My City June 2021

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, This month marks our eighth anniversary – nearly 100 issues (ac tually, more than 100 when you count our quarterly Wellness maga zines.) Our team is dedicated to creating a quality publication and the feedback we get confirms it. Last year, our seventh anniversary passed without fanfare due to lockdown – we couldn’t produce a June issue. That sure seems like a long time ago. We’re always excited to reveal the winners of our annual City’s Choice Awards (p.10). If you were one of the many who took the time to vote, thank you! If you or your company are a winner, congratulations! I’m sure you have seen the many Hurley Medical Center billboards in the area proudly displaying the MCMWellness Awards crest.We encourage the City’s Choice winners to reach out to our team if they want to use the “Winner” crest in their marketing. Simply email graphics@mycitymag.com. Speaking of winners, the Genesee County Jail I.G.N.I.T.E. initia tive is winning at addressing generational incarceration. Started less than a year ago, the education, re-entry and rehabilitation initiative has involved over 1,000 inmates with nearly 500 enrolled in the Michigan GED program this school year. Fantastic! Read more about it on p.18. It’s definitely time for stories about great things to do outdoors in Michi gan. “My Hobby” takes me back to my fly-fishing days ... maybe I can make time for that again someday. Check out the piece on the Charles A. Fellows Chapter of Michigan Trout Unlimited and their very noble purpose (p.36). Shifting gears from a quiet river to a busy recording studio, our “My Mu sic” piece profilesTha Beast Lani – ten-year-old Milan Reaves – a little girl chasing a dream of being a hip hop star (p.26). Check out our history piece on Flint Northern High School, “Home of the State Champions” (p.44) and the local nonprofit, Clara’s Hope, is highlighted on p.20 in “My Outreach.” Our outreach pieces are always so inspiring; this led us to create My City Cares last year. The second annual publication is included in this issue. So, when you finish reading this letter, flip your magazine over and upside down … cool, right? We’re excited to report that “Happenings” are starting to return, including many listed in the Cares pages that local charitable organi zations have scheduled for the coming months. Of course, MCM was on hand for the action at the Flint City Bucks home opener AND a brand new Back to the Bricks kickoff event. Things are happening again in Greater Flint – get out there and enjoy! Thanks for reading,

ASSISTANT EDITOR / WR ITER Peter Hinterman

WEB DEVELOPER / GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Boedecker

STAFF WR ITER Cheryl Denni son

PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Jagielo

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 Ed Bradley 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 EXECUTIVES Terese Al len Vincent Turchi

5152 COMMERCE RD. FLINT, MI 48507 810.230.1783 - MYCITYMAG.COM ISSN#1559-3436 is published monthly by My City Magazine, Inc., 5152 Commerce Rd., Flint, MI 48507. Canadian Mail Agreement #41971515. For back issues, inquire for availability. Editorial Cor respondence: Address product information and inquiries to: Editorial Department, My City Magazine, 5152 Commerce Rd., Flint, MI 48507, phone 810.230.1783. To authors, photographers, and people featured in this publication: All materials, articles, reports and photographs in this publication are the property of My City Magazine and cannot be used without written permission. The opinions and conclu sions recited herein are those of the respective authors and not of My City Magazine. My City Magazine is not responsible for returning unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other materials. Every effort will be made however, to return rejected manuscripts, etc., if they are accompanied by sufficient first-class postage, but the publisher will not be responsible for any loss of such material. Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved. | Printed in U.S.A.

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

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY DHANU3182 / STOCK.ADOBE.COM

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10 2021 CITY’S CHOICE AWARDS Winners Announced! My Downtown 16 What’s Up Downtown

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My Sports 30 Accustomed to Winning

Grassroots Renaissance My Community Changing Inmates’ Lives My Outreach

18 I.G.N.I.T.E.

Flint City Bucks Head Coach Andy Wagstaff My Hobby 36 Calling All Anglers! Trout Unlimited CAF Chapter 709 My Fun 42 Camping in Michigan Pete’s Top 5 Spots My History 44 Flint Northern High School Home of the State Champions

20 Clara’s Hope

Removing Barriers My Dish

24 It’s Time for Freezer Pops! By Erin Caudell My Music 26 Tha Beast Lani

Little Girl, Big Dream

CONTENTS

June 2021

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48

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My Haps 46 Flint City Bucks Home Opener 48 B2B Dust ‘em Off Car Show

My Econ 56 Are We Seeing Inflation? By Dr. Christopher Douglas My Finances By Joel P. Lagore My Movies 60 Hopkins’ “The Father” Rates a Look By Ed Bradley My Thoughts 62 “Soldiers in Your Cup” By Cheryl Dennison My Afterthought 64 Birth of an Icon: The Chevy Corvette 58 The Value of the P/E Ratio

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My Reality NEW

50 Grin and “Bare” It By Vera Hogan My Musings 52 Look with Your Eyes and Your Heart By Leslie Toldo My Travels 54 Road Trip By Alexandria Nolan

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B.E. F.A.S.T. Commit to Stroke Prevention, ŽǁljȶɽȈˎ ƺƃɽȈɁȶ ƃȶǁ ƺɽȈɁȶ

ADVERTORIAL

“To identify a stroke,” adds Lanning, “remember the acronym BE FAST and, once identified, call 9-1-1 immediately.Time is crucial.” Above all, BE FAST! During a stroke,everyminute wcounts.Fast treatment can lessen the damage a stroke can cause. If you or someone else has any symptoms, take action right away. HurleyMedical Center is fully committed to continuouslymonitoring the outcome of stroke patients and delivering the quality of life that they deserve.“Hurley is recognized as a primary stroke center by the joint commission and recently received theGet with theGuidelines® – Stroke Gold Elite Plus Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association,”says Lanning. “We strive to achieve higher standards in a process that supports better outcomes for our patients.”As a primary stroke center,Hurley provides on-call neurologist and neurosurgeon,dedicated operating room,MRI andCT imaging, fast thrombolytic therapy (clot-bustingmedication) and occupational,physical and speech therapies to aid in recovery.“We provide a wholemedical team that is ready at amoment’s notice to help stroke victims,”adds Lanning.“Every stroke is an emergency.Don’t hesitate to call for help.Hurley will be there to help you through it all.” x 9ӝKӝ yӝ ӝČӝěӝ ɰɽƃȶǁɰ ǹɁɨӖ B alance Does the personhave a sudden loss of balance? E yes Is the person experiencing double vision or loss of vision in one eye? Does one arm drift downward? Have the person raise both arms. S peech Is the person slurring their speech or having difficulty speaking? T ime It’s time to act. Call 9-1-1 and get the person to a certified stroke center immediately. F ace A rms Is one side of the face drooping? Ask the person to smile.

