My City July 2022

ADVERTORIAL

JOINING MINDY WILLIAMS (CENTER) FOR THE RIBBON-CUTTING WERE (L-R) WHALEY BOARD MEMBERS SUE MAC, ANNE KELLEY, TODD GILBERT, GORDY TAYLOR, KARIMA AMLANI AND NADEEM GEBRAEL.

S E C OND CHAN C E S RECLAIMED BY WHALEY

T ucked into a space on the corner of Second Street and Buckham Alley is Reclaimed by Whaley, a resale shop that bene ts area foster kids. Mindy Williams, CEO/Di rector of Whaley Children’s Center, has spent many years working in the child welfare system, and saw a need to provide foster children with a way to develop skills that would help them nd employment. In 2018, she was visiting a friend in Arizona when she toured a resale shop that o’ered jobs to foster kids. “I fell in love with it!” she exclaimed. “I thought, ‘we could do this at Whaley’.” She took the concept to the Board of Directors who were equally enthusiastic and approved it. Providing both former and current foster youth the oppor tunity to gain retail skills, Reclaimed opened in the fall of 2019. “We were very lucky to have found that Downtown location,” Williams shares. Phil Shaltz, a big ambassador for Whaley

Children’s Center, helped nd the space for the store. “If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t have gotten it,” she admits. Shaltz has been an advocate for the Center for the last six years and Williams says he took a lot of time to get to know the kids. “To say he is an advocate is an understatement.” Shoppers at Reclaimed nd a variety of items, includ ing upscale and well-known name brand clothing for men, women and the entire family. You will also nd other treasures including antiques, artwork, jewelry, furniture, one-of-a-kind collectables, home goods, big-ticket items and much more. Merchandise can be purchased in the store and online. “It is a high-end resale boutique and items change every week,” Williams explains. “People fall in love with it.” Reclaimed was also able to obtain a wholesale license, so the items for sale are a mix of reclaimed and new.

Ashleigh Sanders, Director of Community Development at Whaley, is the director of the Reclaimed program and Kendall Smith is the store manager. “ ey are both trauma-informed and have the skills to help the kids,”Williams reports. “ ey are the cornerstone of that store.”Whaley Director of Programming Ca sey Schlinker was a key player in nding the right kids to work in the store. “We all worked so hard to make this dream come true,” says Williams. “It wouldn’t have happened without them.” According to Williams, all proceeds of Reclaimed sales directly bene t the 42 foster kids living at Whaley Children’s Center. But the best thing about the store, to her, is the job experience it gives foster youth. “It ’s all about the life experi ence it gives to the kids,” she shares. It is often di‡cult at rst for the kids to make eye contact with people because of the trauma they have experienced. “It ’s really great to watch how this program helps them transform and gain con dence.” Everything at Reclaimed by Whaley has been given a “second chance.” Even the old elevator door in the store was transformed into a display table. e goods on sale are given a second chance to be used and enjoyed by someone new. “Re claimed is a second chance,” Williams says. “ e kids are given a second chance. Sometimes, a second chance is best.” ® “IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LIFE EXPERIENCE IT GIVES TO THE KIDS . . .THIS PROGRAM HELPS THEM TRANSFORM AND GAIN CONFIDENCE.” Mindy Wi l l iams

(L-R) CASEY SCHLINKER, MINDY WILLIAMS, ASHLEIGH SANDERS

HOW TO HELP You can donate new, nearly new and gently loved items to Reclaimed by Whaley.

Please take all donations to: Whaley Children’s Center 1201 N. Grand Traverse St., Flint

RECLAIMED IS LOOKING FOR: Clothing for Adults & Kids • Small, Good-condition Furniture Antiques • Collectibles • Home Decor • Jewelry Accessories • Vinyl Records • Small Electronics • Unique Finds SHOP ONLINE AT RECLAIMEDBYWHALEY.COM

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 Hai ley Worrel l

DEAR READERS, For more than a decade, Team MCM has enjoyed providing a publication to highlight the positive things about Greater Flint. is summer, we’ve been especially happy to share stories about the most recent and much-anticipated Downtown renovations, including this month’s feature on the fantastic and all-new Sloan Museum! When MCM visited, they were busily preparing to open their doors to the public on the 16th of this month, but graciously allowed us a “sneak peek.” Visitors are going to be truly wowed! Find the details starting on p.22. We’re also excited and proud to shine a light on the 2022 UM-Flint Maize & Blue Grads – 14 exceptional young people who have worked hard and are headed toward bright futures. Congrats to all! I know that when you read the letters they submitted to be considered for this honor, you will be impressed by their eloquence. Read more starting on p.12. MCM has shined a spotlight on many, many impressive artists and this month’s subject is not only creative and talented, Andy Hill’s Electro Art Works are also really fun! I might need a piece for my desk (see p.38.) Another super-accomplished artist in this issue is boogie-woogie pianist, Mark Braun – the great “My Music” story of his career starts on p.48. I am often pleasantly surprised by story suggestions I receive. I was recently speaking to a friend, Carolyn Stubbs, who asked if we might want to do a story about the Genesee Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution and their 125-year anniversary. e DAR is a huge group of women all over the world who are descendents of patriots who served during the American Revolution. ey are dedicated to promoting patriotism and preserving a historical legacy. When you read the story (p.8), I know you will feel the same sense of pride that I do in these women who respect and honor our democracy as we celebrate America’s Independence Day. ere’s much, much more in this issue: outstanding people, food, style, fun, history, our great contributed columns AND ten pages of folks enjoying summer happenings. Take some time in July to enjoy life! I wish you all a safe and memorable July 4th – God Bless America!

