West Side

Handmade quilts, blankets, and pillowcases are gifted to every child entering foster care in Bay County. Rayola volunteers make the quilts.

Care packs and quilts bring comfort to kids entering foster care

A West Branch-based volunteer organization is providing care packages containing necessities and comfort items to kids in foster care in 15 counties including Bay. A Euchre Night fundraiser is planned for later this month in Pinconning.

For 20 years, churches and volunteers have served nutritious meals to people on Bay City’s West Side

As the Bay City Food of Faith-West program celebrates its 20th anniversary, demand for the meals has never been greater.

Career Center students are building their career readiness while collecting paychecks

A Work-Based Learning program at the Bay-Arenac Career Center puts students in professional roles throughout the community. The annual Career Center Open House is set for Thurs., Feb. 16.  

The waters near Bay City are developing a reputation for quality among fishermen.
The world cup of bass fishing swims into Bay City this summer

The top bass fishermen in the world have set their sights on Bay City's waters. Two major bass fishing tournaments are set to take place here this summer.

The Literacy Council provides the training and tools needed to work with children or adults.
Imagination Library needs your help

After 18 years of sending free books to thousands of children in Bay and Arenac counties, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library needs community help to write a new chapter for the program.

In 2021, the Bay Area Community Foundation is providing grants to offset some of the expenses associated with hiring child care workers.
Bridging the child-care gap is a high-stakes concern for families and employers

A shortage of child-care in the Great Lakes Bay Region has a significant impact on the local economy and our ability to attract and retain talent.

Leopard Print Books is housed within The Vintage Greenhouse at 925 N. Water St. The Banned Book Club meets at coffee shops in Bay City, Midland, and Saginaw. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Veitengruber)
New book club commits to reading banned and challenged books every month

Community connection, cohesion, and cultural awareness are all goals of Leopard Print Books’ proprietress, Andrea Richmond, and the newly-formed Banned Book Club.

Welding is an in-demand career, prompting the Bay-Arenac ISD to offer training programs for adults and high school students.
A week in the life of a student at the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center

Brady Falardeau, a senior at Bay City Central High School, spends several days a week in the Marketing & Management program at the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center. Here, he provides a glimpse into his typical week.

Whether you’re skating, sledding, shopping, or building snowmen, there’s nothing like a hot cup of Joe to warm you back up on a cold Michigan day. (Photo courtesy of Populace Coffee)
No matter how you take your coffee, there’s always a tasty cup waiting for you in Bay City

Bay City's coffee shops offer warm beverages and fresh baked goods alongside poetry readings and live musical performances. 

Jan VanNostrand, at right, leads the group of crafters. People of all skill levels are welcome at the Tuesday morning meetings.
Crafters group at the library is a tight-knit bunch spinning a warmer winter for many

Knitters and crocheters meet inside three Bay County Library System branches to share tips, tricks, and enjoy each other’s company  

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