Features

Feature Story Leonard Block list

At 81 years old, Leonard Block is a veteran of 1,000 races. And he’s nowhere near done running.

When Leonard Block was 28, he started running organized road races with as something to do with his kids. More than 50 years later, he says running is the secret to keeping his spirit young.  

Feature Story United Way List Image

The United Way of Bay County is helping kids put together first-day-of-school outfits

The Helen Wirt Lee Back 2 School Clothing/Backpack Program gives kids the clothing and supplies they need to start the academic year on the right foot  

Feature Story Saline resident Jim Mangi is a care partner to his wife, Kathleen, who has Alzheimer's disease.

PODCAST: Building support for dementia caregiving challenges

Becoming a caregiver to a person living with dementia is a challenging process. We talked with Michigan caregivers about their struggles, their successes, and the resources and support they need to do their vital work.

Feature Story Auburn Farmers Market list

Auburn Farmers Market is about much more than fresh produce

The Auburn Farmers Market is open on Thursdays from 2 to 6 p.m. through September. At the market, you'll find fresh produce, home-baked goods, and family-friendly events.

Feature Story Photo courtesy of Essexville-Hampton Public Schools

Swim lessons take Bay County kids on deep dive into water safety

Bay County, Essexville-Hampton schools, and a local swim instructor formed a partnership to offer swim lessons to kids this summer. Three-week sessions begin on July 10 and 24.

Feature Story Studio 23 list

Sidewalk art, tattoos, and equity are at the heart of upcoming exhibits and events at Studio 23

Megan Koch, the new Executive Director of Studio 23, plans to continue community favorites such as Chalk Walk Art Festival and the Black & White Affair. She’s also laying the groundwork for diverse exhibits in the coming years.  

Feature Story United Way List Image

Registration for the Back 2 School program is due in July

Each year, the United Way of Bay County and Youth Advisory Council outfit qualifying kids with everything they need for back-to-school season  

Feature Story Since being diagnosed with dementia, Monica Downer (center, being interviewed) has become an activist for awareness of her disease.

PODCAST: Dementia disparities in communities of color

Dementia is challenging for everyone, but it takes a particularly heavy toll in communities of color. Here's how people living with dementia, researchers, and activists are working to change that in Michigan.

Feature Story Cyndy Hund, pictured here with her husband Mike, quit her job due to her dementia symptoms – but it still took her another four years to get a diagnosis.

PODCAST: No more "diagnose and adios": Rethinking dementia diagnosis

Getting a dementia diagnosis can be a challenging, years-long process. Here's how Michiganders living with dementia and those who care for them are working to change that.

Development News Bay Area Community Foundation logo

Child-care providers in Bay County are eligible for grants to increase capacity and improve quality

Bay Area Community Foundation and Bay County launch a $300,000 ARPA grant program to enhance child-care capacity and quality

Development News Crossroads Inn coffee list

The new owner at the Crossroads Inn updated the menu and re-decorated the family-style diner

The Crossroads Inn, a popular eatery that's been serving family favorites to diners in Bangor Township for decades, has a new look and new menu  

Development News Photo courtesy of Moe's Southwest Grill

Moe’s Southwest Grill offers good food and good times in Bangor Township

Cody Bell, 24, opened Moe’s Southwest Grill franchise on Euclid Avenue this spring. The eatery serves up chips and salsa alongside quesadillas, burritos, and more

Feature Story Fireworks list

July Arts & Entertainment Roundup

Sporting events, concerts, fireworks, and more fill the Great Lakes Bay Region with activities for everyone.

Feature Story SOH Podcast Ep 1

PODCAST: Dementia is not a death sentence

As we kick off the second season of the Michigan's State of Health podcast, we'll introduce you to some of the Michiganders who are working to reframe dementia – including people who are living with dementia themselves.

Feature Story United Way list image

Volunteering in high school helps teens learn how individuals positively impact the community

Nine 2023 high school graduates in Bay County earned accolades from the State of Michigan and United Way of Bay County for dedicating hundreds of volunteer hours to the community.  

Feature Story Rib List list

Labadie Rib Fest brings BBQ, music, and fundraising for nonprofits to Veterans Memorial Park in July

Organizers are planning music, barbecue ribs, kids activities, and more for the upcoming Labadie Rib Fest.

Feature Story Riverside Art Festival list

Art in the StreetsYWCA Great Lakes Bay Region held its 49th Annual Riverside Art Festival June 10-11

Every year in June, artists and visitors fill Downtown Bay City for the YWCA of the Great Lakes Bay Region's Riverside Art Festival.

Development News Tri-City Brewing Co. list

Tri-City Brewing Company expansion includes an event space and classic beer garden

The $282,000 expansion at the award-winning microbrewery has the support of the Bangor Township DDA and Bay Future Inc.  

Feature Story Photo courtesy of Michigan Sugar

New Michigan Sugar CEO sees a bright future for his family and his company in the region

Neil C. Juhnke started his Michigan Sugar career in April. Since then, he’s met grower-owners, employees, and started enjoying Michigan’s recreational opportunities including fishing, hunting, and golfing.  

Feature Story Pride Balloon

Regional celebrations of Great Lakes Bay Pride Month take place throughout June

Yard signs, a pop-up event, a night with the Loons, and a festival in Downtown Bay City all are part of the 2023 celebration of Pride Month.

Community Calendar

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