ASSISTANT EDITOR / WR ITER Peter Hinterman

WEB DEVELOPER / GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Boedecker

STAFF WR ITER Cheryl Denni son

PHOTOGRAPHY Katy Ki ldee Jaden Moxlow

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 Shannon Whi te

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. 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 HAILEY WORRELL

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My Community 6 7 Questions with ... Lisa Humphrey President & CEO Big Brothers Big Sisters

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My Dish 32 Stay Cool!

of Flint & Genesee County

By Erin Caudell My Dining 34 Local Eats & Drinks My Style 36 All About Accessories! By Shannon White My Arts 38 Electro Art Works The Creations of Andy Hill My Fun 44 Get on Your Bikes & Ride! Summertime is Cycling Time My Music 48 “B” is for Boogie The Music of Mark Braun

8 Remembering Our Patriots

DAR Genesee Chapter Celebrates 125 Years 12 Recognizing Excellence 2022 Maize & Blue Award Recipients My Downtown 22 The New

Sloan Museum Follow the River to Discovery! My Eats 28 The Andiamo

Fenton Experience

CONTENTS

July 2022

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58

48

My Life 52 Senior Living

My Musings 78 Nothing Says

“Summer Vacation” Like Bear Spray By Leslie Toldo My Finances

A Range of Possibilities My History 58 The Mayors of Flint Part 7: Scandal & Recall My Haps 64 The pARTy 66 Davison Festival of Flags 68 Genesee Chapter DAR 125th Anniversary 70 Flint Art Fair 72 Juneteenth Family Fun Day My Reality 74 Family Camping Offers Lifetime of Memories By Vera Hogan My Econ 76 Inflation was Avoidable By Dr. Christopher Douglas

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80 Volatile Markets Could Bring Opportunities

By Joel P. LaGore My Thoughts

82 I Was There...

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By Cheryl Dennison My Travels 84 Canada, Remembered By Alexandria Nolan 86 My Can’t Miss List My Afterthought 88 Change the Course of the World!

MYCOMMUNITY

What are you most excited about in your life right now? I am most excited about the break from my routine! I was on the “program side” of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County for nearly 17 years.My new role brings a whole new perspective of the orga nization – a view through a di‚erent lens. I am so excited about the challenges being presented and the growth that it will allow, for both me and for Big Brothers Big Sisters. On a personal note, the last year brought many exciting changes.My husband and I became grandparents to a beautiful baby girl in August, both of our sons moved out of the house so we are almost emp ty-nesters, we got a new dog and our youngest daughter entered junior high. (ˆe latter is both exciting and scary.) What’s something people would never guess about you? I tell people all the time that I am an introvert and the response is always, “No you’re not.” But really, I am perfectly comfortable walking into a room and becoming a wallŒower. I Žnd value in listening over speaking; solitude is comforting and peaceful, and I enjoy personal conversations over small talk. Who is your hero? My heroes are people who stand up for those who cannot. I think that is why I am so passionate about the mission of our organization. I love that we provide mentors who empower youth to realize their own potential. Every young person deserves to have the same opportunities and to have someone advocate for them until they begin advocating for themselves. What are your hobbies? Fall is one of my favor ite seasons because it means football Saturdays and Sundays! Watching games is one of my favorite pastimes – I love college

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint & Genesee County COMPILED BY SHERRON BARDEN

IN February, after a comprehensive search and screening over 30 candidates from around the country, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County Board of Directors selected Lisa Humphrey to Žll the posi tion of retiring longtime President and CEO, Reta Stanley. Humphrey’s former role with BBBS was as Vice President of Programs since 2009. She possesses a wealth of knowledge of innovative programming in the Želd of mentoring, along with invaluable insight and experience in promoting positive youth development. Celebrating 78 years of serving Genesee County, the youth empowerment organization’s mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships. BBBS served 317 youth in 2021 and hopes to increase new mentoring matches by 25 percent in 2022. MY CITY WANTED TO KNOW A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT LISA HUMPHREY … READ ON! What was your very first job? I wish I had a more exciting response to this question.When I was 16, I worked at Deb clothing store (near Target on Miller Road). I had to wait until I turned 17 to be hired at the 5-7-9 clothing store in Genesee Valley.ˆat was where I shopped and could not wait to get the employee discount! PRESIDENT & CEO

7 QUESTIONS WITH

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and the NFL equally. I’m a diehard Michigan Wolverines fan and started out as a Denver Broncos fan. I later became a New England Patriots fan because of the GOAT (Brady) and can’t help but cheer for the Detroit Lions. Baking is another hobby I enjoy. It is so rewarding to put simple ingredients together and bring joy to others. One thing I wish I had more time for is reading. I love a good book; but unfortu nately if it is a really good book, I can’t put it down…which is why I do not have the time for it. Would you rather cook or order in? I would typically prefer to cook, but these days it would appear that I pre fer to order in.When I shared the news of being selectedCEO tomy children,my 11-year old responded, “How are we going to get food?!”“is was because I usually went to the grocery store onMondays. I laughed at the time and told her that was a silly worry. I’ve found that grocery shopping has been di”cult to work intomy new schedule, so I guess she was not so silly!

