$5.00
Vol. I No. V
Dr. Julianne Princinsky:
Leading Baker College of Flint Into its Second Century
Director Karen Smith Editor Marcia McGee Office Manager Laura Ulman Directors Assistant Michelle Blaisdell Contributing Writers Nadia Alamah Michael Bancroft Edith Campbell Michael Kelly Lauren E. Kenney Therese Leyton Pat Mroczek Carol Snider Verona Terry Michael G. Thodoroff Vagios Young Sales Staff Karen Smith Debby Molina Lydia Simon Designed by Shar Graphics Photography Debby Molina Cover Photographer Dawood on the town Produced and published by Link Publishing Group LLC P.O. Box 320275 Flint Mi 48532 810-407-6828 Fax 810-407-6831 For advertising information call: 810-407-0305 or 810-348-7323 MISSION STATEMENT on the town Magazine captures the positive way our community lives and breathes. Dynamic in scope and editorially eclectic, it reflects the people, community and lifestyle of Genesee County and its’ surrounding areas on a grand scale. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without expressed written consent of the publisher. on the town Magazine is owned and operated by Link Publishing Group L.L.C.
Welcome on the town Dear on the town Reader: This issue we are celebrating Baker College’s 100th anniversary. This institution has grown from a mere 150 students in 1911 to over 43,000 on twelve campuses. The steady growth of programs and degree offerings has been accelerating at an incredible pace since 1965 when it was purchased by Robert Jewell and combined with Muskegon College. Since 1995, Dr. Julianne Princinsky has been president of the college. It was an honor to interview her. I hope you enjoy reading about this dynamic women. September and October are months when our thoughts turn toward cider and donuts, fall colors and football and those onerous preparations winter. But I want to point out two important events that take place in these two months. First, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Unfortunately, this doesn’t get a lot of publicity. I think it is because childhood cancers are not just one kind, like breast cancer, so there really isn’t a strong organization to fight this horrible problem. Across America, there are approximately 12,400 children between the ages of birth and 19 years of age who are diagnosed with cancer each year. About one in 300 boys and one in 333 girls will develop cancer before their 20th birthday. About one quarter of them will not survive the disease, thus making cancer the most common cause of death by disease for children and adolescents in America. A diagnosis of cancer as a child turns the lives of the entire family upside down. The objective of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is to put a spotlight on the types of cancer that largely affect children, survivorship issues, and – importantly – to help raise funds for research and family support. Many more of you are aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. How could you miss the pink ribbons and products everywhere? Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S. An estimated 190,000 plus new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the U.S. this year and more than 40,000 will die from it this year. Today, there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in this country – a much-improved statistic. As a breast cancer survivor, I am most grateful for all of the support that has been generated by the publicity this disease has gotten So, hopefully, when you are asked to contribute to these causes, please be as generous as you can. Thanks again for reading. Marcia McGee
To subscribe to “on the town” Magazine: Mail a check or money order for $24.99 for six issues to P.O. Box 320275, Flint, MI 48532. Make checks payable to Global Marketing and Advertising. on the town
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on the town
Contents 6
Leading Baker College of Flint Into its Second Century And Again! Kettering University Nationally Ranked in ‘Best Colleges’ Edition
Job Corps Spell Success MCC Named to Top Ten in American McLaren First in Region to Use Hybrid Operating Room McLaren Acquires High Tech Patient Simulator To Provide Risk-Free Medical and Emergency Training An Organization with a Big Mission! Electra-med: One Stop for Outfitting a Physician’s Office Insight Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience A Passion Fueled by Creativity The Rotarians Do New Orleans Economy Print and Graphics: 3 Decades of Success Casa Real Fall in Love with Apples and Sweet Potatoes
Photo Spreads
Hot Rods & Hot Doges
Celebrating 75 Years Lewis & Knopf Taaste of Grand Blanc Woodhaven Fall Festival 4 on the town
Friends of Mayor Walling
8 12 15 16 18 20 22 26 32 36 38 40 45
10 14 28 30 35
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Dr. Julianne Princinsky:
100 Years of Baker
Leading Baker College of Flint Into its Second Century
by Marcia McGee Dr. Julianne T. Princinsky, Ed.D. has been president of Baker College of Flint since 1995. She is responsible for leading campus development with regard to vision, growth, revenue, capital investment, curriculum, personnel and physical plant. The organization encompasses 7,200 students, three locations (including Cass City and West Branch), more than 400 faculty and staff, over 120 Certificates, Associate and Bachelor degrees, and a $45 million budget. Under her leadership, the College has more than doubled enrollment and revenue, increased capital, and added significantly to program offerings, including the more than $8 million dollar investment in the past two years at the Center for Transportation Technology. She has also increased land acquisition and expanded all campus sites, doubled the size of the on-campus Engineering and Technology Center and added a health and fitness center. To serve new students, a new residence hall and married student housing on campus has been added and the College leasing five floors of the Riverfront Residence Hall offerings in downtown Flint. New classroom and lab wings in multiple health science program areas have been added, as well. “At the same time, Dr. Princinsky emphasized, “ the College continues to focus on providing exemplary customer service to students, employees, employers and the communities the College serves, including investments in the Wade Trim Building and the Durant as a way to support economic development in the region.” Commitment to an economically thriving community and actively supporting economic development is an important aspect of Dr. Princinsky’s job. She notes that a thriving community means more jobs for graduates, and more students who want to stay in the area. The College collaborates with and regularly supports the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce on issues that promote economic development for Genesee County. In addition, the successful investments made by the College’s Jewell Education fund support student scholarships. Discussing the guiding principles for that she put into place, she noted that the newest one is “Continuous Improvement.” She said, 6 on the town
“How we look at the future is crucial to our success. We don’t spend a lot of time resting on our laurels – perhaps we should spend a little more time – but we are always asking ourselves how we can do more. We believe we are only as good as how we will do in the next few years.” To that end, Baker is constantly adding new programs and deleting others as new job fields grow and others decline. “We work closely with employers to learn what we need to offer that they need,” Dr. Princinsky said. “We want to help students be educated and successful in viable careers that will provide them with a good standard of living.” One of her favorite Tee-shirts offered in the bookstore says,” Baker College Athletic Program Undefeated.” She said, “Of course they are because we don’t have one. We do what we do best and that is to stick to our mission which is to be the high quality, post-secondary school that leads to long-lasting fulfilling careers.” The College’s focus on program and delivery allows them to educate students in a way that is cost effective, high quality and makes sense for the subject. “Our methods of delivery are quite mixed,” she said. “We have traditional classrooms and lab, long distance learning, on-line class work, and on-the-job credit programs.” She added that hands-on and service learning experiences continue to be an important facet of all programs. “Our program delivery is more than just coming to class,” Dr. Princinsky said. “We are proud that our handson opportunities come about because the instructor is working with the deans of the various departments to support businesses in Flint.” A good example is Dr. John Cote’s BC Family Business and the Small Business Centers. Through twelve partnerships (and growing) with high profile companies and beyond, Business Administration students, in addition to their internship/externship/coops, will receive a “high-level” work experience in capstone courses. Participating employers receive supervised, no cost, consulting services. These address company challenges and result in recommended solutions for review and possible adoption as the company chooses. “It is no
surprise that our grads are career-ready,” Dr. Princinsky said. Baker is a “right-to-try” school. This means that admission is not dependent on SAT or ACT scores or other criteria. If a student has a high school diploma, a GED or an “ability to benefit” certificate, which is required for students who did not graduate from high school and are seeking financial aid, they can enroll in the College. “If you come to school and are really trying to be successful, we work hard to see that you are successful by giving you reading help, tutoring and other kinds of assistance. We don’t just hand out certificates and diplomas,” Dr. Princinsky said. Another unique facet of Baker’s programming is that they have a laddered curriculum. This means if a student begins in a certificate program and decides to go on to an associate’s or bachelor degree, the courses all count toward the advanced degrees. A student doesn’t take courses that don’t go toward the higher degree. Baker College of Flint thrives in large part due to its ongoing partnerships in the community. Those partnerships will be honored during Baker’s 100th anniversary year in a number of ways. In addition to the dedicated employer partners who have provided opportunities for internships and externships, and have employed Baker graduates, there are a variety of other partnerships. The Baker Career Academy is a collaboration between Bendle Public Schools and CarmanAinsworth Schools. Baker also partners with the three-district consortium between Fenton, Lake Fenton, and Linden school districts. These partnerships allow high school students to attend Baker and earn college credits while still in high school. Baker also has a partnership with the Huron Area Technology Center in Bad Axe. Most important for students and employers, Baker’s single most significant measure of success continues to be attaining stellar “available graduate employment rates. Dr. Princinsky said, “This is a hallmark of Baker’s long-standing commitment to students and employers alike.” She noted, “The College is committed to our Ten Guiding Principles including that we be ‘community-oriented.’ That means we will be solution providers and solution partners wherever we are located.” The result this year: 97.9 percent of available Baker graduates were hired – and that means companies and communities benefited also. Baker will be celebrating the centennial anniversary in a number of ways. “As a non-profit organization, we can’t afford to celebrate our anniversary in a cost-prohibitive style,” Dr. Princinsky said. Instead, she emphasized that the focus will be on looking for ways to symbolize how we feel grateful to city and to the community at large. A Centennial Garden has already been dedicated. At the end of the month, Baker will honor its employers who support the school by hiring graduates and providing intern/extern opportunities and those that have helped in other ways. A Fall Festival for students and graduates
