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

Physical activity and mental health: LifeWays helps clients make the connection

The connection between physical activity and mental wellness is at the heart of LifeWays’ growing roster of health programs- and community response has been overwhelmingly positive. 

Bright Futures Project Director Suzie Staley and Bright Futures Assistant Director RJ Quiambao.
EMU’s Bright Futures after-school program faces federal funding rollercoaster and uncertain future

The program, which supports more than 5,000 students in 22 schools, has had its funding temporarily restored through summer 2026, following a national hold on nearly $7 billion in federal funding.

Rod and Annie Capps.
Ann Arbor folk duo Annie and Rod Capps celebrate nostalgia and fun on 10th album release

Ann Arbor-based folk duo Annie and Rod Capps are preparing to celebrate their upcoming album, tentatively titled "Enjoy The Ride", with a double album release performance at The Ark on Aug. 21 alongside Chicago alternative folk trio Sons of the Never Wrong.

A performance at Fun Fest.
Fun Fest celebrates 5 years of music, arts, and more in Ypsi’s Frog Island Park

Ypsilanti's Frog Island Park will come alive with music, food, and community spirit as Fun Fest returns for its fifth year on Aug. 9, from noon to 9 p.m.

An 826michigan writing tutoring session at Beezy's in Ypsilanti in 2013.
Nonprofit 826michigan moves to Ypsi with plans to create 25,000 new writers by 2030

After two decades of nurturing young writers from a whimsical robot shop in Ann Arbor, the nonprofit 826michigan is relocating its headquarters to Ypsilanti in a move aimed at deepening impact and expanding access to literacy education.

Performers at the first Turtle Cat Comedy show, with organizers Kassandra Frost and Finn St. John at far left.
Ann Arbor comedians create showcase for underrepresented voices in comedy

Turtle Cat Comedy, a monthly showcase founded this year by local comedians Finn St. John and Kassandra Frost, brings a diverse lineup of talent to Ann Arbor's hear.say brewing and theater on the first Friday of each month.

Mohammed Shawls and Dawn Kotcher participating in the Summer Challenge at YDL's Michigan Avenue branch.
Ypsi library offers social services, Summer Challenge, youth performance opportunity this summer

From the eighth annual Summer Challenge to free meals, mutual aid programs, and teen-led music showcases, the Ypsilanti District Library offers a full slate of free programming.

The 2024 Ann Arbor Art Fair.
Culinary art gallery, kids’ art collecting club among new attractions at 2025 Ann Arbor Art Fair

The Ann Arbor Art Fair, returning July 17-19, will span 30 downtown blocks with nearly 1,000 artists and new interactive experiences for all ages.

A student in Washtenaw Community College's welding lab.
New WCC program offers professional welding training one weekend day per week

The Weekend Welders program allows students to earn up to two welding certificates and an associate's degree by attending classes just one day a week over 11 semesters.

The inaugural meeting of the Ypsi Fine Arts Club.
Ypsilanti Fine Arts Club celebrates 2 years of supportive community for local artists

Since May 2023, Ypsilanti’s Riverside Arts Center has hosted the Ypsilanti Fine Arts Club, providing a space for local artists and art appreciators to connect and share their work on the first and third Wednesday of each month. 

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