the michigan banner july 16, 2014 edition

Leading in Diversity “Empowering Communities and Changing Lives”

Volume11•Number13 TheMichiganBanner July 16, 2014 FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper

ReaLiTyoFeducaTioN... PLB1

PRaiSe! P 29

MiRacLe!P 26

SeeiNGcLeaReR... P 28

RoadBLockReMoVedP 14

aLegendHonoredinSculptureBy The Michigan Banner Staff

Saginaw – In the summer family members who have not seen each other during the year travel across the country to celebrate family heritage and remember legacies at family reunions.

The month of July is celebrated as the official family reunion month, and this year

many members of the Claytor family will travel to Grand Rapids, Michigan to celebrate the installation and unveiling of the bronze statue of a family member, Helen J. Claytor. The ceremony will be on the ground of Grand Rapids Community College and is the sixth in a series of sculptures for the Grand Rapids Community Legends Sculpture Project founded by Peter F. Secchia, American diplomat and businessman.

Helen J. Claytor, the sister-in-law of the late dr.archera.claytor, of Saginaw, and the aunt of prominent Saginaw resident, RuthMarsh was an educator, the first African American president of the National YWCA, and activist was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

After graduating from the University of Minnesota, Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa, she became familiar with the lack of jobs at the time for African American teachers, and determined throughout her life to make a change throughout the country in race relations.

She took a job with the Trenton New Jersey YWCA and two years later a similar position with an African American YWCA in Kansas City. After the death of her first husband Earl Wilkins (brother of civil rights leader Roy Wilkins), Claytor worked

with the National YWCA as Secretary of Interracial Education.

She was invited to speak at a Michigan YWCA meeting in Grand Rapids in 1942, where she met her second husband, Dr. Robert Claytor. She moved to Grand Rapids a year later, after completing a nation-wide study on interracial relations for the National YWCA board of directors.

With the YWCA, Claytor focused on race relations because “it was just part of my blood and bones,” she told the Grand Rapids Press in 1995, and in 1997, she told the newspaper, “God made us diverse, and we have to live in harmony.”

When she resigned her National YWCA post, where she served as National President from 1967 to 1973, she joined the Grand Rapids YWCA board and became president in 1949. In the early 1950s, she led the Grand Rapids Human Relations Study Commission to look at race relations in the city. And in the early 1960s, she led a study on de facto segregation in Grand Rapids Public Schools, making recommendations on integrating them.

The elimination of racism was a key goal of Claytor’s tenure as president of the national YWCA, and one of her proudest achievements was to get the organization behind that operating principle at the 1970 convention.

Claytor would receive several awards during her lifetime, and in 2000, she was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. In 2003, Coretta Scott King, speaking at the Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission dinner, saluted Claytor, saying she was an “eloquent testament to the great things an individual can accomplish.

Helen J. Claytor died on May 10, 2005, but her extraordinary contributions to the world remain.

The unveiling of the bronze sculpture will begin at 5:15 p.m., Wednesday, July 23, at the Grand Rapids Community College, Bostwick Plaza, directly across from Fountain Street Church.

Celebrating 11 years of Positive News!

Helen J. Claytor

1400W.GeneseeSaginaw,Michigan(989)753-3475www.themichiganbanner.com

TheMichiganBanner July 16, 2014 FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper

Make your college dreams a reality.

Register now.

Have questions? Contact us at

989-686-9093 or [email protected].

Apply today.Jump in.

of grads would recommend

Delta to a friend

go pioneers!

Tuition rates:

Delta has... 150+ transfer & career programs in today’s hottest fields.

Tuition that costs less than 1/2 that of a public university.

And, free tutoring if you need it.

July 16, 2014 TheMichiganBanner Page3 FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper

The Michigan Banner1400 W. GeneseeSaginaw, MI 48602

[email protected]

Office Hours:Monday – Friday9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

PublisherJerome BuckleySenior EditorR. L. Buckley

The Latino Banner Senior Editor Rosa Morales

[email protected]

Circulation & Distribution:Staff

Marketing & SalesStaff

SalesStaff

Mission:The Michigan Banner operates and

serves as a print and online media venuecommitted to educating, informing andenlightening our readership regarding

events and news that directly and indirectlyaffect 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 the1st and 16th of each month

Submission Procedure:Mailed or e-mailed

Preferred format: Jpeg or PDF

www.themichiganbanner.com

Facebook.com/michiganbanner

Twitter.com/MichiganBanner

Blog: www.themichiganbanner.wordpress.com

Michigan Banner ClassifiedCall 989-753-3475

or go online [email protected]


In This Issue Business .................................................................................................Page 9 Health......................................................................................................Page 16The Latino Banner ..................................................................................LB 1 - LB 4 Sports......................................................................................................3

On August 16, 2014 Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Austin will be honored for his 88th Birthday and 60 years of continuous community service. This community celebration will be at 4 p.m. at the Horizons Conference Center, located at 6200 State Street, in Saginaw.

Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Austin served as Pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Saginaw for 44 years, where he is currently Pastor Emeritus. He has

also served as Interim Pastor for St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Saginaw, Foss Ave. Baptist Church in Flint, and Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Flint.

Rev. Dr. Austin embraced the community by serving the people through many entities, including Saginaw City Council, Opportunity Industrial Center, Pastors Concern for the poor, Saginaw Public Schools, and a member of the Board of Directors for Citizens Bank.

Rev. Dr. Austin is past President Saginaw Valley District Congress of Christian Education, Past President Michigan Wolverine State Congress of Christian Education, Seminar Leader for the National Congress of Christian Education and Moderator for the Saginaw Valley District Association.

To attend the celebration, you may purchase a ticket, $30 per person, by check payable to the Austin Celebration Committee, mailed to Dona Austin-Bigby, 2310 Arnette Street, Saginaw, Michigan, or calling 989.752.8487.

For additional information concerning the celebration, call Rosa Holliday, 517.862.8767, or Rev. Larry Camel, 989.798.6405.

TheGreatLakesBayRegioncelebratestheLifeandServiceofRev.dr.Rooseveltaustin

Drs. Roosevelt and Nurame Austin

For anything worth having one must pay the price; and the price is always work, patience, love, self-sacrifice - no paper currency, no promises to pay, but the gold of real service.

John Burroughs

BANNERATINOL THE

Leading in Diversity Vamos Adelante

Volume2•Number13 TheLatinoBanner July 16, 2014 FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalLatinoNewspaper

1400W.GeneseeSaginaw,Michigan(989)753-3475TheLatinoBanner–[email protected]

The Rea l i ty o f educat ionThe League

of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the largest and oldest Hispanic Organization in the United States. LULAC advances the economic condition,

educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 900 LULAC councils nationwide. The organization involves and serves all Hispanic nationality groups.

First Lady Michelle Obama delivered the keynote address at the 2014 LULAC Convention in New York City. An excerpt of the First Lady’s speech is below and the link to where you may read it in its entirety.

MRS. OBAMA: Oh, my goodness. (Applause.) Thank you, everyone. Let’s give our love to Jennifer Lopez. Thank you so much for that kind introduction. (Applause.)

Good afternoon, everyone. How are you all doing? (Applause.) It is my honor and pleasure to be here today. I want to again thank Jennifer for that very kind introduction and for all of her amazing work to lift up our young people every single day. She is truly an amazing woman, and I am so very proud of all of her work.

I also want to recognize LULAC President Margaret Moran, as well as your Executive Director, Brent Wilkes. Yes! Give them a round of applause. (Applause.)

Most of all, I want to thank all of you -- the activists, the community leader, the business, labor, and government officials. We have our high school and college students here --

(applause) -- who are the heart and soul of this organization. Yes, indeed! (Applause.) Where are my young people? Where are you all? (Applause.) Yes. So proud of you. So proud.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: We are, too. MRS. OBAMA: Yes, we all are proud of

you. You all are making such a huge difference for your communities. You’re working to improve health outcomes, you’re registering folks to vote and signing them up for health insurance, you’re organizing around issues like housing, financial empowerment, and civil rights. And the vast majority of you are not paid. So you’re doing all of this after a long day of work or school. You’re running off to a meeting after you cook dinner. You’re giving up your weekends and holidays to host events.

And you’re doing it all because you know that if you give just a little bit of your time and energy, and convince more folks to do the same, you can truly do your part to create a better future for our next generation. And perhaps more than anything else, that is LULAC’s history.

Just think about the story of one of this organization’s former leaders, a man named Felix Tijerina. (Applause.) Felix was born to Mexican migrant farmworkers in 1905, and never got a formal education himself because he spent his childhood picking cotton in South Texas and washing dishes in a restaurant in Houston. Like so many in your community, Felix was smart and he taught himself enough English words and phrases to work his way out of the dish room. And by the time he was 50, he owned a total of four restaurants across the Houston area. (Applause.)

But just being a successful businessman wasn’t enough for Felix. He’d heard that many Latino children were dropping out of school before the end of the first grade because they

struggled with English and couldn’t catch up. Now, Felix knew this trouble from his own life. And when he became LULAC’s national president, he launched a pilot project to help these kids.

He hired a young woman to teach a class of Latino preschoolers five or ten English words a day, so that by the end of the summer they knew about 400 words. A year later, the project expanded to nine more communities. There was no money for salaries, so Felix paid the teachers himself. And when the schools ran into debt, he paid off that debt, too.

Eventually, Felix and LULAC convinced the State of Texas to fund these schools that would

SEE P LB 2, Education

First Lady Michelle Obama


LB2 TheLatinoBanner July 16, 2014

Vamosadelante

Disclaimer:The Latino Banner and its staff are not responsible and will not be held liable for any mistakes, errors, misspellings and false advertisements in part or whole that may be placed within its publication. Articles, information or comments printed in the Latino Banner are not necessarily the views or beliefs of The Latino Banner newspaper. The Latino 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.

