My City March 2023

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF Vince Lorraine

FROM THE PUBLISHER

ED I TOR I AL

ART & DESIGN

MANAGING EDITOR Sherron Barden

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hailey Worrell Daria Akulova

DEAR READERS, After a January that seemed to last forever and a February that flew by, it’s exciting to think that Greater Flint will soon be coming to life again! Team My City always looks forward to covering the great spring “Happenings” that are upcoming. This is an important fundraising season for many and the community never fails to turn out in support. We will be there, capturing the happy faces of attendees and sharing them with you in the months ahead. Check out our coverage of three recent annual winter events starting on p.64. We’ve been fortunate to share many stories about people who are a part of Flint’s robust arts scene, and this issue includes two. We have a piece about Joe Schipani, Director of the Flint Public Art Project which has brought new life to many Flint buildings with hundreds of fun and thought-provoking murals. He is continuing to show his “Passion for Flint” – read more on p.6. And, we received a suggestion from Ed Chiles for an article about his father-in-law, Jim Ames – an instructor at the Flint Institute of Arts for nearly 50 years. WOW! Jim is 86 and the accomplished fine artist is still helping others get better at their craft. His story starts on p.30. I’m always inspired by our “Outreach” pieces about people who realize their life’s true purpose and find fulfillment in making an impact on the lives of others. Charlotte Lancaster, founder of Building Strong Women, is one of those people. For 15 years, she has been dedicated to helping women who have found themselves in a place where she once was: homeless. Read her story on p.26. Some people find their calling in entrepreneurial pursuits, myself included. This issue includes a new series called “Milestones” which highlights local businesses celebrating anniversaries. Congrats to all! Their stories start on p.16. Wrapping up the content are music, health, history, style, food, a pretty cool sports feature, our contributed columns and much more. As spring is upon us, let’s celebrate making it through another winter and look forward to emerging from hibernation to enjoy some great times in Greater Flint. Thanks for reading,

ASSISTANT EDITOR / WRITER Peter Hinterman

PHOTOGRAPHY Katy Kildee

STAFF WRITER Cheryl Dennison

OPERATIONS

FREELANCE WRITER Mark Spezia

ACCOUNTING/CIRCULATION Kim Davis

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Erin Caudell Dr. Christopher Douglas Vera Hogan Marc Janca, AIF Alexandria Pazienza-Nolan Leslie Toldo Shannon White

SAL E S

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Terese Allen

14165 FENTON RD., FENTON, MI 48430 810.230.1783 - MYCITYMAG.COM ISSN#1559-3436 is published monthly by My City Magazine, Inc., 14165 Fenton Rd. Fenton, MI 48430. Canadian Mail Agreement #41971515. For back issues, inquire for availability. Editorial Cor respondence: Address product information and inquiries to: Editorial Department, My City Magazine, 14165 Fenton Rd., Fenton, MI 48430, 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 conclusions 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 © 2023. All rights reserved. | Printed in U.S.A.

SCAN ME

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

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COVER ART “ LITTLE DREAMER” BY JIM AMES