My City February 2022

decisions about how to coordinate and optimize the various aspects of his treatment plan, such as diabetic medication and nutrition, as he made progress. e Medical Weight Loss program at the Hurley Bariatric Center is designed to be a 12-week plan, customized to the medical needs of the individual, but it’s also meant to educate the patient so they can maintain their success beyond completion of the program. is approach extends to all of the various services o ered at the Center, which include di erent surgical and non-surgical options. Before surgery, the bariatric professionals help patients choose the right type of surgery for their situation. Following surgery, the sta continues to monitor progress while o ering support, such as nutrition and exercise counseling, to help patients have a sustainable weight loss outcome. is ongoing approach is something that Victor values, even after ƒnding rapid success. He began Hurley’s Medical Weight Loss Program in March 2021 and by June 2021, his lab results showed tremendous improvement in his liver enzyme levels and A1C, the measurement for diabetes. By September, he had healthy liver enzymes of 52 and a pre- diabetic A1C level. He had lost a signiƒcant amount of weight too; but for Victor, these lab results were the numbers that meant success and better health. Since June 2021, he’s received continued support from the team at Hurley Bariatric Center and his personal physicians continue to monitor his labs and progress. Beyond the numbers in his lab results, Victor has seen even more changes, as he no longer feels exhausted all the time and is able to use his renewed energy while playing with his children. ® The Hurley Bariatric Center is located at 6140 Rashelle Dr., Flint 48507 and can be reached at 810.262.2330 or by going to hurleymc.com. The team also offers seminars that cover bariatric surgery and medical weight loss options. Sign up to attend a seminar, either online or in person, at: hurleymc.com/services/bariatric-center/ attend-a-seminar/

ADVERTORIAL

In late 2020,Victor Verazain, 46, was facing a lot of life challenges and stressors.His weight had climbed higher tha it ever had before and he felt exhausted.A visit to his primary care physician revealed there was something more going on than weight gain. Routine blood work showed his ALT liver enzymes were well over 300, when the normal range is 7 to 56.A liver biopsy conƒrmed non-alcoholic fatty liver, the danger of liver disease and eventual liver failure.After getting those results and discussing what they meant with his physician,Victor knew he needed to make changes.He also knew he needed a medically sound plan to see the long-lasting results in his blood work that he needed in order to correct his health problems. It was more than the numbers on the scale,Victor explained, “What I needed was something more comprehensive,medically, that had the leverage of a true hospital.” After researching various options, Victor decided on Hurley’s Celebrate Path to Success Medical Weight Loss program at the Hurley Bariatric Center. He decided this program, with a non- surgical approach, was the right choice for him. It allowed him to work with a multidisciplinary team that could help address his concerns related to his liver health, diabetes and cholesterol levels while educating him about the lifestyle and nutritional changes he would need to make to achieve and sustain long-term health. Another beneƒt of the Hurley Bariatric Center was their seamless communication and collaboration with his primary and internal medicine physicians. “Hurley was able to work with my physicians, even though they were outside of the Hurley hospital network,”Victor said. is communication allowed for his monthly lab results to be shared as they were completed, so his doctors were updated in real time and could make informed V…†‡ˆ‰Š‹ SŒ††Ž‹‹ HŒ‰‘Ž’ B“‰…“‡‰…† CŽ”‡Ž‰ BY JASON HARROD

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, Every February, we’re proud to have this platform for celebrating Black History Month. e many ways it can be observed include learning about noteworthy black gures and their contributions, and learning about your community’s black women in particular. With our feature highlighting the Genesee District Library’s 2022 Black History Month Honorees, we check both boxes. Read about these inspiring individuals who were selected by the Black History Month Brunch Advisory Committee to receive awards this year (p.8). Also proled in this issue are two men using their talents to give local kids access to life-enriching programs: Tauzzari Robinson, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint (p.12) and Chef Nate Brown who is reaching Flint youth through the D.R.E.A.M.S. program (p.14). In more than one issue of MCM, we have shined a light on the dark, disturbing and serious problem of human tra–cking in Flint. is month, we highlight an organization dedicated to helping survivors of this heinous crime to put their lives back together: James-Moorehouse, Inc. (p.18). Isn’t it strange how such good people and such bad people can exist in the same world? When I talk about good people, our “My Day” subject most certainly belongs in that group.My friend Leslie Toldo, “e Weather Lady” is a longtime meteorologist at Mid-Michigan NOW (and MCM columnist) – but she does so much more. She shared her story with us starting on p.20. It ’s been a while since we could do a special bridal section, for obvious reasons. “My Wedding” features lots of trends for this year and tips from local industry experts. It is estimated that a record- high 2.6 million weddings will take place in the U.S. this year – and people will be ready to celebrate! Check it out starting on p.48. Finally, I want to thank our guest writer (former My City sta¢ writer) Myron Manns, who o¢ers a tribute to his good friend Oaklin Mixon, a popular Flint entrepreneur who passed away just before Christmas. (See p.80.) As I write this, winter has us snow-covered and in the deep- freeze ... curl up with your My City magazine and stay warm! anks for reading,

ASSISTANT EDITOR / WR ITER Peter Hinterman

WEB DEVELOPER / GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Boedecker

STAFF WR ITER Cheryl Denni son

PHOTOGRAPHY Katy Ki ldee

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 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. Že 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 e‘ort will be made however, to return rejected manuscripts, etc., if they are accompanied by su“cient ”rst-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 RUSLAN_SHRAMKO / STOCK.ADOBE.COM

8

12

My Community

8 GDL Presents 2022 Black History Month Honorees 12 7 Questions with ... Tauzzari Robinson 14 Chef Nate Brown Bringing it Full Circle My Outreach 18 A Way Out James-Moorehouse, Inc. My Day 20 The Weather Lady Meteorologist Leslie Toldo My Dish 24 A Little Extravagance By Erin Caudell My Music 26 FSO Artist Spotlight Alessio Bax, Pianist CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint

14

My Arts 28 Every Picture Tells a Story The Focus of Rebecca Zeiss My Sports 34 Flint United Coach Keno Davis Building a Strong Brotherhood My History 40 The Mayors of Flint Part 2: After the War MyWedding 48-63 Special Section Trends for 2022!

