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3 new mindsets to help you rest and recharge this holiday season

In today’s “go, go, go” and “bigger is better” culture, it can be difficult to find time to rest during any season, but it can be even more challenging during the holidays. Behavioral Health Therapists at MyMichigan Health are encouraging the public to think of rest as productive and adopt new mindsets to avoid burnout this holiday season.

Feature Story Holiday Lights List

Deck the Streets: A guide to the season’s most festive homes in Mt. Pleasant

Experience the holiday magic lighting up our community this season! From antique sleighs to whimsical gnomes, local homes are shining bright with creative and elaborate Christmas decorations. We’ve rounded up some of the most stunning displays, including a festive walkway and heirloom-filled designs that honor family traditions.

Longform The program reduced postpartum depression by 50% among participants.

MSU public health researchers seek to expand successful preventive postpartum depression program

ROSE program trains expectant mothers on how roles and relationships change postpartum and teaches assertiveness skills so expectant mothers can ask for the support they need.

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Giving back in Mt. Pleasant this holiday seasonIt’s the time of year when the spirit of giving is more palpable than ever.

Mt. Pleasant embodies the holiday spirit through community collaboration and acts of kindness. Local residents work together to address needs and support others through a variety of meaningful efforts. Whether it’s feeding families, providing shelter, assisting with animal care, or bringing joy to children, there are numerous opportunities to make a difference.

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One year strong: Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing celebrates growth and new entertainment offerings

This week marks the first anniversary of Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing in Mt. Pleasant, and Epicenter caught up with owner Julia Becker to discuss the business's impressive growth. Becker shares the new activities and offerings available, showing how Valhalla has quickly become a staple for entertainment in the community.

Feature Story Young girl meets Santa at the Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration

December 2024 in Mt. Pleasant: Holiday magic, festive fun, and year-end celebrations

Get ready for a December to remember in Mt. Pleasant! From crafting wreaths and bouquets to visits with Santa, the Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration, and thrilling New Year’s Eve parties, there’s something for everyone this season. Whether you’re shopping, crafting, enjoying live performances, or celebrating with friends, these events promise to make your holidays bright.

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Shopping small in downtown Mt. Pleasant this holiday season

This holiday shopping season, Mt. Pleasant's small businesses invite you to make a big impact by shopping local. With special discounts, events, and unique holiday offerings during Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, local shops are ready to help you find thoughtful gifts while supporting the local economy. Discover why shopping small is a big deal for Mt. Pleasant’s community this holiday season.

Feature Story MMC List

Explore non-credit and non-traditional classes with Mid Michigan College’s Lifelong Learning series

Mid Michigan College’s Lifelong Learning series invites residents to learn new skills with their nontraditional, non-credit class lineup. Attendees can learn cookie decorating, soapmaking, cooking skills, dog training tips, yoga, and more within the series.

Longform The students currently taking U-M School of Public Health course, Chatgpt/AI and Public Health.

Public health and AI: Great potential and a need for ethical policies

When applying AI to public health, great potentials exist for swifter, nimbler care and pin-pointed personalization. Its use also could exacerbate biases and the misuse of private information.  

Partner Content Elisabeth Berry and James D'Arcy

Legacy Society will sustain Autism Alliance of Michigan’s work for decades to come

AAoM is establishing its Legacy Society to recognize donors today for gifts that will provide dollars in perpetuity.

Feature Story Central Michigan University

Class in session: Attracting, supporting, and retaining educators

Being a teacher is a tough job, but statewide grants, funding, student loan repayment programs and other incentives and resources aim to make it more appealing. Local school districts, universities and colleges are also partnering together to make transitioning from one classroom to the next a bit more doable.

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Volunteer matchmaking made easyUnited Way's volunteer platform bridges community with mid-Michigan nonprofits

As the holiday season increases demand, United Way of Gratiot & Isabella Counties’ online volunteer platform simplifies connecting local nonprofits with community members eager to help. Since launching in 2022, over 2,600 volunteers have filled more than 3,000 positions, with the platform enabling nonprofits to post needs and community members to sign up with ease.

Feature Story Luke Taylor

Disc golf’s rising star: Isabella County’s Luke Taylor eyes the top

Luke Taylor, an 18-year-old from Isabella County and Sacred Heart Academy graduate, is turning heads in the professional disc golf world. Skipping collegiate competition, Taylor is one of few athletes to go straight from high school to the pros, where he currently ranks 27th in the Disc Golf Pro Tour’s world rankings. This season, Taylor tied for fourth at the Professional Disc Golf World Championships—a career-defining achievement that’s pushing him to set even higher goals.

Feature Story Vietnam Memorial

Island Park’s Vietnam Memorial: A community effort to remember Michigan's heroes

As Veterans Day approaches, Mt. Pleasant’s Michigan Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Island Park stands as a solemn tribute to the state’s fallen, missing, and captured service members. Dedicated on July 15, 1990, this memorial includes 16 plaques listing the names of 2,705 Michigan casualties, MIAs, and POWs, alongside a flag gallery, footbridge, and an information booth.

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Don’t miss out on Mt. Pleasant’s November events—workshops, festivals, and holiday fun

November in Mt. Pleasant brings a variety of community activities to enjoy, no matter the weather. This month’s events range from gardening workshops and live poetry readings to seasonal festivals and Small Business Saturday shopping downtown. Highlights include the Dahlia Digging and Storing workshop at FlowerBird Farm & Garden, Michigan Poet Laureate Nandi Comer’s reading, the kid-friendly Pumpkin Palooza Fall Festival, and the annual Parade of Trees.

Feature Story MyMichigan List

Investing in community health: MyMichigan Medical Center’s $3M renovation and MRI upgrade

MyMichigan Health is investing over $3 million in upgrades to the MyMichigan Medical Center in Mt. Pleasant to improve healthcare access and patient experience. Plans include a $2.3 million state-of-the-art MRI for superior imaging and diagnostics, plus $860,000 in renovations to expand outpatient services and enhance facility layout.

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Reynolds Golden Finds is Mt. Pleasant’s latest destination for deals

A new Mt. Pleasant discount store offers overstocked items from major retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart. Owners Angie and Trent Reynolds bring over 65 years of combined managerial and customer service experience to the business, promising customers a full shopping experience at discounted prices

Longform Jae Gerhart, manager of farm programs for Trinity Health Ann Arbor, at The Farm at Trinity Health in Ypsilanti. The Farm offers a produce prescription program for those who struggle to afford healthy food.

Medicaid funding could expand and sustain Michigan's produce prescription programs

Michigan is seeking approval for a new funding structure that could use Medicaid dollars to pay for programs that offer "prescriptions" for free fresh fruits and vegetables.

Longform “By working with our community and fostering dialogue about gun safety, we believe we can reduce firearm injuries and build a safer future for all.” Deanna Price

How public health focuses on gun safety and reducing firearm violence

Michigan's public health experts are working to address firearm accidents and violence through community partnerships and education programs. 

In The News Deadwood Forest List

Deadwood Grove Haunted Forest continues annual community tradition this October

Mid Michigan College's Harrison Campus transforms its public trails into the Deadwood Grove Haunted Forest each October, offering a spooky experience organized by students from Phi Theta Kappa. Running on select evenings, the event promises thrills and fun for the community.