Community Development

The 2025 Friends of the Bay County Library System is set for July 31-Aug. 2

Annual book sale is a page-turning opportunity to support your community

Your next great read (or ten great reads) await at the 2025 Friends of the Bay County Library System Book Sale, set for July 31-Aug. 2.   

Latest in Community Development
Nine Bay County high school seniors volunteered more than 400 hours during their high school careers, earning the Youth Changemaker Award, part of the Governor’s Youth Service Awards.
Nine graduating seniors earn accolades for their volunteer work during high school

The Michigan Governor Youth Service Awards acknowledge Michigan youth for their achievements and encourages youth to engage in a lifetime of service.

Great White will take the stage at the Labadie Rib Fest on Fri., July 25, as part of a four-day music and BBQ celebration.
Labadie Rib Fest returns, bringing barbecue, music, and more, to Veterans Park this summer

The Labadie Rib Fest takes place in Veterans Memorial Park on Bay City’s West Side from July 24 through 27.  

Behind the badge: A ride-along reveals the humanity in policing

A firsthand police ride-along with Officer Lance Beyerle unveils real compassion, everyday challenges, and community commitment in Midland’s law enforcement.

The Summer Art Fair runs Saturday-Sunday, June 3-4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Midland’s summer favorites set to return with art, music and family fun

Midland’s beloved summer traditions are gearing up for their return, with a full slate of outdoor events planned to bring art, music, and family fun back to the heart of downtown.

Midland Abilities Parade returns May 17 to celebrate inclusion and accessibility

The Abilities Parade returns May 17, celebrating inclusion, accessibility, and community through art, activities, resources, and family-friendly fun.

Cailey Brown
Quiet work with loud impact: Meet Cailey Brown

Cailey Brown reflects on her journey into child advocacy, the weight of forensic interviewing, and finding purpose through healing work.

Give Local Bay 2025 raised more than $200,000 for 62 local funds supporting nonprofits.
Bay Commitment Scholarship opens doors for first-generation college students

The Bay Area Community Foundation's Bay Commitment Scholarship Program has been a vital resource for first-generation college students in the Bay and Arenac counties since 2008, providing both financial assistance and crucial mentoring and support.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region set up an informational table at a recent Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Eye Opener Breakfast.
More than 60 kids are waiting for mentors in the Great Lakes Bay Region

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region needs adult volunteers to serve as mentors to at-risk kids in the area. The program makes a big difference in the lives of kids.

AAoM NAT Conference vendors include autistic artists and entrepreneurs.
Beyond awareness, autism acceptance affirms neurodiversity and improves lives

The Autism Alliance of Michigan and other advocates for autistic people are working hard to move from raising autism awareness to fostering autism acceptance. 

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