My City June 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 Brett LaCross

DEAR READERS, I’m very excited about this magazine! In addition to announcing the 2022 City’s Choice Award Winners (p.14), there’s much, much more to enjoy this month. I often get comments from subscribers about the great variety in My City . at is the result of having a team dedicated to developing content that is relevant, engaging and fun. Speaking of “team players,” we created a special section for the June issue that highlights 2022 Top Athletes from Genesee County high schools. We appreciate the participating schools for helping us honor these outstanding kids! Check it out starting on p.40. e word “outstanding” might be overused, but it certainly ‰ts when describing our story subjects. On the cover is the new Flint Public Library – maybe spectacular is a better word! We have details starting on p.18. And, the community recently honored Attorney Shelley Spivack, a longtime legal system advocate for Genesee County children, for her continued work on behalf of Greater Flint kids (see p.6). Also, award winning WNEM TV5 News Anchor (and multiple City’s Choice honoree) David Custer shares his inspiring journey; it’s a great read (p.8). Our popular “7 Questions” feature highlights Brian Waldron, new CEO of Dort Financial Credit Union, a big supporter of many local causes. Learn a bit about him on p.12. If that was not enough, we pro‰le the Honorable Mark C. McCabe – a respected, veteran Genesee County adjudicator. What was his ‰rst career choice? at story starts on p.24. Okay, let’s talk about a reader-favorite subject: food! Since 1996, Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery has been a go-to place for a top-quality meal in a unique atmosphere. My family has had many memorable celebrations there. Executive Chef Luis Fernandes gives us the history on p.30. (WARNING: don’t read the “My Eats” feature if you’re hungry!) Wrapping up the content is a new “My Style” piece contributed by Shannon White, co-founder of the she-powered Downtown retail business, SHIFT. If you’ve seen these gals about town, you know they’ve got great style! Check it out on p.38. Flint ’s got outstanding people, food, style and our ten pages of local “Haps” exhibits all that and more. Enjoy! anks for reading,

ASSISTANT EDITOR / WR ITER Peter Hinterman

WEB DEVELOPER / GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Boedecker

STAFF WR ITER Cheryl Denni son

PHOTOGRAPHY Katy Ki ldee 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 ª 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 KATY KILDEE

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6 Shelley Spivack

A Champion for Children

8 News Anchor David Custer

My Dish 34 Can’t Be Beet! By Erin Caudell My Dining 36 Local Eats & Drinks My Style 38 Sizzle Season is Here! By Shannon White 40-68 Top Athletes 2022 MCM Highlights Genesee County Standouts My Passion 70 Pivot Point Martial Arts Change Your Destiny

Presenting the Truth 12 7 Questions with ... Brian Waldron, CEO Dort Financial Credit Union 14 2022 City’s Choice Award Winners My Downtown 18 Your NEW Flint Public Library My Story 24 Judge Mark C. McCabe An Honor and a Privilege 30 My Eats

Known for Quality Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery

CONTENTS

June 2022

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My History 74 The Mayors of Flint

My Musings 94 Where Have All the Lifeguards Gone? By Leslie Toldo My Finances 96 To Roth 401k or Not to Roth 401k By Joel P. LaGore My Thoughts 98 The Great Outdoors By Cheryl Dennison My Travels 100 A True Holiday By Alexandria Nolan 102 My Can’t Miss List My Afterthought 104 The First Universal Computer

Part 6: The Fastest Growing City in the Nation My Haps

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80 Paws on Parade 82 FIA Annual Wine Tasting 84 41st Annual Hurley Benefit Ball 86 Tux & Tennies Auction & Gala 88 Dust ‘Em Off Car Show My Reality 90 There’s No Place Like Home By Vera Hogan My Econ 92 Inflation is a Tax By Dr. Christopher Douglas

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(L-R) SHELLEY SPIVACK WAS PRESENTED WITH THE CARING ADULT AWARD BY VOICES FOR CHILDREN BOARD MEMBER MATTIE L. PEARSON, MSN, RN.

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Shelley Spivack BY CHERYL DENNISON PHOTO COURTESTY OF WHITMIRE PHOTOGRAPHY A CHAMPION for Children

F or many years, Shelley Spivack has been an advocate in the legal system for children and their families. Recently, Voices for Children Advocacy Center recognized her dedication with a special award – the Roy E. Patterson Caring Adult Award – sponsored by Hurley Medical Center.‘e honor is given to adults who go beyond the call of duty to provide services for youth in Genesee County. ‘e Caring Adult Award is just one of the numerous awards that were pre sented at an event held in March at the Riverfront Banquet Center in Down town Flint.‘e Children’s Champion Awards Breakfast raises funds for the Voices for Children Advocacy Center. “It was extremely gratifying to receive this award and be recognized for the work I have done to improve the lives of kids in Genesee County,” says Spivack. Originally from New Jersey, Spi vack attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ and Brooklyn Law School in New York. She came to Flint in 1980 to work for Legal Services of Eastern Michigan. As an attorney, Spivack worked in the juvenile justice

system for many years. She was a Fam ily Court Referee for 18 years and re tired two years ago. She is also a lecturer at the University of Michigan-Flint. In 2011, Spivack saw a request from the Ruth Mott Foundation for a grant to establish a program to share art with under-served communities. In partnership with Buckham Fine Arts “It was extremely gratifying to receive this award and be rec ognized for the work I have done to im prove the lives of kids in Genesee County.” Sheey Spivack Project, she put together a 12-week youth art pilot program that o„ered weekly visual arts and spoken word poetry workshops for youth detained at the Genesee Valley Regional Cen ter (now called the Genesee County Juvenile Justice Center). At the time, she was not only familiar with the needs of kids in detention centers, but was also an artist member of