We encourage readers to send letters, story ideas, comments and questions.

Deadlines: 2 weeks before each publication date of the 1st and 16th of each month Submission Procedure:Mailed or e-mailed to the Latino [email protected] Preferred format: Jpeg or PDF

FROM P LB 1, Educationbe known as the “Little Schools of the 400.” And in 1965, these Little Schools went on to inspire President Johnson to launch the Head Start program –- a program that you know now serves more than a million children every year. (Applause.)

Felix’s story is the story of that tenacious pursuit of the American Dream, that unyielding focus on lifting up the next generation through education. That has always been the story of this organization.

In the 1930s and ‘40s when many Latino schoolchildren were sent to places referred to as “Mexican schools” -- tiny one-room shacks with little or no ventilation or running water –- it was LULAC who took those school boards to court, helping to set the stage for Brown v. Board of Education a decade later. (Applause.)

In the 1970s, this organization created a network of National Education Service Centers to provide young people with educational counseling, mentorship, and leadership development. And today, you’re providing more than a million dollars in college scholarships to promising students every year. (Applause.) This is an extraordinary legacy.

And while I know you all are incredibly proud of everything you’ve achieved, I also know that you are not satisfied -- not by a longshot. And that is why you are here today.

You’re here because, in the face of so many challenges and obstacles, you’re still asking yourselves the hard questions: How are we going to lift up our children and grandchildren and improve their educational outcomes? You’re asking, how will we instill in them that hunger for education that drove so many people before us -- folks who came to this country in search of a better life and worked hard to seize that American Dream for themselves and their families?

Because the truth is that right now there are still too many young people in this country who aren’t getting the education they need -- an education that goes beyond high school. The reality in today’s economy is that education is essential to getting a good job. So our young people must understand that a college degree or some kind of professional training is an absolute necessity.

But as you know, too many young people in the Latino community simply aren’t fulfilling their potential. Just listen to some of the

statistics. A while we’re thrilled that Latino high school graduation rates have reached a record high, they’re still lower than almost every other group. And when it comes to college, regardless of their test scores and GPAs entering school, Latinos are far more likely to drop out than their white counterparts. And fewer than 15 percent of Latinos over age 25 have a bachelor’s degree -- a rate that trails blacks, whites, and Asians.

So those are some pretty sobering numbers. And maybe there are those who believe that this isn’t the most pressing issue, or who hear those statistics and think, “Well, I’m not part of that problem. I’ve got my degree, or at least I’m on track to get it, so I’ve done my part.”

But that’s not how somebody like Felix would think. See, he’d be thinking about the millions of kids who aren’t on track to get any kind of degree. He’d be worrying about what’s going on in their lives, what’s going to happen to them and their families. And right now, we all have got to think like that, too -- every single one of us.

The entire speech can be read at http://lulac.org/

deltacollegeisSeekingFamilyHistoriesfordocumentaryDelta College Q-TV is currently seeking in-

teresting family histories, photographs, letters or other documents for their new local history docu-mentary, whose working title is “SETTLING IN – Cultures & Immigrants That Built Mid-Michi-gan.” A late fall 2014 premiere is targeted.

Currently in pre-production, “SETTLING IN” will examine how ancestral groups shaped Mid-Michigan and explore how their local com-munities thrived amidst the challenges of starting a new life in a strange and unfamiliar land.

Q-TV is working in conjunction with many local historical societies and the Delta College History Department on the project. Delta College Q-TV Producer and Director Bob Przybylski and Independent Producer Christine Santiago Drake are very excited about their upcoming project.

“This area was settled by such a diverse group of people,” Przybylski said. “We want to tell the stories of their struggles and successes, and we hope the community will help us do this by sharing their family histories, photographs,

letters and other documents. We’re sure there are many interesting stories and thousands of family photos out there that show the everyday life and businesses of these immigrant families over the years and we want to tap into this resource for our documentary.”

For more information on how you can par-ticipate in Delta College Q-TV’s new documen-tary, contact Bob Przybylski at 989-686-9569 or [email protected].

July 16, 2014 TheLatinoBanner LB3 Vamosadelante


LB4 TheLatinoBanner July 16, 2014 Vamosadelante


Intersection of Business & Wealth

July 16, 2014 TheMichiganBanner FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper


TheactofFraudStealsyourTaxdollarsBy Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

If you’ve ever watched funny videos showing thieves undoing themselves, or read weird news stories about criminals who do stu-pid things, you have an idea of how we feel at Social Se-curity when we learn about some of the people who try

(and fail) to defraud taxpayers. Social Security’s employees and our Office of the Inspector Gen-eral diligently work to uncover fraud and pros-ecute offenders to the full extent of the law. We take fraud seriously. Here are some real Social Security fraud stories.

Police rushed to the house of a Florida man who’d been shot in the face. The gunshot victim was in possession of about 250 stolen Social

Security checks. He got batches of checks from a postal worker who was stealing them from the mail and had been selling the stolen checks on the street. The victim cooperated with authorities and received a sentence of two years in federal prison for theft of government funds and theft of mail.

A Maryland waterman falsely certified he was not working, even though he owned and operated two profitable fishing boats while col-lecting disability benefits. He racked up $36,691 in disability benefits and $35,610 in Medicare services. He has been indicted and faces up to 10 years in prison for theft of government property and 5 years in prison for making a false state-ment to Social Security and for improper receipt of benefits.

A Pennsylvania man pled guilty to pocket-

ing more than $304,000 of his deceased mother’s Social Security benefits for 40 years after her death in 1973.

While Social Security employees are always on the lookout for fraud and have historically been one of our best weapons against it, we also rely on you to let us know when you suspect someone is committing fraud against Social Security. They are, in fact, stealing your tax dol-lars. Reporting fraud is a smart thing to do. It’s easy to report fraud online by visiting the Fraud, Waste, and Abuse page at www.oig.ssa.gov/re-port.

Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at [email protected]

Vonda VanTil

Saginawcountychamberofcommerce Welcometothechamber!

GreatLakesyoga6400 State St.Saginaw, MI 48603989.799.9642www.glyoga.com

TheBigRedSuit11900 GeddesSaginaw, MI 48609989.301.0224www.thebigredsuit.com

RagsMystiqueStudio316 S. Hamilton St.Saginaw, MI 48602989.513.2514

1000businessesstrong: areyouamember?

[email protected]

or989757-2112 formoreinformation.

Faith International VendingEddie & Genevieve Benson Owners989.239.6771 or 989.992.2233

“We Have a Treat For You”Email: [email protected]



FinancialPlusannouncesSaginawBranchGrandopeningandRibboncutting

Flint - Financial Plus Credit Union has announced that its Saginaw branch grand opening and ribbon cutting will take place on Friday, August 1, from 11a.m. – 3 p.m. The Saginaw branch is located on 4686 Fashion Square Boulevard, just across from the mall.

The grand opening festivities will include a ribbon cutting, prize drawings throughout the day, live entertainment, a live remote from 102.5 WIOG, hors’ devours, beverages, and more. Cumulus Media’s 102.5 WIOG will also be qualifying two attendees to participate in the Five Grand in the Sand contest where one lucky

winner will walk away with a $2,000 prize. This ceremony is open to the public, so all members, community partners, local businesses, city officials, and chambers of commerce are invited to attend.

On January 1, 2014 Financial Plus Credit Union merged with Amalgamated Credit Union and expanded its charter to serve 34 counties in the State of Michigan. “We are beyond excited about the expansion and grand opening” said Olga Long, Senior Vice President of Financial Plus. “The Saginaw community has so much to offer, and we are looking forward to serving

the Saginaw community and the nearly 5,000 former Amalgamated Credit Union members.”

In effort to include the entire Financial Plus membership in the festivities, there will also be mini grand openings from 11a.m. – 2 p.m. at the five Financial Plus locations in Genesee County. These grand openings will feature desserts and hourly prize drawings.

For more information about the Financial Plus Saginaw branch grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony, contact Rachel Monreal at (810) 244-2630 or visit the Financial Plus website at www.financialplusfcu.org.

SBdcMichiganoffersVenturePlanonlinecoursesThis 8-week online workshop guides you

through the business planning process. You’ll have online access to small business experts, business planning software, and a valuable pipeline of resources to help you complete your business plan.

WHoSHouLdaTTeNd: Both current and future business owners

who need to develop or update their business plans.

THeReSuLTS:Upon finishing the course, you will

have: • A complete business plan • Continued access to a SBDC business

consultant in your area • A pipeline of valuable resources to

launch or grow your business THedeTaiLS:This 8-week online program utilizes a

variety of tools to facilitate the course and assist you in building and updating your business plan, including:

• Hour-long, live webinar sessions led online weekly by business and industry experts

• Video and textbook resources for additional learning

• Program-specific business planning software through Palo Alto

• Consultant to work directly with you as you develop your business plan

THecoST:This course is being offered for only $99

(list price is $450). The course is available at no cost to

Veterans by calling 616-331-7370 or emailing [email protected].

couRSeSBeGiNNiNG:Tuesday, August 5, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Wednesday, September 3, 4 pm – 5 pm Tuesday, October 7, 6 pm – 7 pm *Registration is due one week prior to

the start date of the course* The Venture Plan Online course runs for

8 consecutive weeks. Each session takes place on the same day of the week, during the same time slot as the chosen start date. For additional information call 616.331.7370 or email sbdc@gvsu

BestShotcompetitionPerfect your pitch and win

development support for your business on July 16, at MidMichigan Innovation Center, located at 6633 Eighteen Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI, at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For additional information and to register visit www.mmic.us, or call 989.839.2333.

