My City September 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

A R T & D E S I G N

MANAGING EDITOR Sherron Barden

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hai ley Worrel l

DEAR READERS, e summer wrapped up with some true Flint-style fun and world class events! I recently enjoyed another opportunity to participate in a unique event with my daughter Courtney – we went “Over the Edge” and rappelled down the face of e Durant (see p.76). We were joined by a group of other supporters who met the challenge to raise funds for e Disability Network (TDN). I can’t wait to do it again next year! Read more about the great work of TDN on the inside-front cover. e Greater Flint community is not lacking for organizations that are dedicated to helping their fellow humans. Of course, you’ve heard of Whaley Children’s Center and the work they do. But what about President/CEO Mindy Williams? What’s her favorite family recipe? What makes her feel at peace? Find these answers and more on p.10-11. Also pro led in this issue is John Henry, former director of the Flint Institute of Arts. Read about his journey to Flint and impressive contributions to growing the FIA during his 25-year tenure (p.12). We wish John and Janice all the best for a ful lling retirement. Not planning to retire is a Montrose resident, amputee and captain of the U.S. ParaGolf team, Tracy Ramin. He’s on a mission to get adaptive golf into the Paralympics – great story! And, local science teacher Melissa Koronka was chosen to receive the Cranbrook Institute of Science 2022 Outstanding Educator Award – fantastic! (See p.16.) ere’s much more: eats, fun, tech, music, style, history and art … this issue has something for everyone. While we get so much positive feedback about our publication, we’re always striving to make it better, more engaging, more interesting. We often wonder: what do you think of My City ? On this page is a QR code that will take you to a quick survey; for your participation, we’re giving you three free issues of MCM (and our sincerest appreciation). I hope you had a wonderful summer ... it’s time for all the fun that fall brings – and My City will be there! 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 Maxlow

FREELANCE WR ITER 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 CFP, AIF Alexandr ia Nolan Les l ie Toldo Shannon Whi te

ACCOUNTING/CI RCULATION Kim Davi s

NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Dan Garman

S A L E S

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Terese Al len

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

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

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COVER PHOTO BY KATY KILDEE

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My Community 10 7 Questions with ...

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Mindy Williams President & CEO Whaley Children’s Center 12 Opportunity & Perseverance John Henry Retires from FIA 16 Flint Teacher Melissa Karonka 2022 Outstanding Educator My Arts 20 Meet Artist Janice McCoy A Passion for Printmaking My Music 24 Fernando Silverio Solis From Chaos to Peace My Eats 30 Fenton Hotel Tavern & Grille My Dish 34 It’s Just Delightful! By Erin Caudell

My Dining 36 Local Eats & Drinks My Fun 38 Michigan Adventures Off the Ground My Style 44 It’s Time to Rock Fall Fashions! By Shannon White My Sports 46 It Happened for a Reason Golfer, Tracy Ramin My Tech 54 Kuhmute The Future of Micromobility My Passion 58 The Spirit of Rat-Rodding

CONTENTS

September 2022

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My History 62 A Brief History of Saginaw Street 66 The Mayors of Flint Part 9: The Pinnacle of Production My Haps 72 10th Annual Flint Drop Fest

My Musings 86 See Your Friends In Person By Leslie Toldo My Finances 88 Why So Concerned About Inflation? By Joel P. LaGore My Thoughts 90 Cheers & Tears By Cheryl Dennison My Travels 92 Mother-and-Son Adventure By Alexandria Nolan 94 My Can’t Miss List My Afterthought 96 Paying Respect to the Masters The Market Mural

74 Traveling Taste 76 Over the Edge! 78 Back to the Bricks My Reality 82 They’re Just the Singers in a Rock ‘n’ Roll Band By Vera Hogan My Econ 84 Is the Economy in a Recession? By Dr. Christopher Douglas

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7 MindyWilliams MYCOMMUNITY QUESTIONS WITH...

President and CEO, Whaley Children’s Center COMPILED BY SHERRON BARDEN

1 When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a nurse. During my rst semester in college, I volunteered at a health fair at a homeless outreach luncheon where my job was taking blood pressure. Midway through, my Iine of people was the longest which caught the supervisor’s attention and she asked why it was taking me so long.While taking their blood pressure, I found myself trying to help con nect people to services that could assist with meeting their needs. It was on that day that she suggested I pursue social work – and I never looked back.

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2 What movie can you practically quote f rom start to finish?

3 What is your favorite family recipe?

My dad’s chicken noodle soup is hands down the best ever! I have so many memories of him making it when I was a child. Over the years, when we are not feeling well or if he knows we’re having an extra busy week he has made it for all of us – my sister, brother, aunts and uncles, our friends … it’s a whole thing! I consider myself a pretty great cook, but I have never been able to exactly replicate it. 5 What are you most excited about in your life right now? I’m taking some time to focus on myself. I’ve been in social work for nearly 20 years and it wasn’t until recently that I bought into the impor tance of self-care. Sometimes, we work so hard to care for others, we put off doing things for ourselves.With my son now pursuing his dreams and serving in the U.S. Army, I know that now is the time for me to focus not only on my self-care, but also to try some new things and perhaps start some new hobbies. I’m excited about what this chap ter in my life will bring!

