Sidewalk Talks

In this episode of Sidewalk Talks, Marcus Kapp breaks down what he does: tailoring everyday clothing, creating custom pieces, and working toward his first one-of-one bespoke suit. Marcus shares how he got started at a local big-box store, learned under a master tailor, and fell in love with the craft—especially how great fit boosts confidence. They talk about what separates true tailoring from simply knowing a sewing machine, how fabric weight and proportions matter, and how to build a simple “capsule” wardrobe without overthinking it. The conversation also highlights Old Town’s supportive small-business community and where to find Marcus on Instagram, Facebook, or in person.00:00 Meeting Marcus00:49 What Marcus Does01:38 How He Started Tailoring04:09 Confidence and Clothing05:31 What Makes a Great Tailor06:36 Building a Simple Wardrobe07:55 Custom Pieces Process08:30 Old Town Roots and Vibe09:31 Saginaw Community Support11:22 Where to Find Capture11:46 Tailoring Beyond Suits12:47 Final Thanks and Wrap

In this Sidewalk Talks episode, we chat with Kaylyn and Alesha outside Kakes the Great Popcorn Co. at 418 Court Street, covering their nationally recognized popcorn and kettle corn, lemonades, crafted teas, croffles (croissant + waffle), chow bowls (build-your-own popcorn mix), candy, toys, and scratch-made pound cakes. They share everything from how the business started six years ago to their dynamic as both mother-daughter and business partners.00:00 Bee Panic 01:13 Fears Wings and Horses02:13 Corrupted Card Reset03:12 Sidewalk Talks Intro03:45 Kakes The Great 10105:32 From Marketplace to Storefront06:38 Origin Story Braces Hustle07:53 Mother Daughter Partnership10:20 Old Town Location and New Cakes12:26 Parenting Dynamic and TV Tease13:37 MSNBC Popcorn Moment15:47 Belief And Big Results17:16 Saginaw Beyond The Headlines18:06 Sidewalk Chaos And Shades21:08 Old Town ArtFest Highlights22:59 Visit Kakes The Great24:41 Twin Brother Drop In25:42 Wrap Up And Thanks

In this Sidewalk Talks episode, we chat with Anne Bruzewski, CEO of Go Great Lakes Bay, about tourism, community pride, and the time we first met—when a truck collided with the I-675 bridge. Ann shares her path from Findlay, Ohio to Northwood University to joining Go Great Lakes Bay in early 2020 as COVID and Midland’s dam breaches forced major pivots. We also break down what a CVB/DMO does and how tourism benefits Saginaw residents.Listen to our conversation by watching the video below, or by subscribing to Sidewalk Talks wherever you listen to podcasts!00:00 That time the truck hit the bridge02:45 Annie the Mentor05:59 Scuba and Swimming06:51 From Ohio to Michigan08:57 Choosing Hospitality11:23 Career Path to CVB12:57 Joining During COVID13:47 Shutdown Shock and Pivot14:53 Flood Response and Housing17:00 Regional Leaders Step Up17:49 Why Join Go Great20:10 Visitors Benefit Residents21:37 What Go Great Lakes Bay Does24:25 What Sets Region Apart27:57 Tourism to Talent Pipeline29:39 Community Hospitality Mindset32:10 Visit Go Great Closing 

Saginaw’s Surprising Link to the 50-Star American Flag (and a Handyman Who Puts Family First)In this Sidewalk Talks episode, Phil chats with Ryan Schramm, owner of Schramm's Services, a handyman business that focuses on painting but also tackles plumbing, electrical, and general contracting. Our conversation takes a fascinating turn when Ryan reveals his uncle, Saginaw-native Bob Heft, designed the 50-star U.S. flag as a high school project in 1958. At the time, there were only 48 states, but Bob had a hunch that two more states would be added and in 1959, Alaska and Hawaii became our 49th and 50th states.Bob created the 50-star flag by cutting up a 48-star flag his parents had received as a wedding present, and the design was later selected by President Eisenhower to serve as the United State's 50-star flag. Also notable considering the date: when Bob signed flags, he only signed them at Ground Zero. Ryan talks to us about his uncle, shows us memorabilia and more in this can't-miss episode! 00:00 Mic Check Banter00:53 Meet Ryan Schramm02:09 From Painting to Handyman03:46 Family First Business04:42 Foster Care Roots05:58 Dad Life Priorities09:34 Uncle Behind the Flag10:33 How the Flag Was Chosen15:16 What the Legacy Means17:06 Showing the Memorabilia20:33 Flag Raising Honor22:02 Find Schramm Services22:37 Final Thanks and Wrap

THE CIVITAN WILL LIVE AGAIN! Eugene "Fookie" Seals has purchased The Civilian Recreation Center in downtown Saginaw with the goal of restoring back to its role as a valuable community center. He grew up nearby, played basketball and attended summer programs there , and credits the center with helping launch his path to professional basketball. Seals says the Seals Group began pursuing the building in 2019 and finalized the purchase a few weeks ago. Plans include abatement first, then restoring the existing building with two renovated gyms, a stage, a computer room, and a cafe-style area, plus arts training and outdoor camps, with phase one projected at 18–24 months. 00:00 How Fookie Got His Name Name01:01 Why Civitan Matters02:09 Growing Up at Civitan03:22 Basketball Built Here05:41 Safe Spaces for Kids07:53 Idea to Revive Civitan10:56 Buying and Due Diligence11:54 Renovation Reality Check14:17 Vision for the New Hub18:22 How You Can Help19:22 Wrap Up and Next Steps