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

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. 

A Walk With Friends group prepares to set out on a two-mile walk around Ypsilanti on June 21, 2025.
“Walk With Friends” group promotes exercise and social connection with weekly 2-mile walks in Ypsi

Washtenaw Optimal Wellness has partnered with Ypsilanti Marketing and Print Company and the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority to bring a new, free walking group to Ypsi residents this summer.

The Balkan Paradise Orchestra.
All-female Spanish ensemble to bring Balkan brass music to Ann Arbor Summer Fest

Barcelona’s genre-blending Balkan Paradise Orchestra will light up the Ann Arbor Summer Festival's Rackham Stage with a free show on June 22, promising a vibrant fusion of Balkan folk, jazz, classical, and street music.

Kara Inmon, Darius Smith, and J.B. Ricks at the Food Folks Fun studio in Ypsi.
New Ypsi-based podcast network aims to uplift local community and neighboring businesses

The new podcast network Food Folks Fun will showcase a variety of local voices in order to promote the businesses, organizations, and people of Depot Town and beyond.

Lotipha Renée Hunter performs at a drag bingo event at Uplift.
Drag as activism: Washtenaw County performers seek to “demystify” queerness in divisive times

Washtenaw County’s drag scene is stepping boldly into the political spotlight, using art and expression to counter rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment.

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