Features

Development News A shot of Dow Gardens by Charles Bonham,

Explore winter beauty and traditions past at Dow Gardens

Dow Gardens welcomes visitors with festive lights, carolers, and educational tours, creating a joyful, nature-inspired holiday experience this December.

Feature Story Holiday Recharge

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.

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.

In The News Participants gather for the Jingle Bell Fun Run/Walk

Midland Downtown launches the holiday season with festive lineup

From fun runs to shopping deals, Midland Downtown's December events offer festive fun for all ages this holiday season.

In The News Lodewyk was crowned Miss Bay County in 2023, Miss Michigan in 2024, and will vie for the 2025 Miss America crown.

Bay County cheers as one of its own, Miss Michigan Jenae Lodewyk, heads to the Miss America Pageant

Jenae Lodewyk, Miss Michigan 2024 and Miss Bay County 2023, receives hometown support as she prepares to compete for Miss America 2025. No matter what crown she wears, Lodewyk remains passionate about serving her hometown.

Development News Brandon Munsey

Meet Brandon Munsey

Meet Brandon Munsey, a sales consultant at Feeny Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Midland who has brought his unique skills and community spirit to the automotive industry.

Feature Story Straight No Chaser performs a Christmas mash-up during their sold-out show at Midland Center for the Arts on Nov. 30, 2024

Straight No Chaser performs sold-out show at Midland Center for the Arts

Cappella group Straight No Chaser Brings energy, humor, and holiday spirit to Midland Center for the Arts

Feature Story Santa House

Here Comes Santa Claus: Accessible and magical holiday fun in Downtown Midland

Santa House in Midland offers magical, inclusive holiday experiences with professional Santas, sensory-friendly nights, a train ride, and volunteer opportunities.

Innovation News Brandon Morey

Meet Brandon Morey, owner of Iron Dame Baked Goods and Crêpes Et Amis

Entrepreneur Brandon Morey builds community in Midland through Iron Dame and Crêpes Et Amis, offering unique, high-quality foods and aiming to expand.

Development News ShelterHouse

Midland thrift stores offer holiday savings and community support

Make your holiday shopping meaningful this year by visiting Midland’s thrift stores. You’ll find gifts with heart while making an impact that lasts beyond the season.

Feature Story There are 200 students in South Sudan who are learning literacy skills, provided by five volunteer teachers. 

Grassroots Initiative Network provides literacy education; a life of opportunity to refugees

South Sudan native, Rieek Nyoach and current Midland resident has expanded Grassroots Initiative Network to Midland. The organization works with volunteer teachers to provide basic education to rural areas and vulnerable populations who have no access to education.

Feature Story Giving back

Giving back in a big way this holiday season

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, now is the time to think about giving. Learn what you can do to help support your community during this time of the year. 

Feature Story Michigan’s hospitals and community mental health agencies collaborate to ensure all of a patient's health care needs are met.

Michigan hospitals and community mental health agencies collaborate for whole-person care

With support from the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, many of Michigan’s hospitals and community mental health (CMH) agencies are collaborating to ensure all health care needs for patients are met.

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.

Innovation News Skylyr Zink

Cross county connections: Meet Skylyr Zink

Skylyr Zink shares his unique perspective on the evolving landscape of postsecondary education, the challenges and opportunities of working in small-town America, and his passion for supporting the next generation.

In The News The Center is celebrating this milestone with a community event on Sunday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Greater Midland Community Center celebrates with community event and giveaways

Celebrating a new chapter: Greater Midland Community Center opens parking lot, offering giveaways and exciting prizes to thank community supporters.

Development News Donny Winter

Poet and activist Donny Winter brings depth and diversity to Midland’s literary scene

Donny Winter’s journey as a poet, educator, and advocate amplifies marginalized voices and enriches Midland’s artistic community.

Feature Story Items used in the nurse tributes are the Nightingale Lamp used by Florence Nightingale to check on her patients, a white rose symbolizing the nurse’s dedication, and a triangle chimed alternately with the nurse’s name.

Michigan Tri-City Nurse Honor Guard: A new tribute Honors nurses’ lifetime of care in the Great Lake

Honoring nurses' dedication, the Michigan Tri-City Nurse Honor Guard provides a unique memorial service, celebrating caregivers' impact and commitment.

Feature Story Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership, works to collaborate and proactively improve mental health for all residents in the region.

Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership works to break down barriers to mental health care

The Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership supports mental health through community education, stigma reduction, and partnerships, offering training programs and resources to improve access and care quality.