onthetown Magazine Volume 4 Issue 6 by onthetown Magazine

Timeless

Moments

n Foundation e r a cL M

1 0 4 B

PRESEN TS

U CL

Club 401 Charity Gala

1.3 1.1

1 in 5 children will be victims of Child Sexual Abuse McLaren Foundation’s annual Club 401 Charity Gala is the sole support of the community’s Child Evaluation Clinic, which provides medical and psychosocial examinations of children who are suspected victims of sexual abuse. Operated by McLaren, the Clinic is housed in the Weiss Advocacy Center and works closely with area

For more information contact: 1

law enforcement, the judicial system and the prosecutor’s office in providing services to these young victims. The Clinic has served more than 3,500 children...and the need continues to grow.

Sponsorships are available along with individual ticket sales. This “can’t miss” event includes hot entertainment, cool music, sizzling cuisine... and warm hearts.

Please consider helping This year’s Club 401 Charity these young victims Gala will be held on of sexual abuse by Saturday, January 31, 2015 attending or donating to at the Holiday Inn Club 401 and the Child Gateway Center in Flint. Evaluation Clinic. aren.org/c mcl lub 4 0 1

( 81

0) 34 2-2443 or visit

from the editor.

his

issue

wraps

absolutely amazing year of celebrating onthetown’s

40th year of promoting the people, the

community

events

and

the

hard-working businesses involving everyone from the local entrepreneur to

Martha Hamp tells the story of Lena Pelio, Flint’s legendary pioneer of dance. On the sports scene, we take a look at one of Flint’s most respected coaches, along with a glimpse at the efforts of the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall Of Fame in preserving our area’s exceptional tradition of athletes and their continuing efforts through their Mentorship Program.

the Fortune 500 company CEO. As

And finally, we are excited to announce the partnership with the

we continue to canvass the town,

Greater Flint YMCA and onthetown Magazine to develop and produce an

regularly

much

exclusive Camp Copneconic 100th Anniversary commemorative special

the

community

our

edition publication, the purpose of which is to inform the Greater Flint

dedication to what we do, and we

Community, along with the Mid and Southeast Region of Michigan, of

welcome with enthusiastic anticipation of many great things to come in

the significance of Camp Copneconic’s past, present, and future in this

the new year of 2015.

area. This high quality, specialized magazine will be sharing information

hear

how

appreciates

Readers should get to know two more of our creative writing staff - Ilse Luan-Hayes and Kristina Falcon. Kristina is the newest member of our staff with an impressive journalism resume while Ilse is well-known in the community by her work as a morning reporter with NBC 25 Today. Even though we are preparing to cope with the typical Michigan “winter doldrums,” this is always a good time to discover all that is locally available for the planning of next year’s wedding. With so much to organize, schedule and arrange, planning for a wedding can be a daunting but gratifying undertaking. We hope this issue gives couples some insight as to what is available to help them to make their nuptial preparation experience a truly special one. Putting it all together, they can get a first-hand “reality” look as they read about the wedding experience of Lindsay Hensler and Craig Huppertz.

on elements of the camp’s 100-year legacy of success which will provide a contributing ingredient to further strengthen the Y’s mission while also generating increased support to help enhance the future development of Camp Copneconic. For more information or to share your camp story please e-mail us at director@onthetownlimited.com. There are many more enthralling stories to enjoy in this issue, so everyone should be sure to read about the people, the businesses, and the organizations that promote the betterment of our great community. From myself, our publisher and our staff, onthetown would like to sincerely thank all of our loyal readers by wishing them all the best and a Happy New Year! be seen, be heard, be onthetown, Michelle Blaisdell

As we go aroundthetown with Chelsea Mills, readers can take a look at two of our most venerable and esteemed businesses along with her review of a local dining establishment that has earned a revered following for many years. And James Hamp adds his restaurant review of a new

ABOUT THE COVER IMAGE

sushi bar located in downtown’s Flint Farmers Market -- cleverly labeled the “Chubby Duck.”

In an image of perfect harmony, balance, and symmetry...our bride

Our community is blessed to have some of the best healthcare

stands poised, before crossing the

providers in the state as they all take pride in presenting some of their

threshold to join her groom in a

latest technologies in this issue. Equally impressive is the work that the

brand new life. Casey's dress is very

Michigan Vasular Center is doing in their rapidly expanding field of

unique…clean and simple without

prosthetic services.

being one bit ordinary. And the iron-

On the education scene, all of our local colleges and universities are gearing up for their respective winter sessions as Paul Rozycki dispels an old stereotype about history classes when he takes a look at the University of Michigan-Flint’s history department – basically, finding that it is not our grandfather’s history department anymore. And speaking of history,

cast doorway adds to the classic look. This picture, shot with available light—presents a beautiful image that will be just as relevant 50 years from now as it appears today.

The First

HURLEY MEDICAL CENTER IS THE FIRST HOSPITAL IN MICHIGAN TO OFFER STATE-OF-THE-ART MARGINPROBE ® TECHNOLOGY FOR ADVANCED BREAST LUMP REMOVAL SURGERIES

Photo by Doug Pike

Photos by Doug Pike

MarginProbe ® uses radio frequency waves to detect microscopic amounts of cancer cells left behind in the margin, or outer edge, when a lump is removed from a breast.

Raouf Mikhail, MD, FACS, FRCS.(C), Chief, Department of Surgery, Director, Hurley Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program and Medical Director Hurley Cancer Center

Deal with cancerous tissue THE FIRST time. Go to the region’s leader in breast health & breast cancer treatment.

Schedule your digital mammogram today. It’s fast and convenient, with after-hours and evening appointments available. Call 810.262.9194. hurleymc.com

Here for you

from the publisher. It’s hard to believe that 2015 is nearly here -- it seems each year goes by faster and faster. As I reflect on 2014, the first thing that comes to my mind is how very grateful I am to our advertisers for their continued support. Without them, publication of onthetown would not be possible. And I am also appreciative of our loyal readers and subscribers, and I ask that everyone support those advertisers by patronizing their wonderful businesses throughout Genesee County – all locally owned. I hope readers enjoy this current issue of onthetown Magazine – especially since the busy wedding season is fast approaching. In fact, anyone with a wedding ceremony pending in the near future should find this issue particularly helpful and pertinent. In addition, we have also covered many special events in our community, and I hope the photo spreads from them are enjoyable to our readers. And finally, even though we have had much positive feedback in 2014 from the many changes to the magazine that we have made thus far, we intend to continue perfecting our product in the coming year. The entire staff looks forward to readers’ responses and suggestions as we progress. I want to thank everyone for the continued support and wish all who sustain us in any way a very prosperous, healthy, and happy 2015. Cheers, Kimberly Gray, Publisher

W W W. O N T H E TO W N L I M I T E D. C O M

LAYOUT Archetype Design Studio

CONTRIBUTORS Ilene Cantor Kristina Falcon Sherry Farney Cindy Ficorelli Ilse Hayes Jan Jenkins Chelsea Mills Tara Moreno Paul Rozycki Ray Smith

MANAGER Laura Ulman

EVENT SPREADS Chelsea Mills-Behind Your Design

EDITOR IN CHIEF Michelle Blaisdell COPY EDITOR Martha Hamp MANAGING EDITOR Michael G. Thodoroff

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

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

J U N E 1 8 , 2015

A S CH O L AR S H I P BAS ED PAG E AN T T HAT W I L L ENCO MPA S S

S ERV IC E • S TYLE • S U C C E S S

• The pageant will award a total of $1,000 in scholarships annually to Miss Grand Blanc and two court members along with many other prizes. • The Queen and court participate in community events throughout the year. • High school girls aged 16 – 18 living in Grand Blanc School District are eligible.

SALES Debby Molina Allison Joslin Chelsea Mills Mark Novak 4

PHOTOGRAPHY Joel Hart Tom Hick's Debby Molina Tara Moreno

IN FOR M ATION AL M E E TIN G January 15 6:30 PM | Faith Lutheran Church |12534 Holly Rd. | Grand Blanc 810-730-8230 | m i s sg b p a g e a n t @ g m a i l . c o m

Contents //

VOLUME IV ISSUE VI

Timeless

10 MORE THAN A BRILLIANT GEM! 12 STELA ZAHARIEVA PHOTOGRAPHY

Moments

20 J.D. PHOTO LAB 22 FLINT INSTITUTE OF ARTS 26 BRIDAL TALE: LINDSAY & CRAIG

The premiere charity gala of the season is coming to the Flint Farmers’ Market on February 6, 2015.

enesys Heart Institute, the region’s leader in cardiovascular care, invites you to the 4th annual Genesys Affair of the Heart charity gala at the Flint Farmers’ Market on February 6, 2015. Make your reservation now to enjoy a beautiful evening at the Market, all for a good cause. Be our guest and sip a cocktail, enjoy the savory creations from local chefs, try your hand at the gambling tables and mingle with old friends and new. Genesys Heart Institute will use the proceeds to help design a new program with University of Michigan-Flint students focused on creating a series of health education videos. Student videos will feature lifestyle changes needed to help prevent the most prolific health issues in our region, including heart disease and diabetes. Join us for a spectacular evening as the Affair of the Heart goes to Market.

Make your reservation by calling (810) 606-6387 or genesys.org/AffairOfTheHeart

Contents //

VOLUME IV ISSUE VI

Medical

30 MCLAREN: CRITICALLY ILL CARDIAC PATIENT OVERJOYED 32 GENESYS: "WHERE HEART LIVES" 34 HURLEY MEDICAL CENTER: STATE OF THE ART MARGINPROBE® TECHNOLOGY 36 MICHIGAN VASCULAR CENTER: PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES...A NEW ERA IN PROSTHETICS 38 GRAND BLANC REHABILITATION & NURSING CENTER: RECOVERY WITH CARE AND COMPASSION

Be Seen 40-52 EVENT PHOTOS

Business 54 DEE CRAMER: CREATING INNOVATION VALUE THE KEY TO SUCCESS, GROWTH AND SURVIVAL 56 NORTHGATE: MOVING FORWARD - THE CHANGING DYNAMICS OF A LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS 58 MACKSOOD’S: FROM DURANT-TURRI-MOTT TEACHER TO SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR

Education 60 U OF M-FLINT: NOT YOUR GRANDFATHER’S HISTORY DEPARTMENT 62 BAKER COLLEGE OF FLINT'S INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 64 GISD: EXTENDING ONLINE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Sports 66 FRED RADEMACHER: PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION... COACH LIKE A LEGEND 70 GFASHOF: WORLD CLASS ELITE – AND FROM FLINT!

72 GREATER FLINT SPORTS HALL OF FAME MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Food & Drink 74 THERE'S NOTHING CHUBBY ABOUT THIS DUCK 76 TIA HELITA'S: 44 YEARS IN OUR COMMUNITY

Retail

78 V-TRADING: THE BEST KEPT SECRET OF DOWNTOWN GRAND BLANC

Culture 80 LENA PELIO: THE VISION AND THE DREAM

Keep your business heading in the right direction.

Treasury Management from FirstMerit Bank When John talked to FirstMerit Bank’s Treasury Management team, his goal was to increase his company’s working capital. Together, they came up with a plan to help John effectively manage receivables, control payments, and improve his company’s overall cash flow. Now John has all the tools he needs to keep his business moving in the right direction — forward.

TO L E A R N MOR E, C O N T A C T :

Greg Viener, Community President, at 810-342-7074 or greg.viener@firstmerit.com. Follow the latest market trends @firstmerit_mkt

firstmerit.com Member FDIC 2411_FM14

Bridal //

MEDAWAR JEWELERS: MORE THAN JUST A GEM

More Than A Brilliant Gem! BY TARA MORENO

It’s wedding season,

and Medawar Jewelers is ready to take care of Michigan couples’ jewelry needs. Ronny Medawar, who owns the Flint Township and Fenton locations along with other jewelry stores around Michigan, says, “We pride ourselves on being the engagement ring stores for Mid-Michigan. That is who we are, and we happily serve our community with pride.”

hoosing the right piece of jewelry, especially an engagement ring, can be overwhelming to a bride and groom, but Medawar Jewelers is the destination place for anyone who is looking for the perfect diamond. Medawar has the experience to lead anyone to that perfect sparkling gem. Some of the top brands Medawar offers for diamond bridal sets include Tacori, Simon G, and Verragio, to name a few. Medawar says he employs customer service representatives who study diamonds and are continually keeping up with processes and styles. “The most important suggestion I can give someone is – know what you are buying. Know the color, the clarity, the cut, the weight. You can jump online and look, yet when you walk into Medawar Jewelers you will get hands-on experience and information about the diamond being purchased – [information] that you cannot get online or from unreliable sources. You can see many diamonds and see what makes the diamond so special,” he says. Medawar says the diamonds he acquires are from all over the world, and he makes sure that each diamond is from a conflict-free area. And Medawar guarantees the best-valued diamonds. “We guarantee the very best value for the quality period. We are a direct diamond importer, straight from the cutter, [with] no middle man. If you want the very best value for the quality on a diamond, we will give you that.” Medawar also offers custom-made bridal sets at no extra cost. He says that is one of his biggest hits. “We can create anything -- from a custom engagement ring to a matching wedding band to your existing ring. That’s something we do on a daily basis. We don’t charge extra for custom because we are always creating them for our stores and clients,” he states. Although engagement rings are Medawar Jewelers specialty, they are a full-service jeweler that also makes, designs and repairs other jewelry and watches. They also make house calls on grandfather clocks. Medawar Jewelers is all about serving the customer. “We pride ourselves in quality work for the very best values. Service after the sale is something that sets us apart, but that is something we don’t talk about…that is something that must be experienced. Whatever we can do to give our visitors a great experience, is what is going to happen,” Medawar points out. Financing is offered through Medawar Jewelers and can sometimes extend up to 24 months or more, but this depends on the time of year and special promotions. Many times it is offered interest free and long term. Medawar Jewelers of Flint Township is located at 3093 South Linden Road. Medawar Jewelers of Fenton is located at 3206 West Silver Lake Road. For more information, visit www.medawars.com

Bridal //

STELA ZAHARIEVA

StelaZaharieva A

picture can tell a story sometimes better than a thousand words— and that seems to be a bit of an understatement when talking about photographers today.This is especially true when capturing some of our most memorable moments, like a wedding day. An award-wining photographer, Stela Zaharieva, shares insight regarding her thought process every time she picks up a camera.

Stela says:

No two clients are the same, so I embrace their differences and try to capture them accurately, showing them off. For example, if my bride is wearing a lace dress, I want to highlight the texture in the best possible way. If I am lucky, and there’s some breeze blowing as I photograph a bride with a veil and long train on her gown, I try to have fun with it. I have a passion for dance and movement and ask the bride to just “be” in motion. There’s no need for her to actually “ jump” around…unless of course she really wants to. First, I look for light and then a background. These two elements should add to the image, not take away from it or serve as a distraction. And I take pride in showcasing my bride and/or groom. If the couple is committed to work with me, then it’s just a matter of time before we end up with some stunning images.

STELA ZAHARIEVA

// Bridal

The bride in this picture is Oskana, standing in a bright mid-day light in July. Nine out of ten photographers would agree when I say that this kind of light is a photographer’s worst nightmare. Over the years, however, I have learned to embrace it, though it is not a full-blown love affair— in fact, it’s a work in progress. Infrared ends up being the perfect way to showcase this shot. I have Oskana stand in front of the fountain and spin with that stunning fairytale-like dress.

Bridal //

STELA ZAHARIEVA

// Bridal

The bride is Cristy, and we are in the courtyard of St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Plymouth. I notice a red maple tree with a wall behind it. This wall is shaded by the tree, a stream of light shining in front of it. So I have this stunning bride standing next to me, making it easy to know what to do. I request that Cristy play with her veil while facing the light. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all. Most of the time I have to work much harder to find that perfect spot than in this case, but I enjoy the challenge. In this case, all this brides' happiness shines in the resulting image.

Bridal //

STELA ZAHARIEVA

Erica and Josh have a rainy day for their shoot, with showers swiftly approaching, so we have to work fast. The challenge lies in keeping the dress as pristine as possible for the ceremony ahead. We are in the park next to the Thousand Hotel in Birmingham where there are wet chalk drawings on the pavement and a busy background… but I have a beautiful, stormy sky and a fun-loving couple as my canvas. So wet chalk and all—I lie on the ground to cut out the image of the buildings behind them. As the showers begin again and just as Erica and Josh are getting ready for the shot, Erica places her hand out from under the umbrella to feel the rain. It is her smiling and being happy that is all I need to get this image. I always do my best to work with the couple in order to arrange their day so that we have the best possible time to shoot. However, as is true with this example, that’s not always possible. As the shot plays out, it seems, by the looks on their faces, that this couple’s love has transcended the weather and banished the clouds.

STELA ZAHARIEVA

// Bridal

Bridal //

STELA ZAHARIEVA

Winter weddings display the opposite conditions to those of a summer, midday shooting outdoors. The natural light is pretty much gone by 4pm, so I have to find whatever other light is available, add to it if I have to, or even use strobe light to create my own. This is Minja and Mike at the Colony Club, at their wedding held the end of November. I use the available light on the ground floor -- which iss actually coming from the kitchen – and it looks great on her dress. But I need more for the couple’s faces, so I add an LED set at a warmer temperature. When I have wonderful brides and grooms who are willing to work with me to get the shot just right, everything else is easy. 18

Bridal //

JD LAB

he first wedding photograph was taken at the 1840 wedding of Queen Victoria to Prince Alber t. For the next 100 years, wedding photography remained a single formal photograph of the couple on their wedding day.

After WWII, ever ything changed. GI’s with surplus Army cameras photographed the entire wedding and produce picture albums. Unfor tunately, basement darkrooms led to low-quality, black and white prints. Among these WWII veteran photographers was J.D. Hicks. Before the war, Hicks had been an assistant at Baldwin-Chase Studio in Flint, Michigan. In the 1950’s, he saw the need for a professional photo lab in the Flint area that could process color film for wedding photographers. To fill that need, JD Lab was born. While JD Lab has re-invented itself many times over the years, it still holds to the founding principle J.D. stated 60 years ago: “to provide ever y professional photographer with the highest standard of quality and ser vice.”