StartingaBusinessSeminarofferedSaginaw – The Michigan Small Business

Development Center Great Lakes Bay Region is offering a Starting a Business seminar at the Hoyt Library at 505 Janes Avenue in Saginaw on Wednesday, August 13 from 1 pm to 4 pm.

This seminar is designed for individuals who are considering self-employment and those who may be at the beginning stages of starting a business. Delivered in a seminar format, this introductory session helps aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a

company, as well as evaluate market and sales potential for their products/services. Start-up costs, financing options, and business planning are introduced, along with other necessary steps to getting started.

For more information about Michigan SBDC, online resources, business education seminars and to register, go to www.SBDCMichigan.org or call (989) 686-9597. Pre-registration is required.



SaginawcountyBarassociationannounceselectionResultsSaginaw County attorney andreaLaBean from LaBean Law

Firm, 803 Court Street was elected president of the County Bar Association for 2014-2015 term.

Members elected Ms. LaBean to a one-year post to succeed alexanderBommarito.

Other officers are:Immediate Past President - Alexander Bommarito from

Bommarito Law Offices PLLC, 180 E. Washington Rd., Freeland.Vice president - NathanJ.collison from Saginaw County

Prosecutor’s Office. Treasurer - elianFichtner from Smith Bovill PC, 200 Saint

Andrews Rd., Saginaw.Secretary - katheryna.Houck, Friend of the Court’s Office,

111 S. Michigan Ave., Saginaw.Executive Director - kelliScorsoneStevenFenner,eldorHerrmannandSchivanPedawi were

elected to the board. They join christopherJ.Radke,JonathonHuffman,andHonorableM.RandallJurrens.

demondTibbs and PhilipLeeellison completed their terms on the Board of Directors.

B.J.Humphreys of Humphreys Campbell dust and Humphreys, 5090 State St., Ste. 1, Bldg. A received the Community Service Award for his outstanding commitment to volunteer services.

President Andrea J. LaBean SCBA Community Service Award WinnerB J Humphreys

RoszatyckiTakestheHelmatMiHia;MorleyRecognizedforLeadershipBay City - Beth Roszatycki in July joined the Michigan Health Information Alliance, Inc.

(MiHIA) as the new Chief Executive Officer. Roszatycki succeeds current CEO, Kim Morley, who has led MiHIA since 2011.

“I am honored to be joining MiHIA,” says Roszatycki, a native Bay City resident. “Their record of achievement and commitment to the Central Michigan region is impressive. I look forward to interacting with the collective stakeholders that make up MiHIA and assisting our efforts towards realizing a thriving health community for us all.”

Roszatycki joins MiHIA from the Bay Arenac Behavioral Health where she served as the Administrative Services Supervisor. Prior to her role with Bay Arenac Behavioral Health, Roszatycki was the Assistant Director of Integrated Services and the Clinical Services Manager for a behavioral health care provider in central and southeast Michigan.

Roszatycki is also an active adjunct faculty member at Delta College, instructing a variety of courses within the Business and Information Technology division.

“We are thrilled to have Beth coming on board,” says Dr. Cathy Baase, MiHIA Board Chair and Global Director of Health Services for The Dow Chemical Company. “She rose to the top of a very highly qualified pool of candidates, and will certainly be a strong successor to an equally strong predecessor.”

Morley leaves an impressive list of achievements in her wake, including national nods from Consumer Reports, the Institute of Medicine, and Hope Street Group. MiHIA’s work on pre-diabetes received recognition from Governor Snyder, State Representative Bruce Rendon, and Senator John Moolenar, and 11 of the 14 MiHIA counties have risen in the state health rankings since 2011.

“Kim is a treasure,” says MiHIA Board Member Sandra Lindsey, who helped to hire Morley back in 2011. “She has done a tremendous amount of work to move MiHIA and our region forward, and we are grateful to her for her leadership.”

Beth Roszatycki Kim Morley

1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan (989) 753-3475 www.themichiganbanner.com 1400W.GeneseeSaginaw,Michigan(989)753-3475www.themichiganbanner.com


Girl Pride Sugar & Spice

Young Men Who Dare GEMS Parent Committee

Tuesday Tutoring

Now taking applications for youth ages 6-18 wanting to meet new friends, explore ideas, and learn different

aspects of life. For more information call (989) 399-9275 / 737-9286

Sponsored by:

Women of Colors, Inc.

Phone (989) 667-2000 Ext 341Direct (989) 460-0341

Fax (989) 667-0103E-Mail [email protected]

Website www.labadieauto.comLabadie Buick Cadillac GMC

711 S. Euclid Ave.Bay City, MI 48706

Terry ReedSales Professional

Used Cars

A special thanks to all of my customers. I appreciate each one of you.

Vote August 5thPaid for by the Committee to Elect Barb Meter • PO Box 6724 • Saginaw, MI 48608 • www.facebook.com/BarbMeterforJudge



Sam ParkerFinance ManagerGarber Chrysler

You’ll Do Better at

Better Car Buying Experience4 Garber Locations in the Great Lakes Bay Region

BUY IT. LOVE IT. OR BRING IT BACK.Garber’s Exclusive 3 Day Return PolicyGarber’s Exclusive 3 Day Return Policy

See dealer for complete details.

5330 Bay Road - Saginaw

GoGarber.com

LastRoadblockRemovedForLocalBusinessownerMount Pleasant —

Regardless of the hurdle, whether funding, city code or even state law, Mount Pleasant entrepreneur and cosmetologist Stephanie Prout knew she was going to use her 20 years of experience to open

an elite cosmetology academy. That’s exactly what she’s set to do this fall, when Water Works Academy is scheduled to open its doors and hold its inaugural class.

Prout already owns Water Works Salon & Spa, an upscale salon in downtown Mt. Pleasant. The business got its name from the historic building where it’s housed. The location at 503 W. Broadway was once the Mount Pleasant City Water Works building, and still holds many of its original characteristics. The salon is trendy and busy, but Prout found an educational gap in

the skills of her potential employees. It was an opportunity to pursue her dream and give back to her profession while working in her salon’s space; she just needed help with the obstacles.

Prout reached out to the Central Michigan University Research Corporation, a nonprofit business incubator that helps entrepreneurs reach their goals, and with their help pushed through each challenge.

“With Stephanie, the question wasn’t if, rather when and how many road blocks would be needed to be removed,” said CMURC President and CEO, Erin O’Brien.

The Water Works building itself was one of those road blocks. Its light brick and high ceilings give it beauty and character, but that also means extra zoning requirements, and extra funding to preserve its historic integrity. Through the Small Business and Development Center and CMURC, Prout was able to help with funding for renovations.

Those renovations include requirements the state imposes on salons with schools.

Michigan’s current occupational code requires that cosmetology establishments and schools be separated by partitions and doors. Prout used her network and experience to advocate a bill to amend that code, and her bill is moving through the state legislature now.

Prout’s academy is now in the construction phase, and she’s enrolling students for the first 43-week class. The class sizes will be smaller than other schools like Aveda Institute and Protégé Academy, making the learning experience more intimate and hands-on.

“It’s been a tough road; there were times when I wanted to give up, but support from friends, family, and CMURC enabled me to persevere and keep going,” said Prout.

CMURC is a nonprofit business incubator focused on advancing economic development in the community by leveraging the resources of Central Michigan University, the Mount Pleasant SmartZone, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s 21st Century Jobs Trust Fund.

Stephanie Prout



Business DirectoryAttorneysThe Law Offices of Alan A. Crawford PLLCAlan A. Crawford, Attorney At Law615 Griswold Ste. 1215, Detroit, MI 48226803 Court Street, Saginaw, MI 48602313.559.7881313.556.2487 (Fax)www.acrawfordlaw.com

Michael L. Oakes, Attorney At Law2811 E. GeneseeSaginaw, MI 486011-888-886-5711www.oakeslawgroup.com

AutoLabadie Olds 711 S. EuclidBay City, MI 48706Terry ReedSales Professional989-667-2000 Ext. 341Direct 989-460-0341Fax 989-667-0103E-mail [email protected] www.labadieauto.com

McDonald Pontiac-GMC, Inc. 5155 State Street Saginaw, MI 48603 Leon V. Washington Sales & Leasing Professional989-790-5155 [email protected]

Saginaw Valley Ford Lincoln4201 Bay Road Saginaw, MI 48603Parys LiddellSales Consultant-Lincoln Certified Representative989.792.2453

Auto DetailMorningstar Auto Detail Shop306 East Remington Street Saginaw, MI 48601 989-482-6505www.MorningStarDetail.com

BakeriesLighthouse Bakery 285 S. Outer Drive Saginaw, MI 48601 989-754-7088 Fax – 989-754-7099

Sweet Creations Owner Anesha Stanley Address: 116 N. Michigan Avenue Phone: 989-797-6727 www.sweetcreationsmi.com

Banquet FacilitiesRowan - West Facility1400 W. Genesee Saginaw, Michigan 48602989-753-3475

BeautyIllusions Beauty SalonValerie KingOwner/Operator1400 W. Genesee StreetSaginaw, MI 48602989.755.2666/989.755.3883

Imani Beauty SalonFelicia Thomas212 Federal Ave. (Downtown)Saginaw, MI 48601

Reflection of U TooLouise McKinnie, Owner2103 Sheridan Ave.Saginaw, Michigan 48601989.753.4600

Sports Barbershop1400 W. GeneseeSaginaw, Michigan 48602989-992-2600

Unique Cuts & Massage1502 Court StreetSaginaw, MI 48602989-327-2338

Unique Cuts II3125 E. Holland Saginaw, MI 48601989-327-2338

Business SolutionsThe Growth CoachCal Talley, Owner293 Provincial Ct. #78 48602989-401-6229C.Talley@The GrowthCoach.comwww.The GrowthCoach.com

