Features

Feature Story Audra Pieknik. Courtesy photo.

The Art Experience in Pontiac offers community opportunities to explore, create and healThe Nonprofit Journal Project

Since the pandemic, so many people have experienced loss, grief, and trauma and the use of art therapy can bring comfort and healing. I believe our organization provides a very accessible way for our community as a whole to work toward mental health and overall well-being.

Development News Riding a Biking at Lower Huron Metropark.

New Iron Belle Trail extension will help connect Belleville with Lower Huron Metropark

Riding a bike from Belleville to Lower Huron Metropark is about to get a whole lot easier.

Feature Story Mark Robey knows first-hand the pressures students face balancing studies and external responsibilities.

How a free community college program for COVID-19 frontliners is evolving

When COVID-19 hit, Mark Robey lost his job in an industry he had worked in for 40 years. With an initiative to support frontline workers through community college, however, he is one of 120,000 Michiganders heading back to school. 

Development News The historic Farmington State Savings Bank building

Farmington receives national accreditation in downtown development efforts

“During a challenging year, our Main Street communities worked tirelessly to ensure their downtowns and commercial districts remained open, vital and vibrant for their residents and visitors,” says Oakland County Executive David Coulter.

Development News Inside Villa Penna, the site of this year’s “Puttin’ on the Ritz” Gala

Sterling Heights to honor its healthcare workers at annual gala

“These thousands of hometown health care heroes we recognize are our neighbors, friends and acquaintances who represent the very best in our communities caring for everyone,” says Karl G. Oskoian, executive director and President Emeritus of the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation.

Development News The award-winning East Residence Hall on LTU’s Southfield campus

New residence hall on LTU campus wins architecture award

“We are honored to be recognized by the AIA for our newest residence hall, a building that combines sustainability features, a striking, modern appearance, and a sense of true community and belonging for our students,” says Virinder Moudgil, president of Lawrence Technological University.

Development News Image promoting the Metropark Express transit service at Lake St. Clair Metropark.

New pilot program will soon offer public transit access to Lake St. Clair Metropark

Access to a Southeast Michigan Metropark will soon be a lot easier for many people, thanks to a new public transit partnership.

Development News Dearborn Music has been drumming up anticipation for their new Farmington location with appearances at the Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market this summer.

Dearborn Music to open new record store in downtown Farmington this week

“We like thinking that we're a fun shop to go to. We don't just have music. We have music, pop culture gifts and t-shirts; we have family-oriented games,” co-owner Rick LeAnnais said. “We like to think that we’re a great destination for all things entertainment, just in general.”

Longform A camper returns from a Detroit Outdoors camping trip to Pictured Rocks.

Southeast Michigan's parks work to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive for all residents

Outdoor recreation professionals across our region have focused more attention on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and begun thinking about them in new ways, in recent years.

Development News Inside the new Red Hook cafe and bakery on Jefferson Ave.

The Red Hook cafe and bakery celebrates opening on the Dennis Archer Greenway

“We love the new location. We’re close enough to the other shops but not too close. And we love how close to the greenway and riverfront we are. It just seemed like a natural progression,” owner Sandi Heaselgrave says.

Longform Friends of the St. Clair River volunteers Barb Ford (left) and Chris Danner remove nightshade along the Blue Water River Walk in Port Huron.

Here's how an army of volunteers plays a crucial role in improving Southeast Michigan parks

Numerous volunteers help maintain, program, and advocate for parks and trails throughout the region.

Feature Story Don Murray picks up some bait.

Fishing pros and local anglers alike are flocking to Lake St. Clair

Lake St. Clair has a reputation as a top-notch fishing location, and people  near and far are taking notice.

Feature Story “I feel like now, as I go through college, I'm appreciating the POP project more and more for what it prepared me for,” says POP Design Team alum Amar Haidar.

Dearborn public art project teaches students lessons about art and life

“I feel like now, as I go through college, I'm appreciating the POP project more and more for what it prepared me for,” says POP Design Team alum Amar Haidar.

Development News A scene from the NW Goldberg neighborhood in Detroit, a participating site for the Inside|Out program from the DIA.

Detroit Institute of Arts seeks submissions for its Inside|Out program

The Detroit Institute of Arts is seeking out communities in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties interested in participating in their Inside|Out program for the 2022 season.

Longform Garage

Garage Cultural elevates community and culture in Southwest DetroitModel D Explorer Series

“We want to elevate the idea that the people that have been here for a really long time matter, and their stories need to be elevated and respected as new populations come in,” says Amelia Duran, co-directora for Garage Cultural.

Development News A scene from the 2018 Harvest Moon Celebration in downtown Farmington.

Harvest Moon Celebration to return to downtown Farmington this September

“We are thrilled to have our favorite Fall event return this year,” says Jessica Westendorf, promotions coordinator for the Farmington DDA. “After pausing in 2020, it will make the bonfires, twinkle lights, live music and beer extra special.”

Development News Nominations are open for the 14th annual Diversity Distinction Awards.

Sterling Heights seeks champions of diversity for annual awards ceremony

“As a committee, we recognize that community members do so much to further understanding and respect among the many cultures and ethnicities that call the city of Sterling Heights home,” Ethnic Community Committee Chairperson Carmen Williams said in a release.

Development News The restaurant hosted pop-ups this past winter, selling hand pies like the Pork & Pickle and Chicken Tikka Marsala.

European-style café, bar, and bistro to open in downtown Northville

The restaurant’s name, Toria, is a nod to downtown Northville’s Victorian-era heritage

Partner Content Walsh's Online MBA Retains Tier One Ranking for Third Year

Walsh's Online MBA Retains Tier One Ranking for Third Year

For the third consecutive year, Walsh’s online MBA program has been ranked a Tier One Global Online MBA by CEO Magazine. Walsh earned the highest ranking of three Michigan schools on the list.

 
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.