Bridal //

FLINT INSTITUTE OF ARTS

Photo credit: ILE Photography

FLINT INSTITUTE OF ARTS

// Bridal

For many couples,

Photo credit (two images bottom right): Sean Cook Weddings

selecting the wedding reception venue is the first joint decision in the planning process that truly sets the tone for their special day. A bride and groom are looking for that unique location that reflects their personality, holds a special meaning, or is simply a beautiful space that not only becomes a lasting memory for them, but also creates a one-of-akind experience for their guests. The award-winning Flint Institute of Arts is that space. Located in the heart of the Flint Cultural Center, the FIA has become one of the premiere venues in Genesee County to host a wedding reception.

Bridal //

FLINT INSTITUTE OF ARTS

nlike a traditional reception hall, the FIA’s architectural beauty and magnificent collection of artwork act as a perfect backdrop -- offering a traditional, yet contemporary setting. The FIA is a dream for any couple with a passion for the arts or simply a desire to do something different and distinct. Imagine guests strolling through the galleries during cocktail hour and having their first dance underneath the gorgeous glow of a chandelier by world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. In addition, the museum is full of magical spaces to create unforgettable wedding photos. FIA caters to both intimate gatherings and extravagant receptions, offering several rental spaces, including Isabel Hall for dining of up to 200 guests, a spacious Lobby for dancing, a beautiful openair sculpture courtyard and several areas for small ceremonies. Additional amenities include in-house bartending, audio and visual capabilities, a Steinway grand piano, access to a list of quality vendors, and much more. The FIA continues to be artistic elegance on a couple's special day!

To setup a consultation and tour of the facility, contact FIA’s professional, friendly and experienced event staff at 810.234.1695 or email weddingreceptions@flintarts.org. For more information including bride testimonials, visit FIA’s wedding website www.flintarts.org/ weddings .

Celebrate Your Special Day Surrounded by Fine Art! Flint Institute of Arts 1120 E. Kearsley St. ~ Flint, MI 48503 810.234.1695 ~ flintarts.org

Bridal //

LINDSAY & CRAIG'S WEDDING

Bridal Tale

Bride’s

Groom’s

“When Craig and I said our vows and were announced as Mr. and Mrs. Craig Huppertz. I had been waiting for this day for, I don’t know how long, and to finally have it happen was the most incredible experience.”

“Our first dance. It was the first time that day I really got to take a breather from the craziness and focus on my wife, all of the people there to support us, and how perfectly the day was going.”

Most Memorable Moment:

LINDSAY & CRAIG'S WEDDING indsay was not a girl who grew up expecting that some of the most cherished moments of her life would unfold on a basketball court— for Lindsay and Craig met at Genesys Athletic Club, shooting hoops. Losing track of time in casual conversation, with a longing of getting to know each other better, five hours passed. “How romantic, right?” she jokingly recalls.

Another picturesque Michigan fall approached, during which Lindsay and Craig had made a tradition of carving pumpkins together. One weekend they decided to go looking for some, an ordinary pastime they had previously shared. Craig took his time as he looked, saying, “I have to find the perfect pumpkin,” and Lindsay recalls not thinking anything of it. Then when he finally ended up purchasing a huge pumpkin with a $32 price tag, she couldn’t believe how much he had just spent, and the two of them shared a laugh about it. As part of their tradition, once they began carving, they wouldn’t look at each other’s work of art until both were finished. And after they had completed their creations, Lindsay went along with Craig’s request for her to turn around and close her eyes. At that point, Craig positioned himself on one knee and the pumpkin in hands with the words “Linds, will you marry me?” carved into it. Thinking back, Lindsay recalls, “I thought Craig and I were going to get engaged for the longest time. It never happened at the moments I anticipated – I guess because he wanted me to be surprised -- and I certainly was.”

// Bridal

Lindsay Hensler and Craig Huppertz SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2014 | VENDOR CONTACT

CEREMONY LOCATION Faith Lutheran Church 12534 Holly Road Grand Blanc, MI 48439 810694-935 1 Coordinator: Emily Craw 810-444-3276 RECEPTION LOCATION Genesys Banquet Center 805 Health Park Blvd. Grand Blanc, MI 48439 | Contact: Collene Eller 810-606-7447 celler@epochcatering.com PHOTOGRAPHER Hicks Studio of Fenton 2545 W. Silver Lake Road Fenton, MI 48430 | Contact: Brad Hawks 810-750-9376 hicksstudio@att.net VIDEOGRAPHER VidCam Productions 11433 Grand Blvd, Suite 2 Grand Blanc, MI 48439 810-694-0996 | Contact: Craig Smith RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT Elysium Wedding Entertainment 43939 Manitou Drive Clinton Twp., MI 48038 586-203-8575 | Contact: Nicholas Hardy BAKERY Lisa’s Confection Connection 7060 Gateway Park Drive Clarkston, MI 48346 248-625-9881 | Contact: Lisa lisasconfectionconnection@gmail.com FLORIST/RENTALS Gerych’s 713 W. Silver Lake Road Fenton, MI 48430 810-629-5995 | Contact: Liz or Jon HAIR Salon 8 8185 Holly Road, Suite #13 Grand Blanc, MI 48439 810-344-9220 MAKE-UP Nuha 248-613-9039 REHEARSAL DINNER Redwood Lodge 5304 Gateway Center Flint, MI 48507 810-233-8000 TRANSPORTATION Dream Limousines 14906 Technology Drive Shelby Township, MI 48315 586-463-7326 | dreamlimousinesdetroit.com VALET COMPANY Appearance Valet, LLC PO Box 1013 Flint, MI 48501 810-444-5176 appearancevalet@hotmail.com OVER NIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS/SHUTTLE SERVICE Holiday Inn 3405 Regency Park Grand Blanc, MI 48439 810-695-3000

“

WEDDING COORDINATOR Laura Allis Events (810) 423-2237 laura@lauraallisevents.com On-site | Laura Allis, Ali Lazzer, Alexis Palombit

It is, without a doubt, the most memorable time of my life up to this point, and I would relive every second of it over and over again if I could.

”

Bridal //

LINDSAY & CRAIG'S WEDDING

Journey of the Engagement

And so the planning began, with the couple wanting a summer wedding, giving them the challenge of getting through a nine-month engagement. The venue was one of the first decisions to be considered, and it often proves the most difficult, due to availability of facilities. “It was a tough process trying to get everyone together at the same time to discuss ideas and bring everyone’s opinions into the mix, but then we had to also remember that it was Craig’s and my wedding, and we needed to do what we wanted to do,” Lindsay says. Both Lindsay and Craig took active roles in the planning process, though at first, they thought about splitting tasks, with Craig, for example, in charge of such items as the food, cake, and music. But with so many decisions, Lindsay and Craig realized that was not the best approach. “I wanted this to be our wedding, not just mine, and I wanted his opinions on all [the things] we had to choose from.” Lindsay explains. The couple agrees that, even after the big decisions were made, like choosing the date, a venue, the food to be served and what DJ to hire, there were still many smaller decisions and attentions to detail to consider as well, so they agreed that budgeting for and hiring a professional wedding planner was a necessity. And they were happy they did so. “You have to be ready to make a lot of small decisions that most people will not care about or possibly even notice. It was extremely helpful that we hired a wedding coordinator to aid in making those choices and to remind us of some of the small details that bring the entire ceremony together. It saved us time and also a lot of stress throughout the process,” Craig recalls. Laura Allis, the wedding coordinator, assisted the couple in making all their decisions, as well as being able to ensure that things ran smoothly on the Big Day and also handle any questions or problems that arose. “On your wedding day you want to enjoy things -- you don’t want to have to worry about all the little things, and if someone had a question, I was honestly the last person I wanted anyone to come to. Laura Allis made our wedding day run perfectly!” Linsday states.

A Moment to Reflect

Lindsay and Craig had 300 guests the day of their wedding, and they both reflect on and agree that the one thing they would have done differently had to do with timing. “I would have made better timing plans to make sure we got around and talked to everyone who came,” Craig says. And Lindsay agrees, proclaiming, “You feel bad, because people spend their entire day celebrating with you and to [fail to] even get a chance to thank them in person was upsetting to us.” The groom reflects that “The wedding process was tiring, frustrating, and expensive, but it was incredible! As a couple, you get to plan an entire ceremony and celebration just the way you want them where all of the focus and attention of your closest friends and family is on you. Who wouldn’t want to do that? It is, without a doubt, the most memorable time of my life up to this point, and I would relive every second of it over and over again if I could.”

Medical //

MCLAREN

Critically Ill Cardiac Patient Overjoyed by Minimally Invasive Treatment Option BY SHERRY FARNEY

ot only did Cynthia Suter, age 60, of Lapeer not have to travel a long distance for a life-changing heart procedure, she also did not have to have her chest cut open during the procedure. Cynthia has a history of high blood pressure, cholesterol and severe heart disease in her family. This summer she had pain in her right arm and shoulder so she went to a clinic and was told to go to the hospital as she could be having a heart attack. Testing revealed Cynthia needed dialysis and a heart catheterization. In the cath lab it was discovered she needed a stent to open up one of her arteries, and she had a serious issue with her aortic valve called severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. This disease state is the narrowing of the heart’s main valve which pushes blood out to the body. It typically begins to cause symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue and an irregular heart beat beginning at age 60. The valve opening goes from the size of a fifty cent piece to that of a dime or smaller. “I immediately thought ‘oh no, they are going to have to cut my chest open,’” states Cynthia, "because that’s what they had to do to my step-sister. When Dr. Davis told me I was a candidate for a procedure that would be done through my groin, I just couldn’t believe it.” Heart specialists at McLaren Flint performed the region’s first Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) on Cynthia on October 20, 2014. Medtronic designated McLaren Flint as a medical site for this new treatment earlier this year because of the Medical Center’s TAVR experts which include Cardiothoracic Surgeons Sanjay Batra, MD, James Martin, MD, and Interventional Cardiologist, Thomas Davis, MD. Over the past three years, these physicians have performed over 100 procedures as part of prestigious national trials conducted by Medtronic. “Without TAVR,” says Dr. Davis, “the average life expectancy for these patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis is only one to two years.” TAVR is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive procedure for patients considered high-risk for open-heart valve-replacement surgery. The procedure is performed through a small puncture in the groin or a small incision in the chest. The cardiologist inserts a tissue valve (Medtronic’s CoreValve®) into the larger artery there, and using X-ray views, eases it up to the heart, then pushes the damaged valve aside and implants the new one. The procedure is performed in McLaren Flint’s state-of-the-art hybrid operating room. For patients, the combination of the physician expertise and technology means improving the quality and duration of their lives. “This is now a low risk option for high risk patients who in the

During a discussion about Cynthia Suter’s recent minimally invasive cardiac procedure, Cardiovascular Surgeon James Martin, MD, references a model of the human heart.

“It’s exciting for our team to bring this technology to our patients in mid-Michigan without them having to travel hundreds of miles for treatment.” past likely would not have been considered for surgery,” states Dr. Martin. “Even patients in their 90’s can be considered for this procedure.” Following the procedure Cynthia no longer needs dialysis and everyone cannot believe how good she looks.“I feel fine, I really do,” she says with a big smile. “This is a pretty amazing procedure.” TAVR is just one of the life-changing procedures available now and in the future, through the Medical Center’s new Structural Heart Program. “It’s exciting for our team to bring this technology to our patients in midMichigan without them having to travel hundreds of miles for treatment,” states Dr. Batra.

Medical //

GENESYS HEART INSTITUTE

"Where heart lives,"

Genesys is known as region's hear t leader

he Genesys Heart Institute is gaining a reputation as the region's leader in technological advances, clinical research and complex heart procedures, as they continue to perform more minimally invasive heart surgeries than any other hospital in the area and has earned a respected designation as a top 15 percent hospital in the nation for heart surgery care.

Here's a brief look at what Genesys offers its heart patients:

•

Four new cardiac catheterization labs equipped to conduct the most advanced heart treatments and procedures.

•

An Atrial Fibrillation Clinic and Valve Clinic for patients who have limited treatment options.

•

A student heart screening program to identify students at risk for sudden cardiac arrest

•

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures

•

Minimally invasive valve repair and replacement

•

Advanced techniques to treat atrial fibrillation

•

Consistent benchmarked mortality rates over many years

•

National and international heart research along with heart device trials

It has earned the Blue Distinction Center plus cardiac care for 14 consecutive years as designated by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and has the highest rating possible for quality of performance for CABG procedures. According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, only 13.4 percent of hospitals nationally received a three star rating last year. Additionally, when the Convergent heart procedure for patients with chronic atrial fibrillation exhausted all other treatment options, Genesys was the first hospital in Michigan and one of only 70 in the entire country to offer this innovative technique. Not only does Smart technology allow EMS providers to communicate quickly and directly from the ambulance to the Genesys emergency department heart team through the use of this technology, a heart attack victim's condition can be recorded and sent to the hospital emergency heart team who will be ready to treat the patient upon arrival. To learn more about the Genesys Heart Institute and its team of highly specialized cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons and electrophysiologists, please call 810-606-7550.

INSTITUTE of GENERAL AND ENDOVASCULAR NEUROSURGERY • • • • •

General Neurosurgery Cerebrovascular Interventional Neuroradiology Neurotrauma Minimally Invasive Surgery Brain Tumors

• •

Brain aneurysms, vascular malformations Hospital Affiliations: Hurley Medical Center, Genesys Regional Medical Center, McLaren Regional Medical Center

Dr Shah-Naz H. Khan is a neurosurgeon who specializes in cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery. She also performs the whole gamut of general neurosurgery including, brain tumors and spine surgery. Recognizing the shortage or neurosurgeons in the area, especially in the sub-specialty of endovascular neurosurgery, Dr Khan is delighted to provide highly specialized, minimally invasive procedures. Therefore, she treats complex cases such as brain aneurysms, stroke and arteriovenous malformations. Thanks to her dual training, as appropriate, she treats these conditions using conventional operations, or by means of minimally invasive techniques using angiography.

SHAH-NAZ H. KHAN, M.D. FRCS(C), FAANS NEUROSURGERY 810-212-4100 1295 S. Linden Rd. Suite A | Flint, MI 48532

Dr Khan is highly qualified and experienced. She received her medical degree from Rawalpindi Medical College, University of The Punjab, Pakistan. She did her surgical internship from Sinai Hospital of Detroit, Michigan and completed her neurological surgery residency at University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. She subsequently completed a cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery fellowship at Mayfield clinic and University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH. She also has completed several additional fellowships including neurotrauma from University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT. She has been published extensively in numerous medical journals and has contributed book chapters to professional textbooks. She is also a reviewer for professional peer review journals. Dr Khan is a member of several professional societies including American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, American Stroke Association, Society of Neuroiterventional Surgery, Canadian Neurosurgical Society, Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation etc. She has presented and moderated at national and international conferences. Dr Khan is mentioned in Marquis Who’s who in America, 2015. Dr Khan is a Clinical assistant professor, in the Department of Surgery, Michigan State University.

Medical //

HURLEY MEDICAL CENTER

Hurley Medical Center First in Michigan To Offer State of the Ar t MarginProbe® Technology for Advanced Breast Lump Removal Surgeries

urgeons at Hurley Medical Center are now using the state of the art MarginProbe® system during breast lump removal procedures. MarginProbe® uses radio frequency waves to detect microscopic amounts of cancer cells or tissue not visible or left behind in the margin, or outer edge, when a lump is removed from a breast. In approximately five minutes, and within the operating room, surgeons can now have immediate information about the presence of cancer cells on the margins of the tumor. The next procedure is scheduled on November 7, 2014 on a 60-year old female patient from Genesee County. “This brand new technology could potentially prevent second or third surgeries, allowing the surgeon to get all the cancerous tissue in one surgery. Detecting microscopic cancerous matter before was extremely difficult. This not only makes it easier on the patient, but allows a quicker way to deal with cancerous tissue, when time is of the utmost importance” said Raouf Mikhail, MD, FACS, FRCS.(C), Chief, Department of Surgery, Director, Hurley Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program and Medical Director, Hurley Cancer Center. Dr. Mikhail is Board-Certified in Breast Surgery, General Surgery, and Surgical Oncology. As the region’s leader in breast health and breast cancer treatment, the Hurley Breast Cancer Program provides the highest level of clinical breast cancer care and compassion for patients and their families. The Breast Cancer Program at Hurley Medical Center is certified by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), the only accrediting body of the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer that accredits breast programs. Hurley is the first medical center in Genesee County to receive this distinction – out of a total of only six medical facilities statewide. A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease.

Dr. Raouf Mikhail

To help our patients navigate the complicated and stressful world of breast cancer, Hurley is also the first in Genesee County to offer a comprehensive Breast Health Nurse Navigator. From diagnosis to treatment, breast reconstruction and long-term follow-up, this caring, highly-trained registered and certified breast cancer nurse supports patients going through breast cancer treatment.

The 5th MarginProbe procedure took place at Hurley Medical Center on November 10, 2014.

Medical //

MICHIGAN VASCULAR CENTER

Pushing The Boundaries... A New Era in Prosthetics An exciting aspect of health care is the oppor tunity to make positive changes in people’s lives. Michigan Vascular Center (MVC), one of the largest and oldest vascular surger y practices in the nation, is doing it again by improving the care for patients who need lower extremity amputations.

