onthetown Magazine Volume 5 Issue 3 by onthetown Magazine

ü Long-time smoker ü Age 55-77 Detect LUNG CANCER early

1-844-LUNG SCREEN Introducing . . . McLaren Comprehensive Lung Cancer Detection Program McLaren Flint offers a specialized program to answer questions and help those who are eligible receive a simple, painless chest CT scan. And, if lung cancer is suspected based on the scan results, McLaren has the area’s only program to provide seamless access to advanced diagnostics and care by a team of medical experts in the management of lung disease and the treatment of cancer.

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This year the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved coverage for annual chest CT scans, making annual lung cancer screenings FREE for qualifying individuals.

Anyone between the ages of 55-77 with a tobacco smoking history of at least 30 ‘pack years’ (one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years, two packs a day for 15 years, or 3 packs a day for 10 years). Call and speak to our nurse navigator. We are here to help you breathe easier when it comes to your lung health.

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from the publisher. This season is one of the busiest of the year, and onthetown Magazine seeks to highlight as much of what’s going on in terms of people, places, and things as we possibly can in our June issue. But there are a few things we cover in this edition that are of particular interest to me and to which I would like to draw special attention. First of all, I recommend that readers peruse the article by Rich Reed concerning the Grand Blanc arches, which tells how people in the area came together to remedy an eyesore that bothered everyone. Also of interest, the story on Brian Lipe, the new Grand Blanc Sheriff, and his revamped police cars. Written by Paul Rozycki, the article tells how the vehicles have been updated, both technologically and graphically. And check out the article which features Mark Williams, a former police officer who has devised a program based on what he calls his “Owner’s Manual” of 12 core issues to guide children to successful lives. Finally, the article by Tara Moreno about all the $1.8 million of renovation and reconstruction at Longway Planetarium that has resulted in a new sound system, video projection, expanded seating, and updated viewing dome should produce excitement for the populace, according to Tim Slisher, who spearheaded the project. This new and improved facility might be interesting to those whose curiosity is alive and well. And visiting the planetarium might be especially intriguing to families looking for a learning experience to share. So, readers, there is much to find out about in this new issue of onthetown Magazine – things to do, places to visit, and people to learn about. I hope everyone has an enjoyable and adventurous summer…on us! Enjoy! Kimberly Gray, Publisher

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

EDITOR IN CHIEF Michelle Blaisdell COPY EDITOR Martha Hamp MANAGING EDITOR Michael G. Thodoroff LAYOUT Archetype Design Studio MANAGER Laura Ulman SALES Debby Molina Allison Joslin Chelsea Mills Mark Novak Carrie Taylor Robyn Young

CONTRIBUTORS Wendy Byard Sherry Farney Ilse Hayes Kellie McCarty Chelsea Mills Tara Moreno Rich Reed Paul Rozycki EVENT SPREADS Chelsea Mills-Behind Your Design PHOTOGRAPHY Chelsie Cantin-Vivid Imagery Joel Hart Debby Molina Tara Moreno COVER PHOTO Joel Hart

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) 771-3131 Fax: (810) 584-7013

World Class Partnerships, Here for You. At Hurley Medical Center, we’re proud of the exceptional clinical care we’ve provided to Mid-Michigan for over 107 years. Our partnerships with the University of Michigan, Henry Ford Medical Center and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, allow us to continue to provide a greater depth of clinical expertise and access to world-class trained physicians and specialists. We’re proud of our world-class partnerships, and our ability to treat the most complex cases. When you need us, we’re here for you.

Here for you

Contents //

VOLUME V ISSUE III

Education

Feature // LAW ENFORCEMENT

20 THE VALUE PROPOSITION OF A COMMUNITY COLLEGE EDUCATION

10 COLONEL KRISTE KIBBEY-ÉTUE: FIRST FEMALE DIRECTOR OF MICHIGAN'S STATE POLICE

24 CAMPUS OF THE FUTURE: ADDRESSING THE RAPIDLY CHANGING NEEDS OF THE NEXT GENERATION'S WORKFORCE

22 UM-FLINT: ENGAGED LEARNING IN THE COMMUNITY

14 PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL

26 BAKER COLLEGE: HELPS ADDRESS CRITICAL NEED FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS

Medical

16 CONES WITH A COP 17 NEW POLICE CARS JOIN THE GRAND BLANC COMMUNITY

30 MICHIGAN VISION INSTITUTE 32 THIS ORTHOPEDIC PRACTICE IS EXPERTLY UNIQUE 34 YOUR HEALTH - YOUR CHOICE 36 GENESYS HEART INSTITUTE ADDS NONINVASIVE CARDIOLOGIST TO ITS TEAM 38 SWARTZ AMBULANCE: 40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY 40 MCLAREN FLINT: THE ULTIMATE SAAAVE! 42 MCLAREN FLINT: CO-WORKERS READYING FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT

Business 56 WELCOME TO WARWICK HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB CELEBRATING 60 YEARS IN GENESEE COUNTY 58 MACARTHUR CORPORATION’S CHRISTIE WONG BARRETT MI MANUFACTURING’S LIAISON TO WASHINGTON, DC

Community 28 BEE-WARE! 62 JOURNEY THROUGH TIME, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, TO INFINITY AND BEYOND 64 BACK TO THE BRICKS: A STANDING TRIBUTE AND FAMILY LEGACY 67 DON'T MISS THE MARK 68 “OLD FASHIONED RADIO FOR A NEW GENERATION” CELEBRATES SEVEN YEARS IN FLINT

69 A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME

Be Seen 44-54 EVENT PHOTOS

Financial 66 KEEPING YOUR MONEY:WITH JAIME WESTENBARGER

Food & Drink 70 TRIAL BY FIRE: A BACKYARD ODYSSEY IN SELF CONTROL

Culture 71 FROM THE BRUSH OF: KEN MILITO

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from the editor. Living in Michigan gives us here at onthetown Magazine, as well as you, our readers, the opportunity to experience the full force of the four distinct seasons – and I will leave out the “fifth” season of road construction for this discussion! In fact, sometimes I feel that a harsh winter only makes us appreciate all the more the anticipation of spring, the enhanced daylight hours of summer, and striking color palate of fall. And now that summertime is actually here, perhaps onthetown can help everyone enjoy these glorious days of sun, and warmth, and fun through our newsworthy and entertaining articles. Initially, when I think of summer, I think of grilling and barbeque, and this issue offers readers some expert grilling tips and techniques straight from Chef Sean Gartland, the Flint Farmer’s Market Culinary Director. We are looking forward to Sean’s continued contributions involving culinary subjects of all manner and kind throughout the upcoming year. Summertime for many breeds the joyous phrase “school is out,” but during this time, our local colleges and universities continue to develop their curricula, along with providing opportunities to citizens in order to make our communities better. Thus, the magazine takes a look at some of the significant higher education activities occurring in and around our local institutions, along with an article detailing the Mott Community College and Ruth Mott Foundation’s informative and captivating “Bee Symposium.” In addition, this issue catalogues some of what is transpiring across our local medical community, highlighting everything from the Greater Flint Health Coalition’s announcement of their “Your Health, Your Choice” advance care planning awareness campaign to Michigan Vascular Center and McLaren Flint’s joint public presentation of a stroke awareness seminar entitled “The Ultimate SAAve.” Its featured guest speaker is Jim Craig, Olympic gold medalist on the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” hockey team. And finally, onthetown has the distinct honor of publically introducing Ms. Kriste Kibbey-Etue, the first female Director of the 97 year-old Michigan State Police Agency. Staff creative writer Wendy Byard profiles Ms. Kibbey-Etue and her distinguished career, which has been marked by a strong work ethic and commitment to serving the people of the great state of Michigan, along with providing career inspiration to young females…as evidenced by the two young girls gracing our pages this issue. We sincerely hope that all our readers will get caught up on the myriad activities going on in and around Flint as portrayed through the eyes of our creative writers – featuring some of the best editorial talent in the area. And since we always appreciate any feedback we receive regarding our magazine, feel free to drop us an email at editor@onthetownlimited.com It is our profound hope that our readers will enjoy all that the season has to offer, in terms of engaging activities in and around the area during these great summer days and nights… and, as always, that they will seek to be seen, be heard, (and most of all) be onthetown. Michelle Blaisdell, editor-in-chief

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倀刀䤀一吀 ∠ 圀䔀䈀 ∠ 匀伀䌀䤀䄀䰀䴀䔀䐀䤀䄀 ∠ 䴀䄀刀䬀䔀吀䤀一䜀㠀㄀ ⸀㘀㤀㔀⸀㐀㜀㘀㄀ ∠ 一圀䄀ⴀ䤀一䌀⸀䌀伀䴀

FEATURE

Law Enforcement

COLONEL KRISTE KIBBEY-ÉTUE 10

PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL 14

CONES WITH A COP 16

NEW POLICE CARS 17

Desire To

Serve

Law Enforcement //

COLONEL KRISTE KIBBEY-ÉTUE

THE NEW

STATE

OF THINGS

Colonel Kriste Kibbey-Étue FIRST FEMALE DIRECTOR OF MICHIGAN’S STATE POLICE BY WENDY BYARD

hen you think of women who have “gone first” or broken the gender barrier, trailblazing females like Amelia Earhart and Marie Curie may come to mind. But, throughout history, many of these women have battled obstacles to accomplish the historical feat of being the “first female” at some endeavor. They have broken ground to make a particular mark in the arts and entertainment, or in the military, education, or politics – even in winning Nobel Prizes, heading international bodies, or excelling in aviation, among other fields. And in 2011, just such a woman – Colonel Kriste Kibbey-Étue – joined the ranks of historically esteemed women when she became the first female Director of the Michigan State Police (MSP). In this capacity, Col. Etue also serves as State Director of Emergency Management, as well as Michigan's Homeland Security Director. Being selected for the position by Governor Rick Snyder was a “true honor,” Col. Étue says. In April, Col. Étue was the guest speaker at the Flint Women’s Forum “Celebration 10

of Women” at the Flint Golf Club. She describes her message as, “We’ve come a long way, ladies! It’s a true celebration.” The state of Michigan also celebrated the achievements of Michigan women last year when Governor Snyder declared August 26 “Women’s Equality Day.” It marked the day in 1920 when the 19th Amendment gave all U.S. women the right to vote. The Governor said then, "Today marks a historic day in women's rights, and it's important for future generations to recognize the several achievements of and sacrifices from Michigan women. Women are a vital part of Michigan's reinvention, and I'm honored to highlight the endless contributions of many great Michigan women who have furthered the cause for women's equality.” A video released last year in honor of Women’s Equality Day featured Col. Étue, who says, “It’s a wonderful day to reflect on the successes and the advancements that women have had. We’ve come a long way, but I’d just like to say, we have a long way to go.” In a recent interview, and to reveal just how far women in the MSP have come, Col. Étue laughs about the changed MSP uniform for women, saying, “In the late ‘60s,

women in the MSP wore a skirt, a special little hat, and white gloves. It was kind of a flight attendant look.” On a more serious note, she adds that today, treatment of all troopers is equal: “When you are a trooper, they don’t look at you as a female or a male. I don’t want to be treated as special-- just fairly. I’ll take any assignment.” It seems that Col. Étue’s approach to her job, facing each day with a can-do spirit and service-oriented mindset, has led to her rise in the agency’s ranks. Ever modest, the Colonel says, “There is nothing in my background that is all that special. I just want to serve the people of the great state of Michigan. As a young girl, I never dreamt of being the Director of the MSP. I just always had a desire to serve.” Col. Etue may claim that her background contains nothing special, yet her history with the 97-year-old agency clearly reveals a distinctive career marked by a strong work ethic and commitment. These qualities have led to numerous advancements.

COLONEL KRISTE KIBBEY-ÉTUE

// Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement //

COLONEL KRISTE KIBBEY-ÉTUE

"AS A YOUNG GIRL, I NEVER DREAMT OF BEING THE DIRECTOR OF THE MSP. I JUST ALWAYS HAD A DESIRE TO SERVE.” A Kalamazoo Valley Community College graduate, Col. Etue, who is the eighteenth director of the MSP, undoubtedly blazed a trail. First, as a recruit in the 101st Trooper Recruit School, she underwent nineteen weeks of rigorous training that she calls “a very physical program” and “tough.” She also completed the 206th session of the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, that provides academic instruction and physical development. To complete this ten-week program, participants must conquer a 6.25 mile endurance course filled with obstacles. Only one half of one percent of U.S. law enforcement personnel can attend the academy, largely due to the FBI’s challenging criteria. From a recruit, Col. Étue climbed the ranks from Trooper, to Sergeant, Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Inspector, Captain, Lieutenant Colonel and, finally, to Colonel – the agency’s highest rank. As she achieved higher and higher rank in an organization that is today approximately twenty-five percent female, Col. Étue handled numerous duties like serving as the Deputy Director and Commander of the Administrative Services Bureau. As Deputy Director, she oversees several Divisions: Office of Behavioral Science, Departmental Services (which includes the budget and facilities), Training and Standards, Human Resources, Public Affairs and Government Relations and the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards. To what does Col. Étue attribute her increase in responsibilities and the faith that others have in her leadership? “I give one hundred percent. Every day I try my hardest. I give my all,” she asserts. The 12

Colonel also gives praise to the upbringing she received from her parents: her mother, a homemaker, and her father, who was also a Michigan State Trooper. “If my parents told me to be at home at 7 o’clock, I’d better not be home by 7:05,” Col. Etue jokes. “In my family, you worked hard and were accountable.” She says that her parents expected that she and her three older siblings would all have part-time jobs. “I always worked hard for what I had, so I learned to take care of it,” she states. Another person who played an impactful role in Col. Étue’s journey was her exhusband Wayne. When Col. Étue was working as a civilian in a division of the MSP, it was her then future husband, a State Trooper himself at the time, who encouraged Col. Étue to join the enlisted force. Since then, Col. Étue, who is a mother to two children, worked hard and made a difference in the MSP, which she calls “a great, noble profession.” In looking back over her accomplishments, one quickly came to mind. Col. Étue says she is proud that when the department’s budget was reduced by $20 million several years ago, she reorganized the agency to realize the savings -- and did so without laying off a single trooper.

