onthetown Magazine Volume 2 Issue 6 by onthetown Magazine

Vol. II No. VI

Cooper Commercial Group, Ltd.

2 on the town

on the town

P.O. BOX 320275 FLINT, MI 48532 O:810-407-6828 F:810-407-6831

VOLUME II

NO. VI

PUBLISHED BY:

Global Network Publishers LLC EDITOR: Marcia McGee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Edith Campbell Erin Incarnati Dale Keipart Sue Lauber Therese Leyton Marcia McGee Pat Mroczek Laurie Prochazka Rich Reed Yvonne Sova Michael Thodoroff

Debby Molina & Zackary Scott Publisher: Karen Smith DIRECTOR: Michelle Blaisdell OFFICE MANAGER: Laura Ulman SALES ASSOCIATES:

Karen Smith Debby Molina

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.

e ditor ’s let t e r Dear on the town Reader:

It’s been a great year. We have published six magazines and are shooting for eight next year. There are so many great people, businesses and happenings in Flint that every issue we have gone beyond the number of pages we had planned. So we decided to add two more issues. We know that you love the party pictures and we plan to publish more. But, we can’t publish every one that Debby takes, so go to the web site, www.onthetown.com to see even more pictures. Or like us on Facebook to see a running tally of events in Flint. For the second time, I have to give a shout out to Harmony Langford at the YWCA. She hit a home run (I really don’t like sports analogies, but I can’t think of anything else) with her Circle of Women luncheon. Mildred Muhammad, abused wife of the DC Sniper, was the featured speaker talking on the topic of domestic violence. Her theme was the fact that you don’t need scars to show that you have been abused. The event was a sell out, with 400 women. How powerful is that? Harmony, I don’t know how you are going to top that next year, but we are here to help. Next, I want to congratulate all of the Athena Award nominees, including my boss, Karen Smith, nominated by Jet Kilmer. Karen has been a staunch, enthusiastic supporter of Flint for as long as I can remember. She is a Flint native and really loves this community. She started working in the advertising business many years ago. She is dedicated to supporting the community and highlighting the many great things we have going for us. I also want to congratulate the Athena winner this year, Lucy Ham. Lucy has been and continues to be a wonderful real estate agent and example of what women should aspire to be. Karen and I also congratulate all of her fellow nominees, each bringing something fabulous to the community. We also congratulate Kim and Kelsay Mannor, winners of the 2012 Sybyl Award for their work with Hurley Medical Center. Kelsay was born with cerebral palsy and does volunteer work with her mother, Kim. This holiday season please look for those around you that may need food, gifts, or even a little boost up. What strikes me is the diversity of this community. So whatever you celebrate, please share with those who are less fortunate. There are so many needy and worthwhile charities for you to consider. Whether it is the girls at Nina’s Place at the YWCA or the Food Bank or any of the organizations that touch your heart, please dig deep and share your joy. The staff of on the town Magazine, Karen Smith, Michelle Blaisdell, Debby Molina, Laura Ulman, Paije Schmittdiel and I wish all of you the most happiest and blessed of the holiday season. We are looking forward to 2013 and some surprises to come. Blessings,

Marcia McGee, editor Fabiano Brothers: Most of you know that the fabulous Fabiano Brothers out of Bay City acquired Tom Ryan Distributors a few years ago. They have been pretty great about becoming a member of the Flint community. In addition to their operations in Flint, Bay city, Saginaw and Petoskey, they have recently acquired Baer’s Beverage is Wausau, Wisconsin. Look for a story about them in the next issue. On the Cover: Front - Karen Cape, Leo Seide, Win Cooper, Tim Pittenger, Back - Mike Wizynajtys, James Dowsett, Dan Groleau, Mark Mitchell.

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CALL:

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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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con t e n t s cover

volume II no. vI

06 Win Cooper III

business 08 A Credit Union with a PLUS 10 Old World Craftsman and Gentleman 13 BNI, Changing the Way the World Does Business

education 14 Baker College

medical 17 UM-Flint + iiNN = CCN 21 Interventional Procedures Result in Remarkable Recovery for McLaren Stroke Patient

23 Genesys Plans to Open Downtown Flint Health Center

community 24 Raising Another Woof 30 Navy SeaBee Slogan – ‘Can Do’ And they did!

sports 29 Flint City Derby Girls

travel 34 beware wild hogs on turquoise trail

culture 39 Flint's Own World Healing Program

real estate now 43 Real Estate 2013 - This is Your Time

restaraunt

44 Little Joe’s Food and Spirits

mortgage news 46 today's business owners give more to get a mortgage

social marketing 50 Want Email Success? Think little!

nutrition 60 Squash it up for the Holidays

photo spreads 18 2012 Athena Awards 26 pink night 36 Holiday parade & 3rd annual santa run 40 heddy's annual open house 48 looking back at 2012 52 2nd annual gala for universal kidney foundation 56 Priority Children Fundriaser

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Cov e r Stor y

Win Cooper,

So Much More than a Realtor! By Marcia McGee

Win and his grandson Gabriel

Winfield L. Cooper,

, president

of the Cooper Commercial Group, Ltd., has a lot of talent. He owns a very successful commercial real estate company, flies his own plane, wins major sailboat races, is a son, brother, husband, father and grandfather.

6 on the town

He comes from a strong real estate background. His grandfather, great uncle, father and uncle were all in the real estate business. He started as a kid doing appraisals with his father in Port Huron. “I always understood that I would go into the real estate business. I set my goals at age 18 while working with my father. We listened to Zig Ziglar, the motivational speaker, on cassette tapes in the car while we were driving from appraisal to appraisal. We would usually leave at 6:00 in the morning; our record was 18 residential inspections in one day.” Win has accomplished one of his goals of owning the largest, most successful commercial real estate firms in the area. He is a member of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR), Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), the Real Estate Alumni of Michigan (RAM) and the National Association of Realtors. Cooper attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with a concentration in Real Estate and Finance and an MBA with a concentration in Finance. Subsequently, he worked for real estate firms and banks in Ann Arbor, Southfield and Chicago. He returned to Michigan in 1985 and managed a large commercial property portfolio for the Hurand Family, known for their chain of "Dawn Donuts," before starting his own company in 1989. Discussing the current commercial real estate market, he noted that things are starting to improve. “The market was strong until 2008 and then, of course, it died. The last four years have been "interesting" (Win's favorite word). The biggest driver of improvement is the upturn in the automotive market. Today, Genesee County's single strongest market is industrial. The vacant industrial building opportunities are phenomenal. You can buy today at 40 to 50 percent of their prior values; but beware, there is no longer a large amount of vacant buildings from which to choose. The market has improved significantly.” He explained that while Grand Blanc and Fenton are very strong, Flint is improving as well. “We sold a 100,000 SF building in the city this year and also leased one of a similar size in the city.” A great example of a partially vacant building that is up for sale is a 260,000 SF industrial building. The asking price is $5.8 million, down from $10.5 million a few years ago. The building is only 13 years old and sits on 15.5 acres, and is adjacent to Bishop Airport and close to I-75 and I-69. Cooper is not involved in the Uptown Reinvestment Corporation, but he wanted to commend them for the “extraordinary job they are doing downtown.” They are bringing Flint back. Clearly, his father and grandfather were major influences in Cooper’s life. He is also quick to point out that Leo Seide, who works for him, is his “Flint father,” has been a mentor and friend to him for the past 20 years. Leo is Senior Vice President at Cooper Commercial. To Win it is a lot

like sailing. You need the right crew in the right place doing the right job for everyone to succeed. His father and grandfather also influenced his life on the Great Lakes. Lifetime boaters, his grandfather bought a Chris Craft power boat in 1971, which Cooper now owns. His father taught him sailboat racing, which he excels at, winning eight Port Huron to Mackinac races (and quite a few second and third place finishes). He currently co-owns “Shape,” a Santana 35, and is what is known as an “Old Goat” in race parlance which means he has sailed in at least 25 Mackinac races (he has actually sailed in 26). He is a member of Port Huron Yacht Club and past commodore of the Mackinac Island Yacht Club. But, as far as hobbies, his first love is flying. Cooper said, “I think I am a pretty good sailor, but a better pilot." As far as influences, his grandmother, Maybelle Kurzweil, flew when she was 16. In Cooper’s office there is a framed copy of a letter she received from Amelia Earhart. He has been flying for 34 years and currently co-owns a Bonanza and manages and flies a King Air 200. His aviation resume is impressive. He has his proficiency card for several types of aircraft and has his Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, which is the highest level of aircraft pilot license. He is also president of AV Solutions, Inc., a licensed FAA and Michigan Aircraft dealer. He created the company to acquire, upgrade, and sell single engine, multi engine, twin turbine, and light jet aircraft. Carrying his love of aviation even further, he is currently chairman of the Bishop Airport Authority Board. Cooper is also an active member of Angel Flight, which is a group of pilots that volunteer their time, aircraft and fuel to fly critically ill patients to medical treatment, or to fly patients needing transplants to medical centers where organs are available. “For example,” he explained, “if a patient in mid-Michigan gets a call that a kidney is available in Madison, Wisconsin, where there is a large transplant center, he only has four hours

Pictured on this page: Top right - the yacht"Shape". Bottom - Maybelle Kurzweil.

to get them there and the only way is by plane, over the lake.” He has quite a few heartwarming stories about his flights, so if you see him, ask him to tell you about them. Locally, Cooper is past president of the Tall Pine Boy Scout Council, Commercial Board of Realtors (CBOR), and the University of Michigan Flint-School of Business Advisory Board. He and his wife Jodie have been married for 13 years and have two grown children and one grandson. Cooper’s personal philosophy is this: There’s the right way and the Cooperizing way: do it right the first time.

