Features

Partner Content Dennis Hucul, of Midland, completes authorization forms with the help of Michelle Abedrabo, R.N., data specialist II, prior to his COVID-19 vaccination earlier this month.

Behind the scenes of setting up MidMichigan Health’s COVID-19 vaccine clinics

MidMichigan Health had about a week to prepare for patients when the COVID-19 vaccine started to roll out. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at how the team has started to vaccinate the public in the first few weeks.

Feature Story The Northwood University Idea Center is located on the corner of Main Street and Ashman Street in downtown Midland.

Student entrepreneurs have an 'idea' for downtown Midland

The Northwood University (NU) Gallery has been repurposed into the NU Idea Center, a space for experiential learning for students. The center hopes to open fully later this spring.

Feature Story A drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination clinic was held at the Midland County Senior Services building on Wednesday, Jan. 20.

Midland County faces COVID-19 vaccine challenges experienced by the nation, supply and demand

Midland County medical director Dr. Catherine Bodnar and her colleagues work on informing the public about the benefits of receiving the new Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccination. Bodnar continues to encourage following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s safety guidelines while the population gets vaccinated.

Feature Story Charlie Schwedler has served as the executive director of Midland County Senior Services since 2017.

Q&A with Charlie Schwedler, executive director for Midland County Senior Services

Charlie Schwedler, executive director for Midland County Senior Services, makes sure seniors in Midland are cared for. When COVID-19 brought challenges, Schwedler and his team stepped up to meet them.

 

Feature Story The ‘Creative 360 Angels,’ from left to right: Colleen Reed, program director and curator; Laura Vosejpka, executive director; and Laura Brigham, office manager.

Painting through the pandemic: In-person classes return to the Creative 360

The Creative 360 is offering a full schedule of Artshops, classes, exhibits and events starting Feb. 1. Throughout the pandemic, the 360 has been well supported by the community. “We’ve really thought long and hard about how we can serve the community — and the community, in turn, has come back and supported us,” says Laura Vosejpka, executive director of the Creative 360.

Feature Story Shellenbarger estimates that by diverting jail time just from the people who have been in Midland County’s program, the County has saved $101,475.

Midland County’s Mental Health Court aims to rehabilitate minor offenders with mental illness

Midland County Mental Health Court celebrates its one year anniversary this January. This voluntary specialty court aims to reduce jail time by rehabilitating minor offenders whose primary issues can be linked to mental illness.

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Midland Public Schools addresses substitute teacher shortage

COVID-19 has created many challenges for the education system, including a shortage of substitute teachers. Midland schools are taking steps to solve that problem.


Feature Story Alysia Christy's New Year’s Resolution is to re-prioritize her wellbeing. Christy is the director of community impact at the Midland Area Community Foundation.

What makes Midland special to you?

By sharing elements of our day-to-day lives, Catalyst Midland hopes to foster a sense of community in Midland. Follow our new Instagram page @CatalystMidlandOfficial for relaxed and candid stories about the foundation of our community — you.

Feature Story All 501(c)(3) nonprofits are welcome to apply to the #TeamUp for the Great Lakes Bay Region charitable program.

The Dow GLBI golf tournament is back, #TeamUp charitable program returns

The Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational is ramping up preparations for the Ladies Professional Golf Association tournament this summer, including their #TeamUp for the Great Lakes Bay Region charitable program. Over $230,000 will be donated to nonprofits this year; all local 501(c)(3) nonprofits are welcome to apply.

Feature Story Grove Tea Lounge is located at 2405 Abbott Rd.

Midland businesses stay resilient through the pandemic, additional relief in sight later this month

The Midland Business Alliance has offered assistance to more than 300 local businesses in effort to sustain them during the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Co-owner of Grove Tea Lounge, Patrick McElgunn, shares how the grant he received from the MBA enabled his business to keep its doors open.

Feature Story Mike Hayes is Vice-President & Secretary of the Michigan Baseball Foundation.

Q&A with Mike Hayes, interim president and general manager of the Great Lakes Loons

Mike Hayes, a longtime community leader, is now at the helm of Midland’s minor league baseball team. He looks at what’s ahead for the Loons in the era of COVID-19 and he looks back at how the team has been a catalyst in the region 15 years after it was first announced that baseball was coming to Midland.

Feature Story The Midland section of the American Chemical Society hosted its Centennial exhibit from May 2019 until January 2020 at the Herbert D. Doan Midland County History Center.

The Midland section of the American Chemical Society celebrates 100 years of education and outreach

The Midland section of the American Chemical Society has provided chemistry-centered education and cultural enrichment since the early days of the chemical industry in the region. In its Centennial exhibit, the group explored local history and the ethical obligations of inventors while offering interactive educational activities for all ages.

Feature Story Even during workouts, masks must be worn. Fitness specialist staff are present throughout the facility to keep members encouraged and following guidelines.

The Community Center stays active in helping you achieve your health goals

Fitness looks different this year but you can still crush your goals. The Greater Midland Community Center has a variety of options, and all of them are designed to keep you safe.

Feature Story Madison Elliot dances to “Hallelujah,” by Leonard Cohen, while Joshua James Sharrard sings and plays piano.

The Great Lakes Bay Region releases its first-ever holiday album

Upon realizing the Great Lakes Bay region didn’t have its own holiday video album, Avram Golden set out to create one — featuring local talent, local venues, and local nonprofits. “It truly is like the holiday spirit of generosity and kindness, and sharing the gifts that you have with others,” says Samantha McKenzie of Hidden Harvest.

Feature Story The restoration of this beautiful home on Valley Drive is underway.

Seven months later, flood-damaged home on historic Midland street getting new life

Like many homes that endured extensive damage in the May disaster, a home on Midland’s Valley Drive is undergoing renovations. What’s unique is the home’s ownership has changed hands.

Feature Story Jenifier Boyer has served as Midland County’s Emergency Management Coordinator since January 2016.

Q&A with Jenifier Boyer, emergency management coordinator for Midland County

A woman who works behind the scenes stepped out front to coordinate the response to perhaps the greatest disaster in Midland County’s history.

Development News Gerace Construction works on the Lakeshore Drive causeway repair, costing $230,000.

Four Lakes Task Force erosion repairs are now underway

The Four Lakes Task Force has started work on repairing the most severely eroded shorelines along Sanford, Wixom, Smallwood, and Secord Lakes. Projects are expected to be complete by the end of 2021.

Feature Story Door decorations at Nature Niche add a holiday touch to a safety notice.

Midland retailers balance safety with cheer this holiday season

Holiday shopping looks different this year. But, Midland stores are still serving up a healthy dose of cheer. Shopping local is especially important this holiday season after a challenging year for small businesses.

Feature Story While Singer has had many career highs, crafting this latest caffeine buzz was a really special moment too.

Michigander band releases a special blend of coffee in partnership with Creation Coffee Co.

Coffee and music go hand-in-hand, especially for Creation Coffee co-owner Ben Marsh and Midland-born musician Jason Singer of the band Michigander. The friends have collaborated to release the Gander roast to coffee and music lovers alike.

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High-speed internet for all: Midland County is getting connected

As we continue to work virtually, the Midland County Broadband Committee teams up with Connected Nation to bring broadband internet to everyone in Midland County. The team is asking for Midland community members to fill out a survey to help assess the County’s needs.