Articles by Owen Howard
A place to make a mess: How Megan Bair’s For Art’s Sake opens art to everyone
Photo Courtesy Megan Bair For Megan Bair, art is about community as much as it is about creativity. Art is a medium of nuanced expression and interpretation, which can be daunting to enter into. However, Bair is committed to lowering the barriers for people to express themselves through art, and has brought this philosophy to Mt. Pleasant, with the goal of creating a collaborative and connected space.
How one CMU leader connects students with Mt. Pleasant
Photo Courtesy Rob Zinger-Heath For Rob Zinger-Heath, the professional frontier feels familiar, even comfortable. This is not an accident, as part of sound organizational structure is to have employees at the boundaries, pushing new initiatives and testing new pathways to success. A large part of Zinger-Heath’s role at Central Michigan University (CMU) has been to do exactly that.
Pet owner educational atlas. Parasites. Diagnosis, Control and Prevention
IdiomacatalàDeutschEnglishespañoleuskarafrançaisgalegoitalianoportuguêsromână
Mixtape: Pine Needle No.2 (Chill tunes and new recs)
Howdy, I hope you enjoyed the mixtape on Friday. From this week we will be having a mixtape curated from one member of the team. This week we have Chris Brain’s title track, Red Sun Rising from his upcoming album. I had a chat with Chris a few weeks ago so be ready to hear more from him. The song is soft and sweet, his Yorkshire twang melts through the beautiful fingerpicking on this track. The eerie dissonance of Medicine by Genevieve Stokes echoes its way into this mixtape.
Run Remedy Brings Quiet Intensity to Low Four Studio
There’s something quietly revealing about seeing an artist strip everything back. At Low Four Studio, Run Remedy did exactly that, trading in the fullness of her usual band setup for something far more intimate, and arguably more affecting. Accompanied only by Rhys Jiang on guitar, the set felt personal from the outset. The room itself seemed to lean in as she moved between guitar, violin, and vocals, each song given space to breathe in a way that a larger arrangement might not allow.
Pine Needle No.1 (Easter Folk Playlist)
Howdy. This is the first mixtape on the new Pine Needle format. From now on these mixtapes will be coming out every Monday alongside the radio show. For this week I wanted to match the warming feeling of winter. As our weather got warmer I wanted to replicate that (with a little yearning still). Easter by Slaughter Beach, Dog is a great opener, not just for its perfect title but for immediately giving you the warming touch of going into spring.
Huge sinkhole shuts off Manchester road with nearby homes hit by issues
Owen Howard & Ashlie Blakey & Ludwik Lipiec Residents in east Manchester have been left 'unable to switch on their heating' after a huge sinkhole opened up amid a burst pipe on the street. The pipe has burst on Briscoe Lane, a busy road through Newton Heath. The sinkhole has emerged in the road near the junction with Chelsea Road. A stretch of the road is closed off to traffic while United Utilities works to repair the pipe.
Owen Howard - Emerging Scholar at Florida State University
Owen Howard – Emerging Scholar at Florida State University Owen Howard is an undergraduate student and aspiring researcher at Florida State University (FSU), where he is building a strong foundation in interdisciplinary academic study and research. Known for his curiosity, adaptability, and commitment to scholarship, Owen represents a new generation of learners actively engaged in academic opportunities at one of the nation’s leading public research universities.
Salford trans activist speaks on trans women NFWI exclusion
A Salford activist says the WI’sdecision to exclude trans women from joining the organisation is part of a growing trend. The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) move follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that the term ‘woman’ refers to biological sex not gender identity. The organisation said the policy shift came with utmost regret and sadness, adding that it had no other choice but to comply with the judgment.
Grit Studios opens its doors to Salford grafters and crafters
Salford’s creative community is set to take centre stage as Grit Studios hosts an open day at the shopping centre this weekend. Residents are invited to step inside the studios and meet the makers shaping the city’s growing arts scene from midday to 4pm this Saturday, December 6. The community-focused studio space—now based inside a former bank on Mather Way—has grown quickly since moving in earlier this year.
