WE WORK ON MORE HEARTS THAN A FIRST-GRADE ART CLASS IN FEBRUARY. Our cardiac specialists perform more high-risk heart surgeries and offer more types of cardiology procedures than any area hospital. Find out how a McLaren cardiologist can do what’s best for you.
DOING WHAT’S BEST.
mclaren.org/flint 877-MCLAREN
F R O M
T H E
Here at onthetown, we wish all of our readers a happy holiday season. And as the new year is rung in, may you keep all your resolutions and enjoy all the festivities the season has to offer. We hope you’ll enjoy this issue and find a wealth of useful Mukkamala’s classic car collection, and interesting information inside. Speaking of wealth, we’re very pleased to present, as the centerpiece of this issue, Jim Kruzan and his firm, Kaydan Wealth Management, Inc. Big financial decisions are often made at this time of year, and Kruzan can help you make the wisest ones possible, whatever your situation. We’re also shining our spotlight on Benefit Review Services, Inc. and Sapphire Blue Investment Partners, Inc., two other local firms that can offer invaluable financial knowledge. Relatedly, if you’re selling your home, find out why working with a Realtor can make a world of difference. Buying one? Learn about how to get the best interest rate. There’s more to this issue, of course, than the topic of wealth – we also bring you a fun story about Dr. Bobby
complete with photos. Speaking of photography, Flint native Dan White, a professional photographer who relocated to Kansas City, is back to present his exhibit of portraits paying tribute to the people of Flint as they handle the ongoing water crisis. Check out a preview of his work in our pages. More Flint love comes in the form of news anchor David Custer’s account of his meeting with the one and only Cher when he (along with his fiancé and brother) thanked her personally for her help during the water crisis. The meeting inspired Custer to do some fundraising of his own – and it proved a surprising success.
MICHELLE BLAISDELL
As always, we’re bringing you the most positive and upbeat stories in Genesee County to light and warm those cold, dark winter nights. So grab our publication and some hot cocoa (or if you prefer, Irish coffee) at one of Flint’s fine downtown establishments – and be seen…be heard…be onthetown! onthetown 1
F R O M
T H E
P U B L I S H E R
WWW.BEONTHETOWN.COM E S T. 1 9 7 4
E D I T O R - IN - C H I E F Michelle Blaisdell SE N IO R E D I T O R Michael G. Thodoroff C O N T R I BU T I N G E D IT O R Meredith McGhan C O PY E D IT O R Darla Nagel K I M B E R L Y G R AY
GRE E T IN GS
to all of our readers and all of those involved in our magazine, from content creation to advertising! As the third year of the Flint water crisis draws to a close, I appreciate our community and those dedicated to its continued revitalization. As you’ll see in our pages, we have a thriving financial sector here in Genesee County and a solid backbone of charity work and fundraising – hallmarks of a truly thriving community. One of the most charitable establishments in the area is ELGA Credit Union, which raises funds for many charities throughout the year. As the time for gift-giving approaches, ELGA is having a Toys for Tots event, Stuff a Blue Goose. On December 1, a Michigan State Police car, or several, will be filled with toys for underprivileged children. The local Mass Transportation Authority is another organization known for extending itself to help people in the community. Find out how it is helping local workers get to out-of-town jobs in this issue. Fundraising events, festivals and celebrations of organizations that make a difference are not a rarity in Flint. Over the past couple of months, a number of these have taken place. Hamilton Community Health, which serves anyone in the community regardless of financial situation, celebrated its 35th year in existence. The famous Back to the Bricks celebration kicked off in August, as did Muscles and Mutts, celebrating our four-legged darlings. The Time of Your Life Women’s Expo in September showcased a variety of products for women of all ages. The Hurley Trauma Center and Burn Unit raised funds through their 33rd annual golf classic. Whaley Children’s Center also had an annual golf classic, their 32nd, that raised funds for children who have had traumatizing events in their lives. All in all, we are still going strong and will continue to do so – and onthetown will be there every step of the way! 2 onthetown
L E A D D E SIG N E R Julie Erdman - jedesigns D E SI G N & L A Y O U T Chelsea Mills, Macie Keller - Behind Your Design A C C O U N T E X E C U T IV E S Debby Molina, Chelsea Mills, Lesley Howe C O N T R IBU T O R S David Custer, Cindy Ficorelli, Martha Hamp, Ilse Lujan-Hayes, Fred Hensler, Kellie McCarty-Stack, Meredith McGhan, Chelsea Mills, Debby Molina, Rich Reed, Paul Rozycki, Lisa Szukhent COVER ART Michael Gleason Photography PH O T O G R A PH Y Dan White J. Johns Studios Michael Gleason Photography PU BL ISH E R Kimberly Gray Global Network Publishers, producers of onthetown Magazine P.O. Box 121 | Grand Blanc, MI 48480 SE N D I N Q U IR I E S T O info@beonthetown.com | 810.584.7006 onthetown Magazine 8469 S. Saginaw Street, Suite 3 | Grand Blanc, MI 48439 beonthetown.com SU BSC R IPT I O N S Mail check or money order for $24.99 to Global Network Publishers P.O. Box 121 | Grand Blanc, MI 48480 Copyright © 2017 onthetown Magazine – beonthetown.com. No part of this publication may be produced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission in writing from the publisher. The views expressed in this publication are those of the respective contributors and are not necessarily shared by the publication or its staff. Acceptance of content or advertisements by Global Network Publishers, LLC does not indicate or imply endorsement.
onthetown 3
C O N T E N T S V O L U M E
06 B U S I N E S S Mortgage 102: What Affects Interest Rate and How to Secure the Best One
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7
I S S U E
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34
F I N A N C E
B E
Innovate Retirement Solutions Changes Name as Part of New Partnership with Benefit Review Services, Inc.
Whaley Golf Outing
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Why a Realtor Adds Value: The Closing Can Be the Hardest Part
S N A P S H O T
S E E N
44 B E
36 B U S I N E S S
S E E N
Hurley Foundation Golf Classic
46 B E
S E E N
Time of Your Life Womenʼs Expo
F E A T U R E
US 23 Drive-In Brick Flicks
Sound Investments: Jim Kruzan Helps Workers Gain Financial Security
26 F I N A N C E
P H I L A N T H R O P H Y
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Protect and Defend: What Matters to Gary Fisher
Sharing Cher to Benefit Flint Children
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A U T O
B E
A Talk with Vehicle Cityʼs Automobile Aficionado
HAP Crim Festival of Races VIP Reception
S N A P S H O T
F I N A N C E
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The Ostrich Syndrome: Take Control of YOUR Financial Future with 6 Checklists
S N A P S H O T
F I N A N C E
52
Muscles and Mutts
Stuff, Repeat; Stuff, Repeat! Itʼs Time to Stuff a Blue Goose
C U L T U R E Photographer Dan White, a Flint Native, Knows the People of Flint Are to Be Celebrated
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20 B U S I N E S S MTA Connects Companies to Commuters 4 onthetown
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S E E N
48 B E
S E E N
Hamilton Community Health Network 35th Anniversary Celebration
50 ʻThe Gameʼ
S P E C I A L T R I B U T E onthetown Congratulates Michael G. Thodoroff for 30 Years of Excellence
Protect and Defend Striving to help you build, protect, and defend what matters most
25 Years
in the Financial
Services Industry
Financial Planning Services
Small Business Owners
Divorce Financial Planning
•
•
•
• • •
Strategies to help you in seeking to Protect and Defend your hard-earned wealth Work towards ensuring your money lasts as long as you do! Help get your financial house in order with a personalized plan Help clarify the new rules impacting retirement, taxes, Social Security, and Medicare
• • •
Can your business survive without you? When you’re ready for retirement, will your retirement plan be ready for you? Can your business survive the loss of a key employee? Are you optimizing your employee retirement plan?
