East Side

Fresh paint and new lighting makes it easier to use all parts of the Boys & Girls Clubs facility on the Middlegrounds Island.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region gets a fresh look

The Boys & Girls Clubs Great Lakes Bay Region has served young people in the Bay City area for 67 years. Recently, the club made improvements to its Bay City facility on Lafayette Avenue.

A study, titled "Where the River Meets the Bay," calls for transforming the former Dan E. Karn Generating Plant site into a public parks featuring outdoor recreation areas, natural habitat, mixed-use development, and a clean energy complex.
Study draws a picture of the possibilities at the former Karn site in Hampton Township

A comprehensive study, titled "Where the River Meets the Bay," calls for transforming the former Dan E. Karn Generating Plant site into a public space featuring outdoor recreation areas, natural habitat, mixed-use development, and a clean energy complex.

Graphic courtesy of Bay Area Energize
Bay Area Energize celebrates 15 years of helping young professionals launch careers

Bay Area Energize, a program of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, celebrates its 15th anniversary. This networking organization fosters personal and professional growth, community engagement, and lifelong friendships among professionals under 40.  

One mural adorns the wall at Unclaimed Freight Ace Hardware, 706 E. Midland St.
New murals in Bay City add a splash of color to the community

A summer festival rallied volunteers and artists to create three murals on the sides of buildings in two Bay City neighborhoods.   

Films may take center stage during the Hell's Half Mile Film and Music Festival, but live bands are an important part of the annual event.
Independent films and live music take center stage during the Hell’s Half Mile Film & Music Festival

The Hell's Half Mile Film & Music Festival begins Thurs., Sept. 26 and ends Sun., Sept. 29.

Non-profits can apply for loans from the Bay Area Community Foundation.
Bay Area Community Foundation to honor three people for their legacy of giving and leadership

In September, Bob and Joyce Hetzler and Cathy Washabaugh will be awarded the Peggy Rowley Community Enrichment Award. The honor recognizes their volunteer efforts to uplift Bay County.  

The Historic Sage Branch of the Bay County Library System will host a 50th anniversary celebration on Thurs., Sept. 19.
Happy Birthday! This month the Bay County Library System celebrates 50 years

Fifty years ago, five separate libraries in Bay County united to form one county-wide system. This month, the Bay County Library System celebrates its 50th anniversary with a series of events.

Members of the Youth Advisory Committee are among the volunteers helping the United Way of County with its annual Helen Wirt Lee Back 2 School program.
Youth Advisory Committee empowers teens to change their community for the better

Members of the Youth Advisory Committee – a program of the Bay Area Community Foundation – have identified adolescent mental health and first aid awareness as priority areas for funding. For 30 years, YAC has helped teens fund programs to help their peers.

While fishing isn't necessarily a spectator sport, fans do gather to see the boats launch and come in. They also take advantage of the opportunity to talk to the professionals.
Fishing tournaments reel in dollars, tourism, and community engagement for the region

Smallmouth and largemouth bass aren’t the only things national fishing tournaments are reeling into the Great Lakes Bay Region. Bay City, Midland, and Saginaw also saw hundreds of people and nearly a million dollars come into the area from direct spending of participants and tourists from these annual events.

Hundreds of pieces of public art in region give our communities cultural, social, and economic value.
Public Art Passport highlights hidden art in open spaces

Explore the region with a new perspective with the help of the Public Art Passport. The passport guides visitors and residents to where they can find local art. It also shares the stories behind the pieces.  

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