As a huge sports fan, the movie “Rudy” has always been a favorite – the real-life story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, who dreams of playing football at Notre Dame. “Rudy” convinces people that if you are willing to work hard for your dreams, you can accomplish anything.The story inspires you to continue pursuing your dreams even when you’re confronted with obstacles.We could all use a little “Rudy” in our lives. 4 What life achieve ment are you most proud of? By far, raising my son has been my greatest achievement. He lost his father at a very young age, resulting in me being a young, single parent. With no script or parenting manual, there were so many times when I worried and hoped I was giving him the support and guidance he need ed. And, as so many parents do, I often worried if I was making the right choices as a parent. I am so proud of the young man he has become and cherish our special relationship more than anything on Earth.

6 What is one work-related

thing you want to accomplish in the next year? I want to expand our In dependent Living Program. Being a young adult is hard enough when you have the support of a family and social network; but being a young adult aging out of foster care can be absolutely overwhelm ing.The statistics give a grim outlook for most of these kids, and I am hopeful we can provide the missing support system that truly helps them get the foundation they need to successfully transition to adulthood. I am so excited to see the outcomes I know these young adults can achieve if only given the tools and support needed.

7 What makes you feel at peace? For me, it’s a sound. At the end of a busy day that may include anything from budget meetings, event planning, contract negotiations, address ing employee concerns and any other number of required tasks – to step out of my office and hear the sound of my Whaley kids laughing outside at the Center brings me such joy and peace. In that mo ment, I know we are accom plishing our primary goal and that our kids are truly getting to just be kids again. ®

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Opportunity & Perseverance A Conversation with John Henry

BY PETER HINTERMAN ® PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JOHN HENRY

A fter 25 years of dedicated service to the com munity as director of the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA), John Henry is ready for his life’s next challenge: retirement. “I’m 73,” he says. “I still have plenty I want to do and see and I feel that in ten years, those things may be a little harder for me to do. Secondly, the art world is changing in so many ways. I felt that it was time to step aside and bring in new ideas.” Since 1996, Henry has been the guiding force behind the resurgence and glowing reputation of one of the best art museums and schools in the United States. His adoption of and belief in Flint and his love for FIA are evi dent in his smile and passionate words as he speaks of his tenure here and his successful career in the arts. A self-described military brat, Henry moved about the country with his family as a child but always nurtured an in terest in art. “It goes back as far as I can remember,” he shares. “I always intended to become an artist.” His pursuit began at the University of South Carolina where he earned a degree in studio arts (sculpture), then went on to Auburn University for post-graduate work and nally settled at the University of Mississippi, where he earned his master’s degree in art history. With a recommendation from a friend, Henry became a curator at the Columbus (Georgia) Museum of Art. “ at’s how I got started in the museum eld,” he says. After six years, he head ed back to Mississippi to join the planning sta for the new Mississippi Museum of Art and was then hired to plan and build the Vero Beach Museum of Art in Florida, where he soon became director. “It was there that I met Marylin Truesdell, a

trustee on the board of the Flint Institute of Arts. She invited me to Flint to tour the museum and school and consider the director’s position. When my wife Janice and I arrived, we were pleasantly surprised by Flint and I was intrigued by the FIA, its large school, outstanding collection, and its location within the Flint Cultural Center.”What also stood out to Henry about the museum was its stellar national reputation and support from the local community. “From what I could see, it was poised to regain its identity as an essential destination.” Henry took the job. 

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“My retirement is the end of the chapter for me, but not for the FIA. The FIA’s story has many more chapters yet to be written.”

When he arrived and assessed the situation more thoroughly, signi cant challenges made themselves apparent. For one, the building, built in 1958, needed important and costly upgrades; the school’s studios needed to be brought up to 21st century standards (including the installation of air conditioning and new windows); gaps in the collections needed to be lled and exhibi tions, education programs, community outreach and fundraising e orts all needed a jump-start. “Another thing of greatest con cern to me,” explains Henry, “was the fact that the building was under lease from the Flint School Board and many of our most important art works, including the entire tapestry collection, were under their ownership. Transferring title to the collection was my rst order of business.” Indeed, as soon as the opportunity presented itself to take sole ownership of the museum’s collection, Henry jumped into action, putting the collection in the museum’s hands, then and for the future. He also put monumental e ort into expanding the museum’s physical footprint to better present the FIA’s expansive collection and better establish and equip its art school. “I believe the FIA now has either the second or third largest art museum school in the country,” he says with pride. During Henry’s tenure as director, three new wings were add ed to the facility bringing the total to 19 galleries, three additions to the art school resulting in 15 studios and 5,000 new works of art. With an endowment valued at around $40 million, no debt, hundreds of dedicated volunteers and the most capable profes sional sta he has ever worked with, Henry believes the FIA is set up for a phenomenal future. “ e main thing is to keep mov ing forward,” he explains. “It shouldn’t be too di cult to stay on an even keel; however, there will be great challenges ahead. e arts are fragile (more now than ever) and need all the support they can get. We cannot simply take it for granted that the FIA will always be what it is today. at would be a mistake.” To Henry, Flint’s art and culture are the city’s new backbone and should be more readily embraced by all, including Flint’s leadership. “ e arts make a community a more desirable place to live and visit,” he explains. “Institutions like the FIA, FIM and Sloan are re ections of who we are and what we think is important. Our institutions are essential to Flint’s growth and

JOHN AND JANICE HENRY HAVE TRAVELED THE WORLD IN A LIFE DEDICATED TO THE ARTS. BELOW(L-R) THE HENRY FAMILY INCLUDES JOHN, GRANDDAUGHTER ALEX, JANICE, DAUGHTER MEGAN HENRY ROLF, GRANDDAUGHTER GABBY, SON- IN LAW JEFF ROLF, AND SON JACK.