• •
Assist you and your attorney to help make sense of tax ramifications, retirement plans, and other divorce financial issues Help design your critical post divorce financial plan Financial review of important documents
Give us a call for a complimentary investment and retirement plan assessment (810) 603-9100 Gary L. Fisher, MSA, CDFA, LUTCF, CLTC
Wealth Advisor & Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
G.L. Fisher Capital Management, LLC
Mott Foundation Building, 503 S. Saginaw Street, Suite 700B, Flint, MI 48502 (810) 603-9100 GL.Fisher@lpl.com GLFisherCapitalManagement.com
Securities and financial planning offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. G.L. Fisher Capital Management and LPL Financial do not provide tax and legal advice or services. Please consult your tax and legal advisor regarding your specific situation.
BUSINESS
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION FULL-SERVICE MORTGAGE LENDER
Mortgage 102:
What Affects Interest Rate and How to Secure the Best One The borrower who is most prepared wins the race. In other words, they will receive the best rate and best program and will most likely beat out other offers. You can never overprepare for the mortgage process. The burning question in the mind of the home buyer is “What the interest rate is?” After making sure they get the lowest rate possible, in turn the lowest payment becomes a priority. Interest rates might seem like a general figure and easy to determine. The opposite is true. Many factors determine the qualifying rate. Loan programs and repayment terms are the first parameters that need to be decided. There is more incentive in a shorter term, such as 15 years versus 30 years. Since the lender will recoup the money faster, the risk is lower and so is the interest rate. The credit score is the biggest factor in determining a borrower’s interest rate. Although minimum credit score requirements can vary depending on the lender, a 640 median score (this is the middle FICO score of the three credit-reporting bureaus) is the low end of the spectrum. Conventional loans require a median credit score of 740 or above for premium rates. Federal Housing Administration and Rural Development loans are more forgiving when it comes to lower credit scores as these are tailored more to first-time home buyers who might not have established a credit history. Having your credit pulled once a year is a good maintenance program that can ensure your credit report stays intact and free of collections.
Most borrowers are not even aware of collections on their account or derogatory tradelines (accounts that have been paid 30 days past the due date). Creditors send borrowers to collection agencies when they are unable to reach borrowers for payment. Typically people are unaware that these bills are outstanding, and sometimes the bills can be removed from the credit report with the proper documentation. Another factor that will affect the interest rate is the loan amount. Rates tend to increase on loan amounts under $100,000. The lending institution is not profiting as much in interest, so a higher rate helps offset that. A more substantial down payment is another option for reducing the interest rate. The more money a borrower is willing to contribute up front, the less likely they will be to default on the mortgage. However, for home buyers who have the proper knowledge and preparation before getting a mortgage, both defaulting and dealing with a high interest rate are far less likely.
OPEN THE DOOR TO YOUR DREAMS! At Cason, it’s a new day in home loans! In an industry that can be so misleading, we pledge to be honest and upfront so that your mortgage needs can be met and you walk away telling others about Cason Home Loans.
AMBER L. SABO-CARPENTER Senior Loan Officer // Purchase Specialist The Jeff Stephenson Team
810.964.9700 F: 866.838.0489
asabo@casonhl.com
CALL TODAY! 6 onthetown
NMLS# 1216443 Cason Home Loans // NMLS# 162651
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FEATURE
S O U N D I N V E S T M E N T S :
K W M J I M K R U Z A N HELPS WORKERS GAIN Financial Security
BY MEREDITH MCGHAN // PHOTOS BY // MICHAEL GLEASON PHOTOGRAPHY
8 onthetown
J
im Kruzan has come a long way since 1981, when he started out as a young management training associate for the National Bank of Detroit. Within two years, he was a financial advisor with the company that became Ameriprise, which was then called Investors Diversified Services. In another four years, Kruzan had started his own consulting practice, Kaydan Wealth Management, Inc. “The practice is named after my daughter, Kaylee, and son, Brendan,” Kruzan says. “It might not register with everyone, but it is meaningful and important to me. Having a tight family tie makes you take each and every interaction you have with the public very seriously.” Kaydan Wealth Management (KWM) is an alliance with Raymond James Financial Services, which provides the team with access to an extensive array of knowledge and expertise in the financial industry. “It’s comforting to know I have that resource available to me,” he says. “It becomes a valuable supplement to my extensive Rolodex of 35 years.” The Raymond James headquarters is home to 3,500 employees with the experience to handle the most complex financial situations and has received numerous awards for its work.
From the beginning, KWM focused on employees of Michigan’s automotive industry, helping them invest over the course of their careers and retire comfortably. Classic cars being a lifelong passion for Kruzan made this niche a perfect fit for KWM, and the services the practice offered grew along with the industry. “By the mid-1990s, several of the big car companies were offering their employees a Fidelity-based 401(k),” Kruzan says. “Along with it came the added complexity
of now having more than 50 choices for investments. This was a stark difference from the five or six choices available previously.” KWM became one of the first practices in the country to help individual employees create 401(k) portfolios based on their specific goals. By 1996, the team was offering several model portfolios and investment strategies tailored to a Fidelity-based portfolio framework. This was a new business model of financial management.
KWM TEAM From left to right: F R O N T R O W : Sany Bilani (Trader and Portfolio Analytics Associate), Danielle Howard (Director of Marketing and Communications), Kate Settle (Sr. Client Advocate), Mathew Britt (Sr. Investment Analyst) M I D D L E R O W : Colette Kline (Sr. Client Advocate), Heidi Hawley (Receptionist, Assistant Client Advocate) B A C K R O W : Darren Brennan, CFP® (Associate Wealth Advisor); Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC® (Sr. Wealth Advisor, Founder of KWM); Shawn Reszczyk (Director of Client Services); Evan Lian (Business Development Associate); Joyce Kruzan (Director of Operations)
onthetown 9
“PROVIDING SOUND ADVICE & COUNSEL IS DIFFERENT FROM SIMPLY PROVIDING INVESTMENT SOLUTIONS. ” – JIM KRUZAN
“We were not the advisor who simply sold an employer a 401(k) plan, and we were not the Fidelity employee answering questions about the 401(k),” Kruzan says. “In both cases, the allegiance of the advisor may be with someone besides the employee. Our focus was on the individual, not the corporation. We became a staunch advocate for the employee and this remains true to this day.” This concept is embedded in KWM’s mission statement: “Our singular focus is to make an impactful difference in the lives of our clients and their families. As advocates, we work closely with our clients to clarify the financial landscape and navigate life’s most important events. We achieve this through thoughtful, unbiased advice, meaningful portfolio management and impeccable service.” Since its inception 30 years ago, KWM has grown to include 13 financial planning professionals, each with a specialized skill set in every aspect of financial management to bring to the table. The team’s five key functions are client wealth advice, client service, portfolio and analytics, communications and operations and marketing branding. “I wanted to create a financial planning practice that focused on the team’s needs and goals, and less on product sales and investment quotas,” he says. “Providing sound advice and counsel is different from simply providing investment solutions.” The crucial difference, he explains, is that an investment solution is a short-term fix, whereas sound advice, regular followup and persistence – all part of a game
10 onthetown
CLIENT SERVICES From left to right: Janine Payne (Executive Assistant), Colette Kline (Sr. Client Advocate), Shawn Reszczyk (Director of Client Services), Heidi Hawley (Receptionist and Assistant Client Advocate), Kate Settle (Sr. Client Advocate)
INVESTMENT POLICY COMMITTEE From left to right: Evan Lian (Business Development Associate); Sany Bilani (Trader and Portfolio Analytics Associate); Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC® (Sr. Wealth Advisor, Founder of KWM); Darren Brennan, CFP® (Associate Wealth Advisor). Not pictured: Mathew Britt (Sr. Investment Analyst)
onthetown 11
plan tailored to individual client goals – make up a long-term strategy. That, he notes, is what separates his approach from that of most other financial planners, who have more of a sales approach and less knowledge of the big picture of lifetime financial planning. KWM serves clients from all walks of life. “We have never set a minimum,” he says. He describes clients who are just starting out on their wealth management journey as “foundation builders.” A specialized team at KWM is there to serve them, focusing on the basics of an emergency fund, life and disability coverage and consistent investing. Another team, the one Kruzan heads, works with clients who already have sizable assets – executives, professionals and small business owners. He calls these clients “family stewards,” and the focus for them is to preserve “wealth” and be taxefficient regarding retirement and wealth transfer. Often, the next generation of the family will be involved in the planning process. Not everyone is going to fall into one of these categories, of course. Other categories KWM defines include wealth accumulators, wealth creators and wealth
enhancers. All denote a particular type of client with a unique set of assets and concerns or a location on the journey to financial independence. Each step along the way involves new challenges and a new set of decisions needed to advance. Despite the numerous uses of the word wealth, Kruzan wants readers to know that it’s not just the rich who should use a financial advisor. While the rich can absorb the cost of a financial mistake or two, the rest of us can cause serious damage to our financial future if we stumble along the way. That is why, according to Kruzan, everyone needs a trusted advisor and advocate to help them manage their money. Kruzan’s ethical mindset can be seen in the community and charity work that he performs outside of his profession. He is a longtime trustee for the Fenton Education Foundation. He created the Fenton Touchdown Program and has donated more than $15,000 to it since 2006. Each year, he collects toys for Genesee County Toys for Tots and coats to donate to Flint’s Carriage Town Ministries. All this reveals that when clients walk through the door of KWM, they can rest assured that both their wealth and their trust will be invested wisely.