What is the biggest work-related thing you hope to accomplish in the next year? I hope to expand the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Village.We have been in the one-to-one relationship business for over 78 years, but there are still those in our commu nity who only know our name and not our work. I hope to expose the urgent need for

mentorship to that group of individuals. We have on average 190 youth waiting for someone to ignite their power and promise! By joining the Village, a mentor may change the trajectory of more than one life. ®

MYCOMMUNITY

Remembering Our Patriots DAR Celebrates 125 Years BY CHERYL DENNISON ® PHOTOS BY JADEN MOXLOW & PROVIDED BY GENESEE CHAPTER DAR T his year, the Genesee Chapter Daughters of

Internationally, there are 180,000 DAR members among chapters in the U.S., England, Spain, France and Australia. To become a DAR member, a woman has to prove lineage and bloodline descent to a male or female ancestor who served during the American Revolution

in the Continental Army or Militia, who provided support to the war e‹ort or was an oŒcial in the new government of the United States. “To join, you must provide documentation that you are actually a descendent,” Stubbs notes. With proven ancestral links to two American

patriots, she has been a member of DAR for 22 years. Information about ancestry can be con“rmed through census records or land records, among other information. “DAR is a genealogical

the American Revolution (DAR) is celebrating its 125th anniversary. “e Genesee Chapter was chartered in 1897 with 11 members,” states Regent, Carolyn Stubbs. “Our chapter has been operating continuously since then.”

organization,” Stubbs explains. “We have an extensive library in

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Washington, D.C.” e DAR Library was founded in 1896 and is used to support and enhance the national society’s membership application process and to further its goals by acquiring and preserving historical materials related to genealogical research. e library includes over 225,000 books documenting nearly 40,000 family histories and genealogies, as well as 10,000 research les and thousands of manuscript items. e DAR Library also contains special collections of African American, Native American and women’s history, genealogy and culture, many of which are unique or available in only a few libraries in the country. What do Daughters of the American Revolution do? Chapters active in communities across the country and around the world participate in restoring and maintaining historical sites; preserving

restoring and marking Revolutionary War patriot gravesites and headstones; supporting schools through donations and volunteer eˆorts, providing scholarships and awards to outstanding students throughout the country, promoting education and citizenship through youth programs, and providing volunteer time to assist military veterans. “One of our projects was to collect household cleaning supplies to give to homeless veterans who have recently found a home,” Stubbs reports. e local chapter also provides grants to teachers to support special projects and members also volunteer in local classrooms. “We also have a library at a local elementary school with books for children and adults to promote literacy,” she adds. The DAR Genesee Chapter works on a variety of service projects to support the preservation of historical documents including family bibles and family histories, as well as gravestones. 

THE DAR ARE ACTIVE IN MANY COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES INCLUDING

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA AND MARKING REVOLUTIONARY WAR PATRIOT GRAVESITES. ABOVE, MEMBERS TEND A BUTTERFLY GARDEN AT WESTON ELEMENTARY IN BURTON WHERE THEY ALSO INSTALLED A FREE LITTLE LIBRARY (BELOW)

genealogical records, artifacts and historical documents; locating,

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“Being a member of DAR is an honor, an opportunity to remember our patriots who sacrificed so much to create the United States of America. It was the beginning of our democracy.” Carolyn Stubbs

According to Stubbs, there are 13 soldiers of the American Revolutionary War buried in cemeteries throughout Genesee County and DAR members maintain their tombstones. In June, a memorial that DAR members had purchased in 1929 was relocated to the Grand Blanc Township office campus. An unveiling of the monument, which commemorates Saginaw St. as the military road running through the state, took place on June 20, 2022. “We worked with Grand Blanc Township to get the memorial moved “We are a very active chapter,” she shares.

to a much better place!” Stubbs exclaims. DAR Genesee Chapter also promotes conservation and protecting the environment. “We participate in river clean ups and recycling events,” says the regent. “Twelve of our members maintain local butterˆy gardens.” Being a member of DAR is an honor, says Stubbs. “It’s an opportunity to volunteer in your local community and to remember our patriots who sacriŠced so much to create the United States of America. It was the beginning of our democracy. We all need to be mindful of their eŒorts that enable us to live in a democracy.” ®

(L-R) STATE REGENT KELLY VAN WORMER, GENESEE CHAPTER REGENT CAROLYN STUBBS, STATE VICE-REGENT DAWN BRADY. THERE ARE 52 DAR CHAPTERS IN MICHIGAN.

