onthetown Magazine Volume 4 Issue 4 by onthetown Magazine

TASTE OF THE TOWN: THE FOOD & DRINK ISSUE // FORWARD 4 WEST // BE ON THE SCENE: LOCAL EVENTS

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from the publisher. I hope everyone is enjoying his or her summer as much as I am! I am so proud to be a part of this community as it never ceases to amaze me the support we offer each other, support which often even comes from strangers. This kind of caring and generosity touches my heart even more. In this issue of onthetown people will read about inspiration and hope. They will read about how our community rallies when someone is in crisis or in need. The article on page 40 is a perfect example. Be sure to read the touching story of the Frescura family for it represents a truly amazing story of heartache, hope and inspiration. As a mother of three beautiful little girls, I have the utmost respect and admiration for Jennifer Frescura. She is a blessing and a gift to so many... yet in the most humble of ways. Thank you to the Frescura family for sharing their story. There are many other examples of how supporting our community is in this issue, so readers should be sure to check out the great pictures from the many fundraisers onthetown attended. I am sure they will see people they know... or maybe even themselves. I hope everyone enjoys the remaining days of summer as they go by way too fast. - Kimberly Gray, Publisher

SUBSCRIPTIONS MAIL A CHECK OR MONEY ORDER FOR $12.00 FOR SIX ISSUES GENERAL INFORMATION (810) 584-7006

EDITOR IN CHIEF Michelle Blaisdell COPY EDITOR Martha Hamp

CONTRIBUTORS CONT. Rich Reed Paul Rozycki Amber Sabo-Carpenter Ray Smith

MANAGING EDITOR Michael G. Thodoroff

EVENT SPREADS Chelsea Mills-Behind Your Design

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Jim Cheek

MANAGER Laura Ulman

PHOTOGRAPHY Wendy Byard Chelsie Cantin-Vivid Imagery Jim Cheek Joel Hart J&K Weymers Photography Tom Lipinski Debby Molina Tara Moreno Rick’s Photography

SALES Debby Molina Allison Joslin Chelsea Mills Mark Novak Carrie Taylor Savannah Waldchen CONTRIBUTORS Wendy Byard Sherry Farney Ilse Hayes Chelsea Mills Tara Moreno

PUBLISHED BY Kimberly Gray Global Network Publishers, LLC P.O. Box 121 Grand Blanc, MI 48480 publisher@onthetownlimited.com Phone: (810) 584-7006 Fax: (810) 584-7013

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Staff Highlight. Rich Reed // CONTRIBUTOR I enjoy writing, especially for Flint’s own 40-year old onthetown Magazine. I was an Adjunct Professor of English at Mott Community College for 22 years, teaching English 102. I miss the banter with my students and my colleagues alike, but I don’t miss correcting all of those essays. I also retired from the Flint Public Schools, having taught writing and journalism. My wife Marsha and I will have been married for 41 years this August. We are the proud parents of Alexis 35, an attorney, married to Jason, also an attorney, living in Chicago, and Lauren 31, a commodities trader at the Chicago Board of Trade. We love and celebrate Ella Rose, our two-year old granddaughter. Marsha and I enjoy art walk and jazz walk in downtown Flint, as well as anything else going on in the College and Cultural Center. This town has more to offer than people know, so everyone should explore a little bit to find it.

Chelsea Mills // CONTRIBUTOR

Growing up in Flint has always been something of which Chelsea Mills is proud. Her family has a deep history in the Flint area. Her maternal grandparents owned restaurant businesses in the city, while her paternal grandparents migrated from Rochester, New York so that her grandfather could work as an engineer for AC Spark Plug. Both of her grandmothers were also accomplished oil painting artists, which is where she gets her artistic talent. A Kearsley High School graduate and an Albion College alumni, Chelsea is a new addition to our team and brings over 15 years experience in marketing, graphic design, web development, social media skills and community relations. She is serving as Vice Chairman of the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the 2015 incoming Chairman and is also committee chair to several sub committees. “I’m very excited about having the opportunity to be a part of this magazine,” Chelsea says. “It’s amazing to see how much Flint and Genesee County have grown and changed for the better over the past 30 years, and I’m so proud to say that I have been here to witness this growth.” An entrepreneur at heart, Chelsea has started two companies from the ground up: Behind Your Design and Freeze Frame Photo Lounge. Both companies have grown so much in the past seven years that her husband, Matt, has left his job as a school administrator to help her with both businesses. Behind Your Design is a graphic design, web development and marketing firm which has grown from just Chelsea herself as the sole proprietor to having two additional full- time staff members as well as one part time staff employee. Chelsea specializes in the design and development of data-driven websites designed to make a company more efficient in workflow. Another benefit is that clients can update their own sites in real time, utilizing the user-friendly iEdit administration panel, and thereby managing their own SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Freeze Frame Photo Lounge is an open-air photo booth company that specializes in corporate event booth rentals. Clients include Financial Plus Credit Union, SONY, HAP, The State Bank, Genesys Hospital, Hurley Hospital, and Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce -- in addition to rentals coming from open houses, weddings and local festivals. Chelsea now lives in Linden with her husband Matt and two young children, Ian and Addison. For additional information about Chelsea Mills and her companies, visit www.BehindYourDesign.com or www. FreezeFramePhotoLounge.com.

from the editor. of

Although the “dog-days” of summer are upon us, we should all beware a looming cold front as a crisp, clean breeze cascading through my window is reminiscent of the picturesque Michigan fall season swiftly forthcoming. With a mind-set making it count, this issue celebrates Flint‘s Food, Fun, Family and Friends! by featuring Education, Food & Drink, Summer Events, and more…

onthetown is excited to share this special issue as we catch up with a local builder, Dave Lurvey and pay a respectful tribute in the article “Eye of the Beholder,” written by Martha Hamp. Chelsea Mills reports what is happening at Flint’s Farmer’s Market while Wendy Byard highlights local business owner Mike Sargent, who is rallying citizens to be active community members with a “battle-cry” of Flint Strong. Speaking of strong, the Smith, Peabody, & Stiles families confirm what it means to provide quality products and services by celebrating 95 years of business. And Outdoor Solutions, Sign Screen Printing, and Mr. P’s Car Wash share with us how their superior customer service goes a long way in business too. Powers Catholic High School Principal Sally Bartos along with the Director of Advancement Stacey Doyle take respite before the new school year begins to have a little fun with us at onthetown in our “From the Desk of….” feature. In addition, Paul Rozycki keeps us up to date in academia as Flint welcomes three new college presidents. onthetown pays homage for his years of culinary service expertise, comfort, and friendship in the article, Retrospective: Doug Bosley…A Man for His Time. And speaking of culinary treats, Genesee County offers an amazing variety of culinary creations as onthetown went around the town to have a taste and highlight some fun dishes to get all of us and our families out of the kitchen and out onthetown! Rich Reed and Ray Smith take a festive look at two of the many highly anticipated annual events that happen in downtown Flint: Back To The Bricks and Bikes To The Bricks. Both articles eagerly anticipate these two exciting occasions we all look forward to attending. And be sure to check out Hank Graff Chevrolet’s amazingly unique custom car trailer story. On a more quiet note, one year ago this month I was offered the position I now hold at onthetown Magazine. As I reflect, I would like to give kudos to the entire team at onthetown, consisting of exceptional people who commonly share a vision of love for our community, past and present, while steadily operating under the mission of always moving forward in a positive direction! I do not know about everyone else, but this gets me in the mood to celebrate! be seen, be heard, be onthetown, Michelle Blaisdell

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Contents

// VOLUME IV ISSUE IV 5 Staff Highlight

Cover Stories 10 Eye of the Beholder: Dave Lurvey 42 Retrospective: Doug Bosley...A Man for His Time

Community 14 Flint Farmer’s Market Unveils Flint Food Works

16 Mike Sargent: Flint Strong

Business 18 Smith, Peabody, Stiles: Celebrating 95 Years 20 Mr. P’s Promises One-of-a-Kind Service 22 Outdoor Solutions: Community Pride 24 Sign Screen: Fast, Efficient Graphics 62 Owens Bootleg Cycle Has National Reputation

Education

26 Baker College of Flint 28 From The Desk Of: Bartos & Doyle 30 Flint Welcomes Three New College Leaders 32 Michigan Transfer Agreement

People 36 A Day In The Life... 38 Tim Elliot Stands Tall 40 Living Memory: Forward 4 West

Taste of the Town

45 Food & Drink 52 Restaurant Review From a Child’s Viewpoint!

Love & Relationships 54 Go Ahead, Take Her Out!

Be Well 56 McLaren & Coca Cola: New Recycling Partnership

Culture 58 Back to the Bricks 60 Graff Celebrates Historic Icons 65 Bikes on the Bricks 66 FIA: Treasure Trove Showcase

67 Anni Crouter: Artist Extraordinaire

Be Seen 70 Event Photos

Cover // DAVE LURVEY

Eye

Beholder of the

BY MARTHA HAMP

rom the windows of his atrium office atop the new Farmers Market, Dave Lurvey can look out over the cityscape that both his not-insignificant imagination and know-how are helping to transform today and see, perhaps in his mind’s eye, some of what remains of the town’s distinguished past in the various structures built to serve its halcyon days as a vibrant manufacturing hub. And in his reverie, he might even travel back in time, envisioning the area as it appeared long ago, from its inception as a fruitful Ojibwa settlement, to its early 19th century founding by Jacob Smith, a still small but industrious fur-trading center on the banks of a well-situated river. Flint must have seemed, even then, a place offering a potential for growth – a bustling community and a decent site for people to put down roots. But later, when, in the early days of the 20th century, William S. Durant, aided by C. S. Mott, converted his lumber and carriage-building businesses into what would eventually become one of the world’s greatest corporations – General Motors, with all its divisions – the transformation from a horse and buggy town to a burgeoning “Vehicle City” must have looked complete. Unfortunately for him, Durant ultimately lost control of all he had built… just as the town he’d helped to put on the map did half a century later, proving the adages that nothing lasts forever and that the only constant is change itself. Is there a parallel between the trajectory of his life and that of the city honed from his creative power and talent – who knows? Many have theorized over the years as to the whys and wherefores of Flint’s decline, but post-mortems aside, this once-thriving metropolis finds itself today again in need of a transmogrification worthy of its history and potential. And who among its citizenry will step forward this time, with ideas and energy and ability, to help lead the city out of a self-imposed darkness of economic and societal decline into the self-sustaining light of productivity, achievement and cultural rejuvenation? Dave Lurvey, proprietor, developer, and builder of buildings, with his eye for design and construction, is one such person – the kind who, with others like him, is now serving the town and its people by offering up his talents to help remake this place – not as it was but as it needs to become. Like the song from the old musical, Damned Yankees, says, “You gotta have heart….miles and miles and mile of heart,” Lurvey has that in spades. But he also has another crucial quality which the titans of industry possessed back in the city’s heyday: He has vision…like the scions before him…and that’s what he has to offer – responsible delivery on the area’s unique projects. Because a city is more than just bricks and mortar, more than simply the products it manufactures and the services it provides, it requires an energetic, robust, and creative citizenry to keep it alive and well – in good times and bad. Dave Lurvey exemplifies one such individual, a man for the 21st century with the necessary insight to see the opportunities of today beckoning; he knows that Flint must make the leap into the future – not as a manufacturing center anymore, but as a place where the service industry and educational métier meet at a point of convergence, uniting to create a vibrant, compelling, and successful downtown area. He says, in fact, of his first venture, Blackstones Irish Pub, that “I had a feel for where downtown was headed and had the good fortune of becoming involved in some early ventures. I felt that [the town] could support a new 10

HE HAS VISION…LIKE THE SCIONS BEFORE HIM…AND THAT’S WHAT HE HAS TO OFFER – RESPONSIBLE DELIVERY ON THE AREA’S UNIQUE PROJECTS.

DAVE LURVEY

// Cover

“WE ARE GRATEFUL TO MR. DAVE LURVEY AND MR. RIDGEWAY WHITE FOR THEIR VISION AND COMMITMENT TO THIS PROJECT. THEIR EXPERTISE AND PHILANTHROPIC APPROACH HAVE RESULTED IN A POWERS CATHOLIC CAMPUS THAT WE WILL ENJOY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.”

venue.” With an unerring eye for design, he attended Lawrence Tech in Detroit, graduating with a degree in architecture. He wanted, from the beginning, to be a contractor, but his first job was with GM at its V-8 plant, working on the assembly line. Of that experience he is almost reverent, stating, “It was truly enlightening. I have such respect for both the company and its workers – and I think that perhaps it demands an association with the General Motors to comprehend the dedication required to [work there].” And that’s a telling example of the sense of loyalty he possesses – for family, for community, for his work experiences, and perhaps, most importantly, for his vision. He began work on his dream when he joined the construction company Sorensen Gross…one of the area’s best, he remarks, and adds that the important things in life “require passion – people should love what they do.” And that love, for him, definitely begins with his family because, without the help of that most basic of institutions, nothing else in his life would work. When asked why he has remained in Genesee County and taken an interest in rebuilding Flint, he reveals that “It’s kind of funny…I wanted to be in the Atlanta area for the 1996 Olympics…but, instead I met Heather [his wife] and fell truly, madly, deeply in love. Life happens.” Heather replies that, “I told him I wouldn’t and couldn’t leave my family, and so we stayed here” – which worked, since he didn’t really want to leave his family either. The couple recently celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary, proving that he -- in fact, both of them -- made the right choice. The idea for Blackstone’s arose, in part, because Dave wanted to diversify his business early on, and so it became a family venture, with Heather and her mother, Patti Bergstrom, playing a lead role in running the establishment day to day, while Dave and his sister, Beth Dunn, handled administrative tasks. All this is probably a key element in the restaurant’s success, and he and his family have become a dynamic part of the new venue of downtown that Lurvey has been striving to help create.

explains. Every local politician vocally backed the project, and eventually, the partners’ due diligence culminated in a plan to build just that. Their interest and suggestions were well-received so that the first step in the process became satisfying the state of Michigan on plans for a new structure for MSD and its students. Because the institution was a land grant entity, they needed to secure land control and lease terms with the state, making approval of the legislature in Lansing a requirement for the new building Lurvey and White proposed – a campus that would better suit the needs of the 100 students currently enrolled instead of the too-large school as it was now constituted. This sanction was eventually obtained, with the help of a senator named Tom George, and a state-of-the-art MSD was constructed wherein, according to Dave, “great care and attention to details was taken, with [inclusion of the aforementioned] stateof-the-art aesthetics and technologies that are proven benefits to the deaf community.” And it was more “right-sized” now. After that, it was on to refurbish the school’s old and beautiful Greek Revival building so Powers could inhabit a new and impressive home. Here the team did their job very well again. Lurvey views his work on both schools as a “valuable learning experience,” but others have high praise for his and Ridgway White’s accomplishment. Former Powers principal Tom Furnas states in a special edition of Powers Magazine, published by Global Network Publishers, that “We are grateful to Mr. Dave Lurvey and Mr. Ridgway White for their vision and commitment to this project. Their expertise and philanthropic approach have resulted in a Powers Catholic campus that we will enjoy for generations to come.” That statement provides

When the need to relocate Powers Catholic High School became an issue, the burning question seemed to be: Where could the school go? Dave Lurvey and his partner, Ridgway White, of Lurvey White Ventures, thought they had a practical and pertinent solution, so they bounced around a few ideas with key stakeholders on a potential solution for not only Powers but Michigan School for the Deaf as well. They wanted to build a new facility for MSD, located on Court Street, and then renovate that school’s old building, making it “new and improved” for Powers to take over, and giving it “a very private school feel,” Dave 11

Cover // DAVE LURVEY

ample testimony to the perspicacity and clarity of vision for which Lurvey and his partner have become known. The next challenge to present itself to Lurvey and company proved to be of interest to the public at large – and by extension, the media as well. Dave was chosen to manage the implosion of the unsightly and crumbling old Genesee Towers, and, according to him, what “an adrenaline rush” the job furnished. He says, “From the structural surveying to consulting with nationally renowned implosion experts,” the whole process was the most daring he’d attempted so far. Local agencies and municipalities, Homeland Security, the ATF and HSA all required consulting, while the dynamite had to be loaded and the amount of resultant tonnage of the collapsed building calculated to plan for its disposal after the implosion had taken place. So while the job proved exciting, it was very stressful too, and Lurvey remarks that “I couldn’t sleep [worrying about] how crucial the timing was.” But the undertaking went off without a hitch – to the cheering of a large crowd of onlookers who braved the cold on a Sunday morning, December 22, 2013, with much of the aforementioned media recording words and pictures for posterity. Of the experience, Lurvey laughs, saying, “I considered [buying] a ticket to the Bahamas in case it failed.” His wife Heather adds, “He told me that if [the building] falls in the wrong direction, get to the truck as fast as you can.” Fortunately, failure doesn’t appear to be in Dave Lurvey’s lexicon, and he considers the successful implosion of The Towers to represent a true sign of progress for Flint, “ridding the city of a major blight.”

