you to NOT look at p.36. Check out the “My Haps” coverage starting on p.80 – there are so many fantastic events coming up this spring …MCM will be there hoping to “snap” you! Thanks for reading,

ASSISTANT EDITOR / WR ITER Peter Hinterman

WEB DEVELOPER / GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Boedecker

STAFF WR ITER Cheryl Denni son

PHOTOGRAPHY Katy Ki ldee Tim Jagielo

FREELANCE WR ITERS Mark Spezia

O P E R A T I O N S

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

ACCOUNTING/CI RCULATION Kim Davi s

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 © 2022. All rights reserved. | Printed in U.S.A.

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

COVER PHOTO BY ZOOMTEAM / STOCK.ADOBE.COM H&G INTRO PHOTO LEEYIUTUNG / STOCK.ADOBE.COM

On Sunday, May 22 car participants will meet at the Ashley Furniture staging area starting at 8am, where they will receive their printed car placard and then be directed to the Dort Financial Event Center, entering off Lapeer Road. Car clubs will have reserved parking. The amazing MTA Trolley will provide complimentary rides from Ashley Furniture for spectators. Participants will not pay to attend and parking will be FREE for cruisers during the event. Gates to the Dort Financial Event Center will open at 9am, and the cars will be greeted by volunteers who will hand all participants a goodie bag. Cars will enter under the iconic Back to the Bricks arches and be directed to park. Thanks to the “Brought to You By” sponsor, Dort Financial Credit Union, all registered participants will receive a complimentary 2022 Dust ’em Off T-shirt (while supplies last). The event will kick off with a blessing of the cars and “The Star- Spangled Banner” will be sung while they honor all veterans. The car show will be officially opened after brief remarks and a HUGE “thank you’’ to all the sponsors, partners, vendors and many, many volunteers who help make the event happen. In addition to the car show, Back to the Bricks will host a swap meet giving car enthusiasts an opportunity to pick up spare parts and unique items. Pre-registered participants will be eligible to win prizes throughout the day. Although this is not a judged event, last year’s response indicates that the

ADVERTORIAL

BRINGING IT BACK Sunday, May 22, 2022 T hrough all of the challenges and disappointments of the past two years, Back to the Bricks® stayed diligent, working behind the scenes to plan new events for car enthusiasts that worked with any social-distancing guidelines. In 2021, car lovers were excited to attend an all new, one-of-a-kind event, one of the first opportunities for them to get their cars out – “Dust ‘em Off ” so to speak – and showcase them for all to see. Back to the Bricks is excited to be BRINGING IT BACK in 2022!

turnout will be amazing and a great way to start another exciting car show season. Everyone will enjoy music, vendors, food trucks and cars … a fun day for all! Š

SCAN QR CODE TO REGISTER TODAY!

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My Community 8 7 Questions with ... Patrick Scanlon Executive Director, Flint River Watershed Coalition 10 Sarvis Park Neighborhood

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My Music 28 FSO Artist Spotlight Brandon LePage, Flutist 30 Genesee Wind Symphony Standing the Test of Time My Eats 36 Frank’s Hoppy Bistro They’re Frying Tonight! My Dining 42 Local Eats & Drinks My Passion 44 It’s a Ruff Job! Meet Dog Show Judge, Carl Liepmann

Association A Model for Community Healing

16 Elder Law

Protection and Advocacy My Outreach 20 R. L. Jones Community Outreach Center Hope for Many in Need My Arts 24 Ava Michelle Cota Much More Than a Tall Girl

CONTENTS

April 2022

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My History 48 The Mayors of Flint

My Econ 88 Economic Consequences of the Ukraine-Russia War By Dr. Christopher Douglas My Finances Pressures Persist By Joel P. LaGore My Thoughts 92 Laugh, Smile & Play By Cheryl Dennison 93 My Can’t Miss List My Travels 94 No Place Like Home By Alexandria Nolan My Afterthought 96 How Do Plants Know? 90 Inflationary

Part 4: Vehicle City Begins

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56 Home & Garden Special Section My Haps 80 Wags & Whiskers in the Woods 82 FIM Seeing Stars! Benefit My Reality 84 Sometimes, the Best Education is Outside of School

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By Vera Hogan My Musings 86 Don’t Even Fool Me Once By Leslie Toldo