Unfortunately, today, Col. Étue bemoans the fact that not many young women are joining her in the MSP. For example, while the number of female troopers has grown from two in 1967 to almost two hundred today, they still comprise a small percent of the total. Thus, as Col. Etue draws nearer to retirement, one of her goals is to encourage more females to follow in her footsteps. “It’s a great career for women today. It provides excitement and travel, yet you can still be a mom,” she explains, saying also that there are many other opportunities in the MSP besides being a trooper. There are jobs for scientists and criminal analysts, among others. “We need to tell young women, ‘You can do this!’” Col. Étue says. “In the last decade, there was not a true, concerted effort to attract young women to the MSP,” and she adds but that is changing. Through its current programming, the MSP is working toward “planting a seed early” in youth. “You have to spark an interest in young women,” she observes. Col. Étue also shares her view that women bring particular qualities to the MSP. Women often bring a different sense of intuition, communication style and nurturing instinct. She says. “Sometimes, that’s what is needed. Women have certain strengths we can pull upon, and they have always served me well.” And for a woman who began as a recruit, working her way through the ranks to become the Colonel in charge of the entire department, it seems obvious that all of Col. Étue’s personal attributes have served her well. They’ve also served well the state of Michigan. Her many accomplishments reveal that no one gender has a monopoly on what matters most: hard work.

WOMEN BRING PARTICULAR QUALITIES TO THE MSP. WOMEN OFTEN BRING A DIFFERENT SENSE OF INTUITION, COMMUNICATION STYLE AND NURTURING INSTINCT.

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Law Enforcement //

PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL

PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY AND POLICE WEEK IS AN OBSERVANCE IN THE UNITED STATES THAT PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL PEACE OFFICERS WHO HAVE DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY. LOCALLY, THIS SOLEMN CEREMONY WAS CONDUCTED AT THE FLINT MEMORIAL PARK AND HOSTED BY THE ARROWHEAD LODGE #126 OF THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, THE FORMER FLINT AND GENESEE COUNTY LODGES.

aster of the ceremonies was attorney John D. Nickola with a keynote speech given by Andy Suski, president of The Hundred Club of Genesee, Shiawassee and Lapeer Counties. This holiday was created on October 1, 1961, when Congress asked the president to designate each May 15th to honor our peace officers. John F. Kennedy signed the bill into law on October 1, 1962. It is a formal recognition of tribute to the law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and to voice our appreciation for all those who currently serve on the front lines in the battle to keep our streets safe. A joint resolution by the United States Congress authorized and requested the President to officially designate May 15th of each year as "Peace Officers Memorial Day." This coincides with the designation of "National Police Week" and requests that our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers' Memorial Day. Sentiment and reverence for this sincere observance was captured according to a proclamation by George W. Bush in 2002. "Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week pay tribute to the local, State, and Federal law enforcement officers who serve and protect us with courage and dedication. These observances also remind us of the ongoing need to be vigilant against all forms of crime, especially to acts of extreme violence and terrorism."

PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL

IN MEMORIAM Patrolman David Williams Flint City Police Department February 24, 2009 Patrolman Owen David Fisher Flint City Police Department July 16, 2005 Patrolman Leslie D. Keely Flint City Police Department September 24, 1999 Patrolman Terry Lee Thompson Burton Police Department July 5, 1983 Patrolman Russell A. Herrick Burton Police Department May 8, 1980 Trooper Norman Killough** Michigan State Police, Detroit Post October 7, 1978 Deputy Ben R. Walker Genesee County Sheriff Department April 6, 1971

// Law Enforcement

Patrolman Neil Krantz Flint Police Department April 25.1951 Deputy James W. Cranston Genesee County Sheriff Department July 26, 1945 Patrolman Gerald Leach Flint Police Department September 21, 1940 Patrolman John Wopinski Flint Police Department August 9, 1932 Detective Matthew Hauer Flint Police Department April 18, 1924 Patrolman Avera M. Hudson Flint Police Department June 28, 1923 Trooper George Lappi Michigan State Police, Flint Post November 19, 1956 And all law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives to aid their fellow-man ** Slain in Genesee County

Detective Alton C. Fritcher Flint Police Department January 5, 1969

CANINES FALLEN IN THE LINE OF DUTY

Trooper Albert Souden** Michigan State Police, Flint Post September 3. 1959

“Major” Genesee County Sheriff Department Canine Unit 7-11-1976

Trooper Burt Pozza Michigan State Police, Flint Post November 19, 1956

“Charlie” Genesee County Sheriff Department 1980

Trooper George Lappi Michigan State Police, Flint Post November 19, 1956

“Romel” Genesee County Sheriff Department 4-21-1986 “Gillette” Burton Police Department 5-16-1990

Patrolman Karl Liebengood Burton Township Police Department January 11, 1955 Detective James McCullough Flint Police Department February 28, 1952

“Symmon” Mt. Morris Township Police Department 6-24-1995 “Aiko” Michigan State Police 10-15-1998 15

Law Enforcement //

MI STATE POLICE

Cones with a Cop Michigan State Police recently partnered with Dairy Queen, the Burton Police Department, the Genesee County Sheriff's Department and along with the Flint Police Department, hosted a “Cones with a Cop” event. On a June 17th Wednesday afternoon at the Dairy Queen located on South Saginaw Street in Burton, community members and their children stopped by for a free sweet treat and participated in a casual opportunity to meet and greet with local law enforcement personnel. Children – and parents - of all ages enjoyed this festive occasion through great conversations and interactions with our hometown law officers – and the ice cream was scrumptious too! TROOPER AMY BELANGER

TROOPER AMY BELANGER

TROOPERS AMY BELANGER AND STEVE KRAMER

DEPUTY RYAN ULSHAFER, SGT SHAWN DUNCANSON, CHIEF THOMAS OSTERHOLZER

GRAND BLANC

New Police Cars

JOIN THE GRAND BLANC COMMUNITY BY PAUL ROZYCKI

// Law Enforcement

NOT ONLY ARE THE CHARGERS EYE-CATCHING, BUT THE NEW GRAPHICS WERE DESIGNED BY GRAND BLANC HIGH SCHOOL

Want to see some great police videos? No, I’m not talking about the latest NCIS, Castle, or Law and Order TV show. I’m talking about the new Grand Blanc police cars. The cars are new, the graphics are new and the video technology is new as well.

STUDENTS AND APPEAL TO THE BOBCATS' SCHOOL SPIRIT.

Grand Blanc Chief of Police Brian Lipe described the new, all-white Dodge Chargers as a step up from the previous cruisers used by the department. “The Chargers should prove to be roomier and have lower maintenance costs than the Crown Vics we used before,” he says. The new Dodge vehicles are also expected to be a hit with Grand Blanc, especially the students at Grand Blanc High School, now the largest district in Genesee County. Not only are the Chargers eye-catching, but the new graphics were designed by Grand Blanc High School students and appeal to the Bobcats' school spirit. The school held a competition to design the graphics for the new police car that incorporated both the Grand Blanc City name and the Bobcats

Law Enforcement //

GRAND BLANC

THE NEW GRAPHICS ARE ONLY ONE PART OF THE NEW CRUISERS. EACH OF THE NEW CARS INCLUDES A DIGITAL VIDEO SYSTEM THAT CAN RECORD ARRESTS, INTERACTIONS WITH CITIZENS, TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS AND ROAD CONDITIONS. THE SYSTEM NOT ONLY PROVIDES A VIDEO RECORD, BUT AN AUDIO RECORDING AND A RECORD OF THE CRUISER’S SPEED, USE OF EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND RADAR, AMONG OTHER DETAILS. AS NECESSARY, THE VIDEO CAN RECORD ACTIVITY IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE CRUISER AS WELL.

“It’s a part of community policing and working with the schools. We need to be part of the community and the schools are an important part of that,” school mascot. The winning entries were from Sarah Stedman and Anthony Quitos, who will receive a scholarship from the Grand Blanc Police Officers Association for their efforts. The design incorporates Grand Blanc’s red and black colors, and the “Go Bobcats” cheer, along with the Bobcats' paw print near the rear window of the car. Lipe feels that the new design isn’t simply a matter of making the cars look nice. “It’s a part of community policing and working with the schools. We need to be part of the community and the schools are an important part of that,” he states. But the new graphics are only one part of the new cruisers. Each of the new cars includes a digital video system that can record arrests, interactions with citizens, traffic violations and road conditions. The system not only provides a video record, but an audio recording and a record of the cruiser’s speed, use of emergency lights and radar, among other details. As necessary,

the video can record activity in the back seat of the cruiser as well. At the end of each officer’s shift, the video can be automatically uploaded to the department computer, right from the department parking lot. The old system required officers to physically bring in a VHS tape from each car. As he reviewed examples of one day’s cruiser video on his office computer, Lipe could see a visual record of each stop, arrest or citizen interaction from the previous day, along with a listing of the officer involved and the actions taken. He feels that the use of new video provides greater protection to both the citizens and the police. While videos are not perfect, they do provide an excellent record of what took place and improve both police training and reduce false charges against the police. In a time when some police/citizen interactions have proved to be very contentious and a source of lawsuits against local governments, the videos have demonstrated value for many departments.

The new features of Grand Blanc’s police cars also reflect Chief Lipe’s approach to his job. When asked why he chose police work he says, “I like helping people, and I like the variety in the job. I have a passion to help people and be involved with them.” He was born in Flint and grew up in Richfield Township. After a stint in the Army reserve and a law enforcement degree from Ferris State University, he began a 20-year career with the Saginaw police department in 1994...only two days after graduation. He was chosen Saginaw Chief of Police in 2013. In August of 2014, Lipe came to Grand Blanc because it offered him the opportunity to be directly involved with people and to practice the community policing that he feels is at the heart of his profession. He says, “Police officers need to remember that when they interact with citizens, that action is the most important thing to the citizens at that time,” and officers always need to understand that. The new police cars, with their links to the Grand Blanc Schools and new video technology, are simply the most recent examples of that philosophy.

Education //

MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

he new economy is demanding educated workers with technical experience. “That is where Mott Community College comes in,” says Dawn Hibbard, Marketing and Communications for Mott Community College. “We prepare students for the world of work, enabling them to chart a secure career path in the 21st Century marketplace. Mott Community College is focused on creating pathways to success from the moment students walk through the door.” As part of its pathways to success, Mott College is continually developing new and innovative curriculum in response to industry needs. By working closely with professional advisory boards, each occupational degree program is able to respond to industry trends quickly to better position students to be successful. Stateof-the-art lab facilities give students real world experience right in the classroom. “And sometimes we take the classroom into the real world,” says Hibbard. “We had a group of students in a CADD class work on a real-world problem for the Flint Engine plant.” Real-world experiences are a part of every degree program at Mott College, according to Hibbard. Culinary Arts students recently hosted a Bake Fresh Friday event at Carriage Town Ministries, teaching residents baking techniques while producing fresh baked goods for the shelter. In addition, Respiratory Therapy students utilize computerized clinical

The Value Proposition of a

Community College Education

MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

simulation programs that prepare them to make life-saving decisions when they enter the workforce. “It all comes down to combining the technical knowledge with opportunities to perfect the handson skills that make our students value-added in the marketplace,” says Hibbard.

“It all comes down to combining the technical knowledge with opportunities to perfect the handson skills that make our students value-added in the marketplace,”

Mott Community College ranked high in a recent report by Brookings using a value-added approach to assessing colleges. Among other associate’s degree granting colleges, Mott College scored 91/100 for graduate earnings, and 80/100 for occupational earnings power. The ratings were based on curriculum value, alumni skills, STEM orientation, completion rates and student aid. According to the report, compared to conventional rankings, these valueadded measures more accurately predict alumni economic outcomes for a given student.

“It is these hands-on experiences, whether in the lab or through realworld service learning and internship opportunities, that prepare Mott College graduates for successful careers,” Hibbard continues, adding, “careers that are a direct return on their investment in their education.” Some of the students are like Ben LaLonde who graduated from MCC’s Media Arts & Entertainment Technology program and now works for WJRT-ABC12 in Flint. He credits MCC with helping him solidify his career goals and get the experience he needed to succeed. “I chose MCC because the program is hands-on from day one,” he says, “at other colleges you might not get to touch a camera until your third or fourth year.” That value proposition is not just for students in occupational degrees, says Hibbard. Students in transfer degree programs benefit, as well, from attending community college first. “Mott College credits easily transfer to most four-year colleges and universities, and we have articulation agreements that serve as a bridge to bachelor degree-seeking students in specific degree programs,” she informs. Additionally, the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) assures 100 percent transfer of 30 lower-level general education credits from Mott College to any Michigan college or university. “Not only do the credits transfer,” Hibbard says, “but with lower tuition rates than most four-year institutions, students who attend a community college first and transfer their credits can complete a bachelor’s degree with less college-related debt. They don’t have to mortgage their future to get a degree.”