And now he has completed building one of the enterprises that most seems to capture his well-stocked imagination, and though he can’t take credit for the concept, he did possess the wherewith all and coordination skills to get the job done – in the form of the new configuration of the Farmers Market, which officially opened June 21 to a huge and enthusiastic crowd. Under the direction of Uptown Reinvestment Corporation, the complex dwarfs any other in South Michigan, according to Lurvey, who acknowledges, “I am happy to be a part of it.” And he certainly enjoys that atrium office space he inhabits for his now - named company, D. W. Construction. The idea and then the ultimate construction of the market have been generally well-received, Dave asserts, although there has also been controversy. But his reputation and philosophy both depend upon him carrying out his own vision as well as that of any stakeholder involved, and he remarks, “I’ve made a career out of fast-paced projects that truly make a difference in the community, and the Farmers Market fit that goal.” Thus, having the courage of his convictions and delivering on them seems a dominate trait in his professional, as well as his personal life. “I try to put myself in the owners’ shoes to determine what to deliver,” he explains, and goes on to reiterate, “I just love the teamwork required to deliver a fast-paced project.” In these words he reveals his insight into both himself and the ventures to which he lends his time and his talent… again and again in his remarkable work. Finally, though acknowledging that there exist some necessary and desirable elements of renewal that still need to be addressed for Flint’s downtown to flourish and endure as a going concern, Dave Lurvey first extols the presence and value of such institutions as U of M, Mott College, Kettering, Baker College, and Powers Catholic, as well as all the restaurants serving the city and its people. He views them as great strengths, bringing students, employees, and patrons into the town’s midst, thereby adding vibrancy, excitement, and panache to the “newly” rejuvenated city. But he also addresses some things that are absent or that need to be increased in presence and number, including retail entities, different venues for entertainment on a consistent basis, more investment with the people as stakeholders, and Public Safety Initiatives, to name a few. Thus it is hoped that, with the time and effort of the many involved innovators who care as much as Dave does about the city’s resurrection, these things will come. For as he says, “It takes more than simply caring to make this town work. The city hit bottom and has [had] nowhere to go but up.” He knows building a “new city” takes talent, hard work, and, most importantly, belief in oneself and in the community one serves as well. In fact, it takes vision – a desire to make the dream come true in the same way as did those who succeeded here long ago. So it seems clear that Dave Lurvey has certainly earned the right to call himself one of them, for he has accomplished much in his personal and profession life, and he hopes that he can continue in the future to make a difference in the community he so loves.

Community // FLINT FOOD WORKS

The Flint Farmers’ Market Unveils Flint Food Works

A culinary business incubator inside a century-old Flint tradition BY CHELSEA MILLS

’m sure you have heard about the new Flint Farmers’ Market which opened it’s doors on Saturday, June 21st. The facility is amazing and is the new home to over 50 year-round vendors as well as 50 additional seasonal vendors who set up outdoors. The market will keep the same schedule it had on its previous site, being open only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. This allows the farmers and other vendors to be able to work their other jobs or farm and still be a part of the market. Many of the vendors made the move to the new location, while some vendors retired… but their employees started new businesses to carry on the tradition of being in the market. There has also been expansion for other local Flint businesses. For example, Mark and Meghan Hoffman, who also are the proprietors of Hoffman’s Deco Deli & Café, located in downtown Flint, opened up two new businesses in the market: Hoffman’s Chop Shop, a butcher shop and Floradora Flower Shop. “For me, this has been a dream come true,” Meghan says. “I am overwhelmed by the support and love from my family, the community, my coworkers and friends! Much love…Flint ROCKS!” What many of you don’t know is that the new Flint Farmers’ Market has several other offerings deep inside its walls that are available to help small businesses grow. “We brought the market closer to the people,” explains Chef Sean Gartland, Culinary Director. “No matter where you are, you can end up downtown because, right across the street from our parking 14

lot is the MTA Bus Station which gives easy access to everyone.” This easy accessibility is a sentiment echoed again and again. “The market is for everybody,” says Dick Ramsdell, manager of the new bazaar. “The new facility is going to allow us to accomplish so many good things in the city of Flint.” Part of this movement is brought on by the fact that it is not easy to get fresh fruits and vegetables in Flint. Many families can’t travel far to get to grocery stores in order to buy fresh produce, so

they end up getting what they can at local convenience stores. Thus, in order to encourage the purchase of fresh produce by shoppers, the market has ‘DoubleUp Food Bucks’ available to those with Bridge Cards. This program, funded by the Fair Food Network, allows residents to purchase staples (meat, cheese, milk) and receive up to $20/day in reward money which can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables. If they purchase Michigan produce, the residents actually will get double their produce money.

A stumbling block after the residents purchase the fresh produce is the fact that some do not know how to prepare it, which often results in much of the produce going to waste. So to combat this problem, Dort Federal Credit Union has sponsored the new demonstration kitchen inside the market atrium. This kitchen will have live demonstrations each week featuring different foods, techniques, styles and more. It will also allow guest chefs and market vendors the opportunity to showcase their products and talents. “I think it is important to note that we have four classically trained chefs with a permanent place in our market. In addition to those chefs, we have all the other market chefs who may not have classical training but have a natural skill and talent in the kitchen,” Karianne Martus, Media/ Public Relations and Market Manager states. “Our goal is to teach people how to prepare fresh food; we want to show them how to get the most out of their dollars and how to make healthy meals,” Martus further explains. Chef Gartland has also been instrumental in the development of Flint Food Works, which is home to the Culinary Incubator Program within the walls of the new Flint Farmers’ Market. This program is a new resource for entrepreneurs who want to take the next steps in developing their food concepts into a viable business. It is also perfect for those entrepreneurs who already are operating under the small cottage industry food law in their homes, but who want to expand their businesses and have an opportunity to grow.

“Business owners who are interested in being part of the Incubator Program will have the opportunity to practice their procedures with [me] before they are evaluated for their certifications by the Michigan Department of Agriculture,” Chef Gartland explains. “I will be able to help prevent many of the common mistakes [owners of] new food businesses make, hopefully making certification go smoother.” Flint Food Works provides low-cost, low-risk, full-service kitchens for local businesses to grow and establish operations. The participants in the program will be guided and coached along their way, and there are a variety of resources available to those in the program, including packaging, website, design, distribution and more.

One of the vendors in the market, Galloping Grocer, specializes in the distribution of locally-made and high quality products. With this vendor at the market, participants in the Culinary Incubator program will have a warm introduction to a possible distribution resource for their products. “This is the perfect spot for someone who has [the] dream of launching a food business,” Chef Gartland explains. “A person who works all day can put the kids to bed at night and come into the kitchen for a few hours [later] to produce [his or her] product and be back home and in bed…[ to] wake up with the kids in the morning.” This new concept also allows participants to keep their day jobs while they launch a new business -- without missing a beat. Well, maybe they will miss just a little sleep.

take, including application, insurance, certifications, licensing, packaging and going through a kitchen orientation. Sound overwhelming? There’s no need to worry, for Chef Gartland will guide people through the process and help them on their way to make their dreams a reality. FLINT FOOD WORKS (LOCATED INSIDE THE FLINT FARMERS’ MARKET) 300 E. FIRST ST. | FLINT, MICHIGAN WWW.FLINTFOODWORKS.NET (810) 447-0714

To apply to the program and become a member, there are several steps to

WELCOMING GENESYS

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Community // FLINT STRONG

Rose Bowl Champion Mike Sargent now a member of Flint Strong He’s Still on a Winning Team BY WENDY BYARD

f you were to look in Mike Sargent’s closet, you might find green and white tee shirts with the words: “Michigan State University -- 1988 Rose Bowl Champions.” If you were to keep looking, you also might find some blue and orange shirts hanging nearby, these garments boldly proclaiming Mike’s newest “team” and motto: “Flint Strong.” Sargent, a graduate of MSU and member of the ’87 football team that beat the Trojans to win the Rose Bowl, is now a member of a new team of sorts – a team to revitalize Flint. In December, Sargent, who owns Sargent’s Title Company on Grand Traverse, had the idea to create the Facebook page Flint Strong. The concept was simple: it would be a place where people desiring Flint’s success could share photos, information, events, and ideas to improve the city. While it’s impressive that the FB group has grown to over 3,300 members – some notable -what’s most remarkable is that the group has become bigger and more meaningful than just an online site. It’s become a rallying team and a battle cry for many people as to what Flint is and what Flint can become. “I was tired of hearing all the negative things about Flint,” Sargent says. “I wanted to create something positive. I felt there was a need to help. Yet, I never planned it to be more than a Facebook site. Now Flint Strong is bringing people from different backgrounds to work together. It’s all a team concept. This is how we make a difference, and Flint Strong is making a difference. With Flint Strong, we’re all on the same team. It unites us.” Flint Strong has evolved from just an online sharing depot to an active community group that is now headed by a committee of ten people who meet once a month. The group is comprised of those

with different backgrounds and skill sets, but they all share one thing: the strong desire to see Flint succeed. To that end, members are involved in a variety of events and projects. For example, Flint Strong participated in food drive for Flint Northwestern and Southwestern High Schools. Flint Strong members also donated coats, hats, gloves, and socks as well as personal items to both schools. Another project was a book drive. “It’s really taken on a life of its own,” Sargent said. What makes Flint Strong successful, he believes, is that “we’re not restricted. We’re not a non-profit. We have no red tape. We can just go out and help. We just make it happen.” Some other events and projects that Flint Strong has ties to include the “Fish the Bricks” fishing tournament that took place in June on the Flint River; Friends of Atwood Stadium; the improvements along University Avenue that lead to Kettering University; and the “Stop the Violence” rally planned for September… as well as cleanups and various other city events and projects that are promoted on the Flint Strong FB page. Sargent also mentions that now people are not only fishing a clean and safe Flint River but canoeing and kayaking it too. “New life is popping up,” Sargent says of the city. And he goes on, adding, “Flint is always going to be the heart of Genesee County. [The city’s] success impacts everyone. It’s only going to go in two directions – either better or worse. But it can only get better if we all work together. This is all about being positive for Flint. It’s about revitalizing the downtown area.” To emphasize, Sargent details many points of pride and progress in the town, such as the new Flint Farmers’ Market, the MSU College of Human Medicine with its expanded education and public health program and located in the former Flint Journal

FLINT STRONG

// Community

building, the park planned for the former Genesee Towers’ site, bands and activities scheduled to perform at Atwood Stadium, and finally, the many stores and restaurants to open in the near future. Saginaw Street and the surrounding area has also become home to many new eateries like Blackstone’s, Flint Crepe Company, Cork on Saginaw, 501 Grill, Soggy Bottom Bar, Hoffman’s Deco Deli and Cafe and Table and Tap -- while at the same time, some other long-established businesses downtown continue to be successful, including the White Horse Tavern, Churchill’s Food & Spirits, those in University Pavilion, the Mad Hatter, Paul’s Pipe Shop and Flint City T-Shirts. And, of course, nearby is Flint’s Cultural Center, comprised of such gems as the Flint Institute of Music, The Whiting, the Flint Institute of Arts, Longway Planetarium and Sloan Museum. Yet, Sargent states, “Flint is really a college town. With Kettering, U of M-Flint, Mott College, and Baker, downtown Flint is the hub for all of this.” Sargent, who has recently moved from Linden to Flint, points out that, “Many people look at me like I’m an idiot for moving my family from the [suburbs] to Flint. But sometimes, you have to follow that inner voice.” Sargent, who attended schools such as Hamady, Flushing, Lake Fenton, and then Powers, where he graduated, says, “I’ve always been a part of the Flint community. My first home was on Miller Road in Flint. [The city] has gone through some tough times, but [it] will always be home to me.” Fortunately, he is joined by many people who believe the same way.

Those who are interested in joining Flint Strong, can “like” the site on Facebook. Also, Flint Strong gear is available for people wishing to “wear” their pride. They can go to glorydaysspiritwear. com. New members can also add some blue and orange tee shirts to their closets, proclaim that Flint is Strong, and then get to work. “We’re not looking for a handout. We need people to step up and help. Those who are willing to step up and fight for Flint will make the difference,” proclaims Sargent.

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Business // PEABODY INSURANCE AGENCY

Smith, Peabody, Stiles: Celebrating 95 Years BY CHELSEA MILLS

he leaves on the family tree may have changed, but the roots are still the same. Since 1919, these three families have had roots in the Flint, Fenton, Linden, and Holly communities. Stiles Insurance was founded then by D. R. Stiles, who passed the leadership position on to his son, Edison, in 1955, and then to Edison’s son, Jeri, in 1972. “The competition started [back in] 1934 with the late Ray Hunt, [whose company was] just two doors down from my grandfather, D. R. Stiles and his business, Stiles Insurance,” Jeri Stiles explains. Ray Hunt started his insurance business in his home, calling it Hunt Insurance, sometime during the depression in 1934, with only two employees. Then in 1961, Jim Smith came to Fenton from the Flint area, met with Hunt, and they decided to merge their companies, forming the Hunt-Smith Agency, Inc. And Smith now has a whole philosophy built around what he does. “Life is made up of liabilities and goals from birth to death,” he says. “The service which my companies provided was all-encompassing – and that is very exciting,” he adds. The part that excited Jim Smith back then is still the part that excites his son-in-law, Jim Peabody, who joined the insurance business with his father-in-law in 1991, forming Hunt-Smith-Peabody Insurance. They strive to cement a common bond with their customers in order to do business – and finding the right coverage to really help their clients has led them to become lifelong friends as a result. In 1998, Smith Peabody and Stiles decided to merge together into one agency to better serve their customers. It was at this time that the name Hunt was dropped from the business’ title and Smith-Peabody-Stiles Insurance was born. Brown & Brown purchased Smith-Peabody-Stiles in 2008, and after a couple of years, Jim Peabody decided to step away from the insurance industry. But he didn’t stay away for long –

“Life is made up of liabilities and goals from birth to death.”

PEABODY INSURANCE AGENCY

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“Our specialty is in helping clients identify the types of risk they are facing and what areas of operation are most exposed to risk through our unique four-step system, the Risk Reduction Process.”

he and his wife, Patty, opened up Peabody Insurance Agency in Holly by purchasing the Addis Insurance Agency, which had local roots dating back to 1921. The husband and wife team missed being in business and the excitement that comes from meeting new people and helping customers with their insurance needs. Thus, the focus of the Peabody Insurance business model is to help their clients reduce risk, which then allows them to save money in the long term. “Our specialty is in helping clients identify the types of risk they are facing and what areas of operation are most exposed to risk through our unique four-step system, the Risk Reduction Process. We are now able to identify exposures and implement strategies which provide our clients a way to lower their total cost of risk while protecting their balance sheets,” Peabody explains, adding that “by reducing risk, clients may be able to lower their premiums and thereby increase profitability.” He goes on to detail some of the benefits he can offer. “We provide our clients with added value and service, as well as experience and industry knowledge. This ability is amplified by the tools Peabody Insurance utilizes, such as the Risk Reduction Toolbox and the [aforementioned] Risk Reduction Process. These tools give our clients a map of how to become more profitable, and the agents at Peabody Insurance provide the experience and knowledge that is needed to get there,” he says. This process has proven to be very beneficial for many of their customers, some of whom have discovered that they had not been properly insured in the past. “If someone is curious to see how we compare to [his or her] current provide, we are happy to provide a free premium price quote,” Peabody states. “We’ve helped over 3,000 companies reduce their overall cost of risk through our trademarked Risk Reduction Approach.” As many things do, these three families have come full circle again, and the Peabody’s are happy to announce that Jeri Stiles is back in their office with Stiles Tax Service. Peabody Insurance Agency is a full-service, independent agency specializing in home, auto, life, and commercial business insurance.

PEABODY INSURANCE AGENCY 611 N. SAGINAW ROAD | HOLLY, MICHIGAN 48451 WWW.PEABODYINC.COM FENTON: (810) 629-1504 | HOLLY: (248) 634-7731

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARA MORENO

Business // MR. P’S WASH WORLD EXPRESS

Flint car wash promises one-of-a-kind service BY TARA MORENO

r. P’s Wash World Express is a one-of-a-kind car washing business. Owner Lynnette Peppler has been managing the thriving business ever since her late husband passed away a few years ago. Peppler, along with her business partner and car wash manager Tom Bennett, have made great strides, ensuring that Mr. P’s succeeds. Peppler not only owns and operates the Flint location, but she also oversees a second location in Lansing, Michigan, all the while maintaining a position for the Genesee Early College Program as a counselor. Peppler says she wanted to make sure the car wash stayed in business, and so she took the second job. “I want so much to honor the wonderful individual my husband was. We worked side by side… I wanted to carry out his dream and make [the car wash] successful,” Peppler states. Peppler and her staff strive to deliver the best customer service possible. The motto that portrays Peppler’s values states,“ 100 percent quality product, 100 percent customer service, 100 hundred percent of the time.” She says in order for the motto to ring true, she takes care of her employees, many of whom have been with the company for five or more years. Joseph Spraggnis is one of those faithful employees. He has worked for the company for about five years and says he loves doing so for Mrs. Peppler. “It’s a great working [environment], and the customers are receptive to all the workers. We love the customers and greet them with smiles,” says Spraggnis, smiling. 20

Bennett and Peppler show that they also value their employees, for they are considered an integral part of the business. “We [appreciate] our employees. They are part of our team. We know they are first in line with the customers, and if [employees] are happy, then it will make this a good place to come, a good experience,” says Peppler. Bennett adds that he knows what it’s like to work on the line of the car wash, saying, “I was where they are… and I try to treat them how I would want to be treated,” Mr. P’s definitely stands out from the rest of the competition. The system they use is unique in that no cloth touches a vehicle. Peppler says the likelyhood of any scratches is non-existent. The innovative cleaning system the car wash is known for has been coined “fabulous foamy fingers,” after a contest was held to name the technology. And the car wash offers many other perks to their customers, from custom detailing with two levels of interior cleaning, to the high quality products they use to clean the vehicles. They also have a loyalty customer program. “Our customers are wonderful. We have loyal customers [who] come to us, and it’s very rewarding to know that people appreciate the business. I would say it’s really the people, the customers [who] make it worthwhile,” says Peppler. Mr. P’s Wash World Express is located a 680 S. Center Road, Flint, Michigan 48506. For more information, call 810-744-2053 or visit www.mrpswashworld. com.