Cleaning ServicesExtreme Carpet & UpholsteryWilliam & Denise Murphy - OwnersCommercial & ResidentialJanitorial Services989-753-3335

Best Choice Floor Maintenance & Carpet Cleaning989-316-8327 [email protected]

Community Centers and ServicesFirst Ward Community Services1410 N. 12th StreetSaginaw, Michigan 48601989-753-0411

ConsultantsEnviCare Consulting, Inc.Billy J. Strawter, Sr., President2809 Blairmont DriveMidland, MI 48622989.839.9177www.envicareinc.com

DentistsJack W. Nash, DDSCosmetic andRestorative Dentistry1320 S. Washington Ave.Saginaw, Michigan 48601989-752-1200

FashionWhere Did U Get That Hat? Specialize in Custom Designs“Sunday’s Best” Yvonne Ellison/MillinerPhone 989-529-4193E-mail: [email protected]

FinancialCity of Saginaw Block Grant & Rehab Program 1315 S. Washington Avenue, Room Saginaw, MI 48601 989-759-1530

Saginaw Economic Development Corporation Shontaye Bibbs 1315 S. Washington Avenue, Room 207 Saginaw, MI 48601 989-759-1395 [email protected]

Florists Erika’s Flowers214 Federal Ave.Saginaw, MI 48607989-755-9330www.erikasflowerssaginaw.com

Food & Dining Spencer’s Route 46Spence DambroProprietor5530 GratiotSaginaw, MI 48638 989-793-3400www.spencersfinefood.com

Funeral Homes Deisler Funeral Home2233 Hemmeter Rd.Saginaw, MI 48603989.799.1151

Graphics/DigitalTBF Graphics Digital803 S. Washington Ave.Saginaw, Michigan 48601989-752-5540TBFGRAPHICS.COMTBFDIGITAL.COM

Heating and CoolingHORIZONAzola Williams989-755-8650 Business989-233-3295 Cell

Home Health Care Services Comforcare Home Care320 S. Washington Ave. Ste. 202Saginaw, MI 48607989.752.5502www.mbsmichigan.comforcare.com

Painting Services Resurrection PaintingScott Severin989.792.2009Interior/ExteriorDrywall Repair/Power WashingDeck StainingFree EstimatesPhotography E.B. Studio212 Washington Ave.Saginaw, MI 48607989-397-4144 PublicationsDavid HallCrimiel Publications LLCPOB 20061Saginaw, Michigan 48602

RestaurantsBrother Arthur’s Fish & More2522 E. Genesee Saginaw, MI 48601 989-752-0200

Rite Spot 1205 Lapeer Saginaw, MI 48601 989-754-6001

Savoy Bar & Grill127 S. Franklin StreetSaginaw, MI 48607989.754.9660

RetailersGREEKS “R” US 2203 E. Genesee Saginaw, MI 48601 989-755-4925 [email protected]

Shoe RepairMorgans Shoe Repair 308 Federal Ave. Saginaw, MI 48607 989-754-6155

Tax ServicesRobert McDuffy Tax & Accounting Service/ERO e-file2127 LedyardSaginaw, MI 48601Business - 989-443-0115 Fax [email protected]

Advertisers Are Talking 24/7 Around The Great Lakes Bay Region And Beyond @ www.themichiganbanner.com! To Join The Conversation Contact The Sales Staff at 989.753.3475, or [email protected].

Health ‘Better Choices, Better Medicine, Better Healing’



got training?

Register and pay for your class online at www.mobilemedical.org/education-training/register

Mobile Medical Response834 S. Washington Avenue

Downtown Saginaw

Two-thirds of cardiac arrestshappen in the home. The life you save will most likely be someone you know and love....

Certified CPR & AED TrainingEvery 1st Tuesday of the Month

6PM - 10 PM$35 per person

WhatisViralHepatitisViral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. There are

five different hepatitis viruses, hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. All of these vi-ruses cause short term, or acute infection. However the hepatitis B, C and D viruses can also cause long-term infection, called chronic hepatitis, which can lead to life-threatening complications such as cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver failure, and liver cancer. Viral hepatitis kills 1.5 million people every year. The 5 different hepatitis viruses can be contracted in different ways.

FastFactsDid you know that hepatitis is the 8th leading cause of death worldwide?Did you know that one in 12 people worldwide is living with either

chronic hepatitis B or C?Did you know that in 2010, hepatitis B and C together killed 1.4 million

people? In comparison HIV/AIDS killed 1.5 million and TB and malaria killed 1.2 million each.

Did you know that hepatitis does not discriminate by age, race, occupa-tion or background?

Did you know that many people do not have any symptoms if they con-tract hepatitis B or C, although they can still transmit the viruses to others?

For additional information concerning viral hepatitis consult with your physician.

http://www.worldhepatitisalliance.org/

Listenup!Submittedbydr.JackW.Nash

If your breath smells like you’ve been chomping on sardines all day, listen up! According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), over 90 percent of bad breath originates in the mouth, throat, and tonsils.

The main reason bad breath kicks in is thanks to bacteria in your mouth that feeds off of the particles of food that are stuck between your teeth and have been sitting there for hours. Now, here’s how to kick bad breath to the curb... Brush twice per day, floss twice per day, use mouthwash and a tongue scraper.

Good health and good promise

Jack W. Nash DDS FAGD1320 S. Washington AveSaginaw, Michigan48601-2591(989) 752-1200

Treatment options should be discussed with an individual’s personal dentist.

Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account.

Anne Wilson Schaef



“Once my loved one accepted the diagnosis, healing began for the entire family, but it took too long. It took years. Can’t we, as a nation, begin to speed up that process? We need a national campaign to destigmatize mental illness, especially one targeted toward African Americans. The message must go on billboards and in radio and TV public service announcements. It must

be preached from pulpits and discussed in community forums. It’s not shameful to have a mental illness. Get treatment. Recovery is possible.” Bebe Moore Campbell, 2005

‘MentalHealthisaLeadingcauseofdisability’By Gloria Morrow, Ph.D., Master Trainer CBMCS

According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report in 1999 and its supplemental report in 2001, mental health disparities for the four major minority groups in the United States (African American, American Indian,

Asian American, and Hispanic/Latino) were at an all time high. The report revealed that minorities are less likely to receive diagnosis and treatment for their mental illness, have less access to and availability of mental health services and often receive a poorer quality of mental health care.

While there have been some improvements, mental health disparities continue to persist for communities of color. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “Mental illness is a

leading cause of disability, yet nearly two-thirds of people with a diagnosable mental illness do not seek treatment, and racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. are even less likely to get help.”

The CBMCS (California Brief Multicultural Competency Scale), a national cultural competen-cy training program, was developed in response to the findings in the U.S. Surgeon General’s Re-port because of its utility in helping mental health professionals to understand better and provide services to diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural in-dividuals. Saginaw Max System of Care and its partners and stakeholders have been at the fore-front of using the CBMCS as a tool to address the mental health disparities in Saginaw County.

It is also critical for community partners and leaders to continue to engage in cultural competen-cy trainings to ensure that everyone becomes more culturally responsive to the mental health needs of those who are in the greatest need of help.

There is growing evidence that spirituality is a cultural fact that must be acknowledged and un-

derstood in order to meet the mental health needs of people from diverse faith communities. If some faith leaders promote the belief that mental illness is a sign of weakness or a reflection of sin in one’s life, it is possible that people within the faith community may continue to suffer in silence. Further, if mental health professionals have a dif-ficult time recognizing and acknowledging the role of spirituality in the lives of people within communities of faith, mental health disparities may continue to persist.

Therefore, it is imperative that communi-ties of faith become more involved in cultural competency trainings. The faith community is a vital link in helping to eliminate mental health disparities because of its role in the recovery pro-cess of people from all racial/ethnic backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, ability, age, and religious background.

Gloria Morrow, Ph.D., Master Trainer CBMCS of GM Psychological Services, located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Gloria Morrow, Ph.D.

Healthy TipThink of water as a food group in your diet.Water helps flush our systems of waste products and toxins that causes tiredness, low energy, and headaches. It’s common to mistake thirst for hunger, so staying well hydrated will also help you make healthier food choices.



It has been reported that since 9/11, there has been an increase in stress among Mus-lims in the U.S. An article in USA Today, ‘U.S.A.’s Muslims Under a Cloud,’ Motaz Elshafi, 28, a software engineer, states a co-worker sent him an email beginning with, “Dear Terrorist.” The email sent a few days after train bombings in India that killed 207, warned that such violent acts wouldn’t in-timidate people, but only makes them stron-ger. Not only was the email sent to him, but it was also sent to all Muslims working at Cisco Systems research department, Triangle Park, N.C.

Elshafi, who was born and raised in New Jersey, says, “I was furious. What did I have to do with this violence?”

Advocacy groups say reports of such harassment and discrimination against Mus-lims are rising. A USA Today/Gallup Poll of 1,007 Americans reports that 39% of the respondents said they felt at least some prej-udice against Muslims. Another 39% said they were in favor of requiring Muslims, including U.S. citizens to carry a special I.D. as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the U.S. About one-third said U.S. Muslims were sympathetic to Al-Qaeda, and 22% said they wouldn’t want Muslims as neighbors. And these hard feelings are damaging the mental health of U.S. Muslims suggests new studies released at the American Psychologi-cal Association meeting held in New Orleans in 2006.

