APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

THE

VOLUME 19 • NUMBER 8 MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16-30, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

WHAT'S INSIDE 444 The color of autism Leading in Diversity for 18 years COMMUNITY PG 11

RECOGNIZING AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

SPORTS GUEST EDITORIAL

DELTA COLLEGE

BASKETBALL COACH JESSICA PEATROSS RECEIEVES 2021 MCAA NORTH CONFERENCE VERA MCMILLION WOMEN'S POST-SEASON COACH OF THE YEAR

SPORTS, PG 54 Her children shall rise up and call her blessed

From legal aid to By PASTOR CAROLYN company officials and featured on the company’s deacon aid, an L. WILKINS website Beauty Scene section. advocate advances This opportunity overwhelmed my heart, and I RESURRECTION LIFE chose to write about a woman I deem the epitome of LATINO BANNER, PG 4 MINISTRIES FULL strength, dignity, courage, and resilience-- my mother. GOSPEL BAPTIST JAFRA notified me that my article was among three CHURCH others to be featured on its digital platform/website. Consumers You see, my mama's story tells a true story of delivers more than AFRA’s Skincare and Beauty Cosmetics offered motherhood along with other real/great mothers. essential heat and Jits 600,000 beauty consultants an opportunity to It is the essence of who God designed mothers to light submit an article about a woman they appreciated and admired during Women’s History Month Celebration. COMMUNITY, PG 13 These articles were read and streamlined by JAFRA CONTINUES ON PG 2, VERA MCMILLION

Despite Covid, Michiganders FEATURED STORY Show Resilience COMMUNITY, PG 24 HURLEY BV High rescue COLEMAN III requires not only LEADS SAGINAW CAC opinions, but action COMMUNITY, PG 15 COMMUNITY, PG 28 MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 2 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

Cover, Vera McMillion

COURTESY PHOTO

be and defines their identity and God’s divine presence in my life. That person is non other than racial predjudice, segregation, the absence of civil order and purpose for mothers. We are so proud my beautiful mother, Vera McMillion. Her 86 years rights, redlining and other ills that she managed to of our Saginaw mother (Rev. Willie R. Hill, Jr., on earth have come with many achievements… confront and conquer. and Carmen D. Hill whose story was chosen from great and small..but certainly worthy of My mother is a woman of faith who taught JAFRA’s National and International entries. recognition, especially so as we celebrate 2021 me faith, love, hope and how to appreciate being Women’s History month. Her achievements and a woman with class and style. She educated me, A Saginaw Woman Saluted accomplishments speak gallantly and brilliantly of protected me, disciplined me and exposed me to her character, integrity, effort, time and dignity of what was necessary, good, and profitable for my life Women’s History Month gives us the one who should be acknowledged in her reign as and my siblings. opportunity to celebrate every woman from all a mother, grandmother, friend, confidant, and as a Her Accomplishments: State of walks of life who have contributed in shaping our steadfast Disciple of Jesus Christ and his teachings. Michigan Licensed Day Care facility, Licensed homes, education, labor, businesses, corporations, Vera McMillon, was born in Benoit, Mississippi Comosmetologist/Skincare Instructor, Proprietor government, military and public service selflessly and currently lives in Saginaw, Michigan. She of Modernette Beauty Salon, Housewife, Church above and beyond. was born the 10th child and first girl of seventeen congregant, Zion MBC/Mt. Nebo, High School It is an honor and prviliege to share the Jafra children. She was reared by loving parents who Graduate (return student), Delta College, Chef digital platform celebrating Women’s History provided strong family virtues and values, enabling (home-cooked meals), factory laborer, educator, Month. The empowerment of women has made it her and her siblings to incorporate into their lives a teacher, Direct Sales Representative for Avon. possible to celebrate leading women of Jafra, as firm foundation that was built on love, hard work, well as, an honorable salute to our President Judith and a commitment the teachings of the Bible. She Her influence in life has been shared with Sanchez. prides a quote from her father: “Always work and many young women and children as lessons and The words used in her March action message you won’t have to stoop.” This quote has been an words from the wise. Her intellegience, beauty, to consultants describe her as an amazing, instrumental guide in every aspect of her life . glamour, and strength, shall forever be treasured unstoppable, fierce and a committed leader of “Real mothers” do the work of raising and and practiced as a standard for all of her daughters, excellence and quality. “One Heart, One Jafra”…a nuturing their children out of love, respect, grandaughters and great-grandaughters. “You are powerful theme empowering the careers and responsibility and duty. Mama, is a stick and stay as much as anyone stand tall.” Mom businesses of women with consistent vision, mom with vision and purpose for her children Many daughters (women) have done noble provision inspiration and committed leadership! first and foremost. I honor her teachings and things, and well but you (Mama) excelled in them While reflecting on President Sanchez advancement in life as she continues growing all as our Queen. As the fruit of her labor Vera’s comments and leadership, I couldn’t help but think and setting positive example and standards, daughter rise to call her a blessed and Phenomenal of another strong woman who occupy a constant despite the roadblocks of divorce, singleness, Woman!

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 3 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

MICHIGAN BANNER 301 E Genesee Ave, Suite 201B Saginaw, MI 48607 989.992.2600 [email protected]

CEO/COO Jerome Buckley [email protected]

PUBLISHER Jerome Buckley, Jr.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michelle McCoy [email protected]

EDITOR EMERITUS Rae Lynn Buckley

THE LATINO BANNER PUBLISHER Jerome Buckley [email protected]

OMBUDSMAN Elaine Gregory McKenzie

MISSION The Michigan Banner, Latino Banner and Youth Banner operates and serves as a print and online media venue committed to educating, informing and enlightening our readership regarding events and news that directly and indirectly affect the communities regionally and globally. Furthermore, to serve as a catalyst and a link for cultivating young adults as entrepreneurial and business leaders for the future.

DISCLAIMER The Michigan Banner and its staff are not responsible and will not be held liable for any mistakes, error, misspellings and false advertisements in part or whole that may be placed within its publication. Articles, information or comments printed in the newspaper are not necessarily the views or beliefs of The Michigan Banner newspaper. The Michigan Banner reserves the right to edit, change, or delete any information, or refuse to print any information, article or advertisement which is believed to be inconsistent with or conflicts with the mission of the newspaper.

DEADLINES 2 weeks before each publication date of the 1st and 16th of each month IN THIS ISSUE 4 SUBMISSION PROCEDURE Mailed or e-mailed Preferred format: Jpeg or PDF Latino Banner ...... LB 1 - LB 5

CONNECT WITH THE MICHIGAN Community ...... 11 BANNER ONLINE! www.michiganbanner.org Politics & Public Policy ...... 36 Facebook.com/TheNewMichiganBanner Twitter.com/MichiganBanner Health ...... 38 Education ...... 42 Business & Wealth ...... 47 Sports ...... 54 Youth Banner ...... 56 - 57

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 4 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER True leaders will follow true leaders

was recently informed by a faithful reader of the Michigan Banner that he really appreciates the I consistent focus placed on leadership in the paper. He respects and values good leadership and wondered why I address the topic on such a regular basis. I admit that it caught me a bit off guard. It had not been an intentional endeavor, however recognizing that the growth and development of any community hinges on the quality of its leaders, I have been compelled to provide insight on the subject through the successes and challenges of leaders both locally and afar. By the way, since I know that you will be reading this, I’d like to take a moment to thank you for your patronage and your consistent ‘likes and shares’ of the digital version of paper.

Good leadership provides guidance, direction, and governance in one’s areas of expertise. I would not begin to offer professional tips or instruction to a surgeon. That could not possibly end well for the patient. I could, however, very comfortably offer insight into marketing strategies to a young entrepreneur interested in launching a digital or hard copy publication. I have experienced the challenges and successes of both, and a willing apprentice would learn from both. As a good leader, however I must be willing to learn from the apprentice – he will almost certainly have mastered useful technology that did not even exist when I started this business decades ago. This is a very important attribute that true leaders must possess – the willingness to learn from others.

We have become so arrogant in our thinking that we close doors of opportunity on anyone who appears even slightly different than the mold we are accustomed to. For example, the person is too old to understand, they are not from the area – they do not really know Saginaw, we have always used men to do this, different faith/religion, they have not been in the game long enough to be promoted, I just do not like them… the list goes on and on. Imagine the numbers of amazing and talented individuals who have not been invited to the table for any one or combination of these unfortunate obstacles to success. Let us unpack just a few of these invisible hurdles: they are too old – we are in desperate need of wisdom; they are not from the area – might bring new and proven effective ideas if given the chance; we have always used men to do this – Shirley Chisolm said during a Presidential run decades ago, ‘At present, our country needs women’s idealism and determination, perhaps more in politics than anywhere else.’ Perhaps we should have listened?

Lastly, community development which will enhance the safety, health, and well-being of all will require leadership from across the spectrum. All the way from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who said, ‘Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend’; to General Colin Powell who said, ‘Giving back involves a certain amount of giving up’; to Malcolm X who very forcefully stated, ‘…by any means necessary’, and to all the voices in between – it will take leaders willing to listen and learn from unlikely allies if we are to leave a legacy of hope for next generations. Good leaders will follow good leaders even when they don’t necessarily fit the mold.

If you don't happen to it, it will happen to you.

Jerome Buckley Publisher, Michigan Banner

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG THE LATINO BANNER . APRIL 16, 2021 VOLUME 9 NUMBER 8 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

LIDER EN LA atino anner DIVERSIDAD L B VAMOS ADELANTE

LIBRADO GAYTON From legal aid to deacon aid, Michigan Hispanic Chamber an advocate of Commerce to host Virtual advances Sustainability Summit LB, pg 4 By MB STAFF trusted supplier, no matter the industry you serve or where you find your business in the greater supply chain. The MHCC Virtual Sustainability Summit is designed to introduce You will have the opportunity to be business owners and leaders to a variety a part of break-out sessions focused of environmental and social topics to on specific sustainability topics, with support greater Sustainability within direct interaction with industry leading Submit your organization and provide you with professionals and conversations among Today resources and information to help guide your peers, as you expand and strengthen News you along your sustainability journey. your business network across different MICHIGANBANNER.ORG You’ll hear from business leaders in the industries. So, join us and learn how you banking, automotive, food and beverage, can start addressing different aspects of construction, energy, and apparel sustainability within your organization industries. You’ll walk away with nuggets of or what might be next on the horizon for information and resources you can utilize you as you seek to develop and grow your and build upon as a conscientious and company culture of sustainability.

LATINO BANNER SPONSORED BY GREAT LAKES BAY HEALTH CENTERS 301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG LB THE LATINO BANNER PAGE 2 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper APRIL 16, 2021

or scapegoating material in the federal workforce and any field that receives grants from the federal government. For more information on these two key actions, see https://www.nas. org/blogs/statement/trump-orders-no-federal- funding-for-crt-and-racesex-stereotyping. The previous administration’s attempt to stop CRT AA looklook atat should make it clear just how vital CRT is in social justice efforts. CRT is crucial because it equips people to identify, analyze, and combat injustices in their critical daily lives. To help various oppressed groups, critical CRT has morphed into different frameworks that help combat injustices to specific marginalized groups. For instance, AsianCrit has tenets similar to CRT but are more aligned racerace with Asians and their communities. Similarly, TribalCrit focuses on Native American communities, QueerCrit focuses on LGBTQ communities, and LatCrit focuses on Latina/o/x communities. theorytheory Through LatCrit, scholars help address the specific experiences that Latina/o/x communities encounter, like discrimination based on language, ethnicity, culture, and immigration status. Based on all the injustices that are happening, CRT and its other morphed frameworks help combat the present and future injustices that are yet to come. While CRT comes from universities, it’s essential to branch out, teach it, and apply it out- side the university. Keeping it in universities By ØSCAR MEDINA 4. Experiential knowledge: the idea that stories of communities of color are can be difficult for people who don’t interact marginalized and not heard. Far too with or in universities to know CRT. ritical race theory, often referred to as In efforts to apply CRT in your daily life, often, their stories are distorted by the “CRT,” is a framework that grew out of the look at the following questions: C dominant groups legal field in the 1970s as a way to center race • While racial realism is pessimistic and 5. Commitment to social justice attempts and use race as an analytical tool. Some found- argues the racism is permanent because to eliminate racial and other forms of ers in the movement include Derrick Bell, peaks of progress are illusionary, do oppression like sexism and classism. Richard Delgado, Kimberlé Crenshaw, just to you agree or disagree? Why? Can you Praxis (Theory and Practice) is central name a few. Successfully, it began a conversa- think of an example that validates your to this commitment tion on the importance of race and highlighted claim? (Hint: see Michele Alexander’s racial injustices. Its powerful framework splin- The New Jim Crow: Mass incarcera- tered into different fields like sociology, an- If interested in CRT, I would highly recom- tion in the age of colorblindness. Or the thropology, education, philosophy, and others. mend Richard Delgado and Jean Stafancic’s Netflix documentary 13th) While some scholars adhere to multiple CRT Critical Race Theory: An Introduction. This • Thinking about CRT as a tool to help tenets that might not align with all disciplines book is accessible and easy to understand. The illuminate injustice in our society, why that use CRT, there are tenets that are generally authors do not try to peacock. do you think the previous administra- followed in many fields. These include the fol- Because of CRT's momentum in and out- tion enacted the two key actions to take lowing: side universities, the previous administration out CRT? 1. Racial realism: the notion that rac- views CRT as a threat. To curb CRT’s aim in • To help address various forms of op- ism is permanent and that peaks of social justice, the previous administration took pression, CRT has morphed into other progress, like Brown v. Board, are an two key actions. On September 4th, 2020, the frameworks. Besides AsianCrit, Queer- illusion of progress first was a memorandum to “cease and de- Crit, TribalCrit, and LatCrit, can you 2. Challenging dominant ideologies like sist from using taxpayer dollars to fund… think of other frameworks needed to ideas of objectivity, meritocracy, color- un-American propaganda [diversity] train- help combat injustices? blindness, and meritocracy ing sessions,” including CRT. The second, Ex- • Can you apply any CRT tenets to the 3. Whiteness as property: the notion that ecutive Order 13950 on September 22nd, was last movie you saw? If so, how? people who fall under the category of titled Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping. • Would you add any tenets to the CRT whiteness have benefits and privileges It attempted to ban race and sex stereotyping list above? If so, what?