will be held on campus, as well as another event still in the planning stages. Suffice to say that scholarships will be involved. The celebrations will culminate in a roving open house in the student center. A native of Marquette, Mich., she earned a Bachelor Degree in Marketing from Ferris State University, a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Michigan, and a Doctorate in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction and a cognate in Staff Development from Wayne State University Being a part of the community is a key to Dr. Princinsky’s personal and professional success. Listing her past community activities would take up one entire page of this magazine, so we’ll just stick to the present. She sits on the following boards of directors: Greater Flint Health Coalition, Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce (Chairperson, Operating Board), Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, YWCA, and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. She also sits on the Genesys Regional Hospital System Culture and Advocacy Committee, is past president of the Rotary Club of Flint is past chairperson of the Greater Flint Educational Consortium, and is an ordained elder and teacher at St. Andres Presbyterian Church. She has received many community awards including, most recently, being inducted into the GRCC Women’s Hall of Fame, as well as others, like the YWCA of Greater Flint Nina Mills Not-for-Profit Award, the Athena Award, the Flint Jewish Federation Donald Reigle Award, the Citizen of the Year Award for the Boy Scouts of America Tall Pine Council, and the Business Woman of the Year Award from the Arab American Heritage Council. But one of which she is most proud is the 2010 Michigan Chamber of Commerce Foundation Distinguished Leadership Award she received. In addition to her Baker College career, Dr. Princinsky is an ordained Presbyterian Elder and served as a Commissioned Lay Pastor to the First Presbyterian Church in Deckerville, Michigan for four years. Dr. Princinsky says she really has three families: her Baker College of Flint family, her church family, and, of course the family with her husband, Thomas Princinsky, former Deputy Superintendent of the Genesee Intermediate School District. Together they raised two sons and a daughter and now enjoy being grandparents to seven grandchildren. Julie and Tom live in Davison Township. Faith, family and work are Dr. Princinsky’s cornerstones. She and her husband have a very strong focus on connecting with their children and grandchildren. She also is an active volunteer in the Food Bank and other non-profit organizations. Her guiding principle is embodied in the Apostle Paul’s Fruit of the Spirit, a nine-point list of Christ-like attributes of a true Christian life. on the town
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And Again! Kettering University Nationally Ranked in ‘Best Colleges’ Edition Kettering University in Flint is one of the nation’s preeminent institutions for experiential learning and cooperative education. Kettering is also a national leader in preparing entrepreneurs and innovators at the undergraduate, graduate and continuing education levels.
8 on the town
Kettering is ranked #1 for Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering and #2 for Mechanical Engineering in the country in the 2012 U.S. News & World Report’s ‘Best Colleges’ edition. Currently, Kettering is highly ranked both regionally and nationally in several college guides, including Princeton Review’s ‘Best Midwestern Colleges.’ Kettering’s 1,900 undergraduates and 1,000 graduate students choose from 14 undergraduate and 9 master’s degrees, plus more than 50 minors, specialties, concentrations and courses of study. Some of Kettering’s fastest growing academic majors are Bioinformatics, Chemical Engineering and BioChemistry. Kettering currently has 50 pre-med students, who are highly sought after by the best medical schools thanks to Kettering’s unique training that blends medicine and engineering. The University remains one of the premier institutions in the world in preparing leaders for automotive and manufacturing industries. Dr. Robert McMahan became Kettering’s new president on Aug. 1. He joins Kettering from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C., a university that is a leader in engaging faculty in economic development by nurturing teaching and applied research. The University currently has more co-op jobs than it has students. That’s because Kettering’s corporate partners, like Chrysler, General Motors, BioMet, Beaumont Hospitals, McLaren, Genesys and the U.S. government are joining with new employers, like DisneyWorld and Hershey’s chocolate company, to engage more aggressively with the University. Senior Darryl Bryson, a graduate of Flint Central High School, explained it this way. “Co-op is an amazing way to understand the practical uses of what we learn in class,” he said. “I’ve gained positive notoriety and respect from other engineers on the job, thanks to my Kettering experience.” Bryson, a Mechanical Engineering major, recently accepted a full-time job offer with Detroit Diesel. Kettering’s newest lab is dedicated to power electronics, a field that has grown so much in the last six months that the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department created the Advanced Power Electronics Lab. The lab is devoted solely to power electronics work and a showcase for Kettering research capability in the expanding alternative energy industry. And Kettering is among the leaders in the nation in Haptics, allowing students to work in virtual worlds that incorporate touch as well as vision and sound. Founded in 1919, the University is located on 85 acres along the Flint River in Flint, Michigan. Beautiful red brick buildings accent the campus, which is also the home for the Flint Children’s Museum. Read more on Kettering University at www.kettering.edu
Hot Rods & Hot Dogs August 18, 2011
Omar Simms, Yazeed Moore, Alvern Lock, Greg Gaines
Jeff Dwire, John Klockow
Ann Fotenakes, Deborah Bennett John Fotenakes, Tara Joseph
Felicia Wells, Carol Van Buren
Carol Lebert, Kathy Rommetty, Phyllis Jordan
Ron Thomas, Dave Rawls 10 on the town
Steve & Rosanne Heddy, Terry & Gary Gebhardt, Sam& Gracie Harris
Mark Lemon, Jennifer Tremaine, Joy Martinbianco, George Peterman
Steve Hester, Shelli McCormick Kay & Michael Kelly
Janet Carter, Janelle Dowdell, Ellen Brothers, Tiffany Flynn, Carol Kiple
Dr. Bradley Habermehl, Mollie Lindsay Cindy Habermehl
Christie Myers, Mary Guzak, Olga Long Katrina Khouri, Megan Mahaffy
JOB CORPS Felishia McKnight, Shakira Sharp, Britney Parker, Kayla Polk
by Verona Terry Job Corps is the nation’s largest residential education and career training program in the United States for economically disadvantaged youth between the ages of 16 and 24. It is a voluntary program and is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. The Job Corps program consists of 124 centers throughout six regions in the United States, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. Three hundred sixty students from ages 16 to 24 have found a cost free way to earn a high school diploma and some college credits, while obtaining valuable skills and a career technical trade at the same time. It’s happening right here at Flint Genesee Job Corps Center (FGJCC). The FGJCC is the result of a unique public and private partnership that includes the federal Job Corps, city and county government, and more than sixty local organizations. FGJCC also offers several options to obtain academic achievement for a high school diploma or GED. It also offers a wide variety of career technical trades, along with apprenticeship and advance training positions available through the partners. The Career Technical trade offerings include: Brick Masonry, Carpentry, Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Medical Assistant, Computer Technology, Dental Assistant, Hospitality, Office Assistant, Security, Painting, Retail Sales Clerk, and Pharmaceutical. The Advanced Career Training is offered at Mott Community College. Although the overall job market has not improved, the demand for health care staff and professionals is growing at a staggering rate. These factors have created enormous job opportunities for individuals trained in leading health care professions. Job Corps students in the health care programs attend Mott Community College, as well as the American Red Cross, for the Certified Nurse Assistant, Medical Assistant, and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Program. In today’s hospitals and extended care facilities a nurse assistant is an important part of a health care team. The nurse assistant must not only be skilled in the actual procedures being performed but must also be able to observe a patient’s condition and report that information back to the nurse. The Medical Assistant Program is designed to give students a comprehensive collection of administrative and clinical skills. Duties vary according to state law and include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting during diagnostic examinations. 12 on the town
SPELLS SUCCESS
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Program prepares students to enter the pharmacy field and to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board BTCB exam. Technicians work in hospitals, home infusion pharmacies, community pharmacies, and other health care setting – working under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. The Dental Assistant Program, where students learn proper sanitizing, how to take x-rays, prepare molding, as well as how to be a chair-side assistant to the dentist, is offered at the Flint/Genesee Job Corps Center. FGJCC combines the best Job Corps has to offer in job building skills with innovations such as an on-site child care facility, parenting classes, Head Start and Rainbow Learning. The eight campus buildings include residential living facilities for males, females, single parents and their children, a dining hall, a physical fitness and recreation center, administration, medical/dental services, and a building with modern classroom facilities for educational and career technical training. To be successful at Job Corps, students must commit to their education and training goals to develop a career and, thus, a better life. During training, students receive housing, meals, basic health care, driver’s education, childcare, a living allowance, career technical training, preparation for a career, and a monetary stipend at the successful completion of the program. Students also volunteer in community programs such as blood drives, assisting the elderly or small children, construction work, soup kitchens, the Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, the CRIM, Back to the Bricks, and many more. Job Corps understands that being independent is more than just having a job. So, when training is complete, a Career Technical Counselor helps the student transition into the work force to full time employment, college, advanced training, or perhaps the military, as well as assisting with resources related to housing, transportation, social services, or child care. The Flint/Genesee Job Corps Center is operated by Alutiiq Professional Services, LLC and ResCare under contract from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Job Corps. Approximately 360 students attend the Flint Genesee Job Corps Center of which 66 spaces are available for community transit students from the Flint area, not living in the center. The students come from all parts of Michigan as well as other states in the Midwest region. At Job Corps, all graduates are young people with success stories!