on the town

Bu s n es s

A Credit Union with a PLUS by: Michael G. Thodoroff

To survive the past few years of this country’s economic turmoil, organizations with an established solid foundation, strong leadership, and competitive products all guided by a stable mission have pleasantly emerged and are poised to share in the prosperity of a recovering future. Leading the way on our local front is the Flint-founded and based Financial Plus Federal Credit Union. And it’s no mystery why they are stronger than ever. Current CEO Jill Reno is very frank concerning their emergence through the economic downturn. “Basically, our assets were invested in our membership” she pointed out. “We stayed away from those mortgage-backed securities as we had the mortgages of our own members on our books.” Additionally, she cited the organization took a critical yet very conservative approach to lending. She was quick to mention however, there is a big difference between strict lending and careful lending. Reno also noted the success can largely be attributed to the vision and leadership of their board of directors, their dedicated employees’ spirit of giving back to the community, and the credit union’s internal leadership. Chris Pagan of Financial Plus’ marketing department, echoes Reno’s assessment but goes on to cite they are factually among the strongest financial institutions in the country as rated by the prestigious BauerFinancial firm. Bauer Financial is the source for unbiased, independent bank and credit union star-ratings. No institution pays for its rating or can they avoid a rating. When each bank and credit union files their required detailed financial report with the federal regulators, BauerFinancial obtains this data in its raw form directly from the government. This quarterly data is then subjected to a thorough analysis and is compared with historical data for consistency. Upon completion of the analysis, a star-rating is assigned based on a scale of zero to five stars with five stars being the strongest. Pagan enthusiastically proclaimed that Financial Plus has earned a five Star rating for nine consecutive quarters! “We are very proud of those ratings because our members too, are an integral part of our success,” he proudly stated. Note, he does not use the term “customers”. “We look at people as members, 8 on the town

not customers,” he underscored. Financial Plus recently celebrated their 60th anniversary as a credit union in Flint. Being a 38-year employee, Jill Reno is very fluent on the organization’s roots. She said it all began in October of 1952 when Cheve-Flint Federal Credit Union opened its doors to serve the employees of the sprawling Chevrolet Motor Company. It actually started working out of the basement of a UAW Local 659 hall on Glenwood St. near the factory site affectionately known as “Chevy In The Hole.” Over the years, membership expanded to include other GM factories so it was necessary for the name to change to reflect this growth. They became known as the West Side Auto Workers Federal Credit Union in 1956 and in 1965 was revised to the West Side Auto Employees Federal Credit Union. In 2002, they made a transformation into a community-chartered credit union at which time Financial Plus Federal Credit Union became their name. Today, their charter includes all of Genesee County, Lapeer County, Shiawassee County, and parts of Livingston County. The members of these communities have the privilege of doing business with a full service financial institution at five branch locations. Chris Pagan mentioned that while their focus is on all aspects of loans, they have a full range of business and investment services too. “One of our goals is to reinvest in our membership in the form of lower loan rates and higher dividend rates,” he said. Financial Plus has an attractive program that is exclusive to its members. Known as the Benefits Plus program, it offers a myriad of discounts at over 600 local businesses, an identity theft protection program, various travel services, discounts on national restaurant gift cards and theme parks, a 90day purchase protection on most new purchases and a 1/2% APR discount on 12-month unsecured loans. Just as the Financial Plus Federal Credit Union has earned a five star business rating, they’ve earned a public five star rating, so to speak, as well. Recently, The Grand Blanc News and The Swartz Creek View recognized and awarded Financial Plus Federal Credit Union their “Favorite Credit Union” in 2012 by their respective readers’ poll. Visit the Financial Plus Federal Credit Union’s website at www.financialplusfcu.org .

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Bu s n es s

Old World Craftsman and Gentleman By Marcia McGee Guenter Beholz is a delight to interview. His old world charm, his sweetness and his very current views of life, politics and business make time fly. His love of people and his craft shine through. Mr. Beholz has been in the jewelry and watch business for more than 50 years: 30 in downtown Flint and five at his current location in Fenton. Born in Germany, he learned his trade as an apprentice for three years in horology, followed by one year in a watch factory (horology: the art or science of making timepieces). “Unfortunately, the apprentice system does not really exist in the United States anymore. That is why our profession is in distress. However, apprenticeship still exists in Europe,” he said. “A few years ago, a young man asked me to teach him watch making and repair. I told him he could work for four years with no pay while I taught him. He was appalled. ‘No pay?’ he said. I told him that kids pay to go to college to learn, why should I pay him to learn? Some time after, he told me his parents had agreed to let him go to Germany to be an apprentice. He is probably somewhere in the country now making and repairing watches.” In Europe, he learned to make the parts needed to repair old watches. “You can’t just go to a catalog and order parts for older timepieces,” he explained. Touring his small work room is a testament to that. The space is filled with watches and jewelry waiting to be repaired and filled with the tools needed to make the repairs. “Most stores now days send their repairs out. My customers’ pieces never leave the premises.”

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Guenter Beholz and his daughter Leeza.

After leaving Germany, and before the Berlin Wall was built, Mr. Beholz worked for the U.S. Army as a watch repair-man for the PX Service in Germany. He came to Davison working for a jeweler, eventually owning his own store in Flint. He noted that the mechanical (self-winding) watch is regaining its past popularity. “Very few people can repair these watches,” he said. While I was in the store a man brought in a watch he had received for his high school graduation, probably 40 years ago. that needed repair. Mr. Beholz told him he would have to take it apart and see if he could locate or make the parts needed. The customer told him that he was told Beholz was the only person in the area that could do the job. “There a lot of hobbyists out there who think they can make and repair watches,” Beholz said. “You wouldn’t believe the harm they do to nice watches.” He said that even having amateurs change a watch battery can lead to destruction. He also designs and makes custom jewelry. “I don’t really like it when a customer comes in with a picture and says ‘Make this.’ I like to have them give me an idea of what they want and then I will design and make it. If they don’t like the finished product, I will start over.” Right now, he said, yellow gold is making a resurgence in popularity over white gold. He explained that with so much sterling silver, you can’t tell the difference between white gold and silver. Plus, he noted, diamonds really show up better on yellow gold. By the way, there is no such thing as white gold. All gold is

yellow. White gold is just yellow gold made white. He also noted that he does not buy blood diamonds. All of his diamonds are bought from a diamond bank that guarantees their origin. A blood diamond (also called a conflict diamond, converted diamond or war diamond) is a diamond mined in a war zone and sold to finance an insurgency, invading army’s war efforts, or a warlord’s activity. These are mined particularly in Africa. Mr. Beholz noted that people are often disappointed by the jewelry they buy on line or at discount jewelers. “The customer will buy anything from anybody because they think they are getting a good deal. Everybody is after a bargain, but they don’t care what they are buying. What they are getting is a discount price that started at a highly inflated price. Also, when the piece needs to be adjusted there is an additional price. A good jeweler will not do that. It is part of the sale." The cost of the repair of watches or jeweler, he explained, is often questioned. He said, “Why do people think it’s ok to pay a mechanic or a plumber a high price, but not a person repairing a watch? Because it’s smaller? The size has nothing to do with it. Cleaning a watch can take three or more hours. A $200 repair on a car doesn’t seem like much, but people complain that a $200 repair on a watch seems like a lot. Why?” Mr. Beholz sweet side is apparent when he talks about his family. He met his wife Joanie when he went to work in Davison. They have been married 51 years. She had a stroke last year on their 50th wedding anniversary trip and is now in a nursing home. Mr. Beholz has breakfast with her every morning. They have two children, a son in Grand Blanc, and a daughter, Leeza, who returned home to help her father after Joanie became ill. They also have three grandchildren. He says his work saves him and can’t imagine retiring. “Every morning I can’t wait to get into the store. If I didn’t have my work, I wouldn’t be in the good condition, mentally and physically, that I am in.” He says if he retired he would shrivel up and die. Mr. Beholz is in the store seven days a week. “I learned a long time ago that I would never get rich, but it doesn’t matter. I love what I do.”

Guenter A. Beholz Jewelers | 115 W. Shiawassee | Fenton, Michigan 48430 | 810-629-3332

on the town

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12 on the town

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Bu s n es s

Changing the Way the World Does Business by edith campbell

Business Network International, the world’s largest referral organization with chapters in 50 countries, has 12 chapters in the greater Flint area that offer weekly help for businesses of all types and sizes. The camaraderie at these meetings has meant success to hundreds of local companies and a boom to Michigan’s economy. There are 170+ chapters in Michigan.

