BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer

FLINT (CCN) —  The 2025 Armed Forces Resource Rally will take place at Flint’s historic Atwood Stadium on June 14.

Commissioner Delrico Lloyd, Chairman of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners, announced the event and revealed county sponsorship for the event by its Genesee County Department of Veterans Services (GCDVS).

Lloyd said the county is partnering to sponsor the Rally with Huntington Bank and the Flint City Bucks soccer franchise.

The event will run from 2 pm until 6 pm and a Bucks soccer match will take place at 4:30 pm on the turf at Atwood.  (See Related Story in Today's Sports Section of The Daily Gazette)

Costa Papista, President of the Flint City Bucks, said he hopes this is the first of many future partnerships in Genesee County to honor the service of military veterans and active-duty military service members.

“We’re excited to partner with GCDVS to create a full day dedicated to honoring and celebrating our American heroes,” Papista said.  “By co-locating the events and overlapping the schedules, we hope attendees will be able to enjoy both the Rally and the match.”

It will be "Miliary Appreciation Day" at the Bucks' game with free tickets for military veterans, active duty service members and their families.

County Board Chair Lloyd, who represents the county's 1st District residents in the City of Flint, made the announcement about the event on behalf of the county with 2nd District Commissioner Charles Winfrey of Flint.

The 2024 Rally was staged in Flushing.

The now annual event aims to recognize and support local military personnel, veterans and their families. Last year’s event in Flushing attracted hundreds of active and retired military women and men, along with numerous advocacy organizations from across the mid-Michigan region.

A variety of resources, information booths, entertainment and community services will be tailored to the needs of veterans and their families. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with representatives from GCVDS and other advocates dedicated to support services, education, healthcare, employment and more.

 “This is an event that just keeps getting bigger and better every year,” said Derrick Britton, a recently retired Lt. Colonel in the Michigan Air National Guard and Director of GCDVS.

“It’s incredibly important that our veterans know that we support them, we stand at the ready to assist and ensure their service and sacrifice is recognized,” Britton added.

Commissioner Winfrey said he is excited to see a well-established event like the Rally coming to the 2nd District   — home of Flint’s Historic Atwood Stadium.

He said: “This event is a great opportunity for our community to come together to show appreciation for those who serve and have served in our military. We are grateful to our partners at Huntington Bank and the Flint City Bucks for their support in making this event possible.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story are (from left) Genesee County Commissioner Delrico Lloyd, Genesee County Department of Veterans Services Director Derrick Britton and of Commissioners Charles H. Winfrey 

 Thought for your day: God has given us authority (power) over sickness — take action! 

Click to Read Old Daily Encouragement Columns

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Many of you might recognize Pastor Jim Reid of Swartz Creek by his postings of encouragement on our local Swartz Creek Community page on Facebook. He pastors at Faith Ministries Church in Flint, he’s a Swartz Creek High School graduate and studied psychology, philosophy and physiology at Liberty University. 

Today, MovieGuide presents its selection for your best and most amazing movies to watch with family this Easter holiday season.

Click Here to See Movie Guide Reviews to Assist Your Family's Christian Viewing

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How Ben-Hur Movie Paved the Way for the Renaissance of Christian Movies

BY GAVIN BOYLE

MovieGuide Writer

Ben-Hur co-producer Mark Burnett explained how the team approached the making of the movie to create a high-quality movie that also happened to promote faith.

“I feel that for a movie to have a message of faith in it, the movie needs to stand alone as any other movie. There’s no free pass because you happen to have a faith message…” Burnett told Movieguide. 

“You have to make high quality television, plays, books or movies, in this case, and it happens to have a faith message through it. That’s the way to approach it, not to think that you got a free pass. Often times you can have the story of Jesus, or even actually Jesus within a movie, and it doesn’t in any way denigrate the quality of the experience. So, holding faith films to the same standard as any other successful Hollywood film and having an audience get used to that.”

Ben-Hur hit the mark on this aspect, creating a very entertaining movie that intersects with the story of Jesus. Judah, the main character, has an encounter with Jesus early in the movie that impacts his worldview and later watches the crucifixion and seeks to provide comfort to Jesus as He dies. A portion of Movieguide's review reads:

"The energy of Ben-Hur explodes when Judah finds himself on a Roman slave ship. The raging sea battle and pulse-pounding chariot race that ensue are spectacular. Also, Jack Huston’s performance as Judah gets stronger and stronger. That said, this version lacks the majesty of the 1959 classic. Although it has more and stronger Christian elements, Ben-Hur still omits references to Christ’s resurrection and the good news that Jesus saved us from our sins. Though this is the case, the movie is entertaining, exciting and enjoyable."

 Since Ben-Hur released in 2016, Hollywood has seen a major resurgence of Christian media which has proven to be extremely popular as these moviemakers have stepped up their focus on quality The Chosen was one of the first projects to really do this and found an immediate response, and similar high-quality, faith-based projects have followed suit.

