My City November 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, The month of November begins the “Season of Giving’’ and Greater Flint is certainly abundant with ways to reach out and help those who need it. In the spirit of giving, we offer a Charity Guide (p.22) with information about how you can assist over a dozen local groups in their efforts to make the holidays brighter for our community members who need a helping hand.This month’s “My Community” pieces feature two non-profit organizations – D.R.E.A.M.S. and Invisible Giants – that also offer hope, opportunity and inspiration to many youth and young adults. Consider supporting their endeavors … it feels so good to give! Another Flint non-profit providing a place of community and compassion (for over 30 years) is the Vista Center. Caring for special needs adults, their programs include art therapy and the Center now displays works created by its clientele at the Vista Visions Art Gallery in the Genesee Valley Center. Check out some of their talent starting on p.36, and gracing our cover, painted by Greg Zafiroff. My City has always been excited to highlight the robust local arts scene, and this month is no exception. We have features on the talented Flint Symphonic Wind Ensemble (p.48) and a solo musician who has been entertaining in the area for decades (see “Rhythm & Groove,” p.52). In addition, we get a sneak peek at the Flint Institute of Music’s preparations for bringing the magic of The Nutcracker back to The Whiting stage to enchant us for the holidays (p.42). We recognize Veterans Day with a feature about Kevin Croom, who served in the Navy during Desert Storm and is now operations manager of Flint’s Asbury Church, rising above health challenges to joyfully serve the community he loves (p.28). And we are also happy to tell the story of a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps Band who has enjoyed a 20-year music career directing high school bands. Enjoy that story starting on p.32. Of course, we have sports, history, food, hobbies and haps – something for everyone. The Season of Giving is also a time to give thanks for our blessings. I hope this letter finds you well and I wish everyone a very HappyThanksgiving. 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 EXECUTIVE Terese Al len

5152 COMMERCE RD. FLINT, MI 48507 810.230.1783 - MYCITYMAG.COM ISSN#1559-3436 is published monthly by My City Magazine, Inc., 5152 Commerce Rd., Flint, MI 48507. Canadian Mail Agreement #41971515. For back issues, inquire for availability. Editorial Cor respondence: Address product information and inquiries to: Editorial Department, My City Magazine, 5152 Commerce Rd., Flint, MI 48507, phone 810.230.1783. To authors, photographers, and people featured in this publication: All materials, articles, reports and photographs in this publication are the property of My City Magazine and cannot be used without written permission. 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 ART BY GREG ZAFIROFF

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My Community 8 7 Questions with... Kara-Lyn Ross President and CEO

My Dish 34 It’s Soup Season! By Erin Caudell My Arts 36 Vista Visions Art Gallery

Food Bank of Eastern Michigan

10 D.R.E.A.M.S.

An Outlet for Personal Expression 42 Getting Ready for The Nutcracker! My Music 48 Music for Everyone

Healing the Community

14 Lydia Taylor

Breakthrough Junior Challenge Finalist 18 Sponsoring the Future Invisible Giants Legacy & Leadership Foundation My Outreach 22 Providing Hope

Flint Symphonic Wind Ensemble

52 Blu Mykals

Flint’s Solo Sensation My Passion 56 Thrill of the Hunt A Family Affair My Hobby 60 Iceland Competitive Edge Figure Skating Club

2021 Charitable Giving Guide My Story

28 Kevin Croom

Determined to Serve

32 Ben Baldwin

CONTENTS A Marine and his Music

November 2021

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My Econ 86 The Debt Ceiling, Yet Again By Dr. Christopher Douglas My Finances 88 Expectations By Joel P. LaGore My Travels 90 The Beach By Alexandria Nolan My Thoughts 92 An Honorable Thing to Do By Cheryl Dennison 93 My Can’t Miss List My Afterthought 96 How Long has THIS Been in Here?

My Sports 64 Flint City Handball Playing with Passion My History 70 Glory or a Wooden Leg! Corydon Foote at War My Haps 76 Davison Pumpkin Festival 78 Peace & Dignity Ceremony 80 Cars & Bars Fundraiser My Reality 82 Despite Loss, So Thankful By Vera Hogan My Musings 84 It’s Not What You Give, It’s Why By Leslie Toldo

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Kara-Lyn ROSS 7 Questions with … President and CEO, Food Bank of Eastern Michigan

their lives. With their faith, life experiences, encour agement and dedication to each other, they’ve always set an example for me, my brothers and grandchildren. Of what life achievement are you most proud? My husband and I have raised two really great kids who are kind, respectful, hardworking and happy. Without a doubt, stay ing grounded in the love of family has helped me achieve everything I’ve done. Intentionally choos ing family time, gatherings, hosting special occasions and vacationing together has brought grandparents, kids, grandkids and cousins as close as they can be. Would you rather cook a meal or order in? When time allows, I en joy cooking – we have some favorite dishes that always