// Education

“We had a number of students graduate May 2 who were on the transfer track,” says Hibbard. “Eugene Blackwell and Katie McWhorter were two of our superstars. Eugene completed his Associate Degree in Science and has been accepted [at] Kettering University. Kettering and Mott College have a 1+3 articulation agreement, which means one year, or 30 credits, will transfer directly to Kettering for him. “Katie earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Graphic Design. She is headed to Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York, to study Communication Management and Design. Katie was the first student from Flint to make it to the national American Advertising Awards competition, which is testament to her talent and the quality of our Graphic Design program,” says Hibbard, adding, “She is in such high demand [since] not only did she receive a scholarship from Ithaca College, but she also received scholarship offers from colleges that she didn’t apply to.” Mott Community College - preparing tomorrow’s workforce with an education that encompasses the applied technical skills and industry-driven credentials needed to succeed. “We like to say that no matter what your academic or career goals, you can get THERE from HERE,” says Hibbard.

Education //

UM-FLINT

ENGAGED LEARNING IN THE COMMUNITY Learning by doing is a key part of the educational experience at the University of Michigan-Flint. For nearly 60 years, this thriving downtown campus has encouraged its students to put theory into practice in the community.

2015 Benjamin Weatherston

UM-FLINT

ationally recognized as a leader in engaged learning, UM-Flint students are guided by expert faculty as they put academics into action. This way of gaining knowledge is a critical part of the curriculum. Many students actually earn civic engagement credits on their UM-Flint transcripts for this academic work. There are many initiatives across the campus that put engaged learning front and center for students. These experiences help students gain valuable skills, make important connections, and contribute to problem solving in ways that will last a lifetime. Engaged learning takes on many forms, everything from internships to international travel to research opportunities. The possibilities are limitless, with dedicated faculty and staff to guide students on their individual journeys. PT Heart is just one example of UM-Flint students using their knowledge to improve lives in this community, while sharpening their own skills and understanding. This student-led, pro-bono clinic is committed to providing physical therapy services and health education to the uninsured and under-insured of Genesee County. Established in 2012, the clinic is affiliated with the UMFlint Physical Therapy program, UM-Flint's Innovation Incubator, and operates out of the North End Soup Kitchen. Students from the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and the Health Education programs collaborate on this initiative, providing free health screenings, as well as educating clients on health-related topics and providing information on other resources available in the community. Physical therapy services are provided by the DPT students under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Since its establishment, PT Heart has served hundreds of community members, as well as helping hundreds of UM-Flint students learn best practices for running a clinic and helping their fellow citizens.

// Education

to be accessible to those students outside of the department, such as from political science, sociology, public policy, economics, and public health.” Morckel, involved with the master plan since joining the university in 2012, says the city’s evolving approach means students can learn the field firsthand. “We are interested in doing outreach and doing what we can in the community,” she states. “Flint can serve as a wonderful laboratory for our work, and it can be the perfect reciprocal relationship. We are certainly interested in a mutually beneficial relationship.” Urban communities outside of Flint, such as Detroit, are also part of the UM-Flint curriculum. One example of engaging with the community outside of Flint is the innovative Master of Arts with Secondary Certification (MAC) Program. Known as the “Detroit Teacher Project,” the initiative specializes in preparing teachers to succeed in small, urban high schools. UM-Flint faculty work alongside the MAC graduate students, providing ongoing feedback and guidance at every stage. This intensive experience focuses on the unique challenges faced by students, educators, and entire communities, and develops teachers who will make a positive difference in these environments. To learn more about engaged learning at the University of Michigan-Flint, please visit umflint.edu/engage for stories about students and faculty who change their communities and their own lives through unique educational experiences.

Being part of an urban campus offers the ideal opportunity for learning about urban planning. Students who are pursuing their minors in city and regional planning are empowered to contribute to community initiatives, including the city of Flint’s master plan. This minor incorporates a wide range of studies, including community research, spatial analysis, mapping, land use, geographic information systems, and environmental analysis. “It is relevant to a wide variety of fields,” says Victoria Morckel, an assistant professor of Earth and Resource Science and faculty advisor for the minor. “By having it a formal minor, it allows it

CAMPUS Education //

KETTERING UNIVERSITY

ADDRESSING THE RAPIDLY CHANGING NEEDS

OF THE

FUTURE NEXT GENERATION’S WORKFORCE

KETTERING UNIVERSITY

ettering University has a nearly 100-year history of producing some of the world’s most prominent and successful leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and philanthropists. To position the University to continue to build upon this legacy in the 21st century and beyond, the University unveiled a bold new Campus Master Plan in 2014. The Plan is aimed at reimagining the campus to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of future Kettering students and faculty for generations to come.

by redeveloping industrial brownfields, creating new green space and walking paths, and enhancing natural features like the Flint River.

The Campus Master Plan responds in part to the findings of a two-year, in-depth study by the University of the priorities and preferences of current and prospective students. The Plan heralds the creation of new facilities that will enhance learning opportunities on campus, open new opportunities for industry research and partnerships, create collaborative learning and living environments, and make Kettering’s campus a vibrant place that seamlessly intersects with the surrounding community and the growing number of assets in a resurgent city of Flint.

Some academic department functions will move into this building to encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration. There they will have increased access to flexible, technology-enabled, collaborative spaces that will foster small group learning in addition to a new, modern electronic library and other resources. The building will also feature something that will likely be a part of every building on campus in the future – new food service venues and options.

“The Campus Master Plan is a physical roadmap of where we want to go as an institution and what we want to become in the future,” said Kettering University President Robert K. McMahan. Aesthetically, the campus will become more open and more seamlessly connect with natural features of the surrounding community. This includes re-orienting the University to face the Flint River, downtown Flint and the new main campus entry/gateway on Chevrolet Avenue which is now accessed via I-69 and Hammerberg Road. The Campus Master Plan imagines an environment on campus conducive to the lifestyle and learning opportunities students need today; and it will also positively contribute to the revitalization of Flint

The first new building that will be constructed under the plan is a Learning Commons. It will be built across the “beach” from the Campus Center and will connect with the CC as well as with the adjacent Connie and Jim John Recreation Center, creating a “main quad” and central outdoor meeting point for the entire campus community.

The philosophy of creating a more connected campus is also central to plans for new dorms to replace Thompson Hall. The new dorms, planned to be the second addition to campus after the Learning Commons, will feature technology-infused flexible spaces that mirror those in more traditional academic settings. The facility will also offer enhanced on-campus living options to students. The University developed the Campus Master Plan with the assistance of Stantec, an international, award-winning design and architecture firm. The Plan was featured on the cover of the November issue of the Construction Association of Michigan Magazine and also won an American Institute of Architects (AIA) Detroit Honor Award for its visionary transformation of the campus as well as its thoughtful integration into the surrounding city.

// Education

Other components of the reimagined campus include a new, community-focused use for the current Academic Building. In the summer of 2014, Kettering unveiled the FIRST Robotics Community Center in what was formerly the campus gymnasium. The facility, the first of its kind on any college campus in the country, provides residential space for up to eight (and eventually, as many as 16) high school FIRST Robotics teams. In the FIRST Center these teams learn to build advanced robots using stateof-the-art equipment and resources, but most importantly, they also connect with Kettering students and faculty and gain an immersive experience on the Kettering campus. That concept – opening up space on campus for the community, in particular for pre-college students to gain exposure to STEM and business concepts on the campus of our nationally ranked University – is expanded in the Campus Master Plan with the redevelopment of the Academic Building. The Campus Master Plan also sets as a goal infusing the campus with the visual arts, reinforcing the importance and connections between science, engineering, business and the arts and humanities. Other components of the plan include enhanced green space, natural connections to existing resources, including the popular Flint River Trail network and the city of Flint’s Chevy Commons project, which will convert the Chevy in the Hole property south of the river into a mixed use natural park, wetland and recreation area. “The futures of Kettering University and the city of Flint are linked,” McMahan said. “We thought it critical that our Campus Master Plan support and complement ongoing projects to revitalize Flint. We have an important role to play in the rebirth of this great city.”

Education //

BAKER COLLEGE

Baker College HELPS ADDRESS CRITICAL NEED FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS

ever has there been a better time to enter the health care field. For years, the need for health care workers has been growing, and this trend is predicted to continue. As a career-oriented college, Baker College keeps its pulse on current employment trends in order to offer the most relevant programs. When it comes to employment in health care, the need for qualified nurses is often at the forefront. Nurses are in high-demand, and the demand is growing. Some have said a "perfect storm" of events is creating this critical need for skilled nurses. These factors include: Many nurses are fast approaching retirement age. Approximately 40 percent of the nearly 120,000 nurses employed in Michigan intend to stop practicing within 10 years.* The population is aging. The large babyboom generation is creating demand for increased health care services as they age. Chronic conditions are more prevalent. The number of people with chronic conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, is increasing dramatically, at the same time that our population is living longer. More people have access to health insurance. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has decreased the number of people who are uninsured. The uninsured rate dropped from 12.9 percent in January 2015 to 11.9 percent at the end of the first quarter 2015, according to Gallup. That translates to about 16.4 million Americans having

health care coverage who wouldn’t have had coverage without the ACA. But, those interested in pursuing a career in nursing should be prepared for changing academic requirements.

Wilson notes a 2010 study on the future of nursing by the Institute of Medicine. It recommends that by 2020, 80 percent of hospital nurses should have BSNs, up from the previous recommendation of 50 percent.

Beginning 2015 fall quarter, Baker College‘s School of Nursing will replace the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with a four-year Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the Flint campus. Baker College of Flint Director of Nursing Georgia Wilson, MSN-ED, RN, CNN, said this change was driven by the trend that employers are giving hiring preference to graduates with BSNs and requiring candidates and employed nurses with ADNs to obtain BSNs within a specified time.

“The push for more nurses with BSNs is partly the result of hospitals pursuing credentialing through the Magnet Recognition Program offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center,” says Wen Hemingway, MBA, CTP, Baker College of Flint president. “The program measures nursing care based on set criteria, one of which is the percentage of registered nurses with BSNs who are providing direct patient care.”

HEALTH CARE CAREER SPOTLIGHT OCCUPATION

MEDIAN WAGE (MAY 2014)**

PROJECTED EMPLOYMENT INCREASE BY 2022**

PHARMACY TECHNICIANS

$29,810

20%

MEDICAL ASSISTANTS

$29,960

29%

MEDICAL RECORDS AND HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNICIANS

$35,900

22%

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGISTS

$43,350

30%

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS

$54,410

41%

REGISTERED NURSES

$66,640

19%

BAKER COLLEGE OF FLINT HEALTH CARE CERTIFICATE AND DEGREE PROGRAMS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM (CER): •

Sterile processing technician

ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS (AAS): •

Health information technology

•

Hemodialysis patient care technician

•

Medical assistant

•

Medical insurance specialist

•

Medical office administration

•

Orthotic/prosthetic technology

•

Pharmacy technician

•

Physical therapist assistant

•

Polysomnographic technology

•

Surgical technology

BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMS: •

Pre-occupational therapy (BHC)

•

Health services administration (BHS)

•

Nursing – pre-licensure (BSN)

•

Nursing – post-licensure (BSN) (online)

MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS (ONLINE): •

Nursing (MSN)

•

Occupational therapy (MOT)

Hemingway continues, “The trend of employers preferring entry-level nurses who have earned a bachelor’s degree is clear. Replacing the ADN with a BSN is definitely in the best interest of our students.” In addition to a BSN, Baker College’s School of Nursing also offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The online program is convenient for working nurses. With only one percent of employed nurses holding a MSN,* Baker College’s partner hospitals have identified that more are needed. The degree academically qualifies registered nurses for leadership roles. JOBS IN HEALTH CARE Baker College offers more than a dozen health sciences programs to prepare individuals for greater career opportunities. And, like nursing, these roles are in demand

and growing. The health sciences division works to develop quality, professional and compassionate graduates in whatever capacities they serve. Baker 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 are in sync with what's needed in the workplace. For more information about health care career programs, contact Jodi Cuneaz in the Baker College of Flint admissions office at 810.766.4000 or jodi.cuneaz@baker.edu, or visit www.baker.edu. * Source: 2014 study by the Michigan Center for Nursing ** Source: U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics 27

BEE WARE! BY MICHAEL G THODOROFF

We will all take for granted, at some time, our nation’s abundance of food. Although fortunate as our country is, lost in this fact is the extreme importance of one of the most critical elements in our staple food production. And that is the role of the common honeybee, due in part to the fact that the agricultural industry depends greatly on this little workhorse for the vital pollination process. Amazingly, honeybees account for 80% of all insect pollination, and the stark realization is that, without such pollination, we would see a significant decrease in the yield of fruits and vegetables. To help make us aware of the importance of the honeybees’ role, Mott Community College’s Green Initiative Team, in collaboration with the Ruth Mott Foundation-Applewood Estate, along with support from the For-Mar Nature Preserve, hosted the 4th Annual Bee Symposium at Mott’s Regional Technology Center this past April. Deborah Elliott, Applewood’s Estate Manager and member of its horticulture staff, says they are very environmentallyconscious and are always looking for better ways to keep the pollinators alive and healthy. Deborah Elliot, Linda Bedtelyon, Jennifer Lee | Jennifer Lee talking with interested beekeeper | “Team Banks Bees” L-R, The Banks sisters: Camryn 15, Alanah 11, Troy Marie 6, Olivia 10

4TH ANNUAL BEE SYMPOSIUM “Beekeeping aligns itself with our Applewood heritage,” she points out, “because with all of our fruit trees (apple, plum, peach, and cherry), vegetables and flowers, the bees are critical for our ‘growing.’ So over the years, we have strengthened our skills in beekeeping.” Applewood started beekeeping about eleven years ago when they discovered a good-sized, natural hive in one of their buildings. A local volunteer experienced in beekeeping came in, set up a box hive and maintained the bees, harvesting the honey and keeping it for his services. Applewood eventually assigned Mike Belco, a horticulturist and the ground’s Integrated Pest Management Specialist, to oversee the beekeeping activity. He says as a matter

pollinate their almond trees in February. Furthermore, they will travel to Florida for the citrus crop, and then back to Michigan for the blueberry and apple crops. Applewood maintains their two hives with approximately 50,000 to 60,000 honeybees per hive. Belco explains that, in addition to the pollination qualities, Applewood uses the hives for educational purposes during children’s field trips and for observation by visitors. A good, healthy hive will have one queen and many worker bees. All worker bees are female but are not able to reproduce. Nearly all of the bees in a hive are worker bees. Honeybees are not aggressive by nature and will not sting unless protecting their hive from an intruder…or unless they are otherwise

// Community

Belco explains that when a queen nears the end of her lifespan, the worker bees sense that the scent she continually produces - which keeps the hive actively moving - is no longer prevalent, and they then know a new queen is needed…for without a queen, the hive will cease to function. So, they will systematically take one of the baby larva only a day old and feed it a special food called “royal jelly” -- a powerful, milky substance made of digested pollen and honey or nectar and mixed with a chemical secreted from a gland from a certain honeybee's head. That little larva will become the new queen, and when grown, will go out and mate with drone bees returning to the hive and proceed to lay up to 2000 eggs per day. That’s her job.