Mona Amer, a psychologist of Yale University School of Medicine, conducted a study of 611 Muslim and Arab American adults, the largest study done on Arab Amer-icans, which concluded that about half had symptoms of clinical depression compared with 20% of the general population and their mental health was much worse than non-

Muslim, non-Arab Americans overall. It is evident from such reports that there

were many Americans who were uninformed about the religion of Al-Islam and Muslims.

This writer recalls that locally, after 9/11 and the Iraq War, there was an outpouring of local churches in the Tri-Cities that reached out to the local Muslim community offering solace and compassion. They understood that the average Muslim citizen was just as outraged about the attack on the U.S. by ter-rorists as other non-Muslim citizens.

This article mainly focuses on stress and depression among U.S. Muslims, but it can’t be denied that Muslims living in the U.S. also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the war and military conflict in their countries of origin or ancestry, such as Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and the countries of north Africa, etc., wherein many of their relations and loved ones have been traumatized or killed.

In an article entitled ‘State of Muslim Mental Health’ Abdul Malik Mujabid states, “Muslim mental health in the U.S. is at a crisis level.” This issue becomes even more serious as we factor in the continued pres-ence of American’s involvement in the hot spots in the Middle East. There are a number of cases in the U.S. that involved Muslims, who have mental health issues who have responded violently to these external pres-sures. There was an incident in California where a man who was Muslim converted to Christianity and attacked a Jewish organiza-tion. In another case in Colorado, a Muslim, who had been on medication for a mental ill-ness, went on a rampage at a mall.

Not all people with mental illness or mental health issues become violent, in fact, persons with mental illness are more likely to be a victim of violence.

What I find most disturbing is not only that Muslim adults are facing challenges, like high-stress levels and depression, but the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies re-leased a report, ‘Muslim Americans: A Na-tional Portrait,’ that Muslim youth between ages 18 and 28 are the least happy and more angry as compared to youth of other faith groups in America.

What can we do? We as Americans must make an attempt to genuinely learn more about our neighbors and not castigate so quickly the many for the violent acts of a few. Also, our media outlets could help by not placing so much emphasis on the perpe-trator’s faith in the case of Muslims, who are involved in crimes. After all, if and when the perpetrator of a crime is not Muslim, there is no mention of their religious affiliation.

In addition, the Muslim community and it’s professionals in the fields of psychology and social services must urgently begin a mental health awareness campaign to edu-cate the masses of Muslims on mental health issues and how we are affected.

Imams, Muslim faith leaders, must pres-ent sermons periodically on Muslim mental health issues. Mosques throughout the U.S. must be the first institution that Muslims can turn to in times of stress, depression, and anger, not just in the spiritual realm, but in regards to mental health matters as well. It may mean bringing in experts that deal in these areas and having workshops, seminars, and lectures for the community.

And finally, Muslim schools, full time or weekend, must train its administrators, teachers, and assistants through seminars and workshops on recognizing the signs of extreme stress, depression, and other mental health challenges in their classrooms.

Stress amongMuslims intheu.S.“Imams, Muslim faith leaders, must present sermons periodically on Muslim mental health issues.”Imam Robert A. Shaheed

By Imam Robert A. Shaheed, Saginaw Islamic Center

National MinorityMental Health Awareness Month

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month! It’s time to come together and increase awareness of mental illness and mental health promotion while embracing diversity of our community.

Choose one or more personal and/or community steps below and pledge to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in your own life and in your community.

PERSONAL STEPS

I will...

Take care of my own personal health and well-being, and get help if I experience a health problem or a stressful situation that I don’t know how to handle.

Talk to others about the promotion of mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being in diverse communities.

Encourage my children, friends, and/or family members to improve their mental, emotional, and behavioral health by promoting rest, a healthy diet, physical exercise, and time outdoors.

Learn about and support innovative programs for diverse communities such as those featured through NNEDshare - the National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health’s (NNED) online collaborative space.

Point loved ones in the direction of resources that can help them improve their mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being.

Talk with a friend or loved one who has been having a difficult time and discuss things that are bothering him/her.

Share my story of strength, resiliency and cultural perspective of how mental health affects me so that other know “you are not alone.”

Spread the word by posting about and linking to National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month on Facebook, Twitter, and on blogs or websites.

COMMUNITY STEPS

I will...

Attend a National Minority Mental Health Awareness event.

Host an educational event to target and partner with specific or diverse cultural groups in an accessible and familiar setting.

Offer mental health information or a free mental health screening at a community-wide event such as an activity fair, festival, block party, etc.

Make a July book club selection featuring a minority perspective of mental health issues or donate books related to cultural experiences, perspectives and/or mental health information.

Contribute my own story or other reflections to traditional news outlets prominent in cultural communities in my area.

Encourage friends, family, neighbors, and loved ones to sign the National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Pledge!

I know that minority mental health matters! I pledge to take action to increase awareness of mental illness and mental health promotion while embracing the diversity of our community. I recognize that I have the ability to make a difference - in my own life, in the lives of my friends and family, and in my community. I pledge to take responsibility for the daily choices that I make and

to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Sign your name above to pledge your support of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month!





July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. What can we can do to increase awareness

and encourage minority populations in our community to reach out for help?

“We need to get into the community and talk to people, but more importantly, we need to listen. We need to let them tell us what help they need, and help them find resources in the community that can meet their needs. I also think it’s really important for information to be available in a variety of different languages. We need to connect with our diverse community by going to them instead of expecting them to come to us.”Marie Villegas, Mexican American Council Board Member and Cultural and Linguistic Competency Team Chair

“What it comes down to is families and community members need to know that the appropriate mental health screenings and care will be provided to them, regardless of how they identify.”Regina Hilburn, Michigan Alliance for Families

“I believe in the saying ‘Give a person a fish, they eat for a day. Teach a person to fish, they eat for life.’ We need to reach out into all of our minority communities in Saginaw and ‘teach’ them about the services and supports that are available in ways that are meaningful to them so they can continue to share and teach that information in their own circles. Make information available in their native language and share our stories. They can’t ask for help if they don’t know help is out there for them.” Reena Meredith, Empowered to Reach and Teach Families Team Co-Chair

“I think spending time informing our community’s minority populations about the new Healthy Michigan insurance option would be a good first step. Beneficiaries of Healthy Michigan receive an array of “essential services” that include mental health and primary health care. The more information we can get out to the minority populations, the more they will know about the array of supports and services that are available to them.”Dalia Smith, Cultural and Linguistic Competency Coordinator at Saginaw MAX System of Care

“We need to remind people that they are not alone by sharing our stories. The more information we share about how many of us are impacted by mental illness, where to get help and support, and how to connect with others that have had similar experiences, the more likely people will get the help they need.”Dawn Hessell, Program Director for Underground Railroad

“Telling your own story helps others to open up and share about their experiences and needs. I would share (especially to those in need) how me and my family overcame an obstacle, and I would be specific about the source and fears I had to overcome. Let them know they aren’t alone and that help is available because I am proof of that.”Algeria Morris-Sowah, Empowered to Reach and Teach Families Team

The National Head Start Association’s Two Generations Together Initiative will increase awareness of two-generation adult education and job training models that are part of the comprehensive child and family services delivered by Head Start programs across the country.

Head Start has a fifty year history of achieving long-term outcomes for children both by supporting their health and learning and by enabling their families to achieve their own goals for education, employment, stability, and success.

As we approach our next fifty years, Two Generations Together will highlight the most successful two-generation efforts that have developed in Head Start programs across the country and disseminate strategies and resources to help other Head Start and early learning programs develop or enhance two-generation work of their own.

This work is made possible by the generous support of Ascend at the Aspen Institute.

Many Head Start and Early Head Start organizations have programs in place to help parents access ESOL or GED classes, attain college credits and degrees, participate in workforce training programs, and earn certificates or credentials. If your organization integrates these opportunities for parents with early learning for their children, you’re doing two-generation work already! We encourage you to apply!

Six selected programs will be featured in a nationally-distributed case study report on Head Start two-generation models, invited to present at the Two Generations Together Institute before NHSA’s 2015 Winter Leadership Institute, and have their efforts

shared across NHSA and Ascend at the Aspen Institute’s national networks.

Other programs whose applications demonstrate a commitment to two-generation work will be mentioned in our nationally-distributed case study report and included on the Ascend website with two-generation programs across the country. All applicants will be included in the first phase of a new NHSA Learning Network on two-generation efforts.

To apply to be featured as part of the Two Generations Together Initiative, complete the application at www.nhsa.org/files. There is no cost to apply.

For additional information, contact Emmalie Dropkin of the National Head Start Association at [email protected].

Source: www.nhsa.org

Sabrina Beeman-JacksonSaginaw ISD Head Start/Early Head Start Program Director

NHSadollarPerchildcampaignThe goal of the NHSA Dollar per Child Advisory Council is to help you succeed in your fundraising effort, whether you're holding a bake sale or hosting a parent’s night out. No matter the size of your fundraiser, every dollar you raise for Head Start can help keep the window of opportunity open for at-risk children. Visit www.nhsa.org for additional information and your toolkit.



WhatisGreatStart? Saginawcounty’sGreatStartcollaborative:

• Is part of a statewide network working to improve the

system of early childhood services.

• Is under the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Great Start.

• Formed in 2006 as a partnership of parents, community agencies, business leaders, educators, health care providers, faith and philanthropic leaders.

• Includes Physical and Social-Emotional health, Early Education and Care and Parent Leadership and Support.

• Has projects going on to reduce infant mortality, increase information about school readiness and strengthen Home Visiting services.

• Covers more than 12,000 children under 5 living in Saginaw County.

• Is important because brain research shows that by age 4, 85% of a child's brain is formed. Those first few years of life are pivotal in shaping a child's future!

Saginawcounty’sGreatStartParentcoalition:• Consists of parents and caregivers of children 12 and younger.

