community connections

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.

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.