CONTENTS

February 2022

20

26

48

My Reality 64 Have a Heart

My Thoughts 74 Recipes for Life By Cheryl Dennison 75 My Can’t Miss List My Travels 76 Paris in Winter 78 Kick Off: Origin of the Big Game My Friend 80 Saying Goodbye to Oaklin By Myron Manns By Alexandria Nolan My Afterthought

By Vera Hogan My Musings 66 Maybe You’re a Grouch By Leslie Toldo My Entertainment 68 What are YOU Watching? By Jonathan Boedecker My Econ 70 Why are Workers Quitting? By Dr. Christopher Douglas My Finances 72 The Roaring 20s

28

34

All Over Again By Joel P. LaGore

MYCOMMUNITY

GDL Presents BLACK HISTORY MONTH Honorees COMPILED BY SHERRON BARDEN ON F ebruary 24, the Genesee District Library will recog- nize the 2022 Black History Month honorees with a virtual event that will air on ABC12. Created in 2002 by the Gene- see District Library, this annual celebration of notable community servants highlights three inspiring individuals and one organization selected by the Black History Month Brunch Advisory Committee. The contributions of the following people will be recognized.

Vectoro / stock.adobe.com

8

MYCITYMAG.COM

Award of Excellence RECIPIENTS

Cook-Hawkins is the executive director of Alternative Solutions Development, LLC., a total life transformation platform. She is a wife, mother, business owner, City of Flint Commissioner, community advocate and First Lady of Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church. A certied Professional Life and Transformation Coach, Cook-Haw- kins has over 12 years of experi- ence enhancing the performance of her clients and organizations. During the Flint Water Crisis, Cook-Hawkins’ church developed the Flint4000 program to assist senior citizens and the homebound population who didn’t have access to clean drinking water. She has hosted marches to end gun violence in Flint, women’s confer- ences to build up and encourage women, and worked to end the sat- uration of liquor stores in the city. During the early stages of the COVID pandemic, she hand- made over 5,000 masks to help the residents of Flint and went on to create her business, Fabrics of Faith, to help prevent the spread of COVID nationwide.  APRIL Cook-Hawkins

9

MYCOMMUNITY

Award of Excellence RECIPIENTS

LISA Horne

A licensed clinical social worker, Horne serves as Direc- tor of Community Ministry at the First Presbyterian Church of Flint. She is also a counselor at the Gerholz Christian Counsel- ing Center and has a private prac- tice. In addition, she serves on the Board of Crossover Outreach and the McFarlan Charitable Trust. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master’s in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University, Horne is an inductee of the Greater Flint African Ameri- can Sports Hall of Fame. Horne is a member of Ebenezer Ministries and an honorary member of First Presbyterian Church of Flint.

DANIELLE Green

Vectoro / stock.adobe.com

Danielle Green founded and directs the non-pro‡t organi- zation, Empower, which works to improve the lives of youth and women through education, encouragement and exposure. Serving on the Flint Com- munity School Board and the Board of the YWCA of Great- er Flint, she is also the author of the Hey Girl book series. Green has received numerous awards for her work including the

Community Dedication Award, Phenomenal Woman Award,Top 25 Women in Business Award, Courageous Women Award and the Living Legend Award. She holds a general studies degree from Mott Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan Universi- ty and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Wayne State University.

10

MYCITYMAG.COM

Partner in Progress Award RECIPIENT

LADEL Lewis, Ph.D. Founder, Sarvis Park Neighborhood Association Founded and led by Dr. Ladel Lewis, the Sarvis Park Neighbor- hood Association (SPNA) works to champion the Sarvis Park community. ey have hosted several events, concerts, neighbor- hood cleanups and other activities over the last two years to help residents get to know each other and learn about resources avail- able to them in the community. In 2020, they created Sarvis Park Community Day as a collaborative

e€ort with the SPNA.ey also pioneered the Caribbean Beats & Eats Festival at Sarvis Park. In conjunction with Haram- bee Wellness, the SPNA started the Fitness in the Park program o€ered from June to August. ey provided free professional photos in the park through NAG photography. In addition, they resurrected National Night Out in Flint in collaboration with Nation Outside, the City of Flint and the Michigan State Police. Another Sarvis project is to bring more lighting to the Sar- vis Park area. With a grant from Genesee County Habitat for

Humanity and in partnership with the Michigan State Police Light it Up program, free solar lights will be installed in the neighbor- hood as a crime prevention tool. Dr. Lewis is a member of the Flint City Council and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incor- porated. In 2016, she coordinat- ed pro-bono need assessments and water distribution e€orts during the Flint Water Crisis. She partnered with Bottles for the Babies to create “e Dos & Don’ts of Flint Water” and “Healthy Foods to Combat Lead.” Dr. Lewis holds a Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. ®