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Mr. & Mrs. Dick Shade
Rick Warmold, Joyce Thewalt
Roffe Hofman, Jodie Lee Ledfarel
Celebrating 75 Years Lewis & Knopf Chris Hamilton
Stuart Aldrich, Gregory Ahejew 14 on the town
Jazelle Bradley, Flecia Wells
David Strahle, Kim Shade
Top
MCC Named to
10
in America
by Michael Kelly
The Washington-based Aspen Institute has named Mott Community College as one of the top ten community colleges in America. There are more than 1,200 community colleges in the country. “The story of Mott Community College is a story about the power of an educational institution to boost an entire community,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program. “The economic challenges facing the Flint community are well known. As things improve, Mott Community College will deserve some of the credit for it, because this college is getting better and better in a very impressive fashion.” According to the Aspen Institute, Mott College demonstrated very strong improvement in the number of students that earned degrees and certificates over the past five years. To get there, the college created a rigorous system to measure results and identify opportunities for improvement, and test results show that student learning and completion rates have improved significantly. The college effectively used information to make targeted investments to improve outcomes. In response to low pass rates in remedial math, for instance, the college designed a Math Empowerment Center and a new activity-based math program. This results-oriented approach has contributed to the college’s marked improvement in the number of degrees and credentials conferred over the last five years, even as enrollment rates have declined. Earlier in the year, the Aspen Institute named MCC in the top ten percent of community colleges but in an announcement on September 13 they went further, designating MCC as one of the top ten. This makes MCC a finalist in the competition for a $1 million prize fund that will be awarded in December in Washington, D.C. “We appreciate the validation from national experts that Mott College is actually doing what we say we are: seeking ways to bring our students to success,” said MCC President Dick Shaink. “We are committed to serve our community and we are well aware of the challenges we all face right now. Higher education is a critical gateway to a successful career and Mott College is the affordable, high-quality option.” Nearly half of all college students attend community college, with more than six million students – youth and adult learners – enrolling in America’s nearly 1,200 community colleges every year. Community colleges are also educating rapidly growing lower-income and Hispanic student populations, and for millions of Americans, represent their most promising path to education that leads to professional employment. With four-year colleges and universities costing from $10,000-$60,000 per year per student, community colleges are growing at over four times the rate of four-year colleges, serving as the most affordable option in higher education for millions of people in this country. Mott Community College was established in 1923. It serves more than 20,000 individuals each year with more than 100 degree and certificate programs. MCC’s main campus is in Flint with additional sites in Fenton, Clio, Lapeer and Howell.
White House Highlights Dr. Dick Shaink and Mott Community College as “Champions of Change” In an increasingly competitive global economy, America’s economic strength depends upon the education and skills of its workers. In the coming years, nearly eight in ten new jobs will require higher education and workforce training. To meet this need, President Obama set a goal for America: to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020. America’s community colleges are essential to reaching that goal, and the President is working to support community colleges in graduating an additional five million students by the end of this decade. Each week the White House highlights “Champions of Change” who are making an impact in their communities and helping America rise to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The White House invited Dr. M. Richard (Dick) Shaink, President of Mott Community College, to participate in a roundtable discussion on the positive impact of many community colleges across the nation. Dr. Shaink has been president of Mott Community College in Flint, since 2000. During that time, he has worked to improve student success, retention and degree completion. Mott Community College has been successful at fostering success for graduates in the labor market, even in the economically challenged area of Flint. Dr. Shaink and Mott Community College are being recognized by the White House for their emphasis on creating career pathways, and their creation of linkages between workforce training programs and credit-bearing classes leading to a portable credential or degree.
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McLaren
Clinical staff at McLaren Regional Medical Center ready equipment for a procedure in the medical center’s new hybrid operating room.
First in Region to Use Hybrid Operating Room by Laurie Prochaska When the word “hybrid” is used these days, most people probably think of cars. At McLaren, vascular surgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, interventional cardiologists, neurosurgeons, and surgical nurses think of a very specialized operating room. This July McLaren Regional Medical Center (MRMC) opened its first Hybrid Operating Room (OR). This specialized surgical suite offers clinical advantages for both surgeons and patients. The room is equipped to make it possible for surgeons to go from performing a minimally invasive procedure to an open procedure in minutes. Vascular surgeon Robert Molnar, M.D., was one of the first specialists to test drive a hybrid, so to speak, at McLaren. “Now, with access to the hybrid OR, there is really no area of the body that we cannot provide vascular intervention for,” states Molnar. “We can access arms, legs, necks and abdomens with both open vascular and endovascular procedures. Previously, special needs arising with vascular patients in the cath lab during a procedure required moving them to a traditional OR. Or, if it was a less emergent patient, they would have the inconvenience of being scheduled for a surgery at a later time. This new suite is good news for surgeons and patients. As clinicians, we can be more efficient, and patients can endure less stress and anxiety, with even better outcomes.” A Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) is a common example of a minimally invasive vascular procedure that could turn into an endarterectomy, the open procedure used to treat vessel narrowing and blockages. A PTA involves inserting a wire through the groin to the artery that is being treated. A balloon 16 on the town
catheter is then guided over the wire and placed in the blocked portion of the artery. Next, a small folded balloon is inflated compressing the plaque causing the blockage, opening the artery wall, and improving blood flow. When the blockage is too severe, an incision is made in the affected artery and the plaque is surgically removed from its inner lining. The hybrid room allows for the quick switch from the minimally invasive procedure to the open surgery when it is discovered that the patient’s disease state is more wide-spread or complex. The hybrid room at McLaren uses Philips technology offering optimal room layout design; a flexible, high-resolution fixed imaging system; state-of-the-art hybrid OR communications, and the latest surgical equipment. By design, the imaging equipment is a very important part of a hybrid suite which requires the use of flat detector digital imaging. Still shaped as the letter “C”, like previous “C-arm” technology, the new flat detector technology has several advantages. It takes up less space, is more maneuverable, allows for better angulation, and provides magnified readings allowing for lower amounts of radiation to be used, resulting in less exposure for patients and clinicians. The design also requires a specialty imaging table, along with surgical support equipment including surgical lights, booms, flat panel arms and displays, as well as advanced communications equipment to deliver surgical and radiological images when they are needed most. The ability to handle and minimize high-risk situations, with the most efficient treatments available to save lives, is driving optimization of McLaren’s new hybrid OR.
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McLaren
Acquires High Tech Patient Simulator To Provide Risk-Free Medical and Emergency Training
New Technology Can Lead to Saved Lives 18 on the town
by Laurie Prochazka He can blink, bleed, cry, suffer a heart attack, or show signs of a drug overdose or severe allergic reaction. He displays the physiological reactions of a human patient, but he’s not human. The new patient simulator at McLaren Regional Medical Center is a mathematically engineered human model that represents the future of healthcare training and patient safety. Far more advanced than the resuscitation mannequins on which many learned CPR, the METIman patient simulator has reactive eyes, audible breath and heart sounds, realistic skin and airways, and internal robotics that respond to medications and treatments. The “patient” can produce responsive vital sign readings, while an instructor controls its medical variables and “speaks” via a remote microphone.