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Community Pride In Appearance Through Landscaping BY AMBER SABO-CARPENTER

utdoor Solutions Landscaping Company was started in 2002 by Matt Wycoff. After completing his Associate’s degree at Oakland Community College, he embarked on his dream of servicing his community’s lawn design needs. After eight years of Matt’s company growing ( in more ways than one), he opened an office in a new building. By 2011, he was able to expand his business to include a supply yard for his customers to come and see the products they might be considering for their design. Using natural elements as his medium, Matt covers the design, landscaping and installation, while his wife Pam can be seen driving the equipment and loading dump trucks with bulk supplies. The supply yard is layered with rock, stone, mulch and gravel, just to name some materials. While handling this huge task, Pam also runs the sales side of Outdoor Solutions. Wycoff prides himself on his knowledge, not only in the area of design, but also regarding all aspects that go into landscaping. From what types of trees or shrubs will work best in a certain area to controlling diseases, and even how to bring nature’s beauties back to life...the company will tackle complete renovations all the way to basic install, proving that Outdoor Solutions can handle all their clients’ needs. They contract commercial as well as residential jobs and even do high end total backyard makeovers. Besides their day to day jobs, Outdoor Solutions also participates in making Genesee County a more beautiful place. The company is involved with the Charter Township of Vienna Business Development Authority (which includes the beautification of Vienna road and I-75), Mt. Morris Chamber of Commerce, BNI-Clio chapter, and even sponsor a Mt. Morris youth baseball team. At Outdoor Solutions, they believe clients’ homes are their most valuable assets and that appearance is very important. When people visit, the first thing they see is the lawn and landscaping. Some of the company’s services include mulching, planting of seasonal flowers, fall and spring cleanup, hardscape construction, and, finally, landscape design and installation. Located at 8008 N. Clio Rd. in Mt Morris, the people at Outdoor Solutions are very confident in their ability to meet all client expectations, and their customers are always their number one priority. Call 810 687 5149 for further information.

OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS LANDSCAPING

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LANDSCAPING SERVICES AND LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES (810) 687-5149 | 8008 N. Clio Rd. Mount Morris, Michigan

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Business // SIGN SCREEN

Fast, Efficient Graphics

At Flint’s “One-Stop” Shop BY TARA MORENO

ign Screen of Flint is busy with all kinds of business this summer. On top of celebrating 20 years of being in business, the family-owned and operated company is trying to keep up with the orders for the election this fall. Owner Gib McCord calls the business a onestop shop for signs, screens and embroidery. What sets this small business apart from the rest of the competition? Well, McCord says he gets products completed quickly and economically for all of his customers. “We are driven and not afraid to take on the job. I don’t turn anything away as long as we can do [it]. We will work around the customer’s needs. Our customers are number one,” says McCord. Most of these customers are nonprofits, schools, and businesses. He also says Sign Screen will do anything graphic-related as long as he is able to create the design. “If we don’t do it here, we will find someone who does,” he notes.

“We are driven and not afraid to take on the job. I don’t turn anything away as long as we can do [it]. We will work around the customer’s needs.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARA MORENO

McCord is a self-proclaimed artist. He was drawn to the sign-making business because he likes to work with his hands. McCord says, “I can build anything, I can make anything, I can design anything. It’s very labor attentive.” He started out designing mostly graphics for t-shirts and eventually gravitated into specialty graphics like automotive decals and embroidery as the business grew. McCord says he hopes his four children, Morgan, Gilbert III, Madison, and Devere, will operate his business in the future,

but for the meantime, he is focusing on expanding it to an online market. In the fall, he plans on offering a unique website feature. “We are going to expand. I’m in the middle of putting a website up. We are going to push for out-of-town business. Customers will be able to upload a logo or design a logo on our website and order products at the same time,” he says, excitedly. Currently, McCord has eight employees working for him. Recently, he hired three new ones and hopes to grow even more over the next year. Head of Embroidery, Jeff Williams,has been with the company for three years. Williams brought 16 years of embroidery experience to Sign Screen when he hired on. Accuracy and fast turnaround are also a part of William’s work ethic. “I have the knowledge and limitations on embroidery, and I know what we can do. We can usually turn a job around very quickly. I make sure everything is properly sewn out,” he explains. Williams also says he is happy to come into work every day. “This business is a family-oriented one. They (McCord and staff) welcomed me with open arms. Treating people like [they] want to be treated, I see that every day I come in here. Everybody has open communication here, and I really like the vibe,” he adds. SIGN SCREEN IS LOCATED AT 408 S CENTER RD, FLINT, MI 48506. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL: 810.239.1100 OR VISIT WWW.SIGNSCREEN.COM.

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Education // BAKER COLLEGE OF FLINT

Baker College Launches New Digital Face New website designed with evolving technologies

hen Google launched in 1998, it forever altered the way we find information. Rich Internet applications brought a visually appealing and engaging experience that changed how we consume media on the Internet. Social media has changed our relationship with technology and, to a large extent, how we interact with each other. Top it all off with the evolving ways we access the Internet using smartphones and tablets — which are only seven years old. The technology is still in its early stages. How can businesses keep up? With mobile devices lasting only an average of 18 months in the U.S. and personal computer sales declining for the first time ever in favor of mobile devices, how can organizations possibly ensure their websites are up-todate with the constant changes in hardware, operating systems and software? Enter responsive design — a design approach aimed at crafting websites to provide an optimal viewing experience. A website built on responsive design technology automatically adapts itself to the viewing screens across a wide range of devices—from mobile phones to desktop computers. Responsive design technology took off rapidly in 2013, alleviating the need for businesses to build and support multiple versions of a website that were optimized for viewing on different sizes of devices. The technology benefits those consuming media too, by delivering the best possible views available depending on the screen they’re viewing. Although Baker College isn’t the first college in the nation to deploy a responsive website, it has integrated several additional technological tools to meet the needs of its current and prospective students. “This new website leverages the latest technology to make locating information even easier for our students and prospective students,” said Wen Hemingway, MBA, CTP, president of Baker College of Flint. “With more than 150 program options available at Baker College, we want to ensure people have information at their fingertips that can lead to education and training for a career in a high-demand field.” Baker College’s new website combines many of the latest and evolving trends in Internet usage. It is worth a look, even for nonstudents and those not planning to go to college. Here are some of the site’s features and attributes: Search box – Browsing until you find just what you’re looking for is a thing of the past. Today, digital users expect to be able to search and find specific information of interest. As such, the search box is prominently located at the top center of every page. Online options – Options such as live chats with admissions counselors, requests for information, online visit scheduling and online class registration 26

help engage visitors and meet their information needs. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) – FAQs at the bottom of every page are populated with content relevant to the specific page. Baker College’s site contains a database of more than 1,000 preloaded FAQs and has the ability grow and become “smarter” with continued use. Save-pages function – The save-pages function is similar to bookmarking a Web page. When you revisit the website, your saved pages appear in a customized drop-down menu. Share function – A one-click share function makes it easy for viewers to share information with their friends via email, Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Event calendar – A calendar of events for each campus and information about student organizations and events makes the website a hub for the students and the community. Just as responsive design allows a website to scale and be seen by the latest devices, the new Baker College website reflects the ever-evolving face of educational institutions and, more broadly, the ongoing evolution of Flint and the organizations that make this community special.

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From The Desk Of... SALLY BARTOS

Principal // Powers Catholic High School Principal Sally Bartos’ desk is proudly adorned with, among other things, the latest issue of the Powers Pride magazine as it features the first graduation class from the new high school campus. This past year has been monumental in the progress of Flint’s only Catholic High School. Appropriately, a small picture of Sister Theresa sits nearby. This saint is noted for her belief in certain miracles, which, as Bartos concedes, came in handy this past year. As she closes out the 2013-14 school year planner, she is enthusiastically looking forward to the upcoming school year. And a Diet Coke, she confesses, “is [also] a staple always on my desk!” Among all the myriad of documents arrayed there, Bartos is eagerly looking over the recently formed partnership between the University of Michigan/ Flint (UM/F), on the one hand, and Kettering University, on the other… in a project known as DEEP. Formally heralded as a dual enrollment education program, it allows juniors and seniors at the high school to complete up to 30 credit hours of college classes while still attending Powers. The UM/F program is humanities based, while the Kettering program is STEM based (science, technology, engineering, math). These important responsibilities probably account for her being the self-proclaimed “Queen” of the sticky notes, for she has them garnishing her desk – everywhere there are reminders of things she has to do. But the screen-saver on her desktop computer shows a serene photograph of a cabin on a lake – Sally’s personal inspiration for her retirement days! Visit www.powerscatholic.org for more information.

STACEY DOYLE

Director of Advancement Powers Catholic High School

A staple on Stacey Doyle’s desk is a stack of pledge statements and cards. As the Director of Advancement for Powers Catholic High School, she says, “…this is what I do!” She is diligently working on informational packets for Powers’ third annual “Be Ready to Hit the Bricks Bash,” sponsored by Northgate. Since the new facility at the former Michigan School for the Deaf site is located on the course of the Crim Festival of Races, Powers will again show their spirit in support of the events with this water and aid station at the eight and a half mile mark of the course, complete with tailgating opportunities being offered this year. The flowers sitting next to the PC monitor hold a special meaning for Stacey. They serve as a solemn reminder to Powers “family” friend, Mike Duggan (1988 alumnus), who suddenly passed away about a year ago. Mike was instrumental in the purchasing of the computer monitors for Powers’ Advancement department. A “thumb rosary,” blessed by the school’s Chaplin, Fr. Dan Kogut, was a gift to this year’s graduating class. There is also a small memento depicting the groundbreaking ceremony for the new campus, which “…signifies the new beginning of Powers we worked so hard to get.” In addition, there’s the beautiful piece of abstract art that was a gift from a former mentor – it serves as her constant inspiration, and she says, “…I can do anything I can set my mind to!” The Powers “culture” emphasizes the importance of family, and Stacey is “all about” family. Spouse John is an ’83 Powers grad, as is daughter Alyssa (2012 alumnus), and son Brad is a Powers senior, while son Jackson attends St. John’s of Fenton. Regarding the “high” desk and chairs; “…..[they] make it easy for me to just ‘turn-and-go,’” Doyle says as she demonstrates what she means with an athletic precision. Visit www.powerscatholic.org for more information. 28

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Education // NEW COLLEGE LEADERS

FLINT WELCOMES

Three New College Leaders BY PAUL ROZYCKI

As the long turnaround of the Flint and Genesee County economy continues, one of the leading forces in that renaissance will be the colleges of the area. Though long considered a “factory” town, Flint is now becoming a college town, with nearly 30,000 students attending area colleges and universities. That’s one reason why this year is critical for the future of Flint, since Genesee County will welcome new leaders to three of its top institutions of higher education. The University of Michigan-Flint, Baker College of Flint, and Mott Community College have all chosen new presidents recently, while Kettering’s president, Dr. Robert McMahan, is a recent arrival as well, joining the University in August 2011.

U of M-Flint

Chancellor Ruth Person is retiring after having served the university since 2008. She has helped increase enrollment by almost 40 percent in the last decade, directed the creation of the first Ph.D. program at the institution (in physical therapy), and managed the development and expansion of dual-enrollment programs with area K-12 schools. Now Dr. Susan Borrego, who served as vice president for enrollment management, planning, and student affairs at California State University, Dominguez Hills, is the newly-chosen chancellor. As vice president at California State, she was in charge of developing a strategic plan to market the college and expand enrollment. In particular, she created programs for diversity and student affairs. Borrego is no stranger to the area. She was raised in Detroit and welcomes the opportunity to return to Michigan. She earned her masters degree from Azusa Pacific University and her doctorate at Claremont Graduate School in California. She feels that the major challenge she faces (and that all colleges face) is “the need to provide an excellent college experience that is accessible and affordable.” With that in mind, she would like to make more student scholarship funds available. Thus, with her past student affairs experience, she “would like to find ways to help first generation students, in particular, achieve their degrees.” She says that “sometimes more than just academics stands in the way of success for first generation students. They often need to deal with work and family issues that can be very challenging.” She would like to see more oncampus internships or jobs available for those students.

She feels that the major challenge she faces (and that all colleges face) is “the need to provide an excellent college experience that is accessible and affordable.”

Dr. Borrego is drawn to the challenge of making Flint a college town. “The potential is great, especially when partnering with the other area colleges,” she states. As one of the three new college presidents or chancellors coming on board this summer, she looks forward to getting to know the other new presidents and working together for common goals. “I’m more into collaboration than competition. We all need to work together for the betterment of Flint” she explains. She is especially excited about the role the U of M -Flint will play in the revival of downtown. “It was Flint (through C.S. Mott) that asked the U of M to come here 50 years ago, and that means a lot to me. It’s a powerful history. What works for one, works for the other. We are in this together,” she adds. Dr. Borrego’s desire to collaborate even extends, to a degree, to MSU. When asked about the presence of MSU’s new medical facility just a few blocks away in downtown Flint, she jokes, “I don’t expect to wear green on the ‘big game day,’ and I’m sure the athletic rivalry will continue, but I do look forward the working with MSU (and the other colleges) for the betterment of Flint.”

NEW COLLEGE LEADERS

// Education

President Hemingway’s goal is clear: “to stay focused on our mission as a career college to provide quality higher education and training that enable graduates to be successful throughout challenging and rewarding careers.”

At Baker College of Flint, Wendy “Wen” Hemingway succeeded Dr. Julianne Princinsky as president in July. Dr. Princinsky began as a faculty member in 1976 and rose to the position of president in 1995. She was the first female college president in the area and the first woman president within the Baker College statewide system. Enrollment at the Flint campus grew from about 3,300 students to more than 5,000 during the 19 years that “Dr. P.” served as president. In addition to the growth of the college, her other major accomplishments include ushering in the greater use of technology and the creation of the Centers for Engineering and Computer Technology and Transportation Technology, as well as the recent Center for Business. She is proud of the fact that the great majority of Baker students find employment in their chosen field. President Hemingway takes over after spending 20 years in retail and commercial banking—most recently with Fifth Third Bank and Citizens Banking Corporation—and six years in entrepreneurial endeavors. She established and led two businesses— Shadowood Technology, which retrofitted diesel engines using emerging technology and Shadowood Properties, a real estate developer. She is well known to the Baker College community. She has served as a member of the Baker College of Flint Board of Regents since 2006, as well as chairperson since 2008; a trustee for the Baker College system since 2008; and a director of the Jewell Educational Fund for three years. Jewell is a Baker College grantor that provides scholarships to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need.

At Mott Community College,

As she takes the helm at Baker College of Flint, President Hemingway’s goal is clear: “to stay focused on our mission as a career college to provide quality higher education and training that enable graduates to be successful throughout challenging and rewarding careers.” She says this includes “staying connected with employers to ensure our curriculum is meeting their needs.” About 80 percent of Baker College’s program offerings are STEM related—in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics—and are attracting an increasing number of out-of-state students. She expects this trend to continue, especially because many of these STEM programs are unique in the nation, such as photonics and laser technology, orthotic/prosthetic technology and automotive restoration. She would like to see continued growth in dual-enrollment high tech programs between Baker College and area high schools where “students can benefit from jump-starting their career training early.”

Richard ‘Dick’ Shaink, who has been the longest serving president of the college, announced his retirement earlier in the year. After 14 years at the helm of Mott, he lists two things as his major accomplishments. First, he takes pride in the collaboration the area colleges have shared. Second, he is gratified that Mott has kept tuition low, even while the college has faced a loss of state funds and a significant decline in property tax revenue.

President Hemingway looks forward to working with the other college presidents to attract new businesses and new jobs to the community. “Jobs will come to areas where there is a well-trained workforce,” she said. She’s looking forward to continuing the successful initiatives already in place among the area colleges, and she feels that as the new presidents come on board, “we will continue to look for new, creative ways to help the community prosper.” And yes, she married a distant relative of that other Hemingway—Nobel Prize-winning author, Ernest “Papa” Hemingway.

As of this writing Mott is completing its selection process and has just chosen Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, currently a vice president at Montgomery College in Maryland, as its new president. Final negotiations are still in process. Readers can look for an introduction to the new Mott Community College president in the next issue of onthetown.

Education // MICHIGAN TRANSFER AGREEMENT colleges (including MCC’s Fugate), five representatives from universities and four legislators. The school representatives were chosen regionally, and their goal was to draft an agreement to which no school could take exception in the future. “It’s important to recognize what a huge accomplishment this agreement is,” Fugate says. “In the first committee meeting, some of the representatives didn’t think it was a possibility for their schools,” she adds… but after a few more meetings they got on board. “I think they realized that it really does make it easier for everyone,” Fugate states. In the last four decades, many of the universities have not accepted the MACRAO agreement, she reveals. Many MACRAO-receiving institutions have created provisos, or exceptions, to the agreement. A university might accept the agreement but require a student to retake one or more of the courses any way.