11

MYCOMMUNITY

7 Questions with ...

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint COMPILED BY SHERRON BARDEN ® PHOTO BY FLINT & GENESEE GROUP A ppointed executive director in 2014, Tauzzari Robinson has held various key roles with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint since 2009. Having been a Club member as a kid in Ohio, he credits that experience as having a significant impact on his life. Robinson earned a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management at the University of Mich- igan-Flint and a B.A. in Psychology at the University of Toledo. He has received multiple awards for his exemplary community leader- ship, including the 2019 Herman Prescott Award - The Professional Association, BGCA. Most recently, he was honored with the 2021 Young Professional Leader Award by the Flint & Genesee Group. Having been extremely busy helping the Greater Flint Club navigate through the pandemic and creating new ways to keep members engaged and provided for, Robinson graciously took a few moments to help My City readers get to know him better.

3. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Without a doubt, I could live the rest of my life on pizza. It is my absolute favorite food and I could eat it every day because it is so versatile. I was recently given a Gozney pizza oven and am trying to master the perfect pizza dough, your pet peeves? I do not have much tolerance for bullies. I also hate tardiness. 5. What do you do to keep fit? I try my absolute best to eat right. I also ride a peloton and just started dipping my toe into yoga over the last few months. Even though I have never liked running, I’m going to try to run one or two times a week when the weather gets better. so if anyone has tips … 4. What is one of

1. What was your very first job? At 13, I was given the opportu- nity to work in the coat room at my local Boys & Girls Club in Ohio for $2 an hour. I pretty much sat in a room a little larger than a closet and made sure every kid’s coat and book bag was checked in. After that, more and more opportunities followed.

2. What advice would you have given your 17-year-old self? Be open to new experiences. e people you will meet are going to shape you and mold who you’ll even- tually become. I would also tell him that the next 22 years will go by really fast, so embrace the time that you have with your friends and family.

12

MYCITYMAG.COM

“I hope to not only continue serving youth and their families here in Flint and Genesee County, but also grow to serve more young people in unique ways.”

6. If a toy company made an action figure of you, what two accesso- ries would it come with? Great question! ey would de - nitely be my iPhone and AirPods. 7. What is one work-re- lated thing you hope to accomplish this year? I hope to not only continue serving youth and their families

here in Flint and Genesee County, but also grow to serve more young people in unique ways. I am really proud of the new workforce devel- opment, mental health and wellness programs that we were able to add during the last two years of the pan- demic. I know that there are so many families and kids who are not able to reach us at our two locations who could bene t from an organization

like the Boys & Girls Clubs. e best way to reach them is to meet them where they are, and that means more Clubs in more communities partnering with schools, churches, business owners, etc. Every $1 invested in Boys & Girls Clubs returns over $10 in future earnings and cost-savings to the community. Just imagine what we could do if we can continue to grow? ®

13

MYCOMMUNITY

venimo / stock.adobe.com

14

MYCITYMAG.COM

Chef

BRINGING IT FULL CIRCLE WITH D.R.E.A.M.S. BY PETER H I NTERMAN ® PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATY K I LDEE

T he rst time Nate Brown saw an African-American Chef was at 25 years of age. “I mean, that’s cra- zy, right?” he asked. “I was just Žipping through the TV channels and I stopped at Chef G. Garvin’s show and this dude was cooking! And he had a pretty cool watch.” Brown went out and bought the ingredients needed to make the same meal and he got to work. It wasn’t the best, but it was a start. “For

Everybody was enjoying it, so I nally told them I was the one who made it. at’s when I decided to become a chef. at was it.” Brown studied culinary arts at Mott Community College before completing his education at e Art In- stitute of Michigan, graduating in 2010. Since then, Brown has been on an adventure that he never imagined pos- sible. He’s developed his own business, owned a restaurant, had his own TV show, and has cooked for celebrities such as Kanye West, Halle Berry and others. “I’ve had a great career,” he says. “I’ve done all the things.” His current “thing” has brought him back home, and al- though it may not seem as glamorous as his past pursuits, Brown considers it his most meaningful. “I’ve come full circle,” he says. “It’s my mission now to reach the younger generation and show as many 

weeks after, I found myself thinking about cooking all day at work,” he laughs. en, Brown made a dish of his own and secretly put it on the table at a family open house. “I snuck it up there and then just sat back and watched.

15

MYCOMMUNITY

"I was a Flint kid whO had a dream that gOt me tO the tOp and giving back has always been a part Of me."

people as I can how to eat healthier.” To accomplish this, he formed a part- nership with Royce Stephens and his D.R.E.A.M.S. program. “Royce and I put a program together at Hamady High School to start an aquaponics gar- den that the students help to manage,” he says. “At the end of January, I started virtual classes to teach the kids how to cook the food grown in the garden.” An aquaponics garden is a com- bination of plants and seafood, such as €sh or shrimp. Fish that live in a tank underneath suspended plants eat and produce ammonia. Bacteria convert the ammonia to nutrients that are absorbed by the plants suspended above.„e system produces nearly zero waste as it mirrors a natural ecosystem. In this way, students in the program learn about science, nature, nutrition and cooking skills. “Often, inner-city kids don’t learn about what good food can do for your health. One goal is to introduce them to the value of fresh food and to change their eating habits,” Brown explains. “Poor eating habits are often generational – if their parents eat unhealthy foods, they will too.” At a young age, Brown learned about the e‹ects of a poor diet. “As a teenager, I dealt with high blood pressure and needed medication to control it,” he says. “As I became more educated, I began to change my diet and be- came more active. At 37, I was o‹ the medication.” During the past summer, D.R.E.A.M.S. started a pilot program