taste better when prepared at home. For me, the most important part of a meal is the meaningful time together around the table, listening and connecting with loved ones. What’s one work-related thing you want to accom plish in the next year? I’m focused on our next strategic plan.The Food Bank has experienced incredible growth in recent years and shifted quickly to respond to a number of emergencies, in cluding the Flint Water Crisis, epic flooding in Midland and surrounding counties, and the national health pandemic.We continue to increase access to fresh, healthy foods for everyone through innovative partnerships that help elim inate barriers for neighbors. Putting innovative ideas to task in the next strategic plan will align the direction and future we want to see in the work to alleviate hunger.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I’ve always been very creative, so as a kid, I liked pretending to teach in imag inary classrooms, visualiz ing working in an office or photographing the planet for National Geographic. I also loved the art of Walt Disney. As a part-time position to help pay for my master’s de gree, I did have the chance to open and work at the Disney Store at the Genesee Valley Mall. Sharing the magic of Disney was so enjoyable, I stayed on for over ten years. Much of what I learned through that experience stayed with me and helped shape my leadership style. Who is your hero and why? My parents are my heroes.They’ve been married for over 60 years and the love and support of family has al ways been at the forefront in

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“It’s rewarding to see how people working together can make an incredible difference in the lives of so many.”

What types of music are you into?

There’s nothing better than a great playlist and music is always on in our life. I enjoy many genres and often have a mix ready to play when golfing, driving, relaxing outdoors or playing cards at the house. We enjoy going to concerts, musicals and sharing the experience with others. In my youth, I enjoyed playing instruments, singing in church and per forming in the school choir. Being part of a musical performance was always an incredible experience, especially in high school when we sang Mozart in the Basilica at Notre Dame University. However, as any of my friends or family will share, I’m not a soloist. What do you enjoy most about your career? I enjoy the focus on community and mission. Working at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, we partner with an incredible network of organizations, volunteers, our team and caring community members who help alleviate hunger for our neighbors. It ’s re warding to see how people working together can make an incredible difference in the lives of so many.

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BY PETER HINTERMAN PHOTOS PROVIDED BY 4TH DOWN FILMS

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“Teachers began reaching out to me for help with

Growing up, Royce Stephens learned a thing or two about the motivating effect that sports could have on youth. “My father was the leader of my Boy Scout troop and he would teach us from the handbook for the first half of our meeting and allow us to play basketball for the second half,” he says. “When he stopped letting us play basketball, kids stopped coming. He used basketball to provide an incentive to education.”While playing basketball at Hamady High School, Stephens learned the hard way when he decided to sit out his junior year and in doing so, suffered a drop in his grades. “I realized how important sports were to me and I knew what I had to do. I turned it around quickly,” he adds. individuals’ grades or behavior issues and I immediately saw improvement. It was then that I realized what an educational tool extracurricular activities like sports could be. You have to reach people where they are.”

ROYCE STEPHENS LEADING DREAMERS ON THE COURT.

After graduating college, Stephens came back to Hamady and began to make an impact on young lives as the basketball coach for 6th and 7th graders. “Teachers began reaching out to me for help with individuals’ grades or behavior issues and I immediately saw improvement. It was then that I realized what an educational tool extracurricular activities like sports could be. You have to reach people where they are.” Stephens started playing in local leagues and traveling with a team outside of Flint where he began mixing lessons into his trip itinerary depending on his destination. “It was an eye-opener for the kids as many had never left the city before,” he adds. Stephens soon established the non-profit D.R.E.A.M.S. (Developing Respectful Educated Aspiring Minds with Sports) as a way to further his mission “to use sports and enrichment programs to foster resiliency, inspire and motivate youth in Genesee County, specifically those who have encountered adverse childhood experiences.”

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Brown held a follow-up chili-cooking class and the participants had all of the ingredients delivered to their homes. More cooking classes are planned for the future. In February of this year, D.R.E.A.M.S. received grants from Flint ReCAST and the Community Foundation to continue the urban gardening program and starting next year, Stephens hopes to operate and teach students in a new aquaponics lab being equipped at The New Standard Academy in Flint. In October, D.R.E.A.M.S. held its first Basketball and Life Skills Academy at Hamady High School and the participation was off the charts. “It was meant for 5th to 8th graders and our goal was 60 ‘Dreamers’. We had over 90 Dreamers participate!” exclaims Stephens. “I ordered around 110 T-shirts just in case, and we ended up with about ten left,” he laughs. In addition to basketball instruction, Dreamers heard presentations from Commit to Fit about sugar intake, from former basketball standout Kelvin Torbert, the Flint Police Department spoke about decision making, ReCAST offered tips on awareness and emotional control, and John L. Financial Services instructed the group in financial literacy. The next Skills Academy is planned for January 2022. Stephens is continuing to develop programming for D.R.E.A.M.S. that focuses on entrepreneurship

R ecently, Stephens has expanded his vision to include much more than sports. “In the fall of 2019, I began using gardening as an instrument to connect with youth,” he explains. “I always had a garden as a kid and know what it’s like to eat something I grew myself. It’s something our youth should experience. I was all set up to work with middle-schoolers at Hamady when the pandemic hit and shut down the schools – so, the program went virtual. I did some research and we began to do bucket gardening.” His bucket gardening idea was a hit and encouraged him to go one step beyond. “We grew collard greens because the plant is resilient, can mitigate effects of lead poisoning and is culturally relevant. When the project was complete, we welcomed local Chef Nate Brown to teach the kids how to cook the greens and while doing so, we talked to the children about life and mental health.”The class was such a success that Chef

