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Ann Arbor continues moving towards its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2030, and a new and innovative project in one of the city's neighborhoods is expected to help. A federal grant will allow for the study of a community-scale geothermal heating and cooling system in the Bryant neighborhood. If implemented, it is expected to cut energy costs and reduce environmental impacts. Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations Manager, Missy Stults, joined WEMU's David Fair to take us through the process.

We often talk about the concept of giving back and paying it forward. That is precisely the idea behind the upcoming National Days of Action. Between June 12th and 16th, United Way branches across the country, including here in Washtenaw County, put hundreds of volunteers to work in their respective communities to improve local quality of life. United Way of Washtenaw County corporate giving manager, Ben Thompson, joined WEMU's David Fair with all you'll need to know.

Rob Meyer-Kukan is the owner of 7 Notes Natural Health. He is a musician and a licensed massage and sound therapist. What’s a sound therapist you ask? Rob joins Deb Polich, WEMU's "creative:impact" host, to enlighten us about this practice and the healing nature of sound.

The number of working poor in Washtenaw County is on the rise. Those are employed people that don’t make enough money to cover basics like housing, food and transportation. A new report shows more than 27% of all households in Washtenaw County live in these circumstances. That’s a significant jump from pre-pandemic levels. Bridget Herrmann is Vice President of Impact and Advocacy for the United Way of Washtenaw County. She joined WEMU's David Fair with details on the report and the efforts underway to address many of the underlying issues in finding a path forward to a better future.

Jenn Cornell Queen is four months into her tenure as the executive director of the Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC). At 114 years old, the Art Center is one of Ann Arbor’s oldest cultural institutions. How’s it going for its new leader? Find out when Jenn joins "creative:impact" host Deb Polich, and they talk about the past and future of this venerable organization.

The fear of public speaking, according to multiple media reports, is the number one fear of Americans! It’s even higher than the fear of death! Why? And what can be done about it? Eleni Kelakos is known as “The Speaker Whisperer". She coaches people in all walks of life to speak in public with confidence. Join Deb Polich, your "creative impact" host, to meet Eleni and pick up a few stress-reducing public speaking tips.

In an effort to protect pollinators many communities are pushing a "No Mow May" movement. It essentially asks you allow grass to grow six to 12 inches before cutting it for the first time. The City of Ann Arbor is evolving its effort and is advocating a "Pollinator-Aware Yard Care" education and practice program. Community Sustainability Coordinator Sean Reynolds joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the distinctions and offer advice on making sure our pollinators flourish.

A new center for auto-immune affected youngsters is coming to Ypsilanti Township. The Children’s Healing Center will offer immune-compromised kids and their families a chance for emotional and social healing in a germ-free environment. WEMU's Josh Hakala and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale discussed the facility and its missions with the Children's Healing Center's director of development and growth, Melissa Block.

50 years of Gemini! Twin brothers San and Laz Slomovits’ music, harmonizing voices, and fun memorable lyrics have captured the attention of children and families for five decades. What’s kept the brothers in the game and on the stage all these years? Find out when San and Laz join host Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

A Washtenaw County program is investing in business startups in the Ypsilanti area. And those investments are already paying off in jobs and business development. WEMU's Cathy Shafran and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale bring you background on the "Innovate Ypsi" program with SPARK East's director of entrepreneurial services, Kristine Nash-Wong, in this edition of "On the Ground Ypsi."