VC provides prosthetic services at its main office on Bristol Road in Flint Township. Now in its third year, one might say the Michigan Vascular Mobility Center is hitting its stride. MVC utilizes a unique group practice model, in which the surgeon who performs the amputation and the prosthetist who delivers the artificial limb, coordinate patient care. From pre-operative patient counseling, to surgical collaboration, to specific post-operative healing and mobility, surgical and prosthetic options are tailored to the individual patient. GROUP PRACTICE MODEL According to Gary Paavola, Executive Director of the Michigan Vascular Center, “We did not invent the group practice model, but we have embraced it and work very hard each day to make it even better.” MVC teamed up with Amputee Associates of Nashville, TN, along with five other highly respected vascular surgery practices from around the country. Amputee Associates serves as a hub, providing extended training programs for both prosthetists and vascular surgeons, coordinating monthly electronic conferences to share “best practice” experiences, providing on-site hands-on support and more. The six surgical practices are located in Knoxville, TN, Dallas, TX, Richmond, VA, Nashville, TN, Savannah, GA and Flint, MI. Together these groups represent over fifty board-certified vascular surgeons. NEW PARADIGM Following surgery, amputation patients face months of difficult and often painful rehabilitation. Historically, many patients would refuse the notion of a prosthetic device or would give up on their rehabilitation care plans, often resigning themselves to crutches, a wheelchair or a bed. Ill-fitting prosthetics can create chronic pain and discomfort, causing patients to become discouraged. Fine tuning surgical procedures, coupled with the technological advances in materials, makes it easier

HAVING LOST HIS RIGHT LEG IN A TRACTOR ACCIDENT AT THE AGE OF TWELVE, JEFF IS UNIQUELY QUALIFIED TO WORK WITH AMPUTEE PATIENTS. JEFF IS ALSO “HANDS-ON” WHEN IT COMES TO FABRICATING TEMPORARY MOBILITY DEVICES, ALONG WITH DESIGNING AND FITTING PERMANENT PROSTHETICS.

MICHIGAN VASCULAR CENTER

// Medical

for the prosthetist to create a comfortable and useful mobility device. Now MVC can help patients perform everything from basic daily care routines to more active athletic endeavors, depending on their individual circumstances. PROSTHETIST According to Jeff Eschenburg, the MVC prosthetist, the group practice model has rejuvenated his career. Prior to joining MVC, Jeff worked for seventeen years, first for a prosthetics company, and later in his own business. But there was always something missing. He never had immediate and unbridled access to the physicians. The ability to confer with physicians throughout each day and discuss all aspects of the care plan, has brought his life’s work full circle. Having lost his right leg in a tractor accident at the age of twelve, Jeff is uniquely qualified to work with amputee patients. Jeff is also “handson” when it comes to fabricating temporary mobility devices, along with designing and fitting permanent prosthetics. “LITTLE JOE” When asked on a recent office visit if he would be willing to pose for a magazine article, Mr. Franklin Pleasant immediately responded, “Is this going to help others? I believe in paying it forward. So many people have helped and encouraged me.” Mr. Pleasant proudly displayed his right leg and temporary prosthesis, which he refers to as “Little Joe.” Smiling at his prosthetist (Jeff Eschenburg), with a twinkle in his eyes, he says, “If I had it to do over, I would have named it Little Jeff. Jeff is my hero.” AHA MOMENTS Observing patients progress through the rehabilitation process is very inspirational. Whenever a patient overcomes a seemingly insurmountable personal challenge, the MVC staff refers to it as an aha moment. With the addition of the mobility center, the aha moments have grown exponentially. LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF BRISTOL AND LINDEN FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 810-732-1620 MICHIGANVASCULAR.COM

Medical //

GRAND BLANC REHABILITATION & NURSING CENTER

Recovery with Care AND Compassion BY TARA MORENO

rand Blanc Rehabilitation and Nursing Center offers a full-range of wellness services for those recovering from a multitude of illnesses and diagnoses. Whether staying for post-acute rehabilitation or long-term living, each patient is promised the utmost care and compassion provided by an experienced staff. With the largest Medicaid-Certified ventilator care program in Michigan, patients requiring a higher concentration of oxygen have an opportunity to live a more comfortable life. Numerous activities are available for ventilator residents. Bingo, bowling, and a Happy Hour celebration with live entertainment top of the list of enjoyable activities for residents. Dining is also a key feature at Grand Blanc Rehab. Cook Robert Pitman says he gets daily input on suggested menu items from the residents. He says he tries to serve “favorite comfort foods” as much as possible. “We try to accommodate the residents in any way we can,” says Pitman. Director of Rehabilitation, Susan Schmidt, has been with the Center for two years. She oversees the physical, occupational and speech therapy of Grand Blanc Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Schmidt praises the Center for its ventilator program and says, “We understand the specialized needs of ventilator patients, so at Grand Blanc Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, we strive to provide residents with individual care and exceptional outcomes.” Schmidt stresses the importance of rehabilitation and says, “As a therapist you are able to do a detailed analysis of what’s going on and are able to help patients achieve maximum function. Patients often need to relearn a new way of doing things. What therapy can do is help train the family on how they can work together to help their loved ones transition.” Forrest “Chester” Stocker, a ventilator resident, had a normal life before falling in his bathroom and hitting his head that resulted in a spinal cord injury, leaving him a quadriplegic. Occupational therapist Chrisy Pfifer has been working with Stocker the past few months. In November, Stocker, with the help of Pfifer, was able to transition to a wheel chair, something he has not been able to do in six months. “It’s the small things that mean so much,” says Pfifer. “He wanted to regain his skills. He wanted to get up and get out so he could socialize.” Although the Center has created a comfortable means of living for its patients, Clinical Nurse Liaison Tina Oshlove says the main goal is to try to get patients home. “When they (patients) come here, our goal is to get them home, to try to wean them off the ventilator if we can. If we can’t, we do training with the families to send these individuals home on the ventilator,” says Oshlove compassionately. Grand Blanc Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is a large, one-floor facility that houses 154 beds. With a fairly large staff consisting of a board-certified medical director, board-certified pulmonologists, licensed respiratory therapists, as well as registered dieticians, physical, occupational, and speech therapists, 24-hour RN coverage, social workers, a certified wound-care specialist, and a full-time ventilator activity aide and respiratory therapy department, patients are guaranteed individualized care.

Clockwise from top left: Linda Sefcik and Donald Sefcik pose together during a bingo game. | Chrisy Pfifer and Forrest “Chester” Stocker are pictured in the rehab room. | Pictured is Director of Rehabilitation Susan Schmidt sitting at her desk working on charts.

Recently, Morris E. Gales III, MD, was added as certified wound-care specialist. Dr. Gales attended medical school at Wright State University School of Medicine, class of 1984, and became board-certified in 1990 after completing training at Pontiac General Hospital. Dr. Mohammed Saeed is also new to the Grand Blanc Rehabilitation and Nursing Staff. Dr. Saeed comes to the Center with 18 years of experience. Grand Blanc Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is located at 11941 Belsay Road, Grand Blanc, MI. For more information, call 810) 6941970

A Leading Provider

of Post-Acute and Long-Term Living Services. We are committed to providing quality rehabilitative programs designed to maximize wellness and independence. C o mp re he ns ive Inpat ient R ehabilitat ion S p e c ialty P ro gr a ms Include: Stroke Rehabilitation • Orthopedic Rehabilitation • Post Trauma Care • Pulmonary Care Rehabilitation General Surgery Care & Rehabilitation • Hospice Care • IV Therapy • State Of The Art Wound Care 54 Bed Medicaid-Certified Ventilator Unit Featuring Piped in Oxygen For Those Residents Requiring A Higher Concentration of Oxygen O ur Me d ic al & P hys ic al Re h abilitat ion T ea m Consist s of : 24 Hour A Day Licensed Nurses • Dietitians • Pulmonologists On-Site Internal & Physical Medicine Physicians • On-Site Dental, Eye, & Podiatry Services Board Certified Wound Care Physician • Licensed Physical, Occupational, Speech & Respiratory Therapists T h e r a p e u tic Re c re atio n & Ac tivity Progr a ms Wit h Live Music & Out T rips!

1 1 941 Be l say Road | Gra n d B l a n c | 8 1 0 . 6 9 4 . 1 9 7 0

Be Seen

// HURLEY HOSPITAL | LEVEL I TRAUMA CENTER AND REGIONAL BURN UNIT

Khahid Ahmed, Melany Gavulic

The U of M vs MSU Committee

Matthew Leo, Doug Hyde

Jim Jackson, Gary Latimore

Hurley Golf Classic September 8, 2014—The 30th Annual Hurley Golf Classic was held at the Flint Bill Haley, Michael G Thodoroff Rick Warmbold, Rob Roth

Golf Club. The event raises funds for Hurley’s remarkable Level I Trauma

Craig Haynes, Tim Mackin

Center and Regional Burn Unit. The trauma center admits more than 1,500 patients a year, making it one of the highest-volume units in the state. Hurley serves 22 counties and

Robert Graham, Elizabeth Worner, Michele Zurualec, Morgan Mikiczencko

receives hundreds of transfers from other hospitals each year. For more information visit HurleyFoundation.org

Ryan Oroarh, Randy Narouitz

Scott Brotebeck, PGA Professinal 40

Doris Ethier, Melissa Farney

Khahid Ahmed, Melany Gavulic

John & Norma Zucker

2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5 C l a s s i c a l C on c e rt S e r i e s

Music Enrique Diemecke Music Conductor & Director

Flint Symphony Orchestra 2014 - 2015 Classical Concert Series is Sponsored by The Whiting Foundation & MLive Media Group/ The Flint Journal

that

Moves You Upcoming Concerts February 21, 2015 ▪ 8pm Part of Black Classical Origins Anthony Elliott, Cello Music of Respighi, Elgar, & Ravel

March 21, 2015 ▪ 8pm Ida Kavafian, Violin Music of Sibelius, Daugherty, & Tchaikovsky

April 18, 2015 ▪ 8pm Indra Thomas, Soprano Jonathan Boyd, Tenor Andrew Cummings, Baritone Flint Festival Chorus Wendy Bloom, Director

Ann Arbor Youth Chorale

888.8CENTER ▪ THEFIM.ORG

Catering & Banquet Rooms Available 4070 S. Saginaw St. Burton | 810-742-5525

www.tiahelitasmexicancuisine.com

Shayla Hottinger Powell, Conductor Bonnie Kidd, Conductor

Britten War Requiem

Leaders at Heart

For every person, there’s a heart. And for every heart, there’s McLaren Flint—featuring the area’s most comprehensive cardiovascular program and most experienced clinical team. We treat more hearts than anyone in the region. Using the most advanced technology available, our physicians perform a complete range of cardiovascular procedures, including highly complex surgical techniques offered nowhere else in our area. We’ve also earned impressive designations as a Stroke Center of Excellence and a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Blue Distinction Center+ for Cardiac Care. When you want the best—world-class technology, innovative diagnostic and treatment procedures, and care from experienced cardiovascular experts—trust the leaders at heart. Trust McLaren Flint. To learn more, visit mclaren.org/flint.

mclaren.org/flint

Be Seen David Meerman, Molly Ijames

// GRAND BLANC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The U of M vs MSU Committee

Tamira Newman, Ryan Newman

Lindsey Gillbert, Cathy Lochirco

Taste of Grand Blanc September 10, 2014â&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Grand Blanc Chamber hosted the annual Taste of Melissa Bosek, Taparis Wilson Debbe Campbell, Stephanie K, Jeff Pear

Grand Blanc, located at Captains Club at Woodfield. The event features food from local area restaurants, business

Donna Luce, August Wallace Tammy VanWagoner, Tina Olshove

vendors, a cash bar and live music. The Taste of Grand Blanc offers the opportunity for friends, families and community members to connect and network. For more information visit GrandBlancChamber.com

Chelsea Khirfan, Cassandra Overley

Morgan Streetman, Kerri Pruitt, Ashley Hoops 44

Steve Gjonaj

Kim Dinger, Paige, Sandy Boisture

Not-foR-pRofit

Baker is Michigan’s largest independent college and a not-for-profit organization. We invest in students—not shareholders—allowing us to maintain affordable tuition.

PREPARE YOURSELF FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF COLLEGE EXPERIENCE TM

CALL:

(810) 766-4000

TEXT:

BAKER

VISIT: 1050 W. Bristol Rd., Flint, MI 48507

6449-PR_D

PREPARE YOURSELF™

97% OF AVAILABLE GRADUATEs ARE EMPLOYED

An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Institution Baker College Promotional Alerts, (11msg/mo). T/Cs & Privacy Policy at www.74700.mobi/h/?BAKER; reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Msg & Data rates may apply.

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Be Seen

// BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF GREATER FLINT

Steve Lund, Craig & Lonetta Coney, Judge Duncan Beagle, Byrn Mickle, Mark Lund

The U of M vs MSU Committee

Judge Joseph Farah, Andrea Legendre, Judge Dowd Duane & Diane Miller, Brandon Miller

70 Years of Dedication September 12, 2014â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint celebrated 70 years of dedication to the children Floyd & Brenda Clack, Reta & Woodrow Stanley

Angie Hendershot, Dr. Rama Rao, Reta Stanley, Dr. Venkat Rao, Gloria Rogers, Tonya Baily, Dr. Sam Kiran, Ashoka Rao

and families of the Genesee County community. Their Platinum Jubilee Royal Gala, a black tie event, took place

Drs. Wrex and Karen Weaver, Terrye & Steve Branch Kenya Vinson, Mezon Green, Judge Terrance Berg, Lisa Humphrey, Latrelle Holmes

on Friday, hosted by Art Van Furniture Store on Miller Road in Flint. The anniversary celebration honored the volunteers who have helped shape this institution throughout the past 70 years, while highlighting the future direction of Big Brother Big Sisters as they provide life-changing

relationships

through

youth mentoring programs. For more Arminda & Raul Garcia

information visit bbbsFlint.org

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Flint , Committee 46

Clifton Turner, Raul Garcia, Judge Duncan Beagle, Robert Bois

Anita Mannam, Dr. Mona Hardas Kiran, Sosa Kocheril, Samira Rao

Be Seen

// FLINT INSTITUTE OF ARTS - 7TH ANNUAL ART ON TAP

Holly Macksood, Tom & DeAnn Townsend, Judge David & Patti Goggins

The U of M vs MSU Committee

Stacey Peariso, Georgia Janke, Chrysa Curran-Cronley, Kristin Stefanko

John Henry, Lynne Hurrand

7th Annual Art on Tap Mark Jacobson, Char Farella, Judy Jacobson, Mike Farella Harry Giferle III, Nathan Keelor, Becky & Mike Yost, Amy Lincoln

September 13, 2014—7th Annual Flint Institutes of Arts Beer Tasting Event is An Ode to Michigan Brews!

Gabriel Luna, Fabian Villarreal, Pat Killian Steve & Rosanne Heddy, Duane Elling, Amy Krug, Wade Pyles, Heather Nassar

Guests sampled the best of the best of Michigan's craft beers, while Executive Chef Luis Fernandes, of Redwood

Steakhouse,

provided

Michigan-inspired beer cuisine. The event festivities included musical entertainment, a silent auction, raffle and more! For more information visit Catherine Wright, Angie Beauchamp, Joanie O’Sullivan-Butler

Diane Perry, Paula McGlown

FlintArts.org

Mike Pernicano, Aimee Espinosa, Valerie Szyarto, Alyssa Kushuba

Judge David Goggins, Sean Butler, Tom Townsend, Tom Macksood

Dan & Mary Ryan, Ellen Brothers

Be Seen

// THE GREATER FLINT AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME 2014 AWARDS

Jim Robinson, Steve Smith

The U of M vs MSU Committee

Keith Richardson, Ava Grace Kissel

Rev. John Thornton, Lorrie Thronton, Brian Carpenter

Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame Bill Haley, Michael G Thodoroff Karen Root, Reggie Manville

October 1, 2014â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame announced and introduced the 2014 class of inductees at the Genesys Athletic Conference-

Tim Bograkos, Tom Yeotis, Sam Paraschos Rayne Stebbins, Mathew Stebbins, Karis Stebbins

Banquet Center. For over 30 years, the Hall of Fame has provided a vehicle for our community to recognize and celebrate the unsurpassed history of athletic achievement and community service that has been so much a part of the Flint area. For more information visit gfashof.org

Craig Coney, James Blakley

Roger Foutch, Jeff Hamilton 48

John Chapman, Kevin "Kermit" Pitts, Glenn Odneal, Gary Pool, Ricky Nelson

Master of Ceremony Bill Troesken

Paul Staroba, Larry Hackett, Sheriff Pickell

NCG Trillium Cinemas 8220 Trillium Circle Ave. Grand Blanc, MI 48439

Tuesday $2 Concession Menu $2 Small Popcorn $2 Small Soft Drink $2 Candy $2 Off Any Concession Combo

All day Tuesday enjoy our reduced rate movie tickets along with our $2.00 concession items.

Unfortunately, we are unable to combine this offer with any other coupon or discount.