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Flint Teacher is Cranbrook’s Outstanding Educator Melissa Koronka, a science teacher at the Accelerated Learning Academy (ALA) in Flint, was chosen to receive the Cranbrook Institute of Science 2022 Outstanding Educator Award. Every year, Cranbrook hosts the“Women Rock Science” gala, which recognizes three individuals who are making a difference in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).The award recipients will be recognized at the fifth annual gala held on October 12 in Bloomfield Hills. The ALA is an alternative high school in the Flint Community School system (FCS).With a student population of 150 and eight teachers, the academy offers alternative learning for students in grades 9-12 who have not been successful in other classroom settings. “I really love working with the alternative students!”Koronka exclaims. She has been a science teacher for FCS for 26 years. About 11 years ago, Koronka began chaperoning the Flint students who were selected to participate in the internship program offered by Cranbrook. Her position at Cranbrook evolved and she took a leadership role in designing a virtual program for the school. BY CHERYL DENNISON

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“I see students thrive after watching them struggle - that is amazing to me. That is what makes my job worthwhile.”

Although the selection process for the Outstanding Educator Award is unknown to her, Koronka does know that she loves teaching. “The students in my class are amazing,” she shares. One of her students, a former Cranbrook intern, graduated from Michigan State University and became a veterinarian. “My greatest joy is seeing students believe in themselves, reach their goals and become successful,” says the science teacher. Many ALA students have suffered some sort of social or emotional trauma and it is important to Koronka to cultivate a climate that isn’t overwhelming.The school is dedicated to providing the students with a safe space to learn, and ensuring that they have access to the resources they need.The school day begins with the playing of soft music and the students practice a mindfulness exercise. “The brain needs a break,” Koronka explains, adding that the exercise actually helps to promote learning. ALA students often have trust issues and Koronka strives to promote a place where they feel welcome. And the students help promote that climate, she notes.The number of fights has dropped significantly. If a student is having a bad day, there is a social worker on staff who talks to them and helps them resolve their issues.

KORONKA WITH STUDENTS IN HER CLASSROOM AT ACCELERATED LEARNING ACADEMY ▶

Koronka was very surprised when she was notified that she was selected to receive of this year’s Outstanding Educator Award. “I’m pleased and very honored,” she says. But what’s most important to her is the role she plays in her students’ lives. “I see them thrive after watching them struggle – that is amazing to me.That is what makes my job worthwhile.” ®

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A Passion for Printmaking Meet Artist JaniceMcCoy

BY CHERYL DENNISON PHOTOS COURTESY OF BUCKHAM GALLERY

F or local artist Janice McCoy, making art is as necessary and natural as breathing or drinking water. She loves to draw and paint but works primarily in linoleum printmaking. “I’ve loved making things since early in my childhood,” she shares. Her fondest memories are of drawing in kindergarten and di erent elementary school art class projects. She also took art classes in middle school and high school but was never really encouraged to look at art as a viable career option. Linoleum printing (or linocut) is a relief print making technique in which you plan and carve out an image, McCoy explains. “ e ink is then rolled onto that carving and you can then create multiple im pressions of that image. It’s like a large stamp.” Because

she was in the education program in college, she had to learn how to work with many di erent art mediums. “After taking a printmaking course, I was hooked,” she says. “I still love painting, but print making is just such a cool process. I love the idea of multiples and the potential for experimentation with ink, papers and layers.” McCoy grew up in the small town of Leonard in northern Oakland Coun ty. She moved to Flint to attend the University of Michigan-Flint and grad uated in 2018. “I originally went to college to study biology,” she shares. But after taking a ne art class, she decided to pursue an art minor, which turned into two art degrees and a minor in art history. “Mak ing art has always been a 

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major part of my identi ty,” she says, “and it was

social justice and equality. Much of McCoy’s art builds on natural elements, flora and fauna, which she uses as visual symbols to communicate ideas related to her life and her expe riences. “I try to create broad and open narratives, some of which can be a little odd or disturbing to look at,” she states, “but ul timately, I want to capture the viewer’s attention and make them think a little and hopefully find some common ground to identi fy with what I’ve created.” McCoy is still working on figuring out what she

life-changing when I finally acknowledged and embraced that. It’s hard to imagine my life without art.” One attractive aspect of printmaking as an art medium is its affordability. “You can sell prints at a much lower price point than paintings,” she shares, adding that much of the history of printmaking is based around the idea that art should be affordable for everyone, not just wealthy people. Printmaking has also had a considerable role in spreading ideas related to

“I believe art is a way to work through and process your ex periences and share themwith the world, if you choose.”

