Features

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PHOTOS: Sterling Heights public art walk

Sterling Heights has a wealth of public art, and much of it is proudly on display in the center campus of the city. Take a stroll with our photographer, Steve Koss. 

Feature Story YMCA Bluewater, Child Care

Child Care Shortage: Nationwide crisis hitting home across Southeast Michigan

“Right now, we’re in dire straits," says the executive director of Child Care Network in Ann Arbor. She isn't alone. As the nationwide child care crisis rolls on, here’s what Michigan child care providers are experiencing regionally in Port Huron, Detroit, and Ann Arbor.

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Major League: 6 trending sports to try in Sterling Heights this summer

Looking for a new hobby this summer? Try out some popular sports that are trending among Sterling Heights residents.

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Photo essay: ‘Taking it easy’ on a Friday night in downtown Farmington

We sent photographer David Lewinski to check out the scene in downtown Farmington for the return of the Rhythms in Riley Park concert series.

Feature Story A DIY bike repair station along the Rouge River Gateway Trail in Dearborn.

Dearborn’s Gateway Trail is just that: A gateway to the city’s history, culture, businesses and more

“We're all trying to figure out the best and safest ways to get the community to our parks. But these connections also provide an opportunity for economic development, as you arrive at these downtown businesses,” says Wayne County Parks Director Alicia Bradford.

Feature Story Participants of the men's ensemble rehearse.

Shakespeare in Prison program offers far more than an escape

"Honestly, at first, a guy like me would get teased doing something like that," Gabriel Odlum, a returning citizen, says of performing in a Shakespeare in Prison program. "But it was empowering to know, regardless of where you're at, that type of stuff is valued. Through it, we found out who we were, and what our strengths were."  

Development News “We only hope that this event will grow as the district does, too,” Katie Riedy, property manager for the Iron Ridge District, says about Food Truck Fridays.

New ‘Food Truck Fridays’ event an opportunity to check out Ferndale’s nascent Iron Ridge District

“This is an up-and-coming district, a walkable and workable area for the community and ourselves as well,” says Katie Riedy, property manager for the Iron Ridge District. “We’re really hitting our stride of things coming together now.”

Feature Story Hazel Park

PHOTOS: How Hazel Park makes the most of murals

As our cities look to improve placemaking projects, Hazel Park's bright and beautiful murals (from bicycles to bunnies) are getting a chance to shine. 

Development News “I believe this work of art contributes to our community's identity, facilitates a sense of pride in residents, and celebrates the significant role pollinators play in our ecosystem,” says Amanda Harrison, a member of the Rochester City Council.

A celebration of public art and pollinators: New Ouizi mural goes up in Rochester

“I believe this work of art contributes to our community's identity, facilitates a sense of pride in residents, and celebrates the significant role pollinators play in our ecosystem,” says Amanda Harrison, a member of the Rochester City Council.

Development News The water slide at Dunworth Memorial Pool in Dearborn.

‘Small initiative, big impact’: Mayor waives children’s admission fees for Dearborn pools

“This is a small initiative that we believe will have a big impact,” says Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud.

Feature Story Pure Heart Foundation

Lessons learned while covering Southeast Michigan's nonprofitsThe Nonprofit Journal Project

Looking back over the stories the series has captured during the past year, project editor Sarah Williams shares three valuable takeaways about how nonprofits are serving their communities, moving forward.

Feature Story Rave

'Small but mighty' Sterling Heights computer company making its mark in a high-tech world

Some of the technology coming out of Rave Computer sounds like it belongs on futuristic film sets rather than in real life. For the auto, defense, and public sectors using the tech, however, its purpose is very tangible. The small company is proving you don't have to be a Silicon Valley giant to make a dint in the innovation world.  

Feature Story 8 Mile

5 projects along 8 Mile to bridge more than a geographical divide

A major mural, urban gardens, and a community newsletter were among the five projects recently awarded along 8 Mile Road in a bid to connect communities on both sides of the iconic marker. 

Development News Alexander Steward runs the new-look Lunch Beats at Riley Park in downtown Farmington.

Q&A with Alexander Steward, the new organizer of the Lunch Beats concert series: ‘Music brings joy’

“That's what matters most: people being able to connect with each other through music and just being able to have a reprieve from whatever's going on today, whether it's going to an evening concert or a lunchtime concert,” says Alexander Steward, who now runs the Lunch Beats concert series in downtown Farmington. “It’s about being able to have that connection and community and sharing that love of music together.“

Development News Dodge Park in Sterling Heights.

Farmers market, beer garden, and concerts in the park to welcome summer back to Sterling Heights

“It’s become a whole ‘Thursday night thing’ here,” says Tom Whittaker, program and events manager for SHRCC. “You can pick up your fruits and vegetables at the farmers market, grab a beer from us at the Upton House, and go check out the music happening across the street in the park.”

Development News The 13th annual Art on the Grand returns to downtown Farmington.

It’s art fair season: Art on the Grand returns to downtown Farmington

“Art on the Grand is a great opportunity for the community to get together and see each other. We see a lot of reunions happening on the street, which is always exciting to see,” says Rachel Timlin, cultural arts supervisor for the City of Farmington Hills. “We really hope to get a lot of people out supporting these great artists.”

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Vincent van Gogh and his artist friends make their way to the streets of downtown Farmington

“The DIA’s InsideOut program is a wonderful way for communities to be introduced to great artworks from their collection,” says Dwayne Hayes, Executive Director, KickstART Farmington.

Development News “We are excited to make this new precinct map available to the public,” says City Clerk Melanie Ryska.

New voting precincts announced in Sterling Heights, polling locations to follow

“We are excited to make this new precinct map available to the public,” says City Clerk Melanie Ryska. The new precincts will be in effect for the state primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 2.

Feature Story Pitchford Park, Macomb

Macomb Township to break ground on first dog park this summer, thanks to local family land donation

Last year Macomb Township received a land donation from the Pitchford family, which will soon be turned into the township’s first dog park, and third major park. Other planned amenities include two tennis courts, four pickleball courts, a half-mile walking path, a playscape, and a picnic area.

Feature Story Bike Dearborn

How communities are tackling Metro Detroit's biggest biking infrastructure challenges

"Every time I ride to places like Hines Drive or some of the other suburbs, there's sections of it where there is significant cycling infrastructure," says cyclist Andrew Smith, who has never had a driver's license for a motor vehicle. "But there are also significant gaps that as a cyclist make me feel like that's the border of my world."

 
Nonprofit leaders across southeast Michigan are contributing their thoughts via journal entries on how COVID-19 is affecting their organization. 
This series is made possible with the generous support of our partners, the Michigan Nonprofit Association and Co.ACT. Click here to read the journal entries.