Michigan Transfer Agreement New agreement makes transfer between Michigan colleges and universities easier BY MICHAEL KELLY

tudents use community colleges in many ways. For some, the two-year associate’s degree is their entrance to successful careers in fields ranging from nursing, to welding, to cooking, to police work and beyond. For others, a one-year certification in a technical area like computer-aided drafting and design, or heating, ventilation and air conditioning puts them into a wellpaying job. But for many students from Genesee County, Mott Community College is the first step on their way to a bachelor’s degree from a university. Taking their first year or two of college at MCC saves time and money and allows them to transfer to a university bettered prepared and well on their way to earning that valuable degree. However, along the way, there have traditionally been a few obstacles, including classes that didn’t transfer because they didn’t fit in a university’s program. But most of those obstacles have been removed by the new Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) that goes into effect with the Fall 2014 semester. The MTA guarantees that a block of general education credits from Mott Community College will transfer to any public university in Michigan, and to many private institutions as well. It is the first statewide initiative to streamline the transfer process since 1973 and will be the first ever to be received by every public school in the state. It will replace the 40-year-old Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers (MACRAO) transfer agreement. While the MACRAO agreement had various levels of participation, every four-year and two-year school in Michigan has agreed to sign on to the MTA, according to Dr. Amy Fugate, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Mott Community College. Unlike in many other states, there has been no streamlined process for students in Michigan who wish to transfer, making the system inefficient for students and often wasting their time and money. The idea for the MTA was generated by the state legislature. In 2012 the Community College Appropriations Bill included language that called for the creation of a 14-member committee to “develop a process to improve the transferability of core college courses.” This committee was composed of five representatives from community 32

The basis of the MTA is to begin with a universal agreement, so that universities will have no reason to create these provisos, thereby eliminating the surprises and subsequent frustration for students when they are ready to transfer. The MTA will transfer as a block, with no course-by-course transfer processes, Fugate says. “This means that a significant part of your general education classes are completed.” But while the MTA is guaranteed to transfer, universities can still require higher-level general education courses, especially major-specific ones. “It doesn’t preclude institutions from having additional requirements, but they cannot nit-pick at those block courses,” according to Fugate.

MICHIGAN TRANSFER AGREEMENT

// Education

“THE MTA IS VERY GOOD NEWS FOR MOTT COLLEGE STUDENTS. IT MEANS THAT STUDENTS WILL HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT WILL OR WILL NOT TRANSFER UP FRONT, WHICH THEY REALLY DESERVE AS CONSUMERS.”

While it will make the process of transferring simpler, some students could find the requirements of the MTA more challenging than those of MACRAO agreement. With the MACRAO agreement, grades in all of the courses had to average at least a 2.0. In the MTA, a student must achieve at least a 2.0 in each course, Fugate points out. Also in the MACRAO agreement, students could avoid math; in the MTA they cannot and an additional science requirement has also been added to the MTA. Thus, students may have to work a little harder for the new agreement, Fugate says, but they can know that it’s worthwhile because it’s guaranteed to count.

“The MTA is very good news for Mott College students,” according to Chris Engle, Registrar at MCC. “It means that students will have all of the information about what will or will not transfer up front, which they really deserve as consumers.” For students who have been working towards transferring with the MACRAO agreement, there will probably be some overlap before the MACRAO is eliminated. “There is still a lot of work to be done before the rollout next fall, but the committee and the schools are on track to make it happen,” Fugate says. This fall, life for transfer students is going to get a lot easier.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARA MORENO

A BAND PERFORMS LIVE AT THE NEW FLINT FARMERS’ MARKET JUNE 21. REPORTS ESTIMATED 10,000 PEOPLE ATTENDED OPENING DAY.

KEARSLEY PARK BLUE GRASS BAZAAR WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE FLINT AREA. THE BAZAAR WAS ORCHESTRATED BY UM-FLINT SENIOR RYAN BELLOWS.

A Day In The Life... BY TARA MORENO

owntown Flint is steadily moving in the direction of becoming a bustling metropolis. With Mott, University of Michigan-Flint, Kettering and Baker College in the area, as well as Michigan State University being added to the mix next year, it’s safe to say that college students are making up much of the community in the city. But what does a typical college student do in downtown Flint for fun? The list is long and steadily increasing. Anyone can take a stroll through downtown and see the obvious growth marked by the vibrant glow of signage from both new and long-established bars and restaurants, store fronts, and corporate businesses. Fifth year UM-Flint senior Matt Coggins has witnessed the dramatic growth in the list of things to do for the younger generation in the downtown Flint area. When Coggins isn’t working or studying at UM-Flint’s theatre department, he is busy making music with his local alternative band “Earl Grey.” Coggins says, “Flint is turning away from a baby boomer town, and the ones who have inherited it are making it their own kind of [place].” And that they are. Besides the concentration of live entertainment at swanky pubs like The Loft, Churchills, and Soggy Bottom Bar, along with delicious eateries like The Lunch Studio, Blackstone’s, The Flint Crepe Company and Table and

Tap, a college student can revel in the art scene. In fact, Flint’s art culture is one of the driving forces behind the city’s revival. With the Flint Institute of Arts and Music just around the corner, and the Greater Flint Art Council near Court Street on Saginaw, it’s no wonder more independent art groups are making up a large part of the local college attraction. Furthermore, the Flint Art Walk, which occurs on the second Friday of the month, is big attraction for students. This is when hundreds of people gather to celebrate art made by local artists. UM-Flint senior Ryan Bellows, who spear-headed the new festival called the Kearsley Blue Grass Bazaar, has been an instrumental figure in Flint’s art scene. Bellows says Flint is a prime area for a great art scene because it has a small town feel to it. Bellows has been part of Flint’s Creative Alliance, a group of artists who aim to collaborate with artists of all modalities. “Everyone supports another’s positive efforts in our community. It’s a strong community; there are folks here I’ve known for over 20 years, and they make room for the younger folks who make their way into our circle. Presently, there’s a big movement in creating art,” notes Bellows. On top of music, arts and eats, new festivals are popping up to cater to the younger generations. The Blue Grass Bazaar at Kearsley Park and Flint Pride at Riverbank Park will join the ranks of “The Back to the Bricks Cruise and Car Show” and the “Crim Festival of Races,” all of which bring in thousands of people from all over the world. In addition, the Flint Farmer’s Market is also a new attraction for the college student. The larger market is nestled right across from UM-Flint in the old Flint Journal building on Second Street. According to news reports, about 10,000 people

MATT COGGINS, A SENIOR AT U OF M-FLINT, SITS IN THE BACK ROOM OF THE LUNCH STUDIO.

COLLEGE LIFE

// People

CHRIS DAY AND OAKLIN MIXOA PREPARE FOOD AT THE FLINT CREPE CO. THE RESTAURANT IS LOCATED ON SAGINAW STREET.

showed up opening day. Graduate student at UM-Flint, Claudia Quezada Garrido, who is from Chile, says she will definitely take advantage of the new Farmers’ Market. “Having the Farmer’s Market just steps away from the Residence Hall is one of the things I had been hoping for practically since I first moved into Flint…I’ll be able to go grocery shopping more often. This is a great advantage, especially for international students who will be able to try new, local products,” she says. And the list of hot spots goes on. From Good Beans Café on Grand Traverse, Buckham Gallery and Pages Book Store, Local 432, and 501 Bar and Grill to the infamous Torch Bar -- the college student, or any downtown Flint visitor for that matter, should never complain of boredom. And it’s safe to say that, with the student population growing in size, other businesses are sure to pop up that are student-friendly. Coggins says he is excited to see how the next five years will pan out for downtown Flint. “If U of M-Flint continues to grow like it has in the past couple years, Flint itself could grow into some kind of college town. Hopefully, more business aimed at that younger demographic will start moving in,” he says. 37

People // TIM ELLIOT

Despite the Wheelchair, Tim Elliot Stands Tall AFTER 14 YEARS, MAN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY GRADUATES U OF M-FLINT

BY WENDY BYARD

“Hi, Tim!” “How ya doing, Tim?” “What’s up, Tim?” …say the various voices so that spending time at the University Pavilion with Tim Elliott is a lot like hanging out with Norm from Cheers: Everyone knows Tim’s name. It’s because Tim is a University of Michigan-Flint celebrity. After fourteen years of pursuing his degree, Tim, a computer science major, has finally graduated this spring with a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the college. Says Michael Kassel, U of M-Flint Tutorial Services coordinator, “Tim is a hero.”

ourteen years to earn his degree? Why celebrated? Because Tim is challenged with cerebral palsy and sits in a wheelchair. At nine months old, Tim was diagnosed with the condition, and since the age of four, he has faced life from a motorized chair. He has limited use of much of his body. In fact, his only fine motor control is in his right hand, which he uses to operate both his wheelchair and computer. Completing everyday tasks the rest of us may take for granted is arduous and painstaking for Tim. Even verbal communication is a challenge. Yet, while his body has limitations, his mind and his will certainly do not. Not only has Tim graduated, he has done so with many recognitions.

“IF YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING BADLY ENOUGH, YOU WON’T GIVE UP. I NEEDED TO BELIEVE IN MYSELF.”

Tim, a Lapeer native, earned the Commitment to Service recognition because of the over 700 community service hours he donated to a project on 3D Vector Modeling. Also, working with university professors, Tim undertook research on cyber-anthropology, which is the study of humans in virtual communities. He presented his research both at the Meeting of the Minds and the U of M-Flint Student Research Conferences. Tim was further recognized as a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity, and he certainly exemplifies the words on the fraternity’s badge which state “The Star and Crescent shall not be worn by every man, but only by him who is worthy to wear it. He must be a gentleman... a man of honor and courage... a man of zeal, yet humble... an intelligent man.” At graduation, Tim also wore a cord of white signifying The Order of Omega National Leadership Honor Society. Only the top three percent of Greeks at an institution are granted membership in this selective order that is based on scholarship, leadership, and involvement in fraternity, campus and community life. “If you want to accomplish something badly enough, you won’t give up,” Tim says of his inspirational achievements. “I needed to believe in myself,” he adds. U of M-Flint staff has high praise for Tim. “I don’t see a Tim who dwells on being in a wheelchair,” offers Kassel, who is also a history lecturer at the college. “Tim has never said, ‘Oh, Mike, I’m in a wheelchair.’ I’ve never even heard him refer to it. In fourteen years, I never heard him complain. What we take for granted so easily every day, Tim has to face. He’s pretty amazing.”

TIM ELLIOT

// People

Librarian Paul Gifford, who observed Tim’s determination as he studied in the college library since 2000, comments, “For fourteen years [Tim] kept at it – to get this far. It would be so easy to be discouraged. Everyone else says, ‘How can you do it?’[ But] he’s got a good outlook on life. He doesn’t let problems get in his way. That’s why it’s so inspirational: his doggedness; the ability to keep at it.” I ask Tim, “How do you do it? Why do you want to do everything for yourself, and how do you stay motivated every day?” And he replies, “Let me give you an example. When I was little, someone would say to my mom, ‘I am going to feed Tim.’ But my mom would say, ‘Tim can feed himself.’” He relates with a smile that sometimes he would get mad at his mom for saying such things, but he now understands why she did. Regarding staying motivated, Tim acknowledges, “It depends on the day. Some days it’s hard to get motivated. Sometimes, I get overwhelmed. On those days, I cannot do what I need to do. Because I’ve got so many goals – that’s what keeps me sane.” The upbringing that encouraged Tim to be independent has paid off. Tim lives by himself at the U of M-Flint Riverfront Residence Hall. With his backpack hanging on the rear of his wheelchair, Tim motors around the college campus, inspiring people, making friends, and succeeding in college life – just like any other student. “He’s empowered,” Kassel says. “He doesn’t want to be [judged] for what you first see (the wheelchair), but for the determined person he is. [Often] people with disabilities get known for their disability rather than who they are. People are much more than a disability. You have to take the time to get to know them. Tim is a really nice, fun person. He’s got a great sense of humor. And he worked really, really hard. I saw him working really hard.” Now that he’s graduated, Tim has new goals…among them, finding a job. He’s interested in making 3D software and applications like those in video games. With a grin, Tim also confesses to another goal, saying, “I want to find a girlfriend ” -- just like any other college student. Gandhi once said, “Man often becomes what he believes himself to be.” It seems Tim Elliott – college grad, researcher, presenter, independent man, and humble, hardworking, and cheerful friend to all – has become his belief. He is living life on his own terms, without pity, but instead, with integrity and respect. Well done, college graduate. Bravo, Tim Elliott.

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Living Memory:

West Frescura and the Forward 4 West Foundation BY MARTHA HAMP

he belongs to an exclusive “club”...but it is not one that Jennifer Frescura or her family ever sought to join. This “club” exists, in fact, as the loose connection that links those unfortunate parents (as well as other relatives) of children who have been lost too soon to death – tragically, on all counts. But for some of these parents, like Jennifer and her husband, the human heart rallies somehow, and, if they are lucky and resilient enough, they and their families manage to salvage something positive from life’s worst of all possible blows. And that positive response for the Frescuras exists in the form of a wonderful and ever so touching foundation called Forward 4 West, which keeps alive the spirit and tender memory of their remarkable son West, by raising funds for good causes in their community of Linden, Michigan, and, at the same time, celebrating the life of an adored boy who left this world much too soon. Jennifer Frescura’s son West would have celebrated his 14th birthday this September 5, but his life was cut short in a freak accident, when, according to a brief history on the Forward 4 West registration form, “…West passed away on July 1, 2012, at the age of 11 while playing on a water trampoline at a friend’s home on Marl Lake.” The publication goes on to characterize him so that others can come to know how special he was, saying, “He was an amazing young man and was destined to touch lives.” His mother Jenn says that, early on, she knew that losing her son “would either define me or destroy me,” and that contention, perhaps, was what gave her the impetus to form the foundation she now heads – Forward 4 West – as a way of preserving the memory of her child by doing as much good as possible in his name … and “saving” herself and her family members in the bargain. Thus, out of the depths of a tragedy an exceptional foundation was born – one which is structured, as its history states, to serve the area in which West 40

lived – because “he was a kind and caring boy who loved his family, friends, and community,” that of the “Linden Family.” And it all began with an aunt who wanted to donate books in West’s name to honor him on his birthday. From this small desire, the idea of memorializing West through good works galvanized family and friends so that, in the first two years of the foundation’s existence, they raised $12,000 for books bearing West’s name on sticker plates, as well as a plaque honoring him which was placed in a designated section of the library at the boy’s elementary school. Similar donations were later given to the middle and other primary schools, becoming the family’s means of saying “thank you” to those who, in Jennifer’s words, “mourned with and supported us in our loss.” Soon the purpose of the organization expanded even more and began to address a cause of which his mother is sure West would highly approve. She says, “West was always for the underdog, for those life often [fails] to recognize…” and so the raising of funds to finance scholarships began, at first just for students in Linden, but now with plans to expand and include those children in other school districts. These grants were to be awarded to students chosen by the staffs in special education departments and given to those children suffering from learning disabilities – for West had great difficulty with reading. Qualifications stipulate that each student considered must have had an impact on one of the teachers and must have received services through special education channels. Jennifer explains that part of the motive for all this is “to offer more opportunities for kids who don’t qualify for academic scholarships or [perhaps] other honors.” The foundation officially asserts further that “…a scholarship will be given each year to a graduate of Linden High School. The scholarship is being established to help any student [who has] experienced struggles in school similar to West’s. [He]

FORWARD 4 WEST

had a great love of reading but was challenged every time he picked up a book.” In a poignant touch, West’s 4th grade teacher at Hyatt Elementary, Aimee Bush, had taught the student who received the scholarship this year – and that student’s sister had actually been in West’s class. So how do the dedicated people who run Forward 4 West manage to accomplish what they do in the memory of the boy they think of as an “angel?” The foundation fundraises through the annual Family Fun Run & Walk, held on West’s birthday, September 5. Jennifer says that these funds go back to the Linden community and keep West’s memory fresh and alive by serving the needs of and honoring special students…such as her son. After the event that day, all West’s family and friends, as well as other participants and interested citizens, celebrate his birthday with a glorious display of fireworks – which Jenn’s youngest son first suggested for that occasion two months after his brother’s passing. He said then that “West can see them, and we can see them…and it will be like [he’s] blowing out his candles.” This is how Jennifer, her husband and their two remaining sons make a positive yet heartfelt event out of what is, for them, a very difficult day. In a touching aside, West had a pet turtle he had been fond of, and since the loss of her son, Jennifer Frescura has documented several times when she has encountered some image of one and had something good happen to her afterward. For example, when she shows a house to a client as a real estate agent for the Kristy Cantleberry Team at Remax Grande in Grand Blanc, if she sees a garden facsimile of a turtle or, perhaps, a picture of one hanging on a wall, she invariably makes the sale. This phenomenon had become so constant an occurrence that her husband, Brian, started a silkscreen company to make t-shirts with a turtle logo and the thematic slogan “Turtle’s Shells and Angel’s Wings.” These both have become the identifying symbol

// People

of Forward 4 West, and they fit well with Jennifer’s attitude when she contends that “I know there’s hope after [a tragedy like this],” emphasizing that “I can honor the loss while still functioning as a mother and a wife – going to work and being productive.” This may explain how she achieves a delicate but crucial balance in her life as she navigates the difficult straits that are her existence after West. She even refers to this condition herself as her “new normal.” In fact, Jennifer’s life-lesson is that action remains preferable to inaction. She says, “The busier I stay, the better I am – I have learned the art of distraction.” But Forward 4 West and the memory of its namesake she keeps alive is more of a mission for her…one dedicated to doing as much good as West would have wanted. Asked about the future of her son’s foundation, she says she sees it evolving as the work continues and the years pass, forever honoring and celebrating the boy whose loss gave it life. But for now, the principle remains simple and clear – especially as described on the Facebook page Forward 4 West Community Organization which states that it represents “a cause to remember the loss of West Frescura by giving back to the local community with a focus on scholarships and fundraising for children with reading challenges.” Those readers moved by the story of West can “like” the Facebook page, join the Family Fun Run & Walk on September 5 by securing a registration form @GetKristy.com, make a donation outright to the foundation’s scholarship fund, or, perhaps, and best of all, head to the grateful town of Linden for West’s fireworks display as he “blows out his candles” for the third time since that fateful day. And as for West, his existence transcends the boundaries of this temporal world in which the rest of us live, for he remains, now and forever, safe, secure, and always protected in Jennifer Frescura’s brave and faithful heart – her angel throughout all eternity.