Featuring free refills on all sizes of soft drinks and popcorn! Showtimes and info available at: www.NCGmovies.com or (810) 695-5000

Be Seen

// 3RD ANNUAL TEAM EASTON GIVES BACK BENEFIT BALL

Dustin & Kathy Ondovesik

The U of M vs MSU Committee

Dennis & Barb Clark with Grandson

Vicki Blerins, Kate James

Easton Clark Foundation October 3, 2014— The 3rd Annual Team Easton Gives Back Benefit Ball, Nathalee Harris, Shelby McPherson Anna Zittet, Jamie Ramses

hosted the Clark Family is the benefit ball held in honor of Hurley’s Level I Trauma Center. When their newborn

Tara Gomez, Michele Hammend, Elizibeth Canever Terry Matlock, Jan Singh

son, Easton Clark, was diagnosed with PPHN (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns)—which is uncommon and occurs in about 1 and 1,000 births—Easton was treated at Hurley Hospitals NICU Team and is now three years old and healthy. The benefit is the Clark’s family way of giving back. Colleen Talbot, Mary Blevin's, Elyse Caesan, Lori Staley Amy Rahwan, Alaa Rahwan, Paul Matlock

Matt & Michelle Look 50

Jill & Scott Nicholas

Troy & Lynette Shannon

take me to

hurley HURLEY MEDICAL CENTER IS THE REGION’S ONLY LEVEL I TRAUMA CENTER The Highest Designation Attainable

REGION’S ONLY BURN CENTER • REGION’S ONLY LEVEL I TRAUMA CENTER • REGION’S ONLY PEDIATRIC LEVEL II TRAUMA CENTER • REGION’S ONLY PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT • REGION’S ONLY LEVEL III NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT • REGION’S ONLY CHILDREN’S EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT • REGION’S ONLY SENIOR FAST-TRACK EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT • Hurley Medical Center has the Region’s Highest Level of Emergency Care Available. Always Staffed…Always Ready…Always Here For You.

hurleymc.com | 888.611.4462 Region is comprised of Genesee, Lapeer and Shiawassee Counties 51

Be Seen

// 10TH ANNUAL TIES & TAILS - HUMANE SOCIETY OF GENESEE COUNTY Bob Hentgen, Bill Hentgen

The U of M vs MSU Committee

David Washburn, Lynette Peppler

Danny Arnold, Walt Rodabaugh, John Ranville, Sue Tolbert (Little Girl), Dawn Johnson (Sunny)

10th Annual Ties & Tails Sheriff Pickell, Tanny Phillips, Janet McLaren Rebecca Jurva-Brinn, Lisa Jaworski, Katie Snyder

October 4, 2014— The 10th Annual Ties and Tales was hosted by the

Jim & Dee Shoenfield, Judy & Mike McGovern, Gloria Dow Carolyn Stubbs, Steve Lowry, Susan Schneberger, Tom Price

Humane Society of Genesee County, with proceeds from the event going to support Humane Society’s efforts in sheltering homeless animals, pet placement, humane education and cruelty investigation. They operate solely on the generosity of individuals throughout Genesee County. For more Roger & Ruth Simpson, Joe Tolbert

Jill & Matt Norwood 52

information visit GeneseeHumane.org

Walt & Barb Rodabaugh

Jen Sheroski, Brenda Sovis, Beth Kling, Anne Maselli

Susan Borrego, Mary Boyce, Guy & Linda Moxam

Business //

DEE CRAMER, INC .

Creating Innovation Value: The key to success, growth and survival BY CHELSEA MILLS

here is a lot of talk about innovation being the key to growing American businesses, but exactly how companies get innovative remains less clearly defined. I had the opportunity to sit down with Matt and Rich Cramer from Dee Cramer in Holly, Michigan, to talk about how diversity has kept them on the forefront of innovation and allowed them to become a business fixture in our community since 1937. Dee Cramer had been featured on the cover of onthetown Magazine in September 1992, and that cover was included again inside the 40th Anniversary edition, earlier in February of this year. Dee Cramer, Inc. is a third generation, family owned company, which was started by Dee Cramer, and then led by his son Dick, before Matt and Rich took the helm in 2005. Over the past decades, these leaders have been honored with several prestigious awards, including such distinguished recognition as Dick Cramer (2nd generation) being inducted into the 2012 Michigan Construction Hall of Fame, Dee Cramer (grandfather) being SMACNA Contractor of the Year 1983, Dick Cramer as SMACNA Contractor of the Year 1998, and Matt Cramer (3rd generation) as SMACNA Contractor of the Year 2011. Studies claim that fewer than 10% of family businesses survive to a 3rd generation, which makes Dee Cramer very unique. President Matt Cramer says, “Our grandfather raised our father to be a well-rounded individual and did not force him into the family business. When he was ready, he came onboard. Our father also raised us to be very well-rounded, so we both worked other jobs in other industries, and later, we came back to the family business, [then] by choice.” There are 88 employees of its 190 employees who have been with the company for over 10 years, 43 employees for over 15 years and 23 employees who have been with the company for over 20 years, showing the loyalty and dedication they have for the company. Many of the employees are 2nd and 3rd generation workers as well. Matt explains, “Our company was built on the core values from my grandfather. Our dad continued to build the company on those same values. We proudly continue to build on those same values over 70 years later. We are proud to have a company which allows our employees to live and work in the same community.” Since its inception, Dee Cramer has prided itself on excellence in design, workmanship, competitive pricing and customer service. “Everything we do is intentional,” Vice-President Rich

Cramer explains. “We stick to things we excel at.” And then he adds, “We focus on customer service and provide value when we identify a need in the community.” Matt continues, saying, “We are able to take care of our customers better than anyone else.” Furthermore, Dee Cramer represents the definition of diversity in our community. From residential heating and cooling services to taking the lead on the one million square foot C.S. Mott Children’s & Women’s Hospital project, Dee Cramer has proven over and over again to be truly a leader and innovator in their industry. Many people locally believe Dee Cramer is just a residential company, with few realizing that they are the 13th largest sheet metal contractor in America. While a good portion of their work is on new buildings, they take pride in the work they do servicing mechanical systems in existing buildings. “Mechanical systems represent a significant capital investment for any building owner. We provide a valuable service maintaining those systems to extend the life of that equipment. The latest technology allows us to measure the capacity and efficiency of existing equipment to help owners know when it makes financial sense to replace it,” explains Rich. Dee Cramer is recognized nationally as an industry leader, with state of the art headquarters, right here in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan. This is not their only location, for they also have a 18,000 square foot fabrication facility in Saginaw, a 20,000 square foot fabrication facility in Wixom, and another 3,300 square foot branch office in Lansing. “We specialize in making difficult projects look easy for customers, primarily in the Midwest, Matt says. And to clarify further, “We are on the cutting edge – we are not inventors, but we are early adopters of new technology,” Rich explains. He is speaking of the BIM technology and IPD Projects which Dee Cramer has adopted early on and allowed to become industry leaders. BIM (Building Information Modeling) is 3D technology that Dee Cramer has been drawing models in for over 20 years. “By drawing the building in 3D, we are able to allow all the

DEE CRAMER, INC . //

Business

trades to lay in all their contents and systems to ensure [that] everything fits and installs properly before on site construction starts,” Matt says, adding, “We are a recognized industry leader in building information modeling.” BIM keeps projects under budget and allows them to be completed in a shorter time span when compared to buildings built with traditional methods. One example of how BIM creates efficiencies is represented in how, in the construction of the C.S. Mott Children’s and Women’s Hospital, BIM was used to map out the hanging points for all the duct work in the entire one million square-foot building. This allowed the crew to install the hangers using GPS coordinates as the floors were being poured so that when the ductwork arrived, the install time was significantly reduced. In addition, IPD (Integrated Project Delivery) is a new Construction delivery method that Dee Cramer uses to streamline projects by bringing all the key components of the project together for collaboration earlier than they would be in traditional building methods. This brings the owner directly in contact with the trades and allows brainstorming for the best possible way to achieve certain project objectives and project goals. IPD utilizes various specific talents of team members to improve cost effectiveness, minimize waste and ultimately focus on achieving specific owner objectives. The end result of IPD projects is a higher quality project, delivered more quickly, often times under budget, with much higher customer satisfaction in the final product. The Paul F. Reinhart Emergency Trauma Center at Hurley Children’s Hospital was the first IPD project in Michigan, and since then, Dee Cramer has successfully completed five more IPD jobs to date. The innovative technologies Dee Cramer adopts come from their participation in the Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) and also from a peer group of other like companies across the country. Dee Cramer is recognized nationally as an industry leader for their peer group and SMACNA. Dee Cramer is also a big believer in giving back and investing in their local communities. They change the sign in front of their Grand Blanc Twp. facility every October for breast cancer awareness, participate in the breast cancer walk, support the Boys and Girls Club of Flint, as well as Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Christmas in Action and Hurley Children’s Hospital. For additional information about Dee Cramer or to contact them for their services, visit www.DeeCramer.com.

“WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE A COMPANY WHICH ALLOWS OUR EMPLOYEES TO LIVE AND WORK IN THE SAME COMMUNITY.”

Business //

NORTHGATE

Moving Forward: The Changing Dynamics of a Local Family Business BY CHELSEA MILLS

ife changed suddenly for the siblings in the Goggins family during the holidays of 2010. They experienced the ultimate heartbreak when they lost both of their parents exactly one week apart, due to terminal illnesses. And it was during this time that the siblings realized their individual aspirations were somewhat different from the path on which they currently found themselves.

Let’s back up a bit. For those of you who don’t know, NorthGate is a Goggins family-owned, Flint-based company, which was founded in 1984 by the patriarch of the Goggins family, Jack Goggins. Jack was the classic entrepreneur, cultivating many new ideas and founding several local businesses. But one venture took on a life of its own when the company’s major customer adopted Jack’s innovative idea for packaging automotive parts—and the name given to this program was the GumWrapper Packaging System, or later, and more affectionately, called Gummy Boxes. This October, NorthGate celebrated two major milestones: its 30th anniversary and the major accomplishment of 100,000 on-time truckload deliveries of the Gummy Box. NorthGate invited community leaders, customers, vendors and all of its 220 employees to an evening celebration. The party invitation included an animated video telling the GumWrapper story. This video can now be found on the company website homepage at www.Go2NorthGate.com. At the celebration, Andy Goggins, the youngest sibling and now owner of NorthGate, announced that he intended to make the momentous delivery scheduled for the following week. That proclamation concerned all the guests until Andy reminded them that his first role at the company was as a truck driver. So, on October 15th he did make the voyage with perfect execution. The Goggins children grew up in Flint and Flushing and were immersed, to varying degrees, in the various business ventures of their

father. Not every one of Jack’s ideas was successful, but in 1995, the GumWrapper business took shape, and the company was expanding. So, Jack began executing a long-term strategy for succession of the business to his six children, making them all partners of the company. “We were all active and familiar with the company even though only some of us had a full time role,” explains Terri (Goggins) Witt, the eldest daughter and current President of NorthGate. "I joined the business full-time in 2008, when my dad slowly started leaving more and more of the day-to-day decisions and tasks to us,” she adds. “At that time, not much thought had been given to the reality of what would happen when Dad was not part of the team.” During this time, the business was operating under the name Security Packaging, but the company did so much more than just packaging, that it began to move forward with rebranding and refocusing of the business. "In 2011, we decided to change our name to NorthGate,” says Rick Valley, a brother-in-law and business development executive, "[in order] to describe our strategic location as the northern gateway of the manufacturing center of the Great Lakes Region. We were no longer exclusively a packaging services company; we had extensive expertise in order fulfillment, sorting, repackaging, kitting, inspection and warehousing.” And Terri goes on to explain that "as a company, we refocused on who we were and what makes us unique in the marketplace. We also worked to better describe our core values. We highlighted our belief in the importance of our employees to the ongoing success of the company and the significance of offering meaningful employment opportunities in our community.” “It is important to me that everyone is treated with respect, just like they are part of our family,” Terri’s brother Andy adds. “I am proud of the relationship that we have built with our employees, our customers, our suppliers and our community.” And Terri continues in the same vein, saying, “I agree, we have the BEST employees in Genesee County. One of the main reasons I get up every morning is because I know I have over 200 families counting on us to make the right decisions for our company.” NorthGate has grown to have over 500,000 square feet of value-added space in its three Flint facilities. They have grown through the years as a leading supplier to automotive companies in the Great Lakes region. Now NorthGate has positioned itself as a total solution provider in the areas of warehousing, packaging, processing and distribution services. "As an example of the type of partnership we provide our customers, we recently received a call from a Tier 1 automotive parts manufacturer looking for warehouse space,” Terrence Ethier, Business Development Director explains. “When we explored more fully their business issue, we realized

NORTHGATE

// Business

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

G3367 CORUNNA RD. FLINT, MI 48532 PHONE: 810-235-8110 | FAX: 810-235-8812

ADDITIONAL FACILITIES

we could do more than just provide warehousing for them—[in fact,] we were able to provide additional value-added services as well. This customer needed to focus on core business, and we are able to help manage the logistics aspects of the operation.” Here is how it works: NorthGate sends empty racks to this manufacturer, daily, to match the shift production needs; the racks are then loaded with parts and sent along the supply chain, and eventually to an automotive assembly plant for installation in a new car. Next, the now-empty racks are sent back to NorthGate to be inventoried, cleaned, sequenced (based on the customer’s specifications), warehoused, and then, to complete the circle, shipped back to the customer. The company also provides other warehousing and inventory management services for this manufacturer. It has become a successful partnership.

2211 LAPEER RD. FLINT, MI 48503

In late 2012, it became clear that the best thing for the company would be to have a single direction moving forward. So, as a family, the Goggins decided that the sibling with the most extensive company background and the responsibility for key business relationships should direct the future of the company – and Andy became the owner of NorthGate. “We don’t know what the future may hold for us, but we expect our continued growth to support enhanced career opportunities for employees and managers who share our vision for the company,” Andy says, adding that “We will remain an independent, family-owned, Flint-based company [that is] dedicated to hard work, innovative and cost-effective businesses solutions [as well as] outstanding customer service.” NorthGate provides warehousing, packaging, processing and distribution services. It is strategically located in Flint, Michigan, the “Northern Gateway” and ideal location to process materials being shipped into or out of the Great Lakes region of the US and Canada. For additional information, please visit www.Go2NorthGate.com.

3301 S. DORT HWY. FLINT, MI 48507

"WE HAVE THE BEST EMPLOYEES IN GENESEE COUNTY. ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS I GET UP EVERY MORNING IS BECAUSE I KNOW I HAVE OVER 200 FAMILIES COUNTING ON US TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS FOR OUR COMPANY." 57

Business //

MACKSOOD'S

From Durant-Turri-Mott Teacher to Successful Entrepreneur: Tom Macksood Is One Lucky Man

BY MARTHA HAMP

he best luck of all is the luck you make for yourself,” according to General Douglas MacArthur, and Tom Macksood, if he thought about those words, might very well agree. He certainly knows he has enjoyed an abundance of good fortune throughout his life, and he can say with confidence that he’s worked hard, admitting that, “In fact, the harder I worked, the luckier I got.” It has been 25 years since Macksood’s, a store that sells all those wonderful leisure “necessities” people “need” – from spas, to pool tables, to patio furniture and beyond -- opened to such signature success. But how did Tom come to invest in this particular kind of enterprise? And what had he been “up to” before becoming an entrepreneur? There seems to exist a spirit in those people who achieve remarkable success…something that is at once indomitable and enduring, whether that success is measured in doing a job well or in becoming wealthy by doing what is engaging and compelling to the best of one’s ability. Judged by those standards, Tom Macksood can truly claim that he succeeded just as thoroughly at his first job out of college as he did at his next one when he opened his store. And it might be noted that the first success came from his heart, while his second emanated from his head, though both required of him that hard work that involved seizing opportunity (carpe diem) when it presented itself – just another way to measure “luck.” In fact, Tom, himself, admits that “If I died tomorrow, I feel I’ve accomplished everything in my life I set out to do – it’s been a wonderful run, and I’m a very lucky man.” But fully understanding this candid self-analysis might just require taking a journey back in time to see how the combination of knowledge, experience, and attitude formed this offspring of Lebanese immigrants into a person who has had such an auspicious life. It’s patently obvious to all who know him that Tom Macksood is nothing if not a “doer.” He began his professional working career as a teacher – his first job one of teaching adaptive physical education to special needs kids at Durant-Turri-Mott School for disabled children, located just east of Kettering University, on Third Ave. in Flint. He had originally wanted to be a Community School Director, a real plum position created through a joint-venture between the Mott Foundation and the Flint Public School System and part of a pilot program – the only one of its kind existing in the country at that time, in fact. But in 1967, there wasn’t a slot available, so the job that Tom took in Adaptive P.E. provided a place for him to work and wait for the opportunity to fill one of these positions whenever the opportunity arose at some school. However, as fate would have it, Tom never got that directorship because he fell in love with his students and the adaptive special education program he had been tasked with creating – coming up with his own “pilot program” on the job, as it were. He remarks that “from the beginning, I was shooting from the hip, but this was truly a special program for the kids with special needs…some without arms, or legs, or sight, for whom physical education had to be adapted individually.” Just as with the position of Community School Director, there were no comparable programs mapped out or tried in the realm of Adaptive P.E. – in fact, Tom was a pioneer in this field, and after receiving his Masters from UM, the institution asked him to teach a class on his project because “No one had any idea what Adaptive P.E. was all about. People from all over the US visited to see the program at work. And I had offers from all over to implement the same thing in other schools. But the pay scales were about the same as I 58

was earning at DTM – and I loved Flint – so I decided to stay,” Tom explains. And stay he did – for 17 years, teaching students from preschool age on up to seniors, to whom he often felt more like a friend than a teacher. No wonder that, at one point, he was even asked to write a book about his program and his experiences executing it. However, his job was not without a “downside” because working with disabled children requires dedication, patience, and most of all, a big heart… one that can break over and over again as many of these special kids can die of their pathologies. And for Tom Macksood, the day finally arrived when he says, “It was hands-on every single day, and I found, increasingly after 17 years that I just couldn’t do it any longer. I went home for Christmas break in 1979, and I never returned.” The Flint School Board graciously allowed Macksood to claim sick leave – perhaps understanding that the “burnout factor” as a result of what he had been doing (and accomplishing) was a very real part of his job. As it turned out, that leave extended for two long years, until opportunity knocked, and Tom’s “luck” kicked in again. It was 1980-81, a year of severe recession and an energy crunch, due to an oil embargo that was in place. But at that unlikely juncture, Macksood saw a chance at a whole new career; he and his wife decided to take a risk, opening a store that sold woodburning stoves as an energy alternative – and they never looked back. In order to do this, they took out a second mortgage on their home and borrowed $25,000 from his father-in-law, venturing together into uncharted territory for them. The first store, housed in the old Robert Hall building on Corunna Rd. in Flint Township, represented an

MACKSOOD'S

enterprise that, even now, Tom describes as a scary proposition. People were going bankrupt in the midst of the downturn while he was risking everything he and his young family had – and more. For, in fact, having given up his job with Flint schools...along with his benefits...in order to bet everything on a business he knew nothing about, seemed staggering. But he was supported by his wife and helpmate, Linda Vincent Macksood, who encouraged him while working long hours in the business herself, keeping the books, attending to the financing, and helping out in the store in a myriad of other ways…all the while telling him that “if this doesn’t work out, we’ll just start over again.” Thus Tom had one of the most important ingredients for becoming productive and prosperous – he had a wife who believed in him without reservation. Her unqualified encouragement and assistance provided him with the reinforcement he needed, because the business was not only a success, but the industrious Macksood’s did very well. Since then, as Tom Macksood says, he never looked back, and the store has long been a family endeavor. For example, son Tom began work at the store in the 7th grade, sweeping and stocking, while later, in high school, he made deliveries. The establishment expanded, branching out from its signature energy- saving products to marketing pools, spas, gas logs, fireplaces, pool tables, outdoor furniture and the like – as well as anything else that represents the motto Tom says sums up the focus of the store – the tag-line “We sell everything you want but don’t need.” His son is now the owner and CEO of the company since Tom Senior retired, with Tim Conroy, a nephew, serving as president. Daughter Linsey orders all the products and more, perhaps not unlike her mother did in the early days, while her sister Alison, the one sibling not at work in the business (at least not that one), has chosen to “follow” her father into the teaching profession, rounding out a worthy legacy that represents both the service and dedication present in both her parents. Thus, along with a group of industrious and trusted employees, the enterprise still retains its identity as a family affair. Macksood explains why he chose not to leave Flint when, with his talents, he actually could have located anywhere. He says this was where his father and mother settled when they came to the US from Lebanon, and notes that “this city was always good to my family, and I felt I owed something in return. In fact, I think Genesee County has been the greatest place in the world to grow up, to raise a family, and to own a business.” That’s a sentiment that certainly rings true because Macksood’s has been going strong and growing for 25 years now. The store has always been a comfortable and friendly place for people to shop…and for those who know Tom, it even has the feel of walking into a relative’s home. But that’s probably because he refers to so many friends and acquaintances as 'cousin'.” He explains that “I’ve had to deal with so many people through the store, and to come up with names on the spur of the moment when they greeted me sometimes was hard, while they only had to remember one name – mine. So the way I’ve always dealt with that problem is to refer to so many of them as “cousin,” which is actually a term of endearment in my cultural heritage. The name has served me well.”