APPLEWOOD MAINTAINS THEIR TWO HIVES WITH APPROXIMATELY 50,000 TO 60,000 HONEYBEES PER HIVE. IN ADDITION TO THE POLLINATION QUALITIES, APPLEWOOD USES THE HIVES FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES DURING CHILDREN’S FIELD TRIPS AND FOR OBSERVATION BY VISITORS.

of fact, “Before I took-on the assignment, I studied and researched the beekeeping trade – even read the book Beekeeping For Dummies! -- because I realized we needed to more intensively manage our honeybees.” Belco’s wisdom is very evident when he provides interesting discussions on the beekeeping industry. He clarifies that honeybees produce honey, not the bumble bees. Bumblebees are native to Michigan, and, because they live in the ground, do not make honey, but contribute to pollination. Honeybees live in a managed hive and represent a highly organized society, with various bees having very specific roles during their lifetimes. On a larger scale, there are commercial beekeepers whose primary business is to make honey for sales, and, more importantly, charge agriculture for pollinating services. Because agriculture depends so greatly on the honeybee for pollination, some commercial beekeepers have hundreds and thousands of hives! They will pack all their hives into a semitruck and trek to California so growers can

unduly provoked. There are only 300-3000 drones in a hive -- male bees which are kept on standby during the summer months for mating with a virgin queen. The drones do not have stingers, and because they are of no use in the winter, they are expelled from the hive in the autumn. Worker bees live for four to five months during the winter season, but only six weeks during the busy summer months. But it is the queen bee that is the “heart-and-soul” of the hive. She keeps laying eggs throughout the summer to replenish the hive but stops doing so in November. Since most of the honeybees die in October, the ones remaining must protect the queen during the frigid winter months. “For some magical reason of nature,” Mike says, “a few thousand bees form a cluster around the queen and keep her very warm about 90 degrees all winter -- solely by their vibrations of muscles and wings which create heat deep inside the hive.” And they are able to survive the frigid months by living off the stored honey. Finally, what might be more amazing is how a queen is replaced after her lifespan of two to three years.

Beekeeping can be an enjoyable hobby, but Mike Belco offers some precautions. He suggests beekeeping is more labor intensive than it was 25 years ago, primarily due to the parasites and diseases affecting the hives. Because it now requires a great amount of time to maintain a healthy hive, education and dedication are a must. He recommends joining a beekeeper association while forming a relationship with an experienced beekeeper as a mentor. And there will be costs associated with a start-up hive as well. “Beekeeping is a very enjoyable process,” Mike iterates, “and it can be relaxing because on a sunny warm day, the bees are working so hard they don’t even notice you.” Visit Ruth Mott Foundation’s website at www.ruthmottfoundation.org For more information on beekeeping see www.michiganbees.org/ and www. backyardbeekeepers.com/

Medical //

MICHIGAN VISION INSTITUTE

MICHIGAN

Vision

Institute BY KELLIE MCCARTY

he human eye is one of the most wonderous, complex organs in the body, comprised of over two million working parts which capture and preserve 80% of all information the brain receives, and making it, by far, the most vital of our sensory material. If something happens to disrupt sight, a person would want to seek out the most precise and accurate technology around to repair it because science is still dreaming of the day when a whole eye transplant is a reality. Until that time, when concerns arise surrounding the health of their eyes, people can let the experienced doctors and staff at Michigan Vision Institute guide them toward better vision and eye health. The doctors at the Michigan Vision Institute, which first opened on Lennon Road in Flint Township in 2005, have seen some major improvements in ways to rectify an eye condition known as cataracts with the invention of a laser called LenSx. The high-definition imaging helps the surgeons at MVI customize each patient’s treatment to his or her eyes' distinctive anatomy. Drs. Stack and Alrawi who have, combined, performed over 15,ooo traditional cataract surgeries using a blade to manually make the small incisions, feel LenSx offers patients the most advanced treatment for cataracts and delivers the best possible vision result to them after surgery. The formation of a cataract is a condition wherein the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Some patients have compared it to looking through a vehicle’s dirty windshield. At first when the cataract starts to develop, sufferers may not notice the change in vision. But soon, that vision will become cloudy, blurry, and colors will lose some of their vividness. Cataracts can develop at any age and cause a glare effect, interferring with daily activities. That is when it is time for patients to seek help. And since the condition has to do with eyesight, they are going to want the best – that is, the best doctors using the latest and greates technology to correct the problem and get them “seeing” life again.

THE HUMAN EYE IS ONE OF THE MOST WONDEROUS, COMPLEX ORGANS IN THE BODY, COMPRISED OF OVER TWO MILLION WORKING PARTS WHICH CAPTURE AND PRESERVE 80% OF ALL INFORMATION THE BRAIN RECEIVES, AND MAKING IT, BY FAR, THE MOST VITAL OF OUR SENSORY MATERIAL.

That is where the Michigan Vision Institute’s LenSx laser comes into play. This computer-controlled femtosecond laser delivers more accuracy than traditional cataract surgery. “The latest improvement is to use the laser LenSx to do key parts of cataract surgery with a higher degree of precision and accuracy,” Dr. Edward Stack says. “This is better technology, better precision and it can take care of stigamtism by reshaping the cornea.” Dr. Stack continues, “I did my mom’s cataract surgery a few years ago, but if I was doing it now, I would do it with LenSx. It is just a better way.” And Dr. Stack should know. Aside from being a board-certified ophthalmologist and providing comprehensive eye care for over 15 years to those in this area, he is also an assistant clinical professor at Michigan State University School of Medicine. It was at a national meeting for ophthalmologists five years ago that he was first introduced to LenSx. Since that time, he has watched it improve -- until about a year ago, when the technology became so good that he was able to get a LenSx laser here in the Flint area. He traveled to Henry Ford Hospital to see the laser in use and then went through all the necessary training, thereby earning his certifications to use the LenSx laser in his practice. The MVI, located in the Gateway Plaza off Hill road, is the first place in the area to offer the use of the LenSx laser. “Commonly, people refer to the University of Michigan-Flint as a leader for everything new, but we got this technology in Flint,” Dr. Stack comments. He also mentions that insurance will cover some of the cost but that the rest is an out of pocket cost – varying from patient to patient. “After cataract surgery using LenSx, we can reduce a patient’s need for glasses for [seeing objects in the] distance. We’ve been doing conventional cataract surgery for 20 years without a lot of change. This is the next quantum leap.” Use of the LenSx laser only adds a few additional minutes onto the entire surgical process, and patients can use their newlysculpted eye right away. They will notice that their vision gets clearer each day following surgery.

Micro-Bypass Stent, which is designed to reduce eye pressure. Patients can elect to have this procedure done at the same time they have cataract surgery. The iStent, which is the world’s tiniest medical device -- at about 20,000 times smaller than the intraocular lenses (IOL) used in the cataract surgery -- is designed to improve the eye’s natural outflow of fluid, thereby controlling pressure within the eye. Elevated eye pressure can cause loss of side vision, which, once lost, cannot be brought back. “Once the side vision is gone, it’s gone for good,” Dr. Stack says. “To a lot of patients, this might be an alternative to using eye drops every day, which is the first line of treatment.” Dr. Stack mentions that it is not uncommon to have both conditions, cataracts and glaucoma, at once. iStent, unlike the LenSx, is covered by insurance. And both surgeries, as well as any glasses needed for patients and their families, can all be taken care of at MVI's new, state of the art facility. He explains that “Our facility has a spa-like feel, with a coffee shop up front and lunch served to waiting family members. It’s a very different and unique experience.” So whether patients have a need for eyewear, check ups, LASIK, glucoma or cataract surgery, all their needs can be covered in one impressive-looking location… with a friendly and knowledgable staff waiting to serve them. VISIT MICHIGAN VISION INSTITUTE AT 5300 GATEWAY CENTER IN FLINT. (810) 720-9111 | WWW.MICHVISION.COM

Another exciting offering from the Michigan Vision Institute is the iStent, or rather, the iStent Trabecular 31

Medical //

ORTHOMICHIGAN

THIS

ORTHOPEDIC PRACTICE IS EXPERTLY UNIQUE BY TARA MORENO

rthoMichigan has been Michigan’s premier orthopedic group for over 25 years. The quality and quantity of care is vast for this group. Some of the specialties OrthoMichigan provides include Sports Medicine/Arthroscopy, ACL reconstruction, knee reconstruction, hip replacement, shoulder and knee replacement, treatment of injuries and fractures, hand, elbow and shoulder surgery, spinal surgery, Carpal Tunnel surgery, bunion surgery, foot and ankle surgery and arthritis treatment. Executive Director Jim Long says, “What makes our practice unique is we have subspecialties experts. It makes our practice a little bit unique. We are the second biggest orthopedic practice in the state of Michigan, and we are truly independent.” Staying current with state-of-the-art technology is important for patients' care says Long. “The physicians have always been involved with staying very current on the newest technology. Lately we are seeing more with Biologics. We’ve been doing those injections, and patients have been seeing great results. The doctors are trying to keep up to date on the newest technologies,” he states. OrthoMichigan covers every subspecialty with about a dozen board-certified/eligible surgeons on staff. The doctors who work for OrthoMichigan are mostly from the area and are committed to serving the community they live in. The newest doctor recently added to the staff is Flint, Michigan native, Dr. Fras. Dr. Fras began his studies at the University of Michigan-Flint and received his medical degree at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. After graduation, he completed

his post-education residency at McLarenFlint/Michigan State University with a Trauma/Joint Reconstruction fellowship at Vanderbilt University. Fras, who currently heads the trauma clinic at Hurley Medical Center, made the transition from carpenter to surgeon in his mid-twenties. He says that making the transition into orthopedics was easy, stating that there are a lot of analogies between carpentry and orthopedic surgery. Dr. Fras says he loves what he does and is proud to serve the Genesee County residents

with his colleagues. “A lot of the doctors are local people who grew up in the area and know the area well. We all received wordclass training at great institutions, [and we] brought [our] subspecialty care training back to Flint. You can get the complex care here,” notes Fras with pride.

For surgery post-care or for those who opt out of surgery, Michigan Extremity Care is available. This division of OrthoMichigan, with locations in Grand Blanc, Clio, Fenton, and Flint provides quality care for patients. Long says Michigan Extremity Care is important to have for patients. “We do the DME for the convenience of our patients. Some need DME right after surgery for protection, [while other] patients don’t want to have surgery right away and will use DME instead,” he states. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and orthotics are available at all of the Michigan Extremity Care office locations. Michigan Extremity Care offers a wide range of bracing for orthopedic problems. A physician determines if and what item would best suit a patient’s condition or injury. Application of the item and education on its proper fit are part of the care. Many insurance plans cover the care, and Michigan Extremity Care verifies coverage and obtains any necessary insurance authorizations. Genesee County is where OrthoMichigan began, but Long says they hope to open a new location in Oakland County in the near future. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.ORTHOMICHIGAN.COM.