BNI is more than a business card pool. Members are committed to each other’s success through a testimonial/referral reporting system. Chapter meetings demonstrate that BNI is based on the proven concept “What goes around – comes around and if I help you, you’ll help me … and we will both benefit.” While there is no formal oath taken, there is an agreement to abide by a code of ethics, which is like a covenant of loyalty among all members. Local BNI chapters consist of 12-50 members, each member representing a different profession. Because only one professional is allowed per category in each chapter, members get optimum help with a minimum of competition. “Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of sales people working for you because all your fellow members are carrying your business cards,” says Debbie Hagon, coowner of Chet’s Auto Repair. “Members are given equal floor time and everyone is asked to give a testimonial or referral to fellow members. It’s worked for me for ten years.” Because word of mouth is the most cost effective form of advertising, BNI membership stands as a valuable component of success. The meeting environment also generates personal relationships that can substantially increase business. FACT: 98% of businesses rely on

referrals to gain new business and only 3% of businesses have a strategy for referrals. Thus, the BNI method can play an important role in business development. Justin Hill and Ed Lee, partners of Cyberlink Computing Solutions LLC, starting attending BNI in 2009 while operating their business from their car. Over the next two years they attended BNI meetings and found many customers. In 2011, they were able to open a store at 4251 Davison Rd., which now has six employees. BNI membership has allowed them to triple their business. For more information www.cyberlinksolutions.com Mike Herriman, owner of Vern’s Collision at 2409 Davison Road, has been a member of BNI for ten years. When he joined BNI, his third-generation repair shop was feeling the crunch of the economic downturn, as were others in his trade. Thanks to jobs from BNI members and their friends, they are maintaining good business without traditional advertising. And, he says, he’s been able to help many other BNI members. Carolyn McQuigg, Prudential Realtors, has sold many houses to BNI members and their friends; the consistent visibility among her peers has meant a lot to her personally and professionally. According to Stephen Phillips, owner of W. J. Phillips Insurance Company,

BNI has greatly influenced his company’s growth. “In 2008, we would have had to lay off an employee if it weren’t for BNI business, and, this past year we have hired two additional people thanks to our relationships.” Going a step further, BNI members believe that being good neighbors translates into being a good business person. BNI member Carrie Yelle, an athletic trainer with Michigan Rehabilitation Specialists, learned that when her husband Kenneth received a one-year deployment to Afghanistan while she was expecting a child. Members in auto repair businesses donated oil changes and brake service for her car while other members donated money for auto parts. To help her rehab a foreclosed (then flooded) home, there was a hardware store, plumber, painter and electrician who stepped up with their respective services. “BNI is not only a wonderful organization; we’re like a family.” Carrie said. “I can’t say enough about this organization. This ‘good neighbor’ gesture put our minds at ease and made my life a whole lot easier.” For BNI membership information, or location of area meetings, visit www.bni-mi.com or call 586-336-3000.

on the town

E ducat on

Baker College Baker College of Owosso’s Auto/Diesel Institute: $6.5 million facility fulfills employer and student demands by erin Incarnati

Rising enrollment, increased workforce needs, and enhanced reputation led to the 11-month construction and recent grand opening of Baker College of Owosso’s Auto/Diesel Institute of Michigan (ADI). Located on 11.8 acres on South M-52, the new facility houses nearly 450 students. “The opening of the new Auto/Diesel Institute facility establishes Baker College of Owosso as a national-level provider of highquality service technicians in both the auto and diesel areas,” said Peter W. Karsten, Baker College of Owosso president. “We are pleased to continue to invest in the mid-Michigan area and to educate and train the workforce for tomorrow.” This initiative has garnered excitement inside and outside Baker College for more than a year. Current students, new students, employers and staff are talking about the prospects of the new facility, including the increased programs that the ADI brings to the community. Student enrollment in the diesel service technology program has soared in recent years, increasing 320 percent from 70 students in 2007 to 294 in the 2011-2012 academic year. Likewise, the automotive services technology program has added an additional 151 students for the 2011-2012 academic year. Why are students flocking to these programs? There are a couple 14 on the town

of key reasons: The starting pay is good: Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in the automotive and diesel service management program often find employment as service or parts managers at auto dealerships or at independent repair facilities. The starting salary for these graduates ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 annually. Graduates of the diesel service technology program may find employment at trucking, fleet service and logistic companies, and diesel engine repair facilities. Annual salaries for graduates with a certificate or associate’s degree in this program range from $30,000 to $50,000. The automotive industry is revving up: More people are buying cars or are projected to buy cars. That allows dealers, fleet managers and repair shops to hire more skilled workers trained and/or certified in these specific areas. The Auto/Diesel Institute has been in existence for only five years, but good news and a strong reputation travel fast. As enrollment has accelerated, programs have needed to keep pace with demand. The ADI offers automotive service and diesel service certificate and associate degrees, as well as the new automotive diesel service management bachelor’s degree, which was added fall 2011. Future

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potential programs include alternative energy and collision repair. In addition, Baker College is Michigan’s only college to receive master accreditation for diesel service by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), and all Auto/ Diesel Institute of Michigan instructors are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. Baker College invested in the 43,000-square-foot ADI facility to ensure students were learning in the most up-to-date environment with industry-standard machinery. The facility includes two fully equipped automotive labs, three diesel labs, four engine and transmission labs, and three lecture classrooms. With students enrolling from throughout Michigan, the Midwest and now even the East Coast, classes, programs and the new ADI building have been developed to accommodate future growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of employment for automotive and diesel technicians and mechanics is projected to increase between 15 and 17 percent between 2010 and 2020. And area employers are keenly aware of ADI student capabilities. “Many dealers and independent repair facilities that are always looking for quality technicians look forward to Baker College’s new Automotive/Diesel Institute attracting students interested in careers as auto and truck technicians,” said Mike Limbers, service manager at Young Buick GMC in Owosso. A recent article in WardsAuto.com states that employers’ best bet is to hire graduates from an auto/diesel school because they have been taught how to troubleshoot with proper technical training, have essential workplace skills, and emphasize professionalism and customer service. Baker College’s career-centered focus illustrates how it aids the needs of students and employers. And the Auto/Diesel Institute of Michigan is just one more example of how Baker College continues to demonstrate its commitment to the community.

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UM-Flint + NN = CCN by rich reed That's a pretty unique math equation, but what it means is that UM-Flint will collaborate with the Insight Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience (IINN) to form the Center for Cognition and Neuroethics (CCN). In late 2011, Flint neurosurgeon Dr. Jawad Shah invited the UM-Flint Philosophy department to team with IINN to create Michigan's only center that will explore the intersection of mind, medicine, and morality. Since philosophy is the beginning of any type of science, that is where the seed of CCN was planted. Various teams involved with this project will include physicians, clinicians, medical people, neuroscientists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and of course, philosophers. It will be headquartered at the Biomedical Technology Campus on S. Saginaw St. between Hemphill Rd. and Atherton Rd. in Flint. "This is groundbreaking for both IINN and UM-Flint," according to Dr. Jami Anderson, associate professor of philosophy at UMFlint and co-director of CCN with Jawad Shah M.D. A limited number of the philosophy faculty at UM-Flint will be involved in this collaboration. Will it generate revenue for the university? According to Dr. Anderson, "It would be great if we broke even. It's more of a positive reflection on the university." She adds, "This collaboration will bring more intellectual hope and excitement to students and will bring more positive and highcaliber events to Flint with scholars who will come back and contribute to Flint." Dr. Anderson summarizes the partnership as "Once the affiliation is completely formed it will be like graduate music majors presenting a concert for their final senior project." Aptly put and finely tuned. No neurological pun intended, but this is some heady stuff. Read on. I had the pleasure of philosophizing with Dr. Anderson recently. She states that the affiliation with IINN is purely academic, helping to grow the philosophy department at the university. It will also provide a real-life venue for both undergraduate and graduate students to present academic papers on select topics. One possible topic mentioned is "the connection of the idea of pain to real-life patient experiences in relationship to a medical team." That happens to be an area of specialty studied by Dr. Benedicte Veillet, assistant professor of philosophy at UM-Flint. Another possible topic to be studied is how to determine when someone is considered "legally dead" for consideration involving transplants and even assisted suicide. All topics hopefully will grow the Philosophy Club and, with this affiliation, make UMFlint more attractive to undergraduate and graduate students.

Vice President of IINN Amer Iqbal states that IINN has three basic components: 1) Issues of the brain and spine involving surgery, radiology, pain management, and even chiropractic study; 2) Research supported by clinical studies; 3) Education supported by a training center to help students get into any area of the medical field and hopefully gain employment locally. According to Iqbal, "Only UM-Flint students will intern at IINN and, after determining their interests, will be assigned to shadow a physician and present their findings at CCN.â&#x20AC;? In 10-20 years Iqbal hopes that this enterprise will grow into a larger institution with more graduate students and grow into a research facility "similar to MIT,â&#x20AC;? to increase research and explore new ways of treating various illnesses. "It will drive and improve the stature of intellect in the city of Flint" concludes Iqbal. The final component in this equation is the CCN. It will be housed at IINN and be co-directed by Jawad Shah, M.D. and Jamie Anderson, Ph.D. According to its website the CCN "will promote both the exploration of the conceptual foundation of the neurosciences and the study of the implication of their advances for society in the legal, political, and ethical realms." CCN will "disseminate this knowledge to as wide an audience as possible through publications seminars, and other media." Its intent is to engage in intellectual synergy and foster research for educational purposes. The media component of CCN will be an online magazine published bi-annually called the Journal of Cognition and Neuroethics, an open-access, peer-reviewed journal promoting scholarship of the neurosciences. It will be co-edited by Dr. Anderson, Dr. Shah, and other staff from UM-Flint. Anyone interested in CCN, the journal, or in presenting research to CCN, please contact Dr. Jami Anderson at cognethic.org or Amer Iqbal at ameriinn.com. on the town

Celebrating Genesee County women who personify professional excellence. Congratulations to Lucy Ham, recipient of the 2012 ATHENA award, and Angie Field, recipient of the 2012 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award.

