Author

Denyse Shannon

As a feature writer and freelance journalist, Denyse Shannon has written professionally for over two and a half decades. She has worked as a contractor for daily and weekly newspapers, national and local magazines, and taught introductory media writing at her alma mater – Central Michigan University. She also holds a Master of Arts in journalism from Michigan State University. She and her husband live in Bangor Township and enjoy sailing on the Bay, and are avid cyclists.

Denyse Shannon's Latest Articles

Food of Faith began as a once-a-month meal. Today, Food of Faith volunteers serve the meals every Thursday and Sunday.
Food of Faith ministry builds community for volunteers as much as it does for the recipients

For over a decade, local churches have worked together to serve free meals to anyone who needs one every Thursday and Sunday.  

For years during Sundays in the City, free carriage rides step off from outside the State Theatre of Bay City, 913 Washington Ave. This group enjoyed a ride in 2020.
Tours of light displays and cross-country skiing trips add socially-distant fun to the holidays

Outdoor light displays and sing-alongs help make the holidays festive while still following health departments guidelines for slowing the spread of COVID-19.

In the workplace, a culture of secrecy surrounding mental health can compound human resource and insurance policy issues, making it difficult for individuals living with mental illness to get the support they need to do their jobs.
Virtual college fair connects high school students with services they need now to get ready for fall

The Bay Area Community Foundation partnered with the Bay-Arenac ISD to provide a Dec. 15 virtual career and college fair for high school juniors and seniors.  

Kevin Novellino, who owns Brooklyn Boyz, says he was expecting indoor dining to be banned, so he's ready to switch to takeout and delivery meals.
Local restaurants will pause indoor dining, but step up delivery and pickup services

The owners of Brooklyn Boyz, VNOs, Uptown Grill and Vinnie's Stockpot in Bay City discuss their plans during the three-week pause on indoor dining at Michigan's restaurants.  

The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy is planting flowers on vacant lots to make maintenance easier and encourage developers to consider the properties.
Land Conservancy brings blight prevention pilot program to three vacant lots in Bay City

The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy partnered with the Bay County Treasurer to plant flower seeds on vacant lots in the city, discouraging blight and encouraging developers.

The 2025 Friends of the Bay County Library System is set for July 31-Aug. 2
Auburn librarian receives statewide kudos for her work with youth

The children's librarian in Auburn is attracting statewide attention for her work, which has lead to an 84% increase in the number of people using the library.  

Bay County’s libraries are connecting people with books, computers, and the internet

The Bay County Library System is taking responsibility for making sure computers and internet are available to everyone in the community.

The Third Street Waterfall Park is the site of photo opportunities, summer concerts, and now a memorial to Annie Edson Taylor, a Bay City teacher who was the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
More than a century ago, a Bay City teacher chased her dreams over the edge of Niagara Falls

A mural and a plaque now recognize Anne Edson Taylor, the Bay City teacher who became the first person to successfully plummet over Niagara Falls in a barrel.  

The United Way of Bay County is more than a fundraising agency. It also sponsors community-wide events, such as the Day of Caring and Wenonah Park Cleanup. (Photo courtesy of the United Way of Bay County)
Miss Michigan Mallory Rivard heads up United Way of Bay County’s 2020 campaign

The goal of the United Way of Bay County's 2020 campaign goal is to increase the number of donors.  

An Olympic bobsled prototype created in Bay City was tested in Lake Placid, N.Y., last winter.
Bay City company meets an Olympic-size challenge

Gougeon Brothers and the Saginaw Bay Community Sailing Association are lending a hand to the U.S. Olympic Bobsled/Skeleton team.

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