in which kids were delivered a box of ingredients for a meal and then, Brown taught them to cook it with a virtual lesson. It was a resounding success and both Stephens and Brown hope to have the same success this winter with the current program. As the cooking classes continue into the future, Brown hopes he can be a positive role model and mentor to the students in the way his school sports coaches were to him. “„e coaches helped save me,” he says. “Now, it’s my turn to take on that role. I had to wait until I was an adult to see an African Amer- ican chef. I want these kids to see that cooking can be a profession for them.” „e D.R.E.A.M.S. program has been such a rewarding pursuit for Brown, he is looking to expand it and tie it in with some of his other pro- fessional plans. As soon as this spring, he will open his €rst food truck with a business partner in Chicago, hoping to

venimo / stock.adobe.com ilyabolotov / stock.adobe.com

have a food truck in at least €ve cities includ- ing Detroit. And, he hopes

to start an extension of D.R.E.A.M.S. in each city. “I want to help educate youth about food and being healthy anywhere I can,” he states. Looking even further into the future, Brown plans to open a new restaurant by 2024. Chef Nate Brown has never stopped moving forward and has found new motivation in the city of his childhood. “I love this city. Flint molded me and prepared me to go out and be successful,” he says. “I was a Flint kid who had a dream that got me to the top and giving back has always been a part of me. I want to do my best for the community and plan to con- tinue doing so. It ’s very exciting!” ®

16

MYCITYMAG.COM

MYOUTREACH

JAMES MOOREHOUSE, INC. A WAY OUT

BY PETER HINTERMAN ® PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CHERYL GOLIDY

In 2019, Golidy founded James-Moorehouse, Inc., with the mission to care for and support women in recovery from tracking, prostitution, addiction and homelessness.e orga- nization is named after her family’s last name ( James), the last name of a fellow volunteer and friend (Moore), and “house” as the future focal point of care. She quickly established a board of directors and joined Genesee County’s Human Tracking Task Force. “We located a building in Downtown Flint that will serve as temporary housing for those in recovery,” she says. “After securing all of the paperwork necessary, we were getting people and funds in place for renovation when the pandemic hit and put everything on hold. Now that things look to be better, we are getting ready to begin renovations and hopefully open the building in the spring or mid-summer.” With the project on hold during the pandemic, Golidy focused on creating relationships with local organizations, providing outreach to Flint’s needy and building awareness of the human tracking problem. She has aided and built part- nerships to further her endeavor with organizations such as St. Luke N.E.W. Life Center, the New McCree eatre and Mott Community College working with the Black Student Union to provide outreach to the area’s homeless and help raise awareness of human tracking. “e students have been very interested in learning about the problem and working to help,” she adds.

C heryl Golidy has a knack for identifying the needs of her community and helping the underserved. As a nurse and caregiver, her goals are always met with compassion, understanding and the drive to support those in need. So, when she attended a conference and training session on human tracking in Detroit, the next step for her to take in life was revealed. “I had to learn more. I had so many questions,” she states. “I spoke to the head of the organization who gave the presentation and asked for more information.ey invited me to take part in their outreach program, learn how to identify those being tracked and how to help them. I was with the program for six or seven months.” After her training, Golidy returned to Flint with a mission. “Human tracking is a problem and a big problem in Flint,” she explains. “I’ve seen all kinds of things during training and as I ride down streets in Flint, I can spot the problem quickly.”

18

MYCITYMAG.COM

“During this time, we also visited warming centers and helped provide those who were there with goods and COVID-19 protection equipment.” Golidy cites Harris Memorial Church of God in Christ as providing integral support for her outreach activities. To spread awareness of human tra cking, James-Moorehouse, Inc., took part in Flint’s Juneteenth celebration last year and visited multiple parks and organizations throughout the city. James-Moore- house, Inc., also has a presence at the Flint Farmers’ Mar- ket whenever possible to speak and educate its patrons. As soon as the house opens this year, James-Moore- house, Inc., will be in full swing. “We plan to provide 24 months of safe housing for survivors with full support and recovery programming,” informs Golidy. “We will work with other organizations such as the Flint Police Department to help as many as we can.Œe goal is to help survivors become self-su cient through healing, security, support and education.” Once the house is established, Golidy and volunteers will begin the Saved by Grace outreach program which identi‘es and o’ers help to those in need on the streets of Flint. “It’s what I was taught as a volunteer in Detroit during training. We can provide a way out for those who may not think it’s possible,” adds Golidy. James-Moorehouse, Inc. is about giving hope to those in the city who feel trapped in slavery, addiction and home- lessness. It’s an organization of support and safety for those who feel alone and vulnerable. For Golidy, it’s something she feels called to do. “As soon as the house is up and running, I am dedicating all of my time to it,” she says. “I want to help alleviate the hate and su’ering in the city and promote its happiness.” All her life, Golidy has cared for other people and maintains that there is good in everyone. And, she believes that through her e’orts and the compassion of others, James-Moorehouse Inc., will help survivors of human traf- ‘cking get back on their feet, stand up, and rise to glory. If you would like to learn more about James-Moore- house Inc., donate or volunteer, visit James-Moorehouse. com or email Cheryl Golidy at golidyc@gmail.com. ®

“ WE CAN PROVIDE A WAY OUT FOR THOSE WHO MAY NOT THINK IT’S POSSIBLE” Cheryl Golidy, Founder

Aksana Kavaleuskaya / stock.adobe.com

JAMES-MOOREHOUSE, INC. HAS A PRESENCE AT THE FLINT FARMERS’ MARKET WHENEVER POSSIBLE TO SPEAK AND EDUCATE PEOPLE ABOUT THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING PROBLEM.

