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Giving back. It's the manner in which Melvin Parson chooses to live his life, one person or one neighborhood at a time. And Melvin's intention to make a difference has been realized. Melvin is founder of the 'We the People Opportunity Farm' in Ypsilanti. One of the ways Melvin and the farm give back is with a no-cost, food distribution program, and right now, a primary focus is on taking care of people in the Sugarbrook neighborhood, Melvin shared the inspirational story and filled us in on what comes next in his conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

When the pandemic hit and we shut down, those living paycheck-to-paycheck suddenly faced the prospect of going hungry. But federal money was dedicated to providing a safety net. Many of those additional benefits have now ended, and not everyone is back to work and on their financial feet. So what now? Locally, an emergency food fund was established, and that program will continue as benefits for the SNAP assistance program drop. Markell Miller is director of Community Food Programs at Food Gatherers in Ann Arbor. She joined WEMU's David Fair to share the ongoing efforts to keep people fed.

A city-owned property in Ann Arbor is polluted, and the contamination continues to spread. The site at 415 West Washington Street used to house a gas station. Some of the fuel storage tanks leaked into the soil in the late 80's and 90's, and it remains an issue. WEMU's David Fair talks with Ann Arbor Community Services Area Administrator, Derek Delacourt, about moving forward with remediation and potential development.

"creative:impact" is taking a walk to Chelsea – a Sculpture Walk that is. For almost 12 years, this public art and design program featuring sculptures by area artist has charmed residents and visitors alike as they walk the streets of Chelsea. Deb Polich, your "creative impact" host, meets up with Terris Ahrens, executive director of the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, to learn more and take listeners on a virtual Sculpture Walk.

Civic responsibilities don't end when you cast your ballot. There are plenty of other ways to engage to make sure your concerns are heard. The series is headed up by the community-based group "Survivors Speak" and is funded with a grant from the national non-profit, "Black Voters Matter." Survivors Speak founder Trische' Duckworth joined WEMU's Cathy Shafran and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale to discuss the goals and aspirations of the civic education series.

The old DTE coal-gasification site along the Huron River is about to undergo a massive transformation. It is to be converted into the new, seven-acre, Broadway Park West. It is to include new mixed-use development for housing and retail with more greenspace and community connectivity. Still, there are environmental issues and concerns to be addressed. Marie Klopf is president of the Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy, and she joined WEMU's David Fair with up-to-date progress information.

Earth Day comes back around this year on April 22nd. The theme of the 2023 observance is “Invest in our Planet.” When we think of investment, we almost always think of money, but we’re focusing on investment in education and awareness. WEMU's David Fair catches up with Susan Westhoff. She is president and executive director of the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum and Leslie Science and Nature Center. In her conversation with David Fair, you'll find out how those investments are paying off in our community.

The numbers are in, and they are big! The Bureau of Economic Analysis released its findings that the arts + creative industries added $1 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2021. Yes, that’s $1 trillion with a “T” or 4.4% of GDP. In Michigan, it’s $15.5 billion and 2.7% added to the economy. Does that mean the sector has recovered from COVID? Deb Polich, your "creative impact" host, meets up with Randy Cohen, VP of Research and Policy at Americans for the Arts. Together, they’ll digest the numbers.

It's time to talk movies, but with just a minor difference in voices. WEMU's Michael Jewett steps in for David Fair to discuss what's happening in the movie world this week with Michigan Theater executive director Russ Collins, including the official start of the 2023 Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti (iFFY).

Earth Day 2023 will be observed on April 22nd, around the world and right here in our community. WEMU's David Fair took some time to gather reflections on where we've come and where we're headed in his conversation with Washtenaw County water resources commissioner, Evan Pratt.