ADVERTORIAL

MINDY WILLIAMS

Hope and Healing WHALEY CHILDREN’S CENTER BY CHERYL DENNISON PHOTOS PROVIDED BY WHALEY CHILDREN’S CENTER M indy Williams has been the CEO of Whaley Children’s Center since 2015. She previously held every role at the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): Child Protective Services, Foster Care and investigations of residential facilities including Whaley Children’s Center. “I have been around social work my whole life,” says the CEO, adding that her mother was also a social worker. “That ’s how I grew up.” Whaley has a mission of “empowering youth and families to overcome trauma.”The Vision Statement is: “Through dynamic leadership and dedicated staff and volunteers, Whaley Children’s Center will be a source of hope, care, and treatment to Michigan’s abused, neglected, and at-risk children and families.”The facility provides a home to foster kids from all over the State of Michigan. According to Williams, by the time a child comes to live at Whaley they have typically experienced as many as 12

different placements. “These kids bounce from place to place,” she says. “They have had no stability, no security and no safe place.” Currently, 42 kids live at the Center ranging in age from five to 17. “It is amazing to watch them,” Williams adds. “When they first arrive, they don’t want to talk. But over time, they feel safe enough to be kids again.” Many children who are placed at Whaley have been through extensive trauma, Williams reports. “We see them grow here,” she says. And that is made possible through simple life changes, such as eating a good breakfast every day and settling into a bedtime routine. “Just the basic things are foreign concepts to these kids,” she sadly admits. “Some of them never knew where their next meal was coming from.” Williams says birthdays at Whaley are among her favorite things. “Some of the kids have never celebrated their birthday,” she shares. She remembers a 16-year-old boy who was having a birthday, and the Whaley team took him to Buffalo Wild Wings to celebrate. “It was such a good day,” she remembers.They had a cake and sang “Happy Birthday” to the young man. But when they returned to the Center, she found him in his room crying. “He was overwhelmed because he never had a birthday cake.” Williams enjoys her role as Whaley CEO. “I’m a mom,” she shares, “and I run Whaley wearing my mom hat. I want the kids to experience things they never had the opportunity to do before. During their short time here, we celebrate everything – birthdays, the Tooth Fairy – everything!” she exclaims. “They are kids and we become their family. We try to give them as much ‘normal’ as possible.”

Every child’s case is different and the length of their stay varies from six months to 18 months. “Some kids go back home to their parents; some go to live with relatives and some graduate from school and go to college or enter the military.” And, Whaley has an 80 percent success rate with the kids who transition to a less restrictive program, the CEO reports. Most important to Williams is that people don’t think of Whaley as a sad place. “The kids are safe with us and that is what is really important,” she admits. “For the first time in their lives, they just get to be kids.” Williams describes her career with Whaley Children’s Center as life-changing. “I didn’t know how much I needed Whaley. I have never worked so hard but it doesn’t feel like work. I am right where I am supposed to be.” “The kids are safe with us and that is what is really important ... for the first time, they just get to be kids.”

Whaley Children’s Center was founded in 1922 by successful Flint businessman and philanthropist, Robert H. Whaley. In 1924,The Whaley Foundation was incorporated with a mission to “serve dependent and neglected children in general without distinction to race and creed and particularly to those cases that were in trouble because of health and behavior conditions that had not been diagnosed and remedied.” Throughout the institution’s 100 years, a number of significant additions have been made, including major renovation of the children’s living units and establishment of three group homes in nearby neighborhoods. In 1977, Whaley was one of the first agencies to offer a Treatment Foster Care Program providing children the opportunity to live with a specially trained family. During the same year, Whaley opened the Educational Center attached to the Recreational Building housing five classrooms, offices and a meeting About Whaley Children’s Center

room. In 1982, a Special Needs Adoption program began and in 1991, the C. S. and Ruth Rawlings Mott Residential Center was opened as a state-of-the-art treatment facility.The Whaley Memorial Building was remodeled in 1993 to accommodate clinical, foster care, adoption, administrative, human resource, finance and development offices. Each year, Whaley provides shelter, hope and healing to nearly 70 children who are survivors of horrific abuse and neglect.Through an intense treatment process provided by qualified and dedicated staff, children are taught the skills necessary to thrive in life, as well as strategies to cope with their past and move forward to brighter futures. Š Source: Whaley Children’s Center

MYCOMMUNITY

1 What was your very first job?

eight years old, my grandma bought me a used microscope at a garage sale and opened my eyes to a whole new world. I never grew tired of riding my bike around the neighborhood to collect samples of pond and ditch water to see what myriad of creatures were living in these microcosms. At some point, I decided I wanted to be a scientist. I now think that being a scientist isn’t neces- sarily just an occupation, but a way of life. We can all be scien- tists in our own way based on how we look at and interact with the world around us. 4 What do you do to keep fit? I try to hike and kayak as much as possible. Much like the younger version of me, I want to get out into the world and see as much as I can. I want to look under every rotting log I come across and inspect the creatures under the river rocks. I also thoroughly enjoy spend- ing time with my four-year-old niece. Even though it may look like she’s trying to keep up with me, I’m the one trying to keep up with her seemingly unend- ing energy! I like showing her the natural world that first caught my attention at her age. Catching salamanders, observ- ing bugs, inspecting mush- rooms and overturning logs to see what else we may spy is im- mensely rewarding as I witness her reactions to seeing some of these things for the very first time. Being a naturalist can

