Mayor Sheldon Neeley used his talk at the February 27 Rotary Club of Flint meeting to detail all the good things that happened in Flint last year as a follow-up to his State of the City address.
"What defines us is how we rise," he said. Neeley showed a video of the recent events in Flint. It included the economic disinvestment that helped cause the water crisis, COVID-19, racial tensions, and moved toward several highlights. These included:
A proposed Water Stabilization Fund to help with affordability in the face of forthcoming rate hikes from the Great Lakes Water Authority
Flint's population is up for the first time in 20 years
The analysis of Rx Kids, a program that provides a stipend to every pregnant Flint mom during pregnancy and the first year of her baby's life shows it has led to a 91% decrease in evictions and decreases in the rate of child maltreatment
The City's pension liabilities have gone from 29% funded to 64% funded due to a state grant
The City has seen an increase of nearly $490 million in its assets in the last 6 years
Crime is down
Mayor Neeley and President Nick
Ambulance service is now run through fire stations, resulting in a decrease in wait time from a half hour to 5 minutes on average
Demolishing blighted structures including the old Howard Johnson, Atherton East apartments, and a burned-out apartment building at Court and Ballenger.
A home repair/roofing program
Planting 4,000 trees
Adding a new sports field at Haskell Community Center
He also hinted at a forthcoming labor agreement that will result in the largest raise for Flint police officers in the City's history.
Next Up- March 13 County Commission Chair Dale Weighill
Join us at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan at noon to hear from our own Dale Weighill, chair of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners.
"I Am-- Somebody"
As we closed out Black History Month, Kyle McCree offered an inspirational message in the form of the poem "I Am--Somebody" based on the work of Rev. William Holmes Borders, Sr. and made famous by the recently departed Rev. Jesse Jackson.
”I may be Young
but I am
Somebody.
I may be on Welfare
but I am
Somebody.
I may be on Small
but I am
Somebody.
I may make a Mistake
but I am
Somebody!
My clothes are different,
My face is different,
My hair is different,
but I am
Somebody.
I am black, brown, white.
I speak a different language.
But I must be respected,
protected,
never rejected.
I am God’s child.
I am
Somebody!
Here is a link to the YouTube video of Rev. Jesse Jackson appearing on Sesame Street, where he engaged a group of children (and Muppets) in reciting the poem.
Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Build
This year's Rotary Area 7 service project in partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace resulted in more than 60 bed frames being built for local children. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is based on the principle that no child should have to sleep on the floor. It provides bed frames, mattresses, and bedding to local families. Their current waiting list is more that 2,000 people long- so every bit counts. Enjoy these pictures from the February 28 bed build at Signs by Crannie. (Not pictured- Andy Holmes- he was there but snuck out before we could get a photo!) We also saw Assistant Governor, Interact students, and several of our friends from the Greater Flint Sunrise club.
Kyle McCree
President Nick Godlesky
Dan Crannie
One of the several volunteers from other organizations with Ann Marie Van Duyne
All the Rotarians!
Health and Welfare
Ashley Prew is currently caring for her mother, who recently was diagnosed with cancer. Please keep Ashley and her family in your thoughts.
Slate Elected to the Board of Directors
There was no controversy at all as the slate of candidates for the 2026-27 Rotary year was unanimously elected. Congratulations to those elected, and thank you for your Service Above Self.
Kyle McCree
President Nick Godlesky
