JUNE 2025
SPONSORED BY
Revive Cycle & Fitness LLC
Faith-Infused Fitness |||
Revive Cycling & Fitness creates an uplifting environment where every workout is energized by inspiring Christian music and a commitment to strength - both physical and spiritual.
Neighbor’s Natural Wine, Bay City, Michigan
Neighbors Natural Wine
Tucked into one of downtown Bay City’s most historic buildings, a fresh, forward-thinking business is bringing old-world charm and new-world values to the heart of Mid-Michigan.
Neighbors Natural Wine & Bottle Shop, founded by hospitality entrepreneur Lyndsay Edmonds, is more than a wine bar—it’s a deeply personal celebration of natural wine, local farms, and architectural heritage.
Inspired by her travels across Europe, Lyndsay has reimagined the classic wine bar for Mid-Michigan sensibilities—offering thoughtfully selected bottles made from hand-harvested grapes, free of pesticides and mass-production shortcuts. Every pour tells a story of soil, season, and small-scale craftsmanship.
What makes Neighbors so special?
🍷 Natural Wine, Local Roots: Every bottle comes from small family farms in Michigan, New York, Oregon, and select European regions. The grapes are grown naturally, bottled with care, and completely chemical-free.
🏛 A Space with Soul: Located in the historic Shearer Building—once the private office of architect James Shearer—this space features the original fireplace, a walk-in vault turned bottle shop, and layers of local history preserved in every brick.
🙌 Powered by Community: Lyndsay is quick to credit her team and partner Julia Ross, along with Bay City’s support, for making this venture possible. Neighbors is built on shared vision and a belief that hospitality, when done right, brings people closer together.
🍇 No Middlemen, No Mass Production: Every glass and bottle offered at Neighbors was touched by real human hands—not corporate machines. This isn’t wine for the masses. It’s wine for people who care about where things come from and who made them.
“It’s actual human hands touching the soil, every grape, and every bottle,” says Edmonds.
“People love that family story and that connection.”
📍 Visit Neighbors Natural Wine
Thurs: 4–11 PM
Fri–Sat: 4 PM–Midnight
Sun: 10 AM–2 PM
(Slow Sunday Coffee Club)
🌐 809 Adams St, Bay City, MI
TEACHER OF THE MONTH
2025 Saginaw Valley League Teacher of the Year for H.H. Dow High School: Erin Royalty
Erin Royalty
Business & Marketing Educator | H.H. Dow High School
Saginaw Valley League Teacher of the Year, 2025
This month, we’re honored to recognize Erin Royalty, a standout business educator at H.H. Dow High School, as a Saginaw Valley League Teacher of the Year—and a true force of inspiration in the lives of her students.
Since joining the Dow High team in 2016, Erin has made an indelible impact through her engaging career and technical education courses, including Advanced Marketing, Entrepreneurship, IB Business Management, and more. But it's her leadership outside the classroom that’s turned heads across the state.
Under her direction, Dow’s DECA program has grown into one of Michigan’s largest and most successful, recently taking 19 students to the International DECA competition in Orlando—a testament to her ability to bring out the best in others.
Her students know her classroom isn’t just about business plans or case studies—it’s a safe haven. One nominator wrote:
“At lunch, her classroom is a safe place where students come to destress, eat lunch, socialize, and know they are cared for by Mrs. Royalty.”
Erin holds a bachelor’s degree in business and history education from Central Michigan University and a master’s in instructional technology from Saginaw Valley State University. But beyond degrees, she brings something you can’t teach: unshakable dedication.
She spends countless hours preparing her students for real-world success—through competitions, mentorship, and moments of personal encouragement that her students never forget.
Please join us in celebrating Erin Royalty—a champion for young leaders, a mentor in and out of the classroom, and a teacher who truly lives up to her name.
👏 Congratulations, Erin—and thank you for investing in the future of Mid-Michigan, one student at a time.
GOOD NEWS
Matthew 23:9, NIV
“And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and He is in heaven.”
Jesus addresses the crowds and His disciples—not to condemn the Law, but to expose the pride and hypocrisy of those who wielded it.
He begins with a warning: Be careful to do what the teachers of the Law say, but do not imitate their example.