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Unfortunately, no matter how much providence smiles upon individuals, no one person, no family, is immune to tragedy striking, and in 2009, the Macksood clan suffered a heartbreaking loss. The person who had always been at the center of the family and all they did, who had been the rock upon which their identity and sense of security had been built, lost her battle with cancer. Linda Macksood had been diagnosed in 2008 with a brain tumor, a glioblastoma, to which she succumbed a year later, having fought courageously the entire time. Her passing tore a hole in the fabric of the lives of Tom, her three children, her seven grandchildren, her extended family, and her many friends, producing a grief that could never quite be assuaged. She represented the essence of a loyal wife, a dedicated mother and grandmother, and such a truly good person that she will always hold a special and honored place of esteem in the hearts of all those fortunate enough to know her. The loss proved devastating to Tom Macksood and his family, but it is the nature of the human heart, having been happy once, to seek that state again. And since Tom is nothing if not resilient…and as his luck would have it…a deliverance came to him in the form of a friend by the name of Holly Bowles, who offered sympathy, kindness and compassion at a point in his life when he was in great need of it. Time has been called the great healer, and after a while, what had been a sustained friendship between Holly and Tom developed into something more important and lasting for both of them. They were finally married this past August, and Holly Macksood says of her own good luck that played a part in their coming together that she views all that occurred as a blessing and a gift. The two them ran into each other by chance as she had dinner with her daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend (later husband) at the Fenton Hotel…and Holly remarks that she almost didn’t go. But it might be construed that their meeting was less about luck and more about kismet, for she and Tom talked about mutual friends and interests that night, demonstrating a compatibility both have felt from the beginning. Friends facilitated their getting together from then on, and when it became clear that family approved, they were ready to “tie the knot.” And so, with a new lease on life, Tom appears, once again, a happy man, the one Holly says, “Had her from that first hello.” Thus, Tom Macksood, knowing how lucky he has been all his life, also understands that people really do make their own good fortune through those they chose to love, the children they raise, the families they revere, and the friends they cultivate. He has certainly -- first in his pioneer work at Durant-Turri-Mott, and later, as a fledgling entrepreneur taking the monumental risk of opening a business about which, at the time, he knew little -- accomplished what he set out to do, making a success out of his endeavors and providing a wonderful life for his family, while honoring Flint, the town he cared so much about. And he seems to mean it when he says, “If I had to do it all again, I would – no matter the money.” Perhaps, with hardworking offspring, successful in their own right, along with employees whose fidelity and trust is a given, the line from Macksood’s familiar commercial truly says it all – for it is in that place and in Tom’s life that “We have all the fun.”

Education //

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-FLINT

Jeff Dobbs, Adam Landberg, Shelby Blair, John Ellis, Monica Wiggins, Courtney Booms, Thomas Henthorn, Christopher Molnar, Gregory Havrilcsak, Justin Wetenhall; Travis Jones.

Not your Grandfather’s History Department BY PAUL ROZYCKI

emember those boring history classes in high school and college where you had to learn all those dates, military battles and lists of dead presidents? If that’s your memory of history classes, you’ve got a lot to learn from the University of Michigan-Flint’s History Department. A recent Open House highlighted the many new and diverse opportunities available to history students at the university. Want to travel the world and learn its history? The Wyatt Exploration Program gives students and faculty the opportunity to do just that as part of an organized year-long exploration of a major historical theme. In addition to offering guest lectures, artistic performances, coursework and extra-curricular activities tied to the annual topic, the department will take students, at college expense, to a particular part of the world for a unique educational experience. Students are selected not simply on their grades, but on their involvement in the whole Wyatt Program. At the start of each year, interested students are given “passports” where they can document their participation in lectures and other Wyatt sponsored events. Now in its sixth year, recent venues have focused on Wales, Poland, Japan, the American South and the City of Flint itself. This year, 2014-15, Wyatt Fellow and department chair, Dr. Roy S. Hanashiro, will be taking a selected group of students to Japan (and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii). It will be Hanashiro’s second trip to Japan with U of M students. The past Wyatt Fellows have been Professors Thomas Henthorn, John Ellis, Ami PflugradJackish and Teddy Robertson. The success of the program is apparent in the accomplishments of its students. Emily Dunn was a member of the group who went to Japan a few years ago, and she later returned to teach English to Japanese. Courtney Booms, traveled to Wales as part of the program and is now applying for a Fulbright Scholarship to continue her studies. The Wyatt Program is named for Dr. Dorothea Wyatt, a professor of history, who was one of the original sixteen members of U of M Flint faculty, and the first chair of the Department of History, when the university opened in 1956. She retired in 1975 and left a substantial endowment fund which has supported the program. If a trip halfway around the world isn’t your cup of (Japanese) tea, how about a good old American baseball game? The emphasis is on ‘old’- the way the game was played in the 1860s. The History Department is one of the sponsors of the Lumber City Vintage Baseball Club, and the uniforms, equipment and rules are those of the mid-19th century. Players didn’t wear gloves, pitchers threw underhanded from 45 feet, and the rules changed frequently in baseball’s earliest days. In partnership 60

with the Flint Whaley House, membership on the team is open to any interested players (you don’t need to be a student). Games are usually held in the field near the William White Building on the U of M Flint campus on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer. The History Open House gave prospective players a chance to take a few swings at the ball in the indoor batting cage. And if you’re not ready to take the field and play ball, there’s always the St. Patty’s day Quiz Bowl, usually held at a local pub on a Friday night in March. Student teams compete and winners receive prizes based on their correct answers to challenging historical questions. Members of the department regularly give historical presentations in Flint and Genesee County. This past October, the 2013-14 Wyatt Professor Thomas Henthorn gave a presentation at the Whaley House where he explored the styles of death and mourning in the 19th century. In November the Flint Public Library hosted his presentation on “Baseball in Lumber City,” where he discussed 19th century baseball and the Lumber City Vintage Baseball Club. In addition to these unique History opportunities, the department also offers students a chance to apply their talents at internships at the Sloan Museum, the Durand National Railroad Memorial, the Whaley House and the Buick Gallery. Professor Gregory Havrilcsak, the advisor to Phi Alpha Theta, the History Honor Society, takes pride in the fact that the department offers a number of scholarships to students—several for up to $2000 a year or more. Professor Henthorn is the faculty sponsor of a very active History Club which just completed its Haunted Masquerade Ball before Halloween and will be dedicating a plaque on the campus to honor Alexis de Tocqueville, the author of Democracy in America, who visited the Flint area in the 1830s. In an age when so many students are focused on career-oriented courses, Professors Harvilcsak and Thomas Henthorn underscore the fact that a liberal arts degree, one in history especially, can be the gateway to many careers such as teaching, the law, museum work and journalism. The unique programs offered by the U of M-Flint’s History Department aim to make that gateway a reality. The History Department may be studying the past, but they clearly are looking to the future.

Make 2015 count. Mott Community College is the Smart Choice to Prepare for Your Career. Prepare for your future with one of Mott Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s over 90 career programs. Classes are conveniently located at any of our five sites: Flint, Fenton, Clio, Lapeer, and Howell.

Classes start January 10.

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Education //

BAKER COLLEGE

Baker College of Flint's Internship Program Bringing Together Students Eager to Learn, Employers Seeking Help

HOW DO YOU FIND WELL-QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES WHO ARE READY TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING ON THEIR FIRST DAY? THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE: INTERNS FROM BAKER COLLEGE OF FLINT.

prime example is Clio resident Eric Kinzel, age 23, who has nearly completed a bachelor’s degree in information technology and security. When he’s not in class or working as a part-time bank teller, Eric is an intern at Hurley Medical Center helping to upgrade the operating systems and software on 250 computers.

“I’ve been here for nearly two months and have completed images and updates on about fifteen computers,” Eric said. “It takes awhile because the specialized software requirements are different for each machine, so I have to ensure everything is exactly correct when the computer is returned into service.” Each year, employers throughout the region engage hundreds of Baker College students as interns. Employers recognize real business benefits from these student interns and may be developing future employees in the process. It is also part of Baker College’s process to prepare students for their careers. The college’s dedication to student success is exhibited through the 97 percent of available graduates employed, more than 150 career programs in high-demand fields and programs designed to ensure they’re in sync with what's needed in the workplace. “Internships are generally completed near the end of students’ degree programs when they have mastered classroom knowledge and are ready to apply it in a real-world setting,” said Laura Zuck, director of career services at Baker College of Flint. “We work with both small and large employers. The number of interns they accept depends on their needs and their ability to mentor students.” Hurley is hosting Eric this quarter at its 443-bed, public, non-profit teaching hospital. The Flint medical center has taken on several interns from Baker College in a variety of settings, including where Eric is working: behind the scenes in Hurley’s growing information technology (IT) department. Nearly all aspects of patient care at Hurley utilize or involve computers. Most of the equipment isn’t operated by members of the IT department, however, those who do operate it rely on the department for training and support. And because Hurley is charged with providing medical attention to patients, its technical needs must be met quickly. Interns can also help fill a critical need by assisting with staff training. The IT department is responsible for everything from communication systems, such as phone and e-mail, to direct patient care related systems, such as electronic medical records, intelligent IV infusions pumps, patient monitoring systems like electrocardiogram (EKG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) telemetry, and advanced imaging systems, such as MRI and fetal ultrasound.

These systems must operate cohesively, securely, with minimal downtime, and have backups and redundancies in case of a power outage at the central campus, five outlying offices or the many clinics throughout the Flint area. “We need more people in this field,” said Michael Joseph, Hurley’s senior technical lead. “Three years ago, the IT department had just 30 employees. Today, we’re up to 100 and have six full-time jobs waiting to be filled.” Eric has found his internship rewarding “Even if it’s a requirement for graduation, I love working in technology and was thrilled to find a challenging internship, “ he said. “I’ve always imagined that I’d work for a large tech company, but this experience has been so rewarding that I see a possible future for myself in health care IT.” For employers who don’t have formal internship programs, Baker College’s career services staff will help establish guidelines, identify mentors and provide advice for successfully hosting an intern. “It is important to note that students gain as much as they give in their internships,” said Zuck of Baker College. “They are ready for full-time jobs immediately upon graduation, and that sets Baker students apart.” Joseph from Hurley praised career services staff members at Baker College for their willingness to provide the help he needs. “They have stepped up to the plate. They understand exactly what we want and have provided remarkable candidates.” If your business or organization is interested in hosting an intern, contact Baker College of Flint career services at 810-766-4200 or careerserv-fl@baker.edu.

Pictured: Baker College student Eric Kinzel (left) is getting career-ready with his internship at Hurley Medical Center. His supervisor, Michael Joseph, senior technical lead, is utilizing Kinzel’s passion and skills to fill the gap in the high-demand field of health care information technology.

BAKER COLLEGE

// Education

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: STUDENTS •

A completed internship/work experience or practicum (for some medical programs) is required to graduate from Baker College

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Be prepared to spend a minimum of 120 hours at the site that quarter

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Anticipate an unpaid internship, but some employers offer pay or other compensation

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To land the internship you want: •

Have a passion for your field of study

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Show an interest in the employer’s industry

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Be eager to learn something new

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Demonstrate good communication skills

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Be professional: treat your internship like a job, work hard

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Ask questions, take the advice given to you

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Start your internship with learning goals

EMPLOYERS •

Expect to provide training about your business and the intern’s role

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Commit to a minimum of 120 hours over the course of three months

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Provide feedback as needed as well as perform an evaluation for the student’s final grade

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A formal program is not necessary, any employer can host an intern

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Consider paying interns or providing some compensation to reward successful students

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Students want to work on meaningful tasks, think about projects that use their skill sets to your advantage: •

Many interns are well equipped to understand technology

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Consider how interns can help and learn from assignments in other departments

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Get a new perspective on processes or have interns test new systems

Education //

GENESEE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Extending Online Learning Opportunities BY J. JOHNSON // GISD COMMUNICATIONS & DEVELOPMENT

early 20 years ago, Genesee County's K-12 educational leaders charted a course to invest in technology that would change the way schools operated and how students learned. The fundamental goal was to increase learning options for students so that they had access to state of the art educational resources, no matter where they lived or which district they attended. Nobody at the time could have imagined how teaching and learning would change. Nor could they have imagined how integral the technology network they built would become for the partner districts that were part of the effort. One of the most significant elements of this evolving effort was the development of online learning options for students. For over a decade, schools across Genesee County and the State of Michigan have taken advantage of online learning courses offered through the Genesee Network for Education Telecommunictions (GenNET) Online Learning Portal (www.gennet.us). The GenNET Online Learning Portal provides access to online courses for students in grades 6-12, and the courses have been vetted for rigor and alignment to state academic content standards. The portal currently hosts over 1,500 courses (core subjects, electives, advanced placement and credit recovery), and all are offered at a discounted rate to schools. The portal has become a one-stop source for online learning for hundreds of schools across Michigan, and last year there were over 17,000 course enrollments through the portal. Additionally, last school year a new partnership began with the Arkansas Public School Resource Center (APSRC) to begin offering online courses to the students of Arkansas. This school year there are several exciting new opportunities to announce for the GenNET Online Learning Portal. As a part of the partnership with APSRC, GenNET will begin offering courses to students in Oklahoma, and recently an agreement was finalized to begin partnering with the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) in Connecticut to begin offering courses to students in that state. GenNET has also begun offering courses from two local Genesee County School Districts on the

portal. Both Davison Community Schools and Grand Blanc Community Schools have developed online courses, and these will now be available through the GenNET Online Learning Portal. Examples of these courses include subjects such as Biology, US History, Algebra 2, Chemistry, and Government. All of these service expansions reflect the ongoing model of collaboration and shared investment that GenNET was built upon. Reaching beyond Genesee County and Michigan to serve students across the United States demonstrates the leadership and commitment of local school districts, as well as that of Genesee Intermediate School District, to provide the very best learning options for students. No doubt, Genesee County will continue to be a leader as new learning models and tools are developed.

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TEACH ME TO SERVE PREPARE ME FOR LIFE The Powers Catholic Family is so proud of our legendary first football coach and longtime athletic director,

FRED RADEMACHER.

Fred, your influence continues through our students and our alumni, several of whom also are featured in this edition of onthetown. VISIT THE CHARGER ONLINE STORE TO STOCK UP ON YOUR POWERS CATHOLIC SPIRIT ITEMS www.powerscatholic.org JOIN THE POWERS CATHOLIC FAMILY AS WE WELCOME MORE STUDENTS TO OUR SCHOOL. SIGN UP NOW FOR FALL ’15 BY CALLING THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE 810.591.4741 EXT. 6. TO S U P P O R T P O W E R S C AT H O L I C , P L E A S E CO N TAC T S TAC E Y D OY L E , D I R E C TO R O F A D VA N C E M E N T & A LU M N I R E L AT I O N S AT 81 0 . 59 1 . 0 1 0 0 .

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FRED RADEMACHER

PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION ... Coach like a Legend BY JAMES HAMP

ome people say legends are born, and some say they are made, but Vince Lombardi said, “It isn’t how many years one spends on Earth that matters, but the legacy left from many years.” Coach Fred Rademacher is just such a legacy, a gift to his student athletes, to his colleagues, and to his friends…and someone they can hold dear to their hearts. He has had a hand in shaping their lives, and that is a legacy. And no one can deny that a record of 48-6 in six years as a head coach at Holy Redeemer is anything but impressive. This record has been talked about for a long time in a general sense and continues to be talked about in specifics by his former coaches and players. He was a four-time winner in the Flint Area Parochial Conference before becoming a winning coach and a true mentor to the many coaches and players who followed him at Luke M. Powers High School Football. And that is a legend, but it also a legacy…so, maybe Fred Rademacher counts as both. Rademacher grew up in Lansing playing all sports, but football and basketball were his main interests when he graduated from Lansing Resurrection in 1949. He would later build his coaching career in these sports while in college. He joined the US Coast Guard and served his country with honor and then attended Michigan State University, graduating in 1959 and taking his first teaching and coaching job at Coldwater St. Charles in Southern Michigan. It was there that he coached football for three seasons, afterward doing a two-year stint at Muskegon Catholic High School. In 1964, he found a permanent home in Flint, Michigan, beginning with a job coaching at Holy Redeemer. This was the heyday of the Flint Parochial League, and there was an spirited football rivalry between Holy Redeemer and St. Michael’s then. “The parochial league was special – smallschool and very competitive,” recalls Rademacher. “When I was there we beat St. Mike’s five times,” he adds with a modest grin.

