Lecture Series

Robert J. Pickell
In January of 1999, Robert J. Pickell was sworn in as Sheriff of Genesee county. As sheriff, he implemented the Consumer Protection Service to protect senior citizens from fraud and deception. Since its inception there has been 4.5 million dollars resolved in favor of seniors. He also developed the Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Prevention Team, which is funded by the senior millage. Hear from this very accomplished law enforcement officer how these valuable programs are faring today.

Scott Whipple
Has over 25 years of professional real estate experience, including work in downtown redevelopment, master planned communities, commercial suburban development and regional transportation planning. Since moving back to Flint, Mr. Whipple's work experience with the "Uptown Development" office has focused on the adaptive reuse of vacant historic buildings and the use of tax credits and other unique sources of funding. He will discuss the projects that Uptown Development has completed in downtown Flint over the past several years, how we financed them, and our successes and challenges.

Tim Shickels
Hear all about a Flint Jewel, The Sloan Museum. Director Tim Shickels will discuss the pioneers of the automotive industry, the role Flint played in the history of General Motors and what is available to be seen and appreciated at this wonderful facility.

John Manse and Dan Hayes
Hear from John Manse, the director of Food Kitchens for Catholic Charities, the total scope of their effort to help people in need through soup kitchens, the Holy Angels Community Closet and the one stop housing resource center.
In addition, Dan Hayes will be here to provide Christmas music for your listening pleasure. Let's get into the Christmas spirit.

David White
Treasures of the Scharchburg Archives—tucked away in the storage rooms of Kettering University is one of the largest automotive collections dealing with General Motors, Flint and the automobile. Collected by the GMI/Kettering Alumni since 1973, this collection brings scholars from all parts of the world to learn about the American Automobile and its impact on society. David White, director of the archives will share some of the history that can be found in the Scharchburg Archives.

Judge Duncan Beagle
Have you wondered about what a judge faces on a daily basis? Let Judge Duncan Beagle explain the "Trials and Tribulations" of being on the bench in an urban setting during these difficult times. This promises to be an interesting program!

Tom Powers
His book, The Grip of The Whirlwinds: The Armistice Day Storm of 1940, is filled with incredible stories of great courage, narrow escapes, travesty, faith, odd twists of fate, and the dogged perseverance of those caught in the hurricane - like the storm that ripped through the upper Midwest that took 154 lives.
Ron Gries
This presentation will, in two parts, provide an intimate look at care giving, the dying time, and grieving with healing from the perspective of a surviving husband who wrote as his life was being forever altered. His book, Through Death to Life, explores issues of mortality, fear, anger, acceptance, and the power of faith. The second part will provide information of hospice care and how the wonderful hospice experience with his wife led him to become a volunteer after her death, a ministry he continues to this day.

Angie Hendershot
We all enjoy the work of Angie Hendershot as the evening anchor of Channel 12, WJRT TV. Did you know she is a local product, having grown up in Davison? This will be a great opportunity to hear about her busy life as a mom and a very public figure—the balancing act so many women face today.

John Niemiec
Since 1881 the locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, has been under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. More than 10,000 vessels, carrying up to 80 million tons of cargo pass through these locks every year. Mr Niemiec will first touch briefly on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers roll in national civil works projects. In particular the mission of the Detroit District within the Great Lakes will be highlighted. The presentation will then focus on why the locks are necessary for the safe transit of vessels on this area of the St. Mary's River. The basic operation of the locks will be explained. This will be followed by a history of the locks from the 1800's to the present. The constant improvements and importance of the locks to our region and to the nation will be presented. Mr Niemiec will conclude with the planned future improvements at the Soo Locks.