C ount to 40. Finished? In that time, one person in the United States had a stroke. Every four minutes, a person dies of a stroke and each year, approximately 795,000 people are stricken. Strokes can happen to anyone at any age and at any time.They are deadly and the leading cause of serious long-term disability – but all is not lost.With simple lifestyle changes and speedy identification and action, strokes can be prevented and outcomes improved. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or rup tures). When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so brain cells die. According to Hurley Medical Center Stroke Coordinator, Cristi Lanning, RN, BSN, making small changes to your lifestyle can lessen your chances of having a stroke. “There are some simple steps that anyone can take to reduce risk,” she says. “Lowering your cholesterol, increas ing physical activity, limiting alcohol, eliminating smoking and maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way toward avoiding a stroke in the future.” And, if you or a loved one suffers a stroke, proper identification and speed is crucial to lessen the after-effects.

MYCITY

2021 City , s Choice Awards

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Food &Drink їљӳ‰ÝĩĄ ĄKČě ĩĄ Çě Starlite Coney Island 9 {K¸Č Big Apple Bagels 9 Ą9K:ĩK Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ 9¸ÝÝAť à Ąť Churchill’s Food & Spirits 9ĄK ¶y Čě Crust - A Baking Company 9ĩĄ{KĄ

CHICKENWINGS Guido’s Premium Pizza - Grand Blanc CHINESE Empress of China :¸ ČȎ:ӕ ĄěŽČ Ç :Ý:¶ě Ž¸ Churchill’s Food & Spirits :ÝÇKť ŽČ¸ ÇA Leo’s Coney Island :ÝݶŽKČ ӳ ěŽK Crust - A Baking Company We’reDough Bakery & Cookie Dough Cafe CUPCAKES Oliver T’s Market AK¸Ž

Soggy Bottom Bar :‰K Ā K ěČ Omega Deli

Omega Deli AŽřK 9 Ą The Torch

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DONUTS Donna’s Donuts FAMILY RESTAURANT Omega Deli FINE DINING Cork on Saginaw FISH ‘N’ CHIPS Whitey’s FRENCH FRIES :ȃʍɨƺȃȈȢȢԇɰ ěɨʍǹːlj yɨȈljɰ GOURMET MARKET Oliver T’s Market GREEK

KOREAN Goki Goki Korean BBQ

¸ ěKӳǎ{‰ě AŽÇŽÇ{ :ȃʍɨƺȃȈȢȢԇɰ yɁɁǁ ծ ČɥȈɨȈɽɰ LOCALLY MADE BEER Tenacity Brewing LOCALLY OWNED BAKERY Great Harvest Bakery LOCALLY PRODUCED BRAND Koegel Meats MEXICAN Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Cantina MIDDLE EASTERN Taboon Middle Eastern Cuisine NIGHTCAP SPOT :ȃʍɨƺȃȈȢȢԇɰ yɁɁǁ ծ ČɥȈɨȈɽɰ ÝĩěAÝÝĄ AŽÇŽÇ{ӕĀ ěŽÝ Brick Street PANCAKES Omega Deli ĀŽŹŹ ӳ ěŽK Guido’s Premium Pizza - Grand Blanc Luigi’s RESTAURANT AMBIENCE Cork on Saginaw

Leo’s Coney Island HAPPY HOUR Kickers Sports Bar & Grill ICE CREAM Uncle Ray’s Dairyland INDEPENDENT COFFEEHOUSE Dougie’s Coffee Shop INDIAN Grill of India ITALIAN Italia Gardens JAPANESE Sagano Japanese Bistro & Steakhouse

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RESTAURANT DESSERT Belle’s Heavenly Cake (Pesto’s) RIBS Beale Street Smokehouse BBQ ROMANTIC RESTAURANT Andiamo Fenton SANDWICH Omega Deli ČK yÝÝA ӭÇÝÇӳ:‰ ŽÇӮ Whitey’s ČKĄřŽ:K ӭ ěěKÇěŽřKӮ Churchill’s Food & Spirits SOUP Omega Deli STEAKHOUSE Lucky’s Steakhouse SUNDAY BRUNCH Corner Bar & Grill SUSHI Sagano Japanese Bistro & Steakhouse THAI Thai House Bistro, Fenton WINE LIST Cork on Saginaw Shopping ANTIQUE STORE Collette’s Vintage & Antique Mall APPLIANCES Carl’s Appliance ATHLETIC WEAR Bauman’s Running & Walking Shop AUTO DEALERSHIP Al Serra Chevrolet

BEER STORE Whigville Market BIKE SHOP Assenmacher

CANDY SHOP Sweet Variations COMIC BOOK STORE Amazing Book-store FARMERS’ MARKET Flint Farmers’ Market FISH MARKET

Donlan’s Fish & Seafoods FURNITURE STORE Skaff Furniture Carpet One GOURMET MARKET Oliver T’s Market HARDWARE STORE Taylor Hardware JEWELER Gaine’s Jewelry MEAT MARKET Colony’s Quality Meats ÇĩĄČKĄťӕ{ĄKKljÝĩČK Carlson’s Greenhouse PRODUCE Banana Brothers RESALE SHOP Reclaimed by Whaley SMOKE SHOP Paul’s Pipe Shop SPECIALTY CAKE Oliver T’s Market TRENDY FASHION Eclections WINE STORE Oliver T’s Market WOMEN’S FASHIONS Mainstream Boutique

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Services 9 Ƕ ӕ :ĄKAŽě ĩǎÝÇ

ě ÇǎÇ{ Č ¸ÝÇ Tropi Tan Salons

ě ěěÝÝ Č‰ÝĀ Electric Chair - Clio řKěKĄŽÇ ĄŽ Ç Śljɰɽ yȢȈȶɽ ȶȈȴƃȢ ‰ɁɰɥȈɽƃȢ ťÝ{ ČěĩAŽÝ Soul Yoga People

