Author

Lee Van Roth

Lee Van Roth is a Michigan native and longtime Washtenaw County resident. They want to use their journalistic experience from their time at Eastern Michigan University writing for the Eastern Echo to tell the stories of Washtenaw County residents that need to be heard.

Lee Van Roth's Latest Articles

Jeff Tritten, president of Washtenaw Optimal Wellness, and Charlyn VanDeventer, health equity manager for the Washtenaw County Health Department.
Research shows ongoing life expectancy disparities between Ypsi and Ann Arbor

New research concludes that socioeconomic disparities continue to contribute to lower life expectancy in Ypsi, particularly for residents of color.

Part of Ypsi Art Supply's expanded space.
Ypsi Art Supply doubles its space, expanding class and workshop offerings

An art supply store is growing into a creative hub in downtown Ypsilanti as Ypsi Art Supply's newly expanded space welcomes classes, workshops, and collaborative artmaking.

A flyer for the Really Really Free Sale in Ypsilanti.
Ypsi “Free Sale” encourages neighbors to share unneeded items with neighbors

The “Really Really Free Sale” returns to the city and township of Ypsilanti July 25, encouraging residents to give away items they have no use for and allow others to take what they can use.

Chelsea’s Sounds & Sights Festival eliminates admission fees, introduces new attractions

The annual Sounds & Sights Festival returns July 24-25 with two days of free live entertainment, art, family activities, and community celebrations throughout downtown Chelsea.

Women participate in Dress for Success Michigan programming.
New Ypsi-based program offers free training for women entering or re-entering workforce

Dress for Success Michigan is launching a new, free, four-week workforce development program designed to help women move directly from education to employment.

A performance at Ypsi Pride 2025.
Ypsi Pride returns with July date, longer hours, expanded programming

Ypsi Pride will move from its longtime Friday evening June time slot to a longer Saturday schedule on July 18.

Bagpipers perform in a parade at the Michigan Celtic festival.
After 30 years, Michigan Celtic festival is bigger than ever

For three decades, the Michigan Celtic festival has celebrated the traditions, music, and heritage of Celtic cultures while strengthening the ties between Saline and its Welsh sister city.

The Improvised Shakespeare Company performs.
New improv festival will bring 50 comedy troupes to Ann Arbor

The Yes, Ann Improv Festival will debut in Ann Arbor June 24-27, bringing together more than 50 improv troupes from 12 states for four days of performances, workshops, special events, and afterparties.

A collage of performers playing music for Make Music Day events in Ann Arbor.
Make Music Day will bring a variety of music programs to Ann Arbor venues

Make Music Day, an international free celebration of music, will return to the Ann Arbor District Library and locations throughout Ann Arbor on June 21.

People do the hustle at the 2025 Ypsilanti Juneteenth celebration.
Ypsi Juneteenth celebration returns for sixth year

Ypsilanti’s annual Juneteenth Celebration will return for its sixth year this weekend, bringing three days of live entertainment, food, family activities, and community reflection to downtown.

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