Cover // DOUG BOSLEY

BY MARTHA HAMP

It began as a reunion

for some of his employees who had worked for him over the years but soon transformed itself into a joyous tribute to the man, himself – an evening characterized by good food, good drinks, and good people – all of the kind the guest of honor has been so noted for these four decades as a restaurateur in Genesee County. And what a party it turned into, held at The Elks Club in Atlas Township last October, where at least 400 of Doug Bosley’s former employees, family members, and we, his longtime friends, attempted to convey to him just how much he means to us…and to the Greater Flint Area as well. For some of us, he’s seemed a constant presence, not only in our culinary experiences but in our social lives too, providing haunts and hangouts for us to go to in both good times and bad, offering friendship and commiseration whenever necessary. As Karen Amerling

Gray puts it, “He was always making us feel comfortable, like walking into our own homes and having a relative there to greet us,” and her husband, Jim, agrees. Through the years, having opened, staffed, and run at least eight or more restaurants, catered events both large and small, and managed the food services of a country club, he now offers consultancy advice to the owners of other establishments, to people who know the value of his advice as a venerable “expert” – coming full circle, as it were, as one who has been in the business a long time and who “knows whereof he speaks.” But more than that, he is, in fact, a kind of icon for some of us who have known and loved him for as long as he’s been doing what he does best – serving his public with cheerfulness, gentleness and grace, and it is with that in mind that we humbly seek to define the man as he appears through our eyes.

DOUG BOSLEY

// Cover

oug Bosley’s long career started by happenstance, with him working for his dad who owned the old Motor City Club on N. Saginaw Street, across for Dom Polski Hall; there he ran the bar, cleaned up, and generally learned the business. Aged 19 and in college just a year, his father’s heart attack dictated that Doug drop out in order to “fill in” at the club. Tom Macksood who swept floors at the place when he was only 15, says it was where he learned to dance. And Luana Pelio Foster recalls how her mother, Lena Pelio (owner of Pelio School of Dance), and her cousin, Bethany Thomas, both very accomplished dancers themselves, used to love going there. Foster says that to this day, “I can remember watching my ma getting dressed [to go].” The club was eventually sold, but Doug, bitten by the “restaurant bug,” wanted to open his own place, so, with help from his dad, some financial backing from “Flushing-ites” Howard Bueche and Keith Burden, as well as with a loan from Citizens Bank, he bought a parcel of land on Pierson Road from Walter Todd… and The Country Squire was born. Bosley says of this time that “People always took me under their wings – and, by the way, I paid back every dime.” He has always been cognizant of the amazing good will he’s enjoyed from people who know him, saying of these early years that “They turned out to be like family to me.” And so they were, because when construction of an addition to the back of the place caught fire, backers Al Feke and Tommy Kilpatrick came through for Doug, putting a trailer on the site and rebuilding the “annex” with timber gleaned from the old train station in Flint. Business was good, but it wasn’t long before “Mister B” as he has always been called by his employees, turned his attention to an opportunity ready for the taking in Flint Township.

Around this time, Doug also opened a relatively small place in Flushing called The Speakeasy – a restaurant he says was to be “a place to hang my hat when I got old…my retirement” – as well as a bar and grill called Brandy’s, in Lapeer, and Pipps in the Park at Waterstreet, in downtown Flint, all keeping him quite busy, to say the least. And the “good will” of which Bosley had always been so conscious was truly with him during this time. Tom Macksood says of him then, “The essence of Doug Bosley was Flint, and the essence of Flint was Doug Bosley.”

As it happened, an empty A&P grocery store, sitting in a small strip mall at the junction of Beecher and Calkins Roads, provided Bosley with the perfect space in which to launch his signature restaurant, The Beechtree, in March of 1977 – St. Patrick’s Day, in fact. He says “It was the right place at the right time” …a truth proven by the great success it came to be. Set up for both dining and dancing, it was almost at once a big hit with patrons of all ages and attitudes. Mike Hamp remembers, “Dining there was like eating in a garden – with plants and high-backed wicker chairs on one side, and on the other, a nightclub setting, with a bar and room for dancing, especially disco” – a place where Forest Benaway always said he got “Happy Feet.” Divided in two, one side of the restaurant offered a sedate dining experience, ideal for families and couples, for example, while the other, with its long, curving bar and dance floor, catered to a young to middle-aged (and often singles) crowd. But brunch on Sundays became a favorite of those of all ages and dispositions, families, couples, and singles alike, demonstrating that The Beechtree could please nearly any customer who came through its doors.

Eventually in the 80s, Bosley decided to change the Beechtree concept, and Celebrations was born, complete with a compendium of “Oldies” to dance to – delighting his Baby Boomer customers. This incarnation of clubby bar and enlarged dance floor from that same section of the former Beechtree was just right for the times, re-energizing the place. As Doug observes, “Most good ideas are either borrowed or stolen, but they’re usually improved upon,” -- which explains his great resiliency in a business comprised of feeding and entertaining people – that he has always been ready and willing to adapt, trying to heed advice of magnitude from those who had “been there.” And though Celebrations seemed to cater to a particular demographic, Bosley also offered Karaoke in one of the rooms on the old dining side, satisfying a younger crowd, so that, again, Doug’s business sailed right along…with all his devoted friends on board for the ride as he provided a great time for all of us – while it lasted. Because nothing is forever – especially in the restaurant business where patrons are, at best, fickle fans and economies have their ups and downs, Celebrations eventually changed hands, but Doug still had his restaurant on Pierson Road, called Bosleys, on the site of the old Country Squire in Flushing… a sprawling affair offering a new version of his old expertise… and decorated with style and taste by his talented friend, Cassandra. The décor in the bar and various dining areas was sumptuous and rich, expressing both the owner’s and the decorator’s perfectly melded tastes. It offered traditional dining fare throughout, except for in the informal bar 43

Cover // DOUG BOSLEY called Pipps, located at the back of the building, a place where customers could eat “bar food,” drink beer, watch sports, and dance to bands which played on the weekends. The atmosphere in this place was so casual and comfortable, in fact, that, as Bonnie Moore-Hill well remembers, one customer of longstanding, after watching a late-season Michigan football game (and after a few beers) went out to the courtyard beyond the bar’s bank of windows and made an angel in the snow, to the delight and laughter of those of us watching. So “Mister B” was back home, supplying a mixture of fine dining and casual fun – as he had done in all his establishments -- acting, as always, the man of the people he has always been, for “People gave to me, and I

“signature” buffets, a glorious Easter feast, presented and served up in the familiar, trusted way we have become accustomed to in the past 40 years. As friend, Tom Barrett remarks, “There is hardly anyone in Genesee County who has not eaten at one of Doug Bosley’s buffets, either at a wedding reception, a party, a graduation open house, a charity event, or even at a wake.” He has, literally been with many of us, one way or another, throughout most of our adult lives. So what does the future hold for Doug Bosley and his wife, Dawn, after all these years in the business and all the accolades lavished upon him? Dawn says of her husband, “Doug loved what he did – and loved being a part of everyone’s life. From the day I met him at the old Win Schuler’s in Genesee Valley Mall, he has never wavered from the man he has always been.” She is fiercely protective of him, most especially of his health, but she likes the idea of his working as a consultant since he has so much expertise to share. And his sons, Craig and Kevin, for whom he has been a mentor by teaching them not only everything they know about business, but about how important it is to understand people as well, want him to have a good quality of life and enjoy himself. Craig advises him “to live for the day and, above all, to be happy.” Similarly, friend Don O‘Reilly has something to say about Doug, something simple but true. He recalls that “Doug

“DOUG LOVED WHAT HE DID – AND LOVED BEING A PART OF EVERYONE’S LIFE. FROM THE DAY I MET HIM AT THE OLD WIN SCHUELER’S IN GENESEE VALLEY MALL, HE HAS NEVER WAVERED FROM THE MAN HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN.” hope I gave back to them,” he asserts. And one of the generous things he did was sponsor an annual golf tournament for Special Kids -- as well as to provide a space for an annual Superbowl party, the money collected from each going to that cause. Dawn Flowers remembers that “The Superbowl parties were the best, with Doug’s wonderful food and drinks included.” And it’s true that many people did support him wherever he established himself – from the later reincarnation of The Beechtree on Bristol and Van Slyke, open until 2007, through Doug’s successful years as chef and manager of all food services… regular dining, event planning, and catering of parties… at Spring Meadows Country Club in Linden, where membership increased under his direction, according to Dawn Bosley, at least ten-fold. Doug says of that experience, “I enjoyed all 12 years I spent there, and I loved the people.” The Beechtree on Bristol Road fell victim to the decline and near-collapse of the economy in 2008-09, while Doug’s two bouts with cancer in 2010 and 2011 played some part in ending his association with the club. But today, thanks to loving care from his wife, Dawn, and his own spirit that says “You can’t keep a good man down,” Doug Bosley is cancer-free and unattached to any restaurant in particular, although he helped with the recent opening of Signature Chop House in Flushing – coincidentally on the very site of the original Speakeasy that Doug had opened three decades earlier. He executed some of the initial parties scheduled, oversaw services to customers, and just generally relished all the people who came into the establishment to see him. And his fans were legion! Longtime patron of Bosley’s Jim Miller says about him what we all know to be true --that “Doug’s most endearing quality is his ‘people skill’ and…he builds friendships and trust because he truly cares about customers.” Bosley’s short tenure at the chop house ended on a high note with him creating one of his own 44

has always been good to the O‘Reilly family … even during the annual ‘O‘Reilly-O‘Bosley Challenge’ on numerous St. Paddy’s Days” and he laughs, remembering. His cousin Denny adds more seriously that “The one thing about Doug that has impressed me the most over the years is what a genuine person he is.” Ted Kramer, having dealt with Bosley since the Country Squire days in the 70’s says, “Doug is a special man. Being in business is not easy, being in the restaurant business is [even] harder, and making a success in the restaurant industry in Flint is nearly impossible; what makes him special is the manner in which he conducted business. His customers have always gotten value for their money, along with a smile from Mister B. Those who worked for him were treated fairly, and they loved and respected him… as evidenced by the party that was thrown for him just this past year, attended by hundreds of friends and ex-employees, [even] from as far away as California!” This accurately expresses how all of us who appreciate him feel…as our testimonials demonstrate. And we must note the long list of those who learned something about being a chef from Doug when each worked for him – such as Louis Fernandes at Redwood Steakhouse, Matt Cooper at Mott Community College, and Denny Dodey at Woodfield, to name a few. And so, Doug Bosley, restaurateur and friend extraordinaire, those of us whose existences you’ve touched would like to add our collective “voices” to the praise already expressed and simply say, “Thanks for the memories,” for you helped to make our lives just a bit better for having known you, both in your business and beyond it. Take good care of yourself and don’t work too hard, for you are a treasure to us, to the area, and to the culinary arts which you have “done so proud.” And most of all, know that we want you around for a long while, Mister B, because, as you must understand by now…you are so dear, so very dear to our hearts.

TASTE OF THE TOWN:

Food & Drink

CRUST

CRUST IS A BAKING COMPANY THAT PREPARES ARTISAN BREADS DAILY, FROM “CITY WHITE” TO “DOWNTOWN BROWN,” AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. CUSTOMERS HAVE A PLETHORA OF OPTIONS AT THE CRUST, SO THAT IF THEY ARE HUNGRY, THEY CAN EITHER ORDER A TASTY SANDWICH, SOUP, SALAD, COFFEE, OR ANOTHER BEVERAGE OF THEIR CHOICE AND STAY A WHILE … FOR THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO SAVOR, INCLUDING COOKIES, MUFFINS, PASTRIES AND PIES… OH MY! DID SOMEONE SAY CAKE? THIS IS A “CRUST PERENNIAL FAVORITE” WITH LOADS OF CARROTS, TOASTED WALNUTS AND SPICE, ALL TOPPED WITH A CREAM CHEESE FROSTING.

TASTE OF THE TOWN:

Food & Drink « SORRENTO’S SORRENTO’S ITALIAN-AMERICAN CUISINE HAS, FOR OVER FORTY YEARS, BEEN MAKING PEOPLE WANT TO COME BACK TO THE RESTAURANT FOR MORE. THEIR LASAGNA OFFERS LAYER AFTER LAYER OF THIN HOMEMADE NOODLES FILLED WITH MOZZARELLA CHEESE AND MEAT SAUCE AND IS A DISH CUSTOMERS ALWAYS LOVE… IT MAY HAVE A SHORT LIST OF INGREDIENTS, BUT THE QUALITY OF IT IS SECOND TO NONE. THIS ENTREE IS SERVED WITH A FRESH GARDEN SALAD AND HOMEMADE GARLIC BREAD.

NEED WE SAY MORE?

MOO COW

MOO COW ICE CREAM & DESSERT’S IN GOODRICH STRIVES TO GIVE CUSTOMERS THE BEST AND MOST DELICIOUS TREATS POSSIBLE! FROM THEIR AMAZING SHAKES TO HAND-DIPPED ICE CREAM IN HOMEMADE WAFFLE

CONES,

PEOPLE

WILL

NOT

DISAPPOINTED!

TIA HELITA’S

SOPAPILLAS /SOPIPEYE/

IS A PUFF-LIKE PASTRY

PREPARED BY MAKING A SWEET AND SAVORY DOUGH THAT PUFFS UP WITH A HOLLOW CENTER AND CRISPY EXTERIOR AND THAT CAN THEN BE DRIZZLED WITH A CUSTOMER’S CHOICE OF HONEY, CARAMEL OR CHOCOLATE -- ALL COMPLETED WITH A SPRINKLE OF POWERED SUGAR. THIS DISH’S LIGHT, CRISPY, AND SWEET TEXTURE MEANS PATRONS WILL ALWAYS HAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT AT TIA HELITA’S! SONIA TATE REPRESENTS A THIRD- GENERATION OWNER OF TIA HELITA’S, AND HER GRANDPARENTS INTRODUCED THE WET BURRITO TO THE FLINT AREA. MADE WITH A CHOICE OF STEWED BEEF, CHICKEN, OR BEANS, IT’S SLOW- COOKED WITH BELL PEPPERS, WRAPPED IN A FLOUR TORTILLA, AND SMOTHERED WITH MONTEREY JACK CHEESE AND ENCHILADA SAUCE. MADE FOR THE BIGGEST OF APPETITES, THIS HEARTY DISH WILL LEAVE CUSTOMERS QUITE SATISFIED.

TASTE OF THE TOWN:

Food & Drink « EL POTRERA’S EL POTRERA’S TAKES PRIDE IN SERVING AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD, ESPECIALLY THEIR FAJITA’S MEXICANA.

THESE COME

WITH A CHOICE OF BEEF, CHICKEN, OR SHRIMP AND ARE SERVED WITH FRESH TOMATOES, HOMEMADE PICO DE GALIO, AND RICE AND BEANS. EL PORTRERA’S MARGARITAS HAVE JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SWEET AND SALTY TANG TO THEM, BUT CUSTOMERS WILL HAVE TO TRY ONE FOR THEMSELVES … THEY ARE MADE ACCORDING TO A SECRET FAMILY RECIPE AND SERVED IN THEIR VERY OWN HANDMADE GLASSES.

BEEF AND BARLEY

BEEF AND BARLEY’S EXTENSIVE MENU INCLUDES A CALAMARI APPETIZER,

MADE

WITH

SAUCE-LADEN,

THICK

FILETS…

REPRESENTING JUST ONE OF THE MANY OPTIONS FOR THE MOST DISCERNING OF APPETITES. IF IN DOUBT ABOUT WHAT DRINK TO CHOOSE, THE OWNER OF BEEF & BARLEY, NAJIB SAAB, WILL IMMEDIATELY HAVE A BUSHWHACKER DELIVERED TO A CUSTOMER’S TABLE. A KNOWN NASHVILLE CLASSIC MADE WITH RICH GODIVA CHOCOLATE, KALUHA, VANILLA BEAN ICE CREAM AS WELL AS A FEW OTHER MOUTH-WATERING INGREDIENTS, IT’S A DESSERT AND A DRINK… ALL-IN-ONE!