Walk-ins, Medicaid, and New Patients ARE WELCOME! SPECIALTY SERVICES: Urology and Woman’s Breast Clinic DENTAL SERVICES X-ray • Dental Exams • Extractions Sealant Treatments • Cleaning and more MEDICAL SERVICES Adult Medicine • Pediatrics Behavior Health • Clinicians OB/GYN SAME DAY/WALK-IN SERVICE Newborn and Well Baby check-ups DHS Worker on site VISION DENTAL & PHARMACY

HCHN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 225 E. Fifth St., Ste. 300 Flint 48502 MAIN CLINIC 2900 N. Saginaw St. Flint 48505 BURTON CLINIC G-3375 S. Saginaw St. Burton 48529

CALL US TODAY! (810) 406-HCHN

CLIO HEALTH CLINIC 4154 W. Vienna Rd. Clio 48420 DENTAL NORTH CLINIC 5399 N. Saginaw St. Flint 48505 NORTH POINTE CLINIC 5710 CLio Rd. FLint 48504

www.hamiltonchn.org 33

Medical //

GREATER FLINT HEALTH COALITION

YOUR T

here was a significant announcement made on April 16th in downtown Flint – “significant” in more ways than one. Foremost, and in recognition of National Healthcare Decisions Day, the Greater Flint Health Coalition (GFHC) and its Your Health Your Choice Advance Care Planning (ACP) partners launched a community awareness campaign highlighting the importance of completing an advance directive. Not to be overlooked, however, is the implication of this announcement being formally made in the Flint Farmer’s Market Atrium. Kurt Smith, President and CEO, Greater Flint Health Coalition, cited rationalization for the location of this noteworthy message. “The Flint Farmers Market is not only a great market but also has become a busy hub of community activity,” he says. “It definitely has the right environment with a vibrant atmosphere, and people like to come here for many reasons.” Participating partners in the Greater Flint Health Coalition include Genesys Regional Medical Center, Hurley Medical Center, McLaren Flint, the Genesee County Medical and Osteopathic Societies, along with several physician organizations and local health plans and payers. Its vision

HEALTH CHOICE

is to achieve a healthy Genesee County community practicing healthy lifestyles with access to the best and most cost effective health and medical care. According to the GFHC, a truly strategic, collaborative approach across sectors will be the only path to health status improvement in our community, and, together, its member organizations, along with a diverse collective of community-based partners have aligned and committed to build the roadmap to address the community’s health challenges. With vision, leadership, wisdom, a cooperative spirit, and a firm belief in the future of Genesee County / Flint, the GFHC is on target for building a better, healthier community. Despite recent gains in raising awareness of the need for advance care planning, national studies indicate most Americans have not completed an advance directive and shared it with their family or medical providers to detail their right to make decisions about their healthcare in the event they cannot speak for themselves. Locally, data collected by the Your Health Your Choice Advance Care Planning Project (ACP) shows that only 28% of individuals dying in a Genesee County hospital have

an advance directive. It is not uncommon to hear stories about families in distress trying to determine what their loved one's wishes might have been during a medical crisis. Proactive advance care planning can reverse this trend and improve the patient and family healthcare experience. Targeting Genesee County residents, ages 55 and over, the Your Health Your Choice ACP initiative provides resources, information, and tools for people to talk about their healthcare wishes with family and healthcare providers, as well as to complete written advance directives in accordance with Michigan state laws. National Healthcare Decisions Day exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning, while encouraging patients to express their wishes regarding their healthcare, whatever those desires might be. While advance care planning is encouraged year round, this is an opportunity for individuals to talk to others about their future medical decisions and to complete or review their advance directive. “In this community, there are partners who are dedicated and work together very well,” Kurt Smith points out. “This project [GFHC] has been going strong for a few years now and we can only see much more to come.” For more information regarding the Greater Flint Health Coalition visit their website at www.gfhc.org

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Carlo A. Dallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Olmo, M.D.

Allan L. Ippolito, M.D.

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Gregory J. Fortin, M.D.

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Patricia A. Perrine, N.P.

Joseph M. Jacot, P.A.

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Medical //

GENESYS HEART INSTITUTE

ark Stuart, DO, a noninvasive cardiologist, has joined Genesys Heart Institute's extensive team of talented physician specialists. Dr. Stuart received his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a fellowship in cardiology at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital Medical Center (now McLaren - Oakland). He is board certified in echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, cardiology and internal medicine. He is Level 2 trained to read cardiac CTs. Dr. Stuart brings a wide range of skills to this community, including electrocardiography, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, coronary CT angiography and vascular ultrasound. Prior to joining the Genesys Heart Institute team, Dr. Stuart served as Department Chair of Cardiology at McLaren-Oakland for seven years and was elected Vice President of the hospital's medical staff last year. He joined the Genesys Heart Institute Physician Group in April, and his office is located inside Genesys Regional Medical Center, Suite 3452. To reach Dr. Stuart, call 810-606-7550.

THE GENESYS HEART INSTITUTE, KNOWN AS THE REGION'S LEADER IN TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES, CLINICAL RESEARCH AND COMPLEX HEART PROCEDURES, OFFERS MANY SERVICES FOR HEART PATIENTS SO THEY CAN RECEIVE CLOSE-TO-HOME CARE. HERE ARE JUST A FEW: • Convergent heart procedure for patients with chronic atrial fibrillation: Genesys is the first and only healthcare facility in Michigan to conduct this new, innovative procedure for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and who have failed other treatments and have little chance of success with conventional techniques. A cardiothoracic surgeon and an electrophysiologist combine their skills in one single procedure that will help restore heart rhythm for a large population who have lived with very little hope for a very long time • TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) procedure: This is a minimally invasive technique for patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis and who are at high risk for open-heart valve replacement surgery • Genesys Atrial Fibrillation Clinic and Genesys Valve Clinic: This is a multidisciplinary team of physicians and clinicians that provides help for patients with limited treatment options, including • Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and valve procedures • Advanced techniques to treat atrial fibrillation • Four new cardiac catheterization labs equipped to conduct the most advanced treatment options: Genesys Heart Institute has earned the Blue Distinction Center + designation for cardiac care (from Blue Cross Blue Shield) for 14 consecutive years. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXTENSIVE SERVICES AND SKILLS PROVIDED THROUGH THE GENESYS HEART INSTITUTE, CALL 810-606-7550.

Genesys Heart Institute

ADDS NONINVASIVE CARDIOLOGIST TO ITS TEAM

THE GENESYS HEART INSTITUTE PHYSICIAN GROUP IS COMPRISED OF THE FOLLOWING PHYSICIANS: • Interventional cardiologists: Abed Osman, MD, FACC, FSCAI; and Frank Tilli, MD, FACC, FSCAI • Noninvasive cardiologists: Sunil Rao, DO, MHA, FACC; Mark Stuart, DO, FACC; and Thomas Vanhecke, MD, FACC • Cardiothoracic surgeons: Karsten Fliegner, MD, PhD, FACS, CPE; and Marc Silver, MD, FACS • Electrophysiologists Matthew Ebinger, DO; and Karl Ilg, MD

Keep your business heading in the right direction.

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Medical //

SWARTZ AMBULANCE

Swartz Ambulance 40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY BY TARA MARENO

wartz Ambulance has been serving Genesee County for 40 years, and today is the longest serving ambulance provider in the county. The company was started by the late Harry C. Swartz, who truly cared about his work in the county and had a vision wherein he implemented the company’s business model. The slogan simply says “We Care.” Vice President of Operations, Jeff Lewis, who has been with the company for 32 years says, “We have a strong reputation of serving the residents for 40 years as a familyowned operation.” Currently the company has 116 employees under its wing and a fleet of 28 fully-licensed ambulances. “We maintain the quality of service by starting with a strict hiring practice…If you are hired you are going through a rigorous orientation process that includes a minimum 80 hours training with a field training officer,” says Lewis. Approximately 100 of the employees are either EMT’s or Paramedics with Swartz, and many have at least 10 years of service with the company. Swartz Ambulance enjoys a turnover rate of only seven percent annually, which is substantially below the national average for ambulance companies.

SWARTZ AMBULANCE Swartz Ambulance is all about performance. It is ranked by a national survey company for patient satisfaction, as well as being continually rated as one of the best nationally in this category, while in 2011, it was recognized as one of the top 20 companies in the country for that. One of the biggest draws to Swartz is its technology. “You have to evolve and improve,” says Lewis. Swartz has a state-ofthe-art dispatch center that operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Each of the staff members is a nationally certified medical dispatcher who uses industryleading IT dispatch systems. President Scott Fraim says, “In each of our ambulances we have on-board computers and GPS locaters. Our dispatch center, as well as the Genesee County 911 dispatch center, knows where each of our ambulances [is] at all times, so when we get a call for service, we can be en-route to most efficiently dispatch [any one of] them. We have the ability to communicate medical information directly from the ambulance to the emergency room at the hospital, so the staff can be prepared to treat the patient on arrival.” And the company

// Medical

THE SLOGAN SIMPLY SAYS “WE CARE.” VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS, JEFF LEWIS, WHO HAS BEEN WITH THE COMPANY FOR 32 YEARS SAYS, “WE HAVE A STRONG REPUTATION OF SERVING THE RESIDENTS FOR 40 YEARS AS A FAMILYOWNED OPERATION.”

not only offers ambulances, but wheelchair and medical cab services as well, to provide transportation across the county for residents who do not require an ambulance but who have special transport needs. The need for this service is growing, and two new wheelchair vehicles have been added to the fleet in the past 12 months.

Besides quality of service, Swartz is also very much into assisting the community outside of regular day-to-day operations. Swartz sponsors community events like Back to the Bricks and the CRIM Festival of Races. They also sponsor other events for charities, senior centers and local art programs. In addition, Swartz provides CPR training for nurses, nursing homes, high schools and other groups across the area. Performance Improvement and Education Manager Alex Boros started working with Swartz in 1983. He left the company but came back in 2011. “It’s been a lot of fun since I came back. I like being where I [am] and this I where I’ll retire,” says Boros. Swartz Ambulance is a key benefactor of the Genesee County area. “It’s rewarding because you know you are helping the people of this county. You can’t put a price tag on that. My focus is making sure that the people [who] work for this company are taken care of, and, in turn, they take care of the people in this county we serve. That’s my concern,” says Lewis.

Medical //

MCLAREN FLINT

The Ultimate SAAAVE!

ach year, 15,000 Americans die from abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA)… because when an aneurysm ruptures, it nearly always results in death. Most people think it can’t be helped, but it can. In conjunction with May being proclaimed “American Stroke Month,” and to increase awareness of aneurysm and stroke, McLaren Flint and Michigan Vascular Center teamed with Olympic hockey gold medalist and U.S. Miracle on Ice goaltender Jim Craig for a public event entitled “The Ultimate SAAAve” at the Holiday Inn Gateway Center.

JoAnne Drago - Michigan Vascular's Co-Technical Director

Jim Craig knows a lot about saves, whether they be in the sport of hockey or in lifesaving health screenings. When his father died from an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), he learned the hard way that those with risk factors for AAA need to be screened so their condition does not have to be life ending. “People ask me how I first knew that my dad had an abdominal aortic aneurysm,” says Craig. “I know it sounds harsh, but I want everyone to get the message. I first knew that my dad had a triple A when he was dead. If we had known in time for the triple A to be repaired, my father could have had so much more time with us. Today a quick and painless ultrasound can detect a triple A.” Of the one million Americans with undiagnosed Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, 95% can be saved if the aneurysm is detected prior to rupture. It may come as a surprise but the stark reality is that stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in this country. Along with Craig who shared his

F.A.S.T. IS AN EASY WAY TO REMEMBER THE SUDDEN SIGNS OF STROKE: Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven? Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly? Time to call 9-1-1 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. 40

Jim Craig - USA Olympic Gold Medalist

Carlo A. Dall'Olmo, M.D.

personal story of the “Miracle on Ice” victory, other presenters at this free awareness event included three physician specialists with expertise in the areas of AAA and stroke. Carlo A. Dall'Olmo, M.D.,

OTHER SYMPTOMS YOU SHOULD KNOW • Sudden numbness or weakness of the leg, arm or face • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination • Sudden severe headache with no known cause

a vascular surgeon with Michigan Vascular Center, spoke about “AAA Awareness and Treatment.” Mark Mattos, M.D., also a vascular surgeon, discussed various methods of “Stroke Prevention,” while Aniel Majjhoo, M.D., interventional neurologist, reviewed “Treatments of Stroke”.

Aniel Majjhoo, M.D.

Adding to the wealth of information presented during this enlightening program was Michigan Vascular’s Co-Technical Director JoAnne Drago who was on hand giving actual demonstrations of the screening procedure using GE Ultra Sound equipment. Furthermore, Michigan Vascular continues to succeed in fulfilling standards for the voluntary lab accreditation process which directly leads to achieving their goal of excellence in this specialty field of vascular testing and diagnosis. As an added incentive, all those in attendance received vouchers at their personal request for a free Peripheral Vascular Screening (PAD) from Michigan Vascular.

Mark Mattos, M.D.

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Medical //

MCLAREN FLINT

McLaren Flint

CO-WORKERS READYING FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT BY SHERRY FARNEY

n innocent conversation among co-workers is turning into a life changing surgery between two of them. McLaren Flint ICU nurse Jeff Benaway, will be receiving a new kidney from ICU nurse Tonia Cole, in September. The two, who Jeff now calls the “kidney twins”, are sharing their story in the hopes of inspiring others to be paired organ donors. A paired donor is a living donor. When organ donations can happen in this way, the quality of life of the recipient is much better than if it were to be a cadaver donor. An organ from a living donor can also last twice as long. As of June 1, 2015 there were 2,791 people in Michigan waiting for a kidney donation according to Gift of Life Michigan. A few months ago, when Tonia heard Jeff say, “I just wish I knew someone who is blood type “A” ”, she responded that she was, and she would donate a kidney if she was a match. Tonia remembers Jeff looking at her with disbelief, so she approached him privately later that day and said she was serious, asked what she needed to do, and Jeff started making calls. Next to come were tissue compatibility and other health testing. Their tissue types needed to match and ironically their t-cells matched best. This was the best case scenario as it means Jeff’s body is less likely to reject the new organ. “With no one in my immediate family being a match, I cannot believe the one person who came forward is a match,” states Jeff. “I feel so blessed.”

Jeff Benaway and Tonia Cole, both ICU nurses at McLaren Flint, hope to increase awareness regarding paired organ donation. Tonia is donating one of her kidneys to Jeff in early September.

THE PAST AND THE FUTURE Jeff’s kidneys have been spilling protein into his urine since the age of nine and he has had high blood pressure since the age of 18. When he became a nurse in 1996 he began to realize what a serious health issue he had as it leads to end-stage renal failure. Jeff kept himself at stage three renal failure for 25-30 years by taking care of himself and keeping his blood pressure under control. Jeff went into stage four renal failure after kidney stones caused scarring inside the organs. In July 2014 he started peritoneal dialysis at home. He was able to continue working until March of this year when his dialysis needs increased. He is currently on a medical disability but hopes to return to non-direct patient care work in the future. Jeff will turn 57, seven days after the transplant. “I had never thought about being a live donor,” states Tonia. “I didn’t know much about it. It will be an inconvenience but I know I will be fine and I am so happy I can help Jeff have a more normal life.”