ELGA Credit Union 9 Ą9KĄ ȉÝĀ Barber Shop Depot

:‰ ĄŽěťӕÇÝÇӳĀĄÝyŽě ӳ ěŽK Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint Whaley Children’s Center :‰Ž¸A A ť : ĄK Brandi’s Place AĄť :¸K ÇKĄ Jan’s Professional Dry Cleaners K¸K:졎: ¸ ČKĄřŽ:KČ Goyette y¸ÝĄŽČě Vogt’s

::ÝĩÇě Çě James Bellmore, EA 9 ĄěKÇAKĄ TomWade, Churchill’s Food & Spirits :‰Ky Antwain Trimble, Sauce

:‰ŽĄÝĀĄ :ěÝĄ Mazin Abdelmalek, DC AKÇěŽČě Great Lakes Family Dental Group yŽÇ Ç:Ž ¸ AřŽČÝĄ yɨljǁ ‰ljȶɰȢljɨ ӗ Sapphire Blue Investment Partners yŽÇK ĄěŽČě ČʍljȢȢljȶ °ӝ Āƃɨȟljɨ y¸ŽÇě Ã9 ČČ AÝĄ ¶ƃǁʰ ťljȢȢɁʥӝ Śȃƃɽԇɰ ĩɥ AɁʥȶɽɁʥȶ ‰ ŽĄČ인ŽČě Čɽʍƃɨɽ Čȃƃȶȟɰɽljɨӗ AɁȶ yɨƃȶƺɁ ‰ƃȈɨ :Ɂȴɥƃȶʰ ŽÇČĩĄ Ç:K {KÇě Ryan Francis, Francis Family Insurance ¸Ý: ¸ :ÝÃKAŽ Ç Bryan McCree ĀKĄČÝÇ ¸ ěĄ ŽÇKĄ Zak Snell, Polysthenics Fitness

‰ ŽĄ Č ¸ÝÇ Ąljˎȶljɨʰ ‰ƃȈɨ :Ɂӝ

‰K ěŽÇ{ӕ:ÝݸŽÇ{ Goyette ‰ÝČĀŽě ¸ ‰ʍɨȢljʰ ÃljǁȈƺƃȢ :ljȶɽljɨ

¸ Ś yŽĄÃ ȎÃKÇӗ yŽ{ĩĄ ծ Ā Ą¶KĄӗ Āӝ¸ӝ:ӝ à ČČ {K Renaissance Chiropractic Ā¸ĩÃ9ŽÇ{ Goyette ĀÝĄěĄ Žě Ā‰ÝěÝ{Ą Ā‰KĄ Jenny Lane Studios ĄK ¸ěÝĄ Jennifer Tremaine ČĀ Pure Bliss Salon & Spa

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Leisure ALL SPORTS LAKE Lake Fenton ANNUAL SPORTING EVENT

Media TV NEWS ANCHOR David Custer, WNEM TV5 MAGAZINE My City Magazine RADIO DJ Derek Sorenson, 103.9 The FOX RADIO PROGRAM The Foxhole Morning Show w/Johnny Burke 103.9 the FOX RADIO STATION 103.9 the Fox METEOROLOGIST JR Kirtek, ABC12 Misc & ETC FLINT PARK Mott Park Recreation Area GENESEE COUNTY PARK ĄȈƺȃˎljȢǁ Āƃɨȟ HOTEL Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown LOCAL ATTRACTION US 23 Drive In Theatre

Crim Festival of Races ART FILM VENUE Flint Institute of Arts

BIKE TRAIL Flint River Trail CHARITY EVENT Tux & Tennies - Whaley Children’s Center COMEDY CLUB Holly Hotel COMMUNITY THEATER Flint Community Players yŽÇK ĄěČ ĀĄÝ{Ą à ӳ ěŽK

Flint Institute of Arts Flint Institute of Music GOLF COURSE Warwick Hills LIVE MUSIC VENUE The Machine Shop - Flint, Mi MUSEUM Sloan Museum SPORTS BAR Kickers Sports Bar & Grill CULTURAL PROGRAM Flint Institute of Arts DOWNTOWN EVENT Back to the Bricks Cruise

Congrats to all! r

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What’s Up Downtown BY PETER HINTERMAN PHOTOS PROVIDED BY WHAT’S UP DOWNTOWN

It’s a Saturday night and Downtown Flint is packed with pedestrians.The Capitol Theatre is hosting a show, Flint Local 432 is rocking, a local rapper is performing at Riverbank Park, Brush and Buckham Al leys are flush with art and poetry, and the Flint City Bucks are playing a pivotal match at Atwood Stadium. What do you do? Where do you go? Maybe you hit the Flat Lot for the silent disco or visit Flint City Hard Cider to enjoy a drink and an acoustic set? The point is that you have options and Flint’s Downtown is as vibrant and accommodating as it ever was.The best part: the majority of the Downtown excitement has been created by area residents who had an idea and the drive to make it happen.The first step toward this reality is the recently-launched What’s Up Downtown. The initiative is the result of the year-long efforts of Flint Director of Placemaking, Kady Yellow, and her team.

GRASSROOTS

“I believe in a grassroots approach to placemaking,” she says. “What’s Up Downtown provides support for socially directed pop-up activities and space activation within guidelines. We will connect you with the appropriate place and program

to make your idea happen.”With What’s Up Downtown, residents have a chance to transform their own Downtown spaces into areas that reflect Flint’s true talent and heart. “In Flint, something special is brewing and the paths that lead to a cultural renaissance are there,” says Yellow. “The people who know best how to celebrate an area are its residents. We have the spaces for people to come in and activate with simple events or promotions. The process of community buy-in is implicit for the growth of a city focused on a hyper-local economy.” With What ’s Up Downtown, Yellow hopes to