KAYDANWEALTHMANAGEMENT.COM P: 810-593-1624 | F: 810-593-1643 329 WEST SILVER LAKE ROAD FENTON, MI 48430
2701 CAMBRIDGE COURT, SUITE 412 AUBURN HILLS, MI 48326
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Kaydan Wealth Management, Inc. is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. and Kaydan Wealth Management, Inc. Any opinions are those of Jim Kruzan and not necessarily those of Raymond James.
12 onthetown
WHY EVERYONE NEEDS A FINANCIAL ADVISOR “Think of it this way,” Kruzan says. “Throughout life, we are faced with a number of key financial decisions: • Should I take a retirement buyout offered me? • At what age should I retire? • Should I take a pension or a lump-sum distribution? • When should I take Social Security? • How best do I fund postretirement health care? • What Medicare supplement is best for my situation? • How do I deal with the required minimum distribution? The decisions you make about these issues will affect your future.”
CULTURE
D A
PHOTOGRAPHER A FLINT NATIVE,
KNOWS THE
PEOPLE OF
FLINT ARE TO BE
CELEBRATED.
“When the water crisis hit, I tried to do something for people,” White says. That was the genesis of The Folks of Flint...A Tribute, an exhibit of 58 large-print images of people from all walks of life from the area. The show is slated to open at the Capitol Theatre in the near future and ideally will move to other local venues afterward. Works in the exhibit can be seen on White’s website, www.danwhite.com.
WHITE // BY MEREDITH MCGHAN //
14 onthetown
White shot both “regular” people and people who are well-known in the community. “I chatted with them and found out who they were, then talked about how I’d photograph them,” he explains. “It’s more involved than just getting out the camera. It’s a complex process because you have to get the lighting just right. The beauty of it for me is the combination of people you know and the people who are more well-known.”
images have to have a certain quality. I
grateful to my funders.”
have to use strobes and flashes to create the light.”
The project has been entirely funded by donations from local foundations,
He gives credit where credit is due to
businesses and individuals under a 501(c)
those who have helped him along the way.
(3). Donors are Mott Community College,
“I had two interns from UM-Flint,” he says.
Flint Chamber, Community Foundation
“Will Alston was my right-hand person
of Flint, Phil Shaltz of Shaltz Automation,
and he helped produce some of the images.
The Hagerman Foundation, Kickstarter and
In the second part of the process Kristen
long-term friends. Funding is still in process,
Trevarrow has been an invaluable help.
with roughly $6,000 to $8,000 remaining.
Steve Landaal provided shipping for the
To view more photos, visit Whiteʼs website
prints, as well as being the projectʼs most
at www.danwhite.com.
EUNICE INGRAM came to Flint from Alabama
helpful during the whole process. And I’m
seeking a job and spent 32 years at General Motors.
the photographs on his website attest. “The
At 67, she received a Master of Religious Education
contributing financially. He’s been really
degree and now teaches Greek at her church.
White is known for his use of light, as
ardent supporter, including fundraising and onthetown 15
16 onthetown
the Flint Judo Club a few years later, training many Flint residents in the art of self-defense.
KOJI OSHIMA was born in Japan and came to the U.S. in 1963. He founded
TONY PALLADENO JR. has been one of the voices at the forefront of Flint’s community water activism since the beginning.
CHERISSE AND BRINAE ALI BRADLEY are part of the founding family of Tapology, which was born in 2001 to celebrate dance and bring the art to at-risk youth in Flint.
LAVARNE ROSS is dedicated to Flint and to portraying beautiful images of African-American creativity through his gift for painting. His works can be seen at www.lross.com. onthetown 17
FINANCE
THE OSTRICH SYNDROME
T
Take Control of YOUR Financial Future with 6 Checklists
his morning was no different than any other. I came to the office, grabbed a cup of coffee and took a moment to look at the picture that hangs on my office wall. It’s a picture of Walt Disney standing on the barren ground which eventually became Disney World. The caption states, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” That’s how Walt Disney lived his life, and I found him to be an inspiration for myself and our firm, Sapphire Blue Investment Partners. While we don’t claim to do the impossible, I am fortunate to go to work every day being inspired by making a positive impact on the lives of others. Let’s face it – investing is scary, financial planning is scary, and estate planning is scary; because of our fear of those subjects, we often see people ignoring them, hoping the problem
18 onthetown
// BY FRED HENSLER //
will go away. This is the “Ostrich Syndrome ” that I have spoken about for the past 30 years. Not facing the issue will not make it go away, and in many cases may cost you thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) of dollars per year. It is our opinion that, regardless of the amount of money that you have, it’s important to start with a plan. Let me use this story to illustrate. Let’s say you decide to go visit relatives in Los Angeles. As you board the aircraft, instead of taking your seat you introduce yourself to the pilot and ask for a copy of the flight plan. Imagine your dismay if the pilot says, “We don’t have a flight plan; we have flown to Los Angeles many times and know where it is. We’re going to head west and fly until we reach the coast of California.
At that point we will fly up and down the coast until we find LAX and I’ll then radio in to get instructions to land.” Would you stay on that plane? Unfortunately, many people treat personal financial planning with the same careless abandon. Handling your personal financial affairs is much like flying a plane. You should go through a number of checklists before you taxi down the runway and take off to a successful financial life. At Sapphire Blue Investment Partners, we believe that no financial decision should be made alone, and work diligently to coordinate our clients’ total financial affairs. Here’s what that checklist should include:
NUMBER ONE: RETIREMENT
NUMBER FIVE: TAXES
It’s imperative that you know where you’re trying to go before you attempt to get there. Let’s take retirement for instance. Too often we see people arbitrarily picking an amount to invest in their 401(k) or other investments without knowing the outcome. Here’s a calculation from www.money.cnn.com. If you are currently age 35 and anticipate retirement at age 67 with your current income of $55,000 per year, you will need approximately $1.7 million in assets to afford to retire. While that may sound daunting, it can be accomplished by directing 21 percent of your income toward your retirement. The same results could be obtained by a 25-year-old willing to save about 15 percent of their income. Starting early is important and paying attention is even more so.
Please tell me you’re not interested in paying more than your fair share in taxes. Unfortunately, we see time and time again that individuals attempt to prepare their own taxes instead of using a professional. It can be costly to them in potential missed deductions or opportunities for refunds. We highly encourage our clients to use the services of a certified public accountant.
NUMBER TWO: ESTATE PLANNING
NUMBER SIX: MANAGE YOUR INVESTMENTS
Any good financial plan needs to have instructions on how your estate should be distributed. Whether you are 25 or 85 it’s important to have your documents in order. This includes durable health care power of attorney and advanced directives in a will or trust that give your representatives directions on who is to get your belongings. It’s been proven that no matter how well you eat or how much you exercise, you’re not going to get out of this life alive; therefore an appropriate estate plan is a must. Those documents should be reviewed or updated every three to five years. NUMBER THREE: LIFE INSURANCE While a life insurance salesperson may encourage you to buy more than is needed or put all your money into life insurance, that is likely not the best decision you could make. Life insurance should be used to replace the income of a deceased individual if they have dependents. In some advanced cases it can be used to offset estate taxes or as a savings tool. Your life insurance policy should be reviewed annually by an independent third party. One of the most important tools you can consider is called an in-force illustration. This illustration allows you to make sure that your life insurance policy is performing as planned.