Once the donation takes place with the transplant team at Beaumont, Jeff is expected to have a one week hospital stay. He will take approximately 20 medications a day but hopes that will become less over time. Tonia will actually experience more pain and experience extreme fatigue for a period of time as a perfectly healthy organ is being taken from her body. It can take up to a year for her other kidney to completely take over the job that both once did. McLaren Flint employees are generously donating their time off to cover Tonia’s planned eight weeks of recovery. A “Go Fund Me” account has also been set up to help replace her income while off. “I am so grateful for everyone’s generosity,” states Tonia. And Jeff is looking forward to being able to have a normal life again; no longer bound by his dialysis schedule and equipment. More information about being a “paired donor” is available at: www.transplantliving.org/living-donation/

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past 25 years, since their charter to operate a trust deaprtment was granted in April 1990. The Trust Department is a seperate entity of The State Bank and is also the last independent trust department in Genesee County.

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Event at Warwick Hills Golf and Country

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Celebrating 25 Years In Business! Join us for our

Back to theBricks Client Appreciation Party Thursday, August 13, 2015 For more information call: 810-695-7510

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Proceeds benefit Whaley Children’s Center’s nationally accredited residential and clinical

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programs for abused and neglected children. Festivities included live entertainment by the Motor City Horns’ Sounds of Sinatra along with exquisite food and beverages as well as creative live and silent auctions.

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Business //

WARWICK HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Welcome to Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club Celebrating 60 years in Genesee County BY CHELSEA MILLS

eneral Manager, Ed Noroian has brought over 30 years of experience in country club management with an emphasis on Food and Beverage to the privately owned, Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club in Grand Blanc. Noroian joins the all-star Warwick management team from his previous position at Rockland Country Club in New York. Noroian, who took this position in the fall of 2013, says his professional background includes helping take food and beverage operations to a higher level. “In a town this small, to have a country club of this caliber is great for the community,” Noroian states. Stacey Riley, Membership Director, explains that “memberships are open to families, andeveryone in a member’s family has the opportunity to use the club’s golf course, swimming pool, tennis courts, clubhouse dining room, and other amenities and special events.” She adds that “Our members love the fact that Warwick Hills is their ‘Staycation’ [whereby] they can enjoy all the amenities and feel like they are on vacation, but sleep in their own beds at night,” boasts Riley.

GOLF Noroian says the club, currently under the leadership of President Chris Walker, has done a great job of maintaining and operating its 18-hole golf course over the years. He also states that the club’s longtime golf pro, Doug Brody, helps facilitate a variety of golf tournaments and outings and is proud of the long history the club holds. Junior Golf is a big part of the Warwick Hills golf program. Th club currently 56

has over 130 juniors, ages 4-17 who participate in weekly clinics and play dates. They also participate in a six team PGA Junior League interclub with Flint Golf Club, Spring Meadows Country Club and Atlas Valley Country Club. The prestigious PGA Buick Open was hosted at Warwick Hills for almost 50 years, and the beautiful course has been graced by such world renowned players as Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson, and Mark O’Meara, just to name a few. Today, Warwick Hills still

boasts an amazing course and is considered one of the premier courses in the Midwest. “We have been in communication with the PGA on holding a Champions Tour at Warwick Hills, and the PGA solicited feedback from former tour players who expressed excitement in coming back to Warwick Hills for a tour event,” explains Walker. SHOPPING The pro shop at Warwick Hills is another amenity which members love to utilize. Brody and his wife, Jenn, former

LPGA Tour Professional and Teaching Professional, are the owners of Brody’s Golf Shop, located within the Warwick Hills clubhouse. This is not your ordinary pro shop and carries a number of product lines featuring Lole, Bugatchi, Straight Down, Aristo, and Donald Ross, in addition to all major golf brands. And, all of the pro shop staff members are certified as club fitters to provide properly fit custom equipment. TENNIS Nick Logan, Director of Tennis, has been at Warwick Hills since 1977. Warwick’s tennis program focuses on young kids as young as four years old, and offers workout sessions for men and women throughout the season.

Logan organizes several Men’s/Ladies and Couples tennis events throughout the season on the four beautiful Hydro Clay courts. CUISINE Executive Chef Shawn Sprecksell has introduced a fresh and modern flair to the menu. “By utilizing local farmers, we are able to support our local community and take on a farm to table approach with our menu.” This new menu has been very popular and continues to get rave reviews from members and their guests. EVENTS Carole Schultz, Director of Events, coordinates all the special events held at Warwick Hills. “Our members enjoy hosting

events at Warwick…everything from baby showers and bridal showers, to wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, cocktail parties, award ceremonies, graduation parties, networking events and more.” Schultz explains, “Small or large, our events will be a success with our firstclass menus, elegant décor and professional staff”. MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND TO LEARN ABOUT BECOMING A MEMBER OF WARWICK HILLS, CALL STACEY RILEY AT 810-694-4103 OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.WARWICKHILLS.ORG.

MACARTHUR CORPORATION

// Business

MacArthur Corporation’s Christie Wong Barrett: Michigan Manufacturing’s Liaison to Washington, DC BY MARTHA HAMP

acArthur Corporation has a long and successful history as a privately-owned business concerned with producing and selling industrial labels…founded in Genesee County in 1970 by John MacArthur. There have been other owners since then, but it was under Thomas Barrett Sr., who purchased it in1991, that the company became a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and developed into an international supplier of highquality labels and die cuts, serving industrial and commercial customers around the world from their offices in the U.S, Mexico, Poland, and China. Barrett, whose heritage includes Chippewa, opened new vistas for his company when he certified the company as an MBE, a condition that continues apace in the busy, fast-moving business climate of today. Though Barrett is retired now, MacArthur retains its status as a certified and active member of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), thanks to transitioning the business to the able and astute leadership of his son, Thomas Barrett Jr., Mac Arthur

forum in Washington D.C. In the end, the President, and his daughter-in-law, Christie whole thing is based on the fact that Tom Wong Barrett, who has taken the helm Barrett Sr. was ready and willing to take a of Mac Arthur as its CEO– and who has risk when he bought the business 25 years increased the establishment’s diversity ago. He began his career with the company even more, as evidenced by its membership as Sales Manager in 1985, according to in the Women’s Business Enterprise his daughter, Nicole Barrett Wedding, National Council (WBENC) and the Asian who adds that “when, in 1991 he had an Pacific American Chamber of Commerce opportunity to purchase majority share of (APACC), among other organizations. Thus the company, he took it…” representing, it is in this spirit and with the attendant as it were, the right person, in the right reputation for success…first established by place, and just at the right time. And his Tom Sr...that Christie Wong Barrett came vision and experience had much to do with to the attention of the U.S. Department the success of the business, building on its of Commerce – specifically regarding its solid foundation to catapult it into the 21st Manufacturing Council – which accepted Century as a thriving company dealing in the her application to become a member first industrial label manufacture. Under Tom in 2013 and, then, again, by reappointment Sr.’s leadership, the establishment “grew 10in 2015. This appointment has been a fold, due to securing boon to MacArthur’s business, in general, “WE BELIEVE STRONGLY IN THE key accounts in the automotive industry,” both an honor and ROLE OF DIVERSE BUSINESSES, Nicole informs, an opportunity, while AND OF SMALL/MID-SIZED and she continues, it also represents a form of recognition MANUFACTURING IN DRIVING saying, “MacArthur products can be for Christie, in THE ECONOMY FORWARD… identified on most particular. And it SO HER BEING ASKED TO SERVE major vehicles [made] speaks well of the in North America state of Michigan, AS THE VOICE OF SMALL/MIDtoday.” That’s quite Genesee County, and SIZED MANUFACTURING AT an achievement. So Grand Blanc – home SUCH A HIGH LEVEL HAS BEEN Thomas Barrett Sr. to the corporation. set the stage, and now So, thanks to Tom EXCITING FOR EVERYONE AT the next generation Barrett’s wise and MACARTHUR.” is in charge, with timely decision to son Thomas F. Barrett observing, “It has purchase MacArthur when presented been an honor for [us] to take over for my the opportunity, what was and remains father. He built such a strong business, and a thriving family enterprise will reap we have been able to use that foundation even more benefits accrued to Christie’s to continue to advance the company.” To Wong Barrett’s appointment, as the “next that end, when Tom Sr. retired in 2012, generation’s” work continues apace. Thomas and his wife Christie divided the It is pertinent to understand how leadership role of the corporation, with the company – and the family members Christie at the helm as CEO – her Chinese responsible for running the corporation heritage providing a continuation of the -- find themselves on such a firm and company’s minority status – and Thomas as impressive footing that Christie was accepted President. Along with Nicole as Marketing as a member of a significant federal advisory Coordinator, these three, with an able

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Business //

MACARTHUR CORPORATION

staff and workforce, are maintaining the business on its path as a 21st Century success. When asked about the thrust of the industrial manufacturing impetus today, Nicole Barrett Wedding replies, “We desire to be a global leader in our markets, a preferred supplier to customers, and an organization that sustains excellence.” Thus Christie Wong Barrett’s appointment to the Manufacturing Council fits in nicely with these goals, the networking possibilities alone ensuring that MacArthur’s goals can be realized in the “new” economy of today. Thomas says of his wife, “We are so proud of Christie’s appointment to the Manufacturing Council and to the White House Advanced Manufacturing Partnership. We believe strongly in the role of diverse businesses, and of small/mid-sized manufacturing in driving the economy forward…so her being asked to serve as the voice of small/midsized manufacturing at such a high level has been exciting for everyone at MacArthur.” So just what is the Manufacturing Council and why is Christie Wong Barrett’s appointment and reappointment to this forum important for her, for the corporation she heads, and ultimately for the state and community of Grand Blanc? The organization, along with its subcommittees and working groups of no more than 30 members, is designed to “ensure regular 60

communication between government and the manufacturing sector and provide a forum for discussing and proposing solutions to industry-related problems,” according to Commerce News, February 11, 2015. The publication goes on to state that Council members who are drawn from various companies in the manufacturing industry all over the U.S. “advise the Secretary, currently Penny Pritzker, on government policies and programs” – detailing the means by which the nation might continue as a magnet for global investment. Asked how she came to be chosen to sit on the Council, Christie answers that “I learned about the Council when our regional director at the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) notified me of the Application window.” Given her experience in the manufacturing sector, with both large and small businesses worldwide, she thought she might prove a good candidate for membership and applied. She says of her acceptance that “I was excited and honored to represent Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises and Small Business to provide input on manufacturing competitiveness and innovation in the U.S.” And that didn’t apply to just her initial appointment, but to her reappointment in 2015, as well. The qualifications for membership as detailed in the Manufacturing Council’s Charter

are both far-reaching yet comprehensive, making Christie a perfect fit as a member. Among the requirements for a “seat at the table,” the Charter says, “Members shall represent companies in the manufacturing industry from a broad range of products, company sizes and geographic locations and shall be drawn from large, medium, and small manufacturing companies” …all of which ensure a healthy cross-section of that realm of U.S. business. Furthermore, members’ selection is “based on their ability to carry out the objective of the Council” in order to ensure it “is balanced in terms of points of view, industry subsector, demographics, geography, and company size.” Thus, the members project the perspectives and concerns of their own business sectors – not necessarily those of the government – as they function in their advisory roles. Each member serves a twoyear term at the behest of the Commerce Secretary who can then reappoint those individuals who “work effectively on the Council and [whose] knowledge and advice is still needed,” the Charter states. So it’s clear that Christie has, indeed, been honored for her service. The duties of the Council and its sitting members are myriad, but the Charter breaks these down to three basic mandates which demonstrate the function of the forum and its inherent value to both businesses and government as a collaborative entity. First of the Council’s functions is to provide Secretary Pritzker advice on government policies and programs that affect the U.S. manufacturing industry, thereby identifying and recommending which ones help companies maintain competitiveness both at home and abroad. To this end, Christie has had an influence since, during her first term she served on the Innovation, Research & Development Subcommittee, which certainly seems to speak to aiding U.S. industrial growth. But now, she finds herself, in her second term, as the sub-committee’s Co-Chair, ensuring an increase in her influence in this area. And she says, “I was also appointed during my tenure to the White House Advanced Manufacturing Partnership 2.0 where I cochaired a working group that recommended initiatives to improve scale up of advanced

MACARTHUR CORPORATION understanding of the challenges facing U.S. manufacturers and increased visibility of current resources supporting [these] sectors such as regional Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers and the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation.” All this demonstrates just how useful her involvement in the Council has been and should continue to be, for she appreciates the chances she has had to collaborate with so many leaders “in Government, Industry, and Academia. Collectively, the network of Council members, staff and experts brings unique insight on global trends, best practice and actions Another function that will prepare “WE DESIRE TO BE A GLOBAL of the committee our manufacturing LEADER IN OUR MARKETS, lies in the “job” of sector for a bright Secretary Pritzker to future,” she adds. A PREFERRED SUPPLIER act as a liaison to the And it is certain TO CUSTOMERS, AND AN Council’s membership, that Christie Wong providing, according to ORGANIZATION THAT SUSTAINS Barrett will find the Charter, “a forum EXCELLENCE.” herself on the for those stakeholders cutting edge of on current and that future as she emerging issues in the manufacturing represents both her company and this area sector, ensuring regular contact between so competently on the national stage. the government and the U.S. manufacturing So her membership on and service to the industry.” It is then the Council’s Manufacturing Council responsibility to, in turn, “recommend ways is a boon and an honor to ensure the United States remains the to her own company, pre-eminent destination for investment in MacArthur Corporation manufacturing throughout the world.” And and the community of finally, the third obligation of the Council Grand Blanc where – which dovetails logically with the second – it is situated, as well is for its members to issue its reports to the as to the state and the Secretary concerning these same members’ nation at large, as her (and stakeholders’) recommendations work on the Council resulting from surveying and evaluating benefits manufacturing, the operations of those serving, and should in particular, and the detail any problems encountered by the economy, in general. She various industries represented, as well as any sums up her feeling about specific needs that have been presented – for this service rather well, which the group would then “recommend saying, “It has been an specific solutions to these needs.” In this honor to work alongside regard, Christie has a unique opportunity such talented and in her position as a CEO of a mid-sized passionate individuals company, as a member of an influential to help position the group, and as an able representative U.S. as the preferred of U.S. manufacturers, as well, whose global destination for everyday business is so vital to driving manufacturing. These the economy of the country and making efforts contribute to it thrive. As she asserts, “Participating helping the broader U.S. in the Council has provided me greater manufacturing technology in the domestic supply chain with a particular focus on small and mid-sized manufacturing companies (sometimes called the back-bone of our manufacturing sector).” Her involvement in this realm certainly represents an advantage for the kind of corporation she heads, and she adds, “We also developed a methodology that small and mid-sized companies could utilize to assess feasibility and fit of new technologies.” No small contribution, it seems, to MacArthur, to Genesee County, to the State of Michigan, and to the manufacturers of America.

