Historic STEM Partnership Launches Across GLB.

Happy Monday, Insiders! September is wrapping up with some beautiful fall weather and exciting community celebrations across our tri-county region. As we step into October, there's so much happening that brings our neighborhoods together.

In This Edition:

• Historic STEM education partnership launches across eight counties

• Midland Humane Society celebrates new Play Yard with community open house

• Neighboring Week kicks off with special events throughout Midland

• Local businesses spotlight: discovering hidden gems in our region

• Fall festivals and entertainment coming this week

Historic STEM Partnership Launches Across Great Lakes Bay Region

A groundbreaking $269,000 initiative between the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance, Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District, and Hemlock Semiconductor officially launched this week to boost STEM education for up to 10,000 PreK-12 students. The partnership, supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and MiSTEM Network, spans eight counties including Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw.

Key highlights include:

• Focus on advanced manufacturing career exposure

• Collaboration with mobile museums from Midland Center for the Arts

• Support from Central Michigan University and Saginaw Valley State University

• Industry partnerships with Mid-Michigan Manufacturers Association

BAISD Superintendent Shelly DuCharme announced the goal of becoming "one of the nation's leading PreK-12 educational institutions in advanced manufacturing programming." Activities begin this academic year with classroom programs, museum partnerships, and community STEM events.

Click Here: Learn more about the STEM partnership initiative! https://www.michiganbusiness.org/press-releases/2025/09/stem-career-exposure/

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The Midland Humane Society is celebrating a major milestone today with the grand opening celebration and open house for their new Play Yard facility. This additional outdoor space represents months of community fundraising and volunteer efforts to enhance the lives of shelter animals awaiting their forever homes.

The new Play Yard provides crucial exercise and socialization opportunities for dogs of all sizes, featuring separate areas for different activity levels and temperaments. Visitors to today's open house can tour the facility, meet adoptable pets, and learn about volunteer opportunities. The celebration includes refreshments, adoption specials, and educational presentations about responsible pet ownership.

This expansion reflects the Midland community's commitment to animal welfare and represents a significant investment in providing the best possible care for homeless pets. The Play Yard will be operational daily, giving both staff and volunteers new tools to help animals stay healthy and happy during their shelter stay.

Click Here: Visit the Midland Humane Society website! https://www.midlandhumane.org

The Chippewa Nature Center has completed exciting enhancements to their Woods Nature Play Area, creating an even more engaging outdoor learning environment for families. The improved space features natural playground elements that encourage creative play while connecting children with nature in hands-on ways.

New additions include climbing logs, balance beams made from fallen trees, and designated digging areas where kids can explore and discover. The enhancements maintain the center's philosophy of unstructured, nature-based play that builds confidence and environmental stewardship. Families can access the play area during regular center hours, and it's become a popular destination for homeschool groups and preschool field trips.

The improvements were funded through grants and community donations, demonstrating ongoing support for nature education in our region. The Woods Nature Play Area complements the center's extensive trail system and educational programming, making it a complete destination for outdoor family fun.

Click Here: Explore Chippewa Nature Center programs! https://www.chippewanaturecenter.org

Midland is celebrating Neighboring Week with a series of community-building events designed to strengthen connections between residents across different neighborhoods. The week-long celebration includes block parties, community service projects, and social gatherings that encourage neighbors to meet and collaborate on local initiatives.

Participating neighborhoods are hosting everything from potluck dinners to neighborhood clean-up days. The Midland Neighbor Chase Scavenger Hunt, which began September 22 and continues through October 5, serves as a cornerstone activity encouraging residents to explore different areas of the city while completing community-building challenges.

Local businesses are supporting Neighboring Week with special offers for residents who participate in activities with their neighbors. The initiative aims to build lasting relationships and create stronger, more connected communities throughout Midland. Organizers report enthusiastic participation and are already planning to make Neighboring Week an annual tradition.

Click Here: Learn about Neighboring Week activities! https://catalystmidland.com/midland-neighbors-come-together-for-a-week-of-fun-connection-and-community/

Saginaw County schools are benefiting from the new STEM partnership, with several districts already implementing advanced manufacturing curriculum components. Local manufacturers are partnering with schools to provide real-world learning experiences and career pathway information for students interested in technical fields.

The initiative includes mobile museum visits, hands-on workshops, and mentorship programs connecting students with industry professionals. This comprehensive approach aims to prepare students for high-demand careers while strengthening the local workforce pipeline.

Bay County continues to see positive momentum in community development projects, with several neighborhoods organizing improvement initiatives as part of broader regional collaboration efforts. Local organizations are working together to enhance recreational facilities and support small business growth throughout the county.

Here's what's happening September 30 - October 6:

Tuesday, October 1

• Fall Farmers Market at Midland City Hall (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

• Saginaw Art Museum Evening Gallery Walk (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)

Wednesday, October 2

• Bay City Commission Meeting (7:00 PM, City Hall)

• Midland Public Library Author Series (7:00 PM)

Thursday, October 3

• Great Lakes Bay Regional Blood Drive (Bay City Community Center, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

Friday, October 4

• Downtown Saginaw First Friday Art Walk (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

Reminder: Stay tuned for our Wednesday edition for the complete weekend events lineup!

• Saginaw Valley State Cardinals Football vs. Northwood | Saturday, 1:00 PM | Wickes Stadium

• Bay City Western Warriors Homecoming Game | Friday, 7:00 PM | Veterans Memorial Stadium

• Midland High School Cross Country Tri-County Championship | Saturday, 9:00 AM | Stratford Woods Park

• Apple Fest at Live Oak Coffeehouse | Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Local cider tastings, apple-themed treats, and acoustic music

• Fall Festival at Immanuel Lutheran Church | Midland, Saturday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and community lunch

• Saginaw Children's Zoo Fall Fun Days | Daily through October 6 | Special autumn activities and educational programs

• Midland Center for the Arts: "The Music Man" continues through October 6 | Friday-Saturday 8:00 PM, Sunday 2:00 PM

• Creative 360 Poetry Night | Thursday, October 3, 7:00 PM | Open mic welcomes local poets and storytellers

• Bay City Players presents "Our Town" | Friday-Saturday 8:00 PM, Sunday 3:00 PM

• Comedy Night at State Theatre Bay City | Friday, 8:00 PM | Featuring Michigan comedians and special guests

• Mysteries of the Midland Historic Museum | Saturday, 7:00 PM | Interactive ghost tour and historical presentation

• St. Laurent Brothers Brewing Oktoberfest Celebration | Saturday 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM | German food, live polka music, and craft beer specials

Live Music This Week:

• Tuesday: Jazz Night at Live Oak Coffeehouse (7:00 PM) - Local jazz trio with coffee and dessert specials

• Wednesday: Open Mic at The Union Tap & Grill, Saginaw (8:00 PM) - Bring your instruments or just enjoy the talent

• Thursday: "Sunset Sessions" at Salt Spring Ice Cream, Midland (6:00 PM) - Acoustic performances on the patio

• Saturday: Fall Concert Series at Dow Gardens (2:00 PM) - Classical ensemble performs among the autumn colors

• Sunday: Community Choir Performance at First Presbyterian Church, Bay City (4:00 PM) - FREE concert featuring seasonal favorites

That's a wrap on this beautiful September Monday, Insiders! October is shaping up to be fantastic with so many ways to connect with our amazing Great Lakes Bay community. Whether you're exploring a new neighborhood during the scavenger hunt, supporting our shelter animals, or discovering your new favorite local business, there's something special waiting for everyone this week.

Got a community story or event we should know about? Email us at [email protected] - we love hearing from our neighbors!