• Includes parents who have used early childhood services and want to share their experiences.

• Is a network of parents who share ideas, concerns and successes.

• Works to educate and build awareness with other parents.

• All children deserve a healthy foundation in life!

• To learn more or get involved, visit www.greatstartsaginaw.org or like us on Facebook.

Thissummer:• Check your local library for Summer Reading programs.

• Look for Birth-5 playgroups around the county.





SenatorRogerkahnannouncesProjectsFundedintheStateBudget

Sen. Roger Kahn

Lansing—Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw Township, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has announced that the fiscal year 2015 state budget allocates nearly $4 million toward projects that will improve the quality of life for residents of Saginaw and Gratiot counties.

“Over the course of the budget process, I advocated for the Saginaw Art Museum, FirstMerit Park, funding for the Flint River Dike system, the Saginaw River dredging pilot study and some improvements to the city of Alma’s infrastructure—a total of nearly $4 million,” said Kahn. “I am pleased that we were able to include all of these priority projects in the coming year’s budget. These projects will enrich our residents’ lives through enhancement of the arts, improved access to outdoor entertainment, potential jobs related to increased river commercial traffic and preserving our safety through maintaining

effective flood control in southern Saginaw County.”

The purpose of the Saginaw River Deepening Feasibility Study is to determine if improvements for Commercial Navigation are feasible in the Saginaw River—specifically, whether the deepening of the shipping channel would provide economic benefit to the Saginaw Region and the nation. These improvements are meant to study the basin and determine a long-term solution for the bay to ensure navigation and commerce can continue to stimulate the economy in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

“I think looking at possible means to increase shipping on the Saginaw River could greatly benefit my constituents and the economic climate of the Saginaw Bay Region,” said Kahn.

Also approved in the budget was $1 million to address erosion and flood damage to the Flint River Dike system in the townships of Albee, Bridgeport, Spaulding and Taymouth.

“This was a crucial investment that installs break walls and removes brush which will protect state and county highway systems, thousands of acres of farm land and over 300

family homes from future flood damage,” Kahn said.

The FirstMerit Bank Event Park is a $2.27 million project for an outdoor venue and event park designed to host concerts and community events in downtown Saginaw.

“The FirstMerit Bank Event Park is yet another impressive addition to the Saginaw area,” Kahn said. “I am grateful that my colleagues in the House and Senate, as well as Governor Snyder, were able to recognize this need and offer the additional funds needed to complete the final stages of this project.”

The Saginaw Art Museum, a cornerstone in culture and art in the city, will also receive $1 million that will be dedicated to the continuation of its goal to entertain, educate and improve cultural diversity in the 32nd District.

“It is important to have a financially stable institution that allows aspiring local artists to showcase their work, as well as an educational tool that allows constituents to broaden their artistic education and enjoy unique works of art,” Kahn said.

SEE P 25 - Sen. Roger Kahn...

NewRestauranttoopenatFourPointsbySheraton,Saginaw

Mt. Pleasant - Lodgco Hospitality recently an-nounced a partnership with Select Dining, Inc. to open Uno Pizzeria & Grill mid-September at the Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw’s va-cant restaurant space.

President and CEO, Mi-chael Smith, said “We are

very excited about the partnership with Select Dining, Inc. After the extensive $7 million dollar renovation we just completed this year at the hotel, the addition of Uno Pizzeria & Grill will be nice not only for our hotel guests but to the Saginaw community.”

Uno Pizzeria & Grill will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner along with providing catering to all onsite events in the nearly 5,000 square feet of meeting space at the Four Points by Sheraton.

Lodgco Hospitality, is headquartered in Mt. Pleasant and owns and operates 16 hotels in Michigan, including Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, IHG and Wyndham brands.



Are you overlooking a valuable pool of pro-spective employees and volunteers? Are you un-knowingly operating from out-dated stereotypes of “senior citizens” and leaving talent sitting on the sidelines?

In today’s lexicon “talent” means college educated individuals ages 25 – 35. Maybe 40. But in our experience that’s a limited definition. Here’s what we know. There are many talented individuals over 55 years old who are unen-gaged, their talent untapped all to the detriment of the communities they live in, and employers seeking a diverse and experienced workforce.

Think about it for a moment: early retirement, buy-outs, downsizing, layoffs, corporate restruc-turing. These all result in skilled, experienced and well-connected individuals who are no lon-ger part of the work-force. Many have proven themselves over-and-over again in the course of their careers. They are up-to-date on technology (despite rampant jokes to the contrary), under-stand corporate culture, know how to work-to-deadline, mentor, strategize, and innovate. They have been doing it for years!

Many of these individuals need to continue working either full-time or part-time. Others have secured their financial future but want to remain active in the workforce and in their com-munity. Regardless of economics most want to give back, feel connected, and contribute. And many have the skills that nonprofits need. “Soft skills” include the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, strong written and ver-bal communication skills, networking, ability to work as a member of a diverse team, stability, excellent attendance, maturity, discretion, time management, decision making and more. Experi-ence that easily translates to funding develop-ment and fundraising include sales, marketing, training and development, and team building.

If you want top talent for your nonprofit make sure, you recruit in ways that result in the

applicant pool that includes individuals 55 and over. If you want to attract and retain “seniors” as part of your team, take time to assess your own responses to seniors and look for organiza-tional biases that could your workplace “unin-viting.” Are younger managers experienced in managing people older than they are? What is the average age of your workforce? Will you be bringing in one older person or are there others already part of your team? Is your business cul-ture inclusive, respectful and appreciative?

In terms of fundraising and fund develop-ment it is important to remember that many of the larger gifts given to nonprofits are made by individuals who are over 50. Having older peo-ple as members of your team is crucial. People who are well connected within your community are even more valuable. Add a history of sales or marketing, and you may have struck it rich!

When looking for employees and, volunteers take proactive measures to ensure your pool of applicants includes qualified, experienced and talented people over 55. The benefits are yours to experience!

Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, col-leges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your campaign visit www.saa-dandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

Copyright 2014 – Mel and Pearl Shaw

FUNdraising Good TimesGrowyourTalentPool:RecruitPeopleover55Part one of a two-part series

By Mel and Pearl Shaw

Melvin B. and Pearl D. Shaw Saad & Shaw Comprehensive Fund Development Services

FROM P 24, Sen. Roger Kahn “Lastly, I want to applaud my colleagues

for supporting an additional $1 million to fund much-needed infrastructure improvements to the city of Alma. The additional infrastructure funding for Alma will allow the city to take on several valuable endeavors, including the

extension of the Lincoln Avenue Rail Trail, enhancements to the Scottish High Park, a Rail Trail Riverwalk connector and improvements to the campus of Alma College.

“Michigan has made great strides in turning around the economic climate over the past few years, and one of the many reasons for that is a

hard budget process where many tough choices have been made. Once again, I applaud my colleagues in the House and Senate for making those tough choices and allocating funds that help my constituents, and many other districts, improve the quality of their local communities.”

SexualassaultcenterofchildandFamilyServicesReceivesFinancialdonationsChild & Family Services is pleased to an-

nounce the receipt of a $1,600 donation from West Saginaw County Chapter of Thrivent Fi-nancial for Lutherans and a $500 donation from the Northeast Saginaw County Chapter of Thri-

vent Financial for Lutherans. The grant awards were given on behalf of the annual Strike out Sexual Assault Bowl-a-Thon held on April 11, 2014. The funding will be utilized to continue helping the victims of sexual assault /abuse and

their families. Child & Family Services is dedicated to build-

ing better lives for individual and families in our community through the Counseling Center, Sexual Assault Center and Employee Wellness Center.

A.Philip Randolph InstitutePOB 1107Saginaw, MI 48606American Red Cross1232 N. MichiganSaginaw, MI 48602989-754-8181CAN Council Saginaw County1311 N. Michigan AvenueSaginaw, MI 48602(989) 752-7226 / fax (989) 752-2777www.cancouncil.orgCastle Museum of Saginaw County History500 Federal Ave.Saginaw, MI 48607 Circle of Love 1809 Durand Ave.Saginaw, MI 48602989-754-2377Emmaus House of Saginaw733 S. 15th StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989-755-7538THE EZEKIEL [email protected]. Box 3470Saginaw, MI. 48605-3470Phone: 989.755.1620 Fax: 989.755.4038

First Ward Community Center1410 N. 12th StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989-753-0411Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan5470 Davis Rd.Saginaw, MI 48604989-799-9565Good Neighbors Mission1318 Cherry StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989-399-9918Health Delivery, Inc. 501 Lapeer Ave.Saginaw, MI 48607989.759.6400Houghton-Jones Task Force1708 Johnson StreetSaginaw, MI989-752-1660Lighthouse Outreach Center 808 Janes StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989.928.9096Mobile Medical Response834 S. Washington Ave.Saginaw, MI 48601989.758.2900

Michigan Banner Outreach 1400 W. GeneseeSaginaw, MI 48602989-714-2240Operation Reach 119 S. Jefferson Avenue Saginaw, MI 989-754-4444Pit and Balcony Theatre805 N. HamiltonSaginaw, MI 48602www.pitandbalconytheatre.com989. [email protected]

Public Libraries of SaginawButman-Fish, Claytor, Hoyt, Wickes & Zauel Libraries505 Janes AvenueSaginaw, MI 48607989-755-0904www.saginawlibrary.org

Restoration Community Outreach1205 Norman Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 753-1886 / fax (989) 753-2880Email: [email protected] Saginaw County Community Action Agency, Inc. (CAC)2824 Perkins StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989.753.7741The Saginaw Community Foundation1 Tuscola, Suite 100 Saginaw, MI 48607989-755-0545Women of Colors POB 5525Saginaw, MI 48603989.399.9275 or 989.737.9286

NON PROFIT DIRECTORY



acourageouskid:aTwo-TimecancerSurvivor’sStoryofResilienceBy Jackie Berg

Keep fighting. That’s the adage of cancer survivor Donald (DJ) Smith.