Buckham Gallery. “It sparked a light in my head to take the knowledge and expertise of Buckham Gallery artists and pair it with the needs of kids in the juvenile detention center,” she shares. Spivack continued to get grants to extend the project. In 2018, she formed the nonproœt organization, Youth Arts: UNLOCKED, which brings artists and arts workshops to justice-involved youth in Flint and Genesee County.‘e goal is to intro duce artistic concepts and techniques as a means of connecting, expressing, learning and discovery. ‘e nonproœt o„ers visual arts, dance, theater, spoken word poetry and a yoga workshop. “It took a long time to get there,” Spivack says. “Both my work as an attorney and as a family court referee spurred my work with Youth Arts: UNLOCKED.” When Spivack attended the Chil dren’s Champions breakfast, she had no idea that she was getting an award and she doesn’t know who nominated her for it. “All of a sudden, they called my name!” she exclaims. “I would like to thank Voices for Children for doing this event and bestowing me with the award.” ®

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CUSTER EMCEES THE COVENANT KIDS GALA.

PRESENTING WNEM TV5 News Anchor David Custer —at story begins right here in Gene see County. “I moved to Goodrich from Grand Blanc in the late 80s,” he remem bers. He grew up a Martian and got his ™rst taste of writing as section editor for the Goodrich High School yearbook. He recalls a mostly good experience liv ing in a small mid-Michigan town, with one exception: most days in high school were hard for him. “I was tormented and bullied almost daily by my classmates,” he says. “At the time, I knew I was gay but I kept it to myself and kept it from my parents. After school I would get o› the bus, climb to the top of a hill near my home and cry.—en I would compose myself, walk into the house and THE TRUTH CUSTER HAS WON 7 EMMY AWARDS FOR HIS WORK. at WNEM TV5 since 2016 and an openly gay man, he has hidden noth ing from his viewing audience. Every night, Custer, alongside his friend and co-anchor Meg McLeod anchors the 5pm, 5:30pm, 6pm and 10pm broad casts, providing up-to-date news bulle tins and stories ranging from tragic to inspiring. His reporting has earned him seven regional Emmy Awards, several Associated Press and Michigan Asso ciation of Broadcasters Awards, and the Great Lakes Bay Region’s Ruby Award as one of the brightest professionals under the age of 40. His personality, style and local storytelling has won him the coveted My City Magazine City’s Choice Award for Best News Anchor for the last six years. (As of this writing, Custer was nominated for 5 more Emmy Awards.)“It is the job of the journalist to seek the truth, to hold F or David Custer, presenting the truth is everything – both as a journalist and personally. As the head news anchor BY PETER HINTERMAN PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AMBER HENRY PHOTOGRAPHY AND DAVID CUSTER people accountable and expose corrup tion,” he states. “It is our responsibility to accurately tell a story as it is and hold nothing back.”—is is always true of Custer: even when the story is his own.

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CUSTER REPORTS AT A BOTTLED WATER DRIVE TO HELP THOSE AFFECTED BY THE FLINT WATER CRISIS.

tell my parents that I’d had a good day.” With no one to turn to for help with the bullying, he wrote a letter to the Com mission on Civil Rights. He did not receive a reply. “I didn’t want to be gay and wished I could change,” he states. Instead of changing himself, however, Custer soon changed his situation and his life. It was in college where he found the support and condence he needed.

Custer attended UM-Flint as a biology major, but that didn’t last. “I started writing for the school paper e Michigan Times and found out that I loved it,” he says. at, and a day spent on the job with his cousin at a local news station cemented his professional future. His personal future was in€uenced and shaped by the diverse college community. “It was a new beginning for me,” he says.

“I developed friendships and found people who made me comfortable with who I was. ey gave me the courage to be more authentic.” It was then that he chose to come out of hiding and pres ent his truth.With that known, Custer was free. He would continue advocating for the LGBTQ+ community through today, and in 2015 was named “Cham pion of Pride’’ by Great Lakes Pride. 

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A fter college graduation, he sent out hundreds of resumes and VHS audi tion tapes to TV stations all over the country. “I received two o ers,” he laughs, “in Alpena and somewhere in North Dakota. In 2002, I took the news anchor job in Alpena.”He worked there for six months before receiving an o er from FOX 66 in Flint. Although it was brief, Custer is grateful for his time in Alpena. “I had to do everything from editing stories to setting up. I had to lug 50 pounds of equipment everywhere I went. It made me more well-rounded in the studio.”He then took a job as main news anchor for an NBC a‹liate in To ledo, OH where his career journey near ly ended. “It wasn’t a good experience,” he remembers. “When I started, they laid o a majority of the sta including my co-anchor, and they wouldn’t let me out of my contract until I found a replacement.” Eventually, Custer was released and once free, almost quit the profession. He worked for a friend at Country Home Creations in Goodrich for nearly “ve years. ”e draw of the TV camera, however, wouldn’t let him go. He started recording food videos he distributed on YouTube that were soon picked up by WNEMTV5. In 2016, the WNEM news director o ered him an anchor spot. Custer accepted without hesitation and has been manning the news desk since. ”e WNEM experience has had trials and triumphs for Custer. From the beginning, his storytelling stood out as factual and heartwarming. He receives hundreds of submissions from

CUSTER CHECKS HIS COPY BEFORE GOING ON THE AIR.

people who enjoyed his reporting and have trusted him to tell their stories – something in which he takes great pride. Professionally, he’s been accepted; personally, being “out” has brought chal lenges. At least it is not, he admits, like his high school days. “I get both positive and negative messages from viewers and I have learned how to handle nega tivity with support from viewers and my husband, Dan. For instance, I no longer read the comments,” he laughs.