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“Collaboration is the key for Flint.” ROYCE STEPHENS

and continuing education. “I would like to institute a retail or fashion design program and a graphic design class,” he states. “I want our youth to know what they are capable of and what they can accomplish. For example, with the gardening program, I want them to learn that agriculture can be a profession if you love it. I want to plant dreams. Do what you want to do!” Through it all, Stephens is quick to point out that he could not have grown the program without help from the community and partnering organizations. “Collaboration is the key for Flint,” he says. “Many organizations are doing great things but they are working in silos. Why should I reinvent the wheel if somebody already has one? We are all working toward the same thing but sometimes, we fall enroute. Let’s pick each other up and get to the end together.” Stephens loves the changes he sees in Downtown Flint and hopes it will continue. He just wants to make sure that everyone is a part of the plan. “I hope that the youth I work with are included in Flint’s future. Everyone at D.R.E.A.M.S. is working hard to change the culture of our youth. I see too many kids who think school is a waste of time. We are working to make it cool to be a good citizen and to do what’s right, and these kids are trying. I think as adults, we forget what it was like to be young. Don’t leave the dreamers out.They won’t be perfect, but they will get there.” If you would like to partner with, volunteer or help provide funding for D.R.E.A.M.S., please contact Royce Stephens at 810.265.0460.

PLANS ARE IN THE WORKS TO EXPAND THE SUCCESSFUL URBAN GARDENING PROGRAM WITH AN AQUAPONICS LAB AT THE NEW STANDARD ACADEMY IN FLINT.

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MEET LYDIA TAYLOR

Breakthrough Junior Challenge Finalist BY CHERYL DENNISON PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LYDIA TAYLOR

and college professors at Mott about CMU’s writing program,” she says. “Additionally, I have a personal goal of graduating college without taking out student loans, and CMU offered me a 50 percent-off tuition scholar ship for my undergraduate degree.” The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a competition in which young peo ple ages 13-18 from around the world create a three-minute video explaining a complicated scientific concept or theory.The winner receives a $250,000 scholarship and their high school will receive a new $100,000 science lab. Taylor said she initially heard about the contest in a 2019 email from Khan Academy in California. “By the time I heard about it, I would have had less than two weeks to get my video done,” she shares. “I didn’t enter that year, but decided I would do it in 2020.”That year, she was named a finalist with her video explaining a concept in particle physics. “Since I did well last year,

kras99 / stock.adobe.com Alina / stock.adobe.com

student at Central Michigan University (CMU), 19-year-old Flint native Lydia Taylor

has been named one of the top finalists in the seventh annual Breakthrough Junior Challenge, a global competi tion for students that was designed to inspire creative thinking about science. The daughter of Steven and Sha ron Taylor, she has three older sib lings: Andrew, Austin and Katelynn. She is a 2021 graduate of Mott Mid dle College High School and Mott Community College, and is currently studying English and geology at CMU. “I decided to further my edu cation at CMU because I heard great things from my high school teachers

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g why not give it one last e I age out of the contest?”

r video this year, Taylor subject of dementia – spe ow abnormal brain proteins in the disease. “Abnormal

ein clumps are the mech- f dementia disease, not the T ylor explains. “Essentially, h h lumps do is prevent the b f m functioning properly and

h disease to progress. Howev d ’t know what causes brain o start clumping together.”

p

T chose the concept of

d

for the contest because her

d her has Lewy Body De a degenerative condition s ar to Alzheimer's disease.. “ ’ been heartbreaking to watch ve through it,”Taylor admits. Th ughout most of high school, lly the last two years, I have h lp d ke care of her. My grandpa h b her primary caregiver, and f l stepped in to help with her f ll are when he started to have ajor health issues.” Tay l any people don’t think of d as a disease and often think ’ “ old people being crazy.” “S h was my last year participat h contest, I wanted to work on h g that means a lot to me. My ng on inside a brain with de ould show that it is a disease d j st age-related oddness.” t h hat by explaining a tiny bit of h

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To create her video, Taylor spent about one to two weeks researching the topic, a week writing the script, and about one to two weeks on the filming/editing. “I filmed it on my cell phone and edited it using Adobe Premiere Pro,” she explains. “The most time-con suming part of making the video was

TAYLOR'S PROJECT IS FOCUSED ON DEMENTIA.

