Good school districts are more than a function of how much money they collect from taxpayers. Schools must connect with the community where they are located in ways that go beyond math, science and reading.

Flint, Michigan at one time was the envy of America. Flint leaders developed and funded the concept of the Community Schools Program. The Flint School District and its Community Schools Model drew people from across the nation and the world to study the educational model. The concept was replicated in thousands of school districts in the United States and abroad.

The product of that district's efforts were after-school programs that enriched the community and provided learning experiences for the whole family after school was in recess.

Skip Harbin, a life long native of Flint, as well as a former teacher, school administrator and school board member shares with us the "golden years" of the Flint Community Schools. Skip provides context and insight to the devolution of on of America's great industrial towns. He discusses the effects of economic changes that resulted from GM's globalization, the breakdown of family structure and the growth of Charter and private schools.

This interview is part of a series of personal histories that showcase the people of Flint, Michigan. They provide a tapestry from which to view the dramatic economic and social change that has come to the heartland of America.---

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Our guest is musician Howard Ryan, a native of Wisconsin who now lives in San Francisco, California. Ryan, also known as Hauras composed a song, "Flint, Michigan," intending to make a social statement about the problems of the beleaguered rust belt city.

Ryan is a musician and composer who is known for his work in the drone music genre. He has released several albums and EPs that showcase his unique style of electronic music, which often incorporates elements of experimental and ambient sounds. Ryan is known for his ability to create immersive and atmospheric soundscapes that draw the listener in and transport them to another world. In addition to his solo work, Ryan has collaborated with other artists in the drone music scene and has performed at various music festivals worldwide.

Drone music is a subgenre of electronic music characterized by its slow, repetitive rhythms and sustained tones. It often uses synthesizers and electronic instrumentation to create a meditative and ambient soundscape.

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Please visit Band Camp to download a copy of the song Flint, Michigan, or the album In these Coming Days by Hauras. To obtain other works of music by Hauras and Howard Ryan, please visit the Helen Scarsdale Agency website.

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Our podcast guest is Daniel Moilanen, a Fenton area native now living in Flint.

Dan is currently the Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD). His leadership in this organization brings conservation-minded farmers together to reduce toxic algal blooms in the Great Lakes by encouraging environmentally sound agricultural techniques.

The Michigan soil conservation districts have been working to modernize farming practices to protect Lake Erie and its surrounding ecosystems. One key aspect of this effort has been implementing precision agriculture techniques, which involve using advanced technology to monitor and optimize crop production in real time.

One example is GPS-guided machinery, which allows farmers to precisely target inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, reducing the risk of over-application and runoff into the lake. Additionally, the districts have been promoting the use of cover crops and conservation tillage methods, which help to improve soil health and reduce erosion.

Another important aspect of this effort has been the development of nutrient management plans, which help farmers to optimize the use of fertilizers and minimize the risk of excess nutrients entering the lake. These plans involve working with experts to identify the most effective and environmentally friendly fertilization practices for specific crops and soil types.

Overall, these efforts have helped to improve the sustainability of farming in Michigan and protect the health of Lake Erie while also supporting the economic viability of the state's agriculture industry.

Dan is a graduate of Albion College. Recently, the Flint-Genesee Chamber of Commerce selected Moilenan as one of 40 Under 40 distinguished young community leaders.

Dan Moilanen has a wealth of experience in small business ownership, community service, and political engagement. He is the founder and former owner of Vehicle City Tacos, a popular downtown Flint food truck. His community and political involvement include serving as leader of the Genesee County Democratic Party and the Genesee County Young Democrats.

Dan is with us to discuss Michigan environmental issues like soil conservation and better and less harmful agricultural practices that help keep our water resources and wetlands free of harmful pollutants. Michigan is the second largest producer of agricultural commodities in the United States. Outmoded farming practices in Michigan threaten to deplete its rich soil over the next 60 years.

In recent years Dan has continued his interest in music by performing with a SKA Punk Band in the Flint area. We are sure you will find our guest fun and exciting and learn how important it is to protect our food and water resources through conservation.

Visit the Genesee County Conservation District website to learn more about Flint area programs and projects.

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