New Salford "Grunge Folk" Band MEDIARES to debut at The Eagle Inn
A new “grunge folk” band has formed in Salford and they are set to play their first gig at the Eagle Inn. Frontman Alwyn Jones, previously known for his solo project, has announced the formation of a new band called MEDIARES. The name, derived from the Shakespearean stage direction ‘in media res’ (meaning ‘the story begins midway through the scene’), reflects a desire for a fresh start and a more collaborative approach to music.
Matthew Owen Howard: Legacy, Career, and Impact on Social Work Research
Matthew Owen Howard: Legacy, Career, and Impact on Social Work Research Introduction Matthew Owen Howard, often referred to simply as Owen Howard, was a highly respected American scholar in the field of social work and addiction research. Born on July 21, 1956, and passing on December 15, 2018, Howard left a profound legacy through his extensive academic contributions, leadership roles, and dedication to advancing research on substance use disorders.
From college project to Salford Stage: Jake Morin celebrates single release Push
A Salford-based singer is celebrating the release of his latest single. Artist Jake Morin’s latest single, Push, released last month, is proving to be a significant success, garnering positive attention on the radio and live. The song, which Morin wrote during his second year of college, has a deeply personal origin, serving as an ode to a college teacher and a reminder to himself to persevere in his musical journey. Morin initially composed Push on an “old classical guitar” at his partner’s place.
Natural spring unearthed at Buile Hill’s Growing Togetherness Garden
A natural spring has been found in Buile Hill’s community garden and history may have been dug up with it. Volunteer gardeners at Buile Hill Park are celebrating after discovering a natural spring running through their community plot. A find that feels deeply rooted in both nature and local history.
Over 18,000 Salford residents get moving as Beat the Street enters final week
Salford residents have been walking, cycling, running and scooting their way to fitness as Beat the Street Salford enters its final week. The citywide physical activity game has seen more than 18,200 people take part, collectively cover 75,000 miles. The initiative has transformed Salford into a giant outdoor game with checkpoints called Beat Boxes placed on lamp posts across the city.
Salford’s Creative Paradox: The city that can’t hear itself play
Salford is home to one of the UK’s best music courses and some of Manchester’s most exciting young bands, so why does the city still struggle to build a scene of its own? On a wet Thursday night at The Pint Pot, a small crowd gather around a group of musicians. A few amps hum, the pints are cheap, and half the audience seems to be musicians themselves. If you squint, you can almost believe you’re watching the start of something.
A spark in the precinct: Inside GRIT Studios, Salford’s new creative heart
From back alley in Stockport to an old bank in Salford Precinct, GRIT Studios is breathing new life into the city’s creative heart. On a grey Friday afternoon, Salford Precinct hums with the usual sounds of buses braking and the shuffle of market stalls being set up. It’s a place people pass through for errands, for lunch or quick stop at Poundland. Tucked away amongst the bookmakers and takeaways, something different is happening.
Pet owner educational atlas.: parasites, diagnosis, control and prevention
Ayuda Buscar en la ayuda Buscar en la ayuda
Healthwatch Salford urges public to back petition to save local independence
Healthwatch Salford is calling on residents to back a nationwide petition to protect the independence of local Healthwatch services, after government plans to abolish them were announced.
Running Toward Impact: Claire Doty’s marathon of service
For Claire Doty, contributing to the Mt. Pleasant community is a balancing act between professional and personal endeavors. As the assistant director of marketing and communications for the College of Education and Human Services at Central Michigan University (CMU), Doty finds herself plenty busy. And yet, she also serves as the president of the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees, a member of the Craft Beer Festival committee, and as a volunteer for Into the Light—all while training for a marathon.