TASTE OF THE TOWN:

Food & Drink

CASA REAL

AT CASA REAL DINERS MUST TRY THE EL MOLCAJETE GRILLED SHRIMP AND RIBEYE COOKED WITH MUSHROOMS, BELL PEPPERS, AND ONIONS, AND SERVED WITH GOLDEN SAUCE, AND TOPPED WITH CHEESE BUBBLING OVER A MOLCAJETE MEXICAN ROCK BOWL. THE DISH COMES WITH TORTILLAS AND MOLCAJETE SAUCE , FRESHLY MADE WITH JALAPEÑOS, TOMATOES, ONIONS, AND CILANTRO.

AND THEIR FLAVORED MARGARITAS ARE A

LITTLE SWEETER THAN THE USUAL, LIKE THE MARGARITA DE FRAMBUESA (RASPBERRY), THE MARGARITA DE MANGO, OR THE MARGARITA DE PIÑA (PINEAPPLE) -- COMING EITHER FROZEN

OR ON THE ROCKS.

BUBBA O’MALLEY’S

THE MENU AT BUBBA O’MALLEY’S IS ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE IN GENESEE COUNTY, BUT THE ESTABLISHMENT SERVES

LITERALLY

ANYTHING

THEIR

CUSTOMERS

ARE

CRAVING. PATRONS SHOULD TRY THE FRESH-OFF-THE GRILL, SIZZLING RIBEYE, SMOTHERED WITH PROVOLONE CHEESE AND SAUTÉED ONIONS. A SIDE OF JAMBALAYA WITH CREOLE SAUCE, ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE, AND BEANS AND RICE CAN BE ADDED, FOR A TASTE-TREAT JUST LIKE A DOWN- HOME STEW. CUSTOMERS CAN ORDER A FRUITY BOOTY AND STAY AFTER EATING TO ENJOY THE LIVELY ATMOSPHERE AT BUBBA O’MALLEY’S. THIS ULTIMATE FRUIT DRINK IS FILLED WITH EVERY TROPICAL INGREDIENT IMAGINABLE.

TASTE OF THE TOWN:

Food & Drink

501 BAR AND GRILL

AT FLINT’S VERY OWN 501 BAR AND GRILL CHEF ROB RUMBEL IS SERVING UP SOME GOOD AMERICAN SOUL FOOD -- CHICKEN AND WAFFLES, A SIGNATURE DISH MADE WITH VANILLA WAFFLES, BUTTERMILK-FRIED CHICKEN, COMING TOPPED WITH MICHIGAN MAPLE SYRUPS, CRÈME ANGLAISE, AND A RED WINE POACHED PEAR FINISH. WITH 24 TAPS TO CHOOSE FROM, A HAPPY HOUR MONDAY-THURSDAY, AND THE RECENTLY- EXTENDED WEEKEND HOURS, INCLUDING LATE NIGHT MENU OPTIONS, 501 BAR AND GRILL AIMS TO PLEASE!

Taste of the Town // LUCKY’S STEAK HOUSE - FENTON

Restaurant Review...

BY MICHAEL G. THODOROFFF

very magazine or newspaper covers local restaurant reviews. And while this produces good information filled with opinioned recommendations, what about the families with children? If the review attracts the parents sufficiently for them to visit the eatery, it would be a plus to know if there is a suitable menu for the children to enjoy also. While most restaurants have smaller portion selections, onthetown set out to investigate this dilemma by recruiting the opinion of a future culinary critic in the likes of five year-old Lauren Moody of Fenton. Typical of most children her age, she has, shall we say…”a discriminating palate”…one perfect for our review. Lauren and her parents, Matt and Allison, sat down at Lucky’s Steakhouse in Fenton, along with her two siblings -- two and a half year-old Noah and Lia, four months old. Shift manager Suzi Alejandro informed them that Lucky’s has an extensive kids’ menu with many popular selections, from pasta alfredo to the basic mac n’cheese. She added that they are always happy to welcome the children to come and enjoy their “kid-size” meal along with their parents. As the family was seated at their table, menus and beverages were given, while Lauren quickly started in on a coloring session… with crayons and a colorful activities placemat provided by the establishment. Server Ursula Brock enthusiastically welcomed the family and handed Lauren a menu that included both the main menu selections and a special section entitled “Kid’s Menu.” She then described in detail each of the kid’s menu items to the child.

…and some sibling shenanigans too!

“Let me see,” she said while taking a break and sipping on a cold chocolate milk. “Everything was really, really yummy, but I think I know which one was the best. Noah, which one did you like?”

“These chicken fingers are goooood!”

“Okay, that does it; the grilled cheese is my favorite!”

LUCKY’S STEAK HOUSE - FENTON

// Taste of the Town

From A Child’s Viewpoint!

“Hmmm……I think I’ll try the chicken fingers, the pepperoni pizza and grilled cheese sandwich,” Lauren decided.

“Wow! This pizza is great!”

Back to coloring…

“A grilled cheese sammich -- Mmmm, yummy!”

here you have it; an authentic restaurant menu review from a future food critic, and her “thumbs-up” recommendation. Thanks to Lauren Moody’s candid review, Lucky’s Steakouse is an endorsed eatery for all family members to enjoy. Visit Lucky’s Steakhouse at 17500 Silver Parkway in Fenton (810 750 1400) the next time the entire family is looking for a great dining experience.

Ursula thanked Lauren for her candid thoughts and rewarded her and her brother with the Kid’s Sundae.

Love & Relationships // DATE NIGHT

Go Ahead, Take Her Out! BY ILSE HAYES

t was early June when the phone rang with my next assignment for onthetown Magazine: It involved restaurants and date-night around Genesee County. I thought to myself, “Date night…piece of cake!” I can’t tell you how often I speak with people every day about relationships, dating and marriage. In fact, I often begin conversations with, “You know, my all-time favorite subject is love…” and more often than not, perfect strangers, men and women, will open up about this universal connection that causes frustration and turmoil, but also unimaginable happiness. The connection one cannot live without is love.

The number one complaint I hear from young wives, in particular, is how they feel taken for granted by their husbands. They share with me, sometimes through tissues and tears, how their interaction at home resembles more of a brother and sister or roommate relationship. I can recall one young wife telling me how she cried in the bedroom, feeling so disconnected from her husband, while he sat in the living room watching television. Despite her efforts to arouse intimacy and romance in their relationship, his unresponsiveness and rejection of her caused tremendous pain for the woman. I often wish I could warn people in committed relationships of just how dangerous this “disconnection” can be. Paradoxically, when I talk to women who have been married for many years, I notice that they don’t seem to complain about how little romance there is in their marriage. Instead, many seem to have adjusted or accepted this lack as normal behavior from their husbands. I often wonder how is it that some of these relationships have survived as long as they have, while others seem to crumble under the lack of close companionship. I also notice that women who have remained married for many years seem to shift their focus onto other positive aspects of their relationship, in general, or partner, in particular. Perhaps the partner is a good provider, or he is a family man who prefers to be at home instead of out with the guys. I listen carefully because I suspect that somewhere in these talks with women from older generations lies a lost perspective that has given way to the divorces we see today, including mine. This view intentionally focuses on the positive attributes of a partner, despite sometimes craving more from him. When I speak or write about what caused the demise of my 14-year-marriage, my motivation is simple -- I want relationships that can be saved, to be saved. While I am fully aware there are many factors that contribute to the disintegration of a relationship, if there’s a chance in hell that fathers and mothers can remain under the same roof (and in love) to raise their children, then by God, let it be! I want my experience and the people who share their experiences with me to serve as encouragement. There are couples who absolutely should not remain married, but I also truly believe there are relationships that have the potential of making it but that will fall apart because of lack of quality time together. I can recall feeling so deeply alone when I was married, and I can relate to the young wife who cries in her bedroom. In divorce, when both “teams lose,” who actually caused the fumble that cost the game has little importance in the end. Blame can be placed, but by then the game is over. What if you could call a time out during the game, go to the side lines, gain a winning play from the coach, and then continue on to victory? I believe it’s much easier to redirect a damaged relationship than it is to turn it around after years of pain have been inflicted. A husband taking his wife out to dinner could be the start of that winning play. If you’re a man reading this “For God’s Sake, Take Her Out!” I know you’re tired and money is tight. I know you probably live together, so why in the world would you want to spend even more time alone? She needs it, that’s why. Not all women or men need quality time together to feel loved and to nurture the relationship, but what if your significant other is one of the people who does? If you’re a woman reading this, smack your significant other over the head with this magazine. I’m kidding, of course. But whatever you do, don’t get all worked up if he doesn’t jump off the recliner, grab the phone, and make a restaurant reservation after reading this. As difficult as it may be to hear, it’s equally difficult for me to say …your happiness is not dependent on another person. Let me repeat that… your happiness is NOT dependent on another person. I know it’s the most annoying thing to hear, especially when your heart is aching and hungry for affection from the person you love. I’m not going to pretend that I’ve always lived my life this way… because I haven’t. In fact, it’s what’s gotten me in trouble in my past relationships. Don’t think I have this self-empowerment gig down. It’s a conscious choice I have to make. Some days are easier than others, but I’ve learned that the more you “practice” being happy -- with or without your partner’s help – the easier it gets. This will then allow you to approach your significant other to discuss your needs from a more

DATE NIGHT

// Love & Relationships

Date Night Ideas: healthy perspective. In turn, he won’t feel like you’re putting him down for his shortcomings and will be more likely to understand where you’re coming from. I’ve learned a great deal as I’ve reflected on my marriage and my divorce. I view disconnection in a relationship to be similar to cancer- it has the potential to destroy so much. Disconnection allows resentment to build, and anger and hatred will soon follow. If you don’t think it will happen to you, talk to divorced couples as often as I do. Ask divorced men who initiated their divorces. I’m not an expert, and I can’t offer official research data, but I talk to a lot of people, and I listen. The majority of men I speak with share a similar story -- one day their wives told them they wanted out of their marriage, and despite their efforts, nothing could change their wives’ minds. If you’re not comfortable talking to strangers about your relationship, start the conversation with the one person who perhaps has been asking you to take her out. Many men I have spoken with have admitted how they wish they had paid closer attention to what their wives were asking. And if a wife has stopped asking, you better hope she hasn’t stopped caring. So call her up right now…yes, right now (or as soon as you finish browsing this magazine) and say, “Get a sitter; I’m taking you out! “

SAM’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT (GRAND BLANC ROAD NEAR GRAND BLANC) I recently found this intimate little Italian place and later learned it’s been around for ages. I absolutely loved the food and the wine but loved the prices even more! samsitalianrestaurant.com RAYMO’S IN FENTON (OWEN ROAD) Raymo’s in Fenton (Owen Road) is also one of my favorites. Once again…it’s a great venue…with amazing food that feels like a party in your mouth, stirs the senses, and is reasonably priced. It’s my kind of place. raymosrestaurant.com JOHNNY’S POUR HOUSE Johnny’s Pour House in Flushing is another good one. Trust me, these people are not paying me to say this! I’ve been single for four-years and have eaten at just about every place imaginable. I may not necessarily remember how well the date went, but, by gosh, I remember the food! johnnyspourhouse.com If you’re tight on funds, don’t let that stop you. Imagine this: Close your eyes… (kids are in bed or better yet, you’ve pawned them off on your sister-in-law). After dinner you start a little bonfire in the backyard, and you lovebirds make some s’mores. What is it about fires that just seem to ignite…well, fires?

OPEN HOUSE Free Event!

PLAY AN INSTRUMENT! ...SING! ...DANCE!

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014 6-8PM ▪ FLINT INSTITUTE OF MUSIC Beginners to advanced, infants to senior citizens, the FSPA has fun and challenging classes for everyone! Tuition assistance available.

810.238.1350 x3 THEFIM.ORG 55

Be Well // MCLAREN FLINT & COCA COLA

McLaren Flint and Coca Cola Announce new recycling partnership

There are many dedicated and loyal employees at McLaren Flint, but Terry Striggow is proof that a little change really “can” make a big difference. His narrative began when he started collecting empty pop cans and bottles in November of 2012, with a goal of contributing the refunds toward a patient care fund at McLaren. That first 10 cent contribution in late 2012 has grown to more than $3,000 to date, as Terry has collected more than 30,000 cans and bottles toward this cause.

s a transporter for McLaren’s inpatient Rehabilitation Unit and its dedicated Joint and Spine Center, Terry works closely with the patients on these units. He has chosen to direct his donations to the Rehab Resolve Fund, which provides equipment and other necessities for rehab patients who do not have the financial means to purchase these items. “When I see a can or bottle on the side of the road or by a trash bin, I really see 10 more cents that can help our patients,” Terry notes. Terry was inspired to undertake this recycling effort when he noticed numerous cans in hospital trash bins. Being concerned about the environment, as well as recognizing an opportunity to help patients, Terry received approval to begin collecting the cans and donating the refunds to the Rehab Resolve Fund. As an added value, his work underscores the benefits of a new recycling partnership between Coca Cola and McLaren Flint, formally announced in early June at McLaren’s Ballenger Hwy. facility. Through this partnership, the organizations will work collaboratively to expand recycling opportunities on the campus and further benefit patient care.

TERRY STRIGGOW, LORI WALTERS

SARAH BYRNE, TERRY STRIGGOW, AND ELIZABETH HEFFNER

“When I see a can or bottle on the side of the road or by a trash bin, I really see 10 more cents that can help our patients.” 56

Real Estate

Thousands

OF SATISFIED CLIENTS Associate Broker 2012 Flint Area Association of Realtors “Realtor of the Year” 2013-2014 President Flint Women’s Council of Realtors

{ 8 1 0 } 7 1 5 - 11 9 9

Rob Moen

Michigan Real Estate

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It’s the

10th Annual Back

to the

Bricks BY RICH REED

eople can flash back to the year 2005, when local news anchor, Bill Harris, was walking around downtown Flint with Back to the Bricks founder, Al Hatch. Bill turned to Al and asked, “When have you seen 400 cars and 7,000 people on a Saturday night in downtown Flint?” Then readers can flash forward to the year 2013, when there were 40,000 cars and 500,000 people involved in all the Back to the Bricks events. Amazing! And just think of the economic impact locally. Back to the Bricks takes place this year from Tuesday, August 12 through Saturday, August 16. It includes almost too much to list here, from a kickoff of events Tuesday at Flint Assembly to a free viewing of American Graffiti at the US-23 Drive-In, to swap meets, Pinewood Derby, Sock Hop, and the Cruise N Concert, moved this year to a larger venue at GM Grand Blanc. And one should not forget the main event Car Show which takes place in downtown Flint all day Saturday, where 1,000 t-shirts will be given to participants, and all week most local communities will be connected by a constant cruise of classic and antique vehicles... along with a few “grocery-getters” driven for fun. So, people can log on to backtothebricks.org for all details related to the cruise, including registration. They will find contacts for the local convention and visitor bureau, as well as Roberta Vasilow, event chairperson, Mary Wood, business manager, and even Al Hatch, chairman of Back to the Bricks, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit. A tune-up week takes place the week before the actual Bricks Week. Six local county communities participate in the cruise, each giving away 250 t-shirts. They are: Davison, Linden, Fenton, Mt. Morris, Clio, and Flint Township. And how did this 58

wonderful event grow? “If there wasn’t a Woodward Dream Cruise, there wouldn’t be a Back to the Bricks,” says Hatch, age 69. In 2004 Al and his street-rod buddies started to plan the event, an alternative to that same Woodward Dream Cruise. Many doubted it would succeed and called Al nuts -- a real car nut, one might say. Luckily for everyone, Al’s older brother got him interested in cars, racing out on N. Dort Hwy. even before there were race tracks out there. His first one was a 1947 Ford coupe he bought for $85.00. Al says, “I thought I was hotshot.” He now owns an extensive collection of cars and car memorabilia. Al was born, raised, educated, and worked his entire life in Flint. He graduated from Bentley High School in 1962, originally wanting to be a professional musician. He was drafted into the military in 1968 and eventually earned a degree in psychology from the University of Michigan-Flint. Hatch then went to work for Rockwell International in sales as a senior account manager to General Motors for 17 years. He also worked in wholesale electrical sales at Roth Electrical. The entire Back to the Bricks event is and always has been an all-volunteer event. Al organized a core group of “car guys” who still volunteer to this day. That group consists of John Chapin (deceased), Tom Heft (deceased), John Olay (whose idea was free t-shirts), Steve Hobson, Denny Keyworth, Don Bair, Bob Sovis, Joe Taubitz, Jerry Preston, and Steve Casner. In addition, over 300 volunteers work the Saturday show. This core group also began the Automotive Heritage Statue Project, with local people donating six statues of famous automotive pioneers. A Charles Nash statue was unveiled July 1 at Bishop Airport and one of Otto P. Graff will be unveiled August 16 during Back to the Bricks. Al states, “We are trying to change the impression that the auto business started in Detroit, when it really started in Flint.” Reportedly, U of M-Flint professor Mark Perry said that Back to the Bricks might bring $50 million dollars into local communities. People set aside two weeks in order to participate in the Bricks. “It is now one of the top 20 automotive events

