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Kelly Parkinson quickly fell in love with the creativity, craft and skill in the printing business. What was supposed to be a part-time college job turned into a 30-year career at Allegra- Marketing - Print - Mail in Saline. Meet Kelly and hear about the ever-changing print business when she joins host Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

Imagine hitting the stage for a performance without ever seeing a script! That’s what an improv artist like Tony DeRosa does…gets on stage, is given an idea or phrase and runs with it. Tony is bringing improv to a new venue soon to open in Ann Arbor. We meet Tony and learn about hear.say brewing + theater opening in Ann Arbor this summer when he joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

The opioid epidemic is alive and well in Washtenaw County. In addition to prescription medications, fentanyl and heroin continue to claim lives. Fortunately, Narcan is saving lives. The Washtenaw County Health Department has put a focus on harm reduction and recovery when it comes to drug use. through the "It Is Possible" campaign. Communications coordinator Beth Ann Hamilton joined Rylee Barnsdale to discuss educating the efforts.

Ypsilanti Township is continuing legal action against a local, interstate materials hauling company. Last summer, a massive pile of a black, coal-like substance appeared on the property owned by OKD Transport. Since then, nearby testing has turned up toxic carcinogens. The property owner says independent testing has proven the substance to be non-hazardous. WEMU's David Fair talked with Ypsilanti Township attorney Douglas Winters about the ongoing issues and concerns.

The 2024 Ann Arbor Film Festival rolls on, and there's plenty of new movies and special screenings coming your way, too! Marquee Arts executive director Russ Collins is away this week, so Michigan Theater programming manager Nick Alderink fills in to chat about all things movies with WEMU's David Fair.

The Oscars are just days away now! WEMU's Michael Jewett and Michigan Theater Foundation executive director Russ Collins share their last-minute predictions and talk about the new flicks and special screenings coming your way this weekend and beyond!

Golf courses take up a lot of land, and the well-manicured grasses require a lot of maintenance and have traditionally been treated with materials detrimental to the health of the environment. Yet, efforts to reduce environmental impacts have taken great strides. The City of Ann Arbor owns two golf courses, and WEMU's David Fair talked with parks manager Josh Landefeld about where it’s come and where it’s headed.

Tabletop roleplaying games, or TTRGs, are Lana Krolikowski’s game of choice. So much so, that while on a “nerdcation,” she was inspired to create a business — Saving Throw Pillows, which is targeted at TTRG players. What’s a nerdcation, and what does Saving Throw Pillows make? Find out when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s creative:impact.

Many believe the childcare system is broken in Michigan. Inadequate quality and affordable childcare are adversely impacting kids and families and is estimated to cost the state of Michigan nearly $3 billion in economic activity. Etta King Heisler believes childcare is a key driver in community equity. Etta is executive director of Apple Playschools in Ann Arbor and joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the childcare crisis and what needs to be done.

Merrill Guerra is a serial entrepreneur. With a background in music, an MBA and real estate broker’s license, she has led and launched a number of ventures. Her latest, Dragonfly and Birch, features Michigan artists & craftspeople in Manchester’s historic Black Sheep Tavern. Meet Merrill and find out what she’s up to when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."