Lee Van Roth
Concentrate Media reporter/host of On the Ground YpsiLee Van Roth is a Michigan native and longtime Washtenaw County resident. Until recently, she went by the name Rylee Barnsdale. Now, the name may be different, but her mission remains the same. She uses her journalistic experience from her time at Eastern Michigan University writing for the Eastern Echo to tell the stories of Washtenaw County residents that need to be heard.
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There's an old saying: "It takes a village to raise a child." Through Ypsilanti Community Schools, an after-school program called "Ypsilanti Community — The Village" builds up the well-being of kids with athletics. Lee Van Roth discussed the program with its director, YCS football coach Mitch Long. -
Starting a new business—even a small business—takes a lot of work and resources. Fortunately, Ann Arbor SPARK East in Ypsilanti is there to provide such resources with its Small Business Support Hub. Lee Van Roth talked all about what the program does for budding entrepreneurs with Ann Arbor SPARK's director of entrepreneurial services, Kristine Nash-Wong. -
The African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County (AACHM) has been making strides in its efforts to rehabilitate and transform Woodlawn Cemetery in Ypsilanti Township, the only known African American graveyard in Washtenaw County. AACHM Board Chair Dr. Debby Covington joined Lee Van Roth to talk about the progress already made on the project and what else is planned. -
Ypsilanti's Family Empowerment Program (FEP), which is based out of Eastern Michigan University's Engage@EMU office, provides supportive housing services to residents of low-income public housing communities. Now in its 15th year, the program serves about 900 individuals across all Ypsilanti Housing Commission communities. Lee Van Roth discussed the program's accomplishments with FEP's resident service coordinator, Lamar Thomas. -
Inside a shared commercial kitchen in Ypsilanti, Growing Hope is helping local food entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable livelihoods, offering not only space, but support, mentorship, and community. Among the graduates of Growing Hope's "Incubator Kitchen" program is Eric Kinsler-Holloway, owner/operator of EK's Cheesecakes. He shares his culinary success story with Lee Van Roth for this week's "On the Ground Ypsi." -
The Ypsilanti District Library (YDL) has launched a new pilot repair clinic program. It allows residents to use YDL supplies and equipment to repair household items. And it's all for free! Lee Van Roth gets you fully informed through her conversation with librarian Aaron Smith on this week's On the Ground Ypsi! -
Volunteers will soon hit the streets of Ypsilanti Township in a neighborhood beautification project. The Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley is getting ready its annual "Rock the Block" events. The program aims to, among other things, help elderly residents better maintain their homes and property's and to allow for more opportunity to age in place. It takes a village, as they say. Claire Simpson is Home Improvement Program Manager with Habitat for Humanity-Huron Valley. She joined Lee Van Roth for a look into community building and home rejuvenation. -
Students will gather at Eastern Michigan University on March 16 for this year's Generative Artificial Intelligence Spring Summit. With the theme "Learning Together at the Forefront of Change," the summit will explore applications of generative AI, ethical considerations, environmental impacts, and strategies for responsible use across sectors. Lee Van Roth shared more about the summit and its overall goals with the director of EMU's Office of Campus and Community Writing, Dr. Ann Blakeslee. -
At Ypsilanti Community Schools, the Resiliency Center has grown into one of these spaces that really is making a difference in our community. Since its start, the center has expanded from a single room into a multi-room resource hub, offering clothing, hygiene supplies, internet access, and connections to community services for hundreds of families each year. Lee Van Roth talked about the Resiliency Center's history and the work it does today with its director, Cherisa Allen. -
The Ypsi Performance Space has hosted many community gatherings and musical performances over the years. Now, the venue is more eco-friendly, thanks to the recent installation of new electric vehicle chargers. Lee Van Roth talked all about the chargers and how they’ve created a better connection to the community with Ypsi Performance Space manager Steve Pierce.