19

MYDAY

THE WEATHER LADY

Meteorologist Leslie Toldo BY CHERYL DENNISON A familiar face around Greater Flint, Lelsie Toldo has been a meteo- rologist with Mid-Michi- gan NOW since May 2015. “I’ve been reporting the weather in mid-Michi- gan since 2004,” she says. She got her start reporting the weather in Casper, WY and worked in Detroit for seven

years, in Jackson, MS and at another mid-Michigan station for a total of 31 years in the ‹eld of broadcasting. Toldo lives in Linden with her hus- band Rick and their three dogs: Bear, Gus (Labrador Retrievers) and Lucy, a Golden Retriever.Toldo adopted Ellie, a black cat, from the Humane Society of Genesee County in 2020. “She’s our ‹rst cat,” she says. “It was a whole new thing for us but she is the greatest!” Her path to becoming a meteorol- ogist was not a typical one. She studied communications at the University

of Wyoming and ended up with an internship at a radio station.While working as an on-air deejay in Casper, WY a weather job became available and she was asked to apply for it. “I was completely ba™ed! I went to the inter- view and got the job,” she remembers. “Back then, things like that happened.” When she began doing weather in Detroit,Toldo entered a three-year broadcast meteorology correspondence course through Mississippi State Uni- versity. “I ‹gured since I was reporting the weather, I’d better learn about it,”

20

MYCITYMAG.COM

best weather, water and climate forecasts and warning services of any nation.” Toldo chatted with MCM about her typical day on the job. Midnight As the morning meteorologist at Mid-Michigan NOW, Toldo’s day begins in the wee hours of the morning. “I set my alarm for mid- night but I wake up a little earlier. I like to ease into my day,”Toldo states. She does some spiritual read- ings and plays with the dogs and the cat. “I like to relax and not be all stressed out when my day begins.” 1:30 am While most of us are sleeping, Toldo leaves her home in Linden and arrives at the station on Pier- son Road in Flint. 2am-3:30am “At around 2am, I look at my emails and the weather forecasts.

Between 3-3:30am (before hair and makeup) she does something that has garnered quite a number of fol- lowers – a Facebook Live video from the weather center. Toldo talks in a casual fashion about things going on in her life, music, her pets and also about the weather forecast for that day. “It ’s nice and it ’s fun,” she admits. “A lot of the same people watch the videos every day; I feel like I know them. I really try to in- teract with people as much as I can.” Toldo is also the medical reporter for Mid-Michigan NOW for the daily segment “Keeping You Healthy.”Most mornings, the producer will send her three to four health-related stories that could be of interest to viewers. She goes through the stories, writes up her report and edits it. “I tweak the story to €t our show,” she says. “I take out the fancy words.‚e secret to good broadcasting is talking to people in a way they will understand. I’ve always had a laid-back style.” 

PHOTO BY MIKE WOOLFOLK

she admits. Exams were given through the National Weather Service. According to weather.gov, it takes a dedicated group of meteorologists to correctly interpret weather data, deliver accurate forecasts and warn us when dangerous weather threatens. National Weatherperson’s Day is celebrated on February 5 and commemorates the birth of John Jeries, a Boston physi- cian and one of America’s €rst weather observers.‚is is a day “to recognize and thank the men and women who collectively provide Americans with the

PHOTO BY MIKE WOOLFOLK

TOLDO IS ALSO THE MEDICAL REPORTER FOR MID-MICHIGAN NOW.

21

MYDAY

4:30am Toldo gets ready for the broadcast, puts on makeup and does her hair. 5am-9am “We go live at 5am,”Toldo states. During the broadcast, the news anchor is the only other person in the studio. “e cameras are all automated and operated by a computer in the control room.e producer talks to us through a de- vice in our ear.”ey are live on the air for four hours – until 9am – two hours on NBC25 and two hours on FOX66. Her workday ends at 9am. On occasion,Toldo anchors the broadcast of the program “Commu- nity Wide” which airs on CW46 at 11:30am on Sundays. She also reports, writes and edits videos for medical stories and does a segment called “Leslie’s Pet Project” twice a month. “I can’t imagine not reporting,” she says. “I love writing and I love storytelling.”

TOLDO BROADCASTS LIVE FROM 5-9AM ON NBC25 AND FOX66.