NUMBER FOUR: INSURANCE (OTHER) When creating your financial plan, we believe it’s important to review your declarations sheet of your homeownerʼs and auto policies. This document allows you to review what is insured, what your deductibles are and how much coverage you have per occurrence. It also allows you to make sure you’re not paying insurance on vehicles you may no longer own. We also recommend a second set of eyes to look at your policy each year to make sure you’re not paying more than necessary.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of financial advisors in the United States is north of 332,000. Three things that each of them has in common are: 1. They would all like you to believe that they can do it better, faster and cheaper than the other guy. 2. Virtually every one of them will claim theirs is the best investment strategy. 3. You will likely be confused when talking with them. Consider using a fee-based advisor versus someone who benefits from commissions. If a financial professional, banker, mutual fund salesperson or annuity salesperson tells you there are no costs, run. Research the recommendations and make sure you have a clear understanding of fees, restrictions, caps and other nuances of the investment you are about to purchase. If it is liquid, you can get out at any time, and there aren’t any costs involved.
The U.S. stock investment market has created more wealth than nearly any other investment opportunity available. It’s never too early or too late to begin your journey. Teach your children wise saving habits as early as you can. Finally, make sure to use the services of a professional financial planner and investment manager who has your best interests in mind.
Fred Hensler is the president and CEO of Sapphire Blue Investment Partners, a respected financial planning and investment management firm located in the heart of Genesee County. Opinions expressed are that of the author and are not endorsed by the named broker dealer or its affiliates. All information herein has been prepared solely for informational purposes, and it is not an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security or instrument or to participate in any particular trading strategy. The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor.
Sapphire Blue Investment Partners, Inc. is an independent firm. Hensler and Associates Wealth Management, Hensler Aviation and Physicians Wealth Management are all divisions of Sapphire Blue Investment Partners, Inc. Each division of Sapphire Blue Investment Partners, Inc. is also independent of Summit Brokerage Services, Inc., and all of its affiliates. 12272 N. Fenton Rd. Suite 7, Fenton, MI 48430.
onthetown 19
BUSINESS
Affordable Commute
Mass Transportation Authority Connects Companies to Commuters
M
// BY KELLIE MCCARTY-STACK //
any who live in Flint say it is coming back, roaring into a new lease on life. Finding solid employment is vital to restoring the economy. The local Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) is a beam of light, shining the way to a better tomorrow for residents who travel to other counties to remain employed. “It’s important to us that we identify and address the changing needs in our community today,” Ed Benning, CEO of MTA Flint, states. “The opportunity is to provide access to these jobs and regional transportation in neighboring communities. We started this back in 1997, and have grown every year since.” In fact, the Flint hub of MTA provides transportation to six counties, including Livingston and Oakland, and provides direct access to jobs in counties that have very low unemployment but a high demand for workers. These commuters live in Genesee County and take income back to spend here.
20 onthetown
OUR LEGISLATORS AND FUNDING PARTNERS ARE AWARE OF THE FLINT MTA’S AGGRESSIVE According to Benning, the Flint MTA has been noticed on the national level as being innovators in this business. Benning states, “I have attended meetings in Livingston County and met with a number of employers that were talking of moving out of the state if they couldn’t hire enough workers, so we agreed to transport workers from our county. We received half a million dollars to purchase used buses to expand regional services and we are seeking funds to purchase 10 more new buses. Our new buses are very clean, provide a nice ride and run on NG [natural gas].” More now than ever, employers are looking to MTA Flint to meet their labor needs. Benning comments that in Lapeer County 30 businesses are interested in regional commuter services. Business and community leaders in Livingston County report the MTA system helps pair people looking for employment with jobs, fulland part-time, that need to be filled. And the shuttle to and from the job is affordable for many. “Some employers will provide the cost of the monthly pass to ride the bus and others don’t. Everyone is different but it makes it affordable and can be a way to attract employees,” Benning says. The expanding business, which now runs west to Lansing, east to Lapeer, to Saginaw in the north and to Troy in the south, always seeks funding to sustain service, provide transportation options and add to the fleet of buses. Benning says, “We look for help for grant funding from state, federal, businesses and philanthropic sources. I travel to Washington, looking for money to sustain
APPROACH TO MEETING NEEDS. – ED BENNING –
services and add needed equipment. Our legislators and funding partners are aware of the Flint MTA’s aggressive approach to meeting needs, and they recognize the business approach we utilize, often viewed as very unique.” Others from several areas struggling to find workers for mostly low-income jobs are watching the program. Benning points out, “This is done around the country, but we have one of the strongest programs of this kind and are nationally recognized. Through a process of bringing stakeholders together and discussing transportation that would address as many as 800 open jobs, we expanded services in Livingston County. This effort addressed 600 of those positions at the onset. Today there is a need for an additional 600 employees and we’re working to find ways to further expand.”
they can move workers to and from the job sites,” Benning says. “This will probably happen within the next several years. With the presence of I-69, U.S. 23 and I-75, we could have a great transportation hub here where people could work easily in Genesee County and the surrounding six counties.” The workers, jobs and momentum are all in place for this service to leapfrog to many opportunities for Genesee County. Regional commuter services also allow employers in Genesee County to bring in talent from neighboring communities for hard-to-fill positions. The MTA provides over 1 million workrelated trips within Genesee County for area employees per year. The MTA stands prepared to work with all businesses in the community to make sure transportation to work is never a barrier to employment.
The future looks bright and people are willing to commute to their workplace using this new service. “In the future, we envision transportation hubs in Lapeer, Saginaw, Lansing and along U.S. 23 near the M-59 corridor. This will allow us to provide excellent service into the hub located near the freeway, and shuttle services will be performed by the local transit systems so onthetown 21
FINANCE
Innovative Retirement Solutions Changes Name
As Part of New Partnership with Benefit Review Services, Inc.
I
nnovative Retirement Solutions, a local financial services firm, has a new name, Benefit Review Services, Inc. (BRSi) Retirement Solutions and an additional office in Sterling Heights, Michigan. This is part of a new partnership with Kevin Hamming, owner of BRSi. The company will maintain a local presence in Linden and remain an active member in the Fenton and Linden communities.
Keith & Heather Green
I LOOK FORWARD TO THE OPPORTUNITY TO GROW OUR REACH AND BUILD UPON THE FIRM’S TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE.
“I am proud that our firm is expanding,” says Keith Green, Accredited Investment Fiduciary, Certified Public Finance Administrator and retirement plan specialist. “It has been our mission to provide objective financial advice to our clients to help them work toward their financial goals, and we look forward to the opportunity to help even more. It is an exciting step for our team and I look forward to the opportunity to grow our reach and build upon the firm’s tradition of excellence,” says Green, who is also the owner of Innovative Retirement Solutions. Green is excited to join the BRSi group. BRSi is a consulting/advisory firm specializing in group health and welfare benefit design, insurance, compliance and administration. For more than 28 years, BRSi has provided employers and their employees with creative, understandable solutions to their financial and insurance needs. BRSi Retirement Solutions offers comprehensive retirement plan services to any business looking to improve its benefits package. The company works with employers seeking to offer the best possible retirement benefits to employees and assist
the employees by striving to improve their retirement readiness. These services help the organizations attract and retain better workers. The BRSi Retirement Solutions team has 30 years of experience providing personalized investment management and helps 401(k) plan participants and individuals pursue their retirement goals. Along with the other two BRSi companies (Employee Benefit Solutions and Personal Insurance Solutions), Retirement Solutions will strengthen the group’s position in the market. BRSi will now have the ability to offer a complete employee benefit program (both health/welfare and qualified retirement programs) for all clients. The professionals at the newly named BRSi Retirement Solutions will continue to provide financial advisory services through LPL Financial, a leading retail investment advisory firm and independent broker/ dealer serving more than 4 million client accounts.
