Math whizzes
GRAND BLANC — Ten Grand Blanc High School students recently qualified as finalists in the 51st annual Michigan Mathematics Prize Competition (MMPC).
The students were among the top 1,000 who advanced from Part 1 of the competition, which was given to 8,000 students at 220 Michigan high schools in October. The finalists competed in Part II of the MMPC Dec. 5, 2007 and the test will be scored in January 2008.
Students with the top 100 scores on both parts will be invited to an Awards Day program in February at Oakland University. The top 50 will be presented with scholarship awards ranging from $250-$2,600. — N.B.

Budget crisis talk
FLINT — Tom Clay of the Citizen’s Research Council (CRC) presents a discussion on the state’s budget crisis at 9 a.m. Dec. 14 at the Baker College of Flint auditorium.
“Michigan’s Budget Crisis: A Long-term Analysis of the Future of Michigan’s Economy and State Finances” is aimed at the area’s business community. Clay joined the CRC staff in 1997 after serving 31 years with the state of Michigan as director the state’s Executive Budget Offices for 15 years and as deputy state treasurer for six years.
The free event is sponsored by the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Flint Journal, the Flint Area College Consortium and the Baker College Family Business Center. — N.B.

Staff gift wrapping
GRAND BLANC — The Grand Blanc High School Giving Back Committee will host a free gift wrapping event for the district staff from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 15 at the high school, 12500 Holly Rd.
The newly-formed committee, comprised of both students and staff, also will offer four hours of free child care for staff. “It’s our way of giving back to the teachers that do so much for us,” said member Danielle Rossman.
A drop box for Toys for Tots also will be available. For more information, contact Principal Dr. Jennifer Hammond at jhammond@grandblancschools.org. — N.B.

Lifelong learning program
FLINT — Wally Bronner, founder of Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, is the guest speaker for Mott Community College’s fourth installment of Lifelong Learning for Seniors program from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Dec. 14.
Bronner will discuss his belief “that everyday should include the spirit of Christmas,” according to a press release. A musical performance by the Dibbleville Dolls of Fenton also will be featured.
The event is $10 per person. Advance tickets are available by calling 810-762-0390 or at the door. The event will be held in the Mott Memorial Building Auditorium on the MCC main campus, 1401 E. Court St. in Flint. — N.B.

Recycle at Oaktree
GOODRICH — Oaktree Elementary has started a recycling program that is open to the public. A recycling bin is located next to the soccer field at Oaktree Elementary off Gale Road.
Accepted items include catalogs, magazines, newspaper, junk mail, shredded paper in paper bags only, office and copy paper in the bin. The bin is not for garbage, loose shredded paper, cardboard, phone books, glass, plastic, metal or bottles.
Call 810-591-5200 for questions, details. — J.N.

City’s website makeover
GRAND BLANC — The City of Grand Blanc’s website has a new feel after a recent remodeling.
The website, www.cityofgrandblanc.com, includes several new features such as a news section, frequently asked questions, calendar of events and a link for downloading the city’s future land use plan, ordinances and forms.
City hall will be closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan.1 for the holiday season. For more information, visit the website or call 810-694-1118. — N.B.

More Tips