Features

Partner Content A Farmers Market Food Navigator assists shoppers at the Muskegon Farmers Market.

Michigan Fitness Foundation connects families to farmers and fresh, locally grown food

Michigan Fitness Foundation has been working with Michigan farmers and farmers market managers to reduce barriers to accessing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for families on tight budgets. 

Development News Baskin-Robbins list image

Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream opens again, just in time to scoop out summer treats

The Baskin-Robbins ice cream parlor in Bay City closed late in 2022, but re-opened under new owners just before Mother’s Day  

Feature Story Handy Middle School list image

Handy Middle School sixth graders are studying real-world issues to learn academic skills

A new learning model at Handy Middle School calls for students to study real-world issues as they learn reading, writing, arithmetic, and more  

Feature Story Spark list image

From Bay City to Broadway

Matt Travis, Chief Operating Officer for the Midland Center for the Arts, shares his memories of three local people who graduated from the stage at the Bay City Players to the stages of Broadway.  

Partner Content A family enjoys jump roping along the Lansing River Trail.

Rec-Connect™ makes fitness fun for everyone

Across the state, Michigan Fitness Foundation’s Rec-Connect™ demonstration series is being used in communities to inspire and empower people to engage regularly in physical activity.

Partner Content U.S. Supreme Court Decision confirms rights of people with disabilities including those living with autism.

Autism Alliance of Michigan celebrates Supreme Court decision

U.S. Supreme Court Decision confirms rights of people with disabilities including those living with autism  

Feature Story The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) is the state association representing and advocating for Michigan’s public mental health system and those served by this system.

Community Mental Health Association of Michigan study shows integrated care is growing

A recent study by the Center of Healthcare Integration and Innovation shows that integrated care in Michigan’s public mental health system has not only grown in the last six years but that the initiatives are diverse and available in rural, suburban, and urban committees.

Feature Story Soccer list

Volunteers score grants to bring soccer fields to kids on Bay City's East Side

Volunteers are working together to improve Maplewood Park, adding tennis courts, soccer mini-pitches, basketball courts, and a small plaza.

Feature Story Andrew Comtois Outdoor Driven list

Outdoor Driven, based in Bay County, combats PTSD by channeling the healing power of nature

Marine combat veteran Andrew Comtois has turned his own struggles and successes into a new local nonprofit, Outdoor Driven, that supports military veterans and active first responders with unique outdoor experiences and adventures.

Development News Photo courtesy of Auburn Hotel & Tavern

The Williams family renovated and re-opened the Auburn Hotel after a two-year hiatus

The next generation of the Williams family bought the business in 2020. Bruce and Yazmin Williams kept classic burgers, chicken, and pizza on the menu, but also added some new items.  

Feature Story Band Shell List

Music speaks to Bay City’s growing statewide reputation as an entertainment destination

From rock and country concerts in the evenings to festivals and kids shows during the day, Bay City’s parks are the setting for entertainment all summer long  

Feature Story Empty Bowls list image

Pinconning teens are leveraging sweet treats and handcrafted bowls to fight hunger

Pinconning teens say their involvement with the United Way of Bay County gives them a way to provide hands-on help for their community.

Feature Story Self Love Beauty list

Positive vibes only on May 9

Self Love Beauty encourages the Great Lakes Bay Region to celebrate Affirmation Day by spreading positive messages on Tues., May 9  

Partner Content Bike racks support active living in Grand Traverse County.

Active communities are healthier communities

Michigan Fitness Foundation’s Promoting Active Communities assessment offers a set of online tools to help Michigan communities create safe places for people to be active.

Longform The #wishyouknew aims to reduce stigma around getting help for mental health.

Michigan's community mental health agencies take action to reduce stigma around getting care

During May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, many Michigan CMHs are offering opportunities to take action to "stomp out stigma" that prevents Michiganders from seeking mental health care.

Feature Story Bay Area Community Foundation logo

Give Local Bay: Mark your calendar for the 2nd of May

The ninth annual Give Local Bay event helps donors maximize their gift to more than 50 different nonprofit agencies in Bay and Arenac counties  

Feature Story Tiffany Kukla list

Employee happiness is serious business at SK Siltron CSS in Bay County

Human Resources Manger Tiffany Kukla is proud of the award-winning policies and pay at the semiconductor manufacturing firm. SK Siltron CSS has invested millions in two Bay County facilities and now employs more than 200 people.  

Feature Story Veterans Center list

Veterans Workshop & Learning Center to celebrate its Grand Opening in May

Volunteers, donors, and grantmakers have worked together to create a special place for veterans in Bay County.

Feature Story Bryan Draves list image

Lifelong Bay Cityan – with deep roots in the community – finds his forever job at SK Siltron CSS

Bryan Draves says he's found the job of a lifetime at SK Siltron CSS. It lets him be part of a cutting-edge industry while staying close to extended family.  

Feature Story Mental health list

Mental Health First Aid turns adults into allies for teens facing tough times

About 40 people participated in the first Mental Health First Aid training in March. Organizers are looking for funding to offer additional trainings, both for adults and teens.  

Community Calendar

If you have an event you would like to appear on our community calendar you can submit a request here

Community Calendar

Visit Midland Center for the Arts for Center Stage Theatre’s production of "The Sparrow," which tells the story of a small-town girl who returns home ten years after a tragic accident claimed the lives of her entire class. Tickets available at ...
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The Bay City Cooperative Market is hosting a Golf Outing fundraiser to help with startup costs for a grocery store. Tickets are $75 each, including golf, games at the hole, a drink ticket, silent auction, and snacks at the turn. Click here to learn more.   
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2023 Driathlon

Sept. 17, 2023, 7:30 a.m.
The 2023 event takes place on Sept. 17 and includes a 5-kilometer canoe or kayak paddling leg followed by a 20-kilometer paved path bike race, and ending with a 5-kilometer run. Click here for more information, including a link to register.
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