THE NEW OFFICE IS LOCATED AT 43370 MOUND ROAD, STERLING HEIGHTS. FOR MORE
INFORMATION, CONTACT GREEN AT 810-7355900. WWW.BRSIRETIREMENT.COM.
– KEITH D. GREEN, AIF, CPFA –
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. Benefit Review Services, Inc., BRSi Retirement Solutions, Employee Benefit Solutions and Personal Insurance Solutions are not affiliated with LPL Financial. 22 onthetown
FIRST... and FOREMOST
Carlo A. Dall’Olmo, M.D.
Wayne K. Kinning, M.D.
Gregory J. Fortin, M.D.
Scott A. Garner, M.D.
Robert G. Molnar, M.D.
Learn Why So Many Doctors Trust Us for Their Patients’ Vascular Care
50
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Nitin G. Malhotra, M.D.
Cherie R. Phillips, M.D.
Mark A. Mattos, M.D.
1963-2013
Christopher J. Goltz, M.D.
Ranjith Dodla, M.D.
Patricia A. Perrine, N.P.
Joseph M. Jacot, P.A.
Karen Driskill, N.P.
Ken Eick, C.P.
Saginaw Campus
2013
Lapeer Campus
2015
Robert D. Rusch, P.A.
of Bristol & Linden - Flint MichiganVascular.com 810-732-1620 Corner
PHOTOS BY // MICHAEL GLEASON PHOTOGRAPHY
Jerry Coffin - Pontiac Firebird
US 23 Drive-In Brick Flicks AUGUST 15, 2017 The Back to the Bricks annual extravaganza began with Bricks Flicks, a family-oriented party at the nostalgic US 23 DriveIn theater on Fenton Road in Mundy Township. The featured film was the 1981 classic edition of Cannonball Run. Adding to the festive atmosphere were special displays by Buick. It was an evening filled with tailgating, “bench racing” and families dancing around all the parked cars with golden oldies music provided by the ever popular classic guy himself, DJ Bob Steel.
Dune Buggy
24 onthetown
Bob Haas - Coca-Cola Cruiser
Bob Steel
Rick Penrod - Classic Ford Mustang
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FINANCE
PROTECT
DEFEND AND
What Matters to Gary Fisher
T
here are two sides to financial success, according to Gary Fisher, president of G. L. Fisher Capital Management, LLC. The first side is building wealth and financial reserves, and the second is protecting and defending them, once you’ve built them. “As strange as it might seem, it’s often easier to build it than it is to keep it, for many people,” he says. An instinct to protect and defend was built into his psyche. “I grew up in a tough neighborhood, in one of America’s toughest cities – the east side of Flint, Michigan,” Fisher says. “You learned quickly how to build coalitions, protect your family, defend yourself and your friends, and you learned a lot about loyalty. Those are values and lessons that I have carried with me my entire life.” During a 25-year career in the financial services industry, he has had the opportunity to employ this ethos countless times. “You see a lot in a quarter of a century, which just strengthened my belief that protecting is as important as building, when it comes to wealth strategies. We aren’t taught these things in high school or college. “We’ve worked with my clients through marriage, divorce, births and deaths, business successes and business challenges. We help people with the big picture: what they want, what they need and what their goals and dreams are. We don’t tell folks what they want to hear to feel good, we tell them what they need to hear to work towards their goals. Sound financial planning doesn’t have to be complicated, and it’s not always sexy. It’s working towards getting the foundation built, and
26 onthetown
then making sure you put up seawalls in seeking to withstand life’s hurricanes,” Fisher says. Fisher’s family has been in Michigan for over 100 years and includes French Canadians arriving from Quebec; English and Scots-Irish from Missouri, Tennessee and Arkansas; and some who came from Poland. “My grandmother used to say, ‘We are hard workers!’ That was the highest compliment she could give,” Fisher explains. They settled in Flint, Detroit and Bay City, employed in the auto, railroad or farming industries. Fisher is proud of his long heritage in the United States, having several ancestors who played a significant role in the nation’s founding, including family members who fought in the Revolution, Civil War and every major American conflict.
Gary Fisher, President of G. L. Fisher Capital Management
The experiences with his own family helped fuel a passion for history. “I am deeply moved by the sacrifices made again and again that built this nation. This includes my mom and dad, who worked to help build a home and create opportunities for me they could only dream of. That’s one of the most important lessons history offers us. “My hometown of Flint is still a tough place. It’s resilient. It’s unbowed by an almost ceaseless assault of bad luck, bad decisions and bad timing. Through it all the people still persevere. “I think that’s a heck of a lesson for people when it comes to their finances too. Bad things are going to happen. You’re either leaving a problem, or heading to a new one. It’s not about avoiding the tough stuff, it’s about how well you can respond to it. The challenges we face today are
different. Now Americans have to navigate 30- or 40-year retirements that may be devoid of pensions. We need to consider how we can navigate Social Security and Medicare; how to help our kids get the right skills and education and deal with the accompanying debt; and how to plan for long-term care, inflation and taxes. “That’s one of the most important things we do,” Fisher says. “We help people navigate these challenges. We’ve been doing it for a quarter of a century, and we look forward to many more years of helping people strive to protect and defend what matters most to them.” Fisher recognizes that with his heritage, family history and personal experiences, it’s the only thing that makes sense. Call Gary today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Visit us online at GLFisherCapitalManagement.com Gary L. Fisher, MSA, CDFA, LUTCF, CLTC
Wealth Advisor | Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Mott Foundation Building | 503 S. Saginaw Street, Suite 700B | Flint, MI 48502 (810) 603-9100 | GL.Fisher@lpl.com GLFisherCapitalManagement.com
Securities and financial planning offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.
onthetown 27
AUTO
VEHICLE CITY’S A Talk with
Automobile Aficionado // BY MICHAEL G. THODOROFF //
PHOTOS BY // MICHAEL GLEASON PHOTOGRAPHY
Dr. Bobby Mukkamala
“I GET THE MOST HAPPINESS WHEN I TALK CARS WITH PEOPLE.” – DR. BOBBY MUKKAMALA
28 onthetown
Classic car posters adorn Dr. Bobby’s “stable”
P
eople serving in the medical profession can be considered the élan vital to our everyday well-being and quality of life. While great personal satisfaction exists in this vocation, it also lends to stressful settings. So how do physicians cope with this stress and create a balance in their personal lives? For Flint-bred Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, his passion for automobiles strikes the balance. “I’ve always liked cars,” he says. “When you grow up in Flint, it almost becomes part of your DNA!” In addition to his medical commitments, Dr. Bobby – as he is affectionately referred to – is and has been a staunch supporter of Flint’s revitalization efforts through his personal involvement in various community organizations and as a stakeholder in multiple entrepreneurial ventures. During his quiet moments, he spends time in a warehouse just outside of downtown Flint where he parks his diverse collection of autos. Dr. Bobby recalls that when he came back to Flint from his medical training, he would buy a car that personally appealed to him, then drive it for a while. Some other car would catch his eye, and thus he would sell the current car and purchase the new. He admits, however, going through regrets soon after the previous car drove away. “After experiencing that a few times, I said, ‘I’m not going to sell anymore,’” he recollects. “I decided to start a collection and soon one became two, two became three, three became 55!” While the typical car collection concentrates on a certain brand, era or style, Dr. Bobby simply
collects the cars that have always charmed him. He also enjoys driving cars. “I never push the cars to their edge of performance ability,” he explains. “It’s not performance or a certain driving experience that appeals to me, I’m more of a cruiser. To me, it’s more of the aesthetics and the potential for the car to increase in value – it’s like an appreciation for fine art.” Although he acknowledges it is difficult to narrow down his preferences, onthetown asked Dr. Bobby to feature a few personal favorites.
1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE “I often get asked what car I would keep if I could only keep one; this car is the one! Every line on this car simply looks great – like a sculpture. I grew up seeing it in classic movies and although I did not live through its time, it sure seemed like a fun time to be a part of.”