"My hope was that by explaining a tiny bit of what is going on inside a brain with dementia, I could show that it is a disease and not just age-related oddness.”

kras99 / stock.adobe.com Alina / stock.adobe.com

competition would open up so many opportunities for me and also relieve the stress of trying to fig ure out how I’m going to pay for college.”

so I am interested in pursuing a career in science writing/science communication.” For now,Taylor is just waiting for the final results of the contest.The videos will go through another round of judg ing and the winner should be announced sometime this month. “Winning this competition would be life-changing,” the talented student admits. “It’s not every day someone wins $250,000!” She highly encourages others to participate in the video challenge. “Whether you like sci ence, making videos or are just interested in communication, I highly recommend you give it a try. It’s a fantastic oppor tunity and you learn so much in the process.”

the portions that had stop-motion animation. While it was fun, it took forever! It definitely gave me a new respect for professional animators.” Taylor is excited about being cho sen as a Breakthrough Junior Chal lenge finalist. “It’s pretty crazy!” she exclaims. “I felt confident that I would make it to the semifinals, but did not think I would go further. Winning this

When not studying or in class,Taylor loves to read and write. “Reading is the first thing I do when I get up,” she states, “and writing is normally the last thing I do before going to bed. I primarily write short stories, but I would love to one day publish a fiction novel.” And while writing has always been her passion, she is also very interested in science. “I nev er wanted to give up on either interest,

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MYCOMMUNITY

Sponsoring the FUTURE BY PETER HINTERMAN PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JASHELL MITCHELL

INVISIBLE GIANTS Legacy & Leadership Foundation J ashell Mitchell is per fectly content to work in the background – in fact, that’s the whole point. “It’s in the name of the foundation. We like to work behind the scenes,” she says. “We want the focus to be on those we support. We would rather be invisible.” Mitchell founded Invisible Giants Legacy & Leadership Foundation in 2019 with the mis sion to “assist and educate youth and adults in the Flint, Michigan community through quality-of-life programming in the areas of sports, recreation, education, health & wellness, and entrepreneurship.” Mitchell’s goal was to share her passion for helping others receive opportunities they never believed possible. “I have always been an advocate of helping students achieve a brighter future,” she says. “We want to be a beacon of hope.”

With a diverse governing board including members from across the country and all walks of life, Invisible Giants works with all demographics and interests when sponsoring community youth, adults and programs in alignment with its mission. “We help pro vide opportunity. For example, we recently sponsored a youth who was interested in learning how to cook,” Mitchell explains. “We were able to partner with a local organi zation to make it happen.”

INVISIBLE GIANTS SPONSORED MORE THAN 80 YOUTH IN A LOCAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE.

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BELOW: A RECENT INVISIBLE GIANT SPONSOREE EXHIBITS HER TALENT

Since its inception, Invisible Giants sponsored more than 80 area youth to play in the Flint stone Elite Flag Football League in partnership with Flint PAL and Hurley Children’s Health Initiative; held workshops to promote entre preneurship, financial literacy and business ownership; held health and wellness workshops in yoga and mindfulness in collaboration with the Crim Fitness Founda tion; sponsored multiple youths in a recent cake-decorating camp and continues to support multiple area college students as they work through their major course of study by providing financials for books and development, professional connections and mentorships, and a listening ear when things get tough. On Mother’s Day, Invisible Giants held a tribute with Detroit Piston’s guard, Rodney McGruder, and provided small “thank you” pack ages to ten mothers in Flint and Detroit. In addition, Mitchell plans

to sponsor a number of families for the holidays this fall. With so much to keep track of, she often feels like her head’s spinning, but it’s all worth it. “Oh, yes!” she laughs. In order to maximize its poten tial, the Foundation joins forces with multiple area organizations such as Crim Fitness Founda tion, Flint Development Center, Sylvester Broome and others. “We believe that collaboration,

partnership and communication is the best way to continue Flint ’s resurgence,” adds Mitchell. “There are great organizations, people and charities doing great things in Flint; but a lot of them are work ing alone. The only way for Flint to really shine is to work togeth er.” Mitchell is always looking to partner with any organization that is working for the betterment of Greater Flint and its citizens. t

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“We want to help inspire our youth and young adults with education, wellness and more.” ā ASHELL ą I Ĕ CHELL

(L-R) MAYOR NEELEY, POLICE CHIEF GREEN AND MITCHELL AT A RECENT EVENT

I nvisible Giants has hit the ground running and has no plans to slow down. Mitchell continues to identify need and work to mit igate it; but some needs are bigger than others and will require help. “We need more establishments across the city that provide oppor tunities, resources and recreation,” she says. “On the north side of the city, there are barely any secondary schools open and even fewer ele mentary schools. Most youth can’t afford to go to the ‘Y’ or UM-Flint Rec Center and most have trouble with transportation. Another facil ity on the north end would really help.” Mitchell would also like to see a bigger emphasis on the posi tive things going on in Flint, more collaboration from everyone and support from the community. “I would love to see Flint be come a vibrant place with opportu nities for everyone,” adds Mitchell. “We want to help inspire our youth and young adults with educa tion, wellness and more. Flint is

changing for the better and Invisi ble Giants can be a big part of it.” You can help support Invisi ble Giants Legacy & Leadership Foundation with monetary dona tions, collaborating with the orga nization and being positive about the city. “If you are an organiza tion that would like to work with us to benefit Flint in the areas of education, sports and recreation, please do not hesitate to contact us,” adds Mitchell. “Visit our web site and click on the “Contact Us” link or call 810.819.5899.”

BOARD MEMBERS • Jashell Mitchell - Flint, MI • ShaQuandra Jamison - Flint, MI • Kellen Brandon - Flint, MI • Rochonda Woodard - Flint, MI • Nicole Piscitelli - Durham, NC • Maulana Dotch - Houston, TX • Karissa Poe - Clarksville, TN

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MYOUTREACH

Your Gift Provides HOPE 2021 Charitable Giving Guide

C hristmas is the time of year to give to those who are less fortunate.The Greater Flint community is especially generous and always willing to lend a helping hand.This year, the need is greater than ever due to fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Following is a list of some organizations that help the needy and how you can assist them.