The Financial Plus Credit Union Team

The Lucy Ham Group

Laura Ulman, Elysia Carroll, Michelle Blaisdell, Debra Dolan

HealthPlus Group

Ruth Cantor, Jane Johnson, Colleen Mansour, Donna Dodds Hamm

George Wilkinson & Elaine Redd

Lenore Croudy, Gloria Crawley, Dr. Beverly Jones

Kathryn Hazel, Samantha Mabbitt, DeQuindra Johnson, Kathi Horton

Darcy Smith, Bryon Miller, Carol Vanburen

Jet Kilmer, Karen Smith

18 on the town

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nterventional Procedures Result in Remarkable Recovery for McLaren Stroke Patient by laurie prochazka Ronald West, 69, and his wife, Carolyn, of Swartz Creek are convinced he was brought to the right hospital at the right time with stroke symptoms this past May. Just a few months before, McLaren Flint implemented the area’s only interventional neurology program that provides specialized procedures that helped to save Ronald’s life. Ronald acknowledged he was not aware he was having symptoms of stroke while reading the newspaper that Tuesday morning. But Carolyn noticed his mouth starting to droop, his speech becoming mumbled, and the paper dropping from his hands as his left side became weak. Recognizing these as signs of stroke, Carolyn immediately called 9-1-1 for assistance. Ronald was taken by ambulance to the Emergency Department at McLaren Flint, which is a Certified Stroke Center of Excellence. Communication from the ambulance personnel triggered McLaren’s Emergency Department staff to prepare for a stroke alert patient. Upon Ronald’s arrival he went through a stroke screening and received a CT scan of his head. The results of the screening, brain imaging, and onset of symptoms indicated he was eligible for tPA, a drug that dissolves blood clots that obstruct blood flow to the brain. Initially, Ronald’s symptoms improved with tPA, but over time his stroke symptoms began to worsen. This prompted doctors to perform additional tests that revealed a blockage in his right carotid artery. Ronald’s situation continued to intensify. Interventional neurologists Luis Arangua, M.D. and Andrew Xavier, M.D. performed a thrombectomy, essentially sucking the clot out of the carotid artery and body. More blood particles were removed higher up in his carotid artery, as well as some plaque from the artery wall. A balloon catheter was then inserted through the groin and up to the carotid artery to open it, cleaning out plaque that was causing the artery to narrow. A stent was then placed inside the carotid artery to keep it open permanently. A few months ago, this interventional, lifesaving procedure was not available at any of the area’s hospitals. Ronald would have been transferred out of Genesee County or may have not even survived his stroke. McLaren Flint is among just 10-15% of U.S. hospitals offering neurointerventional services and is the only area hospital to have Interventional Neurologists available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ronald is enjoying a remarkable recovery. After his interventional procedures he returned to the ICU for two short days and then transferred directly into McLaren’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit for speech, occupational and physical therapy. “I am so grateful that all of the pieces fell into place,” said Carolyn, who has been married to Ronald for 45 years. “We were told the interventional procedures that saved his life have only been available for the past few months, and we are so thankful and impressed with the care from everyone at McLaren.”

To look at Ronald you would be hardpressed to detect that anything had even happened to him. On the Rehabilitation Unit he was pushing his physical and occupational therapists to challenge him. With the initial stroke affecting his dominate side; his therapy focused on getting his strength and balance back. “The nurses, doctors and therapists have all just been super,” said Ronald. “Everyone has been very caring.” Discharged just one week after leaving the ICU and experiencing a life-altering stroke condition, Ronald is back to work at Swartz Funeral Home and enjoying a multitude of activities with his family. For more information, visit mclaren.org/flint.

McLaren Flint is designated as a Certified Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. To receive this certification, hospitals must undergo a rigorous evaluation and demonstrate compliance with nationally developed standards for stroke care. The comprehensive stroke program at McLaren Flint offers intensive, critical and acute care services to patients as well as inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. In addition, our neurological specialists and staff members use a multidisciplinary approach to ensure that each stroke patient receives the treatment that’s right for him or her.

on the town

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Genesys Plans to Open Downtown Flint Health Center By Cindy Ficorelli

After a comprehensive assessment of the community's current and future health care needs, Genesys plans to open a facility in downtown Flint. The facility is scheduled to open July 2013.

Genesys is partnering with Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce, Uptown Reinvestment Corporation and Uptown Developments to open the Genesys Downtown Flint Health Center at 420 S. Saginaw Street. "By opening this facility, Genesys is bringing the right level of medical care to the right population in the right location," reported Elizabeth Aderholdt, Genesys Health System president and CEO, who, along with Tim Herman, Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO, made the announcement. Genesys Downtown Flint Health Center will include an urgent care clinic, a retail pharmacy, an internal medicine health care clinic, and a women's health care clinic. "Over the years, patient care volumes have shown the need for urgent care facilities, not emergency care. Trends have shown the majority of patients using emergency departments actually needed urgent care," Aderholdt explained. "As the revitalization of the Flint area continues - as we all have been witnessing over the last few years - the need for medical care also will continue to increase," she added. The facility provides easy access for students, those who use public transportation, and those who live and work nearby, Aderholdt pointed out. "The Genesys Downtown Flint Health Center is our promise to the residents of Flint that we are here, not only to keep you healthy, but to share in a vital partnership to revitalize this community, to help it grow and flourish ... today, tomorrow and for future generations," Aderholdt announced.Genesys is making a $3 million investment over seven years to open this facility. Approximately 60 employees from the Genesys West Flint Health Center will move to the new location, and Genesys hopes to create at least 10 more jobs. As the need for health care services increases in the city, Genesys anticipates offering more employment opportunities. "This is great news for the citizens of Flint," said Herman. "Downtown Flint is an excellent location for urgent care services, and Genesys will make quality health care accessible to more people. We are proud to have worked with Genesys, Uptown Developments, Uptown Reinvestment Corporation and the City of Flint to make this project a reality." "As a major employer in Genesee County, it is our duty to step forward and work side by side with our community partners to help shape the future of this area," Aderholdt said. on the town

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Raising Another Woof By Marcia McGee

One of our most faithful writers is also one of my heroes. Edith Campbell has been a devoted animal rescuer for nearly 40 years. She is currently the chair of the “Raise the Woof” Building Committee for PAWS Animal Rescue in Swartz Creek - and sixteen years ago was campaign assistant for the Genesee County Humane Society to build their shelter. These two roles are part of a lifetime of animal advocacy. I have known Edith since we both worked at the Buick Administration building. Later, after we both retired, we got in touch and she has been writing for several local publications, including on the town Magazine. As editor, I have found that her big heart makes her well suited to writing about people doing wonderful things. Well, it’s time I wrote about what she does for animals. As a foster mother for animals, she has cared for dozens of dogs in her home and has taken over 100 to the PAWS farm. Both my daughter Lisa and I have reached out to Edith for our beloved dogs. She gave me Baby, a miniature short-haired dachshund that has become a princess. She was living in a junk yard with a homeless person who found a home but couldn’t take her dog. Baby now resides on her own pillow, sleeps in our bed and my husband carries her everywhere. My daughter has Wally, a mix of pit, lab, and boxer and is the size of a small pony. Wally is the best behaved dog ever and loves his forever family, including the two-year-old little boy, who he both tolerates and protects. Lisa Sluiter says “When we pulled up to the farm, Wally ran right up to us. It was like a reunion. He is so amazing and rescue dogs are so much better that buying a pure bred. We are happy that we found him through PAWS because he was happy and well cared for.” PAWS does things for animals in addition to adoptions from 24 on the town

the Grand Blanc Petsmart Store. The Homeward Bound Program allows “on trial” adoption of selected dogs. The Pets in Peril program fulfills the part of their mission to reduce distress for abused, neglected and abandoned animals. If animals cannot be taken into their system, volunteers try to educate owners on pet care, the importance of spaying, showing the importance of pets in their lives, and sometimes referring them to human services for people needs. Edith delivers food, straw, and dog houses and arranges some medical care for at-risk dogs in the low-income areas of Flint; some requests come from families wanting to keep pets while in financial distress. PAWS also responds to Genesee County 911 dispatchers when calls are received about injured animals when Animal Control is not available. A volunteer meets police at the scene and animals are taken to Animal Emergency Clinic (or owner found). In other cases, police officers bring animals to PAWS who are victims of cruelty. After medical/foster care, PAWS finds a forever home and absorbs all costs. Currently, Edith is heavily involved in the latest fund raising campaign, Raise the Woof. This is an effort to raise money for a new facility. She says, “The reality is that the present economy has placed a great demand on our services. The increasing number of animals with health issues has stressed our resources and facilities.” She continued, “Our Raise the Woof building fund will generate money to obtain an agriculture-zoned property where we can care for the animals that will come to us in the future.” Phase I of the campaign’s goal is $100,000. Please consider donating. All donations are tax deductible. Mail your donation to PAWS, PO Box 87, Swartz Creek, MI., 48473. They are also looking for donation of property for the new facility.

Q and A with Edith: Q. How long have you been involved in caring for animals? A. I started 1960s when driving to Buick I saw animals in need

of food, shelter, and medical care. At first I asked IBG members for food. I wrote stories/editorials to get help. I started “Operation Santa Claus” for both people and pets until I made it a yearround project. Now it’s the “Pets in Peril” program. I have also volunteered at the Humane Society, Fenton Adopt-a-Pet, Animals Require Kindness, and Last Chance Rescue. I also do speaking engagements and classroom presentations on pet care.

Q. I know you have won some awards. Care to share?

A. I was given a gold medal from GM for community service, a YWCA Women of Achievement award and a Liberty Bell award from the Bar Association. Q. Besides on the town Magazine, what other publications have you written for? A. As a free lance writer, I have done some writing for the Flint Journal, MiGente Magazine, YOUR Magazine, and the national Dog & Kennel magazine Q. What else are you up to? A. I volunteer two mornings

at Genesee County Court House Information Center, I am tour guide at CS Mott “Applewood” Estate, and have been a Big Sister for 25 years. Previously, I was the director at the Whaley Historical House and a member of the Whaley Children’s Center Board. I am also planning to write a book: “My Book of Short Tails.”