LB 301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG THE LATINO BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper PAGE 3

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG LB THE LATINO BANNER PAGE 4 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper APRIL 16, 2021

Christina with inspiring his "adult conversion" to faith during the 1970s and his growing in- From volvement thereafter in church ministries. Throughout his career, Gayton always saw himself helping others, whether it was migrant legal aid farmworkers, community-based legal services, dealing with employment issues or assisting to deacon families with life’s legal concerns. For him, he was just doing his job, but for others, he helped with their immigration procedures, with their aid, an eviction matters, with their job-related problems, with disability and death of family members, and many other similar matters. For his advocate clients, Librado was doing things that impacted their lives. Moving from the active practice of lawyering to full-time ministry, took his vision advances to the next level, but for Gayton, he is still helping other people and impacting their lives. LIBRADO GAYTON He recalls helping out a homeowner by By MIKE THOMPSON taking over their home property damage insurance claim after it had been dismissed by the as- Despite the hardships, Librado had always eacon Librado Gayton's official title as Di- signed judge on a technicality. The entire home rector of Hispanic Ministry for the Dio- been the family's top student, with his parents D encouraging him from first grade onward that had been damaged and was almost a total loss. cese of Saginaw is less than one year old, but he He prepared successive appeals in the case, all says a lifetime of service is his keystone. he was destined to become a lawyer. He gradu- the way to the Michigan Supreme Court, and Mid-Michigan residents, especially in Sagi- ated with honors from New Prairie High School. eventually won the right to a trial on the merits. naw and Bay counties, may recall his work with His good grades and his Mexican-American The case was tried before a jury that awarded UAW Legal Services from 1983 to 2017, and ethnic status, combined with his parents' links substantial monetary damages for all the dam- some may know of his background with a Tex- with Catholic staffers at a migrant camp within as family that headed to the Upper Midwest 50 the Detroit diocese, helped him earn tuition ages to the home, plus years of interest. It was a grants and work-study assistance at Michigan years ago in hopes of a better life, even if they long-fought claim which helped a homeowner State University where he majored in humani- had to begin with migrant work. reap the rightful benefits of paying for home- ties pre-law, and then also to Notre Dame for "The Catholic church is for everybody," he owner insurance. his law degree. He also worked his way, such as states, and then follows with a question: "What However, just as Librado was transitioning campus dormitory resident advisor during un- can the church do to be more inclusive?" full-time into a deacon's role that would lead dergrad semesters and as a legal intern assist- His pursuit of answers has been largely to his current Diocese of Saginaw position, his ing migrant farmworkers during law school. short-circuited during the onset of the covid loyal and loving spouse of 43 years passed away At MSU, Librado had the good fortune to onslaught, but Gayton creatively turned the ob- encounter the co-ed Christina Anaya. They be- shortly before Christmas 2018. He relied more stacle into an outreach advantage. He helped to came a couple, even while Librado explained than ever on faith. organize registrations and then vaccinations at that he never had heard of her hometown ex- "One day I hope to join Christina, but Our St. Joseph Church, a mainstay for Latinos and cept for Simon & Garfunkel singing, "It took Lady revealed to me that it was not my time his family's personal home parish. me four days to hitchhike from Sag-i-naw". yet," he reflects. "Until then, the Lord sends "We all know that minority communities They wedded during their college years. each of us to continue in His ministry." have been underserved during the pandemic, Christina pursued her own career as a Librado says his current role will expand to and so this was one way to take direct action," school teacher, eventually achieving a master's include, not only Hispanic Ministry, but to also he explains. degree in education and serving in an array of expand to include African-Americans, and Gayton grew up "a cradle Catholic" in a ru- capacities, including at SS. Peter & Paul and other ethnic groups that the Catholic Church ral area near Killeen, Texas, a town of 140,000 then at her lifelong parish, St. Joe's. needs to evangelize and include in its faith life. between the state capitol of Austin, to the At the same time, she accepted and sup- "In our multicultural society, we need to south, and to the north, Dallas/Fort Worth. ported the fact that her husband wasn't in see who in our community is missing from our Luciano Gayton worked as a barber and his it to make money. The sting of Texas racism, table," he says. "In today’s current environment wife, Elizabeth, became a beautician in efforts followed by involvement in Chicano student to supplement farmworker income for sup- groups at Michigan State, was embedded in his in Mid-Michigan, we may need to expand to porting Librado and his five siblings, but hard zeal for justice and civil rights. those of African American, Asian American times caused them to head for the upper Mid- Once in Saginaw, they settled into a then- and American Indian heritage." west. They eventually settled in the Indiana rural home on Mackinaw Road just north of Librado Gayton may be reached via his of- northern-border town of New Carlisle, near Shattuck, focusing on their three children, fol- fice, 989-791-6646, or his email, lgayton@dio- South Bend. lowed by four grandchildren. Librado credits ceseofsaginaw.org.

LB 301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG THE LATINO BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper PAGE 5

COMMUNITY BOARD THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE, 3145 RUSSELL ST, SAGINAW, MI Submit your announcements and events at michiganbanner.org

¡Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues January 23, 2021 - April 18, 2021

The Castle Museum of Saginaw County History hosts the World Premiere of the Smithsonian's "¡Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues" traveling exhibit. Explore how Latinos/as have made the game what it is today, and baseball's profound influence on their culture. Witness how baseball unites all races, classes, and genders in this never-before-seen exhibit.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG LB THE LATINO BANNER PAGE 6 Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper APRIL 16, 2021

LB 301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 11 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY

initial concerns and 42% of families saw Prevention found identical prevalence of multiple professionals while seeking a di- ASD across Black and white children. This agnosis. Fourteen percent of families saw finding indicates that bias against chil- The at least six professionals before receiving dren of color resulting in misdiagnosis of a diagnosis. Though autism can be reliably ASD might be resolved through enhanced diagnosed as early as 24-months, the chil- awareness and training. Unfortunately, color of dren in this study were diagnosed on av- ASD prevalence for Latinx children still erage at 65 months. The study showed no lags behind that of other groups suggest- link between family income, mother’s edu- ing continued limitations in the diagnosis cation or premature birth, factors that are process. often associated with later developmental The American Academy of Pediatrics challenges. Children with a delayed diag- suggests developmental screenings for in- nosis miss ASD-specific, age-appropriate fants at their regular 9, 18 and 30-month care and early chances to improve their wellness visits, with specific and screen- social and cognitive skills. Constantino By MB STAFF ing for ASD at 18 and 24 months. Symp- continued, “This is a very serious outcome, toms for autism are often present by 18 and we’re talking about very serious num- months. Early signs can vary widely, but 2020 study led by researchers at bers of people affected by this.” may include a child avoiding eye contact, Washington University in St. Louis Authors of a related commentary on A taking little interest in other children or School of Medicine found that Black chil- structural racism and autism note that caregivers, limited verbal or nonverbal in- dren with ASD were diagnosed an average significant racial inequities exist in access teraction, unusual frustration with minor of three years after their parents brought to services for youth with ASD. Though it changes in routine. A 24-month-old can concerns to a medical professional’s atten- is not entirely clear why Black and Latinx be accurately diagnosed by the appropri- tion. Within the past thirty years, health children experience a delay in diagnoses, ate healthcare professional. care professionals began using ASD to Sarabeth Broder-Fingert of Boston Medi- describe a broad range of developmental cal Center and colleagues suggest racial The ASD awareness ribbon is decorat- conditions that involve challenges with prejudice plays a role. They recommend ed with multicolored jigsaw puzzle pieces. speech and nonverbal communication, so- changes to the diagnosis process, including Locally, Saginaw County Community Men- cial interaction and restricted or repetitive revision to Medicaid reimbursement rates tal Health continues to advocate and serve behaviors. The symptoms of ASD can look for ASD diagnosis, rethinking restrictions children with autism spectrum disorder different from person to person. on who is qualified make a diagnosis, in- (ASD). Statewide, the Autism Alliance of The study found delays in diagnosis creasing compliance with evidence-based Michigan hosts fundraising and engage- are greater on average for Black children. practices for autism screening and diag- ment opportunities. More information is Latino children are more likely to have an nosis, and ensuring that the health profes- available on their website: autismallian- incorrect or incomplete diagnosis before sions workforce is reflective of the diverse ceofmichigan.org. receiving a definite ASD diagnosis. These communities they serve. Autism Spectrum Disorder Servic- delays are often paired with poverty, poor Past advocacy for Black children with es: Saginaw County Community Mental health care coverage and limited resources ASD has produced some success, howev- Health Authority and its partner organi- to support managing symptoms. John N. er. For example, in March 2020 research zations offer services for a child with au- Constantino, M.D. is the study’s lead au- by the Centers for Disease Control and tism and other developmental disorders, thor and director of the Intellectual and depending on the severity of the disability. Developmental Disabilities Research Cen- Some services have eligibility criteria; ei- ter. In a video summary of a paper titled, ther way, they will help you find services “Timing of the Diagnosis of Autism in Afri- and supports that are appropriate for you. can American Children,” Constantino stat- More information is available on their ed: “These delays are believed to play a sig- website. nificant role in an even more serious health disparity which involves the proportion of children with autism who additionally are affected by intellectual disability”. In the study, researchers analyzed data on 584 Black children with autism diagnoses. Nearly 36% of parents reported a significant wait time to see an appropriate health care professional after sharing

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 12 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY Jolt Credit Union provides $8,000 in support to local restaurants & coffee shops Saginaw, MI – Jolt Credit Union saw Their initiative helped out not only by memories that we have at them. Between their local restaurants and coffee shops be- buying gift cards, but they also created a buying the gift cards, lunch for the vacci- ing rocked by the impact of the COVID-19 buzz by giving local restaurants and cof- nation team and lunch for the staff at Jolt, health crisis and wanted to help so they fee shops a lot of exposure. We can’t thank we gave an $8,000 “jolt” to help the com- went “all in” by creating a campaign called them enough,” commented Dave Dit- munity, and we think that’s really cool.” “Get Lucky”. Jolt’s staff headed out to local tenbur, CEO of Old City Hall and Tavern Jolt is a member-focused and com- restaurants and coffee shops in Saginaw, 101in Bay City and Molasses Smokehouse munity active Credit Union who has been Bay City and Midland and purchased 260 in Midland. helping members build stronger, happier gift cards totally $5,450! Partnering with In addition, during this time Jolt pur- lives for over 60 years with easy-to-use Cumulus Media, a text messaging promo- chased lunch from Dawn of a New Day for banking tools. tion was used to distribute them to lucky the Saginaw County Health Department’s Visit https://youtu.be/s5g6r3_OFfQ winners over a ten-day period in March. vaccination team working the drive-thru to view a video of the pictures we took During the workweek, listeners tuned in at the Dow Event Center and treated their while purchasing the gift cards. three times a day to 102.5 WIOG, the Hit entire staff to lunch at their favorite local Music Channel, Z93…The Rock Station!, restaurant. Bridget Staffileno, Vice Presi- Wheelz 104.5 Classic Rock That REALLY dent of Community Affairs for Jolt Credit Rocks! & My 96.1 – WHNN to hear the Union said, “Our local restaurants and cof- keyword they needed to text to enter the fee shops represent the heart of communi- contest. “Jolt Credit Union loves our com- ty. Jolt understands the importance of not munity and our community loves them. only their economic impact but the great

STARS temporarily suspending rides to wellness services due to Covid

Saginaw, MI – Effective tomorrow, Thursday, April 15th, STARS Rides to Wellness services will be temporarily suspend- ed due to a Covid outbreak, and will reopen on Thursday, April 29th. Mainline City bus routes and LIFT services will continue as scheduled, although these services are running on limited hours due to the pandemic. “We had a sudden surge of Covid among staff in one of our departments, so in the interest of public safety, I’ve decided to hit ‘pause’ in that department,” said Executive Director Glenn Steffens. Rides to Wellness Passen- gers are not believed to be at risk of exposure, but STARS is directly reaching out to any STARS passengers who may have rid- den with affected drivers. For the latest service information, visit www.saginaw- stars.com. STARS

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 13 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY

CONSUMERS ENERGY Beyond Energy Consumers Energy delivers more than essential heat and light to Great Lakes Bay Region

n 2020, Consumers Energy went from ees and the Consumers Energy Founda- nized with the 2020 Great Lakes Bay Re- Ibringing essential heat and light to tion have contributed $2.8 million to the gional Chamber Summit Community Hero Michigan homes and businesses to deliv- Great Lakes Bay Region. Since the begin- – Corporate Achievement Award. ering an extra dose of much-needed hope ning of the pandemic, that includes more “Consumers Energy is one of the pre- that connected communities and kept than $650,000 in support of COVID-19, mier companies in Saginaw County, this neighbors safe. flood relief and social justice issues. region and across Michigan,” said Veron- While that commitment and care con- Now more than ever, the safety and ica Horn, Saginaw Chamber President. tinues into 2021, Michigan’s largest en- health of communities in the Great Lakes “When the COVID-19 crisis hit a year ago, ergy provider also is moving forward with Bay Region remains a top priority as the Consumers was at the forefront of reach- breakthrough diversity, equity and inclu- company focuses on people, our planet ing out to assist small business and our sion efforts and a transformational Clean and Michigan’s prosperity. Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce Energy Plan to achieve net-zero carbon Before the pandemic, Consumers En- community. emissions. ergy received the Saginaw County 2018 The company’s commitment has not Corporate Community Service Award for wavered during a time of crisis. In the last its philanthropic work and foundation five years, Consumers Energy, its employ- funding. The company was recently recog- CONTINUES ON PG 14, CONSUMERS