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wants to express through her artwork. “It can be terrifying to admit that you have uncertainty concerning the way you’re going,” she admits. “But it’s also been very liberating because I have had the opportunity to try different things, really dig in deep to learn about artists I like and become more heavily involved with Flint’s artistic community. It’s been a rich experience that I know will serve me going forward.” Enjoying a career born of her love for art, McCoy is the gallery assistant and programs coordinator at the Mott Warsh Gallery in Downtown Flint. She is also vice president of the board of directors at Buck ham Gallery/Buckham Fine Arts Project. In addition, she teaches occasionally at the Art School at the Flint Institute of Arts.The artist has shown her work around the state, including Pontiac and Detroit, and her art is regularly on display at Buckham Gallery. “For a city of its size, Flint has so many places to view great works of art and be involved in making or learning about art,” Mc Coy notes. “If you are an

artist or if you just have an interest in art, I encourage and challenge you to seek out all of the art institu tions in your community and support them and be come more involved. You’ll learn some cool stuff, you’ll see unexpected things, and you’ll meet some interest ing people.” What does art mean to McCoy? “I think that at our core, we are all naturally creative beings,” she says. “I believe art is a way to work through and process your experiences and share them with the world, if you choose.” To learn more about relief printmaking, McCoy is teaching a class at FIA on Wednesday nights from 6-9pm, September 7 through November 9. To register, visit flintarts.org/ learn/news. Through September 17, McCoy’s work is on view at Buckham Gallery along with many other local artists for the exhibit entitled, “CAUTION: May Con tain Nudity. Recent Works by Donovan Entrekin & Friends.” For more informa tion, visit buckhamgallery. org. You can follow her on Instagram @janiceemccoy. ®

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“Are you happy here?

Be honest.”

From Chaos to Peace

Fernando Silverio Solis asks this question of his audience and most importantly, himself, in an original song that more than any other expresses his perception at this point of his life. After decades on tour performing for thousands of fans in musical genres that never quite felt like his own, the singer/songwriter has nally found his inner voice and a new way to express it; a style he found long ago but never had the time or the con dence to try. “I always dreamed of becoming a singer/songwriter,” says Solis. “I was fascinated by the sort of ‘blue-collar’ songwriters like Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and Billy Joel. It feels good now to do it myself.”Today, Solis describes his music genre as “Americana; a portrait of the working class in the United States – of love and loss,” and it’s something very di erent for his past fans and a far cry from the music of his beginning … Solis grew up in Flint and attended Flint Central High. “I was born in Fairfax, VA but it’s just where I was born, not where I’m from,” he states. “I’m from Flint and that’s something I’m proud of.” As a child, he was interested in music but it wasn’t until middle school when his love a air with it began. “I really got into punk and nu metal – bands like Korn and the Deftones,” he remembers. His love continued into his high school years when the relationship started to become serious. “A friend took me to Flint Local 432

The Evolution of Fernando Silverio Solis BY PETER HINTERMAN ® PHOTOGRAPHY BY JADEN MAXLOW

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lyrics for the first time. “They were the worst,” he admits. Next, came the band The Transatlantic Sail and its off shoot, I Am the Sky. “With those early bands, I had no idea of monetary success. We didn’t care about money at the time. We were so naïve – we thought success would just magically happen,” he states. After high school graduation, his parents began to question the path he was on and wondered about his future. Solis was begin ning to wonder, himself. “I had no idea what I wanted to do or where I was going,” he says. “I went to college for a little while but that didn’t last long. So, I decided it was time to get serious about music.”With friends, he formed nu metal band 1876 and began to set immediate goals. He and his bandmates thought they had it all figured out; they had a plan and felt as if stardom was inevitable. It was during this time that Solis got married and had a daughter. “I had a family and I was working a job while traveling with the band,” he states. “We were doing well and filling venues, or so we thought. It still wasn’t working and we kept pushing back our goals. We were getting frustrated.” Solis soon realized that his time with the band was a strain on his marriage and made the tough choice to step away. “I told the guys that I had important things to attend to at home and couldn’t go on. I felt like I was letting them down.” Although his marriage would eventually end, Solis cherishes the time he spent with his wife and still maintains an amicable relationship. “She loved the Beatles and I heard them nearly every day. I started to listen to how they wrote music,” he says. While separated from 1876, Solis finally found the time and place to write the kind of music he needed to. “The whole time, through all the early chaos, I was learning to be a musician but I wasn’t learning to be the singer/songwriter I always wanted to be,” he says. He picked up his acoustic guitar for the third time, dusted off an old MacBook given to him by his uncle for college, and began to write and record music that was closer to his heart. He released a collection of songs under his full name and complete with music video. 

for the first time and I was blown away,” he shares. “The energy was incredible and being there, I felt like I was really a part of something. Everyone was so welcoming. The show featured a lot of punk and ska bands and one had a bassist who was having the time of his life. He looked so cool. From then on, I wanted to play the bass. I was hooked.” Solis, who was beginning to learn acoustic guitar at the time, immediately put it down and asked his parents for a bass and, although they didn’t understand why, they indulged him. “They got me a black Squier brand bass that I still have somewhere, all beat up,” he laughs. From then on, Solis made it a point to attend as many shows at the Flint Local as possible and even began volunteering there.Through a magnifi cent loophole, he was able to use his time working at the Flint Local to meet the community service requirements for the National Honor Society in school. “I still can’t believe that worked,” he says with a chuckle. Working at The Local and meeting other musicians gave him confidence and soon enough, he was in a band of his own: Offing Ingus.They played nu metal and high-energy shows and enjoyed a small amount of local popularity. “While growing up, I always felt apart from other people in a way,” Solis remarks. “Being in that first band made me feel valued and connected.” He finally became devoted to music full-time and he dedicated the majority of his time to the wild thrash scene. “I loved everything about it,” he adds. Still, something was miss ing. “I was having fun but the music we were making didn’t sound like me,” he explains. “There was something about myself that wasn’t being explored.”When Offing Ingus began to dissolve, a friend introduced Solis to a band called Bright Eyes. “It was exactly what I need ed at the time,” he explains. “It was a different type of music that showed it was okay to explore mood and emotions and following that, I picked up my acoustic guitar for the second time.” He just as quickly dropped it again when he and friends formed the indie-rock band Remember Me, and Solis tried his hand at writing

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“I make my music and I’m creative and expect nothing in return. Whatever happens is cool with me.”