METI patient simulators meld pioneering, computer-engineered human physiological modeling with hands-on, clinical training for physicians, nurses, emergency responders, healthcare students and military medics. Students can practice skills such as catheterization, intubation and ventilation in addition to the non-technical skills such as communication. Medical professionals can create emergency team training scenarios where everything is real except the patient. “The METIman patient simulator enables our students to develop knowledge, competency and critical thinking skills in a less stressful setting,” says Donald Adams, Emergency Services Education Manager at McLaren. The METIman patient simulator, named “Mac” by Adams, was purchased through funding from the McLaren Regional Medical Center Auxiliary and the McLaren Foundation. McLaren is the only hospital in the area to utilize this technology. How METIman Works – Sensory Simulation with Clinical Accuracy METIman is a lifelike human patient simulator that can present a new medical history and clinical scenario for each training session. Developed primarily for emergency responders and nursing students, METIman’s cardiovascular, respiratory and physiological features operate in concert to produce realistic responses to emergency treatments. For example, a METIman suffering respiratory distress can wheeze in one or both lungs, while displaying reduced blood oxygen levels and faster breathing rates on clinical monitors. With treatment, such as the insertion of breathing tubes or administration of medications, all of METIman’s physiological systems respond automatically. The METIman simulator is 6’2” with a shoe size of 11 and a 40-inch waist. A training instructor can alter his age, weight, sex and medical history. Each METIman learning simulation is produced by a clinician and tested by three independent clinicians for accuracy. The METIman Prehospital’s sensory features include:
“The METIman patient simulator enables our students to develop knowledge, competency and critical thinking skills in a less stressful setting.”
• Breath, heart, throat and bowel sounds • A chest that rises and falls with each breath • Reactive pupils that constrict or dilate based on medical state • Realistic skin that can accept IVs • A tongue that can swell, an airway that can spasm or close • Pneumatic pulses that can be felt at 14 locations • Secretions from mouth, nose, eyes, ears, and chest or urinary tubes • SpO2, ECG and blood pressure monitoring • Design that emulates human weight distribution for lifting • Programmed speech sounds as well as wireless voice capability Simulation training is expanding worldwide as greater numbers of students and clinicians practice treating acutely ill or severely injured simulators without risk of harm to real patients. Studies have found that simulation training accelerates learning, reduces anxiety while building confidence in newly graduated nurses and saves lives. on the town
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An Organization with a Big Mission! by Marcia McGee Genesee County Community Mental Health (GCCMH) has a huge responsibility to the community. They are charged with providing services and support to county residents, both adults and children, with developmental disabilities, serious mental illness or emotional disturbance and substance abuse use disorders. In addition, GCCMH recently received two grants: one to work with individuals and families with chronic homelessness and another to plan for a community health center for the county’s most vulnerable populations. Significantly, the GCCMH vision stresses the concept that all services will be provided in a welcoming, supportive way that is helpful to long-term recovery and achievement of the varied life goals envisioned by the people in their care. In addition, the vision statement promises the promotion of an “unconditional Culture of Gentleness wherein positive supports and approaches are the norm regardless of the challenges an individual may present.� GCCMH has trained, professional staff available to assist individuals and families with understanding their treatment options, and to help during a mental health, substance abuse, or family crisis. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, a person or a family does not need to be in crisis to use the services. Routine screenings are available for all services during business hours during the week. The staff can also help by making referrals to other community agencies and resources, and by arranging emergency services such as hospitalization. All Genesee County residents who meet the medical requirements are eligible to access these services and fees are based on ability to pay. No one will be denied services based on their inability to pay. GCCMH serves people who have Medicaid insurance or who are covered by an Adult Benefits Waiver, those enrolled in the MI CHILD program, or people who have no insurance and cannot pay for services. GCCMH does not necessarily directly provide the services needed. During the screening process, an access worker will work with the individual and/or family to determine which services would be best suited for the needs of the person and then works with them to offer that service. There are a number of providers in the GCCMH network, and choices are offered as appropriate. 20 on the town
Summerset Salon & Day Spa A little bit of pampering goes a long way.
Energy-Tech
SHELLAC! • New! Hybrid nail polish goes on like a polish wears like a gel ~ Lots of colors to choose from. You leave the appointment with your nails dry and looking fabulous for two weeks! REDKEN • Lots of new products designed to protect, and make your hair healthier. Also new products to re-grow the hair you’ve lost or grow hair thicker and fuller! Reasonable priced products that really work! Introforce by Redken! “ Summerset is expanding and has a new edition coming soon.Watch for details in “on the town” Magazine.
810-230-0566 3620 Miller Road, Flint Special services and coupons @ www.summersetsalon.com
“Stop by and Relax in between Appointments. Summerset Cafe awaits you! Coffee’s, Light Lunch, Snacks and Specials. Endulge Yourself!”
Electra-med:
One Stop for Outfitting a Physician’s Office
by Marcia McGee Local physicians need to look no further than Electra-med on Hill Road in Flint for all of their needs to fully outfit a complete office – everything from tables to cotton balls to the most complicated diagnostic machines. Think, ekg, eeg, pulmonary devices, or maybe just a box of gloves. And – no shipping charges for local customers! Hospitals can buy diagnostic medical devices as well. Electra-med is a full service company currently employing eight people. Serving businesses locally and nationally (and in Canada), owner C. Michael Olmstead would like to increase his local business. The company is a full-service operation – everything from setup to repair and calibration. Olmstead is very proud of the company’s excellent customer service and is determined to assist customers through the lifecycle of the products they sell. He calls it “support of the sale,” which simply means, “we are there after the sale.” “We are a very hands-on, customer-oriented business,” he noted. The company’s Internet business is thriving. However, a large part of the local business is repairing and calibrating equipment in hospitals and physician’s offices. Products include pulse oximeters, blood pressure devices, otoscope/opthalmoscopes – in short, anything a doctor needs in a medical office. It is important to note that while they do a “walk-in business,” they are not a source for patient “walk-out-the-door” equipment like wheelchairs and crutches. Olmstead is an air force veteran and a native of Flint. He graduated from Carmen-Ainsworth High School and Genesee Junior College (now MCC), with a two-year degree in electronics, and took outreach courses at UM-Flint and trained in electronics. After the service, he returned to Flint with a goal of combining his desire to help people and his interest in the medical field with his electronics education. So, he began Electra-med in 1975 as a biomedical service company. “It’s important to me that people know this is a homegrown business, contributing the local economy,” Olmstead said. “Flint has been very good to me, which is why in 1975, I decided to locate my business here.” For more information, go to www.electramed.com. 22 on the town
C. Michael Olmstead
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Insight Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience by Marcia McGee The Great Lakes Technology Center has gone from being a world class automotive campus to a world class biomedical technology campus with a neuroscience focus that provides innovative medical, technology, sciences, research and physician clinical expertise. The Insight Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience (IINN) offers a variety of services ranging from a business incubator to education and training and an array of physical therapy and medical services. Recently, IINN announced an $18 million investment to expand and create up to 120 jobs. “It’s so important for us to have a world class center,” said Amer Iqbal, vice president of the Institute. “We want to help rejuvenate Flint. He said they plan to encourage researchers and entrepreneurs who use their incubator to stay and do business in Flint. “We don’t want to be just a bunch of world class doctors in a building,” Iqbal said. “It’s really about the program and the patients.” Business Incubator: The Business Incubator is designed to help people who have an idea with the next steps. A panel will evaluate ideas, assess the viability and potential based on several success factors. They will then provide recommendations and access to services to make a dream a reality: grant writing, and funding, legal, patent and marketing assistance. Education: The Biomedical Technology Campus strives for better patient care. The staff routinely participates in educating students of all types, providing many services: from a monthly lecture series to more indepth residencies and job shadowing, IINNovation is an on-site medical training program designed to provide first-hand knowledge and experience in the field of health and patient care. Since Insight’s facility houses a neurosurgeon’s practice, a physical therapy rehab center, and an MRI imaging clinic, students will be able to practice while receiving comprehensive training from highly educated instructors that work in the field. Medical Services: Insight Imaging, an MRI diagnostic testing facility, is partnered with the Cleveland Clinic to provide the most accurate results for patient care. The facility is also staffed with on site physicians, and provides musculoskeletal and abdominal imaging and neuroradiology. The Insight Physical Therapy and Neuro-Rehab Center uses a one-onone approach to physical therapy to reduce the pain from injuries, arthritis or other medical conditions. The center also provides massage therapists, manipulation therapy, and neuropsychiatry. Neuropsychiatry is a branch of medicine dealing with mental disorders caused by diseases of the nervous system. Some of the services offered include neuropsych evaluations as well as the treatment on non-epileptic seizures, post stroke depression, and anxiety with signs of epilepsy or dementia. The Institute also offers spinal cord stimulation therapy to treat Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Aerobics: The Institute holds aerobics classes every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with a certified personal trainer. Building Management: The Institute has a large amount of space to lease, including warehouse and office areas. 26 on the town