When negativity becomes overly bur densome, Custer takes solace in his sto ries and in a particular email he received from a viewer who told him that seeing a successful gay man on TV helped save his life. Custer keeps a printed copy of the message with him wherever he goes. Custer is a news professional in a time when journalism is in a state of crisis; everything is heavily politicized and facts are disputed. “Our indus try is more important now than ever

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“Our industry is more important now than ever before. We need credible truth-seek ers who will relentlessly seek it and hold people accountable. It’s our responsibility.”

at a table guring out how to spin a story one way or another. at ’s not something we do. We tell the story as it is and people forget how pains taking it is to conrm information.” While social media is immediately spewing hearsay, Custer is busy ver ifying facts. Journalists have trouble navigating the chaos while maintain ing their integrity and to journalists like Custer, integrity is very import ant. In Toledo, he got into hot water while on the air when his director told him to report the news of Michael Jackson’s death that had been received from an online source. He refused to do so until the story could be veried.

In his relentless search for truth, Custer has interviewed political candi dates and celebrities (Cher stands out), exposed corruption, and provided hope and inspiration. (He even went skydiving. “Never again!” he laughs.) But what he is most proud of, even more than his numerous awards, are the people listed on his awards – those who trusted him to tell their stories and the truth he un covered. “I exposed a small town police chief who was selling badges for $1,000 each and allowing the owners to get away with anything,” he says. “I have also spoken to a family that, during COVID, stayed outside their grandmother’s hospi tal window every day so she wouldn’t be alone at the end of her life.”ese stories give him strength and purpose. At the end of the day, it’s what means the most. e ability to present a story in an entertaining and informative way accord ing to the facts is the essence of journal ism. Custer advises that for those who love telling stories in a visual way and are passionate about nding the truth, a career in journalism can hold a reward ing future. “Make sure to never insert yourself into the story,” he cautions. “As a journalist, it’s never about you.” It’s been a long road and since 2016, David Custer has been present ing the truth at WNEM TV5. He has no plans to do anything else. “I live day to day and walk out of the station with a sense of accomplishment,” he smiles. “I’m content with who I am.” ®

before,” he states. “We need credible truth-seekers who will relentlessly seek it and hold people accountable. It ’s our responsibility.” Social media skews the very perception of jour nalism and is a constant problem for hardworking industry professionals. "People think I spend my time sitting IN MAINE, CUSTER INTERVIEWS MID-MICHIGAN WAR HERO TRAVIS MILLS ABOUT HIS ESTABLISHED RETREAT FOR WOUNDED VETERANS.

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7 Questions with ...

1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was in kin dergarten, I distinctly re member wanting to be a doctor! I even remember dressing up as one for career day. at dream changed in middle school after I visited the Univer sity of Michigan in Ann Arbor with a friend. (Her parents were alumni.) If you have seen the U of M law campus, then you know: it’s gorgeous. I fell in love and decided at that moment I was going to be an attorney. My parents thought this was a great choice, as I loved to argue with them! 2. What/where was your very first job? At 16, I started work ing at Village Green Landscaping and Nursery in Findlay, OH loading mulch and stone for cus tomers. I would unload delivery trucks and plant trees in the nursery. I had the best “farmer’s tan!” 3. You have twin 14-year old boys; do they keep you pretty busy? Last summer, one of the twins achieved his

black belt rank in martial arts. He has been a ded icated martial artist for four years. While many kids do not progress to black belt, he persevered with determination and grit. e other twin loves soccer and in sixth grade was asked to compete on a premier league soccer team that traveled through the northeast. I have a great picture of him playing right striker in NYC with One World Tower in the background. 4. What are you currently most excited about in your life? is changes often and usually revolves around my children. Currently, I am excited for my oldest son Bryce, who is

attending Saint Louis University studying Flight Science Engineering – he has dreamed of being a pi lot since he was little. As a toddler, he loved GeoTrax and always gravitated to ward the airport/airplane. As he grew, I remember him playing t-ball and being in the out–eld looking up at the sky and pointing at airplanes …as the ball rolled past him. In fact, as I am answering these questions, using the incredible technology we have today, I can track his plane as he ™ies and lis ten to him interact with air trašc control. Seeing him live out his dream is incredibly exciting.

12 COMPILED BY SHERRON BARDEN PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIAN WALDRON Brian Waldron CEO, Dort Financial Credit Union

THE WALDRON FAMILY: BRIAN AND ALICIA WITH SONS BRYCE AND TWINS, CODY AND ETHAN.

Personally, I am excit ed about the opportu nity to lead an incred ible group of dedicated employees who strive daily to go above and beyond for the members of Dort Financial Credit Union. It is incredibly satisfying to walk into a branch and hear stories from members about how they were able to purchase their „rst auto or home with the help from a Dort Financial CU employee. I love hearing about multiple generations of families that have accounts with the credit union. Dort Financial employees truly live the credit union mission of “people help ing people.” Excitement hardly describes how I feel; I am blessed to work with the board of directors, executive team and sta‰ as we serve the members every day.

5. Do you have any hobbies? As you can imagine, my most time-consum ing activity is transport ing my boys to martial arts and soccer practices. Outside of that, I enjoy boating and time at the beach. ere is some thing about being on the water that rejuve nates the soul. My wife and I also love to travel, exploring new places and immersing ourselves in the local culture. 6. How would your friends describe you? I believe they would say that I am incredibly loyal.

