Joan Walton became the Executive Director of the Michigan Philharmonic in the Fall of 2025.  She replaced Beth Stewart, who retired after 17 years serving the orchestra.  Ms. Walton came to the Michigan Philharmonic with over 25 years of experience in education, nonprofits, and the arts. She has been a leader with the Belle Isle Conservancy, the Detroit Institute of Arts, Gleaners and the Detroit Zoo. She has also worked for Ford Motor Company and most recently was the director of community and volunteer engagement at the Zaman International, where she helped coordinate the nonprofit’s role in the U.S. State Department’s “Welcome Corps” helping international refugees.  88.1 the Park’s Alyssa Ajai spoke with her about her background and the important work of the Michigan Philharmonic.

Community-Focus-20260107
(11:56)

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has set aside nearly $38,000,000 to expand housing and add resources toward recovery from opioid addiction.  88.1 the Park’s, Aarti Pradhan, recently spoke with the Chief Medical Executive with the State of Michigan, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian.  Dr. Bagdasarian is also the Michigan Opioid Task Force Co-Chair.

Community-Focus-20260114
(11:58)

Joan Walton became the Executive Director of the Michigan Philharmonic in the Fall of 2025.  She replaced Beth Stewart, who retired after 17 years serving the orchestra.  Ms. Walton came to the Michigan Philharmonic with over 25 years of experience in education, nonprofits, and the arts. She has been a leader with the Belle Isle Conservancy, the Detroit Institute of Arts, Gleaners and the Detroit Zoo. She has also worked for Ford Motor Company and most recently was the director of community and volunteer engagement at the Zaman International, where she helped coordinate the nonprofit’s role in the U.S. State Department’s “Welcome Corps” helping international refugees.  88.1 the Park’s Alyssa Ajai spoke with her about her background and the important work of the Michigan Philharmonic.

Community-Focus-20260107
(11:56)

Local 4 WDIV in Detroit is planning for the opening of Fourgrounds Coffee in Plymouth.  The coffee shop will bring together local news and community connection.  88.1 the Park’s Claudia Fisher spoke with the Vice President and General Manager of WDIV, Bob Ellis.  They talked about the plans for the coffee shop.  Mr. Ellis announced his resignation from WDIV days after their conversation.

Community-Focus-20251217 Claudia Fisher
(12:16)

The Plymouth-Canton Educational Park Comics Club is hosting a Book Fair December 11 and 12 on the P-CEP Campus.  The fair will be held during lunch and after school until 3:30 p.m.  A special evening session will be held on Thursday December 11, from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.  The evening event will include comic making activities, free gift wrapping, giveaways and a bake sale from the P-CEP Culinary Club.  88.1 the Park’s Leia Riley spoke with P-CEP Comic Club President, Bo Shaw.

Community-Focus-20251210
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