Q. Are you a native of Flint? A. I was born in Flint, graduated Flint Northern High, and attended Mott College. My family is from Ireland.

Q. What did you do at Buick? A. I hired in as a secretary in

Dealer Business Management. Subsequently, I kept an advertising library, answered consumer letters, wrote for INSIDE BUICK magazine, and then worked as a Buick Advertising Specialist until the division was moved to the Renaissance Center in Detroit. I worked for Buick for 31 years.

Q. How many people are involved with PAWS? A. About 100 volunteers and 20 foster homes. Q. Why should people care about animals? A. The human/animal bond clearly improves the quality of life …children learn love and responsibility, families have fun, and senior life is extended.

“Helping animals is my passion. Solving animal problems means solving people problems. t completes my life.” on the town

at Blackstones

October 4th 2012

Proceeds Benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

1. The Dental Care Team 2. Financial Plus Federal Credit Union Team 3. Wendling Orthodontics Team 4. Anita Moliterno, Valerie Welch 5. Stephanie K, Tracy Larsen, Maria Brandon 6. Jet Kilmer, Kathy Rometty, Cathy Jaruzel Gentry, Sheryl Champine, Chris Hamilton, Scarlett Smith 7. NBC 25 News Team 8. Rebecca & Scott Miller, Steve Flynn, Mary Kramer 9. Robert Beckley, Alena Cristin 10. Kim King, Karen Goodwoodrich, Patrici Groulz, Jessica Armstrong 11. Jessica Smith, Dr. Linsey Gold 12. Brad Foutch, Stephanie K, Debbe Campbell, Michella Wilcox 13. Cindy Watts, Karen Retzloff, Kim Welch, Patti Baumgardner 14. Jet Kilmer, Grand Blanc Gymnastic Staff

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Flint City Derby Girls By Marcia McGee Women’s roller derby is being called one of the fastest growing sports in the nation. So far, more than 1,200 amateur teams exist in the world and nearly 30 of them are located in Michigan. The sport has become so popular that it is one of the eight sports under consideration for the 2020 Olympic Games. The Flint City Derby Girls (FCDG) is the premier women’s flattrack roller derby league in Genesee County. The league has two teams: the Grand Funk Hellcats and the Flint City Derby Girls A Team. Games are held at the Perani Arena. The FCDG is a diverse group of women made up of business owners, educators, artists, health care professionals, electricians, students and stay-at-home moms. With names like “Slamjelica” and “JoJo McBruiser” the women are talented and serious athletes. Theresa Roach, aka Mariah, joined the group five years ago. “I wanted to meet new people and get some exercise but I didn’t want to run or go to the gym. Roller derby skating certainly was different.” “We have spent the last five years skating fast, hitting hard and working to improve our community, said Roach. “We want to be a source of pride to the community by offering strong female role models, family-friendly entertainment and community outreach. Women’s roller derby isn’t like it is often portrayed in B movies with punching and hair-pulling. The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) is the governing body for the sport and sets standardized rules and guidelines. In 2011, the FCDG were accepted as an “apprentice” affiliate of the WFTDA. Apprentice leagues are matched with veteran member leagues who guide them in the processes and requirements necessary to become a full member of the association. Formed in 2007 “for the skater, by the skater” FCDG is a nonprofit organization. Look for them next season. For more information visit: www.FlintCityDerbyGirls.org.

on the town

Navy SeaBee Slogan – by Yvonne Sova

1943: World War was escalating in large countries and tiny islands. No one was safe. The United States military called for men and women to join the fight to protect our country and preserve our freedom.

Flint's Own J.P. Vermette answered the call.

A sense of duty, honor, and a sincere desire to protect his family was embedded deep in his very soul. With dozens of other young men he rode a bus to the induction center in Detroit. Apprehension, excitement and a sense of adventure rode with them. The large hall was filled with long lines and J.P. was directed to one of them. When he reached the table an officer took his papers and asked “Well, young man, in what branch of the military would you like to serve?” With only slight hesitation J.P. answered “The Army Signal Corp.” The officer slammed a large stamp on the papers. Handing them back he said “You’re a Navy SeaBee. Move along.” Move along he did, wondering what a CB was – communications something? Reading the paper he saw: ‘SeaBee’ and thought “Good thing I know how to swim!” He would progress from not knowing what a SeaBee was to being proud he was one. A week later he was on his way to Camp Peavy, Virginia for boot camp where kids are developed into a mature, disciplined, physically hardened group that moved as a single unit. It was challenging, physically, mentally, emotionally. J.P. thrived. Less than six weeks later the unit was sent to Advanced Training at Camp Endicott in Dansville, Rhode Island. They received additional training according to their area of expertise – heavy equipment operator, carpentry, motor repair, engine repair, building roads and bridges – whatever was needed. Then on to the Advanced Base Camp at Gulf Port, Mississippi where troops were shipped out to war zones. The military doesn’t have travel agents, or cruise ships. J. P. was on his way to countries he never heard of and never intended to visit, but there was a job to do. Home is far away, tugging at the heart and your buddies become your family. They landed in New Guinea. First stop – Milne Bay, a vital forward garrison manned mostly by engineer units grouped in construction and support of the airfields. The Navy SeaBees were always the advance team, clearing roads, dredging ports, laying landing strips, building bridges and living quarters. The name was derived from the initials of their division: Construction Battalion – CB. Originally, civilians were hired for these jobs, unarmed, untrained for combat, often under enemy fire with Marines hovering for protection. The military finally ordered them inducted as a segment of the Navy and officially trained. Their motto became: We Build – We Fight. Guadacanal was a strategic point in the Pacific and the Japanese controlled the island. The Allied Fleet was poised to attack. American SeaBees were already there dredging the bay for the small craft bringing troops, clearing trees and laying a landing strip for the planes. The story is they were laying the strip so fast the Japanese were using it for an escape route. J.P. was in the midst of it all, New Guinea, Samoa, Basilan Island and Guam before returning to the United States. He was formally discharged at Great Lakes Naval Center in Chicago, his duty fulfilled. It was billed as ‘the war to end all wars’ but that was not to be. Korea, Viet Nam, Desert Storm, Iraq, loomed ahead. A new generation of SeaBees answered the call. 30 on the town

‘Can Do’ And they did! Bill Adamson enlisted in the Navy in 1964 during the buildup of Viet Nam. An aptitude test fitted him for a Construction Mechanic position. He flew to his first deployment in Chulai, South Viet Nam where he worked for nine months building the base, bridges, supply warehouses, helicopter pads and roads. He next sailed with an advance battalion group carrying equipment to Viet Nam. Tents became home and meals were C Rations. Checking for mines was part of his job and he drove the jeep over any fresh dirt, pedal to the metal, setting them off. Working seven days a week during the rainy season, patrolling the perimeter all night, longing for home, their endurance severely tested, the price was paid, the job was done. A bit of irony – his recruiter, Ron LaFave, managed to find him in Viet Nam! No report of the conversation. Bill flew home to Flint March 1, 1968, reuniting with his family. Ron Leitgeb enlisted in the Navy in 1966. At 23, with previous experience and special training at Gulfport, Mississippi and Davisburg, Rhode Island he became a Petty Officer. An expert in motor rewinding, he saw more of the world than he planned. He flew to Viet Nam in a C130, the workhorse plane for troop movement and after island hopping, landed in Bihubai. His job: keep Highway 1 open, which meant rebuilding roads and bridges while dodging snipers. Different days, different locations, same orders, work 24 hrs building chopper pads, huts for Marines, repair and rewind motors, often using flashlights. Ron installed lighting but bulbs were more precious than gold. Equipment was moved by a truck convoy while a helicopter delivered SeaBees with just their M1s and flak jackets. Traffic jams in the US would never again irritate Ron. Discharged July, 1968 in Gulfport, he returned safely to Flint. Craig Bright was 18 when he enlisted in Flint. The recruiting slogan: ‘Join the Navy-See the World’ proved true. Boot camp at Gulf Port then on to Fort Hueneme, California for advanced training. From 1970 to1995 as a Chief Equipment Operator, he inspected all heavy equipment, graded their condition and filed reports of their status. Everything had to be combat ready. He would accompany equipment to bases everywhere in the world. He was Chief Equipment Officer in Alpha Company, the largest SeaBee company. We owe these men, all from Flint, sincere gratitude, honor and respect. Most people have never heard of the Navy SeaBees or know what they do but members of the military acknowledge that victory would not have been possible without them. Top left: J. P. Vermette; middle: SeaBee Emplem; bottom right: Vietnam 1967 Repair Garage Crew.

on the town

Your life could change with one stroke. It only takes one stroke to change your life forever. And if it occurs, you have to make the right choice, right away. McLaren Flint, a certified Primary Stroke Center, is your best option. We offer the area’s first and only neuro interventional program treating stroke and related brain disorders. Plus, we’re among a select group of hospitals nationwide providing lifesaving neuro interventional services. You can always depend on McLaren’s stroke team for top-rate comprehensive care. Our experienced physician specialists work to reverse the impact of stroke, so you can recover faster and get back to an active life. When it comes to stroke, keeping your options open isn’t an option. Your best choice—your one choice—is clear. McLaren Flint. For more information, visit mclaren.org/flint.