PHOTO BY MIKE WOOLFOLK

served as a board of directors member and emcee for many of their annual fundraising events. And, she writes a popular monthly column titled “My Musings” for My City Magazine . Add to this list of commit- ments the time she spends helping people who are in recovery from an addiction. “I’m very passionate about trying to make a dišerence in people’s lives,” she says. “It ’s no joke. ere is an opioid crisis and a large number of overdose deaths in “I’m very passionate about trying to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Off the Clock In her spare time, Toldo spends time with her husband and their pets. In the warmer months, she also enjoys running and kayak- ing. “I love doing things with my friends and I taught myself to sew and craft during the pandemic.” Toldo is also well known through- out the community for her volunteer- ism. For more than seven years, she has taught classes at Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute. “rough the Quality of Life Program, I’ve taught journaling, a grief class, spiritual growth and end-of-life planning,” she shares. “My students are all cancer patients and survivors and occasionally, caregivers. It’s been one of my most rewarding experiences.” Toldo has been involved with the Humane Society of Genesee County for around 18 years, having

22

MYCITYMAG.COM

LEFT: PRE-BROADCAST, TOLDO CONNECTS WITH FANS VIA FACEBOOK LIVE. BELOW: TOLDO AND HER HUSBAND, RICK

e meteorologist says she is inspired by people in general. “I’m so lucky that I get to meet people from so many walks of life.” She is also inspired by her husband. “Rick oŽers me so much love and encour- agement. at is so important to my peace of mind. He keeps me ground- ed.” She nds the many volunteers who do so many great things for the community to be inspiring, as well. Toldo very much enjoys her role as e Weather Lady. She has a great deal of respect and admiration for the people she works with at the station. “ e producer, directors and tech people are all amazing!” she exclaims. She also has high regard for Chief Meteorologist, Ahmad Bajjey. “I really admire him and his work ethic and I think he will go really far,” she says. “I learn a lot from my younger colleagues.” Toldo also enjoys working with Morning Anchor,Mike Woolfolk. “Mike has a great sense of humor,” she says. “We laugh a lot in the morning, the whole crew. I’m really lucky!” ®

PHOTO BY IAN WOOD PHOTOJOURNALIST

our community. ese are people who are broken in a signi cant way.”Toldo also hosts events for the American Heart Association’s “American Heart Month” which is in February. e work of this organiza- tion has personal meaning for Toldo, as her mother died from a sudden heart attack four years ago at age 70. “I miss my mom every day,” she says.

One question followers of this popular news personality ask frequently is, “What time do you go to bed?”Toldo says she likes to get at least seven hours of sleep and usually goes to bed at 3pm, but watches TV for a while or reads to relax. She is usually asleep by 4-5pm. “As the medical reporter, I know that sleep is so important for our health. Most people do not get enough.”

23

MYDISH

Natasha Breen / stock.adobe.com Romario Ien / stock.adobe.com

24

MYCITYMAG.COM

A Little Extravagance BY ERIN CAUDELL I have never been a big “Valentine’s chocolate” person. Sometimes, a little something di‚erent – like a little lemon and raspberry – can be the secret to sweet romance. And, you can never go wrong with buttercream frosting. is recipe uses a fun ingredient: freeze-dried raspberries in the frosting (you can also use fresh) to give it the pink color. If any holiday calls for a little extravagance, it’s this one!

Lemon Raspberry Cake CAKE INGREDIENTS • 1.5 sticks unsalted butter, room temp

TO MAKE • Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter and our the bottom and sides of a 9-inch round cake pan. • Whisk together the our, butter, baking powder, soda and salt. In another bowl, stir milk and lemon juice. Using a mixer, beat the butter, lemon zest, granulated sugar and vanilla until light and u‚y, about 3-4 minutes. en add eggs, one at a time. Add our and combine, alternating with the milk- lemon mixture. • Add batter to prepared pan and bake until golden, 40 minutes. Let cool. • Beat cream cheese and butter until light and u‚y. Add confectioners’ sugar and freeze-dried berries. • Frost cake and decorate with fresh berries.

• 2 cups all-purpose our • 1 teaspoon baking powder • ½ teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon salt • 2/3 cup whole milk • 1 Tablespoon lemon zest • 1/3 cup lemon juice • 1 cup granulated sugar • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 2 large eggs, room temp FROSTING INGREDIENTS • 6oz cream cheese, room temp

• 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temp • 1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons confectioners’ sugar • ¼oz. freeze-dried raspberries, —nely ground • 1 pint fresh raspberries

Happy Valentine’s Day! ®

Erin Caudell is co-owner of The Local Grocer, a horticulturalist, herbalist and farmer.

25

MYMUSIC

AlessioBax PIANIST

COMPILED BY SHERRON BARDEN

On February 12, the Flint Symphony Orchestra will continue the 2021-2022 season’s Classical Concert Series, “RENEW- AL ‘e Timeless Healing Power of Music Inspired by Nature.”‘e FSO and Maestro Enrique Diemecke will be joined by multi-award-winning Steinway Artist, Alessio Bax. At the record age of 14, Alessio Bax graduated with top honors from the Niccolò Piccinni Conservato- ry in his hometown of Bari, Italy where his teacher was Angela Mon- temurro. He studied in France with Francois-Joël ‘iollier and attended the Chigiana Academy in Siena, Italy under Joaquín Achúcarro. In 1994, Bax moved to Dallas, TX to continue his studies with Achú- carro at Southern Methodist Univer- sity’s Meadows School of the Arts. In 2009, he was awarded an Avery Fisher Career Grant and four years later, received both the AndrewWolf Chamber Music Award and Lincoln Center’s 2013 Martin E. Segal

Award for Emerging Artists. In fall 2019, Bax joined the piano faculty of Boston’s New England Conservatory. Combining exceptional lyricism and insight with consummate tech- nique, Bax catapulted to prominence with First Prize wins at both the Bax is said to be without a doubt “among the most remarkable young pianists now before the public.” GRAMOPHONE Leeds and Hamamatsu International Piano Competitions, and is now a fa- miliar face on †ve continents, not only as a recitalist and chamber musician, but also as a concerto soloist who has appeared with more than 100 orches- tras, including the London, Royal and St. Petersburg Philharmonic Or- chestras; the Boston, Dallas, Sydney and City of Birmingham Symphony

