Funny Business By Stephen James: April 2011

Monday, April 18, 2011

So, there's this guy, Gerard Burnash….

So, there's this guy, Gerard Burnash….

First impression: Nice guy, friendly, smiles a lot.

Second impression: You sit down in a meeting with him and a group of other people. (One of the countless meetings he attends in Downtown, Flint) He’s a nice guy, friendly and smiles a lot and he’s not afraid to crack a joke (he does this well) or to make an insightful comment or two during the meeting.

Third impression: (Two weeks later) You’ve joined him again, at the same meeting with the same people discussing the same subject: This time as the Chairman starts his dissertation on what needs to be done and how we all need to get together to get it done, Gerard pipes in, “It’s already done.”

That’s the kind of guy Gerard is. The kind that listens to a problem, listens to suggestions, gets his head wrapped around the solution, and then, gets it done.

By the way, did I tell you he’s the new Director of the Downtown Development Authority, in Flint?

Sure, you might not agree with everything Gerard says or does, but you’ve got to be impressed with his impression of a “Get-R-Done!” kind of guy.

The Downtown Development Authority will seek to provide a critical link between the economic development and physical development objectives of downtown by facilitating collaboration and partnership building throughout the Greater Flint Community.

412 S Saginaw St # 206 Flint, MI 48502-1809 - (810) 767-2297

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

Spotlight on Spring Grove:

It was such a beautiful day this past Sunday morning in Downtown, Flint, Mich. First day of SPRING! Temperatures in the 70’s, nice breeze, perfect day for a walk around the downtown area.

WOW! What was that?! There are geese quacking, swimming and splashing around in a pond! It looks like their having so much fun that I wish I could join 'em!

Where did this pond come from! Right on the outskirts of downtown, Flint!

Back on June 7, 2010 PatchWorkHeaD, a local blues and rock band teamed up with GTDNA (Grand Traverse District Neighborhood Association) and Stockton Center at Spring Grove to raise money and awareness for the 4-acre site named Spring Grove.

The money was used to return the spring (Yes, a natural spring!) to its original, pristine wetland with native plants, wildlife habitat, nature trails and scenic resting areas for the community.

They not only talked about it, THEY DID IT!

We’ve now got our own quiet, little, natural oasis just outside of Downtown, Flint!

“As we all look to beatify the city of Flint and create a sense of community, it is important that we foster local outreach and parkland development.”

They did more than just talk about it!

Take a look at it for yourself. Located behind the Stockton Center at 720 Ann Arbor St. There is parking available and an access stairway down to the spring.

Great job you guys. You truly are, POSITIVELY FLINT!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Spotlight on Raspberries Rhythm Cafe & Bar

The DJ is playing some “Cool” jazz from his booth at the back of the room. Smiles, laughs and sounds of conversations come from the booths and tables that fill the dimly light, yet sparkling clean Raspberry Rhythm Café and Bar.

Suddenly, there’s a man’s loud voice at the bar. You can’t make out what he’s said but you can hear the agitation in his voice as it has disrupted your enjoyment of the club’s atmosphere. Within moment a stern, squared shouldered man walks from behind the kitchen counter and strides up to the man.

I couldn’t hear the conversation between the two, but in the short time I’ve known owner Dave Berry, I can imagine what was said.

Dave, lifting a hand onto the man’s shoulder, looking up to stare the man straight in his eyes; “You have to leave.”

Man, stunned, stammers: “But Dave, you know me. I didn’t mean nothing!”

Dave, softens his voice. “You have to leave, either I call you a cab or one of your friends needs to drive you home.”

Man, “But, Dave….”

Dave, “No buts, you’re leaving. I don’t want you disrupting my customers and I don’t want you getting yourself in trouble.”

Man, “But Dave, I haven’t had that much to drink!?”

Dave, removes his hand off the man’s muscular arm, and places both his hands onto his own hips. “How’s it going to be?”

Man, “ahh, Dave.... Okay, I’ll get my friend to drive me home.”

Smiles return to the faces of the patrons when the man stands-up quietly and a friend of his joins him to leave.