From the classroom to the community, Allison Arnekrans finds purpose in building a culture of care
The chaos and unruliness of life can be reduced into the propensity to indulge and celebrate. A less individualistic addition to this paradigm is to bear one’s neighbors’ burdens, within reason. Everyone within a community has struggles, and all will have their turn both to bear and to be borne. People like Allison Arnekrans lead the way in promoting the narrative of communal aid and carrying out its mission.
Emerging leader Beth Binder helps shape mid Michigan’s future workforce through accessible education
People’s experiences within a community are varied, but one common thread is that each person’s experience is the result of a string of choices and decisions—both personal and external. Thus, a community’s story is written by the collective choices its members make. Often, the pressure to make a decision can lead to the perception that the story is being written too quickly, or haphazardly. For these instances, people like Beth Binder are the remedy.
Concerns raised over safety, education, and rehabilitation after inspection at HMP Forest Bank
A recent inspection of HMP Forest Bank, a Category B reception prison located in Salford, has highlighted several serious concerns regarding the safety, care, and rehabilitation of its inmates. The unannounced inspection, conducted by the HM Inspectorate of Prisons in December 2024, raises alarm bells over the prison’s ongoing struggles to provide a secure and rehabilitative environment for its population.
Plans submitted for a new multi-storey car park on the University of Salford campus
Plans have been submitted to build a new multi-story car park on the University of Salford campus. The plans have been prepared by Iceni Projects on behalf of the University of Salford to development of a multi-storey car park at the Allerton Car Park. Otherwise known as Frederick Road car park, the site will see the construction of a ground plus one multi-storey car park, providing 468 parking spaces.
Regeneration forum launched to accelerate growth across Salford
A strategic regeneration forum has been launched to accelerate growth across Salford, bringing together public and private sector partners in a major collaboration. The Salford Strategic Regeneration Forum (SRF) was officially unveiled today in Cannes, France, at the world’s leading property market event.
Salford youth aim to spread joy to elderly residents this Spring
A new community project is bringing Salford youth and older generations together through creativity and kindness this spring. Youth clubs across Salford will set out to make handcrafted Mother’s Day and Easter cards for elderly residents in care homes and supported living facilities. The creation of the cards will be accompanied by small gifts, giving the elderly residents items such as chocolates and daffodils.
Salford City Academy's new chess and darts clubs take off
A school in Salford has introduced new darts and chess clubs as a part of its latest enrichment scheme. Salford City Academy is giving students the chance to develop strategic thinking, concentration, and confidence. The two clubs are also being encouraged to members of the school as a new way to meet people and communicate. The clubs, which launched this term, has already seen a strong turnout with pupils’ eager to learn new skills across the board.
Social club in Salford to host multiple nights full of entertainment
A social club in Salford is set to host multiple nights full of entertainment that will include drag bingo, music and games this month. The Weaste & Seedley Social Club is hoping to set up two nights of fun allowing people in the community to come together to connect, and unwind. The first of the two events across February and March will see the social club offer its space to hopeless romantics and lovers of camp chaos.
Black Sabbath The Ballet to make northern debut at The Lowry this autumn
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s critically acclaimed Black Sabbath – The Ballet will make its highly anticipated debut at The Lowry this autumn. Following a sold-out world premiere in 2023, the production will run at The Lowry from October 8 to 11 before heading to London’s Sadler’s Wells. A groundbreaking fusion of ballet and heavy metal, Black Sabbath – The Ballet won over audiences when it premiered, attracting rock and ballet fans alike.
Historical Sunday Tours Ordsall Hall
Nestled in the heart of Salford, the historic Ordsall Hall offers a chance to uncover centuries of local history through its Historical Sunday Tours. These immersive tours invite visitors to explore the fascinating stories of one of Salford’s most treasured heritage sites. Historical Sunday Tours Ordsall Hall – running every Sunday at 2pm, provide an intimate look at Ordsall Hall’s rich past, which dates back more than 750 years.