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BigBrothersBigSistersof Flint&GeneseeCounty 1176 Robert T. Longway, Flint 810.235.0617 Each year, community members volunteer to purchase Christmas gifts for needy families. “We provide the donor with information including the number of children in the family, their ages, gender and clothing sizes,” reports Reta Stanley, President/CEO of the nonprofit organization. Provide gifts to one child or an entire family – you can select and wrap them or BBBS will do it for you.This year for the holidays BBBS also needs stocking-stuffers!The organization is also in need of volunteer mentors for the year. If you would like to help volunteer or donate, call 810.235.0617. “We are grateful for the support of a caring community,”Stanley adds. CarriageTownMinistries 605 Garland St., Flint 810.233.8787 CTM has served the needy since 1950 and operates on the generous donations of the community. In order to best meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness, CTM has created an AmazonWish List. Items can be purchased directly from amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ ls/2MTUSSOUN7SWM?sort=default Donations of the following necessary items may also be dropped off at 705 Garland St. (behind the Family Center) onWednesdays 10am-4pm: • Scrubs for men and women (new or used) • Men’s and women’s coats (new or gently used, size L, XL, 2XL) • Personal care (full size) • Pillows (new) and pillow cases • Hats, scarves, warm gloves for men, women & children “Thank you so very much for partnering with us to meet the critical needs of neighbors in a desperate situation,” says Cindy Johns, Director of Community Engagement. “Your gift provides HOPE – something we are all in need of these days!” →

CatholicCharities You can make a monetary or Wish List donation at one of three locations: Catholic Charities of Genesee County 901 Chippewa St., Flint Catholic Charities of Shiawassee County 120 W. Exchange St., Ste. 300, Owosso Restoring Hope Capital Campaign 517 East Fifth Ave., Flint

Catholic Charities Angel Tree program provides an opportunity for individuals, teams, or companies to make the holidays special for one adopted family. Your gift will always make a difference. Families are available to be adopted starting November 1. Catholic Charities has been doing these programs for 38 years. For more information, email jmanse@ccsgc.org. In addition, the Center for Hope is accepting donations of new, unwrapped children’s toys that will be distributed at the Center.They are also always in need of men’s winter gloves,hand lotion andChapstick. North End Soup Kitchen/South Flint Soup Kitchen Catholic Charities will serve hot meals at both of the soup kitchens the entire month of December. “On Christmas Day, we will also give away new toys to every child who visits the soup kitchens and adult care packets to the clients at the Center for Hope and North End Soup Kitchen,” states Community Service Director, John Manse. Donations of new toys, older kids’ toys, bath towels and socks are appreciated for their Christmas Day celebration. “Volunteers are welcome to help on Christmas Day or other days, if they wish,” adds Manse. Individuals, groups and families can schedule volunteer time – call 810.785.6911. FoodBankof EasternMichigan 2300 Lapeer Rd., Flint 48503 810.239.4441 fbem.org This holiday season, the Food Bank will continue to support local organizations and persons in need. A donation of just $1 equals six meals the Food Bank can provide. A donation of $100 feeds a family of four for 50 days. Visit the website for more information and how to donate at fbem.org/donate-fb/

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Neighborhood ServicesCenter 601 Saginaw St. #1B, Flint 48502 810.232.2185 Providing a number of emergency services to low-income and/or working poor families in Genesee County, their goal is to be “an open door, and a helping hand.”The staff provided services for over 43,200 families to keep their homes, pay rent and taxes, respond to shut-off notices, feed and clothe their children and provide gifts at Christmastime in addition to other emergency needs. For more info, visit gc4me.com/resident/gccard/ neighborhood_service_center.php The Shelter accepts gifts throughout the holiday season – monetary donations are always gratefully accepted. You can send your check or money to the address above or call 810.239.5433 Adopt a Family Program This program helps to bridge the gap between hopeless and hopeful – bringing joy to kids and families.This year, Shelter of Flint is asking for the donation of gift cards for $25, $50, or $100 to be distributed equally between participating families, enabling parents to purchase gifts for their loved ones. To donate to the program, please email adoptafamily@shelterofflint.org. Wish List Shelter of Flint accepts in-kind donations, which can be dropped off at the Emergency Shelter Location, Monday-Friday between 8am-4pm. Please call before dropping off donations. Wish List items include: deodorant, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, lotion, adult inconti nence products, bath towels and wash cloths (white), twin-sized bed ding (white), strollers, car seats, and more. To view the full Wish List, visit shelterofflint.org and click on the “donate” button. ShelterofFlint, Inc. 924 Cedar St., Flint 48503 810.239.5433

