On Friday, November 15, the Max Loves Midland Navigation Team met to tackle a critical topic affecting families, businesses, and the community: childcare infrastructure and policy. Local and regional experts gathered to share insights into the challenges and opportunities within this space, sparking discussions and collaborative problem-solving among attendees.
Read MoreWe live in a lonely era. For as connected as our society seems on the surface, deep and meaningful relationships seem to be on the decline. Many relationships are fostered through social media and texting now, rather than face-to-face interactions. The decline in in-person relationships seems to be taking a toll on the mental health of people of all ages.
Read MoreEarlier this year, we began coordinating quarterly meetings for Midland Communicators. Our goal is to connect communicators for collaboration that supports the Midland County vision statement: Midland: An inclusive community. Together. Forward. Bold. An exceptional place where everyone thrives.
Read More“In order to experience success county wide, it comes from everybody helping each other out - sharing resources, people, and ideas.” -Skylyr Zink
Read More“If we want a more welcoming, kinder world, then shouldn't it start by at least knowing who lives next door? How can we expect countries to get along if we can't even say hello and call the person by name who shares our lot line? How do you cross borders if you can't even cross the street?" -Joyce Hagen-Flint
Read MoreOn Thursday, Sept. 26, the Pediatric Partnership held “Parents Night Out” at the Longview Early Childhood Development Center. This initiative provided 16 children with autism a fun, safe environment filled with activities, games, and snacks, all supervised by volunteers. During this time, parents were invited to enjoy a couple of hours to themselves to do whatever they wished, knowing their kids were in good hands.
Read MoreThe Midland Business Alliance has teamed up with Max Loves Midland to hear YOUR stories about education, lifestyle, and work in Midland. Whether it’s what you think of the educational opportunities here, how you’ve built your work life, or what you love about living in this amazing community – we want to hear from you!
Read MoreFor over 30 years, Memorial Presbyterian Church has been home to the HELP Food Pantry, a founding pantry of the Midland County Food Assistance Network. HELP, or Hunger Eased by Loving People, fulfills about 600 appointments a year. The church offers space and equipment for the pantry, and donations come from a variety of local sources.
Read More"Through my work with Youth Action Council, I began understanding the broader issues affecting my community, such as socioeconomic disparities and housing inequities. Even as a teenager, I was exposed to the challenges others faced and learned about the people and organizations striving to make a difference. Watching Muskegon change and grow over the past 20-25 years has been fascinating. These experiences influenced my understanding of the vital role community foundations play in supporting and enhancing the places we live." -Katie Trzaska-Miller
Read More"I'm someone who wears my heart on my sleeve. Transparency and human connection are so important to me, and that's not something people traditionally associate with government entities. Midland is full of personality, love, and connection; I want to reflect that in our communications. In the past, the City's messaging had been very straightforward and professional but maybe too formal. I believe that kind of communication doesn't always foster trust. I live in this community—I go to the same stores, my kid goes to the same schools. Why should we pretend we don't know each other when we're all working toward the same goals for ourselves and our community? Relating to people more humanly, especially on social media, drives me." -Katie Guyer
Read More“What we have in common is that sense of caring and loving - love of neighbor and love is a practice. It’s not just something you feel in your heart. It has to begin in your heart, but it’s something in the way you reach out, the way you extend yourself, the way you express yourself, the way you welcome other people into your life and care for their wellbeing. Neighboring is all about how we’re going to allow each other to thrive.” -Wally Mayton
Read More"I often tell people now, "You're never too old, and it's never too late." It's all possible, whether it's starting a new hobby, building your own family, or becoming a different version of yourself." -Ali Huntoon
Read MoreOn August 16, 2024, the Max Loves Midland Navigation Team convened to discuss one of the most critical aspects of community development: infrastructure.
Read More"A community is nothing without its people. We can continue to move Midland to the next level by working together." -Patrick Schefsky
Read More“I'm passionate about making sure our community is inclusive and supportive, especially for those facing challenges and who need resources. I want Midland to be the type of place where my children can grow up and be looked at as humans, even in their most vulnerable times. I believe Midland can continue to be an incredible community by supporting one another and engaging in transparency.” -Marybeth Penkala
Read More“I was hired at the coffee shop and asked to teach art classes. There wasn't one big defining moment, but rather taking the right steps or pivoting towards what felt good. Being around people who genuinely care about me created a foundation to bravely step into things I've always wanted to do but was too nervous to say yes. I found people who really cared about me as an individual and not just a number on their payroll. Finding my voice made this place home.” -Jazz Benitez
Read More“We're opening up that 'Midland Bubble,' and that wasn't always the case. Midland has a reputation for being a 'God bless us and no more' type of town, but I think it's changing. Sometimes I compare us to the Dallas Cowboys - we had a heyday, but we need a championship, and inclusivity is a great start. What makes Midland great is the people, and having people of all ideologies and backgrounds sharing spaces makes us even better.” -Brandon Lewis
Read More“This opportunity is rare anywhere else in the country. Our whole station has four full-time roles, and all of us are under 30 years old. We're a local station helping develop local business and listenership, where all the money stays local, which is really cool.” -Brad Tunney
Read More“My hope for Midland is that our 'vision' statement, 'Midland: an inclusive community. Together. Forward. Bold. An exceptional place where everyone thrives,' becomes a 'reality' statement. No place is ever perfect, and there will always be room for improvement, but we have so many people who care deeply and are working hard to improve our town. I want everyone to feel like they belong here, even if they haven't felt that way in the past.” -Annie Stout
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