writing

Dzanc House in Ypsilanti is a home and hub for literary and cultural arts programming for all ages. For this week's "On the Ground Ypsi," Rylee Barnsdale spoke with creative director Amanda May Moore about the latest program offerings and a new artist-in-residency program.

Washtenaw Community College kicks off Free College Week on Monday as area residents are invited to participate in on-line classes. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

There are any number of organizations and programs aimed at increasing equity in Washtenaw County. Literacy is foundational to a sustainable and successful community. Washtenaw Literacy is an organization working to enhance the opportunities, particularly for those who have been traditionally marginalized and underserved. Carole McCabe is executive director of Washtenaw Literacy and joined WEMU's David Fair for a conversation on overcoming the barriers to a better life and better community.

It is an election year and, in one way or another, we are all engaging in the politics of the day. How we ingest and interpret the information can be personal and individual. One local organization is looking to create innovative ways for community members to engage with democracy in ways they may not have considered before. YpsiWrites has put together a package of educational materials to allow people to find clarity through writing. YpsiWrites program director Kristine Gatchel explains the program and discuss the results it's producing with Concentrate Media reporter Rylee Barnsdale.

Whether you know it or not, many believe Ypsilanti is a hotbed for hauntings and supernatural experiences. Exploring the stories and haunted places is the focus of a new book called, "Ypsilanti Ghosts and Legends. Kay Gray is one of the co-authors and co-hosts the podcast "Haunted Mitten." She shares her journey to the beyond and back in a conversation with Rylee Barnsdale.

Stamina is a required trait in the world of theater! Rachel continues to face and meet the challenge of getting her plays produced. She has also distinguished herself by breaking — wait for it — a Bonneville Salt Flat speed record! Meet Rachel and hear her story when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

YpsiWrites has been providing resources and space for local writers to hone their craft and foster unity between writers and the with the community they call home. Since 2019, the nonprofit has hosted events and workshops, and the next is the upcoming Ypsilanti-Area Authors Reading on May 22nd. Dr. Toni Pressley-Sanon will be among those presenting. She is an Africology and African American studies professor at Eastern Michigan University and has authored the book, "Lifting as They Climb: Black Women Buddhists and Collective Liberation." She joined Rylee Barnsdale to discuss the book, the event and the value of community connection.

It is safe to say future successes require most, if not, all of us to have a competency in writing. Creative writing, self-expression and the ability to connect through the written word are life skills that make a difference. Fostering these skills in students in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and Detroit is the mission of 826michigan. Executive director Megan Shuchman joined WEMU's David Fair to share the process of "writing a better future, one story at a time."

The protagonist of Hilary Cohen’s first murder mystery, "A Turquoise Grave," is looking forward to a tropical getaway but instead finds herself trying to prove a man is innocent of murder. Hilary, widely known as the playwright for the famed Wild Swan Theater, has turned her talents to the written page. Hilary talks about how becoming a novelist seemed like the natural next step for her creative career on the next edition of "creative:impact" with Deb Polich.

Washtenaw County's Health and Mental Health departments are tackling growing mental health issues utilizing various approaches. One approach that is seeing particular success is mental wellness writing. WEMU's Cathy Shafran and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale discuss the success of the YpsiWrites program for those struggling with mental health issues with the program's founder, Ann Blakeslee.