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“The peoplewho knowbest how to celebrate an area are its residents. We have the spaces for people to come in and activatewith simple events or promotions.” Kady Yellow

will consult the calendar daily,” says Yellow. “It would be nice to have about ten or so different things happening at the same time, so people have options and can find something they will really enjoy.”What’s Up Downtown is for everyone. Storytellers, poets, instructors, fashion designers, musicians, athletes, etc., are welcome to “remake” the city in any way they wish; to utilize all of its spaces in ways never imagined. Yellow sees Flint ’s potential in all of its blank spaces. To her, they are the empty pages in Flint ’s history book just waiting to be filled. “Its hustling spirit, style and tal ent is what brought me to Flint. I came here from New Orleans as part of an artist exchange program,” Yellow shares. “I felt that it was a perfect fit for all of the tools I had gathered from my travels after ten years as a place maker in little Homer, Alaska to Brooklyn and beyond. “This city is full of raw and original talent. It ’s a mak er’s market and relatively untapped. Too much talent falls through the cracks,” she continues. “We have to support it and recognize that it exists and What ’s Up Downtown is a way to shine a light on the talent for all to see. I can’t really compare Flint to anywhere else; it ’s full of creativity and originality that needs to be displayed and enjoyed.” x To present your idea or to visit the daily social calendar, visit whatsup-downtown.com. support you in your endeavor – to a point,” informs Yellow. “It ’s not for big festivals, but for small workshops or show cases for around a few hundred people. We want to cel ebrate the area with all it has to offer and fill the calendar.” What’s Up is looking for ideas that cost around $2,000 to implement.The process is simple. Go to whatsup-downtown. com, click on “Get Involved” and fill out the form. If your idea “fits,” the What’s Up team will contact you and begin helping to make your idea a reality.They will assist with the crowd funding process, the required logistics and appropriate contacts. Already,What’s Up Downtown has helped raise over $20,000 for activities that include a silent disco, small art markets, yoga classes and others. Once your idea is scheduled and ready to go, it will join other such ideas on the event calendar posted on the whatsup-downtown.com home page. “We hope that everyone RENAISSANCE showcase the city’s rich art and culture and transform Flint into a known family-friendly entertainment destination. And, how the city is showcased is up to the residents. What ’s Up Downtown is a vehicle for interested citizens to use a Downtown space in a new and positive way. The possibilities are endless! “What ’s Up Downtown is here to

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MYCOMMUNITY

Breaking the Cycle of Generational Incarceration BY CHERYL DENNISON x PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM JAGIELO T hings have changed at the Genesee County Jail since I.G.N.I.T.E. (Inmate Growth Nat urally and Intention According to Gould, most inmates have never experienced or had the opportunity of having someone in a position of authority look them in the eyes and tell them they are proud of them for something they accom

We don’t call it a program. It is a cultural change, a way of thinking.” Capt. Jason Gould “Some people who come to jail are quite educated and some are not,” says Gould. “Every inmate has the opportunity to participate at their own level.We pres ent it to them as an opportunity.” And, according to recent data, the initiative has been successful. Since “ operation became easier.” He reports that housing units were much quieter, there was less fighting between inmates and less conflict with the staff. “Some of the deputies who were skeptical have admitted that I.G.N.I.T.E. provides a very valuable culture change,” he adds. The education is designed to meet the specific needs of each inmate.

ally Through Education) launched in September 2020, the vision of Gen esee County Sheriff, Christopher R. Swanson. The education, re-entry and rehabilitation initiative was designed to eliminate generational incarceration through education by restoring value, hope and purpose to the inmate population. “We don’t call it a program,” says Capt. Jason Gould, Jail Administrator. “It is a cultural change, a way of thinking.” I.G.N.I.T.E. is based on meritoc racy, the captain explains. Meritoc racy is defined as a political system in which economic goods and/or po litical power are vested in individual people on the basis of talent, effort and achievement, rather than wealth or social class. Advancement in such a system is based on performance, as measured through examination or demonstrated achievement.

plished. This cultural change has given the inmates that opportunity. “You work hard, you get a reward.” All of the inmates attend school twice a day, one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon.They use a Chromebook laptop for online education and if they complete the work using the Chromebook, they are rewarded with a computer tablet. Inmates pay for use of the tablet, which they can use to watch movies, play games and listen to music. “It spread like wildfire!”Gould exclaims. “It not only changed the direction of the inmates, it changed the direction of the staff.” According to the captain, the staff was resistant to the program at first. “Change is hard and initially, they didn’t think it was a good idea,” Gould states.”Once they saw the power of instilling hope, their day-to-day

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September 2020, 19 citizens who were released from jail are now employed full-time in Genesee County, earning $10-$14 per hour. Also, Mt. Mor ris Consolidated Schools (a partner with Genesee County Jail) enrolled 463 students in the Michigan GED program this school year.The total number of participating students since I.G.N.I.T.E. began is well over 1,000. The curriculum includes 82 differ ent courses – from math, reading and writing to construction, marketing, forensics, hospitality and more. Gould

says that many inmates were interested in learning skilled trades.The NFL Alumni Association and the United Auto Workers (UAW) provided fund ing for a virtual reality station in the jail, which allows the inmates to pursue education in a variety of trades. The successful I.G.N.I.T.E. pro gram has now expanded outside of the Genesee County jail with I.G.N.I.T.E. North, located on N. Saginaw Street in Flint, providing wrap-around service (education and other services) to former inmates. It will officially open this month.

In less than a year, I.G.N.I.T.E. has come far toward its goal of creat ing a cultural change by providing education and breaking the cycle

of generational incar ceration. “We’re not interested in making better inmates –

we’re mak ing better

people,” says Capt. Gould. “It ’s the right thing to do.” x

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MYOUTREACH

DAVE, TAMI, LYDIA (FRONT WITH CLARA’S PHOTO), JOSH, DEAN, LILLIE, RAY

Clara’s Hope REMOVING BARRIERS BY CHERYL DENNISON x PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TAMI KROMER

T ami Kromer and her hus band, David, have provided foster care for 40 children in their lifetime and their 40th, a teenager, still lives with them along with their two adopted children. The caring couple adopted three of the children they fostered. Tami is now the founder and director of Clara’s Hope, which was created in 2015 under the umbrella of the Freedom Center Church until it became an indepen dent nonprofit in September 2020. According to the founder, Clara’s Hope exists to help families foster and adopt successfully.The organization offers

support that is geared toward moving families from simply surviving to thriv ing. “We work to fill in the gap between agencies and families by providing acces sibility to support and resources,”Kromer states. “We utilize volunteers to provide meals, house-cleaning, small home re pairs and childcare for foster families.” Many of the children who en ter the foster care system have been subjected to trauma of some sort, Kromer explains. “We realized it was really hard, and we didn’t have a lot of knowledge about trauma. We didn’t know how to ask for help and there wasn’t a lot of help out there.” p

A GROUP OF DEDICATED CLARA’S HOPE VOLUNTEERS AT AN APPRECIATION GATHERING.

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VOLUNTEERS PACK HUNDREDS OF “FIRST NIGHT” BAGS WITH ITEMS LIKE BLANKETS FROM DONORS (BELOW).

THE KROMERS’ EXPERIENCE WITH CLARA INSPIRED THEM TO HELP OTHER ADOPTIVE AND FOSTER FAMILIES.