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 14 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY Continued from pg 13, consumers

remains active in 2021. The • Virtual Supplier Summit for company partnered with lo- COVID-19 – The Michigan cal economic development Economic Development organizations, chambers of Corporation launched a commerce, nonprofits and special supplier summit others to meet the emerging for buyers and suppliers needs of Michiganders and of critical health services help power the economy. including medical devices, In addition, Consumers Energy offered “In addition, when Saginaw and Mid- cleaning supplies, textiles, $15 million in direct assistance to help land Counties saw the major breach of vitamins and more. Con- dams, homeowners and businesses were residential and small business customers sumers Energy will be a destroyed. Consumers immediately re- with bills if they were affected by the pan- partner in this summit. sponded with financial assistance for those demic. • Providing $306,695 into the Great affected. We are eternally grateful for all Here are a few areas where Consumers they do in Saginaw County and our Great Energy is offering meaningful and imme- Lakes Bay Region to support CO- Lakes Bay Region. Their efforts go well be- diate help during the COVID-19 pandemic VID-19 relief since March 2020. yond financial; however, this was a gener- and in response to the once-in-lifetime Recipient organizations include: ous contribution to helping us. They are a flood. In 2020 alone, the company pro- • $200,000 for Saginaw Fu- true part of our Saginaw County Commu- vided the following support in the region: ture’s Small Business Fund nity!” • Partnering with 2-1-1 and other • $25,000 for Family & Chil- Throughout the COVID-19 crisis and in nonprofit agencies to help custom- dren’s Service of Mid-Michi- the aftermath of the region’s historic flood- ers get energy bill assistance and gan (Midland) ing, Consumers Energy remains commit- meet other needs. • $10,000 Bethesda Lutheran ted to providing safe, affordable, reliable • Customizing energy bill payment Communities (Franken- and sustainable energy. plans and providing personalized muth) payment solutions to help bridge The company is caring for its home- • $10,000 each to Saginaw the gap until the pandemic sub- town communities during these difficult Community Foundation, times by financially helping businesses to sides. Bay Area Community Foun- stay afloat, working with its most vulner- • Providing new business opportu- dation Midland Area Com- able customers to keep their power on and nities and energy waste reduction partnering with nonprofits to meet some programs to lower utility bills. munity Foundation & Mt. of the most urgent and critical needs. • Donating $1.8 million to nine Pleasant Area Community “Midland had the doubled impact of organizations across the state to Foundation the COVID pandemic and the flood,” says provide a lifeline to small busi- • $8,000 for Clothing Inc Nicole Wilson, vice president of econom- nesses, focusing on helping fe- (Mt. Pleasant) ic development for the Midland Business male- and minority-owned busi- • Matching hundreds of employee Alliance (MBA). “Our businesses were nesses. Included in that support contributions to food banks and already hurting from the shutdown and was a $200,000 grant supporting pantries, homeless shelters, com- were then hit with the failure of two dams. Saginaw Future and its partnership munity foundations and the United Our community first-responders evacu- with the Saginaw County Chamber Way. More than $20,000 support- ated 10,000 people with no loss of life.” of Commerce. ed flood relief. “The local disaster response was in- • Connecting business customers to • Providing $90,000 in Consum- credible. Consumers Energy, state and potential sources of state and fed- ers Energy Foundation grants to local emergency operations and support eral relief, including: support those working on the front agencies were all hands on deck and sup- • Pure Michigan Business lines and help directly meet basic ported response efforts in many ways in- Connect Program – Con- needs such as food, water and shel- cluding vital infrastructure support, sup- sumers Energy is a founding plying goods and other services.” partner in this program that ter for victims of the historic flood. connects Michigan busi- Recipient organizations included: Caring for Communities nesses that supply goods United Way of Midland County, and services with corporate United Way of Saginaw, Merid- The Consumers Energy Foundation purchasers. Includes a focus ian Public Schools, the American provided $5.4 million in direct response on Michigan-based small Red Cross and multiple shelters to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and businesses. throughout the area

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 15 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY

Hurley III's first task is to help the multi-purpose agency cope with the covid-19 onslaught, which has been especially damaging because CAC's anti-poverty services deal so frequently with one-on-one interactions. He brings full experience because he overcame the virus last summer along with his entire family -- wife Tan- yika, exposed as a health care worker, and their three children. As covid's barriers hopefully begin to recede, tasks will include keeping tradi- tional programs solid such as home weath- erization, emergency assistance, prescrip- tion medicine access and senior outreach. Hurley III, at the same time, hopes to incorporate some new ideas and concepts into the old-line offerings. For example, he would explore whether solar solutions could be interwoven with the weatheriza- HURLEY COLEMAN III tion. He believes increased focus on the younger generation should include STEM (science, technology, engineering, math- Hurley Coleman III leads ematics) and financial literacy. He grew up mostly in Detroit because of his father's employment and gradu- Saginaw County CAC ated from the Community and Media Arts Academy. Still, he has learned some of By MIKE THOMPSON age 75. At the time, the grandson was com- Saginaw's history through the storytelling pleting a degree in sports management at of Hurley Jr. and his mother, Sandra. Many in mid-Michigan will recognize Bowling Green University. The patriarch's Saginaw's CAC, the same as communi- the name of Hurley Coleman III as a sales passing influenced the career plans of both ty action agencies nationwide, was formed representative for Garber Buick, but fam- Hurley III and Hurley Jr., who remarkably through the federal War on Poverty that ily and friends are better aware of the pub- had advanced from recreation director for took root during the 1960s. lic service qualities that have led to his se- the city of Saginaw and Saginaw County Saginaw has possessed uncommon sta- lection as the Saginaw County Community to the same post in the city of Detroit and bility in the leadership. Hurley III's pre- Action Committee's new executive direc- Wayne County. decessor, Lillie Williams Grays, had the tor. Hurley Jr. came home to Saginaw to helm for 16 years. Another historic figure, "I've always had a passion for helping transform and expand the former Cole- Bob Viera, was director for three decades. people and being able to change lives in man Temple COGIC on Wadsworth Street Other well-known names are Al Loveless, the community, and when the CAC posi- into the World Campus Outreach Church who died in 2007, on the governing board tion became open, a number of stakehold- near the outer city limit, where Bay Street and Omowale Art Smith on the outreach ers recommended me," he summarizes. becomes Bay Road. Hurley III was by his staff, in his off-hours time joining Charles At age 38, he explains that he has spent side, with a brief spell in sports manage- McNair (1934-2019) to establish and lead most of his career quietly in non-profit ment via Saginaw Valley State University., the Saginaw African Cultural Festival. or church-related work. His recent ven- while also finding non-profit employment Hurley III says, "I look forward to ture into car sales has been at the urging in roles that ranged from Saginaw County learning and gaining all that I can from of Dick Garber, owner of Garber Manage- Juvenile Court to Big Brothers Big Sisters. the history, and forging a new path for our ment Group and civic benefactor, with an Then, late last year, came the CAC op- agency for years to come." aim to promote more "business awareness portunity. Hurley III was academically and business initiative" among African- qualified, having squeezed in time during Americans. those years to attain a master's degree in (FOOTNOTE: His book, "The PK Perspective, Vol He is the grandson of the Rev. Hurley administration from Central Michigan I: Living Life with Purpose" is available online. PK Coleman Sr., who passed away in 2001 at University. stands for Preacher's Kid, Published in 2016.)

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 16 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY CREATIVE PERSPECTIVES

COLORS

By Brigitte Johnson

Please don’t judge me by the color of my skin Dig a little deeper, search my soul within

None of us were born with a multiple choice Black, White, Red, or Yellow, We all have a voice

Today’s society is full of crime, all our people doing time What is the lesson, we’re teaching our children today To Fight First, ask questions later, Demand to have it their way

I don’t think this is how God intended it to be, For our babies to be watching all this violence on National TV

We all need to stop, look, and listen, and hear all the cries Stop killing, Stop Raping, Put a stop to all the drive-bys

There are innocent people dying, on a day to day basis They are White, They are Black, and they are all different races

Why can’t we solve our problems, by sitting down and talk Learn to start stepping, add a little speed to our walk

Let’s stop all the nonsense, let’s put down the guns Let’s learn to relax, let’s have some safe fun

Let’s stop abusing our Women, Give them back their sense of pride Whether the answer be yes, whether it be no, Respect and Abide

515 N. Washington Ave., 3rd Floor | Saginaw, MI 48607 Let’s teach our children values, and to look pass skin P 989-752-7161 | [email protected] Let’s give them a sense of direction, Let them choose their own Friends

www.saginawchamber.org And when we lay down at night, let’s be quiet and still And know that peace, Can someday be real!

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 17 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY GoodGood News

By MB STAFF

here is a long-held theory that one Tshould avoid public conversations with individuals whose views may well dif- fer from our own on politics, religion, and finances. There are other hot topics but these three are proven to have the power to make or break relationships, start wars, destroy businesses, and perhaps most importantly, cause irreparable damage within families. Yes, a devastated family ranks at the top of the list of possible hurtful outcomes of conversations which leave no room for compromise. They result in the COURTESY PHOTO strong feelings or emotions (anger) which we are currently witnessing in public ven- ues and on social media today. There is, tions. Most of the time, unresolved and division, counterattacks, or isolation. Stop however, good news. We can choose not to prolonged anger is not productive. It plac- and think before speaking. Educate your- reside in an angry place - we can rise above es us in a hold pattern often at the mercy of self in areas of sensitivity and concern to it. It is a choice. the perceived source of anger. Most of the you. ‘Not everything that is faced can be A very important step in choosing to time, anger just cannot help you. In fact, changed. But nothing can be changed until control one’s emotions is recognizing that it will usually keep you from finding a so- it is faced.’ (James Baldwin) Good news: circumstances typically do not leave us in lution to the problem. Sometimes, there is All situations are not equally important. an angry place – our thoughts do. More no solution in which case we must agree to We can be strategic in our thinking, learn good news – we are in complete control disagree. Choosing to hang on to the anger to ‘pick our fights’ and minimize levels of of our thoughts! We may need support is likely to result in feelings of helpless- potentially harmful levels of anger. such as therapy or mindfulness training ness, hopelessness, and distorted think- Being well informed will reduce levels but ultimately, we can and must make a ing. Learning to manage our thinking and of anger and confusion for most of us. If conscious decision followed up with a bit anger, allows us to stand up and whenever the source of frustration is perceived as a of hard work to find peace of mind. Peace the opportunity is presented speak up on direct attack stop and think again. Perhaps in our immediate environment (i.e., home, behalf of ourselves and others. ‘Develop I am reacting an unrelated incident. Per- school, workplace, etc.) follows peace of enough courage so that you can stand up haps I am very accurate in my thinking but mind. In the words of Countee Cullen, for self and then stand up for somebody must recognize that the individual I am ‘Your life is a product of your thoughts, else.’ (Maya Angelou) Good news: there dealing with is limited in his thinking and what you think about all day becomes the will always be opportunities to practice may not have the capacity to consider oth- basis of your life. The truth is everything and develop in these areas. er perspectives. In the words of Zora Neale counts. Everything. Everything we do and Anger is an emotion that is necessary Hurston, ‘Sometimes I feel discriminated everything we say. Everything helps or for our emotional well-being. It can help against, but it does not make me angry. It hurts; everything adds to or takes away us to recognize dangerous and/or toxic re- merely astonishes me. How can anyone from someone else.’ Learning to manage lationships. As in all other areas commu- deny themselves the pleasure of my com- or control our anger through our thinking nication, correct observances and thinking pany? It’s beyond me.’ Good news: any is critical. will reduce anger while working toward one of us can take this approach in dealing After allowing oneself to simmer for a achieving the goal of revenge will not pro- with emotions which have the potential to few moments in a well-deserved place of duce positive long-term results. Intense cause harm to ourselves or others. It turns frustration or anger, we must seek solu- but unresolved anger also causes further out that it is their loss after all.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 18 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY

to capture the designer’s intentions. “It is our hope that [this] exhibition of the beautiful color photographs found in Michi- gan Modern: An Architectural Legacy will continue to inform and inspire those that value great design in their lives and communities,” says James Haefner. A virtual exhibition will also launch April 10th and include a 360-degree virtual tour of the exhibition and a section where viewers can learn about Marshall Fredericks’s many connections and contributions to the modern architecture movement. The virtual exhibition also features additional photographs not included in the physical exhibition as well as images cap- tured behind the scenes while on location during one of the photo shoots. To access this virtual exhibition please visit https:// www.marshallfredericks.net/michigan- modern. A Virtual Artist Talk will be held Thurs- MARSHALLFREDERICKS.ORG day, April 29 at 7 pm with photographer James Haefner and author Brian D. Con- way who will give a brief overview of the Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Michigan Modern book, how the text came to be, and stories behind the photographs Museum Reopens to the Public in the exhibition. More programming will be announced later in the month. To regis- with Exhibition Showcasing ter for the talk, and for up-to-date listings of programs and events, please visit the Museum’s calendar at https://marshall- Michigan’s Modern Architecture fredericks.org/calendar/. Virtual field trips and private guided tours of the exhibition are also available free of charge and Saginaw, MI – The Marshall M. Fred- the State Historic Preservation Office that can be scheduled by contacting the muse- ericks Sculpture Museum at Saginaw Val- revealed and documented the significant um at 989-964-7125. ley State University reopens to the public role Michigan played in the development The Museum’s open hours will be on Saturday, April 10 with a new exhibi- of modern design. Monday – Saturday, 11 am – 3 pm with tion, “Michigan Modern: An Architectural The exhibition includes images of Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:30 – 11 Legacy,” on view till June 26, 2021. Michigan masterworks by modern archi- am reserved for our guests who are in the The “Michigan Modern: An Architec- tects such as Eliel Saarinen, Eero Saarin- increased risk category. Visitors will be tural Legacy” exhibition features nearly en, Minoru Yamasaki, Alexander Girard, required to wear face masks, social dis- 50 Photographs by James Haefner that George Nelson, Frank Lloyd Wright, Alden tance, and provide contact information for celebrate Michigan’s incredible modern B. Dow, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and contact tracing. Guests are also welcome architectural design history from 1928 Marcel Breuer. The tradition of architec- to tour the Sculpture Garden at any time through 2012. “We are excited to reopen tural innovation and excellence continued or schedule a private guided tour. Only to the public April 10th after being closed into the twenty-first century represented groups of six or less from the same house- for over a year, states director Megan by photographs of buildings designed by hold can gather together in the Museum. McAdow, “and with such an important Anderson and Anderson, Steven Sivak and A complete Museum Reopening Guide can exhibition that shows Michigan’s rich con- Zaha Hadid. be found at https://marshallfredericks. tribution to modern architectural design.” James Haefner’s career in photogra- org/reopening-guide/. The photographs were produced for and phy spans four decades. An accomplished To view the virtual exhibition, register featured in the book Michigan Modern: automobile advertising photographer, for events, schedule a tour, and for a full An Architectural Legacy by Brian D. Con- his love of modern design drew him into up-to-date list of programming, visit the way. The book was part of the Michigan architectural photography about twenty museum website at www.marshallfreder- Modern Project initiated by Conway at years ago. His fine arts degree allowed him icks.org.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 19 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY MICHIGAN BANNER SERMONETTE SERIES LETTER TO THE EDITOR 44444 RESPONDING TO "RIGHT OR WRONG? THREE Spiritual TRIALS ON THE SAME HOMICIDE CHARGE?" (April 1, 2021 - Volume 19 • Number 7) alertness am writing in response to your article on April 1, which Iexamined the question of a defendant going to trial more than once after a hung jury results in a mistrial. An example that The Banner featured is the January 2018 murder of my son, Antonio Parham, who was only 26 years old. Daveon Thompson (the defendant) and his family may feel frus- trated because of the two mistrials and they may say he now should be released from the county jail. We just want to make it clear that our family also is very saddened By PASTOR RODRICK A. SMITH by the two hung juries. We hope and pray that this tragedy will one day ZION MISSIONARY BAPTIST be resolved so that we can begin to find some type of closure. Our lives CHURCH have forever been altered by the death of our son, the father of two beautiful children, one of whom will never have the pleasure of being Yet if it had not been for held in her daddy’s arm. the law, I would not have We want people to know that when someone commits a murder, the tragic consequences are a pain that can’t be mended, children who known sin (Rom. 7:7) have to live life without a parent, parents who have to live life without a child, and siblings who have to live life without a brother. Whereas the nation needs laws and people need to person who commits the crime may have to spend time behind bars, Abe governed by them. Without laws there is no standard of right and wrong in which is a life-altering change, but that person still has their life. Un- society. The only way to insure or promote fortunately, my son’s life is now sitting in a box on my table. One that civility, order, and accountability in society I have to walk past every day and stop and tell him that I love him and is through laws. Without laws we welcome how much he’s missed by us all. chaos, confusion, and disorder. When God We put our trust and confidence in God that justice will one day be was establishing Israel as a nation and as a served. We support the prosecutors and understand that the criminal people, He gave to them the Law through justice system has a process in place and while things may not be on Moses. But God knew in His omniscience the schedule that we would like. we are that no one would be able to perfectly keep confident that everyone is doing every- the 613 commandments and prohibitions thing within their power to help us get found in the law. But one of the reasons the the justice that we are so desperately law was given to Israel was to make their sin known to them. The apostle Paul says, looking for. Our heart goes out to ev- "If it had not been for the law, I would not eryone who has been impacted by this have known sin." This is the purpose of the tragedy but we are choosing to keep law, to create in lost sinners a sense of guilt our faith strong in the Lord. and need. Warren Wiersbe says, "The law is As I write this letter on April 8, a mirror that reveals the inner person and 2021, what would have been our son’s shows us how dirty we are." The law shows 30th birthday. I pray for us, but also us how we so desperately need the Savior. for the Thompson family, for this is The law was given through Moses; grace not a place where either of our families and truth came through Jesus Christ. The should be. law has fulfilled its purpose. We know that we were sinners in need of a Savior, and the Savior has done what the law could not - Donna Bailey ANTONIO PARHAM do. Let us be ever mindful of the grace of God.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 20 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

JAZMINE ROBBINS SWEET LIPS BY JAZZ SWEETLIPSBYJAZZ

Sweet Lips by Jazz oﬀers a wide variety of candy ﬂavored lipglosses such as Cotton Candy, Bubble Gum, Lemonade, Orange Sherbet, Green Apple, Grape Popsicle, Strawberry Passion, Paradise Island, and Birthday Cake Surprise.

In addition, a wide variety of hair scrunchies in velvet, satin, cotton, shiny metallic, and mermaid.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 21 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY I’M JUST THINKING……..

By PASTOR HURLEY J. COLEMAN, JR., WORLD OUTREACH CAMPUS CHURCH

erosion of all of this work. I remember when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. I remember when Dr. Martin Luther King was killed. I remember going Living to college because there was a special effort to increase minority matriculation, and grants were available to black youth. and I remember going to class and feeling like people felt that the only reason I was there Learning was because the school needed quotas, and having that feeling push me to achieve. I remember graduation and finding that the only way for me to get into my field was as I was born long enough ago a part of a national jobs program that was to remember the passage created from these pieces of legislation, the the growth of the American suburb, Comprehensive Education and Training and the depopulation of the American of the 1964 and 1968 Civil Act (CETA). It was the only way to enter cities. Rights Legislation. These some area of employment that were off Yes, there has been a lot of learning limits to us. I had so many jobs where I was law were not the first civil that I have experienced in these years. the first black person to ever work there. It was part of my reflection as I was rights legislation. This It was a long season of learning about process began in 1957 as the politics of the workplace, the social contemplating my birthday this year, and while watching wholesale attacks a result of the Supreme dynamics of institutional racism, and the truth of inequality. It was during this on voting rights with legislation Court decision in the same time period that I began to notice that limits access and opportunities, landmark case of Brown v. an important economic dynamic. Black and a resurgence of protection of an Board of Education. The people could get jobs in the factory on the historic attitude about privilege. I am line, in the foundries doing hard manual incredible resistance against challenged to “keep hope alive” in the labor, and in secretarial or custodial midst of all of this. desegregation in the South positions in many corporations. I am also learning about the There was limited access to by Southern Democrats was resilience of my community. management or the board rooms in those Regardless of the challenges, and even led by then Senator Strom years between 1950-1970. Slowly those Thurmond, who is credited opportunities began to open up, and we things that we feel could be considered failures, we demonstrate the words of for the longest one-person began to see faces in the management ranks of business, in the classrooms at the great poet, Maya Angelou - “Still filibuster in Senate history, colleges, and in the halls of politics that We Rise.” We must rise to stand according to Wikipedia. looked like us. against attempts to erode the hard I was also learning that a new level of earned rights that we presently have. The 1957 law was followed by law enforcement had been birthed during We must rise together to protect the amendments in 1960, 1964, 1968 those years of civil unrest in the mid communities that have been left out constantly moving the legal restrictions to late 60’s. Strategic law enforcement of the economic and political waves against African American freedoms strategies began to fill the prisons with in past years. We must rise together in this country. Everything from the young black men. A whole new workforce to show that we have learned over the right to vote, education, housing, had been created and the prison industry equal representation in employment, took a very strong political turn. It became years that if no one else will stand for disabilities, and the inclusion of other popular to create law and order campaigns us, we must do it for ourselves. It has ethnic minorities has been included to provide for “safety” in our cities, along been a life of learning. Let us use what in these laws. It is amazing that in with disinvestment in the local economies we have learned to help ourselves. 2021, we are watching the intentional of those same cities. Not surprising was I am just thinking......

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 22 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

THE MICHIGAN BANNER NEWS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AT&T

IN AN EMERGENCY, SECONDS MATTER.

Reliable communication is critical. Yet first responders – the very people who need the best technology – have often not had access to it. That’s why FirstNet is here. FirstNet is the first nationwide communications platform built specifically for public safety. With priority and preemption, a commitment to security and expanded rural coverage, and no throttling in the U.S., FirstNet delivers the technology first responders – and their communities – need and deserve.

Get the facts at www.firstnet.com

©2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. FirstNet, First Responder Network Authority, and FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of FirstNet, an independent authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 23 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY

FACEBOOK.COM/SPENCEBROTHERSMICHIGAN Garber Courts will feature pickleball and tennis courts

Saginaw, MI – Urban Tennis Founda- nomic impact to downtown Saginaw. This character qualities, promote reading, nu- tion, operating youth development pro- facility will become the home court for a trition, and a healthy life-long sport, with gramming in the city since 2006, and newly unified Saginaw high school tennis team competition opportunities and high maintaining Saginaw’s only municipal ten- teams. school/collegiate potential; with love and nis facility, along with its Friends of Garber All of the funds to build this wonderful encouragement for future aspirations. Courts announced the ground-breaking of new facility have come from area founda- We embrace whole-heartedly the quote a renovated and expanded Garber Courts tions, businesses, contractors, and indi- facility. On Friday, April 9, they broke viduals, who will be permanently recog- of great tennis pro, Arthur Ashe in Days of ground on the new project. nized at the facility. Grace, "Our idea is to use tennis as a way This modern, state-of-the-games facil- Urban Youth Tennis has been reach- to gain and hold the attention of young ity, will be multi-sport, comprising of eight ing and teaching hundreds of city children people in the inner cities so that we can tennis and eight pickleball courts, includ- since 2006. Through nationally recog- teach them about matters more important ing a seasonal building with bathrooms, nized instruction as a certified CTA and than tennis. Through tennis, lives can be storage, and gathering room. The multi- NJTL chapter of the USTA, we use devel- changed and spirits reclaimed." purpose room will be used for youth edu- opmental and advanced tennis, to provide “Over the years, the Urban Tennis cation, training, and adult regional and guidance beyond the tennis courts with Foundation has used tennis and a pro- state tournament activities. Everything our “Chalk-Talk Time”. motion of personal responsibility to open has been designed for accessibility to ev- With after-school and summer camp eryone. programs we have collaborated with nu- doors of opportunity for a significant num- This tennis and pickleball profession- merous other local organizations to accom- ber of disadvantaged youth in our commu- ally compliant facility will also attract plish our mission: To mentor urban youth nity.” - Michael Webster, Saginaw County tournament activity visitors and their eco- through tennis (and now pickleball); teach Commissioner.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 24 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY

Michigan communities,” said Dr McQuaid.

Other wellbeing challenges that emerged from the survey for Michigan included:

• 90.7% of Michiganders reported feeling worried or anxious about the economy, and this was largely true of all demographics groups but was slightly more heightened for Asians.

• 53.1% of Michiganders reported having enough financially to meet their needs this month; however, this was less likely to be true for Despite COVID Challenges, women, Asians, and people of Michiganders Show Surprising color. • 53.1% of Michiganders rePeople Resilience who had received either a single or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination were significantly more Michigan – A new survey of Michigan ships with others), and external communi- likely to be thriving. People who residents by a group of global wellbeing ty factors (e.g., housing quality, education reported having no intention of researchers has revealed that while 13% levels, access to resources, equality) that receiving the vaccination were reported they are really struggling, 10% dynamically impact each other.” statistically more likely to be really of are consistently thriving, and 41.7% are For example, people who were thriving struggling.orted having enough living well, despite struggles. even in the face of struggle reported financially to meet their needs The Wellbeing Lab 2021 Communi- this month; however, this was less likely to be true for women, Asians, ties Report, surveyed a randomly selected • Higher levels of ability and moti- and people of color. sample representative of Michigan's adult vation to care for their wellbeing, population by gender, age, and location at and safe spaces to talk with others • Two out of every ten Michigan- the end of March 2021, to provide insights about the wellbeing challenges they ders (21.4%) reported feeling very into current states of wellbeing across may be facing. lonely and isolated. People aged communities in the region. 24–35 years and all people of color Wellbeing Lab Co-founder Michelle • Feeling like they belonged in at were significantly more likely to McQuaid says the research demonstrates least four or more places in their report that they had felt alone and that even when facing a global pandemic, community - like their family, isolated over the past two weeks. a changing political and economic land- with friends, at work, and in their scape, and numerous personal and profes- neighborhood. • 43.6% of Michiganders reported sional challenges, it appears that it is pos- having a neighbor they could call sible to thrive despite struggle. Although • Having access to community in an emergency. However, Asians she points out that the study found that healthcare facilities, natural en- and people aged 18–24 years were women, people aged 18 – 24, people of vironments (like parks) , mental less likely to have this community color, and people in households earning health support, opportunities for support. less than $20,000 were significantly more connection and wellbeing informa- likely to report that they were really strug- tion and tools. “I would encourage communities to gling. read this report with hope around how the “Caring for our wellbeing is not a solo “Given mental health was the leading insights from Michigan can be used to ad- endeavour,” explained Dr McQuaid. “Our cause of struggle for 33.2% of Michigan- dress these challenges. The data clearly wellbeing perceptions, experiences, and ders, and almost four of every ten people shows that there are immediate actions behaviors are diverse, and are shaped by felt it was best to keep their wellbeing communities can be taking to help every- intrapersonal factors (e.g., personality, struggles to themselves, these insights of- one in their community have access to the skills, motivation), interpersonal factors fer effective and affordable ways wellbeing knowledge, tools and support they need to (e.g., our interactions with and relation- could be improved for more people in the care for their wellbeing,” said Dr McQuaid.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 25 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

COMMERCIAL SERVICES

• INTERIOR DESIGN

• OFFICE FURNITURE • COMMERCIAL FURNITURE • SPACE PLANNING

• ERGONOMICS • SOUND MASKING • WINDOW TREATMENTS • INSTALLATION & MAINTEN ANCE

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

• INTERIOR DESIGN

• KITCHEN & BATHROOM DESIGN • FURNITURE • LIGHTING • WINDOW TREATMENTS • INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

PINNACLE DESIGN residential & commercial interiors 3700 Bay Road, Saginaw, MI 48603 T (989) 790-7240 | F (989) 790-1191

Visit Us Online: PinnacleDesign.biz Facebook.com/PinnacleDesignSaginaw

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 26 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY

PICTURED FROM L TO R: TERRY PRUITT, CARL WILLIAMS, RUTH ANN KNAPP, AND AMOS O'NEAL Local NAACP members attend Lansing rally, respond to election reform bills