OldNewsboysofFlint 6255 Taylor Dr., Flint 810.744.1840 The Old Newsboys have brightened Christmas mornings for thousands of needy children across Genesee County.The non profit organization, which has been under the direction of Tony Tucker since March of 2019, is best known for its Christmas Box Program. “The need is even greater this year,” states Lisa Kirk, ONB Director of Programs and Volunteers. Children who are low-income or suffer from special circumstances qualify for the program. “We are prepared to help over 6,000 kids,” she adds. And due to the pandemic, signing up to receive assistance is a little different. “We have moved to an online system,” Kirk reports. Once a child qualifies, he or she receives a sweat suit, socks and underclothes, a hat and pair of warm gloves, dental hygiene prod ucts and a beautiful, new, age-appropriate gift. You can also help by sponsoring a child in the Christmas Box Program. Every $20 donation will sponsor one child – visit on bflint.org/sponsor-child.php. According to Kirk, in-kind donations are accepted: board games, socks and underwear, hats and gloves, coloring books and crayons, backpacks and new toys. ONB also has a Coat Program for kids, grades K-8. Monetary donations are greatly appreciated. “Since many of our events have been canceled due to the pandemic, we are looking to the community to help as much as they can.Their support is greatly appreciated.” SalvationArmy

FlintCitadelCorps 211West Kearsley St., Flint 48502 810.232.2196

This Christian faith-based group provides a free Christmas assistance program for low-income and needy individuals who would otherwise not be able to celebrate the holidays.There is free food, toys from Adopt-a-Family, gifts,meals and more. In addition, kind-hearted folk can sign up virtually to adopt an angel from the Angel Tree or volunteer as bell-ringers for the season.Visit centralusa.salvationarmy. org/genesee/ for details.

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VolunteersofAmerica 1135 N. Belsay Rd., Burton 48509 810.223.0420 The annual Adopt-A-Family program pairs low-income families with sponsors who want to help ease the holiday stress they are facing.The sponsors get a list of items the family wants, includ ing: toys, gifts, food and clothing and they will buy the items on the list or provide the family with a gift card to buy them on their own. Other programs reach out to the lonely and impoverished during the holidays with hot meals, gifts and gestures of caring.

Whaley Children’sCenter 1201 N. Grand Traverse St., Flint 810.234.3603

Toys forTots GeneseeCounty 4425 S. Saginaw St., Flint 48507 810.715.4401 Local Coordinating Officer: Vicky Muckenthaler

During the Christmas season, there are a variety of ways to give to Whaley children. You can do a toy drive, host a party, donate gift cards or sponsor a child. To sponsor a child, email JSanders@ WhaleyChildren.org or call 810.234.3603.

The Marine Toys for Tots Program has many generous corporate sponsors and donors who contribute and help raise monetary donations, toys and program awareness.Their support helps millions of the less fortunate. Ninety-seven percent of your Toys for Tots donation goes to its mission to provide toys, books and other gifts to children. The campaign ends December 20. To donate, visit Flint-Mi.ToysForTots.org and click the “Donate Local” tab. UnitedWayof

SnuggleSacks 1495 Dauner Rd., Fenton,MI. 810.919.9937

Started in 2015 by three siblings in honor of their grandfather, Snuggle Sacks “strives to bring awareness to homelessness in our communities, and extinguish the stigma that goes with it.”This charity provides homeless individuals with survival kits that include food, blankets and cold weather apparel, and an array of toiletries. Snuggle Sacks is in need of tax-exempt cash donations, new or gently used toys, clothing, furniture, personal care or food items.To donate or volunteer, please visit snugglesacks.org/take-action.

GeneseeCounty 111 E. Court St., Flint 48502 810.232.8121

The Volunteer Center coordinates the Holiday Wish List efforts of several organizations that help people in the community.The Wish List is a compilation of non-monetary needs of non-profits in Genesee and Shiawassee Counties, and provides donors with the opportunity to give their treasures to organizations that help meet community needs. To help an agency, visit unitedwaygenesee.org

It feels sogood togive!

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Determined to SERVE BY MARK SPEZIA PHOTOS BY TIM JAGIELO

positive for COVID-19.That marked the beginning of a nine-week hospital stay as his condition worsened before gradually improving. Even amid such dire circumstances, Croom, as usual, was not thinking of himself first. As operations manager of Flint’s Asbury Church, Croom oversees many programs and services which help hundreds, sometimes thousands of area residents in need every week. Being confined to a hospital room was not going to stop him. “No way – I had to be sure all the vital things our church does for the community were going to continue,” he shares. “I started making calls during my first day in the hospital, determined to still do the job the best I could from a hospital bed.” Croom’s resolve never wavered during a five-week stay at McLaren which was followed by four weeks at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Ann Arbor. He lost 80 pounds during the ordeal and emerged from it with lung damage that requires him to use supplemental oxygen. The 59-year-old father of three and grandfather of eight still cannot stand on his feet for long, but remains a champion for the voiceless, even though there are times when his own voice escapes him as he struggles to speak. While he now has to direct others to perform some tasks he once handled himself, like cooking meals, Croom’s workload has remained the same as it was pre-COVID.

