Features

Feature Story Photo courtesy Detroit Waldorf School.

Detroit Waldorf School finishes outdoor school year

The Detroit Waldorf School, like many others, pivoted to online learning during the spring of 2020 in response to COVID-19. But, after a few months, teachers and parents decided there must be a better way.   

Innovation News A sign advertising mountain bike trails at Stony Creek.

Southeast Michigan bike and conservation groups are gearing up to celebrate National Trails Day

National Trails Day takes place the first Saturday in June. And these Southeast Michigan organizations want you to help them celebrate.

Feature Story Kart 2 Kart in Sterling Heights is now a Full Throttle Adrenaline Park.

A new name but ‘the same great faces’: Indoor entertainment center undergoes merger

“The experience will not change, but it will be enhanced,” says co-owner Tony Eckrich.

Development News Art on the Grand will feature 65 artists, the majority of which are from Michigan.

Art on the Grand puts the ‘art’ back in art fair

The annual art fair, now in its twelfth year as a stand-alone event, will bring back the art and artists to Grand River Avenue on Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and 6.

Development News “My grandmother wanted her estate to be a place where people feel welcomed,” says Lynn Ford Alandt, chairperson of the Ford House board of trustees.

With an emphasis on sustainability, the Ford House opens new visitors center, restaurant, and more

“Our goal is to weave together the Ford family legacy with 21st century technology,” says Ford House President & CEO Mark Heppner.

Feature Story A young rider takes a spin at Stony Creek Metropark.

Biking, hiking, and handcycling: Macomb County's thriving trail system attracts users of all stripes

Looking to go hiking, biking, running, or even horse riding, Macomb County probably has a trail that fits your needs.

Partner Content F-2

From maker space beginnings to international aspirations, Floyd stays rooted in DetroitModel D Explorer Series

With an emphasis on design, sustainability, and innovation, this Detroit furniture company continues its upward trajectory from its Eastern Market headquarters.

Feature Story Db-shop

Young couple starts The Dearborn Shop to promote hometown pride

“I think it's important to support the people that are your neighbors and your friends and live in the same area as you. Then that money stays in the local economy, it stays in the city, and it supports a lot more than just us,” says Lizzie DiMaria, co-founder of The Dearborn Shop.

Feature Story Patios ‘N Pints is just one of several Thursday night traditions returning June 3.

‘Thursday nights will be extremely healing for the community’ and Dodge Park is ready for it

“It provides a sense of community. Without Sterling Heights having a traditional downtown, Dodge Park is where everyone comes together,” says Troy Nowotny, recreation supervisor for Sterling Heights.

Longform From left, Tyler and Adam Pokowski, Steve Vigneau, and Wade Robbins ride the Shelden Trails at Stony Creek Metropark.

With expanding trails and engaged riders, mountain biking flourishes in Southeast Michigan

Since mountain biking first caught on here about 30 years ago, infrastructure and a community of enthusiasts have sprung up to support the sport across Southeast Michigan.

Feature Story Apartment unit managed by Ginosko Development Company

Affordable housing: What is it, where to find it, and why it’s Detroit’s next best bet

As more cities find innovative solutions to address the affordable housing crisis, is there a focus on affordable housing in Detroit? 

Feature Story Apartment unit managed by Ginosko Development Company

Affordable housing: What is it, where to find it, and why it’s Detroit’s next best bet

As more cities find innovative solutions to address the affordable housing crisis, is there a focus on affordable housing in Detroit? 

Feature Story Ariell Jones works the bar. Coriander Kitchen and Farm. Photo by Nick Hagen

Rooted and rising: Coriander Kitchen and Farm

The relationship between Coriander Kitchen and The Coriander Farm is the equivalent to co-owners Alison Heeres and Gwen Meyer’s personal relationship — a symbiotic friendship

Development News Tails and Tales, which is free and open to the public, begins Monday, June 7, and runs through Saturday, August 7.

Summer reading program to feature animal-themed stories, classes, and events in Sterling Heights

Library officials stress that the summer reading program provides children consistency in reading and learning, something that is especially important due to the COVID-19 pandemic and interrupted school schedules.

Development News The Lincoln Park Farmers Market 2021 season begins Sunday, June 6.

After a tough 2020, Lincoln Park Farmers Market to bring back weekly markets in 2021

“We’re seeing more people and more new people wanting to be vendors this year. I think with the pandemic, people are getting interested in growing their own food and starting new businesses,” says Leslie Lynch-Wilson.

Feature Story Michigan Congressional Districts. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Metro Detroit nonprofits aim to get community voices into redistricting process

The process of redrawing Michigan's electoral districts will look very different this year after Michigan voters approved the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, a bipartisan body that will draw Michigan's electoral maps instead of the state legislature. The decisions will rely heavily on public input – and a coalition of Metro Detroit activists is working to ensure that area residents have their say.

Development News While it’s too early to say exactly when, co-owner Rick LeAnnais estimates a July opening.

‘A record store is a destination store’: Dearborn Music to open second shop in downtown Farmington

Dearborn Music will be opening its new location in the old Dressbarn store in Farmington this summer. While it’s too early to say exactly when, co-owner Rick LeAnnais estimates a July opening.

Feature Story Markita Moore and bike on Livernois Photo by David Lewinski.

Metro Detroit's bike infrastructure is growing. Here’s how.

For Markita Moore, bicycling around during the pandemic has taken some getting used to. But the challenges of COVID-19 haven't stopped her from taking her LeMond Versailles road bike out for a spin whenever she gets the chance. 

 
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.