FRED RADEMACHER By 1969, the parochial league had sadly disappeared as a result of a dearth in the population growth in Flint, but, nevertheless, an opportunity for Coach Rademacher suddenly emerged. It was a chance to coach a Class A Catholic football program at a brand new high school in Flint. In fact, he became the very first football coach at Luke M. Powers Catholic High School. This position would define much of his career and bring him accolades that would ultimately span over three decades as he contributed 33 years or more of dedicated service to Flint’s catholic schools. During his first year as the Powers Football Varsity Head Coach, the team lost their very first game against Saginaw High School and then went on to win 14 in a row. Later he would earn two Big Nine Championships, leaving a complete winning record of 56-24-1 for his entire tenure at Powers. Coach Rademacher was part of the inaugural class of the Michigan Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1982, and later he became the Athletic Director at Powers, ultimately retiring in 1992. In 2011, he was inducted into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for only the best – which he was. “I think the kids I coached at Redeemer and Powers played hard. They liked going to school there, and they liked being part of a team,” muses Rademacher. “I feel like I have been blessed to coach here, [that] it was a great career.” And not only has he been blessed with a great coaching career, but he plans on celebrating 57 years of marriage to his wife Joan this December 28. Fred is also fortunate in having four children who have given him great joy over the years. They include Karen of Brooklyn Park, MN, Carol of Gaines, MI, Nancy of Eldersburg, MD, Fred of Kentwood, MI. as well as several grandchildren. Perhaps the fact that Fred is such a good family man is what has enabled him to be a successful coach and teacher. But all of these accomplishments are best portrayed by those who know Coach Rademacher well. This is his story, but so many fellow coaches, players and friends lived it with him, that they are an integral part of it. For instance, former Principal of Powers High School, Joe Forlenza, who retired in 2002 and has known Fred for the better part of 50 years, will say that he is well-respected, committed to his family, to his friends, and most certainly to his faith. Furthermore, as a coach he was fundamental in his approach, and he worked hard to get results. It was fun to coach with him. “If you had a kid playing football, you would want him to play for Fred,” emphasizes Forlenza. “He is one of those people you are happy to know.” Coach Rademacher tells a story about one of his quarterbacks at Holy Redeemer, Ted Kramer. Kramer was a good pocket quarterback because he was rarely knocked down or sacked. Coach had him wear a red shirt during practice and instructed the defense not to tackle him, which carried over to games because his offensive line learned to protect Ted. Rademacher proclaimed that because of this, Ted was never a running quarterback. And Kramer recalls a game when he threw six touchdowns without leaving the pocket. “All set? You bet!! -- That is one of the first things that comes to my mind when someone mentions Fred Rademacher. That’s how we ended each practice and started each game at Holy Redeemer with Fred as coach back in the 60’s,” remembers Kramer. And then he adds, “Coach, teacher, and friend -- I’ve had the honor of being able to refer to him as all three in the 50 years I have known him.” When Powers football began in 1970 at the first consolidated parochial high school in Flint, Jim Sullivan joined the coaching staff and points

// Sports

out that Fred was responsible for the school becoming a member of the competitive Big 9 Conference. Overtime, Rademacher would earn some nicknames from both his ownplayers and coaches, as well as coaches from other programs around the state. For instance, he was referred to as “Old Man” affectionately by some -- not because of his age but because coaches like Duffy Daugherty at Michigan State and Bear Bryant at Alabama were referred to this way at the time by their players, so the name represented a compliment about his skill and ability. And some coaches from other schools even named him “The Legend” because they had read about his record at Holy Redeemer. Still more preferred to call him “Knute” in reference to Knute Rockne from Notre Dame because he knew so much about football. Sullivan says that “He is a real humble guy and compassionate about the kids. He knew a heckuva lot about defense and a heckuva lot about offense. He always got the most out of kids -- he just rubs off on you, and you develop from there.” After Fred retired, he continued to attend football games, and as a young defensive coordinator, Jim Neumann, a teacher and a coach at Powers for 33 years, recalls Fred visiting him after a game. “What comes to mind is a man with great integrity and passion for others. What you see is what you get,” he says. At one game when he came to the sidelines, Jim was disappointed in the number of points that had been scored on his defense. Powers won the game, however, and Fred said they had held and that’s what mattered…and because of that it was one of the best defensive performances he had ever seen. “He made you feel like you were special, “recalls Neumann. Similarly, Don Haley, an assistant coach under such mentors as Bill Tucker, Jack Pratt, and Bob Bueckel, coached Powers football for 15 years, and he also says that Fred came to all the games after retirement so that Haley benefited from his sideline presence. “Although he retired my freshman year when I was a player-- I remember he has a great football mind, he always has great stories, and he is one of the nicest guys I know,” he insists. Tom Duty, one of Fred’s best friends, retired from Grand Blanc High School as the Athletic Director in 1996, having also served as Athletic Director at Powers earlier. He has had coffee with Fred almost daily for the last 20 some years, and every Saturday they meet for breakfast at the White Horse, along with some others of the community.” Duty says of Fred that “He may not realize how much he makes us laugh, but it’s the best part of retiring.” He continues about the Saturday breakfast conferences, explaining that “It is in this setting, and under the tutelage of Fred, that we sit and listen to the LEGEND tell jokes and stories [and it is] where we solve the world’s most important problems. Fred is the glue that holds this group together. Freddie Boy is a touch of class and is loved and respected by all who know him.” Then there is Tom Dutkowski , a teacher and coach at Powers who has been around the football program since its inception. “As a kid in the 1960’s, I used to read in The Journal about the Holy Redeemer Flyers and wonder what it would be like to play football for Fred Rademacher. At that time, Redeemer always won, and I cared about football. My best friends were public school kids, but I went to a parochial grade school, and they had an upper hand in bragging rights when they would talk about mighty Flint Central and mighty Flint Northern. They were Class A schools, and I was someday headed for a smaller Class D school. I didn’t win many arguments. Then Powers Catholic High School opened in the

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FRED RADEMACHER

Fall of 1970, my sophomore year, and in 1971 and 1972 I got my wish -- I got to play for Fred Rademacher, [and] I wasn’t disappointed. We had a lot of great [people with character] at the original Powers, and looking back, the faculty had its share of characters, too: Sisters of St. Joseph, Marist Brothers, teachers from all over greater Flint, and a lot of good and fun role models for kids.” He goes on to say that it wasn’t long into high school before coaching entered the back of his mind, and playing for Fred was good for a kid who loved sports. “ I believe Fred gave Powers Football ‘instant tradition’—we were trained to practice hard, respect each other, say ‘yes sir/no sir,’ pray, wear ties on game days, and we were taught to win. It wasn’t a warm and fuzzy era, but it was a chance to compete for ourselves and for our school. No pressure like today—just fun competition, really, and playing for pride. Fred deserves the credit for establishing that environment. As a young coach who returned to Powers in 1977, Fred added me to the freshman football staff, and when he resigned a couple years later, I became head JV coach for twenty years. I consider Fred my ‘football father.’ The roots of everything came from him.” In addition, John Morrisey, had the unique opportunity to play for Fred Rademacher, Bill Tucker, and Jack Pratt, all at the same time. After graduating, he went on to play football at Central Michigan University, while his brother Jim, who also played football for Fred, would later play for Michigan State University as well as the Chicago Bears. Of his high school football experience, John remembers the team bus breaking down on the way to a game at Brother Rice, and though they were able to acquire a van, Fred could only choose 11 players to ride in it to the scrimmage. John and Jim were two of those players. “There was no favoritism -- the players were chosen purely for their talent. You knew where Fred stood because there was no wavering. He was just a great coach. He’d explain something, he knew the x’s and o’s, and he knew

football. It was a joy to be associated with Fred and his staff.” And he probably speaks to the sentiment of so many of Fred’s players when he says those things. Another testimonial comes from Kathy McGee who coached girls basketball at Powers and later became Athletic Director when Fred retired. She says she learned a great deal from him. “Fred Rademacher is a sports icon for what's good and right in sports. As an Athletic Director and as a coach -- Fred always put kids first. As a coach I feel blessed that Fred Rademacher was my mentor and friend as he is the best. He is also one of the funniest people I know who can tell a story like no other.” People who followed him into the many positions he has held throughout the years all hold a deep appreciation for who Rademacher was and what he accomplished. The funny stories about Coach Rademacher are legion, but the one Bill Tucker tells is a gem. Tucker joined the Powers coaching staff the very first year Powers was open. Along with Fred, he fined-tuned his coaching abilities and would become head coach of Powers football after Fred retired. “When I first came to Flint in 1966, I was teaching and coaching at St Agnes [while] Fred was at Holy Redeemer. We became fast friends even though we were coaching rivals in varsity football and JV basketball. One of my most memorable moments with Fred came, not in football, but when we were coaching JV basketball. St. Agnes and Holy Redeemer were playing for the Parochial League Championship in 1968. To accommodate an expected large crowd, the game was played at Flint Southwestern High School. The JV game was scheduled to go on before the varsity and we were instructed to use the same locker room. I went in with my team first to give them final instructions and a pregame pep talk.” He goes on to say that before going out on the floor, he was in the restroom when he heard Fred come in with his team, at which time, Tucker quickly stepped out of sight. He knew that he should make his

FRED RADEMACHER

“Fred Rademacher is a sports icon for what's good and right in sports. As an Athletic Director and as a coach -- Fred always put kids first. As a coach I feel blessed that Fred Rademacher was my mentor and friend as he is the best. He is also one of the funniest people I know who can tell a story like no other.” presence known…or he could “do what any ‘honorable’ coach would do and keep my mouth shut.” And keep his mouth shut he did, listening to Fred’s pregame speech. “When he was all through…I calmly strolled out [from where I had been concealed] and said, ‘Good talk, Coach.’ You could have heard a pin drop,” recalls Bill. He says that towards the end of the game, when “Holy Redeemer was shellacking us by more than 20 points,” he thought he’d be able to put his subs in since Fred, calling a time out, looked like that’s what he would do. But, no…when play resumed, Rademacher “still had his starters in and was making a full court press,” Tucker says. “I immediately called a time out and went over to him [saying] ‘What are you doing?’ but Fred just smiled.” He had let Tucker know it was payback for listening to his pregame pep talk. And finally, at a weekly Friday lunch, Bill Troesken recounts another anecdote as a longtime basketball coach and friend of Fred’s in the parochial league as well as at Powers, one that took place while Troesken was coaching at St. Agnes. It seems there was a deal between some of the basketball coaches that if any of them received a technical foul during a game, that coach owed the other a steak dinner. During a particular game when he wasn’t playing against Fred and his team committed a foul, Bill saw fit to argue the call with the official. At some point, he heard someone yelling from the stands – “Give him a technical!” Troesken looked up, incredulous, only to see Fred as the culprit, screaming for the call. Turns out Fred was there scouting players and couldn’t resist the opportunity to take a friendly jab at his colleague. But the most heartfelt characterizations of Fred come from his son, Fred Rademacher, Jr., who has, in some ways, followed in his dad’s footsteps. He teaches and for a long time coached high school football on the west side of the state. He recalls what it was like growing up with a football coach for a dad. “It was, and still is, a great experience. I was lucky he

// Sports

let me tag along; I loved going to practice, being the ball boy at games, getting to be around the players and coaches. As a little boy obsessed with athletics, it doesn’t get any better than being the son of The Coach. I always knew he had the coolest job.” He continues, “Athletics, football in particular, has always been something we’ve shared. We still get together and watch games. When we talk on the phone, somehow, football always comes up. When I was coaching, my mom and dad were at every game. He also talks about what he observed about his dad when he was working. “He retired from being the Head Coach at Powers when I was pretty young – 6th grade -- so I tend to remember the overall experience. My personal recollections are things like the pre-game meal of fried eggs and mushrooms, the feeling in the locker room and coaches office, riding the bus to and from games, his lucky coaching shoes – we had one bronzed when he retired. Stuff like that. One of my earliest memories is the win over Southwestern at Atwood. And I remember him being carried off the field after his last game.” When it comes to stories, Fred Jr. says, it’s always a lot of laughs when he gets together with former players and coaches and the stories do start. “My dad is the best story teller I have ever met,” he admits. As far as defining his dad’s coaching legacy, he explains it like this. “He set the standard for Powers Football. When you consider he had well over 100 wins and a winning percentage around 80-- that’s pretty dominate. I think it’s important to also remember, he only took a couple of years off from coaching football. [After] many years, he came back as an assistant freshmen coach for Jim Sullivan. I was lucky enough to be on one of those teams. Even back then, you could tell they were a couple of old timers who just enjoyed coaching. Not many successful head coaches can rejoin their old staff in a lesser role and make it work – it says a lot about his lack of ego. I also believe he did it the right way. When I talk to former players and coaches, whether friend or foe, they always mention what a good guy he is, and they go out of their way to mention how much respect they have for him. To sum it up, I’ve always been incredibly proud to be the son of Fritz Rademacher. But, to be honest, as great of a coach that he is, he’s always been a way better Dad.” These narratives capture the essence of Fred Rademacher and there are many more. Anyone who knows Fred will certainly be familiar with many of his stories, but it’s always nice to hear a new one. In Lou Holtz’s book Wins, Losses, and Lessons, the great Notre Dame coach says he doesn’t think about wins and losses but that he hopes that he was “significant” to a lot of people, that it is the “best thing that can be said about a person and that significance—is in helping others to better their lives through word and deed—that it lasts forever.” Coach Rademacher is more than significant, he is a blessing to all those who know him, both a champion, and a legend in football. For in the last analysis, we are defined by the people we have influenced, and by what they think and feel about us in return. And by that standard, Fred Rademacher has been a man for all seasons and a winner for all time.

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GREATER FLINT AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

World Class Elite – and from Flint! BY MICHAEL G. THODOROFF

Bill Troesken and Bob Burek were enjoying a fresh cup of coffee recently on a beautiful fall Michigan afternoon. They were discussing plans for the upcoming Greater Flint Area Spor ts Hall of Fame (GFASHOF) 2014 Induction Banquet, when Bill paused to mention how the Flint area has bred and nur tured many elite athletes, all of whom went on to become successful citizens in their respective communities as well. This cer tainly represents a statement of pride about which all people in the area should be made aware in order to share in the sentiment. And therein lies the intent of the GFASHOF. Formally, it is meant to provide a means by which this community can recognize and celebrate the unsurpassed histor y of athletic achievement and community ser vice that has been so much a par t of the Flint area.

he GFASHOF was created by the venerable Bruin Club of Mott Community College back in 1980. The inaugural year inducted eight athletes with the inclusion of two Special Service to Sports Awards (honoring C.S. Mott and Frank Manley) and presented at a banquet in Flint’s Sons of Italy Hall. It was hosted by the first GFASHOF President, Judge Tom Yeotis, with the guest speaker being baseball Hall of Famer Al Kaline of the Detroit Tigers, giving this event instant stature. The GFASHOF as an organization was originally well-formulated and disciplined with a recognized structure consisting of four executive officers among an 18 member Board of Directors – all voluntary. Within this Board of Directors resides a research committee of nine members, appointed by the President on a rotating basis. This committee exists to review all the nomination forms, and, following their extensive research and review, to submit the names of 12 to 15 living candidates, three deceased candidates, and team entrants to the Board of Directors for approval to be forwarded to the Selection Committee. The nine-member independent body of the Selection Committee reviews all the nominees sent by the Board of Directors research committee and selects no more than five living individuals and one deceased candidate for induction. Approval of the Board and the inductee (and family, when appropriate) is necessary for the induction process to be formalized. Similarly, a nine member Board of Directors team research committee, again appointed by the President on a rotating basis, reviews all team nominations and selects no more than three teams for induction approval by the Board. An interesting observation of this entire process is that all the remaining nomination forms are never discarded. Discussing all this, Troesken talks about the selection process and emphasizes it has been an efficient working one for the past 34 years -- and taken very seriously. Burek adds that the GFASHOF ranks with the best Halls of Fame

GREATER FLINT AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

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(see page 72) which is a collaborative effort designed to provide a training ground for the future leaders of our community. The purpose of this exclusive program is to provide young athletes the opportunity to learn from those who are successful sports-related leaders in our community. The athletes involved will be asked to take what they learn back to their high schools to share with their fellow athletes and classmates. Current GFASHOF president and Executive Director of the Genesee County Catholic Schools, Bill Haley, contemplates how the Hall is an integral faction of the Greater Flint Area. He explains that“The GFASHOF reminds all of us about the exceptional tradition of athletes in our area which is definitely disproportional to the size of our population. It would be hard to find a community our size that has turned out more great athletes per capita [who] have distinguished themselves at the state and national, college and professional, and Olympic and world championship level. The GFASHOF reminds us about this important aspect of our community tradition and our community self-esteem.” Through the generosity of Genesys, a special room named and dedicated the "Jim Massar Team Room," displays all the team photos since teams were recognized by the Hall in 1992.

in the state -- primarily due to its stringent nomination practice, but even more importantly, because of the dedication and passion of the Board and Selection committee members. Furthermore and since 2011, the Board of Directors has honored former members for their meritorious service during their years with the Hall of Fame by granting Emeritus status to former members of the GFASHOF Board of Directors that recognizes their active participation and contributions in the activities and leadership of the organization that exceed what may be considered normal or traditional. Over the years, the awards banquet has moved from the Sons of Italy Hall to downtown’s now Riverfront Hotel to its current venue housed at the Genesys Conference and Banquet Center in Grand Blanc also serving as the permanent home of the Hall of Fame where all the plaques are on public display. As with any event, sponsorship is a key ingredient of success and The Flint Journal and Mlive.com, with their donation of the Hall of Fame plaques, along with A-Frame Awards, have been vital and loyal supporters of the GFASHOF since the beginning. Both Bill Troesken and Bob Burek are not only long-time members of the Hall’s Board but are well-regarded historians with resumes to bolster their standing. Troesken was a varsity basketball coach at St. Agnes High School in the enormously competitive old Flint Area Parochial Conference, was Powers Catholic High School’s first varsity basketball coach, and later led Flint Northern High School to a Boys Class A state basketball championship. Bruek was a school administrator in the Grand Blanc, Clarkston and Fenton school districts, as well as an esteemed high school sports official for so many years that people address him as “Dr. Bob” out of respect for his expertise and integrity. Not only are both men very conscious of Flint’s sports legacy, they are also dedicated to keeping the GFASHOF moving forward. Bill reasons that, at one time, Flint was the core of the county but that the population demographics changed over the years. He says, “We would like to see more athletes from the outlying schools because they certainly have their own legacy of great athletes and teams that we need to recognize.” Burek adds that all schools are seeing more athletic directors coming from outside the school district or even the state and need to become more aware of and to recognize the history of athletics in their schools. With awareness being the key, the GFASHOF recruits high school cheerleaders and captains of teams to be a part of the announcement and banquet events by serving as colleagues dressed in their respective school colors to escort people to view the official plaques respectfully displayed in the Hall. In addition, the organization will continue to sponsor and conduct leadership activities such as the Genesys Athletic Club/GFASHOF Student Leadership Mentoring Program

Bob Burek, Bill Troesken, Bill Basilius

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Visit www.gfashof.org for additional information on the GFASHOF, including a listing of each of the over 250 individuals, over 70 teams and all of the Special Ser vice Award members honored. In addition, all 34 Induction Souvenir Books, in their entirety, are available for review. Official nomination forms for living individuals, deceased and teams, as well as forms for the Board of Directors and/or the Selection Committee are also available on this website.