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“I shot and scored a short film called ‘Memo ries’ with a friend and we were able to show it to a live audience,” he adds. Solis had taken his long awaited first steps. His world was quieting down and he began to listen to his inner self and show vulnerability in his music. Solis took one more chance with 1876 and played some big shows but the band self-de structed, essentially tying off one more loose end and allowing him to go into his singer/songwriter career – leaving metal behind, with no regrets. “Things were becoming more important,” he explains. “I couldn’t use the music to support my daughter and I was finally beginning to under stand. We had been too impatient. As a musician, I have realized that patience is important. I was making music, continuing to be creative and putting it out there … and people were respond ing.” Solis jumped into Americana and played and wrote for a band called Goldblum for a little while, which ended around 2018. “I held some songs back for myself and as Goldblum was end ing, I recorded them with veteran musician Nick Diener (The Swellers) at his studio. During the pandemic, I released a four-song EP and never looked back.” Through all of the ups and downs, failures and success, Solis wouldn’t change a single step of his journey. He has learned about patience, confidence, humility, understanding and most importantly, himself. He remarried in 2019 and now spends his days being of service to people in his full-time job. His recent music is some of the most heartfelt, melodic and relatable of his career and has brought him more success than he dreamed. Every positive word he hears and every show he plays is a gratifying surprise. “I feel like I am finally starting,” he smiles. “I have a whole new perspective and I am grateful for what I still get to do musically.

After all of it, it’s the tenacity that comes from being a part of Flint that has helped me continue creating. It’s a part of everyone here. It’s in our blood. “

” Continued on pg. 91 

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What ’s Fenton Hotel

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Happening at the Tavern & Grille BY CHERYL DENNISON ® PHOTOS COURTESY OF JINX’D PHOTOGRAPHY

For the past 25 years, Nick and Peggy Sorise have been proud owners of the Fenton Hotel Tavern & Grille. Formerly named the Fenton Hotel, it was rst built when the railroads came to Fenton

in 1856. e couple purchased it in 1997 and looking back over the last 25 years, they have seen many changes. Today, they strive to keep the popular dining institution relevant for its customers. 

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HEAD CHEF ROGER THORNBERRY

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“In 2006, we re-named the restaurant and remod eled,” Nick Sorise shares. “We wanted it to have a more casual feel. Fenton has changed tremendously over the past 25 years and we wanted to meet the needs of our customers.” Gone are the white linen tablecloths, he points out, and the formal dining room and menu o erings are more casual. e addition of the very popular outdoor patio at the Fenton Tavern & Grille occurred in 2016, which created seating for 40 guests. Other recent updates in side include new planked

fresh food’.When it’s gone, it’s gone.” A longtime favorite that has remained on the menu are the fried frog legs, which are served all you-can-eat on Wednes days and made from a secret recipe. Other classic favorites include Oysters Rockefeller and baked escargot. “We give our patrons a lot of choices,” states the owner. “Our most popular entree is the lake perch. People just love our lake perch!”Diners also enjoy the rich and creamy shell sh bisque made with lobster, crab and clams. 

ooring in the grill room and the private room. Sorise admits to going through some challenging times over the years. On Easter Sunday in 2017, a re tore through the kitchen causing extensive damage. ey reopened in September 2017. e shut down during the pandemic was another challenge, as it was for most businesses. Rising costs and supply issues have been a more recent problem. What the restaurant is known for is the delicious food. Gradual changes

have been made to the menu, including the addi tion of three more salads. ere are also two new po tato side dishes, including the yummy Hotel au gratin potatoes with jalapeno. Customers can enjoy a variety of fresh sh on the menu prepared six di er ent ways – sautéed, char broiled, blackened, cedar planked, pecan-crusted or broiled. “Fresh sh is the heart of our menu,” says Sorise. “Our motto is ‘serve

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It’s Just Delightful! BY ERIN CAUDELL

Dutch Baby Ingredients (sweet version) • 6 large eggs, room temperature • 1 cup milk, room temperature • 1 cup all-purpose our • 5 tablespoons butter • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

I don’t know how I made it this far in life without knowing what a Dutch Baby is. I’ve certainly never heard it called a “hootenanny” until I checked for some history about it while writing this column. But whether you know it as a German pancake or either of the above monikers, you need to make one – because it’s just delightful! Essentially a bigger version of a popover, the Dutch Baby can be made sweet or savory. As it bakes, the sides rise above the edges of the skillet to create a golden, pu y crust with a tender, eggy middle. And since it’s cooked in the oven, there’s no standing over a hot stove while you make a bunch of them for everyone else and then get to eat cold pancakes. Why have I fallen in love with this oddly named dish? Its custardy center and crispy edges are amazing and delectable. It’s guaranteed to be impressive when you set it on the table, yet so simple to make.

