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WEMU's David Fair meets up again with Marquee Arts executive director Russ Collins to chat about everything going in the cinema world, including the new films and special screenings coming to Ann Arbor! Plus, get some details on a special event celebrating the work of Ann Arbor's favorite arts couple, Russ Collins and Deb Polich!

There are a great number of organizations working in Washtenaw County and southeast Michigan to combat unequal power dynamics and systemic racism. These social sector organizations have become increasingly important amid rising inflation and a divided political climate. Nonprofit Enterprise at Work (NEW) has always put these issues at the fore. Now it is working to build collective power in the social sector to more effectively create the visions and strategies to better provide needed services and to remove the barriers to change. NEW president and CEO Yodit Mesfin-Johnson and Vice President of Strategy Will Jones III joined WEMU's David Fair for a look at how to build that infrastructure.

The only constant, they say, is change. You couldn’t prove that by the Michigan Theater! Since it opened in 1928, two people — Jerry Hoag and Russ Collins — have led that business for a combined 88 years. Change is in the air though! Molly Rowan-Deckart is coming to town to usher the Michigan Theater towards its centennial in 2028. We meet Molly when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

The Faber Piano Institute anchors its teaching methods with ACE—analysis, creativity and expression. Dr. Veena Kulkarni-Rankin is the lead piano instructor at the institute. Veena joins Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact," and they talked about the institute’s founders, Randall and Nancy Faber, and how their teaching philosophy inspires piano students of all ages.

Washtenaw County officials recently finalized the purchase of the 26-acre plot of land the former Cheney Elementary School sat on with the intent to build a state-of-the-art community and recreation center in the school's place, leading some Ypsilanti residents wondering how this new initiative will uphold the legacy of Willow Run Schools, as well as the school's namesake. Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale discusses everything that led to this project becoming a reality with Ypsilanti Community Schools trustee Jeanice Townsend.

Washtenaw County has elected its next Water Resources Commissioner. Evan Pratt decided against running for re-election after serving four terms. Former Saline Mayor and State Representative Gretchen Driskell won the race. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the priorities and challenges of the new job.

Only two weeks left until the holidays officially kick off, but there's always time to catch a flick! WEMU's David Fair catches up with Marquee Arts executive director Russ Collins to chat about all of the new films and special screenings hitting the silver screen!

While the Ypsilanti Freighthouse serves as a daytime warming center, the only 24/7 shelter for unhoused members of the Ypsilanti community is the Delonis Center in Ann Arbor. and it has limited beds available. There is ongoing community discussion about the need for a shelter on the eastern side of Washtenaw County. Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale that need and what's being done about it with Lindsay Calka. She's the managing director of Groundcover News, a publication giving voice to low-income residents.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday this year set a record for sales. As we approach the holiday season, WEMU's David Fair talked with Daniel Grenzicki from the group “Buy No Things Ann Arbor," whose goals go beyond protecting the environment. They explored some of the potential environmental and societal benefits of reducing consumerism on "Issues of the Environment."

It’s been a blast to host this show and introduce you to hundreds of artists and creative business in our region. Together, we’ve explored how they have impacted our local quality of life, place and economy. Join Deb Polich and WEMU's David Fair for the last edition of "creative:impact" to look back and forward as Deb signs off for what she expects to be the last time.