In 2012, the Kromers ad opted a baby girl named Clara who was medical ly fragile. “She had a terminal condi tion, hydranencephaly,” Kromer shares. “Clara was born without a brain.” They decided to pursue adopting her. “When we made it public, people came out of the woodwork to help us,” she remembers. “Within 24 hours, her adoption was paid for.” And, many people came to provide support, clean ing their house and running errands. While Clara lived only eight months and eight days and passed away on April 6, 2013, the Kromers were grateful for all the help they received. “We wanted to give other people the support we had received. Clara’s Hope came out of our story.” Kromer says that Clara’s Hope is the only organization in the area that offers this type of service. The team includes a full-time social worker who helps parents navigate court proceed ings, explain paperwork and provide individual support to families through the ups and downs of foster care and

adoption. “Our Program Coordina tor, Erin Deale, is the driving force behind our success. She helps families manage the new dynamics that are in place,” Kromer states. “Things come up because of past traumatic situa tions, so we work with the entire fam ily, as well as the foster child.” Clara’s Hope provides trauma training to individuals, churches and schools, and works to connect the community to the needs of foster and adoptive families so that they aren’t walking through it alone. “We “Clara’s Hope came out of our story. I love what I do.” Tami Kromer

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VOLUNTEERS ARE AT THE HEART OF CLARA’S HOPE.

How you can help DONATE Visit clarashope.org/donate, or send a check to: Clara’s Hope, PO Box 673, Fenton, MI 48430 VOLUNTEER All volunteers must be back ground checked and have references. Volunteers are connected with a family to provide with a monthly meal; childcare/mentoring. FAMILY SUPPORT House-cleaning, small home re pairs, auto maintenance and yard work FUNDRAISING Auction-planning team, business networking and one-time events COLLECT DONATIONS First-night Backpacks and other items families need Kromer’s daughter, Lillie, has vol unteered since the fifth grade with a fundraiser called Socktober, which has collected over 150,000 items for the first-night bags. Volunteers also pro vide a monthly meal to connect with a foster/adoptive family. “We want to make sure the family is seen, heard and loved,” Kromer says. During the 2020 pandemic, Clara’s Hope provided ap proximately 420 meals to families. “It is so meaningful to see families go from just getting by to ‘we can do it,’” Kromer shares. “To me, that is the best thing. I love what I do.” x

(L-R) KAREN BYRNE (BOARD MEMBER & LONGTIME VOLUNTEER), TAMI KROMER (FOUNDER & DIRECTOR) AND ERIN DEALE (PROGRAM COORDINATOR) CELEBRATE WITH CUPCAKES AFTER RAISING OVER $65,000 WITH THEIR 2021 ONLINE FUNDRAISER.

believe everyone can do something – adult or child – and we want to raise awareness of the foster care issues in America,” Kromer explains. “We are not a placement agency or a case management agency. We try to help people remove the barriers that would prevent them from becoming a foster

parent or that would stop them from continuing as a foster family.” The many volunteers at Clara’s Hope have assembled 300 “first-night foster care bags” – backpacks contain ing everything a child needs for the first night in their foster home.This is something they work on year-round.

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MYDISH

It’s Time for FREEZER POPS! BY ERIN CAUDELL As -/'' ,5 **,) " -65 ]'5)(5." 5&))%)/.5 ),5&)17-/! ,651 ,'5 1 ." ,5., .-5 ),5'35.) & ,-65 ( 5#.5$/-.5) /,, 5.)5' 58885 1"35().5 , 4 5 5-'))."# >5 )*-# & -5 (5 5' 5 -5 -#&35 -5 , 4#(!5-)' 5$/# 5#(5 5* * ,5 /*51#."5 5 ),%5-./ %5#(.)5#.65),53)/5 (5 */, " - 5 , 4 ,5')& -5#(5 50 ,# .35) 5-" * -5 ( 5-#4 -85 )*& 5) 5 &&5 ! -5 ($)35." - 5 ))&5 ( 5" &."35., .-<5 , 5 , 5 5 )/*& 5) 5'35 0),#. 5, #* -8

Super-smoothie Pops INGREDIENTS R5g5 /*5-*#( "65* % R5g5.-*5 "# 65ł 25),5" '*5- - R5g5 /*5%#1#5),5 &/ ,,# - R5|5 ( ( R5g5 /*5*& #(53)!/,. '#.. &365."#-5#-5)( 5) 5." 5 , #* -51" , 5 5-( %5#(5 2., 5ŀ ,5 ),5!, (-51" (5( 85 )!/,.5#-5 5 !, .5*,) #).# 5@5 /.5 ),5 0 (5'), 65 5'#&%5% ŀ,5 (5 5-/ -.#./. 85 B )/5 (5 &-)5-/ -.#./. 5 (35*& (.7 - 5'#&%5),5()(7 #,353)!/,.8C55

Mango-licious Pops INGREDIENTS R5h5 /*-5 ,)4 (5),5 , -"5' (!) R5g5 /*5 (( 5 ) )(/.5'#&%5),5 *& #(53)!/,. & ( 5." 5#(!, # (.-65*)/,5 #(.)5')& -5 ( 5 , 4 5 ),5- 0 , &5 ")/,-65." (5,/(5')& I /*5/( ,5 1 ,'51 . ,5.)5, & - 5." 5*)*-5 ( 5 ($)3<5 )5 5 5&#..& 5-1 .( --65 5 )/*& 5. -*))(-5) 5' *& 5-3,/*5),5 5 #.5) 5")( 35#-5 &&53)/5( 85 x TO MAKE POPS

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

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MYMUSIC

THA BEAST LANI

Little Girl, Big Dream BY PETER HINTERMAN PHOTOS PROVIDED BY PORSCHE JACKSON

“It’s Tha Beast Lani!” R ight before the beat drops and you hear that signature phrase, you know you are in for an exciting performance.Tha Beast Lani is the stage name for aspiring Flint rapper Milan Reaves and for her, the past year has been a busy one. She has been recording, writing songs and performing in local venues and as far away as Atlanta, GA. She has released seven singles and as many music videos. She has thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok and fans throughout the U.S. Oh, and she’s only ten years old – so she’s got school, to boot. “I like school because it’s fun being with the other kids, but this year I’ve been learning from home,” she says. It all started a year ago after Lani listened to her Uncle Ramone (known as Elite) perform. “She wrote and presented two songs, ‘Big Bands’ and ‘Good Grades,’” says her mother and manager, Raquel Reaves. “I was blown away. We all were. She was serious about it, so we jumped in and have had our foot on the gas ever since.” Her father, a music producer known as Do Good, helped with the production and Lani provided the rest. She was a natural. “The music just works for her,” says her mother. “She writes about the things she loves to do and wants to talk about.” p