// Business

manufacturing sector, our state, and our company in turn.” May Christie continue on such a remarkable trajectory of service and success for a long time to come, for there is much in her work of which to be proud. And, as the Manufacturing Council Charter iterates, “Manufacturing is a key component of the Commerce Department’s ‘Open for Business Agenda’ and the department’s focus on strengthening American innovation. The Department has worked to connect manufacturers with the resources they need to grow and thrive, ensure workers have the skills to get today’s high-tech manufacturing jobs, and develop a network of institutes designed to enhance the global competitiveness of America’s manufacturing sector.” Given this philosophy, Christie Wong Barrett is now, as was her father-in-law 25 years ago, the right person, in the right place, at the right time to help accomplish such an ambitious and illustrious goal. And Tom Sr. who made it all possible, says of Christie as she carves out an impressive place for herself and Mac Arthur Corporation on the national stage, “I knew when I turned over the business to Christie, the business was in good hands.”

Community //

LONGWAY PLANETARIUM

JOURNEY

THROUGH TIME,

ACROSS

THE UNIVERSE,

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND BY TARA MORENO

enesee County residents are in for a treat this summer. The Longway Planetarium underwent a $1.8 million reconstruction at the beginning of this year, and the interior of it was completely revamped. A new sound system, video projection system, new seating and better viewing dome were installed and finished in May, as well. Executive Director Tim Slisher has been overseeing the project since its start. “It’s been an incredible process to see the entire interior of Longway be torn apart and put back together again,” he says. The planetarium now has stateof-the-art equipment which will make for an incredible viewing experience. Slisher says it has been transformed into a virtual reality experience. Besides the new, comfortable, multi-purpose seating-- which 62

will minimize capacity from 280 to 140 seats— video projectors called Christie Boxers will project the entertainment on a lower dome. Longway Planetarium will be the only one in the United States with this technology. Slisher says that he hopes the new technology will bring people from all over the state to view it. “This facility will be the most modern facility in Michigan. We expect this new planetarium to draw from a wide space. We will draw a wider audience to Flint and to the cultural center,” he notes. Brian Wolff, Planetarium Content Developer, is excited about the project too. “The changes have been night and day,” notes Wolff. “We have a diverse selection of programs now. It’s not just about the planets and stars.”

LONGWAY PLANETARIUM

With this new renovation comes a pretty big selection of new programming. Not only will the older programming of stars and planets still be in place, but newer programming will also be integrated into the new schedule. Longway will be able

to fly people through the human body or look at the life of dinosaurs. A show called “Violent Universe” will explain the process of supernovas and black holes. Programming for the smaller children will also be available with “Perfect Little Planets.” This particular program takes viewers into the lives of a family of aliens who come to earth’s solar system for the perfect vacation spot. Although the new entertainment component is exciting, Slisher says that the educational aspect is just as important. “We will still do a lot of astronomy, but we will be able to [treat]

// Community

other subjects as well…The planetarium is a very important source [for] STEM Science Technology Engineering and Math. We will be much better able to support this. It really gets kids interested and engaged and excited about those subjects. It encourages [them] to study those subjects more. In addition, it is a fun learning experience for families to enjoy,” says Slisher. To celebrate the new upgrade and programming, Longway hosted the “Weekend of Wonder” Saturday at the end of May, compliments of ITC Corporation. “The renovations make Longway more versatile. We will have an expanded schedule but also different topics. We will have public shows during the week and an expanded number of shows,” notes Slisher. To view the process of the upgrades, a time-lapse video is in the website. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.SLOANLONGWAY.ORG

Community //

BACK TO THE BRICKS

A Standing Tribute and Family Legacy BY MICHAEL G THODOROFF

he most anticipated event in the calendar year for the Greater Flint area is entering its 11th year of exposition. Back to the Bricks, presented by Buick, will be officially rolling through downtown from August 11th to August 15th, while creating many impromptu venues along the way. Add to that the recently concluded West Side Promotional Tour cruising through six Michigan cities over one week, and Back to the Bricks is solidifying its status as one of the top car shows in the country! Not to be overlooked in all of the festivities, however, and perhaps of greater significance, is the organizing committee’s dedication to the importance of Flint’s automotive pioneers. American historical accounts have documented the very early automotive industry in our city which produced an era of breathtaking change and risk. Because of people like William “Billy” Durant, David Buick and Louis Chevrolet, Flint became a world leader in the design and manufacturing of automobiles. And thanks to the leadership of the Back to the Bricks organization with their vision of “keeping things in perspective,” they spearheaded the Automotive Pioneer project, commissioning local artist and former General Motors patternmaker Joe Rundell to create statues of Flint’s memorable figures. The bronze sculptures of Billy Durant, David Buick and Louis Chevrolet are honored in a dedicated plot in the heart of downtown Flint, while other Automotive Pioneer statues are displayed at Bishop International Airport – Walter P. Chrysler -- and on the corner of Court St. and Saginaw St. – Otto P. Graff -with more statues of key figures planned for the near future. Because of the significance of this project, onthetown has taken a “behind-the-scenes” look at the process of developing one of the statues to completion. Dale and Mary McClelland have a

strong family lineage of being General Motors (GM) workers. Dale worked there as a skilled trades model maker, building dies for Corvette instrument panels, for example, while Mary’s family can trace back generations of GM workers. After Dale earned his Certified Financial Planners (CFP) license in 1978 (and bitten by the entrepreneurial bug), he and Mary started Financial and Tax Planning, Inc. in 1980, at an office located at 4080 Miller Rd. They built their business on serving the area’s GM workers who, at one time, reached 90% of their clientele base. “We were the working man’s financial and tax planners,” Dale says with pride. Their business soon earned national recognition as Money Magazine awarded it a place in the “Top 200” financial planners in the entire country. Over the years, the McClellands had embraced an appreciation for the definite impact GM had on their community, and, being stalwart advocates, were looking for a way to give back to the community that provided their family with a good quality of life. According to Dale, what triggered their interest was seeing the announcement of the Louis Chevrolet statue on local television. “All of a sudden, we thought what a great idea to give back to the community,” he recalls.” We looked at it as an opportunity to step forward and provide a lasting tribute to the working men and women of Flint and surrounding counties.” And Mary adds, “It would show our appreciation and be something that would be there for future generations.” In this spirit, Dale placed a “cold” call to Al Hatch, chairperson of Back to the Bricks and discussed the McClelland family’s interest to fund a statue. Obviously, Hatch was very excited about the possibility and informed Dale they were already in the “talking” stages for the Billy Durant statue. To this, Dale enthusiastically replied, “If we can do Billy, consider it a done deal!” He goes on to expound that it was exactly what they were looking for and could not have

states came in for the festivities, along with city and GM dignitaries, including two of Billy Durant’s grandsons. There were heartfelt orations presented, highlighted by Flint’s Mayor Dayne Walling and GM President Mark Reuss proudly declaring, “Flint is the birthplace of General Motors!” Following a stirring rendition of the national anthem, two World War II fighter planes – with Flint-built engines – strategically flew over downtown Flint. And then, after a countdown to the unveiling by Walling and Reuss, Dale and Mary pulled the cord that revealed Billy Durant in a pose, coincidently, looking in the direction of where his original “Factory #1” once stood. Everybody in attendance at that time “stood proud” as another local automotive pioneer was forever memorialized. preferred sponsoring anybody else since Dale is an admitted “fan” of Billy Durant, having read his biography and how he created General Motors Corporation. Interestingly, onthetown soon ascertained there are some Durant similarities to the McClellands. Billy Durant was an entrepreneur, a good salesperson, believed in what he did, and was true to his community – as well as being very genuine -- all traits equally displayed by the McClellands. “He was a risk taker, and if you’re not a risk taker, you don’t succeed,” Dale says, as a matter of fact. “His story is amazing, and he had a tenacity that epitomized successful people. During the approximately six-month sculpting process, the McClellands were very involved in the details of the statue’s clay design. They gave recommendations regarding intricate details such as adding a GM logo tie clip, changing the angle of Billy’s cap to expose more of his facial features and adding pouches for his driving gloves instead of having them in his grasp. “When we saw the first rendition [of the] clay model, it was very exciting. It was breathtaking and emotional to be able to see [our] vision to come to life…” Dale says in a solemn tone. The McClellands first laid eyes on the finished product only two days before the formal unveiling at the Automotive Pioneer site. And on that one day, Mother Nature fully cooperated.

saying, “What really stands out is having our family there to be able to share that experience. We believe in family. We were successful, due in part to Billy Durant and General Motors. Our children now have a permanent reminder how this community was built.” And in the words of Duke Merrick, grandson of Billy Durant, at the dedication ceremony, “Fire up your engines boys, Billy’s back in town!” For information on how to contribute to the CS Mott statue funding project, call Jerry Preston at 810 348 4777 or email to jlpreston11@gmail.com. Also, give Dale McClelland a call at 989 727 2854. Visit the Back to the Bricks website: www.back2thebricks.org for a schedule of this year’s events.

The McClellands are involved more than ever with the Back to the Bricks’ all-volunteer organization and have since turned over the Financial and Tax Planning business to their daughter, Theresa McClelland-Sargent. Dale is actively involved on the Back to the Bricks’ Board of Directors, leading the fundraising efforts of the next planned statue honoring Flint philanthropist Charles Stewart Mott, a business associate and personal friend of Billy Durant. Dale explains the placement of his statue is expected to be on the campus of Mott Community College (MCC). “Since I studied and attended both Mott CC and the University of Michigan/Flint, I have a special interest in this project,” he mentions. “And I would be pleased and honored to discuss any funding opportunities.” Looking back on the momentous experience of being an integral part of seeing an automotive pioneer’s statue “come to life,” Dale and Mary McClelland reflect,

McClelland family members from several 65

Financial //

KEEPING YOUR MONEY

Keeping Your Money // With Jaime Westenbarger States case sided with employees and found the employer was not doing their fiduciary duty. If you are indeed the signer of the 5500, you should be regularly reviewing your plan with outside advisors to make sure you are maintaining competitiveness for our employees. Furthermore, you can always look to have another company step in as the fiduciary. This is becoming more popular as employers like you would prefer to do what they are good at and let the professional worry about investments and compliance.

Q: I have never had a financial advisor before but as I continue to save money Q: As a business owner I keep hearing all this news about changes in the 401 (k) laws and responsibilities. I offer a 401 (k) to my employees and it is handled by professional people I have hired to do it. Should I be concerned or does this not really apply to me. Dr.T- Flint A: Dr. T. Great question and unfortunately you may find the answer a little troubling. As the plan sponsor you are indeed responsible for the plan unless you have hired an outside fiduciary. Most likely you have not done this. Many employers believe that because their plan is handled by a wellknown national company that they have nothing to fear when it comes time to meet requirements set forth by the Department of Labor or the SEC but that is not necessarily true. Whomever signs the 5500 every year is ultimately responsible for the fees being fair, the plan being in compliance, and the fund selection being competitive. Just recently a Supreme Court of the United

and try to build a retirement nest egg I feel like now might be the time to look at hiring one. What questions should I ask when interviewing possible financial advisors? Adam- Davison A: Adam first let me say, congratulations on taking the first step in making sure you have a successful retirement. Studies have shown that working with a well-qualified and independent advisor can help you feel better about where you are at in your savings plan and will greatly improve the odds of being happy in retirement. As you have surmised though, not all advisors are created equal. I have listed a few questions you may want to ask to see if the one you are talking to, is the right one for you. Who is your typical client? Let them tell you before you tell the advisor about your situation How often will we communicate and who will initiate it? Make sure this is how you’d like it to be

Do you have any conflicts of interest? If so how do they affect you the client? How are fees disclosed and what are they? Total not just what you pay the advisor Discuss your FINRA and/or SEC record with me. All complaints and regulatory issues can be found here. What happens to me if something happens to you? Who steps in as my new advisor? What specific licenses do you hold? If none of them are securities related, you should look for someone else. Gauge whether the advisor is listening or selling. If product is discussed you most likely need to look elsewhere. This is unless you’ve asked for something specific. Make sure you like the advisor. It would be difficult to be open with someone you don’t genuinely feel comfortable with. If you have a question for Jaime, you can reach him at Info@keepingyourmoney.com Securities offered through First Allied Securities, Inc. a Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA/ SIPC. Advisory Services offered through First Allied Advisory Services, Inc. a Registered Investment Advisor.