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GENESYS ATHLETIC CLUB

Greater Flint Sports Hall of Fame Mentorship Program BY RAY SMITH

n 1980 the Greater Flint Sports Hall of Fame was created and has stood for more than 30 years as a way for the community to recognize and celebrate the history of athletic achievement and community service that has been a part of the Flint area. For the past five years, that organization has joined forces with the Genesys Athletic Club to pass the torch to younger generations of community athletes.

Every year the Greater Flint Sports Hall of Fame and the Genesys Athletic Club sponsor and hold a mentorship program for student athletes from Genesee County high schools, and each year more than one hundred student athletes participate in the one-day program that includes physical activities and mentoring opportunities from keynote speakers that belong to the Greater Flint Sports Hall of Fame. “Morris Peterson was our keynote speaker this past year,” says Bob Burek, a past president of the Hall of Fame and a current member of the Board of Directors. “We had 120 kids from 17 high schools in the area here, about four to eight kids a school.” The one-day program is at Genesys Athletic Club in Grand Blanc Township, runs from 8:30am to 12:30pm and is usually held in the fall, around mid-October. Each school is asked to send six to ten student athletes to participate in the half-day program that takes place in the morning during regular school hours. The first few years of the program saw 65 to 90 students participate, but this past year saw 160 students attend the program, and the number has risen each year. Activities have included nutrition lectures, athletic warm-ups, speed drills and yoga cool downs. After the activities, the student athletes have the opportunity to meet with mentors from the Greater Flint Sports Hall of Fame, as well as current local coaches for advice and insight. The goal of the program is to instill strong leadership skills and life lessons among student athletes, ones that can be applied on the field of play as well as in their lives outside of sports competition. Past mentors and participants in the mentorship program have included Greg Keeler, Shawn Andrews, coach of Flushing volleyball, Nate Williams, the head coach of Carman-Ainsworth football, and Roy Hall, the coach of Davison wrestling. “We had four high school coaches and four hall of fame members this year,” said Burek. “We are really proud of the program.” More mentors have included Cheryl Histed, who earned 16 varsity letters at Kearsley before a successful varsity volleyball career at Michigan State; Paul Stroba, who was all-state in three sports at Matthew’s High School in Flint before playing football at the University of Michigan and then for the Cleveland Browns; Steve Schmidt, the head coach of the Mott Community College basketball team; Sue Novara-Reber, a Northwestern High School graduate, two-time world sprint cycling champion and

GENESYS ATHLETIC CLUB

// Sports

winner of seven USA titles; Keith Young, a Flint Northern alumnus who was part of four cross country track teamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; state championships as well as a four-time All-American at the University of Tennessee; Kathy McGee, the former girls basketball coach at Powers Catholic; Courtney Hawkins, the head football coach at Beecher, and finally, Bob Buckel, head football coach at Powers Catholic. In addition, past keynote speakers include Otis Wiley, who lettered in track, football and basketball at CarmanAinsworth en route to becoming a three-year football player at Michigan State, and Tim Wakeham who has coached Michigan State strength and conditioning and Olympic sports. When the program began, only nine schools in Genesee County sent student athletes to participate, but now almost all of the suburban and city Genesee County high schools have participated in the mentorship program over-time, including Atherton, Beecher, Brandon, Byron, Carman-Ainsworth, Clio, Davison, Dryden, Fenton, Flushing, Goodrich, Hamady, Holly, Kearsley, Lapeer West, Lake Fenton, Linden, Flint Northern, Flint Northwestern, Powers Catholic and Swartz Creek schools. While this past yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event was held in mid-October, prior mentorship events have taken place in November and December as well. The halfday structure during the academic year was chosen as a way to allow an easier time for the student athletes to participate instead of asking them to attend on a weekend or other off day that could affect potential turnout. The student athletes are granted time out of class to attend the mentorship for their benefit. For more information on the Greater Flint Sports Hall of Fame mentorship program, you can contact the Genesys Athletic Club.

Food & Drink //

CHUBBY DUCK

There's Nothing Chubby About This Duck BY JAMES HAMP

gypt represents one of the oldest civilizations in the world, and, as such, it was its citizens, the ancient Egyptians, who created one of the largest communal bakeries and farmers' markets recorded. And so with this contribution began the evolution of food and beverage for leisure time consumption and enjoyment. In some ways, in fact, the spirit of the Egyptian concept lives in the Flint Farmers Market. Anyone who has ever been to the new emporium has seen a lot of outstanding vendors, sampled their food, and even discovered various other products. It is truly a gem for downtown Flint, offering plenty of options for marketers -- people looking for something both unique and exceptional. And they can bank on finding it there, for amongst the many interesting booths is one called The Chubby Duck, a brand new sushi bar, tucked directly inside the main entrance and to the right of the ever-popular Willow Garden Smoothies… conceived of, owned, and operated by Flint native, Chef Ian Diem. Although small in area, the place is large in presentation and taste, and most days, people will find Chef Ian cutting up fresh vegetables for his salads and sushi cones, of which he generously gives a taste to anyone who is interested. But what exactly are sushi cones, a potential customer may inquire? To answer that question is to say that it is a product which is healthy and delicious, as well as unique to this area. But first it is necessary to follow Chef Ian on his journey from his childhood all the way to his market booth where he currently makes these interesting sushi cones. He was born in 1969 at St. Joseph Hospital in Flint around the last year of the “love child,” he recounts, to parents who introduced him to a great variety of foods early on. Ian’s mother operated an organic vegan restaurant in the 1970’s… before that sort of thing was cool. His dad will say that Ian was 11 years old before he ever saw yellow cheese. The Diem’s only had white cheese, which made sense to young Ian because it was the color of milk. After graduating from Luke M. Powers Catholic High School in 1988, it seemed the logical and natural thing that he would follow a career in the food business. It even seemed like his destiny. But it wasn’t quite that simple and clear-cut a path. After high school, Ian worked in various jobs as a cook at resorts on Mackinac Island and other places, experiences which hooked him on pursuing his culinary interests, but food was by no means all that fascinated him. Educated at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, he earned a B.A. and a Master’s degree in Anthropology, a discipline which he defines as “the study of humans and strong cultures… strong cultures that were based on hunting and gathering techniques.” Thus, like the aforementioned Egyptians, Diem says he learned and understood that leisure for humans didn’t occur till farming systems began -- that only when the hunting and gathering were complete could people enjoy the “fruits of their labors” -- i.e. food and beverage indulgence. After earning those degrees, attending culinary school at Oakland Community College became the next step on his career trajectory, followed by his studying food and language in Japan – although never learning to roll sushi while there. He did learn other things, however, because “there is so much more to Japanese Cuisine than sushi,” he explains. The sushi rolling he learned afterward at the Sushi Institute in Los Angeles some years later. In fact, Diem says, “Asian food is the most advanced, the most technical, and represents the oldest cuisine in the world.” But his crowning experience came when he landed a job in Huntington, W.VA. at Marshall University, to set up their culinary program as both a professor and newly certified chef -- a time Diem calls “among the best days of my life.” He wrote the entire curriculum, and to this day, he still communicates with students he taught there. Later still, he taught at Lansing Community College, creating a work study program for students to learn the art of food preparation via internships overseas. Diem even managed “to squeeze in” some study time for himself under the tutelage of some famous Parisian Chefs in order to enhance an already impressive resume, wherein The Chubby Duck owner had spent twenty years building up his expertise. And so now, back to the question of just what a sushi cone consists of…as well as the origin of the restaurant’s unusual name. When the new Farmers Market opened and The Chubby Duck was born (named succinctly by his four-year old son) Ian says, “I wanted it to be fun, but not something that locked me into a food theme.” In other words, if the sushi cone didn’t work, he could change the menu, which he had written in about an hour’s time. Creating it didn’t take him long because he had been living and breathing “food” his whole life -- in fact, the menu had already existed all along in his head. And, of course, on that menu appears the sushi cone which came about by happenstance when Diem was rolling sushi in his kitchen and trying out different shapes and sizes other than that of a typical roll. He decided to “go big” and had an ephiphany, saying “Oh! The cone.” And at that moment, the signature item was born. The sushi ingredients, including crab, shrimp, eel, and chicken, along with

CHUBBY DUCK

// Food & Drink

vegetables and rice, are stuffed deep inside a seaweed rolled cone-shape, just perfect for customers who want to walk around the market while eating – in other words, there is no “sit-down dining” necessary. College students “dig it” as a quick meal in between classes, while business people like it too, many appreciating the value inherent in eating a healthy lunch, for The Chubby Duck offers protein, and lots of it. Also new to the menu are signature homemade soups, just in time for winter, and sure to be “crowd-pleasers.” So, how is this “experiment” called The Chubby Duck doing? Open just six months, Diem thinks he is creating a culinary awareness in Flint by offering something new and healthy. “We’re different,” he explains, adding, “I think Flint was ready for us.” This impression seems to be accurate because Ian’s reception upon returning to his “roots” and opening his restaurant has certainly exceeded his expectations. He says that the whole thing “really started as an experiment, as a testing ground for my concepts. If the cone didn’t work, I would change it. But now it’s become a business, a living.” There is no doubt Chef Ian has plans to expand. The restaurant represents the first time he has ventured out on his own, and he notes that it’s good to be home with his family and to see old friends -- joking that sometimes working at the market seems like his only social life. But he really does like working for himself, he says, and the whole experience seems especially sweet for him because 25 years ago, he had a goal to start his own business which he has done by blending his two great interests of food and anthropology into one fascinating combination which has resulted in the most perfect “fusion fare” of all…satisfying both his creative and his academic mind.

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Food & Fun

Catering

Paddy Mcgee’s, our Irish pub, servies a full breakfast all day, lunch, dinner and drink specials. Enjoy music and fun at our Wild Spurs club and our own L.O.L comedy club.

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Food & Drink //

TIA HELITA'S

• FAJITAS COMBO FOR TWO WITH SHRIMP, STEAK & CHICKEN • CHIPS AND SALSA • GUACAMOLE • FAMOUS MARGARITA • DOS EQUIS

Photography by Tom Hicks of JD Lab

44 Years in Our Community

Tia Helita’s has an authentic family atmosphere and a dish for ever yone BY CHELSEA MILLS

ia Helita’s has been a Flint staple since 1970 when the restaurant first opened on Fenton Road in Flint. Growing up on the east side of Flint, in Burton, my family frequently went to both of the locations, the other being on Richfield Road near Western Highway. Some of my favorite dishes from when I was little are still my favorite dishes today. The chips and salsa are still exactly the same today as they were years ago, and I found out they still use the same recipe from when the restaurant first opened. I can even remember when it was in the small white building on Richfield, with parking behind the restaurant and with an entrance through the kitchen…just like if we were going to Grandma’s house. Tia Helita’s has always had that safe, family-welcoming atmosphere. I had the pleasure of meeting and sitting down with Monica Reed, one of the third generation owners of Tia Helita’s. Monica has been working in the restaurant since she was 13 years old. She told me that “the best thing about a family business is having your family be part of it. Although it can be hard at times, you always know your family has your back.” My friend Tom Hicks joined me for lunch; his 46 year- old, Flint-based company has always enjoyed catered lunches from Tia Helita’s, and the restaurant also hosted their company Christmas party there too. For those who don’t know, Tia Helitas has a full, authentic Mexican menu, which includes prime T-Bone Steaks, and their famous BBQ Ribs. Many patrons don’t realize that the BBQ sauce is homemade, the recipe including Dos Equis Beer and other special spices to make it sweet yet savory. There is full bar service with amazing margaritas and a full line of domestic and imported beers. Once the lunch rush was over, Monica was able to sit down with us so we could ask her a couple questions about her family business. Some of them included the following: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DISH TO SERVE? “The fajitas, hands down, are one of the most popular dishes we serve because they come with all the sides and include chips and salsa. Another one of my favorites is the Carnita Taco Dinner which [consists of] pork taco, topped with Piico de Gallo and cilantro, and served with rice, beans or famous stew beef, Carne Guisada.” WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DISH TO MAKE? “I love the fish tacos and the shrimp tacos! It’s funny because when I am talking to a table [of customers,] explaining some of the dishes they have not tried, the guests will listen to me, but they always go back to order their favorites. It’s hard for people to try new things when they have their minds set on one of our favorites. But if they do venture out and try it, they love it, and it usually becomes part of their new favorite list.”

TIA HELITA'S

// Food & Drink

WHAT DISH DO THE CUSTOMERS RAVE ABOUT? “The Wet Beef Burrito, hands down. It’s made with our Carne Guisada and our guests absolutely love it. We start cooking it every day at 7:30 AM, along with all our food. Everything is made fresh each morning.” WHAT IS THE OLDEST RECIPE OR DISH, ONE WHICH HAS BEEN SERVED CONTINUOUSLY SINCE 1970? “My grandparents opened the restaurant with the exact same Carne Guisada, Chips and Salsa recipes we still use today. Those definitely hold a special place in our kitchen and in the hearts of our guests.” WHAT IS ONE THING YOU’D LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR RESTAURANT? “[At] our restaurant, we welcome everyone like family. We want to have the same feeling and atmosphere as our grandparents did years ago. Although many of our guests come back for their favorite dishes, we are continuously introducing new items on the menu or in the bar. As a result, some of those new items have become new favorites, such as our seafood burrito and seafood enchilada. Oh! Another thing I keep meaning to add to the menu is sliced avocado. Our guests know they can order guacamole, but they don’t know they can order sliced avocados, which are an amazing addition to any of their favorite dishes.”

UPCOMING EVENTS: Valentine’s Day Weekend, February 13 – 15th Food and drink specials all weekend long Cinco de Mayo, May 5th You won’t want to miss this fun-filled day of Mariachis, Food, Drinks, Family and FUN!

Be sure to mention you saw this article in onthetown Magazine and receive a FREE basket of our famous handmade chips and original recipe salsa.

CAN YOU RENT OUT YOUR RESTAURANT FOR PARTIES? “Of course! We have two banquet rooms, which seat 35-40 people and also have our large dining area which seats 80 people for big parties. We also have the ability to host fundraisers for different groups. We believe that it is important to give back to the community which supports us… that is one of our core values.” WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU’D LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CATERING?

TIA HELITA’S MEXICAN CUISINE G4070 S. Saginaw St. Burton, Michigan (810) 742-5525 | www.tiahelitas.com

“We can deliver the food right to your door or venue. We even have the ability to stay onsite and service the food if you’d like. We also have many guests who come and pick up food for parties they are having, from First Communions, to Super Bowl [ functions] or even a low key Friday Family Game Night.” “Many of our patrons have become family and that’s what make us happy; we pride ourselves in good Food, Drinks, Family and Friends!” Monica Reed, 3rd Generation Owner of Tia Helitas.