By TERRY PRUITT, PRESIDENT array of outstanding and inspirational Geiss, State Senator 6th District & mem- NAACP SAGINAW BRANCH speakers who sought to educate attendees ber of MI Legislative Black Caucus, Attor- about the need to take action at this time to ney Nabih Ayad, President Arab-American n Tuesday, April 13, several repre- push back against election reform legisla- Civil Rights League of Michigan, Dr. Ken- Osentatives from the NAACP Saginaw tive proposals introduced in the Michigan neth Flowers, President of Coalition for Branch including myself (Terry Pruitt), State Senate. Speakers included Reverend Blacks and Jewish Unity, and Michael Jo- Carl Williams, Ruth Ann Knapp,and Eddie Dr. Wendell Anthony, President of the De- seph, President of the Coalition of Black and Juanita Foxx traveled to Lansing to troit Branch NAACP, The Honorable Mike Trade Unions of Detroit to name a few. participate in a Call to Action Rally aimed Duggan, Mayor, City of Detroit, Reverend Overall, the message to attendees im- at Protecting Voting Rights in the State of Dr. Tellis Chapman, Coordinator, Michi- plored each of us to be vocal and visible Michigan. gan Interfaith Clergy Coalition, LaChan- in our pushback against efforts to restrict The event was sponsored by the Detroit dra White, Director UAW Civic and Hu- and/or suppress voting in our state. The Branch of the NAACP and was attended by man Rights Department, Maureen Taylor, a diverse group of nearly 300 citizens from Executive Director Welfare Rights Organi- across the State. There was also a diverse zation of Michigan, The Honorable Erika CONTINUES ON PG 27, NAACP

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 27 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY Continued from pg 26, NAACP call to action requests that we intensify our despite your stated position that they will this letter. We collectively feel we are on efforts to register voters, contact our legis- create greater confidence, fairness, accu- the right side of this issue. lators asking them to vote in opposition to racy, and security on the election process. the 39 election reform bills that have been To be perfectly candid, we don’t believe Finally, we also find it problematic introduced, contact business and corpo- this is the real reasons for these legisla- that there has been no effort to seek bi- rate leaders, support the federal H.R. 1 tive proposals. Much of this portends the partisan support or at a minimum, buy-in For The People Act (the John Lewis Voting “band wagon” syndrome we see around for these proposals. We just feel that there Rights Act and the George Floyd Justice In the country with similar proposals being is a moral imperative to seek the input of Policing Act. considered in more than forty states. clerks, voting rights advocacy organiza- Terry Pruitt, President of the NAACP tions, voters, and others if changes in vot- Saginaw Branch wrote the following letter What is extremely frustrating for ing laws are being contemplated. to State Senator, Ken Horn who is listed as many of us is that much of what is being a co-sponsor on the 39 reform bills: proposed is constructed from a founda- Considering this, I request that you re- tion of false allegations around the legiti- consider your support for the thirty-nine Dear Senator Horn: macy of the 2020 elections. We continue bills to be undertaken by the state senate. to see far too many of our legislative lead- Secondly, I’m requesting that you host a It is with a great deal of regret that I ers holding on to conspiracies, falsehoods, town hall meeting with district constitu- forward this communication. The source and the meritless position that there was ents and explain your position on each of of this regret lies in the thought that I something wrong with the 2020 general the bills you are co-sponsoring and re- didn’t want to be in this place, where we election. spond to questions as to how these mea- are witnessing Michigan Senate Republi- sures will impact the lives of citizens. can leaders launch an absolute partisan The facts portend the following truths: assault on voting rights. What is particu- Thank you for your consideration of larly troubling for me is that you are list- • The November 2020 election saw these matters. The NAACP believes that ed as a sponsor for each of the thirty-nine 5.5 million or 71% Michigan vot- voting is the most fundamentally impor- election “reform” bills (SB279-311) that ers cast ballots. One of the larg- tant component of our democratic process have introduced. est turnouts in the history of this and that it should not be used for partisan state. political subterfuge. Our political posi- Your familiarity with the work of the • This was the most secure and tions may not always line-up, but this is local NAACP leadership and other civil scrutinized election ever conducted one of those issues where politics needs to justice organizations throughout the state in this state. lead most of us to know you have an un- • More citizens took advantage of be set aside. derstanding of our mission and our com- voting by mail-in ballot than ever mitment to securing and protecting the before in our election history. I look forward to hearing from you re- voting rights for all the citizens of this • There has been no significant evi- garding the issues delineated here. Please state and nation. Simply stated, many dence brought forth that confirms note that I have copied the members of the of the recent proposals put forth by your- widespread fraud or misconduct Senate Elections Committee in the hope self and your colleagues are not in keep- in the 2020 election as frequently that they will also alter their positions. ing with this principle. I want to avoid alleged. patronization, but the position we take in opposition to these unfair and unnec- Given this, there is an obvious ques- Respectfully Submitted, essary reforms is founded on some com- tion, what problem(s) is the Michigan monly accepted principles. First the con- legislature trying to solve? Quite frankly, Terry Pruitt, President stitutions of this nation and state grant there appears to be few. NAACP Saginaw Branch all eligible individuals the right to vote. Secondly, many of us believe that voting We need to also remind our elected is fundamental to our democratic process representatives that the voters in the 2018 and that our democracy is strengthened election made a clear statement about when we encourage and maximize voter their desire to expand the ability of citi- participation. zens to vote, with the passage of a state constitutional amendment, Proposal 3. It is our belief that many of the “reform” measures introduced by you and Similarly, I was pleased to see nearly your associates will have the exact op- 40 of the top corporate and business lead- posite effect. They will in many instances ers issue a strong statement today in sup- restrict and suppress voting in our state, port of many of the principles detailed in

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 28 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY

BUENA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL BV High rescue requires not only opinions, but action

By MIKE THOMPSON Fort Saginaw Mall. "The mall was private enterprise," Dil- Nearly 20 people, including Dillard lard answers. "This will be a community n Buena Vista Township, a different sort and McAfee themselves, signed up for initiative that focuses not only on business Iof public meeting took place early this work sessions on April 15th and April 16th. development, but also on services for our month regarding the future of the vacant So did State Rep. Amos O'Neal and his residents." high school building. successor on the Saginaw County Board She initially mentions health care Residents were asked for their opin- of Commissioners, Gerald Little, who em- projects and, as a product of the military ions, which is a typical procedure in BV phasized that a key empowerment step herself, veterans services. McAfee from and in other local communities. was the township's $35,000 deal last sum- the start has suggested a farmers market, mer to take ownership from the Saginaw noting that the high school east of I-75 is They also were asked to do something, city school system. located as a window to Buena Vista's wide- which is a far less common scenario. More activities will be scheduled, as spread agriculture areas. Elected Supervisor Christina Dillard needed, during weeks to come. But as the twosome indicated to their and the township's day-to-day manager, McAfee emphasizes that no major audience in the gymnasium at the BV Superintendent Torrie McAfee, convened damage has occurred, and that much of Community Center, no definite plans or the special session with a call for citizen the cleanup will involve removal of left- proposals are in place, although poten- volunteers to assist with the clean-up of overs such as outdated textbooks, tables tial development investors are showing the structure, more than 30,000 square and chairs. The volunteers will be encour- increased interest in the township as a feet. The former home of the BV High aged to preserve any memorabilia that whole. They simply are aiming to build Knights has stood vacant and abandoned they may encounter. on economic momentum that has started since 2013, when financial troubles led to a As she encouraged the volunteers, Dil- with new restaurants, new convenience state shutdown of the former Buena Vista lard described Buena Vista High as "a be- stores and marijuana dispensaries, with School District. loved entity that we all grew up in." She the latest boost coming from Amazon lo- Township leaders are taking a do-it- graduated in her blue-and white cap and cating a warehouse in BV's northern in- yourself approach in what they hope will gown in 1985, six years ahead of McAfee dustrial area. be a cornerstone of new life in a commu- in 1991. "We're going to do whatever it takes to nity that has endured its share of post-mil- Onlookers may ask, how can township get this thing going (at the high school)," lennium hardships, marked not only by leaders hope to rescue the school campus Dillard informed the audience, "from the the school system shutdown but by closure when they ultimately were powerless to initial cleanup, to the planning, including and demolition of a previous landmark, save the Fort Saginaw shopping center? everything.”

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 29 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

Think Spring Makers Market

Invitation by The

Saturday 10-6 April 24 SVRC 203 S. Washington Saginaw, MI

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 30 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY I-675 pavement and bridge improvements in Saginaw County start April 19

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will in- vest $10.5 million to improve more than 8.5 miles of concrete pavement along the I-675 corridor in Saginaw County. This project includes work on 36 bridge and culvert structures to address steel improvements, bridge deck surfaces, railing upgrades, and paint- ing. Crews will begin work starting April 19 with shoulder and inter- mittent single-lane closures to begin staging the work zone and addressing work to the Veterans Memorial Parkway bridge spanning I-675. Concrete pavement patching is expected to start May 3. A Microsoft Teams virtual public meeting will be held Wednes- day, April 28, to address detour changes identified to expedite the timeline and improve safety in this work zone. Additional information regarding timelines and detours for various phases of the project will be shared during the meeting. Work is expected to occur this April through November, and April - June 2022. This work will improve the driving surface of I-675 while addressing various improvements to 36 bridge and culvert structures COURTESY PHOTO along the corridor.

KMSCREATIVEGROUP.COM

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 31 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + COMMUNITY

The Museum

BY DONIQUA SOVIA

In the silence of museum pieces, that were all once there, holds the many stories although all that’s heard is air. If you could sit in a slavery ship and hear the memories cry, you’d hear the sound of chatter, frightened mothers, and the waves crashing in the tide. You’d smell the scent of bodies, mixed with herbs of the tribe, and be a bit distracted at footsteps you heard up high. That’s the sound of captivity....may it never leave your mind.

In the next room over, you can hear singing; Here’s where they lived, on this plantation. You sense a feel of fear, with a just a dash of hope, and that will remain, no matter how many times they feel the sting of that rope. Bravery is in the hearts of some slaves cause LOOK! there they go!

Check out these artifacts; some clothing stained with blood. Can you hear the sound of marching? The Civil Rights Movement has begun. They’re singing one of my favorite songs: We Shall Overcome.

Oh! Would you look at this old radio?! Does it play anything? Let’s see! Ah yes the famous speech by Dr.Martin Luther King, given August of 1963. We’ve come a mighty long way, just to be free.

Take a look at this here television; the year is ‘91, and what they did to Rodney King shows there’s still work to be done. But if we take a look back down this hallway, and all the years we’ve been through, we see the results in areas of FREEDOM, just like we wanted too.

Now the year is 2021, but may we NEVER forget how far we’ve come. I guess what I’m trying to say is do your ancestors proud, have nothing go in vain for they fought for your freedom, and they’d do it again.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 32 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + HEALTH

smart health policies and mitigation measures to fight the spread of COVID-19," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "This includes the requirement to wear a mask while in public and at gatherings, limits on indoor residential social gatherings larger than 15 people with no more than three households, and expanded testing requirements for youth sports. Addi- tionally, the most important thing people can do right now is to get the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and their families, and help us eliminate this virus once and for all." As of today, 29.5% of Michigan residents 16 and older had been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and 44% had received at least a first dose. "More than 5.5 million doses of the safe and effective COVID vaccines have been administered in Michigan, and we are well on our way to vaccinating at least 70% of Michiganders ages 16 and up," said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MD- HHS. "However, I continue to be incred- ibly concerned about our state's COVID-19 data. We are still very much fighting this pandemic and seeing concerning trends COURTESY PHOTO in new cases and hospitalizations. Michi- ganders need to be using every tool in our toolbox right now to get these cases and hospitalizations down. Just because some- MDHHS extends epidemic thing is open and legal does not mean you should be doing it. We all must continue doing what works to slow the spread of the order, strengthens mask disease by wearing masks, washing our hands, avoiding crowds and indoor gath- requirement for children erings, and making plans to get the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible." Lansing, MI – The Michigan Depart- mask up and socially distance as the state MDHHS had been closely monitoring ment of Health and Human Services (MD- takes steps to get back to normal. three metrics for stabilization or declines HHS) extended its Gatherings and Mask Expanding the mask rule to children over the past several weeks. Michigan's epidemic order. The Order - which pre- ages 2 to 4 requires a good faith effort to metrics have been increasing for the past serves the strongest public health order ensure that these children wear masks few weeks, although the rate of increase is in the Midwest - is designed to balance while in gatherings at childcare facilities or declining. The presence of more infectious day-to-day activities while controlling the camps. It takes effect April 26, 2021. This variants, such as the B 1.1.7 variant, threat- spread of COVID-19 and saving Michigan- addresses the increase in cases among ens progress in control of the epidemic and ders' lives. It includes expansion of mask younger Michiganders and follows recom- MDHHS will be monitoring data closely. requirements to children ages 2 to 4 to fur- mendations from the American Academy In recent days: ther protect the state's residents. of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Con- Although progress has been made, it trol and Prevention guidance. is crucial that Michiganders continue to "Michigan continues to implement CONTINUES ON PG 33, MASK

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 33 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + HEALTH Continued from pg 32, mask

• Positivity rate: had increased for are close to 100% capacity. RNs around strict oxygen in the lungs even in children, eight weeks but has seen a recent the state are being put in the impossible it is recommended to wear a mask with 5-day decline to 17.1%. However, situation of having to decide which patient layers to filter droplets effectively." this metric remains up 390% from to attend to. Nurses are working up to 18 The order extension is through May the mid-February low and remains hours at a time, often without breaks," 24. An infographic that highlights order above the December peak of 14.4%. said Jamie Brown, president of the Michi- requirements can be found on Michigan's gan Nurses Association. "We are begging COVID-19 website. • Statewide case rate: This metric for everyone in the community to do their Information around this outbreak is has increased over the past eight part. Stay home. Wear a mask. Get a vac- changing rapidly. The latest information weeks to 613.9 cases per million. cine when you are able. We are barely able is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavi- The rate is more than 475% higher to keep our heads above water. We are in rus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. To learn than the low in mid-February but crisis. We need our communities' help." more about the COVID-19 vaccine, vis- remains below peak of 737.8 cases "We know that wearing a mask signifi- it Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine. per million on Saturday, Nov 14. cantly reduces the spread of infection and should be part of the com- • Hospital capacity: The per- prehensive strategy to recent of inpatient beds dedicated duce COVID-19-including to those with COVID-19 is now at for children age 2 and up," 18.8%. This metric peaked at 19.6% said Michigan Chapter of on Tuesday, Dec. 4, and is up 373% the American Academy of from the February low. Pediatrics (MIAAP) Presi- dent Dr. Matthew Hornik. "Nurses are exhausted. Many hospitals "Use of masks does not re-

OUR BEST HOPE IS THE COVID-19 VACCINE. See how to get yours. The COVID-19 vaccine is proven to be safe and effective. It will save lives and help Michigan move forward. Protect us all, by getting your dose of hope. Learn more at Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine or call the COVID-19 Hotline at (888) 535-6136 and press 1.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 34 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper There’s nothing more extraordinary than a caring community.