Voluptuous lines of the 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
onthetown 29
Unrestored 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
1966 OLDSMOBILE TORONADO “This is General Motors’ first frontwheel drive V8 engine car. To me, cars are not just a piece of metal; every car has a story. I read an article that stated the 10 most striking car designs of all time. Among the Ferraris, Porsches and other ʻexoticʼ brands, here was this 1966 Olds Toronado! This car is as I found it in northern Michigan. It has two huge doors but has more back seat room than today’s four-door models. And it has distinctive features such as a separate door handle to open the door from the back seat and a unique speedometer with a scrolling motion.”
30 onthetown
1974 Jaguar E Type Series 3 – What caught Enzo Ferrariʼs eye
1974 JAGUAR E TYPE SERIES 3 – V12 ENGINE “I purchased the car from Don Williamson [former Flint mayor] when he owned a gas station on Miller Road. Since the car was for sale in the station’s parking lot, I stopped in and made an offer to Mr. Williamson. He initially refused but reconsidered as I was about to get in my car. Even though this is the last year of this iconic body style, at its initial unveiling, Enzo Ferrari [founder of Ferrari] made a comment that it was the most beautiful car he had ever seen.”
1985 FERRARI 308 GTSI This is popularly known as the Magnum PI car, and Dr. Bobby recited all the characters from this long-running series. “We loved watching ʻMagnum PIʼ as I was growing up. I even built one of those glue-together plastic models of this car! Inside, it has a unique-to-Ferrari gated shifter; you have to be precise on shifting through the gears, but it makes a beautiful sound as you do go through the gears.”
1985 Ferrari 308 GTSi – The ʻMagnum PIʼ
1990 JEEP GRAND WAGONEER “I remember seeing these all the time. The aesthetics are classic because it brings back memories of wood sides, chrome all over, a custom luggage rack, full of power accessories, multi-adjustable seats and a concert-sound radio. I also like to revisit all the cars’ sales brochures; this car’s pamphlet was graced with people in tuxedos, evening gowns and high heels. It is considered to have started the luxury SUV market – sort of like a Cadillac Escalade of its day.”
1990 Jeep Grand Wagoneer – First luxury SUV
RECENT PERSONAL REALIZATION Dr. Bobby recently opened his warehouse and hosted a casual fundraiser for the Sloan Museum and Flint Institute of Music. “If it’s just me in here just shining and working on the cars by myself, it’s not too much fun but I do appreciate and enjoy it. I recognized that I get much more enjoyment out of talking about the cars and other people seeing them. You see, each of these cars has a place in my memory but I know they also have memories for other people that grew up in those eras. I love hearing people tell their story – it means something to them. I get the most happiness when I talk cars with people. “The fundraiser was definitely more personal than a big fair. And because of that experience, if a group would like to conduct a show for a benefit cause, as far as I’m concerned [my collection is] a community attraction for people to enjoy – I’m happy to share with our community. After all, my collection is one person’s interpretation and appreciation – aka, craziness – for a passion of cars!” onthetown 31
PHOTOS BY // MICHAEL GLEASON PHOTOGRAPHY
Kelly Lance & Tigre
Muscles and Mutts A U GU ST 17, 2017
Michelle & Christopher Goetz
On August 17, the second annual Muscles and Mutts event was hosted by The Four Paws Hotel and Day Resort in Grand Blanc. Stylish apparel was provided by the popular Detroit Muscle brand while Doggie Delights’ homemade dog treats were a big hit with all pooches. Adding to the festivities was Brew’s Bandanas & Bedsʼ display of cute and fashionable pet attire. Music, photos, raffles and hourly pet costume contests filled the day while tours of The Four Paws Hotel and Day Resort were available.
Gretchen Sommer – Lucky Day Animal Rescue
32 onthetown
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O OU U TT O ON N TT H H EE TTO OW WN N
Whaley Golf Outing GR A ND BLANC, M I CH I GAN S E PTE M BE R 11, 2017 The 32nd annual Whaley Golf Classic presented by Client Financial Services was held at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club. The event was hosted by the “voice” of the Detroit Pistons basketball team, George Blaha, and accompanied by Pistons cheerleaders. It was a huge success for the Whaley Childrenʼs Center. Heather Craton, Sheri Christenson
Jennifer Lasco, Kimberly Gray
George Blaha and the Pistons Cheerleaders
Mark Grantham, Mark Carlson Trisha Carlson, Ken Ganapini
Tim Westcott, Harry Crane, Kevin Sharp
John Keuten, Tonto Alexander Gordy Taylor, Jason Strayhorn, Kevin Griggs
Darren Husse, Gordy Taylor, Michael Meythaler Shari Adolphi, Anthony Dirrell
Chad Schon, Andrew Hazelwood Brian Hazelwood, Anton Thornquist
Whaley Staff, George Blaha, Gordy Taylor and the Pistons Cheerleaders 34 onthetown
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BUSINESS
... John Wentworth III
R
...a Realtor Adds Value: The Closing Can Be the Hardest Part // BY CHELSEA MILLS //
ecently, I was talking to a friend of mine who happens to be a talented video producer in metro Detroit. He was telling me how listing his home for sale by owner was a no-brainer because of the hot real estate market. His plan consisted of putting together a fancy broker open house, Facebook advertising and an amazing video reel he produced of his home complete with drone footage and a voiceover. It worked; he got an offer in the very first week for his full asking price. However, when it came down to the inspection, the deal fell through because of some disclosures he didn’t realize he had to do. Frustrated, he ended up hiring a Realtor; the house was listed, marketed and sold in a matter of days – and he got more money than he was asking for initially. Like me, you might be wondering how this happened. I decided to ask John Wentworth III, one of our local real estate experts, why he thinks this happened to my friend. “Actually this scenario happens more than you think,” Wentworth explains. “But you don’t always hear about it because most of the time people are embarrassed or upset.” Wentworth explains that the easy part is putting a sign in your yard to list your home for sale by owner. But when it comes down to negotiations and closing, in the
36 onthetown
moment, you have to be prepared. The only way to be prepared is to have experience in those moments. “I know how to negotiate best for my clients in those moments because I get to know them, and understand their needs versus their wants,” Wentworth states. “Even with thousands of real estate transactions under my belt, I still can’t give a canned answer for a situation until I have all the information. There are many moving parts to each transaction and only an experienced Realtor is qualified to advise and navigate the process with you.”
One of the benefits Wentworth finds with working with a team of Realtors is that they can all pool their experiences to get the best result for their clients. “Even the guy who owns ForSaleByOwner.com listed his house with a Realtor after six months on the market. After the Realtor listed the property, the condo soon attracted multiple offers and ended up closing for $150,000 more than the original asking price,” Wentworth explains, citing a Wall Street Journal article called “DIY Guru Gets Broker Help.” “Whenever I hear about someone who sold their property for sale by owner, I usually wonder if they actually got the best price for their asset because more times than not, they usually sell for less,” Wentworth says. “Or if they are listing it higher than they should, they will incur more carrying costs and end up making less in the long run. That is where an experienced Realtor with a successful track record can help you figure out the best plan of action for your property.”
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PHILANTHROPY
From left to right: Dan Buccilli, David Custer, Cher, Jake Custer // Photo by Richie Downs
E g n i r a h S Cher
xpectation: how I’ve learned to hate the word. My own expectation has once again proved to be an unwanted visitor. I was flying home one night from our nation’s capital, looking out the window, reflecting on an incredible experience. As I peered at the thousands of little lights twinkling in the darkness, I couldn’t help but feel small and insignificant. I wanted to do something big, something impactful.
TO BENEFIT FLINT CHILDREN // BY DAVID CUSTER //
Why did I have this urgent need to do something greater than myself? The night before I had been on cloud nine of my own free will chatting backstage with an icon. Little old me from Flint, Michigan, was granted quality time with Cher. My newsman hat was back home, and I was there as a fan and an ambassador of my hometown.