K evin Croom could feel himself faltering. Last New Year’s Day, he returned to Flint after spending five days helping his son move back to Michigan from South Carolina.Thankful to be sleeping in his own bed again, a weakened and exhausted Croom crawled into it, hoping to awake feeling better. At roughly 4am, Croom stirred his fiancee while making his way to the bathroom. More than 30 minutes passed, prompting her to

check on him. She found Croom semiconscious and called 9-1-1. “I remember getting up to use the bathroom, but nothing else after that until I realized there were ambulance guys in my house,” Croom recalls. “I had no idea what was going on and asked my fiancee what in the world they were doing there. She answered, ‘You were gone so long and then, I found you halfway knocked out and had to call for help’.” Croom was taken to Flint’s McLaren Hospital and soon tested

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“Our vegetables are naturally grown with no chemicals so they last longer, which gives people more incentive to choose them and other healthy foods.”

Succinctly summarizing all that Croom does is nearly impossible, but, among other duties, he is director of Asbury’s farm-to table operations and its executive chef.That includes overseeing Asbury Farm – one of Michigan’s biggest urban farming operations consisting of 18 hoop houses and 12 gardens – as well as Asbury’s cafe. Croom also plays a major role in the church’s Neighborhood Connect program, which delivers bottled water and food to the elderly and disabled. Tuesdays are especially busy, with Asbury’s Health Center and food and water distribution program serving 400-500 families. The Center is supported by ten agencies and service providers which are part of a mobile physical and mental health clinic run by Genesee Health Systems. There is also Asbury’s youth-based program, Sizzling Culture, which teaches food storage along with meal preparation and planning. Asbury’s mobile food truck is part of this program, as well, and the church oversees the South Flint Soup Kitchen. t

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“I’m just a God-fearing man who gets so much joy out of helping people. They know they can come to Kevin.”

A ll of Asbury’s food related programs meal choices and move toward self-sustainability. Croom estimates Asbury distributed more than 300,000 meals in 2020. “Our vegetables are naturally-grown with no chemicals so they last longer, which gives people more incentive to choose them and other healthy foods,” he says. “I hear all the time from people saying they taste the difference. You won’t find fried chicken wings or greasy fries in our cafe or on our food trucks.” Croom estimates he also fields about 15 calls a day from frustrated and concerned people asking him to connect them to services that can help with issues like health care programs, housing and paying their utility bills. “What we do is very vital because people who feel they have nowhere else to turn come to us for all kinds of assistance and answers that we can usually provide,” Croom says. “Without us, they could be missing out on free resources we can are designed to help people make healthier

direct them to. It ’s very rare when we can’t help somebody.” Croom, a football and track standout at Flint Southwestern High School, has been either serving his country or community for more than three decades. After playing college football at Northern Illinois, Croom began a six-year stint in the United States Navy in 1987. The Desert Storm veteran spent the first four years of his enlistment aboard a submarine before moving into food service. He then returned to Flint and held a variety of food service operations jobs in the area until joining Asbury five years ago. Among them were helping open the Applebee’s location on Miller Road, as well as managing Kenny Rogers Roasters and Broadstreet North

Restaurant. Croom also served as food service manager at the University of Michigan-Flint and Prestige Pointe, an assisted living facility in Grand Blanc. Those experiences prepared Croom to thrive in his current role, one he is especially thankful to still be performing following such a dangerous bout with COVID. “All credit to Jesus for the miracle that I can continue to do this, because doctors at the VA hospital said nobody else they had seen with my level of lung damage could get up, walk around and still talk to them,” Croom says. “I’m just a God-fearing man who gets so much joy out of helping people.They know they can come to Kevin.” For more information about

Asbury’s community outreach programs, see flintasbury.org.

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MYSTORY

His Music and Marine A BY CHERYL DENNISON PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BEN BALDWIN

Program and signed up for the Musician Enlistment Option Program. After grad uating, he was shipped off to boot camp in Parris Island, SC. Even though he was going to be a member of the band, he was trained as an infantryman. “We were trained for combat,” he reports. “In times of war, musicians turned into riflemen. It was three months of physical and mental training and it was grueling.” After boot camp, Baldwin trained for six months at the Armed Forces School of Music in Virginia. For the remainder of his time in the Marine Corps, he was stationed in Albany, GA,

en Baldwin, the olly High School Band Director, joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1993 as a high school senior, following in the footsteps of seven generations of his fam ily serving in the military. It

B

“It was a pretty big deal. There were only four positions open in the U.S. and it was something I couldn’t pass up. Some people never get in.” Since Baldwin was not yet 18 when he enlisted (his parents had to sign for him), he enrolled in the Delayed Entry

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wasn’t exactly the path he had planned for his life. A talented trombone player, he loved music and had intended to at tend Michigan State University.Then, the U.S. Marine Corps Band came to his town and his father attended the performance. “Dad signed me up for an audition for the band without telling me!” Baldwin exclaims. But he went to the audition and much to his surprise, was offered a position with the band. “Once I got in, I changed my mind and realized it was a good opportunity for me,” he remembers.