Turning passion into action: Brittany Smith’s community impact
Giving back to one’s community can take many forms. Some give back to their community professionally, while others may choose to give time or money to improve their community. For time and money to be effective, there must exist a medium in which to channel them; the creation of these mediums often necessitates the genesis of novel ideas.
Surjit Tour appointed as Salford City council's new City Solicitor
Salford City Council has announced the appointment of Surjit Tour as its new City Solicitor, following an extensive recruitment process. The new appointment follows the departure of Cathy Parkinson from the position on an interim basis. The position of City Solicitor will be an important role to fill, with the position being key in the organisation and is the Chief Legal adviser to the council, its Members and Officers.
Salford Charity boosts mental health support through creative arts.
A Salford charity is making a significant impact on mental health by using creative arts as a therapeutic intervention. Supporting around 300 members annually, START offers programs such as woodwork, pottery, and calligraphy, prioritizing well-being over professional artistry. The organisation, which has been running for more than 30 years, has a range of tutors and classes for patients to choose from.
Salford artist captures the spirit of Salford Lads Club in stunning mosaic
A Salford artist’s striking mosaic of the iconic Salford Lads Club celebrates the landmarks’ cultural legacy. Following the announcement of Salford Lad’s Club smashing their £250,000 fundraiser the youth centre can now look to the future as the lights remain on. The iconic youth centre has served Salford generations for 121 years, but a local artist has been able to immortalise the club with a tiled mosaic to celebrate the rich cultural heritage.
Salford community hub appeals for support to keep the community space open
A Salford community hub Little Bees is appealing for support to help tackle the challenges of rising costs and increased bills. The Little Bees is a cherished community play space in Salford that has been a vital hub for local families. The community space offers affordable activities and a safe environment for children to play and grow. Little Bees was founded by a former nurse Suzanne Roberts, who spent 14 years working in primary schools opened the facility two years ago.
Disc golf’s rising star: Isabella County’s Luke Taylor eyes the top
The temporal limitation of athletic success is generally well known and accepted, as the vast majority of high school athletes don’t go on to compete in college. Fewer still make the leap from the collegiate level to professional athletics. However, in rare cases, there are top talents who skip the intermediate step altogether, going directly from high school to the professional level. Luke Taylor, an Isabella County resident and recent graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, is one of these talents.
Meet Dylan Banagis: A leader in building conversations and community in Mt. Pleasant
Conversations are the cornerstone of a community. Much of a community’s progress can be attributed to conversations between its members, both private and public. While places for private conversations are plentiful, places that exist simply to encourage intentional public conversation and connection can be hard to come by. This is especially true for communities that are already small, in a world that is increasingly online.
Staying true to her roots: Lindsey Lintjer’s community service journey in Mt. Pleasant
Loyalty to a community can be hard to come by. The interconnectedness of modern society affords plenty of opportunities to live and work in new places, which has its upsides. And yet, there is much to admire about those who choose to stay and help build their hometown into a better community.
Gig Review: Pseudo Raft Foundation at Gullivers, Manchester
Fresh off the release of their debut track Sir Frocke, Pseudo Raft Foundation treated audiences at Gullivers to a mesmerising show last Friday. With support from the psych rock charm of Giovanni’s Room and the avant-garde energy of Candle Mice, the night was a testament to the vibrancy of the local Manchester scene. Pseudo Raft Foundation - Taken by llunia.jpg Candle Mice kicked off the evening, immediately captivating the audience with experimental soundscapes and theatrical stage presence.
Sir. Frocke - Pseudo Raft Foundation - Song Review
The first single released by psychedelic rock band Pseudo Raft Foundation is one that is pumped full of energy and personality. Sir. Frocke takes us the journey of a night time prowler following a one “Sir. Frocke” from the perspective of the prowler through lyrics like “follow the footprints, left behind by your shoes”. Every choice in this song is loud and confident, like our prowler, with breakneck tempos, pulsing lasers, energetic guitars yet ethereal vocals.
