community connections

The University of Michigan has opened a new center focused on improving interpersonal connection. WEMU’s Joshua Nieman reports.

Ann Arbor youth are very lucky to have not one, but two, fantastic educational venues. The Leslie Science and Nature Center gives kids a great outdoor experience, while the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum stimulates their minds with indoor activities. Charlie Reischl is the Director of Advancement at both institutions, and he joined Decky Alexander to talk about their latest work, including the "Access for All" initiative and the upcoming "Flutter" fundraiser.

The Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has launched an updated website. The redesigned site, launched at the end of July, allows businesses and nonprofits to create and manage their own profiles, improving their visibility in online searches while contributing directly to a community calendar, job board, and volunteer listings. Lee Van Roth talked about the DDA's new online endeavor with the authority's coordinator, Danya Youssef-Agha.

Programming has grown swiftly in the last year-and-a-half at nonprofit Peace Neighborhood Center’s HUB Community Center in Ypsilanti Township. Thanks to a recent renovation of its facility, the organization now holds more community activities, including weekly dinners. Lee Van Roth talked all about Peace Neighborhood Center's latest endeavors with its executive director, Bonnie Billups.

Organizers are proudly reflecting on the growth of "Peacenic Ypsi," an annual community picnic intended to build bridges between residents and law enforcement, as its third year approaches. This year's event takes place on Saturday, June 13th at Ypsilanti's West Willow Park. Lee Van Roth talks about this summer event with Peacenic Ypsi founder Pastor Joseph Jackson.

It’s game on as the Ann Arbor District Library’s Summer Game begins throughout the city. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

The Ann Arbor Police Department is advancing its community policing efforts by increasing its presence around the downtown area. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

In the November 2024 elections, Washtenaw County residents approved a new tax to support the communities’ elders. The Older Persons Millage is a half-mil levy to be collected for a period of eight years. Last summer, the County Board of Commissioners set the framework for how the money is to be allocated and, in January of this year, named Shannon Effler as the new director of the Office of Aging Services. She will oversee the millage and the services it provides to those 60 and over in our community. Shannon spoke to WEMU's David Fair about the plans for the rest of 2026 and beyond.

The African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County (AACHM) has been making strides in its efforts to rehabilitate and transform Woodlawn Cemetery in Ypsilanti Township, the only known African American graveyard in Washtenaw County. AACHM Board Chair Dr. Debby Covington joined Lee Van Roth to talk about the progress already made on the project and what else is planned.

Ever been to a Friday night fish fry? These are popular events at area churches through Lent. It brings a sense of community to all who attend, regardless of religion. It fosters philanthropy and, in the end, provides some really good food! WEMU's John Stockwell does a frenetic, fish fry fun-run through Washtenaw County and brings you an extended report on the experience.