*FOR A SAVORY PANCAKE, ADD A HALF TEASPOON OF SALT AND SUBSTITUTE YOUR FAVORITE HERBS SUCH AS THYME OR BASIL AND OR GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE FOR THE VANILLA EXTRACT AND CINNAMON. Ideas for Toppings Sweet • Fresh fruit • Maple syrup • Jam • Whipped cream • Chocolate shavings Savory • Runny egg • Bacon crumbles • Roasted tomatoes • Pickled onions • Feta cheese To Make While preheating to 450°F, warm a cast iron skillet in the center of the oven. Break the eggs into a bowl and whisk until frothy. Add the rest of the ingredients and whisk for ve more minutes. When hot, carefully bring the skillet out of the oven and drop in the butter. When butter is melted, immediately pour the batter in and return the skillet to the oven for 20-25 minutes until the pancake is pu y and golden brown. (DO NOT open the oven during the rst 15 minutes of cooking or you might de ate your pancake!) When you re move it from the oven, the pu will de ate and leave a “well” to put your toppings directly into, or you can cut individual slices for everyone to top on their own. ®

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

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Whether you go with a lemon-blueberry flavoring for breakfast or choose a savory combination for dinner (see ingredients*), it is best served straight from the oven. The golden puffiness quickly deflates … so have your forks ready to dig in!

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Local Eats & Drinks Andiamo Fenton 102 W. Silver Lake Rd., Fenton 810.354.8446 Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ NEW LOCATION 1492 N. Leroy St., Fenton 810.750.0507

Crust - A Baking Company 104 W. Caroline St., Fenton Fenton Hotel Tavern & Grill 302 N. Leroy St., Fenton Fenton Winery & Brewery 1370 N. Long Lake Rd., Fenton 810.373.4194 Frank’s Hoppy Bistro 3235 W. ompson Rd., Fenton 810.208.7297 Gillie’s Coney Island G-6524 N. Dort Hwy., Mt Morris 810.686.1200 Jersey Mike’s Subs 3409 Owen Rd., Fenton 810.208.7281 5011 Miller Rd., Flint 810.820.6286 1048 E. Hill Rd., Grand Blanc 810.407.6018 810.629.8882 810.750.9463

Big Apple Bagels 9434 Lapeer Rd., Davison 8185 Holly Rd., Grand Blanc

810.653.9966 810.695.6063

Brick Street of Grand Blanc 1223 E. Grand Blanc Rd.

810.603.2114

Cork on Saginaw 635 Saginaw St., Flint

810.422.9625

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Mega Classic Diner 4462 Corunna Rd., Flint Twp

810.732.9700

Open 24 hours

Redwood Steakhouse Brewery & Grill 5304 Gateway Center, Flint

FENTON HOTEL TAVERN & GRILL

810.233.8000

The Laundry 125 W. Shiawassee Ave., Fenton 810.629.8852 Timothy’s Pub 2890 Robert T. Longway, Flint 810.239.0972 We’reDough 4215 Miller Rd., Flint 810.410.8122

CORK ON SAGINAW

P ROMOT I ONAL

MYFUN

. . Adventures Off the Grou

/ stock.adobe.com

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Amusing Rock - Climbing and/or Ziplining Locations Around the State BY PETER HINTERMAN

Just because summer is coming to an end doesn’t mean the fun has to. Why not get the kids away from the screen for a few hours/ days or grab a bunch of friends and try something new? Everyone dreams of being able to climb tall buildings or soar through the air and at a few locations in Michigan, you can do it. Rock climbing and zipline adventures can be an adrenaline-pumping, healthy and wholesome time and with luck, you will be discovering new habits and passions that will keep you (and your children or friends) occupied into and throughout adulthood. (Please call locations for reservations, rules and age limits.) 

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LumineImages / stock.adobe.com

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Climbing

А л е к с а н д р а Г о л у б ц о в а / s t o c k . a d o b e . c om

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Base camp Challenge Center 5081 Torrey Rd., Flint 810.591.4622 A part of the Genesee Career Institute, this is the place to go for team-building. It features a high-ropes course, 30-foot rock wall, and challenge structure complete with a cable walk, zipline and ladder climb. e Challenge Center is open for a group of friends, families, sports teams, non-pro t and corporate groups. Call and schedule your team-building experience! ELEV8 Climbing and Fitness 777 Boyd Ave., Traverse City 231.600.7260 Going “up north” on vacation and want to elevate your experience? Check out this rock gym and fitness center offering varied terrain and different climbing styles at heights from 14 to 40+ feet. Rental gear is available. All new and seasoned climbers must take a skill assessment test before climbing and classes are available. Inside Moves LLC 639 76th St. SW., Byron Center 616.281.7088 e rst climbing gym in Michigan, Inside Moves o ers top-rope and lead-climbing on walls up to 34’ as well as a large bouldering area that will challenge beginners and seasoned veterans alike. Before climbing, all new visitors must pass a check or partake in begin ner lessons. Rental equipment is available, as well as an a ordable “1st Time Package.”

