(12/06/11) - A local family is mourning the loss of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.
Joe Shovels died last week at the age of 70.
He was the patriarch of his family, but also the Big Brothers, Big Sisters family. For 39 years and well beyond, he did something life changing for countless children in our community.
Joe Shovels once said working for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint was "more of a ministry than a job." Helping children would become his lifelong mission.
He started working at Big Brothers, Big Sisters in 1964 and would be the organization's longest serving volunteer in the country.
"Joe wore Big Brothers, Big Sisters on his sleeve...it was more than a job, he had his heart in it," said Big Brothers, Big Sisters CEO Reta Stanley.
Joe's biggest role was creating the perfect match between a child and a big brother or sister. He's responsible for changing countless lives in the process.
Joe started the bowl-a-thon that would become the organization's largest fundraiser. He was constantly recruiting people to be 'bigs' and always going above and beyond his job requirements, so much so that in 2003 he was named a priority children champion for children.
When joe retired, Big Brothers, Big Sisters established an annual award in his honor and he presented that award each year to someone who shared his commitment to children.
There's no way to measure exactly how many lives Joe Shovels touched, but thanks to the organization he helped build, and matches he made, his legacy will live on.
Funeral services were held for Joe Shovels last week.
Monday, May 21 2012 6:52 PM EDT2012-05-21 22:52:06 GMT
(05/21/12) - The city of Flint has named two new, out of town, companies to take over the second phase of the stalled Smith Village project. This as one city council member makes a public plea for answers
The city of Flint has named two new, out of town companies to take over the second phase of the stalled Smith Village project.
Monday, May 21 2012 6:38 PM EDT2012-05-21 22:38:59 GMT
(05/21/12) - It's been more than two weeks since torrential rains hit Genesee County, flooding many homes, businesses and roads. Many residents are still trying to put their lives back together, and
It's been more than two weeks since torrential rains hit Genesee County, flooding many homes, businesses and roads.
Monday, May 21 2012 6:23 PM EDT2012-05-21 22:23:28 GMT
(05/21/12) - One of Bay City's biggest benefactors has died. Long-time businessman Jack Wirt died Saturday at the age of 95. Wirt moved to Bay City in 1941 and founded several businesses - including
Monday, May 21 2012 6:21 PM EDT2012-05-21 22:21:52 GMT
(05/21/12) - A Flint man is taken for nearly $200 by a man whom detectives say is preying on the elderly. The victim was so convinced by the suspect's story of distress, that he drove him to his home
A Flint man is taken for nearly $200 by a man whom detectives say is preying on the elderly.
Monday, May 21 2012 5:41 PM EDT2012-05-21 21:41:10 GMT
(05/21/12) - It's been nearly 20 years since charter schools entered the public school landscape in Michigan. Opinions vary on the impact charter schools have had on Michigan's educational system, but
Opinions vary on the impact charter schools have had on Michigan's educational system, but former Governor John Engler clearly believes it was a step in the right direction.
Monday, May 21 2012 5:33 PM EDT2012-05-21 21:33:36 GMT
(05/21/12) - He says the federal tax code is too complicated and out-of-date. As chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Mid-Michigan Congressman Dave Camp has been overseeing an overhaul of the
He says the federal tax code is too complicated and out-of-date. As chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Mid-Michigan Congressman Dave Camp has been overseeing an overhaul of the tax code.
Monday, May 21 2012 5:21 PM EDT2012-05-21 21:21:50 GMT
(05/21/12) - A 6-year-old Saginaw County boy was injured in a weekend explosion. It happened Saturday at a mobile home on Apollo Drive in Buena Vista Township. Firefighters say the boy was putting
A 6-year-old boy is recovering after an attempt to warm up some food in a microwave oven ended with an explosion.
You're needed by countless kids. Join the dozens of people in our area and be a Big Brother or Big Sister.
You're needed by countless children. Join the dozens of people in our area and be a Big Brother or Big Sister.
Sound interesting? Click on the image to the left and then call the Saginaw or Genesee County Big Brothers Big Sisters. We've even supplied the numbers for you.
Tuesday, December 27 2011 12:55 PM EST2011-12-27 17:55:51 GMT
When most of us think about a mission, we think about a group heading into a forgotten, remote area or reaching out to touch those who are struggling in a third world country.