420 W. Fifth Avenue, Flint, Michigan 48503
Genesee County Community Mental Health Access Center for Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment (810) 257-3740 TTY (810)-232-6310 Toll Free (877) 346-3648
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM
Crisis Services
(810) 257-3740 TTY (810)232-6310
Customer Services
(810) 257-3705 TTY (810) 257-1346
Toll Free (877) 346-3648 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM
Help is Just a Phone Call Away
Hawley
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Taste of Gr Woodfield Country Club, Grand Blanc July 28, 2011
Bernie Odom, Sonja Champion
Chris, Jenniffer, Elliott & Spencer Dowd
Phil Smith, Lionel & Marsha Gonzales Melissa Schummer, Laurie Martin, Erin Lavere
Lindsey Hagan, Ciera Lynch, Cheryl Hunt Paul Harasti, Natalie Gerbasi Chris Hamilton, Jet Kilmer Dr. Gary Wease
Marni Mossman, Susan Jackon 28 on the town
Theresa Cooke, Chris Christakis Kathy Brundle
MariBeth Barns, Gregory Boggs
Pam Holmblade, Nancy Farrell Joyce Rice, Janet Farrell
rand Blanc Judith Bertram, Danielle Hodge
Mark Lemon, Jennifer Tremaine Jon Loughridge, Mark Kilmer Beverly Shomsky, Sixto Olivo Larry Ford, Cathy Lane, Berry Simon
Lena Dabish, Sara Bell, Sarah Parker Ashley Coughlin, Nick Montgomery, Casey Thompson
Jade Edwards, Amanda Cole Morgan Cherry, Monica Wilson
Chris Christakis, Laura Skubick Bob Sophiea Katie Clugston, Amy Rieck
Kathy Thompson, Mickie & Rob Ordway on the town
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Woodhaven Fall Festival September 17, 2011
Helena Wheeler, Allysa Lucero Jeremy Blake “Nella”
Mattie Nelson, Ralph Tibbs Mary Tibbs, Johnnie Hicks
Viola Forro, Gerry Erdwin, Peggy Davis Russ McGinley, Rachel Russell Jan Dressendofer, Mary Clark
Lee Dodge, Abby Cobb, Janet Wallace Jim Webber, Dave Webber
Beverly Knoblock, Nancy Scheetz 30 on the town
Sixto Olivo, Maryanne Rowley, Beverly Shomsky
The Wright Family
Elizabeth Jozsa, Anthony Coleman, Yvonne Rorro
Mike Pittenger, Edna Pittenger
Woodhaven Senior Community Staff
Elsie Paluch, Christy Winter
Authentic Mexican Cuisine and Cantina
Dinner • Lunch
Beautiful Events. Beautiful Price.
Drink Specials & Desserts
Happy Hour 2 ~ 6pm Monday ~ Friday
CATERING AVAILABLE
$300 Golden Margarita $300 Mexican Cervesa
4150 Miller Rd. Flint • 810.720.2921 21 S. Washington St. Oxford • 248.969.2801 www.casarealrestaurants.com
Brady Events & Marketing 110 E. Grand Blanc Rd. • Grand Blanc, MI 48439 810.953.4000 Studio www.bradyevents.com
Senior Community • • • • •
Family Owned & Operated • Emergency Call System Senior Independent Living • 20 Acre Campus with Pond, Exercise On-site Home Health Care with Path, & Community Vegetable Garden Assisted Living Services • Extensive Activities Spacious One & Two Bedroom • Complimentary Transportation Apartments and Two Bedroom Villas • Concierge Services 24 Hour Security Mission Statement: “Our mission is to provide quality housing and supportive services in a serene, natural setting. Seldom will you find a more comparable selection of amenities housed under state-of-art facilities than at Woodhaven.”
5201 Woodhaven Court • Flint, Michigan 48532 • (810) 230-1070 www.woodhavensenior.com on the town
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A Passion Fueled by Creativity
by Michael G. Thodoroff The pursuit of one’s vocation can sometimes be an arduous quest. Psychologists have developed theories, educators have developed courses and even parents have tried to bestow their wisdom to secure their children’s life calling. However there is a Greater Flint entrepreneur who has obtained his métier by staunchly following his passion for the arts driven by his intellective creativity. By day, Nik Gjonaj is the proprietor of one of the area’s finest five-star dining establishments - Luca’s Chophouse in Grand Blanc. Contributing to the restaurant’s superb dining ambiance are the displays of his affinity for film and media. A loyal Michigander and a dedicated family man, Nik is humble when talking about his nationally acclaimed accomplishments in the filmmaking industry. That’s right, our own Nik Gjonaj and his Illyria Entertainment Company have been awarded the prestigious Davey and Telley awards along with being a Riverside International Film Festival selection for their film documentary production of the Warrior King.
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The Davey is judged by the International Academy of Visual Arts, an invitation only body of top-tier professionals from acclaimed media, advertising and marketing firms while the Telley Awards honor the very best local, regional, and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions. These “Highest Achievement” honors were awarded to the “Warrior King” documentary film as “Best in Category” for both history and biography. As long as he can remember, Nik has had an affinity for films. He recalls being a fan of all genres from the classic old “Twilight Zone” stories to those quirky Asian Kung-Fu movies to good old-fashioned American films “that made you proud to be an American!” He said, “As I got older, I developed an appreciation for films and gravitated toward that industry not only from a creative perspective but a business perspective as well.” He attended Wayne State University in the early 1990’s, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Film Program. While attending classes there, he kept in contact with a friend who was attending the Columbia Film School in Los Angeles. As Nik’s creative passion grew, he made the life-altering decision to move out to the LA area. He enrolled in Pierce Community College’s (PCC) general curriculum while working part-time in local restaurants to make ends meet. He eventually collaborated with his friend on some student film projects while doing his own film work at PCC. He became more interested in the mechanics of film production and soon came to the realization “…. hey, I can do this!” Today he admits that because some aspects seem so complicated, he has gained the utmost respect for any filmmaker. Thinking back, Nik recalled that he was in LA during the dawn of the digital “revolution” with technologies expanding at a rapid pace. He remembers reading an article by Francis Ford Coppola who claimed that within ten years any person from some remote town not even listed on a map could produce their own film, find distribution avenues and become a full-time filmmaker. “That article really got me thinking,” he said in retrospect. “I considered myself kind of ‘old-school’ where I saw my friends in the movie business work their way up-the-ladder claw their way just to get something done and of course raise all kinds of capital. That was very grueling and I just couldn’t see myself following that process.” He landed a job with a local cable company and proceeded to expand his technical and conceptual expertise by working on cable access programming while also attending extra film courses at UCLA. During this time, a family friend of his was working for the then unknown writer, actor, director Quentin Tarantino and invited Nik to a screening of Tarantino’s first major film release of “Reservoir Dogs.” Nik said he was privileged to be in Tarantino’s company a few more times, and each time came away inspired. “The more I knew about him, I realized here was a driven genius,” he reflected, “and when it comes to storytelling and everything that comes with film making, he knocks it out of the park.” Nik also pointed out with conviction that a good story is a good story but like anything in business, a concept and a great product are essential, and little details must be executed, plus everything needs to get in the right hands for any hope of success. He added, “I was able to see the good, the bad, the ugly of the film industry but it was truly a great experience from all aspects. Make no mistake though, it is
risky business.” After spending just over four years in California, Nik’s midwestern roots began to tug. He longed to be with his family in Michigan but still wanted to explore creative avenues and utilize his now vast media experiences. Once home, he initially went the corporate route by landing a position at Bank of America headquarters in the Detroit area. After about a year, his father had an idea to open a fine dining establishment in the Genesee County area and asked that his son develop the project. Nik said, “Along with using my experience from working in restaurants back in LA, this was a way for me to build a concept and determine a look and a feel. I brought in very talented people to make this happen and it became a solid operating unit.” Luca’s Chophouse opened in July 2007 (see On The Town issue Vol. 1 No. II for complete review) Nik’s talented team allowed him the opportunity to explore more avenues of his creative appetite. Being of Albanian heritage, he recalled many a dinner and family gathering conversations about a great national hero back in the old country who was affectionately referred to as “Skanderbeg” or the “Warrior King.” His full name was George Kastrioti Skanderbeg. He was a 15th Century Albanian lord, who as leader of the League of Lexhë defended the region of Albania against the Ottoman Empire for more than two decades. Skanderbeg’s military skills presented a major obstacle to Ottoman expansion, and he was considered by many in Western Europe to be a model of Christian resistance against the Ottoman Muslims. He is Albania’s most important national hero and a core figure of the Albanian National Awakening. Through the years Nik became increasingly enthralled by this hero’s almost “superman” character and eventually wanted to know more details about the story. While on E-Bay on day, Nik saw a painting of this Warrior King up for auction. It was listed and created by Nua Gjelaj, an extraordinary artist of Albanian heritage. Gjonaj won the bid and when arranging the pick-up, the artist suggested meeting in person. Five hours later Nik discovered that Nua was a brilliant student of Albanian history and Nua
