East Side

Jim Reha, at left, and Keith Markstrom, at right, explain how the Veterans Workshop and Learning Center is trying to meet the needs of veterans.

Veterans finding community and help at a Downtown Bay City workshop and learning center

The Veterans Workshop & Learning Center in Downtown Bay City is making an impact on the lives of those who served our country. The center offers classes, speakers, mental wellness support, and social opportunities.

Before- and after-school care programs give parents peace of mind while providing kids with nutritious snacks, homework help, and time for play. The United Way of Bay County helps fund two Bay County programs.
Before- and after-school programs nurture mental and physical development

Before- and after-school care programs provide kids with a safe environment alongside homework help and fun activities. 

A fitness obstacle course was added to Maplewood Park on Bay City's East Side.
Maplewood Park revitalization creates a community hub for a Downtown Bay City neighborhood

The Maplewood Park Sports Complex in Bay City is undergoing a major transformation, evolving into a vibrant community hub that fosters neighborhood revitalization and provide new opportunities for underserved residents.

The 2024 ALICE Report stresses that rising costs for child care and health care make it increasingly tough for families to break the cycle of financial hardship, and calls for more targeted support to address these disparities.
Latest ALICE Report highlights the financial hardships facing nearly half of Bay County families

The 2024 ALICE Report includes a special section on families with children. Children growing up in homes facing financial difficulties often don’t have the stability needed for healthy development.  

Pippa, a certified therapy dog, spends her days at Bay City Central High School alongside social worker Kati Loiselle. Pippa provides emotional support and other services for students and staff at the school.
Golden Girl: Pippa wags her tail and brightens spirits at Bay City Central High School

Pippa, a Golden Retriever certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, comes to Bay City Central High School alongside social worker Kati Loiselle. Together, they provide emotional support, assist with behavior intervention, promote social skills, and enhance the overall school climate.

Great Lakes Bay Health Centers recently announced plans for a new one-stop facility in Uptown Bay City.
Great Lakes Bay Health Centers is consolidating buildings and expanding services in Bay City

Great Lakes Bay Health Centers – a non-profit organization providing health care to people who are underserved, uninsured, or underinsured – is consolidating its Bay County services in one building.

Bay Area Chamber of Commerce to host Civics Bee

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan civics competition next spring. Local students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades will have the chance to enter the competition.

Neighbors Natural Wine and Bottle Shop, which serves all-natural beverages and hand-crafted food, opened in mid-September in Downtown Bay City.
Natural Wines on the menu at Bay City’s newest wine bar, Neighbors

Neighbors Natural Wine and Bottle Shop, which serves all-natural beverages and hand-crafted food, opened in mid-September in Downtown Bay City.  

Social media can improve our connection to people from far away, but it also can lead to unrealistic expectations.
13 social media accounts that love Bay County

Discover the beauty of Bay County on these 13 social media accounts that uplift our community.

Fall colors are beginning to creep into trees growing near the Saginaw Bay.
From orchards and fall colors to a haunted ship, the Great Lakes Bay Region celebrates fall

Whether you're seeking spooky thrills, family-friendly fun, or the beauty of autumn's changing leaves, you'll find it in Bay County this fall. 

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