I am also excited for my wife Alicia – who has followed my career from Ohio to St. Louis, to New York – to be back in the midwest and closer to her family.ey live in Dayton, OH and before I moved to St. Louis for an opportunity at Scott Credit Union, we were seven minutes from her parents, door-to-door. rough the years, we have always remained close to family but unfor tunately, because we were not in close proximity, we missed out on family gath erings and several holidays. I am excited for her to be within an easy driving distance from them.

7. What is one work-related thing you hope to accomplish in the next year? Dort Financial Credit Union has served the community and members incredibly well for the past 70 years; the employ ees remain dedicated to assisting members through their „nancial life-cycles. I not only hope to carry on this incredible legacy, but I will also work hard to cre ate a strategic vision where the credit union continues to grow and ‘ourish. ®

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2022 City’s Choice Awards

Food &Drink

FINE DINING Andiamo Fenton

24 HOUR RESTAURANT Starlite Coney Island BAGELS Big Apple Bagels BAKERY

OUTDOOR DINING PATIO Brick Street of Grand Blanc PIZZA Luigi’s RAW JUICE OR SMOOTHIE Great Lakes Smoothie RIBS Italia Gardens ROMANTIC RESTAURANT Signature Chophouse SANDWICH Hoffman’s Deco Deli SEAFOOD NON CHAIN Whitey’s Restaurant STEAKHOUSE Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery SUNDAY BRUNCH Cork on Saginaw SUSHI Sagano Japanese Bistro & Steakhouse THAI Bangkok Peppers WINE LIST Cork on Saginaw

FISH ‘N’ CHIPS Whitey’s Restaurant FRENCH FRIES Jan’s Bar ICE CREAM Uncle Ray’s Dairyland INDEPENDENT COFFEEHOUSE Fireside Coffee INDIAN Italia Gardens JAPANESE Sagano Japanese Bistro & Steakhouse KOREAN Goki Goki Korean BBQ LATE NIGHT DINING Churchill’s Food & Spirits LOCALLY MADE BEER Tenacity Brewing LOCALLY PRODUCED BRAND Grill of India ITALIAN

CRUST - a Bakery BARBECUE Blackstone’s Smokehouse BLOODY MARY Churchill’s Food & Spirits

BREAKFAST Leo’s Coney Island BURGER Soggy Bottom Bar CHINESE Cantonese Gourmet South CLASSIC ARTISAN COCKTAIL Churchill’s Food & Spirits CONEY ISLAND Leo’s Coney Island COOKIES We’reDough Bakery CUPCAKES Tasty Layers DELI Hoffman’s Deco Deli DIVE BAR The Torch DONUTS Donna’s Donuts

Koegel Meats MEXICAN El Potrero MIDDLE EASTERN Taboon Middle Eastern Cuisine

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Services BANK CREDIT UNION ELGA Credit Union CHARITY NON PROFIT

Shopping ANTIQUE STORE Collette’s Vintage & Antique Mall ATHLETIC WEAR Bauman’s Running & Walking Shop AUTO DEALERSHIP LaFontaine BIKE SHOP Assenmacher

Whaley Children’s Center CHILD DAY CARE Brandi’s Place DRY CLEANER Jan’s Professional Dry Cleaners EYELASHES MICROBLADING Lindsay Hyatt @Wild Side Spa FLORIST Vogt’s

BRIDAL SHOP Expressions in Silk COMIC BOOKS Amazing Book-store FARMERS’ MARKET Flint Farmers’ Market FISH Donlan’s Fish & Seafoods FURNITURE Skaff Furniture Carpet One GOURMET MARKET

HAIR SALON Refinery Hair Co. HOSPITAL Hurley Medical Center LAW FIRM SIMEN, FIGURA & PARKER, P.L.C. MASSAGE

Oliver T’s Market HARDWARE Gilroy Swartz Creek

LaBeau Salon & Massage Studio PET DAYCARE KENNEL Four Paws Hotel & Resort PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER Wylde Child Photography REALTOR Wyatt Wilson, Real Estate by Tremaine SPA LaBeau Salon & Massage Studio

JEWELERY Gaines Jewelry MEATS Colony’s Quality Meats NURSERY GREENHOUSE Flint Farmers’ Market RESALE SHOP Reclaimed by Whaley SPECIALTY CAKE Lovegrove’s USED BOOKS Totem Books WINE D’vine Wines WOMEN’S FASHIONS Eclections Wojo’s Davison PRODUCE

TATTOO SHOP Jessie Vickers Tattoos VETERINARIAN West Flint Animal Hospital YOGA STUDIO Soul Yoga

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People BARTENDER TomWade, Churchill’s Food & Spirits CHEF Marge Murphy, Cork on Saginaw

Leisure ALL SPORTS LAKE Lake Fenton ANNUAL SPORTING EVENT Crim Festival of Races ART FILM VENUE Flint Institute of Arts BOWLING ALLEY Galaxy Lanes CHARITY EVENT Tux & Tennies - Whaley Children’s Center COMMUNITY THEATER Flint Community Players CULTURAL PROGRAM Flint Institute of Arts DOWNTOWN EVENT Back to the Bricks GOLF COURSE Flint Golf Club LIVE MUSIC VENUE The Machine Shop MUSEUM Sloan Museum SPORTS BAR The Draft

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 SPORTSCASTER Scot Johnson, WNEM TV5 TV NEWS ABC 12 CHIROPRACTOR Renaissance Chiropractic DENTIST Mark Knight, Knight Dental Care EDUCATOR Nicole LaBeau, Transitions School of Cosmetology FINANCIAL ADVISOR Fred Hensler, Sapphire Blue Investment Partners HAIRSTYLIST Nathan Green @ Refinery Hair Co. INSURANCE AGENT Jamie Youngston, Blackmore Rowe PERSONAL TRAINER Zak Snell, Polysthenics Fitness ROCK BAND Vicariant

Misc & ETC GENESEE COUNTY PARK For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum HOTEL Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Flint LOCAL ATTRACTION Crossroads Village/Huckleberry Railroad

Congrats to all!