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discovered that Nik was itching to do some filmmaking so they decided to collaborate and do a film on this fabled crusader. After future meetings, they determined to go the documentary route so they could keep the story accurate and budget-friendly. To see and hear Nik Gjonaj describe the Warrior King’s story is to see a dynamic orator captivate an audience through his knowledge of the subject and his pure passion for the story. The story takes place during the 15th century Ottoman Empire expansion and their quest to take over Rome and the west. Skanderbeg was taken from his Albanian family, as were all European young boys, to be schooled in the ways of the Ottoman Turks. He developed into a fierce warrior and a brilliant tactician rising to the rank of general. Without giving away the entire story, he rebels and leads a group of Albanians back to their fatherland and for 25 years proceeds to provide his home country staunch resistance to the Turkish goal of world domination! The Turkish Sultan coroneted Kastrioti with the name of “Skanderbeg” – scander means Alexander, as in Alexander The Great and beg meaning general, which he became known by in the west. Scanderbeg eventually died in 1468 and after eight more years, the Turks finally broke the Albanian resistance and began to cross into Italy reaching Otranto - the eastern-most port on the Adriatic coast of southern Italy - with their sights fixed on Rome. As fate would have it, the Turkish Sultan - Mehmet the Conqueror – died. As dictated by traditional custom, he was taken back to Turkey, thereby halting the movement and, in essence, sparing the rest of the western world from an ugly fate. Nik pointed out that archives argue if it wasn’t for the resistance of Scanderbeg’s forces and other key players in the region, the Turks would have conquered Italy and quite possibly Western Civilization would have changed and history redefined. Nik knows this because he and Nua Gjelaj spent five exhausting years of research and fact finding. They obtained clearance for access to the Vatican Archives in Rome and travelled to places such as Austria, Albania, Kosovo, London, and Cambridge uncovering many untold details. They interviewed a lady in London who collected antique books who had one of the known books written by Marin Barteti, an Albanian catholic monk who actually witnessed and chronicled the age of Skanderbeg’s resistance. This book is over 500 years old! Nik had the filming done at the Holly State Recreation Area and Bloomfield Hills’ St. Hugo of the Hills church while all of the local actors donated their time. The post-production was done at Farmington Hills’ Digital Image Studios. Nik credits local cinematographer Anthony “Spike” Simms and graphic designer Robert Sturm as critical forces on the project. “All of the people we worked with,” Nik emphasized, “really supported this project because they not only brought their respective expertise but 34 on the town
became as passionate of the story as Nua and I were.” The Warrior King premiered to sold out audiences in New York and Detroit in 2007 resulting in overwhelming critical acclaim. It was first out of 18,000 films to win a best in category Telley Award and first out of 14, 000 to win a best in category Davey Award! Ironically, even though they secured a broadcast deal in Eastern Europe, that broke all pay-per-view records, they could not secure a broadcast on the very popular History Channel. While disappointing, Nik reasons “documentaries just do not carry much weight.” He is looking forward to a DVD release in a few months. Look for press releases and go to his film company’s website: www. illyriaentertainment.com to see the Warrior King’s movie trailer. His recent filmmaking success fueled his passion to do more. He is already well into the developmental workings of his next film – this time a fulllength feature film – on another story “that should be told.” It is a story that will make Flint proud: the story of Billy Durant, a dynamic industrial visionary and creator of General Motors. “Do you realize what this one person has done for America?” Nik says as his eyes light up. “This guy was, no IS, the epitome of the American entrepreneur. He went from rags to riches – two times! It could be reasoned that a majority of America has been touched by this man’s legacy. We will do it justice – we’ll stay true to the story and stay away from politically correct things that often alter real stories & their true value”. Writers are in place, scripts are being written, production crews and postproduction houses are being reviewed. Clearly, securing the funding will demand the most time and resources. However, always moving forward, Nik says the project is formally registered with a working title of “The Founder of the Feast.” Go to the website listed above for updates on this highly anticipated project. With a very active, full life, Nik thoroughly enjoys time with his wife of 10 years Lidija and their two sons three- year-old Luca and two-year-old Vata. Spending quality family time also gives Nik time to reflect on his award-winning filmmaking efforts as well other creative projects down the line. “I think the story of Skanderbeg is ‘Braveheart meets Lord of the Rings’ in many ways and it would make a hell of a feature film. Let’s see what happens. ” Then in a solemn tone, he expressed, “That film project was very tough in many ways but I would do it all over again. I got to meet some great people while honing my skills and learning about myself as a filmmaker and what it really takes. I have to give every filmmaker tremendous credit. And I am eternally grateful for everyone who worked and supported us in the making of the Warrior King.
Friends of Mayor Walling Rowe Building Auguest 18, 2011
Nayyirah Shariff Isaiah Oliver
Dr. Apparao Mukkamala, Mayor Dayne Walling Erycka Hunter
Carrie Walling, Tamra Klaty, Jen Bade
Dr. Pete Bade, Brian Smith
Keith Kirby, Dean Yeotis, Paul Newman
Lynda Yeotis Ginger & Peter Flanders
Tracy Brewington, Kathleen Gazall, Steve Montle, Jacque Valley, Anthony Panneck
Wyn & Jodie Cooper, John Gazall Donyale Walton, James Thigpen Jr
Peggy & Joe Cooper, Harmony Langford
Heather Kale, Cathy Lancaster, Nayyirah Shariff, Amy Krug, Joe Dennis
Camille Koger, Kyle McCree Chris Everson on the town 35
The Rotarians Do New Orleans by Mark Lemon The 2011 International Rotary Convention in New Orleans was an opportunity for Rotarians from around the world to meet, learn about the many projects Rotary sponsors, and strengthen their commitment to service. Flint Rotary Club President Tiffany Anderson Flynn, along with other Rotarians and friends, spent several days in downtown New Orleans. The trip was led by Rebecca Bartley, a Flint Rotary Club member who was born and raised in NOLA (what the locals call the city). During the trip, they kept a diary of the best places to eat, drink and have fun downtown. Below are some of the highlights:
Dining
NOLA on St. Louis. Fine dining with a Cajun edge. A level of food quality and service unlike typical restaurants. The waiters sat down every plate for our party of 10 in unison. They don’t ask if your meal was perfect - they know it is. Try the delicious crab cake appetizer: meaty inside with a fried outer shell. The Duck Pizza got rave reviews, but Sherry Dodge Schlinker said to avoid the espresso martinis unless you plan to stay awake all night. Brennan’s on Royal Street. Specialty breakfast served anytime. Try the Grits and Grillades, a traditional, lightly breaded veal dish. Home of the original Bananas Foster made table side. You will not be disappointed; movie stars eat here. Commander’s Place on Washington in the Garden District. Just around the block from Sandra Bullock’s home. Very expensive, but good food and great service. Try the outstanding turtle soup, and bread pudding. The foie gras Du Monde is the best outside of Paris. Jacques-Imo’s on Oak Street. Just a quick cab ride uptown, this restaurant offers an offbeat, cluttered, casual atmosphere. Great Creole/Cajun menu. Start with fried green tomatoes, order the duck entree, and finish with Alligator Cheesecake. Oysters, BBQ shrimp and baked Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse on Ibercrab at Arnaude’s Remoulade ville between Bourbon & Royal Street. 36 on the town
Skip dinner and make a meal of oysters, soup and dessert. Rebecca Bartley ordered the Bourbon Milk Punch. After a sip, everyone else ordered one too. Arnaude’s Remoulade on Bourbon Street. In the afternoon, sit at the oyster bar and enjoy fresh oysters cracked and cleaned while you make your dinner plans. Matt and Sherry Schlinker tried Stuffed Crab for the first time here, and it is now one of their favorite dishes. Mike Serio’s PoBoys & Deli on St. Charles Street. This diner was made famous by Bobby Flay on the Food Network. Cafeteria style seating with a LSU sports theme. A local favorite, known for their Muffalatta sandwich: French bread, deli meats and olive salad. Green Goddess on Exchange Place. This new-age fusion restaurant has a chef willing to take risks. Jennifer Tremaine said the apple-stuffed cheddar French toast was incredible. Try the Solidarity Sunshine cocktail: Sparkling Meyer Lemon Juice, Sobieski Vodka and fresh basil. It is the perfect grown-up’s lemonade. Café Du Monde on Decatur St. A Beignet is a NOLA tradition enjoyed by natives and tourists alike: hot fried dough drenched in white powdered sugar. The only food Jennifer would queue for - and she hates standing in lines. They are that addictive. A window out back lets you watch Beignets being made on site. Eat them instantly, and don’t wear dark clothing, or you’ll be a mess all day.