I walked into this little room and stopped to say hello to one of her staff members. Her assistant Jen and I had spoken to each other on the phone and via text a lot leading up to this night of her show. I saw this thin figure with long black hair and a sparkly jacket out of the corner of my eye. My heart raced and my mouth dried up a little. I quickly realized that figure was Cher! I was granted access to one of the world’s biggest celebrities simply because I wanted to thank her for her generous donation to my city. Far more important than the tens of thousands of bottles of water she donated was how she used her platform to bring attention to the manmade crisis.
38 onthetown
HER EYELIDS LOOKED LIKE THEY WEIGHED 5 POUNDS EACH AS GLITTER EMERGED FROM LONG, THICK LASHES.
Cher never stopped talking about the crisis and even came to Flint on Halloween 2016. She toured a water distribution center and told me then that she wanted to see the problem in person. She said the crisis was heartbreaking but showed the spirit of Flint’s people.
She signed the picture, “To David, You’re so great! Love, Cher.” Immediately after, my brother and my fiancé asked her to sign their shirts. I thought, I’ll ask her to sign mine too! She signed it in silver metallic pen. I thanked her and we were escorted out of the room.
Now cut to me backstage with the glitz and glamour we are accustomed to seeing. Her eyelids looked like they weighed 5 pounds each as glitter emerged from long, thick lashes. She greeted me like a good friend who had popped in for a visit. She asked me how Mayor Karen Weaver was doing. I complimented Cher’s spectacular performance.
We got back to my brother’s place, and carefully, we packed our shirts to preserve them. I imagined how I would frame mine with the picture of us next to her.
I came wearing a custom-made shirt. The shirt featured a cartoon of the singer, inside a heart with the word Flint in black, sparkly lettering above it. I’d made my fiancé a shirt just like it. I’d thought, If I don’t get to talk to her at least she will see our shirts in the crowd and know that gratitude from Flint is alive and well in the audience. Cher’s best friend, Pauly, came flying through the door with the biggest smile on her face. Pauly asked us to pose for a picture. She then said to Cher, “Don’t you love these shirts? They are so cool!” A photographer asked us all to get together and pose for photos. Then, her manager gestured for us to make our way toward the exit of the small room. It was then that I remembered I’d brought a picture from our previous interview. I wanted her to sign it. She said, “It’s David, right?” I think my eyes lit up the room. Holy cow! Cher remembered my name!
Then, that moment in the darkness 30,000 feet in the air happened. Suddenly, an idea shined brighter in my mind than anything below. I wanted to take my beloved shirt and use it to raise money for the very cause that brought Cher and me together. I’ve done several stories and helped many causes in Flint, but this was a chance to do something from the heart. I couldn’t wait to tell the Community Foundation of Flint how I wanted to raise money for Flint children impacted by the crisis. They loved my idea. I created an online auction with 100% of the money raised going to the fund for Flint children. I couldn’t wait to see how much money it would raise. I pictured it reaching well above $500. A couple days went by; it wasn’t receiving much interest or action. We shared an article with our TV5 audience, and even Pauly shared it with many of Cher’s followers. She told me that Cher loved what I was doing with the shirt. Slowly, a couple of bids came in. The auction ended days later, and my cherished shirt had raised $255 for the
cause. I was devastated. Everyone around me told me that I should be proud of the amount and every little bit helps. However, I felt like a failure. I painted on a happy face and delivered the check to the Community Foundation. To my surprise, they thanked me for keeping the well-being of Flint children on the forefront. They didn’t know the heartache and disappointment I faced because I felt it wasn’t enough. I went home and posted on Facebook about my disappointment and how I’d let my expectation cloud this entire experience. The woman in Germany who had won the auction saw that post and told me how excited she was to win the shirt and help Flint children. At the end of her message, she asked if I would allow her to double the amount she paid to help the charity. I couldn’t believe it! Then a couple of my television viewers asked if they could donate $250 toward the cause in my name. The donation messages continued to flow to my inbox. The post about expectation was sparking the engine to drive money to the fund. When the engine stopped, $1,300 was raised. I learned a valuable lesson from that idea born while soaring through the clouds in the middle of the night: The best way to fight expectation is to practice gratitude. I couldn’t be more grateful for everything that happened. I am sure if Cher had witnessed my self-deprecation, she would’ve quite simply slapped me across the face and said, “Snap out of it!”
I WANTED TO TAKE MY BELOVED SHIRT AND USE IT TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE VERY CAUSE THAT BROUGHT CHER AND ME TOGETHER. onthetown 39
O OU U TT O ON N TT H H EE TTO OW WN N
HAP Crim Festival of Races VIP Reception FLI NT, M I CH I GAN AUGUST 24, 2017
Harvey Lee, Joe Pichla
The HAP Crim Festival of Races hosted its annual VIP Reception in celebration of their 41st race. The event was held at University of Michigan-Flintʼs Northbank Center. Special guest speakers included Noah Droddy, an emerging and inspiring distance runner along with Dathan “Ritz” Ritzenhein, winner of the 40th 10-mile Crim race and American record holder.
Nick & Jeni Godlesky
Marsha & Bobby Crim
Michael Dach, Michael Jablonski, Ann Toombs
Gerry Myers, Dr. Susan Borrego
Riley McLincha, Noah Droddy, Emma Kertesz
Christina Ferris, Andrew Younger, Roxanne Caine
Ashley & Justin Dalrymple, David Wurtz
Akshay Kapoor, Mark Hall Andrew Younger, Lee Ann Welsh
Larry Lawrence, Denise & Clint Cunningham Ruth Cantor
Steve & Rosanne Heddy Anne & John Gault
January 20, 2018 • 6p–9p Join the FIA in celebrating the 11th Annual Community Gala and the opening of the exhibition Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence. For reservations & information, call 810.234.1695 or visit flintarts.org.
Flint Institute of Arts
1120 E Kearsley St, Flint • 810.234.1695 • flintarts.org
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Stuff, Repeat; Stuff, Repeat!
F
It’s Time to Stuff a Blue Goose // BY CINDY FICORELLI //
or the sixth consecutive year, ELGA Credit Union will partner with the Michigan State Police in hopes of making Christmas wishes come true for less fortunate children in the community. Stuff a Blue Goose is an annual Toys for Tots campaign that will kick off Friday, December 1, at ELGA Credit Union in Burton (2303 S. Center Road). The goal is to fill a Michigan State Police squad car, known as the Blue Goose, with toys for kids who live in the community. In previous years, the car has been filled countless times, and Cheryl Sclater, public relations manager for ELGA Credit Union, and one of the Stuff a Blue Goose organizers, hopes for overflowing cars once again this year. “ELGA Credit Union was thrilled to participate in the Toys for Tots program when the Michigan State Police invited us to join the campaign six years ago,” she says. “This is who we are and what we do; we want to touch the lives of people in so many ways, and to help make Christmas special for kids is so heartwarming for everyone involved. These children need a hand up, not a hand-off.” 42 onthetown
Sclater adds that the program has exceeded expectations over the years. “What started with one state police car now has grown to dozens, thanks to our generous community stepping forward every year to donate. The Toys for Tots campaign truly is a collaborative effort of so many organizations and individuals who want to help the kids in our neighborhood,” Sclater points out. “It is amazing to see the campaign grow and grow. One year, a child donated her new bicycle simply because she wanted to make another child happy at Christmas. The generosity has been overwhelming.”
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT THIS EVENT IS THAT 100 PERCENT OF OUR DONATIONS GO DIRECTLY TO KIDS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. – COMMUNITY SERVICE TROOPER STEVEN KRAMER –
At this year’s kickoff event on December 1, school choirs will perform, local radio and television personalities will visit, all local police and fire departments will be on site and activities will take place throughout the day. Community service trooper Steven Kramer from the Michigan State Police encourages families to stop by throughout the day to enjoy the Toys for Tots kickoff event. “Often, the public only thinks of Michigan State troopers as law enforcement officials, but, we are real people, too,” he says with a smile. “This is a great opportunity to meet some members of the Michigan State Police and get to know them in a different capacity, not just as uniformed officers. “And what is great about this event is that 100 percent of our donations go directly to kids in your neighborhood,” he notes. Donations are accepted throughout the holiday season. Donation boxes will be located at all ELGA Credit Union locations as well as SageLink and Frankenmuth Credit Unions. New unwrapped toys, personal hygiene items and monetary donations are welcome. Toys for Tots began helping families in 1947 when the Marine Corps Reserves launched the program. A few years later, the Michigan State Police started its Stuff a Blue Goose campaign to support the Marines. onthetown 43
O OU U TT O ON N TT H H EE TTO OW WN N
Hurley Trauma Center Golf Classic FLI NT, M I CH I GAN SE PTE M BE R 11, 2017
Bill Peterman, Peter Seilo
Hurley Foundationʼs 33rd annual Trauma Center Golf Classic was held at Flint Golf Club to benefit the Hurleyʼs Trauma Center and Burn Unit at Hurley Medical Center – admitting over 1,500 patients, serving 22 counties and receiving up to 300 hospital transfers annually, making Hurley one of the highest volume trauma centers in the state.