Sound of Freedom, for example, shared the gospel and ended 2023 as the No. 10 movie of the year. Meanwhile, Jon Erwin is finding great success through his newly launched Wonder Project studio which recently released House of David on Prime Video, connecting with a massive audience.

As we enter into the Easter weekend, it is incredible that Christians have a variety of movies and TV shows they can turn to as a way to better understand the death and resurrection of Jesus as we reflect on that history-defining event.

BY DR. ARNIE COLE

Metro Flint News/Talk Radio's

Syndicated Program Host

I want to talk about something deeply personal today — something I had wrestled with for over 40 years and, honestly, something I wish someone had told me when I was younger. Let’s get real about Easter. Not the chocolate bunnies or the egg hunts, but the heart of what it means for us, and why it matters so much to our spiritual well-being.

As a kid, I thought I had it all figured out. I believed Jesus died on the cross to save me, and all I had to do was pray the sinner’s prayer. Boom— done deal. Saved for eternity, right? I mean, isn’t that the Easter story? Once saved, always saved?

But here’s the thing: no one ever told me that the sinner’s prayer isn’t even in the Bible. Not once did anyone explain to me that salvation isn’t just about some one-time decision at the altar—it’s about a relationship.

So, as a kid, I did what I thought I was supposed to do. I went forward at church, prayed that prayer, and figured I was good to go. I even went back a few more times, just to make sure I had what they called “eternal security.” But no one helped me figure out what came next. No one showed me how I was supposed to actually live out my salvation, to put my faith into action.

Because of that, I grew up with a warped idea of what it meant to follow Jesus. And you know what? That sinner’s prayer didn’t fix anything in my life. By the time I hit 20, I’d walked away from church and from God, carrying with me nothing but a dysfunctional view of what Easter really meant.

And here’s where it gets raw. Life hit me hard.

I remember the day I was convinced I was going to lose the court custody fight for my son — the light of my life. I overdosed, thinking no one cared enough to save me.

Years later, I stood in the dream home I’d built, staring at the balcony, fighting the urge to hang myself to end it all. And still, I felt like no one was there to save me from this self-inflicted misery.  No one.

At 45, after a grim medical diagnosis, I sat in my car, windows rolled up, screaming at the top of my lungs: Why doesn’t someone save me from this horrible diagnosis?

It wasn’t until I was 47, in the middle of a raging storm at sea on my way to Alaska, that it hit me. No one else was going to save me. I had to work out my own salvation. Right there, in that storm, I gave my heart and soul to Jesus — not just as a decision, but as a commitment to a daily relationship with Him.

Now, here’s the part I wish someone had told me years ago. Salvation is a gift. You can’t earn it, and you don’t deserve it. But once you’ve received it, it’s up to you to live it out in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Bible says in Philippians 2:12, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” That doesn’t mean you’re working for salvation — God’s grace covers that. But it does mean you’ve got to nurture the gift you’ve been given. Think of it like planting a seed. God plants it in you, but it’s your job to water it, to nurture it, to let it grow.

And when Paul says “with fear and trembling” he doesn’t mean we should live in anxiety or fear of losing our salvation. Instead, it reflects the deep sense of reverence and awe about the fact that God, who created the universe, is living and working in you. That’s not something to take lightly!

You know as well as I do that growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. We live in a world that craves instant results, but spiritual growth takes time. It’s slow, steady, and sometimes frustratingly incremental.

Think about a tree. You don’t see it grow day by day, but over the years, its roots deepen, its trunk strengthens, and its branches stretch toward the sky. That’s what happens when you work out your salvation. You may not always see the progress, but God is building something strong and lasting in you.

So, this Easter, let’s make it about more than just the story we’ve heard a hundred times. Let’s make it about living out the truth of what Jesus did for us. Let’s reach out to those who might be struggling with a warped idea of why He died on the cross. 

Let’s remind them — and ourselves —that Easter isn’t about a one-time decision. It’s about a daily, growing relationship with the One who gave everything for us. And here’s the thing: when you share this truth with someone — when you gently help them see the beauty of a life lived in relationship with Jesus — they’ll thank you for it. Trust me on this. It was what I needed in those raw and difficult times in my former life before Christ.

So, this Easter, let’s not miss the point. Let’s live it out. Together. Please reply to let me know the one or two ways you hope to make your relationship with Jesus all it can be.
 

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Back to the Bible airs daily on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio at 4:40 am. Founded in 1939 on radio station KFOR AM in Lincoln, Nebraska, the organization grew to become an international Christian ministry after supporting missionaries and broadcasting via shortwave radio to other countries around the world.

BY GARY ANDERSON

CCN Staff Writer 

FLINT (CCN) — CCN columnist Marty Embry has officially released his newest book!

 Alley Oops to Ashtrays is available on Amazon by Clicking Here to order it.