Joe Kiple, Rebecca Bartley, Mark Lemon, Jennifer Tremaine, Matt Schlinker, Sherry Schlinker, Tiffany Anderson Flynn, Carol Kiple, Steve Flynn
Cocktails
Bar Tonique on North Rampart Street. If you haven’t tried hand-crafted cocktails yet, you owe it to yourself to experience these. Modeled after the original Bar Tonique in France, the bartenders are like chefs: every drink is made from fresh fruit, herbs and spices, and prepared individually while you watch. Even the tonic and soda water is made fresh daily. Old Absynthe House on Bourbon and Bienville. Claims to be the oldest bar in America. Even the dust in this open, corner bar is old. Mark Lemon ordered absinthe in the traditional French style over a sugar cube, and discovered why it was banned in America until 2007. Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street. The exquisitely decorated bar that rotates slowly as you enjoy your cocktail is the centerpiece of this 19th century hotel. The Carousel was voted the best hotel bar by New Orlean natives, and everyone agreed.
Things to do
Carriage Ride on Decatur St. After you’ve enjoyed a beignet and coffee at Café Du Monde, walk across the street and arrange a carriage ride. Take the longest tour they offer, preferably one that stops at both a bar and a cemetery. Ask for Collin…tell him Amy Krug and Ellen Brothers sent you. Funky Pirate Blues Bar. The best blues you’ll hear on Bourbon Street. Big Al Carson is the headliner, and he is a very big man. Even when he sings risqué lyrics you cannot help but smile. Order a Hand Grenade cocktail for the full experience. Spotted Cat on Frenchmen Street. A single, tiny room with cement floors. This is where the locals go to hear genuine New Orleans blues played on a steel guitar, harmonica and washboard. The music starts at 6:30pm, but it is standing room only by 6. If you haven’t danced since disco, here’s a tip: you cannot “bump”
to Washboard Chaz - disco isn’t like the blues. Afterward, stroll back towards Bourbon Street and buy a feather mask and beads in one of the storefronts along the way. The music will inspire you to make your own Mardi Gras. HBO’s Treme. Scenes from this weekly HBO series are shot every day somewhere downtown. If you stumble on a set, stand around for a few minutes and chat with the crew while waiting for the actors to arrive, or just watch the extras rehearsing their street shots. Antique Shopping Row. Start at Canal Street, and head north on Royal. You’ll find a dozen antique shops in three blocks. Each is like a miniature museum. Mark says to stop at the Touche Bar or St. Louis for a glass of Pinot Grigio, then walk back down Chartres Street to discover even more treasure.
Where to stay
The Inn on Bourbon Street. This Ramada Inn is modeled after the Old French Opera House. Since you’re in the center of the French Quarter, you can freshen up after a day of sightseeing before you dress for dinner. Matt Schlinker reserved a balcony room, bought $50 worth of Mardi Gras beads, and everyone spent an evening tossing them down to the Bourbon Street tourists. Good clean fun. Lafitte Guest House on Bourbon and St. Phillip Streets. Joe and Carol Kiple stayed in this 1849 French-style mansion in the residential area of the French Quarter. They could enjoy the party on Bourbon Street, Carol Kiple, then walk three blocks to the Lafitte and get a Amy Krug quiet night’s rest. The Flint Rotarians can report that six years after Katrina, downtown New Orleans is alive with excitement. You owe it to yourself to visit soon. on the town
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Economy Print and Graphics:
3 Decades of Success
by Edith Campbell Jeff Geisert has been in the printing business for three decades, beginning as an employee for Mr. Speedy Print next to Uncle Bob’s Diner, a downtown landmark on Harrison Street. As a child, he spent his Saturdays downtown visiting a stamp collector business above the Kresge’s dime store and browsing through Citizens Printing Company, imagining what it would be like to reproduce images. He kept his dream alive until he obtained a job running a press at Mr. Speedy Print in 1972. He has never wanted to do anything else. After working in a print shop for several years, he developed a desire to own his own business. In 1985, he formed a partnership in the Uptown Printing Company, a store that occupied several storefronts in the downtown area through the years. In 1988, he took total ownership of the closed Economy Shoe Store at 432 S. Saginaw Street and adapted its familiar moniker. “We kept the name ‘Economy’,” said Geisert, “because it was a solid identity and it also conveyed the right message (economy) for our business. We operated at that location for eight years until finding a spot around the corner at 134 W. Second Street next to the Piccadilly Restaurant (now Pages Book Store) on the corner of Buckham Alley. We are in the heart of a busy downtown and we’re doing great - with plans to grow. Downtown business is filtering in and we continue to have clients across the county.” Economy Print experienced a lean time before and after the 9/11 tragedy when businesses were struggling with layoffs and cutbacks. When businesses began to rebound, Geisert says he began to see a real 38 on the town
renewal of his business and has enjoyed an upward trend ever since. His quaint shop resembles an antique store from the outside and is decorated inside with numerous memorabilia. A colorful decorated racecar can be seen in the area as an advertising gimmick and his “hobby business, “Cruise Flint” is involved in arranging car shows and cruises. His car, seen below, played a role in the recent filming of the SEMI PRO movie. Economy Print is a design and printing company that enables businesses to bring their creative ideas to fruition. Geisert often discusses concept with clients before the client has even formulated a plan. In fact, he says, creativity is his specialty; second only to good price and quick delivery. Technology has enabled him to build business. By going to his web site, customers can select products, create their own look by merely clicking on a detail and sending the order to Geisert. Not only is this expeditious, but the customer can take advantage of his low pricing and have the order sent directly to them. Economy Print can produce any printed matter, banners, auto/window lettering, door hangers, CD and DVD packages, in addition to many standard business advertising items. When creating real estate signs of all kinds, his service includes pick up, installation and take down. His hightech equipment can handle almost any program file that is given to him. At another location, he has a factory that handles screen printing, textiles and countless sales promotion items. He has plans to expand his offerings by having products and services available at still other locations. Orders, information and ideas can be handled by Geisert’s assistant, Megan Aasland at 810-239-0511 or by visiting www.economyprintandgraphics. com. General information can be obtained at artwork@economyprintandgraphics.com
Taking You Beyond Point of Sale Helping our clients create greater success by leveraging today’s latest point of sale technology into increased profits through hard work, commitment and strong relationships. • • • • • • •
POS Hardware & Software Online Ordering Solutions Credit Card Processing Web Based Reporting Advanced Surveillance Systems Gift & Loyalty Programs Smart Phone Integration
810.422.5598 • on the town
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Casa Real by Vagios Young Alberto Pimentel, owner of the Casa Real restaurants in Oxford and Flint, never wanted his establishments to be run-of-the-mill Tex-Mex places. So many Mexican restaurants do a good job of replicating Mexican border town cuisine, but there is a lot more to Mexican cuisine and culture than the border towns. Alberto’s desire was to bring authentic tastes and look of Mexico to Oxford and Flint, and he has succeeded. The restaurants hang their hat (I mean sombrero) on the authentic recipes Alberto learned from his mother and four sisters in his home town of Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico. Of course, you can’t have a Mexican restaurant without the staple: chips and salsa, burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, nachos, and taco salad. These are definitely some of the best staples in the area. Our fist visit was to the Flint restaurant. We tried some of those staples, starting with the chips and salsa. I know, I know, this is authentic? But, I wanted to check up on his statement that they perform more
Alberto Pimentel, Socorra Torres than up to par on the old standbys. They certainly did! The chips where crispy and well- seasoned. The salsa had a nice bite and consistency, with a pleasant, but not overpowering, after taste. Clearly, everything was freshly made. We then tried a specialty of the house, the gordita. They are made with a flat bread that is a cross between pita bread and arepas (soft fried biscuits made with corn meal) and stuffed with your choice of shredded beef, pork or barbacoa (seasoned beef), beans and cheese served with lettuce, tomato, and sour cream on the side. This dish is a high-end taco and is very tasty and satisfying. 40 on the town
We also ordered a Mexican club torta which is a sandwich filled with your choice of steak, chorizo, chicken or pork, with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeño and avocado. It rivals anything Subway has to offer. We then tasted a couple of dinner specialties. The first was Carnitas Laguneras, a simple serving of roast pork simmered in its own juice, with guacamole, rice, beans, pico de gallo and tortillas. The dish was tender and delicious. The last dish was the top of the line Seafood Molcajete. A molcajete is a stone tool, the traditional Mexican version of the mortar and pestle tool, used for grinding food. It resembles a goblet and was over-sized and filled with grilled tilapia., shrimp, scallops, crab, onions, green peppers and mushrooms, topped with cheese and a golden sauce. “Ay caramba.” Don’t forget to save room for dessert: flan, tres leche and the piece de resistance, banana chimichanga and fried ice cream. Alberto also wanted to represent the “real” Mexico in the décor. You’ll see what I mean when you walk in and you are met with a riot of festive colors. Banners of reds, blues, greens, oranges and yellows festoon the ceiling. The place is vibrant, lively and sets a very positive mood. It’s decorated in bas relief carvings covered with glass of original Mexican settings with an Aztec flavor. All are hand-carved and painted by Mexican artisans and imported to Flint. The whole place screams celebration. In fact, we ran into a couple old friends there. Dave Danahue and his mother, Theresa, were celebrating her “39th” birthday. She doesn’t look a day over 38. Alberto’s first restaurant was in Oxford and expanded to Flint a year ago. Expansion needs good management. That’s where Socorra Torres, the current manager of the Flint location, came in. She and Alberto had gone to high school together in Gomez Palacio. She was working in a Brownsville restaurant when he called her. He remembered her as an engaging, friendly, and attractive person who he could trust. She remembered him as a nice boy from a good family who was crazy about soccer and boxing, just like every other high school boy in town. She never thought he would later become instrumental in bringing her to Michigan and promoting her career as a restaurateur. Casa Real has a full bar, a dozen varieties of margaritas and a happy hour from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Kids eat free on Tuesdays. The restaurant is open Monday-Thursday, 11:00 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday, 11:00 am to 11:00am, Sunday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. For more information, see www.casarealrestaurants.com.