Daughters of the American Revolution Genesee Chapter e DAR was founded on October 11, 1890 – the anniversary of the day Christopher Columbus sighted land in the Americas. On June 3, 1897 the Genesee Chapter was organized with Harriet P. ompson as regent, serving Flint and surrounding communities. Embracing their responsibility to ensure that the freedoms won by our ancestors are appreciated by Americans of today and tomorrow, the DAR Genesee Chapter has proudly volunteered and promoted patriotism, education and historic preservation in Central Michigan for 125 years. e DAR extends a welcome to all eligible women over the age of 18. Monthly meetings take place at various locations in Genesee County fromMarch to December.

MISHELLA / stock.adobe.com nata777_7 / stock.adobe.com

SOURCE: GENESEE.MICH.DAR

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MYCOMMUNITY MAIZE &BLUE 2022 UM-Flint Recognizes Exceptional Students COMPILED BY SHERRON BARDEN ® PHOTOS PROVIDED BY UM-FLINT

methaphum / stock.adobe.com

This spring, the University of Michigan-Flint announced the Winter 2022 Maize & Blue Distinguished Scholar Award recipients.

e Maize &Blue Award is the highest academic recog nition given to undergraduate students during commence ment season. Students who have earned at least 58 credit hours at UM-Flint with an overall GPA of 3.75 or better in all completed credits earned are eligible to be nominated for this honor. e award is presented to no more than 26 stu dents per year who excel academically and exemplify intellec tual maturity and depth, character, talent and service to the

University and the community. Recipients are selected by a faculty committee, with both faculty and sta† writing letters of recommendation for students who apply for the award. Here, these exceptional students share their thoughts about UM-Flint and their experience there in the personal statements they submitted for consideration by the Scholar ships, Awards and Special Events Committee.

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D uring my time at UM-Flint, I found passions for research, critical thinking and prob lem-solving, all tools that I can use to further apply within my community to further my career. My undergraduate experience has taught me to be diligent, stay curious, listen more and be open to all possibilities and experiences. Even throughout the pandemic, I was able to achieve many of the goals I was looking for during this step in my collegiate career. If I would have gone to a larger university, I don’t believe I would have had the same connections, opportunities and work experience that I received at UM-Flint. I am proud to be a part of the U of M community that cares immensely about its students and the area that we are serving. As I look forward to continu ing my education and begin applying to medical schools, I hope to nd a university that fosters the same principles as the school I have called my home for the last four years. GO BLUE! T he greatest amount of personal growth I have experienced since starting at UM-Flint would be my leadership capabilities. Because of my personality, I never thought of myself as a leader. I was never the loudest in a room or the one with the most exciting ideas. However, through my experiences at this university, I have learned to challenge my idea of what it looks like to be a leader. I learned any one can lead regardless of their personality type. Moreover, our workplaces and communities ƒourish when there is a variety of leadership styles represented.„rough volunteering in di…erent capacities on campus, I learned where my strengths lie. One of these strengths is that I care deeply about inclusion and equity. As this passion grew, I knew I needed to step up as a leader, especially because I am pursu ing a career in the technology industry – an industry that has a history of both passively and actively excluding all but the most privileged groups. I cultivated my desire to pursue equitable leadership by participating in the Inclusive Leadership Certicate Program o…ered by Student Involvement and Leadership.„is program taught me how to practically implement an inclusive leadership style and that my voice is best used when making space for others who have been silenced. U M-Flint has fostered my personal and intellectual growth in various aspects of my life, not just educationally. I have been able to prioritize time for myself to heal past traumas, which has been extremely benecial in aiding my personal growth. Intellectually, I have become better at researching and communicating.„roughout my time at UM-Flint, when given the choice to research my own topic, I would research topics that would relate to my future career goals so that I could better understand the populations I may encounter. Overall, my passion for social work has grown through obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Had I not been given the opportunity to attend UM-Flint through the University Scholar Award, I do not think that I would have been able to continue my education. Now, I am prepared to pursue my Master’s Degree in Social Work and look forward to continuing my development to ward success in this eld. I am forever thankful for UM-Flint, and the committee that opened the doors for me to pursue my dreams and believed in me by giving me the chance to be the Scholar. UM-Flint has given me the opportunity to think about my future beyond education, and to see myself as capable of great success. 

