My City January 2023

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

A R T & D E S I G N

MANAGING EDITOR Sherron Barden

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hai ley Worrel l Dar ia Akulova

DEAR READERS,

ASSISTANT EDITOR / WR ITER Peter Hinterman

Happy New Year! There’s something about that wish – three words full of so much meaning. For some, it means the beginning of an exciting new journey or milestone. For others, it is a welcome change from a year filled with struggle and brings hope for happier times ahead. In 2022, citizens of Greater Flint felt great loss with the passing of several beloved community leaders – most recently Bryant “BB” Nolden, whom we’ve featured in our publication several times as he contributed so much to the city he loved. We offer a tribute in his memory on p.8. A New Year is always a time for reflection and a “look back.” Once again, we are highlighting many of the memorable stories we shared with you – maybe you missed a few. Check out the “Year in Review” starting on p.80. The look back on our 2022 content is an excellent example of the variety we offer our readers every month.This issue has inspiring pieces about community outreach, a great “comeback” sports story, a feature on a local artist with a Flint history many of you may know, and a super-motivated kid who had a big idea and …you can read about this young entrepreneur on p.50. I have a soft spot for entrepreneurs having founded, owned and operated several local businesses – one for over four decades – of which I’m extremely proud.The Skaff family, on the other hand, has been doing business in Flint for 112 years which is truly outstanding! Skaff Furniture Carpet One belongs to a group of Greater Flint businesses that have adapted, evolved and continued to thrive through three generations. Read that story on p.20. Also in this issue, we feature the Retired Men’s Fellowship of Greater Flint – this sounds like a pretty cool club and they’ve been meeting (and much more) for 60 years. And, our special “Senior Living” section has some great information from local experts starting on p.54. Finally, our “Best Dressed” feature is back! This group of Greater Flint professionals showed up with great style and class.We thank them for taking the time, as well as Todd Slisher and the Sloan Museum of Discovery for allowing us to take photos in their fantastic facility. Enjoy! Let ’s begin this New Year with positive energy and prayers for peace and prosperity. Cheers!

PHOTOGRAPHY Katy Ki ldee

STAFF WR ITER Cheryl Denni son

O P E R A T I O N S

FREELANCE WR ITER Mark Spezia

ACCOUNTING/CI RCULATION Kim Davi s

CONTR IBUTING WR ITERS Er in Caudel l Dr. Christopher Douglas Vera Hogan

NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Dan Garman

S A L E S

Marc Janca, AIF Alexandr ia Nolan Les l ie Toldo Shannon Whi te

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Terese Al len

14165 FENTON RD. FENTON, MI 48430 810.230.1783 - MYCITYMAG.COM ISSN#1559-3436 is published monthly by My City Magazine, Inc., 14165 Fenton Rd. Fenton, MI 48430. Canadian Mail Agreement #41971515. For back issues, inquire for availability. Editorial Cor respondence: Address product information and inquiries to: Editorial Department, My City Magazine, 14165 Fenton Rd. Fenton, MI 48430, 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.

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COVER PHOTO BY KATY KILDEE