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MYMUSIC

S oon, Reaves was making a videos with the Beast Squad (her best friends) and the Glamorous Dancing Divas (her dance performance troupe) throughout Flint from side streets to Downtown. She chose the stage name “Tha Beast Lani” because her zodiac sign is Leo and she’s an absolute beast on the mic. “I love to rap and dance, but mostly rap,” she says. “I like to write about things that happen to me. It ’s all fun stuff.” Reaves name for herself on the inter net and filming fun, engaging performs with other young rappers in Flint and Atlanta including col laborating with her older brother, who goes by the name Svpreme. Recently, Reaves performed at the Kidz Choice Awards in Atlanta where she won the Next Rock Star award. “I didn’t even know about it until I found out that I was nominated,” she says. “I went and performed four songs and I was really excited. A lot of people don’t know me yet and I wanted them to get to hear me.” Adds her mom, “She has a lot of fans in Atlanta. I reached out and they gave her a per formance slot.” During the show, Lani performed her songs, “Lollipop,” “I Can’t Help It,” “Right Now,” and her favorite, “Watch Me Do It.” “It’s my favorite. It’s a dance and hype song,” Reaves says. “Anyone can relate to it.”

THA BEAST LANI HOLDS HER “NEXT ROCK STAR” AWARD IN ATLANTA

“Imma keep on rAppin’, that’s my pAssiOn. I be workin’. NOw, watch me do it.” Tha Beast Lani from “Watch Me Do It”

a long history of rap standouts stretching back to the early 80s. “There is a lot of talent in Flint.We just need to support each other more,” says Raquel. “We just need the right person to break out and Lani could be the one if she keeps work ing at it.The right opportunity has to come along and a person has to be ready to seize it. I see her as a star and I want the world to see my baby as a star. She has all the talent she needs.”And, what doesTha Beast want? “I want to have fun with my friends and help Flint,” she says. “Flint is a good place, it just needs more stuff, really. I want to help people and the community. I want to get big and give.” Milan Reaves isn’t going to stop. She plans to work hard, get good grades in school, continue writing songs and make a difference – and nothing will stand in her way. All we have to do is sit back ... and watch her do it. x

As Reaves’ presence in the hip hop scene grows, so does the notoriety and with that comes the good and the bad. “She gets a lot of great comments on her videos and on social media but she also gets some not-so-good,” says mom. “I shield her from a lot of it, but not all of it. I want her to know that throughout life, not everyone will agree with what you are doing and you can’t let that dismay you from following your dream. I want her to learn how to use it as motivation.” And,Tha Beast Lani is definitely mo tivated. She has plans to finish a full length, ten-song album by the end of summer. “She’s still working on the singles to fill it,” Raquel adds. It comes as no surprise that Flint is producing another talented hip hop artist – never mind her age.The city has

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MYSPORTS

ACCUSTOMED to WINNING Flint City Bucks Head Coach Andy Wagstaff

BY MARK SPEZIA x PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM JAGIELO

W hile growing up in Ashton in-Makerfield, situated roughly 18 miles east of Liv erpool in central England, Andy Wagstaff envisioned the trajectory he hoped his soccer career would take. At age 16, Wagstaff eagerly ac cepted a two-year playing appren ticeship with the elite Bury Football Club, intending to secure a perma nent roster spot when it ended and continue as a professional player. Fortunately for the hundreds of players who have benefited from his guidance during the past three decades,

Wagstaff ’s actual soccer path took him in a different direction. While with Bury, Wagstaff began working with a local youth team and discovered he is equally as passionate about coaching soccer as he is play ing the sport. Eventually, coaching became his sole focus. After experiencing a plethora of success as a head coach at the college, club and high school levels and as as sistant in the semi-pro and pro ranks, Wagstaff became the Flint City Bucks head coach last year. He was promoted from associ ate coach, succeeding Demir Muftari roughly seven months following the Bucks’ United Soccer League Two championship during their first season in the city after moving from Pontiac. “I knew (the promotion) was com ing because Demir’s plan was to only coach the first season in Flint after he returned for a second stint as head coach,” Wagstaff says. “I love being a head coach at this level because the players’ soccer intelligence, profes sionalism and dedication are just so strong. They are hoping to play at a high professional level one day.”

Shortly after Wagstaff was named head coach, however, the coronavirus pandemic put defense of the Bucks’ championship on hold.They did play six exhibition matches last fall in an empty Atwood Stadium, winning all of them by a dominating 26-2 margin. “We were all shattered when the USL season was cancelled, but it was a massive relief when we figured out a way to play at least some games,”Wagstaff says. “We put a good team together, a very good bunch of lads who played well. It gave us a good bit of confidence that a USL season could happen this year.” Indeed, it will. The Bucks finally began defense of their USL 2 crown on May 15 with an encouraging 3-1 home win over Toledo Villa FC.

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team’s five goalkeepers. “Even though some players had been with us for less than ten days, we could see how strong our talent level is and that our system was already coming together.” Norris and Michael Sly, both goaltenders from Grand Blanc, are the lone local players. Norris plays for Division 1 Butler University while Sly begins his college career at Oak land in August. He posted shutouts in two of last year’s exhibition games. For his part, Norris measures coach es by how much he enjoys playing for them, how strongly they motivate him and their overall soccer IQ. Wagstaff checks all of those boxes and more. “Coach Wagstaff is obviously very astute, tactically, and very knowledge

“Few people realize the pressure the staff and players are under because obviously, this program is used to win ning,” Wagstaff says. “We would have liked to have played better at times, but you have to be realistic because every game in this league is hard. We’ ll take it, enjoy and move on.” The Bucks are certainly an organi zation accustomed to winning. Founded in 1995 by brothers Dan and Jim Duggan, the Bucks have racked up a league-record 268 wins, 14 division titles and four USL championships.The team has never experienced a losing season. In all, 92 Bucks have been drafted or signed by MLS teams since 1999. They are the only team in the world with at least one player drafted in every MLS SuperDraft since its inception.