Kaitlyn Bowie Bachelor of Science, Psychology Swartz Creek, MI

Katie Carver Bachelor of Science, Computer Information Systems Burton, MI

Brooke Fogg Bachelor of Science, Psychology Mammoth Spring, AR

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U M-Flint has fostered my personal growth, but more importantly, it has changed my plans for the future. I am leaving this university with more con dence and preparation than I could have imagined when I walked in. I have been prepared for my career through fantastic advisors and details in structured courses, with the ability to study for the exams that facilitate my future. I also leave with a better idea of who I want to be, what I want to do with my free time, and how important it is to be involved and representative within your community. At every turn, UM-Flint has provided me with support for my next step, as well as faith and con dence when I lack it. Most recently, I have been given the opportunity to join a student-led project for my capstone, where we are working between three departments to compete in NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge. As a woman, it is often too easy to be doubtful of my abilities and my own strengths, but every person around me here has always been there to reassure my con dence and abilities. I am so incredibly proud of every piece of me that I have put into Flint, and every piece of Flint that will remain in me. W hen applying for colleges, I was given the same advice over and over – that it did not really matter where I attended, as long as it was an “accredited institution.” Everyone who told me that could not have been more wrong. Where I ended up determining the degree I choose, it shaped the relationships in my life, who I am as a person, my personal beliefs and values. Every thing that I have learned and so much of my future has been shaped by that one choice, one that I did not realize would be so impactful.‘e time I have spent at this university has been invaluable to me. I have grown in ways that I could not have previously imagined. I have developed countless skills, and I have learned the importance of leaning into the most uncomfortable of situations and growing from them.‘e world in front of me now seems limitless, and I know that when I leave here, I will have an unbreakable foundation to support me and help me continue my own personal and professional growth. O riginally, I had planned on graduating in the spring of 2021, but I saw an opportunity to expand my understanding of history and my prospects for graduate school in the UK by adding a second major, history. Scholarships from the history department have been essential for my continued educational pursuits at UM-Flint. Working with UM-Flint faculty, I success fully applied to the University of York and the University of Aberdeen, both graduate programs in archaeology. In November 2021, I received an o‰er to study historic buildings through the archaeology department of the University of York, and in February 2022, I received an o‰er to study archaeology at the University of Aberdeen. I accepted the o‰er from York and will be at tending graduate school there in September 2022. I have no doubt that this would not be possible without the support of UM-Flint professors and the institution as a whole. I didn’t have any great expectations when I started at UM-Flint eight years ago and now, because of the University, I have found myself on my way toward an impossible dream. 

Genevieve Heydt Bachelor of Science, Actuarial Mathematics Bartlett, IL

Kaitlyn Militzer Bachelor of Social Work Gaines, MI

Genevieve Rainey Bachelor of Arts, History Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology Holly, MI

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“ N ever apologize for asking. As your instructors, we’re here to do everything we can do to help you succeed.” is is what Dr. Tang said to me after I apologized for asking him for multiple letters of recommendation. I feel that this interaction is representative of the University of Michi gan-Flint. Because of this university, I have been supported and inspired in everything I have done. e professors, students and aid that Flint has provided allowed me to discover and pursue new passions. Because of this, I was able to go out and follow my dreams of furthering my academics in public health. is semester, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the graduate schools of Yale, Columbia and George Washington. ank you, UM-Flint, for uncovering my public health and environmental passions, and provid ing me the launchpad for my future career. I graduated this May with a biology degree with minors in chemistry and psychology. e foundation that UM-Flint provided me gave me the con„dence and ability to further my education. I have o…cially committed to Yale School of Public Health to get my MPH in Environmental Health Sciences with a concentration in climate change. M y education at the University of Michigan-Flint has prepared me to become a competent clinical laboratory scientist as well as problem-solve situations and unexpected challenges in the workplace. rough all the twists and turns I faced throughout my college career, I learned to be persistent and persevere through challenges to accomplish my goals. Each class that I have taken throughout college has solidi„ed my plans to work in the clinical laboratory. I am complet ing my „nal classes before my internship begins at Detroit Medical Center in September. When I look back on my four years at the University of Michigan-Flint, I stepped onto campus as a timid freshman, and I am leaving as a well-rounded, independent woman, ready to face whatever challenges come my way in the future. B oth the instructional and extracurricular experiences I have been fortunate enough to be involved with at the University over the last three years have greatly expanded my abilities as a student, in addition to my capacity to educate others. Although I possessed many areas of interest prior to entering the University, my infatuation with anthropology and linguistics was solidi„ed through the programs, educators and extracurricular experiences o‹ered at this institution. In past semesters, I have explored topics such as historical and modern impacts upon Alaska Native subsistence practices, including physical and mental health issues and cultural outcomes. InŽuenced by my own experiences and education, as well as a desire to bring light to nationwide struggles with rural poverty, I have also completed a literature review within UM-Flint’s Senior Seminar course, in which I discussed and analyzed the structural barriers to aging comfortably experienced by the rural American elderly. After completing my undergraduate education, I aspire to attend a PhD graduate program to conduct further research in the „eld of sociocultural anthropology, particularly in the areas of kinship, culture and class, and how these areas of social life intertwine with the American medical system. Prior to attending, however, I plan to spend at least a year working within my community, providing English teaching services for those learning the language either natively or as an additional language, and study ing the connections language has to socioeconomic standing. 