Thank you from everyone at Covenant HealthCare.

Covenant HealthCare prides itself on delivering extraordinary care. But lately, we’ve been on the receiving end. Our community has given us:

• 20,000 N95 masks • 5,000 caps and hair nets • 11,000+ handmade masks • 4,100 shoe/boot covers • 10,750 face shields • Thousands of donated meals • 10,000 ear loop/tie masks • Thousands of dollars in gift cards and • 50,000 gloves monetary donations • 2,000 pairs of goggles • Countless prayers and messages • 312 gallons of sanitizer of encouragement

Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has supported us. You are all extraordinary.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 35 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + HEALTH COVID-19 vaccine clinic open Tuesdays at UAW Local 699 Hall in Saginaw, walk-ins are welcome

Saginaw, MI – Great Lakes Bay Health these invitations are managed exclusively Centers is to provide excellent health care Centers is providing the COVID-19 vaccine through the online registration process. to individuals and communities, especially from 8 am to 4 pm every Tuesday at the Getting the vaccine is only one of the those who are underserved, uninsured or UAW Local 699 Hall, 1911 Bagley in Sagi- tools to end this pandemic. Please con- underinsured. The services provided are naw, by Wanigas Credit Union. tinue to follow safety guidelines and wear sensitive to the needs of the community, Anyone 18 and older who wants to be your mask, avoid gatherings and stay 6 feet are not based on ability to pay and are of- vaccinated can walk in during these times apart. Get tested if you have been exposed fered without regard to criteria such as or register online with GLBHC at www. to someone with the virus. race, religion, national origin, sexual ori- GreatLakesBayHealthCenters.org. Staff The mission of Great Lakes Bay Health entation or gender identity. will contact those registered to schedule appointments. GLBHC is following vaccine distribu- tion guidelines as set by the State of Michi- gan. Those registering do not have to be patients with the health centers. We are committed to delivering the COVID-19 vaccine to our communities as quickly and safely as possible. Please do not call about scheduling a vaccine appointment as

Once you get your dose of hope, mask up while others get theirs.

One day in the future, we won’t need to wear masks. But for right now, we all need to keep wearing masks. Even after you get vaccinated. The virus is still out there. Help protect your friends, family and neighbors.

Learn more at Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 36 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + EDUCATION

and principal who are in the picture. Par- ents, seek input from all who are involved at school. Once the problem has been better de- fined, hopefully in unison with the teacher and others at school, consider the most relevant course of action to reverse the trend. If it related to a subject area (often it is math, for example), consider how to help the student in the subject. Tutoring? Study buddy? Extra help online? Whatever the solution, raise awareness and set some goals- immediate goals! – to reverse the tide. One goal might be as simple as setting aside 15 minutes each How to help a student day to review the next assignment that is due. who has gotten behind in Or it might be a regular communication with the teacher(s) about progress be- school work ing made, something like a “Friday” note (or email) that the parent can receive for feedback on how the school week went. response to recent spike in COVID 19 virus Simple! By keeping a goal simple, it cases. On April 9th, our Governor urged will seem more realistic and attainable. high schools to return to remote instruc- Putting this into a generalization, the tion for two weeks as pandemic numbers student fell behind over a period of days surge. Instructional changes and the related or weeks or even months….it is probable uncertainties unsettle students and may that it is going to take some time (and pa- cause them to fall behind. tience!) to get things back on track. What can be done to help the student The good news is this: it is April and By CRAIG DOUGLAS who is faced with being behind in school there is time in the school year to address RETIRED EDUCATOR work? such issues……….it is not “too late” to do There are MANY resources on the web something. And with the pandemic, more or WNEM TV 5, I offer thoughts once for parents to consider, yet I would urge students are facing being “behind” than Fa week in a segment called, “Education that parents consider reaching back to usual...thus more options and resources Matters.” It typically airs during the 9 a.m. their school and the teacher(s). Starting are being made available for students local news on Tuesdays. with local educators who are working with caught in the bind of being behind. On April 6th I addressed a tough situ- the student will help identify the cause(s) This is tough but can be addressed with ation many parents could be facing this and define the problem. patience and support from home and from school year. Spring reveals if a student school. Be encouraged in knowing you are has fallen behind in school work. Typi- Is it a subject area challenge? not alone if you are facing such a situation. cally marking periods or trimesters reveal Is it a study skills issue? grades with two-thirds of the school year Is it a motivation issue? Resources: completed. Often parent teacher confer- Is it a time management situation? ences have been held. These benchmarks Could there be a learning gap that is sur- https://www.verywellfamily.com/how-to-help- tell us if students are keeping pace. facing? when-your-teen-falls-behind-in-school-4047447 The pandemic, in my opinion, ampli- Is it a tutoring need? fies the possibility of students falling be- https://www.understood.org/en/school-learn- hind. It is especially true now with many The possibilities are many, and the ing/partnering-with-childs-school/instructional- strategies/5-common-techniques-for-helping- schools returning from Spring break with teacher(s) working with the child have in- struggling-students revised plans to return to remote instruc- sight into what may be occurring to cause tion; some have announced a return to the “falling behind” cycle. Also, consider https://www.wnem.com/news/education_mat- “virtual” instruction for a period of time in reaching out to the guidance counselor ters

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 37 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

Saginaw Promise Golf Outing Grab Your Golf Thursday, August 19, 2021* Clubs for a Saginaw Country Club Great Time!!! (4465 Gratiot Rd, Saginaw MI 48638)

Sponsorship Opportunities - Registration Proceeds to Benefit Saginaw Promise Programming & Scholarships

event Sponsor $3,000 cart Sponsor $600 • Foursome with carts • Sponsor name on golf carts and listed on • Sponsor name displayed at event and recognized at the Saginaw Promise website dinner • Opportunity to welcome & address golfers prior to driving range Sponsor “shot gun start” $350 • Opportunity to host a golf activity on course or • Name displayed at event and announced display table near registration at dinner • Name listed on Saginaw Promise website • Hole Sponsorship hole Sponsors dinner Sponsor $1,500 • Sponsor name and or/company logo on $200 hole and listed on the Saginaw Promise • Foursome with carts website • Sponsor name displayed & recognized at dinner • Recognized at dinner • Opportunity to welcome and address golfers at dinner • Opportunity to host a display table at dinner prize donations welome • Name listed on Saginaw Promise Website All prize donations will be recognized at the event and lunch at turn Sponsor $800 listed on the Saginaw Promise website. • Foursome with carts • Sponsor name displayed at “Lunch at the Turn” and recognized at dinner Sponsors: Please email your company logo to • Opportunity to host golf activity or display table [email protected]. • Name listed on Saginaw Promise website EPS or hi-res JPG preferred.

registration 8:45 - 9:45 am shotgun start 10:00 am Four Person Scramble - Includes: 18 Holes with Cart, Driving Range, Hot Dog & Chips at the Turn, BBQ Chicken Dinner and Awards Presentation

golf per person - $150 golf foursome team - $600

Contact Name: ______Contact Phone: ______Business: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Email: ______

Total Amount for Golfing $ ______Team Name ______Total Amount for Sponsorship $ ______Player #1 ______I would like to make a Donation $ ______Player #2 ______I would like to Donate a Prize Yes No Player #3 ______Total Amount ENCLOSED $ ______Player #4 ______

Make Check Payable: EASY ONLINE REGISTRATION / PAYMENTS (Credit Card Only) Saginaw Community Foundation, 1 Tuscola St. Suite 100, Saginaw, MI 48607 https://SaginawFoundation.ThankYou4caring.org/promise_golf and indicate Saginaw Promise on the Memo Line *Saginaw Community Foundation is the fiscal agent for Saginaw Promise Sponsors: Respond by August 9, 2021 For Questions, please contact Deborah Sanchez at (989) 755-0545 or Deadlines 4 Golfers: Sign up before August 13, 2021 email [email protected]

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 38 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + EDUCATION

SAGINAW PROMISE A College Scholarship for Students who live and Graduate in Saginaw! Saginaw Promise—Making an Investment in the future of Saginaw and in the lives of its students through a postsecondary education scholarship

Saginaw, MI – The Saginaw Promise act with and the community in which they dations who believe that postsecondary is an economic initiative intended to af- live”, stated Joyce Seals, Saginaw Promise, education is “key” to affecting Saginaw’s fect Saginaw’s economy and quality of life Chairperson. future and that of its students. by promoting and supporting a culture 2021 marks the 10th group of scholars How to apply: Students must com- of postsecondary education for all of its to be awarded scholarships. Scholarships plete the online Saginaw Community graduating students through information, are awarded to students who reside in and Foundation scholarship application at sag- programming and a “last dollar” scholar- graduate from a high school in the Sagi- inawfoundation.org/site/scholarships/, ship. The Saginaw Promise is working to naw Promise Zone (which includes the cit- which opens November 1, 2021. The schol- affect change in Saginaw through a “resi- ies Saginaw, Zilwaukee, Kochville and that arship is renewable up to two years and dence based” scholarship; a benefit and area of Buena Vista designated to the Sagi- must be applied for annually. Students incentive for families who live in Saginaw. naw Public School District). The scholar- must also complete FAFSA (Free Applica- The Saginaw Promise believes that post- ship is an agent for change. Since 2011, tion for Federal Student Aid) at https:// secondary education is the “change agent” high school graduation rates in Saginaw to affect the future of Saginaw and the Public School District have risen, dropout fafsa.ed.gov. The Saginaw Promise schol- lives of its students. Postsecondary educa- rates have decreased, FAFSA completion arship can be used at community colleges, tion, once earned, will open the doors to has grown and scholars are earning pro- universities and technical/trade schools in life’s opportunities and possibilities. Since gram certificates and degrees. Michigan for tuition and mandatory fees 2012, $1,025,049 scholarships have been Program and scholarship funding are only. awarded to 590 scholars. “To impact the raised annually through direct appeal and To support the Saginaw, Promise or life of an individual through education, special events. Donors include, individu- for information call (989)755-0545 or visit will impact their family, people they inter- als, organizations, businesses and foun- www.saginawpromise.org.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 39 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + EDUCATION

cators and parents of where students are in reading and math, USED's lockstep al- legiance in a pandemic to state summative assessments such as M-STEP is simply fi- delity to two decades of education policy drift under the federal No Child Left Be- hind Act and its uncreative and still puni- tive offspring. "Is it any wonder that educators are leaving the profession when, in a pandemic, USED insists that Michigan use time, which should be dedicated to children's social emotional and academic growth, to test a portion of its students to gener- COURTESY PHOTO ate data that will inform precisely nothing about our children's needs that we won't already know more substantially and quickly with benchmark assessments this USED denies Michigan's year?" State Board of Education President Dr. request to waive federal Casandra Ulbrich also had sharp criticism of USED's decision. "This is beyond disappointing. It's requirement to test students shameful," Dr. Ulbrich said. "USED had an opportunity to do the right thing for During a pandemic the right reasons, and instead chose to ap- pease special interests rather than support students. Michigan citizens, educators and Lansing, MI – The U.S. Department of mer for this school year, would be more parents will get virtually no useful and Education (USED) has denied Michigan's beneficial in providing parents and edu- actionable information from this year's request to waive the federal requirement cators with the knowledge of where chil- state tests. It would be shameful now if the to administer the state summative assess- dren are academically and to help target state legislature used these 'results' to im- ments, the Michigan Department of Edu- resources and supports as a result. pose negative consequences on children or cation (MDE) reported. Dr. Rice noted the following regarding schools." In late January, given the COVID-19 the denial of the assessment waiver re- With USED denying Michigan's re- pandemic that has disrupted the educa- quest: quest to waive the federal requirement for tion of Michigan's 1.5 million students, "With its decision today to deny Michi- state summative assessments, local school MDE requested waivers to federal require- gan's request to waive M-STEP testing in districts will be expected to administer the ments for state summative tests, as well as the midst of the pandemic, USED contin- state tests as scheduled. These tests in- waivers of associated high-stakes account- ues to demonstrate its disconnect from clude M-STEP for students in grades 3-8; ability requirements. The accountability conditions in public schools in Michigan PSAT 8/9 for students in 8th grade; MME, waivers were approved on March 26. and across the country. Michigan has the including SAT, for students in 11th grade; State Superintendent Dr. Michael highest rates of recent COVID-19 cases MI-ACCESS for students receiving special Rice and State Board of Education Presi- and recent cases per 100,000 in the na- education services in grades 3-8 and 11; dent Dr. Casandra Ulbrich explained in tion at the moment. Our state legislators and WIDA for students in English learner an OpEd that ran both nationally and in and governor had the foresight to require programs in grades K-12. Michigan that it has been a brutally diffi- districts to administer benchmark assess- MDE has informed school districts that cult school year for students, parents, and ments in the fall and in the spring of this during the COVID-19 pandemic, it does educators and that it would be made worse school year to provide data to educators not support requiring otherwise remote or if schools are forced to spend a good por- and parents and to help target resources, virtual students to be brought into school tion of the spring on Michigan's year-end interventions, and supports to students solely for the purpose of state assessment. state summative tests when teachers could in districts. USED even canceled its own Districts will have to offer remote or - vir better spend that time working with their assessment-the National Assessment of tual students the opportunity to come students. Educational Progress-in November, an into school to take the appropriate state As an alternative to the state summa- acknowledgement of the pandemic at that summative assessments. However, those tive tests, MDE argued that locally chosen time. remote-only students will not be required and administered national benchmark as- "For a state that has mandated bench- to come into school for the sole purpose of sessments, required by state law last sum- mark assessments this year to inform edu- taking the assessments.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 40 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