7 Questions with ... PATRICK SCANLON Executive Director Flint River Watershed Coalition PHOTO BY ALYCIA SCANLON IN early February, Patrick Scanlon assumed a new role as Executive Director of the Flint River Watershed Coalition (FRWC). Most recently, Scanlon served as the Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) Coordina- tor at the Genesee Conservation District where he pro- vided invasive species education and outreach to four counties that intersect the Flint River watershed. He is also a past Flushing City Council member and serves on the Flushing City Parks and Recreation Committee. To his new position, Scanlon brings extensive en- vironmental knowledge and a deep passion for con- serving Michigan’s natural resources. An avid kayaker, he earned a B.S. in Wildlife Biology at UM-Flint. In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations, Scanlon will also lead fundraising, strategic partner- ships and community engagement initiatives. It will be a busy year for the FRWC as it prepares to move to a new location at the confluence of the Swartz Creek and Flint River later this year. The FRWC is a membership organization that promotes citizen stewardship of our natural re- sources by providing members with the resources necessary to protect local water quality and water- shed habitat. With Scanlon at the helm, they are excited to further advance their mission. In this feature, My City readers get a bit “up close and personal” with Patrick Scanlon.

My very first job was at a local grocery store. I worked primarily as a cashier but also pitched in on other day-to- day duties. It was a great first job and it taught me a lot about responsibility and work- ing together as a team. I still shop there, too, and always think about when it was me on the other side of the cash register some 20 years ago. 2 Do you hit the snooze button or wake up immediately? I am an up-and-out-of- bed kind of person. Falling back asleep is not an option because I am immediately thinking about everything I have to do. Plus, I look for- ward to my morning mug of matcha to help get me going. 3 When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? At an early age, I had fallen in love with the natural world around me and wanted to in- corporate that into my future whether it be as an occupation or otherwise. My family has always nurtured my strong interest in wildlife and one Christmas, I received a book detailing all of Michigan’s wildlife. I spent hours study- ing the masterfully drawn pictures and descriptions of things that I might spy upon if I kept searching my surround- ings. And I never stopped looking. When I was around

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wildlife around me, and now I have a computer in my pocket that I can take pictures with and an app that can identify what I’m looking at while also sharing it with the rest of the world. It has become a big part of my daily life; so much so that I find it is important to take time to disconnect from it at times and appreciate that which exists beyond the screen. 7 If you had a warning label, what would it say? It would probably read something like “WARNING: I WILLTELL YOUMORE THAN YOU CARETO HEAR ABOUT INVASIVE SPECIES!” In my previ- ous position at the Genesee Conservation District, I spent three years helping to educate the community about invasive species. I still feel the need to tell people they have Phragmites creeping into their yard, or that they should remove the Japanese barberry plants from their landscaping. If at any point they dare ask why, then I unleash loads of information as to why these plants are harmful and how they can remove them. I am that guy who has no issue with shaming his friends and fam- ily for intentionally planting known invasive species in their yards. And have you heard of spotted lanternfly? Let me tell you about this invasive insect you are likely to encounter in Michigan in the future … Š

burn some serious calories, especially with a young en- thusiast in tow! My garden, however, is the ultimate zen for me. Starting seeds, tending to the plants and bringing them to fruition is amazingly rewarding for me and a wel- come escape from daily stress. 5 What’s one work- related thing you want to accomplish in the next year? I hope to accomplish a lot! I am incredibly excited to be guiding such a wonderful or- ganization and the incredible group of people who are my staff. I have said that I feel like I have been given the keys to

a brand-new speed boat and once I figure out how to drive it, we are going to make some waves! One thing I would like to accomplish is to not only maintain the organization’s success and momentum, but also build upon it to reach more of the communities within the entire Flint River Watershed and expand our connection with people of all ages and walks of life. We have our Kayak Flint pro- gram which gets people out on the river, our educational programs which bring amaz- ing resources and lessons to classrooms, and our various events which give people an

opportunity to get involved and support the FRWC. 6 Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without? The biggest thing for me is technology – whether that is my phone, computer, tablet, or even the TV. I can connect to news releases and research articles, interesting documen- taries and even my friends and family who make up my support group. Technology and the internet are incredibly valuable tools that I think we sometimes fail to appreciate. As a kid, I had a handful of books that showed me the

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MYCOMMUNITY

Sarvis Park Neighborhood Association A MODEL FOR COMMUNITY HEALING

Sarvis Park Neighborhood Cleanup Day, this year scheduled for April 23. “It’s a whole vibe,” says Lewis.The event gathers the whole community for a morning of hard work ending in a shared lunch. “We have become a park adopter and work together with Keep Genesee County Beauti- ful,” she adds. “The City of Flint has very little money to devote to parks, so we want to do our best to help. Blight removal not only raises prop- erty values, it raises spirits, as well.” The SPNA has plans for en- hancements to the park including playground accessibility, new picnic tables and bleachers, and thanks to a grant from the Disney Corporation, a new soccer field – an up-and-com- ing sport for area kids.The grant will

doing much more. Lewis acts as president. “We are bigger than just doing projects in the park,” she says. “We want to improve the quality of life for families around it by estab- lishing pride and feelings of security.” Lewis and residents started by cleaning up blight in the park and neighborhood at the now annual