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Your New Flint Public Library A Wonderful Place for the People

BY PETER HINTERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATY KILDEE

Kay Schwartz, Director of the Flint Public Library (FPL), remembers February 29, 2020 like it was yesterday. “at was the last day the old FPL was open to the public. It was two weeks before the start of the pandemic and we served nearly 2,000 people that day,” she shares.e next day, the FPL was closed and a complete overhaul and renovation of the facility began. e building was stripped down to the outside walls, „oors, elevators and beams. ose who visited the library in the past would be hard-pressed to †nd any rem nant of the old layout. In fact, the library is almost unrecognizable. It’s a new start for an old and much-loved institution. 

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“We wanted to bring something new and amazing to the city. It’s a wonderful place for the people of Flint.” KAY SCHWARTZ, FPL DIRECTOR

WANDA HARDEN, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

1) THE GLORIA COLES SKY SALON IS THE FPL’S MOST UNIQUE MEETING SPACE. 2) THE MOTT-WARSH GALLERY WILL BE UPDATED WITH NEW ART EVERY FEW MONTHS. 3) THERE IS A MEETING SPACE FOR EVERY OCCASION AT THE FPL. 4) OUTDOOR MURAL CREATED BY LOCAL ARTIST KEVIN BURDICK HIGHLIGHTS THE FPL’S FAMILY AND LEARNING ASPECTS. 6) “THE HANGOUT” IS THE PLACE TO BE AT THE FPL FOR MUSIC AND FUN. 7) THE LOCAL HISTORY AND GENEAOLOGY AREA IS THERE FOR ALL YOUR RESEARCH NEEDS. 8) NEARLY EVERY TABLE AND SEATING AREA IS EQUIPPED WITH OUTLETS AND USB PORTS. 5) WELCOME TO THE AMAZING NEW FPL!

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“ e building was built new,” says Schwartz, “including every piece of pipe and wiring, includ ing the pipes in the basement.” After an eight-month construc tion delay due to the pandemic and a lot of hard work by archi tects, construction crew and sta, the Flint Public Library ocially opened to residents on Saturday, May 21. e total public cost was $30.6 million, which included bonds approved by Flint resi dents for $12.6 million that was matched by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation who also pro vided an additional $15 million grant for the project. Capital campaign donations from indi viduals, families and foundations covered the remainder. e process began way back in 2017 with a search for a concept and design. “ e sta took Šeld trips to new libraries around our area for ideas and elements,” Schwartz explains. “We toured li braries in Clinton/Macomb, Novi, BloomŠeld and SouthŠeld.” e team then chose OPN Archi tects out of Cedar Rapids, IA to create the design and Michigan construction company, Clark, for implementation. After nearly Šve years of planning and work, the new library has emerged better than even Schwartz could have envisioned. “It exceeds my every expectation,” she says.

1) A. J . ROWE FAMILY SNACK ROOM.

2) THE CHILDREN’S SECTION HAS MORE SEATING AND NEW SHELVING. 3) INTERACTIVE LIGHT BOARD PROVIDES HOURS OF FUN. 4) THE “PLAY TO LEARN” AREA WAS KEPT FROM THE OLD FPL.

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1) THE NEW DIGITAL STUDIO OPENS IN JULY. 2) THE NEW GREATER FLINT AFRICAN AMERICAN SPORTS HALL OF FAME IS NOW INTERACTIVE. 3, 4) 2-HOUR LAPTOP RENTAL IS AVAILABLE TO ADULT FPL MEMBERS. 5) THE SELF-CHECKOUT SYSTEM MAKES LIBRARY VISITS QUICK AND EFFICIENT.

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HONOR Privilege and An a Judge Mark C. McCabe

BY CHERYL DENNISON

The Honorable JudgeMark C. McCabe, who presides over the 67th District Court Fourth Division in Fenton, was appointed to the bench in 1993 by Governor John Engler. Sworn in on February 11, 1993 he has continuously served as a judge in Fenton and at the Central Court in Downtown Flint for 29 years. “It’s amazing how quickly time has gone by,” he shares with a smile. McCabe will continue to serve as a judge until 2026 when his current term expires, but cannot run for re-election as he is age-limited. 

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“Nobody is having a good day when they are coming to court. People are nervous and I have to focus on that and be patient. And at the end of the day, I try to treat people fairly.”

McCabe was born inDetroit and grew up inOakland County, attending University of Detroit High School. Originally wanting to become a teacher, he obtained his undergraduate degree in education at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. “But then, I decided to go to law school and never looked back.”He went on to earn his Juris Doctor atWayne State University and ended up in Flint after being chosen to be a clerk for an attorney in the area. “He recruitedme while I was in law school,”McCabe remembers. OnNovember 9, 1976 he was sworn in and then started practicing law. “ˆis was the ‰rst time I set foot in Flint,” saysMcCabe. “I knew nothing about the city, but have never regretted a second of practicing here.”

