Features

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.”

Development News X

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."

Feature Story X

Networking opportunities abound with reinvigorated Metro Detroit Young Professionals group

After the group was on pause due to COVID-19, the Metro Detroit Young Professionals, run by the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce, is back to hosting events. The Young Professionals group is an opportunity for community members aged 21 through 40 to make connections.

Development News The new Forgotten Harvest distribution center is located at 15000 W. Eight Mile Rd. in Oak Park.

Forgotten Harvest to celebrate new Oak Park distribution center with community open house

“We’re thrilled to have such increased capacity at our new building to help thousands more people,” says Forgotten Harvest CEO Kirk Mayes.

Development News X

Women’s boutique and spa finds room to grow with new location in downtown Farmington

“We’ve seen an increase in foot traffic just in the last 30 days,” says Kelly Freeman, who co-owns All About Women’s Health Boutique & Spa with her cousin Mariam Searcy.

Feature Story Frame, Bar, Hazel Park

Dining Destination: Michigan's first cannabis lounge part of a bigger movement in Hazel Park's scene

Nowfal Akash is proud of what he and his team have done with the John R. Road location for the new Hot Box Social cannabis lounge in Hazel Park: "It's part of the community now, it feels like it's been there forever." Biba Adams dives into the foodie scene there, from Frame movie pairings to city policy changes, to find out how it's evolving.

Development News Farmington’s award-winning social district, The Syndicate, opened in January 2021.

Farmington’s social district a winner at this year’s Main Street Awards in Oakland County

The award recognizes Farmington’s The Syndicate as the best practice for designing and implementing social districts in communities throughout the state, says John Bry, program coordinator of Main Street Oakland County.

Development News LMP Collective Studios & Coworking celebrates its grand opening with an open house on Friday, May 13.

Creative coworking space and photography studio to celebrate grand opening in downtown Pontiac

“I’m really proud to be doing this in Pontiac,” says Brandon Still, co-owner of LMP Collective Studios & Coworking.

Feature Story Chef Omar Anani at Saffron De Twah.

Make food, not waste: 30 Metro Detroit food businesses to lead the U.S. in sustainability pledge

In the food business, less is more. These 16 Metro Detroit food businesses have already started leading the country in a sustainability movement boasting economic, environmental, and community benefits. They're looking for more to join them.

Feature Story SPJ awards

Metromode and Model D recognized for excellence in journalism in Detroit awards

Our team received multiple awards this week in the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Detroit’s 2022 Excellence in Journalism awards, with 13 journalists and photographers making the finalist list for their work in the past year. Journalist Mike Galbraith won for his innovative Instagram strategy in a series, while Nick Hagen and David Lewinski took out first place for their portrait and feature photography.

Feature Story April Boyle

'Hustling for the hustlers': Meet the woman uplifting innovative talent in Sterling Heights

In the last 10 years, April Boyle has founded Detroit's Build Institute, established restaurants, raised a family, and even opened for the B-52s in an all-mom rock group. Now, she's set her sights on igniting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Macomb County. It's easy to see why we should all be watching what she does next.

Feature Story Cyclists cross a bridge at George George Park.

Despite false starts, Macomb Parks are forging ahead with big spring plans

With new developments on the way, visitors will soon have even more great reasons to check out a variety of Macomb County Parks.

Feature Story X

Sterling Heights makes way for more butterflies and more trees (and public art, too)

“We don't just want to be another vanilla municipality in a sea of suburban cities throughout metro Detroit,” says Mayor Michael C. Taylor. “We want to stand out and we want our residents to be proud that they live here.”

 
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.