The book is 138 pages and sells for $12.

 "To all my cigar smokers, friends and family of cigar smokers, beginners and aficionados, this is a well detailed book for you all," Embry said.

His columns appear on the pages of CCN's two online daily newspapers — The Daily Gazette that covers the Metro Flint regional area and My AM Advantage that serves the entire state.

Embry's column regularly appears in the Viewpoints Section as "From the Left" as a Democrat perspective next to long-time conservative columnist and former Beecher school district administrator and UM-Flint professor George Moss.

 Embry is a former administrator in the Flint school district.  He has owned multiple businesses including his most recent restaurant called “51 To Go” which was located in his hometown of Flint. Embry is most famous for a special coney sauce he sells online. He's also the author of eight cookbooks and a self help book called Diary of a Depressive. 

Embry was the star center on two of the old Flint Central's state championship teams under legendary Coach Stan Gooch in the early 1980's, then went on to star at DePaul University before playing professionally overseas.

His career was highlighted by being the 4th round pick of the Utah Jazz in the 1986 NBA draft, but the then 6-foot-9, 270-pound rebounding specialist opted to play professionally overseas for 13 seasons in Europe and Asia along with spending the 1992-93 campaign in the old CBA with a franchise in Pensacola, Florida. Embry played  overseas for the Jersey Jammers and teams in Tenerife AB, Spain, Castor's, Belgium and Italy's pro teams in Ferrara, Desio, Pistoia and Roma as well as for clubs in Pasabahce, Turkey and Aisin Seahorses, Japan.

Although raised in Flint, Embry was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He has a wife and two children, including son Jovan who is a 6-foot-11 basketball star in his own right. He committed in 2016 to play for Mississippi Valley State University  and is currently a professional basketball player. Jovan and his dad are the cousins of Wayne Embry who who won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 1968. 

It's great for the beginning cigar smokers, that's just learning about cigars as well as experienced smokers, including the ones that are "seasoned". 

You'll read this book and probably say, "Well, I didn't know that!"  It's 138 pages full of needed information such as types and regions that the tobacco was harvested, types of liquor, wine and coffees that go great with a good cigar and even the costs of many of them. 

Peek at it on Amazon when you get a chance. This will make a great gift as well.

 During my extensive travels while playing basketball across the world, I fell in love with cigars. Not just smoking them, but how the tobacco was grown and harvested, how everything was handled selected from the leaves to the wrapper to the fillers. And to be able to taste the subtle flavors simply worked for me, as a chef. Picking up subtle flavors is what I was born to do, as both a chef and cigar aficionado.

In our perpetually connected, constantly rushing world, the cigar stands as a defiant anachronism, a relic from the past. It simply cannot be rushed and it refuses to be consumed casually or mindlessly. A proper cigar demands your time, your attention, and your presence. This is perhaps it's greatest gift.

As the philosopher Lao Tzu once said, "To say I don't have time is like saying I don't want to." When you light up a cigar, You are making a conscious decision to carve out an hour or more of your day, to sit, to reflect, to be present with yourself or in the company of others. 

DETROIT (CCN) — Ford Field officials announced that Billy Joel is bringing a concert to their venue next year. He will perform with Stevie Nicks.

One of the most respected recording artists in history — Billy Joel makes his Ford Field debut alongside Nicks for a one-night Saturday performance in late March. It will be on the 29th and tickets will go on sale to the general public on Oct. 4 at 9 am, according to Ford Field's Brad Michaels who is Executive Director of Bowl Game & Events.

Michaels said:  “We are thrilled to host such a blockbuster show at Ford Field. Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks headlining in Detroit only adds to the legacy of our stadium as a world class entertainment destination and we are proud to host these two icons of the music industry.”

 Pictured above this story is Billy Joel who is coming to Detroit's Ford Field for a concert on March 29 next year. He will perform with Steve Nicks

CLIO (CCN) — The late Riley McLincha is being honored by the Crim Festival of Races.

Officials issued a Facebook post that said: "As the Crim Festival of Races kicks off this week, we invite you to honor a true legend of the event. Riley McLincha of Clio, affectionately known as the 'Drubbler,' was one of only 16 runners to complete all 45 Crim Festival 10-mile races. Riley passed away in June, but his legacy lives on through the Riley McLincha Fund of CFGF."

His family established the fund through the Community Foundation of Greater Flint to support the pursuit of educational and personal development while celebrating, encouraging, and embracing creativity, diversity, individuality and following one’s passions.

To support to the fund, Click Here.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is Riley McLincha who had run in every Crim 10-Mile race. 

BURTON (CCN) — Talented musician Dave Kimber of Burton passed away on Monday (Aug. 29, 2024).

  Kimber worked with musical greats such as Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Elton John and Frank Zappa but a catchy jingle in the 1970's about a cartoon owl is what he's best remember for during his career which began in Los Angeles.

