Lee Van Roth

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels (YMOW) plays a vital role in keeping seniors across the community fed, connected, and supported. As federal and local funding streams face uncertainty, YMOW is faces rising demand for services. Lee Van Roth discussed the challenges with YMOW president and CEO, Barbara Niess-May.

The University Musical Society (UMS) is partnering once again with the Ypsilanti Freighthouse to bring live musical events and fun activities this fall. Lee Van Roth spoke with UMS Community and Audience Programs Manager, Justine Sedky, about what to expect at the Freighthouse this month.

Patrick Dunn has served as managing editor for Concentrate Media. Now, he has new responsibilities as the digital news magazine’s publisher as well. Patrick joined Lee Van Roth to discuss his new role and what that could mean for the future of “On the Ground Ypsi.”

Dzanc House in Ypsilanti has given a home for writers and creatives for years. Starting this fall, Dzanc House will present a new project called "Beyond the Binary: Stories That Shift Culture." It aims to amplify the stories of LGBTQ+ youth through writing, poetry and podcasting. Learn more in Lee Van Roth's conversation with Dzanc House's director of development, programs and communications, Charlene Choi.

Eastern Michigan University created the "Bright Futures" after-school program to provide students area students with homework help and mentoring. It runs all year long. Like many education programs, it is facing uncertainty due to federal budget cuts. Lee Van Roth spoke with "Bright Futures" director Suzie Staley about the benefits of the program and what the future may hold.

Earlier this year, the Trump Administration announced possible cuts to federal education spending. Research from Ypsilanti was cited to push back against the prospect of eliminating the Head Start early childhood education program for low-income families. The nonprofit, HighScope, has played a major role in making this research more open to the public. Lee Van Roth discusses the findings with HighScope's President and CEO, Dr. Alejandra Barraza.

After two decades of nurturing young writers from a whimsical robot shop in Ann Arbor, the nonprofit organization, 826michigan, has relocated its headquarters to Ypsilanti. It's a move aimed at deepening impact and expanding access to literacy education. Lee Van Roth talks to 826michigan's grants writer, Catherine Calabro-Cavin, about the move to Eastern Michigan University's College of Education and what that means for the future.

The Ypsilanti District Library (YDL) is making summer more accessible, educational, and fun for everyone in the community. The library's eighth annual Summer Challenge, where readers of all ages earn badges for prizes, to free meals, mutual aid programs, and teen-led music showcases, offers a full slate of free programming. Lee Van Roth (formerly Rylee Barnsdale) will share more about the program and others being offered in a conversation with YDL Community Relations Coordinator, Sam Killian.

There's nothing like the taste of fresh bread, muffins and other baked goods. B-Cubed Bakery is one of many bakeries in Ypsilanti ready to indulge your sweet tooth. Learn more about the business from this conversation Lee Van Roth (formerly Rylee Barnsdale) had with B-Cubed's owner and operator, Benjamin Brown.

Are you an Ypsilanti resident who wants to advertise a new business or share some amazing ideas but aren't sure how to get the word out? "Food Folks Fun" may be the ticket. It's a podcast network located in Depot Town that says it can turn any local business or individual into a successful influencer. Rylee Barnsdale learns how with founder and CEO, Darius Smith.