L adel Lewis has seen it all. Born and raised in Flint ’s Sarvis Park neighborhood, she has seen the community at its best and returning to the area in 2019 to care for her ailing father, found it most troubling. “The community was in a tough place.There were bullets in the streets and many residents felt like they were living in prison,” she explained. “Many of them were on a fixed income, invested in their homes, and didn’t want to leave.There were a lot of problems. They deserved better. I said to myself, ‘no more’.” Lewis got to work and with help from neighborhood residents, created the Sarvis Park Neighborhood Asso- ciation (SPNA) to “help build pride and reduce blight in the community.” The SPNA is built around making Sarvis Park a community hub and public center but is working toward BY PETER HINTERMAN PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SARVIS PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

FITNESS IN THE PARK WITH THE CRIM FOUNDATION

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LADEL LEWIS, PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF THE SPNA

also benefit nearby Iroquois Park by helping to increase handicapped accessibility and renovate the current baseball diamond. “We are working with AutoZone for the installation of a new baseball diamond at Sarvis Park,” adds Lewis. “One goal is to ensure that we use all the 12-plus acres in a reasonable way. We have a beautiful nature area that will stay the same and we are even making plans to enhance that by planting

trees.” Lewis is applying for grants to build a complete sidewalk around the park so area residents have a place for exercise. A hoop-house and garden have also been built and cultivated and is open to area residents for access to fresh vegetables. “We bring in guests to read to neighborhood kids for our ‘Reading in the Garden’ program,” adds Lewis. “The kids love it and the books usually involve the subjects of gardening and nutrition.”

In addition to park cleanup and enhancements, the SPNA has worked to increase neighbor- hood security by obtaining and installing solar yard lamps, Ring doorbells and porch lights at select residences. “To date, we have in- stalled 25 solar yard lamps, 11 Ring doorbells, and three porch lights,” Lewis updates. “We will also be posting ‘Community Watch’ signs that were recently purchased.” t

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T he SPNA is collaborat- ing with state and local police in an effort to forge a positive relation- ship between them and the commu- nity.The departments were extremely receptive and have designated their own State Police Community Day when the officers mingle with, serve

food and cater to the residents.The police have expanded to other area neighborhoods to build positive relationships. “We have a feeling of togetherness here because of the improved law enforcement relation- ship,” Lewis explains. “People know that our area is different now – the freedom to cause trouble isn’t there

so much anymore. People tell me that they feel safer now.”To increase civic engagement, the SPNA also conducts monthly “Community Conversations’’ at the nearby police mini-station (corner of Bishop & MLK Blvd.) every third Tuesday from 9-11am, focusing on a variety of top- ics such as how to spot elder abuse.

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serves as a model for community healing and Sarvis Park area resi- dents are smiling again. The pride is coming back big time and SPNA is leading the way. “We just want to enjoy our neighborhood.” Upcoming SPNA Events • April 23 – Clean-Up Day • June 18 – North Side Stride 3K Fun Run • June 19 - Youth Art Showcase • August 3 - National Night Out Ice Cream Social • August (TBD) – Caribbean Beats & Eats Celebration • September 10 – SPNA Community Day For news updates and more information, visit the Sarvis Park Neighborhood Associa- tion Facebook page or email Llewis@cityofflint.com. Š

people doing yoga outside in the park on a sunny day,” Lewis laughs. In addition to her role as SPNA President, Ladel Lewis also rep- resents the 2nd Ward on the Flint City Council but the additional du- ties haven’t slowed her down, even a little. She and her community have big summer plans for resident home renovations and more. They are recreating a lost sense of neigh- borhood that has abandoned much of the city’s streets. The SPNA

Because of the efforts of the SPNA and its community, Sarvis Park is quickly becoming a go-to place for local families and city celebrations. “The park is being used for city-wide events now,” says Lewis. To further make Sarvis a “destination” park, the SPNA has eyes on obtaining a nearby vacant lot for possible use as a food truck lot. This summer, Lewis and the SPNA plan to host a variety of fun events and programs in and around the park including their annual cleanup day, the Northside Stride 3K Fun Run at Max Brandon Park, the much-anticipated Caribbean Beats & Eats Celebration this sum- mer, and a September Community Day celebration. Starting again this summer are the Art in the Park, Mu- sic in the Parks (starting August 2) and Fitness in the Park programs. “Nothing like seeing a bunch of