A story published in 2008 by The Burton Banner of CCN's FAME Newspapers said Kimber was working for MGM's recording division in California when his song for the U.S. Forest Service introduced Woodsy Owl in 1971 as a friend to Smokey the Bear and a line in the famous song in commercials warned: "Give a hoot, don’t pollute."

 The song helped bring the Woodsy Owl character to life as Kimber arranged the music for The Ballad of Woodsy Owl that was featured for decades in public service announcements for the U.S. Forest Service. The catchy "Give a hoot, don’t pollute" line is still fondly remembered today 53 years later by millions across America. 

Kimber worked for many years at Guitar Center in Hollywood where he met future wife Pamela while selling her a piano. After he met his wife out west, they moved to Australia where spending 10years before he followed her to the Flint area when she wanted to return to her hometown area.

Kimber worked as a music director in Australia for a TV network, wrote commercials and sold synthesizers 

When the Kimbers moved to the Flint area, Dave sold pianos at Herter Music Center on Miller Road in Flint Township and went to college to become a teacher.

He later spent 25 years in elementary classrooms at Flint's Neithercut Elementary School, wrote children's songs and played with his band (Rodeo Drive) which was the house band for many years at Flint's Sherman Lounge on Fenton Road.

Kimber had battled with Parkinson’s disease and dementia, according to his friends. He was 76.

A celebration of life is being planned.

Kimber performed most recently with Rodeo Drive during Flushing's Concert in the Park series and at the recent Flint Institute of the Arts concert on the lawn. Rodeo Drive had also made appearances this summer at Joe's Garage in Clio.

A post on the Facebook page of popular local country western band Rodeo Drive read: "Our hearts are hurting. RIP Mr. Kimber. You were one of the greats."

 Fans of the band flooded the page with likes and comments about Kimber.

Rob Cranner said: "A great player, great guy, great teacher! You will be missed my old friend!"

Karen Tubbs Brown added: "RIP. I hope heaven has an awesome band and room for a keyboard player."

Jimmy Alber posted: "Dave has always been a friend and an inspiration to me. He was great! I remember the first time I saw him play at the Wagon Wheel way back when. He was so kind to let me sit in with the band and show me a few things."

Bernadean Clothier said: "Prayers and hugs for the family. I loved his recordings. He was a very talented educator."

Gary Bernard said: "Mr. Kimber will be a great loss to his family, band Rodeo Drive and all his fans .May he rest in peace."

 David Eversole

We will all miss Dave
And never forget his superb musicianship."

 Rex HoppenworthHe was a great entertainer. And loved making music.

Jim HardyNothing but the best memories Dave. Always remember your wisdom and stories. RIP my friend. 

 Brad Norman

What a kind soul. Not only a great musician, but also a great writer - both musically and lyrically - especially when it came to children's songs - and who could forget Hootie the Hoot Owl's song: "Give a hoot - don't pollute!" I loved Dave's stories he often told - and there were a lot of them. The man probably lived the lives of 10 into his one; quite the resumé he had!!! RIP, my friend - I'll see you on "the other side".

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is talented musician Dave Kimber of Burton while performing with popular local band Rodeo Drive.

 Thanksgiving can be overwhelmed with meal preparation, catching up with family and getting ready to go Black Friday shopping. But despite the busyness of the holiday, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on all the ways God blesses us. The movies on this curated list remind us of what truly matters, and films like "The Devil and Daniel Webster" and "Babette's Feast" focus our attention on God’s providence and care for us. 

Today we present our selection for your best and most amazing movies to watch with family this Thanksgiving holiday season.

Click Here to See Movie Guide Reviews to Assist Your Family's Christian Viewing

.BY DR. ARNIE COLE

Metro Flint News/Talk Radio's

Syndicated Program Host

 This is the “they’re back” season of the year.

I wanted to challenge you today to look through a different lens at those people close to you that mock you, say all manner of evil against you (behind your back of course) and drive you absolutely crazy. Sometimes it can get to the point of almost ruining your time of celebrating the most wonderful time of year—gratefulness and thankfulness to God, and in just a few short weeks, the birth of Jesus.

Maybe something like this has happened to you. 

The turkey is ready, the fireplace is roaring and all the little ones and bigger ones are gathered around the table. You ask everyone to take a turn to say one thing they are thankful for. The kids wax eloquently with an attitude of gratitude—thankful for everything God has given them. Then, you get around to you know who, and they say absolutely nothing.

Then the littlest one looks at them and says, “What are you thankful for?” When that person turns to everyone and says, “I am thankful for nothing,” you’re left considering what they’ve just implied. Counting on your fingers under the table you list off the things they’ve left unsaid—not thankful for the person who brought them, the hosts, as well as the rest of us….

You’ve already struggled with how the person drops the f-bomb around the kids, but suddenly things have gone way beyond bearable. Yet, you say nothing while the resentment and self-protecting distance continues to grow.

