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As housing and rent costs continue to soar across the country, developers in Ypsilanti are working to address a shortage of affordable new units – and, in one case, open the door to home ownership for residents. City officials are working to ensure that developers not only have sufficient funding, but that their homes and communities meet Ypsi residents’ needs. Rylee Barnsdale talks to Michael Appel from Avalon Housing in Ann Arbor about the development projects that are expected to start this summer.

The earlier in age we begin addressing societal and educational inequity, the better the future results will be. There is a partnership between The University of Michigan School of Kinesiology Childhood Disparities Research Laboratory (UMCDRL) and the Washtenaw Intermediate School District that is working to provide equitable access to structured physical activity to children inside the classroom. WEMU's David Fair spoke to U-M associate professor of Kinesiology, Dr. Rebecca Hasson, and regional school health coordinator for Washtenaw County, Danielle Dros.

When you find and wonder what to do with that loved, but dusty and unused musical instrument found in your basement, attic or garage, give it to "Horns for the Holidays." Ken Kozora has collected, repaired and repurposed instruments for students across Washtenaw County. Meet Ken and learn more about "Horns for the Holidays" when he joined Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

There is growing support for an alternative to police response to a mental health crisis in the community. The question is: Can it be a safer and more effective tool in dealing with such incidents for the person involved and the community at large? Care-Based Safety is an organization pushing for such operations in Washtenaw County, Southeast Michigan and beyond. The organization's co-director of culture and operations, Liz Kennedy, talks to WEMU's David Fair about why she believes it could and would work in our community.

YpsiWrites has been providing resources and space for local writers to hone their craft and foster unity between writers and the with the community they call home. Since 2019, the nonprofit has hosted events and workshops, and the next is the upcoming Ypsilanti-Area Authors Reading on May 22nd. Dr. Toni Pressley-Sanon will be among those presenting. She is an Africology and African American studies professor at Eastern Michigan University and has authored the book, "Lifting as They Climb: Black Women Buddhists and Collective Liberation." She joined Rylee Barnsdale to discuss the book, the event and the value of community connection.

The outdoor recreation season is getting into full swing and, for many, the summer fun will center around the Huron River. The Annual Huron River Day celebration will be held Sunday, May 19th at Island Park. As festivity preparations continue, we wanted to get an update on the health of the river and its watershed. New grades put it at about a C+. There are challenges, there are victories and there is more work to be done. WEMU's David Fair checked in with Huron River Watershed Council executive director Rebecca Esselman for the latest.

Milan resident Dave Snyder seems to have found that magic moment when buildings that just seemed old and uninteresting become nostalgic and worthy of restoration and preservation. One by one, he is working to bring buildings along Milan’s main street back to life. Dave tells us how he’s getting it done when he joins Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact".

Think about this: how many people get to celebrate their town’s bicentennial in their lifetime? While you contemplate that, plan to join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact." We meet Jeff Crockett, one of the many Ann Arbor community members excited to plan Ann Arbor’s 200th birthday party, so everyone can celebrate.

More and more films come your way for the month of May! WEMU's David Fair chats up all things cinema, including all of the upcoming films and special screenings, with Marquee Arts executive director, Russ Collins!

More businesses in Ypsilanti are working to become more sustainable in their practices. A Prospect Park business called "We Adore Flowers" is among them. It focuses on organically grown, local blooms and have gone to great lengths to institute sustainable practices in creating their fragrant offerings. Rylee Barnsdale talked all about the "We Adore Flowers" establishment with its founder/owner, Ginny Blades.