What types of cases are heard by a 67th District Court judge? According to McCabe, they have jurisdiction over all misdemeanors and criminal cases that carry a sentence of less than one year in the county jail. District judges also hear preliminary examinations in felony matters. In addition, they can hear felony pleas, but the matter is then sent to Circuit Court for sentencing. New legislation was implemented that gave District Court judges jurisdiction over municipal and state civil infractions,McCabe explains. ˆese are matters that involve zoning issues, trespassing, or failure to keep property up to standard. Previously, these types of cases were handled in Circuit Court and a lawsuit had to be ‰led. Flint Senator Joe Conroy played

a key role in changing the legislation. “He really championed that,”McCabe notes. District Court judges handle tra’c and landlord/tenant cases, civil lawsuits that are $25,000 or less, and small claims matters.ˆey are also on call 24 hours a day to issue search warrants for law enforcement. McCabe was inspired by former Genesee County Circuit Court Judgeˆomas Yeotis. “Judge Yeotis was everything a judge should be,” McCabe states. “I try to live up to what he taught me every day.” Nobody is having a good day when they are coming to court, Yeotis would tell him. “People are nervous and I have to focus on that and be patient. And at the end of the day, I try to treat people fairly.” He also says that nobody is 

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MYSTORY

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“I enjoy every day and try to do my level best every day. I love my job.”

Alexandra Nassar Shaheen Law Firm, Of Counsel 5151 Gateway Centre, Ste. 100, | Flint 810.238.1700 | anassar@shaheenpc.com Alexandra Nassar specializes in Wills, Trusts and Estates, and Probate Law. As a member of the Greater Flint Community her whole life, she is dedicated to serving the community. Alexandra serves on the boards of the American Inns of Court, McLaren Regional Medical Center Bio-Ethics Committee, Genesee County Bar Association Membership Committee, and the Arab American Heritage Council. She was named a Rising Star by Michigan Super Lawyers® in 2016 and 2017.

back in 1993. “œere has been so much growth!” he exclaims, “And, there is no end in sight.” McCabe was married to his wife, Janet, for many years and they had a daughter Heather, who is now grown and living on the East Coast. Janet passed away in October 2020. “She was the love of my life,” he sadly admits. “I still miss her.” At the end of his busy days, McCabe šnds time to spend with family members, including his three brothers. “We are all very close,” he shares. He tries to stay active and enjoys playing golf, attending sporting events and traveling out east to visit his daughter and her family. According to McCabe, there are two words that describe his nearly 30 year career as a judge. “It’s an honor and a privilege,” he says. “It’s that simple. I keep those words in mind both on and o¡ the bench and that is the way I handle my cases.” McCabe feels fortunate to have been appointed to his judgeship and re-elected. “I am very honored and privileged to be a judge,” he shares. “I enjoy every day and try to do my level best every day. I love my job.” ®

perfect and, of course, mistakes can be made. “But if I do my best, I can look at myself in the mirror and say I had a good day.” One of the things McCabe especially enjoys doing is writing a weekly legal column for Fenton’s local newspaper, the Tri-County Times , which he has done since 1998. “I’ve written a column every week and it will be 24 years in September,” he shares. “It’s been a labor of love. I love to write and I love to do research and there are so many things I can write about the law.” While the judge spends most of his time at the Fenton court house, about 40 percent of his time is spent in Downtown Flint hearing cases in the Central Court. He has enjoyed seeing the positive changes that have occurred in the city over the past few years. “Flint has had its issues,” he admits, “but there is hope. Downtown is being revitalized and there are many wonderful people working together to make that happen.” He also marvels at the changes that have taken place in the City of Fenton since he šrst sat on the bench

Amir E. Abu-Aita Abu-Aita Law Firm, PLLC

5151 Gateway Centre, Ste. 100, | Flint 810.238.1700 | Amir@ShaheenPC.com

Amir E. Abu-Aita practices Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Probate, Estate Planning and Business Transactions. He is a member of the Genesee County Bar Association, as well as Elder Law and Probate Sections of the State Bar of Michigan. In addition, he serves as the President of Elder Abuse Alliance (formerly known as the Elder Abuse Task Force). He has been selected to the Michigan Super Lawyers® 2021 Rising Stars list.

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Attorney Matthew L. Norwood Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney Hiring local makes a di…erence.œe relationships Attorney Matthew L. Norwood has made living in the Flint area for over 47 years, practicing law here for over 20 years and serving on multiple local boards will help you get the best outcome if you’ve been ar rested. Attorney Norwood attended St. Paul Lutheran, Flint Powers and Mott Community College, then moved on to East Lansing to attend undergrad and law school at Michigan State University. He grew up in Flushing, moved to Grand Blanc and now lives in Linden. Clearly, this area is in his blood and Attorney Norwood is your hometown advantage. If you’ve been wrongly accused or just made a bad choice, Attorney Norwood can help you navigate the treacherous waters of the criminal justice system. His law practice focuses exclusively on criminal misdemeanor and felony matters, drunk driving charges, driver’s license restoration and tra™c matters in our state and federal courts. If you made a mistake years ago and are looking to move on from it, call him. In the past years, Attorney Norwood has expunged more criminal records and restored more driver’s licenses for clients than any attorney in the area.