Chuck Purves, Dr. Peter Stoyanoff
Matthew Kramer II, John Stewart Matthew Kramer, Mike Kissane
Jeff Reem, Gary Smith, Mike Smith, Tyree Walker
Dr. Seif Saeed, Scott Pope Sean Liggins, John Schreiber
Charlie Elezi, Aaron Beresh David Dresevic, Clinton Mikel
Dr. Khalid Ahmed, Melany Gavulic Sheldon Neeley, Mike Burnette
Ken Mayer, Shelley McArthur Pam Bailey, Brian Nelson
Cort Niemi, Debra Burnett Frank Schmitt, Darren Webb
Ron Davis, Carl Moraw Craig Johnson, Jeff Hauswirth
Joe Montpas, Mike Wolgast Scott Shively, Phil Shaltz
44 onthetown
O OU U TT O ON N TT H H EE TTO OW WN N
Time of Your Life Women’s Expo FLI NT, M I CH I GAN S E PTE M BE R 8-9, 2017
Kim Mastantuono, Katti Riley
Cumulus-Flint hosted the Time of Your Life WomenĘźs Expo at Dort Federal Event Center. The two-day event offered attendees the chance to sample food and get the latest tips on fashion, health, wellness, finance, shopping and more. Guests explored new ideas for family, home, health and beauty, for all life stages, all in one spot.
Ider Smith, Shevvy Hawkins
Douglas Lobdell, Jordan Lidgey
Fueschie Jones, Demona Davis
Krystal Allie, Sarah Bessolo
Tanya Jefferson, Sherika Finklea
Tracie Edwards, Deb Wilson, Cherie Sain
Rachelle Griggs, Rose Griggs
Nicole Kelly, Josh Brock
Holly Wright, Amanda Szumowicz
Lena & Larry Pietrzyk
46 onthetown
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O OU U TT O ON N TT H H EE TTO OW WN N
Hamilton Community Health Network 35th Anniversary Celebration FLI NT, M I CH I GAN AUGUST 3, 2017
Tim Herman, Clarence R. Pierce
CEO Clarence R. Pierce welcomed the community to Hamilton Community Health Network’s 35th Anniversary Dinner Celebration gala event, celebrating 35 years of providing comprehensive, quality health care services to local residents.
Jewell White, Yvonne Bowe-Gillard
Vivian Kelley, Omar Sims, Regina Marshall
Colleen & Archie Le Flore
Tom Joyner, Clarence Pierce Mayor Karen Weaver
Bessie Straham, Jean Newman, Frances Gilcreast
Dr. Jonathan & Dalice Rohrer, Deb Porter Richard & Debra Beard
Kevin Miller, Major Emmett Richardson Donald Brown
Lennetta Coney, Karl Olmsted Erin & Craig Coney
Alvin Edwards, Gloria Pierce Loretta & Ron Bush
Amee Briney, Mishael Raiford Darlene Chivinsky, Dwayne Clemons
48 onthetown
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PHOTOS BY // MICHAEL GLEASON PHOTOGRAPHY
Liz & Gus Fenton (Fenton’s descendants)
Phil & Jocelyn Hagerman
ʻThe Gameʼ AR TI ST: O LE G KE D R I A, A N AWA R D-WI NNI NG AR TI ST FR O M UKR AI NE Phil & Jocelyn Hagerman donated to the city of Fenton to celebrate the history of Fenton with art.
Oleg Kedria, Artist
A life-size bronze sculpture was unveiled on October 5, in front of the Fenton Community & Cultural Center. The sculpture illustrates the infamous poker game among William Fenton, Robert LeRoy and Benjamin Rockwell which determined the naming rights to the city. Stop by the sculpture to sit in the empty seat and join in the game! For more information, please contact The Hagerman Foundation at (810) 285-9223. Rodney Lontine & Enrique Diemecke
“The Game” – bronze sculpture
James Gaskin, Jenny Felix Michael Hart, Pat Lockwood & Howard Melrose
50 onthetown
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(810) 771-3131
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facebook.com/onthetownmagazine |
twitter.com/onthetownmag
(810) 584-7006 | beonthetown.com | P.O. Box 121 | Grand Blanc, MI 48480 onthetown 51
SPECIAL TRIBUTE
Michael G. Thodoroff Senior Editor of onthetown Magazine
C O N G R AT U L AT E S
Michael G. Thodoroff FOR 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE // BY ONTHETOWN STAFF //
As we wrap up the year 2017, we want to acknowledge a very special anniversary and an extremely important part of our onthetown family – the one and only Michael G. Thodoroff, known affectionately to us as Mike. For 30 years, Mike has been an instrumental part of our team, outlasting all others and wearing many different hats along the way. To honor his service, which has been an integral part of why we’ve been the flagship publication for the Flint area for decades – we are presenting him with an award, as well as our kudos and gratitude in print.
52 onthetown
onthetown has gone through many changes since Mike came on board, and so has his role. He has served not only as a dedicated, passionate writer but also as senior editor and managing editor at various times, including currently. He’s also thrown himself into endeavors like writing and editing special publications dedicated to local institutions, such as Camp Copneconic and Powers Catholic High School. Combining editing and writing roles requires equal abilities to focus on details and to envision a piece – skills that are rare to find in tandem. Mike is one of those unique people who can delve into the solitary process that is writing and switch quickly into editing mode when necessary. But it’s the third item in this juggling act that is most difficult, and that is the management aspect of making decisions regarding content and communicating with the multitude of people involved in the creation of a magazine. It’s a delicate balancing act! A dynamically changing group has always been at the helm of the publication in the editorial, design and sales departments. There have been, throughout the years, many talented local writers and photographers who have contributed excellent content. There are public relations folks with whom Mike has forged fruitful alliances and business owners he has supported. Community organizations, too, have graced our pages many times. We have been fortunate to have Mike on board since he is a person with the gift of gab and is able to connect with a diverse group of people. It is with all this in mind that we present him this year with our award for outstanding commitment, integrity and quality. onthetown has been blessed to have Mike, and we would not be what we are today without him!
DYS P O R T
R EST Y L A N E
J U V ED E R M
Beautiful
Mike met Harry when they both worked for General Motors. Once Mike had retired, he wanted to do something focused on helping the community thrive. His love of and flair for wordsmithery served him well for this goal, and he began writing for onthetown in 1987. He has always been dedicated to preserving Harry’s legacy of presenting the most upbeat and positive goings-on in the Flint area.
B OTOX
B E YO UR O W N K IND O F
onthetown had already been an established publication for 13 years when Mike came on board. Founded by longtime Flint resident Harry C. McVey, the magazine’s mission was to provide the people of Flint with positive, vibrant and local news and information. At the beginning of the auto industry’s decline, the publication was just what we needed. And it has remained strong and true to its original mission all these years. A large part of the reason why is that Mike has been the consistent backbone of the magazine for so long.
L A S E R H A IR R EM O VA L PAC K AG ES FACI A L L A S E R TR E ATM EN TS S K IN TO NIN G & TI G HTENIN G R ES TO R E YO UR YO UTHF UL B E A UT Y W ITH SUB L ATI V E M O N TH Y S P E CI A LS AVA IL A B LE O N B OTOX , DYS P O R T , R ES T Y L A N E & J U V E D E R M
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