Flint fine-tuned for its season-open er with a 1-0 shutout of the Michigan Stars, a National Independent Soccer Association team, in a scrimmage. “The game against the Stars was a great opportunity to see how we were developing during the previous ten days,” says Caleb Norris, another of the

able overall,” Norris says. “He’s great at adopting different strategies based on what our opponents are throwing at us. He is very approachable and makes it easy to enjoy playing for him. Coach Wagstaff is going to get the most out of you and all the players want to lay it all on the field for him.” p

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W agstaff has high praise for his fellow Bucks’ staff, as well. “Gary Parsons (Direc tor of Player Personnel) has put together a magnificent roster of talented players and the task is finding the ways each can serve the team best which is a great problem to solve,”Wag staff says. “As a coaching staff, we believe in finding the system that best fits the players we have rather than trying to fit players to a predetermined system.” Wagstaff spent most of the decade between his 16th and 26th birthdays both coaching and playing, but the long journey to his current position began at age 18 when he was not offered a contract to continue playing for Bury. Unsure of where to continue his playing career, he wound up be ing evaluated by American college coaches at a recruiting event in Eng land. Among them was Parsons, then Oakland University’s head coach, who offered Wagstaff a scholarship. During his time at Oakland (1991-94), Wagstaff was an all-region

performer, helping the squad to an appearance in the 1994 NCAA Divi sion 2 championship game. He began coaching again during his sopho more year as a youth assistant with the Bloomfield Force, now known as Liverpool Football Club. Wagstaff is currently the club’s president. After college, he played profes sionally for the Detroit Rockers and Detroit Neon and spent a season

to a pair of conference titles and an NCAA Tournament berth. He was also a University of Michigan and Oakland women’s assistant and then served a four-year stint as Saginaw Valley State head men’s coach, guiding the Cardinals to a conference title and four NCAA Division 2 Tournament appearances. His exhaustive resume also includes leading the Force girls to consecutive national titles (2007-08), a season as

“Few people realize the pressure the staff and players are under because obviously, this program is used to winning.” Coach Wagstaff

(1996) with the Bucks while continu ing to coach. He made coaching his full-time focus in the late 1990s. “I found myself pulled in two directions: trying to make it as a professional soccer player while also becoming more involved in coaching, so I had to make a decision,” he says. “I really began to love having an effect on the outcome of players’ journeys.” Wagstaff began loading up his coach ing schedule, even splitting time between the U.S. and England from 1998-2002. On this side of the Atlantic, he continued coaching with the Force and guided the Bloomfield Hills Lahser High School boys to the Divi sion 2 state championship in 1999. In England, he was an academy coach for Bolton Wanderers and Liverpool FC. Wagstaff later served two stints as an Oakland assistant, helping the team

Michigan Stars head coach and three total seasons as a Bucks assistant. Last fall,Wagstaff oversaw the creation of a Bucks USL Academy team which begins play this month under direction of Coach Ben Jones and will feature some of southeast Michigan’s top players ages 15-18 years, who will get the chance to train with the Bucks and even earn a spot on the Bucks’ roster. Flint must finish among the top three teams in the Great Lakes Divi sion to qualify for the USL 2 playoffs which begin July 16. “Our No. 1 goal is delivering an other championship for Flint, but get ting there requires a tough journey and we can’t look very far ahead,”Wagstaff says. “It’s my job to be sure the guys focus only on the next game and stay the course. Hopefully, we’ll get on a run that ends with another trophy.” x

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A GLERS Calling all Trout Unlimited CAF Chapter 709 N BY PETER HINTERMAN x PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM JAGIELO

J osh Henley holds the waters of Gen esee County close to his heart. “As a kid, I grew up on a small stream in the area and I remember heading out day after day to catch brookies (brook trout),” he says. “That stream doesn’t hold them anymore. More and more things are changing and our cold water fisheries are slowly disappearing.” Henley is the newly-elected president of the Central Michigan Charles A. Fellows (CAF) chapter of Michigan Trout Unlimited, covering the area from Port Huron through Genesee County to parts of Shiawassee County. “Our coverage map is a little weird, I’ ll admit, but we have some great fisheries and watersheds within,” he says. p

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M ichigan Trout local chapters and over 8,000 individ uals of the national TU organization. “Our purpose is to conserve, protect and restore our local cold-water fish eries and watersheds,” adds Henley. “Through education, river clean-ups, stream improvements and the joy of fishing, we hope to make an impact.” A cold-water fishery can be loosely defined as waters that support, on a year-round basis, wild and stocked brook trout.The water temperature of a cold water fishery falls anywhere between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. “Seventy degrees is too warm for trout,” adds Henley. “The warmer the water, the less oxygen it has and these hot summers have started a warming trend. For ex ample, in Genesee County, Kearsley and Thread Creeks are considered cold-water fisheries whereas the Flint River is not.” Unlimited is the coordination and representation of 20

NAVY VETERAN MARC LECONTE RECEIVES INSTRUCTION.

CAF chapter members are con tinually active, working at water clean-ups and projects both locally and throughout the state. If Michigan Trout Unlimited puts out the call, CAF members are quick to answer. “I know there is a big project on the Manistee River that is looking for

help,” adds Henley. In the meantime, CAF members work to educate young and old alike about the importance of our waterways and spend their time fishing and teaching the sport. Since the pandemic began, a lot of their plans have been put on hold but now, CAF members are getting back into

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HENLEY ADVISES MARINE VETERAN DAN SMITH.

it. “We just started a partnership with a Shiawassee County Veterans group and we take them out to teach them how to fly fish,” says Henley. “We plan to meet once a month until September and the first meeting was a great start.”The CAF chapter also sponsors several “Salmon in the Classroom” projects in collabora tion with the DNR. “We work with Grand Blanc East Middle School and Roland-Warner in Lapeer, among others,” adds Henley. In April, the group announced a satisfactory salmon release with Roland-Warner. p