Nicole-Kristine Smith Bachelor of Science, Biology Grand Blanc, MI

Jaycie Bos Bachelor of Science, Clinical Laboratory Studies Grand Rapids, MI

Jude Krajnyák Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology Clio, MI

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I t has long been my goal to dispel the myth that the outcomes of adverse early childhood experi ences are absolute. It has been said that a smooth sea has never made a good sailor. I grew up in a household littered with trauma and statistically would be at risk for low educational attainment. Looking back at my experience, I am proud of the path I have taken to break the chain of poverty that has limited my family for generations. As a rst-generation high school graduate and the rst in my family to attend school on a postsecondary level, I feel a great deal of responsibility to meet my academic and career goals. I eagerly look toward the future because I am not done learning or growing. My academic goals include a Master of Arts in Inclusive Education. As an educator and advocate for young children, I think that there is great value in broadening my knowledge on this topic. Over the last ten years, we have seen a societal shift in how we work with children, families and the community.is progress cannot be slowed. Promoting an inclusive environment in the early years of a child’s life will teach those children to respect others, regardless of di erences. I rmly believe in the power and privilege of a high-quality education. My degree from the University of Michigan-Flint will propel my career forward and a ord me new opportunities in my eld of study. B efore attending the University of Michigan-Flint, Flint was just an area that I passed on the freeway to go up north.e only things I knew about the city were statements told to me by people who have never lived here. Re†ecting on my time here at UM-Flint, my perceptions of this city and who I have become have changed. A university should help someone grow intellectually, but UM-Flint has constantly pushed me out of my comfort zone, guiding me through these past 18 months, and it has molded me into the best version of myself. Because of this School of Nursing, I see myself, my future and the world di erently. Entering the eld of nursing during a time of high mortality rates due to COVID originally made me feel anxious. I felt that I may not be emotionally strong enough to endure being surrounded by sadness, and I was not sure of how I would react to seeing death and mourning families. My clinical opportunities have taught me to recognize my own emotions, and in doing so I have become more empathetic and improved my ability to care for myself and families who have lost their loved ones. G enesee County and its surrounding areas have experienced an incredible struggle over the last three decades, culminating in an unmatched resilience that manifests strongly in the identity of the University, its community and local population. is resilience translates in an unexpected manner to many, as it does not encompass mistrust or apprehension to new ideas and e orts but widely embraces the people still willing to give the populace their e ort. I strongly believe that the conditions brought about by the challenges in this region are the paramount reasons why it is such a great place to foster future innovators, leaders, performers and entrepreneurs. I am privileged to have been able to be part of this community and system which has provided me with so much. 

Chrissandra Padilla Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education Holly, MI

Jessica Carrasco Bachelor of Science, Nursing South Lyon, MI

Garrett Prince Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance & Accounting Ortonville, MI

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MYCOMMUNITY

A s a student who has attended many colleges and universities, I can honestly say that at tending the University of Michigan-Flint has been one of the best decisions I have made. e faculty in the nursing program care deeply about the success of the students and will do anything to help them succeed and reach their goals. e accelerated nursing program has been extremely interesting and rewarding, it has been one of the most challenging degrees I have completed to date. I am thankful that I am graduating with an extensive knowledge base and wonderful clinical experiences to start my career. In the future, my ultimate goal is to return to UM-Flint for the Doctor of Nurse Anesthe sia Practice program after working as a critical care nurse. Becoming a nurse anesthetist will allow me to utilize my science background from my previous chemistry degrees, my nursing degree, and the skills gained working in critical care. I have always been interested in even tually obtaining a doctorate degree in order to have the highest knowledge and experience to practice and educate others. I am a nontraditional student. I started working while I was in high school and continued after graduation. I wanted to climb the corporate ladder into a project manager position but holding me back was that I did not have the required education. Like many in this same situation, I was already extremely busy working full-time, raising a family and taking care of my household, so I thought I had zero free time to go back to college. Dreaming of this goal coupled with some father ly advice that I tell my daughter Natalee and son Cameron, I decided to change my world. You see, every day I tell them to change the world, not because I want them to make some Earth-altering change, but to remind them that no matter their situation, they have opportunities every day to change their path and make their world what they want it to be. So, with my own advice and to set a great example, I enrolled at Mott Community College and then transferred to UM-Flint, as I had always dreamed of going to this university and having that “Block M” on my diploma. Some people have asked, “How do you do it? How do you balance all your responsibilities and ‹t in being a full-time student?” I tell them all the same thing, which is one of the biggest lessons I have learned during these last few years: Time is a great equalizer. Everything that has ever been done and everything that will ever be done is accomplished in the same 24 hours that you and I and everyone else on this Earth have. When something is a priority and it is important to you, you will ‹nd the necessary time to get it done. You, me and everyone else on this planet are given 24 hours each and every day. It is up to us to make them count toward something important. ®

Hillary Beeckman Bachelor of Science, Nursing Bay City, MI

Aaron Fogelsonger Bachelor of Business Administration, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management Flushing, MI

My City Magazine is proud to highlight these outstanding scholars and we wish them all a bright and rewarding future.