The remarkable college student has accom-plished a lot within 22 years, but his greatest achievement to date is conquering a condition that might have defeated even the strongest of individuals. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) while in his freshman year at Southfield High School, D.J.’s seemingly normal life was turned upside down.

His family learned that the disease, more commonly diagnosed in teens, is one of the few conditions that actually begins in the bones and sometimes spreads to the lungs or other bones. At the recommendation of experts, DJ underwent major surgery, cryotherapy and radiation treat-ments.

Certain that he stood among the many osteo-sarcoma patients who go on to live cancer free lives, DJ forged ahead with plans for his future following the procedure. Those plans were put on hold in 2009, when the high school senior dis-covered a worrisome lump in his jaw.

The cancer had spread and was growing ─ quickly. “I was wor-ried about finishing high school,” DJ

states. “And, I was afraid that additional treat-ment would put a stop to my plans.” The deter-mined teen finished high school and following graduation underwent a second surgical proce-dure and more cryotherapy.

Three months later, the aggressive cancer returned and family fears increased with DJ’s first surgeon’s refusal to operate further. Despite trying different treatments and constant pain, it appeared that the cancer was winning. Des-perate for a second opinion and new hope for a treatment to cure their son’s life-threatening condition, DJ’s dad Donald Smith saw a Good Health Report by Dr. Frank McGeorge on WDIV

TV. The Good Health Report segment featured the pioneering treatment of (then) Detroit Pub-lic School (DPS) Emergency Manager Robert Bobb’s throat cancer by a team of Henry Ford Hospital physicians.

“We called Henry Ford immediately,” states Smith. DJ’s case was accepted and after a 20-hour surgery to remove the 10-pound tumor, DJ now feels restored. “I feel like a new person,” DJ states. “I never lost hope.” Although DJ still must undergo additional corrective and cosmetic procedures to restore his jawline, he remains confident that, this time, he has kicked cancer for good.

Editor’s Note: DJ is currently enrolled at Oakland Community College (OCC) and is considering a career in medicine. To see the full news story on the pioneering procedure featured on WDIV TV and learn more about Starr Com-monwealth’s Art of Resilience campaign featur-ing the stories of young Detroiters, visit artofre-silience.org.

The Michigan Chronicle

Donald ( DJ) Smith Courtesy Photo

Education July 16, 2014 TheMichiganBanner Page27

FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper


youthTriathlon-kidsTriToo The YMCA of Saginaw, located at 1915 Fordney, on July

26, at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will host a youth triathlon. Ages 12 and under in groups will participate. For additional information, call 989.753.7721.

A T-shirt and medal to follow the race for all participants, as well as a picnic lunch on the patio.

SVSU Nursing Student Wins ‘Best Paper’ at International Conference

Saginaw Valley State University nursing student Jessica Asaro’s honors thesis recently was selected “Best Student Paper” at the Global Science and Technology Forum’s second annual Worldwide Nursing Conference in Singapore.

Health care professionals from about a dozen nations including the United States attended the conference June 23-24, when Asaro presented her thesis paper titled “Complementary and Alternative Medicine Usage Across Nations.”

The Ira native’s paper compared the medicine of the United States along with Indonesia and Nepal, two nations she visited during study abroad trips sponsored by SVSU in 2011 and 2013, respectively. Asaro, who will earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing this August, visited villages in both countries to study the various methods of health care practiced abroad.

The Singapore-based Global Science and Technology Forum earlier in the year selected Asaro’s work as a candidate for “Best Student Paper.” About 30 other students presented papers at the conference.

“It was neat I could turn this into an opportunity,” said Asaro, who called the starting point of that award-winning honors thesis — joining SVSU’s honors program — “one of the best decisions I made” at the university.

“Even though the classes are challenging, they prepared me for the nursing program, which is writing intensive,” she said. “The professors who taught honors classes expected more out of their students, which helped me to develop the skills I needed to succeed in the nursing program and throughout the rest of my career at SVSU. I would not be the person I am today without the support from the honors program.”

Asaro has been invited to publish her paper in the Global Science and Technology Forum’s Journal of Nursing and Healthcare. The publication features peer-reviewed scholarly articles selected from conferences.

Asaro, a 2010 Marine City High School graduate, said she was motivated to pursue nursing after helping her mother cope with rheumatoid arthritis.

Jessica Asaro

castleMuseum-500Federalave.Saginaw,Mi48607

JulyHappeningsThursday,July17Summer Culture Celebration - Kowalski Bros. Polka BandNoon.

Tuesday,July22Lunch and Learn – The History of Bamboo Fly Rods and Fly Ties in MichiganJim Lewis will discuss the history of bamboo fly rods in Michigan and their significance through the years. See wonderful examples of Michigan-made rods and ties.Noon.



Men’sHealthFairisaSuccess!



Praise Connections and LifeNewBirthMissionaryBaptistcongregationandcommunityTogetherinTentRevival

Sr. Pastor Larry D. Camel, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church

Bethel AME ChurchPastor P. David Saunders535 Cathay St.Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 755-7011

Bread of Life Harvest CenterSenior Pastor Rodney J. McTaggart 3726 Fortune Blvd. Saginaw, MI 48603(989) 790-7933

Christ Disciples BaptistPastor Eddie Benson3317 Lapeer StreetSaginaw, MI 48601(989) 754-2444

Christ Fellowship MBCPastor Robert Davis818 N. Washington Ave. Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 754-4435

Corinthian Baptist ChurchPastor Roy L. Manning104 S. 10th St.Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 754-1820

Faith Harvest ChurchBishop Ronald E. ChippFaith Harvest Church 1734 N. MasonSaginaw, MI 48602(989) 799-4200Website: www.faithharvestministry.orgE-mail: [email protected] Freewill Missionary

Grace Chapel ChurchPastor James Nelson2202 Janes Ave.Saginaw, MI 48601989.755.3212

Greater Williams TempleBishop H.J. Williams608 Remington Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 755-5291

Saginaw Jacob’s LadderPastor Dempsey Allen1926 Fairfield StreetSaginaw, MI 48602989-799-6601

Life In Christ MinistriesPastor Dennis Cotton, Sr.2915 S. Washington Ave.Saginaw, MI [email protected]

Messiah Missionary Baptist Church2615 Williamson RoadSaginaw, MI 48601Pastor Otis Washington Phone: 989-777-2636Fax: 989-777-2640Email: [email protected]: www.Messiahsag.org

Mt. Olive Baptist ChurchPastor Marvin T. Smith1114 N. 6th StreetSaginaw, MI 48601(989) 752-8064

New Beginning Christian ChurchReverend Dr. Willie F. Casey1016 Sherman Road Saginaw, MI 48604 989-754-2963

New Beginnings Life Changing MinistriesPastor Otis Dickens2312 S. Washington Ave.Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 755-3650

New Birth Missionary BaptistPastor Larry D. Camel1418 S. WarrenSaginaw, MI 48601(989) 755-6604

New Covenant Christian CenterPastor Ron Frierson 523 Hayden Saginaw, MI 752-8485

New Life Baptist ChurchPastor Rufus Bradley1401 Janes St. Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 753-1151

Ninth Street Community Church Pastor William L. Scott, Jr. Assistant Pastor Rex Jones 1118 N. 9th Street Saginaw, MI 48601 989-752-7366

Prince of Peace Baptist Church 825 North 24th StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989.754.2841Pastor Robert B. Corley, Jr.

Resurrection Life Ministries ChurchPastor Carolyn L. Wilkins 2320 Sheridan Avenue Saginaw, MI 48601989.754.9466

St. Paul Baptist Pastor Vincent D. McMillon120 N. 15th St. Saginaw, MI 48601(989) 752-5023

Saginaw Valley Community Pastor Richard Sayad3660 HermansauSaginaw, MI 48603(989) 752-4769

St. Lukes CME Church1121 Tuscola Saginaw, MI 48607(989) 755-0351

The Potters Touch MinistriesPastor Kareem J. Bowen1402 North 6th StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989.755.9406Facebook.com/The Potters Touch

Transforming Life Ministries Pastor William Brown3024 South Washington AvenueSaginaw, MI 48601-4353(989) 754-9573

Truevine Baptist Church Pastor Paul E. Broaddus 2930 Janes StreetSaginaw, MI 48601989-752-0751

Victorious Believers Ministries Church Rev. Christopher V. Pryor624 S. Outer Dr. Saginaw, MI (989) 755-7692

Wolverine Baptist State Convention615 S. Jefferson Ave.Saginaw, MI 48607

World Outreach Campus of Greater Coleman Temple MinistriesSupt. H.J. Coleman Jr.2405 Bay Rd. Saginaw, MI 48602(989) 752-7957

Zion Missionary Baptist ChurchPastor Rodrick Smith721 JohnsonSaginaw, MI 48607(989) 754-9621

To Celebrate a Life Call 989.753.3475, or email [email protected] and Memorials

Page30 TheMichiganBanner July 16, 2014 FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper


Culture And lifestylesFordannounces$1MilliondonationtoSmithsonianNationalMuseumofafricanamericanHistoryandculture

Detroit - Ford Motor Company is building on a century-long commitment to supporting the African American community with a $1 million donation to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The donation from Ford Motor Company Fund, the company’s philanthropic arm, will support the museum’s capital campaign. It will also go toward funding key programs when the museum – the only national site devoted exclu-sively to documenting African American life, art, history and culture – opens on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. in 2016.