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know that the old adage of “fake it until you make it” doesn’t work very well. No matter what you do to hide it, the irritation and frustration shows all over you—even if you don’t say or do anything.

Bottom line upfront:  Relate Jesus to someone close to you who simply doesn’t relate.  Please know how thankful Char and I are for you and your support. We made this little Happy Thanksgiving Video for you all.

As Christ Followers, in this season of Thanksgiving, we often find ourselves gathered around tables with family members whose life choices challenge our beliefs and values to the very core. (Granted for some of us, it is super easy to forget that just a few years ago we were that jerk at the table — until Jesus changed our hearts.)

Regardless of how Jesus radically transformed your own life, it is now easy to be totally bugged by that special person who doesn’t know Jesus. Maybe it's the cousin who abandoned their faith, the young person or sibling who has chosen a lifestyle or gender you don’t agree with, someone living with their partner, or the relative who mocks or outright criticizes your commitment to Jesus.

These differences can create deep rifts, making traditional family gatherings feel more like battlegrounds than celebrations. But what if these challenging relationships are actually opportunities for spiritual growth?

Here is powerful guidance from Jesus: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:27-28). While your family members may not be enemies, this Scripture offers wisdom for handling difficult relationships.

This Thanksgiving, instead of dreading interactions with these family members, try viewing them through a different lens. Deal with them like you would a deaf and blind person who is heading full speed down a road that ends at the edge of a cliff. It is up to us to get over our irritation. Consider how complex their situation really is being spiritually blind and deaf. They simply can’t see or hear the dangers ahead (just like us before Jesus). I promise, this will totally change your time around them—likely not their attitudes or reactions—but your own. By the grace of God, He will change you and how you treat them.

Their presence in your life isn't a burden. It is your opportunity to practice the radical love Jesus commanded and has already shown to each of us.

Remember, Jesus didn't say "love your enemies if they change" or "do good to those who deserve it." He called us to love unconditionally, just as He loves us. This Thanksgiving, let's practice being thankful for all our relationships—even the ones that stretch us beyond our limit.

What do you think? Is this possible? Please respond and let me know.

Here’s that link again from Char and me. Happy Thanksgiving! 

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Back to the Bible airs daily on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio at 4:40 am. Founded in 1939 on radio station KFOR AM in Lincoln, Nebraska, the organization grew to become an international Christian ministry after supporting missionaries and broadcasting via shortwave radio to other countries around the world.

BY MIKE KILLLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CCN) — A popular 1970's radio personality in the Metro Flint regional area has passed away at his Philadelphia home.

Wally Kennedy was 76. He lost a long battle with Cancer.

Kennedy was the popular host of Flint Feedback on the old WTRX 1330AM for many years before leaving our community for bigger markets.

He later expanded his talents to TV and also worked as a college professor.

Kennedy was a gifted interviewer who mixed guests with a call-in format that he perfected while working at Flint's WTRX studio weeknights from 7 pm until midnight.

Rich Fisher and Dave Barber were later the fixtures on the old WTRX air waves with shows similar to what Kennedy delivered with high ratings.

He eventually became a member of Philadelphia’s Broadcast Hall of Fame in 2011 for his talents as a news anchor on TV and as a talk show host in both TV and radio.

His wife, Glendia, announced the sad news via social media with a post on Facebook. She wrote: "It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the death of Wally, my love of 50 years. My children and I were with him as he passed from this earth to what I believe is a better place with peace and no pain. Besides his family, he experienced great joy in being part of the community through radio and television. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."

Kennedy worked in Illinois and Georgia during a more than 15-year span that included his stop in Flint. He took a job at WCAU Radio in Philadelphia, then switched to WPVI Channel 6 there he worked worked for more than two decades as a news anchor and as host of shows known as AM Philadelphia, Philly After Midnight, Sunday Live, and Inside Story. 

He told his Flint area listeners in his final show here that his goal when departing Flint was to take a big market job. He got it at WSB Radio in Atlanta.

Kennedy went to Philadelphia in 2006 as a news anchor for KYW NewsRadio 1060 AM, before switching to WPVI Channel 6 TV which was an ABC affiliate.

Kennedy worked as an adjunct professor at Immaculata University and at Temple University's School of Journalism.

Liz Matt, who worked with Kennedy on ABC 6 TV in Philadelphia took to Facebook for a tribute, saying, "This post is dedicated with love to Glendia McChesney Kennedy, the wonderful wife of Wally Kennedy, my TV cohost at @6abc of ten years, and to their children Tom, Erin and Katie plus adored granddaughter Gigi. Wally passed today after a terrible fight against cancer. His talent was singular and this quick album of pix of our time together does NOT capture my full admiration. I will address that in another post. But this will remind his family and friends of the range of assignments we covered together. One of the pix of Wally, Glendia, my then-new husband Steve and me captures us at one of Channel 6’s luxury Christmas parties over 30 years ago. We have lots of love between us. Sadness too. Wally: nobody could do a LIVE interview the way he did."