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MYDOWNTOWN

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THE NEW SLOAN MUSEUM BY PETER HINTERMAN

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MYDOWNTOWN It’s bright! It’s fun! It’s engaging! It’s the new Sloan Museum

we are ready and we are all very excited to bring this to Flint.” e new Sloan Museum is a complete re-imagining of the former facility. “I think we have maybe two or three walls from the old layout still standing,” says Marketing Manager, Anne Mancour. “ e museum is entirely di‹erent and you would be hard-pressed to recognize any part of the old layout.” In 1966, the Sloan Muse um (named after longtime General Motors President, Alfred P. Sloan) was built as a local history and

and on July 16, its doors will be open for the world to behold its wonders. e project which began as an idea nearly seven years ago has come to completion … and the nal product is ab solutely astounding. “When I started almost eight years ago,” recalls Sloan Executive Director Todd Slisher, “one of the rst things I was asked was ‘what are you going to do about Sloan?’ Well, after years of commu nity input and fundraising,

TODD SLISHER SLOAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

automobile museum. Over the years, it has been used to educate local school children and host traveling exhibits. Nearly every resident remembers its dark hallways and narrow, main corridor; the new Sloan was designed to change that old atmosphere. e rst thing every visitor will notice is the brightness of the new building and the space – so much space! “We increased the space of the museum from 58,000 square feet to 107,000 square feet and built a spacious main walkway to make it easier

ANNE MANCOUR SLOAN MARKETING MANAGER

to move between galleries,” Mancour explains. e main (and per manent) attraction will be the centrally located Discovery Hall (science gallery). e focus of this much-anticipated exhibit is hands-on learning and discovery. Its features in clude an amazing and fun water table that teaches children about water-¡ow and natural forces, a large and interactive Spaceship Earth Globe exhibit, 

A PERMANENT ATTRACTION, THE WATER TABLE TEACHES CHILDREN (AND ADULTS) ABOUT THE FLOW OF WATER AND ALL IT CAN DO IN THE WORLD . . . AND IT’S SUPER FUN, TOO!

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MYDOWNTOWN

The project which began as an idea nearly seven years ago has come to completion … and the final product is absolutely astounding!

be rotated through the years, making sure that the History Gallery is always presenting something new. After the History Gallery, visitors and car enthusiasts will be ready to enter the Durant Gallery displaying classic cars of all makes and models. (After a $500,000 contribution from General Motors, the auto gallery was named after GM Founder, Billy Durant.) Še gallery will not only display cars from the past but will also look to the future. Upon opening, the gallery will display a new self-driving, fully-electric GM proto type vehicle. Next, for those won dering if the museum’s childhood shopping expe rience will stay, Hagerman Street – the Childhood Learning Gallery – is more fun and exciting than ever.Še interactive area features a three-story tree house, grocery store, street (with rideable tricycles!), dentist’s o˜ce, interactive ambulance and more.Šis gallery comes equipped with its own meeting space ready to be rented for birthday parties, meetings and other celebrations. Continued on pg. 81 

BELOW: THE DURANT GALLERY WILL SHOWCASE VEHICLES FROM THE PAST AND FUTURE SUCH AS THIS GM SELF-DRIVING, ELECTRIC PROTOTYPE.

TOP: THE HAGERMAN STREET MARKET (CHILDHOOD LEARNING GALLERY) IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER FEATURING A TREE HOUSE, MARKET, DENTIST’S OFFICE AND MORE. ABOVE LEFT: THE NEW SLOAN OFFERS MULTIPLE FULLY-EQUIPPED CLASSROOMS AND MEETING ROOMS. ABOVE RIGHT: THE BUICK-PRODUCED HELLCAT TANK WILL BE A PART OF THE HISTORY GALLERY.

and ten-more intriguing science attractions for kids and adults alike. Attached to Discovery Hall is a large and accommodating Mak er’s Space where attendees will participate in STEM projects such as robotics, physics and more. Also centrally located is the temporary exhibit space designed to accommodate large traveling installa tions with the rst special exhibit scheduled for a July 2023 opening.

History buƒs and educators will be happy to take their families and classes to the re-designed History Gallery. From the early native settlers to Jacob Smith’s trading post and into the future, guests will “follow the river” as it winds through the history of the city until it culmi nates in the Flint Water Crisis display.Še Sloan Museum holds nearly 50,000 artifacts of Genesee County history which will

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MYEATS

Exci t ing things are happening at Andiamo Fenton! e popular eatery has been serving authentic Ital ian cuisine to their loyal customers since they opened their doors in February 2019. General Manager Brian McCurdy says the owners of the family restaurant chain have been putting much time and eort into coming up with some new and exciting enhancements – to make the Andiamo experience even better! To address the growing popularity of carryout, a

THE ANDIAMO

FENTON EXPERIENCE BY CHERYL DENNISON new menu was created. “We want to provide dierent options for our customers to have good food at home,” McCurdy explains. A separate division of the restau rant was created just for to-go orders, as well as special parking spaces for curbside pickup. One of the new items on the carryout menu is a whole baked muuletta, which feeds 8-13 people. e delectable sandwich is made with Italian hero-style cold cuts, olive and tomato salad, fontina and mozzarella cheeses and a red wine vinaigrette.”Muuletta is an amazing bread!” the general manager exclaims. It can be sold by the slice or the whole sandwich, which is cut like a pizza. e carryout menu also features a variety of calzones, panini sandwiches and authentic Italian pizza pies. 