One choice.. 401 S. Ballenger Highway, Flint, MI 48532

(810) 342-2000

mclaren.org/flint

on the town

t r av el

By Sue Lauber

New Mexico is rich in personality, especially along the Turquoise Trail, (State Highway 14), which runs 65 miles between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Back roads often lead to great adventures and the Turquoise Trail does not disappoint with its scenic views, extensive history and unique towns. 34 on the town

Prehistoric peoples made their homes here, Spanish missionaries explored the area, outlaws camped out and Kit Carson marched Navajo people to incarceration at Fort Sumner. As you travel north of Albuquerque, you’ll see the Sandia Mountains, a scenic and recreational paradise full of outdoor activities. Birdwatchers come from around the world to witness the hawk and eagle migrations. You can ride the world’s longest tramway up to the top of Sandia Crest at 10,678 elevation, which offers a breathtaking view. Outside of Sandia Park, you’ll find Tinkertown Museum, an amazing, hand carved, animated miniature old west town and three ring circus, a collection of one man’s life work. The walls surrounding the museum are made from over 50,000 glass bottles. Traveling fifteen miles north is the ghost town of Golden, the site

of the first gold rush in 1825, long before gold was discovered in California and Colorado. There are a few remaining structures in use today, but most have tumbled down over time and become remnants of their former homes, businesses, saloons and school. Nearby Golden, are the ruins of a pueblo called Paa-Ko that dates back to about 1300 A.D. Abandoned around 1670, there is little to be seen and the site is used today for archeology digs by universities and researchers. Eleven miles north of Golden is the whimsical village of Madrid (pronounced MA-drid, accent on the first syllable), once a coal mining town, now alive as a thriving artist’s community, with a population of around 300. The twenty or so houses that sit along the main road are all painted brightly, with the artists’ wares out in front. Madrid has been reborn as home for artist who can’t afford Santa Fe prices. Coal was mined here dating from the early 1800s and today miners’ homes have been replaced with galleries, shops, restaurants and museums, with such names as: Cowgirl Red, Ghost Town Trading Post, Gypsy Gem, In Cahoots, The Jezebel Soda Fountain, Tumbleweeds, The Old West Saloon, and The Mine Shaft Tavern, with the longest bar in New Mexico. The locals are eccentric and colorful characters. The owner of a native weaving textile shop said: “I live like a monk, but I come to my shop for color therapy.” In conversing with an employee at the Gypsy Plaza Tapestry Gallery, an object suddenly sprung off the wall. She shrugged: “Oh, don’t worry, it’s just Madrid.” If you’re parched with thirst, stop at the weathered mercantile general store adjoining an historic miner’s boarding house. There’s a wide front porch where you can sit and rest your heels as you watch the parade of Harley hogs (motorcycles) wind down the main drag bringing in cowboy boot-clad tourists. The famous Disney movie, “Wild Hogs,” was filmed here in 2007 and the fictional restaurant set, “Maggie’s Diner” still remains as a souvenir shop. The popularity of the movie has made ‘hogs’ the transportation of choice along the Trail. Other films, including “All the Pretty Horses,” “Young Guns,” John Wayne’s “The Cowboys,” and “Easy Rider” have also been filmed in Madrid.

“ live like a monk, but

Photography by Susan Piper

come to my shop for color therapy.” on the town

F lint DDA Holiday Parade & Festival

dacdacYMC A's 3rd Annual Santa Run December 1, 2012

w w w.f lint y mca.org

36 on the town

Drawing Together

International

Cartoons through 12.30.12 Flint Institute of Arts 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint 810.234.1695, flintarts.org

Sponsored by

TARGET FREE SATURDAYS Ricardo Bermudez, Cuba. Courtesy of the Aydin Dogan Foundation

Cu lt u r e

Flint's Own World Healing Program By Yvonne Sova Conflict has existed since the beginning of recorded history. People have died fighting wars in the name of peace, which seems like an oxymoron to me. Prayers for peace and healing are a daily ritual all over the world. The first formal announcement of a ‘World Healing Day’ was made by John Randolph Price on January 1st, 1984, as a guest speaker in an Austin, Texas church. It was also called ‘World Peace Day’ and ‘World Instant of Cooperation.’ Whatever the term or label, it was a world-wide, non-denominational, non-political grass root effort to unite people in a common bond of peace, love, understanding, and forgiveness. Word of this goodwill task force quickly spread, and on Dec. 31, 1986, people representing all major religious faiths from seventy-seven countries on seven continents were part of this moment of global cooperation. Computer analysis from sources worldwide estimated the number of participants to be more than 500 million. They gathered in arenas, stadiums, city parks, churches, temples, ashrams, hotel ballrooms, capitol rotundas, forests, on mountains and beaches, and in private homes. Later that day, radio station WBAI in New York City carried a satellite hookup with the Soviet Union to celebrate the event. The four hour special featured entertainment provided by artists from the East and West, and included greetings of peace and the reading of a Soviet child’s letter to President Reagan about the need to eliminate nuclear arms. The citizens of the world saw the results…when the symbol of the Iron Curtain -- the Berlin Wall -- was turned into souvenirs, we were shown the power of the mind-link to dissolve old forms and structures. Now with great turmoil in our world, it is time once again for a massive outpouring of love and light into the collective consciousness. On the 25th anniversary of ‘World Healing Day’ Dec. 31, 2010, people all around the world came together, at the same time, in one of the most comprehensive prayer activities

in history – a planetary affirmation of peace. Many will gather New Year’s Eve morning here in Genesee County at 6:45 am to affirm together peace, love, harmony and healing. For over 10 years the Life Enrichment Center, 2512 S. Dye Rd, www. flintchurch.org, has invited everyone to this special program which includes prayers from local religious leaders, in their own language, who then light a candle in remembrance. Religions include Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Baha’i, Unity, and Native American. Added to this special program is the worldwide peace meditation, a burning bowl ceremony, candle lighting and special music. Breakfast is served following the ceremony. Please join your prayers to the millions offered every day, every moment. There is no more fitting expression of love than to spread peace to our city, our state, our country and our world.

on the town

Heddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Annual Open House

Steve & Rosanne Heddy

December 2, 2012 To Benefit Flint Cultural Center Corporation Outreach Programs

Bob & Carol Nelson

P at t i & J o e H i g g i n s

J o e & L i n d a K at r i n i c , K e n & Y v o n n e G a lva s

Mike & Marcia McGee

Jim & Anne Cummins, Judith Ingram, JoAnne Ingram

Lynne Hurand, Bruce Barrett

D r . N i ta M u kka m a l a , P at C o r f m a n , T ay l o r T o w n s e n d , D e A n n T o w n s e n d

Sheila Smith, Sue & Paul Lauber

T h e r e s e & P r o s e c u t o r D av i d L e y t o n

J o y c e & C h r i s H a m i lt o n

40 on the town

B a r b a r a & A l b e rt K o g e l

Marsha Barber Clark, Linda Moxam, S p e n c e r K e l ly L a n y i

R i c h & S u e E l l e n F o x , C h a r l e n e K o wa l s k i

S a m & G r ac i e H a r r i s

M i k e P o w e l l , E l l a T h o r p , B r e n t H o rt z e , Ginny Thorp, Susan Wintz

D av i n T o r r e , S h e r i D o d g e S c h l i n k e r

Jane Kogel, Colin Gift, D r . E r i ck & G l o r i a V a n D u y n e

J u d g e R o b e rt & M r s . L y n n e R a n s o m

T i f fa n y F ly n n , S h e i l a Z o r n , M a r s h a B a r b e r C l a r k

K at h l e e n G a z a l l , E d F l e t c h e r

M o n a S a h o u r i , L u b n a B at h i s J o n e s

Steve James & Maureen Kildee

S t e v e & T i f fa n y F ly n n

L y n n e H u r a n d , D o n n a H a m m , L i n d ay T r ac y -S t e p h e n s

T r ac y W h e l p l e y & T o n y B u r n a s h

on the town

To learn about our Family Birthing Center visit genesys.org/babies or call 1.855.BABIES1

42 on the town

Where hope lives.

Real Estate Now by lucy ham

Advertorial

Real Estate 2013 - This is Your Time Several signs are pointing to a housing market in recovery. The trend in real estate is clear - home sales are relatively stable and the number of homes available -"the inventory" - is down. Prices are stable in most areas and even going slightly up in some areas. Chart 1 shows the number of homes sold. Perhaps more importantly, the homes on the market trend is downward as shown on Chart 2. This is causing something we have not seen for some time - competing offers on properties that are priced correctly in high demand areas. For buyers, this is creating some problems. Things are changing! If you are buying or selling, it is essential to take action and move forward with your plans now. The interest rates can change as well as prices at any time. A $150,000 mortgage at 4% for 30 years has a $714.00 principal and interest payment, but at 7% would be $998.00 principal and interest. With prices low, it is terrific to buy investment/rental real estate. Rents and demand for rentals will remain strong as sellers of short sales and repos cannot purchase for 3-5 years after their sale. It is a critical time to learn all you can about how to make the most of your "money". Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" will keep your "mind renewed" on that topic. Watch, take action, call a Realtor to decide how to do the right thing for you and your family in 2013.