No one in the place is holding bad feelings toward the man that just left. We’ve all been there at one time of another. Yet, you can see the relief on all our faces because of what Dave did. He handled it.

I have no doubt the man returned to the club the next night. I have no doubt he walked up to Dave, or Dave to him. I know they shook hands, smiling to each other. A manly apology and acceptance was exchanged.

That’s because, that’s how Dave Berry rolls. “Don’t expect no trouble, don’t except no trouble.”

Dave Berry is a man that’s as tough as a rhino, but has a heart as big as one too. He’s POSITIVELY FLINT.

Raspberries Rhythm Cafe & Bar. Downtown, FLINT, Michigan -- It's been a vision of owner David Berry for 15 years. A nice place where you can go for relaxing conversation, good food and relaxing, yet sometimes heart-pumping, jazz and blues!

• Where: 448 S. Saginaw St. in downtown Flint.

• Planned hours: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursdays through Sundays.

• Contact: (810) 766-9446.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Spotlight on Garibella Hair Salon in Downtown, Flint, Mi.

So, you’re sitting in Garibella Hair Salon in downtown, Flint. You’re enjoying the atmosphere, chatting with the friendly Stylist who is doing your hair, maybe even getting your nails done or later you have an appointment for a relaxing massage. And HE walks in!

He’s looking a little worn around the edges; his hair looks like it hasn't been cut in months. He holds his head down as he quietly asks the receptionist for the owner, Tami O’Neil Harchick. She hears the conversations and comes right over to him, she has a big smile on her face (As she always does.) and reaches out her hand welcoming the scruffy man. He’s feeling uncomfortable and a little out of place, he can feel the eyes of the other women and men in the shop staring at him. He fumbles in his pocket and pulls out a rectangular, yellow piece of cardboard and hands it to her. It’s a coupon for a free haircut given to him by the homeless shelter at Carriage Town Ministries. He’s about to go on the first job interview he’s had in months.

Without missing a beat, Tami turns to all those present and announces “This is my friend from Carriage Town Ministries, he’s got a job interview and we’re going to make this guy the best looking man in the town!”

He lifts his head up in time to see all the frowns and questioning looks on the faces of those in the place being replaced with beaming smiles. “Alright!” One smiling lady pipes in.

Tami guides him to a chair; standing behind him as she drapes a clean white apron over his chest and legs. She places her hands softly, firmly onto his shoulders and says proudly “You’re going to get this job.”

He feels safe, accepted and even starts to believe her words as she chats to him while cutting off his ragged, messy hair.

When finished, she whips off the apron, hair falls to the floor. He stands and hears the sound of voices in the room “You look great!” another voice “Now there’s a good looking MAN!” another “Oo-wee, you’re going to knock the ladies dead!”

He starts to feel something inside him he hasn’t felt in a long, long time. His shoulders’ square up, he stands taller, he’s feeling, confidence!

Thanks you, Garibella Hair Salon. Not just for what you do, but for the heart you do it with!

Garibella Salon Beauty & Wellness, Downtown, Flint, MI

(810) 238-9000

Tami O'Neill Harchick, Owner/Stylist

Tami O'Neil, wife and mother, is an astute business owner and is experienced in hair design, color and makeup. Tami's salon is located in Downtown Flint, Michigan.

Monday, April 11, 2011

“Spotlight” on Flint, Mi. Carriage Town Ministries.

Many of the fellows that reside at Carriage Town Ministries are not looking for a hand-out but a hand-up. Once you start to hear their stories you learn that each of us is just a couple of missed pay-checks away from being in their same position.

These guys got skills, some are carpenters, pipe fitters, plumber ect. Some of them have made mistakes with dealing with being laid-off, some have lost their families, their homes and their pride. What I say next might not be PC correct but, a MAN needs to work, having pride in what he’s doing, pride in supporting his family.

Losing a job can make a man lose his identity and sometimes he’ll fall into drinking, drugs or battery in trying to deal with it. Second chances are what life is all about. I thank God for all the second chances he’s given me.