Sabrina Beeman-Jackson

Saginaw ISD Head Start/Early Head Start About Saginaw ISD pregnant women and Program Director HE/EHS their families. EHS programs enhance Saginaw ISD Head Start children’s physical, social, Established in 1965, Claytor Administrative “Head Start Head Start promotes emotional, and intellectual development; Building school readiness for 3200 Perkins Street graduates are more children, ages three to assist pregnant women to Saginaw, MI 48601 five, in low-income access comprehensive likely to graduate Phone 989.752.2193 families by offering prenatal and postpartum from high school educational, nutritional, care; support parents’ Fax 989.921.7146 health, social and other efforts to fulfill their and less likely to services. parental roles; and help need special Head Start programs parents move toward Office Hours promote school readiness self-sufficiency. Monday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM education, repeat a Tuesday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM by enhancing the social and Together Head Start Wednesday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM cognitive development of and Early Head Start have grade, or commit Thursday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM children through the served tens of millions of Friday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM crimes in provision of educational, children and their Saturday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM health, nutritional, social families. adolescence.” Sunday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM and other services to At Saginaw ISD Head enrolled children and Start our attentive staff is available Monday through families. For additional information concerning Joe Baca, former Early Head Start, Friday to answer all your Saginaw ISD Head Start visit: launched in 1995, provides questions and make every www.saginawheadstart.org Dem. Calif. support to low-income effort to ensure you are Congrmn., Dist. 43. infants, toddlers, 100 percent satisfied. Source: www.saginawheadstart.org

“Our mission is to provide high quality services, developing school readiness and family empowerment for prenatal to age five children and families by working in partnership with parents and the community.” -Saginaw ISD HE/EHS

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 41 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + BUSINESS

DOW CHEMICAL EMPLOYEES' CREDIT UNION Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union surpasses $2 billion asset mark

Midland, MI – Dow Chemical Employ- cer Michael Goad. “Having a healthy capi- membership eligibility criteria to include ees’ Credit Union (dcecu.org) has achieved tal cushion allows us to continue offering donors at the $10 level and above to the a milestone by surpassing $2 billion in as- great rates on loans and high returns on DCECU Members Endowed Scholarship sets. savings, enhancing our products and ser- Fund, which is managed by the Midland DCECU hit the $2 billion mark near the vices, and contributing to the community Area Community Foundation. DCECU end of 2020 – even after giving back $15.57 at large.” million to members through Member Based on assets, DCECU is Michigan’s membership also is open to employees Giveback rebates and rewards on eligible ninth largest credit union and is among the and retirees of nearly 100 Select Employer loans, debit card purchases and deposits nation’s 200 largest credit unions, accord- Group companies, as well as to their fam- for 2020, as well as closing a record-high ing to LendingTree’s DepositAccounts. ily members. 1,400 Mortgage Loans worth a total of ap- com website. “If someone has ever thought about proximately $198 million in 2020. As of “Being a single-branch credit union joining DCECU but assumed they wouldn’t March 31 of this year, the credit union’s and holding enough assets to be one of the qualify, now is the time to think again,” assets had reached $2.1 billion. largest credit unions in both the state and Goad said. “With our newly expanded “Surpassing $2 billion in assets is a tre- the nation truly is an achievement,” Goad membership eligibility through contribu- mendous milestone for us, and it’s a testa- said. “We anticipate that our assets and ment to our members’ loyal participation these rankings will continue to flourish as tions to our scholarship fund, plus our ex- in our financial cooperative and their faith we remain focused on growth.” panding roster of Select Employer Groups, in us to prudently manage their deposited As part of its commitment to growth, it’s easier than ever for someone to become funds,” said DCECU Chief Executive Offi- the credit union recently expanded its a DCECU member.”

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 42 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + BUSINESS

ELEVATE SMALL BUSINESSES GRANT PROGRAM GUIDE

GENERAL INFORMATION ■ The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (Bank) created ■ All small businesses seeking funding under the Elevate grant the Elevate grant to help stimulate local economic development, (Applicant) must partner with a Bank member to submit the business expansion, workforce development, and job creation Elevate application. through small businesses in the Bank’s district states of Indiana ■ Members can be found here: fhlbi.com/member directory and Michigan. ■ In 2021, the Bank will target to award $500,000 in Elevate grants, not to exceed $20,000 per recipient. The Bank will conduct one application funding round in 2021.

KEY DATES AND DEADLINES ■ APPLICATIONS DUE May 18, 2021 ■ ELIGIBLE EXPENSES June 1, 2021 - January 31, 2022 ■ AWARDS ANNOUNCED August 13, 2021 ■ DISBURSEMENT DEADLINE January 31, 2022

PERMITTED USES FOR ELEVATE GRANTS Applicants may use Elevate grants for the following purposes, together with the incidental costs related to any of the below (Permitted Uses): ■ Purchase of real property ■ Workforce development or training costs ■ Improvements to property (owned or leased) ■ Technology enhancements ■ Machinery, tools or equipment costs ■ Working capital (max amount of $10,000) The grant will only cover permitted uses identified in the budget in the application. Substitutions of similar products with similar pricing may be allowed but is not guaranteed.

APPLICATION PROCESS Members submitting applications for small business applicants should complete the following steps prior to submission. The Member must submit fully executed copies of the following documentation by the Application Deadline:

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE APPLICATION The application will be available starting March 15, 2021. The application can be found at fhlbi.com/elevate. ■ Make sure to fill out the application completely and accurately. ■ Create a compelling case for the grant and pay close attention to ■ Attach supporting documentation regarding an overview of the the evaluation factors listed in the application. business, grant fund uses, and/or grant impact details. ■ Email [email protected] if you have questions

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 43 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + BUSINESS

during the past five years. These accomplishments took energy, knowledge, and patience to effectively lead and motivate others.” Hollerback will retire at the end of 2021 after nine years as CEO and 38 years with the firm. He looks forward to the new ideas Youngstrom will bring to the role during the next year of transition. “Dave and I have worked together for more than 25 years supporting, mentor- ing and challenging one another along the way,” Hollerback said. “I know from my long history of working with Dave that he will bring new energy and innovation to Yeo.” Yeo & Yeo board member Tammy Mon- crief added, “Following a comprehensive leadership succession process, the board and our shareholder group are confident DAVE YOUNGSTROM that Dave is the right person to strengthen our firm and drive future growth. Dave has made significant contributions towards Yeo & Yeo’s success. He is an inspirational Yeo & Yeo announces Dave leader with great vision and a strong advocate for our employees and clients.” Youngstrom plans to continue to put Youngstrom as CEO effective Yeo & Yeo’s core values first by supporting employees, giving back to our communi- January 1, 2022 ties, and focusing on the firm’s long-term success. Saginaw, MI – Yeo & Yeo is pleased and the firm. “I am passionate about our culture and to announce Dave Youngstrom as its next “He has unified the firm-wide au- making Yeo & Yeo the best place to work President & CEO-elect. Effective January 1, dit team, ensuring that our professionals for everyone,” he said. “I am committed to 2022, Youngstrom will assume leadership work together to best serve our clients,” ensuring our clients receive the best ser- of the firm’s nine offices and all Yeo & Yeo said President & CEO Thomas Hollerback. vice in the most efficient ways possible, companies – Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business “Under his leadership, our assurance ser- and I pledge to continue down the path of Consultants, Yeo & Yeo Medical Billing & vice line revenue increased 45 percent innovation and growth for our firm.” Consulting, Yeo & Yeo Computer Consult- ing and Yeo & Yeo Wealth Management. “I am deeply honored that the principal group selected me as the next CEO,” Youngstrom said. “While I’ve enjoyed the daily contact with our clients I have known for the past 25 years, I believe that I can make a difference in this new role, and I am excited to lead the firm into the future.” Youngstrom is a principal and shareholder, and he serves on Yeo & Yeo’s board of directors. In his recent role as assurance service line leader, Youngstrom was responsible for directing and strategizing the firm-wide audit practice throughout Yeo & Yeo’s nine offices. During his 25 years at Yeo & Yeo, Youngstrom championed many initiatives for the assurance service line YEO & YEO SAGINAW LOCATION

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 44 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

No one should have to face this pandemic alone.

34,000 job opportunities are available for caregivers.

In their faces, you may see your mother. Your grandfather. Your neighbor. If you have the heart of a caregiver, someone needs you. Due to this pandemic, there is a critical shortage of caregivers. Whether you have a few hours a week to spare to pick up groceries or make meals, or can give care full-time, earn income while making a difference. Register at ConnectToCareJobs.com.

203 S. Washington Ave Saginaw, Michigan 48607

THURMAN AHMAD 989-714-3071 989-252-3661

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 45 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

Book your next event with us and experience the Art of Hospitality.

SEMINARS | BANQUETS | WEDDINGS | CATERING | LIFE’S OCCASIONS

6200 State Street | Saginaw, Michigan | 989-799-4122 | HORIZONSCenter.com

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 46 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + FUNDRAISING GOODTIMES How are fundraising goals set at your nonprofit

By MEL AND PEARL SHAW their goal. Some just use last year’s goal, sibility study. regardless of whether they met it. A varia- When you assess your ability to reach How are fundraising goals set tion on this is to operate with no goal: the your fundraising goals we suggest looking organization raises what it can. to see if any of the methods above were at your nonprofit? During the goal setting process some used to set your goals. If they were, look nonprofits place an emphasis on ensuring Where did these numbers come at your data and revise your goals (up or they replace donors that were “lost” in the down) based on market information. Af- from? prior year. They keep an eye on their donor How are you progressing to- attrition numbers, the amount of money ter that, look to increase your pool of pro- wards your fundraising goals? that represents, and focus on replacing spective donors and those who can assist those funds. Others focus on emerging or you with fundraising. Look at your capac- Can you take a moment to urgent community needs and make a com- ity and infrastructure: were your goals review and – if needed – reset mitment to raising funds required to be too modest for what your staff and board them? Could your goals be too part of the solution. can achieve? Too ambitious? Finally, start Sometimes goals are set by including aggressive? Were they set too pulling reports on donors from this year “windfall” gifts from the prior year. Most and last: who needs to be asked for a gift? low? Do people want to fund major estate gifts, or other unexpected The number one reason people don’t give your programs, or do they feel large gifts or grants will not be repeated. is because they weren’t asked! If you include this in your current year Most importantly, engage in goal set- you should have other priori- planning, you can set yourself up for dis- ting that is based on realistic information, ties? appointment. Finally, gut feelings drive some goal setting. This is where a leader including market research gained from a feasibility study or conversations with cur- Whether your fiscal year ends June “feels” the organization has the ability to rent and potential donors. Don’t pull num- 30th, December 31st, or another date it raise a certain amount regardless of prior is always a good idea to check your prog- year fundraising, number of prospective bers from a hat: set realistic goals. Your ress towards your fundraising goals. We donors identified, or findings from a fea- staff, board, and donors will thank you. suggest starting with a simple question: how were your goals determined? Know- ing this can help you assess what you need to do reach your goals prior to your fiscal year end. The following are examples of how some nonprofits set their fundraising goals. Some organizations set their fundraising goals by calculating anticipated revenue from fees, services, multi-year grants or contracts, and then subtracting expenses. The difference is the fundraising goal. Others add a pre-determined percentage to last year’s goal, regardless of the circumstances. Still others look to what their “competitors” are raising and use that as

Copyright 2021 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are authors of four books on fundraising available on Amazon.com. For help growing your fundraising visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 47 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + CHURCH DIRECTORY