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is a studio photo of Wally Kennedy interviewing G. Gordon Liddy who was convicted and sent to prison during the Watergate scandal.

Monday, December 1, 2024

 We lost a giant. 

  Family was everything for Angelo Papadopoulos. Starting with his wife, his kids, and grandchildren.   But certainly not ending there. He loved his extended family, too.

 And it was no ordinary extended family.

 As one of the principal owners of Angelo’s Coney Island in Flint, he played a role in the lives of countless thousands of extended family members.  

From high level executives to assembly line workers, from doctors and senators to professional athletes, from kids who were celebrating selling Girl Scout cookies, Little League trophies,  and Science Fair wins, to Olympic athletes celebrating Gold medals. 

He turned no one away. Head of a major division at General Motors? Grab a seat next to the down-on-his luck guy struggling to scrape up some cash for one up and  some fries and gravy.

Egalitarian. Equality. Community.   Those three words sum up the DNA that  made Angelos the symbol of the gritty  East Side neighborhood it inhabited.

 And what a symbol it was.

Like Angelo the man, it stood for home and hearth, loyalty and love, and above all- predictability. You knew what you were going to get with Angelo the man and Angelo’s the Coney Island.

 If Angelo’s stood for all of that it’s because its workers did too. The cooks and servers, the guy stirring the sauce and cutting the onions. And if they did, it’s because the leadership did. It’s because Angelo Papadopoulos did. 

For me it was a second home.

Great food.  Excellent service.  Two blocks from my house.  But Angelo the man made it feel like it was two steps from my home kitchen.

That feeling can only come from a place of love, concern and caring. That’s what Angelo poured into the business he co-created.

 I could smell the food from my back porch. I could hear the sound of the chaotic dining room, and taste the coney sauce before I ever walked in the door. Heck, I can taste it as I type these words!

 Those intangibles are so clearly ingrained in the beating heart of my neighborhood that Angelo’s inhabited. But it was especially evidenced in the presence of the omnipresent man in the blue Angelo’s baseball hat, tie, and white apron.

 A man who knew his way around a griddle and a bun. Skills and talents to be sure.  But none of those attributes compared to his big heart, his generous spirit, and undying commitment to The American Dream. He lived that dream, and made our neighborhood, our city, and our lives exponentially better as a result.

We may never see the likes of him again. We were blessed to know him at all.

 Thank you Angelo Papadopoulos.

 A grateful extended family sends prayers for Godspeed to your next destination.  In your case it’s undoubtedly ONE UP! 

 When God gives you a new beginning, don’t repeat the old mistakes. 

Click to Read Old Daily Encouragement Columns

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Many of you might recognize Pastor Jim Reid of Swartz Creek by his postings of encouragement on our local Swartz Creek Community page on Facebook. He pastors at Faith Ministries Church in Flint, he’s a Swartz Creek High School graduate and studied psychology, philosophy and physiology at Liberty University. 

 Don’t be a parrot in life, be an eagle. A parrot talks/brags way too too much and can’t fly high, but an eagle is silent and has the will power to touch the sky. 

Click to Read Old Daily Encouragement Columns

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Many of you might recognize Pastor Jim Reid of Swartz Creek by his postings of encouragement on our local Swartz Creek Community page on Facebook. He pastors at Faith Ministries Church in Flint, he’s a Swartz Creek High School graduate and studied psychology, philosophy and physiology at Liberty University. 

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

FLUSHING TWP. (CCN) — Flushing's Trinity Baptist Church is getting a new pastor in early August.

Pastor James Brabson  takes over for Pastor Ron Scott who has been working as interim pastor at Trinity which is located at 4222 Elms Road in Flushing Township.

 Trinity Baptist is an independent Baptist church where you will find practical Bible teaching and preaching, exciting youth and children's ministries, adult programs that are a blessing, and an emphasis on discipleship and evangelism, according to the church's web site,

Pastor Brabson took to Facebook today (June 27, 2024) to inform his congregation at North County Baptist Church in xxxxx of the decision. "This post will undoubtedly catch some people by surprise (which is not our intention, and no this isn’t a “joke”) however, this morning at North Country, we notified the church family that we will be finishing out our ministry at North Country this coming July and moving to Flushing, MI this coming August. Words cannot express our heart of gratitude to the church there at NCBC."

 The Brabson family moved to Millersburg in 2004. He and wife Bonnie have four sons —  Josiah, Ben, Jonas and Clayton. The family will move into the Flushing community and the boys will go to Genesee Christian school in Burton.

Pastor Brabson began his ministry as an Assistant/Youth Pastor in Northern Michigan. The church voted in 2011 to make Pastor Brabson the lead pastor at North Country.  