Attorney Robert J. MacDonald Fighting for Disabled Workers Unable to work due to a work injury or other health problem? Do you need bene ts to replace lost income? Do you need med ical care or retraining? Are you struggling to work within your restrictions and limitations? Robert J. MacDonald is dedicated to nding solutions for injured and disabled workers dealing with these situations. Attorney Robert J. MacDonald has over 25 years experience representing thousands of injured and disabled workers in the Flint area and throughout Michigan in Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability cases. In addition to providing le gal advice to workers struggling to cope with the e…ects of their impairments, Robert advocates on their behalf before administra tive agencies, as well as before the Michigan and federal trial and appellate courts. Robert is a graduate of Cooley Law School, the University of Notre Dame and Flint Powers High School. He and other attorneys in the MacDonald family have represented Flint area workers since 1938. Robert has been recognized by his peers as a Super Lawyer in Workers’ Compensation law and a Leading Lawyer in Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability cases each year since 2013. He has served as president of Mich igan for Justice (2019-2020) and chair of its Workers’ Compen sation Committee, and serves on the board of directors for the national Workers’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group. Robert is the co-author of Workers’ Compensation in Michigan: Law and Practice, 6th ed . (ICLE, 2020-present). A Flint resident with an o™ce in downtown Flint, Robert is also the current chair of the Genesee County Bar Association’s Social Security Committee. If you are an injured or disabled worker, don’t settle for less: contact Robert J. MacDonald for the assistance you need. 653 S. Saginaw Street Suite 208 Flint, MI 48502 810.234.2204 disabledworker.net

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503 S. Saginaw Street Suite 526 Flint, Michigan 48502 810.235.4639 Attorneynorwood.com

MYEATS

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Known for Quality

BY CHERYL DENNISON PHOTOS PROVIDED BY REDWOOD STEAKHOUSE & BREWERY

For nearly three decades, Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery in Flint Township has o ered casual, upscale dining in a comfortable atmosphere. Established in 1996 (previously named Redwood Lodge), the popular restaurant and brewery serves award-winning beer, mesquite grill, raw bar, luscious steaks, seafood, burgers, salads and pasta.ƒe restaurant celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. “We’ve de‰nitely evolved!” exclaims Luis Fernandes, Executive Chef and Managing Partner.

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MYEATS

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R edwood is best known for its Angus beef steaks ( let, Porter House, New York strip, Delmonico and sirloin) and sushi. “We are also known for our Ahi tuna,” Fernandes adds, “and our Norwegian Salmon is very popular.” ‚e most popular entree is the Filet of Salmon, served over a crab cake and topped with asparagus and hollandaise sauce. “We sell quite a bit of that,” he says. Also on the Redwood menu are delicious sandwiches, burgers, soups, oven-baked mac & cheese, and wood- red pizzas. At Redwood, the appetizers are meant to be shared, says the executive chef. Of the dozen choices, the Jumbo Wings are a customer favorite – slow roasted and tossed in house-made barbecue or hot sauce. “We serve the whole wing,” Fernandes says. Other popular appetizers include a yummy Spinach Artichoke Dip and succulent Pot Roast Quesadillas. “Our nachos are phenomenal!” Fernandes exclaims. ‚e Redwood Nachos are corn tortilla chips piled high with your choice of ground beef or shredded barbecue pork, queso cheese sauce, Colby Jack cheese, shredded lettuce, fresh pico de gallo and green onions, served with salsa and sour cream. For dessert you will nd “the world’s best cheesecake,” the chef adds. “We try to locally source as much as we can.” According to Fernandes, the restaurant format has changed over the past few years. Five years ago, they added a raw bar menu and it has become very popular.

EXECUT I VE CHE F LU I S F E RNANDE S

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MYDISH

BY ERIN CAUDELL B e t e ! Can’t Be I’ll let you in on a little secret: I grew up hating beets. Re ecting back on it, I think I was only o ered canned or pickled beets. Fast-forward to adulthood and my experiences with farming. I quickly discovered that beets are easy to grow; their greens are sweet, crisp and delicious in salads. A revelation! Raw beets are amazing – sliced matchstick style for salads, marinated, I’ve even taken to roasting them.‚is recipe is easy to throw to gether with your food processor.‚e nutty pumpkin seeds add a little crunch (plus iron, po tassium calcium and protein), and a few microgreens add nice avor and texture.‚is colorful and healthy salad even gets better and more avorful over a couple of days in the fridge.

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RawBeet Salad INGREDIENTS • 1 medium beet, shredded • 3 medium carrots, shredded • 6 medium radishes, thinly sliced • 3 Tbsp fresh parsley • 1 cup microgreens • 1 apple, diced • 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds • 3 Tbsp olive oil • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar • ¼ cup lemon juice • Salt to taste TO MAKE 1. Place the radishes, beets, carrots and parsley in a salad bowl. 2. In a small bowl, combine the diced apple and lemon juice. Toss to make sure all the pieces are covered in juice, then add the apples to the beet mixture. 3. Add the pumpkin seeds, greens, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. 4. Toss well to combine. Season with salt, if needed. ®

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

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Local Eats & Drinks

ANDIAMO

Andiamo 102 W. Silver Lake Rd., Fenton Big Apple Bagels 9434 Lapeer Rd., Davison 8185 Holly Rd., Grand Blanc

810.354.8446

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

810.603.2114

BRICK STREET OF GRAND BLANC

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

810.354.8555

810.208.7297

Cork on Saginaw 635 Saginaw St., Flint

810.422.9625

810.686.1200

Fenton Hotel Tavern & Grill 302 N. Leroy St., Fenton Fenton Winery & Brewery 1370 N. Long Lake Rd., Fenton