MARK WILLIAMS

hese days there seems to be more and m o r e troubled youth. Former Flint police officer Mark Williams noticed this when he was working for the City of Flint’s police department. He says he was doing a lot more counseling than anything. “The frustration came from multiple arrests. I counseled more than I arrested…I felt there was something else I could do to help,” he says. His start in motivational speaking began with the D.A.R.E. program in which he taught for 10 years. As he moved forward in his work in the Juvenile Division of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, he realized he was able to look at the real problems children were facing today, and he saw an additional need for him to guide them in the area of risktaking, decision-making and the consequences of choices. “These babies are struggling, and they are struggling in these areas of life, so [I] created a participatory, hands-on tool to help motivate them as they navigate their way through life,” he notes compassionately.

I starting asking ‘what can I do? How can I help children make better choices and be more successful in life?’” That night William’s created “The Owner’s Manual.”

The idea for the program was Godinspired. In the middle of the night in 2006, he felt compelled to write. “I sat right here in my home office, and I felt like the Lord called me. I starting asking ‘what can I do? How can I help children make better choices and be more successful in life?’” That night William’s created “The Owner’s Manual.” The manual focuses on the 12 core issues he believes a child needs to have a successful life. Such things as Focus, Respect, Attitude, Responsibilities, Risk, Joy, Consequences, Caution, Change, Impression, Failure and Success all made the list. This was

the beginning of his motivational LLC “Don’t Miss the M.A.R.K,” and in 2006, he and his team began touring schools in Genesee County, Flint, Lansing , Pontiac, Farmington Hills, Detroit, Grand Blanc -and even as far away as Cincinnati, Ohio. Since the program started, Williams and his team have been visiting schools, churches, camps and clubs throughout Michigan and the state of Ohio with the focus on it becoming a national program in the future. So far he has spread his message into about 100 locations. The program focuses on teaching youth to integrate those 12 core principals into their everyday lives. Williams starts the program by meeting with the school administration and introduces them to it so that they can

// Community

have the tools. “An administrator can bring up ‘The Owner’s Manual’ as a disciplinary piece when necessary. It’s getting everybody on the same page so we are all speaking the same language,” says Williams. After meeting with the school staff, Williams conducts a highenergy motivational assembly and focuses on those 12 core issues. And he does all this in a mere 55 minutes. He hands out a copy of “The Owner’s Manual,” a pencil, and a raffle ticket for the “money machine.” Williams uses money to gain the focus of the children. The machine consists of 100 dollar bills and coupons for different perks such as free ice-cream at lunch or having lunch with the principal. When a raffle ticket is drawn and a child has the correct answers in their Owner's Manual, that child gets 20 seconds in the money machine. “It’s not about the money machine,” Williams says, “It’s about them getting the correct answer and using this too -- we make sure that every student understands those core issues.” The intent is to get them to engage by giving correct answers and understanding how to use "The Owner's Manual" as a tool to assist them with everyday decision making. Williams and his program represent the 2015 Genesee County Priority Children's Champion and are the recipients of the Roy E. Peterson Caring Adult Award! FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT MARK WILLIAMS AT DONTMISSTHEMARK@HOTMAIL. COM OR CALL 810-610-6194.

Community //

OLD FASHIONED RADIO FOR A NEW GENERATION

“Old Fashioned Radio for a New Generation” Celebrates Seven Years in Flint BY PAUL ROZYCKI

n Thursday April 23rd, Tom Sumner celebrated seven years of welcoming Genesee County listeners to “old fashioned radio for a new generation,” a program that combines public affairs, politics, music, comedy and the arts in Genesee County. Friends, guests and supporters gathered at Burton’s Captain’s Quarters to top-off a daylong event. The highlight of the evening was cake and ‘Michigan Pot-Hole’ ice cream, created by Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream in Shelby Township. The rich chocolate ice cream had a thick ‘black tar’ fudge layer, with chunks of ‘chocolate asphalt’ mixed in. The new flavor was created in response to the controversy over Michigan’s roads and Proposal 1, a frequent topic on the show. Looking back, Sumner says, "When I started doing daily talk radio in April of 2008, I wanted to do long format interviews, rather than the sound bites we typically hear on

radio and television these days." After beginning at Kettering University’s WKUF LP (94.3), the program moved for a short time to WFNT (1470AM) and and then returned to its Kettering origins. Sumner says, "WKUF at Kettering University allowed me to do longer interviews, but it was a small station and I was concerned about whether or not I would be able to attract guests that people would be interested in. At first I set out to secure interviews with the President of Kettering University, The CEO of the United Way and the mayor of Flint. Since then, I have interviewed four sitting and two former Flint mayors, two Michigan governors and lieutenant governors, governors from three other states and a former Surgeon General -- not to mention a long list of nationally known authors, comedians, actors and musicians, plus two third-party presidential candidates and the president of GM-North America."

In creating a genuine local radio voice, Sumner takes pride in the fact that he and co-host Andrea Sutton have interviewed a wide variety of political leaders, musicians, actors, authors and artists over the years. Candidates for nearly every office, from governor to the local school board, have joined them on the air. And this is particularly true of candidates who don’t receive media coverage— both third-party and first-time candidates. Prior to last May’s election, every one of the 13 candidates for the Flint Charter Commission had the opportunity to share the microphone, while each candidate for mayor of Flint will have the same opportunity. That unique coverage of local politics has earned both Tom Sumner and Andrea Sutton the Carroll Clark Civic Service Award from Mott Community College. After seven years, Tom Sumner’s “old fashioned radio for a new generation,” may be as powerful a message for the future as it was in the past.

GRAND BLANC ARCHES

// Community

A Sign of Things to Come BY RICH REED

hrough the cooperation of many in the Grand Blanc area, the problem of what to do with the railroad viaduct has finally been resolved. It has been an eyesore at the entrance to the city of Grand Blanc for many years -- dark, rusty, and looming over S. Saginaw St. as the paint peeled before our eyes. Mayor Susan Soderstrom made it a priority upon being elected to office in 2011. And with the area enjoying a rebirth of sorts by welcoming many new businesses, the ugly, hulking viaduct greeted anyone who drove south on Saginaw St. into the city of Grand Blanc. After much discussion over what to do, it was agreed that arches would be erected on both sides of the viaduct. Painting was the first option considered. However, it was dropped after it was determined that the cost to remove the lead-based paint would be $250,000 and to repaint the structure would only have a two-year warranty. Furthermore, that amount would be paid by the city, not by the owner of the viaduct, CSX Railway. A second option was to attach a sign to the bridge, as originally suggested by CSX, but regrettably, CSX then instituted a new policy that nothing should hang on or be welded to the structure. So The Viaduct Committee was formed, and its members decided that arches would be built at a cost of $170,000.00. Grand Blanc has been recognized as a 5-Star community for fostering economic growth, as well as building desirable neighborhoods, all the while providing excellent public services and schools. The arch project soon became a community-wide issue supported by the city of Grand Blanc, Grand Blanc Township, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and the Chamber of Commerce. Funding was also a community-wide effort, with contributions coming from the following: City, $5,000.00; Township: $5,000.00; Chamber: $2,500.00; DDA: $10,000.00; and Back to the Bricks: $10,000.00. Local auto dealer Joe Serra pledged $1.00 for every $2.00 raised (up to $50,000.00), a goal which has since been met. Six businesses have pledged $5,000.00 each: Magna, ELGA Credit Union, Blessing Plumbing & Heating, Signs by Crannie, Genesys, and even CSX. Signs by Crannie will construct the arches at least 10 feet from the viaduct. They will distract the eye from the unsightly overpass in a pleasing, and Grand Blanc school color-appropriate, red and black. They will welcome S. Saginaw St. travelers to the city and northbound drivers to the township. Expected completion is the end of July 2015. Additionally, any 5013c-based event can be advertised with a hanging banner for up to three weeks. Soderstrom suggests that might include Funfest, Taste of Grand Blanc, and Back to the Bricks, among others. By the way, as of May 2015, all but $6,000.00 has been raised Mayor Soderstrom ends by stating, "It was truly a community effort involving the city, township, government groups, local businesses, and many private individuals. I would like to especially thank Micki Hoffman, township supervisor, for her full support. It was great to see everyone working together on this. " Hopefully, this is a SIGN of things to come. 69

Food & Drink //

FIRE TO FEAST- TIPS FROM CHEF SEAN GARTLAND

TRIAL by FIRE

SINNER OR SAINT? HAVING THE PATIENCE TO FIGURE OUT THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION CAN BE AN ODYSSEY IN ITSELF. AS GRILLING SEASON FIRES UP AMIDST THE WARM MICHIGAN SPRING, ASPIRING COOKS ALL OVER THE AREA WILL BE ASSESSING JUST HOW SINFUL THEY ARE AROUND THE GRILL.

A Backyard Odyssey in Self Control Cooking on the grill, whether open flame, charcoal or gas, inevitably splits people into two camps: The constant flippers (Sinners!) and the patient pit-masters (Saints). How people earn one title or another is based on their behavior around the grill. If they stick to these simple tips, they will be destined to receive a halo this summer. No meat shall be flipped before its time -- the grill can dictate when it is time to turn a steak. If the fire is at just the right heat, a piece of meat placed on the grill will sear and develop a nice crust and good grill marks. This will make it easy to flip. If it sticks, grillers need to stop and just wait it out. Cleanliness is next to…in this case it is next to a wire brush and oily rag. People can keep the grill surface clean of debris and last weekend’s chicken wings by brushing it well after heating it up. A rag soaked in vegetable

oil will lubricate the grill grates. This helps to sear the meat, as well as to keep it from sticking. Grillers should take it easy on the sauces and marinades- A good marinade can really enhance whatever is thrown on the grill, but people need be careful to wipe or drain as much off as they can before starting to cook. A dripping marinade can cause big flare-ups, which can transfer a bitter taste to whatever is cooking. Sauces, especially BBQ, have a tendency to burn if brushed on too soon, so it’s best to leave the sauce skills on the sidelines until right before the meal is pulled off the grill. So, as tempting as it can be to stand around the fire and keep moving everything around on the grill, it is completely unnecessary. Most importantly, grill chefs ought to enjoy the short time we Michiganders have in the sun. They shouldn’t be in such a rush to finish up on the grill but should, perhaps, grab a beer, catch up with a friend or two, and bask in the fellowship of the fire. It’s nice to take advantage of the moment, be at peace with one’s inner caveman (or woman), and enjoy the food and fun.

CHEF SEAN GARTLAND CULINARY DIRECTOR, FLINT FARMER'S MARKET FEASTCOOKINGSCHOOL.COM

uckham Gallery recently hosted an exhibition in concurrence with downtown Flint’s highly popular Art Walk which is held every second Friday of the month. The May showing came with a title of “Attribute,” as this juried show – where the artist must submit his or her work for committee approval - showcased three local artists and a photographer from New York. While all of these distinctively talented artists have their own inimitable stories, none is more unique and inspirational than that of Ken Milito. Reared in Flint, Ken served a tour in Viet Nam in the U.S. Army’s 2nd infantry division of the 7th Air Cavalry after graduating from downtown’s St. Michael High School. His return to civilian life saw him work as a social worker with Mott Children’s Health Center. He eventually became a detached social worker in the early ‘90s where his work took him out into the community. Although Ken and his spouse Karen had a history of painting in schools in the Lapeer School District, it was when he was assigned to the Beecher School District that he discovered his artistic talent. “One of the elementary schools was going through some changes,” Ken sites, “and I felt I had to do something good for the school, to improve the atmosphere, so I started painting things on the hallway walls just to brighten them.” Ken and Karen’s efforts were highly appreciated by students and administrators, alike, so he proceeded to expand this type of artwork to other schools, with support from Mott Children’s Health Center. In an amazing feat, Ken proceeded to completely render artwork on every wall – floor to ceiling – at the Daly Elementary Gymnasium and in the cafeteria. At Tucker Elementary’s cafeteria, he painted panoramic scenes depicting shorelines, waterfalls, gemstones and mountains. However, when Karen reviewed the painting (as a gifted artist in her own right), she thought Ken’s work was too serious, so she added her own touches of “kid friendly” animals, critters and flowers. Ken admits it was actually Karen who taught him how to paint. “I had a hard time improvising while painting,” he

From The Brush of...

KEN MILITO reasons, “but Karen would show me some techniques, and all of a sudden, a ‘light bulb’ [would go] on – and then I really grew as a painter.” Over at Tucker Elementary, Ken also referenced photographs of deteriorated, abandoned houses in the community and artistically “rebuilt” them on the walls of the school’s cafeteria stage! When he retired in 2011, he focused on painting portraits because they were something “I really wanted to do.” He says his paintings will be solely based on photographs of people he knows or a personal experience of past memories. “When I start a painting, I have a general idea, but I never know how it will turn out. I will continue to paint people, but my style may look a little different as I grow,” he thinks.

Ken and Karen Milito’s artwork has been on exhibit at various venues such as The Yoga Loft in Flint, the Greater Flint Arts Council (GFAC), Cranberries in Goodrich, Starbuck’s and Gallery 194 in Lapeer. Currently, their work is showing at the Family Barbershop in Davison where they also will be conducting wine tasting and paint classes. For more detailed information on upcoming shows, call Ken or Karen at 810 338 818. And when you speak with Ken, tell him how much you appreciate his service in defending the freedom of the United States of America. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BUCKHAM GALLERY VISIT WWW. BUCKHAMGALLERY.ORG 810-338-8181

You CAN get there from here. MCC can help you get wherever you want to go – even the halls of Congress.

“Mott Community College is a great place to lay a strong foundation for the future. I am proud to say that I attended Mott College.” Congressman Dan Kildee

Started at Mott Community College 1979-80 Graduated - Central Michigan University, Bachelor’s of Science Founded the Land Bank model of urban revitalization

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