Yasuko Kakehashi, widely known as Kaki, died at home early Thursday morning, April 30. She was 87. Yasuko was born on Sept. 13, 1921, in Gaboten, Manchuria, during the period when the Japanese operated a concession in China to extract resources for their industrial needs. Her father, Kanzaburo Nakamura, taught Japanese to Chinese railroad laborers, […]

At its May 4 meeting, Village Council unanimously approved entering into a contract with ACP Visioning & Planning of Columbus to lead the village in a visioning effort. That meeting followed a special Council meeting on April 27 during which Council agreed to move forward with hiring the firm.

Growing up in Yellow Springs was easy and carefree, Olivia Chen said this week. Not having to worry about others labeling her or questioning her identity, she was able to focus on things that were more important and more fun, such as playing tennis, performing theater and developing a deep sense of curiosity about the natural sciences and cultural diversity.

At its May 4 meeting, Village Council and citizens continued a previous discussion on how best to implement economic development strategies for the Village. Council discussed various strategies, including hiring an economic development staff person, establishing a citizens task force, hiring a consultant or some combination of the above.

More than most of us, Shelley Colbert has spent her life caring for others. For the past 23 years she has cared for the youngest of villagers at her home. Mainly as a single parent, she raised two sons. And in recent years, her parents, who live in town, needed her attention in new ways.

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Even with the loss of its Antioch Theater space last year, YS Kids Playhouse continues to build community through contemporary theater. Displaying its characteristic “the show must go on!” spirit and resourcefulness, the local arts organization has every intention to fulfill its mission of not only providing theater arts and arts education opportunities for Yellow Springs and surrounding communities, but to expand its programming year-round.

In the public portion of the April 23 school board meeting, board members discussed reductions and additions to the 2009–2010 school year budget and the second revision of next year’s district education plan. Reporting a projected five-year deficit of $400,000 to $500,000, Joy Kitzmiller distributed a list of 2009–2010 budget modifications that reflect personnel and service changes at Mills Lawn, McKinney, and the Yellow Springs High School.

Launched a year ago with a little cash, lots of moxie, and an abundance of passion, the Nonstop Liberal Arts Institute is wrapping up its first year soon. According to recent interviews with Nonstop faculty, staff and students, the Nonstop effort has been intense, exhausting and sometimes frustrating. But it’s also been hugely rewarding.

In terms of social memory, Yellow Springs has much to draw from recent history, including the coming together for Antioch College’s revival, the public effort to save Whitehall Farm, and the effort to prevent sprawl from developing on the west edge of town. A social memory of common experiences and struggles creates the kind of community that can weather political storms, according to local resident Don Hollister, and that is the kind of community he wants to support.