Oak Park

700 W. Front St., Grand Ledge 517.627.2149

You’ve conquered the gyms, now it’s time for the real thing – natural rock formations on which to test your skills. e ledges in Oak Park are NOT a place for a beginner climber unless they are a part of a group receiving “how to” instruction. More than 80 climbing routes have been identi ed, named and rated according to di culty. Climbers must follow the posted Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Rock Climbing to ensure safety and nature preservation. Again, Oak Park is for seasoned climbers.

Planet Rock Climbing Gym 82 Aprill Dr. C., Ann Arbor 734.827.2680 1103 W. 13 Mile Rd., Madison Heights 248.397.8354

ink you have what it takes to scale a 50-foot sheer cli ? Find out at Planet Rock! is climbing gym is for enthusiasts and beginners alike. ere is something for everyone including chimneys, boulder routes, stalactites, caves and more. Safety is a priori ty and every new member must either take a Starter Lesson or pass a belay check. If you wish to do more than climb, each Planet Rock facility also boasts a full tness center with showers. 

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Soaring

Allegan Event Riverfront Zipline Riverfront Plaza, Allegan 269.430.3961 Experience a 600-foot-long zip across the Kalamazoo River with family and friends in Allegan. Relax for a few on the other side and get ready for your return trip. After the zipline ride, stay for more fun including the Clip ‘n Climb, the sky trail indoor rope course, vertical drop slide, arcade and outdoor maze. It’s a fun time for all ages! Frankenmuth Aerial Park 1375 Weiss St., Frankenmuth 989.284.0201 is facility provides a combination ropes course and zipline for group or individual entertainment. Choose from six di erent courses at various skill levels, each o ering a new experience. Make sure to take the fan-favorite FrankenZip course with seven lines at heights ranging from 15-35 feet o the ground. Reservations are recommended. Howell Nature Center 1005 Triangle Lake Rd., Howell 517.546.0249 O ering much more than beautiful scenery and nature trails, the Howell Nature Center is an education-based family/group experience with plenty to do. Explore the Wild Wonders Wildlife Park Teaching Zoo, run wild in Alexandria’s NatureScape and e Tree House, and don’t forget to experience the Glacier Valley Zipline Tour. Lodges are available for overnight stays.

Mt. Holiday Ziplines 3100 Holiday Rd., Traverse City 231.938.2500 Just a little jog north, you’ll nd “Michigan’s most beautiful zipline tour.” is high-speed zipline adventure will let you experience gorgeous, scenic views of Northern Michigan at speeds up to 30 mph! e hour long tour takes you through the trees and across the hills of Mt. Holiday. A Hike & Zip Adventure is also o ered for those short on time. Reservations are required. TreeRunner Adventure Park 7553 Meadow Brook Rd., Rochester 6200 Drake Rd., West Bloom eld Township 2121 Celebration Dr. NE, Grand Rapids 248.759.5222 “Try something new and live your life adventurously!” is the tagline of the TreeRunner Adventure Park at Oakland University. is park boasts over 75 obstacles and ziplines, four di culty levels and eight di erent courses to take. Obstacles include cargo nets, barrels, bridges, ropes and platforms. As a bonus attraction, the park features Halloween Glow Nights from September 30 - October 31. Reservations are required for all adventures. ®

Artur Harutyunyan / stock.adobe.com

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MYSTYLE

Anorak Midi Vest

Katydid Camo Wrap

Time To Rock Fal Fashi ns BY SHANNON WHITE ® PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SHIFT It’s never too early to start thinking about fall fashion, which is arguably the best time of

ShuShop Pamela Sneaker

stores, now’s the time to get a head start on fall clothing and accessory shopping. One fall essential is a u y, cozy wrap. Check out the Katydid Camo Wrap – the camo trend is still going strong and a wrap like this is perfect for sitting around a re or in the stands at a Friday night football game. Cozy and cute? Check and check! A great vest is also

the year for dressing. It ’s cold enough to wear all of your fave pieces at the same time (helloooo, layers!), but warm enough to actually go out and about to show o your t. Exciting, right? So, why wait?! Plus, with so many clutch deals and stylish nds available in

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Spanx Moto Faux Leather Legging

Bamboo Leopard Slip-On Sneaker

Sugarlips Double Take Ru e-Hem Mini Dress

one of the best outerwear options for the in-between weather of fall. e Anorak Midi Vest is a sta favorite at SHIFT. e extra length means extra cozy! And although we hate to put our toes away til next summer, wearing some stylin’ new kicks will make it more appealing. A pair of leopard-print slip-ons are perfect to wear with your jeans – neutral, yet fun. Or try a pair of sneakers embellished with sparkles and stars, like the Pamela Sneaker by ShuShop. You won’t miss those sandals at all! e transitional nature of fall means you need a great transitional dress! Although layering a sweater or jacket over your favorite sundress can certainly work, why not try a beautiful fall style like the Sugarlips Dou ble Take Ru e-Hem Dress? e long sleeves are more appropriate for fall, but the short, ru ed hemline is still a super-fun look on a warmer fall night. So, as you prepare to cover up for the fall season, look for everything from matching sets (cozywear pants and tops) and faux leather leggings and jackets

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 Architecture degrees from the University of Michigan, she is the founder of the FUNchitecture design firm and co-founder of she-powered Downtown Flint retail business, SHIFT. (especially motorcycle style) to boots, blazers, jackets and coats – these are the killer fall fashion items to add to your cart ASAP. Straight-leg jeans with distressed whiskering and a variety of hemlines are back! Florals continue in breezy tops with structure but a feminine hint of ru e at the cu and shoulder. Pu -sleeved sweaters and those with gorgeous embroidered detailing rock! And we’re not just talking everyday basic fashion, either – at SHIFT in Downtown Flint, we’ve got plen ty of on-trend clothes and accessories from the great a ordable brands and luxury designers you love. ® Hap y sh p ing!