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Family Centered Care with Dr. Rafe’e at Hurley Children’s Center BY JASON HARROD, MA If your child is sick and you’re in search of a diagnosis, you can get the care they need right here in Flint.As an infectious disease specialist and certified general pediatric hospitalist at HurleyMedical Center,Dr.Rafe’e specializes in determining what is making your child sick.He sees pediatric patients in the Flint area, and is especially experienced in diagnosing infectious diseases.You can visit his office in the Hurley Children’s Center, located near the Flint Farmers’Market,where you can access expert primary care and a wide range of referral-based specialty care for your child. Dr. Rafe’e is commonly consulted by other doctors Besides providing primary care services to his own patients, Dr. Rafe’e is commonly consulted by other community pediatrics and ER doctors in need of help in diagnosing a child.A common situation he sees is a child with an unexplained fever, who is suspected of having an underlying infection or complication.These complications can take varying forms, from abscesses to multi- inflammatory symptoms.His unique combination of experience in the county, expertise as an infectious disease specialist, and the skills of a certified general pediatric hospitalist allow him to help provide the highest level of care for children across the state. If your child is showing any of these symptoms … While many symptoms help reveal illness and the need to seek treatment,Dr. Rafe’e highlights fever as one of the main ones. Specifically, if your child has a fever for two days without good explanation, they need to see a doctor.Other symptoms that occur along with a fever can also help you recognize the need to seek treatment.These include not wanting to eat or drink, trouble breathing and acting lethargic.

ADVERTORIAL

Multi-Inflammatory Syndrome A newer issue that Dr. Rafe’e has observed is called Multi- inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C).Often associated with COVID-19, it can occur within eight weeks of a child being exposed to the virus, and is not dependent on the child having the illness. It is considered a syndrome, a collection of symptoms and not a disease, and happens when the body responds late to COVID. MIS-C affects organs and symptoms can reflect the area of the body under stress. Because of this, there are many possible symptoms including skin rashes, rapid breathing and fevers that last 24 hours or longer.The good news is that Dr. Rafe’e has a good amount of experience in diagnosing and treating MIS-C and is able to help your child if the need arises. Centered around family Dr. Rafe’e is able to provide high-quality care to patients not only because of his expertise and experience, but also because he works with an interdisciplinary team at Hurley Medical Center to assess what patients need on an individual basis.He says that keeping treatment centered around family allows for a high level of care, explaining that “the treatment team rounds to each bedside to ensure that everyone, both the treatment team and family, is on the same page and understands the treatment plan.” Š

Dr. Rafe’e’s office is in the Hurley Children’s Center, located in Flint at 300 E. First Street, Suite 201. Call 810.262.9773.

MYCOMMUNITY

An Elder Law Attorney is an advocate for the elderly and their loved ones. Most lawyers specializing in elder law handle a wide range of legal matters affecting an older or disabled person, including issues related to health care, long-term care planning, guardianship, retirement, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid and other important matters. What is the difference between elder law and estate planning? Elder Law is the practice of planning for disposition of assets and other affairs while a person is still living but may require care or protection of assets. With estate planning, an attorney helps you im- plement a plan of what will happen to your assets after your death. An elder law attorney can provide assistance with any one or more of the following: Elder Law Attorneys Protection and Advocacy BY AMIR ABU-AITA

• Help with the preservation or transfer of a person’s assets, whether they are single or married. • Assist those already on Medicaid in preserving assets and avoiding the Michigan Medicaid Estate Recovery Program. • Guide with selection and appointment of a legal guardian.

• Prepare estate planning documents. • Assist with long-term care placement in senior living communities and nursing homes. • Handle Medicare and Social Security appeals and claims. • Assist in cases of elder abuse and fraud. t

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Q: Will Medicare pay for a long- term stay in a nursing facility? A: Generally, Medicare covers only up to 100 days of “skilled nursing care” (20 full-pay days and an additional 80 co-pay days). Q: Must a nursing home res- ident spend down all assets, including the home, before he/ she can get Medicaid? A: No. Generally, a person can re- tain one house, one car and $2,000 in countable assets while on the Medicaid Program. If the applicant is married, the community spouse (a spouse not in the nursing home) is provided spousal impoverish- ment protections that allow him/ her to retain some marital assets. Q: Can a Medicaid applicant gift all of their assets to a spouse or child and immedi- ately qualify for Medicaid? A: Generally, there is a penalty if you transfer assets within five years of applying for Medicaid; however, there are exemptions to this rule. Q: To qualify for Medicaid, can I hide or not disclose my assets on the application? A: Intentionally lying on a Medicaid application is a crime – don’t do it! Medicaid Q&A

Q: Can the Michigan Medicaid Estate Recovery Program take my home after I die? A: Through this program, states recoup expenses paid for long-term care from the estates of individuals over the age of 55 who received Medicaid assistance. Estate recovery comes into play only after the death of a person who was eligible for Medicaid assistance and received long-term care Medicaid benefits. Q: Is a nursing home the only option to obtain care while on Medicaid? A: There are several care options that are funded by Medicaid or a Medicaid supplement program. For example, Medicaid can pay for part of nursing home costs, while the

MI Choice Waiver Program and PACE Program can assist with paying for in-home care or some assisted living home-care.

Q: Can I plan and apply for Medicaid myself?