FAJITAS: SHRIMP, STEAK & CHICKEN

CHIPS & SALSA GUACAMOLE

Retail //

V-TRADING

The Best Kept Secret of Downtown Grand Blanc BY KRISTINA FALCON

ne Stop Shop” is what Dee Ostrander, producer of “My Painted Stuff,” would like to call it. V-Trading, 37 years strong, located in downtown Grand Blanc, is so much more than a simple upholstery shop. This inclusive establishment consists of a painter, an upholsterer, and an interior designer. Not only are these services provided, but the supplies to make anyone’s new décor happen are, as well. Robert Allen, Jennis Fabrics, and Maxwell are just a few of thousands of fabric companies whose products are available for resources. Additional products for interior design are available, including Vintage Farmhouse Paint, which Dee so conveniently teaches in her monthly classes along with foam and glue for upholstery. When I think of upholstery, I think of furniture, but there is also vinyl for marine and vehicle applications. Naim is the in-house upholsterer who will be more than happy to see customers through their new adventure in design. Oh, yes, there is more. Jennifer Strygulec, owner of Lions Gate Market, inside V-Trading, will help clients accomplish a creative and unique scheme for their homes with two floors of reasonable, stylish furniture and accessories in an upscale consignment fashion. People could even bring their furniture to the store if they are simply in the mood for new décor. Strygulec not only offers the merchandise, but she delivers a service of interior design as well. An added benefit in the quest to spruce up anyone’s furniture and accessories is Dee Ostrander herself, a custom painter extraordinaire of furniture who offers efficient chalk paint too. Not to worry, as she can teach customers all about it. For our upcoming dreary winter, Dee is offering a class in painting old cabinets in need of some updating. These classes are either done in a group setting or through private classes -- available upon request. Her modernization technique is truly exquisite, but people shouldn’t take my word for it! Even Kid Rock’s interior designer has purchased a very tasteful bench which Dee recreated, among many other unique items. Dee is also quite crafty with graphics on such things ranging from windows to furniture. As an example, she did a piece with the lyrics from Carly Rae Jepsen song “So Call Me, Maybe,” and I know all pop culture fans will know what I am talking about here. However, these graphics could be used for classic designs or maybe even something meaningful for a close friend or family member. There is much Dee does in creative design, but another of her artistic talents to capture attention would be the Monahan papers used for Decoupage. Basically, it consists of an imaginative design on furniture, the results of which are amazingly classy! People can check out examples on blogs and Facebook to get a first-hand look at her crafty schemes.

"We have two floors filled with fabric, supplies and furniture! Visiting us is like going to a treasure hunt."

V-TRADING

// Retail

LOCATION: 11805 SOUTH SAGINAW ST. | GRAND BLANC, MI 48439

(810) 694-0440 “Our building is much, much larger than most people realize,” Dee explains. “We have two floors filled with fabric, supplies and furniture! Visiting us is like going to a treasure hunt.” With so many awesome items, it really is! Dee had me in awe from the moment I got there until the moment I left. There is such an abundance of design imagination within the walls of My Painted Stuff, along with a top notch staff, all of which certainly creates a “right at home” ambiance. Two sweet ladies and a gentleman too!

Culture //

PELIO SCHOOL OF DANCE

The Vision and the Dream:

The 78th Anniversar y of Lena Pelio’s Reign as Flint’s Pioneer of Dance BY MARTHA HAMP

n a picture, circa 1932, and worthy of the best Hollywood promotional, she stands with her proud head tilted back, a winning smile on her face, as she engages the camera lens. Her bolero top, complete with ruffles on the upper arms, along with her wide-legged satin pants and the gloves on her posed hands, all serve to conjure up a look reminiscent of some of the well-known movie stars of the era who were also accomplished dancers…such luminaries as Rita Hayworth, Ginger Rogers, and, of course, Lena Stein Pelio’s personal “muse,” Eleanor Powell. With silver tap shoes pointed, the founder of the Lena Pelio School of Dance and, later, the Flint Ballet Theatre, appears perfectly staged – and it’s no wonder, because, just as those wonderful and talented icons of the screen helped to ameliorate the dark days of the Depression, Lena had her own considerable star power, captured via artistic sepia in a timeless photo that defines a talent and charisma which served her well all her professional career. Her years of creativity and know-how powered her contributions to her art, first through her dance studio, and later as director of FBT, the likes of which talent provided a tremendous gift to the cultural life of the Greater Flint area in its heyday and beyond. And she did it all with discipline, the highest artistic standards, family involvement, and a heart of gold. Her studio continues to operate and stage recitals today under the direction of one of her daughters, illustrating just how much importance family held for Lena… and how various members were with their mentor every step of the way. She was a pioneer in all she did, and the city has much to be grateful to her for – not least of which is represented in how much she provided to the cultural development of the town…for she did, indeed, give generously during her personal and professional lifetime and can today be remembered as a force for excellence during this, the 78th anniversary of her significant contribution to dance. Lena Pelio’s career began back in the thirties when she took advantage of an opportunity offered to family members of GM employees by the IMA – dance lessons for 10 cents apiece. According to a biographical sketch in the program Decades of Dance for a production in 1983, she worked nights as a dancer to help with family expenses during the Depression, and, after graduating Northern High School as valedictorian, eventually traveled the dancing circuit with an RKO troop where she "…was billed as ‘The Second Eleanor Powell’ [for her] high-energy spins and machine-gun taps

PELIO SCHOOL OF DANCE

"Lena was instrumental in the formation of the Mott Performing Arts Association, forerunner to the Flint Institute of Music. She choreographed musicals for the Flint Community Players and Mott Fine Arts Festival." [which] brought the house down in every nightclub and theatre around the Great Lakes that featured musical revues.” But during the summers, she had gone to NYC, developing her love for ballet while "studying with Cecchetti-trained Vincenzo Celli, an experience which set her on the path of her lifetime – Flint Ballet Theatre,” according to Holly Hayes in a 1983 Flint Journal article "Lena Pelio’s dream pirouettes its way into Flint tradition.” Eventually tiring of the touring life, she returned home and abandoned the RKO performances to marry Andy Sabota Pelio, her "beau” since the 6th grade. She soon landed a job with Consumers Power, and it wasn’t long afterwards that she opened her dance studio -- housed over the Karmel Korn Shoppe on Harrison St. in downtown Flint – thereby creating the very thing that would dictate her destiny and fulfill her dream. From the beginning, the studio was always a "family affair,” with both of Lena’s daughters, Luana Pelio Foster and Lisa Pelio as dancers and teachers, but also involving Lena’s nieces, all of them an integral part of the business. They included Bethany Thomas Lenhart, a teacher with both the school and FBT, Jacqueline Thomas Paul, teacher, and a lead dancer in FBT, Rita Thomas Sandford, Lena’s companion at award affairs, as well as being in charge of the studio’s costumes and wardrobe for a time, and Jonie Thomas Beauchamp, another of Lena’s dancers. The studio itself moved several times, with its most recent site being the Torrey Rd. location where it remains today, under the direction of Lena’s younger daughter, Lisa… and where the excellence for which its founder was noted continues apace. Over the years, Lena and FBT built up enormous goodwill and loyalty from all who either learned to dance from her, worked on the productions, or taught for the studio or FBT. But success seldom comes easily, being earned with hard work, dedication, and sometimes sacrifice. Bethany Lenhart recalls in the 9th grade, telling her mother, Lena’s sister, she wanted to quit dancing, but her mother said to her, “You can’t quit – do you want to break Aunt Lena’s heart?” So Lenhart went on dancing to become one of Lena’s best teachers, instructing until the 75th anniversary of the studio three years ago, and she says "Lena believed that excellence requires sacrifice, and you have to set an example [for others].” And Lena Pelio did just that. FBT began with 11 teachers – and, in fact, every teacher in town had learned from Lena at one time or another. Jackie Paul remembers that “She wouldn’t expect anything of another that she couldn’t or wouldn’t do herself. She was very ahead of her time, and though she lived in the moment, she was a perfectionist.” Of course, those remarks seem true of all she did – most especially her signature achievement and greatest legacy to the cultural life of Flint and its citizens, Flint Ballet Theatre…with the proceeds from performances going to the March of Dimes for 28 years. It began, according to Pelio’s biography in Decades of Dance, 1983, when she served on the Committee of Sponsors for the Flint College and Cultural Development credited with raising over $30 million which "…established the Cultural Center, including the building of Whiting Auditorium” where Lena would eventually stage her ballets for the March of Dimes. The playbill further states that "Lena was instrumental in the formation of the Mott Performing Arts Association, forerunner to the Flint Institute of Music. She choreographed musicals for the Flint Community Players and Mott Fine Arts Festival” while her dancers "presented ballet

// Culture

and jazz dances in the parks throughout the city” in summer. But all these efforts were but precursors to the endeavor which would define the talented dancer, nearly every teacher, and philanthropist: The founding in 1959-60 of the Flint Ballet Theatre, of which she would remain artistic director for 26 years, staging performances with professional flair and production values worthy of any seasoned work of art – while raising monies for the March of Dimes which devoted itself to making life better for those children who, for medical reasons, could not easily walk…let alone dance. That’s the heart of the motto always prominent on every playbill for each ballet FBT performed over the years – the simple yet powerful statement that conveys so much of what Lena Pelio set out to accomplish with her dancers and to benefit the charity for which she labored so dedicatedly each year…the single line that says, "We dance that others might walk.” Flint Ballet Theatre teachers, 16 of whom helped Lena found the company, featured their most advanced dancers in the various ballets performed over the years, and Pelio always brought in famous choreographers of note from all over…from NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, Pittsburg, and Detroit…to stage the productions with her. Performances often featured selected acts from the classics (which Lena loved), as well as complete and major presentations of such timeless works as Swan Lake in 1965, Sleeping Beauty in 1983, and Cinderella in 1985, for example. In fact, the roster of offerings often reads like that of a professional company in a metropolitan area -- including such presentations as 1968’s Hansel and Gretel, performed by the Children’s Group and directed by Jackie Paul , 1972’s Opus Primif, danced by the Apprentice Group and choreographed by Robert Davis and Lena, or Graduation Ball, rendered by the adult group of the company in 1974, to name only a few. Most of the performances could claim the musical talents of conductor Dr. Raymond Gerkowski – his curriculum vitae detailing him as an extraordinary professional -- from his position as a cellist with the Cleveland Orchestra, to Director of Music for Flint Public Schools, to coordinator of the Mott Program, as well as music at Flint Junior College (MCC), and finally, to his post as conductor of the Flint Symphony Orchestra. He also remained the conductor of FBT for many years. Furthermore, the list of sponsors in all of the programs for the various ballets performed presents itself like a Who’s Who of Flint’s finest citizenry – as does the catalogue of supremely accomplished dancers, some of whom “[had] gone on to dance with nationally recognized companies,” according to Hayes in her 1983 Flint Journal article on Lena. And through it all, Lena’s dear friends, Lolly and Don Steibel remained with her as both her firm and constant support and her vital link to the March of Dimes, friends she could count on during the years of FBT and beyond. Besides the yearly ballet production and her annual recital for dancers at the studio, Pelio can be credited with being one of the founders of the “Christmas at Whiting” show -- at which those studio dancers performed both their Sleighride and Lara’s Theme ballets for 28 years.

Culture //

PELIO SCHOOL OF DANCE

But if anything in Lena’s life represented her anchor it was family…the members of which remained with her in all she did, exhibiting the rigorous skills and desire for excellence she had instilled in all of them, including her elder daughter, Luana Foster, a dedicated dancer who began her instruction at age three, taught for the studio for awhile, and today, along with husband Eric, belongs to dance clubs from Michigan to Arizona…where they received a first place trophy at the Hangar Dance in Mesa, AZ in 2013 for swing dance. Younger daughter, Lisa Pelio, a gifted dancer and choreographer, became her mother’s mainstay and eventually took over running the school, equaling Lena’s sharp eye for professional production values and staging. Bethany Lenhart served Lena faithfully and well for 50 years as a master teacher of the studio, vice-president and then president of FBT… as well as a member of the prestigious Cecchetti Council of America to which Lena, of course, belonged. Jackie Paul, a charter member of FBT and in charge of the Children’s Group, performed as the lead ballerina for 12 years and served as assistant artistic director of ballet theatre. Rita Sandford, Lena’s companion and confidante, says of Lena that "She was the most fun to be with. I never had a dull moment because Aunt Lena was either all business or all fun – and I got the fun.” And Jonie Beauchamp, a "talented dancer” as her sisters say, danced for FBT, and supported Lena’s efforts over the years. But in the end, it was upon her own talent and imagination that Pelio ultimately relied, creating the solid foundation on which her daughter Lisa would build when she took over the school for her mother after returning from her ten-year relocation to Atlanta and Chicago. Before that, both Lenhart and Paul taught with and managed the studio alongside Lena. An accomplished dancer from the beginning, Lisa Pelio moved steadily, as she matured, progressing toward the world of professional dance. From her Advanced Teacher Certificate from the Cecchetti Council America – the graded ballet instruction of Enrico Cecchetti, wherein both teachers and students alike must pass precise and rigorous exams to advance – to her eventual membership on the board of the Council, she achieved excellence, most especially as a noted choreographer, working in New York City in 1985, according to the FBT playbill of the Cinderella performance that same year. Also a master teacher for the Atlanta Ballet School as well as later in Chicago, she became in that timeframe a professional stage and television performer. But she eventually returned to Michigan, picking up where she had left off with her mother’s studio that would one day be hers, as it is now. In fact, these days she recently received accolades for her dancers’ performance of River Dance at I Love Dance in Bay City, which was also presented at her annual recital at Lake Fenton High School…and both show-stopping presentations brought down the house with applause. Lisa has been in charge of the studio for 20 years, formally taking over in 1997, and has brought to the Pelio School of Dance her own sensibilities and vision, as well as an expertise worthy of the studio’s reputation. She certainly has credentials, for in 1979, Lisa was chosen as Teacher of the Year by the Cecchetti Council of America – the first to hold this honor. And for two years running, since she’s had the school, she says each of her students passed their tests with high honors (commended). Like mother, like daughter, as the saying goes, which is the stuff legacies are made of…and as Lisa admits, “Hers was the only opinion that mattered to me.”

off the street sometimes.” She had a reputation (as a teacher and director) of demanding – and getting – the best out of everyone involved in her productions, but, as Jackie Paul emphasizes, "Aunt Lena was strict, but we all had pride in the finished product.” In fact, she had a surprising sentimentality about her, as evidenced when, in 1997, her deceased husband Andy -- an extremely impressive and talented baseball player who had played for Flint Northern, a semi-pro Flint basketball team, the Toledo Mud Hens, all before the couple married, and ended up an Army All-Star, playing on army bases during World War II -- was inducted into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame. It might be said that she seemed more moved by the honor bestowed on him than any she had earned over the years. Thus this accomplished woman exhibited two flip sides of an achiever – the stiff spine required for excellence, along with the true heart and soul for all who had ever helped her realize her dream. For that dream was never just for Lena; it existed for all the people with whom she came in contact and who were a part of her “dance network” -- encompassing those from whom she had learned, those whom she taught, those she had entertained, and, most especially, perhaps, those whom she loved. The motto of Flint Ballet Theatre will always evoke the years of cultural excellence she left as a legacy, but if that same motto could be altered to represent the essence of Lena Stein Pelio and her remarkable contribution, it might read, “She practiced excellence that others might know success.” May her inimitable studio, The Lena Pelio School of Dance, continue producing talented dancers under the direction of Lena’s daughter Lisa for another 78 years.

"Nowhere else but in Flint would an amateur ballet company attempt to mount a full-length classical ballet with a complete cast and then do it so utterly brilliantly." Lena Pelio’s long-term contribution to her family members, to the dancers who studied under her tutelage, to the Flint community and its cultural life, and, finally, to the March of Dimes is legendary. With a photographic memory and the eye and temperament of a perfectionist, Bethany says that "She was supremely dedicated to the art form of dance – believing that it complimented and enhanced all other artistic compositions.” Pelio presented herself as disciplined, even driven in some ways, while investing thoroughly in her art and its success. In fact, “Almost every teacher in the area was originally a student of Lena’s,” says Jackie Paul. Above all, she represented the essence of a professional. In the program Decades of Dance in 1997, the founder of the Atlanta Ballet, Dorothy Alexander, characterizes the very nature of FBT perfectly, saying that “‘Nowhere else but in Flint would an amateur ballet company attempt to mount a full-length classical ballet with a complete cast and then do it so utterly brilliantly.’” With expert aegis and considerable talent, including the best national and international choreographers, masterful teachers, gifted dancers, and professional stagecraft, Lena and her troop pulled it off year after year…until she finally ceded control of things to her daughter. But what of Lena’s personal life? What about that rumored “heart of gold” side to this successful and dynamic woman? Her elder daughter Luana says of her mother that “if she was your friend, she was until the day she died. So many people gave gifts to her that she routinely shared them with others – especially those in nursing homes, in the form of flowers and sweets. And she was always ready and willing to offer a helping hand to anyone in need.” Jonie Beauchamp echoes that assessment of her aunt when she states, “She really saved people – wounded souls – right

For anyone with a dancer’s heart, contact Pelio School of Dance on Facebook or go on the website www.pelioschoolofdance.com.

staff highlight. Ilse Lujan-Hayes // CONTRIBUTOR Ilse Lujan-Hayes is currently the morning reporter for NBC 25 Today. Born in Los Angeles and raised in San Diego, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She’s been working in the Flint market for ten-years. The only thing Ilse loves more than talking to people and sharing their stories is talking to them about love. It’s become of an obsession. Spend 10-minutues with Ilse and you’ll find yourself divulging how you met your spouse/boyfriend, the challenges and victories of relationships and the hardships that sometimes lead to divorce. After 14 years of marriage, Ilse found herself as a single mother and learning to navigate through the trenches of on-line dating. She is excited to be a contributor to onthetown, writing about positive aspects of what “community” means in Genesee County, emphasizing the people, businesses, and the entertainment market segments as this will continue to be her driving force to share inspirational stories of what makes the Greater Flint area a great place to Live, Work, and Play!

Kristina Falcon // CONTRIBUTOR Kristina Falcon is thrilled and grateful that she has been welcomed on the staff as a creative writer for onthetown magazine. “Focusing on the positive experiences in the area is something I think is beneficial and valuable to our community,” she said with enthusiasm. “Not only do I get to write articles but I get to meet different people who are doing what they love to do, all in the spirit of a better community.” Kristina is a seasoned writer as she is currently working on her second novel which obviously places a premium on time management, with her trying to allocate time to work on it. Currently she is enrolled in a school for Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University while she substitute teaches in Genesee County. When not writing or doing school work, she enjoys cooking and decorating as hobbies because she feels putting together something fresh and tasteful makes her life a little more blissful. She takes delight in catching up with friends and family during her morning coffee routine. Recently, however, while enjoying her morning cup of java, she had a revelation about giving and how it is essential to our society. “It humbled me and made me realize there is so much more to life then what we have for ourselves.” onthetown certainly looks forward to Kristina Falcon’s thoughtful insights through her creative contributions.