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MYSPORTS

it happened for a reason Tracy Ramin Executive Director of The National Amputee Golf Association

BY MARK SPEZIA ® PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MIDWESTERN AMPUTEE GOLF ASSOCIATION

Every so often, a poignant moment or life milestone reminds Tracy Ramin of how fortunate he is or the reasons why he is still alive and thriving 24 years after losing part of his left leg and very nearly his life in a horrific accident. The Montrose resident was struck by a speeding pickup while attempting to retrieve a ladder that had fallen from his construction truck onto I-75. Now 50, Ramin has seen his two children, one of whom was born after the accident, grow into adulthood, held his first grandchild and refused to let having to wear a prosthetic limb prevent him from enjoying two of his favorite sports.

The 6-foot-3 Ramin, who played varsity basketball for Mount Morris High School, continued taking to the court for competitive games until about ten years ago. His greatest sporting passion, however, is golf. Ramin’s love for the game grew after first playing it with his father at age 13.They later won a league title together. Returning to the course a mere three months after leaving the hospital, Ramin began adjusting to his new normal and was playing in adaptive golf events less than two years later, gradually rising to a place among the top ten Americans in the World Rankings for Golfers with Disabilities (WR4GD).

This ignited a burning desire within him to help those with phys ical or mental disabilities to still enjoy the sport and expand compet itive opportunities for them. Thus far, the most significant result of the tireless efforts of Ramin and others was the first U.S. Adaptive Golf Open, held in July at iconic Pinehurst Golf Resort in North Carolina,the site of three U.S. Opens. From an initial pool of 300 ap plicants, Ramin was the only player among the 96 selected for the historic event asked to speak at a pre-tournament banquet. He could not help but become emotional after being introduced by United

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States Golf Association Director of Communications, Beth Major. “It ’s so great to see everybody here,” Ramin told the crowd of more than 300 before thanking the USGA and revealing some unforeseen positive aspects of be ing an amputee. “I used to have to put both shoes on every time and now one of my shoes is already on, so I’m a step ahead. Also, I never had any friends outside of the United States before the accident and now, I have made friends in almost 60 countries.” As a founder of the U.S. Adap tive Golf Alliance, a group aligned with 42 regional organizations and Executive Director of The National Amputee Golf Associ ation, Ramin had been lobbying the USGA to create a U.S. Adap tive Open for years. A turning point came when Beth Major attended the 2018 National Amputee and Disabled Championship at The Fortress in Frankenmuth, which Ramin helped organize and played in. “The Adaptive Golf Alliance bringing so many adaptive golf organizations gave us a loud voice and Beth loved our tournament which led to positive conversations,” Ramin recalls. “A few months later, I was on a phone call with about 12 people from the USGA talking about how we can make a U.S. Adaptive Open happen.” 

PHOTO CREDIT: JASON GUERRERO/CALLAWAY GOLF

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Just five days following that cel ebration, Ramin was officially noti fied that he made the U.S. Adaptive Open field. By the opening round on July 18, Ramin had whittled his handicap to about 1.7. He also takes pride in shooting scores in the 70s for 18 holes more regularly than before the accident. Unfortunately, Ramin struggled to a 94 in the first round before rebounding for an 81 in round two and finishing with an 89. His 264 final score left Ramin tied for 51st in a field of 78 male entrants. “I was hitting the ball well, but had trouble whenever it wound up in the sand,” he shares. “I struggled to find the best way to get the ball out of it which probably cost me 20 shots or more. I had a bunch of silly bogeys and took a nine on one hole, but the overall experience at Pinehurst was phenomenal.” Ramin followed that experience by winning his sixth Michigan Adaptive Golf Championship, shooting 151 (77-74) for 36 holes less than a week later at Pine View Golf Course in Three Rivers. It’s difficult to imagine how Ramin’s commitment to furthering adaptive golf could be any better. In addition to his U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance and National Ampu tee Golf Association duties, he is a Michigan Amputee Golf Associa tion board member, helps oversee WR4GD rankings and conducts

Years of planning followed before the first U.S. Adaptive Open was finally announced last Decem ber. Ramin was elated. “Yeah, it was an incredible mo ment because adaptive golfers now had a major championship,” he says. “I was so happy for all the players who were going to benefit.” Ramin applied for entry into the tournament in February, but preparing for it was going to re quire some work. He began sharp ening his game which had taken a hit last year after he began a new job running a business which places massage chairs in malls. “I felt I was going to get into the tournament because I had done so much to set it up, but was a little worried about how I might do be cause I had not been able to play as much golf and my handicap slipped to a three,” he says. Soon, Ramin’s handicap began to improve, which was important because another major competition was looming sooner. Ramin was named captain of Team USA for the Cairns Cup which pits adaptive golfers from the United States against a Euro pean team in a Ryder Cup-style series of matches. He led a 21-2 Team USA trouncing at The Shire Golf Club in London May 7-13. He returned home after celebrat ing with teammates and taking a drink from the Cup.

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