A: Medicaid is a complicated pro- gram to understand and apply for; making a mistake on the applica- tion could be costly and detrimental to one’s estate. To assist with this process, I recommend contacting an Elder Law Attorney; it will save you time, money and headache. *Disclaimer:The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any information in this article without seeking legal or other professional advice.This article contains general information and may not reflect current legal developments or address your situation.We disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content herein.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Amir E. Abu-Aita practices Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, VA Planning, Probate, Estate Planning, Business Transactions and Assisted Living Law. He is a member of the Genesee County Bar Association as well as Elder Law and Probate Sections of the State Bar of Michi- gan. Abu-Aita is also an accredited attorney through the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel. In addition, he serves

as member of the Genesee County Commission on Aging, Adult Foster Care Providers, and is President of Elder Abuse Alliance (formerly known as the Elder Abuse Task Force).

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MYOUTREACH

R. L. Jones Community Outreach Center A Little Bit of Hope for the Greater Flint Community BY PETER HINTERMAN Š PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SANDRA JONES

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“The city needs so much and we see it every day. People need just a little bit of hope to help them through.” SANDRA JONES, CEO

F or Sandra Jones, CEO of R. L. Jones Community Outreach Center, it all starts with being a good neighbor and caring for the com- munity. “I remember a time when neighbors helped each other,” she says. “At R. L. Jones, we work hard to meet the needs of those who need help and we are strong advo- cates for the city and its people.” The R. L. Jones Community Out- reach Center (COC), named for Bish- op Roger L. Jones of Greater Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C., was founded in 2016 during the water crisis to be a bottled water distribution center orga- nized by the state and run by local res- idents. As the COC began delivering cases of water to those affected by the crisis, Jones and her team found that people needed much more. “It opened up my eyes,” she remembers. “People needed food, clothing and hope.” Jones worked with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan (FBEM) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to begin food distribution. “The best way to miti- gate the effects of lead poisoning is

good nutrition,” she states. “The area we oper- ate in is a food desert and the only place many can get food are corner stores or Dollar General.” The need for food and water was so great that

SANDRA AND HUSBAND, BISHOP ROGER L. JONES

vehicles would line up for miles. “Each car carried multiple families – we were helping nearly 10,000 people per week.” Soon enough, Jones realized that in order to provide help to all who needed it, she would need to establish a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. With tutelage and financial help from the Ruth Mott Foundation and with The United Way as fiduciary, R. L. Jones COC began expanding the reach of their operation. One of the first steps the orga- nization took was to begin helping the community’s “forgotten” people – those who couldn’t travel to get water or food due to illness, disability or lack

of transportation.They partnered with Flint’s Mass Transit Authority (MTA) to transport food and water. “We started delivering to 30 families and we now deliver weekly to nearly 1,100 households,” informs Jones. In a partnership with Carriage Town Ministries, R. L. Jones COC has maintained the Closet of Hope Project since 2017.The Closet holds adult and child’s clothing, personal care items, toys and household items, etc. for those who need it. “Any clothing or items donated to us or to Carriage Town Ministries and other Flint organizations gets thoroughly cleaned and is available for anyone who needs it,” says Jones. t

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As another avenue to provide for its neighbors, R. L. Jones COC also offers job training to its volunteers and employees from Michigan Works! helping them obtain forklift certification, logistics training and general job skills. “I am a firm believer in teaching a man to fish,” says Jones. “We have had employees go on to receive their GED and achieve bigger and better things, some able to buy homes and transportation. We’ve helped them get driver’s licenses and more. And, we have workers who have been with us since the beginning and thanks to our funding, have been able to provide them a good wage.” R. L. Jones has also acted as a healthcare and vaccination station for Greater Flint and recently became responsible for handling the majority of Flint’s 2-1-1 calls for essential community services. The good work of R.L. Jones would not be possible without the help provided by multiple organizations, foundations and individuals. “It was very hard for us in the beginning and through the pandemic,” says Jones, fighting back tears. “We wouldn’t have been able to keep the doors open without the Ruth Mott Foundation,The United Way, and Isaiah Oliver at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. We wouldn’t be able to pay our employees and continue deliveries.” Even more organizations have come forward to help. As one of Flint’s three points of distribution, R. L. Jones COC will have its parking lot completely redone courtesy of the Mott Foundation. NBC25 Owner Armstrong Williams completely insulated the COC warehouse space and provided heat to the building. “We were working in long coats, gloves and hats during the winter months and Mr.Williams volun- teered to help us,” clarifies Jones. Gazall Lewis & Associates provided much needed building upgrades and the rock band O.A.R. donated funds to build a new outdoor pole barn or shed. “The band volunteered with us and wanted to do more.They sent us nearly $7,000 for a new barn,” says Jones.The barn is still waiting for City Council approval to be built. “I would like to also thank Ridgway and Shannon Easter White for their personal donation that helped us keep our doors open when we needed to make upgrades to our facility,” adds Jones. Sandra Jones and her team are doing all they can, but the need continues to grow. “On distribution day, we still have a line that stretches for miles,” she says through tears. “Everyone is saying the crisis is over, but we are still seeing people with health problems.We are still struggling to feed these families.Water donations from the bottled water providers will end on May 31st – what will we do?