“Since Henry Ford’s groundbreaking $5 a day wage in 1913, which paid people equally regardless of race, Ford has invested in programs that empower and celebrate the African Ameri-can community,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “Ford is proud to work with the Smithsonian on this museum that will recognize the tremendous contributions of African Americans to our coun-try and our world.”

Ford’s relationship with the Smithsonian dates back 40 years, with the company donating more than $11.5 million to support exhibits and programs that provide educational opportunities for families:

• Ford Fund supported the Smithsonian

Freedom’s Sisters, which celebrated 20 African American women who fought for equality for all Americans and traveled to 12 cities from 2007 to 2012

• In 2013, Ford Fund worked with the Smith-sonian American History Museum to expand its Spark! Lab to three museums across the coun-try. Designed to look and feel like an inventor’s workshop, these spaces challenge children to cre-ate, experiment and invent in interactive innova-tion workshops

• Ford Fund currently supports the museum’s American Sabor exhibit that explores the influ-ence of Latino musicians in America and is trav-eling to 13 cities through 2015

• Ford Fund also is investing in conservation research for the giant panda at the National Zoo, including the popular Panda Cam, which allows visitors from around the world to view the new-est panda cub online

“We are so pleased that the Ford Motor Company Fund has chosen to join hundreds of donors from across the country to build a groundswell of support for the National Museum of African American History and Culture; we recognize this as a vote of confidence,” said Lon-nie G. Bunch III, founding director of the muse-um. “It is a genuine honor to have the company join us in our commitment to bring to the na-

tion’s capital a truly innovative cultural resource – one capable of telling a richer and fuller story of the development of this country.

“We also applaud the Ford Motor Company for having a long history of contributing to the growth of African American communities for families who migrated to Detroit from the rural south,” Bunch added. “After hiring its first Afri-can American employee in 1914, Ford, by 1926, had hired more than 10,000 African Americans, making it the largest employer of African Ameri-cans in the auto industry. By 1931, 20 percent of Detroit’s African American population was sup-ported by Ford jobs.”

The National Museum of African American History and Culture was established by an act of Congress in 2003 as the 19th museum of the Smithsonian. It is the only national museum de-voted exclusively to exploring and documenting American history through an African American lens. The nearly 400,000-square-foot museum is under construction on a five-acre site adjacent to the Washington Monument. It is being outfitted with 11 exhibitions at a cost of about $500 mil-lion. Half the cost is covered by the U.S. Con-gress; the museum is responsible for raising the rest.



It is family reunion time, but while you are waiting for that special time with family, enjoy the tasty recipe courtesy of Ms. Robbie of Sweetie Pies.candiedyamsIngredients:3 large sweet potatoes8 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons margarine1 1/3 cup sugar1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract1 teaspoon ground nutmeg1 teaspoon ground cinnamon2 1/2 cups water

Directions:Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them in half the long way (tip to tip), then cut each half into 3/4 inch slices.Melt the butter and margarine in a pot. Add sugar, nutmeg cinnamon, vanilla, and water and bring to a boilAdd sweet potatoes to pot and stir. Reduce heat to low and cover.

Cook for about 45 minutes to an hour or until potatoes are “candied.” They should be tender but a little hard around the edge. Serve hot.Serves 4.

Saginaw – There have been many boxing clubs to come and go through the city of Saginaw, but Shiloh Boxing Club in particular is looking to make boxing the premier sport in the city once again.

Danny Ortiz and the Shiloh Boxing Club hosted its 2nd exhibition

show on June 28 at the Saginaw Comedy Club in front of a crowd of 200.

The club had plenty of new faces at the event and in the ring, but there were plenty of familiar faces that made guest appearances.

Dana Wilson, the current owner of the Cadillac Boxing Club, came down with his fighter Darrian Wright. The former Shiloh Boxing Club owner was pleased to see that the club is still thriving and making an impact on

the city of Saginaw.“It looks like the club never skipped a beat,”

Wilson said. “Between all the coaches (Jesse Addison, Ernie Garza and Lorenzo Reynolds) they have really taken this program to the next level.”

Wright, unfortunately, lost his bout, dropping him to 1-4, but Wilson knows what he has to do in order to get his fighter back in the winning column.

“It’s tough on a fighter when you have a new club,” Wilson said. “The closest boxing club is at least an hour away, and we don’t have enough kids where the fighters can spar consistently, but we’re getting there.”

Coach Gene Gill from FWC Breston in Flint always brings his boys to be part of the action.

Flint Northwestern junior Syrus Davis learned a valuable lesson in the ring about earning his stripes. The 141-pounder was victorious over Grand Blanc’s Andrew Atkins III. Davis admitted that the fight was tough in

the third and final round due to fatigue.

“I was quite winded in the final round,” Davis said. “But I kept the pressure on him and used my right hand to stay on top of my opponent.”

Coach Gill approached Davis after the fight and came up with the phrase that summarized his performance, “That’s how you earn your stripes!” Gill later explained why he said those words to Davis after winning

his third fight of his amateur career.“You can teach a fighter all the technique in

the world, but he has to have a heart in order to execute,” Gill said. “He earned the respect of the club by going out there and showing that he can compete and win.”

Several Saginaw and Flint legends and upcoming stars made it to the event:

This year’s National Golden Glove champion and future pro boxer Jermaine Franklin Jr., former boxer-now-trainer Lorenzo “Mr. 15-0” Reynolds, 1984-1986 Golden Gloves winner Tim Littles,1961 Golden Gloves winner and 1987 Tough Man winner Joe Crockett, and professional Ernie Garza Jr. all came out to be honored as the heroes of this sport in the area.

Garza Jr. was coached by his father, Ernie Garza senior, when he won back in 2008. He currently trains at Shiloh and sits with a 4-0 professional record.

Crockett was pleased to see boxing back in Saginaw, but wants to see it in a bigger light. “We have all this talent sitting in this city and people need to know about it,” he said. “We’ve had some great boxers come out of this area and I’m sure that we will have a lot more in the making.”

Addison was pleased with the event and is looking to add more throughout the year.

“We did pretty well,” Addison said. “Everyone came out and really gave a good show. We have to make sure that we make the event even bigger next time.”

Arthur Hill senior Gary Ramirez earned his second win coming from a TKO in the second round against Peter House of the Midland Boxing Club. After catching House with a straight shot to the face, Ramirez had a feeling that it was time to put him away. “I had him,” he said. “I kept feeling him out with my jab and once I saw the opening I let my power hand go, and it caught him.”

SEE P 34, Sports

SPORTS July 16, 2014 TheMichiganBanner Page33

FirstGreatLakesBayRegionalNewspaper


James Falls

aReturntoSaginawBoxingBy James Falls For The Michigan Banner

The Legends from left to right: Joe Crockett, Tim Littles, Lorenzo Reynolds, Jermaine Franklin Jr., Ernie Garza Jr. Photo Credit: James Falls



Spencer’s Restaurant 5530 Gratiot Road,

between M-47 & Center Rd. in Saginaw 989.793.4500

M-F Open for Lunch 11:30 a.m. Sat Open at 5 p.m.

CLOSED Sun Spencer Dambro, Owner

1400 W. GENESEE SAGINAW, MI

TUESDAY TO SATURDAY

9 A.M. – 6 P.M.

EXPERIENCED BARBERS

SPORTS BARBERSHOP

www.almanac.comJulyLong-RangeWeatherForecastJuLy2014:temperature73°(2°aboveavg.);precipitation3.5”(avg.);Jul1-5:Scatteredt-storms,warm;Jul6-10:Sunny,hot;Jul11-16:Tropicalrains,thensunny,warm;Jul17-22:Scatteredt-storms,warm;Jul23-31:Sunny,nice.

FROM P 33, Sports

L-R, Coach Jesse Addison with former Shiloh owner Dana Wilson Photo Credit: James Falls

Shiloh’s heavyweight Gary Ramirez goes 2-0 Photo Credit: James Falls

Flint’s Syrus Davis goes 2-1 after winning fightPhoto Credit: James Falls

2-WAY AND BOXED BETS NOT ELIGIBLE. WHEEL BET WINNERS WILL BE PAID THE STRAIGHT PRIZE ONLY AND ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE REVERSE PRIZE. Daily 4 odds: Straight Back Bonus: 1 in 10,101; Straight: 1 in 10,000; 4-Way Box: 1 in 2,500; 6-Way Box: 1 in 1,666; 12-Way Box: 1 in 833; 24-Way Box: 1 in 416. If you bet more than you can afford to lose, you’ve got a problem. Call 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help.

Doubles your chance to win cash!Match your Daily 4 number to the drawn number in “straight back” reverse order and win a $1,000 payout. It’s the simplest way to get

more from your Daily 4!

JULY 1-31



For Lauren Little, it’s all about making connections. The rhetoric and professional writing major spends her summers volunteering and works during the school year giving tours as a Club Red ambassador and an Orientation Leader. “A student’s mom came up to me years after she took a campus tour, and she wanted to say hi,” Lauren said. “That’s the kind of connection I want to make.”

Lauren hopes to go on to pursue a master’s degree in Chicago and eventually to run her own public relations firm. Waking every day at 5:30 a.m., Lauren organizes her life around running, but ask her, and she’ll tell you that learning is the top priority. “Education is my all, and SVSU is truly home for me; it makes it that much easier for me to love what I do every day. I simply love everything it has to offer — the campus life and all the opportunities for growth.”

i ama runner and go-getter

Prospective or transfer students can check out SVSU by taking a campus tour and meeting with an admissions representative. Call (989) 964-4200 or email [email protected].

Visit us online at svsu.edu



the michigan banner july 16, 2014 edition

Documents