THE U.S. MARINE CORPS BAND IN ACTION

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THREE GENERATIONS OF MILITARY UNIFORMS: (L-R) BALDWIN’S, HIS FATHER’S, HIS GRANDFATHER’S.

traveling all around the country playing trombone with the band.The band’s primary function was performing at military ceremonies such as retirements and change of command for all branch es of the service. “Our secondary func tion was promotional, playing concerts for the general public,” Baldwin reports. The 45-member U.S. Marine Corps Band plays in six to seven different groups, including Marching Band (12 members), Concert Band (12 members) and smaller groups such as Jazz Band, Rock Band and Brass Ensemble. “I was part of all of them,” Baldwin shares. One of the highlights for the musician was when the USMC Band performed at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Georgia. Other memo rable performances included the 1996 inauguration of the Georgia governor, the Mardi Gras Parade in Louisiana

and performing at Grand Central Station in New York. What Baldwin enjoyed the most, however, was visit ing schools and teaching kids how to improve their skills at playing their musical instruments. “That was the biggest highlight for me,” he admits. Baldwin met his wife, Sabrina, while playing in the USMC Party Band, which was a mobile band.They married on his last day of service in July 1997. “We wanted a military wedding,” he remembers. Married for 25 years, they have three children. The couple returned to Michigan and Baldwin attended Oakland University on the GI Bill. And having enjoyed his work with kids while serving as a Marine, he knew what he wanted to do for a career and that goal became a reality. Baldwin was band director for 11 years at a Lansing High School

and has directed the band at Holly High School for the last nine years. Baldwin’s U.S. Marine Corps service brings him a sense of pride. “It is a big honor,” he admits. And he considers serving as a musician to be a huge honor, as well. “I’m glad my dad signed me up for the program,” he says. “It was life-changing for me. It shaped me into who I am today and I would never change it.”

BALDWIN AS CONDUCTOR

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BY ERIN CAUDELL

As the temperatures continue to drop, we are definitely developing a hankering for all the fall comfort foods. How do you keep warm during the colder months? Sit around a nice bonfire in a knitted sweater, right? Here’s the coziest way to stay warm: put a pot of delicious soup on the stove and let it simmer unattend ed until it ’s time to eat. One of my favorite fall com fort foods is leek and potato soup – it ’s a classic! Nothing’s better than a bowl of hearty potato soup on a chilly day. And it ’s easy, too! Potato Leek Soup INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 1 large leek, thinly sliced • 1 lb (approx 4 small) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled & cubed • 4 cups chicken broth • 1 cup water • ½ tsp salt • ½ tsp black pepper

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TO MAKE

After removing the dark green section and cutting the leek in half lengthwise, make sure to wash it thoroughly – there’s usually some grit hiding between the leaves. 1. In a large saucepan, heat the oil and butter. Add the leek and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally. 2. Meanwhile, cut the potatoes into small cubes – try to make them of consistent size. 3. Add the stock, water, salt and pepper to the leeks, then mix in the potatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and boil gently for about 12 minutes until potatoes are tender. 4. Remove 2 cups of the soup and pu ree with an immersion blender until smooth, return it to the pan and stir. 5. Serve with a sprinkling of parsley and, if you like, grated cheese or a dollop of butter.

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

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Vista Visions Art Gallery An Outlet for Personal Expression BY PETER HINTERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM JAGIELO

F or many develop mentally disabled, homeless or mentally ill adults, the Vista Center in Flint is a place of community and com passion. “Many of our clients need contact, not crisis.We provide a place where they can come to get out of the house and escape loneliness and isolation,” explains di rector, Pat Beal. “We provide options for them that they may never get otherwise.” Started in 1985 under the City of Flint ’s Aging and Handicapped Office

and in collaboration with the national AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Ser vice to America) Program, the Vista Center has helped thousands of people over the years gain a sense of freedom, respect and help in their everyday lives. Now under the umbrella of Genesee Health System (GHS), the Vista Cen ter provides short-term counseling, intervention and referrals to appropriate agencies, housing assistance, field trips, group enrich ment activities and sports,

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MEMBER/ VOLUNTEER JOHN CAROL OF FLINT PLAYS GUITAR.

a literacy program including skill-building, tutoring and resume design, art enrich ment therapy, part-time employment and hygiene supplies. “GHS is currently our main funding provider,” adds Beal, “but we also re ceive help for our programs through grants from GFAC (Greater Flint Arts Council) and the Ruth Mott Founda tion.” In the past, the Center has worked in collaboration with area college programs such as Baker’s occupational therapy program and UM Flint’s nursing program. t

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T he Vista from professional referrals and walk-ins. Participation in the programs is optional, but many choose to attend at least once or twice a month with a few arriv ing every day to help run activities, engage support and find friends. “Since the pandemic occurred, our participation has been down, especially amongst the homeless,” says Beal. Recently, the Vista Cen ter moved to a new location inside the Genesee Valley Center’s client population comes to them

Mall ( JC Penney wing) from their former home on Garland Street in Downtown Flint, and the organization has opened the Vista Visions Art Gallery displaying and selling creations made by their clientele and volunteers. “Our people are very proud of their work and feel vindi cation of their own self worth through something visible they have made,” says Beal. Art Therapy was added to the treatment options at Vista Center in the late 1980s after bringing in a graduate art student to lead the activities. The Center staff includes an artist to help the participants.

MATTHEW NELSON OF FLINT SITS BESIDE HIS WORK REPRESENTING THE FLINT WATER CRISIS.

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