Why?
Because they preach without practicing.
They burden others while avoiding responsibility themselves.
Their actions are done for applause, status, and outward appearances—not for the glory of God.
Jesus then says something radical for His time—and ours:
"You are not to be called ‘Rabbi’... And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and He is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah.”
This wasn’t about our earthly dads.
It wasn’t a commentary on family language.
This was about the spiritual titles used inside religious communities.
Jesus is making it unmistakably clear:
No religious leader deserves the title "Father"—because only God the Father holds that position.
No one should be called "Rabbi"—because only Christ is our Teacher.
No one should be called "Instructor"—because only the Messiah leads us into all truth.
Instead, He calls us something beautifully simple:
Brothers.
Equals.
Family.
Servants.
This is a stunning reminder that the Kingdom of God doesn’t run on titles—it runs on humility.
Jesus says,
“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
We are all students under the same Teacher.
Children under the same Father.
No one is above.
No one is beneath.
Only brothers and sisters—learning to walk in truth, grace, and love together.
RECIPE TO TRY
Collard Green Wontons brought to you by Yummo!
Collard Green Wontons
Brought to you by Yummo!
This southern-inspired twist on classic wontons blends savory greens, smoked turkey, and rich cream cheese into crispy golden pockets of comfort.
Perfect as an appetizer or a conversation-starting side dish, these collard green wontons are sure to become a spring favorite.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 bunches collard greens, stems removed, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
1 yellow onion
1 tablespoon of salt & pepper
½ cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 smoked turkey wing
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 package wonton wrappers
Oil for frying
Directions:
Cook the Greens:
Heat oil and cook onions and garlic until softened. Add collard greens, broth, seasonings, and smoked turkey; cook for about 25 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.Blend the Filling:
Let the greens cool, then finely chop or pulse in a food processor. Drain well. In a bowl, stir cream cheese until smooth, then fold in greens a bit at a time until fully mixed.Assemble the Wontons:
Spoon ½ to 1 teaspoon of filling onto each wonton wrapper. Moisten edges with water, fold into triangles, and press to seal.Fry to Golden Perfection:
Heat oil to 350°F. Fry wontons in small batches for 2–3 minutes until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
🌿 Crispy, creamy, and full of flavor—you won’t want to stop at just one.
FAVORITE EATS
Papio’s Food & Spirits | Reese, Michigan
Papio’s Food & Spirits
2280 S Reese Rd, Reese, MI
📞 (989) 868-8669
🕗 Open daily
A local favorite for over two decades, Papio’s Food & Spirits in Reese has always been about great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and staying one step ahead of the curve. And now? They’ve truly tapped into something special.
Introducing: PourMyBeer
Step up to the future of dining with Papio’s brand-new self-service beer tap wall, featuring 27 taps of craft beers, ciders, wines, and even non-alcoholic options. With 9 LED screens showcasing real-time selections, you can sample, sip, and savor your way through a customized experience.
Whether you're a hop-head, cider fan, or wine enthusiast, there's something waiting just for you—poured by you.
What to Expect at Papio’s:
🍕 Hand-Tossed Pizza
🐟 Hand-Battered Fish Dinners
🍳 Hearty Breakfasts
🍔 Craft Burgers
🍗 Crispy Wings & Shareable Appetizers
🥗 Fresh Salads & Comfort Entrees
The newly remodeled dining space pairs rustic charm with modern comfort—making it perfect for everything from casual family dinners to large private events (yes, they do catering and custom event packages too).
📍 Located just outside of Reese, Papio’s is a Great Lakes Bay Region gem serving flavor, fun, and fellowship since 2001.
So if you're looking for a laid-back vibe with bold tastes and something truly different, pour yourself a visit to Papio’s.
🥂 “We’re drivin’ to be different.”
And they mean it.
MICHIGAN MADE
Maroon Hearts Michigan Hoodie
Available at Half Mile Handmade
📍 Bay City, MI
There’s cozy—and then there’s Michigan cozy. This lightweight hoodie from Half Mile Handmade wraps you in warmth and hometown pride, all for just $20.