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PHOTOS BY KAYCE McCLURE & PROVIDED BY ANDIAMO FENTON

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A new wine menu is in the works and will be available sometime this month, McCurdy states, with a new dinner menu planned to debut by the end of summer. e new menu will feature several di erent dishes, all with an Italian twist. “We will keep a lot of the menu items we are known for,” McCurdy says. A few of the customer favorites that will remain on the menu include the very popular Lasagna alla Bolog nese, let mignon, and Frutti di Mare Pasta (Italian for “fruits of the sea”) which is made with succulent pan-seared scallops, mussels, shrimp, calamari, garlic, white wine, tomato and hand-made pasta.

also has a catering ‹eet. “We will be as involved as you like – drop-o or full-service.” Well known for its made-from-scratch fare, Andiamo Fenton is and will always be a “celebration” restaurant. Many of the patrons gather there to celebrate birthdays, graduations, showers and other special occasions. It is also a place for corporate events of all kinds, group meet ings and training sessions. “We have a wonderful sta here,” says McCurdy, adding that many employees have been there since the restaurant opened. e sta and new Executive Chef Daniel J. Scannell are committed to providing the best experience possible.

Well known for its made-from-scratch fare, Andiamo Fenton is and will always be a “celebration” restaurant.

e new wine list is being created by an Andiamo corporate sommelier who is choosing some exciting new wines from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. “We are trying to focus on wines that pair well with Italian food,” McCurdy adds. Another thing that makes Andiamo Fenton stand out is their ability to create options for diners who have food allergies and special dietary needs such as vegetar ian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose intolerance, to name a few. “Our sta is trained on food allergies,” McCurdy notes. “We really pride ourselves on being able to ac commodate our customer’s various needs. We can make adjustments or substitutions without changing the dish. It is important to us to maintain the integrity of the original dish as much as possible.” McCurdy is especially excited about some other ideas that are in the works, such as food delivery service to the people who live near one of the area’s many lakes. “Boat ers can enjoy our amazing food while out on the water!” he exclaims. “We can deliver right to the dock!” Andiamo

Whether you choose Andiamo Fenton for carry out, catering, curbside pickup or dockside delivery, the management and sta are excited to meet all your needs – inside or outside of the restaurant. “We are known as a celebration restaurant, but we are rea sonably priced,” McCurdy adds. “Even if you’re just coming out on a Tuesday night to eat dinner, it will always be a special experience.” ®

Brent Hofacker / stock.adobe.com

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MYDISH

Stay Cool! BY ERIN CAUDELL

If you are like me, I look for all the cold salad options for summer meals. Anything that can help me feed the family without turning on the stove is cool with me! is easy and super- avorful vegan version of cold noodle salad can also be made for meat-eaters by adding some grilled or pan-cooked chicken, then tossing in a little extra sauce.

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

dream79 / stock.adobe.com

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INGREDIENTS Sesame Peanut Sauce • ¼ cup soy sauce • 3 Tbsp sesame oil • 4 Tbsp peanut butter • 2 Tbsp rice vinegar • ½ cup water Thai Noodle Salad

• ¼ tsp ginger, grated • 4 tsp garlic, minced • 1 lime, juiced

Noodle Salad • 1lb linguine • 1 red bell pepper, chopped • 1 cup carrots, shredded • 1 bunch cilantro • ½ cup scallions, chopped • ½ red onion, chopped

TO MAKE 1. Cook noodles in water

with 1 tsp baking soda (this creates a bouncy, ramen-like consistency). Rinse well, drain and cool. 2.Mix all veggies together with the noodles. 3. In a small saucepan, warm the sauce ingredients, adding more water until the sauce is smooth. 4. Add sauce to the noodles and cool in the refrigerator until dinner time. Garnish with cilantro, chopped peanuts and a few chopped scallions. Enjoy!

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Local Eats & Drinks

ANDIAMO

Andiamo Fenton 102 W. Silver Lake Rd., Fenton 810.354.8446 Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ NEW LOCATION 1492 N. Leroy St., Fenton 810.750.0507

Big Apple Bagels 9434 Lapeer Rd., Davison 8185 Holly Rd., Grand Blanc

810.653.9966 810.695.6063

Brick Street of Grand Blanc 1223 E. Grand Blanc Rd. Ciao Italian Bistro & Wine Bar 110 S. Leroy St., Fenton 810.354.8555 Cork on Saginaw 635 Saginaw St., Flint 810.422.9625 Crust - A Baking Company 104 W. Caroline St., Fenton 810.629.8882 Fenton Hotel Tavern & Grill 302 N. Leroy St., Fenton 810.750.9463 Fenton Winery & Brewery 1370 N. Long Lake Rd., Fenton 810.373.4194 810.603.2114

BRICK STREET OF GRAND BLANC

Frank’s Hoppy Bistro 3235 W. ompson Rd., Fenton 810.208.7297 Gillie’s Coney Island G-6524 N. Dort Hwy., Mt Morris 810.686.1200 Jersey Mike’s Subs 3409 Owen Rd., Fenton 810.208.7281 5011 Miller Rd., Flint 810.820.6286 1048 E. Hill Rd., Grand Blanc 810.407.6018

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