community connections

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.

The Ypsilanti Bourbon Fest is coming to the Michigan Firehouse Museum on January 17. The event provides a sampling of high-end whiskeys and bourbon from both local and national distilleries, as well as great food and live music. Lee Van Roth gives a preview of the 2026 Bourbon Fest with the event's organizer, Paul Starr.

For more than 40 years, the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum has filled the space of a former firehouse at 220 E. Ann Street in Ann Arbor. As we close out 2025, we can look forward to another fascinating and intriguing year. Susan Westhoff is President and CEO of the Museum and of the Leslie Science and Nature Center. She joined WEMU's David Fair to reflect on the current year and let us know about all of the new things we’ll get to learn in 2026!

The City of Ann Arbor’s Snow Match program has been growing steadily with more volunteers signing up to help their fellow residents with snow removal. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

For half a century, the Ypsilanti-based Student Advocacy Center of Michigan (SAC) has made it its mission to help students facing disciplinary issues get back on track with their education. Lee Van Roth was joined by the center's co-executive director, Peri Stone-Palmquist, to talk about the SAC's legacy and what new programs will be introduced in the near future.

Ypsilanti-based Growing Hope imagines a future where everyone has the power to shape their own food system, and no one has to go hungry. Call it “food sovereignty.” In a year when food insecurity is increasing, the Growing Hope family continues to work to empower people and communities. WEMU's David Fair talked with executive director Julius Buzzard about this year and what comes in the New Year to create pathways from soil and dirt to health and wealth.

The Ypsilanti District Library (YDL) is making summer more accessible, educational, and fun for everyone in the community. The library's eighth annual Summer Challenge, where readers of all ages earn badges for prizes, to free meals, mutual aid programs, and teen-led music showcases, offers a full slate of free programming. Lee Van Roth (formerly Rylee Barnsdale) will share more about the program and others being offered in a conversation with YDL Community Relations Coordinator, Sam Killian.