Features

Development News The Menu Manager is celebrating its move and grand reopening at 309 Dartmouth Dr. in Midland, where the Loch used to be located.

The Menu Manager reopens, offering event space, catering, and take & bake meals

The Menu Manager is celebrating its grand reopening and return to Midland. The dinner design studio offers catering, event rental space, take & bake meals, and more.

Feature Story Starting Nov. 20,  people are welcome to drive by Porte Park in Sanford to see the lights.

‘Sanford Shines’ bright for another Christmas season

Sanford Shines returns for its second year. Starting Nov. 20, lit Christmas trees and exhibits will line Porte Park. On Dec. 3, games, food, live music, and a nighttime parade with lights will take over downtown Sanford.

Feature Story The Santa House will be open daily from Nov. 27 to Dec. 23.

Santa heads to Midland on Nov. 20

After a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Santa Parade is back in Midland this holiday season. The Santa House will be open again with certain restrictions.

Development News Serving at-risk youth in the Midland, Saginaw, Bay and Isabella Counties, Big Brothers Big Sisters offers children from the ages of 6-12 one-on-one mentoring.

Big Brothers Big Sisters hoping to “End Their Wait” for 56 kids on waitlist for local mentors

Big Brothers Big Sisters puts out a call to the community, so they can ‘end their wait’ for kids seeking mentors and role models.

Feature Story The Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition's "Fill the Trailer" event happens ever November, when they collect donations of personal hygiene items to pass out at the VA hospital.

Q&A with Brad Blanchard, Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition

Nov. 11 is Veterans Day. In our Q&A, we’ll find out how the Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition is assisting veterans and how you can help the coalition. 

Feature Story Food and shelter are human needs that are sometimes difficult to meet. Fortunately, there are several services available to help people in “normal” times, but also in the aftermath of last year’s dam disaster and during the current pandemic.

Services available for those in need this winter, especially following last year’s disaster

Food and shelter are human needs that are sometimes difficult to meet. Fortunately, there are several services available to help people in “normal” times, but also in the aftermath of last year’s dam disaster and during the current pandemic.

Development News Firearm deer hunting season begins on Nov. 15.

Q&A with Ashley Autenrieth, Michigan DNR

In 2020, an estimated 540,000 hunters in Michigan harvested 411,000 deer during the deer hunting season. In our Q&A, we’ll talk about the issues and changes in regulations for the upcoming season with the deer program biologist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.    

Development News There are programs for youth and adults with varying ranges of ability.

The Midland Civic Arena is your refuge from cabin fever

The Midland Civic Arena invites the community to test out one of its programs for free this Saturday, Nov. 6. At no cost, you can try hockey and learn about the facility, local leagues, and more.

Feature Story Currently, the class is working in collaboration with Reece Endeavor of Midland to build a duplex near Ashman Circle for tenants with disabilities.

Midland Public Schools students learn construction skills while serving the community

The Building Trades class offered by Midland Public Schools provides students the chance to get practical experience in preparation for employment in construction, summer work, or home improvement projects. While learning, students build houses for area organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

Feature Story Creation Coffee's first brick-and-mortar coffee shop is located at 5023 Eastman Ave. in Midland, Michigan.

Midland’s Creation Coffee to expand to Mt. Pleasant

Following the success of its first store in Midland, Creation Coffee plans to open two new locations including one in Mt. Pleasant.  

Development News Trick-or-Treating hours in the City of Midland are from 6-8 p.m. on Halloween.

Celebrate Halloween in Midland

Another spooky season is upon us, and we’ve got a roundup of Halloween events to enjoy across Midland. Whether you’re looking for a fright or fun, there’s something for everyone.

Feature Story On Saturday, Anti-Racist Midland (ARM) launched the most comprehensive collection of Black Midland’s history.

Anti-Racist Midland launches most comprehensive collection of Black Midland’s history

Voices of Black Midland can now be heard online. The digital exhibit features 23 hours of compiled interviews, and they’re still open to more. This community collaborative was spearheaded by Anti-Racist Midland.

Feature Story H.H. Dow's band plays on Oct. 8. (Crystal Gwizdala)

What does teen spirit sound like?

High school bands are the heart of school pride. Midland High and H.H. Dow High both have robust music programs, and the band is no exception. While band is a challenging subject, it’s arguably one of the most rewarding.

Development News Cleveland Manor provides housing for residents aged 62 and over who live on a limited income.

Cleveland Manor to get multi-million dollar renovations

With an ongoing need for affordable senior housing within the Midland, Cleveland Manor is securing funding through local and regional organizations and grants for an estimated $3.48 million renovation project.

Development News The Reading Room at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library

Architecture: The green nature of windows

In the third of a Catalyst Community series, we’ll focus on how architects bring nature indoors through windows and the challenges they face to do it. 

Feature Story The Action in Motion (AIM) for Recovery & Wellness is full service, meaning they provide individual counseling, drug screenings, medication treatment, case management, recovery coaching, and addiction physicians.

AIM for Recovery & Wellness bus brings life-saving services to the GLBR’s rural communities

The Action in Motion (AIM) for Recovery & Wellness mobile health unit, a substance use treatment bus, has been making its rounds around the region. Earlier this year, it expanded into Midland County.

Development News The Dow Tennis Classic is held at the Greater Midland Tennis Center.

Dow Tennis Classic bounces back into Midland

The 33rd Dow Tennis Classic returns to the Greater Midland Tennis Center. The event runs from Nov. 1-7 and hosts some of the sport’s top players for matches, free community outreach programs, and more.

Feature Story Try to keep an open line of communication.

GLBR Mental Health Partnership fights stigma and promotes workplace mental wellness

New initiatives from the Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership and collaborating organizations aim to make it easier to talk about mental health and provide support. A guide for business owners provides a comprehensive set of tools for creating a workplace that nurtures mental health.

Feature Story Volunteers worked on projects at WMFC such as spreading mulch on the playground, enclosing rafters in pavilions, clean up of trails and an obstacle course, and worked on the baseball field. 

Bank employees give back to their communities

Isabella Bank employees volunteered in their local communities on Monday, giving their time to help others in many counties across the state during its Compassion Into Action Day.

Development News Bliss Bridal Boutique is a family-run business located in downtown Midland, next to Little Forks Outfitters.

Downtown Midland says “I do” to its first bridal salon

Downtown Midland’s newest business, Bliss Bridal Boutique, is celebrating its grand opening on Thursday, Oct. 7. The cake-cutting ceremony takes place at 11:30 a.m.