Orchestras; and the NHK Sym- phony in Japan, collaborating with such eminent conductors as Marin Alsop, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Sir An- drew Davis, Sir Simon Rattle, Yuri Temirkanov, and Jaap van Zweden. Recent performance seasons have seen Bax make his solo recital debut at London’s Wigmore Hall, which aired live on BBC Radio 3, and give concerts at L.A.’s Disney Hall, Washington’s Kennedy Cen- ter and New York’s Carnegie Hall. Beyond the concert hall, Bax is known for his longtime obsession with †ne food; as a 2013 New York Times pro†le noted, he is not only notorious for hosting “epic”multi-course dinner parties, but often spends intermis- sions dreaming of meals to come. ® GRIEG Piano Concerto, op. 16, A Minor COPLAND Appalachian Spring: Suite February 12, 2022 7:30PM | The Whiting

For tickets, call 810.237.7333. tickets.thewhiting.com/9027

26

MYCITYMAG.COM

27

MYARTS

Every Picture Tells a Story he Focu of Rebecca Zeiss

BY PETER HINTERMAN ® PHOTOS PROVIDED BY REBECCA ZEISS

In the very beginning, Rebecca Zeiss tried her best NOT to be a photographer. Because of her last name (the Zeiss company has been a worldwide leader in photographic lenses since 1890), she wanted to make a personal impact with a diŒerent style or artform. She studied painting and drawing at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and took a photography class solely as a way to document and showcase her creations.‘at class, however, led to photography as a hobby and eventually a profession. In the end, she couldn’t escape it.

“I took the class for fun,” she remembers. “I wanted to

Central Michigan University and since 2005, has taught photography and printmaking at UM-Flint. Her work has been exhibited in private collections, museums and universities throughout the United States and internationally. Inspired by shared individual stories, memories and dreams, her photography and subsequent collections are centered on objects and their storytellers. For example, “Aura Objecta” is a collection of images of her grandfather’s tools as they appear used and weathered from years of use, or appearing as well-cared-for and gleaming. Each tool holds

photograph my work and thought it would be a good way to document my portfolio. It wasn’t meant to be my focus.”To make ends meet, she worked as a wedding photographer but realized that kind of work wasn’t for her. “Doing that made me hate my camera and I quit taking pictures for nearly ve years. I didn’t pick up my camera again until 2002,” she adds. It was then that she found inspiration and a way to blend the medium with her understanding of art and the world. She received her MFA in photography from

28

MYCITYMAG.COM

profound energy and aura re ected in the life of her grandfather. In “Forgiveness,” Zeiss uses her own objects to portray her experience in a conning relationship, and “Glimpses of Invented Dreams” captures objects that represent a participants’ shared dreams.e range of her works are printed on Japanese Kozo paper or developed with the collodion plate process. Her most recent installation entitled “Seeking Solace” was exhibited through the month of December at Flint ’s Buckham Gallery. In it, each picture acts as a doorway to a story – an image representing the hopes, dreams, loves and tragedies of each individual participant through the history of a chosen object. “Each subject is a volunteer who brought an item with them that holds an important story in their life,” explains Zeiss. “I listen to their stories while we go through the process of recording and creating their image.” It is in this way that Zeiss portrays the memories and impact of the time shared by all of us. In each black & white photo, an anonymous participant presents a personal object in a way that reflects their feelings toward the object. Truly, her photography process itself is an art form. Zeiss uses a R.H. Phillips & Sons 8x10 large format camera equipped with a Petzval lens (the rst portrait objective lens in the history of 

PHOTO BY CLINT BURHANS

ABOVE: ZEISS AND FLASH, HER RESCUE DOG

LEFT: ONE OF ZEISS’ FAVORITE IMAGES AND ONE OF HER FIRST ATTEMPTS TO BRING SOMETHING SHE IMAGINED INTO REALITY. BELOW: ANOTHER FAVORITE, THIS PHOTO ACTS AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN ONE EVENT AND THE NEXT. IT’S WHERE “BEFORE” MEETS “AFTER. ”

29

MYARTS

photography, developed in 1840) and an antiquated wet plate collodion process developed in 1851. She has worked on this project for seven years and only during the spring and summer months, as natural UV light is needed. To date, she has pictures of 50 subjects and their stories. Her long-term goal is to publish the images and their stories in a book. “I don’t really have a set number of subjects to record stories of,” she says. “I’ ll know when to end it when the time comes. For now, I’m just getting ready for my next participants.” ‡e process of “Seeking Solace” is shared between Zeiss and her participants from beginning to end. (‡e walk-through provided here is just a rudimentary description of it, as many chemicals and agents must be applied in sequence and each step must be completed in a very precise manner for a successful outcome.) To begin, the participant holds their selected item and sits patiently while the focus and design are set. Next, the two prepare the plate in the dark room, then back to the camera for capture. “Depending upon a number of factors, they will sit between two seconds to two minutes on average,” adds Zeiss. ‡en, the plate is taken to the dark room and developed. Once the image is approved, the original is scanned and printed to photo paper, then coated with resin to 

THE’ R.H. PHILLIPS & SONS LARGE

FORMAT CAMERA USED IN “SEEKING SOLACE”

30

MYCITYMAG.COM

LEFT: ONE OF ZEISS’ FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM “SEEKING SOLACE. ” IN THE SUBJECT’S STORY, THE HOUSE REPRESENTS ANXIETY ABOUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO US, OUR LIVES AND SECURITY AS THE WORLD MOVES FORWARD.