Chart 1

Chart 2

on the town

r estau r an t

Little Joe’s Food and Spirits A Grand Blanc nstitution

Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 am to 10 pm Friday, Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm Sunday: Closed 810-694-8391 11518 S. Saginaw, Grand Blanc Parking in back www.littlejoesrestaurant.com

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By Marcia McGee

If you are looking for really good food and really reasonable prices in a convivial atmosphere, head on out to Grand Blanc for lunch or dinner at Little Joe’s. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. The extensive children’s menu makes Little Joe’s a magnet for families with kids. A Grand Blanc landmark since first opening in 1935 by “Little Joe” Dewey, the restaurant was purchased by the Abbott family in 1993. Obviously, I wasn’t there at the beginning, but I would imagine “Little Joe” Dewey would approve of the way the Abbott family takes care of the legacy. That is not to say the Abbott’s haven’t put their own signature on Little Joe’s. The newest addition is a patio in the front of the restaurant, which proved to be very popular this summer. Let’s start with the bar. In case you were wondering, they do have a full bar. Every night there are specials on either beer or wine. They really specialize in craft beers and the bar staff is quite knowledgeable and can help you choose. Look forward to a Bell’s beer tasting event in January or February. Little Joe’s is independently owned. The Abbott family has been in the food business for over 100 years, and “Little Joe” Abbott is keeping the family tradition. And in that tradition, the restaurant is a great place for families. The menu is pretty great. The appetizers run the gamut from cheese sticks, pretzel sticks, and chicken fingers to a huge starter of pulled pork potato skins. Baked potatoes are cut in two and mixed with BBQ pulled pork, Colby-Jack cheese and chives. For me, that alone would constitute a meal. Delicious. Joe is a self-taught chef and really enjoys creating specials. I am particularly anxious to try his Wharf Stew, a mélange of fish and shellfish served in a home-baked bread bowl. Another customer favorite is his “Grapes of Chicken,” which is a chicken breast with rosemary, bleu cheese and grapes. The salad menu is terrific. Besides an obsession with pulled pork, I love a good salad. In addition to the Cobb salad, chicken Caesar, antipasto and BBQ chicken salads, two others are standouts. Jose’s Old School Taco salad and the Oriental chicken salad are favorites. The taco salad is loaded with greens, chicken or ground beef, cheese, onions, black olives, tomatoes and Spanish rice served in a whole wheat tortilla bowl. The oriental chicken salad has greens, chicken, toasted almonds, mandarin oranges, oriental noodles, chives and a toasted sesame dressing. Very nice and one of my favorites for lunch. Perhaps Little Joe’s is probably best known for their pizza. They have a nice selection of toppings and combinations.

Or maybe they are best known for their Mexican selections. In addition to the aforementioned taco salad, they serve an excellent enchilada dinner: three beef or chicken enchiladas served with Spanish rice and refried beans. Rounding out the Mexican dishes are burritos, quesadillas, nachos and chicken or steak fajitas. Sandwiches include a wide variety of burgers and wraps. Or, you might want a club, a Reuben, grilled cheese or a garden burger. All are served with homemade chips and fresh dill pickles. French fries, cole slaw and onion rings are other options. The soup selections include a daily special, French onion gratinée, and, seasonally, chili. Did I mention pasta? There are six pasta dishes on the menu. At the top of the list is Joe’s Mama’s pasta, which offers your choice of pasta, tossed with Italian sausage, chicken, green peppers, banana peppers, red onion, garlic and olive oil. Very spicy! Other dishes include baked spaghetti, baked macaroni and four cheeses, and lasagna. Now we get to the entrees. Did I mention how reasonable the prices are here? The most expensive item on the menu is the New York Strip at an amazing $16.95. Fish and chips are a favorite here, as is the beer battered shrimp. There are two chicken choices and a broiled cod dinner as well. At most places, the kids menu features a hot dog or chicken fingers. Not here. The kid’s choices are pretty diverse. Spaghetti cooked anyway your child wants it – noodles with choice of sauces. They also offer a kid-sized quesadilla, chicken fingers of course, grilled cheese, Mac and cheese, pizza for one and chicken and potatoes (no vegetable). Sides include apple sauce or fruit cocktail. The dessert menu is small but decadent: deep fried brownie sundae, house made ice cream peanut butter pie, hot fudge sundae or a root beer float (my favorite). Joe is a Flint native and graduate of Powers High School and Western Michigan University. He and his wife Julie have two children. He began his restaurant career working with the family and at Salvatore Scaloppini’s and Bilbo’s in Kalamazoo. A real “foodie,” he has enjoyed traveling to New York and visiting restaurants owned by noted chefs like Bobby Flay. Little Joe’s has two banquet rooms. The Buick Open Room seats 45 and the Sports Room seats 15. Fun options for parties include a pizza, pasta or salad buffet. Or you could combine all three. On December 13 this year, for the eighth year Joe held Little Joe’s Polar Camp Out, pulling an all nighter in front of the restaurant to raise awareness for Toys for Tots.

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Today’s Business Owners Give More to Get a Mortgage BY CYNTHIA LAWRENCE

If you’ve applied for a mortgage loan recently, or even if you’ve talked to someone who has, you know that the lending business has changed. Getting approved for a mortgage loan today can be a timeconsuming process, especially for applicants who receive the majority of their income from a small business. With current lending underwriting guidelines, documentation requirements have increased.

You might wonder why we have to ask you about seemingly every financial transaction that you’ve ever made.

we have no idea that the final five pages of a statement are empty.

We have reasons, too, for asking about your most recent financial As a business owner, you have to transactions. The federal governprovide your business taxes for the ment wants to make sure that you most recent two years and company are not using “unexplained” – posP&L for two years. In addition, sibly untaxed – money to pay for you’ll need to provide business your loan’s closing costs or down bank statements as well as personal. payment. We have to understand Why? Because your ability to pay the source of any money recently your loan depends on the stability deposited in your savings or checkof your business. It is very much ing accounts. This doesn’t mean like getting a business loan, the you can’t use cash that you’ve These are the top five questions we bank is now your partner. If your saved up at home, only that the hear most from business owners: business is not doing well, it will source must be verified. 1. Why do I have to provide more be difficult if not impossible to get Some borrowers also mistakenly information than my employee? a loan. believe that we can provide 100% 2. Why are my business dealings The mortgage industry faces more financing. Unless you are a veteran, any of your business? scrutiny today than it ever has from in which case you can receive such 3. Why do you want blank pages on federal and state regulators. That’s financing with a VA loan, your next my statements? why we must ask for all the pages best bet is a mortgage loan backed 4. What happened to the loans with of a bank statement even if many by the FHA. Such loans require a 100% financing? of these pages state “This page left down payment of only 3.5 percent 5. Do I have to have mortgage intentionally blank.” Unless we’re for borrowers with solid credit. insurance? looking at the entire statement, You can expect a minimum down

payment requirement of 5 percent for a conventional loan with mortgage insurance.

Be sure to check both options when applying for a loan. Due to recent FHA loan changes, a conventional loan is often much less expensive overall for our customers.

Mortgage insurance protects lenders when borrowers default on their mortgage payments. It is required on mortgage loans when borrowers make a down payment of less than 20 percent of a home’s purchase price. If today’s lending environment has you confused, your best option is to work with a knowledgeable mortgage lender.

Guardian Mortgage Company has been serving the greater Flint/ Genesee County area since 1965. Make a personal appointment today to discuss your particular situation.

www.guardianmortgageonline.com

Generations. Serving generations of homebuyers one-on-one for over 47 years. Since 1965 Guardian Mortgage has valued our customer relationships. Customer service with personal attention is important at Guardian. That’s why we prefer to do every step of the loan process personally and retain your loan relationship for the life of the loan. Our loan specialists are dedicated to helping people find the home financing solutions that best complement their financial needs today and their goals for the future. All under one roof. Once you’re a Guardian customer, you’ll always be a Guardian customer. Guardian Mortgage Grand Blanc 8283 Office Park Drive Grand Blanc, MI 48439 (810) 694-8610 e-mail: grandblanc@gmc-inc.com www.GuardianMortgageOnline.com

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ee C s e n e Years o f providing G

420 W. Fifth Avenue Flint, Michigan 48503

pub lic s ervi ces

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

n ou

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking

Back at

2012 Geena Gall, mid-distance runner, represented the US at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Danis Russell,

McLaren Cancer Institute is in the final stages of opening Michigan's first Proton Therapy Center.

Claressa Shields Won the

Women's Olympic Gold Medal in London

CEO of Genesee Community Mental Health was named as one of only five national Behavioral Healthcare Champions for 2012 by the Behavioral Health Magazine.

Hurley Medical Center

received a Level II designation as a children's pediatric trauma center, the highest level in Genesee County and is still the region's only Level 1 trauma center.

Dale Kildee

Long-time U.S. House Representative, announced his retirement after 35 years of service to Flint. His nephew Dan Kildee won the election ro replace him.

Powers High School

announced a new location at the Michigan School for the Deaf.

The MTA unveiled its new hydrogen fuel cell buss and opened their alternative fuel facility in Grand Blanc.

Rowe Engineering celebrated its 50 year anniversary.

Those we have lost: Art Hurand Leon "The Houseman" Knott ERA Realty Broker Watson Kenworthy Powers Coach Jack Pratt Don Skaff

Back to the Bricks was the biggest ever. Now officially a 501c3 non profit. The Automotive Pioneers statue project exceeded all organizers expectations.

Flint natives

Mateen Cleaves

and Pam McGee were picked to be in the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.

Mott Community College honored as one of the Top Ten Community Colleges in the country. Dr. Richard Shaink was named the top community college CEO in North America.

Dr. Samuel Dismond, Jr.

retired after 50 years of taking care of countless families and delivering more than 1,000 babies. Desmind was Hurley's chief of staff from 1995 to 2000 and was the first African American to hold that position.

Ghassan Saab

CEO of Sorenson Gross Construction Services in Flint Township, was named a 2012 recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Landaal Packaging

announced plans to open a packaging innovation center and bring its corporate offices to downtown Flint.

$16.8 million expansion program at Bishop Airport was unveiled to the public.