Meet Danny McQuarters Jr.: A catalyst for community change
The notion to “be the change you wish to see” is culturally significant enough to be immortalized as a proverb, and posted on classroom and office walls across the country. However cliché it may be, it is, at its core, profoundly true. Those who exemplify the proverb’s message resolve themselves as catalysts of their community, enacting growth and change within their spheres of influence. Danny McQuarters Jr. is one such catalyst.
How TikTok helped revive a genre.
Think back to 2020, you’re in your room in the middle of the pandemic scrolling on TikTok where you come across a trend using this song. You look it up on Spotify to see ‘when you sleep’ by My Bloody Valentine and just like that you’re transported to a dreamlike world of twinkly guitars and enough reverb to upset the neighbours. This is Shoegaze. For a genre popularised in the late 1980s, Shoegaze has reached a new form of popularity and I wanted to find out why.
Diane and Richard Fleming receive Mt. Pleasant Chamber “Outstanding Citizens of the Year” award
An act of service is meant to be, metaphorically, more of a window than a mirror. Service is a transient act of kindness meant to affect another individual in a positive manner, rather than to reflect back on the benevolence of the server. Occasionally, however, it is appropriate to highlight and honor the actions of certain outstanding members of the community, as is the case with longtime residents of Mt. Pleasant, Richard and Diane Fleming.
Mt. Pleasant dentist Dr. Raymond Ribitch receives national accreditation
Smiling is a powerful and influential action. To smile is so innate and endemic to humanity that it transcends the boundaries of language or culture. Whether it is in the aisle of a crowded grocery store, the confines of a hospital waiting room in the early hours of the morning, or busy public park in the afternoon, the meaning of a smile is self-evident.
Sustainable Sparks: Marie Koper's mid-Michigan vision
A love for natural beauty is innate in most people. To appreciate the beauty of the natural world is to be human. No one, looking at a sunset, has to be told that it is pretty—it just simply is. It’s easy to take that inherent beauty for granted, especially with busy, often indoor-centered lives focused on the practical realities of making a living.
Unlocking winter wonderland: This upcoming season’s escapades throughout Isabella County
Under the bleak, gray permacloud of a Michigan winter, it can be difficult to imagine avenues for recreation or leisure. And yet, life goes on. Entertainment opportunities for Isabella County residents are just as available in winter as they were in the summer; sometimes all it requires is a little more research and a change in gear. As the saying goes—when life gives you snow, buy skis.
Mt. Pleasant Martial Arts moves downtown, offering competitive and foundational opportunities
The opportunity to develop and practice hobbies and passions is a vital part of a strong community. With the pursuit of hobbies and passions comes a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and confidence, which strengthens both the individual and the community. Such benefits would not be as obtainable without the operations of businesses that provide the medium and resources for community members to practice their hobbies.
Mt. Pleasant American Legion Post #110 supports veterans, families, military, and community
The actions of military personnel help secure the safety, borders, and freedoms of U.S. citizens. Those who serve sacrifice without intentions or expectations of receiving anything in return. Nevertheless, there exist days for appreciation and solemn tribute for the service and bravery of military men and women, such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Bigger paychecks, bonuses, and lifestyle are part of the plan for addressing the teacher shortage Original
Dr. Seuss summed up the essence of school in a few famous words: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” For the past few years, though, school districts across the state and country have had trouble finding teachers to guide kids to all the places they could go. “The genesis of (the teacher shortage) was people were choosing not to go into the field of education,” says Bay City Public Schools Superintendent Stephen Bigelow.
New child mental health practice opens in Mt. Pleasant
Childhood struggles and changing family dynamics bring challenges that are difficult to face alone. These challenges can seem overwhelming, and too many burdens to bear can have negative effects on mental health. Thankfully, professional intervention is a proven method to provide solutions and illuminate a clearer path forward. For residents of Mt. Pleasant and the surrounding areas, access to this type of relief is now a little easier, with the recent opening of Pleasant Psychology.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Owen
Contact Owen, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack