community connections

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.

If you've witnessed someone walking while furiously poking and swiping at their phone, you may be watching the "Pokémon GO" phenomenon at play. The app-based game has been around nearly 10 years and has devotees all around the world, including right here in Washtenaw County. WEMU's John Stockwell is a part of the craze and went in search of others who have the obsession. He found them locally, and another 10,000 or so, at a "Pokémon GO" event on the East Coast. Join John for the fascinating journey of adults creating community while satisfying their inner child.

Starting back in 2010, Ypsilanti residents and community leaders all over Washtenaw County began meeting every Monday at the Parkridge Community Center to discuss upcoming events and voice concerns about local issues. The weekly ritual has stayed strong, even through the COVID pandemic. Monday Meeting's founder, Anthony Williamson, joined Rylee Barnsdale to discuss the meeting and its ongoing impacts.

One of Michigan’s largest pagan gatherings is making its way to Ypsilanti later this month. ConVocation is a four-day convention hosted by the Ann Arbor Magical Education Council. It brings together many mystical paths and the people that follow them through educational classes, art shows, a merchant’s room and more. One local merchant appearing at ConVocation is Mara Evenstar. She is owner of Evenstar’s Chalice in Ypsilanti and joined Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale to discuss the event and sense of community it brings.

Thanksgiving is next week, but that isn’t stopping Eastern Michigan University from getting an early start on things. WEMU’s Taylor Pinson has more.

Founded on the principles--both simple and often overlooked--that concerts should be radically welcoming, accessible, and inclusive, a "Third Place Music…

Every relationship has a story, including your relationship with WEMU. Lisa Barry talks with composer and bassist Paul Keller of Saline about how they…

This week, "Art and Soul" focuses on the culinary arts in Washtenaw County. WEMU's Lisa Barry and Jessica Webster talk to Kristen Jackson, the owner of…