810.750.9463

810.208.7281 810.820.6286 810.407.6018

810.373.4194

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P ROMOT I ONAL

Mega Classic Diner 4462 Corunna Rd., Flint Twp

810.732.9700

Open 24 hours

CIAO ITALIAN BISTRO & WINE BAR

The Laundry 125 W. Shiawassee Ave., Fenton Timothy’s Pub 2890 Robert T. Longway, Flint

810.629.8852

810.239.0972

CORK ON SAGINAW

P ROMOT I ONAL

MYSTYLE

Sizzle Season is He e! BY SHANNON WHITE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SHIFT N ew leaves un curling on the trees, the whirring of the lawn mower and the smell of freshly-cut grass, mornings lled with chirping Michigan winter, it’s so fun to dig out

birds … spring has nally arrived and we’re sliding into summer! After a long

all of our warm-weather clothes. Goodbye turtle necks, hello tank tops! Spring is a great time to reevaluate your closet for the upcoming season, add essentials and some fun, new pieces. Making sure you have the basics and incorporating some new trends will create a summer-ready wardrobe.

ROLL-ON BRACELETS BY LOTUS SKY

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ABOVE: SEED BEAD STATEMENT CLUTCH AND EARRINGS BY INK + ALLOY

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MYCITYMAG.COM

BELOW - AHDORNED FAUX SUEDE BAG

MIDI-DRESSES ARE TRENDING: ULTRA-FLATTERING AND EASY-BREEZY!

WHITE DENIM IS ON TREND! GO TIMELESS IN ALL-WHITE OR ADD POPS OF COLOR.

LOCALLY MADE HAPPY JUNE CLAY

taller silhouettes.Mini-dresses are sassy and great for shorter gures and a ru ed ounce hem with an easy-breezy shape is denitely trending over pencil styles of the past.We love a casual summer dress because it’s e‚ortless! ƒrow it on, add some accessories and you’re done. SHIFT, in Down town Flint, has some beautiful midi- and mini-dresses that feature other fun trends such as a utter sleeve, ru ed hem or embroidery. Keep your dress casual with ats for running errands or lunch with friends, or dress it up with high-heeled sandals and a cute bag for a dinner date or summer party. A fun way to freshen your look is to add a few new ac cessories – summer is a great time to play with colors. Add a pair of Happy June Clay earrings to your look.ƒey’re made locally and their fun colors will lift your spirits and make you think “summer.”

SUNGLASSES BY GOODR

When it comes to essen tials, one summer staple is white denim.Whether shorts, jeans or even a jacket, you can’t go wrong wearing white (except to a wedding where you’re not the bride!) Add a pop of color with your top and accessories or even rock an all-white look which is classy and timeless. And when it comes to jeans, after years of skinny styles smothering our legs, they can nally breathe as boot cuts and ares are back on trend. A frayed or slit pant leg makes those white jeans even more current. Another essential is the summer dress. Living in loungewear for two years of pandemic life has made us excited to dress up this sum mer! Midi-dresses are trend ing and ultra-attering for

Beaded jewelry is always a great addition to any outt. Beaded bracelets by local en trepreneur Lotus Sky that are fair trade and gainfully employ women in Nepal are perfect for stacking, mixing and matching, while Ink + Alloy earrings are fun and colorful. Visit SHIFT in June for the “Bubbles and Baubles” Jewelry Mega-trunk show event to score some one-of-a-kind ac cessories to sharpen your style and bedazzle your collection! Don’t forget that the change in season is also a great time to add some new home décor. Melamine dinner plates and salad bowls by French Bull have bright patterns that make a festive addition to any outdoor patio or summer par ty. Ready to relax? Enjoy your

Shannon White is an architect, designer and fashionista – a small but mighty cheerleader of all things Flint! Holding both Bachelor of Science and Master of Architec ture degrees from the University of Michigan, she is the founder of the FUNchitecture design firm and co-founder of she-powered Down town Flint retail business, SHIFT. chilled rosé in silicone wine glasses which are not only fun, but safe for your pool area and great for boating. So, reevaluate your closet and prepare for sizzle season! Mix timeless classics with hot trends and enjoy the summer while it’s here! ®

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MYSPORTS

Top Athletes 2022 Genesee County’s

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As the 2021-2022 high school athletics schedules wrapped up for the year, we invited the 25 Genesee County high schools to to choose two athletes – one each from their men’s and women’s sports teams – who excelled in both athletics and academics.e responding schools took care in selecting young people who have worked hard to earn awards and accolades for their accomplishments. Research shows that many student athletes do better academically and that participating in sports can provide many bene ts for the youth, their families and communities. Several in this group of honorees have received scholarships that will allow them to compete at the next level as they continue their education.ey are leaders and role models, top performers on and o‚ the eld and court. My City Magazine is proud to recognize these standouts from Genesee County’s high school athletic programs. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE INDIVIDUAL ATHLETE OR SCHOOL ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT.

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ATHERTON

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Class of 2023 Sports: Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Track An exceptional student at AHS, Caylee has received multiple awards and accolades in every sport in which she participates. Caylee is a member of the National Honor Society, Concert Band and Color Guard. In the next school year, Caylee will assist the athletic trainer Caylee Hudgins

Romiel Clausell Class of 2023 Sports: Football, Basketball, Track

In the three sports in which he participates, Romiel has received many awards and acco lades. He excels in academics and is a great student role model for underclassmen. He participates in Student Council. Romiel plans to attend a college and hopes for an o er that is right for his future. He holds some aspirations of attending a trade school. His plan is to be successful and nan cially stable after his academic career.

at Powers Catholic High School. She plans to attend a community college on an athletic scholarship before transferring to a university to study Athletic Training. 

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