“People set aside two weeks in order to participate in the Bricks. It is now one of the top 20 automotive events in the entire United States.” in the entire United States,” says Al. For proof, all anyone needs to do is attempt to drive Saginaw St. from downtown Flint to Grand Blanc any night of Bricks week. For an unscientific survey related to the impact of Bricks, Walgreen’s processed a record number of car photos the week after while Sally Yeager of the Genesee County Historical Society sold more than 400 pounds of popcorn, and a local bar waitress made over $600.00 in tips the week of the event. Back to the Bricks is now franchised to the towns of Mt. Pleasant and Cadillac, Michigan. Each city hosts its own version of the Bricks for a $1,000.00 franchise fee, agreeing to the basic rule that everything associated with the event is free. They are both growing incredibly well, using the trademarked and copyrighted Back to the Bricks logo and expertise. Furthermore, this past June, a group of classic cars went on the Michiana promotional tour, touting the Flint show. They visited Jackson, Battle Creek, and Lansing, Michigan, as well as Auburn and Elkhart, Indiana. Some of the sponsors who financially back the Bricks events are Buick Motor Division, General Motors, Mid-Michigan Chevrolet Dealers, EL-GA Credit Union, Edelbrock Performance, and Scoggin-Dickey performance parts, as well as many others. Al closed our interview by saying, “I’ve met the grandchildren of some of the founders of the car industry. I’ve met a ton of people locally who I can’t remember, but regardless of economic status, cars bring them together. And my car hobby has taken my wife and me around the world, and [we’ve] met a lot of great people.” This community owes a debt of gratitude to him for all he’s done with Back to the Bricks. Now, “Start your engines!”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM LIPINSKI

Culture // GRAFF CHEVROLET

Amazing - and it’s For Real! BY MICHAEL G. THODOROFF

t has been on Santa Claus’s list since anybody can remember. It has been presented as a unique gift for special occasions, sometimes including exclusive personalization. Nowadays it can be considered a collector’s item with an almost cult following. And finally, the die-cast scale- model, car in its own distinctive box, has truly, on its own, come to life, thanks to the folks at Hank Graff Chevrolet. To help commemorate Graff’s centennial year as a business and as a long-standing major sponsor of events at the Back to the Bricks celebration, a stunning, true-to-life collector’s edition model car housed in the form of a full- sized car hauling trailer will be unveiled. Upon seeing this impressive piece of “art” as it tugs at the nostalgic heartstrings of many people, “amazing” is the initial word that comes to mind. But the concept came as no surprise to the people of Graff Chevrolet because, in a way, it was inspired by five often-used words in the culture of the business since the earliest days: “Wouldn’t it be neat if….!” According to Tom Kelly, Graff’s project and event coordinator, it was about three years ago when discussion started regarding inspirations for a Back to the Bricks display. During an internet search under the heading of “Cool Car Stuff,” a photograph surfaced of an actual, full-size automobile inside a fabricated wooden box displayed at a car show. “It was just a plain rectangular box with the side and top cut out, sitting in the grass with a small European road racer parked inside,” Kelly recalls. “Very crude but very unique; a real eye-catcher,” he adds. Suddenly the phrase, “Wouldn’t it be neat if….!” burst out and the seed was officially planted. This story gets more interesting as on a cold November day just last year, a customer dropped in to see his salesperson and graciously offered to leave a beautiful die cast model car inside an original, still pristine box. Since the patron honestly admitted to no real use for it, he thought the salesperson might enjoy it. Coincidently, the model car in the box looked exactly like the 1954 Corvette the Graff technicians had recently completed in a ground-up restoration and that had been presented to Hank Graff as a retirement gift just a month later. Matt Ferguson, pre-owned car sales manager, says it best as he could see “the stars began to align!” Consider star #1: Storage and display of Hank’s 1954 Corvette had become somewhat of a challenge, and star #2: the Graff dealership was looking for an “over-the-top” traveling exhibit to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of Back to the Bricks. Once again, “Wouldn’t it be neat if….!” drove another meaningful endeavor. Graff’s consulted with various trailer manufactures and settled on Advantage Trailer and Hitch (www.advantagetrailer.com), located just outside of Chicago. Jim Groveau who, as project manager, was genuinely excited to build this trailer, mentions that his company specializes in the design and creation of custom display and exhibit trailers. “We can fabricate any type of trailer a customer desires,” he proudly states, adding, “Your imagination is your only limitation.” From “stem-to-stern,” the trailer measures just less than 28 feet and is almost 10 feet tall, with an overall width of eight feet, all of which makes for easy towing behind most pickup trucks. Unique details highlight this car hauler such as dramatic, high tech lighting, including six, 18 inch recessed LED ceiling lights along with eight LED “puck” lights, all making for striking ambient lighting to surely accentuate any vehicle. The rear panel also serves as the loading ramp and displays another exclusive detail. A full-size photograph of the 1954 Corvette adorns the entire rear panel with actual Corvette- working taillights

precisely mounted in the car’s original taillight location but serving as the trailer’s functional taillights. Additionally stunning is the Corvette’s license plate pocket which actually houses the trailer’s own license plate - and is LED lighted. While it will be officially “launched” to the public during the Back To The Bricks events, Kelly sees this unit traveling to other promotional and charitable events where a person can drive his own “hot rod” into the trailer and snap a photograph with the car’s name, inserted digitally in the same position where the Corvette’s title is placed as that feature is easily removed and repositioned. This leads to another of the custom car hauler’s amazing features – the remarkably true-to-life graphics. Designed and produced by Bear Graphics of North Branch, Michigan, Director of Sales Jack Miles is the project’s manager. Even though Bear Graphics takes pride, according to Miles, as a “one source solution for printing needs,” they also have the creative resources for graphic strategies and consistently do business on a face-to-face basis. “I would produce the graphics based on our discussions, and I can honestly tell you, everybody had a passion for this project,” Jack emphasizes. The unique feature of these artful pieces is that they are removable and can be repositioned again over 100 times. In addition, the material is wind and water resistant. Tom Kelly looks back on this project with an almost reverent gaze. “We (the dealership and all of its employees) have found that if we can clearly see and understand the end of any worthwhile undertaking and keep that focus in mind, we can get there,” he says with conviction, adding, “In this case, we really had a clear understanding of what the outcome would be. It all made good sense during every part of our discussions about this project.” And while you are shopping for a vehicle at Graff Chevrolet on State St. near M15 in Davison, stop in to see the actual 1954 Corvette die-cast model and box, still proudly displayed in Tom Kelly’s office.

GRAFF CHEVROLET

// Culture

Otto P. Graff Statue of a Man

BY TARA MORENO

nother life-sized statue of one of Flint’s most famous automotive pioneers will be unveiled during the 10th Annual Back to the Bricks celebration. This statue will be the 6th one the Back to the Bricks Statue Committee has fashioned for the City of Flint since the beginning of the project in 2012. The Otto P. Graff statue will join the ranks of the Louis Chevrolet, David Dunbar Buick, William “Billy” C. Durant, Walter P. Chrysler, and Charles Nash statues in an unveiling ceremony on Aug. 16.

Hank Graff, of Hank Graff Chevrolet of Davison, says he was elated to find that his grandfather had been chosen to represent the growth of Flint’s automotive industry. “There were a lot of automobile dealers that have come and gone through the years, and it’s a very wonderful feeling that my family has been able to keep this going that long,” says Graff, with a good deal of sentiment. The artist who designed the statue, Joe Rundell, is also responsible for designing the other ones. Chairman of the Statue Committee for Back to the Bricks, Jerry Preston, praised Rundell’s work, saying, “Rundell was very workable compared to other artists [who] seemed to be set in their ways. Most artists take a year to a year and half to complete one statue. Rundell has done six in three years.” In fact, it took Rundell only four months to complete the Otto P. Graff statue. Rundell, who purchased three automobiles from Otto P. Graff, thought it was wonderful when he was asked to sculpt the work. He says designing this statue was easier than some of the others because of the number of pictures available of the subject. “In the case of Otto P Graff, I had [many] good pictures to get the man looking like he should,” says Rundell. After he completed the statue, it was sent to Clarkston, Michigan’s Fine Arts Sculpture Foundry where it was cast in fiberglass and rubber to create the final bronze piece. “I was extremely pleased with outcome,” he admits. The statue temporarily stood at the Hank Graff dealership in Davison before it took its place on the southwest corner of Saginaw Street, across the street from the County Court House, which just happens to be the site of the original Ford dealership operated by Otto P. Graff for 60 years. Hank Graff says the location is fitting because his grandfather, who served as Genesee County Treasurer for two terms, would sit in his office day-dreaming about the future location of the dealership. “I have heard stories [that] he used to sit and stare across the street where the future Ford store would be,” says Hank Graff. “My grandfather took $900 he had saved and bought the business.” A mini-plaza will be created to accompany the statue. Project engineer John Ghazzal and General Contractor Kevin Griffin volunteered their services for the Otto P. Graff project as well as for the other ones. The mini-plaza design consists of bricks surrounded by flowers and shrubs along with a couple of benches and LED lights for night viewing. With the help of Ghazzal and Griffin, the Otto P. Graff project is three weeks ahead of schedule. “[This is] a great group of guys. They volunteered their time working on these statues and are ahead of schedule,” says Preston. “That’s pretty impressive.” The Otto P. Graff statue, along with the other automobile pioneer statues, should serve as a reminder to the community, and anyone who visits, about the greatness of Flint, Michigan. Hank Graff hopes the statues will keep some of Flint’s history alive. “Maybe those statues will help get the younger people dreaming. When you can understand your heritage a little bit better, it will make you a better person… maybe it will make you a dreamer so you can rock and roll again,” he notes, hopefully. For more information on the Back to the Bricks Statue Project, visit www.backtothebricks.org.

Business // OWENS BOOTLEG CYCLE

Owens Bootleg Cycle Flint motorcycle mechanic has national reputation BY CHELSEA MILLS

ob Owens is one of the best kept secrets in Genesee County for Harley Davidson history, motorcycle repair skills, selection of parts, Champion Trike Kit upgrades, and the rebuilding of bikes from the ground up. There are only a couple of things which Owens does not do in his shop, and that is chrome and paint. Owens enthusiasm for his business is evident, not only in what he says, but in how he says it. His passion for his work is evident as he explains how loyal his clients are and how some of them have been with him for over 25 years. “We try to use local or [American-made] parts when available, but sometimes they just don’t exist,” Owens explains. At any given time, Owens Bootleg Cycle has about 10-30 bikes in waiting to be fixed by his staff of three: Paul, Vickie and Owens, himself. His love for motorcycles began when he was quite young, watching his father, Bill Owens, who raced Harley Davidson sprint bikes. Here he is pictured at age two and a half on top of his father’s Zundapp Motorcycle. Then later, when he was nine, Owens followed in his father’s footsteps and started racing his own bikes in competitions. After graduation from high school, Owens worked for Mobil, delivering supplies to local area gas stations. Later, he hired into Buick where worked for 12 years on the assembly line. When he was laid off from that job, Owens wasn’t sure what he was going to do, but eventually, through some racing connections of his father’s, he applied for and got a job with Dennis Atherton at ABC Harley Davidson in Waterford. “That’s when I realized what I really wanted to do. I couldn’t believe I could actually get paid for doing something I loved!” Owens exclaims. “I was able to ride and fix motorcycles all day long for seven years, and life was good.” In 1993, Owens moved back to Burton, returning to work on the assembly line at Buick, but this time, he only lasted eight months because he was miserable. He missed working on bikes. So Owens called his old boss, Dennis Atherton, who referred him to Bert Cummings at Cummings Harley, and he was able to get back into the industry he loved so much. This is where Owens really honed in on his skills and learned even more about customer service and the bike repair business.

His love for motorcycles began when he was quite young watching his father, Bill Owens, who raced Harley Davidson sprint bikes.

Then on January 5, 2005, right in the middle of the worst economy Flint has seen in years, Owens Bootleg Cycle was born. “People thought I was crazy, but I knew it had to be done,” he says. Owens operated out of a warehouse, which he rented for several years -- until the building next door became available - which he then purchased in 2009. Right after he moved into his new building, he retired from racing his bike after 38 years. However, he still enjoys going to the races each year. At one particular Grand National Flat Track race in 2009, Owens invited a photographer who was there on behalf of a Japanese racing magazine to come over to see his place, and the man was so impressed, he published an article about Bob Owens and Owens Bootleg Cycle later that same year. Today Bob Owens is known for his uncanny skills in detecting what is wrong with his clients’ motorcycles. Even after clients move away, they still ship their bikes in a crate to Bob

OWENS BOOTLEG CYCLE | 1055 S BALLENGER HWY | FLINT, MI 48532 | MONDAY - FRIDAY 10 AM – 6 PM 62

“I couldn’t believe I could actually get paid for doing something I loved! I was able to ride and fix motorcycles all day long for seven years, and life was good.”

OWENS BOOTLEG CYCLE

// Business

Owens when their motorcycles need repairs. He has many clients in Las Vegas, Florida and even Canada, to name a few. Many of the bikes his clients own have only had Bob Owens work on them. Owens Bootleg Cycle is also a sponsor of Bikes on the Bricks, which is held every year in September in Downtown Flint. Owens also specializes in converting existing motorcycles into Trikes for his clients. One client, in particular, was suffering from mobility issues and thought they signaled the end of his riding career. His doctors had told him that pretty soon he would not be able to ride at all. He was having trouble shifting gears with his leg, and his balance was not good, so it was not safe for him to be on the bike. “As [this client] was telling me the story about how sad he was to give up what he loved [so much], it got me thinking about what I could do to modify his bike. You see, these Trike Kits are pretty cool; they allow people to keep riding longer because [the riders] don’t have to balance on two wheels anymore. Plus, I knew I could add an electronic shifter so [the man] could change gears with his hand on the handlebar instead of with his leg,” Owens explains. As anyone can imagine, this was the answer to a prayer for his client, and word about the Trike Kits traveled fast. Today Owens Bootleg Cycle is the local distributor for Champion Trike Kits.

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BIKES ON THE BRICKS

// Culture

Bikes on the Bricks

Brings more positives to Downtown Flint BY RAY SMITH

n 2007, after the success of the Back to the Bricks Cruise and Car Show, former Flint Police Chief Gary Hagler and several others held an event aimed at motorcycle enthusiasts and riders alike to bring another positive attraction to Downtown Flint. It was held for one day only, featured only one food vendor and was rained out after a while. Seven years later, that event known as Bikes on the Bricks has grown to now feature several events over a three-day weekend period and is looking to bring in close to 15,000 spectators as well as 7,000 bikes, weather permitting. This year’s event will take place on September 12-14, from 10am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday, as well as from 10pm to 5pm on Sunday and is presented by Vehicle City, the chief sponsor. Bikes on the Bricks features a Police Motor Skills competition, a Police escorted motorcycle ride, a stunt show, live bands and a fashion show. “It’s just a positive for Flint, one more thing for Flint to be proud of,” says Paulla Schemm, who serves as a board and committee member for the event and also coordinates the fashion show. For the Police Motor Skills Competition, there will be 70 officers coming from all over the country and even parts of Canada to take part. Several prizes will be given to the officers based on their performance in a variety of motorcycle challenge events. “They love coming to the event,” says Schemm. “It is the only one in Michigan of its kind, and it is a positive for them because it sharpens their skills as well and keeps them abreast of their riding skills.” On Saturday and Sunday, spectators will see a stunt show by Josh Bourne, a championship competitive performer who will

“It’s just a positive for Flint, one more thing for Flint to be proud of.” be doing freestyle extreme stunts. In addition, there will be live music from acoustic bands, several vendors out on the streets and a beer tent in Riverfront Park. A motorcycle show with cash prizes and a donut-eating contest will also be part of the festivities. “We strive to make it a family event,” says Schemm, adding, “It is a family-friendly atmosphere.” Schemm, who grew up on the outskirts of Frankenmuth, has been riding motorcycles since 2004 and became involved with Bikes on the Bricks in the beginning when she was asked by one of the founders, radio personality, Jeff Wade, from 103.9 The Fox, to host the fashion show for the event. She has been featured in stories in The Flint Journal and Thunder Roads magazine in recent years. “I have a Harley and am a motorcycle enthusiast,” says Schemm. “I absolutely love to ride.” The fashion show features the Flint Hooters Girls along with some men who showcase and style motorcyclist gear and clothing at the event. “People say ‘you’re not even from Flint, why would you want to do it?’” says Schemm. “I say, why not? It’s great to see all the positive things going on [Downtown Flint]. Years ago, I just gravitated towards this area and found it to be home. I do it because I believe in the event and it’s a positive for Flint.” Members of the Bikes on the Bricks committee including Schemm have been participating in other ride events across the state this year to promote Bikes on the Bricks in September. Among these events are Ohio Bike Week, The Blessing of the Bikes in Baldwin, and the Hog Rally in Birch Run. A portion of the proceeds from Bikes on the Bricks is given to different charities that have been selected for donation. Last year donations were made to the Hurley Emergency Room, Old Newsboys and Young Marines.