He added in today's Facebook post: "I’ve tried in so many ways how to express our thoughts and feelings, and all I can say at this point is 'Thank You.'   God has been so good in giving us 20 years here, and we leave the church here with no disagreement and no dissension. We are deeply indebted to so many of you in the church who have loved on our family and your lives are the living testimony of our ministry here. Seeing so many of our church family 'grow up' spiritually before our eyes has been one of the greatest blessings that I have experienced in my life. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your spiritual growth and really being a family away from our family.   It also means we are leaving the Millersburg/Onaway/Rogers City community. We are thankful for the 'fun' place this has been to raise a family and how so many of you have been friends to our family as well. I’m sure the streets of Millersburg, will be quieter. Even though NCBC will be looking for a pastor, the pulpit will be filled by a variety of good men ... "

 Outside the ministry at NCBC, Pastor Brabson has served on the advisory board for Camp CanaanLand and he has been a guest speaker, for a wide variety of ministry opportunities such as family and youth camps, father/son retreats, pastors' conferences and wild game dinners. He has also stayed busy coaching both in the community and in a school for baseball and basketball. 

 His Facebook post to his long-time church family at NCBC concluded by saying: "What’s next for us? We are excited to be moving into the Flushing, MI area to become the Lead Pastor for Trinity Baptist Church of Flushing at the start of August. Many of you know of Trinity through their ministry of Harvest Fest, and we are excited for this next chapter of ministry for our lives. Working with their deacons/pulpit committee along with their staff members has been a joy and blessing over these last (three) months. Along with coming on board at Trinity, the boys are excited to join the school family of Genesee Christian School this fall. The church people have been so welcoming to our family, and we look forward to getting to know so many of them and see God grow all of us together in the coming years.   In the end, we are simply trusting Him to direct our steps, knowing He is always good and that He works all things for good."

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is Pastor James Brabson who will join Flushing's Trinity Baptist Church as its new leader of its ministry.

FLINT (CCN) — A Flint developer is again hosting its "Movies Under the Stars" series on the back lawn behind Flint City Hall.

It's the 11th straight year of the free event that's sponsored by Communities First, Inc., with help again from other local sponsors.

All the movies are family friendly and showings are at dusk. A pre-movie party begins at 7:30 pm before each movie.

Food, fun and prizes for the whole family will be available at the events scheduled for July 5,  July 26 and Aug. 23.

“We love how many people show up for this event,” said Glenn Wilson, President and CEO of Communities First, Inc. “We are honored to build our community up by providing free, family friendly fun.”

The lineup announced for Movies Under the Stars 2024 is as follows:

July 5 – Wish

A young woman named Asha possesses wild wishes for happiness. After making a wish on a starry night, Asha is surprised when Star, a ball of cosmic energy, comes down to accompany her. Asha and Star must work together to defeat the ruthless ruler, King Magnifico, who threatens the safety of her local community. With Asha’s unstoppable courage and Star’s magical powers, nothing is impossible.

July 26 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello, and Michelangelo are four turtle brothers with a unique set of skills and a penchant for mischief, which runs them afoul of New York City. Yet when a horde of sinister mutants begins to wreak havoc, the city must learn to rely on the turtles if they are to be saved.

August 23 – Trolls Band Together

This third installment of the Trolls franchise finds friends Poppy and Branch as a couple. But as they get to know each other more, it is revealed that Branch was a member of the old popular boyband BroZone when he was younger. Not only that, but the group members are his real-life brothers to boot. However, when they disbanded, Branch never saw his boyband brothers again until his brother Floyd is kidnapped. Branch mobilizes his family for the rescue.

Anyone interested in volunteering at any Movies Under the Stars 2024 event can Sign Upp Here.

Helping Communities First sponsoring this year's event are Consumers Energy, Mott Community College, Dort Financial Credit Union, Blue Cross Complete of Michigan, Lynne Hurand, Gary and Carol Hurand, and the Nartel Family Foundation.

BY DR. ARNIE COLE

Metro Flint News/Talk Radio's

Syndicated Program Host

Bottom Line upfront: It’s best to start taking a look at your life where you want it all to end and then work backwards towards accomplishing that end.

The challenge today is for you to take out a piece of paper (or simply hit reply to this email) and let me know  —  What do you want to be remembered by as a lasting record of your life by the people that know you best as well as for future generations.

Imagine how disgusted you would be today, as a parent/grandparent, if you saw your child walk into their first class, at a very expensive Christian University (8th most expensive college in the US)—a psychology class, and here sat this long haired professor, who is in his mid-thirties, handing out each student a blank piece of paper which is supposed to be the synopsis of the course and the final exam.

To add insult to injury, he is sitting up on top of the desk at the head of the class, with his legs crossed, smoking a cigarette, right under the no smoking sign.

What is so ironic is that after spending 4 years in undergraduate study and 6 years in graduate level classes, this class by far had the most impact on me as a human being. In fact it challenges me to this very day.