why should we celebrate 75? The movie, “Jaws”, premiered in ’75
“Designing for our Community” Founded 1968 - Downtown Flint MOTT FOUNDATION BUILDING 503 S. Saginaw • Suite 100 Flint, MI • (810) 239-4691 www.Gazall-Lewis.com
75% of all raisi ns eaten by peop le in the United States are ea ten at breakfast. In one trip, a honey bee visits about 75 flower s
Lewis & Knopf has been in business for 75 years!
Celebrating
75 Motor Car and In the Home of the First Back to the Bricks
For more information about Lewis & Knopf or our services, please visit our website at www.lewis-knopf.com. Flint: 810-238-4617 Brighton: 810-225-1808
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There’s No Place Like The Neighborhoodsm
Home of the Torch Burger
All the taste. None of the trade-offs. Try the Unbelievable Great Tasting & Under 550 Calories Menu! TM
Flint Institute of Arts
810-232-0626
Burtrum Furs of Grand Blanc, Inc.
Amish Quilts From the Collection of Marsha & Thomas French
9.10.11 – 11.13.11 1120 E. Kearsley St. Flint, MI 48503 810.234.1695 flintarts.org
Broken Star (detail), cotton, 1920–30, 83 x 82 inches, Collection of Marsha & Thomas French Photo: Gary j. Kirksey, Larry Hamel Lambert, and Sam Girton. Courtesy of the Dairy Barn Arts Center.
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TARGET FREE SATURDAYS
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• Womens & Mens Furs • Cashmeres & Leathers • Consignment & Estate Furs We offer repairs, restyles, cleaning, computerized monograms, insurance appraisals, storage and more.
810.771.4563 www.burtrumfurs.com 321 East Grand Blanc Rd. Grand Blanc, MI Since 1937
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Founded in 1979 We are ISO 9001:2008 Certified RFID Capable
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Minority-owned GSA contract holder CAGE CODE: 2S174 3M Distributor NEW On-Demand Webinar Series available on our website via the “media” tab
Flint, Michigan • (810) 235-6120
Serving the Needy Since 1950
Providing shelter, food, clothing, education and spiritual help for individuals and families. Find us on
www.carriagetown.org 605 Garland • Flint, MI • 810-233-8787 on the town
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All
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Domes tic Btl. Be er
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Flint Genesee Job Corps
$2. 25
FLINT, MICHIGAN
The Biggest Little Bar in Flint All the time Every day Every night
• Great daily food specials • $5.00 and under menu • College Football Saturday breakfast $6.25 cocktail included
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Medical Career Technical Trade include: • Certified Nursing Assistant • Certified Medical Assistant • Dental Assistant • Pharmaceutical
The Advanced Career Training (ACT) is offered at Mott Community College
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www.scootersflint.com • Corner of Hill Rd. & Torrey Rd.
Flint Genesee Job Corps Center combines the Best Job Corps Campus has to offer with innovations such as,On-site Residential Living Facilities and Child care with parenting classes.
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Servicing Downtown Flint Since 1972 PRINTING • Business Cards • Brochures • Calendars • Flyers • Posters • Postcards • Presentation Folders • Tent Cards • T-Shirts • Signs VINYL • Banners • Posters (Wide) ✮ Non-Proffit Discounts ✮ • Window Decals Visit our website at • Yard Signs www.economyprintandgraphics.com And Much More We are located in downtown Flint, Michigan at 134 W. Second Street
Politicia Secret ns
(810) 239-0511
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Fall In Love
with Apples and Sweet Potatoes
Fall is in the air with smell of apples and apple pies baking in the oven. The aroma of baked sweet potatoes and sweet potato pie, a traditional southern favorite, also fills the air and makes the fall season special. It is a beautiful time of the year with the changing colors and the harvesting of fruits and fall vegetables. I have picked these two foods to write about because they are my seasonal favorites! And apples and potatoes can be combined with so many other fruits and vegetables for fiber and tasty nutrition. I have added grated apples to my turkey stuffing and it was delicious. Sweet potatoes are taking over as a great side dish and many toppings can be added such as nuts, low fat cheese, and cinnamon, all of which are heart healthy. Fresh and locally grown vegetables and fruits push folks to farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Fall festivals are popular, now selling homegrown vegetables to eat and for decoration. Michigan is the second largest apple producing state in the nation behind Washington. Nutrition and health is so important for our mind, body, and mental stability. The seasonal harvest of apples is full of fiber, and fiber helps to rid the body of waste. So it is easy to taste many varieties of apples. There are so many new crunchy apples to eat thanks to hybrids. And sweet potatoes are full of beta-carotene, which is a B vitamin and an antioxidant. This vegetable has a powerful combination of nutrition and fiber and is very economical. Both are delicious cooked or raw, yes sweet potatoes can be eaten raw on the veggie tray. High fiber foods also fill you up, so eat away to avoid overeating of high carbohydrates and empty calories. Baking sweet potatoes and adding walnuts to them make it a rich source of fiber, protein, and nutrients. The nutrient beta carotene and fiber healthy nuts actually can lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and is good for the heart. The Indians taught the Pilgrims about planting in the ground and harvesting. The sweet potato was not topped with sugar, salt, and marshmallows. In its natural form, and vegetable doesn’t contain sodium, which promotes high blood pressure. Recently I have eaten sweet potato fries and they are delicious. Fried in canola oil, a monounsaturated fat, is better since these fats are considered good fats and lower bad cholesterol. I love to eat French fries so I found a way to eat them more nutritiously. Finding ways to be creative in our fall recipes is important especially since we live in the 21st century and not in the 1600’s. Prices for locally grown fruits and veggies are good. These days it is always best to be economical. Farmers’ markets are popular these days offering a variety of vendors, taste testing, and music. Many markets give classes and offer recipes. It can be a wonderful family outing. Be creative and experiment with being healthy. Add apples to your salads and add a thin slice of apple your turkey sandwiches. Add sweet potatoes to your minestrone soups and casseroles. Mix it up and have fun. Happy Fall! Therese Leyton
Financial Planning David Prochazka Financial Advisor Over 30 Years of Experience 3340 Beecher Rd. #2 • Flint, MI 48532
(810) 287-1805 Cell (810) 659-0880 Fax david.prochazka@questarcapital.com
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