How can we possibly continue to help all of them? How?” Recently, the FBEM pledged to continue food allocation and even donated a refrigeration system. If Jones could provide one thing for the City of Flint, it would be more opportunity and trades education. “I would love to be able to provide the young and old alike with opportunities to learn skill sets and a place to use them,” she says. “The city’s residents need so much and we see it every day. People need just a little bit of hope to help them through. I’m not a decision-maker, but I can tell you that R. L. Jones COC will be there to help anyone in need.” R. L. Jones Community Outreach Center is located at 6702 Dort Highway on the campus of Greater Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C. Food and water distribution takes place everyThursday.To volunteer, donate or for more information, call 810.787.3960 Š

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MYARTS

MUCH MORE THAN A TALL GIRL BY MARK SPEZIA Š PHOTOS BY SHANNON WRIGHT PHOTOS

IN the middle of a New Orleans spring night in 2019, Ava Michelle Cota stood alone on stage pre- paring for a dramatic scene near the conclusion of “Tall Girl,” a Netflix movie chronicling the struggles of a female high school student who, like Cota, stands nearly 6 feet, 2 inches. The Linden native with a then-sparse acting resume had landed the lead role over hun- dreds of others who auditioned during a worldwide casting call. In the scene about to unfold, main character Jodi Kreyman has had enough of the teasing, bullying and insecurity she has

endured because of her height and is ready to embrace who she is with an inspiring speech given at the homecoming dance that draws loud, sup- portive cheers. “I get it. I’m tall and it’s the thing that’s haunted me my entire life, (but) I’m so much more than just the tall girl,” she declares while proudly wearing five-inch heels. “I’m a sister, I’m a best friend …I’m smart, I’m fun …being tall is what makes me me , and I like me and you should like you . We are all good enough and once we realize this, nobody can take it away. So, go ahead, keep making fun of me …and asking ‘how’s the weather up there’ because I can take it.The weather up here is pretty great.” While those words marked the moment Cota’s character fi- nally broke free of the negativi- ty surrounding her appearance, Cota herself was feeling the same way. Filming “Tall Girl” which was streamed more than 40 million times in the two months following its Septem- ber 2019 release, turned into a

deeply personal journey for her. Netflix released a sequel, “Tall Girl 2” on February 11, 2022. “One of the most interest- ing things is that I had thought I was comfortable with my height and made jokes about it, but in a self-deprecating way – maybe to do it before others could and try to laugh it off,” says Cota, known profession- ally as Ava Michelle. “I learned lessons about what I was really feeling while making ‘Tall Girl’ and repeating the lines was re- ally good therapy for me. I felt everything that was said in that speech was what I had been wanting to say for years.” While the home-schooled Cota was not the subject of high school hallway taunts

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and other things her movie character goes through, she was the subject of teasing and personal attacks, both in-per- son and online at times, while achieving dancing and model- ing success from an early age. That was especially true during a four-season stint on the Lifetime Channel reality show “Dance Moms” with mother Jeanette, an accomplished mod- el and dancer in her own right. “The ‘Tall Girl’movies be- came my high school experience and the director made sure I got the homecoming dance I never had,” says Cota, who also sings two songs on both soundtracks. To that end, director Nzing- ha Stewart, best known for her work on television programs like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Good Girls” arranged for Cota and main cast members to enjoy an impromptu dance party after

homecoming scenes wrapped. Footage of that is shown during the film’s closing credits. With all that Cota en- dured to reach the pinnacle of starring in a film seen by millions, it was no surprise when a dam of emotion burst the moment she first saw herself on a billboard while traveling with her mother on Hollywood’s Sunset Bou- levard. In a video taken by Jeanette and later posted to Instagram, Cota draws her hands to her face and begins crying. “Oh, my God. I’m on a billboard!” she exclaims through tears. Cota had a similar reaction when viewing a trailer for “Tall Girl” on a massive video screen while standing in New York’s Times Square about two weeks after the movie’s release. Since then, her Instagram followers have increased from roughly 428,000 to 1.7 million. Some positive reviews of Cota’s performance began to appear, like this one from the website Vocal Media. “Ava Mi- chelle is solid as Jodi, selling Jodi’s often self-deprecating snark, her emotional moments in which a light is shined on how low Jodi’s self-worth really is, and her moments in which an inner fire is revealed to be hiding beneath Jodi’s crippling confidence issues.” t

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S tarring in “Tall Girl” also made ing Flint’s Terry Crews as the only Genesee County natives to play the lead role in a film during this century. Cota, who turns 20 on April 10, moved with her mother to the L.A. area when Ava was 15 so she could bet- ter pursue acting and dancing opportunities. “It was just so surreal seeing my girl on a billboard that day and then on screen – WOW,” Jeanette says. “I just reflected on everything her part of a very exclusive club, join-

the 2004 Fenton Community Business Expo, appearing as a miniature bride and can-can girl. In fact, Ava’s mother, old- er brother Devon and father Rick were all modeling then. Soon, her children’s activ- ities demanded more of Jea- nette’s attention. “I remember my sister watching Ava at a dance lesson and saying that the instructors were not going to be able to train her and make the most of her talent,” Jeanette recalls. “She said I needed to do it myself.” That was among the rea- sons Jeanette founded Broad- way Dance Academy in Fenton

which soon became Ava’s second home. At age six, she earned a full-ride scholarship to the prestigious “Shock the Intensive” dance convention. Among other accomplish- ments, Cota won many dance contests, danced at national competitions and was a mem- ber of Detroit Pistons junior hip hop group, Mob Squad. Don’t assume she’s always been comfortable in front of audiences, however. “I grew to love performing and telling stories with my dancing, but I was always so nervous be- cause the dance competitions and beauty pageants I was in were high-pressure situations for me,” she says. “I still feel those nerves and that’s why I’ve liked the calmness of a movie set without the pres- sure of a live audience.”

