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Stockton House, Ann Arbor St., Flint, MI. |
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Greetings!
We are happy to report that the 2nd annual Flint Club Holiday Soiree was a rousing success. Flint Club members from near and far gathered at Flint's historic Stockton House for an evening of food and fun followed by some intense silent auction bidding.
Members enjoyed the chance to tour the historic Stockton House and catch up with old and new friends. Proceeds from the auction go towards supporting Flint Club's continued efforts to revitalize Flint. Flint Club would like to thank everyone that donated auction items and to everyone that attended the Soiree. We hope to see you all at next year's holiday event.
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Renovation of Berridge Hotel Brings Hope to Flint
Four years in the making, the former Berridge Hotel has become Berridge Place, a "21st century place to live," complete with eighteen loft-style apartments with historical charm and a classic design. Built back in the 1920's as a 100 bed hotel for auto executives and workers, the building suffered disrepair over the years. In 2007, the Genesee County Landbank, in partnership with Court Street Village Non-Profit Housing Corporation, purchased the building to help transform the landscape and provide housing on the edge of downtown, in historic Carriage Town.
Adjacent to the Berridge is the Tinlinn House. Built in 1911 on a side lot of the home of J. Dallas Dort, the house has an additional renovated four units for rent, retaining the building's unique architectural features throughout.
The project to transform both buildings took vision, cooperation and collaboration at every level of government and was made possible with help from seventeen funding sources. The renovation of the Berridge, a building with a long history in Flint, is "an important part of Flint's renaissance." As Michael Freeman of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) explained, "If we can collectively believe that change can happen, Flint has hope."
For leasing information or for a virtual tour, click here. |
Become a Pen Pal Mentor to a Flint Student
The Pen Pal Mentor program provides positive role model and mentoring relationships for upper elementary age students. The program is designed to reinforce good grammar and writing skills through regular, monitored correspondence with adult volunteers.
Flint Club members who live far from the city, but who wish to make a personal contribution to the education of a Flint area student are encouraged to sign up today.
For more information, please email sonyita@flintclub.org. |
Community Corner
Mott Foundation to Buy Character Inn
The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation has agreed to take over the purchase of the Riverfront Character Inn. The Crim Fitness Foundation originally initiated the purchase, but was unable to complete the deal. The Mott Foundation's involvement in the project reassures many in the community that the property will be preserved and become part of the continued revitalization of downtown Flint.
Click here to learn more.
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Diaspora Survey Results
Last month we asked Diaspora readers to tell us their favorite downtown Flint eatery. The results are in and The Lunch Studio took the top spot, followed closely by The Torch Bar and Grill and The White Horse Tavern which tied for second place. Many respondents remarked that they were not aware of the many dining options downtown. Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey.
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Member Profile
Becky (Zaroo)Johns and her husband Brian Johns are an unlikely dynamic duo.
She is a Flint native, former student of Sobey Elementary School, Whittier Middle School and a 1991 Flint Central High School graduate. Becky was active in Flint Central Theatre Magnet and pursued her interest in the arts in various forms - from local community theatre to stand up comedy throughout the Midwest, vocal performances and minor television roles. She enjoys opportunities to impact people's lives and spent several years in Chicago and Los Angeles working with Landmark Education Corporation, producing seminars that give people tools to transform their lives and relationships.
Brian Johns was raised in Southern California, but has Texas roots. Most of his education was in the private school sector, graduating from Calvary Chapel High School in 1993. His collegiate concentration was graphic arts, but he found his calling in finish carpentry almost immediately. By the time he was 30, he had designed, executed and supervised some of the most upscale renovations and projects in Orange County. As President of Orange County Chamber of Commerce Profit Connection, he created tools and fostered cross-market relationships that enabled entrepreneurs and other professionals to meet great success.
According to Brian, he would have never imagined himself here. "I just couldn't see myself in Flint, remembering scenes from Roger and Me. But when we visited Becky's family in 2004, I just knew it was going to be home. I like to tell people that I'm from California, but I was made in Flint."
Although their carpentry business didn't see more than a year in Genesee County, this couple found an old, but new, direction for their lives. "Out of shear necessity, we started a backyard organic garden. When you've got 5 kids, you've got to get creative!" Becky said. The couple has 5 children, ranging in age from 1 to 15. "Brian is a fifth-generation farmer. It's in his blood." And so they gave birth to Happy Family Farms.
With property in Flint and Burton, Happy Family Farms provides Certified Naturally Grown food to Happy Family Farm Members. "We want to give all people an affordable way to get chemical-free, delicious produce that comes from a local farm, not flash-frozen and shipped from thousands of miles away." Brian said. "And to provide that year-round, we are transitioning to a hydroponic farm in the next few weeks."
Happy Family Farms members receive fresh produce, tips on living "green" and recipes that are easy to follow. "Our desire is to give people what we want for ourselves - healthy food that's affordable and the know-how to take back their health and finances. Where better to offer that than in a town we both love?"
As for know-how, Brian and Becky are also creating a DVD that shows viewers how to grow organic foods themselves. "We will be shooting the DVD as we launch the hydroponic farm - sort of a documentary that will become a DIY instructional. We have already secured international distribution for the DVD, which is great for us, but especially outstanding for Flint. We want to do our part to help this area redevelop. Now, we get to offer the world a new perspective on urban agriculture, and we get to do it while showing what's possible in our hometown."
To learn more about the Johns family or Happy Family Farms, visit www.HappyFamilyFarms.com or contact them at 810-965-2787.
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