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JOSH HENLEY, PRESIDENT OF CAF TROUT UNLIMITED #709

O ne of the group’s most anticipated events is the Future Anglers of Michi gan (FAM) family fishing trip. “We are always looking for ways to get young people involved in what we do and the FAM event is a big part of that goal,” says Henley. “Each year, we take a number of kids and their parents with us to do some fishing, clean ing and learning about a local fishery. It’s a great way for families to connect and spend time together.”The next FAM is scheduled to take place in 2022. Henley has been active with the group for nearly 14 years and has seen a number of changes in our local water ways. “We have lost some cold-water fisheries due to climate change and development, but through community efforts we are making an impact,” he says. “The Flint River is miles from where it used to be in the 70s and 80s. People don’t believe it, but the water is clean and a great place to fish. It’s one of my favorites. Clean-ups, conservation and education works. We all have got to do our part. Everything is connected.” If you are interested in becoming a member of the Charles A. Fellows Trout Unlimited chapter, you can sign up with the national organization at gifts.tu.org/member/join. Member ships include a one-year subscription to Trout magazine, discounts on gear and a lifetime of fishing buddies. “We are struggling for membership, so sign up and make a difference with us,” Henley suggests. “You can

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message us on Facebook or contact us directly at fellowstu.com/.” If you live in the coverage area, the national organization will direct you to the CAF chapter or you can choose to be a member of CAF chapter #709. The chapter meets twice a month in Flint for board meetings and fly-tying. Josh Henley and his chapter members love to fish and be outdoors. The real love, however, is knowing that they are making a difference in helping our local cold-water fisheries survive.

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"The best way to do our part is to treat every waterway like it is our own person al drinking water." Josh Henley

JOIN CHAPTER #709 AND HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR AREA’S WATERWAYS.

“Cold-water fisheries are in danger,” he says. “We all have to realize that everything is connected from the smallest drain to the biggest river. Our water is a commodity for us and all

of nature and the best way to do our part is to treat every waterway like it is our own personal drinking water. Keeping it clean is vitally important and something that everyone can do.” x

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MYFUN

Hello. I’mMCMWriter/Editor Peter Hinterman. You may know me from such stories as “FlintThrough the Decades,” “History of Genesee County,” and “Winter Weekend Getaways (Have Some Frosty Fun!)”What you may not know is that I’m also an avid camper/hiker and have been just about everywhere in this great state of ours.Where are Michigan’s best places to camp? I’m glad you asked! Here are a few places that stand out above the rest:

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1. Tahquamenon Falls State Park Nestled in one ofMichigan’s best and prettiest areas, this park is an absolute treasure.With over tenmiles of picturesque hiking trails, falls and rivers, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.The last time I was there a few years back, the river level was the lowest it had been in years (kinda scary,actually) and I was able to spend some time hanging out IN the lower falls.By the way, I recommend camping at the lower falls, there is muchmore to do.Take a day, like I did,and hike the path to the upper falls (really great overlooks) and if you’re still feeling fresh, stop at the brewery for a bite to eat.Also, if you are a fan of state history like I am,plan to take a drive toWhitefish Point and visit theGreat Lakes ShipwreckMuseum (bring a jacket, the wind is a bit cold out there). 2. Lake Fanny Hooe Resort & Campground I camped here on my first trip to the U.P. and it’s still one of my favorites. I went waterfall hunting and made multiple stops before reaching my destination in Copper Harbor. I stayed two nights in Munising and spent the day between visiting waterfalls. I was out early enough that I had every fall to myself.Also, the rock formations on the trails make for some great photos.At Lake Fanny Hooe, the campground was quiet, clean and peaceful.Again, as a history buff I was excited to see Ft.Wilkins (got a story idea or two from there) and do not, I repeat, do NOTmiss taking a trek through Estivant Pines. It’s one of the best hikes I have done. 3. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Oooh,boy.What a great place for hiking! You’ll want to be in good shape to tackle some of the trails in,around and above Lake of the Clouds…and the view is worth it.Visiting the “Porkies”and viewing Lake of the Clouds should be mandatory for everyMichigander.You will realize (if you haven’t already) that we live in the best state in the nation – no lie. If you are amore rustic type, the park has multiple cabins that are hidden throughout the area and only accessible by walking amile or more down the trail.Word of caution (and this goes for anywhere along the coast of Lake Superior): beware the black flies. Plan a trip either before or after the first two weeks of July.Once those babies hatch,you will want to be out of there. I am talking about an infestation of biblical plague-like proportions. I was overrun by them with one day of my stay left and just decided to high-tail it outta there. While loading up the Jeep,my arms were covered in sleeves of flies! It all worked out, though. I spent a nice night in Escanaba, instead.

4. Wilderness State Park This park is a little closer to home and one of my favorite places to camp. Situated nearly 30 minutes fromMackinawCity, it’s just a ferry ride away fromMackinac Island.A day spent at the island is an absolute must.Also,make sure to get some sleep so you are ready to head out to the Headlands International Dark Sky Park and Observatory. If you have any inclination to view the stars, it’s the best place to do so in the entire state (bring your telescope).For the best night sky, you’ll want to be there closer to 1am.My favorite thing about the campground itself is the beach – best beach I have been to in all of myMichigan camping. Perfect floor, perfect water temperature and a great place to find fossils. This is the sleeper of the bunch.When heading over nearMason County,a travelers’first inclination is to book a site in Ludington State Park.This is fool’s gold. If you want peace and relaxation, the state park is not for you,especially on a holiday.Toomany people,pets and children for me (get offmy lawn!) Instead,head north about 30minutes and book a spot in LakeMichigan RecreationArea inManistee.The city is not without charm and offers some good eateries downtown.Then,by all means, take a trip to Ludington and spend a day enjoying the park and city.Make sure to canoe or kayak theManistee River. It’s calm, clear and if you love wildlife,you will see plenty. (It gets weird when about 30 eagles quietly watch you paddle by. Just watching…and biding their time.) Bonus: Holly River State Park – West Virginia “Wait a minute,”you say.“That’s not even inMichigan.”Well, can I blow your mind for a second? Holly River State Park is closer to Genesee County than Copper Harbor and the PorcupineMountains. (Go ahead and check, if you don’t believe me.) Anyway,Holly River is a little state park on the tip of a mountain and only accessible via one vehicle roads where any slight turn of the wheel means instant doom. That being said, it’s the best campground I have ever stayed at and the hiking trails are second to none (the Escarpment Trail in the Porkies is almost a tie).When I was there, it rained for the majority of my stay, so I wasn’t able to do all the trails – but it’s on my list to head back and finish. The majority of the trails continue up the mountain, so you will want to be in decent shape to make an attempt.Enjoy the rock formations and scenery. Just keep an eye out for bears. Michigan is, in my humble opinion, one of the Top 5 states when it comes to the great outdoors and a good camping spot can be found just about anywhe fi x 5. Lake Michigan Recreation Area (Huron-Manistee National Forest)

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Happy camping!

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