Screen printed with a charming heart-filled silhouette of Michigan, the Maroon Hearts Michigan Hoodie is crafted from a breathable 80/20 cotton-poly blend and designed to fit all shapes and styles with its unisex sizing.
Perfect for:
Brisk morning walks by the bay
Late-night bonfires
Long-distance care packages to homesick friends
...or just repping the Mitten in style
Whether you’re from the UP or the Thumb, this hoodie lets you wear your love for Michigan right over your heart—literally.
🧥 Support Local. Stay Warm. Show Love.
Grab yours while supplies last.
SHOP HANDCRAFTED GOODS NOW →
JOB POSTINGS
Professional House Cleaner
Join Custom Maids and build a career with immediate growth opportunity, competitive industry pay, and performance bonuses! Earn your first promotion within 14 days.
With opportunities to advance to $30+/hour over your career. Enjoy flexibility, job stability, and a supportive work environment where hard work is rewarded.
Praise & Worship Pilates Instructor
📧 Inquiries: DM us on Instagram @revive.cycle
Are you passionate about movement, faith, and creating a meaningful fitness experience? Revive Cycle & Fitness is looking for a creative and inspiring Pilates instructor to lead classes set to uplifting praise and worship music.
Grant Writer
Excellent Benefits to include: Medical/Dental/Vision; City sponsored HSA; MERS 401(a) Defined Contribution Pension; Paid Vacation, Personal, Sick and holiday. Full Benefits per the U.W.U.A. Local 541 Contract.
Special Events Coordinator
Excellent Benefits to include: Medical/Dental/Vision; City sponsored HSA; MERS 401(a) Defined Contribution Pension; Paid Vacation, Personal, Sick and holiday, Full Benefits.
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY
The Day the Third Street Bridge Fell — and Bay City Changed Forever
June 18, 1976
Some dates live quietly in the background of local memory—until you remember just how much they changed everything. For Bay City, June 18, 1976 was one of those days.
That morning, a routine motion turned into a moment of collapse. The Third Street Bridge—an essential artery connecting Bay City’s east and west sides for over 100 years—gave way and dropped into the Saginaw River.
The night before, a freighter had brushed its pilings. No one expected what came next.
As another ship approached early the next day, the bridge operator engaged the lever to open the swing bridge. But instead of rotating cleanly, the structure began to shake, rock, and then crashed into the river, leaving the west span awkwardly tilted in the air like a giant seesaw.
Suddenly, a city once comfortably connected by the familiar rhythm of East-to-West traffic was severed. Midland Street and Third Street were no longer linked. Businesses that had thrived on that cross-town flow were cut off.
To make matters worse, the Belinda Bridge was closed at the same time for construction of the Independence Bridge, and no immediate replacement for Third Street was in sight. The debate about where and how to rebuild went on for years, but a four-lane federal requirement meant a new bridge couldn’t be built on the original site without demolishing historic buildings.
Eventually, Liberty Bridge was constructed—redirecting traffic away from Midland Street and toward Woodside Avenue. The business landscape shifted. The city changed.
The collapse of the Third Street Bridge didn’t just halt traffic. It altered the economic and emotional heartbeat of Bay City. While the community has since revitalized parts of the waterfront and brought in new development, there are still those who remember what once was.
As one longtime resident put it:
“I’ll put out my American flag on June 18 in recognition of that sad day the city changed.”
MID-MICHIGAN’S MOST DELIGHTFUL CLEANING SERVICE
OUR SERVICES:
One-Time Deep Cleanings
Rejuvenating Fresh Start Service
Monthly Deep Clean Service
Regular Bi-Weekly Service
Regular Weekly Service
Serving all Residential & Commercial Clients within a 30 mile radius of Wenona Street in Bay City, Michigan!
THANK YOU FOR READING
We’re so grateful you spent part of your day with us.
From the voices shaping our classrooms and communities, to the stories stirring our faith and fueling our local economy—this month has been full of reminders that Mid-Michigan is moving forward with heart, grit, and grace.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
We’ll be back on July 1st with more to celebrate, more to reflect on, and more reasons to love where we live.
Until then, take care of your home, your heart, and your neighbors.
With gratitude,
The Mid-Michigan Monthly Team
Mid-Michigan’s Most Delightful House Cleaning Service