Culture // FLINT INSTITUTE OF ARTS

The Flint Institute of Art’s Treasure Trove Showcase BY MICHAEL G. THODOROFF

he Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) is the second largest art museum in our state and considered by some to be Michigan’s most significant cultural and educational resource, serving people of all ages and interests. On a Saturday this past May, this venerable gallery opened its doors to the public for a unique fundraising event featuring a theme similar to that on the popular cable TV network’s “Antique Road Show.” Originally suggested by FIA’s Director John B. Henry III from his previous experience with this type of event, it was held in place of the bi-annual Founders Society’s Flea Market which had become very labor intensive. Last year’s inaugural event was a huge success, so it was enthusiastically planned as an annual one. This year’s Auction/ Appraiser event chairperson and FIA Founder’s Board member Mary Campbell said the occasion attracted close to 100 people as all the proceeds went to the Founder’s Treasury in support of FIA’s designated necessities. Upon registering, people were permitted to bring in up to two items to be professionally appraised by the Dumouchelle Auction Galleries, whose respected fine arts auctioneers and estate

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Trish Zito-Smith, former FIA Founder’s Board vice-president, mentioned it was a great event that inspired many conversations among all in attendance, even those who did not have items for appraisal. “It was a great occasion for the members, and especially [for] the community, because it brought people to the FIA who may not have ever been here before,” she noted.

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appraisers have been based in Detroit since 1927. People got a qualified appraisal of their treasures and had the option of keeping them for their own personal sales or turning the items over to Dumouchelle’s to sell on a consignment basis.

ANNI CROUTER

// Culture

Anni Crouter: Artist Extraordinaire BY MARTHA HAMP

he palette upon which she works is one she knows well – stemming as it does from her love of animals as the daughter of a veterinarian and as a dog groomer of expert renowned herself. Her wonderfully detailed and finely textured watercolors and acrylics supply the mediums through which she so humanely depicts those creatures…great and small…that she so reveres, rendering their spirit and grace with a passion only her art can create. She belongs to a rare breed of human herself – as one who has managed to blend two of her greatest passions in life by painting animals, domesticated or in the wild… thereby merging art and nature together in true testimony to her talent and acumen. Her compositions have about them a solid sense of each of her subjects’ dignity and beauty, casting all in a satisfying symmetry of mood and motion -- and echoing Joan Miro’s notion that “The painting arises from the brushstrokes as a poem rises from the words. The meaning comes later.” Thus, like the poet, she manages to let the rest of us “see” through her eyes as a result of the sheer force and integrity of her work – transporting all who appreciate her art into a realm to which they might not otherwise be privy. And so, with an often tender, and sometimes humorous affection, as well as a unique perspective born of closely observing or actually handling the animals she paints, she breathes a kind of life into each and every one of her studies, so that her viewers almost become one with her marvelous images. Thus, is Anni Crouter a woman who has certainly “come into her own” – as proven by the numerous honors and awards she has garnered, not least of which being second place in the De Voss Family sponsored ArtPrize in Grand Rapids in 2013, and most recently, her invitation to join The American Watercolor Society of New York. She has found a way…her way… to make what she loves serve as both her work…and the thing that works for her…all the while living, as it were, in “the best of all possible worlds.” Many of us who know her have admired her art for years – appreciating her both as an expert groomer of our dogs and as the person whose paintings have gilded the walls of West Flint Animal Hospital where her grooming business is housed. Further, her exhibits at, for instance, Fandangles in Flushing (among so very many other places nationwide) were delightful gatherings that 67

Culture // ANNI CROUTER

drew interested patrons to experience and purchase her work. But her success these days, especially after winning the second place ArtPrize exhibit, seems to have opened a floodgate of interest in her paintings, as well as opportunities for her to achieve the national recognition she so richly deserves. And, of course, part of that sanctioning is represented by her induction into the American Watercolor Society (whose membership at its inception consisted mostly of men), where she joins the ranks of such noted artists as Andrew Wyeth…and his son, Jamie, who is still a member. So how did Anni Crouter attain all the honors that have come her way? Through good, old fashioned dedication and hard work, it seems. She enjoyed unqualified support from her family at an early age as a child prodigy, being encouraged to pursue her love of art to the fullest. The grooming business, which she opened when she was but 17 years old, became her means of financing the painting through which she was compelled to express herself – and she even earned a business degree, with a minor in art, from Mott Community College so that she could run her enterprise properly and successfully. She sincerely and warmly gives credit to her esteemed instructor of the past 18 years at the Flint Institute of Arts, James Ames, AWS, whose diligent and loving teaching has been integral to her artistic success. According to an entry in “The Art of Anni Crouter: Biography” on her official web site, “Under his guidance her knowledge in art theory and artistic abilities has continually progressed…”so that in the medium of watercolors, in particular, she shines. In fact, Anni indicates that “it is important to find the right fit, and I did that here.

There have been other workshops” but she and Ames, whose tenure at the institute is at least 35 years long, always seemed to be “on the same page.” She currently finds herself needing and wanting to devote more and more time to her painting -- as well as to her husband, Dr. Nathan Boggs ( a veterinarian, of course) who is one of her staunchest supporters. Doing grooming most mornings, she works afternoons in her studio of 2,000 square feet, located above his clinic on Genesee Road where she also owns a framing business – the better to finish her works the way she wants them, and representing another natural convergence of her art with her practical business sense. She says of her life right now, “I’m so busy that I really need to work [in the grooming business] less, and paint a lot more.” For it is hard work and dedication which have gotten Anni Crouter to the success she has achieved, of which she says, “I want to make the most of it.” And her winning of the ArtPrize did not occur as happenstance, coming about, at least in part, as a result of some well-known, more commercial people than she in the art field “nagging” her to “check out” ArtPrize and enter in 2013. She remarks that “I spent two hours studying the process and decided I could do this, I could compete.” So she worked on pieces, completed the registration process, chose her venue – The Ford Museum with its power to draw spectators – and won one of the coveted prizes. She says she was really surprised, that she had no idea she would finish in the top 10, and that “people were moved to tears.” Her entry, an exhibit called “Polar Expressed” represents three almost playful but amazingly detailed renditions of the antics of a polar bear which she depicted freehand from photos she had taken of the animal at the Toledo Zoo. The captivating play of light and sense of the animal’s motion and movement entice viewers to share Anni’s singular perspective that is very much a product of her knowledge and experience. She has so many signature memberships in various art societies that it may be easier to list those of which she seems most proud – beginning with, but not limited to, the Society for Animal Arts which she called the most significant in the world. She also ranks as a signature member of Artists for Conservation and the Northwest Watercolor Society, as well as the National Society of Painters in Casein and Acrylic

in New York. The list of memberships and exhibition honors is legion, and she says of that which she does so well that “Artists look at things differently – I see details that others don’t.” But her paintings allow the rest of us a glimpse into her wondrous world of animal animation. And perhaps that is what has led her to this latest distinction, her induction on April 11 of this year into the prestigious American Watercolor Society of New York, in existence for 150 or more years. Founded in 1866, the venerable organization held its first show in 1867 – with only two female members at the time, “which was a real sore spot with the men,” Anni explains. She goes on to say of her experience that “The art club in Greenwich always holds the ceremony, and there are three showings to be considered.” But what she doesn’t need to spell out is that her work represents

a mastery of her art required for one to be considered for membership. All the attention, media and otherwise, that has resulted from each and every prize won (but most especially, the one from ArtPrize) has made her artistically appreciated and commercially important. Once when I was picking my dog up from one of Anni’s groomers, I had the privilege of seeing, in “person,” Annie’s marvelous standard poodle she calls Dune. As he sat obediently waiting for his next command, I glanced at the dog’s portrait hanging on the wall nearby. His owner’s portrayal of him seemed every bit as alive as did her pet, and I was struck by the sweep and scope of her talent on display. It wasn’t quite like seeing double because she infuses her paintings with a little something beyond the simple here and now – at once ethereal and noble… and both at the same time. As Aristotle said…presciently in the case of Anni Crouter, “Art not only imitates nature, but also completes its deficiencies.” There is verity in that statement from the towering figure who gave the world The Poetics… so much so that Anni and her remarkable art might be regarded as a representation of that truth. When an artist becomes able

to merge the love and respect she feels both for subject and medium alike, the configurations she creates sing out (like a poet’s words), expressing the vision of her special gift. In a position now to appreciate and enjoy her fame, she does very well selling her works, even taking on commissions from time to time. And she seems to realize the importance of devoting herself wholeheartedly to her art, saying, “Now I just want to paint, paint, paint.” We, her admirers, hope she will continue to do just that, since the joy she captures on canvas can allow us into that unique world of hers, wherein we can “see” nature’s magnificent wildlife through her very special eyes. FIND ANNI CROUTER AND EXAMPLES OF MANY OF HER REMARKABLE WORKS ON HER WEB SITE: WWW.ANNICROUTER.COM 69

Be Seen

// MICHIGAN EPLC BOOT CAMP

The U of M vs MSU Committee

Lorna Pozauh, Dee Oliver

Kim Blackstock, Erin Ward, Anthony McKenna

Alicia Hensley, Jennifer Bryant

MICHIGAN EPLC BOOT CAMP Beth Schumacher, Salley Fox

Friday,

May

16thâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Michigan

EPLC

hosted 2014 Elder Advocacy and Law

Sandy Glish, Jennifer Fitch, Tiffany Giammarco

Boot Camp located at the Genesys Conference

and

Banquet

Center.

Attorney Robert Mannor facilitated this event to promote better standards for

Lorna Pozauh, Dee Oliver

the care of our elders. For information visit www.MichiganEPLC.com.

Sheri Silvia, Melissa Whitson

Jill Shorkey, Pam Barns 70

YWCA Staff Patrick Mannor, Sherry Quine

Bob Mannor, Joyce Thewalt

Be Seen

// ADOPT-A-PET GOLF SCRAMBLE FORE! THE ANIMALS

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Stacy Mckee, Diane Ragnone 'LRQQH *ULĆ¸Q 6KHOE\ *ULĆ¸Q

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Karen Lester, Lisa Curtis 71

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// THE FIM ANNUAL FUNDRAISING AUCTION The U of M vs MSU Committee

Kim & Steve Landaal

John & Jennifer Wentworth

Tangie & Dr. Robert Hale

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Dr. Stephen & Rosa Wang, Dr. Kiet & Mrs. Christine Doan Tom & Kay Lillie, John & Molly Ransom

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Hank & Kim Fracalossi, Holly & Tom Macksood

Esther Jacob, Barb Gleason, Sheila Zorn, Eileen Lawson 72

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Susan & Bill Shaheen

Be Seen Sharon Stone, Gail Grove, Kelly Slavik, Tiffany Marchand

// FENTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The U of M vs MSU Committee

Matt Lonteen, Chad St. Clair

Nathan Orange, Allen Mitchell, Dave Hollis

Andy Gavulic, Stephanie Claborn, Katy Calabrese, Craig Johnson

Jerrad & Leslie Beauchamp

More Than Just Golf Chamber Golf Outing Friday, May 30â&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Fenton Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Scramble was held at Coyote Preserve Golf Club. Eighteen holes of golf and one day of fun! For more information visit www.fentonchamber.com

Tiffany Reese, Molly Hicks

David & Karen Palevich, Dr. Nita Kulkarni , Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, Leroy G. Johnson cutting the ribbon at the Building Dedication and Open House

Al Jones, Mark Halsbeke, Chip Beltinck

New Building Dedication and Open House

Joe Graves, Lynn Markland

Monday, June 23â&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrated the Chamber's new location during their Open House, Ribbon Cutting and Building Dedication located at 104 S. Adelaide Street. For more information visit www.fentonchamber.com

Leroy G Johnson & Family, Fenton Chamber Staff 73

Be Seen

// CANCER BASH GLOW DASH

The U of M vs MSU Committee

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Shelly McArthur, Lisette Riggle, Trina Balow Cole, Lessette, Harrison, Mark, Jackson Riggle

Chris Hyde, Josh Lawrence, Charles Farley, Jeremy Oxford

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Nate Peteson, John Derry, Austen Mandernain

Melissa Jabronski, Ali Jebronski, Harrison Riggle 74

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Harrison Riggle

Be Seen

// GROWING UP ARTFULLY

The U of M vs MSU Committee

Chris Waters, Martin Anderson, Janet Lorch

Cheryl Borkowski, Cory Graham Bonnie Graff, Debbe Campbell, Stephanie K Confer, Tinsi Koske-Olds, Shannon George

Growing Up Artfully Thursday, June 5â&#x20AC;&#x201D;The 11th Annual Growing Up Artfully was held at Rotary Park on the Flint Cultural Center Linda Roeser, Chancellor Ruth J. Person, David Roeser, Linda & Guy Moxam Lewis Hawkins, Ridgeway & Shannon Easter White, Todd Slisher, Jarret Haynes, & Jeremy Dimick

Campus. Proceeds from this event enhance accessibility for underserved families and youth in Genesee County

Jeff House, Mike Hurley, Tim Bryant & Tom Bryant Keith & Kim Whitmore, Kate & Mark Piper

and beyond to programs provided by our member organizations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Longway Planetarium, Sloan Museum and The Whiting. Over the years, this event has supported over 20,000 families and youth! For more information visit www. fcccorp.org

Heather Nassar, Mona Sahouri, Meghan & Mark Hoffman

Steve & Rosanne Heddy, Charlene Kowalski, Todd K. Slisher

Kim Kesanen, Stephanie K, Laurie Younglove

Tinsi Koske-Olds & Keith Kline

YWCA Staff Lynne Hurand & Janice Henry

Mark Yukelich, Farrell Tatum, Cameron Thompson, Alexis Harvey 75

Be Seen

// ELITE FOOTBALL CAMP

The U of M vs MSU Committee

Troy Forte, Mo Claiborne

ELITE FOOTBAL CAMP Saturday, June 14thâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;The 2014 Elite Football Camp was held at CarmenBrandon Carr

Ainsworth High School, presented by

Mateen Cleaves

the Carr Cares Foundation. Brandon Carr of the Dallas Cowboys hosted the event with additional NFL guest appearances. The mission of the foundation is to positively influence youth through educational enrichment programs and physical fitness initiatives.

Greg Cooper

YWCA Staff Paige Barnett 76

Tony Carr

Be Seen Sean Croudy, David McGhee

// MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE EVENTS The U of M vs MSU Committee

Chris Flores, Ramon Hill

Amber Brennan, Bill Blaha, John Hemingway

Mott President Retirement Celebration )ULGD\ -XQH WKĹ&#x;0RWW &RPPXQLW\ College

hosted

the

Retirement

Celebration Honoring President Dr. M. Richard Shaink, who has served as Mrs. Sally & Dr. M. Richard Shaink

President of MCC since March 2000.

Priscilla Jenkins, Linda Johnson - Barnes

David & Karen Palevich, Dr. Nita Kulkarni , Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, Mott Board Members

Sally with Daughter & Grandchild

Mrs. Sally's Tea Party â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tea with Sally,â&#x20AC;? a Salute to MCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Lady Sally Shaink was held at Applewood CafĂŠ and all proceeds for this event were donated to the Women in Education Fund or The Friends of the Humane Society Members

Mott Library. 77

Be Seen Judge Theile, Shelly & Gerald Masters

// THE HUNDRED CLUB

The U of M vs MSU Committee

Fire Chief Jim Michael, Fire Chief James Harmes, Lt. Jim Piekonik

Matthew Norwood, David Leyton

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Pam & Captain Bryan Osterhagen, Chief Scott Hillerman & Tracy Hillerman

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Michelle Blaisdell, Kimberly Gray, Thomas Macksood, John Butcher, Becky Butcher

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Keith Kirby, Richard Warmbold, Donna Dodds Hamm, Tony Lasher

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Bruce & Leanne Osterhagen, Aaron Quinn & Tara Knisely

Dennis Lazar, Dennis & Debra Chinonis, Judge Thomas Yeotis 78

<:&$ 6WDки Paul Staroba, Judge Duncan Beagle

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eC e s e en Years o f providing G

t un

pub lic s ervi ces

Behavioral health is essential to health. Prevention works. Treatment is effective. People recover.

formerly Genesee County Community Mental Health

420 W. Fifth Avenue | Flint, Michigan 48503

Help is just a phone call away Toll Free: (877) 346-3648 / TTY: (810) 232-6310 (810)257-3740

Substance Use Disorder Services Genesee Health System provides both prevention and treatment services.Those seeking treatment for substance use disorders can access a number of providers and services with and near Genesee County.

Mental Health Services Support for adults, children, and families. Helping people live a full life in the community.

Crisis and Access Services People sometimes need a little extra assistance. Genesee Health System has trained, professional staff available to assist individuals and families with understanding their treatment options, and to help during a mental health, substance abuse, or family crisis. • In crisis now? Trained professional staff available to assist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. •Access Center can help you with questions, referrals to community resources, and routine screenings.

Wellness Services We believe in treating the whole person. That means the mind and the body. Our focus is to bring individuals total wellness. • How to take control of your life •Test your health knowledge •InSHAPE Program •Community Gardens

Visit our website to see all of our services • www.genhs.org

The Time is Now. Mott Community College is the Smart Choice to Prepare for Your Career. Prepare for your future with one of Mott College’s over 90 career programs. Classes are conveniently located at any of our five sites: Flint, Fenton, Clio, Lapeer, and Howell.

Flint • Fenton • Clio • Lapeer • Howell 82

810-762-0200 • www.mcc.edu