Basically, my professor felt the most important thing you could ever do in this stage of your life, was to figure out what you wanted to be known for by others, when it all ends after you’re dead. Ask yourself what really matters…and then go for it  — you know, make it all happen, like you are the master of your own destiny.

Not that it matters now, but as a non-believer, back then my epitaph that I wrote was: “He lived a life that has never been lived before”… which back then, my biggest fear was to live a life that had been lived a hundred times over.

At the time this life theme freed me from the confines of the Bible, which I thought was the book of no, and allowed me the freedom to live a life that I thought truly allowed me to go for it all, guilt free. I mean what could be better. Right?

Paul encourages us believers in steadfastness and dedication to the Lord’s work, assuring and encouraging that our life will be a life that is not only a life lived well but one that we finish well.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 

 —  1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

Believe me this three-step process that starts with writing your own epitaph may change your life trajectory. Check out my video on this: https://bttb.org/epitaph and reply back if you want to take on this challenge.

And stay tuned for Step Two.

P.S. You can forward this email to a couple of your believer friends. If they would like to sign up to receive this weekly Spiritual Fitness Review, they can do so at this link: https://bttb.org/sunday. 

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Back to the Bible airs daily on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio at 4:40 am. Founded in 1939 on radio station KFOR AM in Lincoln, Nebraska, the organization grew to become an international Christian ministry after supporting missionaries and broadcasting via shortwave radio to other countries around the world.

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 Column

I'm excited about getting back on the radio air waves. Our team will plug Metro Flint News/Talk Radio back into its 24/7 streaming live position via internet radio on July 1.

Over the next 12 days as we prepare for launch day, my goal is to get back into the habit of pumping out an Editor's Notebook every day to keep my readers abreast of what's going on around us across the Metro Flint regional area.

My columns have often been my radio show opens over the years, and I've missed sharing my thoughts with you. It's been a long journey back  for me after 14 months on dialysis and 5 months of recovery following a 15-day stay at UM Hospital in Ann Arbor for a life-saving kidney transplant. I've missed serving as a local "watch dog" over your tax dollars with my radio show work and this column via our online daily newspaper  —  The Daily Gazette.

Hey, I made many promises to God to be able to be blessed to write this column today. As I seriously pondered death, not once did I worry about where I'm headed. In fact, I had one dream about standing at the pearly gates inside Heaven. Saint Peter was holding his clip board and told me there was a big asterisk beside my name.

"Hey, Mr. Killbreath. God wants to have a little chat with you. Let me get him."

I was a bit nervous but excited to meet God. as he proclaimed: "Hey, man, I've had lots and lots of prayers about you Mike!" It was very satisfying to hear and I told him I knew more than 100 churches had been praying for me after I posted on Facebook about my 10:30 pm call on Dec. 28, 2023 to be in Ann Arbor for a transplant the next morning at 5 am.

I'm nearing a goal to read every last e-mail, text and note via Messenger. I'm a ways away, however,  from listening to every last phone message. I'm truly blessed to have so many friends and so many people who cared enough to say a prayer for me.

Thousands of well wishers and hundreds of prayers were sent up to keep me around for my beautiful angel of a wife, our 4 children and 5 grandchildren. But here I was in my dream — standing at the pearly gates to Heaven.

 God laughed when introducing himself and said, "All the prayers were impressive but you were still on the list. It was your time. But you must be doing some good work down there. I had prayers from all the crooked politicians in your county but they were praying for you to die and leave them alone! You get back down there. You have more work to do."

I promised God I'd ramp up my fight to rid our community — and the nation — of crooked politicians. He delivered an opportunity for me to do a new weekly national TV show, so the big man upstairs is obviously expecting some big things out of me.  Today was my 4th straight day up at 4 am. Three 21-hour days in a row to go back at it full time. I'm on a mission!

I need to get back to busting the crooks and exposing them by handing out my traditional bushel of rotten apples.

The equally enjoyable part of my job as a columnist and radio show host, however, has always been my habit of handing out bouquets of roses to local folks who deserve getting a public salute for doing "good works" in our community. Handing out my bushel of rotten apples to  all the crooked politicians often leads to an end to their political careers if they don't fix their mistakes and vow to do better in a convincing fashion to my thousands of listeners.

We need to get back to seeing more of them go to prison when we expose their wrongdoings. That's where my listeners and readers come in.

I vow to share phone numbers to all of you can make their phones ring with outrage until they go away in handcuffs.

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Mike Killbreath appears on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio via The Morning Gazette Radio Show weekday mornings from 8 am until 9:30 am. He's an award-winning newspaper columnist and investigative reporter who is the former long-time owner of the local Metro Flint area chain of 14 newspapers. This fall will be his 50th year as a journalist. He also hosts a new weekly national TV show known as The American Crusaders on cable TV and various OTT TV live streaming platforms

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