My City July 2022

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF Vince Lorraine

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

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

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