Greater Renaissance New Covenant Christian Second Baptist Church B Pastor Cedric R. Cheatham Center Pastor-Elect Marcelle T. Smith 1535 S. Warren Ave. Pastor Ron Frierson 1770 W. Youngs Ditch Rd. Bethel AME Church Saginaw, MI 48601 2395 S. Outer Drive Bay City, MI 48708 Rev. Dennis Laffoon 989-752-1455 Saginaw, MI 48601 989-893-8631 535 Cathay St. 260-515-6456 989-752-8485 Saginaw, MI 48601 St. John Ev. Lutheran Church 989-755-7011 Greater Williams Temple New Hope Missionary Baptist Pastor Carl Ballard 608 E Remington St Church 915 Federal Avenue Bethlehem Temple Church Saginaw, MI 48601 Rev. Dr. Willie F. Casey Saginaw, MI 48607 of the Apostolic Faith 989-755-5291 1721 Tuscola Street 989-754-0489 District Elder Curtis E. Saginaw, MI 48601 stjohnlutheranelcasaginaw. Johnson, Pastor 989-753-7600 weebly.com 3521 Webber St J Saginaw, Michigan 48601 New Life Baptist Ministries 989-755-8381 Jacob's Ladder Dr. Craig Tatum T Bishop Elect Dempsey Allen 1401 Janes Ave. Bread of Life Harvest Center 1926 Fairfield Street Saginaw, MI 48601 Transforming Life Ministries Senior Pastor Rodney J. Saginaw, MI 48602 989-753-1151 Pastor William Brown McTaggart 989-799-6601 newlifelcm.com 523 Hayden 3726 Fortune Blvd. Saginaw, MI 48601 Saginaw, MI 48603 L New Mt. Calvary Baptist 989-754-9573 989-790-7933 Church True Vine Baptist Church Life in Christ Ministries Pastor Alfred "AJ" Harris Jr. 3610 Russel St. Pastor Paul E. Broaddus C Pastor Dennis Cotton, Sr. 2930 Janes Street 2915 S. Washington Road Saginaw, MI 48601 989-754-0801 Saginaw, MI 48601 Christ Disciples Baptist Church Saginaw, MI 48601 989-752-0751 Founder Pastor Eddie Benson 989-401-4465 Pastor Genevieve Benson LifeInChristMinistries07@ New Way Ministries 3317 Lapeer Street gmail.com Pastor Dwight & Princess V Saginaw, MI 48601 Dobbins 989-754-2444 29200 Shiawassee St. Victorious Belivers Ministries M Farmington Hills, MI 48336 Church Christ Fellowship Baptist Church (248) 987-2434 Pastor Chris V. Pryor Rev. Robert Davis, Jr. Messiah Missionary Baptist thenewwayministry.org 624 S. Outer Dr. 818 N. Washington Ave. Church Saginaw, MI Saginaw, MI 48601 Pastor Otis Washington 989-755-7692 989-754-4435 2615 Williamson Road P [email protected] Saginaw, MI 48601 989-777-2636 Prince of Peace Baptist W Church Christ Image Community Church Fax: 989-777-2640 [email protected] Pastor Robert C. Corley Jr. World Outreach Campus of 5501 Gratiot Rd 825 North 24th Street Saginaw, MI 48638 messiahsag.org Greater Coleman Temple Saginaw, MI 48601 Ministries (989) 759-9161 989-754-2841 christimage.us Mt. Olive Baptist Church Supt. H.J. Coleman Jr. Pastor Marvin T. Smith 2405 Bay Rd. 1114 N. 6th Street Saginaw, MI 48602 F Saginaw, MI 48601 R 989-752-7957 989-752-8064 Resurrection Life Ministries Faith Harvest Church Full Gospel Baptist Church Z Bishop Ronald E. Chipp N Pastor Carolyn L. Wilkins 1734 N. Mason 2320 Sheridan Avenue Saginaw, MI 48602 Zion Missionary Baptist New Beginnings Deliverance Saginaw, MI 48601 Church 989-799-4200 989-395-3142 faithharvestministry.org Ministry Pastor Rodrick Smith [email protected] Pastor Roy & Evelyn Baldwin 721 Johnson 2609 E. Genesee S Saginaw, MI 48607 Faith Ministries Church Saginaw, MI 48601 989-754-9621 Dr. Anthony Revis 989-777-8272 Saginaw Valley Community 3420 E Ashman St. [email protected] Church Midland, MI 48642 Pastor Richard Sayad 989-837-7777 New Beginnings Life 3660 Hermansau faithministrieschurch.org Changing Ministries Saginaw, MI 48603 Pastor Otis Dickens 989-752-4769 2312 S. Washington Ave. G Saginaw, MI 48601 Saint Paul Baptist Church 989-755-3650 Rev, Dr., Vincent D. McMillon Glimpse Of Hope Ministries 120 North 15 St. Pastor Leslie D Lewis New Birth Missionary Baptist Saginaw, MI. 48601 2211 S. Outer Dr. Pastor Larry D. Camel [email protected] Saginaw Michigan 48601 3121 Sheridan Facebook: St Paul MBC Family 989-755-9237 Saginaw, Michigan Connection [email protected] 989-327-1755

Grace Chapel Church Pastor James Nelson 2202 Janes Ave. Saginaw, MI 48601 989-755-3212

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 48 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + SPORTS

Congratulations to Jessica Peatross for being named 2021 MCCAA North Conference Women's Coach of the Year!

n her second season, Jessica Peatross took on the Inew role as Interim Head Coach. In Peatross’s first season, she assisted with the player development, film breakdown & scouting. The Lady Pio- neers made is to the Great Lakes East Region Fi- nal Four during the 2019-2020 season and finished the season with three student-athletes receiving All-Conference & Honorable Mention awards. This year, coach Peatross earned 2021 MCAA North Conference Women's Coach pf the Year. Peatross went out and got the athletes to build a program, taught them the game, kept them focused during the rollercoaster ride of Covid and finished conference champs, regional runner-up and ranked #20 in the Nation. A native of Lansing, Michigan, Coach Peatross graduated from Holt High School in 2010. There she was twice named All-State honorable mention in basketball. A member of the 1,000-point club and holds the record for career assists at Holt. Peatross was also named Lansing State Journal (LSJ) Female Athlete of the Year as well as LSJ All-Decade Team and LSJ Dream-Team for both basketball and golf her senior year. She received a Division I scholarship to play golf, basketball and track at Chicago State University. Peatross is a 2014 graduate of Chicago State University with a BA in Communications. After completing her playing career at Chicago State Universi- ty, Coach Peatross continued her education at Valparaiso University where she received her MA in Sports Admin- istration, Information & Marketing in 2016. While there, she joined the Women’s Basketball program as a Gradu- ate Assistant, assisting with daily practice planning, player development and social media marketing, amongst other duties. Using her experience at the D-I level as the foundation of her playing and learning, Peatross is unceasingly focused on motivating, as well as teaching the importance of academics, commitment, perseverance, dedica- tion and to all student-athletes.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 49 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + SPORTS Congratulations to Pioneer Men's & Women’s Basketball student- athletes on the 2021 MCCAA All- Conference selections!

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 50 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + SPORTS

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 51 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper + SPORTS

a 2021 Loons home game. Each Rookie of the Game will receive four tickets to their appointed game, a T-shirt and $50 to put toward their savings courtesy of DCECU. The child also will earn an additional $10 for each run the Loons score during their appointed game. In addition, DCECU remains the ex- clusive credit union partner of the Great Lakes Loons and naming rights partner of the Northern Lights Pavilion, the 500-person hospitality venue located down the left field line at Dow Diamond, the Loons’ home stadium. “As we all eagerly await the return of professional baseball to Midland this spring and summer, it truly is an honor and a privilege to continue serving as the official credit union of the Great Lakes Loons,” said DCECU Chief Executive Of- ficer Michael Goad. “We are grateful to once again have the opportunity to make an impact on the Great Lakes Bay Region via our partnership with our friends and neighbors at Dow Diamond.” Loons Interim President & General Manager Mike Hayes also expressed en- GREAT LAKES LOONS thusiasm about the partnership. “The Loons and DCECU share many values focused on the betterment of our communities, and our partnership is a Teaming up: DCECU, strong reflection of those values,” Hayes said. “We look forward to working closely Great Lakes Loons partner with DCECU to create meaningful opportunities for local youth and nonprofit organizations in 2021 and beyond.” to benefit community Despite the cancellation of the Loons’ 2020 season, DCECU made an $8,500 Saginaw, MI – As Minor League Base- According to Arnold Center Executive Di- contribution to Personal Assistance Op- ball prepares to resume play in 2021, Dow rector Jennifer Grace, the organization will tions (PAO), which had been slated to be Chemical Employees’ Credit Union (dcecu. use the funds to expand the Midland Fresh the 2020 beneficiary of the credit union’s org) and the MiLB’s Midland-based Great mobile food pantry program, which de- sponsorship of Loons’ victories. PAO is Lakes Loons (loons.com) also are resum- livers fresh produce and other food items a Midland-based nonprofit organization ing their partnership to benefit the local each week to 11 locations throughout Mid- that serves area residents with disabilities. community. land County during the summer months, “It just didn’t feel right to let the can- For the Loons’ 2021 season, which be- providing both a service to the community cellation of the Loons’ season mean the gins May 4, DCECU once again will be the and meaningful volunteer opportunities cancellation of our contribution to PAO,” presenting sponsor of Loons wins, donat- for individuals in the Arnold Center’s pro- said DCECU Senior Executive Assistant to ing $100 to Arnold Center, Inc. – a non- grams. the Chief Executive Officer Susan Phillips, profit organization that empowers indi- DCECU also returns as the sponsor of who leads many of DCECU’s philanthrop- viduals with disabilities and other barriers the Loons’ “Rookie Signing Bonus” pro- ic endeavors. “So, we decided to make a to independence through enhanced voca- motion in 2021. Children ages 3 to 12 donation to PAO anyway – matching our tional, social and life skill training and ser- may have their parent or guardian regis- 2019 ‘Loons wins’ sponsorship contribu- vices that lead to greater self-sufficiency ter them at loons.com/dcecu for a chance tion to The Diaper Alliance and adding an- – for every regular-season Loons victory. to be the DCECU Rookie of the Game at other $100, for a total of $8,500.”

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN YOUTH BANNER MICHIGAN YOUTH BANNER PAGE 52 APRIL 16, 2021 APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 53 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

Michigan Banner VOLUME 3 • NUMBER 8 YOUTH

Young Adults Find Support, Success Through R.I.S.E.

COURTESY PHOTO

Flint, MI – Sometimes people just need my community.” es coalition members provide. a little extra support to succeed to the best McLilly is now working full-time while “When we refer to disengaged youth, of their abilities. This was true for 23-year- raising her son and still participating in we mean that in any sense of the word,” old Angel McLilly, a young woman in Gen- R.I.S.E. as the current president of the says Dennis Williams-Mitchell, youth am- esee County who was disengaged from group. bassador at Flint & Genesee Education school and work after giving birth to her “If anyone needs help with school, or & Talent. “It can mean disengaged from son. That was until she found R.I.S.E., a need other resources, R.I.S.E. is there to school, the workforce or even the commu- peer-to-peer group that is part of the Flint help,” says McLilly. “It also helps individu- nity.” & Genesee Opportunity Youth Coalition als grow into thriving adults.” Williams-Mitchell adds that R.I.S.E. is and helps disengaged young people ages R.I.S.E., which stands for respect, in- also a group for individuals that may be on 16 – 24 find the resources and encourage- spire, stand up and energize, is uniquely the right path but want to be part of some- ment they need to succeed. positioned to help young people in the thing that is bigger than themselves. “R.I.S.E. helped me find my direction community. As a part of the Flint & Gen- Currently, R.I.S.E. meets virtually due in life,” says McLilly, who has been in- esee Opportunity Youth Coalition, a co- to social distancing restrictions. For more volved with the program since its incep- alition of 20 members from area organi- information and to join R.I.S.E., contact tion. “The group helped me learn how I zations, R.I.S.E. bridges the gap between Dennis Williams-Mitchell at DWilliams- could be better for myself, my family and disengaged young people and the resourc- [email protected].

MYB 301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG 301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MYB MICHIGAN YOUTH BANNER MICHIGAN YOUTH BANNER PAGE 52 APRIL 16, 2021 APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 53 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

sources. My current supervisor knows this and is helping me build my administration ON THE JOB: skills and will assign me tasks to help do that.

How did lessons learned in TeenQuest help you on your path to Jewel this position? Through Summer Youth Initiative, I had a summer job every year after I graduated TeenQuest up until college. It helped Langston teach me how to work with different types of people, increased my communications skills and taught me business etiquette.

When I went to college, I could see a difference in myself compared to my peers who may not have had an opportunity like TeenQuest or Summer Youth Initiative.

What skills did you use from TeenQuest when interviewing for your position?

Learning how to update my resume and adjust it for the position that I applied for, making sure I made good eye contact in my interview and practicing common questions before the interview like naming my strengths and weaknesses.

What is a memory you have from TeenQuest/Summer Youth Initia- tive?

JEWEL LANGSTON Working my last SYI job at Mott Work- force Development. Some of the relation- Flint, MI – Carman-Ainsworth High Chicago,” says Langston. “After coming ships I built there I still have to this day. School Graduate, Jewel Langston, has back, I had to self-quarantine and then ev- been working hard toward her future. Af- eryone started working from home. I was What advice would you offer ter graduating high school, Langston at- supposed to transition to a different team, current TeenQuest students? tended Mott Community College, where however, the company needed help with she received an associate’s degree. She Project Halo.” Take advantage of all the programs and then went on to attend Wayne State Uni- According to Langston, Project Halo opportunities they have to offer. And don’t versity where she received a Bachelor of helped Detroit citizens schedule COV- be nervous in your interview! Science in business management. ID-19 tests at the beginning of the pan- “When I first graduated from Wayne demic. Now, she works with a team that What is your proudest moment State, I was working third shift at a casi- supervises contact tracers for those moni- since TeenQuest? no,” says Langston. “I was trying to find tor those who were exposed to individuals my footing as an adult when I applied with who tested positive for the virus. Last year I started doing community Rock Connections.” Moving forward, Langston has big service projects and it sparked a passion in There, the recruiter at Rock Connec- plans and states that Rock Connections me. This year I have six community proj- tions referred her to a client experiences and the family of companies has a lot of ects lined up. It gives me a great sense of position. With that position, she worked opportunity for growth. pride to be able to give back to my community. with partner company StockX until March 2020 when her company shifted to help What are your plans for the future? TeenQuest and Summer Youth Initiative are the Detroit-area brace for the pandemic. made possible through the generous support of the “When everything shut down, I was in I want to transition into human re- Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

MYB 301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG 301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MYB MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 54 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

PICS OF THE WEEK FLINT CHAPTER - JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC.

The youth of the mothers of the Flint Chapter - Jack and Jill of America, Inc. generously donated $1,000 of their own hard earned money to help those in need in their community. The Flint Chapter of this service and learning organization are celebrating their 60th year of nurturing children into future leaders.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER APRIL 16, 2021 PAGE 55 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

The Great Lakes Bay Region Does Better With

“When you want a great car or truck come see The Wright Guy for the job!”

John Wright [email protected] 989-497-4444, ext. 1615 GarberBuick.com

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG MICHIGAN BANNER PAGE 56 APRIL 16, 2021 First Great Lakes Bay Regional Newspaper

Brittany Saunders is ready to pay it forward. The Chicago native enroIIed at SVSU with ambitions to pursue a teaching career. Brittany was encouraged and invigorated by other passionate educators who worked cIoseIy with her to ensure she wouId accompIish her goaIs. And she is. Even before she was set to graduate, Brittany couId boast a résumé with a paid internship in a schooI district aIong with K-12 cIassroom experience. Now she can’t wait to begin a professionaI career, inspiring students with the same kind of one-on- one attention she received from her professors at SVSU.

301 E. GENESEE AVE. SUITE 201., SAGINAW MI 48607 | 989-992-2600 | MICHIGANBANNER.ORG