Genesys Medical Center

announced plans to open a facility in downtown. The GRCC entered a marketing agreement with the Genesee County Board of Comissioners to take on responsibility for marketing attractions, conventions and tourism. The Flint Geneseee Regional Convention and Visitor's Bureau is now fully operational.

Diplomat Pharmacy continues its phenomenal growth and expansion.

Alpha Phi Alpha

mentoring program celebrated 15 years of mentoring hundreds of young men.

Financial Plus

celebrated its 60th Anniversary

Kettering University remained #1 in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering in the country and is #7 in Mechanical Engineering according to the 2013 Best Colleges edition released by U.S News & World Report The Crim was bigger and better than ever. We want to give thanks to everyone involved that assisted in making the event a success!

McLaren Regional Medical Center announced a new name: McLaren Flint and renamed the Great Lakes Cancer Institute as McLaren Cancer Institute.

on the town Magazine continues to the be premier publication in the area highlighting and celebrating the people, businesses, cultural happenings and organizations of the region! on the town

soc a l m ar k et ng

Want Email Success? Think little! By Dale Keipert Here is a scenario that is playing out in hundreds of offices every single day. Someone in the company has made the decision that something has to be done to get more sales or sales leads. This person then has a conversation with their marketing person who suggests sending an email blast out to accomplish this. Shortly after this conversation, the plans began to take shape for delivering this email blast. During this planning there was discussion about how to phrase the subject line and how to create a great call to action that will bring the masses to their website to fill out the "contact us" form and - Voila - we have more sales or sales leads. This is the macro-conversion plan that is happening every day in offices everywhere. This macro-conversion is assuming that from the receipt of the email message through to the ultimate conversion, a sale or the generation of a lead, the recipient of this magical email message will only make two decisions: 1) to open the message and; 2) to click on the call-to-action element, typically a submit button or a text-link. The assumption being made of these two decisions is a macroconversion error and will generally result in miserable failure. The realities of how the prospective customer makes the decisions on whether or not to proceed are made on a much more microlevel. Rather than moving from an email message to a website, the prospective customer is actually moving in micro-decisions from the subject line to the message headline to the first paragraph of the message to the body of the message and finally to the call to action which then drives the prospect to your webpage. Subject Line The task of the subject line is not to get the recipient to the website. Its job isn't even to get the recipient of the message to the call-to-action. The job of the subject line is quite simply to get the recipient to read the message headline. Headline The headline has one job to do: move your prospective customer to the first paragraph. That's it! But how you get the headline to move the reader into the first paragraph? There are two rules to follow here: first, make sure that the headline is highly relevant to the subject. Don't promise the sun, moon and stars in the subject line and talk about painted ponies in the headline. The second step in crafting a proper headline is to talk to your prospective customer, about the benefit of your products, services, or your company. A headline that touts "Made of Stainless Steel" simply drives the reader to close your message and spend their time somewhere else. However, a headline that says "Never Replace Bolts Again" will certainly drive the prospective customer to the first paragraph of your message to learn more. 50 on the town

First Paragraph The first paragraph is not for selling! This is where you get the opportunity to drive the point home from the headline. The first paragraph should be detailed information on the benefit claim that grabbed the reader’s attention in the headline. This first paragraph should provide definitive reasons to read the balance of the message. Calls-To-Action This is the highest point of anxiety for your prospective customer. The call to action is where they have to make the largest investment decision. Even though they aren't making an investment of money, they will be investing time so the call to action has to be very clear as to what they will be getting. Here's an example. Let’s say that you are trying to get prospective customers to come to your site to download a sell sheet on your new widgets that you manufacture. You've done a great job pulling them through the micro-conversion process and they are now staring at your call to action which is a button that says "Get Started." “Get Started! What do you mean Get Started?!? I just wanted to download a product brochure! If I click on this am I going to start placing an order???” You can start to see how your choice of words in your call to action can dramatically increase your prospective customer’s anxiety and consequently decreasing the chance that you will accomplish what you wanted to do with your original plan. An alternative call to action might be “Download Your Free Report.” You can see with this call to action, the reader knows exactly what is going to happen when they take the action you want them to take, and click on the button. The word “Download” in the call to action is descriptive enough to calm their anxiety and the words “Your Free Report” are providing the incentive to get them to actually take the action. In the end, this is a better experience for everyone, your reader and your company, everyone wins.

Fabiano Brothers, Inc.

on the town

Annual Gala Celebration

for Universal Kidney Foundation

September 15, 2012

Cindy Mannino, Jim Milanowski, Linda Hamacher, Janya Phillips

Wanda Baker, Pam Williams, Michael Thomas

Helena & Kenn Kurowski

Chuck McGlinchey, Carl & Kelly Sharkey

Jeff Robson, Jamie & Don Adams

Lisa Hasselbach, Rose McGree

Mrs. Effie Whitmoore & Mr. Clarence

Terry Thompson, DHA. , Linda Hamacher, David Gordon, M.D.

Michael Haley, Cheryl Benway

Joe & Sue Florida, Barbara & Henry Hatter

Bryan Spencer, Remonia Chapman, Senator John J. Gleason

Dr. Said, E.Yvonne Lewis, Benson Ekong

52 on the town

a r b e D y e l w a H design consultant

DESIGNING QUALITY SINCE 1981

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www.dhawleydesign.info decoratordeb@comcast.net

See us on FACEBOOK Debra Hawley Interior Designs

NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY Increase your income and career potential with a business degree from Northwood University. Adult Degree Program: Flint • Courses offered online & on site • Earn your BBA in Accounting, Computer Information Management, Health Care Management, Marketing, or Management • Convenient schedules for the busy adult • Credit possible for work/life experience • 3+1, 2+2 articulation agreement guaranteed to transfer • Conveniently located at 3487 S. Linden Road DeVos Graduate School: Lansing & Midland • Multiple program options available • Aimed at strategically expanding your managerial and leadership skill sets in a global economy

NOW ENROLLING. CALL TODAY! 800.622.9000 Discover the leader in you. www.northwood.edu

Searching for a new Start? Mott college is one of the ten best community colleges in america and yet it is the least expensive college in our area.

over 100 career programs to choose from. Mcc winter semester begins January 12. Make the Smart choice for the new Year.

810-762-0200 On the Town.Dec_12.indd 1

on the town

11/28/12 4:53 PM

1. Heather Kale, Elizabeth Brady, Harmony Langford 2. Lisa Newcomb, Shelly Benjamin 3. Gary Fisher, Rob Wicker, Anne & Jody Wills 4. Kathleen Gazall, Andrew Gauthier, Sherry Dodge Schlinker 5. Mary Kramer, Doris Shilling-Moore, Debbe Campbell, Scarlett Smith 6. Mayyirah Shariff, Amy Krug, Duane Elling 7. Tiffany Flynn, Helen Philpott, Shannon Ash 56 on the town

8. Ilona Curry, Jacque Valley, Steve & Rosanne Heddy 9. Tiffany Flynn, Linda Moxam, Dan Crannie, Jennifer Acree 10. Howard Croft, Chris Ebbott 11. John Coleman, Amy Krug, Rob Bennett 12. Tony Burnash, Tracey Whelpley 13. Janet Van De Winkle, Jason Caya

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n u t r t on

Squash it up for the Holidays By Therese Leyton

Squash is a perfect comfort nutritious fruit, not a vegetable! It has a sweet nutty taste similar to the taste of a pumpkin. Butternut squash has a yellow and orange pulp rich in vitamins. Originating in Waltham, Massachusetts and developed by Robert Young, “Waltham Butternut” is the most popular squash. It should make a grand entrance this holiday season as a main dish or a side dish to compliment any meal. Roasted butternut squash is delicious and easy. I watch cooking shows on morning television such as “The Chew” and "Rachael Ray” and they are cutting and dicing butternut squash and then baking it with olive oil, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. I use a bit of maple syrup as well. It can be eaten many ways. The seeds are also edible raw or roasted and the skin can be eaten when it is roasted because it gets soft. It takes 30 minutes to roast squash in the oven on a flat pan. The most popular way is to slice it in half and roast it in the oven. It also can be grilled, broiled or boiled. Roasted squash can be added to stews, pureed for soups, used as a sauce or a side dish and added to stuffing. It can be combined with mashed potatoes for an alternative to plain mashed potatoes or boiled and mashed alone with butter, syrup, or honey. Roasted butternut squash also tastes good in a salad with vinaigrette. It is popular to put fruits in your salads these days to bump up the nutrition value. Also try roasted butternut squash this winter on your pizza to get a good dose of Beta Carotene. There are really many ways to prepare butternut squash and it is easy. A dear friend, Sandra Grossi, told me that her grandmother used to roast the squash in the oven with butter and cinnamon and also combined roasted apples with the squash. She scooped out the squash from the skin, cut it in slices,

60 on the town

and served it with the roasted apples. That sounds so good!! Her grandmother also used leftover cranberries baked in the oven and served with the squash as another side dish. Dried cranberries would combine well on the squash too. Butternut squash is emerging as a versatile fruit because it is nutritious. It’s a good source of fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. The rich yellow orange color makes it a good source of Beta Carotene, a precursor to vitamin A and it is an excellent source of vitamin E. Butternut squash compliments beef, fish or turkey and is delicious for a stand alone dish. Homemade pizza is a favorite of our family. Use store-bought or homemade pizza dough. Mix roasted butternut squash and fresh spinach with mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with dried sage and bake. It is very healthy and a wonderful comfort food for the cold winter months. Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay will pair well with this veggie pizza. This winter season, experiment with butternut squash. Prepare it any way that you want. Enjoy and squash it up!!!! Happy Holidays!

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64 on the town