Search results for

Capturing 200 years of history is a daunting task, but the Ann Arbor District Library’s archive manager, Andrew MacLaren, is up to the challenge. He is leading the Ann Arbor 200 project—200 digital releases throughout the bicentennial year that explore Ann Arbor's history from a 2024 point of view. Listen in to hear all about it when Andrew joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

The theme of Black History Month this year is African Americans and the Arts. The Ann Arbor-based Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale is celebrating 50 years of sharing the legacy of African American spirituals in 2024. It has spent five decades combatting the lack of inclusion for Black composers in chorale and classical music spaces. WEMU's David Fair talks all about it with the president of the chorale, Sharon Vaughters, in advance of some special performances in Ann Arbor on another Black History Month edition of "Washtenaw United."

We're just past Valentine's Day, but you can still share a movie with that special someone. WEMU's David Fair met up with Michigan Theater executive director, Russ Collins, to chat about new films and special screenings coming to your favorite movie houses.

One of Michigan’s largest pagan gatherings is making its way to Ypsilanti later this month. ConVocation is a four-day convention hosted by the Ann Arbor Magical Education Council. It brings together many mystical paths and the people that follow them through educational classes, art shows, a merchant’s room and more. One local merchant appearing at ConVocation is Mara Evenstar. She is owner of Evenstar’s Chalice in Ypsilanti and joined Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale to discuss the event and sense of community it brings.

The City of Ann Arbor wants to move away from natural gas. In 2020, the city declared a climate emergency and noted the need to get off of fossil fuels. For the most part, that means a shift to more electric appliances, including the manner in which we heat the spaces where we live and work. Is it possible to make the transition? Some say yes. Some say no. John Mirsky is a member of the Ann Arbor Energy Commission,. He says it is absolutely possible and, in fact, has done it at his own home. He shares his perspective with WEMU's David Fair.

There has been an intensified effort to invest in Michigan’s infrastructure. Certainly, you’ve noticed all of the road and bridge construction. There is much more work on being done on various kinds of infrastructure. Zach Kolodin is the state's chief infrastructure officer and the director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. He discussed the ongoing efforts with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak.

For more than 100 years, the Girl Scouts has worked to help turn young girls into strong, productive women. March is Women’s History Month, and the evolution of the Girl Scouts as an institution continues. JoAnna Roach is adult education and enrichment director for Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. She was a scout herself and now dedicates her professional life to working with girls and volunteers in what she calls “the best job in the world.” JoAnna joined WEMU's David Fair as the first guest on a month-long Women’s History Month series on "Washtenaw United."

As always, WEMU's David Fair met up with Marquee Arts executive director, Russ Collins to discuss new and returning movies. In an extended version of "Cinema Chat," they were joined by Leslie Raymond. She is executive director of the Ann Arbor Film Festival, and she provided a sneak peek at the 62nd edition of the festival that kicks off Tuesday, March 26.

Women are earning more roles in leadership positions than ever before. But we are still without equal access and opportunity. As we wrap up our Women’s History Month series on "Washtenaw United," we explore the challenges of winning and building more leadership roles for women. WEMU's David Fair talks with the President and CEO of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Dr. Darienne Hudson shares her journey to leadership as a Black woman and what hurdles she’s working to help others overcome.

Did you know that state and local governments collectively spend about $1.3 trillion each year in procurement? That’s products like furnishings, computers, vehicles and pens and staplers. Many of these products are harmful to the environment, and so now, there is a movement towards sustainable procurement policies. It turns out Ann Arbor is leading the way and being used as a model around the country. WEMU's David Fair talks sustainable procurement with Matt Naud. He was the first ever environmental coordinator for the City of Ann Arbor and is now Senior Consultant for the Ann Arbor-based Resource Recycling Systems.