From 2013-17, Ava and Jeanette appeared on “Dance Moms.”The show featured be- hind-the-scenes drama among mothers and dancers under the supervision of dance company owner, Abby Lee Miller. Ava also toured the country with other former cast members in 2018. She earned her place on the show when she was named as one of the top two dancers (out of 300) in “Abby Lee Miller’s Ultimate Dance Challenge.”Meanwhile, Cota also appeared in the FOX TV series “So YouThink You Can Dance:The Next Generation” in 2016; but, fairly or not, her height began to have an impact on dancing opportunities. Cota, who was 5’ 10” at age 13 before reaching her current height at 16, was cut from the show due to her height.The next year,

SCENE FROM “ TALL GIRL”

SCENE FROM “ TALL GIRL 2”

“TALL GIRL ” PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCOTT SALTZMAN/NETFLIX

we’ve been through like the move and constant traveling to dance competitions, model- ing shows and auditions and facing rejections. Ava said ‘we did this together’. What an incredible moment.” Mother and daughter have shared many incredible mo- ments since Ava began dancing and modeling at age two. She made her modeling debut at

/ stock.adobe.com

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“I learned lessons about what I was really feeling while making ‘Tall Girl’ and repeating the lines was really good therapy for me.”

to begin in April 2021 but a shocking tragedy struck the Cota family two months earlier when 23-year-old Devon Cota died of an accidental fentanyl overdose. “My brother was such an incredible person, my best friend and we could always be at our rawest around each other,” Cota says. “He inspired me by completely living life to the fullest, every second, and being so loving and so giving.” Shortly before his death, Dev- on had talked about wanting to start a clothing line called “Identified” with the theme of helping people be comfortable with who they are. Jeanette, Ava, her boyfriend and Devon’s girlfriend made that happen in his honor and the clothing is selling on identifiedclo.com. Cota had no choice but to gather herself and report to the “Tall Girl 2” set in New Or- leans, finding comfort in the company of familiar co-stars. The sequel begins with a new- ly-confident and now-popular Jodi dating the boy who had pined for her for years and trying out for the lead role in the school’s musical produc- tion of “Bye-Bye Birdie.” It is not long before doubt- ing voices in Jodi’s head start

shaking that confidence and her charming “Birdie’’ co-star begins complicating her love life.The second film also show- cases Cota’s singing and danc- ing talents more. “Tall Girl 2” was the second-most watched Netflix program during the week of its release and was streamed for nearly 57 million hours in February alone. “I’m very proud of both films and their messages,” Cota says. “The first was about overcoming all the out- side negative forces like bul- lies and the second is about getting negative thoughts and doubts out of your head, so your true self can come out.” Cota hopes to announce her next acting project soon. “I’m so excited for Ava because when I first saw her on screen, I knew it was only the beginning,” Jea- nette says. “She’s always had the work ethic and talent to succeed while also being kind, humble and thankful for her success.” These days, Ava Michelle Cota is indeed in a good place from which she can se- curely and playfully poke fun at her stature. “Found pants long enough, this calls for a celebration,” she posted last month on Instagram. Š

difficult and cutthroat and that prepared me for the future.”That

future included landing roles in short films and appearing in two episodes of soap opera “The Bold and The Beautiful” as a dancer taking acting class- es after moving to California. Still, she sensed her height was keeping her from larger roles until her manager en- thusiastically sent her a script for “Tall Girl.”The audition process began in August 2018 and did not end until Cota was selected in December. “We all kind of knew that might be it, the break I was waiting for,” she says. “It’s funny how the very thing that hurt me in all those auditions helped me land a breakthrough role.” In late 2020, she was elated to learn there would be a “Tall Girl” sequel. Filming was slated

Miller cut Cota from her Junior Elite Competition team for the same reason – in hu- miliating fashion. “Ava! You’re too tall for us today. You’re cut,” she said during the episode be- fore turning to Jeanette. “Your kid’s arms are horrendous! She looks like a praying mantis.” Cota earned satisfying redemption the next season when, competing for her mother’s studio at a national competition, she beat Miller’s star pupil for first place. “There were things that did not need to be said to me during ‘Dance Moms’ but I benefited from the experience overall,”Cota says. “It really opened my eyes to how competitive the arts in any industry are and that it can be

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