LEFT BELOW: A PIECE FROM THE “AURA OBJECTA” COLLECTION

“I li en to eir ories ile we go rough e process of recording and crea ng eir image.”

31

MYARTS

BELOW: THE COMPONENTS USED IN THE ANTIQUATED WET PLATE COLLODION PROCESS

create the best reproduction of the original plate. e image capture process can take an hour to three hours on average, during which time the participant shares their story with Zeiss. Although the parameters of the process are the same for all the images in this body of work, each is a unique representation of the storyteller expressed within a common theme as seen or not seen through the lens’ focus and depth. “One lesson I want my students to learn is to remember design. Pay attention to the focal point of the photo and avoid what I call “thing in the middle” syndrome,” Zeiss laughs. Zeiss will often have her students visit her home in Midland for lessons and to take part in her antiquated processes. Through “Seeking Solace” and other past inspirations, Zeiss continues to create art through photography that reflects Everyone has a ory to tell.

THE “SEEKING SOLACE” EXHIBITION AT BUCKHAM GALLERY

humanity’s collective unconscious and energy. Her photographs hold an air of both mystery and understanding as the viewer uncovers their own personal meaning. And, the beauty of it all is the realization that there is more to come.

“I am still looking for people to join the “Seeking Solace” project,” she says. “It will continue until it’s no longer challenging. Everyone has a story to tell.” If you are interested in participating in Rebecca’s project, email Zeissphoto@ yahoo.com. To view examples of her work, visit Zeissworks.com. ®

32

MYCITYMAG.COM

MYSPORTS

BY MARK SPEZIA PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MAKAI CONNOR B U I L D I NG A STRONG Brotherhood

A mid the sounds of dribbling and squeaking sneak- ers, Keno Davis, rst-year coach of the second-year Flint United professional basketball team, outlined his vision for the program. “Our biggest goals are giving these guys opportu- nities to move to the next level, put a great product on the court and give the Flint community another thing to rally around,” says Davis while keeping an eye on what was happening on the court during a third and nal team tryout at Insight Health and Fitness Center

in Flint last month. “I’ve always been a coach who has wanted to play a pro, upt- empo style. I believe that’s not only the best way to win games, but it’s also what the fans like to watch and the way players like to play.” Count Lance Adams among those players. Although the nal roster of 15 was not set to be nalized until the rst week of February, the former International Academy of Flint standout is one of several area natives expected to return for a second season with the team which is part of €e Basketball League.

“Last year was our build- ing year and now, people really know who we are,” says Ad- ams, an All-Region performer for Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing. “Every- thing is well-structured here and we did not always see that with other TBL teams we played last year.€e staŽ is really on point with every- thing and we’ve seen guys get to the next level. It’s a good platform to better ourselves.” Adams was referring to players like Jaire Grayer and Chris Barton. Grayer, son of Flint basketball legend JeŽ Grayer, was part of the Orlando

Magic’s 2021 NBA Summer League team and now plays for Orlando’s NBA G League squad in Lakeland, FL. Barton signed to play professionally in Finland. Adams hopes to be among those taking the next step, but joining Flint United has already changed his life for the better. After racking up 1,178 points and drilling 295 three- point eld goals at GLCC from 2016-19, Adams re- mained at the school the next season, serving as a student assistant for the basketball team before seeking a place to resume his playing career. 

34

MYCITYMAG.COM

PHOTO BY KAYCE McCLURE

35

MYSPORTS

COACH KENO DAVIS (CENTER) INSTRUCTS THE TRYOUT PARTICIPANTS

He found one, but it was 5,800 miles away in the former Soviet republic of Armenia. While playing there and missing the important people in his life, including a young son, Adams received an Ins- tagram message which lifted his spirits almost immediate- ly. It was from a member of Flint United’s management team, asking if Adams would be interested in joining the team for its inaugural season. “I didn’t even know Flint was going to have a new team, but I did some research and it looked like an organization I wanted to be a part of,” Adams says.

“It’s great to be home with my (three-year-old) son and close to family. Plus, I’m now working and coaching at International Academy. It’s a win-win situation.” e situation has also been a win-win for Coach Davis, who was left pon- dering his next move after a nine-season run as Central Michigan University head coach ended last spring. When Flint United coach Charlie Bell stepped down last fall, team owner Kevin Mays, a state discus champi- on while attending Carman Ainsworth High School and a track All-American at CMU, reached out to Davis.

THE PLAY WAS INTENSE AS INVITEES BATTLED FOR A ROSTER SPOT.

“I have stayed in touch with Kevin and other Central Michigan alumni, so he called me to gauge my interest in the job and it seemed like the right thing for me,”Davis says. “I could tell how excited Kevin is about the team and I was excited about the oppor- tunity. I jumped right into it because the toughest thing for a coach is to not be coaching.”

Davis had coached in the college ranks every season but one beginning in 1991-92, including head coaching stints at Drake and Providence pri- or to joining the Chippewas. He was introduced as the next Flint United coach in November 2021. “I’m learning every day about coaching at this level, but, of course, I’ve always

Daniel Thornberg / stock.adobe.com

36

MYCITYMAG.COM